MURDER AND LOVE: A KILLER'S GUIDE

We arrived at the clinic just as the morning haze began to drift, the quiet hum of activity greeting us. My steps felt heavier than usual, and the memories of seeing Betty's body flashed back—the pool of blood, the lifeless pale face.

 I felt her soul linger in the rooms we walked into. We headed towards Jamal's desk, he flagged us down. I could see the tension in his posture before he even opened his mouth.

"Khloe," Jamal said, standing up and crossing his arms, "the department's decided to assign Betty's case to the others."

My stomach tightened. I forced my expression to remain neutral. "Why?"

"Conflict of interest," Jamal replied, his tone carefully measured. "You're too close to the case. They think it's for the best."

I nodded, pretending to agree, even though I felt like the floor was crumbling beneath me. "Of course. Makes sense."

Jamal gave me a long look, one I didn't bother meeting. "Before they move forward, though, they want to talk to you. You were the last person to see her alive, after all."

I didn't flinch, but the words stung. I wasn't sure if it was guilt or annoyance. "Sure," I said, glancing at Asher. "Let's get it over with."

The interrogation room was colder than usual—or maybe it was just me. The detectives sat across from me, their eyes calculating. They asked about Betty, about our relationship, and whether I had any idea who might've wanted to hurt her.

"She was… a friend," I said carefully. "We weren't close, but we hung out occasionally. She had her own place but stayed with me from time to time. That's all."

"And you have no idea why someone would target her?" one of them pressed.

"No," I lied smoothly. "She didn't talk much about her personal life."

Their eyes narrowed, but they didn't push further. They went on about timelines, my movements, and why I hadn't mentioned her before. I kept my answers short and to the point. I didn't want them getting more than I was giving—I can't risk it. I'm already dealing with a lot. I don't want two detectives down my throat on my every move.

When it was finally over, I walked out, my body rigid with tension. Asher was waiting outside, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed.

"How'd it go?" he asked, his voice low.

"Fine," I replied, brushing past him. "They're just doing their job."

"You sure you're okay?"

I turned, forcing a small smile. "I'm fine, Asher. Really. You don't need to keep worrying about me."

His brow furrowed, but he didn't press further. Good. Because I didn't need him in my business right now.

Once I got to my desk, I pulled out my phone and dialed Ruby. She answered on the second ring.

"Khloe?" Her voice was cautious.

"Hey," I said, keeping my tone light. "Can we meet? I think we need to talk."

There was a pause. "About…?"

"Wilder," I said quickly.

"What about him? Is he okay?" Her voice sounded paranoid, scared. She still believes her husband is alive somewhere.

"I just have a few questions. I think you might be able to help."

Another pause. Then she sighed. "Alright."

"We could meet at Sasha's café," I said.

"Yeah sure, let's do that." She answered me. Disappointment lurked in her voice, she thought I called to give her some news.

After hanging up, I glanced over my shoulder. Asher was distracted at his desk, talking to someone. Good. He didn't need to know about this.

That evening, I drove out to the edge of town, parking in a spot with a clear view of Robert's work. I'd scouted the area for weeks, but with the detectives breathing down my neck, I couldn't afford any mistakes.

I stayed low in the driver's seat, watching through binoculars as he moved around inside. The same routine as always—arrive at work, attend to clients, leave for the club. This is now around the leave for the club moment, they had all finished working and were already heading to their spot.

This would be my last chance to observe him before things got too risky. And it had to be perfect.

Once I was satisfied, I pulled away, heading to the café where Ruby and I had agreed to meet. She was already there, sitting at a corner table, her hands wrapped around a steaming cup of coffee.

"Thanks for coming," I said, sliding into the seat across from her.

Sasha came over to hand me my coffee. She knew exactly what I liked to drink. I was close to this family, not as close now but I would do anything for them, even though her husband raped and almost killed me. It had been rough for them having to look for Wilder for 3 months now.

 I kinda feel bad, not for killing Wilder though—he deserved to die. For them. They believed he was the perfect man. I am still contemplating whether I should reveal to her what kind of a person he was or not. She deserved to know, right?

I thanked Sasha. I turned to look at Ruby. Her face was pale white, her hair tied into a messy bun—it looked like she had been crying.

She looked at me warily, cutting me out of my thoughts. "This isn't exactly easy for me, you know."

"I know," I replied, keeping my voice soft. "But I need your help. Anything you can tell me about Wilder."

Ruby's gaze flickered, and for a moment, I thought she might walk out. But then she sighed, leaning back in her chair.

"I already told you everything I know, what more do you want?" I could feel her anger burn through her eyes.

 I gently stretched out my hands to hold hers. "I know. But at this point, we are doing everything we can to find him"

Well, I'm not. The other detectives are but they would probably never find him cause I turned him to dust but I can't tell you any of those things now, right?

"That's why I needed to come back and ask if you knew anything about his business, his friends, the people he worked with. If you can show me the files, Ruby. I need you to tell me everything if we want to find Robert." I safely tightened my grip around her hands. I could feel her tearing up just by my talking.

"I do have some of his work files at home but they are confidential." She said trying to talk without bawling her eyes out.

"We need to see it all Ruby" She nodded and agreed to bring the files over to my place. She leaned forward to hug me. I'm not much of a hugger, but considering these few days with Asher made me think about that. I tapped her back gently giving her time to let it out.

"I made a promise to find him, and I will keep that promise, Ruby," I lied before pulling her away gently. She cleaned her tears and continued sipping her coffee.

If only she could let it go, if she knew how horrible this man was. I wish she could take herself and the kids and just live life to the fullest. I sighed before signaling to Sasha that I was leaving.

"Take care of yourself, Ruby, alright?" I said, sliding out of the chair. She nodded slightly before she grabbed my wrist.

"Thanks for meeting me Khloe. I needed it." She let out a slight smile on her face. I squeezed her hands before letting go.

I need those files. I hope she brings them over.

I headed home this time around. Jamal had told me to take some time off, I refused at first but later gave in after he ordered. I had to pretend like I cared so I would be able to carry out my mission.

Today is Friday. A busy day for Robert Household—his workplace. His work is often crowded on Fridays, that's why I had to pick the perfect day so my plans could be smooth. It's easier this time since all the workers would be at the bar—Friday tradition.

 Mr. Robert on the other hand would be looking for another woman to fuck and that is my cue. I had gone over earlier and paid one of the hookers there to woo him and get him to room 14 at the motel opposite the bar. I had gone over wearing a hoodie and face cap. It looked cliché but I didn't want anyone recognizing me, that would ruin my plan.

I gathered all my needed equipment into my black duffel bag. The knife set I had purchased a few years earlier, the gloves at least half a dozen—I don't know how girthy his blood is, a little surprise torture instrument I made. And also recording tape.

I got one in the store a month ago. I got the tape recorder not just to relive the moments later, but to preserve their agony—their screams, their begging—as a reminder of the power I've reclaimed from those who thought they could take everything from me."

 I sighed, sitting at the edge of my head. My hands quivering with excitement, I could feel my blood rush, and my vision was getting a little blurry—that happens a lot when I get overstimulated.

I took deep breaths and listened to What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong before heading out into the night.

I waited a few blocks away from the club but just close enough to see the view. I've longed for this moment—dreamed. This man deserved everything he's gonna get tonight, and I will make it last very long. My eyes scanned the rearview mirror, checking to see if anything was out of the ordinary, anything could foil this plan, and I was not risking to take it.

Humming to the song, they both stepped outside. He looked drunk, and he kept forcing himself on her but she kept gesturing him to the motel. I could hear their laughs from here. But I had to wait, wait for her to lock him in, and leave the key there for me to find. I waited for about thirty minutes before spotting her leave the motel, she kept looking left and right hoping to find me.

She gave the signal I told her to give earlier—a peace sign by the way. I don't know maybe because what I'm about to do gives me peace? I don't know. Don't ask. I'm delusional. 

The knife set and gloves were tucked securely in my bag, and recording tape sat on the passenger seat. Everything was planned, and every detail was accounted for.

I took a deep breath, gripping the steering wheel tightly, steadying my nerves. My heart pounded, not with fear, but with that familiar rush of adrenaline.

I reached for the door handle, ready to step out when a sharp knock startled me. I froze, glancing toward the driver's side window. A police officer stood there, flashlight in hand, his expression unreadable.

"Ma'am," he said, motioning for me to roll down the window.

My mind raced, trying to stay calm. "Yes, officer?" I asked, lowering the glass.

"Mind if I ask what you're doing here?" I stood there looking at him in shock.

 I'm going to jail.