A murderous summer

Chapter 4

A trucker made the discovery of Francis's body the next day. The police were quick to investigate. Was it the same murderer who had killed the young couple? The inspectors on this case also investigated Peggy's murder. They remade the same route taken earlier, asking questions to all their mutual friends. Joelle had no particular reaction when inspectors visited her. She had heard the news on television as most people in the city. The images of the accident strangely reminded her of her dream.

In small towns, news and rumors have always circulated very quickly. So it came as no surprise when people began to talk about a serial killer who massacred teenagers. Although there were only two victims so far.

Joelle went to the beach at sunset. She still felt the same uneasiness that when she awoke. She was unable to discard it. She was sure to have dreamed the death of her two friends. Had she had developed a skill to do premonitory dreams? If she talked with her doctor, will he believe her? She wasn't sure to believe it herself... Maybe it was just a coincidence, but the odds were a little thin.

Sighing, she pushed her knees under her chin. She tried to understand what was happening. Two of her friends had died since the beginning of the holidays. Why should they die?

"I knew I'd find you here," a voice behind her said.

Joelle didn't move, staring straight ahead. Laurie sank near the girl.

"You understand something about all this?" she asked her.

"Not really."

Laurie snorted.

"I feel that the holidays are going to be crappy."

"They haven't started very well, if you ask me," Joelle replied dryly.

"And I'm really sorry."

"You slept with Francis and kissed Samuel. Don't tell me you're sorry, please. You shouldn't have thought a moment to do that."

"I only wanted to help."

"Whom? Your friends?"

"Francis needed to forget about his problems and Samuel wanted to find a way to make you jealous to make you react. I feel nothing for them... And Sam was just talking about you. How much he loved you and you were great."

"You told us that you were jealous," Joelle replied.

"And this is the case. I took advantage of it, I know."

"But we're all friends," a voice behind the girls said.

They turned to see Christine, soaked cheeks with tears. She settled near Joelle, sniffing.

"We met worst conflicts over the years," the girl said.

"We are still there for one another," Laurie said.

The three girls remained silent a moment. They looked at the horizon before Christine suddenly bursts into tears. Joelle and Laurie frowned, turning to their friend. It took her a few seconds before she could explain to them what was wrong. Sniffing, she said Peggy surely wouldn't appreciate seeing them turn against each other as they did. Two of their friends had just died. They needed support and they were the only ones able to comfort each other. Laurie changed position and put an arm around Christine's shoulders. Joelle hesitated a moment before doing the same.

"Something horrible is happening," she finally told them.

Her friends looked up at her.

"A murderer is on the loose," Laurie said, shaking her head. "It's normal."