[ WP ] You are a serial killer . Each murder you commit adds a new voice to your head .

*Up the stairs, to the left. * 
 
 I nodded, pushed open the door, and began the climb. 
 
 *Would it be okay if I go next? * Sarah asked, passive as ever. I could picture her before me, same as the day I first met her. Her voice sounded the same as the first words she ever spoke to me, a lot different than the last. 
 
 `` Perhaps.'' I whispered back. `` Where abouts are yours?'' 
 
 There was a hesitation. 
 
 *Next state over. * She replied. *I know, I know. I just though I would ask. * 
 
 I shook my head slowly. `` Maybe after Jason.'' 
 
 *So I'm still next? * Jason asked. 
 
 I nodded. 
 
 *Thank fuck. * He sighed. *I've helped you out plenty you know, I think I'm real deserving of this. * 
 
 `` Yeah,'' I said, slowly panting. `` How many floors did I have to climb again?'' 
 
 *Five. * Giuseppe sighed. *How many times do I have to tell you? * 
 
 I smiled. His accent really shined when he got annoyed, that and the old man in him. 
 
 It was n't long before I found the number five painted in vibrant red on the cement before me. I looked to the door before me. 
 
 *Right through there. * He said. His voice was quivering. 
 
 `` Are you sure you want this?'' 
 
 *I'm sure. * I could almost sense him nodding. *She would want it, I'm sure. She does n't have much without me. Hardly knows the language. * 
 
 `` No problem.'' 
 
 Underneath my jacket was a shoulder holster, Beretta 92 sitting snugly inside. Suppressed of course. I pulled it free, almost expertly. 
 
 *Make sure the safety's on. * Michelle said. *For god's sake make sure the safety's on, that the gun's loaded and that it wo n't jam. * 
 
 I sighed, exasperated. `` Walk me through it. I'm not used to these...'' I shook the gun, gesturing to it vaguely, ``... things.'' 
 
 Michelle slowly talked me through the steps, one by one. Safety on, plenty of bullets, all ready to go. 
 
 *It'll be painless right? * Giuseppe asked. *Please tell me it'll be painless. * 
 
 *It'll be fine if Jack gives him a good enough aim. * She replied. 
 
 *Have I ever missed? * Jack hesitated. *Well, I have n't with you. Not yet anyhow. * 
 
 `` Jack.'' 
 
 *Yeah? * 
 
 `` Shut the fuck up, it'll be fine.'' 
 
 *Right. * 
 
 `` Now which room?'' 
 
 *508. * 
 
 I found it soon enough. Then, holding my gun behind me, I took a deep breath. `` Ready?'' 
 
 *Uh... yes. Yes I'm ready. * 
 
 I knocked, and before the minute was through, the door was opened by a short Italian woman, well into her eighties. 
 
 *Repeat after me: Buongiorno. * 
 
 `` Buongiorno.'' 
 
 The old lady, Lucia, smiled. `` Buongiorno. Come sta?'' 
 
 *Non c'è male, e lei? * 
 
 I repeated Giuseppe. 
 
 `` Sto bene.'' I could sense the grin growing on this lonely old woman's face. 
 
 `` Adesso, sono qui perchè conoscevo il tuo marito.'' I had no idea what I was saying, but I was saying it. Hell, Giuseppe was somehow guiding my accent, I did n't sound half bad. 
 
 Lucia perked up at this. `` Davvero?'' 
 
 `` Si, veramente. Secondo me, lui vorrebbe dire che ti ha amato. Era un uomo magnifico, e lui pensa che tu sia una moglie perfetta.'' 
 
 *Adesso! * Giuseppe called, almost a cry. *Now, do it now. I'm ready. * 
 
 *Go ahead. * Jason whispered. *You're all clear. * 
 
 I leveled the pistol at the Italian woman before me. As she began to react, I had Jack screaming at me. 
 
 *Higher! To the left! * He paused, and more solemn, spoke. *Now. * 
 
 The was a short, blunt noise, a splatter of blood, and the sound of a body hitting the floor. 
 
 *Now, * Jason spoke with haste. *Get the fuck in there and slam the door. * 
 
 I did as I was told, moving quickly. 
 
 *Put your gloves on, and follow my directions exactly. Exactly. * 
 
 I heard Giuseppe cry somewhere in the back of my head. *Lucia! Lucia, sei qui? * 
 
 *Giuseppe, * came a response, almost as frail and confused as it was faint. *Dove siamo? * 
 
 Somewhere, in the recesses of my mind I heard the excited chatter of two elderly Italians, long lost and finally reunited. It almost warmed my pitch black heart. Almost. 
 
 `` Sarah?'' 
 
 *Yeah? * 
 
 `` Make sure our newcomer does n't see how she got here. Give her a proper welcome.'' 
 
 Somehow, I knew that she was nodding, and while she did her work, I did mine. 
 
 
 

