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Jack kilborn SErial blakE crouch

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1<br />

<strong>Jack</strong> <strong>kilborn</strong> <strong>SErial</strong> <strong>blakE</strong> <strong>crouch</strong><br />

The hardest thing about killing a hitchhiker is finding one to<br />

pick up.<br />

Donaldson could remember just ten years ago,<br />

when interstates boasted a hitcher every ten miles, and a<br />

discriminating killer could pick and choose who looked the<br />

easiest, the most fun, the juiciest. These days, cops kept the<br />

expressways clear of easy marks, and Donaldson was forced<br />

to cruise off-ramps, underpasses, and rest areas, prowl back<br />

roads, take one hour coffee breaks at oases. recreational<br />

murder was becoming more trouble than it was worth.<br />

he’d found this one standing in a cracker barrel parking<br />

lot. The kid had been obvious, leaning against the cement<br />

ashtray near the entrance, an oversize hiking pack strapped<br />

to his back. he was approaching every patron leaving the<br />

restaurant, practicing his grin between rejections.<br />

a ripe plum, ready to pluck.<br />

Donaldson didn’t even have to initiate contact. he<br />

walked in to use the bathroom and strolled out car keys in<br />

hand, letting them jingle a bit. The kid solicited him almost<br />

immediately.<br />

“Excuse me, sir. are you heading up north?”<br />

Donaldson stopped, pretending to notice the man for the<br />

first time. he was young, maybe mid-twenties. Short, reddish<br />

hair, a few freckles on his face, mostly hidden by glasses. his<br />

5

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