This kind of thing just doesn’t happen in a small town like ours. I was just a common traffic cop a few months ago before the killings began. Prior to this unprecedented stretch of brutality, a DUI was headline news around these parts. But now, with the body count into double digits, it’s become all hands on deck to stop the perpetrator and end the violence.

Everybody in town is on edge. For the first time, people are having to lock doors and abide by a mandated curfew. None of the precautions ever work, though. This killer is smart, crafty and has eluded radar, hiding in plain sight amongst the population. One of the reasons it’s been so difficult to catch this killer is due to their expertise in disposing of evidence. 

Despite the remains of all 10 persons being found, there has been no footprints, no tire tracks, no hair or fingerprints. I should have clarified ‘remains’ a bit more. Skeletons have been found in each discovery. That’s because the killer has perfected the craft of completely skinning and disposing of the victim’s flesh and organs. I’ve heard rumors around the precinct that investigators suspect it’s the work of a hunter, but here in the sticks that narrows it down to just about everybody. 

Despite the terror that has set in on our little town the past few months, I still see the good and humanity in our people. Whenever another resident goes missing at the grips of this monster, the whole town rallies and our search parties swell in numbers. Family, friends, neighbors and coworkers all joining as one and not succumbing to the fear. 

I personally love the search parties. Not to sound too disturbing, but I get a little excited when news spreads of another missing person. The search parties allow me to do something meaningful with my life, and I really enjoy talking to different towns folk and learning about their lives and backstories. I always hope that nobody finds the remains right away, so we can have a couple more days altogether until the next one.

The local print shop makes free signs and stickers whenever a disappearance occurs. The grocery shop owner has raised reward money for any information leading to an arrest. The strip club owner has even offered up free lap dances for life to anybody who brings the killer to justice. 

All the contributions have been amazing, but my personal favorite goes to Mr. Wright. 

That homemade beef stew he distributes at every search party is to die for.