Come hell or high water

The sun is out. What a night, eh? I blame global warming; these storms are the new norm, let me tell you. Jeez, look at all that destruction. What's wrong?

Why so glum? I think that went perfectly. You couldn't have picked a better time. Everyone was busy with the storm to notice you. With half the city stumbling around in darkness, who do you think will point the finger at you? No one, that's who. Relax, have a drink.

Don't concern yourself with details, there's no way in hell anything will stick. You got away with it, enjoy the moment. I can see what you're thinking; that's a bad idea. Brilliant plan, but this genius move will get you jailed. Just hear me out: don't go back there. Sit the rest of the storm out, wait for the bodies to show up. Until then, relax, have a drink.

They won't find it. No, they won't! You've seen what flash floods do to corpses. If someone is able to identify their stinking carcases, their bodies will look like they went through a meat grinder. Even if someone's looking for stab wounds there's little to no chance they'll find anything intact. The knife? Thousands of knives, axes, pointy rebars will wash up in the streets. What are they gonna do? Authorities are struggling. They have a crisis on their hands. Those two will be victims of the massive storm that hit the city with unprecedented force. Tragic, really.

But your honor, the necropsy report states the victims were dead before they drowned. May I present exhibit A. Haha, you should stop watching those cop shows. I mean, I know you're missing a few screws but this level of dedication from state officials is pure fantasy. Those two are dead because of the flash flood, that's the end of it. Why are you like this? You're pissing me off.

You started out beautifully. When the lights went out the last piece of the puzzle fell. Countless nights you pondered how it can be done. How to stay hidden, how not to leave traces at the scene, how to dispose of the bodies, etc. A city devoured by darkness allowed you to creep across town to their house. Everywhere you look people were terrified, scurrying back inside while ambulances, and fire engines raced through the streets. Every cam went black.

I watched you move; you were fearless, like a predator on the hunt, moving from cover to cover. You stood outside their window, watching them huddle at the chicken table. Every available flashlight and candle in the house was lit. It made no difference whatsoever.

I saw you standing in the kitchen, knife in hand, just staring. They were terrified. Why didn't you say something? Why not tell them? Tell them how much they made you suffer. Tell them how everything wrong with your life was their fault? How long have you dreamt it?

But I applaud your ferocity. You struck with a steady hand and absolute determination. You could have stayed there glaring all night, if it wasn't for the rushing water filling up the house. Was it the cold that snapped you out of it?

You could have died, you know? How you swam out of that raging current beats the heck out of me. Your body will heal, your wounds might not leave any scars–nothing to commemorate your triumph. I certainly didn't help, if that's what you're wondering. I didn't help at all, haha.

This was all you, my boy. I had nothing to do with it. Your plan, your method, your credit. And where would I go? Good one, I walked straight into it. No, I'm staying a while longer. I don't want you screwing this up. They all screw up at some point. Some never stop killing, others have to brag about it.

Have a drink, please. It's a special morning for you, a new beginning. They're gone forever. You're free now. It's time to live life the way you always wanted. To live it the way it was meant to be lived. Late? It's as if they never existed in the first place. It's that simple.

Look who's up: three little angles. How old is the big one? Six? Your wife looking lovely as always. A picture perfect family is what you have. I can see why you went through all that–what father won't protect his own?

When the time comes, give her space to grieve. They did raise her after all. Even the kids might shed a tear. Don't try and act all sad, just support her while she grieves. It goes without saying that you should take this secret to your grave. She will never forgive you if she finds out. You did her a favor. They can't intervene in your life anymore. It's finally happening.

“Is the power still out? We have to check up on my parents. They're not answering."

“We can't leave the house. There's a curfew."

“I'm calling the police. Maybe they can send someone out there."

“I doubt that; it's pretty bad in those parts. I heard the water levels are really high."

“I'm not staying here like this. I need to help them."

Don't try to stop her. Let her call whoever she wants. Remember, be supportive and provide.

"Daddy, I had a bad dream last night. I looked for you but you were gone.”

"Did you sleep with mommy last night?”

"She climbed on your side. Where were you?”

“I couldn't sleep. I sat here waiting for the storm to die down. I did the laundry.”

"You washed clothes by hand? Why?”

"I wanted to do some chores, help out a bit.”

"You don't look too good, daddy. Have you been wrestling Chico? Did you take his dog biscuits again?”

“Honey, you look terrible. You should get those checked out. Call a doctor.”

“I'm fine. To tell you the truth…”

This should be good.

“I've never felt better."