1 Thief and Prey

A small mansion sat peacefully over looking a lake, mist lazily rolled as a figure stood on the tiny dock with a cup in his hand, and a blanket over his shoulders. As the man looked over the view a shadow moved behind him. It was a woman dressed head to toe in dark brown with a mask covering her entire face. She darted around to a basement entrance, before she looked over her shoulder to see if someone had seen her. Her pale blue eyes scanned the surrounding forest before she brought her attention to the lock. The woman opened a belted bag, and pulled out a lock-pick. It only took a couple of seconds before she was able to get the door unlocked. "Rich men are fucking stupid." She muttered proudly as she slipped inside.

The basement was surprisingly well lit, this made the woman suck her teeth quietly. She removed her mask to reveal her cool brown face and inky black curls. As she slunk around and behind furniture. As she snuck about the space, she took note of the very dark brown and red tones of the decor. Animal heads garishly coated one of the walls, while the another was home to a comically large television. Underneath seemed to be various kinds of sports memorabilia including a couple of signed soccer balls, and footballs. This caught the thief's attention, as they would be quite rare and worth good money. She took a couple of steps forward before shaking her head. "No, Penelope, focus." she muttered before turning around and heading towards a small flight of stairs. Penelope placed her hand on the knob and pressed her ear to the door. She could hear two people talking, one seemed to be the man from earlier, and a stranger.

Penelope grimaced before taking a peak under the door. Two sets of feet were standing a few feet away, one was a pair of loafers while the other were an expensive pair of six inch heels. The heels Penelope couldn't help but admire, her focus was shifted as she gazed at the pair walk away from her and seemingly around a corner. The woman pulled back, an waited a few seconds before quietly opening the door, she slunk her form around what appeared to be the kitchen. She took note of the back door before quietly making her way into the living room.

She heard a television going and the two she saw earlier could be heard having a light conversation, possibly about what was on. Penelope listened in for a few more minutes before making her way down a small hallway. At the end of the hallway were three rooms, and a flight of stairs. The woman looked back to see if anyone had moved, and when she noticed that no one did she went into the room on her left. She only opened the door a crack before closing it quietly behind her, inside was a powder room the darkened room made it easy for her to hide in, Penelope stood up feeling a little safer in this area. The woman took note of the vanity with a small jewelry box resting on the far right, in front of her were two cushy chairs, and in the middle rested an unopened package of cigarettes. She chuckled to herself and picked the box up. While she couldn't see the logo she could tell based on the coloring these were very expensive, a grin painted her face as she tucked them away in her belted bag. The woman then went hunting in the jewelry box. Penelope took the box off of the vanity, and then ducked into a small closet. Upon closing the door, she turned on her flash light, and started to pick through the object. Silver jewelry made up a large portion of the selection, with a couple of gold pieces mixed in. She picked up two gold rings, two silver and gold bangle bracelets, a gold ring with diamonds, and rubies.Her gaze finally landed on a silver, and diamond encrusted bracelet. The haul made her heart swell, and a part of her felt that her mission was done, but she knew what she came for and still needed to get it. She put the other pieces back before making her way back to the vanity.

As Penelope placed the box back in it's original position, she heard the couple coming in her direction. She quickly scurried back into the closet and made sure to bury herself as deep into it as she could. The space was full of clothing, and boxes so after dipping behind them she watched the lights flick on. "Hey. I thought you said you always put a box here for your wife." a voice stated in a playful tone. A man could be heard sighing heavily, before he spoke. "She must have taken it. What would a guy like me have use for a powder room?" It was the man from earlier. The two chuckled before Penelope heard them kiss. She rolled her eyes, and shook her head. Men. She thought as she relaxed a little. "Go upstairs, and get ready." the other person stated before a lust filled laugh exited their mouth. The man laughed in response before giving them one last kiss. The woman rolled her eyes again before she began to carefully crawl out from behind the boxes. The door had a couple decorative slits, and after tilting her body carefully she saw a person standing at the vanity. They had a sleek black dress on that hugged their figure nicely. Their skin was a warm neutral brown and they had shoulder length platinum blonde hair. She noticed they had pulled out a knife, and some rope. Penelope shook her head at the sight. 'Kinky cheaters are the worst' she thought as she watched the person apply some more lipstick. After that a set of gloves was put on which made Penelope's stomach twitch a little bit. The person then walked proudly out of the room, and it wasn't until the lights turned off that Penelope started to move. She opened the door, and looked at the purse the person left. Once again the woman shook her head, and muttered to herself. "Don't. Just stay focused and get the necklace." She muttered before leaving the purse alone.

When she left the room she made her way to the stairs, and quietly started to climb them. It wasn't a very large staircase, but there was a slight curve to it. As she crested the top Penelope pressed her body against the carpeted surface, she could hear the two talking, and giggling. It seemed like the person from earlier was also tying something up, the woman's mind immediately went to the man she heard. She couldn't help but make a face when she turned her attention the the hallway. There were five more rooms. Only one had the lights on, so Penelope knew which one to stay away from. She looked to the closet room on her right, and quickly ducked inside.

As she did so the door to the occupied room opened, the person from earlier peaked their head out. The woman saw them for a brief moment and a cold wave of panic rushed through her. She held her breath and stood as still as a statue for a few more seconds until she heard the sound of a door closing. Penelope quietly exhaled before looking at the room she was in. Unlike the powder room, this one had more personality. It seemed like the husband's, and it looked like the wife slept in different rooms. "Old fashioned bastards." the woman muttered as she poked around. She then noticed the necklace she wanted laying open face in the box it was purchased in. Her eyes lit up as she took it into her hands.

It was a breathtaking sapphire, and amethyst necklace with drops of black diamond. She held it up to her neck, and while it was night, the large open window allowed moonlight to shine in. Penelope could see how it looked on her. The woman heard some commotion from the other room and quickly ducked into the closet. Right after the door was closed, the man barrelled into the space. His hand clutched his throat as fear coated his face. Through the same slits in the door, she watched as blood poured from in between the man's fingers as he tried to stop the liquid dripping out of his neck. The person appeared behind him, and was breathing heavily. "Listen you old fuck! When I say stay put. You. Stay. Put!" they then took the knife in their hands, and plunged it into the man's skull. The person then pulled it out, and plunged it again. They did this a couple of times before the man crumpled to the ground.

Penelope watched on in horror as the sickening thud invaded her ears, she then locked eyes with now deceased man. She launched her hands to her mouth and scooted backwards unsure what to do. The person tossed the knife to the side before wiping their still gloved hands. She then rummaged around the man's pockets and found an open box of cigarettes, and a lighter. "Dirty old bastard." the killer muttered as she used the lighter. They then turned and left the room. When all went silent, Penelope's eyes started to water. She then curled in on herself, and stayed there for a few minutes. Her heart beat in her chest, as she decided to leave the safety of her hiding spot.

The woman cautiously opened the door, and did her best to step around the corpse as well as avoid the pooling blood. Penelope was even quieter when opening the bedroom door, she heard a shower running and presumed it had to have been the killer. The woman choked back vomit as she turned to the staircase and rushed down the steps. She then darted off for the kitchen now having no care for if she was seen or not. As she entered the kitchen she first tried the side door, it was now locked. The woman sucked her teeth before crouching down, and heading back into the basement. She made her way to the door, and realized that it too was locked. This was a pass-code, which could take hours to crack. Penelope felt hot tears sting at her eyes, as bile ran up her esophagus. Panic coursed through her as she made her way back to the side door.

Penelope was forced to stand up as the lock was too high to reach when she crouched. She managed to unlock the door, but upon opening it she felt something wrap around her neck. "Why, sweetheart, you seemed to have forgotten this." a voice mused. Penelope stopped dead in her tracks, and could only watch as the killer closed the door in front of them. "Let me put it on for you." she then stated as she clasped the necklace on. Penelope felt the weight of the object fall to the base of her neck. Her mouth went dry as she felt the killer continue to whisper in her ear. They let out a chuckle as they trailed the same blade she used earlier down Penelope's spine. "I knew you'd be here. The name's Michelle." They then stated. "You don't remember me, but you stopped by my store three times a week to stare at that piece." the person then added as she readjusted the necklace. They then sucked their teeth before turning the knife upwards, and cut through Penelope's sweater. The woman was frozen in terror as she felt the blade touch her bare skin. Michelle pulled the article of clothing off with their one free hand before she brought the hand up to her neck to readjust the necklace into a better position. "I've heard a lot about you, though I didn't think you'd be this attractive. Your old mugshots don't do you any justice." She stated a dark grin painting their face.

Penelope was frozen solid, her eyes widened with fear. "Come now, you can't be scared of me." Michelle then commented when the woman in their possession had no kind of reaction. It was at this point the person got rid of the knife, and when it clanged against the floor Penelope slowly turned to look at them. She had a fluffy pink robe around their body, and their long blond hair was slicked back. The most noticeable thing about Michelle were their eyes. They were a deep green, almost as green as the lush forests that surround the house. "You yearned day in and day out, but you also were plotting. I couldn't have you steal from me directly, so I sold it to this balding husk of a man." they commented placing their hands into the pockets of the robe. She then took out another knife, and pinned Penelope to the door. "I want you to help me. You'd get some good loot, a roof over your head, you'll never worry about a thing in your life." The person stated as they pressed the blade against her neck. Tears swelled in her eyes, as she looked around the kitchen, trying to avoid getting cut. "Help you?" The woman then managed before taking a big gulp to try to help moisten her dry mouth. "Yes, sweetheart, your skills as a thief are incredibly useful to me. However it's unfortunate that you caught me. I was hoping you'd snoop in the other rooms, but I didn't count on that ugly fucking prick to undo my knots and escape." the person hissed their smile fading from their face temporarily. "So as long as I do what you want you won't kill me?" Penelope asked through clenched teeth. Michelle leaned forward, and kissed the woman tenderly on the cheek. "Now there's that intelligence." She responded before pulling away. "I will say, you won't be able to get away from me." the person then stated waving the blade in their hand as they sauntered deeper into the kitchen. "You won't be able to hide. You've also been homeless as of a few hours ago. Your belongings are now in my possession, and all of your assets are under my control." Michelle then commented as they brushed the knife against the counter. The woman's jaw hit the floor as her face turned as white as a ghost. She sank to the floor before looking around dejected. "While I was unsure if you would actually catch me in the act, it would have only been a matter of time before I came to collect you. So I consider this a much better outcome." Michelle commented as she turned around. Penelope heard the twisted sentence, and couldn't help but let out sob. "Oh sweetheart. Don't cry. You'll have full autonomy over your bank account, you'll be able to withdraw cash whenever your heart desires, but I'll be able to pull funds from it and close the account if I feel like you're plotting an escape." Michelle explained as she walked over to the woman. This didn't bring any comfort to Penelope. Instead the woman cried harder.

Michelle watched the woman breakdown before sighing and heading off towards the fridge. "Don't be so dramatic. Go shower, then come eat." She began as she picked over the contents. The statement caused Penelope to freeze. As she spoke, she wiped tears from her face. "Eat? Shower?" the woman added completely thrown off. The person placed a handful of vegetables on the counter before looking into some cabinets. "Yes. You'll need your strength. You can't steal for me malnourished." Michelle commented as she began to rinse the produce under some water. The woman was still too afraid to move until the person grabbed the knife, and slightly turned their head. "Now. Please." She stated with a cold grin on their face. Penelope launched herself to her feet before hurrying off towards the stairs. "Please wear the necklace to dinner, and while you eat I'll go handle the body." Michelle stated not moving from the sink. Penelope looked at them before a meek response exited her mouth. Michelle didn't respond, so she took that as a sign to go upstairs.

As the woman walked up the stairs, the reality of her situation caught up to her. She had only made it to the top of the stairs before she started to vomit. After about a minute, Penelope groaned as she stepped over her mess, and headed off for the bathroom. The woman flicked on the light and shut the door behind her, she didn't lock it, not that it mattered at this point. ​As she undressed she couldn't help but catch her reflection in the mirror. Penelope's eyes were puffy and red, and while life returned to her skin she could see that it was slightly green from her upset stomach. Her body protested once more, and the woman was forced to vomit into the toilet for another couple of seconds. She groaned as she sat on the bathroom floor, the woman then combed back her dark hair before looking to the tub. Penelope took a deep inhale before standing up, and finished undressing. The woman then turned the water on, and climbed into the tub. Penelope let the water soak her whole body before she reached for the shampoo, the necklace clanging quietly against itself causing the woman to stop, she placed one hand on the object and gingerly played with the black diamonds. Part of her wanted to rip the necklace off, but the other part of her felt that was a death sentence. She cautiously took it off her neck, and then continued her shower. Her mind raced with all kinds of scenarios that could have lead her away from this terrible fate, but Michelle's words echoed in her mind. The person seemed hell bent on kidnapping them for their skills, so it seemed that no matter what she did this was always an outcome. The woman shook such a thought from her mind and she finished cleaning up. She knew Michelle would be waiting.

After a few more minutes she turned the water off, and exited the tub. A clean towel, and dress had been hung up along with a note. "You're going to look lovely in the necklace, and this dress. I hand picked it for you during my trip to Italy." Penelope read in a deadpan voice. She angrily crumpled the note, and stepped on it as she reached for the towel. In a few minutes she put on the dress, and necklace. The woman couldn't help but be impressed by the choice in cut, and color. She enjoyed the wide, plunging neckline and the straps framed the necklace in a way to make it the focus. The dress's dark tones complimented her well, and the fabric hugged her figure in the right places. The fabric used was also incredibly pleasant to touch. Penelope's enjoyment waned when she realized who this was from, and what was happening to her. The woman sucked her teeth before making her way downstairs. About half way down the stairs she was hit with the scent of a freshly cooked meal. Her eyebrows furrowed as she was forced to stop. "Is this person for real?" Penelope asked out loud in a soft tone. The woman stood as still as a statue as she was once again trusted into her thoughts. She stood there for a few minutes until a door behind her opened. The woman was startled by Michelle coming out of the room in a pair of boots, and a pair of overalls. Her hair was tied back and medical gloves went up to her elbows. "I knew that dress would look stunning on you, sweetheart. Just enjoy dinner, and I'll be right back." She stated smiling. Penelope looked at the bedroom and saw that the person was pulling a black bag. It didn't seem like she was struggling either. Her gaze went back to Michelle who's face faltered. "Now. Sweetheart." she stated with her teeth slightly clenched. The woman blinked a couple of times before she started walking again.

The woman soon arrived in the dining room, and she was then met with a bowl on top of a plate with a small spoon next to it. In front of the plate was a large pot, and when she lifted the lid the woman was greeted with homemade soup. The woman's face fell as she looked back at the entrance. Penelope could hear the backdoor open, as well as a couple of thuds before the door was heard closing. The woman exhaled as she turned her attention back to the soup in front of her. It seemed to smell half way decent, and after a couple of stirs she took notice of the chucks of beef, they looked to be cooked to perfection. This compelled her to take the ladle, and pour some into her bowl. The woman then sat down, and looked into the dish. She knew this food was most likely safe to eat, and from how it smelled, it should be the best soup she's ever eaten. Part of her couldn't get over this was the same person whom killed a man only a couple of hours prior, and was currently holding her hostage. The idea of Michelle being able to take her very life, compelled her to eat. She dipped her spoon into the golden brown liquid, after a couple more seconds of hesitation she plunged the utensil into her mouth. "Good soup." She muttered before quickly taking another spoonful of it.

By the time Michelle joined Penelope at the table, the person took notice that she was still eating. "How many bowls, sweetheart?" She asked coming from behind Penelope. The woman almost choked on her current spoonful. Michelle merely blinked before giving the woman an expressionless smile. "My third. It's pretty amazing, and you cooked it so fast." the person took out a box of cigarettes and put one in her mouth, she then handed them off to Penelope who was compelled to take one. After she lit their cigarette she handed the lighter to the woman, speaking as she did so. "My grandfather was a fucking prick, but that cunt could cook a good soup." They replied almost chuckling. Penelope took notice of how she still wore the overalls, but elected to wear nothing underneath. It was just the square of denim fabric keeping them decent. "How did you find out who I was?" the woman then asked as she took a long drag of her cigarette. The question made Michelle's face falter a bit, their eyes went distant as she spoke. "You had never come into the store, but I managed to watch your coming and going during store hours. Eventually a friend of yours came in, and asked about the piece in the window. It wasn't long before I had were you worked, and your name." She said before taking another drag. Penelope's body went rigid as her gaze went upwards. Michelle looked down at the woman before leaning forward, smoke exiting her nose as she did so. "Now finding those mugshots was a bit of a task, but connections make it easy for this kind of thing to happen. Same with your accounts. I had to pull harder strings, but it was worth it in the end." She whispered. Penelope's face faltered a little, but it quickly developed into a sneer. "Worth it? You're worth shit." The woman hissed. Michelle quickly shifted their body backwards, and let out a blood curling laugh. It was a manic laugh devoid of joy. She then looked at Penelope, and in one swift motion she held the woman's spoon right under her eye. "I'm worth shit? Have you looked in the mirror lately?" Michelle seethed. "Cause let me tell you right now, sweetheart, stealing from people is worth less than shit. How many mugshots do I have? Hm? Well let me tell you, it's way less than you." The person ended their tirade with a couple of huffs before pulling away completely. Penelope's eyes began to water again as she started to shake lightly. "Penelope, sorry for my temper. It was inherited from my father, and like most bad things, it needs to be put on a leash." Michelle commented as she twisted the spoon in their hand as if it were a knife.

The woman slowly sat up, and looked back at her plate. She then smoothed out her dress before standing. "Go head upstairs, the room is all set up for you." Michelle said placing the spoon down. The person then placed their hand on their head, and seemed to be chasing away demons. Penelope couldn't help but frown. "We're staying here?" she asked confused. The person looked up at her and put on their fake grin. "Why yes. I own this house now. That man you saw me with, I was his "Mistress"." She stated with a glint in her eye. "He fell in love with me, and wanted to give me everything. The wife should be home in a week, but don't worry your pretty little head sweetheart, you'll be in the city with your friends." Penelope liked that response even less. Before she had time to ask, the person spoke. "Not your city, and not your friends, but they are people who work for me. You still need to be watched." They explained as they undid their ponytail. She ruffled their hair, and let out a small chuckle as she watched the light in the woman's eyes die a little. "Oh, sweetheart, don't be so dramatic. Life with me isn't going to be so bad." They stated as they leaned over the table. She took the lid off of the soup, and took a giant inhale. "As long as you do as I say, when I say, no matter what. Illness, and injury aside. I'll take good care of you." They then commented smirking. Penelope feared for her safety in that moment, but dared no make a sound. "So, my sweet Penelope, would you go upstairs and ready for bed? I will clean up here." Michelle stated giving the woman a complex expression. Penelope nodded her head, and turned to walk down the hallway. "Okay." She replied as she began walking. "I'll come say good night." the person called as she took the pot into both of her hands.

Penelope wasn't told what room she would be staying in specifically, however after a couple of minutes of searching she finally found the room. It was one of the guest bedrooms, and her stuff had indeed been moved inside. A chill shot itself down her spine as she flicked on the light, most of her things were there. They were all neatly placed inside of the room, and nothing seemed to even be stolen. Penelope sat on the bed, and her sniffles soon devolved into an entire crying fit. The woman curled in on herself, and sobbed hysterically. Eventually though, exhaustion took over and she fell into an uncomfortable sleep.

Penelope was woken up about half an hour later by some knocking and the door opening. She stirred lightly, almost forgetting where she was. When she saw Michelle standing in the entrance way, in a set of mint green and lilac pajamas her body shot up. "No, sweetheart, this isn't a dream." Michelle stated walking inside. Fear coated the woman's body as she scooted back, the person didn't acknowledge this and instead sat on the edge of the bed. "With all the cleaning and cooking I'm sorry I forgot to leave out something for you to sleep in. I'm sure you can find something in one of the suitcases though." she stated with the end of their sentence punctuated with a yawn. Penelope was too afraid to speak for a few seconds, but because she knew how Michelle got when she wasn't responded to, the woman found her voice and managed a one word sentence. "Why?" The question gave the person a good laugh as she thought over Penelope's response. "Because you're beautiful. I require all beautiful things in my life. You also know the value of beauty, and crave the same beauty I do. So the best thing to make us both happy is that you steal beautiful things, and the most beautiful thing belongs to me." Michelle commented.

Their face softened as she spoke, it was unnatural expression, as if their face had never learned to rest this way. This caused Penelope's stomach to churn lightly, but she was able to keep her meal down. "My mother always told me beauty was hard. So I dedicated my life to effortless beauty. I even ran my own jewelry store to give others the chance to share in such effortlessness, though I quickly discovered how rancid people can be." The person then added as they turned their attention to the window behind them. "Sweetheart. You've asked so many questions, it's only fair that I get to ask one." The person started as they shifted their eyes to Penelope's form. The woman held her breath, as she nodded her head in response. "Why do you steal? From what I learned you grew up in a wealthy enough home, not rich, but better off than your friends." The person ended the sentence with a head tilt as if she was innocently waiting for an answer. Penelope looked them up and down before looking at her own hands. The woman scoffed before laughing, Michelle seemed to perk up at the sound. "Sneaking...hiding...stealing? It's fun for me. The money was never an issue, half the stuff I stole I could sell." She then stated before looking back at Michelle. "Though what makes it the best is when weeks later in a newspaper I find that my new ring, or dress turned out to be an heirloom. Those pieces are the ones I love the most." The woman's face lit up as she thought back to all of the items she stole. Michelle smiled. "There's my sweetheart." She stated as she placed a hand on the woman's face, before patting it lightly.