HUNT, OR BE HUNTED

CHAPTER 15: THE SUICIDE

A female nurse has become the latest victim of an animal attack which occurred at the Woods Hospital, yesterday. A colleague found her disfigured body wrapped in bedspreads in the ward of a male patient, whose identity has not yet been released by the press.

“This was not done by a human, I am positive. There is no sign of the patient ever since the tragedy, but I believe he is the only witness to this tragic incident. I still don’t understand how something like this could happen,” the female colleague was in tears as she spoke to the press. “She was such a nice person.”

The police are calling upon any witnesses to come forward. Police are now searching for the missing patient. Investigation of the case is still underway.

“Animal attack?” Seth scoffed. “I don’t believe it.”

Jacque shrugged. “Do you think an animal got into the hospital and killed a nurse? It doesn’t make a damn sense to me.”

“Either it was murder, or…”

“It’s one of them,” Jacque intervened.

“Are you saying…” Seth trailed off, and his mouth dropped open. “You think it was one of them who did this?”

“I can’t say I’m a hundred percent sure, but if you sort of put the pieces together...they make sense.”

Seth turned the volume down, and fixed his glowing eyes on his younger brother. “Then we shall go and find it out for ourselves, brother,” he said. “If you are right, then we got ourselves a new victim.”

The missing patient has been identified as Bane West, 30. He had earlier been the victim of a hit and run, and was not expected to have recovered until a span of five days. Facial features include dark hair and golden-yellow eyes. He is six feet one, with a robust frame. Anyone who has seen him or knows of his whereabouts is requested to inform the police. Investigation is still ongoing.

“I want you to bring him to me,” Seth ordered.

“What if he isn’t the one?” Aro asked timidly. “What if he is just a normal human being?”

“How can you be sure that he is one of them?” Rave chimed in.

“I do not hire you to ask me questions,” Seth sneered. “Bring him to me, and then I will see what I have to do.”

“I’ll go with them,” Jacque said, refilling his pistol. “I know for sure he isn’t innocent.”

“If he is one of them, don’t hesitate to kill him if he tries to harm you,” Seth said. “Show no mercy, brother.”

“No mercy,” Jacque nodded. “No mercy at all.”

###

He did not know where he was going. He just knew he had to run away. He was a wanted man now, a murderer. He wanted so badly to stop living, but he had failed at trying to kill himself. What if he tried another way? Would he even succeed?

He was at the top of a building. Somehow his aimless wandering had brought him here. He glanced around, began walking towards the edge. He knew what he had to do. All he had to do was jump, and then it would all be over. He wouldn’t even feel a thing.

His suffering would all disappear, and he would be free forever. Every painful beat of his heart meant that everyone was still in danger. As long as he was still breathing, no one was ever going to be safe.  

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” a voice made him turn around. He came face to face with a young man, probably in his twenties, with a neat goatee, and brown hair. His blue eyes seemed to sparkle as he began to step forward.

“Who are you?”

“Bane West, is that right?” he smiled. “My name is Jacque.”

“What do you want with me? And how do you know my name?” Bane was shaking-he didn’t know if it was fear or shock.

“Just get down from there, and I will answer all your questions,” Jacque took another step.

“Don’t come any closer!” Bane yelled. He was already at the edge, just one step away from freedom.

“Whoa, take it easy,” Jacque stopped, raised both of his hands. “I mean you no harm.”

“Go away.”

“I need you to calm down,” Jacque said slowly. “Tell me, do you know what happened that night?”  

“It is none of your business,” Bane snapped. “I said, go away, or I’ll-

“You’ll kill me?” Jacque cut in, and a surprised look washed over Bane’s face. “You see, I know who killed the poor girl.”

“What are you talking about?” Bane was unable to hide his shock.

“I know you killed her, Bane. Without even realizing what you were doing,” Jacque’s eyes narrowed. “You are a monster.”

“I don’t understand. How did-

“You kill, and you feed. You lose control when you least expect it to, and the next thing you know, someone winds up dead. Do you think a normal human being can recover within hours of being hit by a damn truck?”

“I don’t understand,” Bane repeated. “I don’t freaking understand!” he shouted suddenly. “I go crazy without knowing it, and I murder innocent people. You are right, I am truly a monster.”

“So will you just step down from there so we can talk this through? I can help you,” Jacque said. “I can explain everything that is happening to you.”

“I don’t need your help!” Bane cried. “I can’t be helped! There is no more hope for me.”

“You don’t get it, do you? You think you’re the only one.”

“What?”

“You’re not the only one going through this. There are more people out there, experiencing the same thing.”

“You’re lying. I’m going insane, that’s all there is to explain for the murders. Insanity cannot be saved. So please, just leave me alone.”

“You’re making a big mistake,” Jacque said. “Trust me, I will not lie to you.”

“I have nothing left, nothing at all. I just want to end all my misery. I can’t take it anymore. Please, just go away.”

“No, you have to listen to me. Listen to what I have to say.”

“There is nothing else to say. I am a killer, a monster. And I deserve to die.”

“I can help you, Bane. All you have to do-

“I am a monster. I cannot be saved. I deserve to die,” his eyes were dull as he turned away from Jacque.

“Bane, listen to me!”

In that split second, Bane stepped over the edge, and vanished from sight, plunging to his certain death below.