Hell's torturer: The Demon in Disguise

Part 1

Stephanie

My head is spinning, I shouldn't have stayed up all night watching those horror movies. Weird as it sounds, they gave some comfort. For me, it was a way to add some thrill to the mundanity of life. It's the same boring stuff day in and day out. Sometimes I wish I could switch places with the main character of one of these books, at least I won't have to deal with this boring crap anymore. As a teenager, I always thought life would be more exciting once I graduated, but it's the exact opposite. Instead of having the unadulterated freedom to do whatever I want as a person living in a free world, I spend my days slaving away at a job that barely pays me to stay alive in this overcrowded city.

To top it all off, I had to spend the past few weekends going back and forth doing interviews in hopes that someone would take me in. Switching workplaces nowadays is the only reliable method of getting a promotion. It's annoying, but if it means finally being able to go on a vacation away from this city, it's all worth it. If this place rejects me, I think I'm just going to end things, or at the very least punch someone in the face. Preferably my boss.

The rejuvenating aroma of freshly ground coffee beans somewhat eases my anger. I could smell it even before my friend opened the door to the cafe. A sudden chill goes down my spine, just before we enter. I can't explain why, but I have this feeling that someone is watching me. This terrible sensation persists as we overhear the news of the recent killings.

"...Yesterday, a man in his forties was found decapitated in an abounded building on Columbus Avenue near the national park. Further investigation suggests that the victim was involved in human trafficking, more details are yet to be uncovered. There are no traces back to who might have done it, but the police are under the impression that it's the doing of none other than the infamous serial killer, who they dubbed: Hell's torturer. Stay tuned for more news on the case..."

"Jeez Louise! That's so close to where my ex lives, you think there is a chance he can be next on the killing list?" Rachel snorted through a fake laugh as she adjusted her seat to fit better on the small wooden chair that barely supported her weight." A girl can only dream, am I right?"

"That's not funny!" Jamie shot her with a glare, seething sparks flying from the two yellow pupils behind her glasses. Her expression however failed to evoke any earnestness. It was adorable if anything. With her face scrunched that way, she looked like a sad puppy. "A person died. That shouldn't be a laughing matter."

"Relax, the guy was a piece of garbage anyway. Why do you care?"

"Because it can happen to anybody," Jamie retorted. "Haven't you noticed how the cases have grown in number recently? The investigation has been open for years and they still haven't found the culprit of all these crimes. It gives the chills knowing there is a serial killer in our home city. Next time it could be someone I know."

"Don't worry," I budged in. "These kinds of stuff only happen in movies. Isn't life stressful enough? Who do you have to lose any sleep over some hypothetical scenario? Think about it, there are over 800, 000 people in San Francisco, what are the odds they'll kill you of all people? I would be more concerned about the amount of caffeine you consume every time you go out. It will end you sooner than you think if you keep that up."

"It's easy for you to say, Steph," she pouts. "You don't have to pull several all-nighters to study for medical exams. I need the energy boost!"

"Girl, the only thing you get is anxiety and you know it," Rachel says while fixing her makeup. She would put so much effort into her appearance, giving hundreds of dollars each month for procedures, and yet scoff at the suggestion that she should maybe visit a gym for a change. "Same goes for you, Steph. How are you preparing for the interview that's coming up today?"