The Angel of Death: Rage Collection — Five Strickfield Serial-Killer Horror Stories

Abridged story transcript. Sexualized passages have been omitted or replaced with brief non-explicit editorial summaries in square brackets. This is not a verbatim transcript. Separate host segments and advertising are omitted. Prepared from an automatic transcription; residual transcription errors may remain. Story introductions between the tales are retained. The source explicitly identifies Reagan as 19 during the Catalyst flashback; this edition omits the passages describing abuse of underage students. Adult themes and violence remain.

The Hook by Rob Fields. How many times have I been asked this question? How many times have I been asked, why Farley? Why'd you do it? police, reporters, head shrinkers, and even the guards here at Grafton Prison. They all ask me the same question. And every time, I give them the same answer. Because I could. Have you figured it out yet? I'm a murderer.

That's right, a murderer. I've been killing people since I got out of high school. It all started 20 years ago with my high school sweetheart. We were supposed to get married. Problem was, she liked to keep nagging and nagging on. One day, she got drunk off her ass, came to my back door, and started picking at me. Could have just closed the door on her, but I decided I really didn't have to just take her shit.

I was a man, and she was just a panty dropper. So I came out and picked up the axe. Her head sure sailed quite a ways before it came to land at the back door. You know what? It felt mighty good. So I've been targeting bitches for many years after that. One right after another. I had such a good time chopping and hacking them up.

Bitches ain't nothing but leeches. All they do is take and take and take from you. The way I saw it, I was doing their fellas a tremendous favor. Of course, I wasn't going to get away with it forever. You probably knew that already, right? One day, I was killing this panty dropper in her nice home. And next thing I know, her fella comes in.

Turned out to be a pig. Instead of trying to arrest me, he lost his head and came at me. The two of us had a big ol' fight. I guess the pig fella really loved his bitch because he eventually got hold of the axe I used to chop her up with and, uh, well, uh, he cut off my freaking hand as I was pushing myself off the dresser.

That was the last thing I remembered before I woke up in jail a few days after the incident. I now had a neatly bandaged stump where my hand used to be, probably from when I was rushed to the hospital. A few weeks later, I'm in Grafton Prison. Yeah, there was no question of my guilt, especially when I told the bitch judge I'd come for her once I got out of here.

There are even a few bitches here as guards. Two of them work on my block. They can never help but just look at me. And every now and then, they still ask me, Why, Farley? Why did you do it? Because I could, I tell them again and again. So every day I just sit here in my cell. They don't put nobody in here with me.

Let's just say I ended up killing my last two cellmates. Even with one hand, I can still get the job done. Teeth can work just as well as a hand when you're tearing their throats out, especially when they get stupid and fall asleep. I just sit in my cell and work out my escape plan. Then, after all these years, I get some rather interesting news.

Turns out, I'm getting a hook to replace my hand. I end up being taken to the infirmary where the people there will put it in my stump. Wouldn't you know it? There's a doctor bitch here that's going to put the hook on. I'm secured tight and put to sleep as the bitch puts the hook on When it's all done, I get wheeled back to my cell Problem here is that I now have a deadly weapon attached to my body And the sleep stuff wears off a little too soon The guards don't even expect me to just turn on them after they remove the straps to put me back in my cell With my new hook, I can easily rip out they throats I even go back to kill the doctor bitch who put the hook on.

Had to give her my thanks and appreciation, right? Long story short, I end up escaping Grafton Prison and decide to make my way back to Strickfield to even the score with that bitch judge. I know, I know. Why, Farley? Why do you do it? Because I can! Because I will again. I end up taking an old pickup truck from the prison to Strickfield.

It's nice to actually have some air conditioning for once. It doesn't last long, though. The pickup truck breaks down just a few miles from Strickfield. I have to leave it and walk the rest of the way. At least now, it's dark outside. Pretty soon, I end up coming up to a car parked off to the side of the road, underneath a street line.

I can hear some music playing. I turn and look down the hill and see Strickfield. Yeah, I remember this place now. This is Strickfield Overlook. Fellas bring their bitches here to try and score some nookie. I killed many bitches up here. From a safe distance, I can hear the two of them talking. Definitely a boy and a girl. Sounds like they from that college on the other side of Strickfield.

I really can't believe you let me take you out tonight, Rage. The fella tells her. Yeah, definitely a wimpy mama's boy type. It's all right, the bitch tells him. It's good to get out sometimes. So thank you for getting me off campus for a little while. And what kind of name is Rage? Sounds like she's always pissed off or something. I'm guessing she's a plain Jane.

Listen, I hope you don't mind that I brought you up here, the fella says. I've always admired the view from Strickfield from up here. I'm from here, you know. Nothing wrong with that, Franklin, Rage tells him. I'm from North Ridgeway, which is on the other side of the state. The two of them talk about why they came to college and all that stupid shit.

I can feel the anticipation mounting up. You just know I want that panty dropper all to myself, but it's been so long, I think I'll kill the milksop too. Then Rage gets out of the car and looks up at the night sky. The milksop gets out too. Yeah, he's definitely a milksop. He's one of them nerdy types. Skinny, polo shirt, trousers, loafers, and glasses.

Only he don't have the tape around the middle of his glasses like some wimps I used to know around these parts. And who does this wimp think he is? That bitch looks way too good for someone like him. She looks like one of those girls you see in the nudie mags that the inmates back at Grafton would pass around. Such an angelic face and nice chassis.

She's even got some nice big milk jugs to go with that chassis. She should be with a real fella, not this milksop of a mama's boy. Oh well, it'll all be the same to me when I kill them both. This Franklin comes over to rage and the two of them start talking again. You okay, Rage? he asks. Yeah, even he ain't sure this girl would want to drop her panties for him.

Probably wondering if he's even going to get any. She turns to face him. I'm fine, Franklin. It was a little scruffy in the car. It's much cooler out here. There's even a breeze. Yeah, you're right. We can roll up the windows and I can run the air conditioning, he tells her. She makes herself smile. But then we couldn't see this nice view that you wanted me to see.

And besides, it's not like we can't. And then she actually steps up to the milk sop and starts kissing him. Next thing you know, the two of them are both swapping spit and wrapping their arms around one another. I'll kill him. But first I want to see if the milk sop can get the milk jugs nice and naked. Eventually, the two of them go to the front of the car.

He lifts her up so that her perfect behind is on the hood. Then their kissing becomes more hot and heavy. I just don't get it. Why would a nice-looking bitch like that go for a milksop like him? And then the romantic music is interrupted by a news bulletin. Two of them stop their kissing to listen to it. This is a breaking news bulletin from the Strickfield University newsroom here at WSTR Radio.

Convicted murderer Farley McFain has escaped from Grafton Prison. If you see him, do not approach him under any circumstance. He is easily to identify by the hook he wears as his right hand, which was amputated in a skirmish with a police officer 20 years ago. If you see him, you should immediately inform your local authorities. From there, the radio guy keeps rattling on about how dangerous I am.

And that much, he got right. Rage tells her milk sop that perhaps they best head back into town. You just never know, Franklin. Franklin the milksop isn't so convinced. But Rage, why would McFane climb all the way up here? That would be pointless. Rage doesn't hesitate and sounds deadly serious now. You'd be surprised at what serial killers like McFane are capable of, Franklin.

She takes his hand now. Please, we can still continue our date. I'd rather we just head back into town. Okay, Rage, you win. he helps her down off the hood. The two of them get back into his car. Now, now's the time to strike. I move from the bushes to go get to the car. As I reach it, I'm about to use my hook to pull open the passenger door and grab the bitch.

Oh shit, I hear the milksop cry out. No doubt he heard me at his bitch's door before I realize that the milksop quickly stomps on the gas and the car speeds away. Suddenly, I'm in a lot of pain as the hook had been ripped clean away from me. Stupid. The milksop had the motor running all that time. My mind was too much on the bitch that I ain't thinking straight.

I have to get my shirt off fast. It's a little hard to do that with only one hand, but I managed to get the shirt tied around enough to stop the bleeding. And just then, another car stops close by. A fella gets out and asks me if I'm okay. Then he recognizes me. Oh my God, you're Farley McFane. You're the guy who escaped from...

His mistake was yapping when he should have been running. He falls on the ground after I use my teeth to rip his throat out. Then I take his car and speed away to follow that couple who got my hook. It takes me a little bit, but I finally find them. They pull up to a hot dog place, one that still does it, you know, the old-fashioned way.

With those young bitches on wheels who come to your window to take your order, bring your food. Then Rage decides to get out of the car. Maybe she decided to stretch her legs. Then she sees her door and quickly calls her milksop over. The wimp flips out when he sees my hook hanging on the passenger door handle with some of my blood smeared all the way back to the bumper.

Then one of those roller bitches sees it and wheels inside, probably to call the police. I have to get away. Now you made it personal, Rage. I know you go to college here. I'll find you and wait for you. It takes long enough, but the bitch finally returns to her building. I'm waiting for her. In her bathroom. When she least expects it, I'll come out and grab her and bite her goddamn throat out.

Then I'll work on getting the bitch judge who sent me to prison 20 years ago. I'll wait and wait, but she never comes into the bathroom. You'd think she'd have to come in to drop her panties and sit. She never even turns on her lights. suddenly a hand reaches inside the shower and grabs me i'm yanked out of the shower and then someone pops me right in the face as i stagger i get turned around then i feel arms wrap around my head everything's going dark as i'm being taken to the floor as soon as i'm on my ass it ain't long before everything finally goes black when i wake up i find i can't move I know I'm propped up on something with my arms and legs tied with plastic ties.

Suddenly the lights come on. I find myself looking right at that rage girl. Hello, Farley McFlame, she says all nice and calm. I'm glad we could finally meet. Unfortunately for you, this will be your only meeting with me. It was one thing for you to break out of prison, but you should never have returned to Strickfield. But don't worry, I won't be returning you to Grafton Prison.

She gives me this look that, I can't believe I'm saying this, the bitch is actually scaring me now. You belong to me now, Farley McFane. She's even changed her clothes. She has a pair of jeans on and a long shirt. Over top of that, she's wearing what looks like a shiny black apron. She turns and flips on some lights. Now I know where I am.

This is my barn, you big-titted bitch, I yell. Yes, it is, she says. Why don't you look around some more? You might as well take in everything, since this barn will soon become your tomb. There are pictures of me all over the place, all of them with me actually caught in the act of killing many bitches. The ones that surprise me most are the ones the security cameras at Grafton Prison caught me killing the guards and the doctor as I escaped from there.

You've killed a great many women, Farley McFane, all without a single amount of remorse, she tells me. Under normal circumstances, I should have the police come and take you away. She shakes her head slowly. But you would just return to Grafton Prison and still feel no remorse whatsoever. No, tonight, you will truly pay for your sins. I laugh now. Oh, you're gonna kill me?

You? A bitch? She's still so damn calm when she speaks No, Farley McFain An angel I'm known as the angel of death Like you, I'm also a serial killer But I learned to prey on people Like you, the corrupt Who simply have no remorse for anything that they do in regards to innocence And now, the name Farley McFain will be next and forever in the hundreds who have come before you.

Thanks to my photographic memory. I sneer and just look at her. I read about you. Yeah, you can't be no angel of death. You're just a panty dropper. She raises her finger. And that was your fatal mistake. Now, you belong to me and you will answer for what you've done. I laugh a little. I suppose you're gonna have yourself a good old time, ain't ya?

She shakes her head a little. The only pleasure I'll obtain will be to satisfy my ever-insistent bloodlust, since I myself feel no emotion. I fail to understand how so many of you have emotions and can bring harm to innocence without the slightest bit of remorse. Now she's pissed me off. You, you don't have feelings? Are you fucking shitting all over me right now?

Now I bellowed to her. Then why, bitch? Why do you even do this? Why? She pauses. Because Mama always taught me to be a good girl. She reaches over to a table with a lot of sharp objects on it, but the one I notice is my hook. She picks it up, then she shows it to me. It looks like it's a little different than I remember it.

I made a few modifications to your hook, Farley McFane, she tells me. She looks at me a little bit longer. Even I hate to admit that her stare scares the living shit out of me I try and keep myself together, but She knows I'm scared now Oh, Jesus Christ, she knows She raises the hook using the handle she welded onto it And now, Farley McFain Let the punishment fit the crime The hook burns when it goes across my throat god damn that tip is really sharp I don't have much time to think about it as I'm bleeding out fast the last thing I see is that angel of death bitch like she said she ain't smiling over what she's done to me doesn't really matter now because for me this is it this is the end the chills don't end there though because you see rage has a lot more in store and this time it's a bit on the cheery side as we head into the holiday season with our angel of death so i guess the question becomes what do you get the serial killer who has everything Well, you won't have to get her much, because you see, all the evil criminals of Strickfield are really just packages waiting for rage to tear them open.

So get comfortable, get cozy, even though the holiday season just ended, we're heading back to Christmas one more time, as we enjoy a piece of Christmas rage, because the sleigh bells are ringing. But first, a very quick word from our sponsors. Christmas Rage by Rob Fields December 23rd, evening. Strickfield Town Center Mall only seemed to be a hopping place around the holidays.

The vacancies left during the usual ten months out of the year were mostly filled by seasonal stores. There was even a Santa Claus house in the mall's center court. Families would line up with their children, many of whom had Christmas lists to give to Santa. But on this day, things were about to take a macabre turn. Santa Claus had just taken his seat on his throne.

Templeton Mirren, the owner of the mall, and his family were right there in front of him. Santa just sat there and looked right at them. Templeton appeared to be patient. When Santa's silence got to be too much, Templeton leaned in and whispered loudly, If you don't get your act together, Stanley, you'll be enjoying this Christmas on your fucking welfare check. Stanley Monroe was always tapped to play Santa Claus from Black Friday until Christmas Eve at the Strickfield Town Center Mall.

But as Santa slowly stood up and glared at Templeton Mirren and his family, he seemed to have a foreboding presence. Then, Santa opened the door to his house and received several screams when the slain, bloody body of Stanley Monroe just fell out onto the porch. The family scattered in different directions. Santa took his time as he reached inside the house and pulled out the same bloody axe that he had used on Stanley earlier.

Then he marched toward Templeton Mirren, raising his lethal weapon. Templeton Mirren turned and yanked a nearby father right in front of the Santa. The father never uttered a peep as Santa buried the blade right in his head. The other bystanders were too frightened to see what Templeton Mirren had done. They never saw him or his wicked wife grab their children and leave.

From there, Santa pulled the axe out of the father's head and buried it into another bystander. As it came upon a midnight clear, slowly began to play over the mall speakers. Christmas Eve morning. I awaken in a different room and remember that I'm here at Franklin Sloan's house. Franklin invited me to come home with him for Christmas. Franklin and I have been seeing each other since late August.

In fact, he's been my only companion this semester. After I take a shower and get dressed, I hear arguing downstairs. I make my way down and stop short when I hear that I'm the topic of discussion. Actually, it's more like Franklin's parents are giving him a hard time about me. The more I listen, the more I hear his father. Joseph and his stepmother Delphine just discouraging him.

His dad tells him there's no way that a big-titted putana like me would ever care for him. They tell him that I'm just using him for my own selfish ends. Franklin argues back and tells them that I'm nothing like that. He tells them we've been seeing each other since the beginning of the fall semester. He asks them what I could possibly be using him for.

Here's the irony. I am using Franklin, but not for the reasons his parents are implying. They think I'm with him for money, or that I'm waiting to humiliate him. I'm fully aware that people look at Franklin and decide that he's the biggest nerd there is. Do you have any idea how many times I've heard people whisper that to each other when they think I'm not listening?

I even hear those same people wondering how someone like me would even be with Franklin. Delphine tells Franklin that I'm way too beautiful for him. She even tells Franklin that I would never have sex with him, that people like me belong with fraternity boys. Yes, I certainly could have had my pick of a fraternity boy or even a jock. The problem with those types of guys is that they would only want to have sex with me just for a short time.

They would not want to commit to me. No, I need much more than they're willing to give. For those of you who haven't been following me since the beginning, from the time I came into the world, I have never felt so much as a single emotion. Perhaps my being emotionless is why I'm a serial killer. Your society has labeled me the angel of death because I destroy those who prey on innocent people.

I suppose the closest thing to emotion that I feel is my ever-insistent bloodlust, which pushes me onward to claim my victims. In fact, I'm feeling the urgent need to kill right now. I make my way to the dining room. The family doesn't hear me come in until I'm right there, right when Franklin yells at Delphine, that's your problem. You always think everybody's out to get me.

Well, rage isn't like that at all. Franklin becomes quiet when he realizes I'm here. The family is just looking at me now. Perhaps I should just go, I say. Clearly I'm not wanted or welcome here. I'll just get my things and go back to my dorm. Delphine looks sternly at me. You heard everything? I nod once. I did. And you're wrong about me.

I fold my arms in front of me. Please enlighten me. What do I hope to gain by using Franklin. Delphine takes a deep breath. Do you see yourself, Reagan? Do you see Franklin? Do you see how completely mismatched the two of you are? You can have any man you want. Why would you settle for Franklin? While I myself don't have emotions, I have come to understand a great deal about how emotions can move people, both positively and negatively.

Watching enough television and being around mama long enough will do that for someone like me. So let me get this straight. Just because I'm a beautiful girl and Franklin's a nerd, I would not want to be with someone like him? Then why would I date Franklin? Why would I agree to come home with him for Christmas? Delphine glares at me now. Well, I don't know.

Why don't you tell us? I agreed to come here with Franklin because he asked me to, I reply. I wasn't going home for Christmas and Franklin didn't want me to be alone. I'm thinking he invited me out of the kindness of his heart. That's why I choose to be with Franklin. He's kind to me. He's never once tried to take advantage of me.

I enjoy his company. I unfold and lower my arms. I can't believe that you and your husband would cut Franklin down like this. Especially you, a church minister. Delphine took over being the minister of Strickfield Community Church after the scandal with Minister Darren Harlow years ago. Yes, it's the usual type of scandal you read about. With children. After Harlow was removed, Delphine became the new minister.

She had to work very hard to keep the church going, but she managed to do it. I was a freshman in high school when this happened, by the way. Delphine's been quite strict on Franklin ever since, according to what he's told me about her and from what I've just witnessed. I put a comforting hand on Franklin's shoulder. Are you all right? Franklin shakes his head.

Can we just leave, Rage? Yes, yes we can, I reply. Go pack a few things and we can have Christmas at my dorm. Franklin leaves the dining room. His parents only glare at me before I turn and head back up to the guest room to pack my things. You're thinking that I want to kill them both, right? Nope. They're both innocent, so I can't kill them.

Ah, yes. Now we're getting to what I want to tell you. I currently have an even greater need to satisfy, even more than my need to kill. Now, while I don't feel anything emotional, I do feel things that are physical. I know when I need to eat, drink, sleep, clean my body, seek comfort. I did say that I'm looking to use Franklin.

As of late, I'm feeling the need to have sex. I was able to get by for many years without having to fulfill this basic need. Now, my sex drive is becoming as insistent as my bloodlust. It's because of this that I've come to realize that I need a mate, a constant companion. I need someone who can be good company for me and satisfy my sexual desires when the need arises.

In turn, I would be just as responsive to my mate. Would you call me a primal girl in spite of my highly developed brain? Perhaps you would be right. Franklin Sloan is one of the few young men at Strickfield University who's taken an interest in me. Over time, he's shown me that he is both a suitable companion and an intellectual peer. I really don't care that Franklin is a skinny nerd who talks about chess or contemporary movies, I don't even care that the rest of you in the female population are repulsed by him.

Unlike you, I don't have it in me to be repulsed by him. On the other hand, I don't even have it in me to be able to love him. Regardless, Franklin has proven himself to be a suitable companion for me, and my desire is for him to be my mate. Franklin comes and gets me. You ready, Rage? Yes, we can go. We head downstairs to the front door.

Before we leave, Franklin turns to his parents. I really thought we were going to have a normal family Christmas this time, even with my bringing Rage. But I can see now that's never going to happen. Come on, Rage. Let's go. Once more, Franklin's parents exchange looks. Then I turn and leave with Franklin. Franklin is settled in my dorm room. I didn't have a roommate during the fall semester.

The only reason I'm allowed to stay over the holiday break is because I'm attending classes here at Strickfield University next semester. Franklin looks pretty down. I'm sorry you had to see that back home, Rage. We're both sitting on our beds. I reach across and take his hands. May I say something? He raises his eyes to mine. Sure. I know you're probably having your doubts about me.

Please don't. I really do want to be with you. But why, Rage? Why are you still with me? Delphine's right. You can have any man you want. I could ramble to Franklin about why I want him, but I've learned that actions can speak a lot for a person. Still holding his hands, I move across to Franklin's bed. Then we kiss. The more we get into our kiss, the more I'm feeling that I can't hold back anymore.

I need him so desperately. I let go of his hands. Franklin is surprised when he sees me stand up and take off my clothes. Once I'm naked, I pull back the covers on my bed and lay down to face him. It's just you and me, Franklin. The dorm is all ours. I want to take this next step with you. If you do too, then come be with me.

I only want and desire you, Franklin. Franklin trusts me enough to where he knows I'm sincere. He removes his clothes and climbs into bed with me. Christmas Eve, late afternoon. The Strickfield Community Center was always a place where parents could bring their children on Christmas Eve for things such as Christmas stories, Christmas cakes and cookies, hot chocolate, and visiting with Santa. It had been just as much of a tradition as the fact that each and every household in Strickfield would be decorated to make the village look like a winter wonderland, with the exception of the walled-off property that belonged to the Mirrens.

In fact, Delphine Brewster Sloan helped run the establishment, along with a few other mothers. Delphine was making more mugs of hot chocolate when Mrs. Patterson walked into the kitchen. She gave Delphine a look of desperation. Mary, what's wrong? Hasn't our Santa arrived yet? Delphine asked. Mary Patterson reached out, stopped motionless for a moment, then fell flat on her face to reveal the axe that was sticking out of her back.

Delphine screamed, then she looked up and screamed even louder as the bloodstained Santa Claus stormed in and retrieved the axe from Mary Patterson's back. Santa looked right at Delphine and watched her scream when he drew back the axe. Somehow she forced herself to duck. When the axe blade became embedded in a cupboard, Delphine shoved Santa down and ran out. Delphine tried to yell for everyone to leave.

Quickly, the shrilling scream of the Santa Claus from Hell overshadowed the soft Christmas music. Then more screams overshadowed Santa's as he chased after people while swinging the axe, sinking it into a few more parents. Delphine grabbed a folding chair and moved at Santa to try and keep him from killing any more parents. Or even children. Santa howled with rage and disarmed Delphine with a few hard swings of the axe.

Santa shoved her down and raised the axe for the kill. Delphine held her hands up and screamed as her life flashed right before her eyes. Christmas Eve Evening I awaken and know that Franklin and I are spooned up together. We spent much of the afternoon having sex. Franklin has definitely proven to be my chosen mate as he satisfied my every desire. I, in turn, focused to satisfy his.

Then we fell asleep together. My need for sex is satisfied for the time being However, my need to kill is as urgent as ever I manage to slip out of bed Franklin is still fast asleep I need to go out and prowl for a kill Since it's Christmas Eve, I don't really think I'm going to find anyone I may end up having to wait until the day after Christmas to look for somebody My bloodlust is demanding satisfaction, but I'm not going to take an innocent to do it.

I get dressed and grab my smartphone. I leave the dorm and begin my walk around Strickfield. If Franklin texts me, I'll just tell him that I'm picking up food for us from either Andy's China Garden or Denoyer's Grill downtown, which are always open. If I had emotions, I'm sure it would simply amaze me at how this village goes all out for many of the holidays, including Christmas.

Every house is decorated and lit brightly. Some of the yards even have animatronics. In spite of all this, I still continue to feel my constant numbness. It isn't long before I hear the sounds of police cars in the distance. I decide to go and see what's going on. I know I'm only a police intern, which is why I'm not being called. Strickfield PD only calls me when it comes to detective work.

If there are that many police cars, it's probably something more dire that doesn't require detective work. Just the same, I'm going to go and see for myself. When I get to the scene, the Strickfield Community Center, Mayor Patrick Gunter recognizes me and waves for me to come over. I know you've been helping the police, but this doesn't require you tonight. Can you at least tell me what's going on?

I ask. Mayor Gunter tells me that there's an escaped lunatic from Glenview Asylum inside the building wearing a Santa Claus suit and killing people left and right. He mentions how this Santa left bodies all over Center Court at Strickfield Town Center Mall last night. As Mayor Gunter keeps talking, my bloodlust is going crazy, commanding me to claim this Santa. Just what Mayor Gunter tells me alone is enough to where I don't have to do my usual research.

But the question now is, how do I get inside the community center without the police seeing me? Then I immediately have a plan and proceed with its execution. I say goodbye to Mayor Gunter and wish him a good holiday. I know the village of Strickfield very well, thanks to all the maps on hand at the police station, including the one for the sewer system.

Because of my highly photographic memory, I immediately remembered the way into the community center, through the sewer tunnels. I open a manhole cover down in the crawlspace where the shower pipes are located and come out that way. After putting the cover back on, I begin my hunt for this Santa. My bloodlust is nagging at me now. It doesn't take me long to locate Santa.

He's got a few women trapped in the kitchen, and then I immediately recognize Franklin's stepmother as one of them. When we started seeing each other, Franklin told me that Delphine volunteers her time here when she's not being the minister for Strickfield Community Church. It looks as though Delphine got beat up, but she's still alive. I know that Franklin would be devastated if anything were to happen to his parents.

The two of them put Franklin down, and yet he still thinks the world of them. I literally don't understand it. Just the same, I know I've got to do something to save these people. Santa never says a word he just glares at the eight women he's holding hostage he even raises his axe and brings it down in front of them making them shriek or scream even I understand how cowardly it is for an empowered male to attack a helpless female I tighten my fists as my bloodlust now screams for me to take his fucking life I must use my head I can't just go in there and fight him it would be different if Santa wasn't toying with those women Then I move stealthily into the kitchen.

He doesn't see me as I carefully slide open a drawer and pull out a kitchen knife. All I have to do is just draw it back. Then I'll fling it right into his back. As I raise the knife for the kill, I get a text chime on my smartphone and know it's from Franklin. That throws off my plan as Santa turns and sees me with my knife raised.

He screams and rushes right at me. Delphine is surprised to see me now. Reagan, no, she cries out. When Santa reaches me, he swings the axe wildly. I quickly hit the floor and feel the rush of the blade go right over the back of my head. As I quickly turn onto my back, Santa raises his axe and brings it down. I turn over again and hear it hit the floor.

I get to my feet and kick Santa in the back of the knee to take his leg out from underneath him. Santa growls and falls to the floor. I still have the knife in my hand before I can raise it to stab him. Delphine surprises both of us by crying out and ripping the axe away from Santa. Reagan, get out of here, now!

Delphine cries. Santa quickly gets back to his feet, then he reaches out and grabs the axe, having a struggle with Delphine. I don't see the other women that were with Delphine and determine that she must have gotten them out while I was distracting Santa. I'm definitely ready to stab Santa now, but I know that I can't let Delphine... Wait a minute. She won't know that I'm a serial killer.

Killing Santa would just be a matter of helping Delphine. Of self-defense. Neither Delphine nor Santa can see what must be the evil glow in my eyes that all of my past victims have seen. All I have to do is move up behind Santa. Delphine will be splattered with his blood once I slice his throat, but common sense gets the better of me.

I can't let Delphine see just how violent I can truly become. She might tell Franklin and I would possibly lose my mate. I have another idea. I quickly make my way around to where Santa can easily see me. Hey! Santa's eyes are on me as I pull my Christmas sweater up and show him my large breasts. Peek-a-boobies! His eyes are locked right on my breasts, which gives Delphine the advantage.

She yanks the axe out of Santa's hands and swings it to catch him right in the gut. He groans and stands for a long moment. I pull my sweater down as Delphine removes the axe and nails him one more time before he finally goes down. I quickly pull out my smartphone and call the police. I get Mayor Gunter and tell him that everything's all right and that Santa is slayed.

My bloodlust is screaming at me for a fresh victim, but I had to give my kill to Delphine. to keep my secret. Delphine and I are alone now after I finish talking to Mayor Gunter. She turns to me and gives me a stern look. Really, Regan? Showing him your dirty pillows? I look sternly at her in return. You are still alive because of my dirty pillows.

Never forget that. Delphine and I keep glaring at one another. Finally, Delphine softens her expression and sighs. She looks around and moves to make sure that we're truly alone. I can't imagine why she would need to do that. She returns to me. Yes, you did save many lives today, Reagan. Then she leans in and says quietly, I know who and what you are.

Don't try to hide it from me. You are the angel of death. Then she backs away to get my reaction. I just look at Delphine. I think you're mistaken. Delphine shakes her head slowly. I'm not. You don't know, Reagan, but many years ago, you saved many lives that night, including mine. Just then, Mayor Gunter comes in with some police officers. He points right at me.

Reagan Devereaux! Over here! Now! Delphine mouths to me. We'll talk later. I nod to her and address Mayor Gunter, who gives me hell for not keeping my distance on the count of my being a college intern. At the same time, he congratulates me on being the hero. Of course, I make sure that Delphine has given her fair share of the credit, since I didn't stop.

That's Santa from hell alone. Christmas afternoon. I look into the eyes of Templeton Mirren after I remove his blindfold. Then I remove his wife's. I have both of them secured to tables in their basement. Then I remove their gags. What the fuck is this? Destiny Mirren demands. I move to the front where they can see me. I have a remote control in my hand and I turn on their television.

I have a little video here that I'd very much like the two of you to see, I tell them. I play what is the security camera footage that was taken from the Strickfield Town Center Mall. Could I have gotten any more lucky? Chief Kashmarek was a little strapped at the station, so he asked me if I'd stick around and go through the security footage from the mall.

After texting Franklin and letting him know where I was, I went to the station and looked over the footage. Then I saw the angle to where Templeton Mirren had grabbed an innocent man and pulled him right into the path of the killer Santa, just so he could preserve his own life. His wife had seen what her husband had done and wasn't concerned in the least.

She only moved to get Templeton and the kids out of the mall quickly. Neither Destiny nor Templeton looked back. After finishing the footage, I stopped the video and looked at them. Any questions? so what destiny groans looking as annoyed as she sounded all this over an insignificant man templeton adds it looks to me as if your family could have easily gotten away but you grabbed that man and pulled him right in front of the killer guaranteeing his death in effect you killed him in cold blood your wife saw you and didn't care in effect condoning what you did So now, I'm going to claim the both of you.

Your children are with their grandparents. I've even disabled your cameras and your security system. It's just the three of us here. I even have pictures to display of shady bank records and illegal money laundering. I even found some Darknet stuff that they were involved in. Too much to list here. But seeing the security video from his own mall was more than a red flag for me.

Normally, I'd have killed them just based on that. But I wanted more to give to the police. After all, these two are from the infamous Mirren family. The two of them are quite emotionless. The only difference between these Mirrens and myself is that I was naturally born without emotions. These two are of great money and privilege. So much that they... just stopped caring.

I'm wearing a plastic poncho and have an axe cradled in my hands. Oh, wait. It looks as if they do know fear. They see my evil glare and beg for their lives. Oh, but it's far too late for that. Templeton and Destiny Murin, let the punishment fit the crime. Destiny screams as I bring the axe right down on her face. And I feel so much better.

Now that my bloodlust is finally being satiated. Christmas evening. Delphine called Franklin and made things right with him. She even told him to bring me back to the house for Christmas dinner. I agreed when he asked me and all was well. Franklin's dad still gave me some distrustful looks, but that was it. Delphine asked me to help her in the kitchen so we could have our little talk.

As it turned out, Delphine had indeed discovered my secret. When she said that I had saved the lives of her and many children that night, it was because she had discovered Minister Harlow's terrible secret. She had tried to stop him on her own using the legal system, but his influence was too strong. She decided that she would bring him down alone, even if it meant breaking the commandment regarding killing.

As it turned out, I had read the story about Harlow in our newspaper in North Ridgeway. I came to Strickfield to claim him after I did my research. I broke into Harlow's house, not knowing that Delphine was already there ahead of me. I ended up finding five children that Harlow had locked up in his basement. I freed them and told them to keep quiet.

Harlow wasn't expecting a high school freshman girl to come for him. After going up to the second floor and beating the living shit out of Harlow, I tied him up to his bed and castrated him. Even then, I remembered Mama's words about making the punishment fit the crime. Delphine had been hiding in a closet, possibly waiting for the right moment to strike Harlow herself, and discovered that I was the angel of death.

After cleaning myself up, I gave one of my burner phones to the kids and told them to call the police. Delphine told me that after I had left, she had explained everything to the police, leaving me out of it. Delphine gave me a big hug and thanked me for what I had done, today and back then. She promised me that she would keep my secret.

The only thing she asked was for me not to hurt Franklin. I, in turn, promised her that I wouldn't. Delphine never so much as gave me or Franklin a hard time ever again. That night, Franklin and I go back to my dorm. After we have sex, Franklin and I talk. He tells me that he only wants to make me happy. I tell him that I am.

Well, in my own way, I'm more than content on having Franklin Sloan as my mate, and I tell him that I'm not leaving him. Franklin has a realization. I have something for you, Rage. He gets out of bed and brings me a small gift-wrapped box. I unwrap and open it to reveal his high school class ring. it's not much Franklin tells me but I know how I feel about you maybe dad and Delphine are right about you being too good for me but I need to know Reagan Devereaux will you marry me I will I say without hesitation Franklin is speechless in his emotions but he finally finds himself and puts his ring on my finger I return the favor by giving him my high school ring on a necklace.

I only wish that I could feel the love that Franklin feels for me. Regardless, I will be a good wife to him, as he will be a good husband to me. So, this turned out to be a very good Christmas for me, after all. Merry Christmas, everyone. Don't be naughty. Things are certainly starting to heat up in Rage Devereaux's world. Keeping law enforcement so close by seems like a good plan, but it could bring about some more troubles.

But really, a question I have on my mind is, how did this all start? How did Rage become the Angel of Death? What was the catalyst? Well, that gets tackled in this next episode, which is titled, The Catalyst. So get ready to find out all about Rage's past after these words from our sponsors. Catalyst by Rob Fields Drake Kazmirak had been on the road for a few hours.

He had packed up and left his job as a detective at the Erie City Police Department. He was on his way to Strickfield to take an opening for a detective within their department. Although Drake's Uncle Jeffrey was the chief of police, he didn't actually take the job to be closer to his uncle, and Drake was very close to Uncle Jeffrey. No, he had a pretty good idea that a certain angel of death was currently residing in Strickfield.

His months of research had told him that it was a good 87% certainty. Drake tightened his grip on the steering wheel as he wondered how many guilty people the Angel of Death had taken. He knew it had to be a lot. It angered Drake every time the Angel of Death made the news. However, it never really got to him until the day he picked up a copy of the North Ridgeway Press and read about how the Angel of Death had claimed Annie Judge.

Drake had known that Annie Judge was not a perfect woman by any stretch, but Annie was the love of his life. The two of them had shared so much in the many years that they were together. He came to know that Annie was carefree and uninhibited, qualities that he loved about her. However, when Drake had accepted his badge, he'd accepted the law.

It was this, along with what he had discovered about Annie's darker tastes that would permanently drive a wedge between the two of them. And then he recalled the events that he had read about in the newspaper. Four years ago. Reagan Devereaux walked into North Ridgeway High School. She walked into first period and took her usual seat. Hey, Rage, you gonna show us your tits after we win the big game tonight?

Jagger Nelson called out to her. Reagan turned to see the sneers of Jagger and the other football players. She responded by raising her middle finger. You can't even catch a football, Jagger. What makes you think you can handle my tits? The other girls in the class cheered for this witty cheerleader. Just then, Reagan turned and gave her full attention to Annie Judge as she entered the classroom.

She had been teaching many of the AP math subjects for the last several years. She almost always wore the same outfits. A blouse, a long skirt or pants, and loafers. Her face was a perfect oval with long blonde hair and blue eyes. She always wore blush and matching lipstick. It was easy to see why guys appreciated her even at 36 years old.

Reagan came to know that she made damn good money, not referring to just her teacher's salary. Reagan knew that Annie had a second life as a self-employed prostitute and drug pusher. But she didn't go to the other cities to sell her body. no she sold her body to students at north ridgeway high ones who could afford to pay her prices for them or students she desired to prey upon legal age or not reagan came to know this information for two reasons one miss judge lived two blocks down the street from reagan Two, a month ago, Reagan saw a police car parked in Annie's driveway, flashers on.

Reagan couldn't listen to the conversation, but her mother was a detective on the police force, and was there that night. Reagan's mother usually told her about what was going on in the privacy of their home, because she knew her daughter always kept her mouth shut. Reagan learned about the anonymous tip about the drug activity that was taking place at Annie Judge's house.

Nothing was found, however, in spite of the search warrant. It seemed that Annie Judge was always steps ahead of the police. Two weeks later, Reagan was out walking and had seen a police car at Annie Judge's house again. Again, Reagan's mother was on the scene. Reagan would later learn that Michelle Bailey, a fellow student at her high school, had recently gone missing.

After Reagan's mother had questioned several students, a few of them said Miss Judge was the last one to talk to her. In fact, the two of them seemed to be really close by the end of the last school year. It was then that Reagan's mother had told her that Michelle's parents had filed a missing persons report, and at that point, that Annie Judge would become Reagan's top priority.

Reagan's mother had told her about the last night that Michelle Bailey was seen. It was at Skate World where Reagan's mother had been told Michelle was picked up by a woman matching Annie Judge's description in a green Ford Fusion. Reagan knew that Miss Judge had such a car. Since Reagan had access to her mother's computer, she was able to look into Annie Judge's record, but she found no priors.

Reagan knew that the police couldn't keep detail on Miss Judge because who was to say that she might not file a harassment lawsuit against them? No, Reagan would have to take matters into her own hands This was a job for the Angel of Death The next afternoon, Annie Judge opened her front door to a nice surprise Reagan Devereux, what brings you to my home?

Reagan faked a smile and held up a printout. This is my school schedule. You're going to be my math teacher again. Calculus. I wanted to ask you some questions about the class, but I obviously came at a bad time. Annie wore a white bikini that left very little to the imagination. She didn't have a pullout back, but looked a little wet from both sweat and suntan lotion.

Reagan wore a blue tank top with thin shoulder straps. White short shorts with a leather belt and sandals. Reagan expected Annie to just politely dismiss her, but she stepped inside and motioned for her to come in. After closing the door, she turned to Reagan. What can I help you with? Reagan reached into her purse and came up with a second printout and a calculator.

It says here that you're requiring a mathematical calculator. Are you sure this calculator won't be okay for calculus? As Annie took her calculator, Reagan noticed that she was checking her out. Especially her endowed upper body. Then she pointed to the sheet. These are graphing calculators. Yours is a scientific calculator. In calculus, you're required to present graphs to show your work. Okay, I'll go to Office Depot and buy one.

As Annie handed Reagan back her calculator, she took hold of her left hand and held it. She finished by folding Reagan's fingers over the calculator, caressing them as she did. You're a very bright student, Reagan. She gestured to the kitchen. Can I offer you something to drink? Sure, Reagan replied. Ice water, please. Annie led Reagan to the kitchen, which had many top-of-the-line appliances.

I was just about to have some iced tea, she said. Well, I'd hate to impose. It's not imposing if I'm offering. Okay. Annie pulled two glasses out of her cupboard. She opened the refrigerator and bent down to retrieve the iced tea, making sure Reagan saw her almost naked rear. She stood up straight and closed the refrigerator. Annie poured the tea and handed Reagan a glass.

Reagan waited until Annie drank first, which she did. Reagan tasted the sweetened black tea with a hint of lemon. Annie motioned for Reagan to come into the living room. They sat down on the couch. Reagan drank her tea. You have a really nice house, Miss Judge. You also have a very nice tan. Annie stood up. I want to show you something. Reagan put her glass down, got up, and followed Annie into the hallway.

When they stopped, Annie gestured to an open doorway. Reagan looked inside to see a tanning bed. I can tan all I want, and it pays for itself. Annie took Reagan's hand. Come on. Reagan was given a tour of the house. The more she saw, the more she knew that there was no way Annie could afford everything on her teacher's salary. Reagan's mother made better money as a detective, but even she didn't have these luxuries.

Still holding Reagan's hand, Annie led her to the bedroom at the end of the hall. Thanks to Reagan's highly photographic memory, she now knew every room and the objects in them. As Reagan examined the bedroom, Annie gently turned her against the wall and kissed her. Reagan's plan to investigate Annie hadn't included this. She would have to indulge Annie as much as possible until she could determine her connection to Michelle Bailey's disappearance.

As they kissed, Regan let Annie undress her. Annie truly admired Regan's naked form, especially her upper body. I imagine only a select few have seen these. Regan acted giddy. Wow, Miss Judge, I never knew you liked girls. She bit on her lower lip a little. What now? Annie eased Reagan onto the bed, then removed her own bikini. Reagan realized that Annie truly meant to have sex with her and knew she could not let that happen.

Annie came onto the bed with her. Reagan let Annie kiss her again as she fondled her large breasts. Suddenly, something was beeping. Annie immediately stopped kissing Reagan and got off of her. You stay right here. Annie went to her purse that was sitting on the dresser and removed her smartphone. Reagan saw her type in her password. Now she was texting someone. When she was finished, she locked her phone and put it down.

She slithered back onto the bed, got on top of Reagan, and began kissing her again. As Annie was about to touch Reagan's sex, she quickly turned away. Reagan, what's wrong? Reagan acted afraid. I've never been with a woman before. Annie turned Reagan onto her back again. You kiss just fine. I do like that, but I don't think I'm ready to go all the way yet.

Just then, the doorbell rang. Annie groaned. Jesus Christ! She got off the bed. I'm expecting a delivery. Annie went and put on a robe and flip-flops. She pointed at Reagan as she was walking out. Don't you move. Annie left the bedroom but didn't take her smartphone. Reagan got off the bed and snatched it. After entering Annie's password, she went into the text messages.

It was Jagger Nelson's number there, the jock who had commented on Reagan's breasts earlier that morning. Actually, Annie was just texting with him. Jagger said he had taken care of their little problem and that it was buried away. Then Reagan saw the names of other North Ridgeway high students, but only one got Reagan's undivided attention. Michelle Bailey. Reagan read through the conversation and knew that she had gold.

The exchange was about how Michelle had evidence and would expose everything, unless Annie agreed to honor their bargain. Annie told Michelle to come over. Reagan saw that Michelle and Annie had had plenty of other exchanges. The last one was just around the time that Detective Devereaux had said the Baileys reported Michelle not coming home on that first night. When Reagan heard Annie finishing up with the delivery man, she quickly wiped her fingerprints from the smartphone and replaced it exactly as it was before.

She quickly drew back the covers and got into bed. Annie entered the room and smiled. Well, look at you. Is everything okay? Reagan asked innocently. Fine, just fine. Annie's smartphone went off again. She spun around and snatched it up. After reading the text, she was annoyed. Reagan, honey, I need to take off for a little bit. You can stay in bed until I get back.

Reagan feigned a yawn. I guess I'll keep it warm for us. She turned and faked falling asleep. She heard Annie moving into her walk-in closet and getting dressed. Before she left the room, she lowered herself and kissed Reagan's cheek. Reagan waited until Annie was gone before she got out of bed to investigate. Annie had taken both her purse and her smartphone. Reagan got dressed and found her own purse.

She pulled out a pair of plastic gloves and put them on to begin her investigation. After coming up with nothing, Reagan remembered that Annie was smart enough to outmaneuver the police. Then she remembered there was one door near the hallway Annie hadn't shown her. She went to it and saw that it was locked. With a deadbolt. Reagan dug her lock-picking tools out of her purse and returned to the door.

It took her under a minute to pick the deadbolt. She turned on the light and went down into the basement, taking a chance on the possibility of cameras. Reagan looked around and saw it was an ordinary live-in basement. She didn't detect any cameras. She examined the laundry room in the far corner, then the pantry. Nothing special. She looked around the main room, just a couple of couches and an HDTV with a nice surround sound setup.

It struck Reagan odd that there were no movies on any of the shelves. Just math books. What had the police missed when they searched this house? Then, Reagan understood. Nothing had been disturbed in most of the rooms, nor down in the basement. Reagan was sure that Annie let the police go through every room in the house, but they didn't look hard enough.

Reagan took a math book off the closest shelf and opened it. Nothing. She opened a second one. still nothing she opened a third pay dirt inside the hollowed out opening were little ziploc baggies of pure pharmaceutical grade ecstasy she closed the book and put it back along with the other two she opened another book to find more little drug baggies mollies when she closed the book she saw that two of the drug books were geometry books she opened another geometry book to find amphetamines She put the book back.

But what was the connection to Michelle Bailey? Reagan did more investigating, and then she found a Scooby-Doo clue along the wall in between the two corners of the rooms. A dusty footprint. Half of one. Reagan put her hands on the sides of the full-length picture and pulled. The right side gave way. [Editorial summary: Behind a concealed entrance, Reagan finds Michelle’s belongings and recordings documenting Annie and Jagger’s abuse of students.

Reviewing the evidence at home, she discovers that Michelle had become dependent on drugs supplied by Annie and had become pregnant. Reagan suspects that Michelle’s attempt to blackmail them led to her disappearance, and she returns to confront Annie.] Reagan was sitting on Annie's steps to her side garage entrance when she pulled in. The garage door came down as soon as the car stopped.

Annie got out of the car. How did you end up in my garage, Reagan? Reagan pointed to the back doorway. Unlocked? Annie unlocked the side door and opened it. When they were in, Annie closed the door and put her purse down. She snatched Reagan into her arms and gave her a long, lustful kiss. When it was finished, Reagan stepped back to catch her breath.

You left me before, you naughty girl, Annie purred. Reagan pecked her lips. Do you have any more of that iced tea? I'd like some before we fuck. Annie laughed a little and walked to the refrigerator to get the pitcher of iced tea. She filled two glasses and handed Reagan one. I can't stop thinking about you, Miss Judge, Reagan said in a lustful tone.

I'll teach you so much, honey. Annie drank her tea. Reagan took a little bit of iced tea in her mouth. When Annie had finished hers, Reagan spit the tea in her mouth back into the glass and put it down. Aren't you going to... Drink your... Annie slumped to the floor and was sleeping peacefully. Annie stirred. what the fuck she began to struggle now is that any language for a school teacher miss judge or should i simply call you annie annie stopped struggling reagan what are you doing i can't see anything untie me reagan turned on the lights what the fuck this is that's right annie I found your little playroom.

Nice thing about it. No windows. And soundproof. Annie was bound to the bed with bungee cords. Reagan held up a soda can. Oh, I hope you don't mind since I drugged the iced tea. After Reagan finished the soda, she slithered onto the bed and looked down into Annie's face. [Editorial summary: Reagan confronts Annie with the recordings that document her abuse of students.] She put her hand down.

Stephanie was a straight-A student. Eventually, she went wrong. The day she was expelled, she was coked out of her gourd. Annie struggled to free herself. Your mother put you up to this. You knew she was over here snooping around. Reagan held up a copy of the local newspaper. According to the press, Michelle Bailey was reported missing. In other words, public knowledge. Mama doesn't even know I'm here.

I leaned in. Or, what I'm about to do. Annie stopped struggling and yelled, Untie me, you little shit! Reagan gave her an evil smile, which made Annie gasp. I'm hardly little. In fact, you're about to satisfy my bloodlust. She slithered back off the bed. You've ruined many innocent students in our high school. Seeing all those discs, you've been doing it for years.

And for what? To satisfy your insatiable appetite for sex? Reagan moved to her table and picked up some photos. I've been quite busy today learning about what happened to Michelle Bailey. Reagan turned the first photograph around and showed it to Annie. Then another. She was burned alive and buried in a forest outside of North Ridgeway. You orchestrated the whole thing. Annie was horrified.

How did you find out where Michelle was buried? I didn't know. That's why I needed help. Reagan raised her eyelid. Since you enjoy having threesomes in your movies, how about we have a threesome? Oh, I have to change the disc. Be right back. Reagan left the room and returned a few minutes later with Jagger Nelson secured to a wheelchair. He was just in his boxer shorts.

Annie gasped in horror. What did you do to Jagger? Oh, you mean the cuts across his chest, Reagan answered. I tortured him until he told me everything. Jagger was your pawn in exchange for sex, drugs, and good grades. I guess that explains why he can't play football for shit. [Editorial summary: Reagan brings the confrontation back to Michelle’s abuse.] I know Jagger got Michelle pregnant.

Annie fired back. She tried to blackmail me for money because she was pregnant. And you orchestrated her death. Jagger's too drugged out and stupid to make plans like that. your days of being a sexual predator are over annie annie gave reagan a mocking look oh you going to call mommy about jagger and me go ahead i'll tell mommy how sexy her little baby girl looks in her birthday suit i'll tell mommy how nice and meaty your big round tits felt in my hands i'll tell mommy that you slept with your math teacher you weren't listening to me annie Mama will never know about tonight.

Regan turned to her table and lit a candle. She picked up a spoon and a heroin packet. After mixing up the heroin, she prepared a syringe. Okay, Jagger, let's see how many of these it'll take before you overdose. Jagger Nelson, let the punishment fit the crime. Jagger struggled as Regan attempted to tie a giant rubber band to his arm. She elbowed him in the face, dazing him.

When Regan finished preparing his arm, she administered the injection. Jagger was high in no time. Regan turned to Annie. What you're getting will be much worse. Annie yelled and protested as Regan prepared a second heroin syringe. As soon as it was ready, she administered it to Jagger. There you go. Jagger's head slumped back. He would never move again. [Editorial summary: Reagan pours gasoline over Annie, who begs for her life.

Reagan condemns her for what she did to Michelle, then asks a question.] What is the probability that one of your students might be a serial killer? Annie finally opened her eyes after shaking the gas away from them. Then she looked at Reagan. You are not a serial killer. You're too young. Reagan took a ball gag from her table and secured it to her mouth.

I'm 19, Annie. I've been killing people since I was 8. It all started when a third grade bully kept picking on smaller children on the playground at my elementary school. One day he went too far and fatally stabbed another kid with a pocket knife. He needed to be punished. Getting a knife from a school kitchen was easy enough. Stabbing him once in the stomach during lunch period got the job done.

No one even looked my way. Reagan picked up a box of matches. She took one out and lit it. Annie Judge. let the punishment fit the crime annie gasped when she saw reagan's evil face oh god it's it's you you're the angel of death her speech was muffled but reagan understood her completely reagan tossed the match at annie her body was engulfed by fire almost immediately her screams were still muffled reagan stepped out of the room and watched her thrash wildly as she burned.

Soon she stopped moving. Forever. Reagan got undressed and threw her clothes into the fire. Reagan picked up a fire extinguisher and put it out. She didn't want the evidence to burn up when the police would find the bodies. Reagan had been wearing plastic gloves when performing the murders. She had all the books containing the drugs neatly stacked on the couches. the discs and pictures were also there to be found.

Reagan used Annie's lavish shower and cleaned herself good. From there, she dressed in her cheerleading outfit. She gathered her usual evidence of her being at the scene and took it with her. She would make her anonymous phone call to the police department in a few days. In the meantime, she would dispose of her evidence and then be back at school in time to cheerlead for the home football game.

Drake groaned as he realized he was now entering the village of Strickfield. He was still grief-stricken at what had happened to Annie Judge. Why Annie? Where did you go wrong? Why couldn't we have been happy? Then, he focused on the Angel of Death. You had no right. No right! I know you're here in Strickfield. One way or another, I will find you and put you away.

That's a fucking promise. Drake finally pulled in at Strickfield Police Department and got out. He went inside to find his uncle waiting for him. Drake, I was wondering when you'd finally roll in. Drake smiled. Uncle Jeffrey, yeah, I just got here. The two of them shared a brief hug. Then Jeffrey took Drake to his office and told him to have a seat.

you uh settled here in strickfield yet jeffrey asked i will uh my apartment's ready drake confirmed i just have to get used to living here my apartment is uh right near strickfield university jeffrey nodded you going to be okay with taking this job you bet i am drake declared i'm going to find the Angel of Death and expose him. Jeffrey sighed. Drake, just one word of advice regarding the Angel of Death.

Nobody, I mean nobody, talks about the Angel of Death here. We just don't. Plain and simple. Now don't go sticking your nose where it don't belong. I offered you my open detective position because of your outstanding record when you worked in Erie City. You're one of the two best detectives I know. Don't make me regret bringing you here. Drake was irate. Uncle Jeffrey, don't you understand?

The Angel of Death is a murderer. He's literally taking the law into his own hands when he kills all these people. Uncle Jeffrey shook his head. Not people, Drake. Criminals. Ones that the courts won't touch. The Angel of Death is doing what we, who are sworn to uphold the law, can't do. Before Drake could further protest, Jeffrey raised his hand. I don't want to discuss the Angel of Death any further.

Like I said, we simply do not talk about the Angel of Death here. That means you don't either. Just then, there was a knocking at the door. Chief Kazmarak motioned for the girl to come in. You sent for me, Chief? The girl asked. Drake, I'd like you to meet Rage Devereaux. She's our college intern that I was telling you about. She's also the other best detective that I know.

Damn sharp mind on this one. Much like you. She's helped us solve all our toughest cases. Then he looked her way. Rage, this is my nephew, Detective Drake Kazmarak. I'm going to stick you with him and let him shadow you from now on. I think the two of you will work very well together. Drake barely heard a word of what Uncle Jeffrey had said to him.

Once he had gazed upon this very beautiful angel, he was glad that he had come to Strickfield. After all... Rage's origins all make sense when you think about it. But now, let's be more concerned with where she's going, not where she's been, because things seem to be developing rather quickly in her world. But what do you do when you're a straight-A student, you work with the police, and you're secretly a killer?

Well, I can tell you one thing you don't get to do. You don't get to take any sick days. And that's what this story deals with. Because it's called Sick with Rage. And it's all about having the sniffles and how, in some people's cases, that can be dire. So let's listen to this one after a quick word from our sponsors. Sick with Rage by Rob Fields I came into my dorm room after returning from Denoyer's Grill.

The funny thing was I just couldn't make myself eat anything. I had my favorite meal right there in front of me. pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, bacon, and a cup of dark coffee. All I could do was drink the coffee. I ended up taking the food to go. I put the food on the counter and removed my coat. Whoa. I really felt off.

Then I had to move. Fast. I just barely made it to the toilet as I fell to my knees. When I finished throwing up, I picked myself up and looked in the mirror. I looked and felt like shit. I'd been feeling a little off for a few days now. The problem with me is that I don't fully feel pain like the rest of you.

I must have been sick for a while and wasn't feeling it until now. After I took my temperature and came up with 102.3, I assessed my other symptoms. Sniffles, headache, dizziness, loss of appetite, fever, body aches, chills, vomiting. I think I caught that flu that was going around Strickfield. On top of that, it was in the middle of a blizzard. I decided to just stay in my dorm until I felt better.

Another problem was that I was feeling my bloodlust nagging away. I guess it didn't care whether I was sick or not. I'd have to pick up a fresh kill as soon as I was better. For those of you who don't know me, I'm Reagan Devereaux. Most everybody calls me Rage. I'm a serial killer who goes after the worst of the worst. Yes, I suppose you're thinking of Dexter Morgan, but trust me when I say he's got nothing on me.

Unlike Dexter, I have a highly photographic memory, feel very little pain, and truly lack emotions. In fact, I only feel things in the physical, much like my being sick. After throwing some extra blankets on, I changed and got into bed. I was ready to fall asleep when my smartphone rang. I didn't want to answer it, but it could have been Drake or the Strickfield PD with a lead on the Queen of Hearts killer case.

As part of my college studies, I work with the police as an intern, and Drake was shadowing me. It was Delphine Brewster Sloan calling. I answered the phone and talked to her. Delphine was the only one who knew I was a serial killer. Last Christmas, after she and I took down a killer Santa Claus, she told me she knew my secret. And how.

I knew Delphine wouldn't call me, unless she wanted to check on me, or it was an emergency. Unfortunately for me, it was the latter. Franklin, her stepson, hadn't been home for almost a week. No calls or texts. She was really worried. As a matter of fact, her husband, Joseph, hadn't been home in three days himself. Again, no calls or texts. She tried talking to the police, but they told her to file a missing persons report.

Now she was calling me. Delphine knew Franklin broke up with me shortly after that Christmas to remember, yet she kept in touch with me. Now she's asking if I could use my detective skills to find Franklin and Joseph. I wanted to tell her I was too sick to really do anything, but my bloodlust was demanding a life. I really didn't have a choice here.

Delphine had been meeting with me and having me do activities to help potentially trigger my first emotional response. Also, just by reading her voice, she sounded quite desperate. I had to help. I told her I'd be over shortly. After putting my smartphone down, I got out of bed and almost fell to the floor. I managed to balance myself on the wall. I took a few deep breaths and forced myself to go into overdrive.

I changed into normal clothes and faced forward as I walked out into the small hallway. I grabbed a soda out of the refrigerator and dug my food out of the denoyer's grill bag. I left my dorm and walked out into the blizzard. The wind was really blowing and snow was just going anywhere and everywhere. I forced myself to eat my pancakes with the eggs, sausage, and bacon tucked in between.

To be honest, the soft drink went down easier than the food. I stopped off to throw the empty can away. After I did, I took a few steps, dropped to my knees, and threw up again. So much for trying to put food in my stomach. After I wiped my mouth, I got up and forced myself to keep moving. I really felt like shit now and was shaking all over I hit a pop machine just before reaching Delphine's house and drank a few more sodas So far I was able to keep those down I think I caught my flu from Detective Drake Kazmirak When he was sick I took care of him I ran his errands, made him food, played his nurse I almost never got sick Now I had this flu Drake would give me hell if he knew I was out in the blizzard while sick like this.

I reached Delphine's house. She let me in and offered to take my coat. I told her I'd be leaving once I finished talking to her. Delphine gave me a cup of coffee and offered me a chair. I declined to sit on the count of becoming too relaxed and allowing my flu to get the better of me again. Delphine sat and talked to me.

You haven't met my biological daughter, Rigby, She and I are estranged You know I'm a woman of God I've tried to reach and do right by Rigby As she got older, she became more rebellious Little did I realize how interesting things would get once I met Franklin's father I didn't know that Rigby and Franklin, Joseph's son, had already known each other Joseph and I talked more after his wife passed away We fell in love and eventually married.

I don't know what it is, Regan, but something's just never been right with Rigby after I married Joseph. I was processing what Delphine was telling me. You suspect Rigby? I asked. Delphine shook her head quickly. I, I, I just don't know, Regan. It seemed to me Rigby and Franklin were getting along so well. She seemed happy. When it got closer to our wedding, she became more rebellious and belligerent against me, her own mother.

Reagan, what's the matter? Since I was standing, my nasal passages were still open. If I would have sat or laid down, one or both nostrils would have been completely swollen shut. Something smelled off in this house, even through the smell of fresh hot coffee. You don't smell that, Delphine? I asked. Delphine sniffed. Oh, that. I boiled some cabbage earlier. I tried cooking to calm my nerves.

I shook my head quickly. No, it's... it's not cabbage. I mean, I smell it a little, but this is... It stinks! Do you mind if I follow the smell? Delphine's eyes opened a little wide. Do what you have to do, Regan. I nodded once and put my coffee mug down I followed my nose to the stairway Reagan! Delphine called out I turned to see her handing me a kitchen knife I nodded once and took it Now armed, I made my way upstairs with Delphine following closely When we reached the top, I turned to her The smell's stronger up here Delphine sniffed again I still don't smell anything I scanned the hallway and then found the one door that stood out to me.

The second I opened the attic, we were both hit with that smell. Delphine gagged an owl. Oh, God, I can't believe you could smell that from downstairs, Reagan, Delphine choked. Call it another way my brain's wired differently from yours, I said. Stay down here, I'm going up. No, I want to see what you find, she insisted. I considered her for a moment.

Okay. But you were warned. I led the way up into the attic. I was only about halfway up when I saw the source of the stench. Delphine, stop! What is it? She demanded. I turned to her. Go call the police, right now. Delphine's face told me she was determined and wouldn't move away. I realized I really couldn't stop her. Again, Delphine, you were warned.

Then I stepped aside. Delphine reached the top of the stairs and screamed. Her husband, Joseph, was hung by his neck off a wooden beam. What was more, there was blood everywhere. You could easily see that he had been cut open and his heart extracted. Then I saw the Queen of Hearts playing card in Joseph's hand. Oh, God! God, why? Why him? Delphine wailed.

He was a good man! I came and stood beside her. Then she turned to me. I could read she was very angry as she looked me over. She reached out and grabbed me, but then she showed restraint and let go. If I could be surprised, perhaps I would. She was bowing and kneeling to me. Forgive me, Lord. I didn't mean to lay a hand upon your angel of death.

Delphine kept thinking that I was truly the Angel of Death from the many versions of the Holy Bible. She kept regarding me as such ever since I saved the lives of several children back when I was a freshman at North Ridgeway High, and unknowingly hers. She discovered I was a serial killer when I castrated the pedophile minister who kidnapped the children to make the punishment fit the crime.

I took hold of her and brought her to her feet. Stop. You have no clue that your God sent me here to be an instrument of death. I could tell Delphine wanted to yell, but she took my hands. We'll discuss this later, Reagan. You need to find the one who did this. You must stop that person before more lives are lost. I nodded once.

In that, we agree. Now call the police. Delphine nodded quickly. I'll call them after you leave. I won't tell them you were here. But you, stop whoever is doing this. May I look for clues in Franklin's room? I asked. You may. I left the attic and went down to Franklin's room. His smartphone was laying on the desk. More proof that he may have been taken.

I picked up the phone and hacked into it. He had many pics of himself and Rigby. They looked so happy together. Each pic was now in my highly photographic memory. Then I saw another photo entry with my first name and opened it. Every pic Franklin had taken of me or us was still here. Why did he keep them? He broke up with me shortly after he proposed marriage.

Unable to feel emotions, I couldn't understand that. I put the phone down and walked out. I headed back outside into the blizzard. Even in my sickened state, my brain still functioned normally. I was already determining possibilities. Delphine mentioned her daughter, Rigby. I found her number and address on Franklin's phone. She lived in a loft near the Castalia River. It took me about 15 minutes to reach it.

The loft was secluded. No nearby neighbors. There were no lights on. I picked the lock and went inside. Suddenly, I had to run to the bathroom. I made it just in time to drop to my knees and throw up in the toilet. I took deep breaths and forced myself back to my feet. I flushed the toilet and came back out. I just wanted to lay down and sleep, but I forced myself into overdrive again, and then I saw a laptop on the table.

I sat, turned it on, and hacked into it. There were more pics of her and other guys. The Queen of Hearts victims. She even had pictures of Joseph Sloan. In every case, all of them had their hearts removed and the Queen of Hearts playing card in one hand. I immediately compiled some more data. Between the pics on Franklin's phone and Rigby's laptop, I determined there was a house just outside of Strickfield that I needed to check out.

I turned off the computer and put everything back the way Rigby had it before I entered into the blizzard's icy embrace again. Delphine called me back and asked for an update. I told her everything I knew. Are you... are you investigating my... my daughter? she asked, bewildered. She's the only lead I have right now, I answered. The evidence and logic all point to her being the Queen of Hearts serial killer.

A long silence on the other end. If it turns out to be Rigby, will you... Punish her? Delphine stammered. I will do what I must, I said, without hesitation. I... understand. I wish it didn't have to come to this. She's my baby, Regan. Delphine and I finished our conversation and hung up. I walked outside the Castalia River until I came to the house.

The blizzard was more intense now. I felt even weaker, but I forced myself to keep going. I looked around the house but didn't see any lights. I was ready to pick the lock, but the door was open. I had to be careful here. I drew my knife and entered carefully. Once I closed the door, the dizziness started catching up to me. I moved to the sink, but I didn't throw up.

When I was sure I was going to be okay, I grabbed a glass and drank some water. I rested just for a bit. I wasn't sure how much longer I could go on. I was likely to pass out at any time. I didn't even need to touch my skin to know I was burning up. I just wanted to fall to the floor.

One more time, I forced myself into overdrive. I couldn't quit now. Delphine was counting on me to find Franklin. I know you're probably asking, why? Franklin told me he loved me, became engaged to me, and broke up with me shortly after. Shouldn't I be mad as hell about that? I suppose if it were in me, then probably. But remember, I'm truly emotionless.

I can't stress that enough. I truly do not feel anything regarding love or fear. I can only feel things in the physical. When Franklin broke up with me, all I could do was seek out another mate. You'd probably be surprised at how much different you'd feel if you didn't have emotion. Actually, no, you wouldn't. But I could feel my sickness, which was in the physical.

I forced myself to keep moving and made my way through the house. I came to a basement door and carefully headed downstairs. I pulled out my pocket flashlight and looked around. I soon found jars with human hearts inside. Eight total. I read the labels that displayed the names and dates. The last name was Joseph Sloan. The date was three days ago. Rigby Brewster was definitely the Queen of Hearts.

After finding nothing else of significant value, I returned to the stairway and headed back up. I clicked off the flashlight and searched until I was heading up more stairs. As I reached the top, I heard some groaning. It didn't take long to find the source, in the first room on the right. When I entered the room, the person tied up to the bed looked my way and made a muffled scream.

I turned on my flashlight and saw it was Franklin. I knew I had to destroy Rigby now. The fact that she was Delphine's biological daughter did not excuse her from my judgment. I sat down next to Franklin. I'll take your gag off, but you have to be quiet, I whispered. Franklin nodded. Then I removed the gag and untied him. I'm going to get you out of here, Franklin, I said.

Rage, what are you... how did you... he stammered. Later. We have to go. Once my former mate was safe, I would return and claim Rigby. But just as I got off the bed, I became too dizzy and dropped to the floor. I was too sick to move, and I passed out. I woke up sitting. I wasn't sure how long I was unconscious, but I could feel my hands were tied behind my back.

I still felt like shit, but at least I was rested a little to where I could be awake for the moment. We were in a room with only a single door, black walls, and no windows. Franklin was tied to a slab and was stripped down to his boxers. And then, Rigby Brewster herself came in. She had straight dark hair that went halfway down her back, very pale skin, and dark eyes.

She was wearing only dark clothes and had dark fingernails. You must be Reagan, Rigby said in a soft yet elegant voice. Franklin just can't stop talking about you. Now, can you stay awake? Because, to be honest, you really don't look so good. Why did you kidnap me like this, Rigby? Franklin demanded. Why are you doing this? That's not all she did, Franklin, I told him.

Rigby, why don't you tell him about all the hearts you have stored in the basement? Or should I call you the Queen of Hearts? Rigby looked at me and laughed a little. Oh, you weren't supposed to find those, she sighed. Now that you know my secret, I suppose I can tell you everything before I add your heart to the collection. Franklin looked both frightened and surprised at the same time.

Rigby? What? Rigby caressed the side of his face. Oh, honey, when you and I fell in love, it was supposed to be forever, especially when we started having sex. I mean, you don't just steal a girl's heart, then completely rock her world the way you did. You even said you would stay with me forever. But then, her face goes from soft to pissed off in a hurry.

My fucking mom just had to meet your fucking dad. Mom knew I was seeing you, but she and Joseph just had to fall in love. They just had to get married, ruining any chance for us to continue our love. I mean, step-siblings aren't supposed to get married or see each other, right? Rigby, Franklin tried to protest. You broke up with me, Franklin, Rigby stated.

Two months before Mom married your dad, you broke up with me. You just don't do that to the one you love. Then she screamed, You broke my heart! But how are we supposed to continue with Dad and Delphine married and living together? Franklin protested. We could have carried on in secret, Rigby answered. I begged and pleaded with you, but you just wouldn't give us that chance.

She pointed to me. Now you ended up falling for this other bitch. You turned away from me and eventually found Reagan. You gave your heart to Reagan. You even asked Reagan to marry you. That really hurt Franklin. What, because she has such an angelic face and huge tits? You fucking men are all the same. Rigby gently ran a long fingernail between Franklin's pecs.

But I'm going to have your heart once again. Forever. She looked at me. I really wish you hadn't found my hearts. Franklin, Rigby killed your father, I told him. She has his heart down in the basement, along with seven others. She's the Queen of Hearts serial killer. Franklin gave her a weird look before he screamed and passed out. Typical fucking nerd, Rigby muttered.

Then she turned to me. So, you killed those others, including Franklin's dad, because of what happened between him and Delphine? You're insane, I said. Have you ever been in love, Reagan? Rigby demanded. Yes, I suppose you have. You were ready to marry Franklin until I made him break up with you. I told him I'd kill his dad if he didn't. To prove my point, I killed Joseph and Mom's cat, right in front of Franklin.

You never wondered why he suddenly broke it off with you, right after he asked you to marry him? Now I had my answers. I was going to have to do some serious acting here and pretend that I had emotions. Is that the reason why I've been crying myself to sleep every night since then? Because of you? Franklin's heart belongs to me, Rigby snapped.

After he broke up with me, I was determined to win him back by any means necessary. Joseph Sloan would have to pay. But you know what? There were other guys pining for me too, so I had to get rid of them. They were just going to keep right on coming. I trapped them all and took their hearts. I mean, they were looking to give them to me anyway.

Killing my stepfather was the next step. He broke my heart by taking my mom as his wife, guaranteeing that Franklin and I would never be able to get married. so I came to the house three days ago and took his heart when mom wasn't home and what about your mom? I asked after I finish with you I'm taking her heart she never cared about my feelings so she is going to pay the price but but your own mother?

she brought you into this world it looked like I was selling her on my dramatics and I'm going to take her out of it Rigby replied, Mom and Joseph had no right to get together and separate Franklin and me. Talk about being selfish. Once I kill Mom, then Franklin can be mine once again. We'll be able to get married. And what about Franklin?

I demanded. What if he doesn't feel the same way? I'll make Franklin see that he still loves me, just like I love him. I may be the queen of hearts, but I'm the only queen of his heart. He'll see that I'm the best thing that ever happened to him. Yeah, I know he's a geek and everything, but he just has that charming quality about him.

I'm sure you've seen it too. Probably why you fell for him. Rigby moved to her table and picked up a knife. My knife. And a Queen of Hearts playing card. I'm going to make such a mess in killing you, Regan. But that's fine. Nothing I haven't done before. I'll slice your throat and let you bleed out. You probably won't even feel much of anything with you being sick and all.

I'll probably be doing you a favor. And now, it's time to finish eliminating those who've come in between me and Franklin, so we can be together once again. Starting with you. As Rigby came at me, I revealed that my hands were free by grabbing her wrist with one hand and rising up and punching her in the face with the other. My punch would have knocked her on her ass if I was well, but it just made her stagger.

I hit her again, harder this time, to make her drop the knife. Rigby screamed and grabbed my throat. My fever and fatigue were really working against me. I had to force myself into overdrive one more time. Rigby already overpowered me and had me on the floor. I'm going to choke you until your goddamn neck snaps, Rigby hissed. I only had one option available.

As Rigby moved to get on top of me, I forced my legs to come up so I could lock her in the triangle choke. Once I had it fully locked in, she started fighting me. I had to summon all the strength I could keep to hold that lock tight and put her to sleep. Rigby fought like hell, but I focused my strength in spite of my flu.

It took a few minutes longer than I would have liked, but I finally put her out. I released the triangle choke and stood up. I realized I didn't have much time I had to claim Rigby and satisfy my bloodlust I called upon whatever reserves of strength I had left to lift her up and put her on the table next to Franklin I lifted Franklin off the table and put him down on the floor Next I found the duct tape and secured Rigby to the table I made sure Franklin was still unconscious before I woke Rigby When she was awake, she realized she was incapacitated I would have brought pictures and the usuals to place on the walls, but this'll have to do, Rigby.

I showed her her smartphone. I hacked it and found plenty of evidence on the phone alone to show the police that you're the Queen of Hearts killer. They'll find more evidence once they search your loft. But now, I'm going to remove your heart and leave it here with your body. Rigby immediately understood and became excited. Holy shit! You're the angel of death!

You? Wow. You're just like me, Reagan. I shook my head. No. Never like you. I picked up my knife. You mentioned your mother and stepfather were selfish for marrying each other. I say you were selfish for murdering Joseph Sloan and those others just to have Franklin all to yourself. You even want to kill your own mother. Now, I have you all to myself.

I raised the knife. And now, Rigby Brewster, let the punishment fit the crime. But, unfortunately, my flu hit me again. Instead of the knife, I went down fast and ended up going into blackness before I hit the floor. When I woke up again, I found myself in a hospital room. In bed. Delphine and Drake were both in the room with me. You're finally awake, Delphine said with relief.

Franklin called me. I came out and found you both. Franklin and I put you in the car and brought you here. You've been in that bed for the last three days. She became more stern now. You should have told me you were sick with the flu. Drake approached me. I can't believe you risked your life being sick like that. I could tell by his tone that he was angry with me, too.

I did say earlier that he would give me hell. Franklin's okay, then? I asked Delphine. He's fine, she assured me. You saved his life. What about Rigby? I asked. Delphine shook her head. I'm afraid I didn't see Rigby there. we saw what looked like someone was taped to the table but whoever it was got free franklin took care of you until i came i had to admit i was feeling much better the hospital must have given me some good meds through my iv to help against the infection when i started to move drake stopped me whoa no you don't rage you're staying right here until the doctor says you can go.

You could have died out there, you know. That's how sick you were. But I didn't, I stressed. Drake gave me hell again, but then he softened up. He was in love with me, so he couldn't find it in himself to stay angry with me for very long. After a little while, he had to go to Strickfield PD. That just left Delphine and me.

What happened to Rigby? I asked Delphine. She's killed several people, including your husband. I told you. She's the Queen of Hearts killer. When I told her about the evidence I found, including the hearts, Delphine became sad. I was hoping there would be some reconciliation between my daughter and me. You were really going to kill her. She's murdered at least eight people, Delphine.

I stressed. If you want to stop me from finding and claiming Rigby. Now's your chance. Delphine shook her head. No. I'm afraid Rigby is lost to me. As the angel of death, you must do your appointed duty by God. I understand and will not interfere. Rigby has chosen her own path. The only thing I could do now was recover. Once out of the hospital, I would have to double my efforts to find Rigby.

Besides my bloodlust, the other motivation was that now she knew who I was and could use that to her advantage. But to what lengths would she go with my secret? How many more hearts would she claim? How many more playing cards would be found? One way or another, I would have to stop Rigby Brewster. But would I end up being outed myself as a serial killer to stop her.

Only time would tell. Things are definitely getting a bit more complicated, and not just because of the developments with Delphine and the like, but also the developments within Rage herself. You see, that heart of hers may not just pump blood after all. it may actually process some degree of feeling. And we all know that when things can't get any more complicated, the one thing that complicates them even more is love.

So, can rage feel love? Can rage feel compassion? Well, I guess there's only one way to find out. And what better way to show you truly love someone than to take on a babysitting job? This next one is Angel in Babysitting, right after these quick words. Angel in Babysitting by Rob Fields One Week Ago Raylan Smith had the pizza in her hands when she came back inside.

Are you sure you're okay with me babysitting tonight? she asked Shelby Phillips who was sitting on the couch playing video games with Douglas Kazmirak why should I mind Shelby replied well we were supposed to have a double date tonight Raylene said apologetically hey we both make good money babysitting Shelby reminded her besides it's not like we're going to a concert or anything Raylene laughed a little good point anyway thanks for coming by and keeping me company tonight then douglas spoke up what am i too much for you raylene you know what uncle jeffrey would say if he knew you and your friend were over here raylene looked at the 10 year old boy i thought you liked playing video games with shelby douglas pointed at raylene but you're supposed to be here with me by yourself raylene sighed come on douglas i even ordered your favorite pizza and you know uncle jeffrey said no pizza it was that or i tell him you're letting your friends hang out here at his house he threatened shelby turned to him now i can leave douglas i just wanted the pizza douglas replied don't worry raylene i won't tell on you i'll tell uncle jeffrey i ordered it when you weren't looking.

Raylene raised an eyelid. Promise? Douglas smirked. Have I ever lied to you? I need to use the bathroom, Shelby said. I didn't get to shower after track practice. Raylene smiled. Go ahead, honey. You know where everything is. Shelby set her controller down. I'll be back in a few, Douglas. Then we can play some more football. All right, he cheered. as soon as Shelby disappeared up the stairs Raylene took the pizza into the kitchen and put a few slices on a plate for Douglas just then Raylene's phone rang it was her boyfriend she tried to send him to voicemail but he called her right back she answered it she brought the pizza to Douglas I've got to take this I'll be back in a few before Douglas could say anything raylene was moving and was out the back door she moved behind the garage and apologized again for canceling their date then the talk turned to scheduling a sexual rendezvous for later suddenly she felt the knife plunging into her side making her drop the smartphone she hissed in pain as her attacker yanked the knife away when she fell the attacker got on top of her and stabbed her repeatedly until she was a very bloody and dead mess.

The killer never bothered to address the smartphone with Raylene's boyfriend still on the other end. The killer turned and walked to the back door. The killer soon headed upstairs and found the bathroom door slightly open. The killer opened the door a little to see Shelby soaking in a bubble bath. She had her eyes closed and was moaning softly. She never heard the killer come into the bathroom, nor did she scream when her hair was grabbed and the knife brought across her throat.

Blood quickly poured from Shelby's neck and into the bubble bath. The killer let go of her hair and let her sink into the mixture of lavender soap, water, and blood. Without another thought, the killer left the bathroom and headed back downstairs. One week later. It's Saturday morning. I should be back at my dorm with my boyfriend, Drake. We've gone well past the point to where he's just shadowing me as part of my college internship with the Strickfield PD.

In fact, we began seeing each other a few months after he started shadowing me. Our relationship became more cemented after we finally started having sex, which was after our run-in with some vampires. This was almost nine months ago. I got up earlier than I should have, not because I couldn't sleep. No, my bloodlust had become increasingly demanding as of late. In fact, this is the longest I've gone without taking a life.

Recently, I found a lead and did my usual homework. Soon, I can satisfy my bloodlust. Those of you who have been following my exploits know who I am. For those uninitiated, my name is Reagan Devereaux. I'm the serial killer your society has labeled, the Angel of Death. I destroy those who claim innocent lives. I've been called the good serial killer by people who are glad I'm out there.

However, there are people who would see me arrested and locked up for the remainder of my days, or even given capital punishment. i've been claiming the lives of those who claim innocence because mama taught me to be a good girl and that punishments are made to fit the crime mama doesn't know i'm the angel of death and she's a high profile detective for the north ridgeway pd thankfully i've never had to be concerned about mama hunting me my boyfriend on the other hand detective drake kasmrack requested to be transferred to Strickfield PD from Erie City upon deducing that the Angel of Death was located here.

As it turned out, I claimed a woman named Annie Judge. She used to be someone special in Drake's life. He swore he would find me and bring me to justice. Drake is clearly looking for a man and doesn't realize I'm right under his nose. Perhaps those of you who follow me are thinking maybe I'm toying with Drake. I'm not, I assure you.

For me to toy with him, I would require the very emotions that nearly all of you feel. I only operate on physical feelings. Instinct, hunger, thirst, sleep, cleanliness, sex. Especially sex. Over the years I've been able to resist my sex drive, but the time came when I needed sex like I need victims. I needed a mate and sought one out. I thought I'd finally found one with Franklin Sloan, but certain unfortunate events caused him to end things with me.

It was only a few days after New Year's when I met Drake, who showed immediate interest in me upon his arrival to Strickfield. He was more than happy to be my shadow as we worked cases together. Drake's a very good detective. Between the two of us, we've solved many, many cases together. The only reason I stay with Drake is because he's a truly good man.

While I can't feel emotions, I can read his facial expressions and listen to the way he speaks. Through these, I learned that Drake had fallen in love with me. I often wish I could reciprocate his love, but I can't. I've never felt a single emotion since I was born. I can only pretend to reciprocate his feelings and be the best mate to him that I can be.

Even though he's after the angel of death, I choose to remain with him and always have to stay many steps ahead of him. Ah, but I've gotten off track here. I said I was up earlier than I wanted to be. Right now I have a Strickfield Academy science teacher strapped to my table. She reminds me of Annie Judge from back in North Ridgeway.

She's not a sexual predator like Annie Judge, but she did deal heavily in drugs. Patricia Miller had injected a girl against her wishes at Strickfield Academy with some experimental heroin. The girl had never done drugs in her life. Not only did the shot get her quite high her first time, but she became very sick and died. In doing my usual homework, I got a hold of Miller's smartphone and hacked it to find the last bit of crucial evidence that would condemn her to me.

I slap Patricia Miller to wake her up. When she sees me standing above her, she screams for me to untie her. She can scream as much as she likes. We're secluded enough to where nobody will ever hear her. When I decide I've had enough of her mouth, I direct her attention to the pictures I've got taped to the walls. Lisa Marley wasn't the only high school girl that Patricia Miller killed with her drugs.

I found similar evidence on other victims also. You've preyed on innocent girls who could have gone on to have long and fruitful lives, Patricia Miller, I say. I've compiled evidence for at least five girls you've killed. There may be more, but I don't have the time to keep compiling evidence when you continue to poison more girls with your shit. I hold up her smartphone.

The police will find the rest of those victims here. Patricia looks annoyed now. Am I supposed to start crying and tell you how sorry I am? Do you have any idea how tired I was of seeing these little bitches getting everything handed to them on a silver platter? Why I... She gasps when I show her a series of syringes. You've got the pictures, you've got my phone, you've got those needles.

What more do you need, you little bitch? It seems you don't understand, Patricia Miller, I reply. This is how justice will be administered to an unfeeling predator, such as yourself. There are six syringes here, all filled with the same experimental heroin you injected into those girls you destroyed. How many of these needles do you think it'll take before you are finally destroyed?

She shows me she has emotions after all, when she shakes her head quickly and screams as she tries in vain to free herself. She reminds me of Annie Judge in doing this. Patricia Miller's death will be swift compared to Annie Judge. Patricia screams at the top of her lungs and makes one last valiant effort to free herself from my bungee cords. When she understands she's not going anywhere, she starts crying and begging me for her life.

Unfortunately, I have no emotions for her to appeal to, though I again find myself conflicted. Part of me wants emotions to be able to reciprocate what Drake feels for me. Then again, I may be better off without emotions. A vast majority of my victims have been blessed with emotions, yet they've shown very little to none when they've destroyed the innocents who've come across them.

It may seem I'm conveying empathy, though I can't feel any. Irony. I pick up the first syringe and push a little fluid out of the needle. and now Patricia Miller let the punishment fit the crime she sobs as I hold her arm down and inject the heroin into her vein quickly she starts showing me results she doesn't cry so much now in fact she doesn't even know where she's at I'm sure I administered more than she should have received.

I wait a bit. When she doesn't die, I inject her with the second syringe. She really starts sweating before she screams and starts jerking on the table violently. After almost a minute, she finally stops. Forever. I check her pulse and confirm she's quite dead. I moan softly when I feel my bloodlust has been satisfied once more. Patricia Miller is now my latest victim to be stored in my highly photographic memory where all of my victims are.

How many predators have I claimed? I've killed literally hundreds since I was ten years old. After making sure no evidence of me is at the scene, I leave the shed where I'd taken my latest victim and head back to Strickfield University. i'll make my usual anonymous phone call to the police department later drake is still in bed when i return he's just waking up when he sees me wearing jogging clothes i wasn't wearing them when i left to take care of my bloodlust but i changed into them and worked up a little sweat coming back from denoyer's grill with breakfast you should have got me up rage he says softly i would have gone to the annoyers with you i fake a smile before i put the bag of food on my desk and get on the bed i pretend to show love for my mate as i let him lay me on my back and kiss me and then what he feels for me in emotion i now feel in the physical as i let him undress me i show drake my acting skills once again.

Honey, no, I'm all sweaty and gross. He kisses me again and brings me under the covers with him. I submit to him and we give each other what we need. Later that afternoon, Drake and I shower and leave my dorm. We stop by his apartment so he can get his wallet. When he brings me into his bedroom with him, I'm wondering if he wants to make love again.

Then he regards me and eases his arm around my waist. Move in with me, Rage, he says. Really? The truth is, I just didn't know how to respond to that. Ever since Drake and I started seeing each other and spending our nights together, I've never pressed so much as a single issue with him. I've observed how many things happen with couples and relationships.

The only reason I've basically delegated everything to Drake is because of my lack of emotions. Drake is my mate now, and I know I need to be an understanding girlfriend. That means I do not press any issues with him. I decided that whenever he's ready to institute the next phase in our relationship. He'll tell me. He gazes into my eyes. Rage, I've loved you since the first day I was assigned to be your shadow.

We've been seeing each other for over a year. Also, you're going to be graduating soon and that means you'll have to leave the dorm and move to another place, so move in with me. He pecks my lips. You don't have to decide right now. Take your time and think about it unless you think we're moving too fast no not at all i reply i don't think there's any set timetable for things like this i guess i just wasn't expecting your invitation drake kisses me again i kiss him back i'm feeling we may be making love again shortly it's then when his smartphone rings the ringtone tells me it's his uncle jeffrey who's the chief of strickfield police.

He's the closest thing to a father figure that Drake had in his life for so many years. Drake became a police detective because of Uncle Jeffrey. As Drake talks to his uncle, I step away to give him privacy. Yeah, hold on a minute. Drake removes the phone from his ear and looks at me. Rage, Uncle Jeffrey needs to ask you a favor.

He's wondering if you're free to babysit tonight. Again, I have no idea how to react. Drake has actually caught me off guard on many things. All I can do is agree to whatever he asks of me for the sake of us being together. Drake has been a very good man to me, and I want to be equally as good for him. Tell him I'll do it, I reply.

Drake brings me to Jeffrey Kazmarek's house. I've never known where our police chief lived until now the truth is i've never really needed to know that information as drake and i are on the front porch the door opens jeffrey comes out onto the porch and puts a fatherly hand on my shoulder thank you so much for agreeing to do this especially on such short notice rage as it turns out the pd called me with a hot lead on this babysitter murder case i'm gonna need drake to come with me.

I'm supposed to be watching Douglas tonight, but I can't get anybody else. His mother's out of town with her boyfriend, and I agreed to watch him. I fake a smile. Don't worry, sir, I've got this. Thank you. From the bottom of my old heart, Jeffrey is probably old enough to be my grandfather. On the other hand, Drake is 39, 17 years older than me, which makes him old enough to be my father.

I'm 22. Drake takes my hand. You're going to be okay, Rage. Uncle Jeffrey and I will be back as soon as we can. Then I see Douglas Kazmarak looking at me. He doesn't smile or look upset. He just looks blank. He doesn't even blink when Jeffrey tells him that I'll be babysitting him. Jeffrey waits for me to go into the house before he and Drake jump into his car and leave.

I look at Douglas again and see his blank, emotionless stare, and then the serial killer in me begins to question things. Perhaps I'm reading into things I shouldn't, but I did say I was ten years old myself when I started claiming predators. So, what would you like to do? I ask him. Douglas looks at me for a while longer before he turns and heads to the stairway.

I follow him upstairs, keeping my distance. He goes into the room Jeffrey prepared for him and closes the door. I know I shouldn't invade his space, but I just can't stop thinking about his blank stare. I'm sure I was just as blank when I was starting out. I leave Douglas alone and go back downstairs. I look around the house to become more familiar with everything.

thanks to my photographic memory i now know every room in the house aside from the guest room douglas is in and the attic i won't have any issues regarding babysitting since i used to do it regularly during my teen years i patiently wait to hear whether douglas comes out of the room then out of the corner of my eye i see douglas out in the backyard he climbs the fence and starts moving.

I quickly leave the house and go after him. I follow him discreetly until he leads me to a house. He finds a key under a plant and uses it to get inside. This must be where Douglas lives. I make my way to the back door and get inside. I don't see Douglas anywhere as I move quietly through the first floor. Then I move to the stairway and go up.

When I nearly reach the top, I almost don't see the baseball bat coming at my head. I quickly duck and let the bat hit the wall beside me. Douglas steps back to take another swing. God damn you, Douglas yells as I easily sidestep him and relieve him of the bat. I've had a few problem children during my teenage years in babysitting but they were mostly just mischievous i did win their respect and we got along great those kids came to love having me around when a babysitter was needed i've never had anyone quite like douglas here douglas points right at me you goddamn bitch douglas turns and tries to escape downstairs but i snatch him to me and hold on tight he growls and tries to fight me but he won't get away it's time to question douglas 10 years old and you're a serial killer how long have you been killing little boy you better just come clean with me because i'm the one person you won't be fooling how he stammers how do i know i consider my next words carefully i work with the police it's my job to make out serial killers and you triggered so many red flags with me.

Now talk to me. How long have you been killing? If you don't tell me, I have ways of finding out. Trying to kill me was a dead giveaway, and I'm the last person in the world you want to try to kill. Douglas continues to struggle against me as I lift him up and force him to his bedroom. I bring him inside and scan everything.

His bedroom is as blank as a kid's room can be. I've seen many children's bedrooms, which are usually colorful and have personalized decorations. Not Douglas. He doesn't even have so much as a single poster. Then my eyes come across a vent where I see a box inside. Classic Dexter Morgan here. Still keeping hold of Douglas, I pull open the vent and take out the box.

Leave that alone, Douglas yells. Then he strikes and bites my forearm. The way my brain is wired, I almost never feel pain. I don't feel the bite, but he does draw blood. I quickly put the box on the bed and take Douglas down to the floor. I sit on top of him and keep him pinned while I look in the box. He's got a journal and some telltale artifacts.

I open the journal and start scanning. Bitch, he growls underneath me. You slut. After scanning every entry, I confirm he's just like me. I know the connection to the mementos in the box. Douglas has actually killed other babysitters. Thinking about it, there were some missing persons reports filed with some of the girls' names in this journal. I know because I helped fill out a few of the reports for their distraught parents.

Drake and Jeffrey are following a cold trail. My bloodlust is satisfied from this morning, but I feel it demanding that I claim Douglas. That's all you babysitters are, Douglas yells. Just a bunch of sluts. I look down at Douglas. When he sees how hot my eyes are glowing, he cowers in fear. No, no, get off me. Help! You and I are about to have a nice little bonding experience, I say.

I'll teach you what it means to be a serial killer and cross me. I get off him and yank him to his feet. Knowing how dangerous he is, I lock him in the sleeper hold I learned watching UFC. When he's sound asleep, I lift him into my arms and take him with me. Douglas shows me he's awake when he starts moving. what the he struggles and finds he's quite bound even my patented bungee cord technique works on children i decide to remove his blindfold you douglas yells i'll kill you he cries out in fear when he sees my glowing eyes again oh shit help help you're evil says the kid who's murdered 11 babysitters in two years, I contradict.

Why would you even do that? Did they abuse you or something? I know he wasn't abused based on his journal entries. I just want to hear what he has to say. All those sluts were too stupid to abuse me, Douglas declares. I killed them because I could. Not all of them were babysitters. Many of them were babysitting near me, and I went and killed them.

I even killed a few of my own babysitters. It was so easy to kill Raylene Smith when she was on her phone with her boyfriend behind the garage, and then there was Shelby Phillips. She never expected me to just come into the bathroom and slice her throat while she was taking a bath in Uncle Jeffrey's tub. You can't possibly understand how good it feels to kill those girls.

I understand more than you think. I disagree. I read your journal, which is quite detailed. In fact, I found where you buried all your victims. For a ten-year-old boy, you sure are gifted. Who would ever suspect a little boy? Then Douglas sees the photos I've got taped to the walls. What the? Hacking both your computer and your phone wasn't hard, Douglas, I say.

It didn't take me long to print these pictures. Douglas looks at the pictures. Then he starts laughing. Hugh, just wait until I get loose. I'll kill you and make you look even worse than the others. You think you're so smart just because you're a stupid girl? Watch your words, little boy. I can't be smart and stupid at the same time. I fake a smile and raise my finger.

Now, I said we were going to have a bonding experience. You see, there's one thing serial killers like you always forget. You are not the only ones who are hunters. You can also be prey. Much like right now, Douglas Kazmarak. In fact, there are certain people you would do well to never get the attention of. Oh, you got the attention of the police, but they don't always think outside the box.

It doesn't make them stupid. it just means they need to think outside their comfort zones. I pick up the knife from my instrument table. Most importantly, you would do well never to get the attention of the one person who would kill you for preying on innocence. When Douglas sees my eyes burn hot one more time, he cries out in fright. Oh shit!

You're that one killer! You're the... the angel of death! you said it not me i murmur and what does the angel of death do exactly douglas oh fuck you're gonna kill me he shrieks but but you're a fucking girl i'm 22 so that makes me a woman and now that we truly understand one another i fake a sinister smirk as i raise my knife just above him douglas Kazmarak.

Let the punishment fit the crime. Douglas screams as I slam the knife down hard and fast, making a huge impact. Drake and I are at his apartment a few days later. Every now and then he keeps shaking his head slowly. I just can't believe Douglas could... how rage i shrug serial killers can be anybody drake even children you told me that yourself when you first started mentoring me i know it's hard to fathom but it's a fact what's going to happen to douglas drake looks at me he's already locked up at strickfield pd after they got him cleaned up he's headed off to a special psychiatric facility in erie city tomorrow morning as you understand now i did not hurt douglas in any way by all rights i should have claimed him my bloodlust would have been most appreciative like innocence children's are another line i refuse to cross as an adult even if they are serial killers themselves let's just say douglas soiled himself pretty good and cried like a blubbering baby then drake gets upset did you see that shit in Uncle Jeffrey's basement?

That fucking angel of death was actually in his house. That's his handiwork. The pictures and the other evidence he left on Douglas. He shakes his head. I don't understand. Why didn't he kill him? I shrug. I'm sure the angel of death had reasons. Drake's been staring at me intently while trying to come to terms with his little cousin being a serial killer.

We've been sitting on the couch together all this time. Then Drake moves to me and pulls me into his arms. We share a passionate kiss. When we stop, he looks deep into my eyes. I can't stop thinking about what might have happened, he tells me, when I saw the bodies of those girls being dug up. Rage, I kept thinking, what if Douglas would have killed you?

He didn't, I reply. I'm right here in front of you. You're talking to me. You just kissed me. Drake really takes a long look into my eyes now. Rage, I love you. You're a good woman, and I just can't see a world without you in it. Then he kisses me again, a much longer one this time. When we stop, he looks into my face again.

[Editorial summary: Drake proposes to Reagan. She accepts, despite the conflict between their relationship and her life as the Angel of Death.]