Monsters Live Among Us

Chapter 1.

10 Years ago...

"Danny hurry up! You're going to be late to your meeting! This is a huge accomplishment!" My mom called from the bottom of the stairs. I groaned as my dog stretched at the edge of my bed.

"What do you think Layla? Is this the start of my future?" I asked as she set her head onto my lap for me to pet. I played with her floppy ears before getting out of bed. I knew my mom would want to be there early so I hurried to find the most professional outfit I could wear. What exactly do you wear to a college signing? A nice dress? They don't teach you this in high school.

I made my way downstairs as my mom was packing up my younger brother Connor. "How's my D1 athlete doing this morning?" My moms boyfriend, Rob asked while taking a sip of coffee from a mug that read 'Worlds Best Dad'. I chuckled at him before taking a seat next to him.

"I'm doing well. I think we need to start giving Layla some sleeping medications. That dog kept kicking me all night." I replied with a laugh.

"Did you hear that honey? Your precious angel isn't so precious anymore now is she?" Rob laughed before getting a plate of food ready for Connor to eat.

My mom rolled her eyes. "Maybe if she would stop sleeping with you Danny, you would be able to sleep. You insisted on having her in there with you. Don't complain to me."

"It's not my fault she likes me more than you." I mumbled loud enough for her to hear. She swiftly made her way over to me before gently flicking me in the arm. I stared at her for a minute. She gave me a smug look and got back to making Rob's lunch.

I grabbed myself some food from the counter and took out my phone. "Alright, it's time for me to dip. I have to pick up Riley before we get to the meeting. I'll see you guys later."

"Wait honey, before you go just remember that we are so proud of you!" My mom said squeezing me in her arms. I laughed and kissed her forehead before saying goodbye to everyone else.

Riley found her way to my car as I pulled into the driveway. "Hey bestie! You excited?" She asked lightly hitting my arm excitedly. I smiled at her. "Yes I'm excited. But before we get there, you want to get some coffee? My mom didn't make any this morning." She gave me the look of approval before taking out her phone to mobile order. "You know damn well I need them points! I get a free drink soon Danny." She said sassily.

As I drove through the parking lot at USC, I couldn't help but think something was wrong. Ignoring the feeling, I packed up my bag and walked inside to the table that had my name on it and sat down. Riley plopped next to me and smiled.

My dreams were coming true but something wasn't right. I decided to take out my phone and call my mom.

Ring Ring Ring

Voicemail. That's odd. She always answers. I tried Rob next.

Ring Ring Ring

No answer. Something is definitely wrong. I got a sick feeling in my stomach as I went to get up from the table. "Hey where are you going? It's about to start?" Riley asks, grabbing my arm and pulling me back.

"I just need some air. I'll be right back." I reply before bolting out the door to my car. I called again. No answer. I raced back inside to get Riley. "Riley, we need to leave. Something is wrong with my mom. We need to go now."

Riley stared at me for a minute before answering. "Danny, this is the opportunity of a lifetime. Your mom is fine. Sit back down."

"Riley, either you come with me or I'm leaving you here. Something is wrong." I said. She stared at me before grabbing her purse and jacket from the back of her chair. "Fine. If you really think something is wrong." She said following me to my car. We rode in silence until the sound of a siren snapped us out of the quiet. I saw Riley's head follow the sound as a police car raced in the direction of my house.

As I pulled into the driveway, I saw Rob being handcuffed and placed in the back of a cop car. Riley looked horrified at the sight of him. I raced up to the porch, searching for my mom. "Excuse me young lady, you can't go in there. This is a crime scene." An officer put her arm out in front of me to restrict movement.

"Well this is my house and my mom is in there. So could you kindly fill me in on why the nicest man in town is being hauled into the back of a police car like a common criminal?" I snapped.

I felt an arm touch my back. "Are you Danielle?" Another officer was behind me now. I turned around to respond before I caught a glimpse of Riley. Her bright green eyes burned with anger. I reluctantly followed the officer behind the ambulance that was parked on my lawn. "We have to take you down to the station. You will find your mom there with your little brother. Would you like to ride with me or follow me there, I presume you're in no head space to be driving." The female officer asked calmly. I looked at Riley, who took my keys. "I'll drive her there. Which station?" She answered as I stood there blankly. Riley listened carefully to the officer's instructions while I sat in the car staring straight ahead at the man I thought I knew.

Rob had been with my mom for 10 years. After my dad passed away from cancer when I was 7, my mom came home a year later with Rob. He went to all of my soccer games. His arms always outstretched whenever I needed a hug. He became the dad I couldn't have. I loved him. My mom loved him. Connor loved him. He was part of my family. How could this be happening.

Riley touched my arm to snap me out of my thinking. "Make sure you're buckled. I have a lot to tell you."

I sat there as Riley told me what Rob had done. I thought back to the morning, trying to put the pieces together; wondering what would have happened if my mom had decided to come with me instead of staying behind and setting up for the party. I could only imagine the look on her face when Layla brought her the remains. The remains of four teenage girls that had gone missing 4 years ago. I can only imagine the shock when she found the fresh body buried behind the shed in the back yard. The man we thought was a saint. The man who saved us from poverty turned out to be a killer.