The first thing you should know, before anything else, is that I don’t go by David anymore. They may think I’m dead, but they still associate that name (at least, my full name) with my crimes. I’m trying not to put any sort of spotlight on myself, even if they would at most assume it was an odd coincidence. It would still put my actions up for scrutiny -- after all, do you think that the world treats anyone unfortunate enough to share a name with a serial killer well? They really don’t. They treat them nearly as bad as the actual killers. People are funny that way, aren’t they?
I’m not quite sure how you found me, though. I guess it’s just another talent you’ve picked up, because you don’t have any of those convenient abilities anymore -- none of us do. Even Bradley doesn’t, and he wasn’t even dead in the first place, unlike us.
Speaking of which, I’m assuming you remember him. You’re good at remembering things when it’s convenient for you, so while it’s possible you’ve forgotten him, I don’t think you have. Even so, I’m not going to remind you.
Like I was saying -- or, writing, rather -- I’m still with him. When I left that dreadful asylum, he came with me. It’s nice to have company again, and I really do like him, even if we’re polar opposites. What’s that old cliche? Opposites attract? It must be true in this case.
We moved down to Miami. It’s nice here near the coast. There’s no actual seasons, unless you count ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ as seasons -- not that it’s really ever dry here, but they still classify it that way. I think you would like it here, actually. I remember how much you hated winter on the east coast, and I have to agree -- it didn’t make anything easier. Here there isn’t actually a winter, or snow, for that matter. Not to mention, the homicide solve rate is the lowest I’ve ever seen.
Actually, that reminds me, there’s another thing you should know -- I’ve given up the knife. I haven’t killed anyone in years. Surprised? I know I am. Of course, I still feel the need to. After all, there’s no such thing as an ex-killer -- you can put down the knife, but you never lose the urge. Sometimes it gets so bad that I have to lock myself in our room, but Bradley helps me through it. He’s good like that -- I know no one thinks I deserve him, especially with all that I’ve put him through.
Of course, being who I am, I absolutely think I deserve him. I honestly would have given up trying to stay away from homicide if it wasn’t for him. It’s funny, that I kind of rely on someone else to keep me in line, but it’s not like I was born with that sense of morality. You know what I’m talking about, of course -- you’re the exact same. Except you’re better at psychological torture than the physical kind.
Then again, you might be better at both now, considering I haven’t done any kind of torture for a very long time.
That’s not to say I’ve thrown away my knife. It’s still with me, just tucked away in a box in my sock drawer. I still take it out sometimes just to remember all the fun we’ve had. After all, I’m still the same man. I don’t regret anything I’ve done, I just don’t do it anymore.
Actually, I do the opposite. You heard -- or, read -- right. I’m in law enforcement now. Funny how things flipped around, isn’t it? I used to be a serial killer, and now I catch them. Them and every other slimeball in Miami -- and let me tell you, there are a lot.
Everyone’s amazed at my sense for murders. They say I’ve got a natural gift for homicide investigation. I guess that’s true, but it also took a lot of practice being a murderer. Of course, I can’t actually tell them that -- I didn’t survive Hell just to go back to prison!
In any case, things are a lot different than they used to be. I won’t pretend you’ve decided on the same path I have -- I bet you’ve racked up a larger body count. But, I hope you’ve reminded yourself how to be human. I know from experience, getting used to weakness again is hard.
Or, it was for the first year. After that I just settled back into humanity without too much of a problem. Bradley had to get used to his lack of abilities, too -- he’s still got a green thumb, it’s just not as good as it was before. He’s a gardener, actually. Got himself a nice greenhouse to work in and everything. It’s nice, if you don’t mind humidity too much.
I’ll be thirty in April, you know. Thirty! Can you believe it? You probably can, considering you’re past that, but I never thought I’d get there. Remember when we were kids, you bet that we wouldn’t reach that age? I agreed, but I guess whatever was on the other end of the bet wins -- I hope they didn’t expect to win more than us being alive, though. I don’t plan on thanking anyone for it, either. Life may be good, but I had to die to get it that way.
Oh -- I forgot to mention another thing about Bradley and me. We’re actually married now. Funny, isn’t it? Me? Married? And faithful? It’s been an experience, I’ll say, but not a bad one. It was a bit strange at first, being in a relationship that was based more on trust and loyalty than a mutual like for harming others, but I’ve gotten used to it. Well, more than used to it -- I actually like it quite a bit. I don’t know if it would work if it was anyone other than Bradley, though -- guess I never will.
I really do think you’d like it here, though, Michael. Miami is the perfect place for you. All of you, even your killing -- just don’t leave anything behind, alright? I have a job to do, and I’m not going to cover for you if you’re caught. I can’t afford to be associated with a murderer -- it’s nothing personal, considering I myself am one, it’s just business and politics. It’s also because this job, while not the best paying, is something I’ve come to enjoy, and I’d hate to have that taken away from me.
And don’t call me David in public. The new name might take a bit of getting used to, but I’d appreciate it if you’d put some effort into using it.
I do hope you decide to come by. I know we’re not romantically involved anymore, but at one point we were friends. I think we could be friends again, if you’re interested.
Who knows, maybe you’ll even get away with all your murders this time.
It’s a pleasant thought, isn’t it?
