Excerpt

The night is crazy busy yet in the center of the city. It doesn't take me long to leave the commercial district behind. Most of the houses I pass are dark.

I turn down another block. The street light flickers, recreating that eerie sense from the cemetery. I'm not the least bit afraid. I can take on anyone.

I near Five Points. Maybe I should just stop at Mickey D's to get ice cream.

One look at the parking lot, though, and I opt not to. Way too crowded. The line for the drive-through is even worse, not that I was the kind of person to walk through it. Nope. I stopped doing that after I graduated the academy.

Two blocks down, and I halt, my hand sliding toward my gun. I won't draw it unless I need to, but something isn't right. I just know it. Call it a sixth sense. Call it a premonition. Call it anything you want, but just don't call it luck.

Some mumbling, a grunt, and the rustling of clothing have me wondering if a couple is enjoying some alone time.

Or a prostitute is operating out of the alley.

Or a drug deal is going down. I'm in vice. My mind always goes to drugs.

Maybe I'm looking to be productive and delay returning to the empty house waiting for me. Either way, I'm unwilling to pass up the chance to investigate.

Maybe a little bit frightened since I am alone without backup, I enter the alley. The dim lighting from the street lamps doesn't illuminate the area, adding to a sense of doom.

Despite the darkness, I can still make out two forms. The mumbling and grunting have stopped, but I hear a near sound. It's almost like slurping.

What in the world?

Confused, dismayed, I opt for my flashlight and then bring out my gun, too.

The artificial illumination is harsh. It takes my eyes a moment to register what I'm seeing, to the terrifying, repugnant scene in front of me.

A man holds a woman, his face buried against her neck in what should be a tender pose.

Except the woman is lifeless in his arms, blood trailing down her clothing.

He isn't kissing her.

He's biting her.