Murderous Thoughts

Genre: murder mysteries, mystery novels, futuristic murder mystery, sci-fi, horror novels, genetics, serial killer, psychic thriller

 

CHAPTER 1

 

June 18, 2095
Clutching her schoolbooks closely to her chest, Laura hurried down the dark, gloomy alleyway, picking her way around the refuse and puddles of stagnant water as the sound of heavy footsteps behind her grew louder. She glanced back over her shoulder, but could see nothing in the murky depths. The slap, slap, slap of the footsteps splashed through a scummy stream of sewer water which, seeping from a broken pipe, washed across the alley and added a squishing note. The echoes rushed towards her. She returned her attention to the dim path ahead of her and quickened her pace, shivering as a deep chuckle emerged from the dark and bounded towards her.

 

Steam billowed up from the sewer grates, obscuring the alley's muddied features. Rubbish piles took on ominous shapes. The rustle of scavengers and the squeak of rats sounded louder. Eyes glowed from their hiding places all around her. Icy fingertips grazed her slim neck, sending shivers down her spine. In her haste Laura stumbled over an unseen brick or piece of garbage. She wasn't sure which, and she didn't waste time finding out as she quickly regained her balance and hurried on.

 

Momentarily pausing at an intersection, Laura tried to gain her bearings. She could barely hear the footsteps over her own frantic heartbeat. She feared he could hear the persistent drumming inside her chest and was using it to track her down.

 

(Right to my apartment or straight ahead to Mirsa's? Mirsa's is two blocks closer. But she might not be home yet.)

 

The footsteps pounded closer. Rich, deep laughter erupted from behind, chilling her. The evil sound rolled towards and around her, echoing off the slimy brick walls. Laura's heartbeat raced faster. Her breath came out in short bursts. The street lamp up ahead flickered and went out, obscuring the path to Mirsa's. She shivered.

 

(Maybe it will hide me too.)

 

Ignoring the twinges of pain in her chest, Laura hurried toward the dark and Mirsa's doorstep. She reached the street and the bathing light of the street lamp and let out a sigh of relief only to have it ripped from her when an unseen hand wrenched her silk scarf from her shoulder and wrapped it around her throat in an ever-tightening noose. Her books dropped forgotten as she fought to pull the scarf away from her throat. He had too strong a hold on it! He dragged her backwards, deeper into the alley. Staggering, she tripped over her books, and lost one shoe. There was no release of pressure. (No air!) He kept laughing. She kicked backwards. Nothing! She fell backwards onto the pavement. (No air!) The frantic pounding of her blood and his cruel laughter filled her ears. Her chest burned. Darkness closed in on her.

 

(Nooo...)

 

Miranda reared up in her bed, the empathic link with the dying girl severed. Her heart beat wildly. Blood pumped. Starving lungs heaved and burned, gasping and choking for air.

 

Currently scheduled to be released in late 2001 in ebook format by CrossroadsPub.com.