sstrwngers

[sstrwngers]

lamb to the slaughter

Chapter 1 - 493 words

warnings: general show warnings, mention of rape, if more, please let me know ❤︎

“You will eat the flesh of your sons and the flesh of your daughters.” — Leviticus 26:29

Your head was bowed, your hands perfectly upright, and the tip of your middle finger just inches from your forehead. The old, creaky record player you found at an estate sale filled the dimly lit living room with soft music. It was just you and the meal you had prepared.

You gave thanks for the food before you, then opened your eyes to admire the spread: fresh market potatoes, cut with precision; seasoned, slightly burnt broccoli from the bottom of the fridge; and the centerpiece—a medium-sized cut of flank steak. Garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper were all you needed, cooked to a perfect 120 degrees. Biting into the meat was a moment you lived for, melting on your tongue like pudding. But the man you took it from was anything but perfect—a serial rapist with a penchant for animal abuse. Yet here he was, on your plate, and he tasted wonderful.

While most would grumble about cleaning up after a meal, for you it was a second reward. How thoroughly could you tidy your little kitchen? How much evidence of murder could you wash down the drain? This was when your thoughts were most ordered, quiet, and reserved. You could reflect on who you had killed and why. A smile crept to your lips. You didn’t often revel in your kills, but this one was special—he tasted so good.

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A woman was found six stories below a hotel. Legs broken, blood everywhere. Her head lay at an awkward angle, her eyes fixed on the hotel’s water fountain. Scenes like this never bothered you. Maybe it was your years profiling for Miami Metro, but really, it was your after-hours hobby. Forensics came and went, but your gaze often followed Dexter Morgan. Something about him felt off—the way he held himself, the way he spoke. It reminded you of yourself, and that couldn't be good.

Detective Quinn stood beside you, rambling about alcohol in her hotel room, something you’d already deduced. “Ms. L/N, would you quit staring at Morgan's biceps?” His tone was teasing, but the last part of his sentence was low enough for only you to hear.

“Well, Detective Quinn,” you replied with a smile, “I’m just ensuring our team does a good job.” You winked and turned your attention back to the fountain. Something about it was drawing you in; it felt important.

Standing before the fountain, eyes closed, you heard soft footsteps approaching. “For such a man, your steps are remarkably quiet.” You turned to see Dexter standing before you, silent, his gaze shifting from the body to you. “And now you’re being quiet too, I see,” you said, facing the fountain again.

There, something in the water caught your eye. You reached in, the cold water up to your elbow. “Are they looking at us, Dexter?” You didn’t look at him.

���No.” His voice was rough. “Test this for prints. Don’t tell a soul, do you understand me?”

“Yes, ma’am.”