Page 3 of Dying Flame

When he thinks he isn’t being watched, he’s different. His face changes; his body language is of someone I don’t recognize. It’s eerie, and it's like he’s been replaced with a different life form of sorts. I was blinded by love and youth when we met. The person I met years ago is no longer with me.

“Oh look, it’s a dog park,” I point out to the area in front of us filled with emerald green grass and encompassed by a chain-link fence. There are already some families with their furry friends having fun. I wanted a dog so badly when we first got married and Devin started traveling, but he always said he hated dogs. Then I suggested a cat, and he suddenly had an allergy to them.

Instead of having a companion to keep me company while he was gone, he preferred I be alone. That should have been the first red flag in our marriage, but I chose to ignore it and believe his lies. I walk to the edge of the park and just watch the people and dogs inside. The animals run around chasing toys and balls to bring back to their owners. Kids cheer and pet their furry friends.

Jealousy runs through me. I wish I had picked a different life. Not one allowing someone else to have so much control over me. I was young and naive; he was older and more calculating. A match made in psycho heaven.

Devin stands beside me watching as well. He’s always watching, observing, and planning. I can see the wheels turning in his head, even if he thinks I can’t.

“Still want a dog?” The question confuses me. I haven’t mentioned wanting a dog since he turned me down years ago and I found out what he was. I would never risk bringing an animal home now in fear of what might happen to it while I’m not there.

“What? I haven’t thought about it. I’m so busy with work it wouldn’t be fair to have a dog cooped up in the house all day,” I shrug, trying to get away from the subject.

“Well, I’m sure you can work from home more often and be home with a puppy. I think it would be nice for you, darling, that’s all.” Darling. That word makes me cringe internally. I used to love it when he called me that, but now I loathe it more than him.

“Hmm. I’ll think about it. Puppies are a lot of work, Devin. Plus, didn’t you say you didn’t like dogs?” I turn to face him, and he’s still looking into the park, his dark green eyes focused on something. When he doesn’t answer, I notice what he’s looking at. A young mom holding her baby while her younger child played fetch with a big black German Shepherd.

“Let's go to the lake—check it out. I think they have kayaks to rent,” I force myself to place my hand on his arm to get his attention.

“Oh, sure.” He turns away slowly, not noticing I touched him. He was so engrossed in that woman he forgot I was even here, I bet.

As we near the main center, there is a post with labeled arrows pointing in different directions, so I find the one pointing to the lake and head in that direction. Everyone around is busying themselves with getting situated. Tents are being pitched and cars are emptied as groups and couples prepare for a week of festivities.

As we walk through the campground, I’m grateful I wore gym shoes because the gravel makes it hard to walk around. Wearing sandals would be uncomfortable and painful, I’m sure. Devin and I walk side by side, taking everything in around us.

The noise of people around dies down as we near the lake. The shimmer of the sun on the water looks peaceful and inviting, and although I’m not much of a swimmer, maybe I’ll take some time to lie on the beach and catch some sun. It’s been years since I’ve been on any kind of vacation. Devin always says he’s too busy or tired to go anywhere, not that I want to go anywhere with him anymore lately.

Down the beach there is a shack with kayaks around. There's no one here yet, but I’m sure in a few hours things will be in full swing.

“Quiet, huh?” Devin’s voice breaks through the dead silence.

“Yeah, it’s nice.” The lake is still as I watch it. No ripples, or movement of any kind. Sort of like our marriage. It looks beautiful and peaceful from the outside, but deep down it’s cold and dark and uninviting. It holds secrets not meant for the rest of the world.

And after this week there will only be one secret I ever keep.

FIVE

EMILY

It’s finally the 4th. It's not usually a holiday I care much about, but it is nice to be out of the house and around other people, even if I haven’t spoken to another soul besides Devin. I packed and prepared some food that we brought with us, so last night Devin grilled us some steaks. This morning we had some pastries with coffee.

I’ve never been much of a breakfast person, so this is normal for me. Devin prefers a full spread, but I’m in no mood to do that while on vacation. Plus, we have plenty to make for lunch and dinner today. On our drive in yesterday, I spotted a couple of small diners we can go to to grab a bite while we are here.

I had to take care of all the planning and packing, so if he doesn’t like what we have, he is more than welcome to go to the store in town and pick up what he wants. I’m tired of having to take care of every little thing for Devin. Soon enough I won’t have to anymore.

There is a full schedule of events set up for today, so we can just go with the flow for the day. First up is a parade through the campground that everyone can participate in, but of course we prefer not to. We’re more watchers than spectators in stuff like that. There are plenty of other people here that can feel free to take part.

After our walk around the grounds yesterday to acclimate ourselves to the area, we came back to the cabin. It’s cozy and quiet in this area. The pool and lake were filled with people screaming, splashing, and thoroughly enjoying themselves. I enjoy the peacefulness of nature, always have. Devin brought his work computer and wasted the afternoon away on it, which was fine. Being around him for too long can be exhausting.

Yesterday gave me plenty of time to be alone and remember the day I finally started to question things about my life with him…

Another long day at work makes me appreciate the drive back home. Devin is gone yet again on a work trip, but he’s due back the day after tomorrow. I miss him so much when he’s gone it physically hurts.

When he first started working for the company, he didn’t have to travel as much—maybe two or three times a year. The frequency of these trips has escalated in the last few years, leaving me alone for multiple weeks some months.

I understand, though; he is a businessman and a hard worker. He provides for us, so I can’t complain. I turn on the radio to listen for the weather; maybe it’ll be nice enough this weekend that we can go for a hike if Devin isn’t too tired.

“Another body of an unknown woman has been found in the woods this early morning. Investigators have not released very much information yet, other than a warning to other young women in the area to be careful. What we do know is that she has been found in the same manner as the others found in the area. Investigators suspect these cases may be connected.” The voice of the newscaster is so neutral and balanced while speaking about a possible serial killer on the loose.