The Law Of Three: A Rowan Gant Investigation Read Free

morning news broadcast. As it faded
out, a dead-on shot of the anchors popped in to replace the station
ID graphic.
    “Welcome back to Eyewitness News this
Thursday morning, it’s six thirty-two, I’m Skip Johnson…”
    “And I’m Brandee Street, filling in for the
vacationing Chloe Winchell.” The co-anchor dropped into the cadence
with practiced timing. “At the top of the news this morning, peace
talks are continuing…”
    As per usual, the teasers that came before
the station break were just that—teasers. Tidbits of information
intended to keep you tuned in while the unimportant drivel is
paraded before your eyes. Eldon held fast to his firm resolve and
continued his frozen stance for yet another three-minute
eternity.
    “Greater Saint Louis Major Case Squad
officials have confirmed reports that a self-proclaimed Witch is
playing an important role in a murder investigation. Rowan Gant
most recently aided the police in solving the murder of Debbie
Schaeffer, the Oakwood College cheerleader who went missing late
last year. He has now been called in once again to help with a
bizarre homicide. Eyewitness News field reporter, Colin Kelso,
joins us live outside city police headquarters. Colin…”
    The screen switched to a video feed showing
the image of a reporter clutching a logo-adorned microphone and
staring stoically into the camera. Even with the extreme blur, his
overly youthful appearance was evident. “Thanks, Brandee. As you
stated, we have confirmed that self-proclaimed Witch, Rowan Gant,
has been brought in to help with the investigation of a very
strange and brutal murder. At around three a.m., police were
summoned to an abandoned warehouse at the corner of Locust and
Fourteenth streets. There they found the body of a man suspended by
a rope from the roof ledge.”
    “Colin,” the anchorwoman’s voice cut in, “I
understand that there has been some speculation that this crime
might somehow be linked with another murder?”
    “Yes, while authorities have not made an
official statement, there has been speculation on that fact.
Viewers will remember that two weeks ago, the body of Lena Duke was
found hanging from a tree in Cherokee Park in Cape Girardeau,
Missouri. The ritualistic manner in which she was killed bears a
striking resemblance to this crime.
    “Statements released earlier this week
indicate that the Cape homicide may be somehow linked to the
killing spree of Eldon Porter which occurred here in Saint Louis
early last year.
    “Right now, authorities are still being
tight-lipped about this case. We will keep you updated as the
situation develops. Back to you, Brandee and Skip.”
    The screen cut back to a headshot of the
unnaturally honey-blonde newscaster paired with a smaller inset of
the field reporter. “Colin,” she spoke. “Has Mister Gant actually
been to the scene of this particular crime?”
    “I’ve been told by one detective that, yes,
in fact Mister Gant was brought in early this morning. An
interesting development, however, just moments ago Mister Gant was
seen leaving the scene with Detective Benjamin Storm of the city
homicide squad and a woman we believe to be his wife, Felicity
O’Brien. Although we were unable to obtain a comment, we did get
this footage showing some type of altercation.”
    The screen switched to show the wildly
shaking image of a van, partially illuminated off and on by video
lights. Unintelligible, but obviously heated voices could be heard
in the background over the shouts of reporters and camera
operators. As the centerpiece of the video byte grew larger and
began to stabilize, a man shot into view from behind the open door
of the vehicle, apparently rushing toward the cameras. In an
instant he halted, then appeared to be jerked backward,
disappearing into the vehicle.
    “Any idea what was going on there, Colin,”
she asked as the video repeated.
    “We were unable to obtain a comment from
anyone on the scene at this time, I’m