Escape 101: Introduction

"What is an escape? Is it what you do when you are in danger? In unease? Or captured? Two of the reasons? Or simply saying all? Whatever your explanation about an escape is, we can just assume that it is what you plan to do when you are threatened or you are stuck somewhere against your will."- Seikina25

*****[~]*****

"Men, remember your positions. Further instructions will be given by the radio. If there are no more questions, move!"

All the policemen that he was talking to, nodded and got out of the group crowd they formed. They settled on their positions, alert for movements and waiting for the signal to enter. A small beep is heard through the radio and the person commanding them made the signal to finally go inside.

On the sidelines, an intimidating personality and aura, also the person taking charge, watches their moves. He is known throughout this country's police departments because of his attitude, appearance and way of dealing with cases. Even if he is not a part of the police and works on an agency, he stood out as a perfect commander whenever making a bust. He has blond hair, emerald-like eyes and the most notable feature he has is his thick eyebrows. Those features of his, added by a british accent, is hard to come by, especially here in Asia. He is Detective Arthur Kirkland.

"Honda," he called by the radio, "tell Delta that their position will be an expected escape route for the suspects. Also, tell them to be watchful for the door, farthest right. That can be a trap."

A small static before a monotone, "Copy that," replied the detective.

Not to long after the short conversation, smoke poured out the building. Gunshots here and there starts and are heard within meters of diameters. Gasps, groans, as well as screams, mixed into the noise. Arthur did not flinch; he is used to this, after all.

A few more minues later, all the firing ceased. Arthur has his right hand reaching towards his gun, waiting for anything that will truly happen. Scenarios, 'what ifs', and how to deal with all of those thoughts revolves around the brit's mind. Then, some of the police got out the building: some injured, some unscathed but more importantly, they had caught the suspects. Arthur nods in approval and the policemen had grins on their faces. He puts his gun back to its holster. Then, Arthur pushed the microphone near his lips.

"Sandra Metra's case closed. Honda, you know what to do."

He checked his watch. It was 2134 hours. He nodded to himself. Arthur turns around to let the police take care of the suspects. When he was about to leave, however, a gunshot rang that made him freeze midstep. He turns around just in time to see one of the suspects, or the leader of the murder and illegal operations, has a police taken hostage. He has the gun pointed at the forehead of one police. Arthur took a step forward.

"D-don't move!" The male said, gripping the gun a little too tightly, "or this police dies!"

Arthur did not listen. Instead, he stopped when he was, at least, a few feet in distance from the male. The suspect looks as if he is at ease that he will be safe. He has someone to use to cover for any gunshot that will be directed at him. That thinking against someone like Arthur will surely lead to anyone's downfall.

"Let my man go," said Arthur.

The male laughs, "Oh yeah? Tell me a reason to do so. If that's not reasonable enough, I'll kill him!"

Arthur laughs at the statement, "Are you sure about that?"

"Do not mock me!"

Arthur smiles at him in an almost, innocent look, "Sorry, But, please do, go on. He was useless anyway."

The police held hostage stood there stiff. The other police surrounding them almost mirroring him; some looking at their commander as if he had lost his mind. How can their commander just give up one's life when they could still save it?!

The suspect is having a dilemma of his own. If what the blonde detective told him is true, then, taking a hostage is proven to be useless. This will also mean that the police around wouldn't mind to finish their round of shots at him while sacrificing their own fellow. On the other hand, he can always use the body in front of him as a means to get his way. He knew he can escape. He was sure of it; he just knew it!

He shouted his rage. He was about to pull the trigger by the police head when a gunshot was heard that didn't come from him. The suspect stared wide eyed at his hands, seeing blood. He dropped on his knees, clenching his bleeding hand. The gun that was in his hand was thrown to the ground after Arthur shot him.

"Predictable," was what he said before motioning to the others to handcuff the suspect.

"What happened, Kirkrand-san?"

Arthur pressed the microphone near his mouth, "Nothing much, Honda. Just some minor delay. Have you told Yao about the report?"

It took a few seconds of silence before he heard Kiku's voice again, "Yes, I did."

"Okay then. I will see you later."

Arthur entered one of the police cars beside one of his close friends, Philip. The senior police officer is a dark brown haired male with hazel eyes. He gives off an aura that is cheerful and laidback, but also, quite dangerous as well. They met when Arthur was first assigned here in the Philippines.

"Talk about serious bust," Philip says, laughing.

Arthur glared ahead when the police car started, "I am serious with everything I do."

"As if I don't already know that."

For a while, silence envelopes them. The only sound they can hear is the engine and the radio playing a song from a station.

"You should get a girlfriend or a boyfriend."

Arthur stared at him in disbelief, "What is that suppose to mean?!"

Philip laughs, "I meant upgrade your lovelife! There is no forever but you need someone to live for in a lifetime!"

He huffed in irritation. Why does Philip always go and tell him that after every mission assigned to them?! Arthur ignores the officer as Philip laughs at his reaction. He is already dreading the days ahead…

*****[~]*****

"Thank you for the hard work, Honda. See you tomorrow."

"Take care, Kirkrand-san."

Kiku left the station after fixing his things. Arthur stayed for awhile as he still has a lot to fix before he can allow himself for rest. It will take a lot of convincing but Arthur knows to himself that he is tired. How can he not be? His superior had made him stay for making his report and presenting it to all the others. He was given praises, even though he is used to it. He needs to keep with this though if he wants to have good relations with the others. But he is clearly bored, being the best here, but what can he do? He wished for something interesting to happen.

He sighs and puts both his hands inside his pockets. He is finally on his way home. The station and his office isn't really near to his place. But since he took the public transportation going to both buildings, he decided to walk his way back to the comfort of his house. Not much people are out for today. It was a good thing that their bust happened in the evening. If it will be in the morning, Arthur will have to cope up with more annoying people. He didn't want to announce the names of those; he is sure that he will just irritate himself for no reason. He opened his door using his key and went inside. He locked the door behind him and made a beeline to the kitchen and in front of the fridge, getting himself some pre-made food. He placed it inside the microwave to heat and he watched the stars outside while waiting. It was a great view and everything feels at peace, if he is commenting as a civilian.

A small smile reached his face. Philippines is a great, beautiful, archipelago nation, if it weren't for the crimes that happens every, single day. It doesn't matter though. He does not take cases that is not challenging at all. He has some days where he likes to show off after all. He really do want to try serial murder cases, since it seems pretty interesting, but he hadn't asked his superior if that is possible yet. He was told to be more inclined with busting those that sell illegal drugs than murder cases. He would probably try it, in the future.

Trailed away by thoughts, he snapped out of it when he heard the sound of a loud 'ding!' Indicating his food is done. He took it out, got some utensils, went to the sofa, turned on the television and settled to eat his late dinner. The television is broadcasting early, morning news. It was already 0425 hours already.

After eating, he yawned and was just about to fall asleep when the doorbell rang. Arthur sat up straight and stared at the door. It was his day off now, why can't he be left alone? With a growl, he went to open the door. He got more pissed off when he saw who the person is. Long, wavy hair, handsome face and stylish clothes. Arthur can feel his eye twitch in irritation. Francis Bonnefoy.

"What is it that you need?" He asked, polite tone is being used for now. Clearly, he is about to snap.

Francis smiled, "I have a new case for you! Right, right, it's about my friend's cousin. You should know about this!" From the glare that is oozing from the brit's eyes, Francis almost faltered. But he still went on though, "Do you want to hear me out?"

Oh, how the brit want to strangle the life out of him! He stopped hinself though and he simply stared at him, "Are you entering the house to explain or-"

"I will, I will."

The French entered the room and the brit closed the door behind him. He led him to the living room where they made themselves comfortable, sitting at the sofa. Arthur stared at him unamused. He is tired and he wants to rest today. It is his day off after finishing a case after all. He waited, as patiently as he could, for Francis to start talking, which the French was kind enough to notice.

"So, Arthur," started Francis. "This friend of mine wants to talk to you and make negotiation with you!"

Arthur groaned in response. He is not into this kind of things when he has been up for almost 48 hours already. "Negotiations, alright. Can it wait until I have a few hours sleep? If you hadn't noticed, I just came from a bust and case?"

"Oui, I know," the French replied. He wasn't supposed to tell Arthur this but what choice does he have? He sighs and gave a serious, eye contact.

"Arthur, you are to talk to Matthew Williams. His cousin was kidnapped and he needs your help now as no one seemed to take an," he took two fingers on both hands and made a quote, "'ordinary' kidnapping."

Kidnapping? A quote to the word ordinary? Oh, now, Arthur's curiosity has been piqued. He is ready to listen. The change in attitude, however, did not go unnoticed by Francis. He had known Arthur for a long time and he knew exactly that he will be getting the case once he saw it was interesting or it suit his taste.

"So, who is this cousin of that Matthew you speak about?

He smiled, once Arthur talks to Matthew, there is no turning back.

"His name is Alfred F. Jones."