In a Coffin

Prologue

"Another prostitute murdered. Come get your paper here." A young boy with brown hair began shouting out. In his hand, is a crumpled package of paper and written in bold for everyone to see were the words, "Jack the Ripper strikes again."

This did nothing to reassure Avery. She had no choice but to quit being a lady of the night. An involuntary shudder ran up her spine. No one had a clue if Jack was striking only current prostitutes or if it was anyone who was a prostitute. So for now, Avery was alert about everything. She wasn't exactly the average woman but she had no idea who Jack was, so for now she was earning her money by stealing it. At least until Jack was caught.

How many had been killed now? Six, that makes six. Avery thought as she stared at the paper at the boy's feet. She read over the details, only looking for one thing. The name. She was close friends with some others and she prayed none of them would be harmed.

Swallowing down a sob she wiped at a tear. Mary Jane Kelly. Mary was the most recent victim and one of Avery's closest friends. She tried to reread the paper, hoping she had read it wrong because of exhaustion or hunger but the black ink stayed in place spelling out a name she hoped she would never see there. Taking a step back, she turned and clenched the unclenched her fists, trying to calm herself. If I EVER figure out who this bastard is, I will kill him. She promised herself silently.

She began walking in the direction of the market she visited daily. There was where she stole. She hated it, but she had no choice. It was a bit of guilt against her life. And here she knew every twist and turn of the stalls, buildings, and alleys. For her, that was better then not knowing how to get around at all.

Avery's P.O.V…

I can't stop thinking about Mary. She did not deserve death. She was kind and friendly. Turning a corner, I continue to look down at my shoes. The sound of my heels clicking, echoing off the walls in the alleyway. The recent rain made everything wet. My shoes where soaked from stumbling into a puddle earlier. I trust my feet to take me where I need to go. The market is not too far from where I am now. Only about 4 minutes. I want to get this over with. I hated stealing. I hate it so much, but it is how I get food and clothing. I did make a living off of my beauty in prostitution. That was until Jack the Ripper became a threat for me.

I am so deep in my thoughts I don't even notice I am being followed until a hand grabs my hair and clamps my mouth shut. I try to scream but I know it is no use. All the sound being made is a long muffled mmmm. Quickly, my body throws its guards up.

"You're a pretty one, darling." My assaulter has a deep voice. I can smell alcohol heavy on his breath. I try to calm myself in hopes of getting an idea. I must not let my gift show. I must stay calm. If I am exposed I am dead for sure. I must stop struggling. Maybe then I will be only hurt a little.

I can't calm though. His hand is blocking off my breathing. My head feels fuzzy and my arms reach up to try and pry his off my face. I can't breathe! Water feels my eyes and my lungs begin screaming for air. Dear god no. Please don't let me die. I think I might have to expose my gift. I don't want to die here.

As if god heard my prayer the man holding me shifts ever so slightly so I can breathe again while not having to reveal what I was. I take several deep breaths and calm my heart rate. I stop struggling because it would only bring me more hurt. I have dealt with people like this before many times. The difference was I had no need to hide my nature, besides most of the ones before were drunk but not forceful to this extent. The grip around my mouth releases my face.

"Please sir. I only ask you that you let me go. Please. I won't tell anyone." He just snickers and snakes his hand around my waist. I want nothing more but to rip it off but I still and let him.

"Now why would I do that? I want you to be a good girl and take your clothes off." I shudder but know it is my only option other then possibly being round up and killed. I bend down and undo the laces on my shoes, then undo the buttons running down the spine of my dress. I remove everything but my panties and bra. The cold air bites at my pale skin. "Please. I don't want this." I try once more to reason with him but to no avail.

He turns me around, holding me tightly against his chest. He thrusts his hand down to cup my sex. I silently cry while he moves my panties to the side and inserts one then two of his fingers. I close my eyes and wish over and over for this to end. But it doesn't. It just gets worse. I wait while he restrains my wrists and pulls his manhood out. I bite my lip to the point of it bleeding when he enters me. It was painful. I am used to the feeling physically, but it hurts so badly. Like fire. I just try to stay quiet. Even if someone were to hear and come, hey would believe the man over me. That is just how things work. The guy has higher social status then a woman usually and I don't really have to best of lifes. I am a lady of the night, a prostitute. Plus I am now a thief. No one would care.

After an eternity of pain he finally stops. He pulls out and pushes me to the ground. I probably would have not been able to stand any way.

"Get your ass dressed, bitch." He spits at me. I take note he has become more aggressive. I don't want to make him mad. I find my mud caked dress and slip it back on with a bit of effort.

Once I am dressed again he pulls me from the ground by my black hair. I gasp in pain. He only chuckles and pulls my face up to meet his. "I can't let you go around telling anyone about me so say goodnight bitch."

With that he pulls out a knife and thrusts it into my side. At first the blade feels odd then my eyes widen at the pain. I scream. SIlver! It's a silver knife and it is agony. Today is the day I die. I am going to die! No, I can't die. I am not going to die! Its just today isn't my day.

He forces me to the ground and kicks my torso again and again. I become more desperate for air with every blow. Without thinking I stop my heartbeat. It is a gift I have. One I am grateful for in this moment. He smiles down on me.

"That's what you get, bitch." He turns and walks away. I can't help the smile playing on my lips. Why should I deserve such a thing? I sigh barely and close my eyes. At least it is over now. I can just sleep now. If I can't I will try and recover. After all I always have.