Story: The Baroness Part 4

Sunday; October 5th 2014: 9:18am
Flynn noticing Elisa panicked. Elisa pocketing her phone. Elisa repeating again. Flynn confused: “The bastard has your number?” flynn cursing under his breath. “Shit.” Elisa holding her hands up. “It's okay. I change my number.” Flynn looking towards the room. “So he is in there?” Elisa nodding.

Flynn nervous: “You should have told me Elisa. You could have gotten killed.” The agent leaving the room. “Flynn.” The agent surprised to see Flynn. Flynn cussing the agent. “Why are we interviewing the man. Elisa here was the one that got the phone call.” The agent nodding. “A phone call?” Elisa nodding. The agent confused. “Tipped you off? Vincent then I am guessing. Then me and Elisa need to talk in private. Flynn can you go in with the man and try to get more information from him.” Flynn nodding. The agent leading Elisa to the main office shutting the door behind him. Sitting down.

“There. Privacy.”

Elisa sitting in front of the agent. “This will be quick… right?”

 

The Agent is thinking to himself. Looking away. Then looking back at Elisa. “If Vincent wanted knowledge on David. Why would he target you specifically?” Elisa shaking her head. Unsure how to answer.

The agent grabbing a notepad from his pocket. Flipping the cover up. “I made some mental notes thinking of any reasons besides one of two answers. 1. Either you have something he wants or 2. You are something that he wants. Which begs the question Elisa.

The agent looking deep into Elisa’s eyes. Elisa averting her gaze. “What reason would he want you?” Elisa nervous. Still quiet. Agent understanding why Elisa might be nervous. Elisa looking down towards the desk. The agent turning away holding his face with his hand thinking. “What are you hiding Elisa?” Elisa still silent. The agent shrugging. “Whatever the secret it will come out eventually… as it should but if you choose to keep it in. I will not pry further so long as the interests of Skornhold and FT Central are kept in tact. A long with its people.”

The agent tapping on the table. “Put your hand flat on the table.” Elisa following as the agent says.

 

The agent looking at Elisa’s hand. “Baron is missing. Likely dead. She sustained a very fortunate injury. Initially as previously mentioned some suspected Vincent; but I have seen Vincent and gone up against him face to face. His size much larger to the claw marks engraved in the handle of the axe. It was a female who did the damage. Small hands like yours.” Elisa panicking. The agent reassuringly. “I am not blaming you for this. Don’t worry. It is likely Vincent has allies now.”

 

Elisa is confused with what the agent is saying. Elisa is curious with what the agent think he knows. Elisa to herself: “What is it that he knows… does he suspect me? I might be in trouble.” Elisa looking away again. Folding her arms she starts looking over to the wall at an empty bulletin board. The agent being honest with Elisa. “Robert told me to trust David and David told me to take care of things here in Daleford. I promised him I would. It is absolutely essential you try and be honest with me alright.” The agent holding his hand at to shake Elisa’s hand. Elisa still staring at the wall. Elisa not wanting to shake his hand knowing he is trying to confirm his suspicions. Elisa lying: “If he just wants me. Maybe he will leave you alone.”

 

The agent getting up. Locking the door. Then sitting back down on the chair. Elisa getting nervous again. Reaching into her pocket. The agent holding his hand out. “Easy. David told me what you’ve been through. I get it alright?” The agent leaning in close to Elisa. The agent holding Elisa’s eyes looking into Elisa’s eyes curiously. “Skornhold will find him. Just give us what we need.” Elisa speaking now honestly. Muttering. “I am suspecting a colleague. He has been acting strangely towards me but it might be nothing. He claims to be about 28 but… reading the report they should be in there mid to late 30s right?” The agent nodding. “but that might not mean much if they have a young complexion.”

 

Elisa confused. “So what you mean… Vincent just might look young?” the agent shrugging. “He may have been dishonest about his age multiple times.” Elisa thinking to herself: “In that case he still fits the bill…” The agent leaning back. “Then it is time to see if they’ve gotten back to me about that request.” The agent turning on the pc. Begins to login to the system and his email. He begins to check through the emails. Smiling.

“and here we are. A complete record of all registered employees under Daleford Duty for the past 10 years. Including the top dog. Bill Thomas Gibson.”

 

The agent is smiling at the computer. Turning to Elisa now with  serious look on his face. “Are you hunting unofficially? Elisa.” Elisa briskly shaking her head.

The agent nodding: of course not.” The agent pauses. Then smiles at Elisa. “I will show you put. I will ask Michelle to give you a call as soon as I am done following up on these names. If you’d like to avoid stirring up Vincent I suggest just calling us in future. That would be my advice to you. Do I make myself clear Elisa?” Elisa nodding her head and heart pounding with every word the agent says. Elisa getting off the chair looking towards the door still quiet. The agent now thinking there is something up with elisa. It was barely even thought through. Elisa essentially tried to meet Vincent as if she wanted to confront him. Not an easy thing for a human to want to do. Especially given Elisa’s history. Now with the thought she might be planning something he watches as she leaves. Muttering under his breath as she walks outside. “Why would you need to lie to me Elisa?”

The agent holding his hand on his head thinking about it. Turning to the computer screen he begins to look through the information. Michelle entering her office looking at the Agent as he looks through the information. Michelle confused. “Done already? What did you get from her?”

Michelle still not quite sure what is going on with Elisa right now.

 

The Agent Radford looking at Michelle: “It might be nothing but I’m concerned Elisa may be going into deep. I suppose it might have something to do with her wanting to find her father but… she might be getting herself into trouble.” Michelle still confused: “Oh?” The Agent still thinking about it. Michelle again: “So what are you suggesting here? You think Elisa is doing things against the rules?” The agent shrugs. “I don’t know. Like I said. I might be wrong; I’m just curious as to why Vincent is after Elisa specifically and not the more obvious target… Elliot.”

 

Michelle nodding. Thinking it due to Elisa telling Michelle to keep them safe at her place. Michelle exclaiming: “After the parcel was delivered to Elliot’s house I took him in for safety along with my daughter. So they’re not at that place right now.” The Agent still thinking about it. “But the parcel had her name on it right. Not Elliot? How did Vincent even know David had event adopted the girl.”

 

Michelle confused. “What do you mean?” The Agent smiling: “She wasn’t born then. Say perchance they’ve met before or someone tipped him off… that’d be the only way of finding out. So who would have knowledge of that besides… you; Flynn; me and her close relations.” Michelle thinking again: “FT. FT would know.” Agent shrugging; “We’ve already established it’s likely he knows somebody on the inside. We’re just not sure how far inside.” The agent slamming his hand on the desk. “You know what forget it. I’m going to go out on the field and do my job. Finding this stuff out is more your area. Right?” Radford joking.

Michelle agreeing. “Right. So Get back to it right?” The agent pointing to the computer. “There is a list right there of all of the workers employed at Daleford Duty. Let me know if you find anything interesting.” Michelle nodding. The Agent getting up from the desk. Michelle sitting in the chair where the agent was previously seated looking at his email. Staring closely at the computer. Her eyes focused on the display.

 

Sunday; October 5th 2014: 11:05am
The Agent is out wandering the street. A slip of paper in his hand with Elisa’s address written on it. The agent is staring up at the Flat. He is holding his phone up. The map with her flat located on it.

Taking a gps tracker from out of his pocket he walks and crouches to the bottom of Elisa’s car and places it firmly on the bottom of the vehicle. Looking back up at the flat. Hoping he isn’t being watched. The Agent still very curious about it Elisa and why David and Robert insisted on trusting the two. Curious as to what they were covering up; and what Elisa is doing. The Agent walking back to his car gets in and drives it away from the flat. Concealing it behind another house. The Agent standing in a gangway looking up at the large flat.

Still thinking about Elisa.

 

Meanwhile Elisa is laying on her bed Unsure what to do now. Knowing that she has to be cautious no matter what she does. Baron looking at Elisa. Curiously. “You appear to look more shaken than usual.” Baron just waking up from her nap. Elisa turning around. “So you were paying attention then?” Baron shrugging. “Usually you go out and walk around today you’re just sitting inside.” Elisa getting up off of the bed turning back to Baron. “The Agent might be a little bit suspicious of me and I honestly don’t know how.” Elisa now getting paranoid. “Have I just not acted human enough? Is it that obvious.” Baron snarling. “Perhaps you’ve been around me too long.” Elisa shaking her head. “Definitely not… I mean that can’t be it can it?”

Baron’s eyes closed. Opening one eye squinting at Elisa. “I doubt it. You still look like a Runt to me.” Elisa sighing. Almost feeling relieved that Baron is insulting her in that way. Elisa shrugging. “I can’t stay hiding in here. I have to go do something…”

Baron’s eyes opening wide. “Oh?” Baron intrigued. Elisa shaking her head. “Not killing anybody.” Elisa thinking. Looking at the wallet on her table looking back at Baron. Elisa to Baron: “Hungry?” Baron yawning. Scratching her head. “Human?” Elisa assertively: “No. Let’s just go. Get ready will you?”

Baron leaving the room.

 

Sunday; October 5th 2014: 11:25am
Moments Later; Elisa and Baron leave the flat. The Agent watching as the two exit the complex; his face scrunching up in confusion at the site of the woman. Her disguise brilliant; her severed arm out of his sight as they make their way towards the car.

 

Elisa letting Baron inside her car. Elisa jumping into the drivers seat slamming the car door besides her. The agent suspects nothing of Baron currently but feels it is worth following them incase they plan anything. The Agent runs towards his car getting in. Grabbing his laptop he opens it up. The GPS map begins to track Elisa and Baron as they make their way towards a supermarket. The agent believes that whilst this might be a fairly innocent trip it is worth following after them in case anything goes down.

 

Sunday; October 5th 2014: 11:40am
Soon after; Elisa and Baron park up in the car park outside the supermarket. Elisa grabbing a basket from off the wracks continues on inside. Baron following after Elisa. Baron smirking. Many of the people are paying attention to Baron’s arm and are turning away gossiping. A boost to baron’s pride. As Baron and Elisa approach a freezer. Elisa pointing inside the freezer. There are large pieces of Pork and beef inside. “Interested?” Baron grinning wide her eyes opened wide looking intrigued at the meat on display. “All of it.” Elisa turning back confused. “All of it…?” Elisa understands that Baron is far too used to eating large humans. To baron these portions are nothing. Elisa muttering quietly: “Don’t you usually eat a bit at a time?” Baron turning her head away. Elisa believing Baron to just be greedy.

 

The Agent is looking towards the supermarket. The car is parked up in the car park. Curious. He puts the laptop down on the seat and closes the lid. He walks towards the supermarket in hopes of “unintentionally” bumping into the pair. Entering the shop he can hear a couple talking about a woman with one arm.

The Woman: “Man. It must be rough only having one arm. I wonder how it happened? You think she was born with it.” The man shaking his head. “She could’ve been in an accident or something. Either way that’s pretty sad.”

 

The Agent looking at the couple then looking back ahead continues walking into the shop. The Agent thinking about the one armed lady they were talking about. The Agent getting out his phone. Suspicious now. “Her right arm.” The agent turning the screen off on his phone catching sight of Elisa and the Lady walking down the aisle of frozen foods. The Agent shouting to Elisa. “Hey! I thought I saw you.” Elisa jumping. Turning around fast. Elisa thinking to herself: “Shit…” Elisa looking at Baron then looking at the Agent. The Agent is looking at Baron. Under his breath: “Same arm. Same proportions. But it can’t be. This disguise is not how Baron is…” Elisa nervously: “What’s wrong… sir?” The Agent walking closer. Looking at Baron. Baron more eager to dispatch of the Agent. The Agent muttering under his breath. “You made a promise to us.” Elisa pointing to herself. “I did?” The Agent shaking his head. “You.” The Agent looking at Baron. Baron shaking her head playing dumb. The voice she comes out with eerily convincing as a dumb girl. “I don’t know what you’re chattin’ about mate. I’m just out shopping with my neighbour.” The Agent confused. The voice Baron coming out sounding completely different. Elisa turning to Baron completely dumbfounded. Then turning back to the Agent as he puts his hands up convinced by Baron.

“My apologies. Wrong person.” Baron shaking her head putting her hand up in a playful manner. “That’s alright love. People say I look like a lot of people.” The agent stammering. “Your arm… I mean. What happened?” Baron looking at her arm. Putting her hand over her mouth. Elisa shaking her head. “A bit rude?” The Agent apologizing again. “I’m sorry. I’m not trying to be rude.” The Agent holding his hands up surrendering walking away. Waving to Elisa. “Remember to… come over later alright?” The Agent nervously wandering off. Elisa and Baron turn to each other. Elisa completely clueless as to what just happened with the Agent.

 

Elisa confused thinking to herself: “Has she been practicing? That was so convincing.”

The agent walking outside. Wondering what just happened. Confused believing he has got it wrong; but then he begins to think about the woman again. He turns back into the shop again and picks up an Iced Coffee drink from the shelf. Taking it to a self checkout machine he throws it over the reader and pays with his card. The agent thinking if he is going to find out if that’s really Baron then he can do it one way he knows how. Running out of the store. Elisa and Baron approach the self service checkout and pay for their groceries. Elisa leaving the shop. The Agent opening the coffee drink following after Elisa and Baron as they make their way towards the car. The agent pleading with Elisa. “Oh hey.. Do you guys mind giving me a lift?” Elisa turning around. The Agent had been waiting outside for them. Elisa looking at Baron then looking back at the Agent. “What do you mean?” The agent chuckling. “Yeah. My car is on the blink again. It’s alright I’ll pay you for fuel if that’s alright with you.” Elisa reluctantly nodding. Baron looking at The Agent. The Agent smiling. “Great! Let me help you with that. Hold this for me would you?” The agent passing the bottled iced coffee to Baron. Baron `grabbing it with her only hand. The Agent picking up Elisa’s other bags. Carrying them to her car. The agent putting the bags in the boot. Baron already inside the car. The agent sitting besides her in the back. Elisa finally sitting down in the driver's seat nervously looking at the two behind her. Baron clearly looking unhappy. Elisa admitting: “I’m not exactly sure where you live... “

 

The Agent yawning. “Ah right. I forgot you’ve never seen my place before have ya’?” The agent flapping his hands. “Just drop me off down at HQ. I’ll walk the rest of the way to my house.” Elisa curiously. “Are you sure?” The Agent nodding: “Of course. So you’ve got to tell me about yourself.” The Agent making conversation with Baron. “So you live in a place next door to Elisa? She give you any trouble?” Baron turning away from the agent now quiet.

The Agent muttering: “Here will do. Hey. Elisa mind if I show you something?” Elisa confused now. “What?” Elisa stopping the car. In Close proximity to an alleyway Elisa getting out; Baron following Elisa. The Agent reaching for his pocket unscrewing the lid. “My apologies Elisa.” The Agent throwing the iced coffee into Baron’s face. The cold drink splashing into her face. Baron snarling at him. “What are you doing?” The Agent holding onto his holster waiting for Baron. Baron choking and hissing as the caffeinated beverage drips down her face.

 

Elisa stepping back. Avoiding the drink. Baron hissing: “What is-” Baron dropping to her knees. The Agent drawing his pistol. “Found you!” The Agent shouting at Baron. The sticky cold coffee causing the make up to run. Revealing a scar on her face. Elisa shouting back at the Agent. “Stop!” Elisa stepping in front of the pistol. The Agent now confused. “Have you lost your mind? This isn’t a friend. This thing is a SKOR.”

 

Elisa shaking her head. “She is-” Before baron could finish Baron had already been forced. Her exhausted voice snarling at the Agent. Her arm still in pain; her body tired from the injury. “Too late…” Baron snarls. Elisa turning down to the sight of Baron forced.

 

The Agent looking down at the floor: “Usually when I get a thought in my mind that refuses to leave I have to act on it. Elisa. Why are you covering for her?” Elisa shaking her head. “She is helping me.” The agent looking seriously at Elisa. Now lowering his gun to the floor trying to avoid pointing it at a civilian. “She is helping herself. Elisa shaking her head. “We both want to get Vincent.”

The Agent rolls his eyes and exhales. “Assuming you’re the one that chopped her hand off… you’re going against FT ​S.C.S.A. You’re playing a dangerous game Elisa.” Baron lying for Elisa. “It wasn’t her…” she hisses. Elisa turning around to Baron on the floor. The Agent looking down at Baron confused. Baron hissing again. “It was a runt I had previously enraged… Irvah. She was the one who cut my arm off. Elisa saved my life.” Elisa nodding her head going along with it. Baron snorting: “You think a pathetic meatbag human could even be capable of cutting my arm off? Not even likely.” The Agent holstering his gun. Confused. Turning to Elisa. “Is that so? You saved her?...” The Agent thinking it makes sense now. The Agent shaking his head now even more confused. “Why on earth would you save the SKOR that tried to kill you?” Elisa looking away nervously scratching her arm. “I thought I needed her help… she knows who Vincent is.”

 

The Agent shrugging: “Wait… why not just ask Michelle or Flynn?” Elisa looking up at the Agent. Elisa responding “because they couldn’t. Baron can at least hide… she is SKOR after all.”The Agent shrugging. “I wish you’d at least say Elisa… I mean what am I supposed to tell Michelle and Flynn? Flynn doesn’t trust us enough… if he finds out you’ve been lying-” Baron cutting him off. “Then don’t tell him… simple isn’t it?”

The Agent assertively: “No. You killed again after you promised not to hunt.” Baron looking up at the Agent. “He was already dead. I did him a favour.” Elisa confused about who that man was. The Agent: “Oh yeah? Is that so?”

Baron snarling looking away. Coughing. After a minute she continues: “That human attacked me. Do I not have a right to defend myself?” Elisa confused. The agent confused again: “He attacked you?” Baron nodding: “He grabbed me and tried to pull me to the floor. I used my back legs kicked him down breaking his legs like twigs. The pathetic swine started to sob and crawl away. So I dragged him into one of the garages and taunted him... “ Elisa shocked.

The Agent still not quite believing Baron. Baron snorting at the agent: “You’re smart. You have his body... “ The Agent nodding. “I’ll look into it… but... “ The agent speechless. The Agent grunting. “So what now...?”  Baron looking up. Standing feebly speaking in an exaggerated gasp. “Let us go.”

The agent looking at Elisa muttering quietly: “If FT find out… you’re not dragging me into this. Do I make myself clear?” The agent serious. Elisa nodding. The agent sighing. “I’ve already made the mistake of saving you once before. If I find out you’ve done anything to hurt me; Skornhold or Elisa. I will make it my absolute mission to make your life absolute hell.” Baron snorting.

“It won’t come to that. Runt.” The Agent walking away from the two down the street. Elisa shouting back to The Agent. “Where are you going?” The agent still facing away as he continues walking down the street. “I can’t be seen here with you. You need to go. Get Baron cleaned up… and.” The Agent again pleading to Elisa: “Don’t come back to the HQ today. Please.” Elisa feeling upset. The agent walking away from Elisa. Elisa cursing under her breath. “Shit…”

Elisa opening the car door throwing Baron inside. Baron laying against the back seat. Elisa jumping into the drivers seat. “We need to get home as soon as possible…”

Baron hissing: “You’ve been exposed… the hunters are dangerous I warned you.” Elisa nodding holding her face in her hands. “I know… I know.” Elisa hitting the steering wheel with both of her hands growling in frustrations.

Baron surprised by Elisa’s display of emotions. Elisa begins to drive towards her flat again.

===   ===

Sunday; October 5th 2014: 12:11pm
Elisa is drying off Baron. Elisa still looking upset at Baron. Thinking to herself. “How on earth did it come to this. How on earth did he start suspecting me…?” Baron admitting to Elisa. “Him meeting us today felt deliberate.” Elisa sighing. “Of course it was… he has been asking me more and more questions lately I am worried he was starting to become convinced I was a skor you may have just saved me… for the time being.

 

I can’t not go to the HQ today. I feel I need to speak to them… Michelle and Radford were looking into my colleagues.” Baron snorting: “They are or he is likely looking into you as well… at this point it would be in a skors interest to eliminate the problem” Elisa assertively: “No. No. No! I am not going to attempt to take his life. Even if I had no sense of mortality that wouldn’t end well for me he is a Central Agent.” Baron scoffing: “So what? The agent is a slow fighter I’ve equalized him before.” Elisa shaking her head again. “I don’t think he is going to tell them. He; my father and Robert became close.” Baron snarling: “Yes. Your father not you. For being good in combat you’re not much of a realist when it comes to people.” Elisa scoffing putting the drier down on the side. Baron getting up yawning. “I’m hungry now.” Elisa looking at Baron with a blank look on her face. Cursing under her breath she runs outside.

 

Elisa coming back from the dash outside with the shopping in her hands. Elisa taking a large chunk of beef from the bag throws it to Baron. Baron unable to catch it with her arm it hits her chest and drops to the floor. Baron picking it up with her claw makes her way towards the living room. Baron seems to be enjoying the quiet life as she recovers. For now.

Elisa still upset by the agent's suspicions worried that he might be onto her more than she would like. The thought of him finding out she is a Skor adding to the paranoia. Elisa getting up grabbing fresh clothes from off the side her other pair sticky from the iced coffee. Elisa having an early shower. As the water hits her. She leans back against the shower wall and begins to cry quietly to herself. Elisa still hearing the disappointment in the Agent’s voice. “Don’t come back to HQ” Elisa even more paranoid. “He doesn’t trust me…”

 

Sunday; October 5th 2014: 12:40pm
Elisa’s hair drying off. Elisa walking into the living room. Baron has appeared to be done eating. Baron lying on the sofa. Elisa sitting on the chair at her desk facing Baron. Elisa mutters quietly to herself: “Thank you. Baron.”

Elisa grateful of Baron’s lie to protect her.

 

Elisa turning around to the Case File then again back to Baron. Elisa thinking to herself: “The Agent does not trust me… I don’t need Skornhold I am going to have to find Vincent without their help I can’t risk them digging any further I can’t risk them talking to Vincent. Besides… how long will it be before I am putting them and my colleagues in danger. I have Baron’s help now and that is good enough for me.”

Elisa powering her laptop on. Still thinking.

 

Monday; October 6th 2014: 07:01am
Elisa yawning as she wakes up. Elisa is still tired. Barely getting much sleep. Elisa gets dressed and makes her way into the living room. Baron appears to be fixated to the tv watching a rerun of a tv drama. Elisa passing it off muttering. “I am going to need your help today Baron. Baron turning her head to Elisa standing up. Elisa concocting a plan. Exclaiming: “I only have one mobile but I have an idea. I think you coming in with me will be a problem he likely watches as I go into work. So I have a solution. I can contact you as soon as I know where he is. I let you into the building. You look around. I show you him. You leave. All you have to do is pretend to be someone you aren’t.” Baron grinning “I can do that.” Baron bragging. Elisa nodding. Elisa throwing Baron uniform. “Then you’ll blend right in.” Baron looking at it then back at Elisa with a blank expression on her face. Elisa exclaiming: “Put that on when going inside and nobody will think twice about you.”

 

Monday; October 6th 2014: 09:34am
Elisa has arrived early at work. Elia taking her phone out begins to dial a number written on a piece of paper. Baron answering the phone in a telephone box. “Yes… I am still here.” Elisa checking up on Baron making sure she is still close by. “You remember which way to go and what building. Right?” Baron responding: Of course.” Baron hanging up the phone. Elisa getting out of the car makes her way towards the front entrance. It appears Mark is already at work. Elisa typing away at the phone.

 

Bill noticing Elisa as he walks in from his smoke break. “Ah! You’re bright and early… do you mind if I get and fill all the paperwork now I’ve got a meeting later and I am actually off on holiday tomorrow.” Elisa thinking to herself. “Crap. Not now please not now.” Elisa worried now. Knowing that she won’t be able to keep an eye on Alex.” Elisa getting on with it hoping to rush it along nodding her head. Following after Bill as he walks further inside. Elisa looking back towards the window hoping to see Alex come inside.

 

Monday; October 6th 2014: 09:47am
Elisa leaving the room swiftly walking outside. Elisa rushing back to main entrance Alex isn’t here. Elisa briskly walks down to the cafeteria to greet Mark.

Mark is on his phone. Looking up from his phone smiling cheerfully. “Hey Elisa!” Elisa smiling waving back at Mark. Elisa curiously: “Alex not here yet?” Mark looking back at Elisa: “Oh. He’s not in today.” Elisa disappointed. “He got today off?” Mark nodding. “And the rest of the week.” Elisa curious about it. Asking Mark honestly. “Oh… did you give Alex my number?” Mark shaking his head. “I know he was asking but no didn’t. I thought I should ask you first.” Elisa nodding. That’s what she had hoped to hear from mark.

 

Elisa thinking to herself: “Great. So either Mark is lying; someone else gave it to him or Alex found it. It might be worth following that up and find out where Alex is…”

 

Elisa leaning against the table. “Maybe I should invite him out if he isn’t going anywhere.” Mark smiling: “Yeah. I don’t see why not. He is always busy buying things for us. I think it is only fair right?” Elisa nodding. Smiling back at Mark. Mark curiously: “You have his number right?” Elisa shaking her head. Mark smiling. Taking Elisa’s phone he types it out.“I’ll give it to you then. Seems to make sense right?” elisa nodding. Mark passing her phone back.

 

Elisa putting her hand on the table. Elisa thinking again. “I am sure Vincent is smart. Smart enough to not use the same phone number as his alleged alias. I may not even be following a real lead but I certainly can’t leave any stones unturned.” Elisa looking at her phone the number is different. Elisa dialing the number on the phone putting the phone to her ear. The phone going straight to voicemail. He is not picking up.” Elisa taking the phone away hanging it up. “Not picking up?” Mark shrugging. “He probably went in the shower or something. Elisa nodding.

 

Meanwhile. The agent is pacing up and down HQ still thinking about Elisa yesterday. Michelle is in the office stretching her arms leaning back against her chair yawning as she looks again at the computer.

It appears she is still scrolling through a long list of names clicking each individual and viewing information on them. The agent entering her office. “Come on. You must have found something?” Michelle looking back at the agent. Confused by his sudden urgency.

“There are a lot of names here Radford; it's a great deal to get through.”

 

The agent getting an idea. “Its says their start date maybe look at whoever joined recently.” The agent suggesting. Michelle getting up from behind the computer pointing to it. “It’s all yours.” the agent wearing a puzzled expression on his face unaware of his unnaturally needful behavior. Michelle exclaiming: “Not sure why you’re this eager. If it is about the financial report I will go run some small cases and get them out the way before the end of the week. I can always send Flynn to run something at District Three and do a joint operation with Peter Foreman.”

The agent nodding becoming self aware lying to Michelle: “Oh… yes I would appreciate it.” The agent sitting in Michelle’s chair searching the names by date. Hoping to find something.” 2 names crop up. Irvine Cranston and Alex Gales. The agent focusing on Irvine Cranston his date of birth similar coincidentally to Alex. His eyes looking towards the address listed. Writing it down on a piece of paper. Disinterested in Alex he casually scribbles down his address folding the paper he pockets it; turns the screen off and gets up.

 

Making his way outside the office he hurriedly walks to the main desk and then outside in hopes of finding what he is after.

Unlocking his car door he jumps into his car. Putting the key in the ignition. Taking out the folded note from his pocket he puts it up to the sat nav. Turning the sat nav on he begins to type out the first address of Irvine Cranston.

Turning the ignition his car starting up the agent reversing out of the parking space.

 

Monday; October 6th 2014: 10:13am
The agent getting out of his car approaching the address of Irvine Cranston. The agent is almost certain that the homeowner is at work but to be on the safe side he knocks on the door. As he suspect. No movement only silence. Walking over to the backgate he tip toes and peeks over the fence gate.

Nobody appears to be out back either. The agent looking around behind him. Turning in every direction to make sure nobody is looking begins to climb over the fence gate. Jumping down on the other side he begins to search in the garden hoping to find something that stands out. As he approaches a window he notices it open slightly. The agent smiling faintly. Lifting the window open  further pulling on it making it wide enough to climb through. The agent pulling the window shut again.

 

The agent looking over the desk and tables. Everything is messy and muddled and strewn about without a care in the world. Radford exhaling in a frustrated gasp. Knowing he will likely have to sort through this mess before they return.

As the agent looks through the man's possessions it becomes clear to him that this is the home owner. His calendar marked with activities like bowling night; pub and a meeting with a Fred Jennson.

The agent can’t find anything hinting to him being aware of Skor or Skornhold. The agent double checking the address eventually confirming it. Then. As if by magic a voice from outside approaching the front door. It sounds like an elderly lady talking to someone. The agent’s head turning to the window. Making a mad dash he leaps out of the window and closes it behind him. He can hear the older lady as she shuts the door behind her. She is ranting to someone. “I can’t believe that good for nothing son leaves our home in such a sorry mess… I told him. I didn’t half tell him Helen that girl is too pretty for you. You are pushing well below your own weight. A pretty looking dainty flower ain’t going to be giving him shit. Fucking waste of space.” The agent peering over the window  cill. The lady appears to be talking to herself. The agent seeing now that this place was a waste of his time; climbing back over the fence he leaves the property. Getting back into his car he types up the new address of Alex Gales onto the sat nav. Driving away from the house he begins to make his way towards the new place of interest. The agent hoping it be a hit.

 

The agent getting a text his eyes still on the road he picks his phone up and starts to read it. Slowing the car down he u-turns towards HQ michelle needing an agent for reporting and clean up. A skor has struck again. This time closer to Elisa’s flat a block away. The agent hoping Vincent has left something behind.

 

Monday; October 6th 2014: 11:07am
Peter Foreman and Vincent are going over a new plan. “You’ve made a serious mess of this Vince; have you forgotten what I even asked of you? You keep poking FT Daleford and they will eventually find you. You are going to get caught.” Vincent slamming his fist against the table leaning towards Peter Foreman. “I didn’t come here to hear this shit. All I am asking is for you to keep Skornhold busy. A joint investigation for all of them. Then I have Elisa on her own.”

Peter Foreman shaking his head. “That is extremely difficult given the circumstances. They are short staffed and according to their systems they are working on your case full time they have 3 hunters assigned to it including the Central Agent. I put in a request already. We only have one of them.”

 

Vincent curious: “Who?” Peter again: “Flynn Manning.” Vincent’s eyes opening wide in excitement. “See to it that the intolerable son of a bitch is torn apart by Skor.” peter foreman smiling. Unusual to see Vincent so happy. “Razor. I am sorry. Alright? I won’t mess up again.”

 

Monday; October 6th 2014: 11:10am
The agent kneeling down. The body of a semi-devoured human strewn about across the floor. The agent quietly observing the scene. Michelle holding a pistol behind him keeping watch of their surroundings. Michelle muttering. “What if he is still here?” the agent nodding still distracted thinking about Elisa and Baron working together. Michelle confused with how unresponsive the agent seems to be. Michelle can tell something is bothering him. Michelle tapping him awake. Quietly gesturing for him to stay focused. The agent agreeing. Standing up from the corpse. Another cassette player on the table.

Michelle picking the cassette player up from off the table. Turning to the agent. Michelle removing the backpack places the cassette player in the bag along with the cassette tape.

Michelle putting the backpack on her back.

Michelle and the agent sweep the rest of the house ensuring that nobody else is hiding amongst the chaos. They determine that the person in question had moved on. Michelle looking back at the agent: “I am thinking it might be time to admit defeat with this one.” the agent briskly turning to Michelle.

“What do you mean? You’re not giving up are you?” Michelle shaking her head. “No but it might be time to get District Three involved.” The agent thinking about Elisa and Baron knowing getting District Three involved could compromise both Him and Elisa. The agent shaking his head. “Why don’t we listen to that tape first?” Michelle nodding.

 

Monday; October 6th 2014: 12:02pm
Vincent is out looking up at Elisa’s flat. Entering the complex he makes his way upstairs.

Realizing there is little chance of him getting inside he quickly exits the complex. His eyes turning to an open window besides a water pipe. Vincent looking at the wall checks if the pipe is stable. Changing his face and twisting his features he begins to scale the pipe. As he reaches the top he begins to pry the window open. Stepping over the window frame he jumps inside. His shoe making a mark on the counter top. He looks furiously for any sign of David or any knowledge of where he went.

Vincent eying Elisa’s laptop. He approaches the laptop and lifts the lid up. The laptop straight out of sleep mode. Vincent begins to browse the laptop in hopes of finding what he needs. Turning up nothing. From what Vincent can see from Elisa. He isn’t the only one who can’t find him.

 

He picks the case file up from off the desk and smiles. Vincent muttering under his breath: “You’re looking for me?” Vincent picking up a cable from off of the desk. Clicking it into the laptop usb port. Placing the other end into his phone.

 

Vincent’s phone ringing. Vincent looking at the name. ‘Mark Hunter’ Vincent smiles. His voice changing at the drop of a hat. “Hello Mark. I was just about to call you. How about you come over tonight?”

 

Mark confused: “Your place? Sure. Is Elisa coming?”

Vincent smirking sinisterly. “Yes… yes Elisa is coming although she might be a little late given how busy she is…” Mark excited. “That sounds cool. You have an address.”

 

Vincent smiling wider: “Yes I do.” vincent sharing the address with Mark. Vincent again: “Don’t let Elisa know would you? I think if you want to get acquainted with Elisa we make it a surprise” Before mark could ask what he needed to ask Vincent hangs up the phone. Mark feeling confused as to why Alex is so sure Elisa is coming when she doesn’t even know yet and why he is trying to hook him up with Elisa. Almost feeling excited about it think this as an attempt at trying to get him and Elisa to hit it off. Vincent writing a note placing it on the desk. As a sign of friendship using his claw etches a cut on his hand. As the blood seeps out he uses his same finger and coats it in a single layer of his own blood. Placing the blood on the note. A large fingerprint in blood on the note. Vincent smirking again. He makes his way out of the flat.

 

Monday; October 6th 2014: 2:05pm
Elisa takes Baron back home understanding that it is likely he will not show. As baron steps into the flat her nose begins to twitch and her eyes widen. Her body twisting as she forces. Growling quietly to herself like a wild animal she slowly sneaks further into the flat. Her eyes batting left and right her head twisting to every corner.

 

Elisa closing the door behind her slowly as to not make a sound. Following after Baron as she behaves cautiously. Elisa still unsure. As baron approaches the living room she can feel the scent grow stronger. Her eyes focused on the bloodied note. Baron twisting back to Elisa. “He has been here.”

 

Elisa confused falsely assuming. “The Agent?” Baron hissing. “Not the dog runt… the coward.” Elisa looking to where Baron is now pointing. Her eyes deeply focused on Elisa. Elisa curious “Can you follow his trail?” Baron shaking her head. “it is masked… traitor outside now. Now the trail is much weaker.”

Elisa reading the note on her desk. Picking it up. “He wants to meet us again… I think I should get the agent involved this time. It would make sense right.”

Baron yawning. “Like I care. Maybe the coward could get rid of him for us… whichever works to keep him quiet.”

Elisa angry again with Baron. “We’re not killing him. How hard is it to understand?”

Baron turning her head to the open window. Walking up to the open window. The foot mark on the encounter. Baron leaning her head close to the mark. A small piece of fabric torn on the window ledge. Black material.” Baron pulling the Black material from the window ledge looking at it. Then looking back to Elisa as Elisa begins to look at her phone for the Agent's contacts. Elisa noticing Baron’s sudden interest. Querying: “Found something?” Baron looking back at Elisa. Still holding the fabric between her fingers. Elisa still holding the phone walks towards Baron and takes a look at the fabric. Then looking at the counter and the open window.

 

“Must’ve torn his clothes on the window…” Baron passing the fabric to Elisa. Elisa inspecting it closely. Baron smirking. “Same material on a hunter's jacket. Elisa confused asking Baron. “How do you know?” Baron smirking. “When you get so closely acquainted with hunters that much before obvious.”

Elisa shaking her head. “It’s not black though. It’s a navy blue colour.” Baron tilting her head. “What would it matter?” Elisa looking back at Baron. “My father had his in Navy Blue. Same colour as this. So it’s FT Daleford.” Baron nodding. “He approached me in that same jacket.”

 

Elisa curiously. “So describe the hunter to me. I know your eyes aren’t particularly impressive but what colour was his hair… anything?”

Baron looking towards Elisa. “It was fiery like Copper and covered part of his face. He wore different outfits… he wore a cap on his head though... “ Baron yawning again walking into the living room. Lying on the sofa she drifts off to sleep. Elisa disappointed she couldn’t get more out of Baron. Baron a lot weaker and easily much more tired than before.

Elisa grabbing the note thinking about the Agent.

 

Elisa curious shouting towards Baron. “When you first met… what was he wearing?” Baron’s eyes opening. Baron speaking in a grouchy and annoyed tone. “First met? That’s going a bit far back.” Elisa surprised. “How long?” Baron unsure. Her encounter being 10 years ago but Baron not being able to remember the date. Baron looking up to the ceiling. “Too long.” Elisa shrugging. “Are we talking years or months?” Baron looking up at Elisa. “Years.” Elisa shaking her head. “He kept in contact?” Baron shaking her head. “No. Of course not.”

Elisa confused. “So he and you didn’t constantly talk then? But you knew him all the same… I mean you must’ve shared a lot right?” Baron yawning again. “We had numerous encounters but once he vanished… only recently did we re-establish contact.” Elisa nodding. “Okay… okay. So on the day you met again for the first time… what was he wearing?” Baron pointing towards a black hooded top hung up on a coat hanger. Elisa turning around. “A hoody. A black hood-” Elisa pausing. Thinking back to the night she killed Eei. “That was Vincent…” Baron confused. “What?” Elisa looking down to Baron. “The night I… killed… a skor. One of yours I’m guessing. I… saw a man in a hooded jacket he spoke to me and then just went on his way. I knew he looked suspicious but I had assumed he was just out looking to break into someone's car or mug them. I for the most part just ignored him. Waited for him to pass by and then went to… kill the SKOR.”

 

Elisa questioning. “Tall guy. Right?” Baron shrugging. “Suppose so.” Now disinterested in the conversation. Uninterested in Elisa’s speculation. Elisa exclaiming. “He must’ve seen me killed her… and he must’ve seen me contact clean up. So why I ask did he not stop me if you and him were friends?” Baron now asleep no longer responding to Elisa’s questions. Elisa disappointed by her silence but getting off of the sofa looking at the note.

Thinking about calling the agent.

Elisa still holding the phone staring intently at the Agent’s contact. Walking into the other room about to call him. Clicking the green phone Icon. Elisa thinking about it briefly. Then hanging the phone up changing her mind.    To be Continued...