Chapter 6: Thrills
Vincent came running in the house finding Tifa loading her gun with a look of cheer anger on her face. Vincent nodded and pulled out his gun as well. They exchanged no words, but headed for the old abandoned house next door. IT was supposed to be remodeled but it never did happen.
Tifa entered first, flashlight in her left hand pistol in the right. She aimed where the light shone.
Tifa] Second floor, the room facing mine, that's where he was.
They went up, very cautiously. Tifa swung we gun left and right scanning the room for any sign of "The White Ghost".
Vincent] White Ghost doesn't seem like a very… proper name to me.
Tifa] I know, I think he was pulling my tail. But the name itself is a clue. He's having fun with us. I think he was the man with the white hair, hence WHITE Ghost.
Vincent] Yeah, sounds about right to me. In almost every serial killings case the killer wants help. Think that is why he is leaving clues?
Tifa] How the hell am I supposed to know?
Vincent] Look, what's that? It looks like… writing on the wall.
Tifa walks over and looks at it.
Tifa] Black spray paint, and it says: praeoccupor marte… What the shit does that mean?
Vincent] It's Latin, it means… to fall prey to death. God, this guy is really creeping me out… let's go. He is long gone, no good criminal stays at the scene of the crime.
Later Vincent helped Tifa pack some clothes, it took a lot, but he convinced her to stay with him for the time being. Alone they were vulnerable, together he could not touch them.
They arrived back at the apartment, they sat down and went through the list again.
Tifa] Well, I say its one of these 12, it has to be. They barely passed regulations and such. OH, did you find anything on the background check?
Vincent] Yeah, that man had several counts of child and spouse abuse, odd huh?
Tifa] Child abuse… oh my god. I remember now, that file I studied in school.
She runs to his computer, connects to the internet, and looks through library listings, and finally files.
Vincent] Have a hunch Miss Bloodhound?
Tifa] I just might, but we might have to hack a bit.
Vincent] What are you looking for?
Tifa] There was this story I read, about a family. Something tragic happened, then some murders. I think he might be copycatting them or something.
Vincent] Alirght, just remember, certain levels of hacking are illegal… but I won't say anything Hehehe.
Tifa] Thanks pal.
Later Vincent awoke from his nap and decided to take a shower. He got up, went into the bathroom and undressed. He stepped in the hot water and began washing his fit tight body.
A moment later Tifa opened the door and stepped in, not noticing the shower full of steam next to her. She turned and almost screamed, but decided not to. Instead she got closer, and snuck a look.
Tifa] Wow.
She covered her mouth and left the bathroom. In the living room she laid her tired body on the couch for some rest. The hacking program would take all night, and she was exhausted.
Later Vincent came in the living room, dressed and clean. He saw Tifa asleep and wished so much that he could touch her. But of course he was afraid to do so, and of course she probably did not feel the same about him.
She stirred awake and saw him looking at her. He smiled, and she returned it, perhaps thinking what he was.
Vincent] How about a break? There is supposed to be a nice play this evening, Romeo and Juliet.
Tifa] Sure, it sounds really nice, I have a dress I never wear anymore. But I brought it knowing I'd need it for something.
Vincent] Great, then afterwards we can have dinner.
Tifa] Cool, I'll go change so we can get some tickets.
Vincent smiled and held two up.
Vincent] You slept for a long time, so I bought them in advanced.
Tifa] Trying to be as slick as me eh? Hehehe, I'll go change, slick.
Later Tifa and Vincent were dressed up and looking very casual. Vincent was dressed in a simple black tux and white shirt. While Tifa wore a nice black dress, long but with a slit up the side, and no back. They both looked excellent and got a few looks when they entered the theatre.
Tifa] Wow, these are wonderful seats.
Vincent] Yeah, I have friends in high places.
Tifa] Well, I might just have to ask some favors then.
They smiled and sat down, the play then began. About half way through the performance Tifa went to the rest room. When she came out she saw a man standing behind the curtain, which separated the lobby from the actual theatre area.
He wore a white jacket, white shirt and black tie, with black pants and shoes. His long white hair went to his waist and when he turned is glowing eyes grazed her.
Tifa] Hello, is it a good part?
The whole play is good, my lady.
Tifa] You like this play that much eh?
Oh yes, acting is not only a type of drama, but a type of art. Only so many people in this world can make you believe they are the characters.
Tifa] Yeah, I really liked acting when I was young. But my dad liked the police practice.
I see, a man of authority.
Tifa] Oh yeah hehe, anyway, I really should go sit with my date.
It was nice meeting you…
She started for the curtain, as she past him he spoke again.
Miss Lockhart…
She turned.
Praeoccupor Marte, my lovely sapphire…
Her jaw dropped.
Good evening, and enjoy the play.
He smiled, then left and seemed to disappear into the darkness.