Rafael (The Santiago Brothers Book One) by K. Victoria Chase

stabbed—”
    “Then she placed a hand to the bloody wound,
collapsed against the wall and turned towards the stairs, but
couldn’t muster the strength to move forward.” Rafa moved closer to
the bloody patch. “She slid down, where she was eventually stabbed
four more times. Then she died in a pool of her own blood,” Rafa
finished.
    He heard Genie release a sigh. “Right. That’s
how I pictured it as well.” Genie let out another breath and
smoothed the top of her hair, styled in a simple ponytail. “I don’t
know, Rafa. This could overwhelm us quickly if we don’t find out
who’s committing these murders. One more like this and the press
will be labeling this the work of a serial killer. We’ve never had
one here in Springfield. The residents would go nuts, not to
mention the amount of media coverage the department could expect.
The potential for false leads to come in will increase
exponentially, and as we drown in them, the perp will
disappear.”
    “Hey, hey…” Rafa placed his hand lightly on
her shoulder. She fidgeted and Rafa could feel her slight
trembling. Her eyes held genuine worry for the town she’d sworn to
protect. “It hasn’t come to that yet. Let’s just focus on what we
have and our leads. One crisis at a time.” He gave her shoulder a
squeeze.
    Genie nodded but stepped away from his touch.
She leaned against the banister, her eyes questioning his. “Well?
You’re the consultant. Consult. What do you think we're looking at
here, besides a few murders?”
    She’d retreated behind her shield, the moment
of vulnerability gone. It struck him how quickly she could turn her
emotions on and off. But more surprising was how easily he
responded to her when she was troubled. He’d think about that later
when he had more time.
    He rested against the handrail opposite Genie
and crossed his arms. His eyes met hers. “First off, the Snakes
isn’t some petty street gang. They aren’t out to draw attention to
themselves because of the drug trade. Any inquiring minds would
bring undue suspicion on its members, which ultimately leads back
to the restaurant.” Rafa crossed his legs and continued. “As you
already know, the mark of the snake is ostentatious. They want no
mistake about who is responsible for the murders.”
    “But you just said they don’t need unwanted
attention.”
    “Right, but a punishment is worthless when
you don’t know who is doing the punishing. The mark is for the
community’s sake, to let them know who’s running things… who the
people answer to.”
    Strained lines crossed her features. “You
said punishment. Punishment for what?”
    “That’s part of the puzzle.” Rafa glanced
down at the stain. “You said there weren’t any organizations here
bearing the snake symbol and as far as I know, the group only
operates in San Diego. But there’s no mistaking Canales’ wound. The
sooner we figure out what she did to tick a member off, the
better.”
    Genie sucked in a breath, her eyes narrowing.
“Are you blaming the victim?”
    Rafa gave her a tired look. “Of course not.
I’m giving the organization’s perspective, remember? A killing is
justified for only a few reasons, such as lack of loyalty,
disrespect, or mishandling of a large shipment of drugs with a
substantial dollar sign attached.” Rafa squatted down near the
ruddy blotch. “I’m saying whatever she did, or didn’t do, was
grave. Life-and-death consequences,” he ended in a whisper.
    “So what do you suggest?” her voice equally
soft.
    “We need to establish her connection to the
Snakes.” He glanced up at the handprint on the wall. His eyes
followed the bloody trail down. He shook his head. If the Snakes
were forming another group in Springfield, the city would be
looking at more drugs, violence, and killings. The residents
wouldn’t have to just fear one killer now and then … a whole group
of them would be sheer oppression.
    A light groan escaped her lips. “I have yet
to