The Familiar Stranger (short story)

Chapter 8 (unedited)

As I pull into the driveway of the devil himself, I take a deep breath. This could either go badly or perfectly.

There's no in between.

After walking through the doors, I make my way towards the basement. When I get down stairs, I see him. His head is hanging low. When he hears me, his head snaps up.

"Untie me this instance Miss Clark."

I ignore him and search the basement for gasoline. "I should've killed you right when you walked into the house. Oh, how I wish you were dead." I looked at him after finding the gasoline.

"You know Dr. Ryan, you're not really helping yourself right now. I want you dead as much as you want me dead." He chuckled but didn't say anything.

"I just want to know one thing. How did you pull this off?" As he was sitting there I noticed dry blood covering his face from the glass. Those demonic eyes sent shivers down my spine as he looked at me. "You see Miss Clark, your sister was quite the easy target. She asked me for a glass of water as her throat was sore. Being the person I am, I was easily trusted."he stopped talking and lightly chuckled.

"Silly girl" he stated with amusement.

"I may or may not have slipped something in her glass to make the process easier for me. As I watched her gulp down the liquid, I knew there was no turning back." His sly smile made me want to kill him then and there but I needed to make him suffer.

"You are sick!"

I exclaimed looking at him with disgust. "Maybe, but I'm not finished. You asked, therefore I will tell you everything whether you like it or not." He looked right into my eyes waiting for me to say something. When I didn't, he continued. "It wasn't enough to to make her pass out in my office, but enough to make her walk. To her car and fall asleep in the drivers seat." His eyes darted around the room suddenly looking anxious. I could see beads of sera rolling down his face from the heat swim here.

"Is it hot in here?" Dr. Ryan asked suddenly.

Finally taking notice that I had made a ring around him with gasoline. Oh Dr. Ryan... It will be hot in here when I'm finished.

Speaking of finish, "continue your story Dean."

He took a deep breath and continued. "The parking lot was dark but it wasn't hard to find Emma since it was midnight. There never are many cars when my shift is over. The door was unlocked so I made my move. I told you Miss Clark... Easy target." He smiled sardonically. "After that, I brought her here to this chair I'm sitting in." I watched his facial expressions as he spoke. He was so happy with what he had done. It was sick.

"How does this amuse you?! You nearly killed a girl. My sister! Did you honestly think you'd get away with it?" I yelled. Finally letting my rage show.

"You see Millie, I didn't think I would like it. But boy was I wrong. Torturing her was oddly... Exhilarating. Every slash to her skin made me crave more. I wanted her and you de-" I didn't let him finish. I poured gasoline over his head. I heard him spluttering and coughing but I didn't care. This man was sick.

Backing out of the basement I trailed the gasoline up the stairs and out of the house. When I was finished. I ran to my car and picked up a random piece of paper along with my lighter. Taking one last breath I lit the paper and threw it on the gasoline. Watching it trail through the front door.

I ran back to my car and sped down the drive way.

Knowing he will never come back was a relief. My sister and I were safe now. That's all that really matters. If I were to lose her. I would lose myself mentally. It just wasn't an option. Looking through my rear view mirror, I saw smoke in the distance. I couldn't help but feel safe. I shouldn't feel this way about someone dying, but when the man is a psycho, I can't help but feel relieved.

As I make my way to the hospital, I take one last look in the mirror.

"Goodbye Dr. Ryan"