
Overview
Catalog
Chapter 1
Chapter 1
PART 1
Jennifer glared down at her victim, her eyes hollow and evil, "Mr. Jackson, you are being executed for the kidnapping and murders of Janet Doughtry, seven years old, Erica McDaniels, five years old, and Jonathan Williams, four years old."
With each name, Jennifer slowly and deliberately pulled a picture from her hoodie pocket. Each picture correlated to the victim that was previously named. The youth and exuberance in each photograph was heartwarming. The smiles, the joy, the futures, all of it compiled into one heaping stinking tower of soul devouring misery.Mr. Jackson did attempt to whimsically rebut the accusations. The guilt was smeared all over his chubby face. A single tear snaked down his cheek as his neck craned to peer up at Jennifer.There was nothing he could do to dissuade her, no amount of money, (and he had millions), nothing could save him from the reaper. It was all over, life as he knew it, over in the blink of an eye. Death comes so easy to those that need it, at least when petite dark-haired Jennifer had determined you deserved it.
Before lunging the steel serrated blade into Mr. Jackson's throat, "Oh, I almost forgot, Merry Christmas."With that, the blade slid in and out of his jugular with ease, equivalent to picking up a paperclip. As the fountain of blood lit the room, Jennifer's cell phone rang, sending out the faintest of sequenced beeps. What a way to ruin a moment.Careful to shield the Samsung from the slowing spray of crimson, Jennifer glanced down at the screen. 'Mom'. Every Saturday Jennifer's Mom called her and spoke of missing her and how things used to be when her 'baby girl' was home. These conversations always irked Jennifer, an itch you cannot reach type of irritation. Jennifer loved her Mother, but she had turned the page on that chapter of her life and was operating in a totally different book than the rest of the family.She had not hit a bone on the way in or out of Mr. Jackson's neck. Her craft was nearly perfected. The eighth kill of her young vigilante sacrificing of the evil had gone terrific. Nothing more could be done without breaking the pattern except the addition of a postcard with a panned-out view of the Golden Gate Bridge, fog shrouding it from clear view.On the back of the card, 'You're Welcome' was scribbled in black sharpie. Jennifer even added a cute 'J' at the end just to make sure the local police knew it was her.‘The Christmas Darling’
Eight years ago, Jennifer, our Christmas Darling, moved from Hampton, Virginia to San Francisco, California. She loathed her family with a passion, the type of loathing one would feel towards someone that had done terrible inexplicable things to them. This wasn't the case, but the harboring of this loathing was still instilled inside of our Darling's heart.
The move was planned since she was sixteen. The day she turned eighteen, Jennifer had all her belongings shipped to a rundown apartment in the lower San Fran area. She had already secured the place with a crotchety old man that seemed to not care less about renting the empty space. She then went straight to the Norfolk airport and used her one-way ticket to expedite her travels. No intention of ever returning, no need to subject herself to her family ever again. She was done with them.
Often, she would think back to her childhood and attempt to peg down a moment that created all this hatred for her family, yet she was unable to find any memories of any negative events. Even when digging deep, the area was not particularly unacceptable. It felt like home. Small and welcoming but in her youth, Jennifer just could not shake the burning desire to leave and be free. Hampton was a city by definition but nothing like an actual gung-ho running a million miles a minute city.
Back to the current situation, Mom calling and this Jackson character gruesomely gushing blood on the floor of a shut-down Wal-Mart. Mr. Damon Jackson was tried and acquitted of all charges for the sadistic deeds he performed on those three children. He had a fantastic lawyer, one that really gave his clients the defense they paid for, hence an acquittal on a technicality.
Damon was released all because of his common last name. It is ludacris that one's last name and the commonality of it could lead a jury down the yellow brick road to finding a person not guilty of all charges even when there were four separate witnesses testifying against the accused. That is what you pay these guys for, I guess.
During the trial, Damon's lawyer continually called him by varying his defendant's last name by the slightest of letters. When any witness came up to testify, they were so flustered and anxious that they too agreed Damon Jackson's last name was Mackson or Ackson, therefore causing the entire testimony to be thrown out.
The proceedings really were a farce. Money buys you innocence. Money allows you to operate at a different level, one that most folks cannot even fathom. Put some thought into it and think of all the rich people you have seen get these magnanimous trials filled to the brim with evidence, yet they are freed and allowed to live a normal life while their victims rot in the ground.
With the slightest of a lean, the child murderer took his last breath as Jennifer placed her signature postcard ever so gently on his deflated chest. The blood had pooled eloquently allowing the postcard to stick as if it were sitting on a pile of super glue. Jennifer's gloves stuck to it like a magnet, causing a brief frustration but overall, the satisfaction of removing a person of this magnitude from the face of the Earth was orgasmic.
Swiping her phone to clear the notifications, Jennifer made a call through a series of towers which provided her the anonymity she needed.
With a monotone concise voice, a female sleepily mumbled, "911, what is the location of your emergency?"
This part always made Jennifer's blood rush, an overflow of adrenaline and fear, "Good evening. At four seventeen Ballantine road you will find a newly deceased male. He has been stabbed in the jugular with no hopes of resuscitation."
"Ma'am, I need a few more details please," Jennifer could tell the operator was motioning to someone in the room; the inflection in her voice was bouncing back and forth, "Where exactly is the victim? How do you know he is deceased?"
With little regard for the ensuing blue and red lights, "Damon Jackson was his name. He murdered three children. You know who this is, and you also know the police will not find me. They are over eight minutes out, at best."
Sirens could be heard even so slightly; the night's air carried the sounds for miles.
A sound of defeat entered the operator's voice and smothered the phone, "What else can I do for you ma'am? How long ago did this happen?"
Jennifer chuckled, "You're just doing your job. I appreciate you and what you do for this city. It is important you find him tonight; I need the murder to be fresh and clear to all of you. His heart stopped beating ninety seconds ago. Merry Christmas from the Christmas Darling."
Before a response could be received the phone was disconnected and one final glance was taken of the kidnapping murderer of the small and innocent. It was time to leave, embark on the journey home and reflect on another successful mission accomplished.
The drive was relatively short and uneventful. Behind the wheel of her nondescript Ford Focus, grey and dull, our Christmas Darling navigated herself to the front entrance of that overpriced apartment she rented out through the internet when she was preparing to detach herself from the family unit and live on her own in solitude.
Her car was well maintained and spotless on the inside. Jennifer did all the maintenance herself using YouTube videos and common sense to detect and repair any issues that arose. She kept the outside of the car as unappealing as possible, not only to deter thieves but also to aid in the blending in of the surrounding area after stalking, capturing, and eliminating her prey. The Ford never entered the shop in whole. If Jennifer needed something done, tires for example, she would remove all four wheels and deliver them via Uber to the nearest shop.
Jennifer climbed the brick stairs, hard and abrasive, to the front door of her complex. It was a shared hallway with the typical clustered mailbox and indoor-outdoor carpeting, a vomit green with a dash of pepper strewn about. She lived in one of the two upper units which allotted her the freedom from vacuum cleaners or rambunctious children waddling about in the middle of the night.
With a jiggle and an artistic wave of the wrist she was in, no need for the creepy handyman to come look at the lock, it was more of an achievement to enter each time as her movements had to adjust with the slow deterioration of the internals.
Home at last. A successful mission deserved a tall glass of Pinot Noir, which Jennifer had prepped on ice with a crystal glass covered by a large cloth napkin.
Her finest napkin, finest glass, finest wine, it was a well-deserved celebration of finery.
The Christmas Darling had struck again and delivered the Devil a new monster to add to his ever-growing horde.
Expand
Next Chapter
Download

Continue Reading on MegaNovel
Scan the code to download the app

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Latest Chapter
From Heartache to Heir Chapter 297
Archer didn’t think he would ever see someone surprise him but he had to fight right now to pick his jaw off the floor.“Your father?” He mused and turned to Madison, “I thought you didn’t have parents,”“You sound surprised, boy. Looks like you have seen a ghost,” Royal teased him.Madison looked at the both of them suspiciously, “I don’t know him but my mother showed me a picture of him before she left me. I can’t ever forget his face,” her eyes narrowed, “do you know each other?”“Something like that,” Archer said as he rubbed his temple.He didn’t think in his wildest dreams that Royal would look for him too soon much less on his engagement. He gritted his teeth at that.“Perfect, now that you didn’t seek to get my blessings, what are we going to do about that?” Royal asked.Madison’s hand slipped away from Archer’s as she advanced on her father with that fury in her eyes, “blessings? You want him to ask for your blessings when you have never been a father to me? What crack are yo
Last Updated : 2024-09-04
From Heartache to Heir Authors note
Dear readers, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who has taken the time to read my book. Your support means the world to me, and I am thrilled that you have joined me on this journey. To my family, friends, and loved ones, thank you for your unwavering encouragement and patience. Your belief in me has been a constant source of inspiration, and I am forever grateful. To my editor, and Ae, thank you for your expertise and guidance. Your dedication to bringing this story to life has been invaluable. And to the characters and stories that have taken up residence in my mind, thank you for choosing me as your vessel. I am honored to have been able to share your tales with the world. Thank you again for reading, and I look forward to sharing more stories with you in the future but we are not done with this for now. I am about to start season two of Archer’s journey and I would like to prepare all of you ahead of it. There would be more aggressive
Last Updated : 2024-09-03
From Heartache to Heir Chapter 296
It wasn’t surprising to hear the words come out of his mouth. He knew he wanted to marry her a long time ago but now that he said it, he was so sure. The tightening in his chests disappeared and his arch nemesis became the least of his problems as he processed the best way to make Madison agree to marry him. Archer remembered standing up and walking away, leaving Damien sitting there. He remembered entering the car and driving back to his hotel. The rest was so blur and before he knew it, he was back in his house. Under the shower to gather his thoughts, he had Royal after him and now, he wanted to make Madison fully his. Despite their ups and downs, he had never stopped loving her. She was meant for him and he wouldn’t have it any other way. Archer dried himself off and dressed in his most casual clothes, he decided the best person to help him look for a ring was Lydia. She had taste and being close to Madison must be a plus. He took out his phone and called her, she pick
Last Updated : 2024-08-31
From Heartache to Heir Chapter 295
Damien hummed in response, “I see. I have heard of him but we haven’t crossed paths,” “Yeah, he is always careful not to be seen all the time. He is like a ghost.” “It looks like your old buddy is looking for you, I don’t know why though.” Kei said. Archer shook his head, “I know why, I stole from him years ago.” “You did what?” Damien almost yelled. Archer shrugged, “it’s not much but to him it’s a sign of disrespect. I had to survive and the best way to do it was with a little help,” “What happened to you?” Kei asked, “I was under the impression that you magically blew into a rich heir overnight,” “I wish that was true,” Archer scoffed, “I did things I wasn’t proud of but I don’t regret anything. I was a child with no parents and no money, I had no problems stealing even if it meant I don’t starve to death.” “We are not judging you, Archer. I didn’t get to where I am right now without a little sin or two. I am just curious as to why you didn’t stay with him,” Damien
Last Updated : 2024-08-02
From Heartache to Heir Chapter 294
Nine year old Archer walked along the streets, hungry and tired. His eyes were drooping close like he might drop down on the dirty floor. For days, he had walked this alleyway. Searching for something to eat, anything at all. The only money he had was left for emergency in case he fell sick which he wasn’t far from right now. He stopped beside a dumpster and leaned his head against it, just five minutes and he would be alright. His eyes closed but not before he begged for a savior, the saying be careful what you wish for was right in that sense. A boot kicked him after an hour and his eyes flew open, there in front of him were three men with snarls on their faces. It didn’t register at first till Archer sat up quickly, bumping his head against the dumpster and wincing. The men looked at me before they burst into laughter, “look what we found, did a cat get lost?” “No, I just wanted to sleep,” Archer had said. They frowned before one reached out and slapped him, the force o
Last Updated : 2024-07-26
From Heartache to Heir Chapter 293
Archer and Damien gaped at the Korean heir like he was out of his mind. Kei just continued to sip his tea like he didn’t just drop a bomb on them.“I am sorry, what?” Archer asked just to be sure.“I said, he was acting on my orders. You don’t think there would be an imposter running around without my knowledge, that would be a bad look on me,”“So, you sent him to me?” Archer questioned.Damien was still looking between them, “Kei, what is this?”“I couldn’t help myself. I was curious to know about the friend you sang praises for, and since I had to test him, that’s why I sent him?”Archer chuckled, “this is crazy. This is fucking crazy, I cannot believe you are testing me. What do you have to test me for? If you were tired of hearing about me from Damien , then you should have asked him to stop talking about me.”Kei shook his head, “way before that, I have always heard about you. I knew we would do business together but I needed to be sure that I could trust you and finding a way t
Last Updated : 2024-07-26
You may also like
related novels
Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on MegaNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.

Read books for free on the app
Brenda
9/20/2024 is this book finished? Not completed on apt but no updates
Airende Gladys
.........I love this book.
Black Richey
More!!!! This author is exceptional
Black Richey
Don’t stop updating please. I love the cliff hanger at the end of the chapters, it keeps me at the edge of my seat waiting for more.
Airende Gladys
I love this!!!
Black Richey
I want more!!!
Kyla Blake
I really like this book so far! Wish the author would add more chapters and finish the book
Steven
Are you going to update this story anytime soon. Good story but not finished I’m sure
White Melanin
...️...️...️...️more updates from the author.