Angels & Demons: the Lipstick Killer

This is the conclusion of the "Angels and Demons" story I started on Tuesday. If you want to read the first part, click here...

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We’re coming to you live from outside the Harbor Pointe Hotel in Avalon. Tragedy has befallen this small town where for the first time in history, a murder occurred within its borders. Police are here at the scene actively investigating the crime. They will not release the name of the victim, pending notification of next of kin.

Details are sketchy are this point, but this reporter has learned that the crime occurred in one of the guest rooms on the 12^th floor of the hotel. The victim, a presently unidentified male, was found bound at the wrists and ankles to the bed approximately two hours ago by a hotel employee. Police were overheard discussing the distinct markings the victim had on his body.

These same unusual markings were found on four other bodies within the past six months. The perpetrator of these crimes is still at large. Were they all committed by the same individual? Do we have a serial killer on the loose? Could the “Lipstick Killer” be hunting her next target here at the Jersey shore? The police currently have no answers to these pressing questions. We will continue to report on all aspects of this investigation until the killer is found and brought to justice. This is Elizabeth Fine for Channel 12 news. Back to you in the studio, Larry.

Liz smoothed her blond bob behind her ear, satisfied with her performance. She had broken the story of the year – a possible female serial killer at large in their area! Each of the bodies had been found sprawled on the bed, discovered by a very surprised hotel employee. The bodies all had been bitten on the right shoulder. Given that the men, all married, were meeting at obscure hotels in the middle of the day, that piece of evidence was hardly cause for concern. It was the imprint of a red lipstick kiss on the thigh that caused wild speculation for the media.

Liz had dubbed the perp the "Lipstick Killer" and the moniker stuck. She prided herself on her coverage of these crimes and, of course, on the details she was able to finagle out of the cops. As much as she enjoyed the glare of the cameras and the thrill of being on-screen, Liz loved the hunt best - finding the best story and always trying to be one step ahead of the rest of the jackals. Normal investigative routes bored her, so she relied on her favorite means of bribery, blackmail and seduction.

Not that she needed any of those tricks tonight...

The hotel doors flew open, snapping Liz out of her reverie. Liz sent her photographer flying to the entrance to snap off some shots of the coroner wheeling out the body. Though his identity hadn't been revealed yet, Liz's reliable sources confirmed that the victim was a local cop. The cop had been one of her sources. Detective James Jones fed her particular delicious morsels for her stories.

He had been a tough one to crack, Liz remembered fondly. His wife had dough, so the attempted bribery went nowhere. His record was also squeaky clean. Blackmail went out the window. She had just about given up on the officer when he approached her... She had been working her magic on some new recruits when Jones stormed into the station. He commanded her outside, walking in silence through the parking lot to his cruiser. Once inside, the good detective offered up an enticing proposal. He would slip her prime info on the crime beat in exchange for a little afternoon delight twice a month. Liz snapped up the unexpected opportunity immediately and a satisfying symbiotic relationship developed.

Very satisfying indeed.

Her detective had recently paid another visit to Aberdeen, a suspected Lipstick Killer crime scene. Jimmy had called her all hopped up. His excitement was palpable as he confided that he discovered some new evidence which he hoped would crack the case.

Liz cheered his discovery and planned to meet him the next day for lunch. In an effort to minimize the risk of being discovered, she had concealed her trademark bob under a wig. Jones gazed longingly at her, her little black dress leaving little to the imagination as they dined at the cafe just off the lobby in the Harbor Pointe. Liz and the detective kissed passionately in the elevator all the way to the 12th floor. And there in room 1251, Detective Jones discovered just how close he was to catching the Lipstick Killer.

Unfortunately, being bound and naked on the bed, he was unable to reach for his weapon when she drew hers. Liz moaned at the memory of her teeth sinking into his skin, the taste of his blood in her mouth. When she had her fill of the fun and games, she killed him quickly, snapping his neck in her hands. Stepping back to survey her handiwork, Liz reapplied her lipstick. She kissed her prey goodbye and slipped from the room unseen. When the police arrived to investigate, Liz was there, eagerly waiting to cover the breaking news.

Officer Williams walked by just then. His gaze lingered a little too long on Liz's bare legs. She smiled seductively, already setting her sights on the next source. And when the good officer got too close to the truth, well, the Lipstick Killer just might have him for lunch.