The Light Giver

By Christaan Salgado

Wanting to start a new life and get far away from his foster parents, that blame him for their problems, Dorrian Graves moves to a remote town called Dark River with his best friend, Conley Evans. The night after his arrival someone is brutally murdered not far from his apartment. A series of homicides begin that will change Dorrian and everyone involved forever.

As the town is covered in fear, a mysterious man only known as The Light Giver appears to perform astonishing miraclesand then is gone before anyone has a chance to get his description. Plagued with strange dreams and a message from The Light Giver, Dorrian finds that hes in the middle of the madness. The serial killer then does something no one is expecting. He proclaims, in a letter to the media, that he is to be known as Gods Wrath and that he has been sent to kill all the false gods in Dark River.

With the overwhelming number of fast-paced murders, Detective Warner T. Bradley and his partner, Detective Sam Weston, have no time to do a thorough investigation. In the midst of it all, Warner finds evidence that Gods Wrath and a past killer who had gotten away could be the same person. Just when the detectives are in deep desperation and have lost all hope, evidence is found that is so strong it gives Warner the name of the killerDorrian Graves. Warner and Sam initiate the biggest manhunt theyve ever been part a of. Dorrian is on the run and doesnt realize it, but he is set on a path from God that will lead him to death, violence, and his inevitable destiny.

Who is The Light Giver? Is he from God, or is he a madman in disguise? Who is Gods Wrath? Will Dorrian choose to lose everythingincluding his lifein order to follow Gods plan?

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Nov 17, 2012
• ISBN: 9781449774424

Christaan Salgado

Christaan Jason Salgado has a strong lifelong passion for writing and reading. He has written many short stories but kept them within his close circle of family and friends. The Light Giver is his first novel. Christaan has been a Christian since he was very little; after becoming a man his belief has grown stronger. He is currently a phosphate miner in central Florida but has faith that his dream of becoming a full-time author will be his future. He has been working from the age fifteen and hasn’t stopped since. He lives near his job with his wife, three daughters, and a son.

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THE LIGHT GIVER

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Christaan Salgado

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Copyright © 2012 Christaan Salgado

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

WestBow Press books may be ordered through booksellers or by contacting:

WestBow Press

A Division of Thomas Nelson

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.westbowpress.com

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

ISBN: 978-1-4497-7441-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4497-7440-0 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4497-7442-4 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012921050

WestBow Press rev. date: 11/14/2012

CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 19

CHAPTER 20

CHAPTER 21

CHAPTER 22

CHAPTER 23

CHAPTER 24

CHAPTER 25

CHAPTER 26

CHAPTER 27

CHAPTER 28

CHAPTER 29

CHAPTER 30

CHAPTER 31

CHAPTER 32

CHAPTER 33

CHAPTER 34

CHAPTER 35

CHAPTER 36

CHAPTER 37

CHAPTER 38

CHAPTER 39

CHAPTER 40

CHAPTER 41

CHAPTER 42

CHAPTER 43

CHAPTER 44

CHAPTER 45

CHAPTER 46

CHAPTER 47

CHAPTER 48

CHAPTER 49

CHAPTER 50

CHAPTER 51

CHAPTER 52

CHAPTER 53

CHAPTER 54

CHAPTER 55

CHAPTER 56

CHAPTER 57

CHAPTER 58

CHAPTER 59

CHAPTER 60

CHAPTER 61

CHAPTER 62

CHAPTER 63

CHAPTER 64

CHAPTER 65

CHAPTER 66

CHAPTER 67

CHAPTER 68

CHAPTER 69

CHAPTER 70

CHAPTER 71

CHAPTER 72

CHAPTER 73

CHAPTER 74

CHAPTER 75

CHAPTER 76

CHAPTER 77

CHAPTER 78

CHAPTER 79

CHAPTER 80

CHAPTER 81

CHAPTER 82

CHAPTER 83

CHAPTER 84

CHAPTER 85

CHAPTER 86

CHAPTER 87

EPILOGUE

Special Thanks

I would first and foremost like to thank Jesus Crist my Lord and Savior because without him nothing is possible. I would like to thank my mother, Margit Baatz, for bringing Christianity into my life. I would like to thank my wife, April Salgado, for putting up with the long hours of writing and research I put into this book. I would like to thank my grandmother, Freddy Crumpton, for getting me into reading and inspiring me to write. I would like to thank Tommy and Jane Johnson for helping me with the process and being there for me if I ever needed help. I would finally like to thank all my friends and family that prayed for me and kept faith that I would one day publish a book.

Author’s Notes to the Reader

Try to think of yourself as a single flame, a flame at the end of a match, a source of light and at the same time a source of power. If you take that lit match and hold it out in front of you it will eventually burn itself out or wind will make its life short. That same single flame, if added to the right material can be used to bring light into darkness. It can engulf or incinerate. A tiny flame can burn down an entire forest, or bring a single candle to life. Now think of that single flame as words or actions that you could do. Simple words that come out of your mouth can either be meaningless or it can be very powerful. Words that you say can mean life or death. A single phrase can change someone’s mood or even change their frame of mind. Actions can change anything in someone’s life. Actions define who you are. If your life is like a flame, what will you do with it? Will you let it flicker and burn out? Or will you release its power and ignite something?

‘The lamp of the body is the eye.

If therefore your eye is good,

Your whole body will be full of light.’

-Matthew 6:22-

New Spirit Filled Life Bible

CHAPTER 1

I slowed down as I drove over the first speed bump. With Conley riding shotgun we arrived at our new townhouse at Ridge Rock Apartments. The complex didn’t have a gate or any security but since it was just recently built in a newly developed area, the neighborhood was nice. Dark River was a growing city located in the central United States. The large town, as I would call it, was secluded in the center of what used to be a massive oak forest. The closest major city was more than fifty miles away off of a lonely four-lane highway called US 52.

Since the highway was surrounded by wilderness it was not uncommon to hear stories about travelers seeing deer, bear and even wild cats that would jump out at them as they trekked to civilization. The growing city had everything you would need with half the people. There was a police station, a fire station, schools, grocery stores, hardware stores, gas stations, one church, one hospital, a few thrift stores and many family owned restaurants and businesses.

I had lived in the neighboring Dade City most of my life and I never knew that this town even existed. The only scenery that the long term residents were proud of was a plateau that touched the blue sky and towered over the forest located on the far west side of town.

There weren’t mountains on the horizon or fancy resorts to attract tourists. Dark River didn’t need any glamour to grab hold of the average seeker. Dark River had seclusion, and since most of America hadn’t even heard of the place it became the perfect town in which to ‘start over’.

Ridge Rock had ten separate buildings that were painted forest green. The two-story structures were all on a single street that looped around in a circle making the entrance and exit the same point. An overgrown tree-line surrounded the back of the complex. There was a trim twenty-yard grassy field that separated the apartments from the woods.

Each apartment, depending on the size, had either the first floor and a one bedroom and one bath or two floors and two bedrooms and two baths. I parked next to a blue Volvo, a few spots from our destination, and noticed that all the doors were painted maroon. Someone liked Christmas a little too much.

Our place had the number twenty-five, in black numbers, near the top of the hard wood door. As I shut off the engine and climbed out, I noticed how nice the scenery was. There were hedges under the windows with dark green leaves and white and pink Honeysuckle flowers around a few oak trees in the small front lawn. The grass was bright green and the paint on the maroon front doors and trim around the windows appeared to have just been brushed on.

What did you say this place cost? I asked, thinking we’d probably made a financial mistake.

Conley patted me on the shoulder and shook his head. Don’t worry, we can afford it. But if you have to know, the rent is only six hundred a month.

I want to see what it looks like before we pile all of our crap inside.

Conley tossed me the keys. See, I knew you should have come with me when I observed the model the other day.

I had only met Conley Evens two years prior. I was living in Dade City and I was having what I considered to be a bad night. My girlfriend, Olisa, and I had just gotten into a fight and she was talking about leaving me.

I had met Olisa in my tenth grade science class in high school. Since she’s African American I was always bullied. In the last few years since we graduated, whenever we were seen together people made remarks about our relationship. Olisa began to get angry because she said I never stuck up for her but that was far from the truth. That was the very subject of our disagreement that evening. So instead of staying until it became worse, I decided to take a drive and calm my nerves.

My mind raced, as it did after every altercation, and it had just started to rain. The wind danced with the droplets of water, pushing them in all directions across my windshield. Traffic was light and I hadn’t expected many motorists out at one in the morning.

As I drove onto Highway 746 I felt what had to be warm tears rolling down my cheeks. The radio was off but the rumbling of the thunder and the large rain drops that splashed against the windshield was soothing. I quickly wiped the unwanted shame off with the back of my hand; I don’t cry. What is wrong with me?

I then noticed a picture on the passenger’s seat. It was a small, dark, wooden five-by-six frame with Olisa and me at the beach in front of a pink sunset. I had no recollection of how it had gotten there and it freaked me out, though only for a moment.

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As I stared at the picture I heard the blast of a loud car horn as a speeding vehicle flashed by me. It had taken me so much by surprise that my body jerked and I yanked the steering-wheel to the right. My grey Ford Escort lost traction on the soaked asphalt, hydroplaned sideways twenty feet, and slammed into a light pole on the passenger’s side. Everything directly next to where I was seated was crunched. The sudden stop and jarring smack rendered me unconscious.

The first image I recalled was someone dragging me away from my crushed Escort. The ‘Good Samaritan’ told me I was going to be fine, and then laid me down in the grass on the other side of the street next to a dark-colored car. I squinted at him, tasting blood in my mouth. Before I could absorb any detail about my savior, the darkness overtook me.

Later I was told he took me to the hospital. He used my cell phone to contact Olisa and my family, which he found under my contacts, and told them what happened. The next day he came to visit me and that’s when he told me his name. I also found out that he was six years older than me which made him twenty-seven but it never bothered me. That was two years ago, and we’ve been close friends ever since.

Blinking the memory away I stepped through the threshold into my new home. There was a bedroom on the bottom floor next to the living room and a bathroom next to it, which I thought was odd, and a bathroom on the second floor with the second bedroom next to it. Before I could say anything, Conley claimed the lower room.

We started unloading the U-Haul a few minutes later. Three hours later we were finished. Our neighbors came out every so often to stare at the new people moving in but we didn’t care. As Conley and I stared at all the boxes we had to unpack Olisa called me.

Hello baby.

Her voice was soft, and in my mind’s eye I could envision her as she spoke; soft brown eyes, long black hair, smooth skin, and a smile that could melt an iceberg.

Did you get finished unloading the truck?

We actually just finished a few minutes ago.

Good, then you have time to keep your promise and go see your sick grandmother in the hospital.

I glanced over at Conley and rolled my eyes. I hoped she had forgotten but Olisa claimed women never forget important events and I was beginning to think she was right.

Oh yeah, my promise.

Dorrian, don’t you dare stand Amelia up. I know she’s not always nice to you, but she’s your only grandmother and she might not be on earth to much longer.

I know, don’t worry. I’ll go see her. I’ve got to go take a quick shower and change first. Love you, talk to you later.

Love you too, bye.

I clicked my phone off and saw that Conley was staring at me.

What’s going on? He asked, which meant he wanted an explanation.

I started to head for the upstairs bathroom and paused at the banister. I have to go visit Amelia. I promised her I would. I forgot to tell you, because I honestly didn’t remember.

Conley glanced at his watch. It’s already four o’clock. What time do you have to go see her?

I have to be there no later than five thirty.

Conley grabbed one of boxes near his bedroom door on the bottom floor. Do you mind if I go with you?

I was a little surprised but didn’t mind. If you don’t mind being bored out of your mind then you can tag along.

Conley ripped the box open and grabbed some freshly washed clothes. Nah, I don’t mind. I would rather do that then stay here and unpack all of this by myself, He said as he gestured to the mountains’ of cardboard boxes all over the living room.

Forty-five minutes later we were back in the U-Haul truck headed to the only hospital in Dark River. I didn’t have a car and we’d left Conley’s vehicle at the U-Haul office. I told him that we could drive his car and the truck back to the apartment but he insisted that we keep it there. I thought was very odd, but it was his car so I couldn’t argue. I decided to drop the truck off after we visited the hospital.

There was only one main road; Azalea Drive. It was built right through the middle of town that went from west to east. Most everything important was located on it. There were many side streets that ran off either side of Azalea Drive. There were also dirt roads leading into the endless wooded area around Dark River where people who hardly ever saw lived. Conley spoke of rumors that he had heard since he lived there. Every so often there were sightings, as if the people living down those roads were an endangered species of the ‘Bigfoot’. It was all quite funny, but I learned not to ever voice that opinion because of how seriously the locals took to their stories.

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When Conley first described Dark River to me I asked him how the town got its name. He told me there was a river that flowed on the most western side of town, near the plateau, in which the founder called a dark river. The water itself was clear and wasn’t the reason for the name. There was another aspect as to why the flowing water appeared the way that it did. He liked the deception so much he named the area after it. I laughed and asked him to explain. He promised to take me to a spot where he could personally show me what he was talking about.

Zephyr Hospital was located on the east side of town, at the end of Azalea Drive, on a street called Serant Way. US 52 intercepted Azalea Drive at its end. I pulled into the parking lot and found a spot where there weren’t any vehicles on either side of us. It was five-ten in the early evening and the hot sun had begun to fall out of the blue sky.

We walked into the cool hospital and immediately a ‘chemical smell’ like latex, rubbing alcohol, ammonia, and floor cleaner filled my nostrils. I don’t have a problem with hospitals but I can’t stand the smell of them. For the longest time, between the ages of eight and thirteen, I thought that all hospitals had some kind of automatic sprayer that coated the air with a chemical that killed all the millions of germ that were bound to be in every inch of the building.

Every time I walked inside I immediately covered my nose with my shirt until I left. My foster parents used to get angry when I did that. I would get my shirt pulled down and smacked right in front of everyone. I told them how embarrassed I was when they did that but they didn’t care, they were cold-hearted.

Amelia was the one who finally snapped me out of my paranoia. She told me that I was over-thinking and there wasn’t anything to worry about. She never explained the exact reasoning for the aroma. I came to the conclusion that all hospitals just smelled that way like when you buy a new vehicle and it has a certain odor that you can’t pinpoint.

After the receptionist told me where to find Amelia Lister’s room I noticed something unusual. As Conley and I rounded the corner to where the elevators were located a man dressed in a black trench coat with a hood over his head briskly walked passed us. The stranger seemed to be staring at the floor because of the way he had his head pointed downward.

Even though it was October and the temperature was cold at night I never thought there would be someone, cold enough to walk around the heated hospital, as he wore a trench coat. A few seconds later, after the elevator doors opened, I had forgotten all about him.

A couple of long hallways later I found Amelia’s room. The door was partly open. The nurses let her have the room entirely to herself. I heard a news reporter on the television, which was bolted to the ceiling. The machines hooked up to her body, that monitored her vitals, beeped a rhythmic tune. She knew it was me before I pulled back the curtain. There you are Dorrian. I wondered if you were even going to show. Do you have a job yet?

She then noticed Conley as he stood at the foot of her bed. Is this your good friend I’ve been hearing about? He’s the one who actually has a job.

I peered over at him and shook my head. A huge grin had appeared across his face. I lifted my finger to my mouth to let him know not to say anything. Grandma, I already told you I’ll search for a job after I settle-in.

Amelia was dressed in a hospital gown. She also wore a cloth cap because of her lack of hair due to the chemotherapy and radiation treatments she was undergoing. Her thick glasses made me wonder how she saw anything.

Amelia was diagnosed with lymphoma ten months earlier at the age of seventy-five and with her poor health, due to years of smoking cigarettes; no one knew how long she would be able to handle the treatments.

You don’t need to call me grandma, Amelia is just fine, and you better get a job soon. I don’t want to see you take advantage of this young man more then you need to. How are Paula and Tim doing? I haven’t heard from them in over three weeks.

Amelia’s sore attitude was the reason why I didn’t wanted to see her but she was the only family member I had that actually cared. Paula and Tim Graves were my foster parents. Amelia was Tim’s mother. She never addressed me like we were related but I understood because we weren’t.

I found out I was adopted at the age of thirteen. Tim told me my real parents decided they were too young to have a baby when I was only a year old. They treated me like I was one of their own. I called them mom and dad for years. I had no idea that, behind closed doors, their marriage was deteriorating. I was later told by my loving parents, after I graduated, that I was a huge burden and they should have never adopted me.

Tim and Paula were on the verge of divorcing. The only way, they figured, to save their marriage was to get rid of the problem, me. A few years later Tim told me he would pay six months for an apartment until Conley and I could pay for the bills ourselves. That is the very reason as to why I’m in Dark River.

I don’t talk to them.

Amelia cracked a smile. Yes, I guess you wouldn’t since you’re being blamed for their marital problems.

I knew that Amelia had known about what transpired because she was there when they told me. I wanted to change the subject quick before I decided to leave. How are you feeling? What are the doctors saying?

Amelia lifted both of her arms to show me the many tubes coming out of her skin. What do you think; I’m told my body it taking the medication well but the lymphoma is still present.

How are you feeling?

All the painkillers they have me on make me feel numb but enough about me. When did you say you are going to stop being a burden to this fine young man? I don’t want my grandson to become a moocher.

I clenched my jaw and tightly closed my eyes. When I opened them I was calm.

Now I’m your grandson? I told you, I’m getting a job soon. Why do you hassle me?

Amelia chuckled. Calm down Dorrian, I’ve always thought of you as my grandson. Even though I know you’re not. Someone needs to keep you straight and in-line during your walk in life.

Conley kept quiet the entire conversation like he had witnessed something that entertained him.

I came down here to visit you, so here I am, visiting.

I twitched with regret as the words left my mouth but it was too late. Amelia grabbed the remote and turned the volume up on the television. It was a signal that it was time to leave. This was the sixth time I had come to visit her and I regretted being there every time. I knew this visit was going to be like all the others, argumentative, remorseful, and hateful. Just before I walked out Amelia said something that made me feel a little different about her.

I’m glad you came to visit. I hope to see you soon. Tell Olisa I said hi.

I waited a few moments, until I knew she had finished, than I left.

I knew Conley couldn’t wait to tell me his opinions about Amelia because of his immediate response the second we stepped out of the room.

She’s really mean. I like that. She prefers to speak her mind.

I peered at Conley confused. Are you crazy? I would rather be lied to, and treated politely, then have someone be honest and be cruel.

Not me, I like it when people are blunt with me.

I was happy as I left the cool smelly hospital. Twenty minutes later we dropped the truck off and picked up Conley’s brown 89’ Eldorado. On our way back to Rock Ridge Apartments Olisa informed me of something else I had almost forgotten.

When are you coming to pick me up?

Our date flashed in my mind. I’ll be there around eight. When does the movie start?

There was a short pause. It starts at eight-thirty. How was your visit?

Conley reached over and turned the volume down on the radio obviously to listen to our conversation.

It went exactly how I thought it was going to.

Conley intentionally raised his voice so Olisa could hear him. She was mean.

Who’s that?

I looked over at Conley and squinted my eyes. My best friend Conley, who else?

He grinned and directed his attention back to the road.

Tell Conley I said hi.

Olisa said hi. What exactly is the plan for tonight, other than the movies?

I don’t know; the movie is going to get out late, so probably nothing.

Can we go back to your place and hang out?

Dorrian, you know my parents aren’t going to allow that.

See that’s why you should move over here with me.

I’ve teased Olisa about moving in with me ever since I found out I was getting my own apartment.

Baby, you’re not even established yet. You need to get a job and start paying your own bills and then I’ll think about it.

I finally surrendered and decided to change the subject. I’m going back to unpack some of my things, love you. I’ll see you soon.

Love you too, bye.

After I clicked my phone off there was silence the rest of the way back to the apartment. Conley never said anything or gave me any reason to make me think he thought that Olisa and I dating was wrong but sometimes he made me wonder.

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Later that evening before Conley let me borrow his car, for my date, I saw that he had unpacked a few baseball trophies. He never talked about his past so it surprised me to learn that he used to play a sport.

As I stood at the entrance to Conley’s room, while he sat on the floor, he didn’t even notice I was present. When he finally looked up I thought he was going to jump out of his skin. Conley’s body twitched and he quickly shoved his trophies back into the box. There were books, clothes, and DVD’s spread out all over his room on the carpet.

You scared the crap out of me. I thought you were upstairs.

I couldn’t help but laugh as Conley fumbled with his trophies. I didn’t mean to scare you. I just took down some empty boxes and decided to see what you were doing. I didn’t know you played baseball.

His lips curled into a smile as he peered down into the box. It’s fine. I used to play when I was ten years old. I was in the little-leagues in Dade City.

I also used to play little-leagues. I still have my baseball gloves but I’ve never won any trophies.

It was mainly my team that won the games. I played right-field, where no one ever hit.

I was just about to step out of the room when I noticed a baby-names book lying near a stack of novels next to his dresser. Since I’ve been friends with Conley I’ve learned that his parents abandoned him at his grandmother’s house and disappeared forever. No one knew where they had gone, so we had something very personal in common. Other than that, small aspect of his life, Conley hadn’t told me anything else about who he was, before the day he saved me.

I stepped forward and pointed to the odd paperback book. Why do you have a baby-names book in your things?

Conley’s face turned red like he was embarrassed and quickly snatched the book up. He spoke fast and acted like there was something wrong. I wanted to look up my name and see what it meant, don’t worry about my things. Can you do me a favor?

Sure, what do you need?

Don’t ever come in here, I have private things that I don’t want people knowing about.

I was dumbstruck. Conley didn’t act like himself but I couldn’t be upset with him. His past was probably horrible and he didn’t want his friends to know about it.

Don’t worry I won’t.

As I walked into the living room he got up and closed the door behind me.

I was at Olisa’s house at exactly seven-fifty. Her parents had moved to Dark River ten years earlier because of the property they found on the outskirt of town. They told me that they were tired of the big city life and wanted somewhere simpler to live. I agreed.

Olisa’s parents have treated me like their own child ever since they knew I was dating their daughter. Since Olisa’s mom knew we were now exclusive she asked me, in private, if I was going to ask ‘the big question’ and I told her I was waiting for the right moment.

I knew Olisa wanted me to wait in the driveway. Whenever we went on a date her mother would spark up a conversation. We would either miss the previews to the movie we were about to watch or be late to a dinner reservation. I turned the radio to my favorite station and patiently zoned-out. Eight short minutes later my angel appeared.

As Olisa walked in my direction she smiled at her mom and waved goodbye. She wore a dark blue and red dress with her long black hair in a ponytail. She was so beautiful I started to feel underdressed. All I wore was blue jeans, a blue polo shirt and sneakers. I had slicked my ear length black hair back and I wore a silver chain necklace.

Olisa climbed in next to me and looked down at her dress.

Do you like?

You look amazing.

She leaned over and gave me a warm kiss while her mom watched from the front door. I quickly backed out of the driveway and left.

The Cinema Six was located in the middle of town off of Azalea Drive. Since today was Friday I knew the theater was going to be packed. I also knew we would, most likely, have to park around back where there weren’t many street-lights. We talked about my new apartment and finding a job the entire drive to the theater.

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The traffic became heavy as we pulled into the packed parking lot next to the cinema. I couldn’t find a spot, like I had figure, so we parked around back with a few other unfortunate movie-seekers. The back of the theater wasn’t paved. It consisted of a huge field that led to a street where there was a convenience store.

As we got out and walked to the front I saw someone, a few isles over, walking in-between a few of the other parked cars headed to the back. I stopped and focused on the stranger. It appeared to be the same person I saw in the hospital that wore the black trench coat. Olisa stared at me not knowing why I had stopped.

What’s wrong?

My eyes were locked on the stranger as he crept along the vehicles and disappeared behind the back of the theater.

Nothing, I just thought I saw something.

My mind fell back to the date with Olisa and I forgot about the stranger in the trench. We had a good time watching the movie even though it was crowded. We held hands throughout and occasionally snuck in a few kisses. The comedy was perfect and after it was over I drove her straight to her house. It was around ten-fifteen when I walked Olisa to her door.

I had a great time tonight. Olisa said.

I couldn’t agree more. I always cherished spending time with my love. Me too, what do you have planned for us to do next?

Olisa stepped forward and showed her white teeth as she grinned. I was thinking about inviting you over for dinner with me and my parents.

So we’re getting serious now.

I’ve met Olisa’s parents shortly after we began dating but I had never been invited to spend family time with them. The main reason for that fact was because our relationship was off and on after the accident until about six months ago when we decided that we didn’t want to be with anyone else.

Dorrian, you know I love you. My mom’s asked me when I was going to invite you over for a formal meeting so I thought now would be the best time.

It would make me happy to join you and your parents for a dinner one night.

Okay cool. I’ll call you and let you know when the best time for them will be.

I leaned in and we kissed passionately. It was long and heartfelt. My breathing became erratic and my heartbeat quickened rapidly. I didn’t want the moment to end. When we parted I was slightly dizzy like we had just spun in circles. She waved bye to me as I got in the Eldorado and drove off. That night I would have sweet dreams about my love.

CHAPTER 2

At 2:30 a.m. twenty-two year old Terril Brash walked out of Fountain Plaza Apartments and onto the empty street of Fifteenth Avenue. He knew what he had just done was immoral but he also knew that his wife, Nora, wasn’t going to find out about it. Terril and his wife were in a rough-spot. They fought about everything from who drank the last drops of juice to him snoring to loudly at night. Terril currently lived at his grandmother’s house, which was his only relative in Dark River, until he and his wife ceased bickering.

The full moon was shrouded in clouds and the cool October breeze comforted his warm body. Terril grinned as he reminisced about the encounter he had just experienced. He met his mistress months earlier at the Twilight Bar. She had hair of fire and her body curved like the ocean in a violent storm. She called herself Pam but Terril didn’t think the name matched the person. Identity didn’t matter when it came to adultery so he didn’t care what she wanted to be called. His wife didn’t have a clue about his infidelity. He lied in every way possible to cover his tracks.

Tonight Terril told his grandmother he had to stay late at work. His coworker agreed to cover for him if anyone called and wondered where he was at. Just in case his wife drove around searching for him, he made sure to park five blocks from his Pam’s residence. He also made sure his dark green Dodge Neon was off the street and down an alley to conceal it better. He had all avenues covered which made him feel invincible.

Terril almost skipped as he jogged to the alleyway. He didn’t have a guilty conscious because his wife had ceased all sexual encounters due to the arguing. The only reason he continued to stay with her was the fact that she could be pregnant and he didn’t want to pay child support. His mistress knew about his wife and didn’t care. Pam told Terril that she no longer yearned for a relationship; she just wanted to have fun. Terril was also worried about losing his house, which he worked long hours for, when he received his job as a drywall contractor. Nora had a better job as a computer technician. She paid more than half the bills which was another reason to make sure he concealed everything he did.

One block away from his vehicle Terril saw a dark figure. He stopped jogging and watched to see where the man was headed. The stranger eerily paused at the mouth of the alleyway and disappeared where Terril’s car was located.

Terril searched his pants pockets for anything that he could use as a weapon but soon realized he had nothing. On occasion he carried a four inch pocket-knife. His mind flashed to when he placed it on his dresser before he temporarily moved out of his house. He yanked his empty hands out and shook his head knowing he shouldn’t have discarded it.

Feeling a little nervous Terril stepped to the edge of the alleyway. He then pressed his back against the front wall to a red brick building next to the entrance and cocked his head to see his car cloaked in darkness. The dark green Neon was parked next to a dumpster at the very end. He couldn’t see the man or make out any defining details of the surrounding area but his subconscious told him that the stranger was there.

Terril didn’t want to be scared. He loathed weakness in himself so he bravely paced down the dark and dank alley. His hands shook as he reached into his back right pocket and tugged on his keys until it slowly slid out. With a click the doors unlocked and the inside lights came on.

Terril glanced around then placed his sweaty right palm on the cold hard steel of the door handle. The stranger suddenly stepped out from behind the dumpster. Even though Terril only saw a shadowed face covered in a black ski mask, he knew that the man stared directly at him. Before Terril could make a sound or any further movement, the stranger spoke.

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You think you’re privileged, don’t you?

When he spoke Terril could immediately tell that the man tried to make his voice sound deeper, which was odd. The dark figure had both hands in his black pant pockets. There wasn’t enough illumination from the overhead light to get any essential details of the man.

What are you talking about?

The stranger edged toward him until he was only five feet away. You think you’re special, don’t you?

Terril’s eyes widened and his forehead wrinkled as he became more confused. Maybe this guy is insane? What makes him think that I’m special?

The man stepped closer like it was casual to wear a black ski mask. He was now close enough to where Terril that could size him up. He was medium build and around six foot tall. He could also tell, by the skin around the opening to his ski mask, that he was Caucasian. The man wore black clothes from head to toe, including gloves, which covered most of his entire body. Terril figured he was about to get robbed so he made a quick decision and lunged forward. In the matter of a second the stranger jerked his hands from his pockets and jammed a silenced 9-mm Beretta against Terril’s skull.

He quickly threw up his hands.

Wait, wait man, what you want?

Before the stranger could answer, Terril took out his wallet and keys. Still keeping one of his hands extended high in the air he tried to hand them over.

I don’t want your car or your wallet but I do want any cash you have on you.

Frustrated, Terril took out his wad of twenties, handed it to the man and shoved his empty wallet and keys into his back pocket. You have my cash, now leave.

The figure pressed the gun harder against Terril’s forehead and made an impression in his skin. Not until we have a little chat.

Terril peered around and noticed the blackened windows of the six floors to both buildings that surrounded them. He prayed at least one person, hidden in the shadows behind the glass, witnessed what was transpiring and called the police. Chat about what?

Answer my question.

What question?

Terril heard the stranger inhaled a deep breath and watched as he tightly closed his eyes for an instant. Do you think you’re special?

Terril didn’t have a clue where this was going but he decided to answer any stupid questions the psychopath wanted. No, I don’t think I’m special.

The stranger displayed his white teeth in a crocked smile and laughed but abruptly caught himself and halted. You don’t? If you’re not special then why do you think you can get away with cheating on your pregnant wife?

Terril staggered back in shock. How could you possibly know that? Have you been following me?

Answer something else for me.

Man, like I have a choice. Can you at least take the gun off my forehead while we have our chat?

Little did Terril know, everything was all going according to plan. He quickly moved the gun down to the center of his chest and pressed it even harder against his sternum. Terril rubbed the sore spot indented into his skin. The stranger continued. Is that better? Now, tell me why you think you have the right to ruin people’s lives?

I’m not ruining anything.

Yes you are and I know why.

Really, enlighten me.

Don’t even try to hide from me. I know you’re a god.

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That was it; he was convinced this guy was insane. Anger built up in his veins so much Terril stepped forward and closed the gap between them, even though the end of the barrel felt like it was going to puncture through his clothes into his flesh. What are you talking about?

The stranger grinded his teeth and breathed fast and shallow. I was sent to Dark River to purge all of the garbage, like you, who think they can just do whatever they want.

Terril was focused down at the gun pressed hard to his chest. All the bravery and courage, he might have once had, seeped out of his pores and he slowly backed up.

Don’t you move!

Terril froze and desperation entered his mind. He knew he had to do something but what? Did I say you could go anywhere? Tell me one more thing.

Then you’re going to let me go? I’ve been cooperating with you.

Depends on your answer.

There was a moment of silence and anticipation made Terril’s hands tremble. He parted his lips to speak but was cut off.

If I kill you, will I absorb all your godly power?

A single tear rolled down Terril’s cheek and before he could react or say anything the stranger pulled the three times. Terril wanted to scream but his mouth quickly filled with blood. His body became weak and he collapsed to the pavement as life-giving fluid drained from his gaping wounds. As Terril blinked for the final time he saw, his killer, as he leaned over him and take deep breaths.

CHAPTER 3

Detective Warner T. Bradley was the first the police chief contacted. He told him the basics. There was a dead body found thirty minutes ago on the middle of Fifteenth Avenue at the end of an alley. Warner had only worked in Dark River for the past two years. To his knowledge this was the first homicide, since his employment, which was a few feet from two very populated buildings in the middle of town. Prior to his current job location he was employed in Dade City. When Warner and his partner Sam Weston transferred to Dark River they were scrutinized for moving to a retirement home. Later Detective Bradley shrugged off the negative comments from his past colleagues and decided he had made the right choice. If he stayed in Dade City for too much longer Warner knew that he was going to lose the rest of his sanity.

An unsolved murder ate away at their souls and was the main reason for their departure. Every detective, police officer, and agent had that one case that they’ve spent a lifetime working that went cold and was never solved. The case could range between many different crimes from murder to a missing person.

Warner’s ethics was an investigators job had to be serious enough to get involved in a way that the outcome affected them personally and the victims, families, and witnesses drove them harder to solve the mystery of what had occurred. Some said to never get intimate with a case because becoming emotional had the potential to tear the investigator down if they weren’t able to solve it. Detective Bradley and Weston felt that only when they were deeply involved did they have the best chance.

For the two of them that particular cold case was the brutal murder of a young girl named Tilly Heart. She was the last homicide of a serial murderer only known as the Sender Killer. Both men put in countless hours, for five years, before they decided the case wasn’t only bad for their health but it also ripped their sanity to shreds. The most damming part was when Warner told Tilly’s family that there was nothing he could do to find their daughter’s killer. The fury that filled their eyes, every time they saw the detective in public, was too much for him to handle.

Warner T. Bradley had seen a psychiatrist a year before he left Dade City because of the depression, nightmares, day-terrors, and obsessive paranoia he was living through as a result of working the Sender Killer homicides. The head doctor prescribed him antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anti-anxiety medications. It helped him get through the next year in his new surroundings but eventually he dwindled down on his meds and psych visits. He thought that he adapted enough with his emotions and progressed positively in life to stop. Warner just hoped that this new murder wouldn’t bring him one hundred and eighty degrees back to where his life had been.

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The criminal activity in Dark River was very sporadic and most of the violent crimes seemed to be robberies, although there had been a few murders since his arrival. If anyone asked Warner if he felt that his job was a push-over, he would reply of course not, crime is everywhere and if anyone were to ask if he felt his job was an accomplishment, he would say no comment and walk away. He and Sam Weston sometimes found themselves at the same liquor bar reminiscing about their old cases and how difficult they had been. Even though the detectives would never admit it they missed the excitement and action of an intense investigation. Warner figured he would never get a high profile case in Dark River but with all the murders, hostage negotiations, car-jacking, and bomb threats that he had been a part of the detective knew he deserved a break.

Warner still stared at his cell phone minutes after he clicked it off. The shock of a public murder in Dark River felt surreal. Surely someone was mistaken, no one was actually dead. Maybe someone had found an unconscious body and mistook it for being dead. An image of Tilly Heart’s mutilated body lying on the bright green grass flashed in his mind. Warner shook off the image.

Warner knew that Sam Weston was going to be just as surprised as he had been. When the police chief informed him of the discovery the detective was at Starbucks standing in line about to get a cup of coffee. Warner checked his watch and saw that it was 8:15 a.m. He shoved his phone back into his black dress pants, climbed inside his maroon mustang and drove to the crime scene.

Traffic was light up until he turned onto Fifteenth Avenue. From there it took ten minutes just to drive four blocks. Warner shut his car door and walked to the crowded alley-way. After he signed the log-in he stepped up to the barrier of the homicide. Blue sterile latex gloves were a must every time he crossed the yellow crime scene tape. Warner ignored all the stares by some of the police officers near the