When we say dead silence, what does it truly mean? Is it ever truly silent? By definition, silence means something which is not accompanied by sound. A vicinity where nothing could be heard but in reality, it’s nothing but a myth. A mere myth, ’cause right now, a low hooting and eerie laughter of the rulers of the night sent a shiver in Bernard’s body as he took a sharp turn, almost skidding his car due to the wet snow. “Fucking snow! Hate Winters!”
A puff of smoke left from his nose with a heavy sigh as he slid up the half-open window door, wandering his gaze into the darkness in front, searching for any signs of life. But unfortunately, he found none. Being a citizen of Miami where it never snows, the journey from Sedona to Galena had been the worst 24 hours of his life.
The stock refill was already went puff like a god-damn rabbit, leftover nibbles spread all over the passenger seat and his lap. What was left was the half-filled can of beer and in no way he was going to drink that. A familiar sting had already started to build up but pulling over wasn’t an option. He’d rather use the can than get eaten by the creature of the night, favorite beer be damned. But the true cherry on the cake was the impatient gurgle in his stomach, with nothing for him to snack on.
“Oh for fuck sake, stop it! I have nothing to put into you! Stop annoying!” This has to be the worst part by far, he could tell the need to pee getting stronger plus the mistake of taking only chips and one sandwich had started to clog his mind with utmost guilt, something he never experienced. Eyeing the can with a longing gaze after more than eight to ten houses, shops, and eateries submerged in darkness went past him like a silhouette of a ghost, he carefully reached out and was about to pick it up when a flickering signboard caught his attention.
‘Midnight Crunchies’
A diner, finally. Peeking further, he noticed two to three people picking up the services and a long sigh left his lips. At least now he’ll have the freedom to relax his long legs that he didn’t even know were there or not. Parking in the farthest area from other cars, he picked up his coat, and muffler, put it on, then got out and cracked his neck, stretching away all the numbness in his body.
The bell chimed as he walked inside, catching the server’s attention and he smoothen his coat, ignoring the welcoming smile directed at him. The eatery was small, with only circle stools and high-rise chairs, some even without. The walls were a dull grey, but the place was still well-maintained. A girl was seated on the window side, gazing into the darkness while others walked out when he came inside.
“What can I get you, Sir?” The old man said in a cheerful voice.
“Where’s the washroom?” He asked while loosening the muffler around his mouth. Compared to the blood-freezing cold outside, the small diner was warm and welcoming.
“That way, first left.” The man pointed at the small hallway. “Do you want anything to eat, sir?”
“A black coffee and club sandwich for now. Pack a full meal if you could, long journey.”
“Ah, the travelers,” the old man shook his head with a light chuckle, “always underestimate the long journey.”
***
“Don’t mind me asking but, what brought you here? Bored of the beach Mr.?” The old man had a warm smile as he placed his order on the counter. Since there wasn’t anyone and he was tired of the whispers in the silence, a short stay in a place like this warm wasn’t bad.
“Bernard, Bernard Johnson sir.” He smiled as he picked up the order. “I’m here for work, you know, fieldwork. Else why would I leave the paradise itself?”
“Ah yes, the mighty doesn’t pay the bill.” The man said in a mocking tone, a displeased expression crossing over his wrinkled face.
“Indeed he doesn’t. By the way Mr.” Reading the name tag, an amused smirk formed on his lips, “Gatlin Bodycomb, are you the only worker here?”
“The only worker, server, cook, and owner of this diner,” Gatlin said with a proud smile.
“Wow.” To say Bernard was impressed wouldn’t be enough, multitasking was the only skill he was trying to master for years now, and meeting a pro in it meant there were people superior to him too. Maybe he could become his tutor. “Do you mind if I stay here for a while?”
“Not at all, son. This place opens at night and shuts in the morning. You can stay as long as you want. I’ll make a good meal for you. Order anything you want, this old man is ready for the service.”
The joyous tone in his voice made his chest light. It had been long since he had met someone like him. Every person he had ever crossed paths with were such cowards, scary cats, cold-hearted fuckers who couldn’t understand his needs. So what if he was different?
Waving a nod, he picked up the tray and walked back into the seating area, only to find the same girl from before, sitting in the same spot, lost in her thoughts.
“Are you his daughter?” His words left before he could stop them and the women’s head jerked towards him, a pair of amber eyes looking at him with questioning glance.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to be rude but you’re just sitting here doing… nothing. So I thought -“
“I don’t talk to people who assume things about me.” Her tone was soft yet commanding, a vibe of strong demeanor radiating through her small frame. By her looks, she seemed no more than 25, maybe less.
“No need to alpha out on me, miss. I was just curious. It’s almost two and dangerous out there and you didn’t leave with that group, so I thought you must be related to the owner.”
“Owner?”
“That old guy.”
“Oh, I didn’t know he was the owner. He’s a nice guy.”
“That he is. Can I sit here? If you don’t mind that is.” With a heavy sigh and raised brows, she waved her hand towards the seat in front and a grin appeared on his face. “Thank you, Miss…”
“Ava Williams.” The woman said with a stern look, scanning him from head to toe and his stomach quivered as he took a small bite of the sandwich. No one was able to ignite those types of feelings in him. Ever.
“Nice meeting you, Miss Williams. I’m Bernard Johnson. Now may I ask what are you doing here all alone?”
“Passing the time.”
“In a place surrounded by woods?” Bernard raised his brow. “Not a good choice I may say.”
“I have no other choice, Mr. Johnson. My car broke down in the middle of nowhere but luckily I found this diner. The old guy was generous enough to let me stay till morning.”
“Oh, may I ask where a young woman like you are traveling to? Maybe I can give you a ride.”
“Are you trying to flirt?” Ava shot a questioning look.
“Is it working?”
A light chuckle left her lips and it made a weird thing in his chest. What was this feeling he just had? “Nope, nada! Not at all!” She said in a teasing voice and he pursued his lips, stirring the coffee with a spoon.
“It was bad isn’t it?”
The women burst into laughter and that melody, it was sweeter than the sugar dipped in honey. Why was his heart beating faster at that voice? What was that woman doing to him?
“It was terrible, Bernard. Oh, is it okay if I call you Bernard?”
“Only if I can call you Ava.”
A bright smile appeared on her light red lips as she tossed her dark brown hair on other side of her shoulder. “I’m actually traveling to Galena. Cousin’s wedding. Guess, I’ll miss it now.”
“What a coincidence, Ava. I’m also traveling to Galena. Now when I ask you, want a ride? It won’t be flirting.”
“You have never hit on a girl, have you?”
Bernard bit his lip and gazed into her twinkling eyes. “No.”
Chuckling, she shook her head, a few strands falling over her eyes. “You’re still a stranger though, so why should I trust you?”
“Why should I trust you either, Ava? I don’t know you either do I now?”
“Fair point.”
“So…?” Why was his heart drumming in his ears, he couldn’t understand. It’s not like he was waiting for the answer to a marriage proposal.
“Okay, but don’t try to flirt again. You suck at it.”
“So what else should I suck… I mean.. do, yeah do. Fuck!” Warmth cascaded all over his body as Ava burst into a fit of laughter.
“You know what? You do nothing but drive.”
***
The doorbell chimed again as they stepped out of the diner together, walked towards Bernard’s car, and kept all the packaged meals in the backseat. Judging by the bags, it seemed enough to last for a long time but that’s what he thought when he purchased the last stock. “Do you think this much is enough?”
“I guess. It’ll be morning in some hours anyway so… yeah…” She shrugged as she took off her coat and kept on the passenger side and only then he got to have a peek at her perfect curves and he unconsciously licked his lips. Her dress underneath that loose coat was skin-fitting, high wasted jeans with a woolen top, defying her perfect shape.
“Bernard?”
“Huh.. uh…”
“Let’s go.”
“Yeah…” Clearing his throat, he walked towards the driver’s side but stumbled when something hit his head, hard. So hard that blood trickled down his neck. “You bitch!”
Grabbing her hand before she could attack again, he twisted her and pinned her against the car, holding her in a tight grip as she kept struggling. The sweet fragrance of tulips consumed his senses as he trailed his nose over the side of her neck, planting a wet kiss over it. “And I thought there could still be something between us, tulip killer.”
Her moments stilled as her pants rang like an echo in the silent forest. “How did you… who are you?”
“Oh come on, Ava. The Silencer always keeps a closer eye on his competitors. It was so easy to follow you, fool you into thinking that I’m an innocent, naive love seeker.” He whispered into her ears, watching the hairs on her bare skin rise, sending immense pleasure in his body and down his pants. “Though, I must admit you got me for a moment. No wonder people fall for you so easily.”
“Nobody follows me just to end up as a corpse, Silencer. You love me, don’t you? I know your history, I just thought Silencer would be an old, hot-looking man. But you’re young. More of my taste. I like you, but what can I do? Old habits die hard.” There was something about that voice, that tone. It was deep, and creepy but truthful.
Loosening his grip on her hand, he took a step back, forbidden tears stinging the edge of his eyes. “You mean that?”
Taking a step closer, she leaned up and locked their lips in a kiss. A kiss that sent a shiver down his spine, but it was different than the thrill, the shiver he gets after each killing. It was something more love-like, something he never got from anyone around him.
“Is Bernard even your real name?” She asked after they broke the kiss.
“We never go by our real names, do we, Ava?”
A chuckle that made his heart do weird things yet again left her mouth, amber eyes shimmering with unknown emotions. And they say killers don’t have emotions. Well, psychopaths don’t but killers born from circumstantial conspiracies do. Sometimes it’s the only choice they are left with.
“Fair point, Bernard. So… um, sorry for attacking you. Now that I know who you are, where are we going?”
“I’m on a run, so… wanna join?”
“New identities, exciting.” She winked, got inside the passenger side, slammed the door shut, and took off her bra and the things it did to him were unexplainable. “Come on…” She sang and a low sigh left his mouth. Tilting his head up, he gazed into the vast infinity of clear sky. The stars danced and winked as if celebrating his victory. And why wouldn’t they? They were the only witness of the embarking of a journey even he beckoned as unknown. Was something more than killing possible between two criminals? Only time will tell.
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