You watch as the boy walks home. He has been threatening her for some time. This is the last straw. Stalking is illegal. You have just become the judge, jury, prosecutor, and executioner. You drop down from the lamppost. Your voice has automatically deepened. You draw your rope, then your dagger. You sneak up behind the boy. “Don’t move.”

***

Michael Cross was walking down the halls of the school. As he walked, people would smile and wave at him. He went into the history classroom and sat down. As he did, Duma came up to him. “Good morning Dee,” he said. His voice was tender. “Where were you last night, Mike?” she asked, a sorrowful look in her eyes. Her twin brother, Mason, came up behind her. He smiled, and sat down on Michael’s other side. “Mom and Dad missed you,” Mason told him. “When they found out the two of you were dating, they were ecstatic. They wanted to have you over for a celebratory dinner. They know how difficult your home situation is man, they were trying to be helpful,”
“I know,” Michael told them. “The Slurpee machine broke at the Circle K, and I had to fix it. It took a few hours, and I didn’t wanna wake you guys up.”
“You should have come anyway,” murmured Duma. “I know. I’m sorry.”
“Look man, we know the answer,” started Mason, “but Mom and Dad want you to know you always have a home with us if you need it.” “I know, Thank you.”

***

You see the girl open her locker. The note, stamped with your dagger falls out. She looks down and reads it. You know what it says. 

To Elara,
Your problem has now been taken care of. Luke will no longer be attending this school, due to a, shall we say, unpleasant injury? Yes, I think that sounds nice. You have no more to worry about. Make sure you do well on those SAT’s.
Signed, Dagger

You smile as she signals to her friends. They join her and all jump for joy. With another job done, you return to your tasks for the day.

***

Michael got off the bus. Duma reached out, and grabbed his hand. Mason went to his other side, and the three of them walked like that until they came to the Smith house.
“Michael!” Mrs. Smith shouted as they walked up the drive, “So good to see you again! Come in, we’re having shawarma for dinner tonight!”
“Thank you Ma’am, that sounds wonderful,” Michael smiled.
“He’s actually staying,” Duma said.
“I’m so glad, I hope you enjoy!” Mrs. Smith smiled. The four of them walked back to the house where wonderful smells awaited.

***

Two hours later...
You walk home. Your meager room is dark. Strange, you think, I was certain I left the light on. As you walk through the door, a strange odor overtakes you. You slide your dagger from its hidden sheath in your sleeve. The sweet cloying smell has a strange effect on you. You can’t think straight. You can’t keep your eyes open. You fall to the ground. The dagger falls from your grip. Your last view is of the man in the black cloak, binding you with your own rope.

***

Duma watched and waited for Michael to appear. He was never late. He always walked through the door at exactly 7:30. Where was he? The clock showed 8:00. He’s never this late, she thought. The teacher took attendance. Does this have something to do with his secret? 8:30. Still no sign. Does Mason know? The fact that her boyfriend didn’t trust her enough to show her that part of his life hurt her. 9:00. He isn’t coming. Even when he was sick, he never missed school. Something must be wrong.

TO BE CONTINUED IN THE NEXT ISSUE...