A New York Knight

Prologue Alyssa Anania was a woman who, if she was being totally honest with herself, was, if not exactly proud, then just perhaps extremely accepting of her chosen profession in life, even if it was the one derisively known as “the world’s oldest profession.” Despite its dubious reputation, the job allowed her to live her life in a rather comfortable and luxurious manner and style. She had a lovely house, a wondrous view of the ocean, which she loved, she was beautiful, and she made a great deal of money. Every day, she had made sure to adhere to a rigorous morning schedule and routine; get up at 5:00 am every morning, go for a nice swim, take a 9-minute shower, get dressed, have a nice and filling breakfast consisting of fruit, toast, and fish (you could never have too much fish, after all), and then go to work. It was a schedule and routine that was second nature to her. It was the one thing that she could always depend upon to be consistent, even as her clients changed day after day. She knew what pleased them, and how to do so. There was a loud knock on the door, startling her as she was just finishing her breakfast. Who would be at her house at this hour? She got from the table and went to her front door. After a second loud knock, she opened it, and was greeted with the familiar face of her lover, who looked tired and apprehensive. “Alyssa, my apologies for intruding. I know that it is rather early, but I have been feeling rather down lately, and, well, I was hoping that we could… talk.” “Well, I usually head off to work by now, but I am sure that I could spare a few mom-umph.” Before she could finish speaking, her lover had engulfed her in a passionate kiss. One long minute later, their lips separated. One could almost smell the heavy scent of lustful desire in the air. With a happy shrug, Alyssa kissed her lover once again. Two long, lusty hours later, Alyssa lay in the arms of her lover. She was sweaty and spent, yet wholly satisfied. Her lover had been unusually intense, but she was not about to complain. She then looked at her clock. Alyssa then decided that maybe she could take the day off. She turned to her lover and said as much. Before she knew what was happening, she felt her lover’s powerful hands encircle her neck, and begin to squeeze tightly. In panic, she began beating against the hands, and then clawed at her lover’s face, but it was all to no avail. Several long, agonizing seconds later, Alyssa Anania was dead on the floor of her bedroom, courtesy of a broken neck.