Russell was a loving father and amazing husband. He was filled with love and joy, and even though his Lorraine was taken away from him sooner than he expected, he always smiled. Was...such a terrible word to use when describing Tifa's father, but she had to come to terms with that fact. Today, however, was not that day. She wept painfully as such pounded the bedroom floor repeatedly with each scream. Her father's throat was slit with one swipe. His hand bloodied and was slightly limp around his neck. Tifa could only assume it was there to serve a feeble attempt in stopping the blood from flowing profusely from his neck. His once lively brown eyes were now heavily discolored by his blood, and were also wide. His mouth was slightly agape; his murderer caught him by surprise.

Vincent wanted to desperately reach out to her to calm her down, but decided against it. She needed to get her anger out. Instead, she pulled out his PHS and called 911. There was no way he was going to try to cover this up. As he ended his phone call with 911, Vincent took a quick scan around the room. Nothing seemed out of place. There was a half eaten sandwich and a crumpled up newspaper that was now coated in blood on the floor near the bed. The closet was to the back of the room and to the right of the bed. Vincent noticed that it was ajar. Glancing at Tifa's weeping body, he walked over to the closet, but saw nothing out of the ordinary. He shot a glance at the window, and noticed it was closed and locked. Genesis was a careful man, but Vincent doubt heavily that he was that careful. He was more than certain he left something, and Vincent was determined to find it.

Sirens brimmed the late afternoon sky as it grew louder the closer it approached the once happy abode. Vincent kneeled next to Tifa, and began rubbing her back in a soothing manner. Her onslaught to the floor ceased, but her tears didn't. A red hue now tainted her beautiful face. Her eyes were bloodshot red, and the more she cried, the more difficult it became to breath.

"...He will pay for this." Tifa gritted. She managed to stop the tears from coming down, and swiped away the snot bubble that was trying to form in her nose.

They heard footsteps burst into the front door. One man asked another man where was the scene. A familiar voice spoke, and told the pair to head upstairs while assessed the lower portion of the home.

"We will all make sure of that." Vincent kissed the top of her head and got up from kneeling as the two voices he heard from downstairs came into the bedroom. One of the men immediately turned his head away from the scene and threw up in the hallway.

"Ma'am, sir, what happened here?"

Vincent and Tifa began to tell the EMS everything they knew and soon after that, two officers entered the bedroom. They asked Vincent and Tifa to step out in the hallway while they secure the scene. Vincent carefully maneuvered slowly towards Tifa's room. There was no sign of entry inside Russell's bedroom. Genesis had to come from somewhere. It was possible he came in through, but since Vincent was already upstairs, he figured he could look around some more. The better question is why would Genesis kill Russell. Sure, it was too early to tell who's Russell's murderer, but from what Vincent heard about Russell, he couldn't no other person capable of killing the kind, gentle man. Maybe Russell wasn't his target, and Russell was collateral damage. Maybe Tifa was the target?

Vincent hurriedly shook his head to rid the evil thoughts from his mind, but in the very back of his mind, he already knew his suspicious were a high possibility. He stood at the entrance of her bedroom to not draw attention to himself in case he was caught. He didn't want to raise suspicion on himself. The windows were closed and locked and there were books neatly stack on the computer desk. Vincent bended his knees a little and kneeled to see through the small gap between the door and the hinge. The bed was neatly made and the rug underneath it was neatly in place. He straighten his posture and took a few steps back to observe the other end of the room. He glanced at Tifa and the officers and turned his attention back to the bedroom when he saw no one was looking at him. There were no footprints or anything tossed aside or knocked out of placed. Perhaps there was something downstairs. Vincent only assumed Genesis came from the upstairs. He didn't even know if there was a way to climb to the second floor on the outside; he only assumed.

"Looking for something?"

Vincent diverted his eyes to the blond man standing next to him. Vincent noticed this blond was the same man he saw a few weeks ago at the diner.

"Just curious." Vincent answered.

The raven haired man knew the blond didn't buy his response. The man was a detective after all. "I'm Cloud Strife. And you?"

"Vincent."

Cloud nodded, noticing Vincent only stuck to his first name. "And what's your relationship to the victim?"

Cloud reached into his pocket and pulled out a pen and pad. "I have no relation with Mr. Lockhart. His daughter, Tifa, brought me over to meet him for the first time. When we came upstairs, we found him like that."

Cloud stopped writing and looked at Vincent. "Tifa brought you here to meet her father?"

When Vincent nodded, Cloud quickly looked back down and jotted a few more notes. It was obvious to Vincent that his words got under Cloud's skin. He wasn't trying, honestly; he was just simply telling the truth.

"If I have any more questions for you, I'll find you." Cloud never took his eyes away from the pad as he slowly turned his body and walked to Tifa.

It was evident to Vincent that Cloud still carried a torch for Tifa. He didn't know the full story, and he didn't care about the full story. Everyone had a past. He couldn't hold tifa for having a past, and he will never will, but if Cloud were to ever cross a line between himself and Tifa, the blond will eat a bullet. No questions asked. Cloud walked over Tifa, who was fighting a fresh set of tears. With Cloud speaking with Tifa and the other two officers, Vincent walked downstairs and looked over the living room while several members of the police force flooded the lower level of the house. Every picture and knickknack were in tact so he decided to move to the kitchen. There was one knife missing from the knife sat that on the counter next to the coffee maker. There were no trace of blood or a struggle so Vincent ruled that Genesis used the knife and took it with him.

"May I have a word with you, sir?"

Vincent turned to see another detective standing under the archway between the living room and the kitchen. "I'm Reeve Tuesti. Are you related to the victim in any way?"

Vincent shook his head. "I'm a friend of Tifa. We came to check on him, and when we got here, we found him like that."

"Do you know if he had any enemies?"

"Not to my knowledge. I've never met the man, but what from Tifa told me, he was a very sweet man."

Reeve jotted down a few more notes before excusing himself to join Cloud upstairs. Vincent hated leaving Tifa alone in a time of need, but he heeded to contact Genesis immediately. No more putting off his murder. It has to end soon. No one in the group had a single idea where the man was at. Taking an innocent life is a heavy price to pay, especially when it hit close to home. Though Vincent had never met Russell, his untimely death hurt Tifa gravely, and that hit close to home for him. It was motivation to bring Russell's murderer to justice, on his terms of course.

After two rings, Sephiroth answered the phone, and Vincent kept his voice low. There were several people going in and out of the house. "We need to take Tifa up on her offer, as much I despise the idea. He got to her father."

"WHAT?!" Russell was more to him than his best friend's father; the man was like a father to him as well. "I'm on my way!"

"No!" Vincent lowered his voice. He didn't mean to get loud with his silver-haired friend. Vincent continued to speak once one of the analysts stopped staring at Vincent for his sudden outburst. "There's too many people here. We need to regroup and get a plan in motion. He could be anywhere."

There was a loud sigh on the other end. Sephiroth knew Vincent was right, as much as he didn't want to admit it. "We'll throw ideas and hopefully come up with something by the time the two of you return. Please Vincent, take care of her."

"You have my word."

Vincent hit the end icon and walked back inside the home. Some crime scene analysts had several powders scattered about in the living room and kitchen. If Genesis left any fingerprints, the team would fine it. A murder hasn't occurred in Nibelheim in years. To say that this murder didn't hit home for the resident of Nibelheim was an understatement.

"I'm sorry sir but I can't have you coming back into the crime scene." One analyst came from the kitchen and held his hand up to cease Vincent's movements. "We can't risk you contaminating the scene."

Vincent couldn't argue with the man. The home was now swarmed with law enforcements of all sorts that were there to do their job, and they weren't half doing it either. Every crevice in the kitchen were covered in black powder and evidence bags. They were determined to solve this murder.

"I understand, sir." Vincent answered. "If you don't mind, could you send the victim's daughter out whenever she's done making a statement."

The analyst nodded and headed upstairs while Vincent headed back outside. It was selfish and down right wrong to ask Tifa if she was up to possibly luring genesis. That conversation wouldn't go well. How could someone ask another person to seduce their father's murderer? Vincent wished he had another alternative, but he saw no other way. He sat inside his car while he waited on Tifa. He desperately tried to think of another way to find Genesis. Nothing came to mind.

A few hours later, Vincent and Tifa were back at the mansion. The car ride was expectantly quiet. All that was heard was Tufa's snivels. Vincent didn't know what to do or say. It bothered him that he no way to comfort Tifa in any way. He felt like such a fool. He parked his car, cut the engine off, and got out, locking the doors and setting the alarm after Tifa got out. It pained him to see Tifa swipe away more tears as she slowly walked by his side. Not knowing what else to do, Vincent placed a hand on Tifa's back and began to rub her back into small, soothing circles. It was a small gesture, but Tifa appreciated it.

She stopped walking and pressed her body into Vincent's. He held her firmly and stopped his motions as well. He was too nervous to say anything to her; afraid he might say something insensitive or stupid. Remaining silence was all he could do. Thankfully, Tifa didn't mind it. He was starting to believe that she enjoyed the contact and the embrace.

"Thank you." His thoughts confirmed. She hesitatingly looked up at him. Her eyes were identical to Vincent's eyes.

"There's no need to thank me."

"Papa was an excellent man." She lowered her head. "Sephiroth must be devastated."

Vincent held her a little tighter as his response. He honestly wished he had met Russell. From what he heard about the man, he was a jokester and kind-hearted. It reminded Vincent of his father. The warmth of his father came into his mind. Vincent never forgot the many days he would come home crying because another bully decided to stuff his head in a toilet. Instead of asking what's wrong, Grimoire would jump into rescue mode, and did whatever it toke to help his son feel whole again.

"But his death won't be in vain." Tifa's voice pulled him away from his thoughts. "We need to get this bastard."

Vincent was impressed at how determined she was to get to Genesis. He gingerly wiped away the tear streak residue and gently place a kiss on the top of her head. Tifa gave a small smile, and began walking to the door the front door, never letting go of Vincent. Vincent opened the door and walked into the kitchen. It always amazed him how the kitchen was the go to place to have meeting when other were at the home instead of the living room.

"Any ideas?" Vincent asked as he sat his keys down.

"None that doesn't involve Tifa putting herself in danger." Sephiroth answered. He glanced at Tifa's with slit, tenacious emerald eyes. "We'll catch this son of a bitch, and we when do, we'll take the final blow."

Tifa nodded. "I can do this, Sephiroth."

"I can't let you go to this man like lamb waiting to be slaughtered."

Tifa pulled away from Vincent's embrace and stepped closer to Sephiroth, refusing to back down. "This man killed my father! I refuse to let him walk away free, and I don't want him serving prison time for this! I want him dead! I don't want Reeve or Cloud catching this guy."

Sephiroth frowned. "Cloud?"

"Cloud was called in by Reeve and they're working the case together."

"Cloud isn't going to let this case go, and neither is Reeve." Vincent spoke. "As a matter of fact, no one is going to let this case go."

"You guys gotta look at it this way," Reno spoke as he stood up from his chair. "Nibelheim is a quiet town. Most you gonna hear about here is vandalism and maybe some pot smokers."

"He's got a point." Yuffie stepped in. "When was the last time Nibelheim had a murder? It probably been ages. This will make international news."

"Which would apply pressure to Genesis." Vincent concluded. He thought for a moment. Pressure like this would cause anyone to slip up. Waiting was the main reason why Genesis was still alive. Taking out the fiery-haired man was a difficult task because of the location. Vincent and Yuffie couldn't simply make Genesis disappear without raising suspicion. People loved to talk in a small town like this. It wouldn't be a total shock if an entire residential block were filled with everyone being related to each.

"I suspect that he's going to tie loose ends." Vincent continued. "Assuming this will hit international news, which it should, he's going to cover his tracks."

"Tifa, did his son ever mention where his grandparents lived?" Yuffie asked.

Tifa shook her head and Yuffie cursed. "I don't think his son is considered a loose end." Reno spoke. "In his previous attacks, did all of the women survive?"

Everyone turned to Sephiroth. Sephiroth is always the mastermind when it comes to choosing the next target. "Nothing on file, but I guess it is possible that they've dropped off the face of the Planet."

"Wait a minute..." Yuffie gasped. "The attack that happened in Rocket Town!"

Realization hit everyone at one time. "Of course." Tifa spoke. "She's the only person alive that knows what Genesis looks like and his name."

Tifa quirked her brow when she noticed everyone were looking at her strangely. "What?"

"So you were the mysterious figure." Yuffie stated.

"Yes." Tifa slowly nodded. "I knew you and Vincent looked familiar. I saw you guys at the restaurant. I found it rather odd that Genesis was completely unfazed by his wife's 'murder' that I did some following."

"Are you out of your damn mind?!" Sephiroth bellowed. No one was expecting him to get upset. Sephiroth truly did care for Tifa. "You could've been killed! What if he saw you?! You could be a loose end!"

"He didn't see me!"

"You don't know that!"

"Stop it you two." Vincent calmly spoke to alleviate the tension in the kitchen. "You're losing focus on the main problem here. That woman may be in danger. We have to ensure that she's safe."

Sighing heavily, Sephiroth agreed. "Let me take care of that."

"We should probably split into two groups." Reno spoke. "One group goes to Rocket Town and the other keeps eyes on Tifa." Reno glanced over to Tifa. "That is, if you're still willing to go through with this."

Tifa returned her steadfast expression to Sephiroth. She saw the doubt and the constant contemplation going back and forth inside his mind. She knew Sephiroth meant well. Hell, he was practically her brother. He didn't want this lifestyle for her, that she knew for a fact, but it's too late. She's in and she's in too deep. This wasn't a situation that came out of nowhere. Whether Sephiroth was aware or not, she was involved when her mother was killed, and Sephiroth killed the bastard that disgraced her mother. Knowing about killings were just as bad as committing them. Not once did Tifa feel bad about it.

"I can do this, Seph." Tifa finally spoke. "Don't tell me I can't."

"I never said you couldn't. I said that you shouldn't." Sephiroth corrected. After a few moments of silence went by, Sephiroth spoke again. "Give him a call."

Genesis's malevolent laugh echoed in the bedroom as he closed his PHS. Just the phone call he had been expecting. He had slipped up by killing Russell but the older man had surprised him. He couldn't be for certain, but he felt that Tifa was snooping around. Her sudden interest in him rose a red flag, but he thought he could get a good fuck in or two before going into the heavy stuff. A good looking woman like Tifa deserved a good fuck or two before being humiliated by the unhinged man. That was the plan. Things, of course, changed.

Tifa was good at snooping, but a man like Genesis had to always be careful when hunting his prey. This sin't the first time someone suspected him. The way she talked made him furrow his brows, and he body language spoke volumes. He first noticed a change in her actions when he brought up Tyler, and how he sent him to his parents for a while. He had to admit he was a bit sloppy. He knew he wanted her, and he had to have her, but he wasn't sure if he had to kill her or not. He needed to figure out what she knew.

One night she left her home with some long, silver-haired man. It bothered Genesis a little to see his prey leave with another man. Logically, it was dumb, but if someone possessed a mind similar to Genesis Rhapsados, it was a slap in the face. Part of the hunt was to choose women that were goody two shoes. Law-abiding, upstanding citizens of their current residence. It made the rape even more exciting. When they were out of sight, Genesis quickly hopped out of his car and entered the home by carefully picking a lock that lead to the kitchen. With little to no effort, Genesis was inside the house and into the kitchen. It was completely dark. Good thing Genesis brought a pocket-size flashlight. He clicked the light and carefully navigated through the kitchen and into the living room. He paused for a moment to listen for any noise indications. When he didn't hear anything, he looked around for a few moments. Everything were neat and nothing seemed out of place. Nothing seemed suspicious so he he carefully walked upstairs.

He mildly cursed at himself when he tripped. Now was not the time to be a klutz. He recovered and continued to go up.

"Tifa, is that you?" A sleepy voice spoke.

Genesis froze. He was completely up the stairs and there was nothing he duck behind to conceal himself. Any sudden movements would alert the inhabitant. He quickly went into attack mode. He reached into his pocket and grasped the kitchen knife he grabbed and waited. He din't want to resort to murder, but he had no choice.

"Tifa, are you-"

The older man felt his breath hitched as he felt body being suddenly pushed back. Before he could properly react, he felt a sudden pain at his throat. His eyes were wide as he started into the eyes of his attacker. The television had dimmed very low due to no activity with it. Russell stepped back a few steps and clashed onto his bed, knocking over his half eaten sandwich and newspapers. He clutched his throat in a desperate attempt to stop the bleeding, but his already shaking hands could do nothing. His eyes stayed wide and as he felt his soul slowly leave his body. Genesis quickly left the home mere seconds after the attack.

He couldn't confirm nor deny the older man was dead, but he was pretty certain he was. That one slip up have caused unintentional attention to himself. A murder in Nibelheim will not go unnoticed. He needed to do a last minute clean up, and get the hell out of dodge. Though he didn't find out anything at Tifa's home, she was a liability and she needed to be rid of. When he just spoke to her, they made small talk for a few seconds before getting into a deep flirtatious conversation. She said nothing to indicate to him that she returned home, which was fine with Genesis. He felt a little bad that he had to kill that man, who he assumed was her father. She often talked about him on their dates. But he didn't feel too bad. The old man should've stayed asleep. Nothing in their conversation raised a flag and they both agreed to meet in Rocket Town.

But before his evening with Tifa, he had to pay an old friend a visit.