People were trying to push their way through the doors of the real estate office. Detective O’Hara, in a smart blue suit and gold chains, was giving orders to keep the gawkers out. She caught Rose’s eye and gave her the thumbs up.

In spite of O’Hara, they came swarming in. Mom, Dad, reporters, more policeman. Finally, Daniel. That’s when she saw Jerram slip away and walk off alone toward the common. She tried to reach him with the arms of her mind … just this once more.

Nothing.

But then he turned and stopped and looked back. He gave her a wave. Her heart lifted. See you later, Jerram, she thought. It was going to be all right now. No need to think about death anymore. The long seige of the Christmas Killer was over.

Part Eight

Him

Prison is not a bad place, no worse than the prison of my own soul. Here I am fed and clothed and cared for.

Oftentimes I think of her in the rides of night and wonder whereof she came. She is like me, not easily scared. Rose, my blood-red blossom, is alone worthy. One of these days I will make her my queen.

It is her other she must fight, not let him pull her down. He who is her brother can be a dangerous liability. Those who have never seen the heart of the beast cannot know the power. It may be someday she will have to end him as I ended she who was my sister.

In the meantime, I am waiting here. A place of between. Between death there is life. Between life there is death. It all adds up to the same thing.

Let a little time pass. I will send her a letter, tied up in my own blood and sealing wax. She will know me from my mark. And she will think of me again.

And, before long, I will escape from this place, and I will be seeing her again.

Ad

Back Cover