Page 3 of Hide Me Darling

The adrenaline rush from taking down Eddie, of seeing his blood spread across the ground beneath his dead body, has left me feeling both exhilarated and drained. In the quiet of my office, the reality of what I do and who I am settles over me like a heavy blanket. The shadows on the wall seem to whisper the same doubts that creep into my mind during these still moments. That the darkness is all I am, that they all deserve to die for what they have done and I am its instrument. I am the weapon that the darkness wields to avenge lost souls and no one could ever love me for that.

Leaning back in my chair, I let out a long breath and close my eyes for a moment, the weariness washing over me. The faces of victims and their families flash behind my eyelids, a stark reminder of why I do what I do. No, that is not all I am. The darkness may be buried deep inside of me, but it’s the light that guides my hand also. And it’s that light that pushes me to keep going, to keep fighting, even when the odds seem insurmountable.

A soft ping from my tablet breaks the silence. It’s a response from Uncle Max, much faster than I expected. It’s brief but reassuring.

UNCLE MAX

Got it. I’ll dig into this and get back to you soon. Stay safe.

I smile faintly at his words. Stay safe. It’s something my family always says, knowing full well that safety is a luxury we can’t always afford. But it’s the thought that counts, the reminder that we’re not alone in this fight.

I shut down the tablet and lean over to turn off the lamp on the desk. Movement outside the window makes me pause for a moment in the darkness, my body going still as I look intently at the surrounding property and forest that backs onto my parents' land.

When my sister and I grew up, our parents built small cabins on the land for us so that we could have our own spaces to do whatever we wanted with. I loved that they built them close to the trees because it brought back so many good memories of Seanna and me. Plus, I can see her cabin from mine and that always brought me a sense of comfort.

Her cabin lights are off, so I can only assume she is already asleep or out at a nightclub living another carefree night. What I don't see is anything else out of the ordinary, no more movement. I take my time to look back and forth, searching in the shadows as the feeling that eyes are on me begins to make my heart race. But I don’t see anything.

I frown to myself, because I could have sworn I saw something. Or maybe I’m just tired and overwhelmed. Stifling a yawn, I decide to dismiss it, but I check the locks as I close my office door and make my way to the other side of the cabin where my bedroom is.

It’s small and cozy, a two-bedroom retreat with a simple but functional interior. It has all the amenities a young adult could need: a compact kitchen with modern appliances, a lounge area with a comfortable sofa and a modest entertainment setup, an office cluttered with case files and my personal tech, and a bedroom with a connected bathroom. Everything is done in neutral colors, giving the place a calming, understated feel.

I left the colors and walls as they were when our parents gave the cabin to me, appreciating the simplicity and tranquility of the design. In contrast, Seanna changed hers to dark grays and bold reds, making her space as intense as her personality. She once told me it felt fitting for her place to match her heart.

I enter my bedroom and immediately strip down before heading to the bathroom for a quick shower. The hot water does wonders to ease the tension in my muscles, the steam enveloping me like a comforting embrace. I stand there for a few moments longer than necessary, letting the water wash away the grime and the heaviness of the day.

Killing people can really take a toll on you. Plus I always feel like there is a layer of death on me that needs to be thoroughly washed down the drain after a job like this.

As the droplets hit my face I close my eyes, picturing what the blogger wrote about one of the women. Her clouded eyes, still wide open. The way her lips were parted, purple tinting the corners in a glow that almost made her appear otherworldly. Shivers dance along my spine as I shut off the water.

After drying off and pulling on my clean clothes, I feel slightly more human, but the exhaustion is still there, tugging at the edges of my consciousness. I crawl beneath the covers of my bed, the sheets cool and welcoming. Sleep and exhaustion bear down on me, and it isn’t long until I give into it.

I have no idea who wrote those posts, but I can't deny that they intrigue me. It is almost as if someone recognizes the same beauty in death as I do. But there is one difference between us that has me questioning my involvement. I want to stop these killings and bring justice to the dead. What could this writer possibly want? Is it purely for attention or is there another purpose?

The quiet sounds of the forest outside is the last thing I hear before I drift off.

Chapter 2

Hydessa

DAD

Come up to the main house for breakfast.

MOM

Please… you forgot the please…

DAD

*frowning emoji*

PAPA

Ignore the grumpy one munchkin, come and have breakfast with me and your momma anyway *winking emoji*

Isnort and drop the phone onto the covers beside me, scrubbing my hands down my face in an effort to wake up. With a tired groan, I swing my legs out of bed and stretch, feeling the stiffness from yesterday's exertion. The warmth of the covers tempts me to crawl back in, but the enticing invitation of a proper breakfast with real coffee spurs me into action.

As I shuffle towards the bathroom to freshen up, I can't help but smile and shake my head at the exchange between my parents. It isn’t out of the ordinary for them to banter in our group chat. Moments like these remind me of the warmth and love within my family, despite the darkness that often surrounds us.

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