Page 32 of Last Seen

Chapter Twenty

Youth is wasted on the young, don’t you think?

Just look at her. Ferrying tools, following orders, glowing, she’s absolutely glowing.

Brimming with excitement. Concern, worry, yes.

But inside, she’s feeling the titillation, the thrill of being a part of something dark and sinister.

Something bigger than herself. She doesn’t even know what it means yet, this arousal, but she will.

I admit to a twinge of it myself. She’s not going to back down. She’s going to try and find out the truth. What will it cost her?

We shall see.

I never thought I’d need to come here, to watch her, to follow. But the chief said it perfectly. She rattled the bars of my cage. Couldn’t leave well enough alone, started asking questions, making calls, pulling files, and I had to visit her in person. See the woman she’s grown into.

And somehow, someway, a new, deeper connection has been formed. One much stronger than the previous one we had.

I admit, my feelings are hurt. How can she not know? How can she not remember?

Not to pat myself on the back, but I do tend to leave an impression. The photos were remarkable. Considering the limitations of the equipment, the composition was stellar. I was sorry to leave them behind.

Of course, I have most of the file, every bit of blood and bone. Collecting crime scene photos is a hobby of mine. I probably have some of the finest memorabilia from the greats of any collector. They are such inspiring decor.

And when looking isn’t enough, there is a whole world to experience.

These connections ... I never know what will cause them. A look? A smile? The sound of a voice, the fit of her jeans? Something. Anything.

Now I have no choice. And there will be consequences. Memories are best when cloudy and unformed. When one seeks clarity, they become troublesome.

What do you think? Should I spook her a little more?

You’d think locking the cat in the basement would have been enough to alarm her, then taking the keys and the file, facing her directly, but even though a woman grown, a woman of great intelligence and charm, she’s too young to be appropriately suspicious yet.

She’s too young to be afraid of every bump in the night.

To realize death is coming for her, as he comes for all of us.

The more you have to live for, the more afraid you are of dying.

At this age? You still think you’re invincible.

That nothing bad happens outside of your dreams.

Come to me, curious bee. Let me show you how the real world works. I’m doing you a favor by teaching this lesson.

What?

For God’s sake, shut up already.