Chapter 1

Johanna was a simple twenty something year old girl, working thirty to forty hours a week, at a small 7-11 about a few blocks down the road. It took her a long time to get away from her family, and move to Tampa Florida. She wanted nothing more then the silence, and solace of being alone…maybe, she was just a little too alone. Johanna looked herself over at the full bodied mirror. She looked at her petite, bottom heavy frame, and scoffed.

"I really need to start working out more…" She thought about it every time she passed the mirror. And sighed, there was really no time for her to even think about getting a gym membership. Her normal work out, was walking to and from work. Even then, she would get stuck in thunderstorms, sometimes even rain. Tilting her head back, Johanna put her hair up in a small bun. Something she had learned from ROTC.

Sighing, she put on her tight black-blue jeans. Her ass, and the flab of skin that hung underneath her belly button always made it just a bit more difficult to put on, and find decent clothing…mainly jeans. Scoffing, she flopped down at the vanity mirror, and with haste put on her eye makeup. It wasn't like she was going to be late or anything…but she just wanted to be ready, and out the door. It would take her only fifteen minutes to walk from her cramped apartment, to the 7-11.

The silence that dragged out, in the almost abandoned apartment complex had always made her nervous. She chewed on her plump bottom lip, and felt her heart start to pitter patter. The news…the news about all those new killings, made her even more uncomfortable during the night. She wasn't afraid of anything…bugs, ghosts, zombies, vampires even werewolves…but a serial killer? That was different. That…was an all new level. Because…they were real. Her fingers were shaking, thinking, reliving those past memories of…of…

"Go ahead, think…relive it. Once again. Not like you need another panic attack." She forced the vomit down her throat. She couldn't call out sick, she needed the money…and she needed to get out of this small, cramped apartment. With a inward sigh, she touched the small picture frame to her left, it was her, and her sister Joanna. Everyone had gotten their names mixed up. One was Jo-anna the other Jo-Hana. Her sister, born three minutes earlier then her…would've been twenty at the end of the week.

"I miss you so much Joanna…I wish you were here…you would know what to do.." She had to force the memories back, her vision started to get blurry. Joanna looked just like their mother. Beautiful, slender, and perfect. Apple shaped face, big bright brown eyes…hazel if the light hits her face just perfect. More green then brown. And yet she, Johanna, got stuck looking just like their father.

Chestnut brown hair, and green eyes. Freckles that cross her cheeks, and over the bridge of her nose. More ass than breasts…and even looking at personality wise…she had her fathers nervous habits, chewing her nails, and the inside of her cheeks….

Swinging in the chair, she kept staring at the picture, them at graduation, tossing up peace signs. Her heart, was heavy…she was killed, murdered two years ago…the same night of graduation. The place…was a complete massacre…and there was nothing Johanna could've done. Joanna shoved her out of the way…and the glimmer of bright red, and silver.

Shuddering, she put the picture down, not wanting to face that night all over again. The vomit was in the back of her throat, her mouth watering. Johanna stood, brushing her polo over her large hips, as she grasped her purse, and the stun gun, shoving it deep, yet in easy reach. She was always nervous about heading out, going to work…she had to work a 2 pm to 10 pm shift. And she just didn't want to stand looking at every, single, customer's face.

Afraid she might find that man…the man that still hasn't gotten caught yet. The man that had killed her mother, father, and her twin sister. Gritting her teeth, she took the pen and journal she kept by her side at all times. Incase she needed to write something, she could write down whatever story that had came to mind.

Johanna, wasn't much more interesting then the next person. All she did on her free times other then read, was write. She wrote for herself, and as a freelance writer. Whatever someone was willing to pay her, she would write. She wanted to get her own stuff published, but who now a days read true crime novels anymore? Johanna, reached behind the bedroom door, and took hold of her black umbrella. After the news of the new bodies piling up, there was the weather forecast. And they were calling for a chance of rain.

She took once last look through her bedroom, being sure she didn't miss anything important. She had her cell, her knife, her stun gun, pen and journal…she was pretty sure, she had everything she needed.

As she walked through the small cramped, and bare hallway, she closed every door on the way out. She, didn't want anyone to surprise her just incase. She reached the living room, the television blaring, that way she could hear what they were saying in the back rooms. Her hands shook, when the picture of the 'suspect' popped up on screen. All she could see, was a white hoodie, blue skinny jeans, and the long shoulder length black hair.

The food she ate earlier, was touching her tongue. This…this man looked familiar…Johanna had seen him before…but…shaking her head, she blocked out the memory and turned the television off. She didn't want to waste anymore time then she had already. Her heart was in her throat, and she felt faint. Already, the trip down memory lane was killing her. And this was pushing the issue. She had willed herself to forget that night, and she would keep it that way…she didn't want to remember the screams, the begging, pleading and crying of her family. She just, wanted to live her own life, away from that…

And that tragic event took place in Kennesaw Georgia…was he following her? After two years…did he finally realize he had made a mistake, and forgot someone to slaughter? The thought made a shiver run down Johanna's spine. She turned around and started for the exit. She had enough time, wallowing in her own self pity. She was an adult, she had been living by herself the last two years, what had made her think…she would break now? Lifting her chin, she gave her self a small…comforting smile as she looked at her face in the mirror.

It had been three full days since her last peaceful nights sleep, since the murders had started up again. Though her hands were shaky, she knew she could get through this shift…if she could just concentrate on something other then…him. With a deep breath she opened the door, and started down the stairs.

It wasn't long into Johanna's shift, till she started feeling tired. Realizing the sleep deprivation was settling in she cracked her neck. She hated working this shift by herself, there were too many people to help, and not enough people working. She had to cook the food, ring the people up, and count money. The air conditioner broke, and the store was broiling.

"Hey beautiful." A soft Cajun accent made her eyes snap up. She flashed him a smile, feeling her cheeks warm.

"Hey Tony." She replied, her eyes flashed with happiness to see him. And he waved. Jet black hair, clung to his naturally tanned skin. His naturally white, teeth made her realize, how handsome he was…and the depths of those black eyes almost made her want to swoon. She couldn't help but let the blush creep up her neck. He chuckled at her.

"How you been holdin' up dear?" He asked, looking her over. Toned muscles clung to the white tank top. Her eyes roamed over those muscles. Her heart started to flutter.

Everyone in their grannies would've been able to see the crush she had on Tony…everyone but Tony at least. He was blind, unless he didn't want to see his child hood best friend in love with him, and ended up broken hearted. Tilting her head to the side for a moment, she bit her bottom lip.

"I've been holding up. Doing okay…at least that what I want to think." She shrugged, ringing up an elderly woman as she smiled at her. She thanked her, and watched Tony open the door for her. It was a small store, and it was stifling…making her feel uncomfortable. Tony's eyes lowered at her face, and that dark gaze made her feel…watched, safe.

"Johanna, don't lie to me. I know you better then that." He leaned against the counter, chugging the bottle of water. She looked at him, a flash of anger crossing her green hues. She gave another shrug, as she started to fan her self.

"I can fix that you know." He rose a brow, the smallest of smirks slipped across his cheeks. Johanna rolled her eyes in annoyance.

"I know, you have that special touch that can fix anything." She replied, and the joke that followed made her cheeks turn a shade darker.

"My touch can fix you dear."

She looked at him, her mouth hung open for a second, as she chuckled.

"You're funny." She crossed her arms, and watched the sun, dip over the palm trees. She wanted to be out there, at the same time, she was happy to be here, in the store…with Tony, of all people. Even though, he was always closer with her sister, then she herself…he even loved Joanna at one point too…she wanted to shake that image out of her head.

"Childhood best friends…neighbors…his mother the sweetest woman in the world…even through the cancer." She didn't want to think about his mother like that, she was the sweetest woman in the world, and the strongest she had ever known. Even stronger then her own mother, she crossed her eyes, her eyes becoming foggy with tears.

"Jo-Jo? What's going through your mind?" He asked, placing the palms of his hands on the counter leaning forward. He could tell she was about to cry, yet she lifted her head, and stared him in the eyes.

"Don't worry about it Tony." She replied, grabbing the bottle of water, ringing him up, she tossed the cash in the register. He looked at her, worry crossing his handsome, beautiful face.

"He's too beautiful for his own good…not like he had ever been interested in me anyway…" She forced herself to think.

"I don't want you walking home tonight by yourself Jo-Jo…all those murders…those girls…" He shook his head obviously not wanting to think about it. Johanna couldn't help but giggle at him.

"Tony, did you forget what you bought me last year?" She gave him a cheeky smile, her dimples deepened. Tony, smiled with her. He was…too beautiful. No wonder, he had never wanted to date her, he was wayyy out of her league. With a sigh, they said their goodbyes. Inside, she didn't want him to leave, she wanted him to stay with her…keep her company.

Deep inside, she was scared shitless.

The radius of the killings were getting closer, and closer to her hometown…and it was starting to make her nervous. Yet, she kept fiddling through her Ipod. Around nine the store died down a bit, and she was left cleaning up the last bit of food. Andrew, was going to be late again…as always. After all, it was a Sunday, and the night before, she knew he was out binge drinking at the tiki bar. She sighed, and felt the deep need to lay down, in her wonderful comfortable bed and sink into sleep.

But, something kept stopping her…something in her gut was telling her to wait. She kept looking over to the door, wondering what was going to happen. She wanted to pace, but she knew Boss always watched the camera…and the last thing she needed was for her to watch her pace. She sighed, and took in the slow deep breaths to calm her down. Her nerves were on the fritz.

"All because you haven't slept in days…you just need to keep your mind in the game, and you'll be fine…" She told her self. That's all she had to do…was keep telling herself everything will be fine…everything will be okay. Nothing was going to happen.

Ding

Ding

Ding

"Hello, I'll be right with you." Johanna called from the back. She had just started to really clean the utensils.

"No need Jo-Jo, I'm going to be your release tonight." It was…Sandra? What was she doing here? With quick steps, she saw the pretty redhead started to put her purse behind the counter. She was stunned. She still wore make up from the other day.

"What…what about Andrew?" She asked, Sandra shrugged and looked her over. Her eyes were bloodshot, obviously she had been drinking last night. Johanna crossed her arms.

"Sandra…" She started; Sandra rose her hands.

"Listen, I had a few drinks with Andrew last night at the tiki bar, and we split. He stayed for a few more and I went home. I don't know why he didn't show up. He just didn't. So, Boss called me and asked if I could cover him. And I said sure. I need the extra cash." Sandra was putting on her polo and Johanna nodded.

It was normal for Andrew to be late, but…not showing up for work? Johanna started to get that ache in her stomach, and a chill throughout her body. Something wasn't right…and she could tell.

"A…Alright, I'll clock out and start home…" She felt her mouth start to go dry…her hands were shaking, and her nerves were shot.

He watched patiently, his next target was walking down the street. The light drizzle bounced off the umbrella. His dark gaze wondered over her body, he licked his chapped, broken lips. The deep smile he had cut into his face made him look beautiful, and no one, would be as beautiful as he. No women, no man. No one. He wouldn't allow it. Not in his life time. He kept his head bowed, hands inside his stained white hoodie pocket. It was difficult to hold back the laughter that coursed throughout in his gut. The woman was oblivious to him. She had no idea what he was doing, and that was perfect. His next kill would be…different. She, would be gutted, and forced to be kept alive. He would make sure, she would feel every, little thing he was doing to her. He let a chuckle slip, and she didn't seem to notice. That was good too. His eyes, wide, and bouncing stared at her petite frame. She was a much heavier woman then what he had normally went after, and he didn't mind one bit. She had let her hair down. Long and well passed her ass, almost to the knees. She was tired, and her shoulders slumped. If she had noticed him, she would've turned around by now. He knew her type better then most. At the same time, he tilted his head at her. She would be a different target, throw the cops off…and most of all, the ones stereotyping him in the same as every other serial killer. She however, did have a very, beautiful face…

And she didn't smile. That was why he chose her, she didn't smile. And that made him angry. She needed to smile more, and often. Normally, he wouldn't stalk his targets, he would just jump on them, and gut them like a pig…but she was different. He didn't know how, he walked a bit faster, now, letting his presence be known. He wanted her to know he was there; there she was, looking over her shoulder, bright green globes staring at him. Hair plastered to his face, hoodie tight against his frame, and she saw his beautiful face.

She saw his beautiful face, and was shocked by how stunning he was. He, started to laugh, holding onto the knife handle. Her mouth was moving…he couldn't really hear the words, over the bleating of his heart. The blood lust to a point that he couldn't see. He was about to reach out, when one sentence stopped him.

"Stop or I'll shoot." Johanna held out the stun gun, aiming directly at this madman's chest. He was tall, muscularly lean…and his face was what scared her shitless. She recoiled at his face, crusted with the deep laceration at each edge. Cutting through his cheeks, stopping right at the jaw line. He was, fucking frightening. His hoodie was stained with splotches of crimson, and clung to his body, the black hair clung to his parchment white face. He kept cocking his head to the side, looking at her as if she were insane.

"I said, stop or I'll shoot." She threatened again, when he took another step. She was just about to pull the trigger when he started to laugh, it caused goose bumps to rise against her skin.

"All I want was to make you beautiful. Just like me." He kept laughing, her body trembling. She had long since dropped the umbrella. She knew someone was following her as soon as she stepped from the store, she could hear the muffled sound of foot steps. He was good, but not as good as her hearing. She had gotten used to listening to things, for things…her body trembled, and he took another step forward.

"Come, let me make you beautiful…" He cooed. His eyes, kept bouncing around in his skull, making her want to cry.

"Please…just turn around…and go away. I don't want to shoot you." She was attempting to make it look like a real gun. The man just kept getting closer, one step at a time.

"You think I'm dumb girl?" He chuckled. Lowered his head for a minute. He looked right at her, his eyes plowing deep into hers, and for a moment, the stun gun wavered, yet she stood her ground.

"I will shoot." She snapped, the anger flushed into her eyes, parting her feet and bending her elbows. He just kept walking, only five feet in front of her. The blade he held was long, and wide, looking just like a butcher knife. The blade, she could tell was sharp…and stained a rust color.

"I REFUSE to be this maniacs next victim…" She thought.

"If you were going to shoot, you would've by now little girl." He chuckled, the blade rising. Her eyes darkened for a second, and pulled the trigger.

He went down, and his body wouldn't stop convulsing. After a solid three minutes the prongs were removed, and he felt himself trembling. That bitch did shoot him, thankfully it wasn't a real gun. It was a stun gun, something he should've known. By the time he sat up, and removed the rest from his chest, the woman had already ran away. Half way down the block, he could see her from where he was. She didn't live that far, and he will make her beautiful.