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“I’m an entomologist,” Fiona murmured.
“Hmm,” Wilkins said, his gaze returning to the floor. “Well, I have a few Asian giant hornets in a cage in the back room. But I swear, it’s just for personal interest. I would never use them for anything malicious.”
He motioned for them to follow him, leading them to the back room. Inside was an impressive collection of various insects and arachnids, all contained in individual cages. Wilkins pointed to the corner, where a large hornet’s nest was housed in a transparent case.
“These are Asian giant hornets,” Wilkins said. “They are very rare, and they are not native to the United States. I purchased them, legally, from an exotic insect collector in Russia. I was going to use them for educational purposes—to show people the power of nature and how beautiful and important these creatures are.” He looked up at Fiona and Jake, his expression earnest. “I would never do anything to harm Chris. I swear it.”
Fiona studied the nest carefully, noting the shape of the hornets. She took out her phone and pulled out a photo she had taken earlier of the specimen from Japan, the ones found at the senator’s home.
After a few moments, she nodded to Wilkins. “Your hornets are likely native to Russia,” she said. “They are not the Japanese giant hornets.”
Wilkins nodded, relieved. “I told you.”
“Hold on,” Jake said, “that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have more of them.”
“Then you’ll find them in the search,” Wilkins said. “As much as it pains me, I’d rather you take my insects than lock me up for a murder I didn’t commit.”
Fiona and Jake glanced at each other. They had their answer. Wilkins was not involved in the murder, and they had their evidence to prove it.
On a personal note, though, Fiona still had questions.
“Mr. Wilkins, I don’t understand—you clearly take good care of these insects, but you were also hosting an underground bug fighting ring. Why?”
Wilkins sighed. “I know it sounds strange, but it’s actually a way for people to learn about the animals. It’s a controlled environment, and we make sure all the bugs are treated humanely. It’s a way for people to connect with nature and appreciate the strength and beauty of these creatures.” He looked up at Fiona, his expression earnest. “I’m sorry if that sounds crazy, but it’s the truth.”
“There is nothing humane about making them fight so you can bet with your friends,” Fiona said. “That is simply cruel.”
Wilkins hung his head. “I know. It was a mistake, and I regret it. I’ll never do it again. I just wanted to spend my days surrounded by my insects here, peacefully.”
Fiona nodded. It was nice to see Wilkins own up to his mistakes—and it seemed like he had learned from them.
“All right,” Jake said. “Let’s get the police in here and wrap this up.”
Wilkins nodded. “Whatever you need.”
As the police arrived, Fiona observed more of the insects Wilkins had. They truly were spectacular. Fiona stopped in front of a large mantis, the indigo and emerald hues of its wings standing out against the muted colors of the other insects. Its long antennae bobbed curiously as it watched her approach, unafraid. Its four long legs were covered with spiky protrusions, and its eyes looked sharp and alert. Such a strong and beautiful insect. Fiona hoped it would be taken somewhere to be cared for without the risk of being pitted against another insect for some sort of twisted amusement.
Just then, the sound of a phone buzzing. Fiona turned to see Jake take his phone out, and he pressed it to his ear.
“This is Agent Tucker… yeah… are you serious? Okay. Got it. Thanks, Chief.”
Fiona’s heart dropped. If that was the chief, then—
“Red.” Jake’s eyes landed on her, his expression grim. “They found another body.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Jake hurried down the hallway of an apartment building on the other side of town—in a polar opposite neighborhood from Senator Barlow’s. Not only geographically, but economically.
This building had peeling wallpaper and cockroaches in the stairwells. Jake and Fiona had hurried here as fast as they could once they heard the news, but the closer Jake had gotten to the address, the more confused he became.
The first victim had been a wealthy senator. But who was this next victim?
And how did they know they were connected?
Officers were swarming a door up the hall, so Jake inferred that was the spot. He picked up his pace with Fiona hot on his tail. He was still impressed she’d been able to chase down Wilkins earlier—that girl could run. It gave Jake a lot more confidence that Fiona could make it through FBI physical training.
As Jake approached, he flashed his badge, and an officer stepped aside and let him and Fiona in. The apartment was small, but clean, aside from the crime scene tape and officers milling about.
