Page 27 of So Deadly
CHAPTER TWELVE
Her head was always foggy after a killing.It had been that way ever since childhood.She’d wake up feeling odd, not herself.The part of her that she kept hidden in her nightmares would clamor to be released, would claw its way to the surface.She’d hold on for a little while, but she would get tired, and it would be less and less worth it to hold on.
Then she’d sleep, and the other would take over.
Her memories of the other were always fragmented.Nostrils flaring, the heady scent of blood filling them, the beautiful knowledge of her own body: its strength, its speed, its viciousness.The prey succumbed, dissipating beneath her, separating until her thirst was slaked.
Then the joyful, intense peak of sensation, far better than any sexual climax, rolled through her from head to toe and back.The joy of observing the dead, knowing that it washerhands that had done that.
Then the fog.
It would linger for days, slowing her, dulling her senses, confusing her.As a child, she couldn’t tell if she was dreaming that part or if she was dreaming her life, and the killing was the only thing that was actually real.As an adult, she knew the fog was her mind transitioning to a dormant state, recovering in preparation for the next hunt.
Lately, the fog has been disappearing sooner.It was only yesterday that she had taken one, punished yet another for the fraud they committed, the selfishness they felt entitled to exhibit.Yet already, she was able to think clearly about the next one, plan out her moment, and prepare for the justified slaying of another liar.
That was the key difference.As a child, she killed innocent creatures, animals separated from their families, abandoned by their owners.She did it for joy alone.Now, she killed the guilty.She enjoyed it still, but she was careful never to target anyone who wasn't deserving.She was not a murderer.She was judgmental.
This next one deserved this judgment.They all did.Knowing that made the killing sweeter.
Maybe that was why the fog was lessening.She had no guilt to contend with anymore.They all deserved to die, so there was no need to explain away her actions as uncontrollable or ultimately harmless.They had committed actions that endangered others.It was a good thing, really, that she was killing them.
And if she took pleasure in it?Well, what honest judge didn’t take pleasure in the performance of their duty?
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Faith checked her phone.Her heart leaped when she saw the update from Michael.I think I found the right place.Checking it out this morning.Will reach out once I’ve confirmed.
She texted back.Any sign of David yet?
She held her breath until Michael replied.When he replied, she sighed with disappointment.Not yet.They’re probably staying in their car.Hotels leave paper trails, and they’re doing their best to avoid that.
Faith thought of suggesting that he use local law enforcement to help him find David, then thought better of it.That would also leave a paper trail.
Instead, she texted back a thumbs up and a thank-you.He knew where they were heading, at least, or probably knew.
She sighed and dropped her head into her hands.Damn it, she hated not being there.She hated not knowing in real time exactly what was happening with David: if he was alive, if he had succeeded, if he was captured (for real this time), or injured somewhere.If he were dead.
Torn apart.
She took a long sip from her third cup of coffee and sighed as the rich taste of the brew filled her mouth.She let the liquid warm her, soothing her fears, relaxing the tension in her shoulders.
And that’s how she knew she was up too long.When cheap motel coffee started tasting like a fresh presspot of Arabian peaberry, your mind was beginning to wander.
Faith’s mind couldn’t have wandered too far, though.She’d found another suspect.Her all-nighter—the most recent of countless throughout her career—had paid off.
“Faith?Did you sleep at all?”
“Sleep is for the weak,” Faith replied.
Jessica gave her a groggy middle finger as she trudged to the coffeemaker and poured herself a cup.Faith faked a pout and said, “That’s not nice.After I found us another suspect and everything.”
“I want to hear about the suspect,” Jessica said.“I also want you to look at yourself in the mirror.”
Faith obliged and saw her lips pushed out in an exaggerated cutesy pout.Underneath her bloodshot eyes and lined forehead the effect was… well, a good reminder that she wasn’t a teenager and all-nighters actually affected her.
She cleared her throat and said, “Okay, good point.I’ll make sure to sleep tonight.In the meantime, I found someone else with a connection to the victims.”
“Name?”
