gone. Her bed hadn’t been slept in. One of her bedroom windows was open a crack.”
“Oh, Jesus,” Ronan muttered under his breath. Ten reached out to take his hand.
“Two days later, birdwatchers found her body in the Salem Towne Forest. She’d been stabbed forty-nine times, according to the Essex County coroner, but he also made mention that number could be higher, based on some of the wound patterns.”
Ronan knew the murder was overkill. What the hell had a fifteen-year-old girl done to make someone that angry? “I assume the SPD was able to rule the parents out as the killer?”
Cisco nodded. “They were eliminated as suspects. All of that information is here in the folder. I made a copy of it for you all to go over. It includes the crime scene photos and witness statements, along with the coroner’s report.” Cisco turned to Ten. “You might not want to look at the pictures. I’ve been a cop for fifteen years now, and the brutality of this crime makes me get a bit teary-eyed.”
“I’ve already seen them.” Ten wore a sour look on his face. “I shut my gift down, but not in time.” He turned his attention to Ronan. “I’m in. Whatever we can do to help this grieving family find out what happened to their daughter, I’m in.”
The others nodded along with Tennyson. “How would this work?” Ronan asked. “The only one of us who has a P.I. license is Jude. None of us have badges. Why would the family or potential witnesses talk to us if we’re running an unofficial investigation?”
“These might help.” Cisco reached into the folder and pulled out three Salem Police Department badges. “I have the power to deputize you all if you’re interested in taking this case. You’d have the full power of the Salem PD behind you. I can’t arm you, but I don’t believe that will be a problem.” Cisco offered a brief smile, his first since he walked into the kitchen.
Ronan had his service weapon from his time on the BPD. He knew Fitzgibbon was similarly equipped. “We’re all set there.” Ronan took a moment to look at the people around him. If he didn’t have Ten and Everly to think about, he would have jumped at this opportunity. “How about you give us some time to talk this over?”
“Sure thing.” Cisco smiled, broader this time. “The kids were watching The Lion King. It’s Luca’s favorite.” Cisco pushed the accordion folder across the table.
“What? No Frozen?” Jude laughed. “I love those crazy sisters. So does Wolf.”
“Da! Da!” a tiny voice called from the living room. A moment later, Jude and Cope’s son, Wolf, wobbled into the kitchen on two unsteady legs. He made it a few steps and then plopped down to his butt.
Jude swiped at a rogue tear before rushing to his son. “Oops!”
“Oops!” Wolf parroted, adding in a raspberry. He pushed himself back to his feet and grinned widely at Jude.
“Who’s the best, Wolfie?” Jude asked, kneeling down on the kitchen floor in front of his son.
“Eeee!” Wolf answered, tapping his chest.
“That’s right!” Jude pulled the baby into his arms and hugged him tight. When he turned back to the table, his tears were freely flowing. “I never knew this kind of love was possible until Wolf was placed in my arms. It’s as if I can feel the Washingtons’ pain.” He rubbed the heel of his free hand over his heart. “These people have been waiting for an answer for thirty-five years. Shit, I was as old as Wolfie is now when Skye was murdered.” He shook his head as if he were still trying to comprehend the enormity of this case.
“Do we need to vote or something?” Fitzgibbon looked around the table. “I know Jace will be thrilled at the idea of me going back to work.” He blushed. “Not that working for the Magick shop isn’t work.”
“I knew what you meant, Kevin. Ronan’s got that same itch,” Tennyson said. “Where is Jace tonight?”
“Tonight is the private Christmas party for the Tremont Street Mission. I don’t go to those anymore.” Kevin shivered. His hand absently rubbed against the left side of his chest.
The last time Fitzgibbon went to a party celebrating his husband’s homeless shelter, there had been a mass shooting. Kevin saved a lot of lives that night, including the mayor of Boston, but he’d taken a bullet to the chest in the process. Ronan didn’t blame him for skipping that party. “Ten, what do