"... and Commissioner Jameson renewed his commitment to maintaining a strong National Police force, while insisting that police statistics show that the crime rate is actually down," anchorwoman Lynda Cho said. "This in stark contrast to public concerns about rising crime."
"Crime is also a growing concern in idyllic Tartosa, where last night celebrity Miranda Goth, daughter of renowned singer and actress Cassie Goth, was rushed to Santa Maria Hospital following a violent assault," anchorman Walter Daniels said in his signature deep, confident voice. "While hospital staff refused to make an official statement, an anonymous source close to Miranda's medical team revealed that she is in critical condition, suffering severe blood loss after the attack.
"Tartosan police say the investigation is ongoing, and that they are seeking to question several persons of interest. However, they refuse to comment on a potential motive behind the attack."
"This is not the first time Miranda, and the Goth family, have been involved in violent incidents and speculation is rampant about a possible organized crime connection to last night's attack," Lynda picked up the story with a hint of excitement. "From the dramatic Mill Lane Incident five years ago - and the subsequent arrest of criminal matriarch Nancy Landgraab and her son Malcolm by Miranda's grandmother, Agency operative Bella Goth - to Miranda Goth's kidnapping by unknown gangsters a year later, the sinister shadow of the Syndicates looms heavily over the Goth family.
"Adding fuel to the fire is Miranda's marriage, mere days ago, to Mariah Huntley, the adopted daughter of actress and producer Londyn Huntley," Lynda continued brightly. "A troubled young woman, Mariah is known to have numerous brushes with the law and is even suspected of having close ties to the Alto crime family. Is Miranda Goth paying the price for marrying the Mob?"
"In a joint statement," Walter Daniels said in his measured tones, "the Goth and Huntley families have asked for privacy during this difficult time. Our hopes and prayers go out to Miranda Goth for her safe and speedy recovery."
"After the break," Daniels concluded, "we will be speaking with Representative Elias Friend, leader of the conservative Axis party, about his calls for a stronger national commitment to law and order. Stay tuned."
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Author's Note: If I do this right, you shouldn't need to have read my earlier stories to understand and enjoy In Shadow. However, if you want to get a quick introduction to our main characters, I recommend my short story - A Tartosan Wedding. It's only six chapters long and should fill you in on the highlights.
(Content Note: Chapters 5 and 6 of A Tartosan Wedding do include some mild nudity.)
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