Black and White: the Opposition of Red

[Fallenreaper]

Was her or did his eyes seem to pierce right though her? Chance didn’t approve of the how his stare transfixed her in place giving Eric a sense of knowing more then he should. What did he mean he might be one of the few to believe her and the odds of it? Ha! How often did that ever come up and when it was said and done, they either stare at her like a freak show or silly over paranoid female. Hell even to her the whole psychic thing sounded like something that sci-fi would colorize in a fiction novel.

Chance relaxed, her appearance settled deeper into the stiff back seat and hands folded beneath her thighs. Her skirt pulled out, soothing the creases out against her legs careful not to flash the set of reflecting peers in the mirror. Fingers wiped away the winkles on top as well with maintained nails, Chance found few men that didn’t appreciate a well groomed woman even if she did most the work herself. She watched the scenery blur by, the sharpness lost in the driving motion to the station, her eyes unfocused and distracted.

It hit her, a violent lustful emotion of something else, most acutely not hers, shattered her peace just like the paws though the windshield followed by the familiar sounds of gunfire. Her intuition told Chance to hit the car’s floor and naturally, the woman pulled herself downwards just as Eric followed the padding of his target across the roof. Steely eyes caught the blinding light of the bullet’s exit before shutting it all out, ears heard the sounds of the thin denting metal, and her head was chaotic war of her own fear and another’s pure rage clashed.


“Shit!” Simple, plain and the only thing Chance could get out of her mouth as the chain of events played out, her hands attempted to squeeze out the unwanted.

Her thin frame rammed up against the locked door, the impact rippled though in a wave of sharp pain, no time to brace as the car swerved about. Inches separated her head from going straight though the window, the seat belt absent in the back of the police vehicle as she was nearly knocked senseless. Thankful it was a mere bump compared to headache Chance foresaw in the near future, it didn’t take a fortune teller to see she hit her skull pretty damn well.

More alarm elevated her terror beyond the normal level. Chance fought the urge to tell Jake to calm down when the scent of piss invaded her nostrils, flesh wrinkled in objection and her teeth clenched against the raising nausea. Blood hummed in the woman’s ears, drowning any other sounds as she twisted her delicate face to the man outside, still thinking Chance had hit her head harder then she thought. She blinked, rattling her still tender head catching Eric’s question once he slide into his seat.

“I think so. For now,” Chance raised her eyes, whiplashing them behind them with one feeling still echoing. Whatever it was, pissed off was a mild expression to describe its current mood. Things were escalating and even for her, this was getting weirder by the moment.

An eyebrow lifted at Jake’s honesty and confirmation of the pungent odor’s beginnings. Fingers molded to her temple, gently massaging the pulsating area, anticipate the long night ahead of her. Worse part was: she really was going to be late for work. What else could go wrong? It would be a question she would come to regret as the car’s return to motion pushed her back into the seat, once sight set upon the fleeting grey and black of now normal night.
Chance pulled out of the car, first her tennis shoe skirted upon the edge of the car door frame aiding her way from the seat into a graceful motion. The wolf’s claws left traces of its path, the metal torn from marks of its grip along the spine of the car veering off to the driver’s side and down the rear trunk. Scratches marred the paint, any fur that might have been shot off was lost in the drive to the station, the sight of the mayhem left soured her tongue and Chance swallowed. He pissed it off she remembered that much, Chance’s eyes found Eric, the fear seeped past the mask form the knowledge that the man may have just made his grave. Only for a second until Chance became aware positioned it once more, refusing to let it go again.

A breath eased from her lips, a slight sexy o formed, eyes closed off to the world around her but her legs knew what to do. Muscles glide in step behind him and her arms crossed over in front, Chance followed the police officer looking like a subdue criminal. She wasn’t, the woman knew that but cooperation meant things would hasten so this could be nothing more than a vague memory. A question pierced her mind, tangled her up in a conflict between two numbers: call Gage, lie to him that she had to work over or call her boss, telling him she might be late. She seriously doubted Robert would accept her excuses this time. It made the choice easy but it also made Chance realized another problem; her phone was evidence which meant it might be a bad idea to use it. She held out her cell phone to Eric, annoyance caused her to bit her lip, when Chance suddenly pressed the call button just as the first rang barely had a chance to complete. A picture of her seventeen year old brother dashed in her head.

Her expression turned into a grimace as her voice rang out softly, not bothering to look at the number because she just knew who it was. Chance leaned against wall, her body language screamed of aversion to the conversation,” What Gage?

Cheetos? What the heck for? Right now, no ain’t going to happen because I just arrived at work. Ask William to bring some.

Yes Dr. Oliver, the head shrink, the therapist or whatever you want to call him, he should be arriving there for your appointment shortly.

No, I am not kidding-look Gage I have to go, Now,” Chance became aware of Eric’s presence as she had simple answered her phone without a pause for the consequences. Shit, this is going to problematic, she just knew it,” Look my phone’s going to be off so if you need something, emergency wise just tell William. Also… let him know I may need a ride later. Never mind why, bye!”

Chance knew Gage wasn’t about to talk to her after this, at least for a week or until he needed something. It wasn’t her problem right now but the guilt dug at her, carved a score against her heart like always. Her hand gripped her temple and mentally drained of all energy. She stared with her iron eyes at him; lips pressed tightly forming a thin line as Chance-still looking like she wanted to strangle someone- yet again presented her now turned off cell phone. Once he took the device, Chance would follow him. She didn’t like it but the sooner this was over, the quicker she move onward.

*****

It was all fun, a feast of adrenaline and havoc caused at least until the prick of the bullet took its attention drawing it from the pleasurable high. Confidence was the animal’s fault, over determined to follow a path of violence- currently insolence unmistakable and risky. Dark imagining of the woman being torn from the backseat and the intoxicating scent of her flesh near the sharp nose, stunned by the grip of his teeth into the shoulder as taking in the motions of her fruitless struggles.

It was distracted before being brought back in the least pleasurable way. Lips had curled back in dislike, white daggers shined into the air flashing his fury at the prey’s brazen action. The gun fire was unexpected but the spark from the cop’s hip betrayed the assailant, the same damn man that searched for its presence. Another bullet grazed alongside its side reaching up its back as at the same moment the wolf did a mid twist to avoid it, in such a way to expose the broad side of the shoulder to the bullet's path. Only two of the bullets had found their marks.

Now the large creature limped, his muscle twinge with each step leaving tiny pools of red behind when the speed died. Blood crept into the flaring nostrils, coiled shanks had an aggressive pounce to it as enflamed shoulder flowed with its motion, and glowing eyes narrowed pain while the wolf was swallowed up the scene’s night. Eric branded into its memory. Pure hatred gave power to its actions of flight and fueled much more, jaws made an echoing snapping sound resounding off into the air. Despite the need to tend to its fresh wounds, dripping off down to the pavement below in a steady stream, the body refused to lay instead stirred the monster into an endless pacing.

The wolf growled at its luck, relished pictures of pinning Eric beneath its hug paw and letting him wriggle beneath, enjoying the racing of the heart as it abused the chest in full blown panic. Nails dug against the feeble body taking the slow crushing weight of the wolf’s powerful body while it drove to the ground, first the ribs would begin to crack one by one, rupturing past the skin to meet the air. Screams, blood curling were a melody the wolf would lose itself in. The sounds, those lovely sounds filling the air and reminding the prey why the beast, the predator would always win.

Rightly deserved when you don’t listen… Sadly it wasn’t enough for my liking.

A white mist of breath was quickly cut from the animal’s throat; tremors of fear rippled though the flanks at the alpha’s mood to its culpability and rouge behavior. Its tail went to its belly, pressed into the mangy fur, limbs stiffened for the wrath. The venom dripped in the animal’s head leaving a sense of unwanted filth staining the mind with each word. Posture was submissive, expecting punishment slowly relaxed when none seemed to leap into its body.

Your actions it had some surprising results and brings to mind questions, even more now. It seems you have drawn unwanted attention, a fact you should have avoided, adding so many unwanted twists and turns to this little game of mine. Still I can’t simply kill you but I don’t tolerate disobedience either.

Somewhere isolated from human ears, a pleading howl erupted into the air leaving a hollowing sense of torture.

[Lyzan]

For a brief moment, Eric simply held Chance's gaze. An interesting character this one seemed to be, he thought. Her intuition, he assumed, had not gone unnoticed. Obviously there was more to this woman than meets the eye. Admittedly though, he knew most of his colleagues would not have noticed it and would probably brush it aside as a coincedental event. As if nothing out of the ordinary have happened. But not Eric. That was no coincedence, he told himself. She's far too casual handling the what seemed to be an unexpected phonecall. There was no surprise in her eyes whatsoever. It's as if she knew her mobile would ring before it actually did and also knew who was on the other line. On Eric's face however, there was no clear expression in respond to this phenomenon. Calmly, the man reached for her phone and led her into the interrogation room.

"Take a seat.." Eric gestured as he held the door open for Chance. "I'll be with you shortly"

She's been cooperative thus far, hence there was no need to lock the room as Eric returned to his desk. After he retrieved a new case file from his drawer, Eric headed for the coffee machine. In his mind, questions were already pouring in as he pours two cup of coffee. Surprisingly though, most of it weren't even pertained to the woman in that room. Instead, they were on the thing he saw earlier on the road. Odd it seemed that neither his partner nor the lady had noticed it. Or had she, Eric wondered. Just what the fuck was that thing? It was no bear, he was sure of it. No mammal of such size could've moved that fast. The attack too wasn't accidental. It was rather intentional. Eric then glanced over his shoulder as if to look into the interrogation room. Was she the creature's target? It couldn't be him or Jake for they'd never encountered such a thing before. Chance on the other hand, might just give him some answers.

Time once again seemed to stop for Eric. His mind returned to that night's event. The coroner's words, the body, Chance, the feeling of being watched and then the accident on the road. A huge dog or a wolf? Ridiculous. But no. Not entirely ridiculous after what he'd witnessed. If all the pieces fits together, then this case would not be as easy as it looked.

"Jake, before you start on the reports. Could you check up on our guest in the database and have her profile print out for me? Then bring them over to me in the room." said Eric. "And for god's sake, piss-stink; don't dilly dally over your desk! Get changed already!"

"I will, I will.."

The sargent grunted and shook his head before returning to the room where Chance was. He entered and slid a cup of coffee over to her before he sat. Eric then reached for his pen on the chest pocket while taking a sip of his own hot drink before placing them out in front of him on the table. He clicked the pen and flipped the file open. Chance's mobile phone not so far away either. Momentarily, he allowed the room to be in silence as he scribbled down the date and the names of the officer in charge, himself and Jake. Eric then leaned back and reached into his pocket. He took a cigarette out before placing the pack on the table between Chance and himself.

"Smoke?" he gestured as he lit the stick that's between his lips.

Eric inhaled and crossed a leg over the other.

"Alright, I think you've gone through this many times before so there's no need for me to waste our time with one question after another. Spill everything out. I'm all ears..." said the man as he held her gaze sternly.

~~~~~~

"You never listen do you, Eric! You think this is all a joke? You think I'm making all this up?"

"Enough, Laura! Enough! I don't want to hear another word about him. He's the captain of our squad! He knows what he's doing!"

"No Eric! You didn't see what I see! He let our man go at gunpoint! He's one of them! I'm tellin..."

Laura head was suddenly thrown to the side upon receiving Eric's backhand, disrupting her words instantly. The room rang with the echoes of his slap. Her long raven black hair tailing behind. She sobbed. Slowly, her head then turned to face him. Tears trickling over her smooth cheeks. Anger and disappointment within her stares as blood flowed down the corners of her mouth.

"This discussion is over, Laura!"

"...Why won't you believe me.. Eric? Why..?"

"Frederick has been loyal to our organization for years, Laura. If he'd allowed the man to go free, he had his reasons. We're not in the position to question him, Laura. We carry out our orders as we're told."

"...And not question them at all..? To bark when we're told to do so? And to bite when.. we're told do so? Is this the life you wanted Eric? To follow orders blindly?"

"It is our duty, Laura.."

"No, Eric.. I know you.. This... this is not you.. Please, Eric... Listen to me.. Listen to your heart.."

"Enough, Laura.. Don't make me repeat myself.."

Eric's footsteps echoed as he turned to leave the woman behind. Accompanying her now was the sobbing of hurt as she slowly slumped to the floor. Eric was the only agent she trusted. Yet he'd turned his back to her. All her hope was lost. She was alone in the battle of her belief. Her lover, blinded by his duties; had shut her out. Laura found herself stranded with nobody to go to. She was lost.

[Fallenreaper]

Nothing, she couldn’t tell what he was feeling or anything but then again she wasn’t close to him. Chance’s skills came at a price, a heavy limited one: the closer she was to someone, the more powerful the connection. She rekindled Nick’s and hers, sleeping with him two days before he was murdered ending with an explosion of violence mostly verbal. Still she left with a black eye which, healed over quickly. That alone explained the reason she felt him die, saw the humanoid take a baseball bat to his defenseless body, the victim crumble as the thumps of the wooden surface rocked into the air and left a fear down to her very marrow.

A chair squeaked out as she pulled it out, the sound loudly cracked the silence while Chance patted her hand upon the seat. Wipe away any invisible dirt from its former occupant. Chance pulled her hands beneath her legs, following the thighs to press the skirt close, and shuffled in the slightly cold surface. It wasn’t meant for comfort. Her legs stretched out, one crossed out in front over the other ankle careful to keep her thighs pressed together, last thing she needed was to get an indecent exposure charge for flashing a male officer.

Grey eyes, daring and serene, looked up to view him walking in, the door closed clicked shut behind him caused her to raised an eyebrow. The white foam cup was gripped by thin femine hand; the mist of steam heated her lips, just after pausing with a mumble of thanks. The liquid burned traveling, but a good warming burn down her throat chased by that bitter after taste of the black coffee. She nearly choked on it. Every feature on her face scrunched up in displeasure, the lack of sweetener was something she wasn’t use to. It wouldn’t hurt to tell her it was plain or offer to put some creamer into it?

Chance wasn’t whole hearted happy about being in a room alone with a male cop, her last interrogation was normal saved for the hungry look of the officer on her the entire time. It was unnerving. Lengthened the time and twice she nearly stumbled over her own words, a greedy hint of joy from it. The guy just made her insides crawl but Eric, he didn’t. Now she had to focus on the one right in front her, God help him if he tried anything. Few guys could take a hit in the right spot and not collapse, a fact she exploited often enough. It wasn't creative or fancy but was effective.

The scratching sounds of his pen bouncing about on the paper-a report by the look of it- while she could hear the calm breathing between the two of them. It was eerie waiting for something to happen. He took a smoke, eyes expected something grander to be honest, and causally tossed it between them. It shouldn’t surprise her but it did, after everything she expected him to freak out the most. Personally Chance didn’t choose to open up, spilling everything just because someone told her to.

“Really? Yeah about that, despite what has happen recently which is the weirdest shit in my life by far, I doubt you will believe me if I told you,” Chance’s face was serene but held something back as she added in warning,” Did you know you made it mad? When your gun fired, it became serious pissed as it flew by on the roof. ”

When in doubt, Chance lied about the weird things and tried to make it believable. This was going to hard. Chance decided to play dumb, leave out the dream and hope the cop was too freaked out on the inside to push the issue. That or didn’t care.

“I assume Nick was the victim then? We had a fight,” It was pointless to deny that fact cause Ms. Sanders, the crazy cat lady next door, would have heard them, even seen her leave nursing that eye as she left down the stairs,” Nick, he had a jealous streak a mile long and he saw a customer grope me. Punched the guy’s lights out and hauled me off. He thought I encouraged it which turned into a fight… ended physically. I left, enough said and I didn’t look back. That was the last I saw of him.

I have no logical explanation why I came to the scene. Just bad luck is all, I didn’t think I would find a dead body there as for it being a guess of who. Well there were a lot of people that liked me at the bar I work in and I am sure someone wasn’t happy, least of all my boss, about the scene. I don’t know any names off the top of my head right now.”

Her head chose now to throb, her hand reached to gently rub the tender spot,” You don’t happen to have any Advil do you? Slammed my head into the door just you jerked the car about after I had to duck down in case one of your shots decided to rest between my eyes.”

[Lyzan]

How convenient, Eric thought. The first thing the lady had to say was an answer to one of the questions he'd wanted to ask. But instead of saving it for the last, she'd brought it up-front as if it was a matter that he would likely overlook or forget about once she's done. Not a chance. Wierdest shit in her life? Yeah right, Eric almost grunted. After claiming that he'd made the creature mad, telling it as if she knew exactly what that thing was; now she hoped to cover or change the topic entirely? Who was this lady trying to fool? Apparently, it seemed that she'd been dealing with scumbags who were either a wuss or were those who cared less for what was happening when taking down her report. Otherwise, the lady wouldn't have even dared to try him. It'll probably be either she leave the "thing" out of the story entirely or include it in with more commitment and to the extent of her knowledge about it. Clearly Eric wasn't satisfied but his expression betrayed naught.

Towards the ceiling, the cloud of smoke wisped. From his nostrils, he exhaled them. Keen eyes studying both of Chance's features and body language. Through years of training, Eric had earned the talent for profiling. It was part of his job scope. To read a character from a crowd. To understand their current emotions and to detect their intention before they could carry them out. The traits now came naturally to him. And yes, Eric had noticed how the lady had lied to him. It wasn't that hard once he knew what to look for. Chance's conversation on the phone earlier was with a lie and there was a signature expression on her face then when it happened. An unavoidable habit most would do when they attempted to hide the truth where they'd no idea they'd one. Also, to her reaction with her drink, he noticed them as well.

When Chance then began to touch on the subject of the assumed victim, Nick, Eric leaned forward and scribbled some notes on a blank piece of paper. He glanced up to Chance when she was done and leaned back into his seat. There wasn't really any reaction on his face. Seemingly stolid. Then he began with a scowl.

"Look.. Miss Chance Deacon.. I don't know if you noticed but based on what you told me here, you've just given me a ..." he paused for a moment as he held her gaze. "...motive to the murder," Eric deliberately let the word drifted into the space between them. "Truth be told, nothing from what you said could be of any help for me at this moment.. Or should I say, was of any help to you.. Being the last to see him where your meeting ended with a quarrel and with some physical activity happening wouldn't seemed to be a low profile in such cases. Although I know it couldn't possibly be you who'd killed Nick, I still want something from you that could probably close this case without a fuss.." it was just like a scene from a movie, thought Eric.

Too familiar in fact. The first suspect always seemed to have all the evidence pointing in his or her direction, building suspense as the story goes only to discover that the first suspect was simply somebody who was at the wrong place and at a wrong time. But could Eric presume such was the case with Chance as well? Aside from her lying about not knowing what that "thing" was, her following reports seemed to be the truth. Then again, she could be one of those who're aware of his capability and perhaps might try to fool him. Thus, she's still a suspect that's capable of murder.

"Obviously, it seemed that those few officers who'd been questioning you before have been asking the wrong things. So, I'll be asking you now. I need you to answer them as best as you could, Miss Chance. Do you understand?" he asked but before she could reply, Eric had already laid them out to her. "About two to three days ago... or better yet, after you last seen... Nick, where were you? ... Do you have an alibi? If so, who and what is your relationship with him or her? ... Does he have an alibi? What's his relationship with said person? ... Do you know anybody who'd wanted him dead? Or the reason why? ... Do you have anybody in mind who you think might be the killer? ... Have anybody talked to you about Nick recently after his death?" each of Eric's bombardments of question came after a reasonable pause, giving her some time to register and was at a tone that was surprisingly lacking the distinct command of authority. "And..." Eric then leaned forward, holding her gaze firmly with his own. ".. just what exactly is that thing? .. The one that I was firing upon.. What do you know of it, Chance?"

"Eric..?" his name was the called before the door was knocked.

"Enter, Jake!" exclaimed Eric as he sat back.

"Here's the file you requested.." Jake handed it over to Eric before stealing yet another glimpse at the lady his partner was interrogating, smiling at her as he combed his hair with his fingers.

Damn, she's hot! Those sexy lips. Those boobs and dear god.. Look at those smooth long legs. I wish I could interrogate her as well.. I'll be the bad cop.. Eric could be the good cop.. I'll make her bend over and smack her ass with my ..baton when she refused to answer. Then, if she's still too .... Jake..

"Jake... Jake!"

"Ah..?! Yes sergent?"

"What the fuck were you daydreaming about, you goof? I said, you can go. Oh and bring Miss Chance here an Advil and some sweetener for her coffee as well," Eric dismissed his partner then.

Not long after, Jake returned with the requested in his hand. Thank god, thought Eric. He couldn't have imagined if the man hadn't got himself out of that stinking uniform of his. Shortly after, they were once again left on their own. Eric waited until Chance had settled herself in with the accomodation before he gestured her to answer his questions.

[Fallenreaper]

Her mind caught the questions, fighting the sinking feeling the careless mention of Nick made. His voice’s weight dropped, casted away while he slightly closed the table’s gap between them, curiosity and she merely stared back. She wished she knew and just wanted to pretend it never happen, ignore her abnormality like Chance had always done. A knock sliced across her mind disrupting her thoughts as the younger officer, the one that halted her at the scene. That same nervous gesture again.


Chance began to return Jake’s smile, then almost at once it came down, vanished from sight while her nails dug into the flesh causing it to whiten, the smooth skin gave way to the harsh pressure. The tiny hairs on her neck stood up in alarm while her narrow jaw stiffened. She didn’t know the thoughts, merely the innocent lusty emotions that caught her attention just as they had in car. Not here. If had been in the bar would have been different because she could have walked away. Not here, she was trapped here. Chance’s skin had pallor, pricked with goose bumps, and unable to stop the bare visible flinch that followed. The wave of male dominance swept in with the memory of the wolf…it was a wolf cemented in her mind, staring at her with red longing eyes. Every inch of her tensed in that moment like a deer caught in a headlight. Chance wanted to disappear from that room.


She closed her eyes from the flooding emotions. Her hands shook, vein attempts to hide them deeper in the crooks of her arms form Eric, while the woman took a deep breath, silently chiding herself for letting it though and not playing attention. Then Eric’s voice brought her back into the present. Her palms pressed deeply into her eyes, pushing the fear to the back of her mind. Calm down, Chance willed and composed her. Chance pulled back from the impulsive lean against the table edge.


As Jake handed her the small liquid capsule, her fingers extremely careful not to touch his flesh while it plopped into the center of her hand and upholding a fake friendly smile,” Thank you.”


It wasn’t his fault, on normal days Chance would have been flattered and even glowing with the fact. Not today. She took the green oval between her front teeth, surprisingly gently and controlled without breaking the med’s dissolvable casing while long nailed fingers easily held the sugar packet. The flimsy paper top came away with only a hint of trouble clearly focused on pouring, finally with a delicate flick of her tongue she folds it pass and swallows it down. Better than other things she swallowed. Only after a long pause, the scalding coffee chased it down with wafts of heat burning her throat before the words finally came out.


“The next day I tried to go back to work but well, having a bar tender with only one good eye isn’t good to have around. My boss told me to take some time off, so I wouldn’t be causing more mess then was already done and he could resolve any problems Nick caused. Robert was spiteful at Nick because the guy he punched out was a regular, big spender and had a room set up in back when he passed out. The customer’s name was…Francis, something. I didn’t serve him drinks often if I could avoid it.


To be honest I can’t see Robert killing over this, having Nick beaten near death maybe,” Chance continued taking the slightest bit of breath, more eager to be done with this than anything,” So to worsen my case, I was home with my seventeen year brother all that day. Gage and Nick didn’t see eye to eye but I wouldn’t count on Gage being able to kill Nick and drag him outside, ever.


The day after Nick hit me, William-Dr. Oliver and I discussed it. He told me to get a restraining order against him but I refused… “


Chance trailed off a moment as she remembered the emotion William had, they were tangled mess of worry about her and rage to Nick’s beauty mark. It increased most when his eyes hovered over her blackened eye but William didn’t display it, show any sign of aggression. He was as likely to kill Nick as Gage was or her for that matter. Her arms folded lightly across one another. She started the sentence and weakly finished it.


“…he didn’t like the idea of me letting it go.”


The answer to his last question came out in lower tone of breath, her eyes locked with a scared realization. Chance shared only a bit of the truth,” A wolf… I think it was a wolf, a male, but that's all I know. I would like to go home now as I believed I answered all your questions to the best of my ability. Please.”

[Lyzan]

Eric bagan scribbling down the names she'd mentioned in point form on the paper as well as his observation to her reaction with them.

Notes...

Chance Deacon

• Robert - Chance's boss at the bar. (would probably beat Nick up but not to the extend of murder.) [normal with her reply..]
• Francis - The guy Nick punched for groping Chance. (Possible suspect but seemed incapable of overpowering the victim.) [normal..]
• Gage - Chance's seventeen year old brother/alibi; don't seem to like Nick. (Incapable of murder; according to the sister..) [normal..]
• William/Dr. Oliver - The head shrink, probably for Gage. (Clearly unhappy with Nick for hurting Chance.) [pauses & seems to worry.. possible suspect]

He folded the paper and pocketed them. Then he held the lady's gaze for a moment. She seemed terrified as she mentioned what that thing was. Obviously Chance knew about it. As ridiculous as it may sound, she was indeed telling the truth, the man noticed. Eric then frowned. Confused with the possibility for such an existence. A male wolf? Her claims seemed far-fetched but he'd given her his words that he would believe her. And so believed her he did. Partially perhaps. But trust her? He'd yet to. It seemed that whatever was bothering Chance had now gotten to her. Eric knew he couldn't get anything in detail out of her no matter how much he pried. He'd to approach her with the questions through other means.

His hand reached out for his glass. A couple of his fingers wrapped around the handle as he brought the brim to his mouth. He blew into his drink before taking a sip. Paused. Then resumed with another. The smell wafted into his nostrils as it's bitter taste settled on his tongue. Eric felt better with the warmth as well as the coffee's effect on the sleepy cop. His eyes no longer tired and there was a slight change within his body system. Somewhat rather freshened. As if he'd just awakened from a sleep. Eric felt energized.

"Miss Chance.." the man began as he reached for the file and flipped it opened. "..it seems that you're troubled with most of the events that's been taking place in your life. In your case, they seemed to haunt you;" Eric blurted out. "Look, I might not know who you are or what kind of shit you're going through.." once again he paused as his eyes scanned the records of her previous case. "..but I'm here to help you.. And I can't do that if you wouldn't allow me.." his tone remained constant as he read what'd happened between the lady before him and her father. "I won't force you into telling everything to me today.." said Eric as he then closed the file and grabbed a piece of paper. "..so I'm giving you my number. Contact me immediately should anything come up and I'll be there as soon as possible.." with that said, Eric handed her the piece of paper with his personal mobile number.

It was unnecessary though because he'd already rang her up earlier on the scene of the crime. She should have his number saved in her mobile. But the official gesture would probably convinced her that he was reachable.

"You'll probably need to come down to the station again, at least after we'd gotten the reports from the coroner. But I really hope it won't come to that. No promises though. So you could do yourself a favor and call me whenever you find anything that may help us with solving this case," Eric finished and slid the chair back before standing up, grabbing the files and pack of cigarette before walking over to the door. "Tell you what.." he paused and glanced over his shoulder. "..it's late now and it would definitely be inconvenient for somebody to come all the way here to fetch you at this hour. So, if you could spare a minute or two for me to get change, I could send you home.." said Eric as he held the door opened for Chance.

[Fallenreaper]

Chance felt filthy like she did in the car, the same unwanted sensation of reading someone’s emotions was like she invaded into something personal. Crossing into a place she didn’t belong. It was like that every time but there was no switch to flick it off, her teeth bite the side of her lip lightly. She couldn’t keep eye contact any longer as his eyes seemed to judge. Her leg still crossed over the other and back held up right against the chair, arms had remained crossed in wait for his answer.

While she had only barely touched her coffee, he seemed to enjoy his much to her own envy that she couldn’t. Right now she simply wished to wash away the day’s events. First she had to get home and for that, Chance longed to hear the words that would set her free. She watched him, absorbing the effect the coffee seemed to have, wake up only find it relaxed her if only for a moment. Please let her go home she pleaded. His next words surprised her as she noted him flipping though a file, presuming it was hers, the yellow folder exposed the dirty little accomplishments from her past to him.

Could this day get any worse? She didn’t like the answer as Eric spoke.

He reminded her of one of these cops that empathized with the victims and though she wished it was true, letting him help meant the psychic connection would get stronger. She couldn’t have that. Sure it was fun, especially when her and Nick… a mistake to think of his name, even in her head wouldn’t hurt to think about. Nick might have been abusive, arrogant, and a complete dominating ass but he could be sweet when he wanted to be. That was part she would miss the most. The only part of him. Eric may say he wanted to help but it was not likely to be for the right reasons.

Chance reached out to take the end of the paper with a drained grip. She doubted she would ever call it but then again had she been told she was going to be attacked by a giant wolf, Chance would have doubted that too. Not now, not anymore. Thankfully all her cell numbers were backed up on a phone book in her kitchen, the cover would have been coated in dust from lack of use if Gage didn’t bother to update it every chance he got for her. His would just a temporary addition to the list.

He explained that she might have to come down to the station once more, it was as warming thought that he wanted this to end just as bad as she did. Sad that Chance gave all she was willing to, anymore left her open for jokes and speculation, none that she needed at least today. William was going to have a hay day with this alone. That event and the nightmares that follow afterward. The high squeak of the chair hurt her ears as he slid it back, the rustling of paper and cigarette pack were scooped up before his path to the door.

A hand absentmindedly played with her shirt collar. Every part of Chance attempted to rid her of this filthy feeling as images of their crashed were throttled down by pride, all the while she still weakly keeping the mask of calm on her face. It only hardened a need for a shower. Hopefully Gage didn’t use all the hot water or she was going to kill him, a bit of normalcy came back with her sisterly threat. He knew how to get under her skin most of the time.

She tilted her head, attempting to see past what lies beyond the surface with Eric's offer but it was clear she couldn’t. Why the hell not? Chance hated to call William especially while they were likely in secession, one that helped Gage to live on his own. It would also lead to William asking lots of questions as he picked her up at the police station. Besides she had a nasty feeling the wolf wasn't yet done and it might help to at least have someone with a gun. Eric’s offer lingered a few moments before Chance looked at him and spoke.

“Sure… I can do that. I just want to forget this day ever happened,” She pushed out her chair, her body snapped gracefully up while she moved through the open door and waited to follow his lead,” I am not going to be in the back of a cop car again am I?”

[Lyzan]

The man simply gave her a look. No words were uttered though. Just a look that might've said, what's wrong with sitting at the back of a cop car? But Eric knew exactly what was wrong. The idea of being a criminal was rather uncomfortable to those who were innocent. At least that's what he'd gathered. Then again, it might rise a question from her brother who'd not the slightest idea that she was at the station since she'd lied to the boy and was simply trying to avoid it. So the man simply cocked his head towards a chair in front of his desk where a few feet away sat Jake who was updating his computer with the occurrence of their report.

"You could have a sit there and wait for my return or you could wait by the entrance.." said Eric as he then started moving towards the locker. "Jake, I'm knocking off early. Cover me, alright!" he said again over his shoulder as he entered the staff changing room.

He'd wanted her to wait outside by the parking lot but that would render her open for an attack. Especially if his suspician was right about that wolf. With the information Chance had given him, he'd come to a conclusion that the creature was actually aiming for her. He'd assumed. Either way, as long as she was in his "care"; Eric shall not risk it. She's not to be harmed. Not on his watch. So he went with the better option and have his partner keep an eye on her for a while. Although, it won't be surprising if Jake was to actually have more than both his eyes on her. That kid. Timid and naive but he at least have the guts to confront a woman. Probably due to the uniform he's in that might've given him the confidence he needed. Nevertheless, he knew he could depend on Jake. The kid won't dare do anything stupid.

He turned the dials on the padlock to his locker and began taking off his uniform as he toss the file in and then retrieved a hanger with his civilian's wear. Tossing the black jacket over the bench behind him, Eric then put on a white sleeveless t-shirt before equipping himself with the breast-holster. He pulled out his revolver and reloaded the weapon before placing it temporarily in the locker. Divested himself from the pants, he then slid into a pair of black jeans and got himself into a black combat boot. From the pocket pants of his uniform, Eric retrieved the note he'd written earlier and slid it into his wallet. It would be handy to have around, he thought. A couple of speed reloader pocketed before he holstered the gun.

One would be questioning though; how was it that a local policeman be granted with the right to walk around like a detective instead? And it would probably be replied with shrugs. Nobody knew or even care for that matter since the man in charge of their department hadn't said anything about it. Apparently it seemed that Eric had such a privelege since he was stationed here. So most had accepted that fact and left it as that. Despite of not knowing the man's background, except that his entire history was under top secret classification, which would give them an idea and somewhat a little uncomfortable to be around with; the way Eric carried himself in the station was prove enough to them that the man knew what he was doing. Also, the luck issue he'd been getting made them wonder if his presence alone was enough to fend the bad guys away.

Soon, Eric was done changing. He'd a jacket on and was carrying another over his shoulder while the other was holding Chance's profile as he reappeared into the office area. Tossing the file over his desk, Eric then nodded to Jake.

"Give me a call if you recieved a word from Joseph, alright?" said the man to his partner. "Chance? Sorry to keep you waiting, let's go.." Eric dropped the formality and acted casually out of uniform.

The man then exited the building and walked over to a parked Harley Davidson Blackline. He swung a leg over and started the machine up. "She" roared and rumbled under him. Eric glanced over his shoulder towards Chance then, waiting for her as he took his full-face helmet in hand.

"Wrap this jacket around the front of your waist if you're not comfy and you can have the helmet.. It's late in the night, nobody would notice.." he paused. "Unless if you want to ride at the back of the patrol car.." Eric shrugged.

[Fallenreaper]

The back of a police car held too many memories and such she rather forget. It was not like she did anything wrong. How could she explain to Eric that the reason she came to be at the crime scene was because of a stupid nightmare, even Chance found it ridiculous and outlandish when the facts were laid out. Gage came in as a strong second reason, she wasn’t afraid of him coming out or catching her in a lie, mostly. A week of silence was the worse he could do. Eric cocked his head towards seat only a few feet from Jake; eyes noted his preoccupied state and hoped like hell it stayed like that. Her right arm gripped tightly about her arm below the shoulder, gently pressed into the muscle beneath the coat but she never sat.

Instead she pressed her back against the aged wall, a slight yellow from countless cigarette smoking, and just stood there. Eyes swept over the young cop typing in the chair, the click rhythm of the keys were soothing but his emotions in the briefing room crept across her mind like a leaf in the wind. No maybe not Jake’s, the wolf’s. Jake’s boost in arousal was merely a shadow of what that beast had, nothing remotely close in strength just simply what most males think about. Such strength in the raw sensation, his emotions corded though her even now and enhanced the fear making her teeth nibble on the thick lip.

It seemed like hours before Eric was done, struggling to keep her foot from bouncing and her impatient ticks from showing. The loud slap of the tan file fold hitting the wooden desk made Chance look up. Okay the guy looked cute out of uniform but this was not the time for her hormones to jump into over load she scolded inwardly, his voice asked for Jake to contact him if someone, Joseph, give him a call. Then his attention turned to her, once more her hormones leaped, causing a sharp intake of air beneath her breath. She nodded and high tailed only a few steps behind. She was more happy to be leaving then anything.

Her body relaxed as they exited the station, the effect was hardly hidden while the tension left her shoulders and that filthy feeling slowly dulled into something more manageable. To honest Chance was happy being far away from that place. When he reached his motorcycle, the engine roared to life with his helmet in hand. He had to be kidding about riding in the back of the police car causing her eyebrow raise at his offer.

“You think I am scared of a motorcycle? I rather ride this than a cop car,” Chance made the question with more of a stating tone. It wasn’t the first time she rode on one, but it was a first that she wasn’t doing more than hitching a ride.

Easily, she slipped in behind Eric and her hands wrapped about his shoulders, seeing that they weren’t anything more than strangers she felt it was better to give a little bit of space. Her legs straddled on the seat’s back pressing her close to him but it couldn't be helped. Chance didn’t bother with the jacket but she did take the helmet, either way in or out of uniform Eric was a cop to her. The tinted visor made it difficult to see as she slipped it about her head, pulling her hair to one side in front of her shoulder. The only thing she didn’t think about was once they took off, her arms would instinctively wrap about his waist without thinking of personal space while the winds whipped pass. Then again she loved the feel riding a motorcycle brought so it wouldn't be a surprise she would forget who she was with.

"Alright whenever you're ready."

*******
Fury hit the wolf like a train; his eyes watched the pair from a far distance in his already beyond stressed body. Hunks of thin patches, cuts and blood matted his coat as evidence of his recent punishment. Watch but he mustn’t act was the order. The wolf’s teeth bared in anger at the man’s closeness covered her up with his filthy scent and claws stretched out farther into the alley’s pavement. Only the pain in his wounds and battered body kept him from tearing out of the alleyway and into the pair, sinking jaws into the man’s throat while he made hot, red blood slowly bleed out.

His eyes watched, body poised to move the moment they moved out and all the while, the wolf knew Eric could feel the red eyes bore into his back. Some time, sometime soon the wolf intended to break the man’s neck before tearing it from his body until then he merely watched. Then she was defenseless.

[Lyzan]

Reaching into the chest jacket pocket, Eric retrieved a pair of tinted glasses before placing the extra jacket over the tank of his bike. He smirked at how the lady had given him an assurance that she was fine with the ride but said nothing in return. Sliding the glasses over the bridge of his nose, Eric squeezed the clutch as he kicked into first gear. Her hands on his shoulder and her thighs were about his hips then. Ready for the departure. There was minimal contact for now but that wasn't his concern. What his concern at that point of time was that discomforting feeling of them being watched again. He glanced over to the side mirror, checking to see if it was Jake who might be seeing them off. Failing to see the familiar face of his friend, he then shifted to the other mirror. His free hand slowly reached for the revolver within the jacket as he noticed a pair of glowing ember between an alley not too far behind them.

Fuck, Eric silently cursed. The damn thing must've followed them all the way here, he thought. Eric's mind began to wander. How was it that Chance had managed to keep herself alive if such a creature was after her, he pondered. Then the pieces started to come together. Images of the crime scene flashed before his eyes. The victim, Joseph's worry, the wolf and Chance's report. It all laid out before his thoughts. My god. Eric finally realized what was going on. Or at least it's what he assumed. That wolf wasn't after her, it was after those who're around her. And now he figured that he could be in a position far more dangerous than the lady behind him was. Then again, the speculation was only based on his intuition. He could still be wrong.

When Chance stated her ready, Eric snapped out of his trance and brought his hand to the throttle. It must've been quite some time he was in that state. The state of putting the puzzles together. He took another look behind before he focused on the road ahead. Turning the throttle, he slowly released the clutch and soon, they were off. On the road and moving at a speed just below it's limit. Occasionally he glanced back through the side mirror to see if they were being followed. After a couple of minutes away from the station, Eric sped up, exceeding speed limit in an attempt to lose the creature. He wasn't aware of Chance's hand around his waist until he'd turned around a sharp bend.

His heart suddenly leapt as he felt Chance's front pressing over his back. Her warmth and the contact almost distracted his concentration on the road. Of course it wasn't the first time he'd given a woman a ride home but this was just something he himself wasn't sure about. Perhaps as cold as he'd wanted himself to appear in the presence of a woman, his sub-conscious on the other hand seemed to have a mind of it's own. Contradicting with his consciousness and professionalism. Forcing him to recall the first time he'd set his eyes on her. The way she'd glided towards him with such grace. The way her fingers curled around the handle of the coffee mug and the way those lips was brought to it's brim. Everything seemed to rush back into him. Especially those smooth and slender legs of hers. Eric involuntarily gulped as he took a glimpse on the flesh that was by his hips.

God damn it, Eric; focus. The man scolded himself and brought his eyes back towards the road. You're going to get both of us killed with your perverted mind, Eric silently exclaimed. Then he came across the address, 114 Street, Fountaine Apartments, a couple of block down and they'll soon be there. He throttled down and dropped gear until he came to a stop. Looking at her files earlier, he'd not only learnt of the lady's past, he'd also learnt of her address. Thus, it shouldn't be surprising as to how the cop knew where she lived before he even asked her. Chance probably knew this though. It kind of explains why she hadn't even told him where to go.

Planting both his legs to the ground, he set himself into neutral and impulsively glanced to the side mirror. He could only hope he'd lost the creature back there. At least far away as he made the drop.

"I believe this is your place, Chance?" asked the man although he already knew the answer.

He turned himself slightly sideway so that he could see her off.

"You got my number. Give me a call anytime, alright."