From the deck, I had a clear view of the lake. Straining my eyes revealed no sign of boaters on the water. Looking to my right and to my left, I saw nothing but trees.

"You said you were looking for solitude," the real estate agent said. She was an attractive redhead in her mid-twenties. Looking at her, I regretted our relationship would have to remain strictly professional.

"I like to be left alone," I said. "When I'm working, I don't like to be interrupted."

I walked over to her. I gave her a warm smile. Then I shoved her against the rustic pine wall and held her in place with my forearm. She gasped as I removed the scalpel from my pocket.

"Go ahead," I said. "Scream."

She did, and it was a beautiful sound to hear. She had a powerful set of lungs. I could tell that she had some cheerleading experience in her not-so-distant past. The beast inside me lapped it up. It took all my power to keep him caged. Her cries of despair echoed throughout the valley. Eventually, she ran out of breath and sobbed quietly.

I waited.

I held her like that for an hour. No one came to her aid, so I released her.

"It's perfect," I said. "I'll take it."