Tick Tock Part Four - The Mouse Fell Down

The Perfect Gift

The lack of action was both a blessing and a curse. With things so quiet, Gavin assumed the FBI were close. Too close to risk going out in public. Although he hadn't seen the Hickory Killer, he knew for a fact that Jack hadn't left the grounds. He'd barely left his side at all, which made escaping a distant dream. The domesticity of it was hard to handle. They slept together, woke up together, ate meals, read books, watched TV, and went out in the garden. Kitty was even allowed out of her room, though she shied away from Jack and often hid away upstairs. She was smart. She knew better than to make a ruckus and try to escape by herself. If anything happened, it would be on Gavin's terms.

As time wore on, Gavin couldn't help but wonder how close the FBI was to finding them. The fact they were hidden away suggested it was too dangerous to risk them being seen. The Hickory Killer also hadn't brought him any new targets to kill. Why not? Was it the house? Was it too close to civilization to risk it? There wasn't a basement, and the walls were like those of any other house, so a gunshot would draw attention. It wouldn't be the first time I had to kill without a gun, though...Perhaps it was the house itself he didn't want to ruin. Blood would leave a terrible mess on the cream carpets. This might be a temporary base, borrowed or rented, that the Hickory Killer intended to hand back in good condition.

He might also be biding his time. Looking for the perfect target to make him actually want to-Gavin shuddered at the thought. There was no way he'd ever want to kill someone. He thought about it sometimes, sure. Some people were evil beyond redemption and it was tempting, but he knew for a fact he'd feel shitty afterwards if he ever followed through. He tried not to think about those he'd killed more recently and the conflicting feelings that brought. If he thought about them, he thought about what happened afterwards. The praise and the pleasure that brought. The prickles across his skin and swirls in his stomach. If he thought about it too much, it would make him feel sick.

After a few days of nothing, he was beginning to relax a little. He felt more comfortable and at ease in the new house, which could probably be put down to the freedom that came with it. Being able to go where he liked, even outside, was a massive change. Feeling the sun warm his skin was also a rare treat. He'd gone outside every day since their arrival, though he could never stay out too long. It was freezing, even when it was sunny. Seeing Kitty was also reassuring. They never talked about leaving. It didn't feel safe with Jack so close all the time. Even if they couldn't speak freely, it was still reassuring, being able to see and touch her. If she was within arm's reach, he could keep her safe. That was the illusion, anyway.

Having let his guard down, it was a nasty shock when the Hickory Killer finally showed up again. He was sitting at the breakfast bar as if he'd always been there, masked as always. Gavin wasn't sure whose benefit it was for at this point. Was he hiding his face in case he escaped? Was there something wrong with his face? Did the thought of being seen make him nervous? Or was it a psychological move to keep him on edge? Perhaps seeing his face would make him less imposing and take away the mystique. Removing the mask would also mean he'd have to speak with his own voice. He'd done it once. The memory sent prickles across his skin. Maybe I should be grateful he's wearing that thing...

"Gavin, you look well." That was true enough. Finally getting air and being able to go outside had returned a little colour to his cheeks. It also gave him more space to exercise, so he'd regained a little muscle, too. Gavin remained frozen in the doorway where his steps had first faltered upon seeing the Hickory Killer casually sitting there. Feeling those blue eyes upon him, Gavin stammered. He was probably expecting an answer to that. "This is one of my nicer retreats. I'm glad to see you're enjoying it." Enjoying was a strong word, considering he didn't have a choice in being there. It occurred to him again that he should probably say something, lest the silence fester.