Story: The Baroness Part 2

Tuesday; September 30th 2014; 5:56pm
Baron going back to sleep again. The painkillers in strong effect.

Elisa parking the car; stopping outside her flats. Looking up at the window. Then turning back to Baron.

Elisa closing the car door running up to her flat. As she runs back down the steps she gets to her car holding a large blanket. Opening the car door she undoes the seatbelts on baron and begins to cover her with the blanket. Elisa holding baron up begins to traverse up the flat staircase into her place. Elisa pulling Baron through the door shuts it behind her. Still carrying Baron; she finally rests her on the sofa of her living room. Baron is smiling. Her eyes open but her vision still very blurry. “Your nest… is quiet.” Elisa: “This isn’t ideal… but when you’re feeling better I’d like to find out who Vincent is.” A knocking at the door. Elisa getting distracted. Elisa answering the door surprised to see Flynn. Elisa forgetting about her appearance. Covered in mud; still smelling faintly of river water. Flynn shocked to see Elisa in a state. Flynn confused: “What happened?” Elisa nervously surprised by Flynn’s early appearance. “I was going to drop this off for you… noticed your car so well. What happened?” Distracted by Elisa’s appearance. Elisa rolling her eyes. “Well you see I wasn’t feeling well.. Fell in the stream by work and they let me home early. That’s alright. Nothing serious.”

Flynn surprised: “Well… yeah. Anyway” Flynn passing Elisa a photocopy of the Baron case file. Elisa confused by the case file. “What’s this?” Flynn shrugging. “Daleford Demon case file about the one they saw in Franston. Just passed your house on my way to Super-Save. That’s all.” Elisa nodding satisfied with the answer.” Flynn noticing blood on Elisa’s shoe. Flynn confused: “Is that blood?”

Elisa looking down at her shoe. “Oh no…” Elisa shaking her head. “Ketchup. I had a hotdog earlier it must’ve fell on my shoe.” Flynn nodding approving the answer Elisa threw at him. Flynn smiling at Elisa: “Might want to check your carpet then; and get it out before it dries… and before coming over to HQ the least you can do is get that mud out of your hair. You stink of dirty river water.” Flynn mocking elisa. Walking away from the door waving to her. Elisa closing the front door. Elisa entering the room. Baron is missing. Elisa confused where Baron could’ve gone; she is still in a bad state. Elisa turning to the kitchen. Baron is on her feet looking around the kitchen at the various food neatly spaced around in the cupboard.

Elisa asking as Baron rummages around in the cupboard. “Hungry? I could could you up something if you’d like.” Baron turning around to Elisa. “Human?” As if she was half expecting Elisa to accommodate for her special needs.

Elisa shaking her head. “Sit down.” Elisa smiling. “Sit down.” Baron turning to the chair sits down. Still quite tired from the injury; but with a lot more energy than before. Elisa taking a pan out from the cupboard puts it on a hob. Elisa switches the stove on. Grabbing some butter she puts it on the pan. Switching the dial on the stove the pan begins to heat up and the butter melts. Baron looking on at Elisa as she begins to cook food. Curiously.

Elisa apologetically: “I know it isn’t what you usually eat; but I’m sure it’ll be a fine substitute. It’s healthier at least.” Elisa picking out two eggs from an egg carton. Grabbing a small glass jug she cracks two eggs into the jug; opening the draw she rummages around and takes out a spatula. She pours the eggs out onto the pan; the eggs beginning to sizzle. She breaks the yokes of the eggs with the spatula and starts to whisk the mixture around the pan until it starts to turn white… then eventually into a golden brown. Flipping the omelet cooking it through evenly. Pulling the pan away she grabs a plate from out of the cupboard and puts the omelet on the plate. Throwing the egg pan and spatula on a cool hop. She turns the hob off and carries the plate over to Baron; where Baron looks at the omelet confused. Then looks up at Elisa. Then back down to the omelet again. “What did you do?” Baron surprised. She has never seen someone cook food and give it to her. A bizarre experience. Elisa looking down at Baron forgetting about her arm and her lack of eating utensils (Not that Baron would care either way.) Elisa running over to the drawer pulling out a fork. Putting on the plate. “Here.”

Baron looking up at Elisa. Baron looking at the fork picking it up she starts to look at it. Elisa explaining the fork. “Eat with it.” Baron tilting her head looking up at Elisa. “I know what I use it for.” Baron picking up the omelet with her hand. Cutting it with her claws. The grease covering her fingers. Elisa nervously: “it might still be hot.” Baron not really caring. Elisa oblivious to the concept of Baron already devouring hot human blood as their hearts still beat.

Baron closing her eyes eating it ferociously. The grease and oil from the eggs slathered over her fingers. Barons expression unchanged. Showing no emotion for eating it. No delight; satisfaction; pleasure; or disgust. Nothing.

Elisa exhaling. Annoyed hoping at least her cooking would do something to interest Baron.

Baron rolling her eyes looking up at Elisa. “Anything else?” Baron still sitting disinterested. Elisa confused: “What… you want more?” Baron head still facing behind Elisa. Baron shifting her eyes up looking at Elisa. “Something else.” Elisa shrugging. “I don’t eat much else. I don’t usually have the time.” Baron turning her head towards Elisa staring intently. Elisa scratching her chin. “You know what… Maybe I can. Wait here.” Elisa running towards her fridge retrieving a large packet of Bacon. Grabbing another pan she throws the old one to the side. Taking Baron’s plate. She then stops. “Wait.” Elisa looking at the packet of bacon and what she is about to do with it. Instead of cooking the bacon she slaps the entire packet of bacon on the plate raw. Handing it to Baron. Elisa thinking: “Well I mean usually I’d cook it first but I really doubt Baron cares either way. Baron grabbing the raw bacon with her hand.

“Why incinerate it?” Baron chewing it down raw.

Elisa leaving Baron alone as she goes to take a shower. Moments after the shower Elisa leaves. Her hair and body clean from the river water wearing fresh clothes. Baron is looking at the case file on the table with her grease covered fingers. Elisa taking the towel from around her neck passes it to Baron. “Here.” Baron turning around to Eisa with a blank expression on her face. Elisa shrugging. “Maybe you should clean up. You’re covered in paint still.” Baron’s eyes looking down at her arm and her legs.

Looking back up at Elisa. Still staring blankly at her. Pausing for a moment. Then scoffing. “No.” Elisa rolling her eyes. “Just water. Okay?” Elisa looking at her arm. “I can put something around your arm so your bandage doesn’t get wet. It’ll just… clean the blood off you at least.” Elisa pausing. Baron smirking. Elisa assertively. “I insist.” Baron’s left eye opening wider; she tilts her to the right. Still smirking at Elisa.

Elisa getting slightly agitated. Taking the Case File off the desk. Baron shrugging. “I’m not sure what is so sensitive about that document… that you would hide it from me.” Baron begins to cough. Her voice sound rough and tired.

Elisa shaking her head: “Forget the file. Just get cleaned up. I need to meet up with Skornhold.” Baron exhaling: “Meeting with the hunters… superior. Foolish. You’re just asking to be shot dead.” Baron waving her hand in the air. Walking towards the bathroom. Leaning against the wall as she walks. Still coughing.

Elisa impressed with how strong and resistant Baron is. Even despite the large wound in her arm she is still standing and behaving just as usual. Elisa knows that keeping her alive is a dangerous move but her need to catch and hunt down Vincent far outweighs the danger.

Elisa can feel Baron is incompetent at hunting humans; her ability to retract and disguise unusable; not helped by the lack of support from all of the SKOR she’d have working as her underlings. Elisa picking a black plastic bag and a roll of tape from a kitchen cabinet walks towards the bathroom. Baron turning around; her clothes rags are on the floor. Elisa apologetically turning the corner. “Sorry!” Baron scoffing unsure why Elisa is dodging away. Her uncaring of how she is seen by Elisa.

Baron is trying to tap the shower with her claws unsure on how to turn it on. “The water isn’t coming out.” Baron hissing at the shower.

Elisa shouting over the corner of the door. “Hold on. I need to put this over your arm or you’ll just start bleeding again.” Baron jumping out of the shower; walking out of the bathroom. Elisa leaning back against the door. She turns her ahead around to look at Elisa. Elisa getting nervous. “Uhmm…” she mutters quietly to herself. Baron looking at her confused: “What?” Elisa holding up another plastic bag and tape. Baron no longer caring now. “Go on then. Hurry up.”

Elisa grabbing the bag she begins to tape it around Baron’s arm. Making sure the arm is sealed from water. Elisa querying Baron. “Is that too tight.” Baron remaining silent. Elisa is sure she barely even felt it.

An hour later; Baron is asleep lying across the sofa. Tired from her injuries. Elisa sighing. Remembering her jacket is ruined; she threw it away. Elisa leaving her flat to make her way towards her car; it’s cold outside. Elisa is shivering. Elisa getting in her car drives away.

Tuesday; September 30th 2014; 7:01pm
Flynn and Michelle are at the HQ.

Michelle flicking through some more reports. Michelle: “Potential SKOR sighting at the old warehouse around the back of Daleford Duty.” Flynn picking up the plastic figurine on Michelle’s desk not paying much attention to Michelle. He is in a good mood. Michelle confused. “Flynn?” Flynn still not paying much attention noticing a small break on the figurines arm. “Hey it’s broken.” Michelle shaking her head: “Yeah it fell off the desk. I had to glue it back together it was falling apart.” Michelle confused. “Female SKOR… potentially.”

Flynn shrugging: “Yeah it’s probably the rough one we found.” Michelle looking up: “Baron?” Flynn nodding his head: “Yeah… that’s the one.” Michelle shaking her head. “Doesn’t match.” Flynn confused: “What do you mean it doesn’t match?” Michelle showing him the profile; pointing to the text. Flynn looking at the text. “Oh. but well… these things aren’t always reliable. Right?” Michelle nodding. Leaning back on her chair; leaning her face on her hand. “So what put you in a good mood?”

Flynn smiling. “Cleared up three reports. They came up clear but... “ Michelle happy that Flynn is in a good mood. “I’m glad to be out there again. I might not be closer to that parasitic bastard but… I think this has been a good wake up.” Michelle giggling to herself: “You’ve been getting on with Elisa; haven’t you?” Flynn coughing: “What do you mean by that?” Michelle looking up at him. “You’ve been keeping an eye on her. Have you even been getting enough sleep?” Flynn nodding. “Of course I have.” Elisa knocking on the back door. “Flynn looking around. Michelle signalling for Flynn to go get it. Flynn nodding. Flynn walks over to the backdoor; unlocks it and opens it. It’s Elisa. Flynn noticing Elisa’s lack of a jacket. “Dear god Elisa; you must be freezing.” Elisa nodding. “I left my jacket at work earlier.” Flynn rolling his eyes. “Well that doesn’t matter now. Come here.” Flynn turning to Elisa: “Did you get a chance to read that photocopy I gave you?” Elisa and Flynn walking back towards the office. Elisa shaking her head. “No. I didn’t. I had to clean up.” Flynn nodding. “Right your little tumble… nevermind. Anyway… I did a little digging.” Michelle butting in. “Don’t take all the credit.” Flynn chuckling: “Right… so we found a potential report on Baron 16 years ago. I know a lot of this stuff probably means nothing to you…” Michelle handing Flynn the photocopy of a report. Flynn reading it out. “She walked out of cost-save. A very ragged appearance. Appearing homeless. Long black hair and rags on. The clothes appeared to not fit her. As I followed her into the alleyway I saw her back. As she went further I saw her appearance dramatically change into something frightening. At that point I took off.” Elisa shrugging. “There isn’t much to that. Is there?”

Michelle holding his finger up.

“I Got curious so I returned to that shop later. This time she took a man with her. From the street. The man was wearing very formal clothing. I thought he worked with the police at first.” Michelle pointing to the statement. “The man admitted to not seeing the jacket clearly but when he saw the FT uniform he confirmed it. I know this was a long time but I called you here because I wanted to follow it up. From what I know he still has an address registered here but I will get on that tomorrow. First I want Elisa to meet that Skor.” Elisa confused: “You are… You mean a Skor?”

Elisa swallowing nervously. Hoping she isn’t going to say Baron there is still blood over there from her fight with Baron. Michelle observing Elisa’s nervous behaviour believing it to be fear. “Elisa I get you might find this quite intimidating but I assure you. It will be alright.” Flynn smirking. “Right on. Me and Michelle are the best hunters in Daleford.” Elisa sighing thinking to herself. “The only; but fear not of my concern. If they stumble across that place before I get a chance to clean it up I might be in trouble. Elisa trying to throw them a distraction. Shaking her head. “No actually I was hoping to find out who is trying to stalk me. They destroyed my car after all… and poison me. Which means they’re close. Potentially somebody I already know.” Elisa now thinking harder about it. Unfortunately thinking about the possibility Flynn might be in on it. With how friendly he has been to her lately. Another possibility of someone from work being in on it.

Elisa thinking about Mark; Alex; Lewis and Paul. Elisa’s head beating again as she begins to get caffeine withdrawals. Elisa visibly looking quite unwell to Flynn and Michelle.

Flynn: “You’re not actually looking so good Elisa; do you want to cancel and pick this off tomorrow night. It’ll be saturday after all. So you’ll probably have more time.”

Michelle nodding. “Your own well being is always first priority. Besides. We’ll need you.”

Elisa nodding. Fortunately for her; that will be plenty of time to get that garage cleared up. Even potentially send FT to clear it up for her.

Tuesday; September 30th 2014; 7:52pm
As she begins to drive home she stops at a payphone slightly out of the way from her flat. Elisa putting on a voice speaks down the phone. “Civilian requesting clean up in Daleford. Birch-Hill Way.”

Elisa hanging the phone up stopping the operator from answering questions hopes that they’ll take her request seriously as they did before and send someone to clean up Daleford. Elisa thinking to herself: “With me killing the SKOR it’s likely that they get a lot of business with me on it.” Elisa putting the phone up gets out of the phone booth. What Elisa doesn’t know is the clean up personnel tidying up Daleford is The Agent Ace Radford.

Later that night. The agent Ace Radford is outside a building. He receives a text alert from someone in HQ regarding a clean-up operation. The Agent looking up at his phone sighs. Frustrated. Thinking Michelle and Flynn are causing havoc within Daleford and hunting out in the open; but only slaying one SKOR so far. Ace sending an angry disgruntled unintentionally dickish text to Michelle. “Can you guys not clean up after yourself?”

Ace exhaling goes back inside to grab cleaning supplies. Moments later after loading things into his car he receives a message back from Michelle. “What do you mean?”

Michelle is confused with what Ace is talking about is completely oblivious to the large mess Elisa made.

Tuesday; September 30th 2014; 8:04pm
Ace getting into his car begins to drive down towards Birch-Hill Lane. It is beginning to rain. As Ace stops outside Birch-Hill Lane he turns on a special UV light and begins to look around the scene. The area is covered in blood; the rain has made the blood wet and has started to wash it down the drains. Ace half expecting to find the remains of a SKOR instead finds the remains of a man; and large pools of blood from the fight.

What’s more. He also finds the limb of a SKOR. Confused as to why just a single limb. He decides to take it upon himself to call up Michelle and interrogate her.

On the phone too Michelle: “Hey. Michelle? Did you and Flynn go up to the Birch Hill place. The row of Garages in an old industrial area? Just wondering. I found a SKOR limb on the floor but no body… Just wondering if you’ve been out killing or hunting today at all.”

Michelle confused: “Birch-Hill? You mean the place up by Daleford Duty.”

The Agent continuing: “Where we found… Baron. You know. That… hold on.” The Agent inspecting the limb closer. Shining the torch on it closer. Michelle shocked. “What?”

The agent looking at the limb. Identifying the scars and the bandage around the hand. His eyes widening. “It’s Baron’s arm. Then where the fuck is she?” The Agent shining the torch around the sight. Trying to look into every corner. Nothing. No site of any SKOR; but a trail leading into one of the garages. The Agent walking into one of the garages he lifts the shutter open. Inside is more blood and paint splattered everywhere.

The Agent explaining the situation to Michelle. “It appears our SKOR got into a fight. There is a lot of blood on the floor… hard to explain. Maybe a human she tried to eat fought back.”

The Agent continuing: “It appears however the human remains I found show that he died of bloodloss but he crawled a good distance away. Either way. Baron must be still alive but missing an arm. The guy must of chopped it off but… there are some inconsistencies. I’ll need you to come down here. Forget your plans with Elisa for today.” Michelle mentioning: “That is fine. Elisa wasn’t well so we are rescheduling for tomorrow anyway. Should I bring Flynn?”

The Agent assertively: “Absolutely.”

Flynn is in the office looking through the records in a filing cabinet. Michelle steps outside the main office turning towards Flynn looking through the filing cabinet. Flynn turning around to Michelle: “What? what is it.” Michelle shrugging. “Baron again. Radford got a call down at the garages in Birch-Hill Lane.”

Flynn: “Seriously? She killed again.”

Michelle annoyed: “Seems like it.”

Flynn shaking his head: “This is what happens when you spare the fuckers.”

Michelle annoyed at flynn. “Excuse me? Are you forgetting this is for your benefit. You know what Flynn I didn’t ask for your opinion.

You can drive yourself.” Michelle storming off annoyed with Flynn. His accusations hitting a nerve. Flynn angrily exhaling as Michelle storms off. As michelle gets into her SUV; Flynn slams the filing cabinet shut. Knowing it was Michelle that made the mistake. Wondering why she is taking it out on him. Flynn wanting to let Michelle and The Agent sort out their own mess. He decides to get into his car and watch over Elisa’s flat for the night. Elisa is sitting at home putting her feet up on the sofa watching the news. Baron is tucked into a corner sleeping. Her injuries tiring her out. Elisa getting tired of the news turns it off. No more murders or disappearances are being reported. Elisa thinking to herself: “How many humans has she gotten away with killing?” Elisa staring at Baron. Elisa getting tired ends up falling asleep on the sofa.

Wednesday; October 1st 2014; 05:04am
As morning rises she wakes to Baron staring her intently. Close to her face. Elisa can feel the hot breath of Baron running up her face. Elisa waking nervously. Her Skor horns the only thing stopping Baron from getting her face any closer.

Baron snarling: “Unusual.” Elisa confused. Baron not saying anything else slowly steps back still looking intently into Elisa's eyes.

Elisa stuttering “Feel- feeling better?” Baron still watching Elisa closely. From the distance knocking.

Flynn outside. Elisa covering Baron with a blanket to hide her shushing her. Elisa closing the living room door. Elisa begins to make her way towards the front door. It is flynn.

Flynn’s hair a mess his eyes red. Flynn begging to Elisa: “Remember our deal?” Flynn implying he needs the bathroom. Confusing Elisa. Flynn again: “Piss.” Elisa nodding. Leaning back towards the door pushing it back. Waving her arms inside directing Flynn inside.

Flynn running to the bathroom thanking Elisa. Elisa curious about Flynn thinking: “Did he even go home last night?”

Now turning back to the door Baron is peaking around the door frame the living room now open. Elisa gesturing for Baron to go back inside.

Baron turning back walking into the living room again. Just as Elisa shuts the living room door. Flynn walks out of the bathroom the toilet flushed and him shaking his wet hands. “Now towel?” Elisa shaking her head. “No sorry. In the wash.” Flynn speaking to Elisa seriously as he leaves the bathroom: “I might have had a little argument with Michelle last night…” Flynn speaking honestly. Elisa curious: “What about?” *Baron is listening in from the other room.

Flynn still shaking his hands off again. Leaning against the door frame. “Well… I guess it was about that SKOR again. The SKOR Michelle and Agent Radford spared went out and killed again. I was under the impression that the Agent had that place monitored.” Elisa’s heart skipping a beat. “So they’re watching it now?” Elisa shouting. “Flynn holding his hands up. “No… the monitoring equipment was there but for whatever reason it was offline. Elisa relieved: “It captured nothing?” Flynn shrugging: “Honestly I think I was too pissed off at the both of them to even care. I get we don’t have the facilities to cage the-”

Elisa interrupting remembering Baron still in the other room likely listening to what Flynn is saying worried Baron might attack Flynn. Elisa trying to change the subject: “So you didn’t go with Michelle and the Agent then?” Flynn shaking his head: “What good would that do me. I need to track down Vincent. We still haven’t got that image back. I have an idea though.” Elisa intrigued: “An idea?” Flynn nodding: “Yes… I’m going to have a look in my old photo albums and see if I have anything… then I’m heading to the scene of the first incident. Crawsons Street.” Flynn closing his eyes flicking the hair out of his face. “I will phone you up when I am ready alright? That will give you some time to get things ready. Is that alright by you?”

Elisa nodding: “of course”

Flynn waving back to Elisa he begins to make his way towards the door. Elisa following after him seeing him out. Flynn looking back to Elisa. “Thanks kid.” Flynn begins to walk down the stairs of the apartment. Elisa exhaling leaning back against the wall closing the front door.

Relieved he is gone. Baron sluggishly opening the door leaving the living room she walks down the hallway limping to Elisa.

Baron snarling: “Hunter… you play a dangerous game associating with those… pitiful meatbags.

I don’t have to tell you that he’d gut you given the chance.” Elisa getting tired of Baron trying to convince Elisa. “Shut up. I don’t want to hear it.” Baron scoffing: “Why are you keeping me alive exactly? I still am having trouble understanding… you are so illogical.” Elisa walking up to Baron picking out a flip knife from her pocket flipping it up putting it to Baron. “I am not totally against that… part of me wants to slit your throat…” Elisa pushing the knife blade down. “but then part of me doesn’t. Part of me thinks I am sick and tired of just killing every bad Skor I see. I think you are wrong.

I am not the ill one here. We’re broken. Why is that?”

Elisa pausing predicting Baron: “and no. It isn’t in our nature. It never crossed my mind. So go on Baron. Why do you do it? Why did you hunt?” Baron quiet. Barons eyes looking away from Elisa. “I was taught it. Survival… Dominance and to continue our duty to stay within the shadows.

I am sure you know of our life expectancy in this world. Don’t you?” Elisa nodding. Muttering: “35.” Elisa pausing “For humans its 90-100.” Baron smirking. “We can live as long as humans but we die long before we even feel our age. To maintain to secret is to save ourselves from extinction.”

Elisa thinking hard: “To kill and devour. Humans that might learn of a Skor’s identity can’t be kept alive.” Baron grunting her eyes focusing on Elisa. “You were never taught were you?” Elisa nodding. “Differently; by a human.” Baron surprised. “A human who didn’t kill you?” Elisa nodding. Baron confused.

Elisa exclaiming: “So initially it was to protect your identity. At what point did it become a sport?” Baron tilting her head. “Sport?” Elisa shaking her head. “You killed humans; when did you start enjoying it.”

Baron smirking. “The same day I watched them murder a Runt. The fool was harmless. Pathetic. Could not hunt for itself.” Baron turning her head at the ceiling hissing. “Had to hunt for him. Even then refused to eat human. Eventually he is found. Hunter. Human.

The Skor on his knees pleading. The hunter draws his gun and shoots him in the head. I tore the hunter apart; not before tearing his eyes from his skull and forcing him to consume them.” Elisa swallowing. Baron snarling: “They care little for us. Even showing mercy. They are pathetic cowards. Every hunter I have slain… every single one.” Elisa worried. Elisa turning around looking at the door. “I don’t want that; but killing people is not helping. It isn’t the answer. It can’t be.” Baron snorting: “but it is… this is the world you live in. Superior… We show dominance over the humans and cull as many as we can…” Elisa turning back around to Baron: “but that doesn’t have to be. What if I can make this right? Surely it’s worth looking into. Right?” Baron grunting: “Let the events of the passed replay… you sound no better than the Runt.” Baron turning around walking back into the living room disgruntled. Elisa confused: “Wait…” Elisa smiling. “I think you care about me.” Baron turning back to Elisa snorting: “Like hell I do…; You just so happened to impress me in combat… something to strive for. I’ve spent years hunting and no SKOR has the backbone to take me on… you’re the first who has and won; but you’re replaceable.”

Elisa surprised by her response. Elisa confused whether she should feel flattered taking it as a compliment from Baron. A rare one. Elisa smiles. Her hope to change Baron for the better. Whilst Baron has a hefty kill count to her name she feels as though she won’t kill again as long as Elisa stays dominant over Baron. Baron for the most part obeying Elisa. Elisa’s thoughts drawn back to Vincent again. Elisa looking up at Baron. Elisa looking at Baron and then at a photo on her table. An idea hitting Elisa. Elisa turning to Baron. “I have an idea.”

Baron confused. “What now?” Elisa running into her bedroom grabbing some clean clothes. She throws them at Baron. “Here.” Baron not catching the clothes; they drop to her feet. Baron confused; turning her head away from Elisa disinterested. Elisa trying to convince Baron. “You know what he looks like. You can help me… but you need a better disguise.” Elisa looking back at Elisa staring blankly at her. Baron shrugging. “You want to humiliate me some more then…?” Baron scoffing. Kicking the clothes back towards Elisa.

Baron walking off back into the living room.

Elisa thinking again. Elisa snapping back “No. You’re doing it Baron. You don’t get a say.” Baron turning her head around towards Elisa. Raising an eyebrow at Elisa surprised by her retort. Elisa now demanding Baron. “This is going to help you as well. Michelle and the Agent have already seen your face… but Flynn hasn’t.”

Baron tilting her head sideways intrigued. “You’re a master of disguise? Prove it. You’re supposed to be an alpha start using that SKOR head of yours and blend in properly.” Baron pointing to her severed arm. Tired. “I suppose you’re going to explain this?” Elisa shaking her head. “Just say it’s a deformity… look. You can help identify Vincent... “ Baron snorting: “I can’t disguise are you forgetting? My body is still in a sorry state… things are rather problematic at this time.”

Elisa nodding: “Not today… We do it when you can. Vincent is still out there and I don’t know what he is planning but as long as I don’t make any sudden moves I think I will be alright.” Baron leaning against a wall resting herself. “So how do you know this Vincent doesn’t already know what you’re up to? Do you just suppose he hasn’t got a clue?” Elisa nodding. “If he knew he would’ve done a lot more than attempt to poison me. I think he was trying to scare me there clearly wasn’t enough in there to last for longer than his intended purpose and it got me out of Daleford Duty.”

Baron sitting against the wall resting her body. “He poisoned you at Daleford Duty.” Elisa shrugging. “A lot of people work at Daleford Duty. It doesn’t just have to be the people I talk too. Anybody could easily overhear what we do and say…” Elisa curiously: “Is Vincent working with anyone else. You know?” Baron yawning. Tired. Bored of the conversation. “Only the runt boy before he fled. There might be others…” Baron thinking back to what he said prior. Staring up at Elisa. “Yes. He does.” Elisa confused: “Who?” Baron shaking her head. Baron “He called him a ‘superior’ a companion. Someone he has apparently known for a long time.

I wouldn’t be surprised if he was working within FT as well. That organisation seems to have a habit of hiring us. Now that I’m thinking about it I’ve been wrong all this time… I think you’ll fit right in.” Elisa ignoring Baron’s attempt to belittle her. “Someone potentially working within FT... “ Elisa is thinking too much into it. Thinking about how much Flynn seems to be watching her all the time. Flynn was a friend of Vincent.

Elisa looking at Baron: “Is Flynn a Skor? Yes or no.” Demanding an answer as if Baron is skilled enough to know. Baron shrugging: “Flynn?” Baron unsure who she is talking about. Elisa shaking her head: “Remember... ? The guy that came by earlier. Flynn. The hunter.” Baron shrugging: “How on earth would I know that? My senses aren’t even that sharp right now… besides some SKOR are very skilled at disguising blending in so well they even smell human.” Baron looking at Elisa. Insinuating her. Elisa shaking her head putting her palm on her forehead. Elisa desperate: “Alright… but if you met him face to face again. Could you recognise him?” Baron yawning again. “Probably…” Baron going to sleep against the wall. Elisa trying to wake Baron up. “Hey… Hey!” Baron ignoring her. Elisa snapping her fingers in front of her face. Baron just yawning again. Elisa getting frustrated. “Fine. I don’t need your help.”

Elisa storming into the living room. Looking at the bookshelf. She begins to remove SKOR strategy training manuals and a collection of guides on SKOR detection.

Many of the books information outdated and helpful. Discussing various outlets Elisa couldn’t possibly use such as the Scan & Blood tests. Elisa slamming some of the books in frustration knowing she isn’t going to get anywhere. She knows she was born with the abilities as a SKOR but unsure on how exactly to use them. Feeling defeated she folds her arm onto the desk and buries her head in between her arms. Elisa growling in frustration. Elisa lifting her head off the desk brushes all of the books off of her desk knocking them onto the floor. Throwing her head back she puts her hands over her face and kicks the back wall with her foot. “There has to be something here. Elisa trying one last time picking up a book that didn’t fall off the table sitting on top of the case file. Elisa opening it.

The book is detailing weaknesses… Elisa getting an idea thinking back to her spiked drink earlier. Elisa slamming her hand on the book. Elisa shouting out loud. “Caffeine!” Elisa thinking to herself: “All I need to do is make Flynn tea.” Elisa angry at herself for being so dumb. Elisa muttering out loud. “Something so simple… if he drinks it will prove he isn’t a SKOR. That’s all I need to do.” Elisa scratching her head. “Not that I’ve made tea before or anything.” Elisa flicking up the laptop lid powering the laptop on. She begins to use the laptop to browse the internet. Simple guides on how to make tea. Elisa watching intrigued scratching her cheek. “Easy enough…” Elisa slamming the lid down takes her wallet from off the table. Baron still asleep against the wall; Elisa grabbing a sheet from off the side puts it over Baron.

Wednesday; October 1st 2014; 05:00pm
Elisa looking at the address on her phone. Looking at a bungalow on the road in front of her. A small little place in a busy street. Elisa shutting the door of her car; the vehicle parked up on the side of the road. Elisa walks up to the front door of the bungalow and presses the doorbell.

Elisa noticing large black bin bags outside of his house. She can hear Flynn yelling inside: “It’s open!” Elisa pushing the handle down enters the bungalow. She walks down the hallway of the bungalow boxes of junk strewn about the place open and shuffled. Elisa stepping over the bags. Flynn wiping his forehead. He is looking through cabinets; holding a couple of VHS tapes stored in boxes. His pants covered in dust. Flynn turning to Elisa. “Sorry about all this clutter. I’ve been spending my morning trying to look through everything. Elisa shrugging: “Didn’t think to ask me for help?” Flynn stuttering: “No… No. I mean I did. It’s just you know you looked busy this morning.” Elisa smiling: “I guess you don’t like asking for help. Do you?” Elisa looking at the photos on the mantle and many of the magazines on the side table next to the sofa. Hunting Magazines.

Flynn exclaiming: “I’ve been battling dust and hunting spiders all morning. It’s been rough. I mean spiders probably freak you out… they have to.” Flynn jesting with Elisa. Elisa rolling her eyes. Spiders do freak her out just a little bit. Elisa querying with Flynn. “Found anything?”

Flynn shaking his head as he looks at the VHS tapes. Forgetting what they were for. “I mean there are these VHS tapes but I think these might just be family videos or something. Too bad I don’t have anything to play them on.” Elisa exclaiming: “I think my brother still has father's old VHS player somewhere. It might still work.” Flynn looking back. “Really? Well… I mean if you could bring that over sometime maybe we could try plugging it into the TV.” Elisa nodding: “Will do.” Elisa walking over to Flynn’s bookshelf. Turning back to Flynn. “You thirsty?” Flynn still looking through a box. “Yeah. I’d kill for a drink.”

Elisa smiling at Flynn: “Want me to make you a drink then?” Flynn shaking his head: “N-No I couldn’t make you do that. You’re my guest.” Flynn dusting his hands off looking back at Elisa smiling. Elisa thinking to herself: “Well shit… so much for that. Either Flynn is trying to be courteous or he doesn’t trust me enough.” Elisa insisting: “Well it wouldn’t seem right if I didn’t at least help. Right?” Flynn shrugging. “Just pick me up a beer from the fridge and then come help me with these boxes. Bottle openers in the middle draw near the microwave.” Elisa thinking again: “I can’t caffeinated beer… this is harder than I thought.” Elisa going in the fridge pulling a cool beer bottle out of the fridge. Closing the fridge door she walks over to the middle drawer. Just as Flynn said. A bottle opener is lying inside the middle drawer. Elisa taking the bottle opener out. Closing the drawer. Elisa looking at the fridge. He has old photos of his parents on the fridge; and a picture that appears to be of him in america standing next to another man. Elisa looking at the door. Flynn shouting to Elisa. “You found it?” Elisa shouting back: “Yeah. I’ve got it.” Elisa walking into the living room again holding the better bottle. Trying to use the bottle opener on the cap. The bottle opener sliding off. Flynn laughing at Elisa. “You don’t know what you’re doing pass it here.” Flynn taking the bottle and bottle opener from Elisa. Take the cap off. He begins to drink the beer down. Leaning back stretching his arms; shaking his head. “Much better. Good god I needed that.” Elisa curious; asking Flynn: “Who is that man on the fridge next to you?” Flynn smiling. “That’s my big brother Will. Stayed in America because he had a good job going. Can’t say I blame him. What I wouldn’t give for a bit of normality in my life.” Flynn drinking more of the beer. Elisa thinking to herself: “I don’t think Flynn could possibly be SKOR… not with how human he is.” Elisa asking Flynn. “Did Vincent have any close friends… associates. Anybody?” Flynn shrugging. “Not sure. He got along with a lot of the other trainees there. I mean there was a guy that watched over him when he operated in FT Forke but then he transferred to Daleford. I assume to get a larger food supply…, Robert entrusted the bastard to me.”

Elisa nodding: “So maybe he knew someone in FT Forke. Would there be photos there?” Flynn shaking his head. “FT Forke was not an advanced facility. It’s worth a shot but from what I gathered he was only in FT Forke for 4 days.”

Elisa confused: “Wait… what?” Flynn putting his fingers on his forehead. “Yeah. I know it seems stupid now right? FT Forke didn’t see anything suspicious and neither did Daleford. At the time.”

Elisa scratching her cheek. “He must’ve joined FT Forke for their lack of security. Probably an easy entry point. Did FT Forke even vet its members?” Flynn shrugging. “As far as I know their procedures were exactly the same as us. Neither Daleford or Forke had the facilities to perform blood and scan tests. Central and Ledbury did. So people they needed to get checked went to Ledbury for it.”

Elisa querying: “Did you?” Flynn nodding. “Yes I did.”

Flynn exhaling: “Well I think I’ve had enough of digging through this crap today. Up for going down to Crawsons Street?” Elisa nodding. “Where it happened?” Flynn smiling: “Yes. Exactly where it happened. Let me just get changed.”

Flynn standing up dusting off his old pants; leaving Elisa alone downstairs. Elisa sitting down on the sofa starts to flick through one of the magazines on the table. Elisa feeling sympathetic for Flynn. Thinking to herself “I can tell just looking at everything in here… hunting has taken over his life. Barely any family to talk too. He must feel so alone. We’re not that different him and I… well kind of.” Elisa feeling sad still sympathetic for Flynn. Elisa reading the magazine on the table. Her eyes looking at the half drunk beer on the table. Elisa knows with this time she could be spiking his drink; but Elisa feels that he isn’t SKOR. If he was that would be a very effective lie but Flynn comes across to her as genuine.

Elisa catching site of a photograph underneath the cupboard. Pulling it out she blows the dust off. It’s old and torn but it is of the three of them. Flynn; Michelle and David. Elisa smiles. The three are looking happy together all with drinks in there hands. Flynn approaching elisa from behind. Exclaiming: “That was during our 5th anniversary. Me and Michelle got pissed that night; for the most part it was a blur. Flynn is smiling. “David dropped us off at Michelle’s house where we slept for the night. Flynn shrugging: “David was the designated driver… he was always the responsible one. Which is strange because you’d have thought it’d be Michelle.” Elisa smiling. Handing the photo to Flynn. Flynn putting the photo up on the bookcase out of the way. Flynn grabbing his car keys from his pocket throwing them at Elisa. “Here; but be careful alright? Unless you drive like your father I’m totally fine with you taking her for a spin.” Flynn shrugging: “And you probably don’t want your new car to get stolen too. Right?” Elisa smiling. “You’re right.”

Wednesday; October 1st 2014; 05:25pm
Not long after; Elisa stopping the car at Crawsons Street. Flynn and Elisa getting out of the vehicle. Elisa still not found time to get a new jacket is shivering in the cold. Flynn shrugging: “Still not found your jacket? You must be freezing.” Elisa nodding. Flynn removing his jacket giving it to Elisa. Elisa looking at Flynn nervously: “You sure?” Flynn nodding. “This place is dead. Those bastards have made sure of that.” Flynn’s mobile phone buzzing in his pocket. Taking it out of his pocket he re pockets his phone. Elisa confused: “Not going to answer it?” Flynn rolling his eyes. “Hell no. I’m busy.” Flynn walking up the street. Pointing to a pharmacy. “That place was open still when we encountered him. This place was still alive and well… market streets. Tacky crap mind you.. But now it’s lifeless.”

Elisa feeling sad. The area is miserable. Everything about it looks so decayed.

Flynn shrugging: “To the average person this place is simply unfortunate. Run of bad luck; but I think you and I know the reality. Now it’s just used by junkies with nothing else to do.

They’ve made a lot of plans to rebuild this part of town. Knock them down and build a supermarket… but I guess they just haven’t gotten around to it.”

Elisa turning back to Flynn. “So why are we here?”

Flynn holding 2 fingers up. “2 reasons. 1. I needed to see this place again. I had hoped it would re-jog my memory. 2. I was hoping he was hauled up here for old time sake. It would be the perfect hiding spot for a SKOR… but I think it’s also too secluded.” Elisa thinking about something. Exclaiming to Flynn: “I think if he wanted to meet you he would’ve come here. It seems to me that he wants to avoid you.”

To be Continued...

Story: Vincent VS Baron Part 9