As always, the weather was cold today. The man wrapped himself tightly in his coat. Everything was perfect. There was no room for mistakes in his work. Today he had to be extra careful; while the whole town talked about his actions, a single slip could lead him into a dead end. Normally, he wouldn't act so hastily. This was the first time. Only this week, misfortunes had piled up one after another. Still, everything was planned. He waited for his victim at the designated spot.
About five minutes later, he smiled at the silhouette appearing under the streetlamp. If the man knew that every step his victim took brought him closer to the end, he wouldn't have come. He might even have informed the town's beloved sheriff—his father—but the man preferred to tie his donkey to a sturdy stake.
The victim stopped a few steps away and handed the man a bag full of money. "Take the money and give me the photos," they said. The man smiled slyly from beneath his mask…
And after a few fast seconds, time had stopped for the victim. This time, the man didn't linger with the body; he disappeared into the darkness that belonged to him.
* * *
Hearing the doorbell, Afra placed the newspaper she was holding onto the coffee table and sipped her bitter coffee as she headed toward the front door. Although she didn't cover too many stories, she had published news that earned thousands of praises: the mysterious serial killer in the town. When she lowered the door handle and opened it, she found no one outside. Just as she was about to step inside, she noticed a small envelope at the doorstep. Upon picking it up, the threatening message on it made her check the street once more.
"Dear Afra, forget this news and continue with your life. Otherwise, you will experience things you'll never forget ;)"