The Masked Murderer

Epilogue

One year had passed since my kidnapping ordeal and the death of Charles. A tremendous weight lifted from my shoulders when I learned that Charles was, in fact, dead. At the police station, Officer Stanley recounted the entire story; her words streamed into my mind like a film projecting onto a screen. Goosebumps prickled down my arms as I watched her lips move, the scene unfolding in slow motion.

"I was the first to receive the call from the bar," Officer Stanley informed, her words flowing effortlessly as though recounting someone else's tale while I listened, feeling like a bystander in my own story.

 Officer Stanley continued, "I immediately called for backup as soon as I got the details. More calls kept coming in, reporting a man driving erratically down Mills County Road near Route 5, brandishing a gun out of his window."

"That's near his parents' cabin, where he held me hostage!" I interjected.

Officer Stanley nodded, compassion sparking in her eyes. "I'm aware."

"We received another call soon after, reporting a man with a gun driving recklessly," Officer Stanley explained, "When we arrived on the scene, he attempted to evade us. We tried to get him to pull his vehicle over multiple times, but he refused to comply. Then he aimed his gun directly at us, leaving us no choice but to shoot. Officer Ramirez was in the passenger seat and managed to take a precise shot. When he fired at Charles, it was fatal."

Chills ran down my spine as Officer Stanley finished up her story. A wave of relief washed over me.

I also discovered more about his past. Five years ago, Charles's psychiatrist diagnosed him with a severe psychotic breakdown from which he never fully recovered. This condition was a contributing factor to what he did to me that night. Additionally, I discovered he had spent time in a psychiatric ward during his youth due to his disturbing obsession with torturing and killing animals. 

Once the police finished their investigation, we discovered that Charles was kidnapping and killing women when he was supposed to be working overtime.

His parents offered me their deepest sympathies, they were so very apologetic. It was just as hard for them to come to terms with Charles being a serial killer just as it was for me.

I was still in therapy and recovering from the detrimental psychological impact the kidnappings, murder, and my relationship with Charles had on me. It would take some years for me to make a full recovery, according to my therapist.

I moved in with my parents. I didn't mind because I felt very safe there and they always tended to my needs. If I was having a nightmare or flashbacks, Mom and Dad would immediately console me until I felt safe.

I picked up a part time job as a personal trainer at my local gym. I decided that being gainfully employed, along with the benefits of being physically active, would help me to get my mind off of everything. I also started dating one of my co-workers, Tristan, whom was also a personal trainer. He knew all about my past- the kidnappings and murders, and he was quite understanding of the fact that I wanted to take things slow. I learned to not rush into any relationship, but to take things slow and get to really know the person.

Overall, my life was slowly coming back together. I was very thankful I had survived, but I felt great sympathy for those women who didn't.

I was finally at peace with everything, and life was slowly becoming a much happier place.

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