“Hey, Hailey, did you hear about the murder last night?” The schools slut, Rebecca asked so casually

I glared at her, “Yeah. It’s horrible.”

She nodded but I could tell she didn’t care. She’s the type of person that only cares about themselves.

“It’s on the news, right?” Ashley asked looking around but her eyes stopped at me

“Yeah.” I said quietly looking down at my desk

“What was it about?” Idiotic Rebecca asked

“It was about the murder, dip-shit.” I growled

“Woah! Hail, calm down.” Ethan said looking at me in shock

“Whatever.” I said looking to the front of the class

Our teacher was letting us have a free day. Without any work or anything. Just to talk. Although, nobody was really talking.

This is the third murder in two months. There’s a killer around here. And he or she is in plain sight.

It’s someone we see everyday. Someone that’s friends with some of us.

“Hailey, what’s wrong?” My boyfriend, Matthew, asked

I turned to look at him, “What isn’t wrong?”

“Hailey, just tell me what’s wrong with you?” He asked staring into my eyes

“This is the third

murder in two months. Whoever this killer is, they’re around all the time. We see them everyday. It could be anybody, Matt. Anybody.” I said frowning at my desk, “In plain sight.” I whispered

“It’s going to be alright, Hail. The cops will find whoever’s behind these murders.” He said confidently

“I don’t doubt they will. But how many more people will have to die before they do?” I asked rhetorically,

“You just need to lay back and calm down.” He said calmly

“Maybe I do.” I sighed, “Doesn’t mean I am.” I added turning back to the front of the class

He sighed but didn’t press.

“What if the killer kills me?!” Rebecca asked with wide eyes

I rolled my eyes, “I will personally

thank him.”

She gasped, “You’d let him kill me?!”

“Did I say that? I said I’d thank him. Nothing about killing you.” I glared

“Does anyone know who the victim was this time?” Mason asked

They all looked at me and I rolled my eyes.

“Doesn’t anybody else watch the news?” I asked

They all shook their heads and I sighed.

“William Stone.” I answered

“That child molester down the street?” Ethan asked

I nodded, “He was

a child molester. It was like, 20 years ago.”

“So? Once a child molester, always a child molester. He deserved to die anyway.” Emma shrugged from across the classroom

“Not true. People change.” I stated

“That man raped children and you’re defending him?” Chloe asked in outrage

“I most certainly am not defending him. I was just stating my opinion. You guys can look at is as justice, I will look at it as what it truly is. Murder.” I replied looking at Chloe the whole time

Her eyes widened, “It is justice! William Stone raped and abused his victims! All his victims were from the age rang of 8 to 12. You think people change but they don’t. They just hid who they really are.”

“As I said before, just stating my opinion. You have your opinion and I have mine.” I shrugged

She glared at me, “You are sick.”

I raised my brows, “Am I now? I’m sick because I think people change. He did change. Justice is getting put in jail for your wrong doings. Death. Death is not justice.”

“He deserved to die. He raped kids. Most of those kids didn’t survive the abuse he did to them. Those kids had a life, family, friends. That’s gone because of some sick asshole who liked power.” She sneered

“So, what you’re saying is that no matter how much a person changes or tries to reverse his or hers wrongs. They deserve whatever comes their way?” I asked

“Yes.” She said simply

I nodded, “I’m sure you’ve done wrong doings in your life. Does that mean you deserve to die?”

She hesitated, “…If I raped children. Yes.”

“When the first murder happened, do you remember who that person was?” I asked

Her eyes grew hard, “That man who killed that lady.”

“Michael Ace he was drunk when he hit Jessica Faden. It was an accident. And before you go crazy on me, I am not defending him. A life was taken. Simple as that. But Michael was already living with the guilt of it. Everywhere he went, he was shunned. People looked at him in disgust.

“He couldn’t even go to the Supermarket without getting harassed. Michael Ace knew what he did was wrong. He was remorseful. You don’t know how many times he apologized to Jessica’s family. I do. Because he was my neighbor.

“Of course if you were Jessica’s family you wouldn’t forgive the person that killed you daughter, wife, sister. Whoever she was to you. But the family didn’t want him to live in guilt. They wanted to forgive him but in their hearts they knew they never could.

“I bet you were one of the people that shunned him. Weren’t you, Chloe?” I asked staring intensely at her

She looked at me in shock and nodded slightly.

“Of course you were. Everyone in this room probably shunned him, treated him with disrespect. Made him remember what he did everyday of his life. Made him feel even more worse. You, Chloe, you’re the sick one.” I finished grabbing my bag, walking out of the class

I could feel everyone’s eyes on me but I didn’t care. They can all go to hell.

“Hailey! Hailey, wait!” I heard someone yell behind me

I turned around and saw Matt running after me. He stopped in front of me,

“What was that back there?”

“It was me defending the dead.” I stated as I started to walk again

He grabbed my shoulder and turned me to face him, “Hailey…I know this is hard on you. Your brother and all. But you can’t protect and defend people that deserved what happened to them.”

My eyes turned steely, “This has nothing

to do with my brother!”

“I know you still hurt. But he wouldn’t want you to live with this pain.” He pleaded with me to understand, “I understand that this is hard. Your brother was murdered too, so I can see how this hits home. But Hailey, you can’t defend those rapist and murderers.” He said feircly

“Matthew, you obviously don’t know me as well as you think. For you to think that…I wouldn’t help the victims of these murdered keep the little

pride that they still have. You must

not know me.” I glared ripping myself from him, “And don’t ever

bring my brother up again.” I said walking away

I pushed the doors of the school open and walked to my car. I slid in, threw my bag into the passenger side, started the car and drove home.

Pulling into my driveway I saw that my Mom and Dad were here. Which is weird because they’re divorced.

I frowned and got out, slinging my bag over my shoulder.

“Hello, Hailey.” My neighbor Mr. Sade smiled from his porch

“Hey, Mr. Sade.” I smiled politely

“Why are you home so early?” He asked

“Couldn’t handle all the drama.” I said cautiously

I never really liked Mr. Sade. He’s creepy.

“Oh, yes, I heard about that murder. Shame.” He sighed

I nodded, “Yeah…well, I’ll see you later Mr. Sade. Have a nice day.”

“You too, Hailey. You too.” He smiled

I smiled and walked up my driveway. Standing in front of my door, I turned the handle and pushed the door open.

“I’m home!” I yelled throwing my bag down

“In here!” My Dad called from the kitchen

I walked into the kitchen slowly and saw my Mom sitting on a stool.

“Hey, Mom. Hey, Dad.” I smiled and walked over to the fridge

“Why are you home early? School still has about an hour left.” My Dad frowned

“Just had to get away.” I shrugged grabbing a bottle or orange juice

He nodded slowly, “You okay?”

“Why wouldn’t I be?” I asked tilting my head to the side

“Andrew.” He said quietly

I instantly grew cold towards him, “I’m fine.”

“Hailey…I’m sorry. I just asked.” He said frowning

I nodded briskly, “Well, don’t ask again.”

“Don’t be rude Hailey.” My Mom scolded

“What’s going on?” I ignored her turning to my dad

“Um…you mother and Jesse are going to stay here.” He said quickly

“Why?” I asked

“Jesse is scared. He wants his sister.” My Mom said

Jesse is my half brother but I treat him life he’s my full brother.

“No. Why are you

staying here? Doesn’t you new hubby want you with him?” I snarled

“Austin is away for business.” She answered dreamily when she said his name

I gagged, “Whatever. Where is Jesse?”

“Daycare.” She glared

I nodded and grabbed my car keys.

“Where are you going?” My Dad asked

“To get Jesse.” I said walking out the door

I shut the door and walked to my car.

“Bye!” Mr. Sade yelled walking into his house

“Bye.” I smiled and got in my car

I started the car and pulled out of my driveway and too Jesse’s daycare. Pulling into the daycare, I saw Jesse playing through the gates.

I smiled and got out. Walking into the daycare building, I was greeted my Amy.

“Hi, Hailey.” She chirped

“Hey, Amy. How are you today?” I smiled grabbing Jesse’s batman backpack

“Great! You?” She grinned

I nodded, “I’m fine. Thank you.”

“No problem.” She said happily as she followed me out to the playground.

“Jesse?” I saing smiling

His head snapped up, “Who?”

“Jess.” I laughed

His head snapped to me and his eyes widened, “Sissy!”

He ran to me and hugged my legs.

“Hey, Buddy.” I ruffled his hair
ph
“Why you pick me up? Where is Mommy?” He asked looking up at me

“At my house. Let’s go. I’ll take you to get pizza and ice cream.” I smiled

He let go of my legs and ran into the lobby. Amy and I laughed, following behind him.

He was standing on his tip-toes trying to reach the door handle.

“I…can’t…reach!” He grunted

“It’s that high for a reason, Jess.” I chuckled signing my name saying that I picked him up

“But it’s no fair!” He pouted crossing his arms over his chest

“Bye, Amy.” I laughed opening the door

“Bye, Hailey. See you in school.” Amy smiled

I nodded and walked out. Jesse grabbed my hand as we walked across the parking lot to the car.

“Where’s my car eat?” He asked frowning as I opened the backdoor

“Sorry, Buddy. I forgot it.” I said lifting him up

“Fine.” He sighed as I buckled him up

I shut the door and opened the drivers side, getting in. I started the car and pulled out of the daycare.

“Pizza! Pizza! Pizza! Ice CREAM!” He sang nodding his head

I smiled at him through the rear view mirror. My phone started ringing but I ignored it. Safety first.

I pulled into the pizza parlor that had an ice cream shop connected with it. I got out and opened Jesse’s door. Pulling it open, I unbuckled the grinning Jesse and lifted him oout of the car.

He grabbed my hand again as we walked towards the pizza shop. Jesse flung the door open and grinned widely, bouncing up and down.

“Can I play games?!” He yelled at me

“Shhh, yeah. Let’s just order first.” I suggested pulling him over to the counter

The young boy behing the register looked me up and down. I raised a brow,

“Done yet?”

He blushed, “What can I get for you?”

“One Hawaiian pizza, extra pineapples. Two ice creams. One peanut butter and one custom made. Oh, and a sprite. Please.” I smiled

He blushed again, “Sure. What do you want on the custom made one?”

I looked down at Jesse who was staring at the ice cream in awe.

“What do you want on your ice cream, Jess?” I asked

“I get to put stuff on it?!” He asked with wide eyes

“Yeah.” I laughed

He whipped his head back to the ice cream, “I want chocalate ice cream, peanut butter, strawberry, and um, vanilla. I was M & M’s in it, oreos, cookies, those stringy white things…and ummmm did I say M & M’s?” He asked frowning

I stared at him as he ordered, “For a small kid you can eat.”

He beamed at me then turned to the guy, “Can I get that stuff on it?”

The guy blinked, “Uh, yeah. Repeat it, will ya?”

Jesse nodded fiercly and repeated everything he wanted on it. The kid was frowning the whole time he made Jesse’s ice cream.

“Done.” The kid sighed putting it in the freezer

“Dude, gimme my ice cream.” Jesse demanded frowning at the kid

“We have to wait till the pizza is done.” I said

He looked at me, “Okay, Sissy.”

I smiled and turned to the kid, “Thank you.”

“No problem.” He said quietly

I smiled and walked Jesse over to his favorite table, right by the game room.

“Wanna go play?” I asked taking my sweater off

He nodded and took off his little jean jacket. He ran into the game room and I slowly followed after him.

I gave him a dollar and he stuck it into the change machine. He grabbed the four quarters and ran to the racing game.

I leaned against the wall and took my phone out. I had a miss call and voice mail from Matt.

I sighed and pressed the Call Back button.

He picked up on the third ring, “Hailey. Why didn’t you answer?”

“Hello to you too.” I rolled my eyes, “I was driving.”

“Oh…” He sighed, “Are you okay? I’m really sorry for bringing up Andrew. I didn’t mean too.”

“It’s okay. I’m okay. Me and Jesse are just at the pizza parlor.” I said

“Jesse? Who’s that?” He asked confused

“My little brother. The one you’ve met hundreds of times.” I stated

“Oh, little Jesse. How is he?” He asked not really caring

“He’s fine.” I said, “Listen, I gotta go. I’ll call you later, okay?”

“Okay. Love you.” He said

I tensed, “Love you too.” I forced oout

“Bye.” He hung up

Matt is a great person but I know he only cares about himself. He says he loves me but I know he doesn’t. But I’m okay with it because I don’t love him either.

“Sissy? I need more money.” Jesse said pulling on my pant leg

I took out another dollar bill and handed it to him. He smiled and ran off to the change machine. I smiled after him and looked towards our table.

The pizza wasn’t there yet. I looked over at Jesse and he was talking to a little girl.

I smirked and shook my head. He’s going to be a ladies man. My phine vibrated and I took it out to see that it was a message fom my Dad.

Dad: I have to go back to work. Love you.

My Dad is a police officer. Right now they’re trying to find the murderer.

Me: Love you too. Be safe :)

I slipped my phone back into my pocket and looked towards our table the kid was standing there holding our pizza while staring at me.

“Your pizza is done.” He said in a soft voice

I smiled, “Jesse. Pizza’s here.”

A white flash flew passed me and Jesse was harassing the kid. I groaned and walked over to them.

“Sit.” I said to Jesse as I pointed to his chair

He sat down, “Gimme my pizza, fool!”

I rolled my eyes, “Ignore him. He’s a freak.”

The kid smiled and set the pizza down.

“Thank you.” I smiled

He smiled back shyly, “Welcome.”

He scurried off and I turned to Jesse who was already devouring his slice. He had pizza sauce all over his face which made me chuckle.

I grabbed a paper plate and set my pizza on it.

“Did you have a good day at daycare?” I asked Jesse as I picked my pizza up

“Yup! You remember, Annie? The girl I like?” He asked

“Yeah.”

“She kissed me on the cheek!” He exclaimed proudly

“No way!” I argued

“Yeah-huh! She smelled like strawberries.” He said dreamily

I laughed, “That’s awesome, Jess. You gonna ask her out?”

“No way! What if she doesn’t like me?” He asked with sad eyes

“Dude! She kissed you! That’s gotta count for something.” I pointed out

He nodded, “You’re right. She wants me.”

I laughed, “Don’t say that.”

He laughed and took a sip of his sprite. I took a bite of my pizza and smiled to myself.

Jesse is the only one that can turn a bad day into a good one.

When we finished we went up to the counter to get our ice creams.

“Fool! Ice cream!” Jesse yelled straining to see over the counter

The kid sighed and got out our ice creams. He handed me mine with a smiled and handed Jesse his with a fake one.

“Say thank you.” I said as Jesse started walking towards the doors

“Thanks, fool!” Jesse called back waiting at the door for me

I shook my head, “That boy has issues. Thank you.”

He nodded and smiled, “Please, come again.”

I smiled and walked towards the door. I grabbed Jesse’s hand and we walked out the door and to my car. I buckled him in then got into the driver seat. I started the car and started driving home.

I pulled into my drive way and Jesse unbuckled himself. He jumped from the car and shut the door before running inside.

I locked my car and followed him into the house.

“…Yeah, and Sissy took me to get pizza and ice cream. Look!” I heard Jesse yelled, he was probably shoving his ice cream into Mom’s face

I laughed and ran up to my room. I quickly changed into pajama bottoms and a long sleeve shirt seeing as it’s cold at night.

Running back down stairs I heard Jesse describing, in detail, his ‘kiss’ with Annie. I laughed and went into the living room.

I turned on the T.V and it was on the news, talking about the murders. I changed the channel, not really caring what I was watching as long as it wasn’t about murder.

I snuggled up with one of the couch pillows and fell asleep.


“Hailey? Baby? Go to your room.” I heard someone whisper in my ear

I groaned and opened my eyes, “Whaaaat?”

“Go lay in your bed.” My Dad whispered pulling me into a sitting position

“What time is it?” I asked rubbing my eyes

“Almost midnight.” He answered standing up straight

I groaned and go up, stretching. “I’m not tired anymore. Did you just get off work?”

“Yeah but I have to study this case.” He sighed

“I can help.” I offered

I always wanted to be a cop. They’re just awesome.

“Would you? I can show you the case, it’s not like you’d tell anyone.” He chuckled

“Yeah, let’s go to your office.” I said walking off

I walked into his office and sat down in a chair close to his. He came in and dropped a manila folder in the middle of his desk. He sat down next to me and opened the folder.

“Okay. In each case, there is a distinctive method of the killing. In case one, Michael Ace, he was stabbed in the heart twice, stomach four time, and his throat was slit.

“Case two, Jacob Levi, stabbed in the heart, shot in the leg and head, throat slit.

“Victim three, Willaim Stone, his was actually the worst. Stabbed in the abdomen six time, chest twice, gun shot wound in right arm and left leg, throat slit.

“All three victims had their throat slit pre-death. This means he wanted them to suffer. Whoever this guy is, he doesn’t have feelings.” My Dad finsish

I nodded and looked at the pictures, “So, all the victims throats were slit. The first victim, Michael, he killed a women one night when he was drunk. It was an accident but the media made it seem like he did it on purpose. That’s reason enough for someone to want to kill him.

“Jacob Levi, he raped and killed his wife, right?” I asked looking at my Dad

“Yeah but he didn’t get convicted for the murder.” He said

“Okay, but everyone knows he did it. That’s a reason. The last victim was a listed Sex offender. Raped children.” I said looking at Willaim Stone dead

“Yeah, this could be a guy who doesn’t like this certain person, a hit man. It could be anybody.” He said running a hand through his head

“He’s not a hit man, I can tell you that much.” I bit the inside of my cheek, “This is a guy that lives amoung us. Looks like an everyday person. Talks to us, works with us. Whoever this is, is confident that no one will get him.

“He’s a serial killer. But what caught me is that he only kills people who did bag things. Like, like Michael here, he killed a women. Jacob, he raped and murdered his wife. William, he’s a child molester.” I said frantically pointing to the picures

My Dad nodded, “You’re right. He’s only going after the people who have done wrong.”

I bit my thumb, “Justice. He thinks what he is doing is justice. He thinks that killing these people will give the family closure.”

“Yeah, but…why would he take it upon himself to do it?” He asked frowing at the desk in concentration

“He figures since the police won’t, he has too.” I stated, “This killer, he’s familiar with the area, knows people. He’s basically right under our noses and we haven’t a clue who he is. I also noticed that each killing gets more vulgar. He causes more pain.

“Michael was stabbed, Jacob was stabbed and shot once, and William was stabbed 8 times and shot twice. Where was Michael Ace found?” I asked looking through the file

“His house. In his living room.” My Dad answered

“Jacob?” I asked

“Side his work building. William was found…at the park.” My Dad said slowly

“See? He’s getting more careless or he doesn’t care if you find the bodies. He wants something. He wants you to fid these bodies. He’s doing it for the fame. He’s gets a sense of pride when the news talks about his kills.” I said

“He playing with us.” He bit his thumb

I nodded, “He’s trying to show you that there is nothing you can do. By doing it out in the open he’s saying that you’re not going to catch him.”

“So, if he’s going after criminals that didn’t get convicted…” He trailed off

“Search all the crimes in that last 10 years, narrow it down to who wasn’t convicted. This guy has some sort of list. He’s already planned who he is killing next. If we’re there when he does, we got him.” I smiled proudly and leaned back in my chair

“One step ahead.” My Dad said thoughtfully, “I’m going to the station to tell them. C’mon.” He said standing up

I stood up and followed him into the living room.

“Where are you guys going?” I heard my Moms voice ask

“Station.” My Dad answer vaguely

“Why is my daughter going?” She asked walking up to us

I rolled my eye and my Dad answered, “Because she just cracked this case.”

I smiled and put my white Vans on, walking out the door behing my Dad.

“Lock the door.” I said to my Mom

“Be safe.” She said before closing the door

I hopped into my Dads truck as he started it and pulled out of the drive way. He pulled into the station. We got out and he quickly walked into the station, me on his heels.

“Tristian? Why are you back?” His Chief asked

“I found some things out about these murders.” My Dad said showing him the file

The other officers surrounded us and my Dad turned to me, “Tell ‘em.”

I gulped and nodded, “Well, whoever this guy is, he going after people that weren’t convicted for the things they did. Michael killed a women, Jacob raped and murdered his wife, and William was a child rapist.

“This serial killer is going after a distinct group of people. You need to look up all the crimes in the last 10 years-” Someone cut me off

“10 years? How is that going to help anything?” A really buff guy demanded

“Shut up. As I was saying, look back 10 years, narrow down the search by looking to see who was on trial but not convicted. The killer has some sort of list. A list of people to kill. Sort of like a hot man would but he’s doing these on his own. If we can find the next person on that list and beat the killer to wherever that person is. Then we have him surround. Only way to get out is to come with us or suicide by cop.” I stated looking around

They all looked thoughtful.

“Cortez! Look it up!” The Chief yelled looking at me in confusion

A cop scurried away.

“How did you find this out?” Chief asked

I shrugged, “Paying close attention.”

“Chief! We go it!” Cortez yelled

All the officers ran over to his desk and I followed at a leisure pace.

“Ten people not convicted but went to trial. All found not guilty but people believe they did it. Michael Ace, Jacob Levi, and William Stone, all at the top of this list.” Cortez said looking at me

Impressum

Tag der Veröffentlichung: 31.07.2011

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