Ruinous Love Trilogy, #2
Leather & Lark
by Brynne Weaver
Contents
Chapter Twenty-Two: Wanderer
Overview
The Phantom infiltrates Ethel’s hospital room, posing as a staffer, and methodically kills her with injected sedatives. He frames the murder as divine mission, hints at connections to Harvey, the Butcher and the Spider, and the name Rowan Kane. Ethel dies defiant, warning him off Lark, which he pointedly welcomes.
Summary
Two weeks after killing Stan Tremblay, the Phantom enters a hospital room under a stolen ID, finding Ethel awake and defiant. He confirms her identity and prepares three syringes, pausing her IV and asserting he is delivering her to God. Ethel needles him with irreverent banter, refusing fear or repentance.
As the Phantom administers saline, then a heavy lorazepam dose, he narrates his calling: avenging his brother Harvey and purging the corrupt who shield his brother’s murderers. He recalls tracking the Butcher and the Spider via a hotel lead, progressing from a fake name to the real name “Rowan Kane.”
The Phantom resumes Ethel’s IV and recites a hymn while pocketing her bloodied handkerchief as his sole trophy. Ethel warns, “Touch my Lark and he’ll kill you.” The Phantom welcomes the challenge, declaring his hope that Lark will try.
Ethel’s breathing slows and stops. The Phantom watches her die, satisfied, leaving with her handkerchief and a renewed sense of divine purpose and open provocation toward Lark.
Who Appears
- The PhantomReligious-obsessed killer; infiltrates hospital as staff, sedates and kills Ethel, steals her bloody handkerchief, and taunts Lark.
- EthelIll, sharp-tongued executive; faces the Phantom without fear, is killed by injected sedatives after warning him not to touch Lark.