The Witch's Ladder Read Online Free PDF

know this is difficult on everyone, but I need to ask if you know of any reason why anyone would want to see Travis Webber or Barbara Richardson dead. Did either have enemies?”
    The group shook their heads in unison.
    “ All right, then. Is there anyone here who might have overheard something, anything that might have sounded strange or peculiar, either at the time or now in retrospect?”
    Again, heads shook, and this time I could see that not all were paying particular attention. I observed Lilith, her head down, though still diligently tying knots, and the twins preoccupied with watching her. Chris, Jean and Doctor Lieberman sat staring through glassy eyes across the table. Gordon, Leona and Valerie sat glaring out the window. Michael appeared altogether disconnected. It seemed obvious that nobody wanted to be there, and that a group interview so soon after the murders was a mistake. In hindsight, I realized they first needed time alone to come to terms with what had happened. I asked only a few more questions before cutting the interview short.
    “ Before I go,” I said, already my hand gripped the doorknob. “I just want to say this. It’s still the department’s opinion that a fanatic cult is responsible for these killings, perhaps for the purpose of a demonic ritual of sorts. I know it’s not a lot to go on, but we have a list of gangs in the area. Our sources tell us that some of these gangs are involved in other satanic related activities like pet mutilations for the purpose of sacrifice.”
    “ Pet mutilations, Detective?” The question came from Lilith; her voice ripe with sarcasm. “Do we look like pets to you?”
    “ No, of course not, Lilith. I know it’s a long stretch from pets to people. My point is this. Why else would someone kill somebody and take their liver if not for that?”
    “ Maybe it’s the Asians,” Gordon answered. “I saw on TV where members of the Asian black market were going around stealing people’s organs for transplants.”
    “ Actually, Gordon, that thought crossed my mind also, except usually the victims are drugged and it’s the kidney taken, not the liver.”
    “ But it’s possible. Isn’t it?”
    I nodded. “Guess anything’s possible. We’re looking into everything. I assure you. Does anyone have anything else?”
    “ Yeah,” said Chris Walker. “Do you think the killer is targeting us? I mean this workshop?”
    I shrugged. “Can’t say for sure, Chris. This isn’t the kind of thing we’ve ever seen here in New Castle, where specific groups are targeted for sacrificial ritual offerings. To be honest, I believe both Travis and Barbara were two people in the wrong place at the wrong time. The most likely scenario is that the cult operates close by, and that they just happened to come across Travis and Barbara. That’s why I ask all of you to travel in groups of two or three when you come and go from this place.”
    “ Which brings up another question,” said Gordon. “Should we stop the workshops?”
    I exchanged glances with Doctor Lieberman. “It’s hard for me to say, son. Personally, I think you have little to worry about. But if any of you are uncomfortable coming here at night, I’d suggest you stay home where you know it’s safe. I know you voted on it, and I can’t tell you what to do. What I can tell you is this: we will beef up security and patrols around the vicinity, especially at night, and we’ll do everything in our power to keep you safe.”
    “ Right,” said Lilith, mumbling under her breath as she tightened another knot on the cord.
    I turned to her. “I’m sorry. Did you say something, Lilith?”
    “ You can’t stop this, Detective. It’s too late. You’re in over your head now.”
    “ Do you know something I don’t?”
    “ I know it’s out of your control.”
    Across the table, the twins agreed with Lilith by nodding. Gordon later told me that one of them said in a hush, “Do you see what she’s doing with