Story: Vincent VS Baron Part 5

Monday; September 22nd 2014
The old man looking up toward Flynn and Michelle taking a newspaper from off the side. Noticing Elisa. Looking back around again. Michelle questioning the man again: “So… about this ‘noise’ can you describe it?”

* Old man shaking his head. “Just sounds like bins and stuff just being moved about… I got into contact with the cinema. I was under the impression they had night shift staff out there taking the trash out into ungodly hours.” Flynn impatiently: “and?” The old man: “Hold on! You’re terribly impatient. I got word back that they don’t have anyone working there at night. So they’re lying to me I bet you’ either that or a bunch of hoodlums have been dealing drugs and goodness knows what back there.” Flynn curiously: “Didn’t think to call the police?” Michelle following up “Or phone the council to make a complaint?” The old man responding assertively: “but that is just the thing. I did and got absolutely no response! Just as usual they allegedly send someone down and absolutely nothing back. At this point I am pretty sure they are just ignoring me.”

Elisa puzzled: “So are we paying the council offices a visit?” Michelle looking towards Flynn: “I can take care of that. Stay with Elisa and if you see the bounty give me a holler.”

Flynn nervously looking back at Michelle as if to say he doesn’t want to be left alone with Elisa. Michelle shrugging: “David has a mean right hook. If she gets hurt I’m not the one that will be taking the punches.” Flynn scratching his head. “Right…” Elisa thinking: “For the best that they really think I can’t take care of myself I suppose…”

Monday; September 22nd 2014; 9:25am
Elisa looking at a clock in the shop. Her eyes open wide as she realises she needs to get ready for work. Elisa looking at Flynn: “I didn’t realise the time. I’m supposed to be heading into work.” Flynn looking back at Elisa shrugging. Signalling for Elisa to go to work. Elisa nodding her head walks off.

Flynn continues talking to the old man. “So. Now we can talk properly.” The old man getting nervous. Flynn looking at the old man with dead eyes: “When did the camera break?”

The Old Man: “It has been broken for months… I’m not sure when it broke. I suppose at least sometime in spring. It was just before I went to the Fate down on station road. It will have film at least before it broke down but I can’t tell you if it’ll be any good.” Flynn nodding: “Anything will do just fine. Just show me to your security system.” *The Old man leads Flynn upstairs towards his security system. It’s in his bedroom. The bedroom reeks of booze.

Bottles are scattered around the old dusty computer. Flynn looking towards the computer his face scrunching up with disgust. “Right… thank you.” Flynn says to the man trying to sound sincere. The old man just sighs and hobbles towards the bathroom. Flynn turning on the computer. He starts to browse through the recordings. A bunch of DVDs are piled besides the computer. It will take Flynn a while to get through all of it.

Monday; September 22nd 2014; 9:25am
(8:35am)

Elisa getting into her car; looking down at the clock on the dashboard. A sigh of relief. The Old mans clock was out by 50 minutes. Elisa taking her phone out checks the time. His clock was definitely wrong.

Elisa looking back at the shop. Realizing that it would be a good time to leave. After feeling pretty uncomfortable around another Hunter she believes it’s time to go home. Elisa isn’t sure she wants to join any hunter group. Being around hunters scares her enough. Especially Flynn in particular. She feels his eyes always focused on her when he is around making Elisa suspect Flynn thinks she a SKOR but unaware it’s just Flynn being Flynn. Elisa takes into consideration what Michelle said to her. Reassuring herself

Monday; September 22nd 2014; 10:37am
Later that day Elisa is at work. Bill has started easing Elisa into lifting boxes again. Joining Alex and Mark. Her arm still hurting but trying to keep it subtle between her and Bill.

Elisa begins to lift a large heavy box. Putting it down first as the heavy box digs into her bad shoulder. Elisa groaning in pain putting the box down fast. Mark looking back in shock: “Shit; Elisa everything alright?” Elisa nodding holding her arm: “It’s fine. The box corner just dug a little bit. I’ll be fine.” Alex rolling his eyes: “Take this. Just stick the labels on we’ll take care of the heavy lifting. Right mate?” *Mark nodding. Elisa taking the labels with her good arm. Sighing. Alex jokingly: “So was the pizza that bad last night?” *Elisa confused. Mark turning to Elisa: “Yeah. You left early and you didn’t come back or say anything.” Alex chuckling: “Yeah you left Mark. He was worrying about you like a little child. Thought you weren’t coming back.” Alex putting his arms on his shoulders. Taking them off again dusting his hands off he picks up another box to fill up. Mark working: “Labels” Elisa passing labels to Mark. Mark continuing the conversation: “I was not.” *Elisa getting annoyed of the two passing nonsense conversations to each other but appreciating that they’re trying to cheer her up. Alex querying: “So… what was that all about yesterday? Something bothering you?” *Elisa shaking her head. “No. Everything was fine. Someone I met a while ago just needed help that’s all. It was over nothing; after I finished I just came back and straight to bed.” Alex not quite believing it. Alex obviously knowing what Elisa was up too last night. Alex shrugging: “Oh well; maybe we could just go out somewhere else less hectic.” Elisa shaking her head. “I was fine there.” Mark looking towards Alex shaking his head.

Alex nodding: “Oh right… forget I said anything. Hey Mark how about we head to the movies tonight; would you be game for that?” Mark’s eyes lighting up: “Cinema? Hell yeah that would be pretty awesome.” Elisa nervously looking up at Mark and Alex. “Which one?” Mark smiling: “There is only one ain’t there?” Alex nodding: “The one in Franston. There’s another Cinema? I don’t know any others.” Elisa thinking to herself: “Shit… anywhere but there. What if Baron comes back or I’m followed. That’s the last thing I need right now.” Mark pushing Elisa: “So… how about it Elisa?” Elisa swallowing nervously: “I… I guess.” Alex acting sympathetic: “It’s alright Elisa… if you’re busy we can make it a boys night out. You might have no interest in what I was thinking of watching anyway.” Elisa assertively: “No. I’ll go.”  Alex unsurprised by her sudden interest. Mark pleading with Alex: “Please the Reap Force Zero Movie. I really want to see that one.” Alex smiling to Mark. “Hell yeah that one.” Mark getting excited: “Oh man before Elliot and Linda head out on their trip we should invite them as well. They’d love to see that movie!” Alex smile growing wider: “Elliot and Linda? Well I mean I don’t see why not.” Mark realising: “Oh you haven’t met Elliot and Linda have you?” Alex shaking his head. “I’d be delighted to meet the two of them. The more the merrier I say.”

As time passes they continue discussing the movie and the plan for later. Elisa still worrying about the potential she’ll run into Baron or the “Redeemer.”

Monday; September 22nd 2014; 11:46am
In a dark unused underpass in town. Baron is slowly staggering towards the end of the tunnel. Her body still covered in blood; her body revealed her eyes shot and focused. The empty disused underpass echos as her bare feet hit the cold concrete.

Her mind thinking back to a time when she met with her equal. Alex after he was on the run from HQ.

Wednesday; May 12th 2004; 3:32pm
Baron is standing in a bustling street. Her eyes focused on Vincent. The young taller Vincent still disguised in his F.T Daleford uniform looking towards Baron. Their eyes fixed on each other. Baron smiling. Baron turning around disappearing into the crowd of people. Walking towards her isolated nest.

Vincent catching sight of Baron entering a quiet strip. An alleyway. Baron turning around looking towards Vincent. Vincent looking back; his body still injured in the scuffle with Flynn; David and Michelle. Baron smiling at Vincent. “SKOR come in many shapes and sizes; adorned in all sorts of disguises but none like yours.” Baron impressed by Vincent’s attire. His uniform doing a fair job of masking his identity. Vincent replying. Uncaring: “So what?”

Baron cackling: “You were the one that followed me…. But you are right I’m going to make this nice and clear for you new meat; whilst I like your style I don’t approve of you eyeing up my cattle. Clear?” Baron hissing.

Vincent shrugging: “I’m not interested.” Barons eyes glaring at Vincent. “No interested?” *Baron charging at Vincent. Vincent quickly forcing. Baron throwing her claw down on Vincent. Vincent retaliating with an uppercut parrying her claws. Vincent growling: “You really shouldn’t have done that. I have no interest in taking your food supply.” Baron snapping back: “That isn’t the point.” Charging her sharp horns pointed directly at Vincent trying to maul him. Vincent using his foot in between her horns. Kicking her head back. Baron clumsily stumbling backwards onto her feet. Baron hissing: “You’ve got a gun hunter. Use it.” Vincent throwing a punch towards Baron. Baron ducking out of the way. Vincent snarling back: “I’m SKOR. I have my own weapons.” Baron smiling impressed with his retort. A Runt type SKOR enters the room as the fight is ongoing. Standing back. Baron growling at the Runt: “Keep out of it Bahra. This is not your fight.” Bahra backing against the wall staring at Vincent and Baron as the two fight each other.

Bahra intimidated by the pair. The fight continues. As both grow tired and clumsy. Eventually Vincent and Baron land two hits against each other. Vincent slashing Baron on her side and Baron landing a blow on his arm. Coincidently where he hurt David. The wounds not going deep enough to fatally wound but enough to cause bleeding. Both of their blood trickling down on the floor. The two wearily and out of breath. Backing up. Baron looking up at Vincent smiling. “Matched Equally.” Vincent putting his fists up again as his arm bleeds. Baron turning to Bahra. “I am hungry now Runt.” *The runt nodding nervously: “I’ll get Eei and Grav.” *Baron shaking her head hissing at Bahra. Mockingly: “Pathetic.”

Vincent judging Baron: “For such a prideful SKOR dare I say I find it deeply concerning that you can’t even hunt your own food.” Baron laughing taking it as a challenge: “Oh believe me I can… but they’re better bait… it’s far more satisfying to watch…” Baron getting interrupted. Bahra dragging in a human. The human dropping to the floor covered in blood hitting the table as he goes down. Baron unimpressed: “I expect you to bring them in fine condition. You’re failing me Bahra.” Baron hissing at Bahra her attention now drawn to the human panting and panicking on the floor. Baron sighing grabbing the man by the throat. Bahra apologetically. “I’m sorry… he got suspicious and started resisting when we got closer.” Baron still disappointed with the SKOR’s excuses. Baron squeezing the man’s throats. Her sharp fingers cutting the surface of his skin. The man crying in pain. Baron still unsatisfied exclaiming: “This will have to do…” Baron looking intently into the man’s eyes. Still holding the man’s throat with one hand. With her other hand she runs her finger along the blood. The blood on her finger lifting it over her mouth she puts her finger in her mouth. Tasting the blood. Her eyes closing. Her smile growing wider. The man in a panicked attempt tries shouting out. Baron quickly snapping the man’s neck. His cries halted life escaping from his eyes. Baron chuckling as she watches the human slowly die. Vincent looking on disinterested. Baron turning to Vincent. His back leaning against a beam.

Baron mocking vincent: “Do you have feelings for this human.” Her head twisting sideways curiously. *Vincent making his way to Bahra: “Bring me a human.” Bahra just nodding and walking outside. Vincent turning back to Baron. Baron is smiling intently towards Vincent. Blood covering her face. The pair wait for Bahra. A few minutes pass by; Baron still feasting on the humans remains. Tearing the body apart consuming it like a lion devouring a gazelle. Vincent looking at Baron as she eats. His arm still bleeding. Vincent removing his Hunter Jacket placing it down on a nearby table. Baron looking up as he proceeds. Her eyes on his physique.

Time passes. Eventually Bahra returns; holding a slender woman; out cold. Bahra shaking. Looking up at Vincent with tears in her eyes. She is not an old SKOR a young SKOR. Her voice stuttering: “There-There. That’s yours.” Bahra pointing to the woman on the floor. Bahra reassuringly: “It isn’t dead.” Baron nodding looking towards Bahra. “I grow tired of this one. Clean it up.” Bahra nodding running towards Baron thanking her; Baron walking away towards a staircase. Baron: “When this one wakes up I want to see what you do… Equal.” Baron respectfully walking away from Vincent impressed.

Vincent staring at Bahra: “Does she treat you all like that?” Bahra silent. Bahra not wanting to say anything bad about Baron incase she hears her.

Bahra lying: “She looks after us.” *Bahra tearing flesh off the human consuming it. Vincent looking on at Bahra unconvinced. Seeing how she responds to Baron it’s unconvincing. Baron returning downstairs. Most of the blood and flesh removed from her face in a poor attempt to conceal her carnivorous nature. The lady getting up. Barons eyes focused on Vincent. Vincent killing the lady as she sees the hunter. Her hopes of freedom quick extinguished. Baron smiling directly at vincent. Vincent removing the machete from his belt severing a limb.

Monday; September 22nd 2014; 12:01pm
Returning to the present again. Baron angry. “Incredibly disappointing” she snarls. Her breathing heavy. Her voice rough and grouchy. In a struggled attempt she retracts her facial features as she walks out from under the underpass. A group of teenagers eyes staring at Baron. The group start looking at each other and begin to talk. The bullet holes not visible to the teenagers.

One of the boys in the group start shouting slurs at Baron. Baron smiling: “No matter.”

The area is mostly empty. Only the group of loitering teenagers standing around smoking cigarettes and playing with their mobile phones. Baron slowly stumbling towards them. Her eyes glaring towards them.

The strong odour from Baron as she approaches making the teenagers feel sick. One of the kids attempting to show dominance starts going close to her. Hurling more abusive language at Baron. One of the youngest girls picking up a stone throwing it at Baron. Baron looking towards the young girl. A large malicious grin across her face as she forces her body. The young girl grabbing a bigger rock screaming; in no time at all Baron claws protracted throws them at the dominant boys face. Her claws puncturing his throat; removing her claws from his throat he hits the ground. The teenagers are running away. One of them holding a camera out again screaming. Baron at great speed despite the injuries catching up to the boy holding the cell phone slamming her clawed hand onto his spine. His spine clicking; his body crumpling to the floor. The mobile phone smashing on a rock. The teenager unable to move. Baron standing on the kids throat. “Over so soon?” she taunts. The boy unable to move or talk. Her foot heavy on his windpipe. The kid trying to scream. In shock he fall unconscious. Baron gazing over the mess she has just made. Sated. Barons wounds are bleeding again. Baron snarling: “Try to kill me equal… Let’s see what flies I can attract.”

Wednesday; May 12th 2004; 6:24pm
Reminiscing again. Baron and Vincent staring out the window gazing down on the busy Franston street. Baron to Vincent: “A life within the hunter group and only recent you gained an appetite for humans… how strange” Vincent shrugging “I thought I had more fun fighting SKOR but… turns out that was untrue. I felt empty and the humans… they were arrogant. Killed our kind like we were worthless animals; I became the contractee and lured one hunter after another they were easy to kill.” Baron laughing: “but there is more to it then that isn’t there?” Vincent leaning back against the window frame. “Of course.” *The wind from the open breeze rushing swiftly against Vincent’s face. “It’s because I saw what someone did when they found out a good friend of mine was a SKOR… he spent half an hour trying to passively subdue them. Even trying to reason with them seemed impossible; my friend was at wits end and had managed to finally get them by the throat. Just as he was about to kill them he started losing energy. Everything went blank from then on out he went through torture. Or what they called “Shock Therapy” They pumped high levels electricity through his body; burned him; sliced him and he witnessed some horrific events. All in the name of FT. Upon finding out I felt betrayed… and to make matters worse I learned that.” Vincent pausing. Turning away from Baron. “Not like you would care anyway.”

Baron tilting her head sideways: “No. I am intrigued. Continue.” Vincent continuing: “They had been taking the young SKOR’s and selling them to the highest bidder either to be dissected or… worse. That’s not justice; that’s just greed.” Vincent getting angry at FT and the human race.

Baron hissing: “Humans see us… and fear us; our bodies built to kill. Prime hunters. The best predators around. Humans are a fungus…”

Vincent turning back around walking into the building:” Even so. They’re ahead of us. It’ll be a long time before we can catch up.” Baron grinning: “If we are clever and hunt in packs the humans are no match. A day will come when we can walk freely in the world.” Vincent turning back to Baron: “Wouldn’t that be great?” Vincent turning around walking away. Baron to Vincent: “Welcome home. Equal.” Vincent turning around: “Why do you keep calling me that?” Baron grinning: “A title reserved for those that can fight me in a battle and not die. It’s a title I’ve never given before... “

Vincent looking to Baron: “Then… what do I call you?” Baron scoffing: “Not a name… you give pets names. The SKOR outside my nest have given me the title Baron.”

Vincent: “Baron then. Let’s catch up sometime.” Baron laughing and snorting: “A date? How human of you.” Baron mocking vincent playfully.

Baron no longer reminiscing her hand drenched in blood.

Monday; September 22nd 2014; 7:50pm
Later Elisa is waiting outside the cinema with Mark and Alex. Elisa is on edge looking around in case she catches sight of Baron. Flynn and Michelle are still investigating Baron. Elliot and Linda pull up and get out of the car running towards Linda waving excitedly. Alex apologetically: “Sorry for the short notice but from what Mark told me you’re going away!” Alex waving his hand at Linda and Mark. The two nodding. Elliot understanding: “That’s alright. One movie before we head on out won’t hurt. Right?” Linda: “Right.” Elliot noticing Elisa is a little on edge. “You alright Elisa?” Elliot remembering this was where Elisa got attacked by the SKOR. Elliot turning to Alex: “Let’s get inside. It’s freezing out here.” Everyone in agreement. They slowly make their way inside towards the front desk; purchase tickets for the movie and watch. As Elisa is watching the movie she feel relieved that they haven’t yet run into any trouble so far. Elisa remains silent. Elliot noticing Elisa out of her comfort zone. He nudges Elisa and smiles at her in an attempt to cheer her up. Elisa smiling back; her mind is elsewhere. Alex knows he is deliberately making Elisa uncomfortable. Knowing she is worrying about Baron. Half way through the movie; Alex gets up and leaves. Making his way to the front entrance looking outside at Elisa’s car.

Monday; September 22nd 2014; 8:27pm
At the HQ; Michelle is reading through the photocopy of the case file. Pieces still missing. Michelle is trying to remember the case file from years ago. Flynn sitting down in front of Michelle. Flynn to Michelle: “So you said that the case file was missing parts. I might be able to remember something from it.” *Michelle handing the photocopy to Flynn. Flynn reading the file. Flicking through the pages. Flynn: “Half. There is just half of it. Did you scan all of it?” *Michelle nodding. “That was everything.” Flynn rolling his eyes flicking the paper with his hand. “And Elisa didn’t have anything else? How sure of that are you?” Michelle looking annoyed at Flynn; Flynn huffing rolling his eyes. Michelle turning the computer on; the computer powering up. Michelle turning to Flynn. “How did the CCTV camera videos go?”

Flynn getting frustrated slamming the papers down on the desk holding his head. “A Waste of time.” Michelle nodding. “I’m still waiting on a response from the council about the complaint made.”

Flynn taking a piece of paper from the file looking at it: “I’m wondering why he is targeting Elisa and Elliot.” *Michelle looking back at Flynn: “It’s possible that Vincent is trying to find David.” Flynn nodding: “It’s possible. He was the one that gave him a few bullet holes.” Michelle: “So payback then. Right?” *Flynn shaking his head scratching his beard and wiping sweat from his brow. Michelle typing on the computer keyboard. Michelle looking at the emails. A report about the one in charge of the complaints department being missing and not returning calls but as soon as they find out where he has gone they’ll get back to her. A temp is now taking over on the reports catching up on the complaints department. Michelle confused. “That’s odd. The guy at the complaints department is missing.” Flynn shaking his head: “There are SKOR running around everywhere; the guys missing the SKOR probably tore him apart.”

Michelle shaking her head: “I’m going to have the police or at least Radford look into this. We can’t just pass it up. What if it gives us something on Vincent…”

Flynn slapping his palm against his face. “What if- What if. If vincent wanted us surely he would’ve found an opportunity years ago..” Michelle shrugging: “Maybe he didn’t.” Flynn looking up at Michelle: “What do you mean.” Michelle shaking her head unsure; “It’s just speculation at this point. I’m sure we’ll find out but I think a good start would be to check out this complaints guy.” Flynn shifting his eyes; turning them back to Michelle defeated. He knows it is at least worth investigating. Nodding his head in agreement. “Let’s do it then.” Michelle picking up the phone at the desk dialing for the Agent. The phone against Michelle’s ear.

The Agent picking up.

The Agent confused: “How can I be of service?”

Michelle on the other end: “Radford.”

The Agent recognising the voice on the other end: “Michelle.” Elisa and the crew are back at the cinema. Elisa is having a dizzy spell as she walks out of the cinema. Elisa shaking it off as she walks outside. Elliot curious: “Elisa; you alright?” Elisa nodding as she starts to walk fast towards her car. Elliot muttering: “Elisa. You can’t keep this us. If you’re…” Elisa reassuring Elliot: “I’m fine. Look just get home alright?” Elisa still nervous. Feeling unsafe outside. Elliot running up to Elisa: “What’s wrong?” Elisa muttering quietly: “That SKOR is still out here. It’s not safe for me or you to be here. Please just get home quickly. Take Linda and Mark. Go.” Elliot nodding. Understanding why Elisa was so bothered about going to cinema. Running back to Linda and Mark. Making up an excuse: “Hey Linda; Let’s go! I’m thinking of getting an early night tonight.” *Linda nodding. Elisa getting into her car. Elisa putting the key into the ignition as Elliot and Linda drive away. The car not starting. Alex smiling turning to Mark: “We should probably be giving her a helping hand. Right?” Alex starting his car pulling up to Elisa. “Need some help there?” Alex leaning out the window tapping the Side window. Elisa getting frustrated that her car isn’t starting. Knowing she never had any problems before. Noticing the light on her engine on. Elisa getting out of her car shutting the car door. Turning to Alex shrugging. Alex gesturing for Elisa to get in. Mark sitting next to Alex in the front. Alex politely “I’ll drop you off if you want.” Elisa reluctantly accepting. Nodding.

September 22nd 2014; 11:43pm
Agent Radford is walking down the streets investigating the potential missing Complaints Officer. Agent Radford looking up a person’s name on his phone “Garry Blackard” Agent Radford muttering to himself: “Where did you go… Mr Turney?” Agent Radford looking up at a house. The lights are off. Pocketing the phone. He watches as a car pulls up into the driveway. A man getting out. Confused. It’s dark but he can make out the person. They’re older but their appearance doesn’t seem to match the photo. Radford adjusting his jacket; begins to walk closer to the house. Staring into the windows. The lights are still off inside the house. The only house with the lights off.

The Agent watching the house closely; turning back around he begins making his way back to his car. Drizzle falling from the sky. The water slowly dripping onto his face. The Agent pulling his phone out looking intently at the phone. Staring back at the house. “Power out?” The Agent starting to suspect SKOR activity in the house. Turning to the person car.

Looking at the number plate typing it into his phone saving it for later.

The Agent turning back around again; walking up to his car. Out of nowhere a very large alpha SKOR throws his body at The Agent. The Agent ducking out of the way. Rolling backwards. The SKOR throwing punches towards the Agent. The ferocious voice of the SKOR growling at the Agent: “I don’t think so. Central scum.” The SKOR recognised his uniform. The Agent is  dodging many of the blows that the SKOR throws at him.

The Agent pulling a large blade from his belt. Swinging it towards the head of the alpha. The Alpha SKOR ducking the blade severing the SKOR’s horns. The SKOR screaming. The SKOR narrowly scratching the face of the agent with his claws. The Agent begins to backup kicking the SKOR away. Turning around he begins to bolt it down the street. The SKOR still pursuing the agent.

The SKOR snarling: “They said Agents were trained but you… “ The agent still running. His body starting to get tired. Turning around he throws the machete towards the SKOR. the blade slicing the flesh from the surface of his arm. The Agent dodging underneath the SKOR as it bleeds. Running in the opposite direction. Returning to his car. The SKOR turning back around to the Agent. The agent slowly tiring hissing at him. The agent clumsily grabbing the car key from out of his pocket; buzzing it open. The SKOR still lumbering closer its arm bleeds. The SKOR hissing again. It’s eyes glaring at the Agent. The SKOR charging again.

The Agent’s cheek bleeding turning the engine on; the car humming as he puts it into reverse. Back up 4 meters he accelerates. The SKOR slashing the sides of the vehicle as the car drives passed. The SKOR howling at the Agent as he runs away. A failed attempt the SKOR tries to chase down the car. The SKOR eventually stopping knowing it could not keep up with the car. Turning back around. The agent still behind the wheel. Wiping the blood from his cheek. Turning his phone on he begins to dial for HQ. Michelle picking up on her work mobile.

Michelle on the other end: “Agent?”

The agent is smiling his eyes closed: “You were onto something Michelle; unfortunately for us I got spotted but it doesn’t matter. It’s a SKOR…”

Michelle nodding: “Then it’s a Skornhold matter.”

The Agent: “Yes. Pretty much.”

The agent disappointed: “… the SKOR was big.”

Michelle querying: “An alpha type… did you see its face?”

The Agent agreeing: “An alpha type yes… as for finding out; well  you know there are those few SKOR that disguise so well it’s impossible to distinguish the SKOR from the person. This one appears to be one of them.”

Michelle disappointed: “Shit… so what do you have on this asshole?”

The Agent laughing: “I’ve got the bastard wounded; I have a number plate for their car. It’s likely that whoever is associating with our friend will need a fresh set of wheels and a new address.”

Michelle smiling: “Would you like me to look up the registration of that car?” The Agent nodding: “I’ll be meeting you back at the HQ.” Vincent standing inside the house. Washing the cut on his arm. Cursing to himself: “Shit. I need to relocate.” Looking down. The blood still stained onto the carpet from when Garry Blackard was killed. Grabbing a piece of kitchen paper he begins to wipe the blood and clean the cut. Turning to his car outside.

Tuesday; September 23rd 2014; 12:12am
Back at the HQ Michelle has just finished discussing matters with Flynn. Michelle to Flynn: “I think we should tread carefully… if we really are getting close to Vincent we might accidentally put Elisa in a difficult situation.” Flynn getting frustrated: “The sooner we find this asshole. The better.”

Michelle agreeing.

The Agent is entering the building. Michelle and Flynn visibly tired; trying to work on the case all day. The agent’s face bleeding. His machete dripping with Skor blood.

The agent waving as if completely unphased by the encounter: “Michelle; Flynn. I would like to see the original photo of the Crawson Cutter.” Michelle apologetically: “We’re still not linked up and the file is missing.” The agent nodding: “I will put out a request to HQ to do an urgent search on the file. It may not have even left Central.” Michelle holding her face yawning. “We’ve been at this shit all day and it feels like we’re still no closer. Maybe I’ll have a quick shower and a nap... then back in HQ early to hopefully pay that house a visit see if we can follow a trail before it goes cold.”

Flynn in agreement “I like the sound of that plan; but I feel like not leaving now is giving them way too much time to hide any evidence. Skor are far too intelligent then what we give them credit for. Especially someone like Vincent.”

Tuesday; September 23rd 2014;  6:45am
That Morning; Elisa’s car still stuck at Franston Way. Elisa getting up far earlier decides to take the bus to work and sort the car out later.

Elisa after a shower leaves the house. Dreading the idea of taking the unreliable and invasive public transport. Standing outside in the freezing cold. She stares towards the bus time table; trying to decode it after just waking up. A group of teenagers walk up to the bus stop all of them are talking together. Obscuring her view of the road. Elisa sighing thinking to herself: “I miss driving already; this is going to be a long trip to work.” Elisa humorously thinking of the various ways she could get to work if only she could openly force in front of everyone. As she is dazing off she catches sight of the bus stopping in front of her looking at the sign. The teenagers pushing in front of her. Elisa getting agitated. Finally stepping into the warm embrace of the bus she stands at the front handing the driver a fiver. “Single to Dorse Hill.” The old spot covered driver staring blankly at Elisa. Looking down at the note then looking back at Elisa. “Exact change only.” Elisa scoffing as she pockets the note and pulls out her wallet; rustling around for change throwing odd bits eventually adding up to the right amount. Rolling her eyes walking to her seat as the bus gets moving. No seats she holds onto the bar as the bus swings from side to side the reckless driver with no passion. A large group of people start to fill the bus. The area around her being intruded. Soon becoming far more invasive making Elisa uncomfortable. Thinking to herself agitated: “One of the most commuted routes and they still only bring small buses. Great people standing and touching me. That is what I need right now. No really tall man with the suitcase keep poking me with that umbrella I dare you…” As the bus rocks back and forth the man's umbrella continues to poke Elisa on the side. The man adjusting his tie. His elbows jabbing Elisa in the bad shoulder. Elisa biting her tongue holding back the pain her eyes watering.

Tuesday; September 23rd 2014;  10:06am
After a battlefield of thought and mental encouragement Elisa survived the grueling bus journey getting out as fast as Skor’ly possible. Still a walk to work.

Eventually making it to work Elisa pushing the door open. Despite leaving earlier. Elisa looks up. She is 10 minutes late. Elisa getting frustrated scratching her head. Hoping nobody had noticed. Signing her name on the sheet entering work. Lewis and Mark are talking quietly; Lewis to Mark: “Hey did you see Alex has his hand all bandaged up. What’s that all about?”

Mark shaking his head: “Said he cut himself on a saw or something he is good but I don’t know.” Mark noticing Elisa approaching. Lewis at Elisa: “Hey… it is so not like you to be late. What gives?” Elisa shaking her head: “Car wouldn’t start at the end of the movies yesterday. Alex took me home and I ended up catching the 33 into work.”

Mark looking at Lewis in a humorous manner: “Did I hear that right. You took a bus?” Lewis sneering: “The worst one at that. Sardines wouldn’t even want to go on that bus.” Lewis looking at his watch. “Well I have to go get back to things; see you at lunch.” Elisa nodding. Alex coming back from the alleged bathroom trip. His hand bandaged up. Alex jokingly: “Hey look; we’re buds now.” Alex pointing to his hurt hand.” Alex grabbing a clipboard from off the side. “I’m on scrub duty for the time being catch you two later. Huh?” Alex smiling wanting to put Elisa through her paces some more. His hopes to expose her or put her at risk some more. Elisa completely unsuspecting.

Tuesday; September 23rd 2014;  4:34pm
In the afternoon Michelle; Flynn and the agent are making their way towards the house at Millers Court. The agent has a plaster covering his face. Michelle is rubbing her tired eyes and Flynn is cautiously observing the neighbourhood. The agent turning to Flynn and Michelle: “I’ll go on ahead and make sure the house isn’t trapped.” Michelle noticing the car is missing.

“So that car belonged to Garry Blackard; right?” Flynn exclaiming: “yes; but it’s unlikely he is still driving it.” The agent picking a brick from off the floor. He hurls it at the window. Michelle and Flynn gasping. The agent picking up a large plant pot outside the house starts to hit out the remaining blade of glass; the glass shattering onto the floor. Turning to Michelle and Flynn. “Here we are.” Flynn jumping through the window; looking around. Michelle to the agent: “A warrant?” the agent laughing: “We’re hunters; not police officers and I can smell blood.” The agent jumps through the window. His boots crunching along the glass covered floor. Michelle and Flynn following after him jumping through the window of the house. Agent pulling the gun from his holster pointing it towards the darkness of the house. “Anyone home?” Flynn; Michelle and Agent begin to sweep the house; watching every corner; watching every angle. The agent approaching the living room his gun held outwards facing the wall. Looking around the room; then turning back to the floor.

A large pool of blood surrounding a chair.

The Agent closing his eyes and nodding. Walking closer towards the chair inspecting it. Bending down he looks closely at the pool of blood.

The agent looking up towards Michelle and Flynn. “It’s old. A week or two. Whoever this was they’re likely no longer with us. It’s not often they’d be kept alive.” Michelle bending down to Agent: “But it’s not as if our friend is like anybody else; right?” Flynn looking towards the desk. “Hey. What’s that?” Flynn walking over to the table picking up a piece of paper. Michelle turning to Flynn confused. Holding the piece of paper up to Michelle. Vincent taunting the. “See you soon” written on the front. Michelle looking on frustrated at the sheet of paper. Michelle: “We’ve got to keep looking for him.” Flynn agreeing: “He’s taunting us. That son of a bitch.”

Flynn throwing the paper at the desk.

The Agent looking back at Flynn and Michelle: “I’ll be speaking with the police and Central about this. I’m sure they’ll be able to send someone down to assist us with this.”

Flynn scoffing. The agent turning to Flynn: “I know you want Vincent; but you’ve absolutely got to understand you’re not going to be able to do a lot against him. If we can get a specialist down here the contract will be over. No doubt about it.” Michelle in agreement: “Our power here currently is incredibly limited, we can hunt Skor sure but as I said these cases are huge to undertake.” Flynn getting agitated: “Look. I feel like I am being an asshole here but… it has been just over a week and I feel like I have accomplished nothing.” Michelle disagreeing: “That isn’t true.” Flynn snapping: “but it is; isn’t it?” Flynn scoffing: “I’m going to find that son of a bitch even if I have to… you said he was trying to get close to Elisa right?” Flynn having an idea mid sentence. Flynn muttering to himself: “Come on… he has to be close to her already. The SKOR that attacked her… the case file that was sent to her. We’re following leads when we need to focus on Elisa.” Flynn running outside jumping into his car. Michelle shouting to Flynn: “Hey!… Flynn? What’s going on?” Agent tapping Michelle on the shoulder. “Let him get and work on that. We need to tell the officers and Central everything we know.” Flynn is walking outside. Turning back around he walks back to Michelle; making sure she is still working at Daleford Duty. “Michelle” Michelle turning to the window. Michelle walking over to Flynn. Flynn curiously: “She still works at Daleford duty. Right?”

Michelle nodding: “Yes. Her and she has her own Flat.” Flynn: “Send the address to me on your mobile.” *Flynn waving at Michelle running the opposite way back to his car. Getting in his car he drives away towards Daleford Duty.

Tuesday; September 23rd 2014;  5:58pm
Getting to Daleford Duty; he notices Elisa’s car isn’t there. Watching closely outside at all of the cars in the area. Flynn getting a text message with Elisa’s home address on it. He begins to jot it down on a scrapped receipt with alcohol on it. Scribbling his pen trying to get it to work. Putting the receipt into the glove compartment. Looking back at the car he begins to rest his head on the steering wheel. Flynn muttering to himself: “Knowing about SKOR I have to ask why David’s kids just don’t join us. They know they’re a threat.”

Everyone's vehicle is there; but he can’t see Elisa’s vehicle anywhere. Flynn watching outside for a while. Eventually Elisa leaves work with Paul who is offering to look at Elisa’s car parked broken down outside the cinema.

Elisa getting into Paul’s car. Flynn starting his engine up. Paul reversing the vehicle out of the parking space. Flynn watching closely as they start to drive away; following after them in his vehicle.

Tuesday; September 23rd 2014;  6:09pm
Eventually Elisa and Paul make it to Franston; Elisa is nervous about being here again but she knows it’s still light outside so it’s likely that nothing is going to pose a problem for her; not unless it wants to get caught.

Flynn is watching  from a safe distance on the side of the road.

Elisa can see a large scratch mark down the side. From a horn or spike. Paul noticing: “Holy crap it looks like someone ran a knife up the side. Elisa confused running her finger along the indent. The right size for a sharp claw or finger. Elisa knows this well. Elisa opens the car door; starting the car up. The engine coming on briefly then shutting off again.

Paul exclaiming: “I know a guy who could probably help out with this so how about I get it towed and have him look at it.

Paul making a call looking at paul. As he is dial elia mutters: “Thanks.” *Paul smiling at Elisa. Elisa looking up at a cctv camera. The camera is shot her as well. Elisa thinking about the scratch on her car now worrying it could have been Baron. But confused as to why Baron didn’t use that opportunity to kill her or this opportunity. As paul is on the phone talking to his brother Elisa is looking around making sure there are nobody around to hurt the pair. Paul shouting to Elisa: “He can take it to his garage in the next 2-3 hours and have it checked… tomorrow.” Elisa nodding. Paul smiling: “Sounds good to her; How much for the toe?” Paul nodding shouting to Elisa “£50?” Elisa scoffing. Nodding. She knew it was going to be expensive. Elisa tapping her fingers on the hood contemplating. Her eyes looking at the front. The hood slightly elevated. She lifts the bonnet up. Whilst she doesn’t quite understand the complexity of cars she knows that the fact she can open the hood without unlocking it to be a problem. Taking a look at the hood she gestures for Paul to come over.

Paul looking inside still on the phone to his mate. Speaking surprised. “Yeah the engine looks totalled to me. I mean it's like someone dug into it with a drill or something I’ve never seen this before. Good grief.” Paul putting the hood down again. Thanking the man on the other end. “He can take it in an hour. He reckons someone had a right go at it with a power tool or something you might want to report this to the police.” Elisa agreeing thinking to herself: “Or Skornhold.” Paul kindly offering: “Once they’re done towing I suppose you’ll be needing a ride home right?” Elisa gratefully: “I’d appreciate it. Thank you.”

Paul patting Elisa hard on the back. Her shoulder feeling the brunt of the vibrations from the slap

Elisa and Paul walk back to his car and wait for the tow truck to arrive. After a few minutes the tow truck arrives; but Flynn is now starting to feel tired from monitoring Elisa all day. Paul driving towards Elisa’s house; Flynn following after the two.

As Elisa gets closer to the apartment Elisa begins to grow suspicious of the car that’s tailing her. Not recognising the car growing nervous of it Elisa texting Michelle about the car subtly. “Someone Is tailing me.” Michelle asking if it is a car similar to Flynn’s. Elisa agreeing. Michelle explaining that Flynn is tailing her trying to find the SKOR Vincent. A heads up for Elisa would have been nice but Elisa feels relieved that it’s not what she thought it was and is glad that she knows now. Elisa now realizing for as long as Flynn is tailing her she cannot get up to hunts. Not until she can be sure that it has stopped. Elisa waving goodbye to Paul smiling at him. She begins to turn her attention the car. Walking up to it slowly. Nodding at the car; she u-turns back towards the apartment. Elisa relieved that nothing will be able to hurt her now for as long as Flynn watches over her. Grateful and no longer panicked about Baron. Flynn getting tired decides to head home; have a shower and sleep before he returns again for another day of watching Elisa.

Elisa tired after a shower lies down on her bed staring up at the ceiling. Thoughts of Vincent and Flynn strong in her mind.

Wednesday; September 24th 2014;  12:05am
Michelle again staying up longer than she should is pulling an all nighter to find out where Baron has gone and at the same time try and solve the mystery of Vincent. Michelle is creating a new map of Daleford this time linking up all the incidents involving the “animal attacks.” A long line circling Daleford. Unusual for a SKOR to be on the move. It’s likely they are looking for something.

Michelle in contact with a police officer on the phone: “I’d like more information on these Animal attacks; I’m working on behalf of FT Central. Investigating here. We’re trying to capture it.

If you could send us any witness reports or anything at all…” Michelle being stopped.

Michelle again pleading: “I understand that sir; but you need to understand this place has been opened after a couple of years of being inactive. We’ll need some time to get those for you…”

Michelle being interrupted again. “No. Our Central Systems are down. I’m trying to get things up to speed. No-No. I’ll help out as much as I can.” *Michelle frustrated: “Yes thank you for your time.” Michelle frustrated slamming the phone down. Cursing: “Fucking assholes.” Slapping her hand on the table. Putting her face down in her arms. Then looking up again at the plastic figurine still on her desk. Michelle picking the figurine up she smiles at it.

Reminding her of Robert. Michelle under her breath: “How did you do it?” The agent walking into Michelle’s office putting a hot drink and a muffin on her desk. “You need to eat girl.” *The agent sitting down at the chair leaning his chest and arms against the backrest. His head lowered resting on his arms. His cheek still cut. Michelle smiling taking a bite of the muffin. Disgusted by it. Michelle swallowing it; grateful for the thought but turning up to The agent: “Spiced? Nevermind.” Michelle shaking her head. Michelle hungry eating it anyway. “Thank you. Sir.”

The agent sighing: “Again with the formalities. Ace. or Rad… whichever you prefer.” *Michelle shaking her head. Agent Radford trying to be encouraging. “You know I think Flynn has a good idea going; I know you’re trying to handle these two cases at once… but you know. Maybe it’d be easier to take it easy and do one at a time. You’re going to start muddling things together… like I don’t know start with Elisa. Vincent seems to want her right now so perhaps following that lead might be worth a thing or two. Just food for thought huh?” Michelle nodding: “I suppose… but there really isn’t much we can go on right now. The police are refusing to assist us without all this stuff being set up and no proper grounds here in Daleford right now…” *The Agent shaking his head. “Then let me deal with that. I’ll go in there have a word with whoever turned your request down and see to it that they follow through. Alright?” Michelle nodding and smiling. “Thank you.”

To be Continued...

Story: Vincent VS Baron Part 6