Secrets In The Shadows

Chapter 24: Updates

The next morning I stand in my kitchen pacing after hearing the news. Brandon Hall, a teenager at RSA along with Dr. Peter Rogers, a councilor at the school were both killed last night, within seconds of each other's deaths.

Authorities warn people to walk in groups and be extremely cautious to strangers. At the word strangers my brain begins to fizz. I shake my head and text Maddox to come over. Once he responds I knock on my brother's door and shout for him and Maddox to meet me in my room.

Once we're all gathered we go over what we know about Orion. He's-so far- attacking people who either attend or work at RSA so he has to be connected to RSA somehow. He's planned this out for a long while. He has the means to get explosives. He's dressing the victims up like- " God's" I blurt out.

Maddox and Hunter look at me, confusion on their faces. I explain my theory as it's forming in my head. "Orion was basically banished from Mt. Olympus and maybe to get back in he's decided the only way is to sacrifice the most famous God's/ Goddesses..."

I frown and look at Maddox, " Is there any way to find out what the victims were wearing?" I ask. He crosses his arms and thinks a little before answering, " Yeah.....My mom keeps her police files on a computer I'm pretty sure I know her password".

I nod and run down the hall to get my Dad's computer and bring it to Maddox. He opens it up and types the buttons for a couple second with a concentrated look on his face before letting out a hushed  "yes!"  and turning the computer around.

On the screen are the names of the victims underneath a vanilla folder icon. I grab the computer and click on the folders, relaying everything aloud.

Ashely was found in her own lingerie but he top was split down the middle.  Her private parts were drawn on with her own lipstick as well as her lips being painted on but not by her own hand. Her nails were painted carefully, and blush was added to her. And condoms were strewn about around her. I click on Tyler's. A king's crown was placed on his head, his gym shoes were replaced with sandals and a blue robe was put on him.  I go to Mr. Wilson, a crown was also placed on his head, as well as various pieces of clay morphed into hearts, arrows, crowns, and a temple. A chisel and a mason hammer were forced in his hands. I go to Quesa, she wasn't dressed besides the scandalous photos around her. Paul is next. He was covered in seaweed and dead fish, a mini trident in his chest. Tyra wasn't dressed in anything. The computer beeps and two new files pop up.

I click on them. Dr. Rogers and Brandon weren't dressed in anything. Orion must not have decided it was worth it since they were seconds away from each other.

I read the file more. It says there was no sign of forced entry into Dr. Rogers home, that he was found in a closet burned to death.

No forced entry.

No. Forced. Entry.

The buzzing stops as the pieces fall into place. The only reason for no forced entry is if he knew Orion. I stare at the computer screen, at the files I just scanned with my eyes

If they ALL knew him.