Story excerpts
“Well, if it ain’t the infamous Morgan Nash. How is your well-documented boozing problem? I’m surprised to see you, really amazed given your “sit-u-a-tion.”
His beady eyes crackling with hostility, venom spewed from the animated lips of Special Agent Devonta Richardson. Atlanta born and bred the African American’s short black hair was flecked with gray. His skin was speckled with sun spots and deeply wrinkled. Bags of puckered flesh hung limply beneath the veteran’s fatigued eyes.
“Shut the hell up and tell me about the NOLA murder.”
The electrifying rebuttal startled the Atlanta native, instantly deflating his puffed-up resolve. “According to the M.E., Wilson was killed by a lightweight wooden boomerang fitted with silver blades. The damn thing was a replica of an ancient Egyptian throwing stick.”
“That type of weapon requires a specific skillset. This is no ordinary assassin.”
“Yeah. But who in the hell uses a boomerang? And why pure silver?”
Listening but not responding, Morgan’s grim expression and pursed lips remained unchanged. Unnerved by the silence, Richardson tensed. The stoic Texan was not the unstable drunk as rumored.
“What about the gold etchings?”
“A snake’s head and “Allahu Akbar” were legible. The letter “B” and number “12” were also noted, plus the grouped letters “RE.”
“Any ideas?”
With a limp shoulder shrug Richardson’s response was tepid. “Not really. The snake could symbolize cults, gangs or numerous things. “RE” could indicate initials or link to the Egyptian Sun God. “Allahu Akbar” is a common extremist chant. The letters and number mean zilch at this point.”
“What about the token?”
“It’s puzzling as well. The stylish crown points to Osiris, Egyptian god of the underworld.”
“Interesting. What’s the latest on Winston?”
“The early reports are mystifying.”
“Why?”
“The man’s head was wrapped like a mummy. His body was carefully positioned to face east. But why? Hell, Atlanta ain’t Mecca. And why call attention to a justice scale fitted with an oozing heart and white feather?”