The first thing Robin noticed was the sound of chains dragging across the floor. The metallic scraping echoed through the room, followed by a small, frightened whimper that made her stop in the doorway.
A little girl stood restrained near the opposite wall. She couldn't have been much older than Adrian, perhaps five or six. Her hair was tangled, her clothes stained with blood, and thick red tears streamed down her cheeks. Blood coated her mouth and chin as she struggled against the chains restraining her arms.
Robin watched in horror as the child pulled against them again. Her small body twisted violently, and the skin around her wrists had begun to tear from the force. She cried out, but the sound was interrupted by a low, animal-like growl.
"Please," the little girl whimpered.
Robin's heart nearly stopped. The child could still speak.
"Mommy..." The little girl turned toward the corner of the room, her bloodstained face twisting with fear. Before anyone could respond, her body jerked forward again, snapping her teeth at the empty air.
Oh, God. Is this what Adrian would look like?
"Don't get too close."
Robin turned toward the voice and noticed a woman sitting against the far wall, her knees drawn to her chest. A handgun rested loosely in her trembling hand. Her face was swollen from crying, and she looked as though she hadn't slept in days.
"Hello?" Robin asked softly, taking a cautious step toward her.
The woman barely acknowledged her. Her eyes remained fixed on the little girl. "She just wanted a snack."
Robin hesitated. "What?"