the suspect

2.

Riley's footsteps echoed in his mind as he left the park, the serene surroundings doing little to quell the storm brewing within him. He clutched the newspaper tightly, its crinkled pages a testament to his mounting anxiety. The world outside seemed oblivious to the inner turmoil he faced. He needed answers, and there was only one place to start: the small apartment Alissa  had called home since her release.

       The building was a stark contrast to the vibrant park. Its grey exterior loomed like a silent sentinel, watching over the comings and goings of its residents. Riley's heart pounded in his chest as he approached the familiar door. Memories of shared laughter and broken promises flooded back, but he pushed them aside. Now was not the time for nostalgia. He raised his hand and knocked, the sound sharp and decisive.

The door opened slowly, revealing Alissa's haggard face. Her eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly masked it with a smile that didn't reach her eyes." Riley, what a surprise," she said, stepping aside to let him in. "What brings you here?" He walked past her, his eyes scanning the room for any signs of the Alissa he once knew. "I came to talk," he replied, his voice steady despite the turmoil within. "About the recent murders." Alissa's smile faltered, and she closed the door, her movements tense. "Why would you think I know anything about that?" Riley turned to face her, him gaze unwavering. "Because I know you, Alissa. I know the signs. And I know you haven't really changed. "She bristled, a flicker of anger crossing her features. "You don't know anything about me.""Don't I?" Riley took a step closer, his voice softening. "We were like family, Alissa, I've seen how you struggle, how you try to fit back into a world that seems to have moved on without you. But this... this isn't the way." Alissa's defences crumbled slightly, her shoulders sagging. She looked away, her voice barely above a whisper. "You don't understand. I don't have a choice. " "There's always a choice," Riley insisted. "But you have to let me help you. Before it's too late." For a moment, the room was silent, the weight of unspoken words hanging heavy between them. Finally, Alissa met his gaze, her eyes filled with a mix of fear and desperation. "Alright," she said, her voice trembling. "But you need to know... it's not just me. There's someone else. Someone much more dangerous." Rileys heart sank. The path ahead was fraught with peril, but he knew he couldn't back down. He had to uncover the truth, not just for himself, but for everyone in the community. "Then we need to act fast," he said firmly. "Tell me everything."