Part of Chapter Eight

**Picks up in the middle of the chapter

Chapter Eight: Kallan

“Excuse me, sir!” Kallan flagged down a man in line, and he quickly sidestepped the jumbled mass, standing next to the agent with a bright, beaming smile on his face.

“What can I do for you, friend?”

“I’m a special agent with the FBI, names Kallan Dale.”

“Oh, FBI? That’s interesting. Wouldn’t be about the Kansas City Darling would it?”

That was what the locals and the rest of America had taken to calling the serial killer. The only thing known about the case was the type of victim taken, and America had grown fond of using the moniker almost instantly. Kallan nodded slowly, and the man’s blue eyes widened behind his wire rimmed, golden glasses. “That’s right. I was just recently assigned to come down here and see if I can find any more details or evidence, though God only knows it’s gonna be a hell of a time.”

“Wow.” The man looked the three agents up and down, still wearing that stupid, idiotic smile on his face. Kallan began to feel a strange, tugging sensation in his gut about this particular man. “The Kansas CIty Darling. I really hope you catch the bastard. You know, my girlfriend was taken by him. Killed her. I would do anything to get my hands on him myself.”

“Well, sir, all respect to you, but if all goes well in our investigation, you won’t need to. But I am sorry to hear about your girlfriend. We’re here to prevent any more deaths like that. Now, I do have a question for you, if you don’t mind. Could you put us in the direction of the InterContinental hotel?”

The man’s eyes brightened, and leaned backwards the slightest bit, “Of course! I know right where it’s at. Actually, if you head out that door right down that way,” He pointed to the end of the terminal where four double doors marked the exit to the rest of the world. “ Take a right as soon as you get out there and keep heading straight, you’ll walk right into it. It’s located in the plaza, you can’t miss it.”

Kallan threw up his hands, happy to have an end to his exasperation. “Ah, thank you so much, Mr....”

“Edgerton. Acheros Edgerton. Though my friends call me Ro.” The man stuck his hand out, and Kallan gripped it firmly, wearing a smile of his own. 

“Acheros, huh? That’s a hell of a name. Latin?”

Acheros nodded, cocking his head. “Yep, it means sorrow, actually. My dad named me after my mom died when she gave birth to me. So I’m stuck with a name that means sorrow and a father who hates me. But that’s a story for another day! I hope you all enjoy your stay in Kansas City and you find that killer. I think we will all be at peace when you do.” 

Kallan nodded, chuckling. “Look, you and me both, buddy. You have no idea the kind of heat I’ve been getting from my boss. The moment we catch this guy, all of America’s gonna breathe a sigh of relief.”

“I sincerely hope you do, but I have to be off. I’ve got a flight to catch. I apologize.”

Kallan stepped back, his arms spread wide. “No, no, I’m sorry for keeping you. Have a safe flight, and thanks again!”

The man nodded in response, drifting back into the crowd. In a moment he had disappeared into its midst, and Kallan was left alone with the agents once again. “Alright, you heard the man. Let’s get going, shall we?”

The three of them began the last leg of their trek to the hotel, but Kallan couldn’t shake the feeling that something about the man had stood out, or had been curious at the very least. He had seemed genuine and honest, but there was something about him that gave Kallan pause. Glancing behind his shoulder, he tried to locate the man’s brown hair, but he was long gone. Kallan shrugged, probably just the jet lag playing hell with his senses. In any case, the hotel was just around the corner, and he would have a few moments of precious rest before embarking on his fool’s quest.