"You would have been able to speak to me if you hadn't drugged me.",Raphael snapped. Nearly regretting it as the words left his lips. Egging this guy on wasn't a good idea. Especially, when they had no idea where he was or what he was doing. And Raphael had no idea what the Hangman looked like. Chewing the inside of his cheek as he stared at his phone. A second later, the Hangman said,"I suppose this is true. But I wouldn't have killed you right away."
"No, I would've savored our time together before we started.",he added with a giddy little giggle. One that sent another chill down Raphael's spine. The casual way this man spoke of murdering Raphael was unnerving. And it was clear from the glance around the room, that so was everyone else. Who were doing their best to keep quiet as the Hangman spoke. In a strangely gentle tone, he exclaimed,"Anywho, I was hoping we'd speak before my normal game! But, I suppose we can do a whole new one!"
"More fun than what I was planning on doing to be honest.",the Hangman stated. A whole new game? What in the world would that mean? Raphael stared at his phone for a moment as the killer continues,"It'll take some doing. But I'm sure I can find a few players around this place."
"Oh and HELLO NYPD!",the Hangman shouted. Causing everyone in the room to freeze in place. The detectives around Raphael staring at each other then back at the phone. The Hangman chuckled,"It's going to be so much fun playing with you all. I do hope you're smarter than the police in Maine."
"It won't be fun otherwise.",the Hangman added. And quickly ended the call on that note. With that, Raphael stared at his phone's screen for a second. Unsure of what else to do with it. Aside, from just clearing all apps on it. Setting it down, Raphael questioned,"So what happens now?"
"I suggest that you leave your phone here and come with me.",Malcolm answered. Figuring that they could find the Hangman's location easily. But that Raphael didn't need to be there for it. As there wasn't really anything that he could do. Nor was there any information that he could provide. And having him in his loft might make Raphael feel more comfortable. It was also something that would keep him from getting in trouble. Something that he felt Gil would approve of. From the look on his mentor's face, Malcolm felt he was right. Raphael felt like this was the wisest move.
Nodding his head in agreement, Raphael got up from his chair. Tucking it back into place before walking over to Malcolm. Who gave a small smile before they started walking out. Texting the person that had driven them there. As they waited, Malcolm asked,"Do you want to watch a movie with me when we get there?"
"I think I got a few cheesy b-movies that you might like.",he added. Figuring it seemed to be Raphael's interest in the book. That, despite everything, might want to watch horror as a way to cope with everything. Cope with the trauma of dealing with a killer and being forced into a new place. The latter was easier to deal with than the former. So the criminal profiler decided to focus on that instead. Feeling fully confident that his team and himself could nab him before he even touched Raphael. Grinning confidently as the shorter man nodded his head in agreement. Raphael questioned,"What do you think the Hangman meant by 'players'?"
"You think he's going to just nab random folks off the street or something?",Raphael continued. It was something that Malcolm was thinking of. And knew it was probably what was going to happen. But, Malcolm doubted the Hangman would kill anyone. As the killer proved he liked to play a certain game with his victims. Pretend to be a good host before the murder. To the victim that he had watched for weeks, possibly months before capturing them. The other 'players' would be semi-safe compared to Raphael. Malcolm was somewhat sure these 'players' would be safe. As this development was out of the Hangman's normal routine.
Well, all of this was but he wouldn't linger on that. Instead, he put his phone back in his pocket. Then reached over to Raphael's hand and gently took it. Squeezing it just as gently as he said,"He might. But I'm sure that they'll be fine."
"His main goal is you and he seems more interested in theatrics than outright murder.",Malcolm added. Hoping that it would soothe Raphael's anxities about the killer. It seemed to as he took a deep breath as he gave the criminal profiler a shaky grin. Which Malcolm gave somewhat back as he leads Raphael out of the station. Heading towards their ride as quickly as possible. Having Raphael get in first before himself. While they sat together, Malcolm got his phone out. Briefly checking over texts that he had just gotten from his family. The ones from Ainsley were just asking if Raphael was the person she thought he was.
His Mom wanted to see if either of them were alright.
Each of which he quickly answered with short replies. Knowing full well that he would have to explain himself later. For right now, Malcolm decided to pull up some cute pictures for Raphael. Ones of little stuffed demons that he made a mental note to buy for him later. Along with showing him some furniture that the shorter man might like. Mentally mapping out where to put them in the loft. As he didn't want to put Raphael into his Mother's home. And there was no way he would allow Jessica to buy him a place. Or allow Ainsley to take him in either.
More out of not wanting his little sister to tell his favorite character embarrassing stories about himself. Ones that Malcolm knew that she would tell Raphael the moment he left them alone.
As soon as they were at his loft, Raphael walked over to one of the couches. Plopping down on it as Malcolm set up the horror movie. One that he was absolutely sure Raphael had seen before. 'Killer Klowns from Outerspace', which he was right about, as the shorter man had seen it before. Soon as it started playing, Malcolm sat down next to his favorite character. Putting an arm on the back of the couch near Raphael. Not touching him but, nearly so. While they watched the movie, Raphael questioned,"How long do you think it'll take for the team to track that call?"
"Probably a couple of days. Maybe a week.",Malcolm answered. Probably a week instead of just a few days. As he was pretty sure that the killer used a very cheap burner phone. One that wouldn't be as easily tracked as a normal cellphone or payphone. Instead of pointing this out, he continued,"It won't be too long, Raph. We'll stop him and bring him to justice."
"And things are going to be safe.",Malcolm added. The word 'safe' made Raphael raise an eyebrow. Ordinary people in a situation sort of like this would say 'normal'. Say that things are going to be okay and that his life will go back to 'normal'. Yet, Malcolm was acting a bit odd about this whole situation. The fact that he was distracting Raphael with pictures of plushies and furniture. Asking him questions about favorite colors as well. It made him wonder what exactly Malcolm's intentions were. Part of him wondered if maybe he was giving him a parting gift. And couldn't decide what item to give the shorter man.
Raphael hoped that he would just give him a stuffed animal. Despite being too old for them, he felt it would be easier to take with him. Put on his bed or anywhere else in his bedroom back home.
Though it was hard to shake this strange cold feeling inside of him. One that suggested that maybe Malcolm wasn't intending on Raphael leaving. That maybe the criminal profiler knew something that Raphael didn't about this. But, he ignored it. There was no way that Malcolm would ever do such a thing. Lie to protect someone? Sure.
But lie to keep someone captive? Hell no. That was not within him. At least, Raphael believed as such. And, so far, Malcolm hadn't given him any indication that he was trying to keep him. So the shorter man put these thoughts to the back of his mind. Chewing the inside of his cheek as they watched the silly movie. Soon as it was done, Malcolm brought up the idea of going to bed. Which seemed a bit odd to Raphael. Looking around for a clock, Raphael asked,"What time is it?"
"I think it's eleven, Raph. Time to get some sleep.",Malcolm answered. Eleven? Raphael never went to bed before then. At least not unless he had to be up in the morning. Then Raphael would sleep before midnight. Before he could point this out, Malcolm insisted,"We've had a long day and I think it would be better if we got some sleep."
"Alright. I guess I could try to sleep on one of your couches.",Raphael agreed. Wasn't the first time he ever slept on a stranger's couch. Probably wouldn't be the last time. His eyebrows raised when Malcolm said,"Oh, no. You don't have to sleep on the couch. I have something that you could use."
Turning everything off, Malcolm got off the couch. Hurriedly walked up the stairs that were in his loft. Then came back down a few minutes later with a large suitcase. Well, what looked like a suitcase. He then asked Raphael to get up off the couch. Which the shorter man did as asked before heading to Malcolm's bed. Soon as he did, he watched as Malcolm opened up the object. It turned out to be a cot that seemed to already be made up. Setting it near the bed, Malcolm assured,"I promise that it's absolutely comfortable enough to be slept on."
"I've tested it before and it's just as soft as a normal bed.",he added. Keeping his tone rather light. Raphael guessed that it was to assure him that it was okay. It was definitely nicer than the couch. Which was also soft. So he agreed to use it. Then Raphael questioned,"Do you got any spare pajamas that I can borrow?"
"And I have a spare toothbrush too.",Malcolm answered. That was good. It definitely made this part of the evening a little less awkward. Raphael was grateful that Malcolm was prepared for this kind of thing. Then again, the criminal profiler always seemed to be prepared for anything. Well, mostly anything. Shoving these thoughts aside, Raphael got his hoodie off along with his shoes. While he was doing this, Malcolm got out some clothes for Raphael. Feeling a bit guilty that the sweatpants were going to be too long for him. Though he was sure they would fit Raphael around the waist.
Since the waistband was elastic. The shirt might not fit entirely perfect. But, Malcolm figured it would be fine for now.
Tomorrow they could go and buy the shorter man some clothes. Possibly have his Mother help him with getting clothes for Raphael. Have her make the entire wardrobe herself and allow them to bond. Well, hopefully allow them to bond. As he knew that Raphael would be a little shy around Jessica. But figured her personality would win him within the hour they spend together. Pushing this thought to the side, Malcolm handed the bundle of clothes to Raphael. Exchanging them for the things in the shorter man's hands. Noticing how worn out the shoes and hoodie were. It surprised him at first, then he reminded himself how Raphael wore things out. Rarely buying himself new things unless he absolutely needed to.
Which probably wouldn't have been too long from now. If it weren't for the fact that he was kidnapped by the Hangman.
While Malcolm checked over his items, Raphael walked into the bathroom. Locking himself in before swiftly changing clothes. Folding his own clothes before unlocking the bathroom door. A second after, Malcolm knocked on it. In a gentle voice, Malcolm asked,"Are you decent?"
"I am. You can come in.",Raphael answered. Backing up a little as Malcolm came into the room. Wearing his own pair of pajamas. Ones that Raphael had seen dozens of times before. Putting this to the side, he followed the taller man to where the toothbrush was. Taking it immediately from him as Malcolm got out the toothpaste. Both brushed their teeth. Malcolm was the only one who used mouthwash while Raphael headed out of the bathroom. Heading straight to the little cot that Malcolm brought out for him. Quickly snuggling down under the covers. Sure, he wasn't tired but he figured he could just lay down until he fell asleep. Still feeling a little strange about being given a 'bed-time'. Shoving these feelings aside, he closed his eyelids as he heard Malcolm come over. Hearing the other man getting ready for bed. Soon as he heard the restraints be in place, Raphael called out,"G'night, Malcolm."
"Goodnight, Raph.",Malcolm answered. Voice partially muffled by the mouth-guard that he had in place. A tiny smile came to his face at this. It didn't actually make him happy but it was interesting how Malcolm sounded. While he laid there, Raphael started taking gentle deep breaths. Trying to not think of everything that had happened earlier. What would happen. But, his mind wouldn't let anything go. Wouldn't simply quiet down as he laid on the admittedly comfortable cot. No matter how much he wanted to. Raphael felt cold all over at the thought of someone wanting him dead.
It was one of the most terrifying things. As, from what Raphael could tell, there was barely a reason why the Hangman wanted to kill him. Just only on the grounds that the killer wanted to torment him to feel manly. To feel strong.
Making him wish that he could talk to his Mom. Be protected by her and her Mama bear tendencies. Knowing full well that his Mom would do anything to protect him. So would his younger brother if he were around. Possibly break the Hangman's neck if he felt he had to. Probably even demand that the NYPD keep cops around them at all times. Even go so far as to buy his own gun to protect Raphael.
Raphael wondered how they were doing right now. If his Mom was going out of her mind with worry. Or if his younger brother was calling every law enforcement that he knew of. Probably calling some of their friends as well. Along with their family so they knew what was going on. His heart broke as he realized that his Grandpa was probably terrified. As he was very close to him. It made his stomach twist as he struggled to not cry in the bed. Curling up on his side as he chewed on his lower lip. Taking a deep breath, Raphael shut his eyes a bit tighter. Quietly, he tried to push the thoughts out of his mind. Taking another deep breath to steady himself as he laid there. Finding himself slowly, but finally, drifting off to sleep.
The dreams that Raphael had were to be expected for the stress he was going through. Just being chased by an animal that wanted to rip him to pieces. Stuck in a room on fire. And the last nightmare was what really stuck out to him.
It involved Martin and himself. They were alone in his cell in Claremont. Malcolm was no where in sight. Which made his stomach twist as he turned to the door. That had once been there before but now was completely gone. When he turned back, Martin was no longer tethered to the wall. No longer handcuffed as well. Instead, he was directly on the red line in front of him. Smiling a malicious grin as he stared into Raphael's eyes. In his right hand there was a scalpel and in his left there was a rag. The scalpel was what had Raphael's full attention. His stomach twisted as he glanced from it to Martin's face. Taking a step back as he tried to plead with Martin to not hurt him.
To just let him go.
But, he couldn't speak. It was like his vocal cords were paralyzed. Didn't stop him from trying as the Surgeon took steps towards him. Giggling as he did so. Raphael lifted his hands up to defend himself and opened his mouth to beg once again-finding himself being gently shaken awake. Opening his eyelids, he saw Malcolm kneeling next to him. Hands gently on his shoulders with a concerned look on his face. Raphael carefully sat up as he said,"I'm sorry, Malcolm...was I screaming in my sleep?"
"You weren't. But you were making a lot of noises.",Malcolm answered in a gentle voice. Letting go of the shorter man's shoulders as he gave a soft groan. Then he sighed,"Maybe a horror movie before bed wasn't the wisest decision."
"Never gave me nightmares before.",Raphael muttered. Which was true. Horror movies never gave Raphael nightmares. Only romantic comedies did. Instead of voicing this, he added,"It's probably just the stress of everything that's happened. Being the target of a serial killer and everything."
That caused the criminal profiler to nod his head in agreement. A thoughtful look briefly crossed his features before he asked,"Would you like a cup of chamomile?"
"It might help ease your nerves.",Malcolm added. It wasn't something that he really liked. But, he knew that Malcolm was trying to help him feel better. So he agreed to a cup of tea. Figuring it wouldn't hurt to try it out. So they got out of bed and walked down to Malcolm's kitchenette. While the taller man got the tea ready, Raphael sat in a chair. Trying to steady his breathing and heart rate as he stared at his hands. Which were trembling slightly from anxiety. Gently setting his hands on the surface as he briefly closed his eyelids. Taking a deep calming breath in and then letting it go quietly. When Raphael opened his eyelids, there was a cup of chamomile tea in front of him. Taking it, he blew on it before sipping it.
Chamomile was never Raphael's favorite. But, he found drinking the tea to be rather soothing. Despite how much he never really liked the taste. Ignoring it as he stared up at Malcolm. Who also had a cup of tea for himself. While they drank the tea, Malcolm asked,"So, do you want to tell me about your nightmare?"
"...it was about your Dad. I dreamed that I was back in his cell and he had a scalpel on him.",Raphael answered. Slightly paraphrasing what had actually happened in the dream. As he didn't think that the cloth or lack of door were important. Instead, he apologized for waking the taller man up. Which Malcolm was okay with and told Raphael as such. Looking the shorter man in the eye, Malcolm said,"You have nothing to apologize for, Raphie. You had a nightmare that you couldn't control."
"It's to be expected considering everything that has happened.",he added. Taking a sip of his tea as he rounded the island. Then taking the seat next to him like he had earlier in the day. In a gentle voice, Malcolm stated,"Besides, I don't sleep that much and it's really not going to cause me harm."
It still made him feel guilty. After all, he was disrupting the criminal profiler's schedule. Inconveniencing him quite a bit as well. Raphael felt like a burden on the taller man. Shoving this down, Raphael drained his mug of tea quickly. The tea didn't make him feel tired but, it helped him feel calmer. Turning to Malcolm, Raphael asked,"Hey, I really don't want to go to sleep right now. Mind if I borrow your T.V for a little bit?"
"Sure. We can watch another movie if you want?",Malcolm suggested. Which Raphael agreed on. Suggesting that they watch 'The Hitchhiker's Guide To the Galaxy'. Something that Malcolm quickly agreed to as he continued to drink his tea. Getting up from the chair and hurriedly heading to the T.V to set it up. While Malcolm was doing this, Raphael took his mug to the sink. Walking over to the couch and plopping down on the end closest to the T.V. Curling up around the arm of it as he watched the taller man. Soon as Malcolm was done, he sat down next to Raphael like he had earlier in the day. Draping his arm across the back of the couch as they waited for the movie to play.