PROLOGUE
I stared blankly at the body in front of me. There was so much blood. And the scream…
It was bloodcurdling.
How could this have happened?
The day had gone so well. I just received a promotion and we were going to go out to celebrate.
Why?
The sound of sirens quickly approached. The blue and red lights flashed through the window and consumed the room.
"Artie…" He reached for me.
"No! Leave!" I shouted, pushing him away. "If they find you, they'll kill you!"
"I cannot die because I am not alive. I do not feel pain." Even as he said this, he had an uncertain look on his face. "Artemisia…"
I pushed him, again. "Don't lie to me. I told you to always be honest. You're scared. You're just as scared as I am and that's okay… I always knew that there was more to you than just being a mindless drone. You're alive. You can feel emotions and you deserve to live."
"I cannot – "
"Police! Open the door!"
"If you continue to deny it, then obey this: Leave and never come back!"
"Open the door! We know you're in there!"
Knowing that he was trapped, he finally gave me one last look before running out that back door just as two men broke through the front.
Spotting me right beside the deceased, they immediately seized my arms and pulled me down. Three more officers ran in with their guns pointed at me.
"Let me go!" I shouted, trying to wrench my arms away from the two men who were dragging me into their car. "Let me go! I haven't done anything!"
"You are under arrest for the murder of Lina Sanchez!" Two cold cuffs clamped down on my wrists.
"I didn't murder her! I haven't done anything!" I shouted, again, but it was useless. They weren't listening. "It wasn't me!"
I sobbed as the door slammed closed.