MO GRÁ | Derek Morgan

chapter thirty one

I breathed a sigh of relief as I stepped into the quaint little diner, the warm glow of its neon sign welcoming me. After a long day of shopping for some new clothes, I had decided to pick up dinner for myself and Elliot. It had been a month of relative solitude, and I finally felt refreshed. Smiling at the elderly woman behind the register, I made my way to the counter.

"Hi, I had an order for Sloan," I said as I reached the counter.

"Okay, let me check," she replied, turning to scan the labels on the bags. When she found mine, she grabbed the two bags and turned back to me.

"Alright, that's going to be $35.39." I fished a fifty-dollar bill from my wallet and handed it over, taking the bags in return. "I don't need any change, thank you."

Her smile widened. "Oh, thank you! Have a wonderful night."

"You too," I replied, turning to leave. Elliot's house was just a block away, so I opted to walk instead of taking a cab or ordering delivery. I craved the fresh air, a brief escape from the confines of a house.

However, I couldn't shake the feeling that soon I'd have to confront the BAU and the consequences of my actions.

As I rounded the corner, I began to hear footsteps behind me. At first, I dismissed it—after all, it was late, and the neighborhood was relatively busy. But as the footsteps grew closer, my heart quickened. I quickened my pace, glancing over my shoulder as my instincts kicked in.

The quickest route to Elliot's house involved the alley ahead, but a nagging instinct urged me to avoid it. I took a deep breath, preparing to turn back, when suddenly a force shoved me from the side.

I stumbled into the alley, hitting the cold, hard concrete. Before I could comprehend what was happening, a figure loomed over me. My breath caught in my throat as I looked up to see him.

"Leah," the voice I recognized as Killian sneered, malice dripping from his tone. "You're good at hiding."

I scrambled to my feet, my mind screaming for me to run, to escape, but my body was paralyzed by fear. With each blow that landed, I felt the world around me fade. I yelled, hoping someone would hear me, hoping for a savior. But no one came.

"You really thought I wouldn't find you?" he murmured, just as I prepared to protest. A voice rang out from the street.

"Hey! Get away from her!" It was a man shouting. I couldn't see him yet, but the urgency in his voice ignited a flicker of hope within me.

Killian glanced over his shoulder, irritation flashing across his face. "This isn't your business," he spat, but the man continued to approach, determination etched into his features.

"I think it is my business!" the stranger replied, his eyes locked onto mine. "Are you okay? Do you need help?"

"Just keep walking, man," Killian warned, keeping his gaze fixed on me. I turned my head towards the man and nodded, desperate for assistance. I attempted to move away from Killian, but he tightened his grip on my arm.

"Leah, don't you dare," he warned, but I could sense the man's presence growing closer, bringing with him a glimmer of hope.

"Help me!" I cried out, the words barely escaping my lips before Killian's hand shot to cover my mouth.

"Mary! Call the cops!" the man shouted, looking back toward his car as he approached. "Just... get away from her."

"Actions have consequences, Leah," Killian muttered, venom lacing his voice. Just like that, he stepped back and retreated deeper into the alley, his figure disappearing into the darkness.