Every Little Breath: A Tense Psychological Thriller Full of Twists

Casey has ignored my instructions.

This is really very disappointing as I had made myself perfectly clear. Unfortunately, she is going to have to learn the hard way. Games have rules and if the players break the rules, there are consequences.

I know this. Saffron knows this too. She heard the conversation, understands what is going to happen to her. The game is tough and I am not sure Casey would have figured it out in time anyway, but until now, at least poor Saffron had a fighting chance. But no, Casey has been selfish and she has let down her teammate.

I hold the phone up for Saffron to see the camera footage of the police car parked outside the radio station.

‘She broke the rules, Saffron. She let you down. I’m sorry.’

This is the first time I have addressed Saffron directly. The only other time she has heard me speak was when I called the radio station. I used a voice-changer app for that, so only Saffron heard the real me. It’s amazing the things you can purchase these days. Technology is definitely my friend.

Saffron shakes her head frantically, fights against the chair, her face a puffy mess of tears and snot, of cuts and bruises. It’s not an attractive look. Saffron understands the rules. She knows what is going to happen as a consequence of Casey breaking them.

I go to my car, retrieve what I need and as she sees me walking back towards her, a clear plastic bag in one hand, duct tape in the other, her struggles become more violent.

‘She didn’t care about you, Saffron. She never even gave you a chance.’

Saffron pleads with her eyes and I shake my head. ‘I’m afraid there can be no exceptions. I warned her what would happen if she called the police and I have to show her now that I was being serious. I’m sorry, Saffron. You are a fighter and I have enjoyed our time together. I am sad it has to come to an end.’

I work quickly, securing the bag, then I switch my camera to video mode and record her struggles. It is not an easy death and I admire how she fights to the very last breath. After everything I have done to her over the past couple of days, she still wanted to live so badly. It amazes me how some give up almost straightaway, while others cling to every last hope that they will be saved.

Unfortunately for Saffron, she never had the chance. Casey stole that from her and I have to teach Casey a lesson, show her that she must follow the rules.

It’s a sharp learning curve, but next time she will know better.