Page 148 of Girl Between (Dana Gray FBI Mystery Thriller #5)

At first, I feel nothing but rage at being outsmarted, but then I let it course through me, fueling me as it always does.

“Clever, Dr. Gray!” I call into the darkness. But not clever enough.

I know the injured woman and blind girl won’t get far. But still, I can’t resist the thrill of the chase. I stalk after them, relishing one last hunt. Following the blood trail almost makes it too easy, but that doesn’t diminish the tremble of excitement flowing through me.

Suddenly, the sound of rushing footsteps echoes through the empty hall, and I can feel my heartbeat quicken with anticipation. It’s always this way; an intoxicating blend of adrenaline and satisfaction. I can never get enough.

I move swiftly, expertly navigating the debris-strewn floor, knowing my prey has few places left to run.

I track them to the cavernous central area of the floor.

The last renovations gutted this portion, leaving stacks of rotting building materials.

I knew the crafty Dr. Gray would be drawn here. It’s the perfect place to hide.

I slowly round the corner and catch a shadow flicker in my peripheral vision. My grin widens. Their attempts to evade me are futile. But I don’t mind. I keep up the ruse of cat and mouse a bit longer. It’s easy to do when I know I’ll be victorious in the end .

Deciding to have a little fun, I pull my concealed firearm. I rarely get to use it. Slowly, I raise the Colt 9mm above my head and squeeze off a warning shot.

As predicted, it startles my prey. “Come out, come out wherever you are,” I sing, taking my time now. I want to savor every delicious moment.

Movement draws my attention to a decaying pallet of drywall. I fire another round, this time purposefully close to my prey. Having the desired effect, my shot drives them right where I want them.

I can hear the sound of labored breathing, mingled with their desperate whispers. Their fear is almost tangible, an electric current that heightens my senses. The path ahead narrows, leading them directly into a dead-end alcove. But they don’t know that. Not yet, anyway.

I fire again, the echo reverberating off the walls, forcing them to alter their path. Their desperation is palpable, their movements frantic and uncoordinated. The scent of fear hangs heavily in the air, a tantalizing aroma that fuels my pursuit.

As I stalk closer, I curse the darkness, wishing to see the panic in their eyes, the realization that there is no way out. They’re both already dead; they just don’t know it yet.

I can’t help but admire Dr. Gray. She could’ve left Amelia. It would’ve given her better odds against me. But the tenacious woman has courage. It’s almost a shame that it has to end this way. But this story demands a conclusion, and I am eager to deliver.

I take another step forward, savoring the sound of my final approach. One more well-aimed shot and I’ll have them cornered.