1

I know you’ve missed me.

What? Surprised I’m still on the loose?

I told you Wisdom. I am too good for this game, too smart for our petty police to catch. I implore you to take off the rose-colored glasses and realize that most crimes go unnoticed and unattended.

Now I will give them some credit, the idea was peachy. Let’s catch Mr. Q.

Bait him with a delectably fleshly Damsel, and I would be theirs. Trapped.

But my dearest Wisdom. The police are pigs. I despise how they think I will eat the slop from their fingers, I am too luxurious for such disrespect. I mean I wouldn’t call myself a serial killer, because the word is simply untrue.

Or maybe it isn’t. I’m a liar. Yet, I am consistent. And I have proved that this story won’t end with me getting caught. That would send rather mixed signals to my fans.

So to show my dedication to ever-changing games. I indulged them, edged them, and got away scot-free.

I did receive a little help, indeed. Care to take a guess?

Is that cheating?

Lock me up then, and throw away the key.

2

“If this fails and I die, I will kill you, Eli,” whispers Hope into the earpiece donned by the Detectives.

“How would that even work? You would be dead after all.” Eli debates.

“Alright, enough you two, let's get in position,” interjects Diaz. “Now, I have my men around to step in if anything suspicious happens. Hope, follow the path, and keep a watch out for things. Tell us if you feel someone following you.”

Hope nodded and started her walk. She stepped on 37th and crossed the street amidst the traffic in an attempt to weave any possible suspect trailing behind her.

Informed by the dispatch on the direction to go next, she took the alleyway that plagued the city. An indication of the Damsel Eli had encountered. The shortcut that pulled them all into this game.

“I was a witness to murder, and the police need my help.” Eli downcastingly spoke to his friends.

“And you kept us in the dark for so long. Not cool bro.” Ejected Daniel.

“Okay, I have two questions. When was this? And what do they want you to help with, asked Hope.”

“Well about that, I need your help too,” Eli muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.

If someone a week ago would’ve bet her all her money that she was going to be dragged into steering a police investigation, she would have lost everything she owned.

“I’m too good of a friend to you. You know, I should have let Daniel hit you more.” She said out loud not sure if E was even still on the other line.

“Don’t worry. I will get you back home safe in no time and grow to be the best man at you two’s wedding okay.” E thankfully replied.

“Nuh-uh, you lost your spot, heck, you might not even get an invite at this point,” she joked, trying to take the edge off of the situation before turning the corner and looking at the boats docked at the harbor.

“You don’t have any friends, sorry you are stuck with me,” E replied.

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In her peripheral view she she saw another cop in hiding, before walking on another busy road.

Relieved that the walk was almost over, she sauntered towards a van, elated that she was close to her destination.

“I guess we didn’t catch him,” Eli muttered. “Welp. Good luck with your endeavor Detectives, please never call me again.”

“Woah woah woah, slow down, we will pick this up tomorrow,” Campbell interrupted. “Hope, be here at seven a.m. We will try to do it in the morning to rule out possible time-related M.O.s.”

“Usually, I don’t even have a class that early, but sure, whatever helps the case right?” Hope dejected looking towards Eli.

“Whatever helps the case,” Eli replied, trying to reassure his friend.

As Hope stood in the agreed spot, she sat on the curb angsty with how early she had to get there annoyed to find no one else.

“Where are you, E?” She shivered into her phone.

“Down the block. Diaz is with me, hold on.”

“Did you hear me? Hope?” Eli asked, shocked there was no witty answer in response.

“She heard you just fine Elijah, just fine. Thank you for the rose,” the cryptic man, now sporting magenta sunglasses, spat into the phone, before hanging up.

Eli rushed to the spot, only seeing Hope’s phone and a black envelope where she should have stood.

“I’m sorry E, we will find her,” spoke Diaz.

Eli slumped, too shaken with the idea that his friend could be dead in the next moments, failed to register what the Detective said.

Daniel is going to kill me, he thought.

Wisdom could you kill me first?

3

Dear Mr. Elliot,

& Mr. Diaz since he is probably reading this too.

Hell. Hi Campbell.

I know you are surprised. You should be. I beat you and I got a glorious flower to add to my collection. I didn’t realize how much you guys knew me. I always thought red was too strong, but pink. Pink is perfect.

Thank you. You did the hard part for me.

Watching her yesterday in all her rosy efforts, without reaching out to grab her was hard.

Tempting even.

What great feelings you brought back to me. An almost euphoric rush.

Now, Elijah, you’re young so I can excuse your naivety. Stay in school kid, you need it. But those two imbeciles, reading along, deserve to be punished. Dragging a poor prize around the city.

Don’t you know there are serial killers in the area?

How foolish.

I know you have questions and thankfully for you, I have solutions.

Below I will display an address where little Hope is left. Get it? Little Hope? I digress.

Under this paper is another. That is the clue. A clue on how to find this rose, and one is all you will get.

I know, how can you trust that I am where I imply? You can’t. But you have no option but to do the one thing that goes against your heart, your genetic makeup. Trusting that little voice in your head that is similar to me.

So choose wisely, try your best, or give up on Hope. I win either way.

Here’s to you. Finding, that you are less but no different to me.

Undoubtedly,

Mr. Q

P.S.

You suck at this game Diaz, how about next round you bring the heat. That’s all you're good for anyway. Burning bridges.

Elijah stood up from his chair pushing Diaz and Campbell out of the way, exiting toward the hall, contemplating if he should mention this to his parents. Daniel was sitting near the lobby, refusing to talk to Eli, before giving up on the notion.

“I told you she was in danger, Eli why can’t you stop dragging us into your messes?” Daniel shouted. “If she dies I will never forgive you.”

Elijah stared at the floor. I won’t forgive myself, he thought. I need help.

Can you help me, Wisdom?

Please?