Page 3 of Little Horrors & Deceptions

“No need to thank me, stay safe,” I said, and she hurried toward the exit. The door jingled and a gust of warm air rushed in. I watched her disappear into the afternoon sun, then stared into my coffee, seeing something far darker in the reflection of my eyes.

The executioner saved her life.The words settled in my chest. I finished the coffee in one swig, letting its heat burn all the way down.

“How many times have you done that?” Jonathan asked after sitting there quietly, his eyes full of emotion as he looked over at me.

“I’ve lost count,” I murmured as I stood from the booth. “C’mon, let’s head back.”

Chapter 2

Olivia Bennett

The glossy, gory photos were spread out across my desk. Johnathan’s brow furrowed as he leaned in, studying all the gruesome details.

“They’re still so precise.” he muttered, tapping one image.

I swallowed hard, fighting to keep my expression neutral. “The killer clearly has anatomical knowledge. He’s Deliberate. He’s not just hacking away in a frenzy.”

Johnathan nodded. “And he has patience. Look how the wounds overlap—this took time.”

“He’s savoring it,” I said softly.

“Sick bastard,” Johnathan huffed. He ran a hand through his hair. “But why remove features afterward? It’s like he’s…”

“Erasing them,” I finished the thought for him. “He’s stripping away their humanity. Look at how he’s targeting identifying features.”

“Yeah, I thought he would’ve started to devolve by now, but it seems he’s still very much in control. Let’s go over what weknow… He keeps the victims alive until he’s ready for it to be over.”

“He’s a sadist that knows where to cut into his victims, maybe in the medical field to have anatomical knowledge.” I clicked my pen a few times as my mind worked. “So far every man that has been killed were found in their own homes. No signs of break ins. No neighbors heard anything…” I added.

“Which, like I said before, isn’t a surprise considering the people the executioner is targeting in the eyes of the law are already guilty. Even if they did see or hear anything I doubt they’d come forward.” I watched Johnathans wheels turn as I glanced back over the photos. “I know we’ve talked about it before but… what if the Executioner is a woman?” He glanced over at me waiting for my response.

“She would have to be physically fit to be able to take down these men in their own homes. No drugs have been found in any of the autopsy reports.” I said.

“Yes, but all the men have been straight males, the unsub could be using their charm to get into their homes, and all of the men who have been killed have crimes against women which would also stand for a woman vigilante killer.”

“True, but how would a woman be able to overpower these men while trying to keep them alive for any extended amount of time? Plus, statistically speaking, women serial killers don’t tortue their victims.”

Johnathan fell silent running a hand through his hair again before looking at the time. “My brain hurts, and I’m starving. Let’s put a pin in this. Besides, I’m starting to feel like our guy is doing the world favors…” I let his statement linger before changing the subject back to food.

“After gawking over those photos… you’re starving.” He looked at me with wide eyes before I finally relent. “Samesies.” I said and he chuckled.

As we strode through the office readying to leave, Johnathan’s steps mirrored mine. Sadie sat behind her desk, a sheen of sweat on her forehead, her fingers fumbling with a pen. She offered us a fleeting glance, one that darted away too quickly, her voice was a mere whisper.

“Morning, Bennet andJohnathan.” She said his name like a breathless moan. The poor girl had wanted Johnathan from the moment she’d started in the office. She had it bad. But who wouldn’t? Jonathan was the definition of tall, dark, and handsome. Warm hazel eyes, olive skin, black hair and sharp features with a lean muscled frame,what’s not to like?

“Someone must’ve spiked her coffee with anxiety,” Johnathan murmured, leaning in so only I could hear. Did I love Johnathan as my partner? Absolutely. He was like a brother to me. But the poor guy had zero skills with picking up on all the very obvious hints Sadie had been throwing his way. Either that or he didn’t engage because she wasn’t his type. No woman was his type.

I smirked. “Or maybe your aftershave is finally taking its toll.”

“Ha ha,” he retorted, the corner of his mouth twitching. “So, what’s the verdict for lunch? The usual deli, or are we feeling adventurous today?”

“Deli’s fine, but—”

“Bennett, my office. Now.” The order cut through our conversation. It was our boss, his tone allowing no room for argument.

“Guess lunch will have to wait too,” I said as I turned toward the sound.

“Good luck,” Johnathan called after me, his voice tinged with concern.

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