Blood Red Sundown: Evil Begins by Allen Gates Page B

said, “Let’s
hunt an unknown tonight.”
    Yes, he thought, but I need to get home and prepare.
I know she’s out there and I’m going to love finding her. He realized he was allowing
the urge to take control. Slow down, you’re getting too excited and if you continue
to allow it to override your judgment you’ll make a mistake.
    On the drive home he passed several young women walking
alone and smiled as he passed by them.
    “Where are you going pretty lady and where can I find
you later?”

32
    ENTERING THE HOUSE, Stephanie’s land lady called out asking her to step inside and look at a special
news cast on the television.
    “It is just awful what happened to the senator’s wife.”
    “I am not aware of the story, Mrs. Carter what happened?”
    “She was found murdered by that guy going around this
area killing women. Look at him, he is so handsome.”
    Staring at the TV, she realized it was William. He was
a senator who had just recently lost his wife to a murderer and there you were pouting
because he failed to show up for a couple of nights. He is going to need someone
to talk to and I intend to be that person, she thought.
    “I’m off to my room, Mrs. Carter. I’ll probably see you
in the morning.”
    She continued to stare at the TV only partially acknowledging
her goodnight. Realizing she wasn’t listening, Stephanie picked up Hobo and silently
went up the stairs to her room. A shower was what she needed before the late newscast.

    Later, while lying on the bed petting Hobo, Stephanie
used the remote until she found a station covering the story. A close up picture
of William and his wife was being shown as they announced the wife’s funeral time
and location. She made up her mind that she would attend.

33
    REMOVING THE FRAMED picture from the wall and laying it on the table directly below he reached in the
safe-like recess and retrieved the special items and placed them on the picture.
He stared at the stack of clothing then selected a favorite blouse and holding it
to his face he breathed in its rich aroma. He became lost in the memory of the closeness
he had felt for her. It had been wonderful and fulfilling. He refolded the blouse
and placed it back on the pile, but left his hand in contact for a brief moment
to allow him to regain his strength and balance. Being very careful not to disrupt
the neatness of the stack he placed the clothing back into the wall space. He smiled
knowing the stack would be growing after tonight. The picture was re-hung and straightened.
    He walked out to the garage knowing he was prepared and
now in complete control. He drove into the city and picked a likely place for his
selection on the outside of the main commercial area and parked in the darkest space
in the rear parking area of a dimly lit bar. Almost immediately a young couple came
out of the door arm in arm and walked to a car parked nearby. They kissed before
entering the car and he watched them drive slowly out of the lot. He sat watching
and waiting. It was important to be careful, even beyond careful and then check
and recheck before every move.
    Almost immediately a group of people came out laughing
and one or more appeared to be intoxicated. He watched them exchange final goodbyes
amidst singing and laughter as they headed for their individual cars. Three were
in one vehicle. A man and woman got into another. The remaining two women lingered
behind, talking and laughing loudly. His hunger peaked as he watched them hug goodbye
and could hear their plans to meet again the next night. The blond was working her
way to the car next to him looking through her purse for her keys. Keeping his
urges in check, he lowered the window. She pushed the door opener and as she opened
the door, she looked across the car top and saw him smiling at her.
    “Hey,” she said. “Waiting for someone to drive you home?”
    He laughed. “No, actually I just arrived. I had to work
a little later than usual. Would you let me buy