The Zodiac Killer was a serial killer who operated in northern California in the late 1960s and early 1970s - his identity remains unknown, although there was recent evidence brought forward in May last year which presented a lead in the still unsolved case. The Zodiac murdered victims in Benicia, Vallejo, Lake Berryessa, and San Francisco between December 1968 and October 1969. Four men and three women between the ages of 16 and 29 were targeted though it was confessed that at least 34 people were murdered in this time. The killer originated the name "Zodiac" through a series of taunting letters he sent to the local Bay Area press including four cryptograms - only one cipher was definitively solved.
This short story aims to personify the killer as his identity currently remains unknown, to perhaps give an insight in to his mindset and evil ways.
When Jane Madarang's neighbor Natalie kills herself and leaves behind cryptic instructions, it's up to Jane and her classmates to unearth deadly secrets.
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Natalie Driscoll is dead.
She threw herself out a window and left her neighbor Jane to unravel their town's darkest secrets. Following Natalie's instructions leads Jane to three other high school students who all have something to hide. The four of them must carry out Natalie's final errand while solving the mysteries written in her diary. But the secrets they unearth may be far more dangerous than what they ever imagined.
Content and/or trigger warning: This story contains scenes of suicide, violence and murder that may be triggering for some readers.
[[word count: 100,000-150,000 words]]