Bounty Hunter

Reed

I sat in my usual spot at the Brookside Club. This spot gave me the perfect opportunity to stare at my little flower at ease. From here, I could monitor her every movement, gesticulation and facial features.

And that was how I came to know she was not her usual self. Ever since she checked into work, she’d barely reciprocated Alex’s smile or barely gave clients the signature fake smile she’d perfected over the three years of working here. And while it set me at ease that she wasn’t smiling at other men, I couldn’t help but wonder about the cause of her current mood.

I watched her friend, Alex, leaned in on the counter and whisper something to her, before turning and pointing in my direction, then my little flower emerged from behind the counter and began to make her way towards me.

Shit! I cursed.

At that very instant, my phone vibrated in the pocket of my black jacket. I took it out and read the message. It was Hermine. The message was direct and that was all it took for me to jolt up from my chair, bypass my little flower and rushed outside the club.

I fastened my steps towards my car. Once my seat belt was on, I dialled Hermine’s number and after three rings, her voice came through the speakers of my car.

“He’s at the warehouse, all chained up, ready and waiting.” I could sense the excitement in Hermine’s voice. She’d never had the privilege of seeing me in action. I promised her that if she managed to find my victim, I’ll allow her to watch.

“Keep him awake. I’m five minutes away,” and with that, I roared my engine to life and drove off.

It had already been established that I love to kill, and while my prey for tonight wasn’t necessarily wanted because he hid his crimes behind his badge, he was still evil. The badge, uniform and state-registered gun were his license to kill.

I kill people like him without a license. It wouldn’t stop me anyways.

Officer George, who had painted my little flower as crazy, turned out to have a pretty coloured resume. I wondered if the police department knew about his extracurricular activities.

I was going to take my time with him.

I stepped on the gas pedal, eager to get started.

I lived on the outskirts of Brookside, far, far into the woods. One would think the road to my mansion to be a journey of no return. That was the truth. I spared no souls found trespassing on my property.

The large gate could be opened with a controller, but I had a button installed in my car. I pressed the button and drove into the driveway.

Without thinking any further, I frantically walked to my warehouse situated underground. The warehouse was empty and large, so it was quite easy to spot my prey. His hands were tied up, a tape over his mouth. His hair looked dishevelled.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

“Officer George, how are we doing man?” I questioned as I approached him. I walked to the table adjacent to him that had a display of all my toys. I heard muffled sounds from behind me. I turned to find Officer George struggling to release from the chains. I found his effort quite laughable.

“You know, when my little flower called you, I never would have imagined you had such a colourful profile. I thought you were just daft,” I picked up a knife and approached him. I abruptly pulled out the duct tape from his mouth, making him yell out in pain.

“You asshole, I’ll make you-”

“Ah Ah Ah! If I were you officer, I would carefully pick out my words,” I threatened, bringing the knife up to his Adam’s apple. He shuddered and his eyes began to water.

“Please, I’m sure you have the wrong man. I am a reputable man,”

I resist the urge to laugh. Of course, they always feign oblivion when caught, then proceed to beg for their life. I love when they beg me to spare their life. I wouldn’t.

“You know officer George, I’ll forgive theft over lying. And you, my dear friend, just earned yourself a VIP ticket to hell,” I spoke.

I dip the knife into his jawline, taking it down to his chin. He yelled out in pain, screaming and cursing at me. Red spills on my hand and I resist the urge to roll my eyes back at the sight of blood.

“You assholes. I’ll make you pay. I’ll haunt you. You mark my words!” The asshole yelled again. I ignored his threads and moved over to his mouth which has been talking a whole lot of rubbish.

I forced his mouth open, pulled out his tongue and once again, dipped the knife in it, then pulled it outwards, splitting his tongue into halves.

This time, he was unable to scream. His tears mixed with the blood on my hand. Deciding against cleaning it off, I walked back to the table and picked up a sharper blade, then walked back to him.

While I enjoyed playing with Officer George, I had to run back to my little flower. I couldn’t go on an entire day without keeping in contact with her, and this time, I wasn’t going to hide behind the screen. I plan on making an appearance and punish her for calling the police.

“I’ll see you in hell, Officer George,” I murmured, then quickly concealed his mouth with the duck tape.

I grabbed a fistful of his hair and pulled it backwards. I aimed for his Adam’s apple. I carefully slice the knife through his throat, his blood splattered all over my face, and simultaneously ending his miserable life. Then, for the sake of it, I punctured the knife in the side of his neck.

I stepped back to admire my handwork. Blood rushes in my ears, and my heart beats wildly in my chest.

This is what I live for!

The adrenaline rush is unlike anything I’ve ever known-an addiction. Something that can’t be bought off the streets or drank from a bottle.

I dipped my head backwards and waved at the camera implanted then, knowing that Hermine was watching all along.

Now, let’s pay a visit to my little flower.

———.