Chapter One: The Executioner's Manuscript
3:17 AM
The basement smelled of rust and disinfectant. My scalpel glinted under the surgical lamp as I traced it along his collarbone. His bare chest rose and fell rapidly, sweat mingling with the blood seeping from the shallow wounds.
Do you know why you're here, Daniel?
His reply came muffled through the leather strap between his teeth. The movement of his Adam's apple as he swallowed reminded me of my first catch.
3:23 AM
I started with the fingers. Always the fingers.
His right little finger broke off with satisfying ease. The bone protruded from the torn flesh like a broken twig. When I dropped it into the specimen jar, it made a soft clattering sound against the glass.
"one..."
His ring finger needed more pressure. His scream rippled through the restraint chair.
"two..."
When I reached his thumb, his face had gone pale. The ammonia capsule under his nose brought him back to consciousness. His pupils dilated with terror.
4:12 AM
The tongue has always been of interest to men. They strive to be brave.
As the forceps separated his jaws, I saw his back teeth chatter. I quickly manipulated the muscle with the scissors. The severed end landed on his chest with a wet thud.
"Don't worry," I whispered, wiping the blood off my glove. "You'll still be able to nod."
5:55 AM
The bathtub is waiting for us.
The ethanol stung my nose as I pulled it out of his hair. His body shuddered as the liquid touched his wounds. The bubbles that rose were pink at first, then crimson.
I let him watch me sterilize my tools. His remaining fingers twitched on the restraints.
6:30 AM
The notebook fell out of his jacket while I was packing his clothes.
"Memoirs of Victim No. 68"
I opened the note out of curiosity.
It was my habit to search through the victims' belongings.
When I opened the note I saw a name I could almost recognize.
"Excessive obsession in the world of fantasy"
This book was the best book I have ever read besides killing people.
When I saw the book I couldn't help but feel sad.
It was a good book but I accidentally killed the author of my favorite novel.
"Okay, that's okay, I have to go to sleep I will think about this matter tomorrow.."
I lay on the bed and fell asleep.
7:00 AM
Sleep came quickly.
I woke up.
The silk sheets felt strange against my skin. Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, an unrecognizable city skyline shone in the dawn light. On the mahogany bedside table:
[End of chapter]