The Ghost Face Murders in Fall River

Ch. 5

Danny sat at the edge of the bed with Autumn on his lap as several police went through her home and one questioned them. It was rather difficult because of Autumn's inability to speak, which aggravated the cop.

"So let me get this straight... Some guy in a ghost face mask breaks in, attacks you, then another guy in a ghost face mask breaks in and kills him?" the cop repeated the information that had been given to him.

Clutching to Danny tightly, Autumn nodded.

The cop began writing on his notepad. "And where do you come in exactly?" he asked Danny.

"I was on my way to pick her up when she called me. She couldn't tell me what had happened, but I knew there was something wrong because she was crying. I told her I'd be there in a few minutes then got off the phone. She then sent me that text I showed you..." Danny was trying to keep his cool even though the cops demeanor wasn't much to be desired.

"And why were you coming to pick her up? Is she your girlfriend?"

"No, she's not." Danny answered. "I was picking her up to come stay with me for awhile because the sheriff advised those who live alone to stay with someone until this maniac is caught..." He held Autumn tighter as she laid her head on his shoulder.

"What's your relation to the victim?"

"Autumn is a friend and coworker. We're journalists at the Fall River Gazette. She's recently started working with me on the Ghost Face murders."

The cop looked up at him from his notepad. "What did you say your name was again?"

"Jed Olsen," Danny replied.

"You're the guy who writes those very detailed articles on Ghost Face..."

Very detailed, Danny felt a slight nervousness in his stomach.

"You think this Ghost Face guy targeted your friend here because of your articles?"

Relief. "I don't know, seems like a possibility. But if that was the case, then why did he kill her attacker and spare her?"

"Assuming that the guy who killed her attacker is even the real Ghost Face. Mr. Davis could be the serial killer for all we know, but let's just say he's not," the cop stated. "Let's say the guy who broke in after Mr. Davis is the Ghost Face that has been murdering folks, and he was actually on his way to kill Miss Carter, but he seen that someone else was in the process of doing so – this angers him because she's his victim... not Mr. Davis'. Since his plans were foiled, he kills Mr. Davis and leaves Miss Carter to come back another time..."

That statement produced a cry from Autumn who buried her face in the crook of Danny's neck. Of course Ghost Face would come back to finish her off, he didn't save people, he wasn't a hero – but a cold blooded killer.

"I know that's a scary possibility, but it's one we must keep in mind," the cop added. "The both of you may be in danger."

Danny felt Autumn trembling beneath his arms and her tears on his neck as they dripped from her eyes. He knew she was terrified that Ghost Face would come back for her, but he wouldn't; Danny had control over that. What he didn't have control over was what the police might do, they would probably want to keep a close eye on the both of them making it difficult for him to continue his murderous escapades. It was his carelessness that had gotten him into this mess, he had taken his restraint for granted and now he was emotionally attached to this young woman. Danny couldn't even remember the last time he gave a damn about someone...

"Mr. Olsen?" the cop said.

Danny looked at him. "Sorry. This is just all very difficult."