I sighed as I stepped outside to get the mail. We had just moved here yesterday and I was already hating it. My house was pretty nice and so was the neighborhood. But I hated being away from my old friends.

                I opened the mailbox and pulled out a few envelopes. I turned to grab the newspaper and dropped the envelopes.

                “Oh dammit,” I grumbled as the wind began to blow them away. I picked up the ones close to me and began to chase the ones blowing away.

                I grabbed them and sighed in annoyance. I heard someone laugh and spun to face a gorgeous boy holding one of the envelopes. He held it out to me and gave me a friendly smile. “I take it this is your mail blowing all over the street?”

                I sighed and nodded, taking the envelope. “Yea. Thanks.” My god this boy was like an angel. He had beautiful blond hair that seemed to capture and reflect the beauty of the sun. He had eyes that reminded me of melted chocolate. His skin was gently tanned and he wore a light blue shirt with a pair of tan pants.

                He stuck out his hand and I took it in mine, shaking it. “I’m Casey.” “Shay.” He released my hand and smiled again. “It’s very nice to meet you Shay. I’ve never seen you before. Are you new here?” I nodded sadly and sighed. “Yea. I just moved in yesterday,” I said, nodding at my house.

                “Well, I can show you around if you’d like?” he said eagerly. I smiled at him. “I would like that. I just have to bring this mail inside before it blows away again.” I rolled my eyes and he laughed.

                He followed me back to my house. I opened the door and set the mail on the floor. “I’m going out mom!” I called. “With who?” she called back curiously. “A new friend I met. I’ll be back later.” I shut the door and Casey raised an eyebrow.

                “Your mom just lets you run out with a random kid she’s never even seen before? What if I try to rape you or something?” I shrugged. “I’ll sing the rape song?” He shook his head and laughed.

                “So why did you move Shay?” he asked curiously as we started walking down the quiet street. “My dad’s job,” I said with a pout. “Miss your old home?” I nodded and he gave me a comforting smile. “It’s not so bad here. A little boring at times, but usually pretty interesting.”

                He glanced up and frowned. “Speaking of interesting,” he mumbled, walking over towards an elderly lady. I followed him curiously. What was so interesting about an old lady sitting on a rocking chair on a porch?

                “Is everything okay Ms. Ingles?” Casey asked in concern as we walked up the stairs onto the porch. I could see now that the lady had a sad look on her wrinkled face. She had gray hair thrown up in a bun and wore an ugly dress.

                She sighed sadly. “Oscar was killed last night. I found him this morning, the same as the others.” I glanced at Casey as his frown got even deeper. Who was Oscar?

                “Oh Ms. Ingles…I’m so sorry. They’ll find whoever’s doing this,” Casey said fiercely. Ms. Ingles sighed again and shook her head. “I sure hope so. I don’t even know what to tell little Charlie. He loved Oscar so much.”

                Casey nodded and sighed as well. “Do you want me to tell Charlie? We’re going to be walking over there.” Ms. Ingles shook her head. “I’ll tell him Casey. Don’t worry about it.” She smiled at me kindly. “Hello dear. I’m Ms. Ingles.” “I’m Shay,” I said with a polite smile.

                “Well, we’ll leave you alone now Ms. Ingles. Good luck with telling Charlie. I’m so sorry about Oscar.” Casey gave a wave and led me away from the porch.

                “Who’s Oscar?” I asked when the house was out of sight. “Oscar was Ms. Ingles’s cat. Her husband died about 10 years ago and Oscar was all she had. Someone around the town has been killing pets. If you have an animal, don’t let them outside.”

                My eyes widened. “Why would someone kill pets?” I asked. Casey shrugged. “Who knows. Whoever they are, they’re pretty sick in the head. It’s cruel. The local police are trying to figure out who’s doing it. Whoever it is, they slit the animal’s throat and leave them somewhere where they’ll be found soon.”

                I shook my head in disgust. I was suddenly glad I didn’t have any pets. I had always asked for a dog. I’d be terrified right now if my parents had actually given in and bought me the dog.

                I suddenly heard a dog barking and someone yelling. Casey yelled something and I looked over and was knocked to the ground by a dog.