Page 73 of Shattered Sanctuary
Erin shook her head. “No. He probably killed his grandparents.”
“How could you possibly know that?”
“Because that’s who he was,” Kaely said. “I’m certain they did something that triggered his behavior. I’m pretty sure it had to do with his mother. My guess is that he felt they hurt her in some way. I’m also confident that she wore high heels, makeup, and blue ribbons in her hair. That’s why he added the ribbon and never removed his victims’ makeup, jewelry, or high heels. I know serial killers who were very triggered by those things. But Allen? No, they didn’t bother him at all. The white dress symbolized purity, either his mother’s or he put it on his victims because he believed angels wear them. I would lean toward the latter because of the figurines.” She sighed. “We’ll never know exactly what he was thinking.”
“So, he was trying to spell out Watcher with his kills?” Adrian asked. “Why? What does that have to do with anything?”
Kaely shook her head. “He was trying to send a message.Like a challenge. It’s a common thing with serial killers. Think of the Zodiac. Jack the Ripper. There are more. He probably picked the words Watcher Woods for his puzzle because people were afraid of the ghost that supposedly roamed there. It might also be that he felt connected to William Watcher in some way. A lot of serial killers pattern themselves after other murderers.”
“Why didn’t he include his grandparents’ initials in his puzzle?”
“Because they weren’t important,” Erin said. “They were just obstacles to get out of the way so he could begin his quest for what he considered to be his fight against God—or the angels.”
Kaely nodded. “Yes, I agree.”
“I still can’t believe you thought Timothy was a serial killer,” Adrian said with a smile. “He’s one of the most moral people I’ve ever met. I trust him with my life.”
Kaely smiled. “Yes, I understand. But think about it. He’s attractive. Has a very respectable job. Knows how to hide evidence. He was in a position to tell you what he wanted you to know, but not necessarily what you needed to know.”
“Maybe you should have told us Timothy was going to be checking on us?” Erin said. “I mean, we knew there was a serial killer running around and a strange vehicle keeps showing up?”
“Yeah, I get it. Sorry.” Adrian popped another fry in his mouth, chewed, and then swallowed. “So now what?”
“Well, we’re leaving in four... well, three days after today,” Kaely said. “I’m going home to Virginia, and Erin will be going back to St. Louis.”
“You’re right,” Erin said. “But I won’t be there long.”
Kaely frowned. “Why?”
“Well, I decided that I need to leave St. Louis,” Erin said slowly. “Too many bad memories there. I need a fresh start.”
“I think that sounds like a great idea,” Adrian said. “Where will you go?”
Erin laughed and looked at Kaely.
Kaely’s sudden, wide smile told her she’d figured it out.
“I made Steve an offer he couldn’t refuse,” Erin said.
“You bought the cabin,” Adrian said. He said it more as a statement than a question. “But aren’t there bad memories here as well?”
“I would say that this experience has been... challenging. But something good happened too. Something I needed. Being here—with Kaely—has allowed me to start over. Besides, the peace and quiet will help me with my writing.” She smiled at Kaely. “Our little adventure has given me ideas. I’m ready to write another book.”
“I think that’s wonderful,” Kaely said. She looked over at Adrian. “And you already have a friend here.”
Adrian’s face flushed and he picked up his drink. Erin noticed it and wondered why he’d reacted that way. Strange. Hopefully, he didn’t mind that she was moving to Sanctuary.
“I hope you’ll come back,” Erin said to Kaely.
Kaely nodded. “I think we should make this a yearly thing at least, don’t you?”
“Absolutely,” Erin replied. “But...”
“But perhaps without a crazed serial killer next time?”
Adrian grinned at them. “I would certainly appreciate that.”
Erin shrugged. “We’ll do our best, but we certainly can’t promise anything.”
“No, we certainly can’t,” Kaely said, smiling.