The Devil's Assassin by Brian Read Free Book Online Page B

information I can about references to any similar animal.
Something close has come up a couple of times. One legend is of a smallish,
man-like creature that hunts and kills only one prey— man—and
when he is at his most vulnerable, at night. It’s something of a ghost story in
that culture, passed down by storytellers. The description is striking. The
Europeans have a similar story, but the description’s a little different and
the weapon it uses is a short rapier or sword.”
    “It’s intriguing,” says June. “But do you think it will
help?”
    “Legend is often just exaggerated fact,” replies Linus. “We
might learn something useful about the creature because some of these legends
might actually be based upon the creature.”
    “You’re right. We may be able to help each other. Keep me
posted on what you find out, and again, I’m sorry I was so quick to doubt you
before.”
    “Don’t worry about it. Just get those DNA tests done so you
can go public. I’m sure Sahar would want that.”
    “Yes, she would. Keep up the research, okay? You know as
much or more about this animal than anyone, and that ain’t sayin ’ much.”
    “Right. Well, take care, June.”
    “Okay. Bye, Linus.”
     

Chapter
6
     
     
    Linus Hather is in his dining room, at his computer
searching the Internet for mysterious or unexplained deaths. He finds three
recent deaths in China, Canada, and Argentina that fit the creature’s MO. He
reads the brief Canadian article.
    The police of Haliburton County,
Ontario are investigating the mysterious death of Miss Bobbie Rohan, aged 42.
Initially, it was believed that Miss Rohan had died of natural causes. However,
a small spot of blood found later on her chest forced police to consider an
autopsy. The autopsy showed that Miss Rohan’s lung had been punctured by
“something like a needle”. The police have no leads in the case which they have
today classified as a murder.
    Linus opens another window on his screen and reads a little
of that article.
    Police in Villa Huidobro are questioning
a gaucho in connection with the death of another gaucho in this small ranching
community. The death had been viewed as from natural causes until an autopsy
was ordered and a small puncture wound found in the dead man’s lung. Police
won’t say if they’ve charged the man or not.
    Linus also reads the article from China that is similar to
the other two. He stares off beyond his computer and notices Sava who is
sleeping on the back of the sofa. He thinks about what he should do. As June
has said, he probably knows more about this creature than anyone on Earth. It
would be irresponsible for him to sit on that knowledge and wait for the
government to do its work. More people may die as a result, an outcome which he
would have a hard time living with.
    “How would you like to go stay with a friend for a few days,
Sava?”
    The lemur hears Linus’s voice or perhaps his name and wakes
up to look at Linus. Nothing interesting happens though, so he goes back to
sleep.
    ›
    June is standing behind her desk, looking out the small
window there. She is lost in thought. The morning sun pours into the office,
warming her. There’s a clutter, but it’s an organized clutter. The door is open
and she turns to face Linus when he knocks. She brightens when she sees him.
    “Hello, Linus.” He is carrying a cat carrier. “And hello to
you, too, Sava. You’ll have a fine time here with me.”
    Linus smiles. “Thanks for agreeing
to take him on such short notice.”
    “It’ll be a treat for me. But remember, I said it was on
condition that you tell me how you came to have him.”
    Linus sets the carrier down and sits in the chair in front
of June’s desk. June remains standing by the window not aware of the aura of
beauty that the sunlight streaming in gives her. Linus, however, does notice
and looks at her with amazement for a moment. She blushes slightly and sits
down in her chair behind her desk.
    A