MURDER AND LOVE: A KILLER'S GUIDE

Oh My God!!! Guys. I woke up to 1.05k reads. Thank you so much. I made sure to give this chapter my all. I hope you all love it. 

If I get up to 1.2k reads, I will add a sneak peak chapter only you guys know ;)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The smell of metal danced in the air as we walked into the house. The floor held a woman's body—mid-30s, blonde, Caucasian. Her face had gone pale and in the middle of her chest—a hole. The gun was missing and a pool of blood surrounded her, a wedding ring still on her finger.

I stared at the woman—imagining the horrors she would have gone through. What last thought lingered in her mind? I wish people could tell who killed them just by looking at their faces.

"The husband is right over there if you want to ask him questions. But he is still pretty shaken up" The forensic intern said, snapping me out of my thoughts. The husband stood at the entrance covered in what seemed like blood—possibly her blood. His hands were shaking profusely as he stared at his palm.

"Scared to approach?" Asher smirked, daring me.

"I don't need you, so move." She hissed at him

"Sheesh sorry. You don't have to be all mad. I was just joking" He raised his hands in the air.

"Yeah well, a woman is dead, we don't have time to joke" I pointed at the poor lady on the ground.

"You're right. Let's go" He walked ahead of me as I tagged along. I wanted to hit the back of his head with my gun and knock him out unconscious. He has been a pain in my ass since the lieutenant made him my partner and that was just this morning—yes—this morning. I let out a deep sigh as we got outside. The man now sitting down burying his hands in his face.

He also looked around his mid-30's, he had blonde hair and was Caucasian. He had a rounded belly that looked like he got it from drinking. He wore glasses to make his deep blue coloured eyes bigger.

"How are you feeling Mr Smith" Asher opened the conversation with him, talking with a very soothing voice—the man still trembling. He really must have been shaken up. I grabbed the notebook out of my back pocket to get any plausible information from him.

"I... I d-don't know" His voice shaking as he tried to control the tears in his eyes. But something kept telling me not to buy it.

"Did you see anybody or anyone drive off when you arrived" I asked, my tone sharp, cutting through his stammering.

"No…no, I didn't. I got home and just found her like this" Tears streamed down his face as he continued to explain how he had left to get the surprise gift for their anniversary, and then coming back to meeting her like that.

"It's okay Mr Smith, We will find whoever did this to your wife" Asher assured him. We headed out of the house when I spotted the jewellery box on the kitchen counter.

"Who keep a jewellery box on the kitchen counter" I muttered under my voice. My eyes fixed on the box ahead.

"Uhh?" Asher looked at me with his right eyebrow raised.

"Nothing we should head back to the station and work on this" I left him and went outside heading into my car.

"Wait! Hold on." He ran towards me, leaning towards my car.

"What?" I gave him a confused look.

"Hey, you've got a real wall up, you know that? Makes it hard to work as a team."

"Oh! You could tell?" I smirked at him.

"Hey listen, We don't have a choice here. We have to work together. You and I we're partners whether you like it or not." He looked at me with a serious gaze on his face.

"I don't have a problem if you don't have a problem" I told him.

"Okay cool. I just want us to be clear on the same page here."

"Sure, now would you move out of the way so we can get to the precinct." I pushed him over to the side and opened the door to my car. I watched him walk away as he entered into his car and went off.

The last thing I need right now is a distraction. I sighed as I ignited the engine of my car and drove. I should be going to the precinct right now but I had to make a stop at the suite. It is not that far from the office just a 30-minute drive depending on traffic.

I drove past the precinct and headed down to the suite. I parked my car and went into the main floor. The hotel's main floor feels like stepping into a world of elegance. The air smells fresh, with flowers placed thoughtfully around the space. Comfortable velvet seating invites guests to relax, while the reception desk, sleek and modern, is staffed by well-dressed employees who greet everyone with friendly smiles. The walls are decorated with beautiful artwork, adding to the luxurious feel. Large windows at the back offer a stunning view of the busy city, framed by plants that add a touch of nature. The lighting is warm and inviting, creating a peaceful atmosphere perfect for unwinding.

This was the last place I followed Wilder to—knowing he came to book the suite for his and his wife's anniversary.

He must have noticed me here.

I walked up to the receptionist. She had a very beautiful smile on her face—almost like it was genuine. It was part of their protocol to always smile so who am I to judge.

"Hi, how may I help you this morning" She spoke to me in a very soothing voice.

"Uhm–Hello I am detective Miller from NYPD. I would love to look at the log book file of January 28th 2024." I said to her stretching out my badge to show her.

"If you wouldn't mind, I would have to get the manager. It is against protocol to give confidential information without the knowledge of the manager. She maintained a dashing smile.

"No problem" I also flashed a smile at her before she left to get the manager. He was able to get me the record book for that day and asked if I needed anything else I shook my head and headed to the sitting area and grabbed a couch.

I scrolled through the log book to find my name in it—Khloe Miller – Room 206. And 7 names after mine was, Wilder West – Room 210. Nothing was out of the ordinary until I noticed someone booked Room 211. I wanted to book it earlier that day but they said it was unavailable due to some reasons.

I checked the name to see—Nauthers. Who the hell is Nauthers? Is he the guy I'm looking for? What does he want from me? Was he friends with Wilder?

Questions flooded my head as I checked the time he had left the hotel room. 10:53pm. That was the same time I left the hotel. I took out my phone to snap the page. I got up and headed back to the receptionist.

"Thank you so much. I got all the info I needed" I handed the book to her.

"Don't worry anytime you need something, I am here for you" I felt her graze my hands as she collected the book from me. Was she flirting? I walked towards the door and turned towards her and gave her a faint smile before heading out.

The drive back to the precinct was taunting. My head wanted to explode as I am nowhere near knowing who the hell is after me and why. At least I have a name. I could check in the database if something pops up.

I got out of the car and headed into the precinct. I rushed to my desk trying to log in to find anything close to this—Nauthers.

"Where did you go?" A familiar voice said walking up to me.

"You said we should double down and head back to the precinct but you went somewhere else." He crossed his hands over his chest as he stood in front of my desk.

"Yeah, something came up and I had to quickly attend to it."

He looked at me and sighed.

"We have to make this work K" My head spun hearing that name again. No one has ever called me that since him. So why Is he?

"First off, don't ever call me by that name—ever again—do you understand?" My gaze darkened as I stared away from my laptop at him.

"And second we Will make this work. There is nothing you need to worry about" I muttered before going round him to grab my chair. 

" I'm sorry, I didn't mean to." He apologized before leaving.

I went back to looking at my computer the search button stared at me. I gathered the courage to search for the name. I typed it in and waited as it loaded. No results were found. It is written on the screens of the monitor. I groaned burying my face on my desk.

What am I going to do now? I sighed and looked up to see that Odette had dropped the case file of this morning on my table. I opened it to look at the gruesome pictures of the woman lying in cold blood. A lot of pictures were taken but one that caught my attention was thee box that contained jewellery. I went through the husband's statement and something seemed off. He said he had left the house before she waited for him in the parlour. But why is it written here that he had kissed her goodbye in the parlour before leaving?

I decided to follow my gut earlier on and searched his name in the criminal database. No criminal records, all charges of assault dropped. That's strange. He had 10 cases of assault that were all dropped. Is it because he paid them hush money or they were silenced? I can't leave this be now given my gut feeling was right but I can't also allow them to have a go knowing about him.

I hid the case files inside my desk and decided to do more research at home. I had a very busy schedule and by the time I was done, it was night time.

"Hey Khloe, We are all heading out for a drink wanna come?" Jamal asked as the rest of the team were ready to leave.

"No I think I would just go home" I said to him, packing up my bag and case files.

"One day I would get you to come, one day." He came over and hugged me before leaving with the rest. He and Odette were the only ones I tolerated, the rest knew to keep their distance out of my bubble.

I turned to leave when I saw Asher in the corner going through the case files I placed in my locker earlier.

Shit. I should be more aware of my surroundings. I think that is what happened with Wilder, that is why I am on this roller coaster of emotions. Because of my incompetence.

"Hey, I was going to tell you we should go over it tomorrow" I lied as I walked towards him to see what he was doing.

"Yeah I figured" All the papers were now on his desk, scattered everywhere.

"Don't worry I'll arrange that back. I promise." He said with a chuckle in his voice. He must have noticed my face when I saw the papers everywhere.

"So did you find anything?"

"Yes. Cause just like you I noticed something was off with that man. He was too good to be true."

Yeah well, I figured that out way before you.

"Then I went through the case files to see that what he said wasn't what he wrote about. You know, how he left her before going to the store."

"Yes, I noticed that too"

"And then the jewellery box, nothing was taken inside. It was just opened on the kitchen counter. Why?" For someone who is a pain in the ass, he does know how to do his work.

"We could go interview him tomorrow to see if we can find out anything else"

"Yeah sure" He nodded. His head was still buried In the work.

"Well I have to go.... so, huh, bye" I waved at him and walked towards the door.

"Why don't you like to hang out with other people?" His voice echoed round the room.

"Excuse me?" I turned around and crossed my arms around my chest.

"Well, everyone is going out while you prefer to go home. It just seems odd. Seeing the number of years you have used here." He said

"Well, this me and I am not comfortable going out at night with other people to a loud place where they are blaring music that could make your ears and eyes bleed. So, if you would please excuse me I have a home to get to" I snapped back at him.

"Okay. You do you." He raised his arms in the air

"Well then good night to you. When I'm done I'm heading down to the club to meet the other guys."

"Yeah bye" I turned around and headed into the elevator. I pressed the button to the last floor as I gave him one last look before the door closed. He waved at me but I just turned my eyes to the ground.

I had somewhere I need to be tonight and I don't need anyone stopping me. I got into my car and drove down the road stopping at my destination.

The passenger seat opened as she entered.

"Hey," She smiled at me.

"Hey, how was work–"

I was interrupted by her smashing her lips on mine. She continued to moan and touch my body. My mind made flashbacks to my horrible past.

"Hey, hold on let me go home" I pulled her away from me.

"We can do it here in the car." She snickered as she stared at the back seat.

" I don't think I would be comfortable back there. Don't worry my house is not far from here" I have her a reassuring smile before she nodded.

"Okay let's go" She sat back to the seat as she continued to giggle.

I had gone back to collect her number earlier today just so I could get more info on this Nauthers guy. Turns out she is a lesbian and I have to pretend to be one also—I think.

I got to my house and parked my car. We both got out and headed inside.

"Wow! Your place is so beautiful" She kept staring at the ceiling of my house.

"Thanks," I said while taking of my coat and setting it on the rack. She jumped on me and began kissing me again and giggling.

"Where is your room?" She asked as she continued to kiss me.

"I'll take you there" I carried her to the room and switched on the light. She pushed down to the bed as she began undressing herself in front of me, and giggling.

I had no choice but to do this. This was my last option to find out the description of this Nauthers guy from her even if it meant sacrificing my trauma to sleep with this lady.

She was now naked after pulling all her clothes. She hopped on me and started kissing me. I kissed back as I felt something I don't think I have ever felt. I brought my face to her luscious breast. I stirred my tongue around her nipples allowing her to let out a moan. I sucked on it deeply as she moaned louder and louder on every suck. Why do I like this? What is going on?

I turned us over to take off my clothes. I had pulled my shirt off and then my trousers revealing me also naked. Maybe I like being in control? Is that what turns me on?

I kissed her neck and began trailing my lips down her body until I got to her crotch. She whimpered as I ran my tongue up and down through it. I started to suck as she grabbed my hair and started moaning. I moved my face away from there and went back up to her.

My hands moved almost on their own, my fingertips grazing her jawline. She looked perfect. I felt a shiver run though her. I had gotten a pleasure gadget earlier. I put it on like a strap and dragged her legs closer reaching for her lips, I could taste her tongue in my mouth. I gently thrust into her, her screams echoed round the room as she dug her nails into my back. I began to thrust faster also feeling pleasure doing so. We were both at rhythm now, thrusting and moaning. At the final moan, I felt my body move to the cloud.

I fell on the bed close to her and hugged her from behind.

What in the hell just happened? Do I like this? Is it my hatred for men that drives me towards liking this? No. The last time I had real sex was with a guy—Not Wilder—a different guy—back in high-school.

"That was great," She said out of breath.

"Let's do more" She climbed back on me and started squealing.

"Wait! Uhm–I'm tired how bout we rest for tonight? We can do more next time we meet all right?"

She was hesitant a first but after a lot of reasoning she agreed. I just had a long day of work, and now I have to deal with whatever is happening to my body. I don't think I need to do it again. We were silent for a while before I turned to start a conversation.

"Hey, can I ask a question?" I said lacing her hands into mine.

"Sure. What is it?" She said wrapping the blankets around her waist.

"Remember when I came earlier to ask for the log books?"

"Yeah?"

"Well the thing is... someone I knew also collected a room that day and he has been missing for a while now."

"Yes, I heard. Wilder West. The poor family must be devastated. He seemed like a good man."

You have no idea.

"Yes, him but someone else also"

"Really who?"

"Nauthers"

"Nauthers?" She asked with a confused look on her face.

"Yes, apparently he came that day and booked a room to surprise me. It's been a long since I saw him and I don't remember his face. The officers say before they can print flyers I have to give a description." I said my eyes boring in on the ceiling of my room.

"So...I was thinking if you could help me with it." I turned to face her, cupping her face in my hand.

"So that's why you brought me here? To ask for his description?" She scoffed as she got up to get her clothes and leave.

"I'm so stupid." She threw the blanket at me while she searched for something.

"No that's not it. I do like you... a lot" I quickly stood up and dragged her hands pulling her closer to me.

"You can tell me anytime you feel convenient or don't even tell me at all" I wrapped my hands around her waist.

"No" She laughed

"I can tell you and I like you too. But don't start a conversation with something like that understand?" she smacked my shoulders.

"Yes ma'am" We both laughed as we headed back to the bed.

"I will tell you in the morning. Now it is just two of us, okay?" She smiled stating into my eyes.

"Okay." I kissed her on the forehead before she placed her head on my chest.

I can't make the mistake of losing my only chance to get a description of him. I have to be very patient with her. I hope she tells me soon and gives me a description.

Your days are numbered—you. I will find you even if it is the last thing I do on this damn earth.

 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What would you have done if you were her? Tell me in the comments below...Don't be shy ;)

Don't forget to vote.