The Missing

Sunday, 30th September 2007.

Ordinary. That was one of the only ways to describe the bland-looking man sat across the table from her. From the way he dressed, to the way he styled his hair- everything about him was ordinary.

Jessie sat opposite him, twirling her pasta around her fork over and over like a boa constrictor suffocating it's prey. She watched in disappointment, as the man she had grown such a connection with over the course of the past 2 years, babbled away about his home-grown vegetables and gardening. Jessie had dreamt of this day for so long. She imagined that the first day they actually met in person would have been magical and unforgettable. Instead, she sat in silence as the feelings she thought she had for him slipped silently away.

The evening dragged. Not helped by the fact that Jessie had been glancing at the clock every few minutes, watching as the hand slowly ticked away the seconds. It was eventually time to say their goodbyes, so Jessie buttoned up her black fur-hooded coat, bracing herself for the walk home. As they stepped out of the restaurant, the sharp wind swirled around their bodies and the smell of crisp leaves filled the air. Suddenly Jessie was encased in the man's arms as he slowly leaned in for the kiss. She turned her head slightly, causing him to catch her gently on the cheek. Looking up into his eyes, Jessie forced a smile and thanked him for such a 'wonderful' night. She turned her back towards him and briskly began her walk.

Usually the wander home wasn't too bad. Jessie had taken this route many times, but the cold Autumn night filled the derelict streets with an airy feeling. The sound of scaffolding clanking echoed for miles and the wind howled as it grasped the trees. With her hood up and hands tucked firmly into her pockets, Jessie hurriedly scuffled her way back to the safety and warmth of her home.

Click. The key turned in the lock and the door slowly opened. She stepped inside as a warm blast of air hit her with force. The bright light of the dining room lamp lit up the hallway as Jessie slipped off her boots.

'Fuck.', she thought to herself. It wasn't often she'd accidentally leave a lamp on whilst she was gone for long periods of time. Walking into the dining room, Jessie turned on the main lights and quickly switched off the lamp, her hands feelings the heat from where the plug had been left on for so long.

With a quick press of a button, the room filled with the sound of the late night news.

'Another body has been found as Lake-side Serial Killer strikes again'. Jessie's eyes flicked to the screen as she sat gently on the arm of her sofa.

'Another one?', she thought to herself.

It had been three weeks since the discovery of the first body. Raped, strangled, mutilated and left at the side of the road. Not a trace of DNA found. Four more discovered within the past few weeks. All sexually assaulted, all dead. Whoever was doing the killings clearly wanted them to be discovered, but was careful enough not to be caught.