I continue driving - this time completely aware of my surroundings - until I find a deserted place to carry out the final steps of my plan. Parking my car, I open the boot and am hit with another sudden flurry of emotion upon seeing Alyssa dead and pale, completely devoid of the life she used to ooze from every pore on her body. I step back and dab at the corners of my eyes with my fingertips, trying to push the stubborn tears back in. The deed is done, she's gone, I need to come to terms with this and detach myself from this emotional tie to her. 
                          
Turning back to the boot, I exhale and then suck in a large gulp of slightly rancid air as I lean in to grab her right arm, I then heave her body over my shoulder and start to trudge up into the wooded area. When I find a patch of dry ground I lower her as gently as I can and return to my car to grab the items I need to end this.
                          
If I can manage to destroy her body, I might be able to lead police down the track of thinking she simply disappeared. They might go on thinking that she had thought the authorities were getting too close to catching her and she decided it was best to vanish, without a trace. It's not uncommon for a criminal to just up and leave when times get testy. 
                          
I am holding out hope that this will work in any case, but if they think otherwise, I've got no clue what's happened to her. If they were to check my phone they would find that I haven't even spoken to her in a few days. I have no involvement whatsoever, even if they were to go down that track. Which I assume they won't after they make a visit to her house. There's enough incriminating evidence there to ascertain her as the Motel Murderer anyway. Her diary for one, with the same dates as the international murders. The flowers. There would surely be some note about her visit to San Fransisco recently, which matches up with the murder there too. It's all too obvious when you put it all together. 
                          
This only reminds me of my ignorance to it all. Not that I knew, but that I could have seen it had I not been so close with Alyssa. 
                          
Gathering the last of the essentials, I wander slowly back and stand over her body. Biting my lip, I remember at the last second that I should probably put her in the ground a little before I continue, so I grab the shovel I brought and dig out a shallow grave. 
                          
Gazing one last time at the person I used to care about and confide in and then tip the canister upside down to soak her limp, cold body in fuel. Dousing her blonde locks and now blue lips, soaking her short floral sundress and then cover her dainty ankles until she's completely drenched. I tug a packet of matches from the back pocket of my jeans and strike the red tip against the igniter. The flame lights up my face, I feel the heat radiate upon my cheeks momentarily before I kneel down and whisper to the sodden corpse beneath me, "You were once someone I wanted to know. Now, you're only a distant memory."
                          
Standing up, I step back quickly as I toss the match onto the body and instantly fire engulfs it. The dried out ground beneath flares to life, flames lick desperately at the air, sending embers floating spectacularly about the night sky. 
                          
I knew that smoke billowing up into the air would not concern anyone here, as there are multiple campsites scattered around this area and it isn't unusual for someone to light a fire.
                          
I stand by silently, watching as every last bit of her is turned to ash, then into a wisp of smoke, then into nothing.





                          
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After the fire had died out, I took a few quick minutes to cover the hole and scatter upon it a generous helping of leaf litter to mask the area until the dirt settles again.
                          
The drive home is one of contentedness. Satisfied with what I've done - what I had to do. I'm proud of myself for being able to push through it all, push past my emotional tie to Alyssa and take her down. It wasn't easy, that's for sure. But it was necessary.
                          
I have to ensure I give myself enough time to heal before Alex gets a good look at my body in case of any bruising from my scuffle with Alyssa, which meant I needed an excuse that night to keep him from attempting anything sexual - because I knew just how quickly he can become turned on and pounce on me. Not that that's a bad thing.
                          
Faking illness was one way to go, or tiredness would work too. It's probably more believable if I go with fatigue. Something I had gotten into the habit of doing was to keep a spare set of clothes in my car - in case something like tonight were to happen - and after changing into them and wiping my face and hands with a wet wipe, I felt sure Alex wouldn't suspect anything untoward when I walked in the door. 
                          
Ditz jumps around at my feet excitedly when I enter. Bending down, I pick her up and let her lick my cheek a couple of times in greeting before heading into the lounge where I find Alex and Dex parked on the couch playing a video game - luckily for me, might I add. This was certainly a good enough distraction for tonight. 
                          
"Hey." I announce while standing in the arch of the entry to the sitting room.
                          
Alex turns his head, giving me a grin before saying, "Hey."
                          
He then nudges Dex who is completely absorbed in the game. "What?" He says, turning to scowl at Alex. 
                          
Alex nods his head in my direction and Dex turns his jet-black haired head a little then says, "Oh, hey Dan, sorry I didn't see you there." Dex offers me a smile before turning back to the game.
                          
"Looks like you guys are having fun, I'll leave you to it and head off to bed, I'm beat." I say, meaning it literally.
                          
"No worries babe, I'll be in later." Alex says returning to their intense video game.
                          
I snicker to myself as I leave the room, heading straight for the bathroom to shower.
                          
Closing the door, I turn and stand in front of the mirror, concerned about what I will find beneath my shirt. I gently lift the material up and over my head, dropping it on the floor before inspecting my body. The skin on my sides is tender, along with my stomach but the pain is worse around my ribs. I can tell nothing is broken though, so I don't worry too much. The only issue is the inevitable bruising. I'll have to keep myself covered so as not to alert Alex to my injuries.
                          
After a quick shower, I tiptoe to bed, finding Ditz already curled up on Alex's side of the bed, fast asleep. Settling beneath the covers, I allow myself the time to go over the events of the night, what I had done and what was to come. 
                          
Alyssa is gone. Alyssa, the Motel Murderer - is gone. My best friend and confidant from my childhood turned into someone I no longer knew. Someone I no longer recognised. Someone I no longer saw as a person. She had become a monster, just like the others I'd killed. I knew I couldn't ignore it, just like I couldn't ignore the others. When I knew what they had done, and I knew without a doubt that they were guilty, I had to do something because no one else had. I took the responsibility into my own hands and handled the problem she had become. That they all had become. 
                          
I accept the lives I've taken and know that some people might see it as wrong, but to me, I've done what was needed.
                          
With that thought, I shuffle onto my side and close my heavy eyelids, drifting dreamlessly into a deep sleep. 




                          
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And that's chapter two all wrapped up. 
                          
What are we thinking about Alyssa's death, about the way Danica handled her? 
                          
I'd love to hear what everyone is thinking so far. 
                          
Please vote and comment if you enjoyed the chapter and I shall see you next time. 
                          
Cheerio!
Shantelle 😄