“Juliet’s an artist,” Finn said. “An excellent one. Could you sketch it with Roman’s input?”
“Yeah, sure.”
Scarlet got up, went to a desk, drew out a couple sheets of paper and a pencil and handed them to Juliet. Finn rose so Roman could sit next to her.
Juliet smiled. “Let me get down what I remember and then give me your input.”
“Let’s do it.”
Brows furrowed, she sketched the medallion. After ten minutes, while the others made small talk, she asked Roman for input. He had helpful suggestions as he was a trained observer. When they finished, Juliet held up the drawing for them all to see. The base was made of heavy gold. A snake’s tail functioned as the hook to the chain, then its body slithered down from topto bottom. Other elements consisted of a small sun icon at the top, a diamond in the middle and a triangle at the left bottom.
“Holy shit,” Heath said. “It seems threatening to me.” That Heath was so vocal about his concern was a big deal. He was usually calm and rational.
“It gives me the creeps.” This from Daisy.
Finn had taken out his phone. “I’ve got something. I clicked into the meaning of a snake medallion. This website says snake medallions carry diverse and powerful meanings across various cultures and throughout history. Most common among them are transformation, rebirth, immortality and protection.”
Heath frowned. “So it’s not as threatening as it appears?”
“That depends,” Jeff said. “If it’s associated with a group, the wearer might see he has protection from the forces of good.”
Heath added, “Especially if it’s associated with the Dark Web.”
“What’s that?” Juliet asked.
“A hidden, encrypted part of the internet requiring special software to access. It’s known for its anonymity and used for illicit purposes and the circumvention of censorship.”
“How the hell do you know about the site?” Jeff asked.
“I read a lot. From what I can tell that place is dangerous.”
Finn said. “I hope you haven’t been there.”
“I haven’t.”
“The FBI will know a lot about the Dark Web, if it did come from there.”
That news deflated all of them. “Hell,” Oliver finally spoke up. “What are we up against? And why?”
* * *
The next morning, Oliver picked up Finn at his home on the canal because his car was in for repairs. When his friend got inside, Oliver said, “I envy you.”
“Does Anabelle know you covet my wife?” Finn was trying to keep things light.
“No. But she knows I covet this place. I love it out here.”
“There’s always property for sale on the canal. Why are you hesitating?”
“Anabelle loves her home.Ourhome. The canal’s further from the hospital and the preschool she wants the girls to go to when they’re ready.”
“Can you afford a second home?” Finn asked.
“I think so. Maybe that’s the answer.”
They drove for a while. “I dread work these days,” Finn admitted. We have to go in pairs or threes. We never know if something bad is going to happen.”
Oliver sighed. “I feel you. But what’s the choice? I’m not letting some bastard scare me away.”
