Chapter 1

Four hours from now…

The Killer

The back alley is as dark as it is bitter cold. And both remind me of my heart at this moment.

The icy fall air blows the leaves that have fallen from the neighboring oaks, leaving them rattling around in the wind like the bones of a skeleton. Spooky season is upon us, and that seems appropriate because things are about to get downright terrifying for my target.

I watch from the shadows as they approach, unsuspecting of the danger lurking nearby. It's almost poetic the way fate has brought us together in this dimly lit place—a back alley, where so many of our dealings have taken place.

They stop in their tracks. I can tell they're sensing a presence but unable to identify where it's coming from. The fear emanating from them is palpable, their breaths quickening as they struggle to wrap their head around the situation.

"Hey?" They stagger my way, squinting in a feeble attempt to make me out. "What the"—they stop short once they spot the weapon in my hand. There's no point in hiding it. There's no point in hiding what's about to transpire.

"You?" they sputter in disbelief. "You're going to do this to me, of all people?"

I step forward and revel in the power I hold over them. The moonlight glints off the gun in my hand, casting an eerie glow on their face.

"I'd say it's nothing personal—that it's just a matter of circumstance, but I think we'd both know that was a lie."

They take a step back and their eyes dart around the alley for any chance of escape. But there's no escape from the web they've woven. They're trapped—caught in the clutches of their own demise.

"What did I ever do to you?" they plead as desperation seeps into their voice. "This is a mistake."

"Mistake?" A dark laugh ripples through me. "This is no mistake. You see, life is full of choices and you've made yours. Now it's time to face the consequences."

Their eyes widen as the weight of their actions crash down over them. They struggle to find words as their breathing grows shallow.

This is it.

The final meet-up of predator and prey. The final act in a wicked game that's gone on far too long.

"Please," they beg, their voice laced with regret. "Give me a chance to make it right. I can change. I swear."

I tilt my head, considering their plea. But mercy has no place in this dark alley or in my heart.

"It's too late for redemption, buddy," I say, stepping closer with each word. "You rolled the dice and now it's time for you to meet your maker."

Their body seizes as they realize the inevitability of what's to come. And in their eyes, I see a reflection of my own darkness.

Without hesitating, I fire a shot, then two to make sure I get the job done right.

I watch as their body crumples to the ground, and just like that, my heart pounds with a shred of remorse. I hightail it out of there and back into the harsh reality as the world moves on, oblivious to the tragedy that just unfolded.

And as I fade back into the darkness, I carry the weight of the life I extinguished.

It's a burden I must now bear forever.