A man walks out of the woods covered in dirt and mud. He drags a shovel behind him and walks slowly to his car. He pops the trunk and throws the shovel in slamming the door. He turns and looks towards the woods one more time, tips his hat as lightning shoots through the sky. He climbs into his car and drives away in the pouring rain.
He drives up the long winding driveway to his house at the top of the hill. He parks his car in the carport and grabs a bag from the front seat and then his shovel from the trunk. He leans the shovel against the wall and carries the bag inside.
Opening the bag he pulls out his dirty knife. He walks to the kitchen sink and turns the faucet on, turning the water the hottest temperature. Clogging the drain, he fills the sink with water and soap. Dropping the knife into suds he goes to his room. He takes his clothes off and takes a shower.
Once done, he picks his clothes off of the floor and goes to the washer throwing them in. He walks to the family room and puts logs into the fireplace. He lights them and warms his hands.
He goes back to the kitchen and pulls a rag from underneath. He picks up the knife, all sudsy and wet. He adds more soap to the rag before drenching it in the water. He cleans the knife well before placing it to the side. He sharpens the knife for it had dulled.
He drains the sink and throws the rag into the washer along with his clothes and starts the long cycle. He walks back to his family room and sits in his recliner, flipping on the T.V. The news is on, with the fat reporter that this man cannot stand.
“No word on the missing girl. It’s been 48 hours and counting. Local detectives are just hoping to find her before tomorrow. Here’s a detective now!
Sir, any new news on the missing girl?”
“No, as of now, we are just praying to find the body so the family can grieve and move on. No more questions.”
The man turns off the T.V. and laughs to himself.
“They’ll never know.”
________________________
Down at the police station two cops, who were partners, were sitting in the office reviewing the missing persons file.
“What are you thinking Carl?” the thin, younger cop asks his friend.
Flipping the page of the file Carl replies, “I’m not sure Dave, normally after 24 hours they’re dead. We’ll be lucky to find a body at this point.”
Nodding the young cop frowns and looks out the window into the rain and darkness. Losing all hope that they’ll ever find this girl alive.
________________________
“That’s a rap,” the anchor man says turning his mic off. “I don’t know why we always get stuck with these kinds of stories Pete, makes me just want to go home and hug my children.”
“I know sir. I’ve read about this, and I like to watch those crime shows. The victim is normally killed in the first 24 hours.”
Shaking his head, the reporter climbs into the passenger side, slamming his door. He looks out towards the woods in the distance, and takes in a deep breath. Poor family, he thinks and then drives into the dark, cold night.
_________________________
Mrs. Adams cries into her hands as her husband hugs her. They sit in their family room with the detective assigned to their daughter’s case.
“How could this be happening?” Mrs. Adams says. “She was so young...”
“I know ma’am. We are doing everything in our power.” the detective replies quickly.
“Is she still alive?” Mr. Adams asks.
“We don’t know sir...I’m sorry.”
The detective gets up from his seat and walks to the window looking out. He watches as the rain pours down, washing all the evidence with it.
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