He's Here

(PROLOGUE)

(Taken from the daily newspaper)

-U N P R E C E D E N T E D-

“Thomas Lee Strikes Back”

Reporter: Alan Black

With the close call from last week, Thomas Lee strikes back! The infamous serial killer managed to kill dozens in a single night. Police are still…

(Taken from the daily newspaper)

-U N P R E C E D E N T E D-

“Will We Ever Feel Safe Again”

Reporter: Jayden Roe

When was the last time the streets of New York felt safe? Over the past couple of days, Lee has made it impossible to walk on the streets of New York alone. One wrong move and it could be the end for everyone…

(Taken from the daily newspaper)

-U N P R E C E D E N T E D-

“Thomas Lee Needs To Go”

Reporter: Liam Smith

Teenage killer, Thomas Lee, continues to…

(Taken from the daily newspaper)

-U N P R E C E D E N T E D-

“Where Is Our Peace”

Reporter: Olivia Davis

The place we once called home is ruined! Thomas Lee has made it impossible for the citizens of New York to do anything without fearing for their lives. The people have crowded the streets in retaliation. The question remains, is Thomas Lee among us or is he a terrorist on the loose?

(Taken from the daily newspaper)

-U N P R E C E D E N T E D-

“Officers Stampeded To Death In Riot”

Reporter: Charlotte Jones

Police have been attempting to control the worsening riot, but the odds seem to be stacked against them. Already, two officers have succumbed to their wounds and justice is…

(Taken from the daily newspaper)

-U N P R E C E D E N T E D-

“The Devil Is Back”

Reporter: Joan Brown

Peace in New York seems to be a pipedream as Thomas Lee returns. Three people were found dead in an alley near Westfield World Trade Centre. CCTV clearly shows a personal brawl between the teenage killer and three other men. Thomas Lee…

(Taken from the daily newspaper)

-U N P R E C E D E N T E D-

“Lee Claims His 5th Victim This Month”

Reporter: Oliver Scott

Times Square is no longer safe as the notorious killer, Thomas Lee claims his fifth victim this month. Witnesses claim to have…

….

“Good evening.” A lady wearing a blue blazer spoke. “This is FOX news and we are live with one of the police officers working on the case of the serial killer, Thomas Lee.” She turned to a man in his forties and continued. “Mr Garcia, could you please inform the public of the ongoing search for and investigation of Thomas Lee?”

“As we all know, since the appearance of Lee, the city hasn’t been the same.” He sat up straight, a sullen look on his face. “It’s become harder to walk on the streets sometimes even in broad daylight.”

He fiddled with his wedding ring nervously, twisting it this way and that. “As the captain of the force and the one leading the investigation, it is my duty to ensure that the people of this great city do not feel the need to constantly look over their shoulder.”

He took his cap off with a defeated sigh, resting it on the table, before continuing, “I can’t disclose much at the moment, but I can tell you; Thomas Lee is missing and there are no leads as of now.” He slightly paused. “Until more information comes to light, we would advise you to remain indoors as much as possible and to travel in pairs.”

The forlorn look on the officer’s face made it apparent that he wanted to say more. He wanted to make sure that none of the people would have to suffer anymore. But decided to conclude his answer with a single sentence.

“Thomas Lee might be a teenager.” He took a deep breath. “But he is the most dangerous criminal we have ever seen.”

---

PART 1

“The investigation of the sudden disappearance of Thomas Lee is still underway. The notorious serial killer was found missing 4 days ago.” The lady hosting today’s news says. "The signal revealed the murderer’s location, but who sent it, is yet a puzzle to solve. Police have been trying to get any evidence as to where the teenager vanished.”

My mind diverted from the television playing in the background while I focused on washing the dirty knives. It’s been nearly 3 days since I moved in, and everything seems to be going smoothly. The neighbourhood isn’t as bad as I expected since everyone usually manages to keep out of my business. I knew if I stayed there any longer, I would’ve been caught. I wiped my hands on the towel and allowed the television to grasp my attention once again.

“Some believe he killed himself, and others believe he fled to another country.” The news continued.

I smirked at the mechanical box. I wish I had the money to flee to another country together, but sadly I managed only a couple of hours away from where I was before. The nerve to think that I would kill myself? Who would kill themselves when they know that hundreds of people fear them?

“He was last seen 6 days ago, at the location of his last murder, John Williams, a cashier at a local supermarket. The witnesses managed to capture a photograph of the killer. If he is seen, please stay away and contact the New York authorities immediately.”

It's almost hilarious. I was seen aeons ago, there's no way they can find me now. They're useless. Contacting the authorities won’t do much. They take approximately 7 minutes to get to the scene, but by then, the murder has already been committed. Staying away won’t do any good either. Once I have my eye on you, you’ll be living the final hour of your life.

A picture of John Williams was on the screen, while a picture of my old self was displayed adjacent to it. Black hair, green eyes, a permanent scowl and a neck tattoo sticking from the collar of the shirt. Thomas Lee. I looked hideous. They could’ve had the decency to take a better picture of me. My eyes were directed at the middle-aged man. John Williams. I feel bad killing him. I do. He just caught me at my worst, pestering me about how to live my life. That’s why I hate adults, they always think they know better about some stranger’s life.

The doorbell rang a total of 3 times, and I tore my eyes away from the bright screen. I swung the brown door open only to be greeted by my smiling albino ‘friend.’ An individual around my age, has white hair, pale skin, blue eyes and a shaggy way of presenting himself. Jayden Harris. He looked around 2 inches taller than the last time I met him, and unconsciously my eyes darted towards his shoes. Bingo! He was wearing thick boots which could be mistaken as heels for males.

“Ready to go, Sean?” He beamed at me. What was there to be so happy about? We were only going for lunch.

I forced a smile before going to grab my glasses and checking myself in the mirror. Brown hair, brown eyes, freckles, glasses and decent clothes. Sean Walker. That was my name now. I turned off the television and marched out the door, pocketing my keys right after. Our walk was silent until he perked up. It was disgusting at times, but I was loyal to my disguise.

“What kind of food did you like in Canada?”

The country I supposedly lived in before. Smiling I responded bluntly and generally. The quiet once again welcomed us as I stared at the pebbles on the ground, rubbing beneath our feet. The air whistled around us, making the trees rustle. I liked it. Jayden spoke up again, and I tried not to roll my eyes.

“Don’t worry too much about that serial killer.” My ears perked up. “I saw you watching the news, but he’s probably dead so I wouldn’t worry too much about him.”

This insolent fool.

“It wouldn’t hurt to be careful.” I smiled once again and took a couple of steps forward. “ If anything, he might have a reason to kill all those people.”

“All those people…”

I hummed in response. “Who knows what he has been through.”

“The guy killed dozens of people, if you meet him, you’re as good as dead,” Jayden argued. “Who wouldn’t want someone like him dead?”

I sighed. He was starting to get on my nerves, but I lightly shook my head and smiled at him. “Because someone like him is also human.”

Our walk fell into silence once again, not that I cared. It had been roughly around 10 minutes since we left my place, so the cafeteria must be somewhere around the corner now.

“He’s a monster,” Jayden spoke under his breath, but it was loud enough for me to hear. My eye twitched but I decided not to say anything. A slight chuckle escaped my lips, and I could feel Jayden staring at me.

“How do you know he’s killed a lot of people?” he asked. “This is the first time they mentioned the killer since you’ve been here.” My eyes and hands twitched in anticipation as Jayden continued. “And that chuckle just now…”

He stopped behind me, forcing me to come to a halt and meet his confused look. “Why do you act as if you know him?”

---

PART 2

None of us moved. The wind around us seemed to understand the intensity of the situation, and stopped of its own accord. Not a single sound was heard in the distance, even the birds didn’t fly over our heads. It was as if time itself stopped. I was going to do it. He had to go. Not only had he started getting on my nerves, but if this continued, I’d have to be on the run again. Frankly speaking, the whole ordeal is a hassle to deal with. With all the fake IDs, new names, new looks, and a completely new face on the planet; all of it is annoying.

My hand twitches.

I was going to do it.

My head slowly turns, and from the corner of my eye, I saw him frozen in his spot, staring at me, waiting for an answer. I noticed it. It was subtle, but he was scared. He was fidgeting with his fingers, shuffling around; it was as if his body couldn’t stand still right now. I slightly smirked then erased my previous thoughts. It wouldn’t hurt to be entertained for a while longer.

“Hm?” I lifted my head, a new expression plastered on my face. “The news mentioned that he’s a serial killer, so I just assumed that he’s killed many people.”

Jayden visibly relaxed.

Yes, fall for everything I’m saying, you pitiful fool.

I smiled reassuringly, “And the reason I chuckled like that, is because you’re quick to judge.”

“Oh-” Jayden almost looked embarrassed.

I tried not to laugh. Someone give me an Oscar; you’ll never find acting such as mine.

“I’m sorry.” Jayden tried not to meet my eyes, and I smiled. He fell for it. “I’m sorry for assuming that you were… you know.”

I faked a laugh. “That’s fine.” I turned on my heels and looked back at him. “If we rush, we’ll still find a good place to sit.” I sent my brightest smile his way.

….

“Alright, I’ll get your order right away.” The waiter smiled warmly down at us and rushed to get our order.

I started observing my surroundings. Fifteen steps from our table to the counter, eight steps if you have abnormally large footsteps. Twenty-five steps to the door, five steps between each table. Relatively small place, if you ask me. The hair on my neck lightly tingled. Someone is watching me. I scanned the place but it wasn’t someone I knew. My hair covered most of my eyes, and I glanced at my ‘friend.’ He was staring at me as if watching my every move.

A subtle smile, a final look around the place and I turned to look at him as naturally as possible. “It’s a beautiful place.” I pushed up my glasses and pretended to notice his stare. I jerked forward. “Is there something on my face?”

“No, no.” He broke his gaze. “I was just thinking about what you said earlier.”

“What did I say?”

“Just the fact that I judge people too quickly.”

Don’t laugh.

“It’s the first time someone said that to me, you know, considering my condition.” He continued motioning to himself.

Keep a straight face, Lee. Don’t laugh.

“Who taught you?” Jayden asked.

“Hm?”

“Who taught you to be objective? To not judge?” He cautiously asked. “I mean there has to be someone who taught you these manners.” Jayden Harris rushed as if correcting himself.

The humour got sucked out of my body and my eyes darkened. I replied using the only words necessary and nothing more, “My mother.”

“Oh! Where is she?” He asked enthusiastically.

My hands nearly clenched, but I stopped myself. Hold it, Lee.

I looked at him with a slight smile on my face. “She’s dead.”

A dumbfounded look was his response. I wanted to smile wider, maybe even smirk. I hate talking about her. But I’m a killer. That’s all I am. That’s all I’ll ever be.

“Here’s your order.” The waiter returned with two plates, one in each hand.

“Thank you.” I smiled, before turning to face the individual across me. “Let’s eat!”

Disgusting.

...

“Hey…” Jayden started while paying the waiter for our meals. “I’m sorry for asking about your mother.”

We finished with our meals. I must say, I rather enjoyed the quiet meal. It was refreshing from all the yapping I have to deal with most of the time. I silently chewed on my last bite while looking at everything but the individual in front of me. Have to play the part, don’t I? Once I was done, I looked at him and nearly made a face. He was worried about my feelings. Adorable, isn’t it?

I gave him a small smile and replied, “Don’t worry about it, you didn’t know.” Then I got up, adamant to leave the place as fast as possible. “Let’s go.”

Three.

Two.

One.

And we were out the door. Twenty-five steps. I was right once again. I slightly smiled as if I had achieved something miraculous. I placed my hands in my pockets and walked ahead while Jayden Harris quickly rushed beside me. Silence crept in between us and I gladly welcomed it. I felt like I was back at home again, the time when I didn’t have anyone to talk to. The loneliness isn’t so bad once you get used to it. I started fiddling with the object in my pocket before my peace shattered into pieces.

“You want to come over and play some video games?” My ‘friend’ asked.

I held the urge to roll my eyes at him and remained loyal to the role I had chosen. “What kind of video games do you have?” I smiled at him. My cheeks hurt from smiling so much. Why is it considered polite and customary to smile when you don’t want to?

“A couple.” He paused for a moment. “Some are related to fighting and others are racing games. Do you want to try it?” He had that hopeful gleam in his eyes. It looked revolting.

I thought about it and fiddled with the object again. A pocket knife. I always had it and made sure to never leave home without it. Gripping onto the knife, I thought about every possible scenario which could occur, and some of them ended in Harris knowing who I was. Nothing will go wrong if I have the knife with me, and if it did… it would be as if Jayden Harris never existed.

I sighed and forced a smile once again. “Lead the way.”