Killer in the Rain Chapter Six Darkness

Andrew ran.  He ran as fast as he could.  If he was caught at the crash site he would be put straight back into jail.  He shrouded himself in the dark forest.  He was in the middle of nowhere.  The forest was made up of pine trees, which towered over him.  Andrew looked up at the trees, which peered menacingly down at him.  He wondered which way he should go.  There was no way he could return home.  That would be the first place the police would look for him.  Andrew was lost.  He was lost in the darkness.  The wind howled through the trees.  Apart from that there was total silence.  Andrew kept on walking.  He suddenly started running in the pouring rain and the absolute black.  Whether he was running out of the darkness or further into it, he could not say.
****

It had finally stopped raining.  Andrew was soaked to the bone.  His prison uniform was sticking to his skin.  Andrew decided to keep walking.  If he stayed still, he would most likely catch hypothermia.  If he kept moving, he would keep his body heat up.  Andrew sneezed.  He hoped this was just a cold.  The wind rustled the unruly undergrowth.  SNAP! SNAP! Andrew's head snapped around to find the source of this noise.  He could not see anything.  He ignored it.  CRACK! Andrew swiftly swerved, avoiding the falling branch.  It seemed like the whole forest was against him.  Andrew looked up at the sky.  Any stars were covered up by storm clouds.  He had no idea what the time was; his watch had been confiscated from him, when he has been imprisoned.  There was more rustling in the undergrowth.  Andrew tried to see what was making the noise, but whatever it was, it was shielded by the darkness.  "I'm just being paranoid." He told himself.  He wished he could believe that.  The rustling got louder.  Andrew noticed that the rustling was also getting closer.  "Get away from me.  I've killed people; I'll kill you too whatever you are." Andrew shouted triumphantly.  He was certain that whatever this was, it did not want to die.  Andrew's threat had the opposite reaction.  The rustling seemed to anger and get closer.  Before he knew it, he was running.  He ran as fast as his pathetic little legs could carry him.  Looking back he saw a dark shape. approaching from the bushes.  He carried on running.  He was panic stricken and afraid.  He almost lost the dark figure, then he tripped on a tree root and fell flat on his face.  Something shot past him.  Andrew prayed silently, that it would leave him alone  he looked up an breathed a sigh of relief.  It was just a deer.  The deer must have been causing all the rustling in the undergrowth, maybe it had been running from something.  Perhaps a late night hunter; the deer had brought the Hunter directly to Andrew.  Andrew buried his face back in the mud, when he heard a gunshot.  The deer fell dead.  The murderer sincerely hoped that whoever was holding the gun was indeed aiming for the deer and not for him.  Andrew lay in the mud transfixed with fear.  Every single emotion was screaming through him.  He was terrified.  He now knew how every single one  of his victims must have felt.  The killer started to hear footsteps.  Before the Hunter reached him, Andrew got to his feet and ran.  What Andrew did not know was that the Hunter was not aiming for the deer at all.  The Hunter was aiming for Andrew., The Hunter had just heard of Andrew's recent escape and he feared that Andrew might try to kill him or his family.  So the Hunter left his house, with his favourite rifle which he used to actually hunt deer  This time he was hunting Andrew.  He saw a shape in the darkness and fires.  He was dismayed to find out that he shot a deer, but just in case he swiftly and quietly reloaded his gun.  The Hunter then saw something running in the darkness.  He brought the heavy gun up to his shoulder and fired.  The bullet whistled past Andrew's head, just missing his ear.  This gunshot only spurred Andrew on.  He had been running so fast, that he was now out of range.  Whether Andrew was running out of the dark forest or further into it, he still could not say.  The Hunter knew that the game was up.  His quarry had escaped him.  he hoped that somebody else will be able to complete the job he had started.  he knew that Andrew had to be stopped, by any means possible.

****

Andrew was absolutely exhausted  He guessed it must have been late.  He had taken some more rage suppressants, before he left Heidelberg.  Regardless of how drenched his clothes were, Andrew knew he to get some sleep.  There was very little light and the murderer could barely see ten feet in front of him.  His leg suddenly banged against something.  Using his hands, Andrew explored the object.  He guessed it was made of metal and it might have been a cow feeder or similar.  It felt as it it had a solid roof and enough room underneath it from him to take shelter.  Andrew blindly crawled underneath it and prepared himself for the cold night ahead.

****

<em>The scars were finally healing. </em><em>.  </em><em>All of the metaphorical knife and bullet wounds were </em><em>c</em><em>losing up.  I </em><em>was now twenty two and living away from home.  Sam often aked, what had prompted Holly to lash out but I had always avoided the question.  I knew I had to leave home, after my ordeal.  I knew I had to start applying for jobs.  I got lucky when I was offered the position of a hospital receptionist.  It would be terrible pay, but it was a start.  Sam was perfectly aware of my situation. He knew that I could not stay at home.  I remember Sam was determined to help.  He wanted to repay the protection I had given him over the years.  I always had very little money in my account, as Holly put the majority of her spare income into Sam's account.  She wanted to give her special little guy the best start in life and Sam was going to take complete advantage of this.  He had more than enough money to provide the rent and utilities' cost for me.  I was initially hesitant about this, but I had to escape from my prison and I knew that Holly wold soon replenish Sam's bank account  Holly was also uncomfortable about this decision. but she could not say no to her favourite son.  As soon as possible I moved out of home and into my own apartment, where Sam was always welcome.</em>

****

<em>When I turned eighteen, Teresa died.  I could not say I was distraught about the loss.  In fact I was almost joyful.  My whole life Teresa had looked down at me, but now, finally, I could stare down at her.  As she burned in hell.</em>

<em>****</em>

<em>Another raindrop blasted down to Earth.  Two years ago I was hit with another bullet shell.  I hadn't seen </em><em>my father in five years and I never would again.  I would never see my father's brown wavy hair with tinges of grey in it.  John Stone had died.  A car crash.  The police had put his death down to low visibility.  In one simple act, life had been throttled away from his father.  With the death of Teresa, Holly had started crumbling to pieces.  The death of my dad had sent her sanity plunging off a cliff.  She had started to become schizophrenic and had to be submitted to a nursing home.  Me and Sam might as well have been orphans.</em>

<em>*****</em>

Andrew jolted awake.  He felt as if he only gotten a couple of hours sleep, but he knew he should keep walking.  He climbed out of the cow feeder and tried to exit the forest.  Claire fell into line next to him.  "That's interesting.  Your dad and grandma died and your mum was a schizophrenic.  That does explain how you are now."

"What are you talking about?" Andrew asked, through gritted teeth.

"I mean, you're a crazy, hostile, malicious brute, just like your mummy."

Andrew suddenly stopped and turned to Claire.  "I was nothing like her and I never will be."

"I beg to differ."

Without Andrew realising, night had turned into day and he had arrived at a town.  He knew that the rage suppressants he had been given would completely wear off by the time he reached London.
****
Andrew went into a newsagent to check something.  His hair was soaking wet and his boots were leaving watery footprints.  His suspicions were confirmed.  The newspapers were full of him and his murder spree.  He quickly ran out of the shop and hid down n alleyway.  He was still in his prison uniform. He had to buy some clothes to disguise himself.  He checked in the stolen wallet.  There were forty pounds in cash and some credit cards.  He threw the cards away, as he knew they could be tracked.  Luckily it was still morning, so Andrew managed to enter an early opening clothes shop, without being spotted.  He went over to the coat section and was eyeing a beige overcoat, which was very similar to the one he used to have.

"Can I help sir?"

Andrew froze.  he really hoped he sales assistant had not read the papers or seen the news.  He turned around and kept his head down.

"No I'm fine."

"Are you sure?"

Andrew nodded and tried to keep his temper in control.  He knew how persistent these types of people could be.  The sales assistant turned to walk away, at exactly the same time Andrew lifted his head up.

"You look familiar.  Do I know you?" THe assirant asked.

Andrew's eyes widened.  He forced himself to remain calm.

"I get that a lot; I guess I've just got one of those faces.  I think I'll buy this coat and this hat." He pointed a hat with a low brim, which could easily cover his face.  The assistant still had his doubts about the man's identity, but he decided to put them to one side.  he had only just started here and he was working on commission.  He needed all the sales he could get.

"Ok, if you'll follow me to the tills." Andrew nervously followed him, certain he would be discovered.  The assistant scanned the items and put the clothes into the bag.  Andrew handed over the money and walked out of the shop.  He then put on his coat and hat and placed the bag in his pocket, just in case he might need it.
****
He walked along the high steet and saw a man in a suit that looked like he was on his way to work.

"Excuse me.  This is going to sound pretty stupid, but could you please tell me where I am?" Andrew asked this, without making direct eye contact.

"You're in Bristol."

"Thanks.  Would you mind if I quickly use your phone?"

"How will I know that you won't just run off with it?" The stranger's eyes flashed with suspicion.

"I swear I won't run off.  Please just one little phone call."

"Do you have anything you could give me as a deposit?" Andrew started to pat himself down, and thenhe started rubbing his hands togeher, as he knew he had nothing of value.  That was when he realised.  He was still wearing his wedding ring.  When he was first imprisoned, it had been confiscated, but when he left Heidelberg, it had been returned to him.

"Take this."

The stranger's good nature got the better of him and he reluctantly took his phone out and took the man's ring.  To be honest, Andrew did not care if the man stole his ring; the marriage meant nothing to him any more.  Andrew walked a few feet away to get some privacy and dialled Amy's number.

"Hi Amy, it's Andrew."

"Andrew? Shouldn't you be locked up?"

"The police van crashed I managed to escape."

"Why are you calling me?"

"I'm in Bristol.  Do you think when I come back to London; you can hide me from the police?"

"How do you expect to get to London without being seen? You're a dangerous murderer.  I want you to give me one good reason why I should hide you."

"Because, I love you?"

"Andrew, do you know how much trouble I could get in for something like this?"

"What's life like without a little adventure? Please Amy, for old time's sake.  I won't be a problem."

"Fine.  my boyfriend is still Iin America.  I've been staying in a flat after I had to leave the hotel.  Come to London.  I'll meet you at Paddington station.  I'm sure you'll be able to find a train there."

"Thanks Amy, you're a life saver.  I'll see you soon." Andrew turned back to the man in the suit.  He handed back the phone, took his ring and walked away.  The man in the suit frowned, he recognised the stranger from somewhere.  He then looked at his watch and saw that he was going to be late for work; he shook his previous notion off and started to run.
****

Andrew started walking down the street and stopped as he saw Jessica.  He groaned.

"I thought I had gotten rid of you."

"No you haven't.  You might have blocked me from your mind temporarilty, but I'll always be with you."

Andrew shook his head and kept walking.

"You haven't told anybody, that you've killed me.  Are you going to?" Andrew casually looked around, it was still early and there were few people about.

"No, I'm not going to.  I ahve to get o London."

"How are you going to do that? Kill someone and steal their ticket?"

Andrew walked to the station.  He did not have enough money to buy a ticket; he wondered what he was going to do when he fortunately noticed a ticket inspector.  Andrew reluctantly knocked the unlucky inspector unconscious and then dressed in his uniform.  Now he had to wait for a target.  About ten minutes later a commuter came along.

"Excuse me sir? What' your name?" Andrew asked.

"It's Ben.  Why?"

"Are you travelling to central London?"

"Yes." Ben replied.

"What station are you travelling to?"

"Paddington."

"It's good I found you then.  The ticket office sent me to tell you that the ticket that was sold to you is faulty.  If you give the ticket to me I'll take it back to the office and replace it for a new one, no extra charge."

Ben agreed,

"Thank you, Ben I will only be fifteen minutes." Andrew walked down the corridor and quickly turned the corner, which led to the ticket office.  Ben was no longer in sight.  Andrew hurried his pace and went to the train platform.  It would be easier to pass a ticker inspector, if he kept the uniform on.  He had his coat and hat in a bag next to him.  Andrew got onto the train and sped away.
****
After twenty minutes Ben realised that he might miss his train.  He went to the ticket office to ask about Andrew, but he was told that nobody of that description worked there.  He had just been conned.
****
Andrew was so bored; he could barely keep his eyes open.

It looks like Andrew's going to fall asleep soon." Steven observed.

"Good.  We can finally find out what happened to his brother.  The tension is killing me." Claire smiled in anticipation.
****
Andrew was falling through empty space, whilst his three ghosts were floating next to him.  The killer opened his eyes, but instead of being back on the train, he was in an apartment.

Claire frowned.  "What is this? Are we in Andrew's flashback?"

Steven shrugged.  "I suppose so.  He's still dreaming."

"Perhaps, we can ask the infamous Killer in the Rain." Jessica suggested.

"I imagine we are in a flashback of mine, although it looks like we're here observing it, whereas before I was reliving it.  That's certainly unusual."
"Where are? What is this place in black and white?" Claire asked.

"I think we're in the apartment I lived in, when I was twenty three."

The front door of the flat suddenly opened and a young man and woman walked through.

Steven frowned.  "Is that you, Andrew?"

The older Andrew Stone nodded.

"Who's the girl?"

"Tha'ts Amy.  She was my girlfriend at the time, before I married her."

The younger Andrew and Amy sat down together on the sofa.  The girlfriend sighed.

"Sam is staying out late again tonight."

"Calm down, Amy.  He's eighteen.  I'm sure he'll be home by dawn.  Aww, your maternal instincts are kicking in already." Andrew teased.

"Shut up.  I'm only a couple of months gone."

"Is she talking about your twins?" Jessica enquired.

"My two adorable little girls." Andrew smiled happily.

Steven rubbed his chin.  "Does Sam live with you? Is that Amy is worried about him staying out late?"

The older Andrew nodded.  "Holly lost her mind, when Sam was only fourteen.  I had to take him in otherwise social services would have taken him.  It was fine though.  Him and Amy really got on well."

"Was? Got," Steven questioned, "why the past tense?"
****
Andrew's apartment suddenly exploded out of sight and was replaced by a wall of solid black.

Claire turned around in confusion.  "Andrew? What's going on? Where are we now?"

"How would I know?" Andrew responded, defensively.

"It's your dream."

"Dreams are confusing."

"Is it raining?" Steven wondered aloud.

"Look everyone, we're at a funeral." Jessica exclaimed.

The group were standing at a cemetery at the side of a grave.  There was a very small crow.  At the headstone was a vicar garbling out a rushed sermon, before running off.  A younger Andrew and Amy watched the pallbearers slowly lower a coffin out of sight.

"Oh no.  Why...oh God...why?" The older Andrew mumbled, before he started pacing.

Jessica glanced from the gave to the older Andrew.  "What is it? Whose funeral is this?"

Andrew sank to his knees and ran a hand through his hair in frustration.  "It's Sam's," he spat out, "Sam die...I..."

"What happened?"

"He...they...they...why  now?" The words were tripping over Andrew's teeth.  Andrew's first two victims stared in confusion,as Claire walked over to her murderer and comfortingly put her arm around his shoulders.

"Come on, Andrew.  It'll be better if you just tell us.  Come on.  Be brave." There was not a single hint of sarcasm or malice in Claire's voice.

"They killed him.  The bast-they killed him." Andrew scrunched his face up like a disgruntled little child."

"It's alright.  You can tell us.  Who killed Sam?"

After the three lads who attacked me and Sam when we were kids were released from jail, they killed Sam in revenge.  I swear, if they hadn't been caught and put straight back into jail, they would be the ones being buried now." Andrew broke down again and started shivering.  Jessica watched with widened eyes, as Claire clutched Andrew in a tighter grasp.

"How did we not know about this?" She asked in amazement.

"I have worked so hard to repress this memory  Why is it resurfacing now?"

Claire slowly left Andrew's side and joined Jessica, at the edge of the grave.

"What the hell was all that? Huggin' Andrew and comfortin' him and that other stuff you did?" Jessica exclaimed.

"How else were we going to find out what happened? Andrew, the coffin has almost been buried now."

"Good Hopefully, the memory will be buried with it."

The pallbearers carried on shelling earth onto the coffin, until it had been hidden from existence.
****
A sudden jolt ripped Andrew away from his nightmare.

"What are you going to do when you get to London? Avenge Sam's death?" Claire asked.
Andrew looked around, the other commuters were asleep or minding their own business.

In a hushed voice, he said "I have no idea where his killers are.  No, I'm going to try and find my children with Amy's help."

"I thought you were going to kill her?" Steven quavered.

"I will, once we've tracked down our twins.  After that she won't be of any use to me."

"Why do you want to see them? I thought you didn't care about anyone?" Steven asked.

"They're my kids.  I love them.  They were taken from me and I want to see them." Andrew replied.

Steven nodded.  "Fair enough."

"Will your children even want to see you, now they know that you're a murderer?" Claire enquired.

"They love me; of course they'll want to see me."

"How old are they anyway; maybe they're too young to even know what murder is." Steven said.

"They're ten years old.  They are old enough to know what murder is." Andrew sighed, when he said this; in his heart he knew that his children would hate him.

"May I see your ticket please?" Andrew saw up, at the sound of this new voice.  He then sank back into his seat, as he realised it was the real ticket inspector.  Andrew stood up and went into the toilet.  There he put on his overcoat and hat.  He casually sat back down.

"May I see your ticket please sir?" Andrew held his ticket up without looking at the inspector.  The man clipped it and handed it back to Andrew and walked on.  Andrew breathed a sigh of relief.
****
Two hours later the train came to a stop at Paddington station.  Quickly with his head down, he walked through the exit and was relieved when he saw Amy waiting for him.

"I've got a cab waiting." Amy walked in the direction of the exit and Andrew followed.
****
Amy paid the driver and the couple entered the tower flat.  The two of them climbed the many steps and finally stopped at Amy's flat.  She opened the door and Andrew was treated to a sight of sparkling cleanliness.  Amy liked things to be clean.  Andrew remembered one time; he had come home after playing football with his friends.  He had walked into the living room with dirty boots still on; he had ended up leaving muddy footprints everywhere.  Amy had a massive go at him, because of that.  For some reason the memory had always made him laugh.

"I'm going to hide you out for a while, but then you have to look after yourself because I'm leaving in five days."

"Five days? Where are you going?!" Andrew demanded.

Amy was taken aback by his sudden anger.  "The airport strikes end in two days and I've decided I'll give it three more days to let things settle down.  On the fifth day I'm flying back to Manhattan."

Andrew nodded.  "What day is it now?"

"Friday."

"I was thinking, before you do do you want to track down our twins.  Do you want to find Maddie and Bethany?"

"I don't think that's a good idea.  They probably don't want to see you."

"I want to see them.  It's been weeks since I've seen them.  It's been killing me, not knowing where they are.  Amy, I know you want to see them too."

"You're right.  I'll phone social services now."

Amy picked up her mobile and dialled a number.

"How can I help?"

"Hello, my name is Amy Stone.  A few weeks ago, social services took away my children, Bethany and Maddie Stone, and I wanted to know where they are.  So I can visit them."

"Stone? I know that name.  Is your husband the murderer Andrew Stone?"

"Thankfully, I'm no relation to him.  Stone is a common surname."

"Very well.  This is the address where your twins live.  You can go see them at four thirty tomorrow.  Is that alright?"

"That's fine.  Thanks." Amy quickly wrote down the details.

"We can go see them at four thirty Andrew, at their foster home.  Is that ok?"

"Yes that's fine.  I wonder how much they've grown up."
****
Andrew looked at the clock.  It was now three p.m.  Amy was in the bedroom reading.  He went to the door and put on his overcoat and hat.
"I'm just going to take a walk around, just to stretch my legs.  I won't be long." He called out.

"Are you sure that's wise? You're a wanted man." Amy called back.

"I'll stick to the shadows.  I'll be fine." Without another word he left the flat.

Amy wondered what his real motives were.  <i> What is he thinking off? The minute he's spotted he'll be arrested.  Maybe h'es going to...no I'm just being paranoid.</i> Amy thought.  She shook her notions off and went back to her book.
****
It was now three thirty p.m.  The time when children left school.  Andrew was standing outside Goldvalley primary school, waiting for his two little girls.  He carefully looked around and did not see any teachers.  He had his overcoat wrapped tightly around him and he kept his gaze down.  He waited for Maddie and Bethany to walk past him and then he called out.  The two girls turned around simultaneously.

"Dad, is that you?" Maddie asked.

Andrew simply nodded.  He was overwhelmed by seeing his children again.  He walked forward and hugged both of them.  Bethany quickly wriggled out of it.  She was not too fond of hugs.

"Is it true, dad? Did you kill people?"

Andrew hesitated.  He could not lie to his twins or could he? "Yes I did."

Maddie quickly escaped his grip and went to stand by her sister.

"Why'd you do it?" Bethany asked.

"That doesn't matter now.  All you need to know is I'm your father and I love you..  I would die before I let any harm come to you.

"I highly doubt that.  If it suited your own purpose you'll let your children die." Claire whispered.

Andrew ignored her; he could not have his twins think he was a crazy man.

"Why are you here?" Bethany enquired. She was a lot more inquisitive than her sister.

"Your foster parents asked me to pick you up.  They're busy today and tomorrow, so me and your real mum will look after you until Sunday."

"If you can lie to your own flesh and blood, what can't you do." Steven said, looking impressed.

The two girls looked at each other.  "They never said anything to us about being busy."

"I promised your parents I wouldn't tell you this, but you know how it's your birthday on Sunday? Well, your parents are planning a massive party for you that's full of cake and presents and ice cream." He hated having to lie to his children, but it was necessary for his plan.

"I know what your plan is.  I never knew you could become that despicable." Jessica said.

He looked intently at his two girls.  They were non identical.  Maddie was ten minutes older.  She had short brunette hair tied in pig tails.  Her eyes were brown.  Her face was much rounder than her sister's and a lot more innocent.  She was always a lot quieter and never willing to interfere with things.  Bethany's hair was a lot longer and plaited.  She was brunette, with hazel eyes.  Bethany was so inquisitive about the world, always asking questions.  Her endless curiosity was never satisfied.  The twins could not have been more different, but they could not have been closer together.  Andrew looked at his two children.  Could he really do it? He had to.

*author's notes*

I did something a little different with the flashbacks, as I didn't feel  telling them from Andrew's perspective was really suitable.  I hope it worked.

Killer in the Rain Chapter Five Heidelberg

The torrential rain was still thundering down.  It had been raining ever since, he had started torturing Claire.  Andrew enjoyed the rain.  It would make the disposal of her body a lot easier.  He tied a few heavy rocks to her and threw her into a nearby lake.  Andrew turned around and was not surprised to see Claire’s ghost standing in front of him.  Andrew looked at Claire and noticed she seemed to be just the way she was before the torture had begun.  “Have you come to mock me too? Have you? Have you?”

“No Andrew, I have come to kill you.”

Claire pushed her murderer hard.  Andrew slipped on the muddy bank and fell into the icy water.  Already waiting for him were Jessica and Steven who held his head and body under the water.  Andrew could feel the lake crushing down on him.  He reluctantly opened his eyes and flinched, as he saw the cold dead ones of Claire.  He was determined not to die.  He struggled ferociously and then realised this was all his imagination: he was having a panic attack.  He half waded, half swam to the bank of the lake and heaved himself out.  Shivering he ran home.

****

Andrew was in the bath.  He sat hunched up in the corner, trembling.  “I’m sane.  I’m sane.  I’m sane.  I’m still human.  I still have my humanity.”

 Jessica sat by him.  “You stopped being human, when you killed me.  You’ve been losing your humanity ever since.” Andrew ignored her.  “Don’t hide from it.  You’ve lost your humanity, haven’t you, haven’t you?”

“Don’t mock me Jessica.  All three of you go to hell and stay there.”

“If we’re going to hell, then we’re dragging you down with us.” Jessica responded firmly.

Andrew realised how vulnerable he was; sitting naked in a bathtub.  He stood up and started to dry himself off.  “I have one more victim.”

“Who is it?” Claire asked.

“Amy Stone.  My dear old wife.  Together forever, till death do us part.  I believe that was the vow we made.  Then she left for Manhattan.  All I have left of her is one pathetic little note.  I’m going to hunt her down and kill her, along with anybody who gets in my way.  She made my life hell.  Now it’s time to let <em>her </em>experience it.”

Andrew went to bed.  Tomorrow he would blow a lot of money smartening himself up, and then he would fly to Manhattan.

****

It was two p.m. on October the tenth and Andrew was ready to board the plane.  In the morning he had bought a smart suit and had a haircut.  He looked a lot neater now.  He had exchanged as much money as he could muster.  He did not have any intention in returning to England.  He flew in club class and had booked two weeks in a posh hotel.  One week for tracking down Amy and the other to relax.  Recently he had been going through a lot of stress; he felt he deserved a holiday.

****

The plane touched down at eight fifteen a.m. local time.  Andrew managed to keep his inner demons in control.  He took a taxi to his hotel, which was fairly new; all chrome and glass.  His bed was soft and the temperature control on his shower actually worked.  He put the ‘do not disturb’ sign on the door and quickly fell asleep.

****

Andrew had managed to sleep the jet lag off.  It was now the middle of the day.  He felt refreshed and ready to hit the town.  He walked out of the hotel and into the commercialised area of Manhattan.  He spotted a rather impressive looking shopping centre and walked inside it.  He paused and breathed in the life.  The noise surrounded him.  The killer stepped into a high end store and started looking at the suits.

Claire was intrigued.  “Look at you, buying something that would appeal to everybody.  Not everyone is interested in rope and knives and guns.”

“Mock me all you want, but at least I’m going to look pretty damn sharp.” He took the suit into the dressing room and pulled of his shirt.  As he buttoned up the shirt from the suit, he gently massaged his stomach.  The bruise had turned a nasty shade of purple now.  He decided that the outfit suited him and he bought it.

****

Andrew walked onto the down escalator and saw that a small part of the mall, as it was known here, had been converted into a little casino.  He entered it and went over to the slot machines.  He changed ten dollars into quarters and started inserting them.  After forty minutes he had won double his money back.  “You should quit now, while you’re ahead.  Although you never quit while you were killing me or Jessica and you certainly had no intentions of quitting when it came to Claire.  You made all of us suffer,” Steven sat down next to him and started playing, “however, you killed me suddenly.  Are you going to quit or not? Are you? Are you?” Andrew shook his head and stood up.

****

Andrew knew how addictive gambling could be.  He was not going to add another sin to his list of crimes.  He had decided to go to the Statue of Liberty.  He took the elevator, as it was known in America, right to the open roof.  He looked over the edge and saw a picturesque view and for a very brief moment, he was at peace.  He sighed contently and turned around.  Claire shoved his torso over the safety barrier.  Steven and Jessica were holding his feet.  Andrew’s torso was now hanging in nothingness, whilst the only thing stopping him from falling to certain death, were Jessica and Steven holding his legs.  Andrew desperately stretched out his arm in a vain attempt to pull himself to safety.  He just gripped the rail, but then his sweaty hand lost its hold.  He fell back into space.  Andrew risked a look down and instantly regretted it.  If Steven and Jessica dropped him then there would be no chance of him surviving.  He felt water on his cheeks and thought it might be raining.  Then he realised he was crying.  “Oh Steven, Jessica please don’t drop me.”

“Where would be the fun in that? We could just leave you hanging here.”

Andrew shook his head and knew that his fear was obvious.  “Please don’t let me fall.  Don’t drop me.”

A couple of English tourists noticed that Andrew’s feet were firmly on the ground and he was not in much danger of falling.  Even so they still pulled him back up to safety.  “What are you playing at? You could have killed yourself.”

Andrew ignored them and looked round.  “Where did they go? Claire, where are you? I‘m going to kill you.”

“I’m over here Andrew.”

He turned around and ran towards her. She disappeared, and then tapped him on the shoulder.

“Too slow.  Go on.  Kill me.”

Andrew wildly leapt for her; he lost his balance and teetered on the brink of oblivion.  The tourists again pulled him back.  The English sightseers pulled out their mobiles.

“We’re at the Statue of Liberty.  There’s a crazy man here.  He’s just leapt at thin air and ranting about how he’s going to kill people.  Please get here as soon as possible.”

When the paramedics reached Andrew, they found him strangling the air.

“I’m going to kill you again, Claire”. Andrew then shifted his attention to Steven.

“Actually I’m going to make you suffer.  You almost dropped me.  You almost sent me to my death.  I’m going to kill you slowly unlike the first time.”

He lashed out with his fist expecting to hit Steven’s nose, but was dismayed when it came into contact with thin air.  It was only then that he realised that he was having another panic attack.  He also realised that the sightseers and the paramedics had witnessed it.  There was no chance of escape.

“Calm down, son.  We are going to take you to someplace safe.” One of the doctors reassured.

Andrew doubted this.  He would be taken to the American version of Broadmoor.  As Andrew was being taken away, he heard the English tourists giving statements to the paparazzi.  It was all an amalgamation of noise, but Andrew managed to pick up a few lines.

“This man is dangerous.”

“This man is a killer, he’s killed two people, he said so himself.”

“You have to lock him up to protect the public and him.”

****

As Andrew was being flown back to England, he was accompanied by an armed guard.  It was now known that he was dangerous and the police were not prepared to take any risks.  He had been given rage suppressants.  However, these pills had the side effect of causing nightmares or drudging up repressed memories.  After a long flight Andrew was taken to a maximum security prison called Heidelberg, named after the German who founded it.  Joel Heidelberg was inspired to create it after he learnt about Colditz and how it was supposed to be escape proof, and how many people had actually managed to run away from it.  The prison Heidelberg was definitely escape proof.  In the twenty years it had been open, nobody had ever ran away from it.  It was no surprise why, as Heidelberg was in the middle of a forest of towering pine trees.  In front of the main entrance was a first fence topped off with razor wire, then a second electrified fence and in between the two, was a ditch patrolled by Rottweilers and armed guards.  Behind these two fences was an ugly ten foot red brick wall topped off with razor wire.  The only way in or out was the main gate, where one security guard stood checking identification.  On the roof, warders patrolled loaded with tranquiliser guns and the whole building was covered with CCTV cameras.  Whenever any vehicle entered or exited the compound it was thoroughly searched.  Heidelberg had really thought of everything.  After Andrew had been physically and psychologically profiled he was put into a straitjacket and taken to his soft padded cell.   His cell was completely empty and guarding him were two armed guards.  Tonight he was just supposed to rest and regain his strength.

****

In the middle of the night Andrew started frantically convulsing, when he was having a nightmare.  All of his victims appeared in it.  Claire tied him down and Steven took a knife out.  Andrew tried to scream, but you can never scream in dreams.  The killer recoiled, as the cold metal of the knife touched his skin.  Steven slowly drew the weapon across Andrew’s cheek.  He did the same to his other cheek.  Steven raised the knife above his murderer’s chest.

Fear and trepidation exploded onto Andrew’s face.  “Don’t do this Steven.  Please don’t do this.  I was wrong to kill you.  I’m sorry.”

Steven looked down onto Andrew’s pitiful face.  “You see now you respect me, because I’m a threat.” With frightening speed, Steven rammed the knife down.  “Sorry isn’t good enough.  I look forward to seeing you in hell.”

Andrew woke up.  His body was covered with a cold sweat.  He guessed it was still dark.  There was no way he was going back to sleep.  He stood up and started pacing. Andrew must have drifted off into some half-sleep as the next thing he was aware of was, a shrill alarm going off, which was followed by a bored voice on the intercom.

“All prisoners in d-wing will be expected to stay in their cells for a psychological evaluation.”

Andrew understood why he was expected to remain in his cell.  This was a controlled environment.  After an hour of drifting in and out of sleep, a psychologist walked into the cell, accompanied by two armed guards.  Instinctively, Andrew crawled into a corner.  Steven chuckled at this.

“Look at the big bad ‘Killer in The Rain’ trying to hide.”

Confidently, the psychologist walked over to his patient.  After Andrew had been calmed down, a series of mental tests were performed to gauge the murderer’s state of mind.  Andrew had no choice, but to relent.  He had been provided with very little to do and was slowly losing his mind to boredom.  If he had not lost it, already.  After the tests had been completed, Andrew swallowed his medication.  The pills mainly contained drugs, which would repress Andrew’s anger but there was also some sedatives mixed in with the suppressants.  The psychologist and the guards left the cell, leaving Andrew alone.  “If only that were true.” He muttered.  The pills were already beginning to kick in.  The murderer was perfectly aware of the side effects of the pills and before he fell asleep, he wondered whether he would see old friends or family.  Perhaps he would see nothing.

****

<em>Another long school day had come to an end.  I threw my bag into a corner and searched the small house, for my brother.  As usual, my parents were at work.  The four of us lived in a council house, on a rough estate.  We had always planned to move away from there, but never had the money.  Usually at this time Sam would be stuck on some homework and I would try my best to help him, but today he was nowhere to be found.  On a hunch, I put on my coat and walked towards the door.  I had to find him, before he got into trouble.  We only live d on a small estate.  Finding him shouldn’t be too difficult.</em>

****

<em>I searched all around the area.  I knocked on every single door and asked my neighbours, but nobody had seen Sam.  I was about to give up, when I heard yelps and grunts from behind me.  The noises were coming from one end of an alleyway, which led to the rougher part of the estate.  I had a bad feeling this’ll be, where I would find Sam.  There was no question about it.  I, Andrew Stone, swore to protect my brother, no matter what.</em>

****

<em>I stealthily crept through the alleyway and pressed myself against the wall.  I tried to ignore the stench of stale urine, as I peered around the corner of the alley.  Just within my field of vision, I saw a boy lying on the ground, surrounded by three older lads.  I recognised the soft, round face of my brother, clenched in agony.  Before I did anything too rash, I rung up the police and alerted them to my situation.  I couldn’t wait for them.  I had to act.  All three of the older lads had their backs to me and this gave me the advantage.  Without hesitating I charged at one of them, rugby tackling him to the ground.  My dark brown eyes were screaming hatred, as I forced the older lad onto his front and wrapped my hands around his throat.  The boy blinked, as a raindrop tumbled down into his eye.  I suddenly realised what I was about to do and hesitated.  Wrong move.  This moment’s pause was all that was needed for the second lad to throw me off of his friend.  </em>

<em>“Come on, Bradley.  Let’s finish this.” Bradley was the sandy haired boy on the floor.  </em>

<em>“He’s dead.  Let’s get him, Connor.” Connor had brown hair, cut short.  </em>

<em>“Sam, get out of here.” I screamed.</em>

<em>The third teenager was called Leo and he was still holding the younger brother down. He was completely confused, as to what had just occurred.  I had always taught Sam to be opportunistic and he had decided to take advantage of this distraction.  Sam grabbed hold of the other boy’s hands, brought them up to his mouth and clamped his jaws down, with the force of a mousetrap.  As Leo yowled, Sam brought his feet up and drove them into the boy’s stomach.  Sam was skinny, which meant he was lithe and slippery.  He was soon back on his feet and running over to me.  However, Leo was faster and had my younger brother in a stranglehold and his grip was tightening.  This attack occurred, while Sam was returning home from school, and as a result all of his stationery was still in his pockets.  Thinking quickly, he pulled out his compass and stabbed the boy’s leg.  At least he was aiming for the leg, but in his blind panic, the small blade pierced Leo’s crotch.  The lad screamed and released Sam, who slammed him into a nearby wall.  One down.  During this time I had been on the floor, being pummelled by the two remaining teenagers.  Sam took a few steps and ran at Bradley’s back.  At the last second he jumped with his leg outstretched.  The sandy haired boy went flying forward and hit the ground, with a satisfying smack.  Two down.  I knew that Connor would’ve been distracted by the whole incident and I took advantage of this diversion.  I grabbed onto the boy’s legs and pulled them towards me, sending Connor toppling backwards.  I stood up and roughly kicked the boy in the stomach before lining my foot up with Connor’s throat.  </em>

<em>“What are you doing, Andrew?” Sam asked, wearily.</em>

<em>“I’m finishing the job.”</em>

<em>“You don’t need to do this.  We’ve beaten them.  Don’t be an idiot.  You’ve protected me.  Let’s get out of here.”  </em>

<em>I was so overwhelmed with anger, it took all of my strength to resist kicking the boy’s throat, but I slowly turned away.  “Let’s go, Sam.”</em>

<em>We ran back to the alleyway, where we suddenly saw a man in a beige overcoat with tinges of grey in his chestnut coloured hair.</em>

<em>“Dad! How long have you been there?” I exclaimed.</em>

****

For all he knew, it could still be dark.  There were no windows in Andrew’s cell.  Throughout the night, the killer had been kept in a straitjacket.  As he awkwardly pushed himself into a sitting position, the face of Jessica faded into sight.

“Did you have sweet dreams?” She asked.

“You know perfectly well how I slept.” Andrew replied.

“That was a brutal flashback.  What happened next?” Jessica asked.

“Why should I tell you? You’re in my head all the time.  Can’t you see for yourself?”

“Oh be realistic, Andrew.  You have nobody else to talk to.  Everybody thinks you’re mental.”

“That’s not true.  I’ve been told that within a few days, a specialist is going to come and analyse my dreams.”

“I can’t wait a few days.  Tell us now.  All of us.” Jessica gestured to the ghosts of Steven and Claire who had suddenly appeared.

“Fine it’s not as if I have anything better to do.  I don’t remember what happened, exactly, so don’t expect this story to be detailed.  Let’s see…oh yes…after me and Sam ran into dad, the police arrested the three lads who had attacked Sam.  Uhh…my mother came along and told me off for not looking after my brother.  Umm…what happened next? We gave statements to the police.  Oh and most surprising of all, my dad commended me for protecting Sam.”

Jessica narrowed her eyes in confusion.  “Why is that surprisin’?”

“Up until then, my dad had never complimented me.”

“So? D’you want us to feel sorry for you or somethin’? D'you want us to shed any tears over your sad little sob story?” Jessica pretended to wipe her eyes.

Andrew smiled at the sarcasm.  “I wasn’t expecting any tears.”

“What happened next?” Jessica probed.

“Nothing.  The police decided that we had acted in self defence and sent us home.  We tried to forget what had happened and moved on with our lives.”

Jessica stared down her nose at Andrew.  “D’you know what happened to the lads who attacked you?”

Andrew stared down at the ground and spat out a dark “yeah.”

“Are you gonna tell us?” Jessica demanded, impatiently.

****

A key was being throttled in a lock.  Andrew smiled happily at the door.  “Saved by the lunch lady.  Or it could be the breakfast lady or for all I know the dinner lady or maybe it’s my afternoon snack,” he turned to his first victim, “do you think it’s my medication? Do you? Do you?”

The door opened and a psychiatric male nurse walked through.  The cell was soundproof, which meant that nobody heard Andrew’s conversations.  The nurse walked in the direction of Andrew, but stopped a few feet away from him.  It was evident that the nurse was wary of Andrew.

“Don’t be scared.  I won’t attack you.  If I do that, then I’ll have to be kept sedated, which means I’ll have to be force fed through a tube.  I don’t want that to happen.  Don’t I? Don’t I?” Andrew ran his tongue over the edge of his teeth.  He chuckled, when he saw the nurse nervously swallow.

“What’s for dinner, doc? Or is this breakfast? Or lunch? What is it? Tell me.  Tell me now!”

The nurse knelt down opposite Andrew and took out a spoon.  “This meal contains all of your required nutrients.”

Andrew leant forward.  “I like the sound of that.”

The nurse ignored this comment and began to spoon the food into Andrew’s mouth, without breaking eye contact.  The killer viciously chewed and swallowed.  Not before long, he was ready for more.

Claire laughed gleefully, as she watched Andrew being fed.

“What’s so funny?” Steven asked.

“Can’t you see it? The big bad ‘Killer in the Rain’ has been reduced to a baby.  He can’t even feed himself properly.  Look how pathetic he is.”

“I bet he was a spoilt, whiny little brat, when he was a kid.” Steven spat out.

“No.  I reckon he was an adorable angel, when he was a child, but when he got older, something messed him up.  He’s returned to his cute little self,” Claire leant forward and pinched Andrew’s cheek, “aww, who’s a good lickle Andrew? Are you a good lickle Andrew? Yes you are.  Yes you are. You are.  You are.”

Steven laughed at the last four words of Claire’s comment.  Andrew’s third victim straightened up.

“He’s a good boy.  Look at how he’s changed.  He’s gone from a serial killer to a pathetic little child.  Just like he was, when he was younger.”

Crumbled into the food were suppressants for Andrew.  It did not take long for him to fall asleep or for the flashbacks to begin.

****

<em>Bang.  Bang.  Bang.  Bang.  Bang.  Someone was knocking at the door.  I sighed and pushed a hand through my overgrown forest of hair.  “What is it?” The annoyance in my sixteen year old voice echoed of the bedroom walls.  </em>

<em>Holly groaned.  “Don’t talk to me in that tone.  It’s your brother’s birthday.  Come downstairs.” She grunted and left the room.  I waited until her footsteps silenced, before rolling of my bed.  I knew it was Sam’s birthday, but I was not excited about it.  Sam was ten years old today and our mum and Teresa, I refused to call her grandma, were fussing over him.  Same as always.  Nothing had changed.  As I sullenly trudged downstairs, I could only imagine Holly rushing around; making sure everything was perfect for her special little guy.  It was obvious that Sam was greatly embarrassed by all of this superficial decoration.  If it were up to him, then I’m sure he’d’ve preferred to just have a simple birthday party.  I knew why mum and Teresa went to all of this effort.  A year ago my parents had separated.  Shortly before this, for reasons I couldn’t understand, my father had begun to protect me from every insult and ****.  I wondered what had changed.  My father used to rip piece out of me, like a crocodile tearing apart its prey.  However, before the separation, my dad supported and defended me at every chance.  On many occasions, my parent’s insults and retorts would explode into fights.  Their screams had been burned into my memories.  Shortly after this, they had divorced.  Out of me and Sam, to my disbelief, I had been affected by the incident the most.  Sam had not been troubled by the affair.  Neither of us had heard from our father since.  However, as usual, Holly completed ignored what I was worried about and instead concentrated all of her efforts in making sure Sam was comfortable.  This party was simply another star, shining dully in a cluttered, cramped sky.  I shook away these thoughts.  This was Sam’s birthday, and he deserved the attention.</em>

****

“What happened after that?” Doctor Alice Turner asked.

“Would it help you if I told you about my dreams? Would it? Would it?” Andrew mocked.  Unfortunately Doctor Turner did not laugh.  She was a strict and stern faced woman.  Her iron grey hair was tied back in a vicious bun.  The corners of her mouth quivered on the edge of a smile, before dropping down again.

“If you want me to help you, then you have to tell me everything.  You’ve told me everything that has happened up until this point.  Why stop now? What happened after you went down for Sam’s birthday?”

“That’s what I hate about damn shrinks.  You’re always so condescending.  Do you seriously think talking about my dreams is going to cure me? Do you? Do you?”

Doctor Turner was beginning to become nervous and she warily edged away from Andrew, but she was determined not to give up.  She had a job to complete.

Behind her appeared the ghost of Claire.  “Don’t be so difficult Andrew.  Where’s the good lickle boy, we saw yesterday? Come on.  Be a good boy now.”

“I don’t know why I’m listening to you, but fine.  I’m going insane with boredom.” Andrew chucked at his little wordplay.

Doctor Turner looked behind her, to see who Andrew was talking to and then she realised.  “Tell me everything, you’re comfortable with.  Take your time, but go into as much detail as possible.”

“You just contradicted yourself.  Hmm, where do I begin?”

“The beginning usually helps.” Doctor Turner muttered.  She was growing impatient.

“That’s another thing I hate about shrinks.  You think you’re so clever, sitting there with your P.H.D and your years of experience.  Why the hell does anybody want you to analyse their dreams?”

Claire shook her head.  “That was very rude, Andrew.  You’re such a bad boy.”

“Ok, you win Doctor Turner.  I’ll start at the beginning.  I actually remember this in a lot of detail.  After I went downstairs, I saw that Holly had cooked Sam his favourite dinner, which was completely typical of her.  Of course by making everything perfect for Sam, she completely neglected my food.”

“Hold on, just to confirm.  Holly is your mother and Sam is your brother.”

“You’ve got it.  You probably should have cleared that up before.  You’re a silly shrink.”

Claire raised her finger.  “Andrew! Don’t make me raise my voice.”

“If you could continue.” Doctor Turner prompted.

“I think what happened after this was…uhhh….oh yes.  Sam opened his presents after this.  Holly and Teresa had bought him the latest games console.  I don’t remember which one.”

“What’s the significance of this?” Doctor Turner asked.

“What do you mean by that? You told me to tell you everything.  So that’s what I’m doing.  Damn shrink.  My brother had very little interest in video games; in fact I was the one who wanted the games consoles.”

“Do you think Holly and Teresa did this to spite you?”

“I imagine so, but also they were just spoiling him.  I bought Sam something, he actually wanted.  I gave him an Ipod classic.  I knew he would appreciate this, because his MP3 player had an annoying habit of freezing and Sam loved listening to music.”

“You said your parents had separated long before this, did your dad visit you or get Sam a present?”

Andrew uncomfortably hesitated.  “No he didn’t.  I actually made a point about this to Holly.  She was none too pleased.”

“What did she do?”

Andrew stared at Doctor Turner’s face.  She had the coldest pair of eyes that he had ever seen.

“She hit me.”

“How did your family react to this?”

“Teresa took Holly’s side and Sam comforted me.  We never spoke of the incident again.  I’ve never talked about it before now.”

“I believe I’ve heard enough.  I appreciate your cooperation.”

“What’s your analysis then, doctor? Am I crazy? Am I? Am I?”

“Once I’ve analysed the evidence, I’ll send my findings to you.”

****

Even though Andrew was in solitary confinement, he was not alone.  Jessica, Steven and Claire sat around him in a triangle.  One victim for every corner.  “That little session was very informative.  It definitely cleared some things up.  You left me on a cliff hanger.  I can’t wait for the next chapter.”

“Good things take time, my dear Steven.  Don’t they? Don’t they?”

“Speaking of time, you should be asleep now.  It’s past your bedtime.  I don’t want to see my cute lickle boy overtired.”

“Why are you treating me like a kid?”

Claire shrugged and ran a hand through her brunette hair.  Andrew had never noticed how straight and full it was before.

“Are you going to answer me?” He asked, impatiently.

Claire rubbed a scar on her cheek.  “Because I can.”

****

“Wakey wakey.”

Andrew opened his eyes and expected to see Claire’s scarred face, but instead he saw Steven’s weathered features.  The Killer in the Rain’s second victim appeared to be in his mid-forties.  In his brown hair and rough stubble were tinges of grey.

“Don’t you know what day it is?” Steven asked.

Andrew shook his head.

“I’ll leave it as a surprise.”

“You only exist in my head.  If I don’t know something, then how would you know?”

“I’m a ghost.  I’m omnipotent.”

****

Andrew entered the visiting centre.  The room was divided in half by bullet proof glass.  He sat down on a chair, with his hands, handcuffed behind him.  On the other side sat his wife Amy.  “What are you doing here?” Andrew demanded.

“I came to see you.  I was worried.” Amy nervously brushed a strand of her short brown hair out of her eyes.

“When did you ever care about me?” Andrew launched forward, but the handcuffs held him back.  Amy’s brown eyes darted around.  “I’m sorry, but we weren’t working out.  You knew that.  I had to leave.”

“What do you mean we weren’t working out? We were fine.”

“That’s the problem, we were <em>just</em> fine.  Our love had died out two years after we were married.”

“How could you even do this to me?” Andrew launched himself out of his seat.  A guard quickly came forward and pushed him back down.  “How could you leave me alone? How could you expect me to raise our two children alone? How could you even abandon them?”

“I just needed to get out.  How are our kids getting on anyway?” Amy was trying to lighten up the mood of their conversation.  Anger glinted in Andrew’s eyes.  “Social services took them away, shortly after you left.  I don’t know where they are now.” Amy looked at the floor, she could no longer hold Andrew’s gaze.  “Feeling guilty now are you Amy.  Are you? Are you?”

Amy tried to suppress a snort.  “Me? Feeling guilty? You have killed two innocent people.  You should be the one feeling guilty.”

“I only killed them, after what you did to me.  You left me; you were the one who made my life go to hell, so I decided to introduce a few more people to its fiery gates.  You made me do this.”

“I didn’t do anything.  I’m sure that there were support groups you could’ve visited; you didn’t have to kill people. How could you even kill anyone? I didn’t think you had it in you.”

“You’ll be surprised what fear and anger can bring out in people.  You were afraid, that our relationship had run out of love, so you ran away.” Amy shifted uncomfortably.

“Don’t like listening to your mistakes do you? Do you? Do you? I always have my past errors inside my head.  Always in my head.  My victims are always talking to me, through the day and through the night.  Always talking.  Aren’t they? Aren’t they? Reminding me of what I’ve done.”

“That’s your fault.”

“Why did you come here? Was it just to visit me?”

“Obviously.  I didn’t come to England for the weather.”

“How long are you here for?”

Amy hesitated.  “I’m leaving in a week.  I thought I would go sightseeing.”

“Are you staying around central London?”

Amy once again hesitated.   “Why do you want to know?”

“I’m just hoping you’re safe here.”

“Andrew, you know we can never pick up where we left off.  I can’t live with a murderer.  Anyway I’m in a new relationship.”

“So much for love conquers all, but can you tell me where you’re staying? I need to know you‘re safe.”

“You do, do you? Will you be able to sleep easier at night?” Andrew simply shrugged.  Amy looked at the guard and he shook his head.  <em>Don</em><em>’</em><em>t give your personal details out to murderers.  Then again, he is my husband and he won</em><em>’</em><em>t try to kill me.  Besides he will be locked up for a very long time.</em>  Amy thought.  “I’m staying in the Kensington Court hotel, near Earl’s court.  It’s a nice place.  I’ll be fine there.”

Claire shook her head and turned to Andrew.  “I really wish I could tell Amy what happened to me, when I gave my address out to you.” Andrew heard the unlocking of his handcuffs and guessed the visiting session had been terminated.

“You take care of yourself.” Andrew said, as he was walked out of the room and back into his cell.

****

It had been two weeks since Andrew had been incarcerated.  He was now leaving Heidelberg and going onto a different prison.  He knew there was some mistake in this.  Andrew put it down to paperwork.  His name must have been put onto the wrong list.  He guessed the prison’s employees were overworked and underpaid.  He decided that he would keep his mouth shut.  Anywhere had to be better than this. Somehow Amy had managed to get wind of his release and she had sent a letter to him.

****

<em>Dear Andrew, </em>

<em>I heard the good news.  You’re getting released.  I am currently still in England.  Due to wages being cut on all different airlines, across different airports and the workers going on strike, I have been unable to leave here.</em>

<em>Love from Amy.</em>

That was all there was.  The majority of the letter had been cut out.  The content was unsuitable for Andrew to read.

****

Andrew was reading the letter again, in the back of the police van.  It was now night and Andrew could hear the rain hammering down on the van.  He had been handcuffed and he was sitting next to an armed guard.  He was being taken to his new prison, when suddenly there was a screeching of tyres and the whole van was flying through the air.  Then there was the silence.  A dreadful silence which seemed to last an eternity.  Suddenly there was a massive jolt, as the van was brought back down to earth.  Andrew was trapped in the metal vehicle, as it started rolling across the tarmac.  Andrew wondered if he was having another panic attack, but then he started hearing screaming and he knew this was real.  <em>Oh my god.  What if this is it? What if this is how I die? </em>The thoughts streamed through Andrew’s mind.  The death ride had finally come to a stop.  Andrew opened his eyes.  Amazingly he was alive and he only had cuts and bruises.  He decided that he had the luck of the devil.  Next to him, he saw that his guard was dead and he also heard the driver moaning.  Andrew quickly searched through the dead guard’s pockets.  He found a wallet, mobile phone and keys.  He unlocked the handcuffs and pocketed the wallet and the guard’s gun.  Afterwards he rang an ambulance, and then he crushed the phone so it would not be tracked. He hoped it will be able to get there in time.  He jumped out of the van and ran off into the darkness.

Killer in the Rain Chapter Four Blade and Bullet

Andrew was in a posh restaurant sitting opposite Claire.  She was in a low cut dress, leaving her arms and legs bare.  She was being very nice, but Andrew could not concentrate on her.

"This is a good place, Andrew." Claire remarked.

"Huh? Oh, I took my wife here for our two year anniversary."

"You were married?"

"Technically I still am, but she ran out on me.  I'm guessing we're finished now.  Where do you work?"

"I'm an assistant buyer at this big department store.  What about you?"

"Hmm.  Oh I'm unemployed at the moment, but I've recently done an interview for a nursing position at a hospital."

Claire was intrigued.  "Which hospital?"

"Aww, look at you two bonding.  Do you love her, Andrew?" Jessica mocked.

“Go away; I’m having a good time.  Leave me alone.”

“We’re not gonna leave ya.  We’re gonna make ya lose your mind.  We‘re gonna make ya suffer.” Jessica muttered, menacingly.

“No you won’t.  I am in control.  Aren’t I? Aren’t I?” Andrew murmured over his shoulder.

“Are you alright? Who are you talking to?” Claire looked concerned.

“Yeah, I’m fine.  Sorry I’m just a little preoccupied.”

“Oh look, here comes our food.” Claire pointed out, nervously.

“Look at all that food Andrew; are you gonna make her choke?” Jessica asked.

“Don’t be so horrible.” Andrew replied.

"You're talking to yourself, again.  Are you sure you're alright?" Claire spluttered.

"Tell her Andrew.  Tell her what you did to us."

"There isn't any need for her to know, Steven."

"Who's Steven?" Claire was finding this hard to tolerate.

"Tell her; tell her you killed me." Steven encouraged.

"It doesn't matter now.  Doesn't it? Doesn't it?" Andrew replied.

Claire casually looked at her watch.  "Wow this has been fun, but I have to go now.

Andrew's date hurriedly walked out of the door.  After Claire had left, Andrew put down some money for the bill and left the restaurant.

"I know, I know.  It was my fault for screwing that up."

"You're right.  That's another part of ya life, which you've ruined." Jessica smiled, as she said this.

"In the restaurant, I realised something.  When I killed you and Steven I got a strange sense of euphoria.  It was something I haven't felt in a long time.  I want to get that feeling again.  It needs to be more drawn out.  Maybe, if I torture my victim first."

"You're not killing nobody else." Jessica's hands shot out onto Andrew's throat.  He tried to wrestle her away.  He felt a feeling of despair.  He burned to live.  He forced her away with all of his strength, before realising that she was not there.  It was all his imagination.

'"What d'you feel, when I did that? Despair? Pain? Fear? That's what I felt.  If you do that to somebody else, that is what they will feel." Jessica explained.

"I know, but the feeling afterwards is totally worth it." Andrew looked around and saw Claire walking down the street to the bus stop.  He smiled and followed her.  "Claire wait." She stopped and turned around; before she could react, a fist came flying into her face.  She was unconscious, before she hit the ground.

****

Claire woke up with a dry mouth.  She unsteadily looked around.  She was in a grotty small room, with her hands tied up above her.  Andrew entered the room.

"What the hell are you doing? Let me go." She struggled 'pathetically, with her bonds."

"I suppose, you deserve an explanation.  I get a strange sense of pleasure out of killing people.  I'm hoping you will provide me with the same feeling."

"Untie me.  Andrew, I'm not doing anything for you.  Let me go."

"I'm not going to let you go and you will do whatever I ask."

"What will happen, if I don't?" Claire asked, with fear starting to form in her eyes.

"First of all, what do you think when I say torture? Blood? Blades? There are much more effective ways.  I'm not going to tell you what I'm going to do.  It's a surprise, isn't it? Isn't it? Isn't it? Everybody loves surprises.  If you refuse then I will start the one hundred cut death.  It sounds nasty, doesn't it? After I've made the incisions, I will rub some salt into your wounds.  Doesn't that sound painful? Doesn't it? Doesn't it? I was nurse before I was fired; I know what veins and arteries to stay away from.  I will torture you for two hours, then after that if you haven't bled to death, I'll shoot you.  Death by knife or by gun, which one would you prefer?"

"Neither.  Stop playing your cruel game, you sadistic bastard.  LET ME GO!"

"I think that insult deserves your first cut.  If you reach your one hundredth cut, then you will die. If you don't I'll shoot you.  Either way, you're going to die." Andrew took out a flick knife and he cut her cheek.

"Don't say a word.  Do everything I say without question and this knife will not touch you again." Andrew took the knife and roughly cut away all of her clothes.  Claire lay naked and shivering, dreading the inevitable.  Andrew turned around and locked the door.

"Don't do this! Don't do this to her!" Jessica shouted, but the killer ignored her.

"Go and die, Andrew." Claire snarled.

"There's no point screaming.  Nobody can hear you."

****

Two hours later, Claire had suffered over thirty different cuts.  The blood was trickling down and due to the amount of salt used; she thought her wounds were on fire.

"I wish I had saved my tears, so you could drown in them."

Andrew ignored this.

"Do you know how much I wished I left you bleeding on that wall?" Claire growled.

"That's your fault for helping me." Andrew replied.

"Why are you doing this to me?"

"I never did explain why I was beaten up in the first place.  Do you remember Steven Wheeler? He was the man on the news.  The one that was found dead in the junkyard? I killed him.  In the pub he was really annoying me, so I went to punch him, but he was just a ghost.  My fist sailed through him and hit this youth next to him and him and his friend beat me up, resulting in us being chucked out of the pub."

"Don't do this, Andrew.  I was being nice to you."

Steven crouched down and went over to Claire.  "I know you can't hear me, but I tried being nice to Andrew and he killed me.  He doesn't take this type of thing too well."

"Steven's right.  I guess I don't respond well to compliments." Andrew agreed.

"I thought you liked me!" Claire screamed.

"I thought you liked me, but you bluntly dumped me in that restaurant.  You walked out.  You humiliated me.  Frankly it would have been better if you just stood me up.  This wasn't the first time either.  I thought my wife loved me, but that didn't stop her leaving me."

"Is this is? Just some petty act of vengeance?" Claire asked.

Andrew left this unanswered.  "I think I've mutilated and defiled you in every possible way.  Now it's time to end this." Andrew took out a gun and then hesitated.  Jessica's eyes widened and she stood in between the murderer and his victim.  "Don't do this to her.  You've already made her suffer enough.  Just let her go."

"That's not going to happen, Jessica.  You forget that I can stick my gun right through you.  You can't stop me doing this." Andrew held up a Smith and Wesson revolver to the brunette's head.

"Go on.  End it." Claire sobbed.

"Actually I think it would be fun to prolong your suffering.  Don't you? Don't you?" He took the gun back and secretly loaded one bullet into the fourth chamber.

"Now, in this revolver there is one bullet in a random chamber.  In turn I will fire each shot at your head.  Have fun waiting for death." He took the gun and pointed its cold barrel at her head.  He pulled the trigger once.  An empty click.  He pulled the trigger a second time.  An empty click.  He pulled the trigger the third time.  An empty click.  Claire flinched on every single click.  Andrew could see the evident fear, behind her eyes.  "The bullet is in any one of these remaining chambers."

"I'll see you in hell." Claire snarled.

"I look forward to it." Andrew pulled the trigger a fourth time.  BANG! After two long hours of suffering and torture Claire had finally been allowed to die.

Killer in the Rain Chapter Three Wraiths

 Who goes to see a film on their own?" Steven asked, incredulously.  He was close to cracking up.

"I'll tell you who does that Steven.  Sad,lonely people, who don't have any friends." Jessica replied.

"Be quiet! Both of you.  I just want some time by myself.  Some time to escape.  I can do that in the cinema."

"I thought you had given up trying to escape from us?"

Andrew looked straight into her eyes.  "You two are in my head every day and night.  I can't give up trying to get away from you."

"We've already told you this a million times.  Frankly we're getting sick of it.  Escaping from us is impossible."
****
The lights were starting to dim.  Andrew was sitting comfortably in the middle of the room.  He had a good view of the screen.  He had received some strange and sympathetic looks, when he had sat down, but he ignored them.  He no longer cared about what people thought about him.

"You stopped caring about what people thought of you, when you killed me.  I was worried about you, but you didn't care."

"Let that go, Steven.  I was in a bad mood then." Some people behind Andrew told him to be quiet.  He shot a glance at his second victim and shifted his attention back to the screen.  The advert being played was a warning not to record this film.

"Are you watching this advert, Andrew? It says not to record or illegally download this film.  It's warning you not break the law.  If only there were a warning not to kill somebody." Jessica mocked.  Andrew clenched his hands, but then relaxed.  He was not going to let his ghosts aggravate him.  He was here to unwind.
****
Finally the adverts and trailers had finished and now the film would start.  It would be a psychological thriller.

"It's interesting that you're watching this.  I suppose not many people can relate to films like these. You should be proud to be a part of the select few." Jessica commented.

Andrew started breathing heavily.  "Be quiet! You're disturbing the customers." Jessica rolled her eyes.  Andrew turned back to the show, where the credits were dripping onto the screen like blood.  He could already see what the tone of film was going to be like.
****
Fifteen minutes later, the person Andrew presumed to be the killer had already started stalking his first victim. It was a black night and the foolish girl had split away from her friends to walk home alone.  She would be the first to die.

"At least you didn't kill us in such obvious ways," Jessica remarked, "I think I know why you're watchin' this.  It's not to relax or unwind or any of that rubbish.  I bet you're looking for new, inventive ways to kill."

"Shut up Jessica.  Leave me alone, right now.  Go crawl into the dark." Andrew snarled, through clenched teeth.

An usher wielding a torch rushed up the stairs.  "Sir, this is your only warning.  If you disturb our customers again you will be removed from this cinema." Andrew simply glared at him and turned back to the movie.
****
Twenty minutes later, after a torturous ordeal just as Andrew expected, the girl had been killed.

Steven flinched at the horror.  "Ooh, that is grotesque.  I'm thankful you didn't kill us as painfully as that."

"If I knew at the time I would've." Andrew replied.  There was a sudden flicker of light coming up the stairs.  The killer groaned and turned to his two victims.

"Look at what you've done," he stood up and rushed down the stairs, "I'm going.  No need to throw me out." He said to the approaching user.

"You know Jessica, that's the first he's spoken to a real person tonight." Steven commented.  Andrew shook his head and pushed open the exit doors.

"Poor, pitiful, paranoid Andrew.  You can't even watch a film without talkin' to your demons.  You pathetic little man." Jessica taunted.  Andrew ignored this and went to get himself a strong drink.
****
Andrew was sitting in the local pub, clutching a pint of the local brew in his hand.

Jessica watched him raise, the drink to his mouth again.  "I thought there was no way you'll start drinkin' to escape your conscience?" She asked, confusedly.

Andrew shrugged.  "You two put me through so much pain drinking is the only escape."

"Why are you doing this, Andrew? What's the point?" Steven asked.

"Maybe I can destroy the part of my brain that controls my memories and emotions.

"Are you trying to get over us? Aww isn't that sweet Jessica? We're like his ex wife who broke his heart.  I didn't know you cared for us that much."

"You should report yourself to the police.  That's the only way you're going to sooth your conscience.  You're not going to drown us out by drinking."

"We'll see about that." Andrew went up the bar and ordered himself another pint.  Two stools to the right of him a couple of skinhead youths were discussing the latest video game.  Steven shook his head, disapprovingly, as he sat on the stool in between Andrew and one of the skinheads.  "You're never going to listen to me.  After all who ever listens to their conscience.  I wonder if your children are like you."

What are you talking about?" Andrew asked.

"I was wondering whether they've inherited the gene which might turn them into killers.  You could be infamous, if you turned yourself in.  The papers would call you the Killer in the Rain.  If your children become murderers, their nickname would be the children of Satan.  After all you are the devil in human form."

"That's it!" Andrew shouted, as he swung for Steven's face.  His fist sailed through his second target's face and made contact with the back of the youth's head.  "What the hell you doin'?! The skinhead shouted, as he pushed Andrew up against the wall.

"If you're going to threaten someone, don't give them a chance to distract you." Without further hesitation Andrew lifted his right knee into the youth's crotch.  Taking advantage of this diversion Andrew head butted his assailant.  The murderer tried to make a quick getaway; but the other skin head floored him with a simple punch to the throat.  A swift kick to the stomach, kept him on the ground.  Before anymore damage was done all three of them were kicked out of the pub.  Andrew was seized by his collar and he was pulled back up to his feet, where he received a punch to the mouth.  The hit was strong enough to floor him and the impact was rough.  Andrew groaned, as his right forearm scraped against some jagged rocks.  The two skinheads laughed and ran away  Andrew heaved himself up and sat on a nearby wall.  He checked his body and performed a self diagnosis.  As far as he could tell, nothing was broken.

"I don't know why you lashed out.  I was just pointing out a possible pen name."

Andrew glared at Steven, before inspecting his wounds again.  Ten minutes later, a slim brunette who was walking past him stopped and looked down.

"You alright?" She asked.

"If I was alright do you think I'd have a cut lip, scraped forearm and a bruised stomach?"

"If you'll prefer I'll just leave you bleeding on this wall." The girl replied.

"Maybe that'll be best."

"I'm going to ignore all these sardonic comments and like to think that you're actually a nice guy."

Jessica rolled on the floor laughing.  "Oh Andrew, this girl cracks me up." She said, wiping tears away from her eyes.

"Do you live close to here? I could take you home." The brunette offered.

Andrew nodded.  "I don't live far from here.  Can you help me up?"

The girl agreed and pulled the man up to his feet, when he suddenly groaned.  "What's the matter?"

"My ankle's twisted."

"Of course it is.  Just put your arm around me.  We'll make it to your house eventually," the pair set off down the road, "how did you end up like this?" The brunette asked.

"I got into a fight in the pub.  Don't even remember why.  Sorry about before.  I was just angry of how badly I lost that fight."

Steven's jaw literally dropped open.  "Oh my god! Andrew Stone apologised?! That skin head must've hit you harder than we thought."

"Why are you helping me?" Andrew asked.

The brunette shrugged.  "No reason.  It's just a hobby of mine to take injured men home."

"Thank you.  What's your name?"

"I'm Claire Brooks."

"Nice to meet you Claire. I'm Andrew Stone."
****
Andrew was lying on his sofa, while Claire was making a cup of tea in the kitchen.  She brought it through to the living room and set it down on the table adjacent to Andrew.  "You feeling better?" She asked.

"Yeah, I'm just swell."

"I would've thought somebody of your age would be in a house." Claire remarked.

"Somebody of my age? I'm only thirty five.  How old are you?"

"I'm thirty two."

"You look good." Andrew said.

"So do you."

"The secret to youthful good looks is killing two innocent people." Jessica stated.

"Why were you out so late?" Andrew asked.

"My friends had invited me out to dinner.  I didn't really want to go, but I didn't want to let them down."

"Is that why you helped me out?"

Claire nodded.  "Yeah, I was looking for an excuse not to go out and you're it."

"I'm flattered Claire.  Listen, if I fix myself up, would you want to go out for dinner with me tomorrow night?"

"That would be nice."

"Aww isn't that sweet? You asked her out. Do you love her, Andrew? Andrew and Claire sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G.  First comes love-" Jessica mocked,

"Shut  up." Andrew whispered.

Claire frowned.  "What did you say?"

"Nothing."

"Why'd you say nothin'? We're not nothin'.  You're so rude.  You should introduce us to your girlfriend."

"Say if I pick you up at seven?"

"Yeah that would be fine." Claire wrote down her address and handed it to Andrew.

Jessica shook her head, reproachfully.  "If only you knew you were giving your address out to a murderer."

"I'll see you tomorrow then."

Claire nodded. "I'll let myself out, see you." The door opened and shut quietly.

Steven stood up and walked in front of Andrew.  "You asked her out? How desperate are you? I know your wife left you, but is this seriously your way of getting back into the game?"

"No it's not.  She was nice and I just seized an opportunity."

"You do know we're going to ruin this.  You're never going to get your old life back."

"We'll see.  I'm not that old yet.  I can still have a family."

Killer in the Rain Chapter Two Demons

It was always raining in October.  Andrew needed to go to the shops.  He did not smoke or drink and was not intending to start.  There was no way he would find an escape from his conscience in a beer bottle or a packet of cigarettes.  He stepped into the supermarket.  The halogen lights burned down on him.  The over-sized convenience store was a a mixture of noise: babies crying, toddlers screaming and his own private demons taunting him.

"What are you going to buy here? Your next murder weapon, perhaps?" Andrew's second target mocked.

"Oh shut up.  I just need some food."

"Andrew look at all of these people, there are so many targets.  Which ones are you going to kill," Jessica pointed at a slim brunette, thumbing through a fashion magazine, "are you going to kill her?

"Shut up.  I'm just buying some food." Andrew picked up a basket to carry his shopping in.

"Look at that kitchen knife you could make sure somebody suffers with that or you could end it all quickly can make them feel pain and fear like you did with me or you could rip life away like you did with him.  Which one is it going to be?"

"It will be neither Jessica, I'm not like that anymore."

"Of course you're not." Andrew's second target said, rather unconvinced.

Andrew moved into the meat isle.  His second target pointed at humongous leg of lamb.  "You can kill someone quickly with that: one blow to the head and it will all be over.  Or you could bludgeon them to dead.  That would be truly painful and truly malicious." The second target explained, malevolently.

"You will always be a murderer.  Murderer! Murderer!" Jessica and his second target started circling Andrew, shouting out "killer" and "murderer." Andrew tightly closed his eyes and ignored the taunting.  When he opened them, he saw a plain faced security guard in a knitted jumper, advancing towards him.  "Ok mate, let's take this outside."

"Why? What did I do?"

"You're disturbing our other customers.  I'm just going to take you outside." The guard took Andrew by the arm and led him to the exit.  As a last insult his shopping was confiscated.

"That was your fault again."

"No it wasn't Andrew; we're just in your mind.  We don't exist."

Andrew cursed and stood up.  He disdainfully flicked dust and dirt off his overcoat.  He walked away from the supermarket and further into the high street.  There would be other places where he could do his shopping.

<em>All of them are so normal.  All of them are so different to me.  I've changed.  Why can't I can be like them?</em> Andrew thought.

Jessica pulled a face.  "Did killing me make you stupid? You can't be like these people, because you're a murderer.  You killed me and your second target and now we're a part of you and you can't change that."

"I will be able to change that.  Just watch me." Andrew replied.

A passerby stopped and frowned.  "Are you talking to me?" The man asked.

Andrew shook his head and smiled.  "No sorry.  I was just thinking aloud." The man shrugged, accepting this and walked off.

Andrew's second target smiled in disbelief.  "That's completely ridiculous.  When I asked about your health you act rudely and kill me.  But when that man challenged you, you reacted politely and let him go.  What makes me so different?"

"I was just in a bad mood at the time.  Jessica was really annoying me.  You know how it is."

"Actually I don't know and I'm not going to know, because I'm dead."

"You should really stop talking to yourself in public, Andrew.  People might think you're crazy." Jessica suggested.  Andrew shook his head and ignored her.

"I've got an idea.  Why don't you just go home? Why don't you go back to where it's safe? Why don't you go back to the padded walls and the straight jacket?"

Andrew agreed to this and walked up to the zebra crossing and without looking at the road, he stepped straight off the curb.

"Andrew there's a car, you idiot!" Jessica screamed.  The killer looked to the right and stepped back, just in the nick of time.  He received an angry honk from the car.  After a few minutes it was safe to walk.  Andrew hurried across and into a quiet alleyway, where he turned to Jessica.

"Why did you do that? You could've just let that car hit me."

"No I couldn't've.  I'm not having you die, until I've finished tormentin' you." Jessica replied.

"Isn't there someone in hell you could torment, instead of me?" Andrew asked.

"Of course there is, but you killed me, so obviously I want to mock you rather than anybody else."

"You really are a spiteful, horrible person." Andrew commented.  By now he had reached his tower block of flats.  He quickly entered the access code and the door buzzed open.  The killer's second target suddenly burst out laughing.  Andrew stared at him quizzically.

"I couldn't hold it in any longer.  I can't believe you're calling Jessica horrible and spiteful, when you're the one who killed me, even though I was concerned about your health."

Andrew shrugged.  "It's not my fault if you're dead.  You should've run."

"I did run."

"Why are you blaming me? If you ran a little faster, then we wouldn't be standing here having this conversation." Andrew shook his head and started climbing the stairs.

"It wouldn't have mattered if I had run faster.  You still would've caught me." Andrew's second target muttered, before following his murderer up the stairs.
****
Andrew was in his new flat, trying to engulf himself into his new leather sofa.  He was sinking deeply trying to hide from the fates that had befallen him.  He turned on the TV and switched to the news channel.  "Our main story tonight, today at one forty-five p.m. in an auto junkyard in North London a middle-aged man called Steven Wheeler was found dead with a piece of glass in his back.  The police don't have suspects.  He doesn't have any known family..."

Andrew smiled.  "No family? There will be nobody to miss you.  You were the perfect target."
****
Andrew was sleeping or at least trying to.  He could not get the faces of Jessica and Steven out of his mind.  He kept thinking of Jessica's face before she died.  He kept seeing the panicked run of Steven and how he crumpled, when the shard of glass hit him.  He turned on his side and looked at the time.  Three a.m.  He rubbed his eyes.  At least he did not have any work to wake up to.  He had a feeling he would not be able to get back to sleep.  He got out of bed and walked to kitchen.  Waiting for him was Jessica.

"Couldn't get to sleep, could ya? You can't stop thinkin' about us, could ya?"
****
Andrew finally awakened out of a troubled slumber that he had never intended to take.  He kept dreaming of his victims.  He realised he had fallen asleep on the kitchen counter.  He stood up and went to the bathroom.  He did not even recognise his reflection.  The man staring back at him had disheveled hair and about a day's stubble.  There were dark shadows lingering under the his eyes.  Today was a new day.  A new day to do something good.

"You want to do something good, Andrew? Try not to kill anyone." Steven advised.

Andrew shook his head.  He had given up trying to cast the voices from his mind.  They would remain with him for the rest of his life, however long that would be.

"You're right Andrew; you will never be able to get rid of us." Steven said.

"I might not be able to get rid of you, but I can try and block you from my mind." Andrew replied.

Jessica smiled.  "Good luck with that.  We're going to remain with you, until the day you descend into hell."