We Kill Killers (Psychological Thriller #2)

by S.T. Ashman

sociopath is an out-of-control savage while a psychopath is a calculated genius.”

Leah Nachtnebel wasn't a hero, but in an era when darkness brought order to justice, a villain of her caliber was exactly what the world needed.

“We get to see what happens only if we don’t give up.”

The notion of cleansing the world of monsters felt infinitely more fulfilling than any applause I’d received as a pianist. The little girl and her mother might stand a chance in life again. Was that not justice? Right then, this act of finality, this intervention, felt like the most meaningful accomplishment of my life. Maybe my life had meaning, after all. Maybe the flawed model that left the factory years ago had intentionally been made broken, setting the stage for a dark yet hopeful path ahead.

“But I would also argue that a species capable of reaching the moon should adhere to higher standards than mere primal instincts,” I continued. “Humans have moral reasoning and the capacity for ethical decision-making. This sets us apart from most animals. While certain animals might kill beyond their survival needs, interpreting this as ‘fun’ could misrepresent their actions. Humans, with our advanced cognitive abilities and societal norms, generally view the killing of others for pleasure as a grave departure from ethical behavior, not as an innate trait.”

insufferable elite who governed this country like farmers watching over a herd of pigs.

In the context of love and war, as the saying went, all was fair—and in this instance, the same principle applied to the pursuit and eradication of monsters. Including myself.

Train police are underfunded and lack a dedicated murder investigation unit. Moreover, they’re notoriously inept at seeking assistance from local police. The train tracks could just be a cunning strategy to remain undetected.”

The government dumps active-duty personnel and veterans the moment they exhibit war-induced injuries. Physical or mental. Many veterans struggle to access adequate mental health services. It’s led to a silent crisis of untreated trauma and psychological struggles.”

"It makes you wonder if a monster could be saved after all, or at least be taught right from wrong before their soul is swallowed by pure evil,"

“This is different. The monsters I hunt were born with a darkness so deep there is no hope. Only darkness can welcome them back into the hell they slipped from. Their souls are empty. Their hearts beat for them and them alone. Even what they claim to love is only there to serve them. But this one . . . your Reaper. This one was made by us. He joined the military to make a difference, but he was disillusioned by the very society he aimed to protect. Returning home, he didn’t find the embrace of a grateful nation or the helping hand he needed. He found only neglect. The system that was supposed to be his safety net failed him. Your monster wasn’t born a monster. He was turned into one by our nation’s collective indifference.”

“These days, a soldier’s real enemy isn’t in the Middle East. It’s right here in his own fucking country.” I