The Murder House Chapter 17

"When I was cutting her with the knife, she was still breathing. Her thighs mutilated, blood gushing..."

"Her body was beautiful, arms so slender—I couldn't bear to cut them off..."

"Guess what her last words were..."

...

I clutched my head, covering my ears. He was recounting Emma's murder.

Thunder boomed, lightning flashed.

The killer was outside.

My mental state completely collapsed.

Desperately wanted to open the door, die with him.

Flooding disaster.

No idea when Officer Carter would arrive.

Agony.

Eyes closed, didn't dare imagine, dizzy.

Suddenly the voice outside stopped abruptly.

"It's me, miss. Open up. I'm Officer Carter... open the door. I tased the killer."

I suddenly stood, pressed against the peephole.

Still pitch black outside.

The storm caused electrical failure—wouldn't be fixed quickly.

Officer Carter's voice sounded breathless.

Maybe the inflatable raft wasn't easy.

I exhaled deeply.

The cavalry finally arrived.

But something still felt off.

"Officer Carter, do you have your phone?"

"Yeah! Open the door, let me in. My clothes are soaked."

...

My hand was already on the doorknob, ready to unlock the deadbolt.

But still uneasy.

What if the killer had more than two accomplices?

Gang crimes meant two or more suspects.

Fear struck. I withdrew my hand, quickly dialing Officer Carter's number.

The phone rang for a long time before connecting. Sound of howling wind.

"Hello, I'm not there yet. Rain's too heavy—raft capsized. Wait a bit longer..."

...

He spoke quickly, then hung up.

I held my phone, blood running cold.

Unconsciously stepped back two paces, facing the door directly. Spine freezing, breaking out in cold sweat.

Wait...

How did the killer outside know... I was waiting for someone...