Page 13 of Falcon

“The far end of the peninsula,” Chris replied. I nodded and rode over. I spotted Wayne as I approached the site where my house was being built, next to Hunter and Mina’s.

“This way,” Wayne said grimly.

I smelt before I saw him and covered my nose. Wayne handed me peppermint oil, and I didn’t even bother asking why he had it. Dabbing it under my nose, I headed towards the water. Yup, the victim was definitely dead and had been for a while. The fish had done a number on the corpse, and I held back my vomit. Damn it. I’d have to inform Calamity.

“What’s up?” he demanded when answering his phone.

“Move away from everyone,” I murmured.

“You’re clear,” Calamity said a few seconds later.

“A dead body washed up on the shore behind my house. I looked but have no idea who it is. You need to come home, and we’ve gotta call the cops.”

“Cates is here; I’ll grab her. Secure the area and touch nothing,” Calamity replied. It was hard to believe how calmly he received the news.

Twenty minutes ticked by. Wayne and I stood quietly, ensuring the corpse didn’t slip back into the water. Sirens squealed, and a hog roared, and moments later Calamity and Cates arrived.

Cates got out of the car, wearing her uniform, and jerked her head at me. “You reported a body.”

“Down there, Sheriff. He’s been in the water a while, judging by decomposition,” I replied.

Cates nodded and headed down.

“Recognise him?” Calamity asked.

“Nope, Prez. Ain’t anyone I’ve seen around.”

“Could it be one of those fuckers who’s been messing with us? Maybe something backfired on him?” Calamity suggested.

“Honestly, Prez, I’m as clueless as you,” I murmured as Cates approached again.

“Definitely dead. Calamity, I’d like you to look; it ain’t pretty,” Cates warned.

“Won’t be my first dead body,” Calamity replied and looked at her screen. After a few moments, he shook his head. “Sorry, Sheriff, he’s not familiar.”

“Worth a try. Calamity, we’re going to have to lock this area down. It’s a murder,” she said.

Surprised, I stiffened. “What?”

“Vic’s throat was slit, and his hands and feet were tied, and there’s broken rope. I reckon he was weighted down, it broke, and he floated here,” Cates guessed.

“Fuck!” Calamity exclaimed. “Drake needs to be told.”

No sooner had Calamity spoken his name than the devil himself rang. Calamity looked at his phone and released a bitter grin. “Aurora-Victoria is with us?” He referred to her ability to sense things coming.

I allowed a small smile as Calamity stepped away. “National President,” he answered.

Resigned, I stayed where I was, listening to Cates organise an invasion of our land.

Calamity

“What the fuck’s happening over there?” Drake demanded.

“How did you learn about the body so fast? I was only informed half an hour ago?” I replied.

“Body? What stiff? Calamity, I’m calling about the Notorious Princes.”

“Ah, that.” I quickly explained what happened, and Drake listened. He snorted at the end.