Shelley. It was time to pay her a visit.

My whole body had felt itchy since the fight, like my skin was too tight for my body. I wanted to punch someone, feel my fist sink deep into flesh, stopping only at the bone and maybe not even there. To be honest, I’d been feeling like this since I’d killed Jade. It had been such an adrenaline rush. Way better than the so-called runner’s high or any sports metaphor I could think of. Better than when I’d run the guy over.

Alive, that’s the only way I can think to really describe it. I’d finally felt alive. And I wanted that feeling again. Bad.

This morning had made it worse. I ached all over, inside and out. It was probably stupid to go for Shelley on the same day as the fight, but I couldn’t wait anymore. On the plus side, the police wouldn’t expect it. Though, seriously, after having talked with them a few times now … they weren’t going to figure it out. I’d been careful setting up my alibi, even more so than last time. I’d set it all up. It was amazing what you could do with a little technological know-how. Right about the time I was going to meet Shelley under the bleachers, my computer would be sending out a couple of emails and I’d be leaving a voice mail on that one cop’s work voice mail … the one taking a vacation day for his anniversary. There was no way he’d be at his desk. Thank you, Officer Pete, for sharing that tidbit where I could hear you. It always pays to pay attention.

I put my shiny new knife and a pair of gloves in my backpack and climbed out my window. Shelley was a perfect choice. I’d never liked her, and she’d been making Aria’s life hell lately. She was a waste of space, even if she did have a ready mouth.

A vile mouth, too. I’d never cared what she had to say in public about me. Trashing other people was her hobby, probably to make up for her own crap life. But she’d always been available for a little slap and tickle when I wanted it. It had been beyond easy to get her to agree to meet me for a little rendezvous in her favorite spot. It had always killed her that I was going out with Jade.

Funny how things work out.