Part one of a planned five-part series, in 1947 Las Pegasus the renowned Private Eye, Detective Rarity, is called upon by the local police department to investigate only the first in a series of murders that have started to plague the idyllic coastal metropolis. It may start out routinely enough, like any other murder the famous detective might have worked, but things slowly start to take a turn for the sinister with each new piece of evidence that is uncovered. Many twists and turns will accompany the fair detective on her journey in search of the truth and she will have to take the greatest care to ensure that she does not become the next victim in this chilling and suspenseful Noire tale that pays homage to the real-life Black Dahlia murder. It will be her greatest challenge yet and Rarity will have to do more than remain steadfast if she hopes to bring justice to those who deserve it and close the case. The Black Zinnia will be her craftiest, most intelligent, and most sinister nemesis yet, so that begs the question: Is she capable? Through her, can the powers of justice prevail over the powers of evil?
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On January 15, 1947 the city of Los Angeles, California was seized by terror and uncertainty when the horribly mangled remains of 22 year old Elizabeth Short were found during the morning hours in Leimert Park Neighborhood, South Los Angeles. The sheer brutality of the murder prompted unprecedented media coverage and, combined with botched investigative techniques and a suspected mishandling of information by the Los Angeles Police Department, the murder and identity of the killer remain unsolved to this day. This piece is intended to educate people about the Black Dahlia Murder and the terror and uncertainty that accompanied it, as well as provide to them an engaging and interesting read. In no way, shape, or form am I condoning, applauding, making fun of, or satirizing the tragedy itself. The utmost care was taken in writing this story to ensure that the real-life victim was totally respected and that, in regards to her portrayal through a fictional counterpart, only the facts as they are known were written. This is a work of fiction based on real events and real people, and anything further is intended for entertainment and speculative purposes only.