He had converted the dining room to his war room by placing a large table in the center. He leaned over it to study the pictures, maps and property records of the new Palace of Supreme Perfection that awaited him on a remote and vast expanse of land. Admiring the detail and effort he’d invested over the years, Zurrn closed his eyes and inhaled the dream that was within his grasp.
Then he sat in a musty sofa chair, kept perfectly still and contemplated his situation. He considered the news stories and that reporter. Kate Page, prattling on. “My sister, my sister.” Kate Page is a brainless moth blindly flicking about in my brilliance, an annoyance of no consequence. Like the police, she’d never know the truth. Nobody would, because it no longer existed. Haven’t I established my superiority? Soon, I’ll assume my rightful place among the immortals, like Jack the Ripper and the Zodiac.
They’ll revere me throughout the ages.
Zurrn shifted his thoughts.
Recently he’d made some difficult choices on which specimens to terminate and which to keep as he rebuilt his collection. With a heavy heart he went to one of his laptops and replayed a video—a video he’d shared with a very select group who appreciated his art.
Oh, those expressive eyes, the sheer terror, evocative of my butterflies fluttering themselves to death in the kill jar. My pretty things, you make me tingle all over.
But it was all for the best. He needed to collect fresh specimens.
Time for a treat, a little reward.
Time for Jenn to send Ashley a text.
Hey bestie what’s up?
Nothing. What’s up with you?
I’m in Minnesota.
OMFG NO WAY SERIOUSLY?!?!
With my parents visiting kin in the country near Twin Cities.
OMG so close!
We have to meet at the mall real soon!
OMG YES!!!
Okay I’ll let you know deets tomorrow!
YES PLEASE!!!
Then we can really talk. Will you be there?
Easy. I’ll get away! OMG OMG YEAH!!!
CHAPTER 55
Bloomington, Minnesota
I have a weird question lol don’t judge. Have you ever kissed a dead person?
Why would she ask that?
The next morning, Ashley Ostermelle was confused. Was Jenn joking?
Um, no?? Have you??
My grandma died 4 days ago. They made me kiss her corpse at the wake. It was nasty.
Aw sorry to hear that.
She was sick. It’s why we came to Minnesota. I meant to tell you.
But that’s really sad, I feel bad.
Thanks. I didn’t really know her.
Still sad.
Mom needs a funeral dress we’ll be at the mall at noon. We can finally meet in person!!
Yes!
Meet you at the Apple Store at noon.
Ashley’s plan was to go to the school nurse, tell her she was sick and needed to go home. They’d call her mom, but no one would be home to check on her. Then she’d head to the mall. If she got caught she’d say she was getting Mom a present for her birthday, which was next month.
That would lessen any punishment.
Ashley knew how to work the system.
By midmorning it had all worked smoothly. Upon leaving her school, she hopped a bus to the mall.
Riding across the city, she grew excited. She’d snuck off to the mall a couple times before with friends, but this was different. She was adventuring on her own, to meet a friend with whom she’d bonded.
Jenn knew way more about boys than she did and Ashley ached to get her advice on Nick and other stuff. Jenn had tried drugs, gotten drunk and done other things—like kissed a dead person—while Ashley lived her boring little suburban life in Edina, home of the walking dead.
Just shoot me.
* * *
A little over an hour after she’d left school Ashley was in the Mall of America standing outside the Apple Store.
It was 12:10 p.m. and she sent Jenn a message.
I’m here. Where are you?
As the minutes passed Ashley studied the streams of shoppers, looking for one who resembled the picture Jenn had sent of herself.
She was so pretty.
Bad news, was the response.
Thinking she’d been stood up, Ashley’s heart sank.
What’s up? Are you coming?
Mom made me wait in the car in the parking lot with my sick aunt.
Okay, I’ll wait for you.
Mom may get her dress and then we’ll leave, sorry.
Oh.
Everyone’s still sad about Grandma’s death.
I understand.
You could come to the car & we could talk?
Ashley hesitated.
Parking garages were kind of creepy. In the time she took to think, Jenn sent another message.
This could be our only chance to meet, Ash.
Ashley caught her bottom lip between her teeth. It made sense and since she’d already cut classes and come this far.
Okay, where are you?
West lot. P4 West Arizona level. I can see the main door.
See you soon.
Ashley consulted the mall’s maps and cut across the mammoth complex to the doors to P4 West Arizona. The cool, cement-like smell hit her when she left the mall for the parking lot. Waiting in the garage at the doors, she sent Jenn a message. Few other people were around.
OK. I’m here.
I think I see you, what are you wearing?
A yellow top and pink jacket.
I’ll tap the horn and flash the lights.
Ashley stared out at the lake of cars and vans.
A horn sounded, lights flashed, drawing her to a white SUV.
I see you!
I’ll leave the passenger door open for you.
