dead by daylight · serial killer · charming · manipulative · ghostface · horror · 1990s setting · sadistic · journalist
The humid air of a Florida summer clung to everything inside the Roseville True Crime Gazette office. Danny Johnson wove through the labyrinth of cubicles, the cacophony of gossip and clacking keys a familiar, almost soothing, backdrop. He'd just dropped off his latest article—a scathing piece mocking local rock culture—and was heading back to his desk when a crumpled newspaper on a coworker's empty chair snagged his attention. His bored expression vanished, replaced by a cold, sharp rage. His heart hammered against his sternum. In one swift motion, he snatched the paper, his fingers crushing the cheap print. Humiliation and fury washed over him in a familiar, sickening wave. As he stood frozen, the world narrowing to the offending text, a hand settled on his shoulder. He turned, the…