Ana POV

That gnawing feeling just wouldn't go away. They were missing something important. The obvious answer would be an unhinged submissive. She started again with what they knew; the dead men were all Dominants trained by Elena Lincoln. Elena Lincoln was a suspected pedophile and child molester. Luke was able to produce files for fifty children, twelve to sixteen years of age. She didn't ask how he got the files and didn't want to know. Could there be more? Sixteen of her victims became dominants. Including Christian's folder, there were nearly two hundred and twenty submissives. Ana temporarily set aside the realization that she had only been one of so many for him. Just a number.

The team was tracking them down, but so far nothing jumped out. So far the men and women interviewed were just busy living their lives; going to work and raising families, some still practicing, some not. Other than Elena Lincoln, there wasn't a single connection. She didn't want to think about Christian being molested so she turned her focus back to finding a killer.

The team opted to split up; Luke and Ana in her apartment, Welch and Barney at GEH. Christian had been MIA since their early morning conference call. Ana reviewed the files again. Sorting and resorting, trying to put the puzzle together.

While Welch and Barney scrutinized the submissives, Ana and Luke concentrated on tracking down the victims that had not continued to practice BDSM. They set aside three of the files because unfortunately they died years ago, and did not fit the timeline. It made her sad to think that their lives ended so young, especially after spending so much of it tortured at the hands of this Lincoln bitch. So they kept digging.

Over lunch of pizza and beer, Luke and Ana spoke with Barney and Welch. They had a few promising leads. A handful had run ins with law enforcement, at least two drug related. They would keep working and have a conference call at the end of the day.

Ana couldn't resist any longer. "Luke how does Christian know Elena Lincoln? Did she molest him too?"

Look considered his sister/friend before answering. "Ana, you know I don't like Grey, but it's his story to tell. If you want to know, you'll have to ask him" He turned back to his tablet affectively ending the discussion.

That unnamed something was beginning to take form. Sitting forward and stretching her limbs, she thought if she vocalized her suspicion, it might make more sense. "Luke, what if it isn't a submissive? I can't put my finger on it, but it doesn't make sense. Not one of the eight men, nine if you include Christian, shared a sub. I know that sounds gross but you know what I mean. I think the anger is directed at something that also involves Elena Lincoln."

"I get what you're saying Ana. My people are searching phone and computer records. Maybe there are some encrypted files we over looked. Until last night, my organization was focused exclusively on Elena and her crew. This thing runs deep. We have a list of their submissives that were of legal age, but what if they were contracting minors?" The more he talked the angrier he became. He started pacing the length of the apartment, balling the paper in his hand, pitching it against the wall.

Almost without thinking Ana went back to the files of the three teenagers gone too soon.

Chris Chambers, seventeen, died of a stab wound protecting a younger student from bullying.

Jack Dawson, nineteen, drowned when his small fishing boat over turned.

Andrew Stone, eighteen, apparent suicide

"Suicide, Oh My God Luke! This is it. I know it! What if it's revenge for a loved one. That would make sense right? Call Welch and tell him to find everything he can on Andrew Stone. He died four years ago of a suicide. Tell him we are on our way to Grey House."

They made it to Grey House in record time. It was an intimidating thirty story glass and granite modern structure; daunting on the outside and cold on the inside; gray and white and more gray. The blonde twins at reception gave Ana a condescending once over while she and Luke waited for Welch.

The two were quickly ushered into a spacious office on the executive level; entrance gained through a combination key cards, hand swipes, retina scan, and voice recognition. Ana couldn't contain a giggle, "this is all rather James Bond isn't it"?

Welch was not amused.

For the first thirty minutes, Welch and Barney laboriously detailed the information regarding Elena's victims turned criminals. They patently ignored Ana's attempt to get the information on Andrew Stone. Once they finished, with their dissertation, they presented the folder. Welch was mumbling about it being a waste of time.

Ana greedily snatched the folder and began searching for anything that might solidify her theory. The folder contained photos of a young, good looking teenager, tall, slim, unruly hair, standing in front of a new car; the same kid graduating from high school with his family, and the last one, with Andrews arms wrapped tightly around the waist of a girl. It was the only photo where his smile appeared genuine. Ana peered more closely. If it weren't for the height difference, they could be twins.

"Fuck" she screeched, searching the additional information until she found what she was looking for. "Look at this Luke, Andrew has a twin. They were enrolled together at Berkley when he died." She groaned as she continued reading, finally fitting the final piece of the puzzle. Luke, do you remember when Miss Abigail saved us from my gardening attempts?

"Yeah Ana, but we don't have time for a trip down memory lane".

"Luke, she's a botanist." Analise Stone. Where's Christian. We have to tell him.

Annie POV

She yanked the clip out of the ponytail and allowed her hair flow loosely around her neck and shoulders. Kneading the knots in her neck, some of the tension left her body. The journey was almost over. Annie stepped into a cleansing shower.

Pulling the journal, her most prized possession, from its hiding place, she caressed the well worn photos of her family and reread their letters and birthday cards. The spine of the journal could no longer support its contents so it was carefully bound by a blue ribbon. She vigilantly reviewed the multiple check lists, crossing off the completed tasks. First, the list of offenders, second, the lists of formulas and tools, and finally the list of documents needed to get away and put this chapter behind her.

Last night had been epic. The adrenalin and exhilaration was still pumping through her veins. It is almost over. Getting rid of the bitch troll was her greatest accomplishment. It was her fault, all of it. It was one thing to practice BDSM, but to lure and coerce innocent children into the life was reprehensible, child sexual abuse. What gives some one the right to abuse trust and knowingly take advantage of minors? As far Annie was concerned, the slut got off easy.

She discovered Elena Lincoln had expertly groomed and molested at least fifty young boys and girls under the guise of BDSM, all of them virgins and innocent. Sixteen of them had gone on to become Masters; eight of whom later acquired at least one very young virgin submissive; evil begetting evil. Two of the eight preferred minors but would fuck anything.

The cycle had to end. She had a three step plan.

Get rid of the offending eight. They were too late to be saved

Warn the remaining eight that she would be watching. She created detailed packets including photos of the deceased men and Elena, literature on real BDSM, information on abuse and coercion, and finally the names of therapists that did pro bono work in their hometowns. They would be mailed on her way out of town.

Chop off the head of the snake

Four years ago, she was a lost soul consumed with grief and remorse. Back then, her mind was filled with what if's and could have beens. If only she had paid more attention and listened to her intuition, things would be so different. Her therapist suggested a support group for BDSM. What she knew about the subject could fit in a thimble, but she was well aware of its consequences. She listened intently to stranger's week after week discussing depression caused by ill informed or over zealous Dominants.

Her therapist also suggested visiting BDSM clubs to get a better understanding of the lifestyle. It was an eye opening experience. She learned that BDSM, as it should be practiced was simply a matter of preference, like someone preferring it from behind versus on top. The fact that some enjoyed a little pain with their pleasure didn't bother her at all. Hell, she thought she might enjoy a little cream in her coffee one day. Safe, Sane, Consensual was the foundation of BDSM but her experience taught her some didn't abide by the guidelines. She continued with her therapy and overtime the pain receded to a dull ache.

The real turning point came when the group therapist suggested a field trip to a BDSM club. It was not uncommon for owners of clubs to work with support groups. It was an opportunity to promote a healthy view of a sexual preference. While at the club she indirectly met Ms. Elena Lincoln. Standing at the bar, mask on, she overheard a conversation between the Master and Sub.

"Charles" hissed the snake. "I have something for you, a graduation gift it you will". I know you prefer your pets young. I have the perfect toy. We've been working on pain tolerance and compliance. The child is very willing. Her companion was practically salivating but trying to control his glee.

She continued to listen until she learned the Cobras full name. The rest was relatively easy. Annie Googled Lincoln and observed her from a distance. All she had to do was get a job at Esclava.

Okay, that part wasn't so easy. She lacked the requisite additional four inches of height, blonde hair, and skills to be a stylist. After months of trying, she finally landed a position as a temporary receptionist for Esclava. An app installed on her phone allowed her to copy all of Elena's files. Elena was sloppy. She had all of the codes to her home, safe, and bank accounts veiled as phone numbers in her contacts.

Annie took her time devising a plan to exact her revenge. The temporary position allowed her plenty of time to travel and observe her "not so innocent" victims. Not wanting anyone else to be harmed, the execution had to be timed perfectly. She was nothing if not patient.

She was going to put her 4.0 GPA, $120,000 education from Berkley, and the parks and trails around Seattle to good use. It was a matter of developing the right chemical compound from toxic plants and there were so many from which to choose.

It had to be time released

Undetectable

Easily disbursed

She worked tirelessly developing her special potion. Sometime she felt bad for the mice she trapped near the lake for her experiments. She reasoned it was for the greater good. Ultimately she developed a spray for the men. It was slow acting but would eventually cause paralysis of the heart without leaving any discernable damage to the organ. She created a very special ointment, with a little something extra for Elena. It had worked out perfectly; a spray on a door or car handle, a little spray on their mail or newspaper, and a couple of hours later, they were gone.

Getting to Elena was surprisingly easy. She had access to her schedule, the code for the gate to her home, security cameras, and numbered off shore accounts. Annie transferred most of the money to her new Swiss bank account. She would need it for her self imposed exile.

Under the cover of darkness, she made her way to Elena's home and waited just inside the dungeon. She cringed as she imagined….shaking her head to remove the image, she set about setting up the life suckers final scene. When Elena walked in, she injected her with just enough of the modified concoction to knock her out.

She laughed out loud remembering the threats the cunt spewed.

Finally she could breathe and move forward. Her last stop was to speak with her family before heading for the airport. This was home to everyone she loved and visited them on all holidays. She would miss them dearly. Maybe one day she would return.

Breaking News

Seattle business woman Elena Lincoln, owner of the Esclava Salon and Spa chain, has been found dead in her home from an apparent home invasion. The police and FBI crime unit are at her home at this time. Her house keeper discovered the gruesome scene. We'll have more to report on the 6:00 news.