1927

I stood by my husband, admiring our latest handywork, clad in our matching black leather aprons. Blood stained the carpet and the old bathtub where two, now dismembered bodies of a rich couple lay as we prepared to dispose of the evidence. We knew that Hazel would love cleaning the carpets and the bathtub. "You continue to surprise me darling" James purred in approva as he untied my apron strings and we removed our aprons.

"Oh come now James, you flatter me. After all, you have taught me well and those were just one more puzzle piece when we have eight more commandments" I replied, hanging our aprons on the hooks in the corner of the room.

"Ah my sweet Magnolia; I do so approve of how easily you became my star pupil in love and murder" he told me, his dark eyes glistening with mischief.

"Well, I did promise that there would be a way for your little hobby to benefit us both on the side" I added with a smirk as I looked at our latest score of cash and jewels in the corner.

"What say we sort those jewels over a drink my darling" James asked seductively as he slid his arms around me and pulled me close.

"Hmm, that sounds like an idea" I answered as he trailed soft kisses down my neck that raised chills of anticipation all over my body. For a moment, I was actually rendered speechless. When I could finally form words again; I whispered in his ear "Did those chill inducing kisses mean something special a little later on?"

"You bet your sweet lips my kitten" he replied with a slight husk as he captured my lips in a passionately heated kiss.

He kept caressing me and whispered "Your heart is beating like the first time I tasted your beautiful lips, that wild, almost erotic rhythm."

"That will always be heard by you and you alone" I vowed softly as the door swung open and in rushed our laundress, Hazel Evers and it was obvious she was extremely distressed.

"Pardon the interruption Mr. and Mrs. March but the police are on the way. They know" she warned and rushed back out. James and I looked at each other and he handed me the two cases with the cash and jewels.

"Love; I need you to go back to the penthouse. Hide everything my darling and then pretend that you have no knowledge of this and no involvement" James instructed, cupping my cheek.

"I don't understand" I answered, biting my lip.

"My sweet, you must carry on our work but be careful. I love you my sweet Magnolia. Always remember that" he told me, kissing my lips softly before Hazel came back and rushed me up to the penthouse. I quickly hid everything before changing into a nightgown and silk robe. I laid down on the bed, grabbed my diary, and began writing. Seconds turned into minutes before that pounding knock on the door was heard and I got up.

Hazel opened the door and politely excused herself as I slowly walked over to the waiting officers. "Good evening gentlemen, may I help you" I asked, pulling my robe tightly around me to stay covered.

"Are you the wife of James Patrick March madame" one asked.

"Yes officer, has my husband done something wrong" I asked in reply.

"Could you come with us" the other officer asked.

"Might I have a moment to change into something more decent" I asked, indicating my current state.

"Of course" they chime. Quickly; I changed into a different dress and a pair of flats before following them to the elevator and back down to room 78. When we stepped in, the slight of my husband in his favorite chair with his throat slit was what met my eyes. Tears welled in my eyes. Now I knew why he had sent me away.

"May I please have a moment alone with my husband's body? It will help me say goodbye" I asked. The officers cleared everyone out of the room.

"Take your time Mrs. March" they told me. I nodded in gratitude as they closed the door. I slowly approached James's body and knelt down. Slowly, I kissed his cheek and blinked back a few tears.

Even though I knew he couldn't hear me, I whispered "I will do what I can to finish our work my love but it's not fair. We were supposed to finish together, make the greatest murder reign in history, going into our golden years in splendor. I promise I will try to complete our murder spree but it will not be right withou you."

I paused a moment befor continuing "One way or another James; I know that someday, somehow, we will be back together and I will have our masterpiece completed before I join you." I finally stood up and walked out of the room. In truth, I didn't think I could continue alone so after talking to the police, playing the unsuspecting widow; I returned to the penthouse and wrote all the details to have the hotel sold and where the cash was but never the jewels.

At last, I left the Hotel Cortez but before I did; I found some rope that been left from construction and took it with me. Quietly, I made my way to the park and found a sturdy tree. After a bit of struggling; I managed to make a noose and a nice, flat rock to steady myself on. I got into position, secured the noose, and let myself go.

As I hung there; my last thoughts were only of the last few years and in silent thoughts, I vowed 'I am sorry James but I am wrong. I can't continue. If it takes me another lifetime, I will find my way back to you. Wait for me.' With that, my heart gave its last broken beat and my world went black.