The Witness

He would spend his days riding his bike up and down residential streets, eager to preach the Gospel and God's love to anyone willing to listen. He was well-dressed, mannerable, and handsome, qualities that easily gained his victim's trust. All he needed them to do was invite him inside. Damian was on the hunt for victim #17 when he stumbled upon Grace working in her garden. His teeth sank into his bottom lip as he observed her from the distance while she pruned her roses. The woman was nowhere near his usual type, and that fact alone sucked him in. She was tall with a large frame and generous curves. His groin stirred in excitement once she bent over to tend the roses closer to the ground. He went through his mental checklist of supplies that weighed heavy in his duct tape, rope, a bowie knife, towels, change of clothes. Everything was present and accounted for. "Good evening, Ma'am. I've never seen such beautiful roses before," Damian complimented as he observed the blush of the roses and her smooth sepia skin that he hoped would be littered with cuts and bruises. “Thank you. They’re beautiful but feisty,” she replied, waving her bandaged fingers at him. “You’re not the only one who has fallen victim to the thorns. A woven crown of thorns was placed on the head of Jesus during his crucifixion.” “And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying Hail, King of the Jews,” the woman breezily quoted. “Matthew 27:29. You’re quite familiar with the Word of God. I’m impressed,” Damian commented, smirking at the woman. “Guilty. I am a preacher’s daughter.” “Well, it’s nice to meet you, preacher’s daughter.” “Please, call me Grace.” “Grace, what a beautiful name. My name is Damian. Do you have a few minutes to spare to humor a Witness?” "Sure. It wouldn't hurt." Damian bit back his grin. The irony was overwhelming. He had deadly plans for Grace... **Please be advised that there may be triggering topics in the story, such as murder and mentions of sexual assault and domestic violence. The male lead is a serial killer who poses as a Jehovah’s Witness to scout his victims. The story is in no way intended to offend, insult, disparage, mock, or disrespect anyone from the faith. Damian’s actions do not represent Jehovah's Witnesses' actual beliefs or practices. This story ends on a major cliffhanger! The second part will be released in February 2023!