Detective Darkwood

The lure was easy enough, a frantic phone call about an assault in progress, knowing they’d come running. As they’d approached the shadowy alleyway, I’d been there waiting… And then it all went black for them.
***
I hummed a tune as I walked downstairs with their dinner, stepping into the basement — my makeshift paradise. They were lying on the bed I prepared just for them. Cozier than anything they’d ever had… because it was close to me.

“Brought you dinner, sweetheart,” I called out softly. There they were — my precious dove in a birdcage — not tied down but far from free. “Hope you’re hungry.”

The smile that twisted my lips wasn’t entirely sane, but what was my mental state really worth when it came to [love](mineonlyminetokeep)?