Bloody Dinner 

The dining room of the Carson Estate glowed beneath crystal chandeliers. Outside, rain tapped steadily against the tall windows. At the head of the table Mr Carson raised his glass with a smile.

“To my eldest son Jeff, recipient of the AATS Scientific Achievement Award. Tonight is about celebrating family.”

Glasses clinked politely around the table. Jeff Carson offered a modest nod, “Thank you, father.”

A scoff broke through the moment.

Sue Carson leaned back in her chair, swirling wine in her glass.

“Please. His job is just opening people up and stitching them back together. Meanwhile my husband and I secured a big deal for Carson Tech two days ago.”

Mark Carson frowned sharply."That's not a nice thing to say Sue. Jeff saves lives. What he does matters."

Dan cleared his throat. “Speaking of celebrating family, Grant is late again.”

Sue rolled her eyes dramatically."Ha, of course he is, he loves acting like he is the only one who works hard around here."

“That's enough,” Mrs Carson snapped gently but firmly. “This is a family gathering and I expect you to respect each other. Everyone plays an important role and I am sure Grant will arrive soon.”

Jeff took a bite of his steak with no interest in the argument. “The food is great mom.”

Mrs Carson smiled. “I couldn't have done it without the staff.”

Sue scoffed as Jeff lifted a piece of meat with his fingers.

“Honestly Jeff, can you at least pretend to use the right cutlery. You eat as if you haven't had food in ages.”

Mr Carson waved a dismissive hand. “It's dinner at home. We should all be comfortable.”

Sue took a slow sip of wine. “Well, one can't exactly blame him. After all he was picked up from an orphanage, poverty sticks to people.”

Dan nudged her sharply. “Sue."

“What?” She said coldly. “It's the truth.”

“Sue!” Mrs Carson's voice cracked across the room. “That is quite enough.”

Mr Carson's face hardened. “You will not refer to your brother in that manner ever again. You…”

A scream suddenly tore through the house and everyone at the table froze. A housekeeper stumbled into the dining room, pale and trembling. She opened her mouth but no words came out.

Mrs Carson immediately rose from her seat. “What happened?” She asked.

In that moment another housekeeper rushed in behind her, frantic.

“It's Grant,” She gasped. “There's blood… in his bedroom, he doesn't look well.”

The family scrambled from the table.

The elevator ride to the second floor felt like an eternity stretched thin, no one spoke. The moment the elevator doors slid open, they rushed out into the hallway. Mrs Carson's heart hammered so violently she could hear it in her ears.

“Grant?” she called as she reached his door which stood open.

Grant Carson lay on his back on the rug on his bedroom floor. At first glance, he looked asleep. His expression peaceful. One thing ruined the illusion, a red stain spread across his chest.

Mrs Carson let out a broken cry before collapsing. Mark caught her before she hit the floor.

Chaos erupted instantly. Dan took his phone out with shaking hands. “I am calling 911”

Sue sank to the floor, staring at him with wide watery eyes.

Jeff and his father hurried forward and dropped beside Grant. Jeff pressed trembling fingers against Grant's neck. The skin beneath his fingers was rigid and cold.

Mr Carson slowly reached out and brushed a finger across Grant's cheek. “He is cold.” he said hollowly.

Mr Carson turned towards the housekeepers, “Did any of you see Grant come in today?”

The women exchanged looks.

“No, Sir.” one answered shakily."

“It was only us here since you left for work. The rest of the family didn't start arriving until three.”

Jeff swallowed hard before speaking. “He has been dead for at least eight hours.”

A sudden realisation settled into everyone's mind.

Grant had been dead for hours and no one noticed or heard anything strange.

How had Grant gotten into the house without anyone seeing him?

Worse… whoever did this to him knew their way around the house enough to not be seen.

Someone familiar and dangerous.