Chapter 1
Unknown
The night stretched on for miles the stars blink in and out of the clouds drifting across the sky. Staring up I watch as the sun slowly rises up bathing the dark landscape in a bright orange and pink glow, moving to the car I sit watching the sun again rise as it does every day.
Daniel
Sirens blare all around the outside rushing past as we barrel down the road, surrounded by the other patrol cars the call we got from dispatch still playing over again in my head. “Dead body found at the paradise park hill, from reports the wounds and type of death are similar to the others.”
As we arrive reporters are swarming the area caution tape is up and the bystanders are flocking to the body. Jumping from the car I walk over lifting the sheet revealing the body with long cuts along both arms and legs, blood drained from the body leaving the skin with a yellow tint. Sighing I stand from the body looking at the others, I nod signifying to them it’s the same killer we have been after for the last year. I knew this was the work of the killer but I was hoping this would all be an accident, in a year we have never come close to catching the killer, the body and scene are always wiped clean of any evidence we could find.
Walking away the coroner passes me with the stretcher collecting the body they move him into the van once loaded they take off down the road, I watch as they move out of sight. Reporters press in from every direction pushing and shoving to get the best picture for their magazines. The dew has not even evaporated from the grass and the tires of the cars leave ruts in the ground as they drive away. I leave my captain to deal with the press as I leave to work on the case hoping maybe this time the killer slipped up and left a clue.
Unknown
I watch as the beautiful landscape becomes filled with people coming to marvel at my display, and the sun sets the stage for my artwork. The vans arrive photos are snapped by the reporters as I watch from my perch. I don’t dare move. I continue to watch waiting for the one, the one who seeks me as I seek him, after almost a year I have yet to talk to him, too scared to truly show my face afraid to be rejected. As I continue viewing the crowd I see him moving slowly, taking calculated steps as he approaches my masterpiece. He stares off into the distance, I watch as he gets into his car, taking one last look around. He looks straight at me, though he can not see me from behind the bushes, I watch as they talk walking away and heading back from where he came.
Daniel
Reaching the station I climb out of the cruiser, walking into the building I make my way over to my desk, papers and files spread out all over the place. My partner comes walking up blowing into my office papers shifting as he speeds past.
“Hey Daniel, I’ve been looking into the street cameras from around that time.” Looking up I place my hands on the desk before me, “What do you have John it better be something we can use I’m sick of being behind this guy I would like to have something to go on for Christ's sake.”
“Well you’re in luck, the cameras caught a red light runner this morning about two hours before the body was found this morning, and a plate was caught with the red light camera.” A smirk crosses his face as he hands the folder over with the picture and license plate sitting in the folder. Finally, after a year we have some sort of lead on the case, we walk out of the office heading to the captain, as we approach another officer comes running to me, paper folded in his hand. Eyes wide he hands the paper over, grabbing the paper my partner's eyes scan the letter he stares at me, handing it over he looks as though he has seen a ghost.
“Oh what is it, what’s the letter all about.” Asking as I take the letter reading its contents. To my detective,
You who have been after me for so long, I do not wish for this to be public yet I wanted to make your acquaintance. It has been a delight to play this game of cat and mouse, though I tire of the cloak and dagger. One day I hope to meet until then please enjoy the presents I have left for you.
I stare down not knowing how to react to this development, it seems as though the killer wrote a love letter. Looking at my partner to confirm what I just read, that we were sent a letter or I was sent a letter of admiration more like.
Unknown
Sitting at my desk, an old typewriter swallowing my fear I type a letter to the one I admire, or even dare say love. The clicking of the keys as I type and retype my letter, wanting the language to be perfect but not too overwhelming. I know I can’t be a bit overzealous so I have to be careful. The letter is done, taking the paper from the platen I fold it in thirds sealing it with a red decorative wax seal. Walking to the drop box I slip the letter in, making sure the name and location are correct and well-written for delivery.
