The Ghost Face Murders in Fall River

Ch. 13

This chapter has sensitive topics and graphic depictions of animal abuse, suicide and graphic language. Mild depictions of child abuse. You read at your own discretion.

Unrelated: If I don't get the next chapter out before the holiday, I hope all my readers have a great Christmas. If you don't celebrate, I still hope you have a good day. Thank you.
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Danny pulled into Kim's driveway and looked over at Autumn. "You ready?" he asked her.

"Yep." She wasn't so sure, but she knew Jed had places to be.

They both got out of the car and Danny grabbed her bag from the backseat. before they even made it to the door Kim opened it.

"Hey, guys!" she greeted them with a bright smile.

Autumn put on a smile for her, but she was starting to regret her decision. "Hey."

"Come on in!" Kim stepped out of the way to let her guests inside.

As soon as they stepped in, there was the sound of a tiny bell tinkling and a fluffy black cat came trotting into the foyer. Autumn's heart palpitated at the sight of the furry critter.

"Where would you like for me to put Autumn's stuff?" Danny asked.

The cat brushed up against Kim's ankles then came over to Danny and did the same. The corner of Danny's mouth twitched, he hated cats ever since his cousin took his kitten and set it on fire. His dad gave him that kitten for his ninth birthday. Danny loved that thing, it was his light and his comfort. Then his cousin took it from him, doused it in gasoline, and set it on fire. His cousin laughed as the kitten yowled in anguish while Danny watched helplessly through his own tears. The kitten flailed and rolled, but the flames did not falter. Before it succumbed to the flames, his cousin kicked it into a puddle, putting out the fire. Danny wailed as the smoldering animal flopped around in the puddle struggling for its life. The smell, the way its burnt body looked, and the sound of its little bones crunching under the weight of his cousins boot when he finally stepped on it to put it out of its misery haunted him to this day. His dad wanted to get him another one; he even offered to get him a puppy, but Danny was so heartbroken and traumatized over his little kitten that he never wanted another pet again. He had successfully remained petless ever since, but whenever Autumn was ready for a bunny, he would be more than glad to welcome one or two into his home. He'd make sure they were safe from people like Skylar and his cousin.

"I'll take it," Kim offered extending her arm to receive Autumn's things.

Danny handed the bag over and smiled. "Thanks."

"Sure! You guys come in and make yourselves at home," she said heading toward the living room.

Autumn was too busy crouched down petting the cat. "Kitty-cat, Kitty-cat," she sang in a whisper.

Danny looked down beside him to see his girlfriend mingling with the beast. The way she sang to it as she ran her hand down its back was cute, but Danny definitely wasn't letting her have one. She then took her sling off and picked the cat up and held it in her arms like it was some precious relic. Autumn took it into the living room with her and Danny followed behind.

"You want to p-pet it?" Autumn asked standing up.

"No thank you, I hate cats," Danny replied with a snicker. He only tolerated Charlotte's love for the damn things because he was trying to keep his personal life out of the office.

"Aw, but look at it's smooshy face!" she said turning the cat around so it could look upon him with its buggy orange eyes.

Danny looked into the cat's eyes. It looked deep into his black, putrid soul, judging him for letting his cousin kill his kitten. He smirked at it. "It's hideous. I hate it."