“I don’t know. By now, you should’ve realized that I know everything there is about you.’’
A teasing grin tugged on the corner of her lips. “Not everything.’’
I rolled my eyes. “Not everything.’’
She was referring to the police officer she killed. Not a day went by without her catching me completely by surprise. She had a knack for leaving me speechless.
“So, what now?”
I walked over to the side of the room where I’d dropped my phone earlier in the night. Quickly, I typed in a message and smashed the phone against the wall. It fell to the floor with a thud, pieces of the screen scattered around.
“Now, I’ll bring you a spare set of clothes and some gasoline.’’
Storm’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “We’re setting the place on fire?”
“We’re setting the place on fire.’’
I didn’t waste any time as it was already getting late. It took me less than five minutes to bring her a pair of shoes and some light clothes with my sweater to wear on top. I handed her a towel she could wipe herself with until we were far from here.
Tonight, I was bringing her home.
“I’ll help.’’
Storm was quick to grab a two-gallon can of gasoline. She didn’t struggle with its weight. A terrifying grin spread across her face as she poured it all over the place, especially on top of Morrison’s body until the can was entirely empty.
In total, I had five cans prepared. It was more than enough to set this entire place ablaze.
“Would you do me the honors?” I grinned and handed her the hippo lighter.
“Thank you.’’
A smile of pure bliss and happiness transformed her face. It was my first time seeing an emotion so pure, yet so evil on her. My heart thumped against my ribcage, threatening to jump straight out.
Storm looked perfect.
Not even a minute went by before she threw the lighter on top of Morrison, then stepped aside.
The fire started spreading immediately, and I grabbed her wrist, pulling her outside of the house.
We remained in the shadows for what seemed an eternity, watching as fire took over the small house. It warmed us just enough and Storm leaned her head against my shoulder.
“Do you think we’re too fucked up?”
“Are you thinking about what Morrison said?”
She didn’t respond for a while. My eyes were glued on hers as she emotionlessly stared ahead.
“I just killed a person and I don’t feel a single thing. Not regret, not sorrow, not pride or happiness. I’m just… numb.’’
What Storm was experiencing was normal. She was in shock. Unlike me, she wasn’t used to the darkness and gore of this world, much less creating darkness herself. But soon, she was going to come to realize that some things in life were inevitable.
Dwelling on that was only going to hurt her in the long run.
Instead of responding, I wrapped my arms around her shoulders, pulling her close to my body. She didn’t struggle and allowed me to embrace her. As I stroked her hair, her eyes fluttered closed.
And I didn’t miss the lone tear that slid down her cheek.
XIII