Ryder's Story (3)

*Twelve years ago*

Elle is standing in front of the Hawkins mansion. She’s not afraid nor does she have any scruples in what she’s going to do. As long as she has Ryder by her side, she doesn’t care about anything else. “His parents must die for daring to take him away from her!

She rings the doorbell. A new maid opens the door.

“Yes?” the maid frowns.

“I’m here to meet Mr. Hawkins,” Elle says. The maid is suspicious of the girl.

“It’s late at night. You can meet him tomorrow-”

“I must meet him now! His life is in danger.”

Elle sounds desperate now which alarms the maid. She thinks hard. What if the girl is telling the truth?

“Alright, come in.”

She steps aside to let Elle inside. Elle waits in the living room while the maid goes to fetch Vincent. He arrives a few minutes later, fully dressed. Vincent rarely sleeps, preferring to stay up all night to work. He eyes the young girl with interest.

“You’re Elle Swanson,” he states. “Hector’s friend. James Swanson’s daughter.”

“You know