A Killer's Reflection: Inside the Mind of a Serial Killer

By Cheryl Bannerman

Ready to experience a heart-pounding journey into the depths of the human psyche? "A Killer's Reflection" is an electrifying psychological thriller that will grip you from the very first page!

Delve into the dark underbelly of New York City's projects as we uncover the chilling origins of a remorseless serial killer. Douglass Randall Coleman Jr., a master manipulator, emerges from a harrowing upbringing saturated with turmoil, narcotics, alcohol, and unspeakable abuse. His irresistible charisma and cunning charm become his deadly weapons, luring victims into his twisted game before cutting ties in blood-soaked treachery.

As seasoned detectives tirelessly pursue this elusive predator, the body count rises, leaving a haunting question in its wake: how many more lives will be claimed before the noose tightens around his neck? Will they gather enough evidence to ensnare him within his labyrinth of deceit?

In the riveting climax, YOU hold the key to unraveling the enigma that is Douglass Randall Coleman Jr. Was it the haunting trauma inflicted by his own mother or another devastating childhood tragedy that ultimately unleashed the monster within him? Prepare to be on the edge of your seat as you decide the fate of this complex, chilling character. Grab your copy now and dare to explore the sinister depths of "A Killer's Reflection" – the ultimate psychological thriller that will leave you breathless!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cheryl Denise Bannerman
• Release date: Sep 12, 2020
• ISBN: 9781735335254

Cheryl Bannerman

Even at the age of seven, up and coming Author Cheryl Denise Bannerman, would sit for hours on end reading about faraway lands, intriguing characters and intoxicating storylines. And by a pre-teen, she was writing poetry for publication and short stories for school that moved the reader to laughter, tears, and sometimes anger. She was an old creative soul from a young age, experiencing way too much 'life' than she would have liked. Now this little girl is all grown up with a child of her own. A child who also loves to write, and even has a unique and masterful talent for drawing as well. When Author Cheryl Powell (pen name, Cheryl D. Bannerman) is not writing for her next book, she is running her 21-year old virtual B2B Training and Development company based out of her Orlando, Florida, home. Since 1996, she has been known as an Instructional Design and e-Learning Specialist -- with clients all over the US and overseas -- creating classroom training materials, e-Learning modules, job aides and more for corporate employees and their clients. This author also holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a Master of Science degree in IT Project Management and Leadership. She manages multiple projects over various time zones as an expert Training and Development Service Provider. Her wide range of training experience, from classroom-based as a Computer Instructor to online universities as a Professor, all the way to the corporate arena -- in conjunction with her background in Technology -- has greatly contributed to her success in the field of Training and Development. In her spare time, Cheryl Powell loves to read murder mysteries, attend museums, watch movies, try new restaurants and cuisines, shop with her daughter, and take in the sun on the beach. And, although this author's works are fiction, she has incorporated many of her personal life's experiences into their stories.

Book preview

Chapter One - Childhood Drama

11 -year-old Douglass Randall Coleman Jr. walked up to the 12-story brown brick building that he called his home with a spring in his step and a smile on his face. His hands were still bloodstained, so he kept them in his pockets. He noticed his brother out front on the basketball courts and yelled his name. His older brother, Charles, now 16, gave him a nod and a ‘Sup!?’.

Douglass continued up the walkway to what society named 'the projects of the inner city,' better known as the Boogie Down Bronx. As he approached the front entrance, he flashed his ever-so-charming smile to the young girls on the step. They blushed and giggled in return.

Stepping into the elevator, he held his breath from the stench of urine as he waited until it delivered him   to the 7th floor. Lucky number seven, he thought. And as usual, I’m just as lucky. His mama was in the kitchen making dinner, and he could slip into the bathroom before she noticed how dirty he was. He yelled out, Hey mama! and quickly ran down the narrow hallway.

Before Sandra Louise could turn around, Douglass was gone. She wanted to scoop him up and squeeze him tightly as soon as he came home. His report card had come, and he'd made the Honor Roll with six A's and one B unlike his brother Charles, who'd barely passed with five C's, one D and one F. She knew it was wrong to have favorites, but she couldn't help herself. Douglass was the star athlete, the winner of the Science Fair, runner-up in the National Spelling Bee, and so much more. He looked just like his daddy, and that, to her, was his best trait yet. So handsome and charming. When he flashed his winning smile, she always melted. All the girls loved him too, even though he was only eleven.

Doug looked in the mirror and flashed his winning smile...practicing for his mama. There was something in his reflection that made him wonder about his immortality. How much could he get away with undetected? Hmmmmm.

Forcing himself to look away from the mirror, Doug ensured his hands and face were clean and changed his shirt. He was ready to win mama’s heart all over again. As soon as he opened the bathroom door, he ran smack into her.

I was just about to come in there and find out what was takin' my handsome man so long, said his mama.

Sorry, mama, I had to go to the bathroom really bad, said Douglass. Dinner ready yet?

Not just yet, my handsome man. Give yo' mama some sugar first! I am so proud of you! she said as she squeezed his thin frame. You made the Honor Roll again! Did I say how proud I was of you? she asked as she chuckled and grinned.

Boy, you look more like yo' daddy every day. He was so charmin' and handsome. Always had on the latest styles with some fancy hat. Ha! said his mama.

Doug didn't wanna hear about his daddy or about his charm or good looks. Fuck that nigga! he thought to himself. He ain't neva did nothin' for mama or me. Duckin' in once in a while to take me out or sleep with mama, and then runnin' off the next mornin'.

Doug and his father always had a strained relationship because of the fact that when he wasn't around, it was bad; and when he was around, it was worse. Just the thought of him made his skin crawl and his fists clench.

So what's for dinner? he asked his mama.

One of your favorites, of course! You know I always make your favorites. You are my special little man. I love you so much, she said, smothering him with kisses and hugs. Please don't ever leave me. Okay, Douglass?

You can count on me, mama, he replied; but inside his stomach was churning. He wanted to scream and run away from the smothering. And that glassy-eyed look that she gave him when she looked into his eyes made him nauseous. It was the same feeling he got when he thought back to the memories of him and his father, when he was around four.

Charles rushed into the apartment and sat down at the dinner table, asking what was for dinner.

We are having Douglass' favorite! It's a celebration. He made the Honor Roll again! Now hurry on and wash up, said his mama.

"Why do we always have to have Douglass' favorite, and why are we always celebrating him and how GREAT he is? I'm sick of it!" he yelled as he stormed down the hallway to the bathroom.

When you do something great, then we’ll celebrate you! yelled Sandra as she stood behind her son's chair, stroking his curly hair.

Charles continued yelling from the bathroom. I do a lot of great things, but you don't notice! You're too busy doting over Doug! And what about all the trouble HE gets into? You completely overlook it like it doesn't matter!

Charles' face was red as he re-entered the kitchen. He was about to explode and was tired of having this argument night after night. He was seriously considering going to live with his grandmother...permanently.

Everyone gets into a little trouble now and then. said Sandra. He’s a boy. And those were all just misunderstandings. Those people just 'i-deed' the wrong boy. Douglass would never vandalize a property or hurt an animal. He loves animals. Right, Douglass?

Doug smiled his winning smile and replied Of course! to his mama's question. Although he hated to be called Douglass, he responded anyway. He didn’t wanna be like his dad, Douglass Sr. In his mind, he was Doug.

Charles' eyes were burning a hole through Doug in contempt. He was not buying it. He would have to work harder to get mama to see the real Douglass. In reality, Doug hated animals and could easily rip them apart with his bare hands. When the coldness of hatred ran through his veins, he could destroy anything or anyone. Mama kept a damn zoo in this apartment, from turtles and cats to dogs and hamsters, and he could barely breathe from the smell or keep himself from puking.

Douglass reflected back on his mother’s words about loving animals. He thought to himself, "No, I definitely would not use the word Love. I'm so sick of that word. Especially from people. No one really means it, yet they use it all the time...Except when it applies to me. Yeah, I...Love...ME."

|Chapter 2 – The Teenage Years

Age 13

Ungh, ungh, ohh, ahh, yeahhh, ungh, uhhhhhhhhh! Doug grunted aloud as he finished his daily jerk-off. He loved it when his mom and Charles weren't home. It was better when he didn't have to hold it in. He was finally a man, and it felt great. Not that girls hadn't been checking him out already, but now he was gettin' some action. He could charm a girl into letting him see her titties, her pussy, or ass. He could even talk them into letting him touch or lick them.

His hormones were raging, and he could not contain himself, sometimes. He would have to masturbate several times a day to calm down, and even though sex was all he thought about, he was still making his mama proud with his grades. He could get whatever he wanted with a ‘wink and a smile.’ And even if there were obstacles, such as a 'No', he would still get what he wanted. One way or the other.

Tameka Jenkins found out the hard way last July. After playing in the community pool with the other kids, they went inside the building to go home and change. Since the elevator was broken for the third time in two weeks, they took the stairwell.

Doug could not help but notice how Tameka, also 13, was filling out that bikini. Damn, his penis was hard just thinking about seeing her naked. So he worked his charm and was soon getting the signal to go. Tameka was grinning from ear to ear from his compliments and was moving closer.

Although Tameka was grinning, she was all nerves inside. She was a virgin and had heard rumors about Doug. She didn't want to lead him on, but didn't want to disappoint him, either. She really liked him...ever since last summer.

After more charm and five minutes of French kissing with plenty of tongue, Doug made his move. First, he slipped his hand under her bikini top, and when she responded, he began to suck on the nipple.

Before Tameka knew it, he was on top of her without his swim trunks, trying to rip her bikini bottom off. Tameka screamed and tried to run away. The last words she said were, Doug, no! before she lost consciousness.

A friend of Tameka had found her older brother on the courts, and they called 9-1-1. Tameka was found in the stairwell naked and bloody, with Doug long gone.

In the end, Tameka suffered contusions and abrasions to the face and body, a