The Steamboat Slayings (Detective Lauren Gabriel Mysteries Book 4)

Book summary

In The Steamboat Slayings, Detective Lauren Gabriel, known as "The Murder Whisperer," investigates ritualistic murders shaking the serene town of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. With suspects ranging from a troubled teen to a vengeful ex and a mythical protector, Gabriel must unravel the mystery in this suspenseful addition to Theodore Huntington's gripping series.

Excerpt from The Steamboat Slayings (Detective Lauren Gabriel Mysteries Book 4)

1

THE PRISTINE TOWN OF Steamboat Springs, nestled in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, hummed with the energy of winter vacationers. Snow-covered streets glistened under the soft glow of streetlamps, while the scent of pine and sulfur hung heavy in the crisp mountain air. Steam rose from the natural hot springs, casting an ethereal mist over the landscape as tourists and locals alike sought a warm, nurturing escape from the biting cold.

Among the bustling streets and snow-capped peaks, Detective Lauren Gabriel had become a reluctant local celebrity. Known as the "Murder Whisperer," she carefully navigated the ice-covered sidewalks of Steamboat Springs with quiet grace, her wheelchair a silent testament to the trials she faced and overcame. Behind her steely exterior lay a razor-sharp mind, capable of unraveling even the most perplexing mysteries.

It was here, in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, that Lauren would retreat and meditate, seeking refuge from the death and stress that defined her life. The gunshot that left her paralyzed was becoming a distant memory, a testament to her indomitable spirit and unwavering determination. Steamboat Springs became Lauren’s sanctuary to clear her head from the crime and drama of her job and the Denver metropolitan area that decayed over the prior decade. Lauren purchased a lovely, rustic two-bedroom cabin nestled in the Steamboat hills that she rented out as an Airbnb while in Denver and used for her retreat a couple of weekends per month. She sought refuge in her mountain chalet more frequently since her relationship with Gino Bocchino hit the skids.

Detective Lauren Gabriel was a striking figure, not just for her role as the Murder Whisperer, but for her unique presence. Lauren was the youngest person who earned a detective badge for the Denver Police Department. Lauren’s penetrating green eyes were sharp and observant, reflecting a mind that missed nothing. Still just in her mid-thirties, Lauren was once the romantic target of many male associates—single and married—who were attracted to her fair complexion and long, luscious brown hair, which she often pulled back into a ponytail or a loose bun while deep in work. After the gunshot that left her wheelchair-bound, Lauren spent months recovering, mentally, emotionally, and physically and finally adapted expertly to life in her sleek, high-tech wheelchair.

But beyond the tranquility of Steamboat Springs, shadows lurked. Lauren was taking a much-needed vacation to clear her head. She resolved a steady stream of dastardly crimes over the prior two years and needed a respite to settle her brain from the visions that invaded her dreams. Most notably, the satanic images from the Red Rocks murder investigation still haunted her.

Lauren’s thoughts also turned to Gino, her former partner, whose memory unnerved and saddened her. Gino was the first man to win Lauren’s heart. She believed the tall, athletic African American and Italian man with a smooth voice and generous nature was authentic. But when the skeletons inside Gino’s closet were revealed, Lauren had no choice but to pull the plug on their relationship.

And then there was Ren DeJesus, a man wrongfully convicted of a crime he did not commit—a case that had consumed Detective Gabriel’s thoughts and fueled her relentless pursuit of justice.

As she wheeled through the snow-covered streets, Lauren sensed she was about to embark on a new journey. For in the heart of Steamboat Springs, within the swirling mists of the hot springs and the whispering pines, a new mystery awaited—one that would push the Murder Whisperer to the brink of her crime-solving abilities.

2

HIGH ABOVE THE BUSTLING streets of Steamboat Springs, a lone figure stood on the edge of a precipice, his eyes fixed on the horizon. His name was Ethan Kimber, a teenage loner with a gift—or perhaps a curse—that set him apart from his peers.

For as long as he could remember, Ethan was plagued by visions of unspeakable horrors—murders, crimes, and tragedies that unfolded in the recesses of his mind. But it was the visions of the hot springs that haunted him most of all, their steamy waters a breeding ground for secrets and lies. All of Ethan’s other visions and dreams would eventually fade away. For as long as Ethan could remember, his slumber was interrupted by frightening events. He would sometimes close his eyes during the day, and the visions would appear. As a child, he cried to his parents about the dreams, but their benign comfort did not erase the nightmares. At twelve, his parents would restrict Ethan’s video game playing, claiming that violent games such as Call of Duty and World of Warcraft were fueling his bad dreams. But the punishment did not cure Ethan of his nightmares.

The lanky seventeen-year-old high school student was nearing the end of his growth spurt, yet, probably due to his lack of exercise, did not possess any adult muscle mass. Standing at about five-foot-ten, he carried an awkward posture typical of teens not yet comfortable in their bodies. His skin was a warm light brown, an echo of his Ute heritage, complemented by chestnut brown eyes almost always hidden behind a pair of thick-rimmed glasses—necessary for his near-sightedness. Ethan’s thick, jet-black hair was usually unkempt, falling haphazardly over his forehead in a way that suggested a boy more interested in his latest videogame conquest than girls.

Ethan’s new vision was different than the others. It had persisted for weeks. And it was clearer and more horrific than any other nightmare he could recall in his seventeen years.

After spending endless hours imprisoned in his room locked into a Call of Duty marathon, Ethan peeled himself away from his cave and decided to get some fresh air. “I’m gonna go on a hike,” Ethan declared to his parents, who barely acknowledged their son.

As Ethan stood on the edge of the cliff, the visions came rushing back. He saw faces—strangers and acquaintances alike—caught in the throes of passion and betrayal. He saw blood—a crimson tide that stained the pure snow and sent shivers down his spine. Ethan was wide awake. His eyes clouded over with the harrowing scenes that were recurring in his brain now numerous times each day. Ethan shook his head and screamed to erase the images, but he knew they would return.

Amid the chaos and confusion, it remained clear to Ethan that he was the only one who could stop the killings before they happened. The teen did not yet possess the experience and problem-solving know-how to involve the proper authorities. The boy’s mind spun, as he attempted to unravel the mystery that would soon envelop Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

3

THE WINTER NIGHT SETTLED over Steamboat Springs like a heavy shroud, the quiet broken only by the soft rush of the Yampa River. Detective Lauren Gabriel sat at the water's edge, her breath misting in the chilly air, as she surveyed the grisly scene before her.

The victim, Sarah Michaels, lay lifeless in the tranquil waters, illuminated by the ethereal glow of the moonlight. Her pale skin appeared ghostly against the dark current, and Lauren's heart clenched at the sight. The intricate patterns etched into Sarah's flesh bespoke a violent act both horrific and calculated—a puzzle that gnawed at Lauren's mind.

Chief Jameson Schuyler approached Lauren; his footsteps muffled by the snow. "Lauren, take a look at this," he said, his voice grave, as he pointed to the carvings on Sarah's body. "It's the same as the others."

Lauren's brow furrowed with concentration as she examined the symbols. "Any leads on who might be behind this?"

Chief Schuyler enlisted the assistance of the famed Murder Whisperer to solve the case. The Steamboat Springs Police Department was well-staffed, with twenty-nine sworn officers. But most of their time was spent enhancing their community engagement, partnering with schools, the medical community, and the tourism industry to provide education and awareness. Steamboat Springs had not seen a murder case in ten years. Chief Schuyler knew his team was out of their depths when it came to the ritualistic mass slayings taking place in their charming community.

The chief shook his head. "Nothing concrete yet. But the town's on edge, Detective. People are scared."

The body count was mounting. Sarah Michaels was the newest name added to the list, each one bearing the same twisted signature of the killer. Tyler Johnson was found contorted among the trees, and then Emily Brooks was discovered in the depths of the hot springs. Each murder sent shockwaves through the once-peaceful community, igniting fear and paranoia among its residents.

Rumors swirled like snowflakes in the wind. Some whispered about vengeful spirits haunting the mountains, while others pointed fingers at shadowy figures lurking in the darkness. Many locals speculated the crimes were committed by visitors to the sleepy town. Andrew “Stinky” Stark, editor of the local newspaper, Steamboat Today, called for a ban on tourists and a shut-down of the famed Strawberry Park Hot Springs until the slayings were solved.

Lauren Gabriel sifted through witness statements and evidence, piecing together the fragments of a puzzle. Back at the precinct, Chief Schuyler entered her office. "Lauren, we've got to crack this before another victim falls," he said, his voice tinged with frustration. Schuyler slammed the newspaper on the table in front of Lauren. “Steamboat’s in a frenzy, and we need to restore order!”

Without uttering a word, Lauren’s glare instructed Chief Schuyler to ease up. The Murder Whisperer was one of the most instinctual detectives in the nation, and she did not need the added pressure from the local police chief.

"Listen, Detective," the chief continued, his tone softer. "I know this isn't easy for you, especially with everything else going on."

Lauren did not share details of her personal life with Chief Schuyler, and she wondered how Jameson could have found out about her private problems. Detective Gabriel’s eyes darkened with a mix of sorrow and determination. "I’m not sure what you’re referring to, Chief. But let’s keep this relationship professional." Lauren’s thoughts drifted to Gino Bocchino and the ache in her heart.

"I understand," the chief said, his voice gentler. "But you're not alone in this. We'll find this killer, I promise."

Chief Jameson Schuyler was a towering figure, both in stature and presence. His broad shoulders seemed to bear the weight of the town's current troubles, but his steady demeanor never wavered, radiating an aura of calm authority.

With salt-and-pepper hair cropped close to his head and a well-groomed beard framing a strong jawline, Chief Schuyler possessed a rugged yet refined appearance that hinted at a life spent navigating the rugged terrain and the hills surrounding Steamboat Springs. Though his face bore the weathered lines of experience, there was a warmth in his smile. His deep and booming voice carried a reassuring tone that instilled confidence in those around him, even in the darkest times. Chief Schuyler's leadership style was a blend of compassion and authority, earning him the loyalty and respect of his officers and the community.

Despite Chief Jameson Schuyler's formidable presence and dedication to his job, a shadow of sorrow lingered in his personal life—a failed marriage that still haunted him, casting a pall over his otherwise stalwart demeanor. Though the divorce was amicable, the pain still stung—a silent ache gnawing at Chief Schuyler's heart in quiet moments of reflection. He often wondered what could have been, saddened by the memories of happier times that seemed like distant echoes of a past life.

In the wake of his failed marriage, Chief Schuyler threw himself into his work, finding solace and purpose in the relentless pursuit of justice. His job became his "wife," a steadfast companion who never faltered or failed him, offering him a sense of fulfillment and purpose that he had struggled to find elsewhere.

Jameson looked at Lauren and felt the same kind of attraction as when he first met his wife. But the chief knew he had to stuff those feelings down deep, remain professional, and focus his emotions on the job at hand—catching a killer.

As he stood by Detective Gabriel's side, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, Chief Schuyler embodied the spirit of Steamboat Springs—the spirit of resilience, determination, and resolve in the face of adversity.