Serial Separation by Dick C. Waters

from his bedroom next door.
    He was two years older and a high school sports figure. Eventually, when her parents and sister were away weekends camping, they had spent time together. She remembered being on cloud nine. His compliments about her beauty made her a more confidant young woman. She hadn’t made love to anyone but him. She couldn’t remember the number of times they were together, over many months; he even had his own key.
    It all ended suddenly one weekend.
    Bob had some friends over for a party next door. She remembered showering and having the feeling she was being watched. Bob came over later when she was in bed. They made love. He said he was staying the night. She had fallen asleep, but woke up later to find she was tied to the bed. Bob was no longer alone.
    She endured their attack for what seemed like an endless weekend. She recalled crying and begging Bob to stop. She would never say a word to anyone. He only laughed at her, saying if she ever told anyone about what happened, she would be sorry. He told her he would tell them it was her idea that they had been together many weekends. Then he made the mistake of telling her that he would also get ‘Little Sissy,’ and it would be her fault.
    She never told anyone, and was careful from that point on to hide from and avoid him. She made an excuse to quit cheer squad, spending weekends with her grandfather and sister on his boat.
    She was now glad to see his face behind the glass and no longer able to carry out his threat. He had been shocked to see her when she removed his blindfold. He was a smart boy, quickly understanding his fate—the body parts were hard to ignore.
    She remembered her rage when she reminded him of his threat to her sister. He had cried, said he was sorry. He even promised never to do anything to either of them if they let him go. His crying reminded her of her own begging and how he had laughed at her predicament.
    She recalled his final moments: showing him her knife, and grabbing him there. She threw her body against the glass; her hands banging on it, tears streaming down her face. You stupid, stupid asshole—you had it made. You will never rape anyone again.
    Minutes passed. She found herself curled up on the floor in front of the display case. She purposely avoided looking and quickly switched off the display case lights. She went down the stairs to the first floor. She sat on the steps and wiped her face. She thought of seeing her parents and sister over Christmas. However, she knew ‘next door’ would be grieving over Bob’s disappearance, or possibly learning that he was the latest torso victim. She tried to stop the tears, but could not. She tried to concentrate, but she felt trapped. Images kept flashing in front of her; it was like a nightmare, but this wasn’t a dream—this really happened. She had killed him.
    Several minutes must have passed because when she woke up she was soaking wet and felt like a different person. Look at what you’ve done. Now who’s stupid?

Chapter 16
     
    I was late.
    Today was the task force kickoff meeting. The accident on Memorial Drive was just enough to delay me. Surely Paddy would have already started the meeting. I could feel the sweat on my back from hurrying, but I found a parking spot not too far from the office.
    I opened the front door to the office, stepped in from the cold, feeling the warmth inside. Colleen indicated the meeting had started and gave me the hush sign.
    I whispered, “Thanks,” then headed to the rear door of the conference room. I tried to quietly enter the conference room, but the old building’s door gave me up, the squeak caused Paddy to stop in mid-sentence. I quickly found an empty seat in the rear.
    Paddy resumed. “Both men had similar characteristics; white, college age, and well built. Their extremities were removed, including genitalia. The medical examiner confirmed their identity based on the medical records provided. Last Friday, Bob