The next part of the Riley series is here! Enjoy! Warning: Some violence ensues in this chapter and in the chapters to follow. This story could probably be read on its own but if you are really interested in how Riley got here, be sure to check out my last two stories!
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Criminal Minds characters!
April 11th. 2:30 a.m. -Baltimore, Maryland
He walked up to the door, ready to pick the lock with his kit, but there was no need; the careless family didn't bother to lock the door. Fools. They think they are too good to be at risk of anything. They thought wrong. The man walks in through the threshold to find the ideal home. Flower arrangements on polished tables, complemented by beige wallpaper and elegant crown molding. The man snorts quietly. Too perfect.
Up the grand stairway he goes, not looking back at the darkness that follows him. He glances to the left to find three rooms and to the right to find two more. To the left are probably two bedrooms and a closet. To the right are the master bedroom and the master bathroom.
The man is as quiet as a mouse as he turns right and walks into the farthest door. A gorgeous, olive green canopy bed is situated against the far wall. Dressers and a vanity occupy the other three walls while a matching green ottoman sits at the foot of the bed. The man sneers, a flawless bedroom. He walks over to the woman's side of the bed and stares down at her. Her light brown hair looks like milk chocolate, her skin is sun-kissed, and her breathing is like a lullaby to the man. For a moment he is lost in his surroundings, forgetting the task at hand.
A quick blink sends the man back into reality. He reaches into his jacket pocket with a gloved hand and pulls out the long knife. Without further hesitation, he slits the woman's throat. Scarlet drops fall from the blade to the carpeted floor. The man walks to the opposite side of the bed and slices the man's throat with even less hesitation. The bed turns into a pool of crimson.
A grin of satisfaction slides across his face. It doesn't stay long for he remembers his entire task. One more thing to do. Depositing the knife back into his pocket, the man puts on a serious face and leaves the stained room, closing the door behind him. He strides through the hallway until he is in front of the three doors to the left of the staircase. The middle one? He opens it to find a closet full of bathroom and utility supplies. The farthest from the stairs?
The man opens the door as quietly as he did the first. A powder blue scene greets him. A light blue bed sits at the far wall, surrounded by toys, tables, and dressers. And a princess to match the castle, he thinks, green with envy.
Light breathing comes from the bed as he moves closer. The girl is a younger version of her dazzling mother. From her chestnut hair, to her creamy skin, she's the spitting image of her mother. It makes the man stop and consider what he's doing for a moment. Have I truly done the right thing? It doesn't feel like it… He shakes his head dismissively; his passion for the mission speaks louder than his conscience. Just finish this already.
He reaches over the girl and places one hand over her mouth and the other over his own. Her body jumps as she wakes up, not understanding what's happening to her and her family.
"Shhhh," the man whispers to her with his index finger over his mouth. "Your mommy and daddy wanted me to come get you; we have to go somewhere now. Will you come with me? Just nod if you will." Every word said perfectly as if planned and rehearsed.
The young girl nods, even though her head screams with questions. Who is this man? Why is he in my house? Why is he wearing that mask? Where are my parents? Why aren't they here? Scared but willing, the girl follows the man downstairs and out of the house, never to see her parents again.
As always, favorites, follows, and reviews are welcome! Next chapter will be up momentarily since this one is so short.