Lair of Killers (19 page)

“Welcome, all of you,” he said, his voice rich and full. “I know the recent events have been trying for all city departments. I want to thank each of you for your contributions.” He looked to his left at Williamson. “I believe a special thank you to Commander Williamson is in order.”

“Hear, hear!” one of Williamson’s men said, and another slapped him on the back as the young man beamed.

No one else reacted much. Becket almost shook his head. Something didn’t feel right. A creeping anxiety slipped into the warm pit of his stomach where hope resided, and those two feelings collided in battle.

“I am heartened to see the police represented,” Cassius said. “I welcome you back to the fold, and I want to assure you that you and your department shall have the complete financial support of this office.”

Some quiet murmuring followed, and Cubbins looked at Cassius.

“Congratulations,
Chief
Cubbins,” Cassius said. “You will have your jail completed, a new precinct will be added to the city’s registry, and your budget shall be more than doubled, so you can hire additional forces. No longer will this city have an ineffectual police force; no longer shall its citizens be pestered by common thievery. Our police will now be well funded and strong, as they should be.”

There was a round of applause, and while Becket saw Cubbins’ eyes narrow for a moment, he gave Lord Cassius a slight nod of gratitude. Becket held his breath as Lord Cassius spoke again.

“On to other business,” he said and his voice had changed. He appeared to be fighting some internal battle as if saying something difficult to word. “As all of you know, a criminal element has taken control of a section of this city, known in some circles as the wealthy quarter. This portion of town is home to many of us here, as well as many merchants.”

There was more murmuring, and Becket felt the bottom of his stomach drop further.

“I have been in contact with the foreign powers that hold the lease for this neighborhood, and they are most upset. They have demanded an immediate reclamation of this neighborhood of this area by any means.”

Cassius sat back and collected himself. Becket felt giddy. The foreign investors wanted their homes back under their control, and thus Becket and neighbors would be back home soon. It was over!

Cassius studied them all for a moment and then tapped the top of the table. “I have decided… it has been decided that this course of action is not in the best interests of this city at this time. For too long there has been a social stratification between classes, and we should not be ruled or influenced in any way by outside influences.”

Everyone in the room sat stunned for a moment, each one that lived in the wealthy quarter beginning to understand they were now homeless. Then shouting rang through the room from everyone, but Cubbins, the cops, and Muldor. He sat there looking somewhat amused. Becket was also silent, too numb for outrage. It continued for a few moments until Cassius got things under control.

“Silence! I will have you all removed unless you are silent! I am sure Chief Cubbins and his men would be happy to clear this room at my command.”

Becket felt faint as the room quieted. There it was. What a brilliant ploy it had been for Cassius to get Cubbins and company into his pocket before dropping this edict on them. A look passed between the two of them, and Cubbins stood, his chair scraping across the ground like an executioner’s axe across a spine. Chief Cubbins waited for his men to join him on their feet, and they all put their hands on their swords. They had gotten what they wanted, and now they were the Lord Governor’s tools.

“Now,” Cassius said, “from this day forth that section of town shall no longer be considered a part of Sea Haven. It shall be annexed, closed off forever.”

Even Cubbins looked surprised by this pronouncement. A few of the council got brave and questioned the Lord Governor, but he would not listen to their protests.

“My decision is final. Anyone who wishes will be allowed limited access to the quarter during a designated time to collect whatever personal belongings they can, and then they shall never return. This is for your own safety.”

Some arguments continued, but Becket heard not a word of it. He was thinking one thought and one thought only: ‘I am lost! I am a man without a home amidst a sea of violence and madmen. Safety will never be mine again. I am doomed.’

-END

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Other Books by Will Molinar

* * * MURDER HAVEN SERIES* * *

Den of Thieves

Gallows Pole

Death’s Reckoning

Rogues Gallery

Lair of Killers

About The Author

Will Molinar was born in Indiana. After graduating from Indiana University in 1999 with a B.A. in English, Will moved to Los Angeles to write screenplays. During this time, he wrote and published seven Gothic Fantasy novels. He also met his wife and after they married, moved to New York City to pursue other goals, including recording a voice over demo and having their first child. The Murder Haven series combines his love for both the macabre and criminal genres.

Will served in the United States Army Reserve as a combat engineer and medic. He has also competed in natural bodybuilding contests and has worked as a personal trainer since 2003.