Dark Waters

Her heart is pounding. Blood is running down her face, her eyes already swelling. He's carrying her by her feet, causing her to feel every bump, every stair, across her back. Her head has been hitting every surface.

She came on her honeymoon. Her new husband surprised her with this cruise. She cries as she wonders if she will ever see him again. Tears fall from her swollen eyes as she thinks about her parents and siblings.

Thump! Her legs were dropped to the floor, which jarred her already sore and bruised body. She didn't really feel it anymore. She'd been beaten, held captive for four days, raped, and stabbed. In one way, she wanted it to just end. To be killed and get it over with. But on the other hand, she want's to fight back, but no longer can.

Not only does she not have the strength, but he tied her hands together and put tape over her mouth.

***

He thought he found the perfect one. She was sweet and caring that first day. Despite having a new husband, she seemed very reactive to him. The previous two women were rude to him immediately. Which made him angry. And when he gets angry, he can't stop himself from killing.

Two different cruise ships. The first time, it was all over the news. She apparently was someone important. He didn't know her, but the reaction showed that she was socially important by the reports on the news. He had to lay low for quite a while. He just did what he was told on the ship. Working long hours.

The next woman he chose had to be someone that was alone. Someone inconspicuous. He found her one and a half years later. She was a brunette, which he usually likes red-heads, but she appeared interested. She agreed to meet him during the times he was off work.

But, it didn't take too long for her to betray him too. He saw her flirting with another man in a hot tub. Nobody betrays him, so she had to go. It took him some work to get her out on the island during the port-of-call. But he was smart and snuck off the ship. Since everyone on the boat was mostly on the island, he knew that his boss would let him and several other workers off during that time. So, nobody missed him. He met her at the gate entrance that led to the ship, and they walked off together. He had been there before so he knew where he was going. Wearing sunglasses, hat, and common clothes, he had the best disguise as a genuine tourist.

It was too bad that she slipped off the cliffs overlooking the ocean. Nobody saw her again. And nobody seemed to care. And if they did, she would be seen as somebody that simply disappeared on the island, which sadly happens sometimes. Especially for women that are alone.

Now this one. A redhead, petite, beautiful. He thought that she was receptive to his advances. But a day later, she told him to stop talking to her. That he was "creeping" her out. Her words. Creepy? No, he was in love. He thought she felt the same way. But, all women lie. They are deceptive and don't care how they affect people.

So, she has to go. This time, it's going to be a bit tricky. It's late at night and he's in an area that is usually empty around this time. He's dragging her down to the lowest deck that is open to air. He knew where all the cameras are so he's been able to avoid them.

There's been talk of a missing woman. The first couple of days it was all over the ship and searches were all around. Now that it's calmed down a bit, it's time to move.

A little further. Looking around to make sure the coast is clear, he drags her to the railing.

Leaning down, he looks her in her swollen eyes.

"You are so beautiful. It's too bad we didn't work out. I really thought you liked me. But you women are all the same. Just a tease." He sighs dramatically. "Oh well. I wonder if your husband will miss you. I planted some evidence of a quick affair in your room. I wonder if he will find them. Who else will miss you?"

He leaned down further and kissed her on the forehead.

"OK, time to go." Looking around once more, he lifted her up over the railing and pushed. He heard the splash that wasn't as loud as he thought. Probably because of the noise from the ship.

Another one down. Hopefully the next one will be the real one.