Page 73 of Hide Me Darling

“I’m sorry, I have to go, I love you,” she says softly. We say a brief goodbye before the line goes dead.

I take a deep breath, trying to shake off the unease. Seanna is as capable as I am, and we have our own code words if we need to raise an alarm. She didn’t say any of them. Maybe she’s just as stressed with her investigation as I am with mine.

Pushing the thoughts away since it’s not something I can solve right away, I place my phone on the desk and look over at the wall filled with my notes and the photographs of the victims. The list at the center catches my attention, twelve names, though I know I can cross at least one off the list now.

Now that I know that Cain and Abel aren’t the ones killing the tourists, I wonder if the questions I asked them previously related to them, or the case I’m investigating. Picking up the phone I bring the messages up again. One of them stands out in particular, so I type a new message and press send.

You said there was a catalyst in our messages, were you talking about you two, or the serial killer?

As usual, I only have to wait a moment before a response comes through.

PSYCHO MASKED STALKERS

Both would be accurate. But unlike the others, ours didn’t specifically cause us to kill. There were events that set this in motion, but it's our DNA that predetermined the darkness inside us.

Are we playing twenty questions again, little shadow? You know a question comes with a price.

I huff at the reminder, I should have known I wouldn't get the information for free. But at this point, maybe any price they offer will be worth it for answers.

I’ll pay it.

PSYCHO MASKED STALKERS

Are you sure, darling girl? Remember, it won’t always be as simple as a question.

I hesitate for a moment, my heart speeding up. I would bet by the wording that it’s Cain on the other end of the phone. Is Abel there too? Could they potentially ask for something I wasn’t able to give? Was I agreeing to something I potentially wouldn’t agree to normally?

I guess that’s their whole point. They want me to embrace a part of myself that until now I locked away inside.

They already claim that I’m theirs, I even have what I can only assume is their brand burned into my arm. How much fucking deeper could I possible get into their twisted web? Would they even let me return home once I have this solved? Do I want them to?

I’m sure.

PSYCHO MASKED STALKERS

Good girl. That mark on your arm needs caring for. Clean it and leave it uncovered. There are supplies in the bathroom.

I huff in annoyance. That isn’t what I thought they would respond with and it means taking the time to do what they requested, instead of being able to ask more questions. But I know if I don’t, they won't keep playing either. It’s a test again, to see if I will pay the price as asked.

Yes, sir.

PSYCHO MASKED STALKERS

Don’t play that game, Hydessa. Or that brand on your arm will be the least of your issues.

I shake my head, frustrated by Cain's cryptic warnings and commands. Cleaning and tending to the branded mark on my arm becomes my immediate task, though my mind churns with questions and uncertainties.

As I follow Cain's instructions begrudgingly, the feeling of being watched prickles at my skin again. I’ve combed this place for cameras a hundred times by now, how can they see me? It’s like I can feel them watching at all times. Waiting.

Once the brand is cleaned I return to the office, leaving my shirt off so that the wound is left uncovered. I glance at my phone, wanting desperately to ask more details about the men beneath the masks. But as much as I want to know more about them, I need to find the serial killer first.

Why is the killer targeting tourists?

PSYCHO MASKED STALKERS

The tourist part isn’t as important as the homeless part, or more specifically having no one who will care that they disappear. No one to walk into the police station and lodge missing persons reports…

My heart races at their reference to me doing exactly that this morning.

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