Prologue
Lydia, Julie, and Kait have stood by watching as a killer slowly made their way into town, across all three girls lives. It had started out as just a case, but now, with a girl from town dead, Lydia’s mom and dad killed, and the murderer still on the loose, no one in the city could sleep at night. Julie and Lydia practically lived together at this point, neither of them wanting to allow each other out of their site. Kait, however, had been missing and no one knew she too was involved. The snow had fallen hard on the little town of Bushwick on Thanksgiving, but the blood remained in front of the Ophelia residence, marking where Lydia found her mother.
Ten people to date were laid to rest in and around this sleepy little town, and not a single police officer or detective knew who could be doing these horrible things. Everybody was left marked with the rantings of some lunatic, and every crime scene held a secret wrapped in the pages of a romance novel. Julie had figured out that every murder had to do with some kind of scorned lover, but none of the victims were related except for Lydia’s mom and dad, whose book happened to be exactly the same.
Lydia had no idea why they would have the same book since her father had left when she was a child and after two days of questions, she pleaded the sheriff to give her a break. Since the sheriff was like a father to her, he conceded. He felt that since she had run after someone, but from Lydia’s testimony lost them in the woods, there was no reason to keep pushing her. She seemed to clam up every time they pushed her for details.
Julie stayed home for a couple of days with Lydia and had Kait watch the morgue. It was getting closer to Christmas, only about two weeks, and we feared there would be more under the mistletoe than just romance this year. Kait had been coming over a lot since her boyfriend, and she weren’t really on speaking terms, and for the first time, it seemed Kait and Lydia were getting along. Kait had shown up just after they found Lydia’s body and apparently saw Lydia run off into the woods. She told the police she chased after her to make sure she was safe and ended up walking her back to the house. Julie was so thankful that Kait had been there to go after Lydia, so she didn’t want to turn her away, especially with a killer on the loose.
Everything was quiet, but at the same time, there was a fear that hung in the air that no one wanted to talk about. Julie was trying to be tough for Lydia who was trying to be tough for her own sake. Kait was just trying to get through each day and often felt awkward being the third wheel. All in all, everyone was pretty happy to leave the house for work in the morning so there wouldn’t have to be any more awkward conversation or lack thereof. By the time Lydia was ready to go back to work, they only had about a week and a half until Christmas. Lydia and Julie had taken off with plans to go shack up in a cozy cabin out on the mountain for four days. Kait was going to stay back and hope Tommy wanted to see her for Christmas. Besides, she didn’t want to intrude on their romance.
Julie still walks home from the morgue every night, refusing to let the killer change who she is but she can’t help but feel someone is always watching. It upsets her more that she no longer feels safe in her own town than it does anything else. Sure, she hated people were dying, and she felt so sorry for Lydia, but she had always distanced herself from that loss, especially being the coroner. When you are the county’s only coroner, you tend to know just about everyone that comes across that cold steel table.
Well, at least until the first body showed up. Julie still dreams about that body and what the poor girl’s face looked like when she unzipped the bag. No one could have prepared Julie for that, and it haunts her still. Maybe that’s why she is so obsessed with catching the killer, or maybe she just wanted to feel safe again. Either way, these walks were going to have to stop before she gets hurt, or worse.
When Julie isn’t home, Lydia sits by the fire and waits. At first, she thought she was waiting for Julie, to make sure Julie got home okay but after a while, she realized that wasn’t entirely accurate. Lydia sat in the overstuffed chair she had pulled up to the window in the living room. She never turned on the light and instead let the view of the fire keep her company. She could see better out the window with the light off anyways. She would stare out into the yard waiting for a glimpse of someone, anyone, who she could pin this disaster on. Lydia knew it was only a matter of time before they came after her and she wasn’t scared anymore. All the death and the feelings had numbed Lydia, and now all she saw was the dark street corner and the lonely feeling inside her chest.
Christmas was coming, and the girls just hoped they could escape it with the only red being the bows under the tree. But then again, New Years was only a week later, and if the killer didn’t strike when Santa came, they definitely would show up with the confetti. Little did they know that as they unwrapped their presents and counted down to midnight, the killer was much closer than they imagined and they were coming for all three of them. There would be no kisses when the ball dropped in Bushwick, or anywhere else if the girls weren’t careful.
Chapter One
That night still plays in my mind over and over again. I had decided since Tommy, and I wasn't speaking, that I would take the Sheriff up on his offer and have dinner with everyone at Julie’s parent's house. I had gotten dressed, did my hair, made some cranberry salad and happily started to walk over to their house. I hadn’t been happy to be part of anything like that in a long time, but with everything going on with my relationship it was nice to think about something else.
What I didn’t expect was to walk up on the killer right in the middle of dumping Lydia’s mom’s body. I stopped and ducked behind some bushes, peering at the gunman dressed in black and moving among the shadows. I couldn’t make out anything but their mud covered boots, and some mud smeared across their back. They positioned her body so carefully in the snow and then turned towards the front door. Butterflies had shot through my stomach when the killer reached inside their jacket but then pulled out a book and threw it as hard as they could at the front door. I ducked lower as they began walking towards me, their face hidden in the shadow of the house, but then turning and hiding in the woods in the corner of the home.
I saw the door begin to open and looked over as the killer disappeared into the woods. I couldn’t just let them get away, so I scooted around the bush and took off after them. When I had gotten about twenty steps into the woods, I heard someone behind me, and I immediately feared I had passed right by them and now they were hunting me. I picked up my pace and started running; I didn’t know who was chasing me, but once I reached the edge of the woods I took off through the nearest neighborhood. I saw an opening in some of the fencing in a yard and snuck through, hiding in the small shed in their yard. I grabbed a pair of shears and back myself into the corner.
My breath was shallow, and my hands were shaking as footsteps slowly approached outside of the shed door. The doorknob slowly turned, and the door flew open, a bright light blocking my view of the person standing there. I gasped and dropped the shears, panic taking over my head.
“You,” a voice shouted. “What have you done?”
“I didn’t do anything,” my voice shook as the flashlight lowered and Lydia’s face appeared. “I saw the killer, and I chased them into the woods. I thought you were the murderer, so I ran.”
“Why are you holding that,” Lydia asked suspiciously as she pointed to the shears.
“God damn it,” I said standing up and dusting myself off. “I thought you were going to kill me.”
We both took a deep breath, and Lydia backed out of the shed holding her hand out to help me down. I brushed the leaves and dirt from my clothes and stood up in front of her, looking around the dark yard. No one seemed to have noticed either of us sneaking into a shed, but I had a gut feeling that someone else was watching us.
“I am sorry,” I said unsure of what to tell Lydia. “I saw them put your mom in the snow, but she was already…”
“I know,” Lydia said turning towards the hole in the fence. “Let’s
just get back.”
When we got back, the police were all over the place and to avoid making me look suspicious Lydia told everyone she had run off after the killer and that I had followed. I didn’t have any information that could have helped anyways, the killer was a human in black clothing, that is all I saw. After that I went back home to find Tommy there, just hopping out of the shower.
We ended up in a huge fight because he had tracked mud from work all over the house and then had an attitude about it. I just had enough and grabbed my things in a bag and headed over to Julie’s house, hoping she would have some space for me. When I got there, tears were streaming down my face, and Julie welcomed me with open arms. It felt nice to have someone act like they cared finally. It had been a rough couple of months.
The killer had me awake all night, and Tommy had distanced himself from me so much I didn’t feel safe at home by myself anymore. Everything was a fight between us and when I wanted to talk about what was going on, Tommy got irritated and changed the subject. I know everyone handles things differently during stressful times, but I quickly realized there wasn’t going to be a marriage with Tommy if we couldn’t handle something like this together. Either way, it was all too stressful for me and being with friends is exactly what I needed.
Lydia was still a little standoffish, and I could tell she hadn’t told Julie about what actually happened that night. I felt terrible that I was putting a wedge in their relationship, but I know at this point, with Julie being so intent on finding this killer, throwing useless information in would just make it worse. I straightened up the room Julie gave me and tried to stay out of the way as much as possible. Sometimes the stress of it all was so awkward that we didn’t know what to say and would just sit quietly at breakfast. Going to work had become a relief in the situation, and my desk seemed more home to me than anywhere else. I never thought the building holding a bunch of dead people would be the most comfortable place in my life.
The Sheriff seemed to be on more edge than normal, and the office wasn’t as chipper as usual. It almost looked like every time the phone rang everyone held their breath. The killer wasn’t due to present a new victim until at least New Years, but they didn’t follow that rule in November, so no one really knew what to expect. We hadn’t heard a peep from them since they dropped Lydia’s mom’s body in Julie’s front yard. That, however, meant absolutely nothing more than the killer was busy plotting its next attack.
I had lived in this town my entire life, and for the first time, I triple checked locks before I left the house. Now that I was here at Julie’s house I am pretty sure the locks get checked at least ten times before we go to bed. Three scared girls who refuse to admit they are scared nonchalantly checking the locks each time one of us passes a door, it’s almost amusing to watch. I was settled in for tonight and sitting on my bed getting ready to turn in. I kept the blinds closed now always feeling like someone is watching. As I reached for the light, I heard a faint knocking on my door.
“Come in,” I roared. “Should be unlocked.”
“Hey,” Lydia said creeping in through the door and shutting it behind her. “I wanted to talk to you about something, but I wanted to wait until Julie was asleep.”
“Sure,” I said pointing at the chair. “What’s up?”
“You know how you told Julie you were going away for Thanksgiving,” she said carefully. “Well, we both know you didn’t go anywhere. What was up with that?”
“Oh,” I said rolling my eyes. “I was booked to go out of town, but Tommy threw a fit. He thought I was cheating or something. Well, then he got all weird and started talking about all women being cheaters or something. One thing leads to another and suffices it to say I didn’t go anywhere.”
“Why didn’t you come to the funeral then,” she asked.
“Honestly,” I said shrugging. “I hate funerals, and I was already upset and scared, so I hid out in my house with ice cream and sad movies. I just needed alone time I guess.”
“Gotcha,” Lydia said standing up and turning to the door. “I just wanted to clear the air. And Julie was never told you were still in town. It is not necessary, so we will just keep it between us.”
“Cool,” I said relieved. “Goodnight.”
“Goodnight,” Lydia said smiling. She closed the door, and I walked over and flipped the lock. Without the lock on I couldn’t sleep.
I was glad that Lydia and I were getting along, but at the same time, I felt awkward for intruding on them. Julie told me not even to talk about it because it was dumb but I couldn’t help it. At least in a couple of weeks, they would be heading out to their cottage for some private time, and I wouldn’t be lurking around any corners. I wasn’t sure what my plans were, but I was contemplating staying at my parents while they were gone. Staying here in this house sounded nice in theory, but I knew as soon as the sun went down I would be alone and scared to death, especially with the creakiness of this old house. Either way, I was glad to see Julie happy and getting to take a vacation. I just hope the killer stays as far away from all of as they can. I would really like to have a nice calm holiday season.
Chapter Two
I shut the door behind me, relieved that I had taken the time to get the facts about Kait during the funeral. It didn’t feel right to live with someone or have someone staying in the same house as you, and have questions about them. Being shady always seemed who Kait was, but now that I know her, and don’t utterly despise her, I can see that is as far from the truth as you can get. Kait is just one of those girls that had that picture perfect future in her head and didn’t slow down until it all blew up in her face. Anyone from the outside could have seen it, though, especially since Tommy was always considered that weird guy skulking in corners. But love is blind I guess, well, at least for my sake I hope so because I still can’t understand why Julie loves my broken ass so much.
I tiptoed down the hall towards the bedroom knowing Julie would be passed out by the time I got back. She was already on her way out when I said I was going to check the doors one last time. Everything had been so crazy lately, and work was even more insane. Julie was not only taking care of her routine coroner duties, but she was sleuth extraordinaire on this murder case. At first, I was terrified of her and basically followed her everywhere but now seeing how protective the other detectives are of her, and the fact that the Department issued her a gun, made me feel better, and I usually stayed behind and handled my own job.
With the press being all over this serial killer my hands were full with statements and phone calls from all over the country. I literally was on the phone or fax machine from the time I walked in until I forced myself to turn on the answering machine before we would leave for the day. It helped that if Julie weren't there, Kait would come force me to take a lunch break, though I don’t know if it was because she was scared to eat alone or because she genuinely cared. Either way, the food was needed.
I slowly opened the bedroom door, and just as I expected, Julie was knocked out, not even under the covers. I smiled and pulled them up over her, giggling as she mumbled something in her sleep and smiled. I kissed her forehead and walked back over to the door; I wasn’t tired enough to go to bed yet. I grabbed my book and headed downstairs, taking my usual spot in the overstuffed chair and propping my feet up. I began reading to myself when I saw something flash out of the corner of my eye. I looked out the window and had to squint at the bottom of the light post to see what it was. There was a flashlight tied to the light post with a white piece of paper below it. My stomach sank knowing that was meant for me. I looked out the window but didn’t see anyone outside.
I got up and crossed the floor, throwing on a sweater and shoes from the hall coat stand. I opened the front door and stood looking out at the yard and across the street to the note taunting me from afar. I must have just missed the killer since the flashlight wasn’t there when I sat down in the chair. How did they know I would be down there?
The chills ra
n over me as I opened the screen door, crossed the porch and walked slowly for the flashlight. There wasn’t anyone in sight, so either the killer was gone, or they were watching from somewhere hidden, and it was probably the second one. The thought of the killer being close made me step a little quicker, and I pulled the note from the light post, leaving the flashlight on the pole and jogging back to the front porch. I turned and looked back as I was entering the house, but no one was there. I closed the door and locked all the locks, resetting the alarm for good measure. I opened the letter slowly, scared to find out what was inside. The note was typed and short:
Lydia,
We are the same you and me. Do you want this to all end? Meet me at the cabin you rented for Julie and yourself tomorrow evening. Come alone, or my friend I picked up earlier from the college will be dumped in the front yard for everyone to see.
Forever Yours
Xoxoxoxo
We are the same? This person was more delusional than I thought. I leaned against the doorway to the living room and looked up at the window. The flashlight was gone, but there was no trace of anyone. My stomach curled up in knots but the vision of my mother ran through my head, and the rage I had been hiding for a while now began to simmer. I don’t know how I was going to pull it off, but I needed to find the killer. I needed to save this girl’s life, and sadly, I needed to do it on their terms.
“Lydia,” Julie’s voice spoke behind me. I shoved the note in the pocket of my sweater and wiped the fear off my face.
“Hey,” I said smiling. “Did I wake you?”
“No,” she said yawning, “I swear I thought I heard the door opening. Why are you wearing all that? Did you go somewhere?”
“Oh,” I said looking down at my clothes. “No, I just got cold.”
“Okie Dokie,” she replied. “Well, I’m going back to bed. I’ll see you in the morning.”
One Little Letter_A Bad Boy, Second Chance Romance Page 71
