Spencer burrowed further beneath the covers, curling into a fetal position in an attempt to conserve body heat. Why’s it so cold? She pulled her head from the warmth she had just begun creating, peeking out. What the hell? Spencer threw the covers back, and made to get out of bed, shivering as her feet hit the cool wooden floor. Why would she leave the door open? What kind of cop goes to bed and not only doesn’t lock the door, but leaves the damned thing wide open? She padded softly down the hall, entering the living room she turned to the TV, beginning to turn it off. It’s on mute…it’s on mute and she’s not here…she didn’t know where it came from but waves of fear began cascading over her. Not fear for herself, but fear for Davies. Okay, she probably ran to the car or something. She tried to calm herself, knowing that she was only attempting to convince herself of a lie. “Ashley?” She called out, stepping from the apartment looking to her left and right, seeing no one. Where is she? Spencer continued down the sidewalk, pausing once she reached the end of the breezeway, folding her arms as the wind picked up, the only thing making sound in the late night air. I guess she’s not out here…she turned, and then she saw them.

Her breath caught in her throat as she locked eyes with the man who held Ashley by a rope pulled tightly around her throat; freezing in place, not from terror, but from the look of sheer inhumanity in his eyes, eyes so blue they looked to be miniature chips of ice, holding no emotion. His face was hidden in the shadows, but even still his eyes glared mockingly at her. Daring her to move, to speak, to try to save the victim in his arms, they stood this way, in this silent moment in time, sizing each other up.

“Too late little one, too late. I’ll be back for you. I promise.” A sinister smile curled his lips as he dropped Ashley’s limp, lifeless body to the ground, turning and fleeing into the night.

Spencer made to take off after him but stopped short, her gaze drawn to the still body of her partner. “Ashley?” She knelt down next to her, pressing two shaky fingers to her throat, searching for a pulse. Praying she would find one. Oh God…she’s not breathing. Panic began to consume her, as she pressed an ear to Ashley’s chest, listening and not hearing anything. The dead silence growing into a malevolent entity. She can’t be gone…