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“Cool.”

I pull a couple of twenties from my pocket. I need the money, but he needs it more. “Get yourself and the others some food.”

He smiles. “Thanks, man.”

I drive off, catching up with the Altima as it circles the block to come back around. Smart, avoiding witnesses. He knows the cops won’t put too much effort into investigating another missing street kid. He doesn’t know about me though.

I can’t wait to get my hands on him.

While I wait at a stop light, I pull my mask over my head and zip up my hoodie. It’s hot as balls tonight but I can’t risk being recognized. I watch the Altima turn the corner and speed up to it when my light turns green.

He parks, and sure enough, Charles steps out from the car. He looks around, but I’m still several cars behind him so he doesn’t notice me. As he walks farther into the park, I find a spot and stop my car, getting out slowly and quietly so I don’t draw his attention.

My mouth is almost watering in anticipation of what I’m going to do to him. He’s a creep, and he hurts people. I’m just a guy making sure I do my part.

I watch, ducking behind a tree as Charles approaches a lone kid sitting on a picnic table. The kid looks too young to be out here turning tricks, and he might not be. Maybe he’s just looking for comfort. The most vulnerable kind of kid.

The kid tilts his head up as Charles speaks to him but then shakes his head, scooting away from the table. He tries to walk off, but Charles catches up with him and grabs his arm. I hear the kid’s voice get louder as he tries to pull free but Charles isn’t backing down.

When Charles brings his hand up and slaps the kid across the face, I see red and surge forward. Charles is gonna wish he just went home tonight when I’m done with him.

CHAPTER 6

Whisper

My phone buzzes while I’m sitting in a parking lot sipping coffee. I grab it and read the message in our Murder Buddies chat.

Ghost: Something’s happening over at the old youth center. Who’s around?

Me: The one on Seventh and Iris?

Ghost: That’s the one. I’ve got eyes on it from here but I’m waiting for a target to leave work.

Me: I can be there in a few minutes. I’m around the corner.

Stealth: Me too. Five minutes out.

Shadow: What’s happening?

Ghost: Don’t know for sure, but people are gathered around and it seems like there’s something going on that’s not normal. I saw some kids running and heard a few screams.

It’s none of our business, but if Ghost is bringing it up then it must be as something we should check out.

Shadow: Let me know what you find.

That’s basically permission to go, so I tuck my drink into my cup holder and put the van into drive, navigating the few blocks to that street. I’m familiar with this area thanks to the creeps we often find hanging out here. Mostly drug dealers, but we get gang members too. Sometimes we even find our targets trying to pick up sex workers. Specter and Colson came out here last winter handing out warm drinks, food, and socks for the homeless people hanging out, so we see plenty of what’s going on.

By the time I park, I can see Stealth a few cars ahead, leaning against the hood. He up-nods as I approach.

“Notice anything?”

“Looks like a body to me.”

I follow his gaze down the sidewalk where a body sized lump is lying. The kids have scattered, but they’re lingering around the periphery. The sight triggers my suspicions. This is the same guy, I bet.

“So, I think there’s a serial killer in Mistone.”

Stealth turns to me. “Yeah?”