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7/29/2019 I Heart You
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LITTLE PROLOGUE
Rachel Jenkins was all smiles.
This was her first date with this handsome man she had met on the net. He had been
charming, amusing, romantic and even generous with her and she had great hopes for the
future. As they made their way down the alley behind the old Night Club, Rachel shivered
with cold.
Her date looked at her a smile lifting his handsome face. Would you like my coat, babe?
he asked. Not wanting to sound needy on the first date, Rachel shook her head. You
know, she said, I wasnt all that sure about this blind dating business but this has been a
pleasure. He looked at her, his glasses reflecting the light of the lamp post. The pleasure
has been all mine, Rachel.
She sighed, reflecting happily on what could have been a horrible night. And my friend,
Kayla, told me that you could be a serial killer or a rapist, she teased him. A wry smile
twisted his face, and his eyes suddenly seemed sad. He bent towards her, and her heart
picked up, hammering in her chest, as she thought he would kiss her; but instead, he
whispered to her ears, I am sorry Rachel but I am. Rachel started laughing, what a joker he
was. Out of the blue, her stomach began hurting, a soaring pain spreading all over her
body. Rachel stumbled backwards, and pressed her hand to her stomach. Something
dripped down her fingers and Rachel looked down as horror dawned on her, blood was
gushing from a wound and her beautiful green dress was turning dark red as it ran down
towards the ground.
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She lifted her eyes, frantically, looking at her date; a man she had thought she could have a
future with. He was looking at her, a knifes silvery blade glittering in the night tainted with
her blood. He looked elated but sad at the same time, as if her murder was something that
hurt him but HAD to be done. I am so so sorry, Rachel, he whispered. Rachels eyes
started blurring tears of pain and anger mingled and slid down her cheeks. She staggered
forward and he held her. Vaguely she heard him say, I have to make her know. I have to
show her I care for her. Dont you see Rachel? Dont you?
Then the world became black as Rachel Jenkins fell unconscious in the arms of her
murderer.
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LITTLE CHAPTER 01
Kayla Jones woke up with the sun shining through her open windows. She stretched on her
fluffy bed and looked at the alarm radio next on her night table. Yawning as she got up, she
checked her mobile phone for any message of her best friend Rachel but apparently Rachel
had had a long night. Smiling to herself, she padded towards her bathroom to get ready for
the day.
Afterwards, she went to the kitchen for her breakfast, calling Rachel as she prepared her
tea, the phone kept ringing but Rachel didnt seem to be ready to answer. After the tenth
call directing to the voice mail, Kayla left a message, Hey Rach, where ARE you!!! How did it
go?? Call me as soon as you can!!! OKAY!! Bye! She hung up and sat down to start
breakfasting.
The perks of being self-employed meant that Kayla could choose the hours she received her
patients. Kayla was a psychoanalyst and her patients knew she was always there for them
which could explain their tendencies to call at all hours of the day, within practicing hours
and beyond. However, Kayla adored her job and even her patients with their troubled
minds.
After breakfast, Kayla checked her day planner and found out that she had only a few
appointments for the day. She sighed happily as she closed the door behind her, and
jumped into her car.
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Her office was in the city center and Kayla was always proud when she saw the plaque
reading, Dr. Kayla Jones, PhD in Psychology. It was true that her practice had been open
for a few years but still she had a loyal clientele. She opened the door and Josie, her
secretary, was already there putting the office in order.
The day went by quickly, Mrs. Barton with her nymphomania, young James with his
kleptomania, the Gregory couple, always bickering and quarreling and always needing
counseling. Kayla, meanwhile, was getting more and more anxious as her intermittent calls
to Rachel seemed to automatically divert on voice mail. Finally, at four, she switched off her
computer, where she usually noted all the transcripts of her sessions and started getting
ready to leave; one ear on the phone and the other listening for Rachels voice in the
waiting room.
To most people, Rachels absence would have been considered normal but Kayla and Rachel
had been friends since second grade. They had been friends all their lives and Rachel would
have called Kayla as soon as she got home or even surprised her for lunch. They were close,
as close as two sisters could be and Kayla couldnt stop having a hunch that Rachels
unresponsiveness was due to that blind date she had gone to. Kayla hung up once again as
she heard Rachels usual chirpy voicemail but she was now more than worried. Maybe she
should get home and then head to Rachels apartment to check on her or maybe she should
go to Rachels first and calm herself.
Bidding goodbye to Josie, she walked quickly to her car and started driving towards The Bay
Hill Apartmentblocks. The sun was still high up in the sky, heating the pavement on this
warm summer day and Kayla could see children playing around. Rachels apartment was on
the fifth floor and as Kayla parked her little Mini, she glanced up, expecting to see the
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curtains drawn apart and the windows wide open to let the breeze come in. Instead, the
apartment looked gloomy and dull; its blue velvety curtains unmoving behind the closed
windows.
Still, nothing came from inaction. Kayla climbed out of the car, went to the apartments
front door and pressed the doorbell to Rachels apartment; she heard the buzz and waited
near the intercom to hear Rachels voice but still no response.
Rachel was not home.
All Kayla wanted to do was go to the police. She knew that something terrible had
happened. It was there at the back of her mind, a sixth sense just like when she had known
that her parents had had a car accident hours before the police had called to her place to
inform her Granny Jane. However, Kayla was also logical, she knew how the wiring of the
police worked; they would not listen to her until twenty-four hours had passed and it had
only been a rough eighteen hours since she had last spoken to Rachel.
Kayla inhaled deeply and returned to her car, all she had to do was wait and if she had no
answer then she would alert the police. The drive home was for Kayla mixed with emotions,
her fear overwhelming her anger; hope that Rachel was fine and just having fun mixed with
anxiousness. She reached her home parking her car in the alley. She locked her car and got
out, her shoulders heavy with weariness as she approached her front door, she noticed a
white box on the front steps.
Hope started building inside of her; maybe Rachel had dropped this gift for her. Rachel
could be okay. Her heels clicked on the stone pave as she reached the box. On top of the
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box was a card. It was a small card that contained only one word: Rachel. Am gonna kill
her, Kayla muttered under her breath as she felt all her anxiousness of the day fade away.
Lifting the box, in her hands, she dug her keys out of her handbag and opened the door.
Kayla kicked off her shoes in the hall and went to her living room, she dropped her handbag
on the settee and lowered herself on another sofa and opened the boxs lid. As she looked
inside the box, her fingers numbed and the lid slid out of her hand. Kayla scrambled off the
sofa as the box fell down with a thump.
Inside the box staring straight at her was a heart.
Kayla felt her throat closing up, as she started to panic. Then she calmed herself, this was
someones sick idea of a joke. As she looked besides the heart, she saw a card lying next to
it. Dexterously, she managed to take the card out of the box, without touching the fake
heart. It was one of these cheesy love cards, you saw in the supermarket, with glittery
hearts and I love you scattered all over them. She opened the card and inside she saw
printed paper glued on. It read;
This heart beats for you,
This heart lingers for you.
I have waited for so long for my heart to beat again
I have waited for so long to breathe again
Now I have found you, I will do everything to keep you
I HEART you
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Kayla frowned as she read the card and turned it over to see if there was another signature
on it. She felt sure this couldnt be Rachel but could not figure why it bore her name. She
took the lid from the floor, threw the card inside and covered the box. Putting her shoes
back on she went to dump the box out in the garbage bin. She went inside once more,
locking the door behind her and tried once more to call Rachel. Getting no answer, she left
another hopeful message and went for a quick shower to relax her.
As she finished her shower, she changed into comfortable clothes and wandered to her
living room where she switched on her T.V still trying to call Rachel. The news flash intro
appeared on the screen and while Kayla mumbled to her phone, her eyes widened with
shock. She picked up the remote and increased the volume, a shot of Rachels face hovered
on the screen.
Except it was not really the Rachel Kayla knew. This face was white with huge dark shadows
surrounding the eyes; the lips were tight as if in pain and a pale shade of purple. Kaylas
eyes strained on the screen as the news person announced that this body had been
retrieved from the Hudson River. All that could be said was that the body was naked and
found floating on the river by a group of people who had been jogging by. The number of
the local police station appeared for anyone who knew or recognized the victim to call.
Kaylas breathing was labored. She was finding it hard to breathe. Slowly, she closed her
eyes but Rachels face swept behind her lids superimposing images of the inanimate face
she had seen with the vibrant cheerful face of the living Rachel.
This could not be true. Rachel could not be dead and the only way to find out was to call
the police station. She picked up her mobile phone where it laid and started inserting the
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number with trembling fingers. As she heard the phone ring, she blinked away tears. A
woman answered, Bay Hill Police Station, how may I helpyou? Kayla started talking with
a shaky voice but then cleared her throat. Hello, I am Kayla Jones calling concerning the
body found at the, she gulped; she couldnt contain her pain and fear anymore and her
voice cracked, Hudson River. Hold on a sec, I will direct your call to the person in charge,
thank you, the woman told her, putting on hold. Kayla nervously tapped the cushion
beside her on the sofa as she listened to the waiting tone on the phone.
Hello Detective Kane, how may I help you? Kayla realized there was someone on the
phone and she had been too lost in thoughts to reply. She quickly managed, Yes, I am
Kayla Jones; I am calling concerning the body of Hudson River, I I believe it may be may
be my friend Rachel. Tears were swimming in her eyes, as she realized that it was
probably Rachel. The officer stayed silent for a few seconds, giving her the time to calm
herself or maybe to think. She could hear his breath on the other side of the phone and
then he talked, Well Miss Jones, I would like you to come to the police station to identify
the corpse and give us a statement on why you think this could be your friend.
Agreeing to reach the police station as quickly as possible, Rachel hung up and stood dizzy
from the emotions that were bombarding her. A strange numbness overcame her. It was
the same thing as coming home from school to see Granny Jane sitting on a stool near the
kitchen counter crying as she announced the death of her only daughter. This was not her
life, this was someone else living the most horrifying moment of their existence. She went
hazily to her room, changed into casual jeans and a top, made her hair and face, slipped into
flip-flops and grabbed her handbag and keys. As she locked the door of her house, she
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glanced towards the garbage bin; she almost averted her eyes but remembered the card
with Rachels name on it and the heart in it.
As if an automaton, she went to retrieve the box and came back to calmly deposit it in front
of her door. She then got into her car and started backing out. Driving to the police station
was just the same as driving to work, Kayla felt calm in fact it seemed as if she wasnt feeling
at all. Her mind was blank and even if thoughts fluttered by she pushed them away. This
was not her life. This was happening to someone else, that was all that mattered to her,
and she believed it until she reached the Bay Hill Police Station.
Parking in front of the large brick building, she stepped out grabbing her handbag and
putting her keys in her pocket. She closed the car door behind her and climbed up the
stairs. Her heart started beating violently against her chest and she could feel all the panic
she had locked away returning with a force. Yet, she continued as calmly as she could.
Reaching the reception desk, she asked the woman, probably the same one she had talked
to on the phone, she thought, if she could see Detective Kane. The officer probably
recognizing the fear and anxiousness in her eyes, just showed her a chair and told her to
wait. Kayla sat down, clenching her hands on her lap as she assessed her surroundings.
Everything was better than thinking of the body in the morgue, the body that could be that
of her best friend; her sister.
She was so lost in her thoughts, she didnt hear the harrumphing and it was only when a
hand touched her shoulder and she jumped that she realized that someone had been calling
her name for the last few minutes. Miss Jones, I presume? she nodded I am Detective
Marcus Kane; I believe we have talked on the phone? Once again Kayla nodded. She didnt
feel ready to talk yet and the Detective seemed to understand this as he continued
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speaking, You must understand that before we bring you to the morgue we must
understand the reasons why you believe this may be your friend. Follow me to my office,
please. He turned as Kayla got up and started following him inside the police station
towards an office with glass panels and metallic blinds. He opened the door and let her go
inside before him. Then he closed the door and shut the blinds facing the work area of the
other officers.
After she sat down on a chair, he seated himself in his big chair behind his desk and stared
at her. So Miss Jones, what leads you to believe that the person we have found is Rachel
Jenkins. Kayla remained silent for a few seconds and then words started flooding from her
mouth. Well you see, Detective Kane, she said, my friend Rachel was on a date yesterday
night and I have not been able to reach her since this morning. I called and called but it
always reaches her voicemail and then I went to her apartment and the windows were
closed and I know, I just know something has happened to her. She is my best friend and
we always call each other at any time of the day and when we are busy, we text each other.
I know that its her body you found. This This man mustmust have killed her. Oh my
god!!! Why did I let her go on that date, I should have said it was a bad idea I should have
insisted. This is all my fault Rachel is dead and I am I am the one to be blamed!!! Tears
were streaming down her face, splattering on her top as she sniffled and rambled on.
Detective Kane looked at her, his grey eyes intently focused on the tears sliding down her
cheeks. He opened the drawer of his desk and took out a box of tissue paper to offer her.
She grabbed one and started dabbing her face. He spoke only when she looked calm
enough, I understand, Miss Jones that this may be hard on you, but I will have to a sk you
questions to which I expect calm and direct answers. Only then will I be able to show you
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the body. Do we understand each other? Kayla nodded and then Detective Kane started
asking her questions from the date of birth of Rachel to her height and to her profession.
He asked her once more to relate the events of the day until the broadcasting of the picture
on the television.
Once he seemed satisfied with her answer, he stood up and motioned to her to do the
same. Now, I think you are ready to see the corpse. And Kayla realized that all those
questions had been to calm her and help her focus on the task ahead. He opened the door
and she got out gingerly past him. He stepped forward turned to his right, Kayla realized it
was a corridor that would probably lead to the morgue. She started following him as they
made their way deep inside the Bay Hill Police Station. At the end of the corridor, he turned
towards stairs and started going down, once more she followed him in silence. They
reached the last floor of the building; its white tiles gleamed under the harsh light of bright
light bulbs. They reached a small office, where a wooden plaque simply mentioning
Medical Examiner was tagged on the white door. The Detective Kane knocked and
entered the office where a little mousy man was sitting.
Tom, I need to access the morgue. We have a possible identification for the Jane Doe found
this morning. The little mousy man got up quickly; his balding hair surrounded by a few
blond hair glistened with the overhead lights. Yes, Detective Kane, he answered, if you
would please sign the form and the lady too, I will let you in. Kaylas heart was frantic as
her hand trembled; she signed the form and passed it to the Detective. Then Tom buzzed
them in and a metallic door slid open next to his office. Both she and Det. Kane got out of
the office but Tom preceded them as he pulled on a white overall coat.
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Inside the temperature was cool enough to keep the corpses from decomposing. Kaylas
steps faltered; she couldnt do this. She started to turn around but the Detective Kane
pressed his hand to her back, urging her forward. She inhaled deeply and followed Tom the
coroner as he moved inside the morgue. He finally reached the end of the room. The
metallic drawers seemed to shine with excitement as she approached. Here, said Tom in a
squeaky voice, we keep our fresh bods, here. She looked at him with disgust, the way he
seemed to speak of those bodies horrifying her. Detective Kane went on the other side of
the drawer and looked at her, are you ready, he wanted to know. She never would be
ready, all her instincts were pressing her to turn around and run but she was twenty-eight,
she had to act maturely. So she nodded.
Tom began pulling the drawer towards him, a pair of feet appeared with a tag stating Jane
Doe 10 on it. The feet seemed bluish and as he continued pulling, a white cover appeared.
Arms that seemed bruised followed and then the drawer was open and Kayla looked at the
face.
It was her.
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--------------------------------********-----------------------------------------------
LITTLE CHAPTER 02
Rachel, Kayla whispered. Her hand started lifting towards the face of her best friend, but
she retracted. She gulped painfully and looked at the Detective. It is her, my friend Rachel
Jenkins. Kaylas world seemed upside down. How could this be possible? Rachel gone?
Dead? Probably murdered?
The detective nodded towards Tom and the latter started pushing the drawer. Wait!
Kayla shouted. The coroner stopped, pulling the drawer open again. Kayla caressed
Rachels cheek, it was cold to touch, she looked at her palm where the scar of their
friendship oath was ever present, she pressed her own palm to it, without realizing it, she
was blinking tears back. As she was turning to leave, she noted a neat incision on her torso.
She froze. What is this? she asked horrified, Has an autopsy already been done? I
thought they just found the body! She looked up and saw a silent exchange between Tom
the Coroner and Marcus Kane, the police detective. Tom slammed the drawer shut and
Detective Kane led her out of the morgue.
Kayla didnt want to leave now, she wanted answers. But she knew that even if she
demanded them now, she would get no answers. So she followed the detective once more
as he made the way to his office. Once she was inside the office and he had shut the door
behind them, she demanded, What the hell was this about? What are you hiding?
Marcus Kane, a man with years of experience didnt want to answer her, it was confidential
information but he also knew that by the same time tomorrow, the press would have
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already learned what was being hidden. He had seen the pain in this womans eyes at the
loss of her friend and he didnt want to add more pain to her, but he also knew she wouldnt
leave him. Miss Jones, please sit, he asked politely. When she refused, he started to pace
the room, I am going to tell you information that has not yet been released, he told her.
He paused and saw that she was listening intently. The body that was found has two
wounds, he saw her flinch but she continued to look at him. One was a brutal wound to
the stomach, which is the cause of death because she lost blood in enormous quantity but
the second was a clinical incision. He hesitated but she had wanted to know, Her heart is
missing.
Kayla paled and started swaying; Detective Kane immediately brought her to a chair and sat
her down. He was going to offer her a cup of water when the door opened and his partner,
Jacob Felton came in, hey Marc, he said then stopped abruptly as he saw Kayla sitting on a
chair looking livid. Am I interrupting something? he asked No, not all, Jacob. Please let
me introduce you to Miss Kayla Jones. She is here concerning the Jane Doe. Jacob nodded
and came to stand next to Marcus Kane. Kayla looked at him faintly, her mind was a mess.
All she could think of was Her heart is missing. Her heart is missing and that thought was
going around in a loop inside her head.
Unexpectedly, the heart in the white box flashed through her mind. The heart, she
murmured to herself. Detective Kane peered at her, What did you say Miss Jones. Kayla
looked at him and blinked, she opened her mouth to speak again but suddenly she was
gasping for breath as a panic attack hit her hard. Her breath coming in short spurts as she
desperately tried to calm herself down. Her brain was freezing; it could not process
anything except the cold numbness of her hands and feet as she found herself immobile and
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out of breath. A paper bag was brought to her lips and she heard the voice of the Detective
Kane speaking at her ear; Breathe slowly, focus on your breath. Gradually, she managed
to stabilize her breath and move her hands, clasping them together. It had been a long time
since she had suffered a panic attack but it still left her feeling shaky inside.
She closed her eyes, pressed them shut. She exhaled deeply and without opening her eyes,
she whispered, A heart a heart was hmm delivered to to my house She opened her
eyes; both detectives were looking at her intently. I I believe It may be Rachels
Rachels heart.
Marcus Kane shook his head, and looked more closely at Kayla Jones. What exactly do you
mean, Miss Jones? He asked Do you mean that all this time we were talking to each other
while I was taking your statement, there is a heart sitting in your house?? Anger
overwhelmed him, but she looked at him, her brown eyes flashing angrily, Do you think,
DETECTIVE KANE, that I gave a damn I thought it was a sick joke I was worried about my
friend The same friend, who, is at present lying dead in your morgue. She stood up
shakily from the chair.
Jacob came in, sensing that there a fight was in the making. I understand, Miss Jones that
in the situation you were in that probably the heart was not at the top of your mind. I am
Detective Jacob Felton; I am working with Detective Kane here concerning the case of your
friend, as I understand. Now tell us, please about the heart. Exactly what do you mean by
delivered? Did someone present it to you?
Rachel glanced at both men, Detective Kane with his chocolate skin and intriguing grey eyes
and Detective Felton, with the pale blond hair and the green eyes. Both men were looking
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at her and she turned to Detective Felton, who seemed to be more understanding. I came
home, she said, from Rachels apartment, and the box was lying on my steps leading to my
front door with a small card bearing Rachels name on it. I brought it inside the house and
when I opened it, I I saw the hmm heart in it. There was a card, with a poem in it, printed
words glued to the cards blank page. I went to dump it in the garbage bin. Both men
seemed to still and gasp with surprise, she continued, But when I saw saw the news, I
called you, Detective Kane and when I was going out, I dont know why, I took the box and
put it on my front steps again.
Miss Jones, said Detective Kane, I apologize for my burst of anger but you understand
surely that this took me by surprise. However, I would like you to drive us to your home with
a team of our forensic laboratory. Kayla was rigid with anger; it surpassed her pain at the
loss of Rachel. Someone had killed Rachel and sickly sent her heart at home, she would find
him and make him pay.
Detective Felton touched her hands, she looked at him surprised, Anger wont help here,
Miss Jones, he told her, I know you want to make the murderer pay but you must
understand that you have to let the police do their job. You cant solve this. Kayla listened
but didnt really care, Rachel after all was dead. She opened the door and turned to the two
detectives, If you would please follow me home, gentlemen, there is a heart waiting for
you.
The drive home was tense. Detective Felton sat besides Kayla in her car while Detective
Kane followed in his car. Kayla was gripping the steering wheel so hard, that her knuckles
whitened. Behind them, following, was a van from the forensic laboratory with scientific
experts. As she reached, her home, Kayla parked her car in her alley and got out followed
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by Detective Felton. Miss Jones, he told her, I think it may be best for you to stay here
while they do their jobs. But Kayla was not listening; she was walking towards the white
box.
That white box that probably contained her best friends heart.
Marcus Kane scowled as he saw Kayla approaching the evidence zone; he moved forward
blocking her way. Miss Jones, he growled, I dont think that you should be here. Kayla
looked at him coldly, I dont think, Detective Kane that you know where I should or should
not be. This is my home and this heart probably belongs to my friend. I know that the
scene in your office may have led you to believe that I am overly emotive but this is not the
case. I have a Masters in Criminal Psychology as well as a Masters in Psychoanalysis. If there
is someone who could help on this case, it should be me. Kayla assured him calmly.
While they had been speaking, the forensic experts were doing a series of tests using UV
lights and doing their best to gather evidence. Kayla went to stand a few feet from them
and when the heart was lifted out of the box, she felt nauseous but stood her ground, as she
felt the eyes of Detective Kane challenging her to be weak. She pressed her teeth in her
lower lip as she listened to what was being said.
Detectives, please, said the head of the forensic laboratory. Both Detectives approached
and Kayla eased forward to hear more. As far as we can see, he was saying, there are no
finger prints or a residue of skin but this does not mean that we cannot find evidence.
Moreover, we have tested the heart for chemicals, and it has reacted positively to chlorine.
Whoever, committed this crime, he winced, knows that chlorine can remove visible traces
of fingerprints and any other trail we can get will take more time.
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Kayla went past the forensic examiners and opened the door to her home. Marcus Kane
followed her as she entered; she went to the living and sat on the couch. He stood by the
corridor, feeling sad for this woman who annoyed him. A few minutes later, Jacob Felton
came through the open door to stand by him. They exchanged a silent conversation, while
Kayla sat there, her hands clenched on her knees.
Detective Felton approached her and harrumphed, Miss Jones, we think that in the present
situation, it may be dangerous for you to stay here. If the murderer knows where you live,
and has already tried a direct approach to you, who knows what he can do to hurt you. We
wish you to go and maybe spend a day or two at a relatives place or maybe a friend?
Kayla shook her head, when she lifted her head to look at Detective Felton, her eyes were
red from blinking back tears, No, Detective Felton, she whispered, am all alone. I have no
family and I dont want to endanger my friends by living with them, even for a few days.
She sighed. I think, I must be calling her family, theythey are on holidays at her brothers.
Oh my God, what will I tell them, she started sobbing and the two men looked on
uncomfortable. Jacob bent down and pressed her hand, Dont worry, Miss Jones, we will
find the culprit. But since you dont want to leave your home, we will have surveillance on
you during the evenings, is that okay with you?
Kayla nodded feebly. She got up and glanced in Detective Kanes direction; he looked
uncomfortable and was shifting from one foot to the other. Yes, she replied, its okay. And
Detective Kane am sorry for being rude to you, she apologized. I may have gotten caught
up. She smiled wryly. He nodded it off and turned towards the doorway, muttering
goodbye under his breath. Then he was outside discussing with the forensic experts.
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Detective Felton hovered over, looking at her worriedly. Kayla managed a little smile, Ill
be alright, Detective, dont dont worry.
He waved her goodbye and strode out of the home, closing the door behind him. Kayla
went to the living rooms window, shifting the curtain a little to see what was going on
outside. The men were already wrapping up the box, putting it in a cooler box and a police
car was parked on the opposite of the street. Detective Kane looked up from his discussion
with Detective Felton, his grey eyes sharp on her and she let the curtain drop back down.
She went to her little bathroom on the first floor and washed her face with cold water;
behind her closed eye lids, Rachels face appeared as she had been in the morgue: Cold and
Pale. Kayla reached for the towel and wiped the cold droplets from her face. She was
already planning what she was going to do; first, call Rachels family and then, she would
find the murderer.
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LITTLE CHAPTER 03
Calling Rachels family was the hardest thing Kayla ever did. Kaylas hand was trembling so
much that she wrongly dialed the number three times. On the fourth try, Mrs. Jenkins
answered cheerfully as she recognized Kaylas number. Kayla, however, could not find the
words to announce that Rachel was dead. She tattered and stammered but finally she
found the courage to say the words, she knew would change the Jenkins family forever.
Rachel is dead.
The world seemed to still, Mrs. Jenkins stuttered on the phone but when she heard Kaylas
sob on the other side of the line, she emitted a piercing cry, Kayla heard between her sobs,
the phone thump on the ground and heard more voices and footsteps approaching quickly
towards Mrs. Jenkins, her hand was grabbing the phone strongly because she knew that if
she weakened her hold, it would slip.
Rachel heard Mrs. Jenkins sobbing, she heard Mr. Jenkins voice in the distance, and
suddenly someone was speaking to her. She recognized Ryan Jenkins voice. He was
demanding, his voice hoarse, to know if this was their idea of a prank and what had
happened but Kayla was unable to reply, she started crying harder and his voice broke while
he told her that they would be coming as soon as they could book a flight. He hung up and
Kayla continued holding the phone in her hand, crying.
That night, Kayla went to bed on an empty stomach, her insides felt twisted in knots and she
felt cold. She slid underneath her covers, staring at the darkened ceiling; memories
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surfaced from her times with Rachel. Their first meeting, their first fight, their blood oath
on the full moon, their first double date and all the events both happy and sad they had
been through, when Kaylas parents had died, when Rachels dog had to be euthanized and
even Granny Janes illness and death; Rachel had always been there and now she was truly
alone.
Kayla fell asleep without realizing it, her breathing slowed down and her hands unclenched
on the covers. She turned on her side and started dreaming.
In her dream, she was twelve again, the same age she had been when her parents had died.
She was wearing her birthday dress and sitting on the grass. Ants were climbing over the
birthday cake on the picnic table, but she didnt mind, she had no one to share her cake
with. Her mom and dad were gone. Kayla heard the grass rustling but sat there motionless,
her gaze fixed in front of her. Someone sat next to her; she turned her head and saw an
adult Rachel looking at her.
She looked just the way she had when Kayla had seen her, the day before, her hair curly
blond, her hazel eyes crinkled with a smile and that beautiful baby pink dress, she had
twirled in. They sat together, side by side, for a long time, the twelve year old girl and the
twenty-eight year old woman. Kayla looked at her, her heart aching, her throat closing up,
swelling with emotions. I am sorry, she murmured. Her voice sounded childish to her, she
frowned, I really am sorry, Rach.
Rachels face contorted, it became white, her lips purple and her teeth already decaying,
YOU YOU KILLED ME and she lunged at Kayla with rage. Kayla screamed and suddenly
she was awake, panting and gasping for air.
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Her heart beating frantically against her chest, and blood pounding to her ears, Kayla tried
to calm down. Still panting, she glanced at her radio clock, it was already six in the morning
but she still felt tired. She got out of bed, put on her robe and wandered down the stairs.
Rachels face haunted her. She kept seeing it as it had been in her dream, pale and angry. It
was all clear to her: Rachel had died because of her. She should have been more persuasive
and should have tried harder to stop her from going to that blind date. She had seen the
dangers of blind dating and internet dating.
It was all her fault.
She went to the living room, drawing the curtain a little back and there was the police car on
the other side of the road. She let the curtain fall back and returned to her room where she
chose clothes for the day ahead before her shower. Kayla entered her bathroom and
started to shower, under the hot steamy water, she managed to arrange her thoughts, calm
herself and prepare her plan of attack. She would check Rachels apartment and log onto
the website where Rachel met that mysterious man, PHOENIX01; she would find him and
confront him.
She got out of the shower, feeling calmer and more focused. She dressed up and went in
her room to call Josie. She asked her to reschedule the appointments for the whole week
and then take the week off. She went downstairs and made some coffee and some toasts
for breakfast. As she was finishing her toast, there was a knock on her door. She stopped
eating, putting the leftover piece of toast on her plate and pushing her feet in her slippers.
She peered through the looking hole and saw a police officer scowling at her. She prudently
opened the door, and then she saw Ryan Jenkins standing next to him.
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Ryan Jenkins was an older version of Rachel; he had the same curly blond hair, the same
hazel eyes, and always a ready smile for everyone. Kayla had had a crush on him when they
were teenagers and Rachel had loved to tease her about it. But now, Ryan seemed to have
aged of twenty years. His face looked withdrawn and haggard, his eyes wild and bloodshot
at the same time. Ryan, Kayla whispered. The police officer let go of his arm and nodded
to her while turning back and going to his car.
Kayla opened the door widely and stepped aside to let Ryan come in, he seemed unsure and
remained in front of the door. Kayla, his voice hoarse and broken, what what happened
toto Rachel? Kayla shut her eyes to find the words; nothing seemed to be able to ease
the pain away. So, she motioned him inside once more, this time he followed her; his
clothes seemed rumpled and creased, probably from the flight. Mom and dad, they they
are at home, he said. Kayla only nodded, she showed him to the living room but he stood
there, Please Please Kayla, dont dont make this dont prolong this anymore... Tell me
what happened to my sister!
Kayla stood still, fixing him with her brown eyes shimmering with unshed tears. Seeing that
she was not replying to him, he shouted at her, DAMMIT KAYLA WHAT THE FUCK!!! Kayla
flinched, her eyes widening, he immediately started excusing himself, but Kayla lifted her
hand to stop him, taking a deep breath, she told him the simple facts, about Rachel being
murdered, about her being found in the Hudson River and the fact that her heart was
dropped by her place. With every word she said, Ryan became paler and paler until he was
green, he dropped on the couch, his hands tightening into fists. That sick bastard, I will kill
him!!! I will FIND HIM AND KILL HIM!!! He screamed. Then he started crying, loud sobs
breaking Kaylas already broken heart.
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Who, he asked, who can do that to a sweet girl like Rachel? What sick bastard can kill a
woman like that? Kayla shook her head, she had no answer either. Once Ryan calmed
down, Kayla offered him a cup of coffee, and sat down to drink another one herself. I need
to speak to those detectives you told me about, Ryan said, his voice gruff, I want to find
that man who did this myself and then Kayla stopped him, she argued wit h him telling
him that he had a family to think about and that he should not do anything irrational that
would bring more pain to his family and finally Ryan agreed.
They set off for the Bay Hill Police Station, in their cars; Ryan would be finalizing the funeral
arrangements while Kayla wanted to drop by Rachels apartment. Ryan strode into the
police station and demanded to meet Detectives Kane and Felton. Only Detective Felton
came to meet them, he informed them that the Detective Kane was out on business and
that he would deal with their issues. Ryan Jenkins wanted information, he wanted to know
what was going on and if they had any trails. He was so loud in his demands that the Police
Chief came out of his own office to check what was happening. Kayla chose that precise
moment to ask him directly if she could be part of the investigation.
She spoke so calmly and logically that the Chief Kervrat told her that he would think about
it. Meanwhile, Ryan had already signed papers so that the body should be released to him
and his family for the funeral, once the autopsy was done. They were still discussing when
Detective Marcus Kane arrived striding angry through the police station followed by a team
of forensic experts. He stopped short when he saw Kayla and Ryan, Miss Jones, he said
angrily, would you mind telling me if you have been to Miss Jenkins place yesterday? Kayla
gasped in shock, I would never, she replied to him.
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He passed his fingers through his frizzy hair, scowling at them, someone has been to Miss
Jenkins place, and her laptop was rebooted, cleaning it blank. It has to be someone who
had the key to her place. We only asked for the key yesterday night, damnit!
Kayla was shocked; the murderer knew where Rachel lived!
Werent there fingerprints or anything, she asked softly. Detective Kane looked at her
angrily, Miss Jones, you may think we are incompetent but we do know our jobs. Kayla
shrugged and turned to look at Ryan, he looked shell-shocked. Kayla understood how he
felt but still felt angry at being accused of tampering with proofs. Detective Felton
intervened, we will do everything to find the culprit, Mr. Jenkins. He will be behind bars
soon. Trust us. Ryan Jenkins sighed angrily but as he could not do anything except believe
them, he nodded and held Kaylas arm, while they made their way out of the police station.
Marcus Kane noticed a slight tension in Jacobs shoulders but it went away so quickly that
Marcus wondered if he had not been dreaming.
*****
After leaving Ryan to his car, Kayla got into hers and started driving towards Rachels
apartment. Rachel had given her a double of her key in case she lost hers and now it
seemed to weigh in the pocket of her jeans, where she had put it that morning. She seemed
to reach the apartment quickly and soon enough she was parking in front of the building.
The caretaker was sweeping the front steps, and when she saw Kayla coming up, she smiled
sadly and shook her head, what a horrible thing, Miss Kayla, my heart is wrenched, she
said. Kayla gave her a sad smile of her own and informed her that she would be going
upstairs.
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Kayla climbed the few staircases leading to Rachels apartment, her heart was thumping
rapidly. She stared at the door, half expecting Rachel to open it and laugh at her but the
door remained close. She inserted the key and turned the handle. The door opened with a
small creak and Kayla stepped inside.
Rachels apartment felt empty. The air was thick and as Kaylas gaze wandered around, she
could see things that had been moved and touched. Too late she realized that the police
had probably taken the laptop with them to try and connect to the backup system. Yet, she
walked in, her eyes fell on a photo frame of her and Rachel on their graduation. She had
gone to become a psychologist and Rachel a Head Manager of a company. Memories
whirled inside her head, sucking the very breath out of her.
Steadying herself, she walked towards the bedroom, her fingers touching the counter table
of the kitchenette, her eyes looking at the still curtains. Rachels bed was unmade, one
maddening habit she had. Kayla wandered back in the living room, and sat on the couch
doing nothing, for hours she just sat. Tears were running down her cheeks, sobs coming
from her lips. Her heart ached, her life felt empty just like that apartment. The life had
been taken away from it. She was alone just as it was.
Finally, unable to endure it anymore, she stood up. Glancing one last time at the place, she
went out the door and closed it behind her. She ran to her car, not looking back and started
to drive. She didnt know where she was going; all that mattered was escaping from there.
All was lost. All was gone now.
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LITTLE CHAPTER 04
One week later
One week later, Rachels body was released from the morgue. Her parents and Ryan went
to retrieve it. The news of her death had made front page:
GRUESOME MURDER: RACHEL MARIANA JENKINS FOUND DEAD IN HUDSON RIVER, WHAT
IS THE POLICE DOING?
Having seen the headlines, Kayla threw it away, enraged that the death of someone could
be used to make profit.
Rachels funeral was on a Sunday. The sun shone and rain drizzled, creating a rainbow just
above her casket. All her family was present; her friends, her colleagues, all those who had
met and known the cheerful Rachel Jenkins. There were also by-standers, curious to see the
body of the Hudson River and also the journalists. Kayla stood next to Mrs. Jenkins, holding
her arm, supporting her. Her brown hair shone in the sun and was glistening with raindrops.
Mrs. Jenkins shook, her grief overcoming the need to say a last goodbye. Her baby was
being buried before her and her husband. Right now, all she wanted was to take Rachels
place. She looked at Kayla standing rigid besides her, gripping her arm and hated her. She
wanted her dead instead of her daughter and then shocked by those thoughts she started
crying again, harsh sobs making her shudder. She still saw her baby girl; as she had been
made up, her curly hair brushed and make-up applied to her, it had seemed as if she was
only sleeping. Her soft white lace dress made her look like a porcelain doll and Mrs. Jenkins
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remembered how she had been when she was a baby, all curly hair and hazel eyes. And
now, now she was dead.
Rachels casket was closed now. In the funeral home, they had been able to hide the smell
of decomposition for a while but now, they had had to seal the coffin. The priest was saying
the final words of the prayer and the casket was slowly being put to the ground. Mrs.
Jenkins started twitching, her baby!!! They were taking her baby away from her. She started
forward, loosening Kaylas hand around her arm, only to be pulled backwards and colliding
with the chest of her husband. She started to scream, Leave me, Robert!!! Leave me!!! My
baby, my little doll ROBERT!!! But he did not let go, his grip tightened, she felt his heart
beating rapidly, and she sagged in his arms, crying with him, crying for him. He still held her,
when they went to the coffin and threw roses for her.
Kayla stood there, blinking back the tears, feeling them tumble down anyway. She felt cold.
The rain was freezing her, it felt good. She was numb to pain. Her heart ached for Mr. and
Mrs. Jenkins, they had lost their only daughter and she knew what it felt to lose a relative.
No matter how hard you tried, you could never be the same again. You may laugh, you may
act as if everything was okay but it wasnt; nothing was okay, nothing would ever be okay.
Kayla went to the Jenkins home only because it was necessary but as soon as she felt that
she had paid her dues, she went back to her place. All through the week, she had been
plagued by nightmares. In all of them, Rachel was accusing her of being a murderer and she
woke up weeping every day. Today had been worse; she should have been in Rachels
place. No one would have cried her maybe Rachel but Rachel still had people who cared for
her.
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Kayla opened the door to her home and dropped her little handbag on the coffee table. She
went to the living room, leaving the whole room dark and sat on the couch. Her eyelids
started feeling heavy and she was leaning back towards the couchs back when the door
knocked making her jump. Hand on her chest, Kayla let out a hysterical laugh before getting
up on the second knock.
Making her way through the dark room, she looked in the front doors peeping ho le;
Detective Jacob Felton was standing there. She hesitated for a second, and then lit up the
wall lamp, its harsh brightness hurt her eyes as she opened the door. Detective Felton, she
said, what brings you here? The Detective looked embarrassed, he smiled wryly at her,
Miss Jones, well I know that hmm today was your friends funeral I wanted to see if
you would like some company?
Kayla was surprised, well Detective I really wanted to be alone as a fact But how
how did you know I was here? At home, I mean?She asked. Detective Felton blushed
lightly, I went to the Jenkins to pay my respects and when I didnt see you there, I figured
you would be at your place because, I know that you you would want to be alone to, you
know, cope with the loss. Realizing that she was rude, she let him enter. He stepped
inside, and stood by the front door looking hesitant. Would you like a cup of coffee or tea,
she asked him, I am grateful that you thought of me. He nodded and asked for coffee.
Leading him to the living room, she asked him to sit down while she went to the kitchen and
busied herself preparing the coffee. A short while later; she laid down a tray with steaming
hot coffee on the coffee table. She sat on the opposite couch, unsure how to talk to him
and he seemed just as anxious. Detective Felton, I really am thankful for your
thoughtfulness. He smiled at her, his green eyes lighting up, Please Miss Jones, call me
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Jacob, I am off-duty right now, he told her. Then, Jacob, thank you again and please do
call me Kayla.
Jacob straightened from the couch and picked up a cup of coffee. I I know how you feel,
Kayla, he told her while adding sugar to his coffee. Kaylas eyebrow arched in surprise,
yes, he continued, sipping the burning liquid, his eyes shot close and he inhaled, my wife
and unborn child were they were...murdered, back when when I was a cop in Grey Edge
city. Kayla gasped at him, sympathy and pain twisted her heart. She edged forward to
press his hand but stopped midway. He opened his eyes and they seemed darker, filled
with emotions. I am so sorry, she whispered to him. He shrugged, it doesnt matter
now, but I know how you feel. Also, am sorry, that Chief Kervrat didnt make you part of the
team but its for the best.
Kayla nodded sadly, she wouldnt be able to help find Rachels murderer but she hoped the
police would be able to. Its time to move on, isnt it? She asked. Am a bit of a mess,
detec sorry Jacob. He put down his cup of coffee, and moved forward, catching hold of
her hand, Dont be, Kayla. It takes time to overcome grief but you can you have to its
the only way to survive in this world. She smiled wobbly, fighting back the tears, she had
to be strong now. She had to move on.
Kayla and Jacob spent some time talking to each other about nothing much, just keeping
each other company. Then Jacob got up and told her that he had to leave. But, dont
worry, he smiled at her, am sure youre gonna be okay now. And truly, she did feel better,
the pain was still here as was the grief but it felt lighter somehow. She said goodbye, closing
the door behind her and locking it. She went to her room, showered and dressed in her
night clothes and went to sleep and for the first time in two weeks, she didnt dream.
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***************************************************************************
Paola Sanchez was walking the streets of the Garden Avenue. She was a prostitute but it
was not the career, she had dreamt of. When she was little, Paola had wanted to be an
actress but having immigrated illegally in a country where she knew no one; she had met
the wrong people and had started working to be able to survive.
Tonight was a cold night; she was shivering in her used sequin mini-dress. Her hands were
not warm enough but rubbing them on her arms was all she could do. She was thinking
about going back to the filthy room she rented but Kenzo, the one who bullied her, wanted
more money, and she winced as she remembered how angry he could be when he was not
obeyed.
A man approached her, his shoes gleamed under the lamplights, his head was covered with
a hat and he wore a raincoat. He stopped a few meters from her, but Paola knew; it was her
he was waiting for. Her insides clenched and repulsed at what she was about to do; still,
Paola shrugged and dropped her arms to her sides, the man stayed where he was immobile,
staring in front of him. As she walked, her heels clicked on the pavement while she rolled
her hips towards the man.
He turned towards her and smiled. She smiled back, Not bad, she thought, different from
other clients I have. She stopped in front of him, Hi mi amor, she said huskily in her broken
English, looking for someone? He nodded, why I know just the person for you, darling,
she told him. She skimmed her hands over her body and looked at him, Like what you see,
honey? He took a step forward and she felt his heat warming her up to the core. His gloved
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hand lifted to her face, it traced her face, and curved around her neck, pulling her towards
him, he bent to her ear. But I already know what I want, honey, he murmured to her.
Paolos eyes closed of their own volition, he would kiss her, she was sure. Suddenly, she felt
pressure on her throat, unable to breathe; her eyes opened, widening as she started to gasp
for air, her hands trying to beat off the man. The hands of the stranger were around her
throat, pressuring it so that her eyes rolled backwards and Paola stopped to fight against it,
instead she welcomed it.
Death would be a release. She would finally be free.
Kayla OH Kayla, she heard the stranger sigh distantly, everything was fading and her
brain was freezing. Kayla, I love you, she heard him say. Before the darkness fell on her,
Paola Sanchez thought of her mother, her poor dead mother.
Maybe, just maybe, she would be meeting her again.
***************************************************************************
Birds were chirping outside Kaylas window as she rolled on her bed. Yawning widely as she
woke up, she turned to switch off her alarm clock. She got out of bed, sliding her feet in her
slippers. She smiled as she remembered her dream, she and Rachel had been running
around while splashing colors on the wall just as they had done when they had been seven.
It had already been three weeks since Rachels funeral; Kayla was learning to live with it, as
much as it hurt her. Jacob Felton had been of great help to her and she was amazed at how
quickly a friendship had emerged between them. He had shared stories on his wife and the
pranks he used to do to annoy her, and she told him stories about Rachel and herself.
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However, nothing new had been found on the murderer and she desperately wanted them
to find him and make him pay. On the other side, no other murder had been committed
and the police had decided to withdraw the security in front of her home.
Kayla got ready, gobbled her breakfast, grabbed her bag and keys and opened the door. She
was about to step outside when she saw the box lying on her front step. Her heart in her
throat, she approached the box. No no no, she babbled, this cant be happening
no no. Steeling herself, she grabbed the lid and opened it.
This time, another box was inside the box. On top of its lid was another card, sparkling stars
covering it, Kaylas hand trembled, but she took the card in her hand. Straightening up, she
opened the card, inhaling deeply and started to read:
I smell your perfume, the smell of vanilla in the sun
I see your hair, dark brown like ebony;
I see your eyes, the chocolate that melt my heart
I breathe you, I live you;
No love has ever been stronger,
This is my proof
This heart beats for no one else but you,
Those lungs breathe no air except yours,
I HEART you
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Almost cruelly, she lifted the lid of the smaller box, but when she saw what was inside she
started screaming. She screamed and screamed, until her neighbors ran out of their homes
to see what was happening. Her next door neighbor, Mr. Colleton, rushed to her but
stopped abruptly as he saw what was in the box. He blanched and nearly lost his balance.
There, lying inside the box was a heart and a pair of lungs.
Kayla continued screaming until her voice broke. The neighbors surrounded her, half staring
at the box and half staring at her in horror. Someone called the police and a short while
after, the police siren could be heard. Three police patrol cars came to a halt in front of
Kaylas home. Detectives Felton and Kane came out of the first car and forensic experts
emerged of the other two.
Jacob, instinctively, started towards Kayla, only to falter abruptly. He turned to Marcus
Kane who looked angered and was frowning at him. Since, he did not make any comments
or movements, Jacob ran to Kaylas side and put an arm around her shoulder. She was
trembling convulsively and turned to face him, Why? Jacob, why? Why is he doing this to
me? I I didnt do anything Anything Her voice sounded hoarse even to her but she
could not repress her fear or her anger.
Kayla averted her eyes from the box; she had been staring at it almost obsessively.
Someone else had died and it was all her fault. Now she had two deaths on her soul,
gripping at her heart. Oh my god, she stood up but swayed, she barely saw Detective Kane
running towards her before she slumped and was caught in strong arms before she hit the
ground.
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She woke up in a white room; a hospital, she thought; distantly she heard the sound of
voices talking. Sleepy, she was so sleepy. All she wanted to do was close her eyes and drift
away into sleep. She started to move but the door to her room opened and Detective Kane
walked in. They looked at each other; their eyes battling each other. What do you want,
detective, Kayla asked in a blurry voice. Marcus Kane continued looking at her, frowning;
he only smiled and said, Nothing, Miss Jones. Just wanted to see if you were alright.
Kayla shifted in the hospital bed, Well as you can see, I am perfectly fine. He shook his
head. No, Miss Jones, you are not alright, you never willbe. He lifted his arm and Kayla
saw a gleaming scalpel as he approached her. She screamed.
*******************************************************************
Miss Jones, Miss Jones? someone was shaking her up, wake up Miss Jones, Kayla
frowned, she opened her eyes and she stared straight into piercing grey eyes. She muffled a
scream. Marcus Kane was holding her by the arms while Jacob Felton was hovering around
looking anxious.
Kaylas head turned and she realized that she had been brought to her house. Am okay, she
said croakily. She struggled to get up, twisting in the arms of Detective Kane. He let her go
and she sat straighter on the couch. You need something, Kayla? Jacob asked her. She
shook her head, meeting Marcus Kanes gaze.
Kayla? he asked Jacob, still looking at her. Yes, Jacob said, we we are friends. Kaylas
chin jutted out, pride stiffening her spine, Is it wrong, Detective Kan e, to be friends with
someone in the Police Force? she asked wanting to annoy him. No, he said grimly, but it
is wrong to become involved with them. Preferring to ignore that comment, she asked
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what was really on her mind, do you know already, who it was? His face lost the frown,
and he replied, No, unfortunately, nothing yet.
Dont worry, Kay well find him, said Jacob. What do you mean youll find him!!! she
exploded, It has been one month since Rachel died, one fucking month and nothing
nothing was found!! Now theres a woman or man, whatever, whos been killed all because
of that son of a bitch!!!
Marcus Kane wanted to shake her, this was not the time for the woman to be hysterical,
Miss Jones, I think that you are overreacting. He told her angrily. She sprung from the
couch, her eyes glaring at him, OVERREACTING!!! I AM OVERREACTING I mean wow how
would you feel if you had two peoples death on your conscience??? I am responsible!!! I
am the reason why this son of a bitch is killing people not you DETECTIVE!!!Overreacting, my
foot!!! she ranted on. Jacob went to hold her by the shoulders and she sagged weakly
against him.
Guilt weighed heavily on her shoulders. She was the one responsible for their deaths. How
could she deal with this? First Rachel and now this; she was not going to be strong enough.
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LITTLE CHAPTER 5
Shortly afterwards, the body of a woman was found in a dumpster. It was a scavenger who
had found her. Her arm was dangling out from the top of a pile of garbage. The police was
mandated on the premises but the press had already heard of the find.
When Marcus Kane arrived, journalists were already, on the scene, taking photographs. He
walked towards the place where the body was found. A handkerchief covering his nose and
mouth, the smell of decay was horrible and flies were already buzzing around. The woman
was clearly there since more than a week. The forensic experts were rushing here and
there; trying to gather evidence but he already knew that it would be too late to gather the
time of death. All they could do was estimate.
He could have kicked someone. Two murders in nearly a month, it was two murders more
than Bay Hills needed. He had left behind the big cities to find a little peace and here he had
to solve gruesome murders where the key was an infuriating woman. He had her on
surveillance again. According to the profiler, the murderer was a man between any ages of
25 to 40, of any race. There was no way of finding out that was right for the moment. The
only thing they had was Kayla Jones. She was the key to the murderer; he was in love with
her and according to the profiler, he had done these murders only in a way to draw
attention to him.
She was already on surveillance; cameras had been installed in her house, in front and at
the back. They had also deemed good to put cameras in her office. If the murderer was to
contact her again they would find him.
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Finally the woman's naked body was pulled out and sealed. Jacob came to stand next to
him, I called the Station, probably an illegal one, he said nodding towards the sealed
container. Marcus sighed, illegal immigration was something that he understood even if his
job wanted him to condone it; but he understood the need to escape, find somewhere new
and start everything back.
Detective Kane, Detective Kane, said a journalist. He shrugged and looked towards the
person calling him. Yes, he growled, not really wanting to be interrogated. What can
you tell us about this crime, asked the journalist, is it the same murderer from the Hudson
River? Marcus stiffened his spine, I dont know and I wouldnt tell you if I knew, he
replied, turning away from the man. He walked towards his car and started off towards the
Police Station; thinking about Kayla Jones. He wondered how she was doing and on a
sudden urge, he decided to go visit her.
*****************************************************************
Kayla was lying dejectedly on her couch. It had been rough days for her, what with the
police overcoming her home, installing surveillance cameras on the front and back. She had
little time alone, and she didnt really want time alone. She had thrown herself in her work,
pilling clients on clients; working late, taking on new clients; all so she could not come home
early and see the box lying in front of her house again.
Her T.V was on and she was zapping through channels, too depressed to focus on only one
channel. The news flash interrupted her thoughts, the newscaster appeared on screen,
Woman found in the Recycle Center Facility in one of the dumpsters. She announced,
The woman was in a high level of decomposition and was found naked. Up to now, the
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police was on the premises collecting evidence; and our journalist for BHTV was on the
scene to gain fresh information for you.
Kayla looked as they showed the dumpster, and a body being lifted out of it, she saw
Marcus Kanes profile, looking stern and grim. She watched as a journalist tried to interview
him only to be turned down. She clicked on the remote control to switch off the T.V. She
was reckless. Today was supposed to be a day off from work but now knowing that the body
was found, she needed to know who it was.
As she was getting up, her front doorbell rang. Barefooted, she walked towards her front
door; looking through the peeping hole, she was surprised to see Detective Kane. She
opened the door and looked at him nervously. Detective Kane, she said, whats wrong?
He shook his head, and stared at her. Kayla felt her heart thumping in her chest, she did not
like this man and somehow he made her feel safe. Do you want to come in, she asked
him nervously. He came in, still silent so she didnt know how to act.
Finally, after she had closed the door, and turned to him, he spoke. Miss Jones, we found a
body today. She nodded in grim agreement, Yes Yes Detective I saw. Was it Is it the
body of the person he killed? His silence gave her the answer she was expecting. Kayla
drew in a harsh breath, She died because of me then, her eyes were prickling with tears,
all the guilt coming back to her.
No, Marcus growled, she died because someone out there is mentally sick. You are not
guilty, you understand, Miss Jones? When she didnt reply, he approached her, his hands
reaching for her naked arms in her tank top. Kayla shivered; he was too close; much too
close for her own good. She didnt even like him, so why was she trembling this time. He
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rubbed her shoulders, and warmth flushed through her body curling her toes. She lifted her
eyes towards him. His face was harsh but his eyes glittered, molten grey nearly silver.
She really didnt like him but she needed oblivion, absolution from her own dark thoughts.
Without thinking, she lifted her mouth and pressed it at the corner of his mouth. Fire
immediately started burning between them, suddenly he was lifting her, and she was
holding onto him, her ankles crossed at his back and her arms around his neck. They were
kissing, lips on lips, fighting with their tongues instead of words. His hands were roaming on
her back, drawing circles and caressing her. She wanted more, he seemed to understand
her need but just as he was about to lift her top up, his pager beeped.
They stopped, breathing raggedly as they stared at each other shell-shocked at what they
had just done. He slid her down and she could feel his heart beating violently, as hers,
against his chest. They were still staring at each other, unsure of the way they should act,
when his phone rang. Closing his eyes and inhaling deeply, he turned away from her,
grumbling, Kane on the phone as he answered it.
Kayla stood there, goose bumps covering her arms, her body still trembling from the
aftermath. She heard him talk to someone, she guessed was Jacob, and then he was looking
at her again; his grey eyes stormy, I I have to leave he said. She nodded. Please do,
she told him, am sorry Detective I should He interrupted her, Miss Jones Lets forget
about it. It was just just a mishap She went to open her door and after he had gone
out, she closed it behind him.
Later that day, Kayla decided she needed to rest; she had been suffering from insomnia
those past few days and had asked a friend of hers to prescribe sleeping pills so she could
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sleep without waking up at every hour. She drank two pills with some water and slid into
bed. She thought once more of the kiss. It kept creeping up in her mind every few minutes
and she still did not understand what had possessed her to act like that. Slowly, the
sleeping pills started to affect her and after a few minutes of restless turning on her bed,
she fell asleep.
Kayla woke up to the sound of noise. It was still dark outside; she could see it from her
open window. She listened and once more she heard a faint noise. Slowly, she got up and
crept out of her room.
Downstairs, she saw a flash of light. Her mind started panicking at the thought of a thief,
But how it possible, she thought, there is a police car right outside my door. Feeling
braver now she remembered help was nearby, she started down the staircase, one step at a
time, leaning down the rail to see if the intruder had seen her.
The noise continued; it seemed he was shuffling in her kitchen. Kayla reached the bottom
steps without encountering anyone. She went to the front door and tried to open it with
the spare key inside her porcelain vase.
The door wouldnt budge. Kayla grabbed the knob and tried turning it. Again and again, she
tried. She listened to hear noise but everything was silent. Giving the door knob one last
turn, she was frustrated. She remembered, suddenly, her mobile phone and could have
kicked herself for not calling the police immediately. She turned and came face to face with
a masked man.
Kayla could not scream. She was paralyzed by fear and shock. In the dark, she could not
really make him out. He was holding a torch in his gloved hand and tut-ting. Kayla, he
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said and his voice was vaguely familiar. His hand reached for her face and she turned it
away. I love you Kayla, he continued, So much; so much love and here is my proof.
Kayla turned her face back towards him, wondering what to expect when suddenly, he
reached for her chest and pulled her heart out. She stared immobile as her heart pumped
wildly for blood, bloody and beating in his hand. See Kayla, he said, SEE how much I HEART
YOU. And he started laughing as Kayla started falling, a gaping hole in the middle of her
chest.
Kayla woke up, her eyes blinking in the dark. Her hand automatically went to her chest, and
she sighed with relief when she heard her heart beating frantically against her chest. Her
body was drenched in sweat. She got up as she recalled the nightmare she just had. Having
studied psychology, she knew that dreams were only interpretations of the unconscious
mind but it did not help her calm down.
She did a quick run of the house, checking bolts and locks as she made her way once more
upstairs. She went in her bathroom and went for a quick shower to wash away the sweat.
She was dressing up in clean PJs when she heard her doorbell ring. She jumped, the sound
surprising her. She hesitated between staying in her room and going downstairs but finally
she crept down the stairs as the doorbell rang again.
Looking in her peeping hole, she saw Jacob and Detective Kane standing outside. Kayla
opened the door and glanced questioningly at them. Miss Jones, Marcus said, their eyes
met and held as he continued, Forgive us for this intrusion but we received a call from your
neighbor, stating that you were screaming. We were just checking on you, while Officer
Marshall went on a break.
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Kayla blushed at that, Why didnt Officer Marshall come check on me himself, she wanted
to know. Jacob started stammering but Marcus went heads on, He was sleeping, Miss
Jones, he didnt realize that it would be a crime. Kayla felt angry at him for deliberately
annoying her, NO, Detective Kane;am not a baby, I dont expect to be watched over night
and day. He looked at her, his eyes blazing silver, No youre not, Miss Jones. Kayla was
transfixed, she wanted to move towards him but she stopped herself.
This was not a good idea.
Would you like some coffee? she asked. They both shook their heads. No, Kay, it was
just to check on you, said Jacob, we have to leave now. We have new info about a
probable suspect. She waved them goodbye and closed the door. Feeling too excited to
go to sleep again she wandered to her laptop to check her mails and surf a little bit.
Kayla decided then that she needed to learn how to defend herself. The nightmare she had
had was still vivid in her mind, and she did not want to face a situation like this.
She would not let some unknown jackass destroy her life, like he had done Rachels and that
other woman.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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LITTLE CHAPTER 06
Time goes quickly when you have so much to do.
Between finding the criminal that had been nicknamed The Heart Killerby the public and
press and trying to protect Kayla Jones, Marcus and Jacob did not see two months go by.
They were still on a dead end; it seemed the killer had disappeared into thin air. They had
gone to the restaurant Miss Jenkins went on a date to but between the number of clients
they had each day it was difficult for them to remember anything about the man she was
with.
Yet there were no more murders, no more letters. Once more, the surveillance car was
taken off from in front of Kayla Jones house.
Life in Bay Hills seemed to be back to normal.
Marcus, though, was frustrated. He wanted to find the murderer and something was
nagging him at the back of his mind. Something he should realize but it kept evading him.
He couldnt stop thinking of Kayla Jones. She haunted him, her brown eyes and her lips. It
was all he could stop himself from calling her and asking her on a date.
But they avoided each other. She never seemed to stay with him alone when they went to
check on her and he would never go there on his own. Kayla had started taking self-defense
classes, it made her feel more secure and more confident that she could protect herself, in
case of an attack.
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She was still grieving Rachel and the woman who was killed, Paola Sanchez. She still felt
responsible for their deaths but she also understood that someone with a twisted mind was
the culprit. Her unease however was still present. It did not help that till this date the
murderer had not been caught and she found herself walking cautiously everywhere she
went, turning and glancing around each time she was out.
Marcus Kane was another thorn in her mind. She kept re-thinking about their one kiss and
it burned her like fire. Each time, she saw him she wanted to do a re-match of it but it was
not a good idea. She was bad luck to all those she met and she did not want to affect him
that way, as much she disliked him.
Those days, she alternated between her self-defense classes and going out with Jacob. He
was fast becoming her good friend. She was, however, afraid that somehow the killer
would try to get to him, but she needed his company. He was like an anchor to her.
One day, they were out by the lake, sitting on a bench and watching the leaves fall down.
She asked him how his wife was killed. He blanched and then he smiled sadly at her,
shaking his head. Kayla pressed his arm, Tell me, Jake, its bad to keep it inside you told me
yourself.
He took a deep breath; his eyes seemed dazed as he began speaking, My wife, Jessica, was
my sunshine. She was my sweetheart since high school and we were always together, never
broke up in all those years; never had more than the light fights. I was on police patrol
those days, driving through Grey Edge City with my colleague, Timothy. Jessica wasnt
happy about this, she complained that it was too dangerous and it was.
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Every day, there was crime in Grey Edge; rapes, thefts, murders and assaults, but I
lovedloved my city. It was where I was born and I really really thought that I could change
something there. That, you see, I could make it safer for other kids to hang out and not
worry about dying in a gang war. Jessica wanted to move, she was getting more anxious
each day, and I should have listened to her. We learned on our fifth wedding anniversary
that she was pregnant with our first child. I was ecstatic; I was going to be a papa nothing
could have made me drop from the cloud I was floating on. We started shopping for baby
furniture, we bought a beautiful wood made cradle and I started buying toys for him or her,
I really didnt care for the sex as long as my baby was born.
Then it all changed, Kayla. I was on patrol with Timothy, we were rounding the city, looking
for a gang; the most vicious gang of Grey Edge, the KenTa. It was a gang that was led by Ken
Tanga, the most horrifying man Id ever heard of. He was a drug dealer and one hell of a
son of a bitch. He could kill anyone, women, men, and children. He had no heart. We saw
him with one of his side-kicks; they were cutting up a boy looking no more than sixteen. It
was horrible Kayla, horrible Blood Blood everywhere. Tim didnt hesitate one minute;
he jumped out of the car and ran towards them They They shot him He shuddered.
Kayla wanted to stop him, she realized that the death of his wife was only one of the
burdens he carried but he was caught back in the memories, he was reliving his past.
I was getting out of the car myself, having called backup, when I heard the shot. Tim
tumbled to the ground; his hand was on his chest. I ran towards him But they shot one
more time; I only had the reflex to cower on the ground before they could attain a vital
part But they hit my shoulder Tim Tim was groaning. He was in so much pain so
much pain Ken came towards us He was laughing so so cruelly He kicked Tim in
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stomach and howled with laughter when he heard him yelp in pain He took Tims gun and
was about to shoot me when they heard the police sirens. They turned and fled Leaving
me, Tim and the boy to die When our colleagues arrived, it was too late for the boy, he
had bled to death. I I saw my best friend die I saw him lying in that ambulance
bleeding to death Everything changed then.
I changed I wanted revenge I wanted Ken Tangas head on a plate I looked for him in
the most dangerous locations Jessica didnt understand me anymore The baby was not
that important I still loved them Dont get me wrong But I needed to kill him We
started to fight, Jessica and me Tantrums and fights Pain and anger all mingled as one.
Until two months later, I was on break and came back to the station to see all my friends
running out A break-in and a shooting I wanted to come with them. He stopped talking,
inhaling deeply. They wouldnt let me, Kayla, when I demanded to know why, they told me
that the break-in had been at my place.
I went mad I ran to my car, I didnt listen to my friends I just hit the gas and rushed
home Some of the police crew was already there They tried to stop me They held me
back but I hit them Finally Finally they let me go in. You dont imagine You cant
imagine what its like BLOOD!!! BLOOD EVERYWHERE IN THE NURSERY!!! My wife was
sprawled on the floor in our nursery She had been shot five times Five Fucking times
Twice in the stomach Thrice in the chest It was an act of revenge
Kayla bit back tears, Am so sorry, Jake. She patted his shoulder. But you know whats
worse? He turned towards her, his eyes were wet with tears, The forensic report came, he
said, the bullets shot were those of Tim. I knew then it was Ken Tanga But he had
disappearedKay He killed my family My family He started sobbing and Kayla hugged
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him, wishing she could take the pain away. It was nearly ten months ago Ten long long
lonely months They transferred me here Said it would be a change of air But the pain is
still the same
They sat there for a long time, Kayla holding Jacob while he shivered in her embrace.
Sometimes, she knew words couldnt help. It was only a gesture that showed you cared.
Their friendship strengthened then. Jacob was her protector and close friend but she was
still worried the killer would hurt him somehow.
***********************************************************************
Brittany Cooper was walking in an underground parking when she heard noise behind her.
At first, she was unaware of it, her heels clicking on the ground made enough noise as it
was.
It was only as she slowed down that she heard loud footsteps behind her. She turned,
whirling with her briefcase in hand like a protection but she saw no one. Not used to being
scared, she continued towards an open space.
The more she walked towards it, the more the sound of footsteps increased and quickened.
She was about to reach the open area when she heard running behind her and before she
could turn around and see, she was hurled to the ground, her head thudding against the
solid surface. She groaned in pain and was about to try and get up when she was hit by a
hard object.
She blinked once and then was unconscious.
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Brittany woke up in an unknown room. Her eyes blinked opened but she winced when her
left eye tried to blink. She lifted her hand to her face and touched near her eye. It felt
tender. She heard movement and tried to get up, only to notice that her ankle was tied to a
chain that was itself tied to a radiator. Her black skirt was smeared with dust and her blouse
was disheveled.
All of a sudden the door opened, she winced a little because of her swollen face and tried to
get a good look at her captivator. He was humming to himself, putting down a tray he had in
his hands on a table, it was as she looked at the table that Brittany started getting
frightened.
It was one of those operating tables.
Brittany, immediately, started thinking about organ trafficking. She had to stop the man,
she thought to herself. She couldnt die. She was far too young to die. Sir, she said, her
voice sounding hoarse to her, Sir? Why are you doing this?
The man stiffened a bit but then continued humming. Sir, she tried again, If If you want
money If you need money Am sure... Sure my family will help you He turned towards
her. Shock and recognition coursed through her Its Its you she gasped. He smiled,
his eyes lighting up, Yes Yes, its me But It wont stop me from killing you
He started towards her, and she tried to fight back, lashing her feet towards him, trying to
scream but he reached her, evading the kicks and smiling at her screams. It was then she
realized he was holding a cloth in his hand, she smelled the chloroform before she knew she
was unconscious again.
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Brittany Cooper was killed smothered by a pillow, unaware of when her breath left her
body. Her hands twitched a little at the end but then they laid there limp and cold.
The man who killed her, hummed to himself while he put her on the operating table he kept
in his basement. He thought of Kayla and laughed with glee at her pleasure when she
received the gift.
Surely then, she knew the depth of his love. He could see her; brown eyes shining at him,
her beautiful lips curving into a smile as they embraced. Yes, he could see her; naked in his
arms, beneath him, over him as they fucked like animals.
Kayla would be his. He was sure of it.
************************************************************
In the newspaper, two days later:
LOCAL LAWYER, BRITTANY COOPER MISSING: REVENGE OR RANSOM?
The Cooper family, eminent members of Bay Hills High Society, has reported the
disappearance of one of Bay Hills best lawyers, Miss Brittany Cooper. The thirty-six year old
woman was last seen at the COMRY & COMRY firm this Monday.
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