Zack had trouble falling asleep that night. He allowed himself to slip into the whirlpool of memories which made up his shit past and now he was paying the price. Memoires flooded his consciousness. Memories of the pieces of his past that set him on the path he walked now. The path of a cold blooded murderer.

The proprietors mocking the misfortune of the suffering children that they were supposed to be caring for. Forcing him to bury the rotting corpses. Lying to the children in order to get them to behave. Promising food or warmth in exchange for obedience. Lying. Here his hatred of liars was born. The blurred faces of the other children who were too helpless to fight for themselves. The feeling of a constant ache of a hollow stomach; digging desperately through the trash eating whatever he could get his hands on. Gagging as he forced rotting food down his throat.

Then that thrill when he drove a blade into their bodies, wiping them from the earth. He had felt free...then there was the old man who took him in. Even knowing what Zack had done, he accepted him as he was. Maybe his life would've turned out differently if that guy hadn't gone and gotten himself killed. He never did learn that guys name. Isaac recalled the couple he came across laughing and joking about how they had killed the man for pennies in his pocket. When he killed them he realized his hatred of smiles. If society wanted him to be a monster, he would show them a monster.

These memories filled him with anger...rage...a thirst for blood. Zack's hands began to tremble in anger. He didn't understand that what he really felt was hurt. To be hurt was to be weak, so instead he was angry. Anger and hatred was easier, killing had become the only way he knew to satisfy the chills that sprang through his spine. He lived for the high of slicing through flesh, the crunch of bone, faces falling to despair, exhilarating screams. He didn't know any other way to deal with the emptiness that filled his soul. Not that he realized he was empty to begin with. After all how could he when these feelings are all he's ever known?

"Zack?" a delicate voice snapped him back to reality. "Zack you're squeezing me too tight…"

Ray was squirming trying to break free. He hadn't realized he had her in a vice like grip, slightly crushing her.

Ray...she had been the first to break through his mental barriers. Filling his emptiness with something more...something warm and foreign. It was uncomfortable because it was unknown...but not unpleasant. Emotions...

"Shit! Sorry Ray."

Isaac loosened his grip allowing her to escape. She shifted her small body upright so she could see his face. His dissonant eyes had a slight haze to him. The haze was slightly similar to that time on Cathy's floor when he has injected a dangerous drug into his body. Though it wasn't as strong this time. He still had his wits about him. That drug had driven him mad and he had almost killed her a 2nd time.

This still worried Ray, she was met with a growl when she tried to reach out to place a delicate hand on his face.

"Back off…" Zack looked away from her, in one quick movement slapping her hand away and moving so he was now sitting on the edge of the bed facing away from her. He still seemed in control at least...but something must've triggered this reaction.

She had inquired about his past. Ray remembered the dollhouse before the drug injection. How bothered Zack was by it, he really seemed affected by it.

It must've had something to do with his past. That orphanage where Isaac Foster an innocent hurt child was obliterated and Isaac Foster the merciless serial killer was born.

"I'm sorry if I made you angry asking you about that stuff…" she didn't really know what else to say.

She just knew somehow her bringing it up caused this reaction. She needed to calm him down before he went off on a killing spree. He might even kill her in the process and she knew he didn't want that just yet. Surprisingly she realized neither did she.

"Tch. S'not yer fault" he replied still seeming very distant. He was still fighting to suppress his cravings that threatened to take over. He disliked not being in control. To his surprise despite his presently aggressive demeanor a pair of fragile arms wrapped around his torso. He had to push away his initial thought on how easy it would be to break those arms.

"Weren't you listening? I said BACK off!" Zack growled at the girl embracing him from behind.

She could feel him tensing up at her touch but she refused to let go. Instead she squeezed him a little tighter. As if the harder she squeezed the more he would be able to sense how much she cared for him.

"Your hurting." she stated simply.

"Monsters don't hurt Ray…" He didn't relax from her touch yet he didn't pull away either.

Ray pressed her head to his back, "That might be true. But your not a monster Zack."

"Tch! How can you even say that…don't you know know me at all?" he didn't get it.

Even if she wasn't exactly clean herself what she had done didn't hold a candle to his years of slaughter. Rachel moved off the bed so she was in front him, gently grasping his chin to make him look at her. It was like staring into the ocean.

"I know your not perfect. I know what you've done and what you still do. I know that like me you had a bad past." she took a breath before continuing; gently brushing the exposed skin around his eyes. This caused a different kind of shiver down his spine, he continued to listen "I know that past has left you with permanent scars that you think you need to hide. I know you are strong, the fact that you are still here after so much only proves it. I also know that because of all these things you've been called a monster so much that you started to believe it and call yourself a monster."

Her eyes had hardly a trace of the once dead eyed girl..there was a sparkle to them. Much like the one she had when she saw him breaking through the window to her rescue. Her words mimicking the sea in her eyes washing his anger and frustration away. She spoke with conviction. She really meant what she was saying.

" But your not. I know sides of you that no one else does and to tell with whatever the world says or thinks. Your NOT a monster. You are and always will be Zack to me. Nothing more and nothing less."

Zacks eyes softened, he felt something stinging the corners of his eyes. What was that sting? Last time he felt that was when he had thought he was going to lose this precious girl standing in front of him. How did she speak with such power? She has always had her moments of knowing the right words to say, but now she's stronger. More sure of herself, she isn't so indifferent when it comes to making decisions and choosing her words.

Zack pulled her into him hugging her tightly as he stroked her hair. "Ya really are a brat…"

She smiled too bad he couldn't see it as it was her most genuine smile yet.

"I know. But you like having me around anyway."

"Tch. Whatever." he rolled his eyes and ruffled her hair. "But yeah...I do."

At least for now maybe he started to believe her...just a little.

"Are you okay now?" she asked in a worried tone. Eyeballing the clock she realized it was 3AM she had fallen asleep around 11PM. Had he been up all that time?

"I'll be fine…" the haze had changed to one of sleepiness. Isaac's eyes started to droop.

"You haven't slept at all have you?" she received a grunt in response.

Though he was calmer he still seemed tense. Ray recalled something she had seen on the television once and wondered if it would work.

"Lay on your stomach." her tone was completely neutral but authoritative.

"Hah?" Zack looked at her blearily confused by her request.

"Just do it." Ray tried to gently nudge him to lay back down.

"Tch. Fine." grumbling the black haired man shifted himself onto his stomach turning his head on his pillow so he could see what the little blonde was doing.

Without a word or warning he watched her climb up to position herself on his back. Had he not been so tired he probably would of knocked her off. He admittedly was also a little curious.

"The fuck ya doin'?"

Her palms around his shoulders caused him to tense up.

"I'm giving you a massage." she continued her actions now kneading his muscles which he was pretty sure were more tense than they had been a moment ago.

"The hell? Why?" he wasn't sure how to respond, he would be lying if he said he wanted her to stop. It didn't feel bad.

"To help you calm down so you can fall asleep. You need to stop tensing up though." she stated matter of factly.

"Tch...whatever...but ...I guess ya can keep doin' that.." Isaac yawned sleepily. Whatever she was doing it was helping.

Slowly with movement the firm muscles in the man's body slackened under her palms. Ray hadn't ever really felt just how strong his body really was. Even under the bandages she had been able to see he was thin but built. Though she was careful not to move them too much occasionally bits of bandages separated allowing her to see bits of scarred flesh mixed with skin.

Now that she thought about it this was the first time she'd really been able to feel him. Only times she'd really touched him was when tending an injury, giving a hug or occasionally when they got closer than usual while cuddling. He was naturally this way...that much she knew. With the exception of chasing poor souls to their deaths and swinging his heavy scythe the man was pretty lazy.

Rachel's delicate fingers worked their way up to the nape of his neck.

"Mhhh" A small satisfied groan escaped Zack's lips, Ray froze a moment startled. His breath was slow and steady. He must've fallen asleep, the poor man had looked exhausted minutes ago. Rachel smiled and slid under the covers next to him; content she had been useful.

The poorly insulated hotel room gave little warmth as it was yet it shouldn't feel this cold. Even during the winter there had always been a source of warmth. That source took the shape of a bandaged man whom Rachel Gardner had bonded so closely with. This morning that warmth was not there. Eyes still closed the young blonde reached out seeking her source of comfort. The sheets next to her were cold and empty.

Ray's eyes shot open. Zack wasn't next to her.

Maybe he is in the shower?

Rachel rolled out of bed to check. The door to the restroom was slightly cracked with the light turned off.

"Zack?" He wasn't in there.

Ray began to panic; it wasn't like him to just leave her alone. Not without some kind of notice. Especially not with that man hunting them.

Recalling the night before...how haunted the man had looked. He must have snapped despite her efforts to sooth him. This was bad. Zack killing with her there to tame him to an extent was one thing. She knew he could be thoughtless and even reckless on his own.

Ray flipped on the news to see if the damage had already reached the authorities. Immediately upon flipping the channel in the headlines

"5 Young party goers brutally murdered"

"Dismembered by a large blade."

"Killer has not been found."

"Has the back alley murderer resurfaced?"

The location of the murders hadn't been far from the hotel.

I have to find Zack.

Thanks to Ray, he had fallen asleep feeling reassured. It hadn't been enough though; nightmares still ensued.

Children crying after being dropped off at the orphanage. They didn't understand what had happened to them or why. Neither did he but he never cried. After what had happened to him, after what he had survived this was nothing. Not that he was immune feelings altogether at the time.

Everyone stared at him, the freak with the bandages. He was always the object of ridicule. The monster...the freak. One day his bandages had grown old and fallen off. A girl who had just been brought in the day before caught sight of the charred boy underneath. Initially she was frightened and screamed. MONSTER! Drawn by the commotion the few other children alive at the time arrived on the scene. They all laughed and threw rocks at him. The proprietors didn't lift a finger to stop it. They merely laughed. He hated them...he hated their laughs.

FREAK! ITS HIDEOUS!

EW WHAT'S WRONG WITH IT'S SKIN?

IT'S NOT EVEN HUMAN!

NOT HUMAN!

MONSTER!

An amber eye with a gleam of red shot open. That familiar chill ran down the man's spine. The need to kill. He was still aware enough of the young blonde next to him. Her life would never satisfy his bloodlust. He needed to get rid of this feeling. Ray wouldn't be happy about this but he wasn't in a frame of mind to care for consequences. Zack's palms began to sweat and itch.

Fuck. I'm FIENDING to KILL!

It'd been far too long since he had gone on an all out murder spree.

A sadistic grin lit up the killers face as he stood up; licking his lips in anticipation as he got dressed and grabbed his favorite weapon on the way out the door.

It was late into the afternoon; the sun was beginning to set. Still no sign of Zack. Ray wandered the back alleys her gun close at hand incase of any trouble. It was surprisingly quiet and empty. Thus far the only clue she had found was a couple of dead street thugs. Rather what was left of them. Flesh and blood streaked the brick walls. Rachel undeterred by the sight relieved their corpses of any money or valuables.

She was getting worried and also annoyed. He was being absolutely reckless. She knew he wasn't entirely in his right frame of mind; but this was going to be a problem for them.

The blonde emerged from the alleys and strode down the street; listening for anything that might help her find her companion. She was surprised to not bump into any cops. Most of them seemed to just be driving around the city. A few here and there poking down the entrances of the alleys but never delving into them too deep. It had gotten pretty cold, she supposed most of them probably didn't want to leave the comfort of their vehicles this late. Ray hugged her black coat she had stolen last week around her small frame.

Maybe Zack had gone back to the motel room. She could only hope that was the case. At this point she really didn't know where to look. She felt on edge but not just because of her need to find the black haired man. At several points during her scouting Ray had the distinct feeling she was being watched. She was sure of it and it definitely was not Zack.

Sensing a presence the woman ducked back into the darkness of the alleys taking cover behind a dumpster. Sure enough a black charger pulled up down the alley. A man she recognized emerged. He had been watching her. He knew she was here and since he was able to somehow track Zack he knew she was very much alone. Ray remained hidden peering carefully from behind her hiding spot at the man in the gray coat.

The man extracted a small handgun from his person and began to load it with unusual bullets. She couldn't see much but she assumed it was tranquilizers from the slender shaper and feathered ends. So whatever his plan was he intended to keep one or both of them alive.

She could shoot him; she had a clear shot. No...that would be a bad idea there was still cops patrolling the streets they would hear the shot. Plus the man was still out in the open. She couldn't risk it Ray would have to find a way to out maneuver him. If she could somehow incapacitate him or get close enough to use a knife...she would be able to use his device to find Zack.

It was now or never, she had to take off before she lost any amount of distance she had between herself and this man. There was an old broken down town home in the alley she had passed earlier. If she could lead him there without being taken down, she might be able to find a vantage point.

Bracing herself Rachel Gardner took a deep breath, she had to stay focused. One foot launched from the solid ground propelling herself around the corner.

"HEY!"

His voice and a second pair of footsteps to her own indicated he had seen her. Rachel used her small size to her advantage. Dodging around corners and behind dumpsters; she made sure to run in an unpredictable pattern making herself as difficult a target as possible. She was almost there. A dart whizzed past her ear.

Just a little further…THERE!

Rachel dove through one of the broken windows of the townhouse; entering what was probably once the dining room. Across the room led to the kitchen; the cabinets were still intact. For once her small stature came in handy as she tucked herself away into one of the cabinets. Just in time too from the sound of her pursuers shoes clunking along the creaky wood floor.

Ba-boom ba-boom ba-boom

Ray's heart pounded in her ears. She covered her mouth in attempt to stifle her labored breath. He was getting closer...footsteps stopped just a short distance from her location.

CRASH!

The little blonde jumped in her skin, someone had busted down the front door. Did he have a partner? No that wasn't it.

"Shit!"

There was a slight crack from the cabinet door not closing the darkness Rachel could just barely see the man crouched behind the counter island; tranquiliser pistol at the ready.

Nothing but her pulsing heart pierced the silence. There was a chill in the air; something dangerous was near. This was a perfect opportunity but she needed to wait for the possible new threat to reveal itself before striking.

**10 minutes earlier**

A lone hooded man trudged through the dark of the back alleyways. He was drenched in thick crimson liquid. Zack flicked the excess blood from his favored weapon; dirtied from his eighth victim? Or was it the tenth? He'd lost count. The itch to kill had dulled but wasn't entirely satisfied.

Subconsciously he knew what he was doing was stupid. He knew he was putting a target on his and Ray's backs. The little blonde would be furious with him. Isaac was of no mind to care for such things. He hadn't had nightmares or flashes of that godforsaken orphanage since that time back on B3. Zack's body tensed remembering the way that sadomasochist bitch had tried to play him as a tool.

"HEY!"

A male voice shouted nearby. The hooded killer grinned sadistically, at the clatter of running footsteps. More prey. Through slightly hazed eyes Isaac saw a small blonde enter a deserted townhome followed closely by a man in a suit. From his perspective it appeared another pervert chasing after his victim. The red glint of his eyes brightened, these assholes were always satisfying to slice up.

Standing in front of the door to the townhome, Zack flashed a wicked smile reeling his scythe back slicing through the front door like cardboard.

"Shit!"

Isaac stepped through the broken doorway, chunks of wood cracking beneath his black boots. He had observed that the man was armed so he knew to not be overly wreckless in his hunt. Predatory instincts took over. To anyone Zack was seem less human and more like an animal at this point. His thin but built body melded into the shadows. The voice came from the left on the other side of the wall he was currently pressed against.

Ray wished she could see better, but if she cracked the cabinet any further she risked being found out. What happened next was over in mere seconds. The almost inaudible POP of the tranquilizer followed by a grunt. The man in grey kicked to the floor in seconds.

"NO! WA-"

A flash of metal and it was over. Through the crack Rachel could see his head rolling across the floor stopped nearly in front of her. The man's grey eyes had been wide with fear in his final moments. His mouth still seemed to be twitching despite being dislocated from its body. The sight would be sickening to any normal person. The blonde woman had grown fairly accustomed to the violence. Such was the result of traversing across the country with a serial killer.

"Hyahahaha! I know you're in here! Come on out!"

She knew that voice. It was clear he didn't know it was her in here. Ray had to be smart about this or he might accidentally cut her down. Something she knew he didn't want right now and truthfully she didn't really either. Zack's footsteps echoed through the kitchen. Ray reflexively flinched at him kicking the head of his most recent kill. Zack's insane cackling made even her spine shiver. He was so different when he got like this.

Ray waited until he seemed a respective distance away before kicking the cabinet open, she wanted him aware she was there. Sneaking up on the man would surely prove a fatal idea.

"Zack. It's me." she spoke softly but loud enough for hims to hear. No sooner had she stood up and brushed her pants off then she had his blade around her small body. His speed never ceased to surprise her. She was certain he'd been on the other side of the room.

"Zack…" Ray looked up into his mismatched eyes. Recognition flashed behind his hazed stare to her relief. The man carefully withdrew his weapon slinging it over his shoulder. The red glint faded as he looked at the woman before him. He looked guilty. Though she knew his guilt had nothing to do with the people he had slain over the past night.

"Fuck! Ray?" The man breathed out, taking a step back. Remorse reflecting in his bi colored orbs. Clearly upset that he had almost mistaken her for another victim. "Whatcha doin' out here?"

He already knew the answer. He just didn't know what else to say to her. The young woman narrowed her eyes, her arms crossed across her chest. They were going to be in quite a predicament thanks to his lack of self restraint. She had every right to be cross with him.

Shit she's mad.

She was. She also knew maybe now was not the time to unleash her irritation upon the man. After all she was partially to blame, with her questions from the night before. She must of dug up some pretty bad memories for the him. Ray sighed letting her arms fall to the side. However her eyes did not lose their intensity.

"I was looking for you!". She slowly exhaled in attempt to keep her voice calm. Ray rarely raised her voice. She'd had enough of that from her parents. However she was really close to do so right now after the worry he had put her through.

"I have been searching all day. You could've woken me up or given me some kind of warning. I was about to go back to check the room. Then he-" She motioned to the headless body bleeding out on the floor. "Showed up and I had to make a run for it."

Zack stared at the body a moment processing what she meant. "Wait...was that?"

Ray nodded in confirmation. "Yep."

This seemed to cheer him up a bit. Zack grinned "FUCK YEAH! Bout time that bastard showed up! No more worrying about -"

The man stumbled catching himself on the counter. Zack's scythe dropped to the floor making a loud THUD. His vision was starting to get a bit blurry.

"Th' hell? Fuck…"

"Zack?!"

Ray rushed to his side hands on his shoulders to help keep him steady. It was then she recalled that the now dead man had gotten a shot off. Rachel gently guided her companion to the next room. There was an old couch covered in plastic which she removed before Zack plopped down.

She examined him and sure enough in his thigh was a dart protruding through his pant leg. Carefully she removed the bullet tossing it to the side. Must've been a pretty strong dose to be acting so quickly. Especially considering she was Zack they were talking about. That man must have done his homework before chasing after the pair of escapees.

"What the hell was that?" Zack had watched her removed the needle from his thigh. Shit he was gettin' real tired all the sudden.

"You got shot with a tranquilizer. Usually takes up to 45 minutes to start working. He must've upped the dose for you to be feeling it this soon." Ray seated herself next to the man. "Ah!"

Zack flopped over his head landing on her lap surprising the young woman. She couldn't help a small smile and began running her fingers through his hair. Some of the blood soaking his clothes was still wet. It seeped through onto her own attire. Luckily she was adorned in darker tones.

"Fuck..this sucks. Ehh...Ray?"

"Hmmm?"

"I'm sorry to just take off like that I know I messed up...but I-" Rachel placed her middle and index finger on his lips cutting the man off.

"I'm the one who should be sorry. I brought up that stuff last night…" She frowned as she resumed stroking his black locks. "It's really my fault…"

Isaac rolled over so he was on his back able to fully see her face. Her blue eyes trailed down to meet his. Now she was the one looking guilty.

"Nah...it ain't yer fault…" there was a long moment of silence before he continued. "They starved us...all the kids at that hell hole."

He must've meant the orphanage. Ray brushed a few strands of hair from Zack's face, "Its okay Zack you don't have to talk about it."

"Nah. I want to." He was slowly losing consciousness but she deserved to know what had gotten him so worked up.

"None of those kids had a mind to take care of themselves. I got by on scraps I found in the trash."

That explained why he hadn't been opposed to dumpster diving for a meal.

"The others either starved or died from somethin' else. And those fuckin' bastards…" Zack clenched a weak fist. "They just laughed...and the made me bury the bodies. Didn't wanna get their hands dirty. Just used me like a…a"

Ray recalled the dollhouse riddle they had to solve. "...like a tool."

She finished the sentence for him. Ray learned way back then how much he despised the word.

"...yeah. Anyway...they never called me by my name...same with the kids. Especially after one of em saw my real skin. I was always monster...or freak...or tool. Those assholes would beat the shit out of me. They'd lie to get us to do what they wanted and laugh about it."

The man sighed forcing his eyes to stay open so he could finish.

"One day one of em left the T.V on. Bastard was always watchin' those horror flicks. Anyway I came in from burying the last kid...and in the movie the guy killed some annoying happy lookin' couple. Then it clicked…"

Isaac grinned. To anyone else it would've looked creepy, Ray on the other hand found it rather endearing.

"So I got a knife from the kitchen and well...ya know the rest…ever since then I've hated liars and developed my passion. But I decided I would at the very least never tell a lie." He took a deep breath before continuing. "Anyway there was an old blind man that found me hidin' out in the car of some bitch I'd killed. He took me in and I stayed there for a little while. The guy knew everything I'd done but didn't seem to react much about it. One day he left and didn't come back. Thought he'd just abandoned me like the woman who gave birth to me. But turned out some couple had offed him for his wallet. Found em' laughing about it. So I killed em'. I wonder if maybe my life would've been different if he hadn't' kicked the bucket. But no sense thinkin' on that I suppose...so who knows."

Something wet landed on his cheek soaking through his covered skin.

"Hah?" Isaac groggily reached up to feel her cheek no longer able to trust his vision due to the effects of the tranquilizer and the darkness. Was she crying? "Tch! Th'fuck? You cryin'?"

"Sorry…" Ray swallowed "I'm sorry you went through all of that."

This is why they were able to understand each other. Both had come from a broken past. In their own way they were both fucked up as the result of the cruelty of others.

"Tch...it's fine…stop cryin'...just thought I owed ya an explanation is all." the man yawned. The last bit if strength slipping from his body.

Ray stared at him for a few minutes. He would be knocked out probably a good while. She couldn't see much but her eyes had adjusted somewhat to the dark. She took the opportunity to trace out his features. Starting with the exposed skin around his eyes working down to outline his strong jawline. Despite all of his flaws he was rather handsome. Ray's cheeks flushed.

Then she remembered the corpse that still occupied the kitchen. Gently lifting Zacks head up she removed her jacket for him to use as a pillow instead of her lap. It was pretty cold but she had long sleeves on underneath.

She wondered where the head was...they would need to dispose of the body. But first...the blonde rifled through his pockets. Ray removed a cellphone and a wallet as well as the device around his wrist. She investigated that first. It was indeed as she thought a tracking device. However as she studied it. She realized the tracker seemed to be on her instead of across the room where her companion rested. Had it been on her the whole time?

Deciding to test her theory she began walking around the townhome. The tracker did not move along with her. It stayed in place in the kitchen. Well that didn't make sense…Ray held her curled index finger to her mouth contemplatively. An idea strung her.

Zack's scythe!

He had dropped it in the kitchen. Even though she had grown a bit over the past 2 years it was still really heavy for her to move. Ray lifted the handle and drug the weapon across the room. Sure enough the tracker followed along with her.

Upon further examination she spotted a small bit of metal slightly protruding at the end of the handle. Something Zack would never notice. Ray reached down to pull her knife from her boot. Using the tip of the blade she managed to pry the chip off. One question answered. Now she knew how they were tracked. But that opened even more questions.

Her theory had been that Gray had been the one to release Zack and given him the scythe. The man tracking them wielded a tranquilizer. Did that mean…? This whole time it this man was trying to take them to Gray? Or could it be some other mysterious person and they had been wrong this whole time. Maybe it never was Gray and he really had perished in that building.

The thought that some unknown force was after them was very unsettling. On the other hand though...If this man had been hired by Gray to find them though...why not just say so? Rachel pulled the phone from her pocket hoping to find the answer inside. To her dismay but not surprisingly it required a passcode. She would need to figure that out later then.

Last thing she checked was the wallet; using the phone for better lighting. She learned from his license the man in gray was named Kurt Fletcher. Not that it mattered anymore. As Zack would put it "he's worm food now". Her eyes widened upon spotting a thick stack of cash. The man had been carrying $842. This amount was sure to last them a good while. It would definitely be needed seeing as they were more than likely going to have to be roughing it for a while. Inside was also a couple of credit cards which they could make a little use of. It would take time for the banks to get suspicious.

Taking a deep breath the petite blonde headed back to the living room. There was a lot to think about but she was exhausted from the eventful day.

Ray managed to squeeze herself between the back of the couch and Zack who had rolled to his side facing out towards the wall. To be exact she was practically on top of the man with one leg hitched over his hip and an arm around his waist. It'd been the only way she could find to fit comfortably.

This was much closer than they would typically sleep. Had he been conscious he would surely be throwing various expletives at her about it. However given the circumstances she didn't have much choice. The floor was too uncomfortable and there wasn't any other furniture in the place. Not to mention it was really cold. Surely he wouldn't mind given the situation.

Either way the man was completely knocked out and unable to protest. After such a day it took no time at all for Ray to join him.

Crime scene tape blocked off several locations in the back alleys. Cops were everywhere the following morning. Rachel had to go on her own in order to retrieve their items from the motel while Zack remained at the townhouse. She was a bit uneasy leaving him there since he was still barely conscious when she left but there was little choice. Their stay was supposed to be up by noon and they couldn't risk anyone digging through their things.

Ray pulled on a an extra layer since Zack still had her jacket for a pillow. It wasn't as warm as her coat but it would do for now. Tugging up the hood and wrapping her face with a scarf the young woman headed back into the alleys.

"Excuse me miss."

Rachel tensed up. A police officer who had been scouring the alleys stopped her. Ray had a hand ready on her knife inside her hoodie pocket.

"Yes officer?" Her expression was completely vacant, as she played the part of just another citizen possibly taking a shortcut to her destination.

"I apologize for inconveniencing you but we are required to ask anyone passing through if they have seen anyone suspicious around back here. We are looking for a man. Tall and covered mostly in bandages." He was probably a nice man. He had kind concerned eyes.

"You mean that murderer everyone has been talking about?" She feigned a worried expression. As the officer nodded. "No, I'm afraid I haven't seen anyone like that."

"Appreciate your time miss. If you see anything please give us a call and be careful. It's not safe back here." He dismissed her with a handshake.

Ray continued around the alley but waited before entering their hideaway to make sure no one had followed. Luckily the cold weather made it easier for her to cover herself up so no one would be able to tell she right away that she was a teenager who should be in school this time of day.

When she returned Zack was hunched over; elbows propped on his knees his head resting on his palms.

"Are you alright?" Startled the man looked over his shoulder relief painting his face once he saw her. Ray dropped their bags on the floor, walked around the sofa and knelt in front of him. Placing a hand on his chin to get a better look at him. His eyes were bloodshot and droopy.

"I feel like shit…but we gotta get moving." Isaac moved to try to stand up, but was stopped by two small hands on either side of his shoulder.

"No Zack." Ray shook her head.

"I'll be fine Ray...worry about yourself." The man fell back into the sofa annoyed by his lack of strength. His lack of resistance proved how weak he still was.

"No. You can hardly move. Plus there are cops can't risk leaving before dark. However we do need to get rid of that body." Rachel joined him on the sofa.

"Ah right...forgot bout him. So didja find anything useful on him?" the man inquired peering at the woman lazily through the corner of his eye his head had fallen onto the back of the couch.

Ray quickly filled him in on her findings as well as her theories and suspicions. She always had to explain things in simple terms for the man so that he would understand what she was saying. Not that he was stupid. He just hadn't received any education during his lifetime. Though he had learnt quite a bit during his time with her. He used his head more than he used to.

"Tch...well then. What should we do?" Isaac pressed back into the couch closing his eyes. Despite her simple explanations it was still a lot to process.

"I think we should stick to the original plan for now and keep heading towards that church. I'm going to try to crack into this phone and perhaps find some answers." Ray held the small device in her palm. She'd turned it off for now knowing the battery wouldn't last forever. "We'll also need to get a charger for it."

"Fine fine." The man looked like he was about to pass out again. She hated to ask him to move but she couldn't hide the corpse in the kitchen on her own.

There was a hollow place beneath the floorboards in one of the bedrooms which they were able to pull up and toss the corpse into. Zack grimaced as he dropped the head which he'd been dangling from its hair into the hole.

"Fuckin' gross…" A funny complaint coming from the man who'd been the one to put the body in such a state. Ray couldn't help a small giggle thinking about how absurd it was; while she laid the boards back over the pit earning her a flick on the forehead.

"Ow!" The young blonde rubbed at the sore spot.

"Brat."

"Well your the one that decided to make him like that." The blonde childishly stuck her tongue out at the man.

"Just 'cause I like killin' doesn't mean I like touching the corpses…" Zack wrinkled his nose shaking his hands in attempt to rid himself of the filth. "UGH! Now my hands feel disgusting."

"Zack...you're covered in dried blood and that's what you're complaining about?" Rachel pointed out quirking a brow. She couldn't help but tease him at the ridiculousness of the situation.

"Tch! Shut up!" Isaac glared at her. WIth a huff he went to their bag to dig out fresh clothes and bandages. She did have a point.

Having dealt with the mess and changed clothes; the pair made themselves as comfortable as they could. Luckily the cops didn't seem to wander this far back. Regardless they were sitting ducks until dark. And it would be a long wait until nightfall.

Thank you for reading! Sorry for the long wait.

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