Disclaimer: The concept of this chapter was created months ago. It does not intend to reflect or comment on the current situation concerning the police guild in the USA, or those who've been wronged by it. This is fiction. Please, have that in mind in case something in here triggers anyone. Thanks.
Chapter 30: High Tide Part Two
"We're not afraid of monsters, because we're witches. And you just confessed to killing one of our sisters' baby. Do you know what we'll do to you?"
A Xanax and a glass of milk. Strong coffee, an apple, and a little toast: Susan Vandom-Collins's morning routine had been this consistent ever since a corpse had been found in the condo which she had inherited from her late ex-husband. Upon being introduced to the more than high chance of her late ex-husband actually being alive, she had just doubled the dose of Xanax.
Just the thought. The idea that Tony Vandom had made her mourn his death while being alive, made her entire being scream internally. She hated him. She hated herself for ever falling in love with him. And all that their daughter was going through because of that...It was just unacceptable. Unbearable.
Dean could see the hurt and depression she was getting herself under the influence of, every morning before he left for work. The mornings were most harrowing. She just sat and drank her coffee in silence. Never acknowledging him anymore. She would get lost in her own silenced agony. But that morning promised to be unexpectedly different. It all started with a phone call:
"Hello?"- Dean Collins had got dressed just in time to pick up.
"Good day, can I talk to Susan Vandom, please?"- the female voice on the other side of the line was dignified and strong, but also slightly tense. It was a voice unfamiliar to the teacher, who could only think how peeved he had felt upon hearing the unknown lady pronounce Susan's name without his surname at the back:
"Susan Vandom- Collins is not available at the moment, but you may pass your message through me. I'm her husband. Who am I speaking to, by the way?"
The woman made a pause before replying to that. Collins looked at his watch- he was already running late for Sheffield.
"I'm Kadma Starlighter, founder of the "Rising Star"."- she said in the end. "I have something to share with your wife. Something quite delicate and personal- "Yes, I'm familiar with your foundation to a certain extent."- Dean stated. Having organized Community Service day for many years, he had heard of most of the charitable organizations in the region. "Thank you, but Susan is not interested in any help-offering programs, social work, or fundraisers. Our situation is indeed specific, but we will manage on our own."
"No, that's now what I'm calling for!"- Kadma was quick to say. "I have a...delicate thing to say to her, I already told you, Mr. Collins. It's not something to be said over the phone, anyway."
"Ms. Starlighter, you ought to be more direct if you'd like to convey anything. Believe me, I'm not meaning to be rude. Our family is going through a lot of trials and tribulations right now. We can't afford any distractions."
In the reception room of the manor, Kadma turned to Halinor with a stiff expression. Halinor shook her head, urging her to say something else. They had nothing better to do. They had to set the cards on the table:
"I'd like to invite you and your wife here, in Heahterfield. Get yourself a pen. The address is: 'Laurel Road 4514, Hellenic Heights.'. You'll see an old house with etno blue façade near the old plum and cherry gardens."
"Mam, you're not being- "- Dean was just about to argue, but Kadma interrupted him, stating firmly:
"It's out of vital importance for Susan to come, Mr. Collins! Do not ask any questions, because I cannot answer them over the phone. All I'll say is that we're going to be waiting for you after two hours. Do come. What we have to offer will greatly help Susan deal with her current hardships."
"I hope that that man cooperates in the right way."- the former Earth guardian sighed as she set the telephone aside and turned to the other women in the room.
They were currently in one of her many studies, custom made of cherry wood and adorned with warm lush colors. Halinor nodded her head encouragingly. Nerissa, who was casually sitting on top of the big desk, her long legs crossed, also showed her agreement:
"He will, trust me. The teacher is not someone who'd risk neglecting such a thing. Calling them to Halinor's old house was the right thing to do. The guardian and her mother can't really leave the city until the court makes the decision."
"And Thomas...I mean Tony. I wonder what his reaction will be. Whether he'll decide to act in his family's favor or not."- Halinor expressed her worries regarding the man, who was currently spending his second day in Fadden Hills, poppied with Kadma's herbal recipes, where they had practically kidnapped him.
After he had shown up at their door, all of a sudden, the two ex-guardians had taken things in their hands, seizing him and contacting the one person who would know what to do. Their once leader.
"Tony is a terrible man."- Kadma concluded fiercely, crossing her arms on her adorned by heavy amethysts chest. "He's the type to bring immense pain to those who have or still do love him, and that has been proven. I personally hope to see Susan Vandom report his finding to the authorities."
"Still and all, Kadma."- Halinor sighed looking over at the third woman, who listened to them. "I wish I had heard what he wanted to tell me before all that. He came to seek help...I once helped him back on his feet. I can only wonder whether I would've been able to do it again now- "
"Oh, don't you two bang your heads about it."- Nerissa appealed with a sly, yet comforting smile. "Once we take that man to meet his ex-wife, our part will be over. We will have done the right thing. Alleviating Will and her family's problems, proving once again that we are, and we will always be, guardians. We are good. Giving us new chances has paid off. And that's the message which we want to convey."
Heatherfield, Hellenic Heights, two hours later
The yard of the house she had lived in so many years ago reminded her of all these mixed memories. Memories of happiness, tears and laughter. Fun afternoons with her girlfriends. Darling moments with her parents. That difficult spring when her mother had passed away, that Halinor remembered so clearly, even though she had been just four years old. Then, of course, her stepmother had appeared in their lives, and that had been when things had gone awry for her. Becoming a guardian had helped her to survive everything and to overcome all that threatened to cripple her happiness; especially dealing with Claudia, her dear father's hated second wife. Even after so many years, being in Hellenic Heights brought back the image of that blasted woman, who had poisoned her life before guardianhood. After guardianhood, it had been her time to suffer. Halinor couldn't help but smile remembering all the tricks she and the girls had played on Claudia with their powers. Her sweet revenge... Yes, that hadn't been very noble of them, but after all her doings, they had had to punish her. Especially, Nerissa.
Gosh, upon meeting Nerissa and her wrecking character, Halinor's stepmother had shrunk and never again dared to mistreat her stepdaughter. The ex-guardian smiled, recalling so many other events.
The day was bright and sunny, and even though it was still winter, the snow which wrapped Heatherfield in its arras, barely ever did the same amount of damage to Hellenic Heights. Perhaps it was the landscape or something else, but even with that, Halinor still wished that it was spring or summer. Spring and summer in her old neighborhood had always been a chunk of paradise.
The poplars, the aroma of the staves, and the iconic laurel bushes on the streets turned the place into a fairytale reminiscent of old times. Better times.
Halinor knew, all she had to do was ask Kadma to make all that happen for her, to wake up the flowers in the garden and the leaves of the trees. The former Earth guardian could undoubtedly do that for her, but Halinor decided she could wait for spring to come on its own. Besides, it wasn't like she got to spend a big amount of time here, in Hellenic Heights. No matter how dear this place was to her heart, the mature blonde was happier with the current life she had. A life in Fadden Hills. Commuting to Zamballa...returning to Heathefield to meet her friends. Living to the fullest. Yes, after so many years, life was finally fine again.
Overflowing with inner gratitude and grace, Halinor had to remind herself why she was here today. She was here to do what she had always enjoyed doing most- she was here to offer help and reassurance, and there was nothing that made her happier than being able to that here, in her birth home...Nerissa's ideas never failed to hit the center of the target.
"Mrs. Clarkson?! Is that you?"
Halinor turned around in her flowy white costume. She had been looking at the landscape up until now, but now her eyes were on the woman that approached from the car that had just parked in the driveway.
Susan looked tired and miserable in her dark coat, but her surprise took precedence over her tormented state of mind. The older woman smiled at her and took her hands in hers, once they stood facing each other at a minimal distance.
"It's so nice to see you again, dear."
"Mrs. Clarkson?"- Dean, who came behind his wife muttered. "The Mrs. Clarkson? The woman who rescued you from that bullet..."
Susan could only nod, the tears struggling to flow from her eyes yet again because Halinor took the word:
"Hi, Susan, dear. Hello, Mr. Collins."- she greeted them warmly. "I know that you're going through trying times. I can understand that you have many questions, also. But most of all, I sincerely hope that by coming here today, a part of your burden will be lifted."
"I don't understand. We got a call from another woman."- Dean began. "Did you get to know about our situation from the news...They weren't supposed to report anything just yet- "
"The woman who called you is my friend. We know about your problems from word that has been spread around."- the former guardian said cautiously, looking into Susan's wet eyes. How else could she explain it to them? She couldn't just tell them the entire truth... "I don't want for this to come as a shock to you, Susan. When we walk inside that house, you may experience strong emotions. Rage. Hurt. Please, be strong. I want you to go through this just like you've gone through so much else."
Dean was baffled. To him, this entire situation hardly made any sense and he felt the urge to question it, but Susan's reaction was quite different. In spite of the openly flabbergasting, for any normal person statement, that Halinor had just made. Whether it was her emotional defeat or the Xanax speaking, Susan squeezed the older woman's hands tighter and cried:
"You must be my guardian-angel, Mrs. Clarkson."
Halinor chortled through her own tears that had formed in her eyes.
It is a tad more complicated, Susan. But you could say that. I am indeed a guardian. You are a treasure of a woman, how could Thomas hurt you like that? How could he do it after I taught him differently...
"I've been going through such dark times lately."- Susan sobbed. "I've started to lose pieces of my sanity, but now that I see you, I just feel this reassurance. This warmth. Somehow, I know that everything which you do will help me. Thank you, Mrs. Clarkson. Thank you so m-much."
The blonde felt her heart full of joy at that. She moved her glance from Dean, who was still a little astounded, back to Susan, who she adored by now. No worries, he would soon understand things better. So would Tony, hopefully...The ex-guardian knew that the hardest was yet to happen, but she still smiled at the other woman:
"Don't mention it, dear. I like you a lot. It's about time you started calling me Halinor."
Ending the effect of her sleeping potion made of purple poppies, Kadma put a new substance in a glass of water which she then used while proceeding to sage the sleeping man's face with the help of a spell. She had experience with taking hostages, by now. Kadma frowned. It was not a thing she would ever openly brag about.
Then, using her telekinesis, the Queen made Tony's body stand up from his seat and start moving, copying what would be a normal gait as much as it was possible while walking behind him. He would soon wake up. There were stairs which they had to be taken now, which was rather challenging. Taking them down, Kadma didn't try too hard not to have Tony float around like a marionette. This man had laid himself open to her rage, hence he would suffer the consequences.
"We don't understand, Halinor. Who is here to meet up with us? How is it going to help Susan's legal hardships- "
"Mr. Collins, what better way to ease one's legal hardships than present the real culprit in front of the court."
The professor stopped talking and looked up at the source of the voice. The voice of the woman, who had called them that morning. Ms. Starlighter. And the man walking in front of her...
"Tony!"- Susan spat in a state of shock. She couldn't believe her eyes. Dean was at a loss of words himself. They just stood at the entrance and stared.
Tony Vandom was just starting to get to his senses. He rubbed his head with one hand as Kadma silently loosened her telekinetic structure on him from behind. She then met Halinor's eyes, who nodded from behind the newly arrived couple. The hardest task laid ahead.
"What am I doing...How am I."- Tony was getting over his initial puzzlement upon waking up in an unknown place. He glared at the ex-guardians. "You! I don't know how you did this, but you will-"
A sharp slap on his right cheek brought him to reality. Tony gawked at the sight of the woman who stood within inches of him, despising him with every cell in her body. It was as if he was noticing his ex-wife's presence in the room for the first time since waking up completely. Kadma wasn't surprised; mental obscurity was a common side effect after being under the influence of purple poppies. Thomas was actually regaining his senses impressively fast.
"Susan..."- he whispered, still trying to wrap his mind around what had led him to this situation. "What are you doing in Fadden Hills, I thought- "
But Susan just slapped him again. And then again. And again, and again, she had lost her control to the point where Dean saw himself obliged to hold and pull her back from the other man.
"Fadden Hills? What are you, except a murderer, a drug addict?"- the teacher spat. "We find ourselves in Heatherfield, where you'll stay and be brought to justice if you even consider yourself a man."
"Heatherfield?"- Tony exclaimed in disbelief. His eyes widened as he looked at his former councilor. She had done this. It was evident on her face. But how? "How did you drag me here, you crone? How did you know?"- he raged. "You ruined everything!"
"Hey, Mr. Swindler, watch your tone!"- Kadma shouted, drawing his attention from behind. "If you dare say one bad word about her, I'll personally make you regret it, do I stand clear?!"
"Kadma, calm down!"- Halinor made her a sign to remain quiet.
The Queen of Zamballa, who had left the last step and stood threateningly close to the redhaired man, suppressed her fit of anger but did not move her rigorous, sterling eyes from him.
Halinor, on the other hand, looked carefully around herself, estimating the situations and conditions before making her next utterance. Dean and his wife, who was still finding it hard to calm down, were already baffled enough as it was.
"You bastard!"- Susan screamed in her ex-husband's face. "How can you just stand there? How can you just stand there after all you did, after you faked your death and put me and our daughter through living hell! Why?! You are a disgrace! A disgrace to the male and humankind!"
"Susan, I understand why you're mad with me, but believe me, I've been trying to fix things!"- Tony insisted, but Susan didn't want to hear about it. She got free of Dean's arms and pushed the other man in the chest. She pushed him repeatedly until he reconciled and stop stepping back, enduring her hits with a lowered head.
"Will lost her firstborn child before she even met it, because of you!"- the mother of two wailed. "You kept embittering our life, even after we left Fadden! Why, why were my defeats never enough for you?! Even after I moved on, here in this city, you came after us! It was your goal to keep hurting us, wasn't it?! Why?! What do you want?! What have I done to deserve this, answer me!"
Tony shook his head:
"It was never my intention to hurt you and Will...I know I've done it, in spite of that. But I'm sorry. I really am- "
"Sorry?! You're not sorry! You know what I'm sorry about?!"- Susan screamed, slamming her fists in his chest yet again. "I'm sorry that I ever accepted you in my life, that I trusted you! Will was the one and only good thing which you ever did for me, and I won't watch you hurt her, understood?! I won't have you hurt my daughter again!"- the woman was shaking by now, but she wasn't over. Her hysterical screams echoed in the old house again: "To think that I cried! I cried for you at that funeral, but you were never there! You were never dead, you made me forgive you and think of you without resentment, but it was all a farce. You're not a memory, you are you! And I HATE YOU, TONY! I hate you!"
"Susan, you have to calm down."- Dean stood between them, trying to stop his wife, but for some reason, that seemed to annoy Tony. He endured her shots because he knew he deserved them. But he couldn't stand that man playing the perfect husband at that moment.
"Stay out of this, Collins, you're not a part of our problems."- he pushed the teacher back. "Know your darn place!"
"I am a part of your problems because Susan's problems are my problems too."- Dean retorted in a low voice before doing something which he'd usually never even consider. "The one who should be put in their place is you!"
And he slammed his fist in the other man's jaw, as the two began to fiercely push and fight each other.
"DEAN!"
But Susan's screams failed to stop the two men's hand-to-hand combat. The ego and principles of both of them intersected like the edges of two swords, their fists flying toward each other unceasingly. Unflinching, Kadma grabbed a hold of Tony's shoulders and pulled him back, enraged by his audacity. How dare he put up a fight after all his low deeds?!
"Hey, Swindler!"- she yelled warningly. "Acquit yourself, or I'll- "
"Don't touch me again, hag!"- Tony foamed his mouth and caught her arm in a harsh fashion, making her consider the possibility of using her powers against him...
"ENOUGH!"- Halinor's frantic shout finally managed to cease everyone. They all turned to her as she breathed heavily: "I did not organize this meeting for the sole purpose of fighting and yelling; we're here today because I want to help you. All of you. Please, try to help yourselves too, by talking to each other. Susan. Tony. I've got to know both of you in a certain way. I want both of you to exit this mess dignified. But for that, you have to be tolerant and patient with each other. You have to have fortitude."
"The Silver Dragon, "White Mountain"; 7:15 PM
"The prophecy of the Dark Descendant is impossible to interpret! At least not completely anyway. There are a thousand of additions to the fragment which we had. A thousand of different stanzas added by different people. Which ones are accurate? Which aren't? This is a nightmare, I tell you. A nightmare!"- Taranee finished her tirade and put her nose back in all the papers which she had taken from the late countess's home. Behind the raven lock, where Icona had been able to hide information that her daughter had failed to find and destroy.
Peter Cook and his almost-parturient girlfriend exchanged glances. It had been like that ever since they had come in the extension of the Silver Dragon in "White Mountain", one of Heatherfield's urban districts. A few years back, when the Chinese restaurant had first started to progress as strongly, the Lins had expanded it into another branch. In comparison to the original restaurant, which Yan Lin had founded with her late husband, the branch in White Mountain was quite spacious and modern.
Cassidy smiled at Peter and shook her head. Even though she was not invested in this current case, due to her advanced pregnancy at most, she remembered what it was like to be a guardian working hard to solve a mystic problem. It was a thrill which no one else could understand. No one but a guardian.
"Maybe the prophecy of the Dark Descendant is somewhat similar to the legend of the first male Meridian ruler."- Julian, who had just finished feeding his 5-month-old grandson, interjected. He was in the restaurant, sitting in the bar area with his friends.
(Have a look at "Legends of Meridian I" for the scene that takes place between these two )
Ten minutes later, Hay Lin and Eric got engaged in a conversation of the own, before walking away hand in hand. Martin exchanged a few words with Julian before going on his phone. Thankfully, the odd phase between them, after the ex-rebel had deceived the radio geek to alter a certain a song as to break Yan Lin's volitive chain (Heart of a Mother chapters 5-8), had long passed, if it had ever been out there at all. Martin sure didn't consider it, even after coming to grounds with the truth. Julian had been the one to feel partial shame and guilt when facing the kind-hearted younger man. Thankfully, it was now all water under the bridge.
"What's this? You're already having fun without me"- Nerissa approached the group of people and leaned against the bar in her long dazzling gown. It was pink and covered in sparkles, matching the sparkles in her eyes. Pink and green. A fabulous combination that she had chosen for the night.
"Say hi to grandma, Killian."- Julian handed the baby to his wife and took her elegant coat away.
"Come to me, my sweet little prince."- Nerissa cooed and took her grandson with a broad smile. She loved how, despite his infant age, he seemed to recognize her already. His smile was the most precious thing ever, he looked so much like his father... Babies were unique creatures, she knew. And her grandson was the most unique.
Left in her strapless evening gown, she rocked the little boy in her arms happily for a few minutes, before returning it to his grandfather.
"Madam, dressed up to the nines, are we? What's the occasion."
Nerissa turned around in surprise. It was just now that she noticed Cassidy among Hay Lin and the two other guardian-boyfriends, who she had honored with a simple nod as a greeting. She was sitting there with her own boyfriend:
"Cassidy! How fabulous, I was just thinking of you today."- Nerissa walked to her and took her hands in hers with a smile. "Hi, Peter. Are you here for the Policemen Ball?"
"Hey, Riss."- the dark man saluted her. "Yeah, we got invited after the White-Silver Dragon accepted to host it in the last minute. It should be pretty rad!"
"Yes, it should be."- the ex-guardian agreed, fixing a few of her long beachy waves with her fingers.
"So, you're here."- Cassidy went on. "You didn't tell me, why the dress, the jewels...I know you usually take pride in your appearance, but- "
But before Nerissa could answer, Yan Lin came out of the kitchen once again and interjected:
"She's signing tonight! I already told ya, Cassidy. We're promoting her like hot cakes; she needs to get her musical career in check!"
"I know, Yanny, I was just teasing her."- the former Water guardian chuckled at the dirty look which Nerissa gave the other woman. "Rissy, I believe in you. You'll make this night unforgettable. Unforgettable!"
"An unforgettable experience! That's what I promise you! We, the Hales, take every public event we organize to perfection. That being said, I'm glad that I had the opportunity to organize this year's annual Policemen Ball, to honor our peace officers, even if earlier than usual. Heatherfield has unlimited love and support for you, gentlemen! Please, follow me!"
Vera Hale finished her fifth unofficial speech this evening, before the actual evening had even begun, and held her granddaughter under the arm, heading for the building of the White-Silver Dragon. Perhaps she had overestimated herself a bit; these heels were killing her, but they were by Chanel. Her elegant dark gown was Versace and her hair, scent, and makeup were flawless thanks to Givenchy. Being a socialite, she had to be at her best when being honored with the opportunity to shine in front of the entire city, like tonight. That was why she swallowed the discomfort of the heels and kept walking. The restaurant was already near, a stone throw's away from them. Thankfully...The limo had left them far too far, oblivious to the directions of the streets in White Mountain. Vera scoffed. She knew this neighborhood was a big deal over the last few years, but in her crystal blue eyes, it was still nothing spectacular.
Next to her grandmother walked Cornelia, in an expensive outfit of her own choice; her Prada bag in her left hand, her grandmother's arm around her right wrist, and Irma, walking confidently on her left side. Needless to say, the Earth guardian was already peeved. She was used to social functions, but she was certainly not in the mood for one at this particular moment, and the army of policemen and socialites walking behind her back wasn't helping. How had she gotten herself into this? She stole a glare of Irma, who appeared outrageously calm. Her composure fueled the blonde's vexation:
- Happy now, Ms. obsessed-with-Alexis, bomb-throwing, slave-driver? - she snapped at her by telepathy. - You convinced my grandmother to change the location of the stupid ball, now what? When Alexis comes, what do you think of doing with all these people around? How are we going to extract any use of this whole entire shenanigan?
- Being impatient fucks up one's menstruation cycle, Mrs. Monster. - the water-witch didn't remain obliged as they walked. Even though she usually liked to dress more casually and not necessarily in branded clothes, Irma had pulled out a long expensive gown for the occasion. She had had no other option after being ordered to come "decently decked, and not like a miller's daughter" by Vera. With her long hair up in a messy, but dignifying bun, Irma smirked at Cornelia's frowning face: - Sorry. Ms. Monster. Mrs. Monster is walking on your other side and I'm expecting to hear her grumble again any minute now! For the love of rock music, I've never had anyone as resistant as her when my mind powers are in question! It took me an hour to persuade her to change the stupid location from that posh place she wanted to rebook. You'll see, Corny. When that prick Alexis arrives, you'll see my shenanigan in action.
"Cornelia, would you at least please try to appear happy?"- Vera's line wasn't delayed. "You're a Hale! You can't attend social events with such a horrific grimace! Especially not when we're organizers."
"I am happy to attend!"- Cornelia lied and eyed the other guardian crossly. They were about to enter the restaurant. Vera turned around and solemnly waved at the coming crowd. "It's Irma's clowning that gets on my nerves, that's all."
"Irma is a- "- Vera looked at the young woman from head to toe. She had to admit she had listened to her and it had turned out perfectly. The Latina looked like an elegant lady, for a change. "- a very finely dressed young lady. Fool of tomfoolery, but still, gracious. And most importantly, a policeman's daughter! And this ball is, after all, for our policemen."
"Yeah, for her dad and his colleagues, not for her."- Cornelia reminded bitterly, eager to rub her friend's nose in it." She didn't help with the planning, nor did she do anything useful for this ball. I think that Irma deserves to be scolded and punished."
Irma glared daggers at her and her stupid thoughts. Cornelia was Cornelia, she didn't miss a chance to rebuke her or have someone rebuke her!
"That is true-"- Vera agreed.
"Whaat? What are you talking about, grandma Hale, you know that you love me!
"- and because of that, Cornelia, you will go with her now and make last checkups with the staff in the kitchen. Yan Lin said that it's not necessary, but I know her and her full of rats restaurants! Even if this one here is seemingly new and polished, I want everything to be perfect. So, go! I want it done before the guests of honor arrive."
Cornelia's evil smile quenched:
"Soo not what I had in mind, but fine."
Jessie Alexis looked around himself one last time before stepping out of his car and continuing towards the restaurant. It was dark and chilly, but he could still think. Think rationally. The name "Silver Dragon" did ring a bell in his head. This place, just like the one downtown, was owned by the Lins. One of the families connected to the Vandoms. Jessie scoffed. There was something indeed suspicious going on around, with the entire way things had changed in the last moment. From the date to the location of the ball, all up to the fact that the woman who was organizing it this year was actually Hale. Another family close to Susan and Tony. Jessie rubbed his beard, but had no other choice; eventually, he had to walk in. He couldn't miss an event while being the guest of honor...
"Jessie? What's the matter with you? Just enter already."- Serena ushered him. "We don't have whole night."
Her half-brother took a deep breath that helped him stop himself from turning around and slapping the blonde wig from her empty head. Serena was incredibly, incredibly careless and foolish. What had she even been thinking when starting this journey of lies, revenge, and sin?
"Don't talk before thinking."- he hissed through gritted teeth. "Or better yet, don't talk at all. How did you not know that Vera Fields is in fact, Vera Hale? Tell me that, Sera!"
"Excuse me, first off, the one time I ever met that woman was when I did a photo session of her in one of her real estates, a few years ago. She was incredibly entitled and unbearable and made sure I know that her name is Vera Hale. I've never even heard her surname before marriage, neither do I understand why would she put it in her invites and messages."
Alexis nodded to himself, not even bothering with his sister's words anymore. She couldn't understand the magnitude of things. That was her biggest flaw- she had big expectations, but thought small.
"I don't like how close-knit everything in this city is. Close-knit around the Vandoms! Everyone seems to be connected to them. All these people... All these obstacles. And God damn, what city, Heatherfield is a town! A population of a few hundred thousand- "
"1.100M and growing."- Serena interrupted him and just furrowed her brows." Now, can you please stop worrying about Heatherfield and its residents and attend the freaking Policemen Ball? An event you made me come to with you?! I did not practice faking this stupid French accent for nothing!"
Jessie gave up and offered her his hand reluctantly. They had to make their entrance. Whether Serena refused to see it or just didn't, due to her folly, he was entering this restaurant with reserved feelings. The scent of vengeance was in the air. Jessie Alexis knew that something overturning would happen tonight. What he didn't know was that the very thing turning would be his body- bloody and lifeless on the asphalt...
Anna Lair took one last look at her reflection before leaving her automobile and heading for the big contemporary house, in the driveway of which she had parked. This was going to be her first year ever attending the Policemen Ball without her husband. After Tom had been forcedly transferred for months to come, she hadn't even thought of going to the ball, which was being held way earlier as to honor the vice-inspector. And why would she?! After all, amid all the other wrong things that man was doing in their city, her husband had been transferred for the sake of his career development. And how had Jessie Alexis chosen to develop in his career? By doing the upmost horrendous and despicable thing- crucifying two defenseless women for a crime they obviously had nothing to do with. Everyone knew. Even outsiders knew that Susan and Will Vandom were innocent. A murder? The two of them? Never.
That being said, at first, Anna had been quite skeptical when her daughter had called her with a specific request, which had sounded more like a demand out of Irma's mouth. After all, the last thing which Anna Lair felt like doing was honoring that shady man, who was substituting her husband in the police.
"Why in Jenny from the Block's fricking name, would I want to come, Irma?"- she had said. "I don't care that Cornelia's grandma will be the hostess this year. She's doing it for her name. And what about my name? I'm Anna Bannister-Lair, I do not stand behind the man because of whom your father will spend months away from me!"
"Oh, my God, mom, you swear worse than Knickerbocker."- Irma had whined in response. "I'm also mad at him because of dad, but I have other reasons; damn, three months is not even that much time...Do you guys still have it going on with such passion that you- "
"Irma, you're talking to your mother!"
"Alright, calm down! And think about it; I have my reasons to ask you to do what I'm asking you to do. We all know that Will and Susan are innocent. Everyone knows, you say. But how many people have been doubting their innocence because of Alexis, over the last days? He made it his mission to blacken their name. My mission is to expose him for that and I will. Think like Wife-Undercover and fulfill my request tonight."
In the end, Irma's words had persuaded her into action. Dressed in an elegant black dress and a big fur boa, Anna-Wife Undercover, was ready to take Susan Vandom to the ball which her daughter had promised to serve as Susan's public anti-slander campaign.
Anna hadn't intended for what happened next to happen. She had planned to ring the doorbell of the house, but someone was opening the door at that same moment. Then her heel got stuck between the pebbles, and she had to kneel down to free her leg. That was when Dean and Susan's voices sounded in the cold night:
"Dean, I didn't ask you to leave! Come back here!"
"I heard you full well, Susan. I wanted to be here because I don't trust him. But if you do, if you trust him enough to stay alone with him, I'll just go get Will."
"It's too early to bring Will in here, we have many things to talk about before that, why don't you get that in your head, Collins."
That third male voice, albeit hushed, stunned Anna, who had become an unmeant witness of what was happening. Then she saw him, a part of him, just before Susan pushed him back inside. That red hair was unmistakable, the man inside was none other than...
"Get your sorry ass back inside unless you want to be jailed before that, Vandom."- Dean looked daggers at the man, who was no longer in view. "I'm getting Will. If a strand from Susan's hair falls while I'm gone, you're not going to live to your trial- "
Their eyes met and Susan gasped. Her expression was just as bedazzled as the other woman's, once she saw her kneeling on the driveway behind her husband. Surely, Anna Lair was the last person Susan had expected to see in her dark yard, at such a late hour, but what had happened had happened, and nothing could change that...
"A-Anna?"- Susan exclaimed in a tiny voice. Dean turned around in shock. The third person in their house hid even further inside, pushing something that ended on the floor, but in vain. She had already seen him. "It's...it's not what it looks like."
Irma slammed her phone in annoyance. This was her fourth failed attempt to reach her mother. What the hell was going on? How could she be running late right now? Her entire plan was going to fall behind schedule because of this!
"Sugar Beetle, I think it's time."- Irma jumped in her place, in the storage room, startled. It was just Martin. "Nerissa stopped signing and Vera stopped talking. As long as that took, Jessie Alexis is getting ready for his speech."
"Oh, no, crap... Susan and my mother are not here yet. Can't you do something to delay it?"- the water-witch bit her lip as her boyfriend shook his head:
"You have to act now; he seems like he is in a rush. And with that loud voice, I doubt that he'll wait for me to fix the sounding system, even if something was to suddenly happen with it... I don't think that he's planning to stay at the ball much longer. Hey, speaking of acting; what are you going to do to expose him?"
Irma took a deep breath, bracing herself for what was to come:
"You'll see, baby. Everyone will see."
With these words and a firm step, Irma headed for the main part of the restaurant. The big, yet crowded saloon didn't hinder her from spotting him. On the longest table. The main seat. His presuming face.
I'll teach you a lesson tonight, buddy, Irma thought angrily. I'll teach you a lesson you'll never forget!
She walked by the bar, from where Cornelia tried to reach her, but couldn't because Vera pulled her back:
"Cornelia, come, you must help me record more videos! That young lad, Hay Lin's boyfriend, promised to have what you call stories of tonight's event on the web page of the restaurant."
"Vera, I think that it would be even better if we took a selfie against the background of the policemen enjoying the event."- Nerissa interfered smoothly.
"A self-ie? A picture of us?"
"Well, yes. You're the host, I'm the entertainer, surely people would like to see us rather than mere videos of these people raising their glasses back there."
Eric snickered at Hay Lin who just shook her head amusedly. Nerissa was one bedazzling piece of work.
"Besides."- she added. "You have enough recordings of them already."
"Very well."- Vera decided. "Cornelia, come and make a selfie of us!"
"Nerissa can take a selfie, she's been practicing."- the blonde snapped and handed her phone. She could see Irma had already taken her place opposite of Alexis, kindly provided for her by Rosetta who had stood up to make place. "I have to- "
"Cornelia, Cornelia! Don't be like your mother and come here, you must also be present in the photo! You're a Hale!"- her grandmother demanded and pulled her back once more, forcing her to be a part of the session of pictures, which the raven-haired woman proceeded to take. Meanwhile, Irma wasn't wasting time. She seated herself and for a second, her eyes met with those of the inspector. His gaze was cold but tense...Hers was just decisive and hiding the building desire for revenge.
Ignoring that, Jessie stood up, ready to give his speech. His speech was needed tonight, when he was being honored by the community of this city, he was resenting more and more with each day:
"Dear colleagues, it's a pleasure and honor for me to be here tonight with all of you."- he started, once the restaurant had calmed down enough. "It brings me great satisfaction that over the short period of time we've been working together, we've been able to achieve so much and build a new, successful team from scratch. It wasn't easy, but I do believe that with time, and with hard work on all parties, we will be able to bring Heatherfield to the level of so many other cities across the country-"
"Listen to this clown, talking as if we're living in some crime-filled, anarchical, godforsaken place."- Peter mumbled from the bar. "The levels of crimes here have always been much lower compared to these other cities he speaks of."
"He's just blowing his own horn."- Martin agreed. Truth be told, so many people present at this event disliked the vice inspector for many reasons, and they weren't wrong too. After all his intruding demands and actions. But, on the other hand, he had a growing number of supporters as well. What Martin wanted to see play out now was his girlfriend's idea of bringing justice:
"- I know that trying times are always around the corner, but as your new inspector, I'm here for you. Ready for challenges. Every single time- I adore a challenge."
"Vice-inspector."- Yan Lin turned to her son, who was watching the speech from the kitchen behind her. His face was sealed in a stony grimace and his fist was tightening. "Vice inspector. Presuming cretin!"
"Chen, please."- Joan ushered. "Let us check on the final course. The waiters should be ready to serve after that man wraps up his haughty speech. Forget him. Come with me."
The former Air guardian closed the doors, leaving her son and daughter-in-law in the spacious kitchen. She knew that Jessie's actions over the last weeks had upset so many of the residents of Heatherfield, her son included. Chen had been quite dissatisfied with the idea of holding the Policemen Ball in one of their restaurants after the vice inspector had fined them over pretty much nothing back at the original dragon. Nevertheless, he had eventually agreed after she had insisted.
What he didn't, and wouldn't know, was that his mother had only insisted on means to help Irma in her plan to prove the Vandoms' innocence. Chen also couldn't understand it, but the ex-guardian sure did know that all the petty things Jessie Alexis had been doing to all of them over the last weeks, were all based on some mysterious hatred which he seemed to carry for Will and all her close ones. Them included.
The old woman kept listening and observing the scene in the main saloon with the composure of a sensei. If her experience had taught her something, it was to never over or underestimate things before they got unveiled. The truth was resurfacing, she knew. Soon, Jessie Alexis's truth would be said out loud for everyone to hear.
"Where was I...I..."- Jessie seemed to choke on his words. The other guests that were listening to him talk were starting to cock eyebrows, but he couldn't help it. It was as if...as if suddenly the words he was trying to find weren't there. All he could hear in his mind was a sharp inner voice that was urging him to speak in a direction, entirely opposite to what he had wanted to add:
"The truth. I want to tell you the truth about the Vandoms and myself. The truth behind all my actions."
He locked eyes with her and almost gasped. Tom Lair's daughter's eyes were so scalding...so enthralling. He couldn't help it. To his own shock, and everyone else's dismay, Jessie heard himself uttering:
"...I wanted to tell you ta certain...truth. The truth about the Vandoms."
There was a grave silence, followed by a whisper that seemed to be flowing from mouth to mouth as guests looked at each other.
Cornelia and Hay Lin did the same, they looked at each other with open mouths. Martin grinned. She had done it. Irma had actually done it. But just as he was thinking that feeling the restaurant become on pins and needles, the lady with the blonde bob shot herself up, putting a hand around the officer's wrist.
"The truth is that nothing will stop Jessie from bringing them to justice. We know that you're all quite invested in that case. That is why we wanted to clarify tonight."- she said in her prissy French accent.
She smiled widely, making Irma frown and lose her concentration for a minute.
"Yes, yes."- the man managed to say quickly. "I don't know why I...I said that at all when you're all quite familiar with me and my vow to society."
Why did you have to interfere you, bitch? Irma thought angrily, shifting her gaze to the glass in front of the other woman. Sit your French ass down and stay out of this!
Unwittingly, Serena found herself seated. She blinked a couple of times, shocked by what seemed to be an invisible force, making her fall back into her seat, while the Latina had already focused her eyes back on Jessie.
"The Truth, say it! Say the truth! Say your entire truth!"
This time it was much harder. Jessie was trying to resist her with all his willpower. Suddenly, Hay Lin, Cornelia and Taranee could all feel it, the sudden heavy headache in their heads. What was this?! What was...
"Cassidy, are you alright?"- Peter's voice sounded worried as Cassidy wrapped her hands around her temples too.
"I...I don't know."- she muttered, trying to massage the pain away. "It's as if I'm...I'm feeling all this tension in my head."
"So are we."- Cornelia announced grimly, gathering in a circle with the other guardians. Thankfully, her grandmother had stepped a few feet away already...
"I don't understand why are we feeling like that."- Hay Lin groaned, leaning on Eric for support. "It's like millions of sound waves are hitting my brain at the same time."
"It's because of Irma's power."- Yan Lin explained weakly. By now, she was relying on Nerissa entirely to move. The pressure was too hard on her. Nerissa was struggling herself, which was why she was grateful to have her husband take Killian from her. "We have to hold it all together, we can't fall apart before she succeeds."
"Irma's power? She's using it on Jessie as we speak, but..."
"Yes, she is."- Nerissa said through gritted teeth, fighting the pain in her head. "But she's doing it all wrong! She's using her mental control on an entirely different level; she's trying to enthrall his mind long enough for her inner voice to be able to beguile him into making a confession... But that by itself is extremely difficult to do without finding a weakness or some link in one's soul and mind shell... She's too reckless!"
"She has no other choice."- Yan Lin shook her head, not able to open her eyes anymore. "She can handle this, she has the ability of mind control! Irma can lead this quest to success, we just have to endure the mental pressure which this over energy usage is sending to all of us, who have certain telepathic channels."
"She can handle this, but what about us!"- Cornelia moaned silently, feeling her knees shake. "I'm starting to lose balance here!"
Eric, who held both her and his girlfriend for support, looked at Martin in distress:
"There must be a way for us to help them- "
"They're basically like dogs during this moment, we can't help them. Dogs that hear certain infra-radio sounds feel a similar amount of pain when getting whistled at with one of these training whistles. That's what they're going through-"
"Oh, thanks a lot, what a lovely comparison!"
"- nevertheless, guys, I understand Irma's plan. Making that guy confess everything here is a golden opportunity."- Martin went on. "By making a complete confession in front of a room full of police officers, he'll never be able to touch Will and her mom again- "
"We have to suck it up, we get it."- Nerissa retorted coldly. "Will do...Just ...shut up. Your voices combined with the mental energy overpressure are unbearable- "
Julian was already on to silently pressing the numb points between their thumbs and index fingers. It wasn't doing much, but the moment she felt his firm pressure against her hand, Cornelia felt like she could breathe more easily. Now she knew who Caleb had inherited his incredibly talented hands from. His massage was everything.
"Must distract their bodies from it."- the veteran rebel gave brief instructions, ushering Eric to rub Hay Lin's shoulders and Martin to take care of Cornelia. "Numbing the body yields the mind and gets one over the severest of pains."
"Cassidy can't take severe pains, she's nine months pregnant!"- Peter protested. "She can't do this!"
"Yes, she can...Cassidy, you too have the power of mind control. You are the original guardian of water, Irma's powers are your powers."- Nerissa managed to say, slumping next to her friend. "Use your mind powers to repel the overpressure."
"Rissy, I..I don't know."- Cassidy cried silently.
"Cassidy, at least protect yourself from it! You are expecting!"
"But Irma has had much more time to train with her powers, she- "
"She hasn't done that all so much, trust me."- Taranee, who was holding up best out of everyone, due to her strongest telepathic powers, stuck her hand out. "I'll help you, Cassidy. You do have the everlasting gift of Kandrakar, even though you're not an active guardian anymore. We can yield to the open and use our combined energies to channel the overpressure created by Irma into fuel for her power!"
All her friends nodded. Cassidy nodded in response, knowing that her boyfriend's sister was right. They had to do this. They had to do this for everyone's sake.
"The truth, you asshole. The truth. Confess the motherfucking truth, I order you!"
In that night, Irma was decisive like the angry sea. She had the power and she knew it. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she felt an interjection. Someone had atoned the pressure which the officer's resistance was creating? Anyhow, she had her eyes on the prize. Jessie Alexis's loathed face- she could already feel him succumbing to some inner guilt and she was determined. She'd sink him. And when the sea's determined to sink a boat, that boat will sink, regardless of anything else.
Fighting his inner demons was in vain at that point. Lair had got the better of him. Never willing to admit defeat, Jessie Alexis was perturbed when he heard himself saying the very next words, after a ten-minute battle with his succumbing will...
"The truth...There's a truth which I've concealed. In the name of...in the name of someone important to me."
Everyone stared at Alexis as he spoke slowly, yet distinctly. Glances were exchanged. The guests were utterly flummoxed, what was going on around here? Taranee and Hay Lin exchanged tense glances in their turn, as Nerissa opened her eyes under a frown, waiting for the confession to come:
"...I purposely framed Susan Vandom and Wilhelmina Vandom for a crime they did not commit. What they did was different, unfortunately, the law is powerless in front of it, in spite of it being a horrendous crime. That's why I took the law into my hands."
Yan Lin placed her hand on her chest, expecting the culmination. Something was telling her that it was going to be very, very ugly. Just like her granddaughter, she could hear the beats of her own heart. The air around the saloon foreshadowed a truth that would sound worse than death itself...
Jessie's plus one seemed to be just as terrified as him, Irma noticed, but ignored the woman's quiet attempts to shut the man up. Her eyes were on him. She demanded his honesty, in front of the police guild, just because she needed a reason to break this phony officer's nose afterward...
"I closed the police station early that first day. I denied the bail and kept them inside as long as I could. I knew they'd go out eventually, fabricating evidence against these two women would've been an easy job for someone like me. I'm, after all, a much better inspector than any of you have ever seen."- Jessie's shocking speech went on. "You wretched village folk living up in their own asses here, in these fucking fields you call a town."
Whispers of disapproval went off around the restaurant.
"Village folk? Who in Jesus's name does he think he is."- Vera mused indignantly next to Joan Lin. "And that man calls himself a police officer? He dares underestimate Heatherfield? Had it been 50 years ago..."
Cornelia saw herself obliged to shut her grandma up before the sophisticated lady's outrage exploded and took precedence over what they had all managed to provoke with lots of pain.
"Such an ethical crime like theirs deserved a proper answer. Susan and Will Vandom needed to be punished for me to be able to get the real culprit out, but I won't lie that I didn't enjoy their sufferings. They had to suffer for the amount of suffering they costed my sister with."
"His sister?!"- Taranee exclaimed. "Could it be..."
"Serena."- Hay Lin muttered quietly, shivering at the sight of Jessie's eyes that looked as if they'd pop out. "He's her brother... It makes sense now."
"- I didn't have fake evidence fabricated to throw the mother and daughter in jail, because that wasn't what they deserved. They deserved what they got from me- humiliation for humiliation."- Alexis went on in his trance-like state, which didn't fail to exude his spite and hatred. "Hurt for hurt. They were just bait, bait to get to the man who ruined my sister's life, and left her hurting. They all did. The Vandoms are wretched people...And the miscarriage. The miscarriage which Wilhelmina happened to suffer in jail, was the perfect garniture- she doesn't even know that I poisoned her food and had her lose her baby, before even getting to know of its existence. Just like my sister lost her baby because of Tony Vandom!"
"You did WHAT?"
Irma had stood up even before the mass shock and indignation erupted in full force. She had lost her concentration and hence Jessie was back to his senses, looking around himself in shock over what he had just confessed, but it didn't matter anymore. The deed was done. He met her eyes- those angry blue eyes that could kill. These killing eyes had made him spill it all...
"Is this the Policemen Ball or the senior center ball? Get that godawful man and throw him in jail where he belongs!"- Yan Lin's voice rose above the others.
"Death penalty! Death penalty for the baby murderer!"- Vera roared and Jessie knew that he was screwed.
He ran for dear life, through the doors of the restaurant. Even before the police rushed after him, Irma was already flying forward. Cornelia was right on her heels. Her head spinning from the heard, Taranee was just about to follow them, when she heard another terrifying scream behind herself:
"CASSIDY!"
Vera, Nerissa, Julian, the Lins, Eric and Martin had already gathered around her brother and his girlfriend. But what was she...
"Oh, my God, what's wrong?!"
"Cassidy, breath, baby."- Peter tried to remain calm but failed. He lifted her in his arms.
"P-peter."- she managed to wheeze out. "I think...I think that something- "
"No, Cassidy, you will be alright! Her waters just broke."- Nerissa announced to the shocked Taranee. "We must take her to the hospital. Now!"
Jessie had somehow managed to escape his colleagues. An hour had passed, but he was still running. He was running through bushes and behind trees, hiding in the White Mountain forest like a rabbit during a hunt, not even having time to congratulate himself on outwitting the Heatherfield police, who had all missed him. They were fools, he knew. But he? How could've he confess so much of his agenda in front of everyone?!
The answer to that questions was clearly hidden in the names of the two women who had just spotted him in the dark:
"ALEXIS, YOU ARE DEAD!"
Hale and Lair were there, standing between the trees a few feet away from him. Of course, the man thought and shook his head angrily. There was something odd about these girls from the beginning, but now he was convinced. If they thought that he'd get scared away that easily, they were more stupid than courageous:
"I don't think so, you foul bitches. Coming after me wasn't your smartest decision."- he barked and took out the gun from his belt: "I don't know what you've put in my drinks, but you'll pay for that circus back in the restaurant."
"You killed Will's baby! You monster!"- Irma roared in response, not intimidated by the weapon one bit. "You're going to die tonight! You will die!"
Jessie blinked at her. There was it again, that total lack of fear and respect. What backed these girls? Why were they so sure in themselves? Were they all that insane that they didn't even flinch at the sight of a man holding a gun aimed at them in the dark night forest?!
"You're so over, you heartless fucker!"- Cornelia poured her cold venomous hatred on him, breaking the cev of his gun with her gaze and the power of telekinesis, unbeknownst to him. "Will and Susan had nothing to do with the way your miserable sister's pathetic life played out, you had no right to do them like that! I loathe you more than I can describe! I'll make sure you get what you deserve! Not a single more minute of daylight-"
"SHUT UP!"- Jessie yelled and pulled the trigger. He then stared at it in shock. Nothing. Absolutely nothing.
"NO, YOU SHUT UP!"- Irma screamed in response. "What did you think? That you'll get away with all that you've done?! This is the end!"- her words echoed into the night.
"Are you out of your mind?!"- the man was now beside himself." You don't look scared at all?! How are you not scared that I'll break both of your necks with one hand!"- Alexis yelled and rushed towards them. He couldn't take their arrogance any longer. These young women needed a wake-up call and needed to get it his way, immediately.
But as Cornelia was getting ready to push him off with a cold look on her face, Irma raised her hand.
"Irma!"
Jessie felt like his blood was circulating backward! He looked around himself, bedazzled and struck by this insane sensation that halted his movements. And then, suddenly, to his biggest shock, his feet left the ground, leaving him to float a meter above in the air... No, this was impossible! All the liquids in his body: They were all under Irma Lair's control.
"H-how..."- was all he managed to say.
"Now do you see why we're not scared of a monster like you?!"- Irma hissed at him. "We're not afraid of monsters, because we're witches, Mr. Alexis. And you just confessed to killing one of our sisters' baby. Do you know what we'll do to you?"
Cornelia silenced her gasp with her palm as her friend sent the man flying up in the crown of the leafless tree behind. Gravity immediately pulled Jesse's heavy body back down. Breaking several branches and rolling around his own shaft twice, he landed back on the cold ground.
"Irma, what are you doing?!"- Cornelia grabbed a hold of the Latina and shook her up. "You can't become a murderess because of him! Because of that piece of shit! You're a guardian!"
"He killed Will's unborn baby!"- Irma screamed, but her anger was melting into emotional defeat and heartbreak. She let herself fall in the taller woman's arms, and started crying out loud. "He killed our friend's baby, Corny, and we couldn't s-stop him. What is being a guardian for if you can't protect your own friends?!"
"Irma, trust me. I want to punish that man just as much as you, but causing his death is not the best option."- Cornelia insisted, wiping her own eyes. "Not for a guardian, at least. I know, what he has done is unforgivable, but trust me, there is a special place waiting for him in hell. And when we throw him in jail, he'll receive the special handling which he deserves."- she added darkly. "You know the law system better than me. Remember, those who hurt children get what they deserve from the other prisoners. They never stop paying for their crimes! That's what Jessie Alexis deserves!"
Using the moment of their distraction, the fallen felon sped away. When Cornelia saw him in the distance, he was already behind a group of trees:
"HEY! GET BACK HERE, YOU COWARD!"
"YOU WON'T ESCAPE US!"
However, untransformed, the two women found it exceptionally hard to keep up with Alexis, running through the dark and the difficult forest terrains. Irma threw her shoes off in order to be faster, but her feet suffered severely as she ran. Cursing the pain and focusing on getting justice for Will, she kept up with Cornelia, who was also barefoot- even if she had chosen to carry her shoes in her hands. Being the guardian of Earth, her element seemed to take mercy on her, because she didn't feel as much pain and discomfort while running and green listening at the same time.
But the winter had most of the plants in a deep sleep. She couldn't command the forest to stop the felon while in her human form, and her sources were limited. Her powers were also running low. Cornelia and Irma were slowly losing Jessie and that wasn't good. It wasn't good at all.
Infuriated, Irma screamed his name again and again as she ran until there was no more air left in her lungs. Her anger resulted in the heavy, cold rain that followed. Practically praying to the falling water to do something to keep Jessie down, the Latina grabbed the other woman's hand in order to be able to keep up.
Cornelia was more athletic and her long legs usually helped her run, but even she was beginning to feel the terrible fatigue and lack of oxygen by now. A few more meters and they stopped. They had to stop, otherwise, they'd just both pass out. They had been running for what seemed like ages...
"This isn't working. We're losing our chances."- Cornelia said after she managed to catch her breath. It was a challenge that Irma was still struggling with. She was sitting on the ground, breathing like a dog. "Might as well stop the terrible rain, Irma..."
"I can't."- the other woman finally snapped as she reluctantly accepted the hand. She stood up and slightly glared at her friend, who was holding the ends of her ruined dress with one hand and her heels in the other. Cornelia was at fault for what was happening. Had she left her to deal with the jackass, he wouldn't have escaped now. But before she could say anything, they both heard it; it was a quite distant sound, but it was prominent- the terrifying sound of car tires scraping the ground. A car that couldn't stop, hitting brakes in vain, and then a collision. Collision and silence. The two women looked at each other.
"What was that?!"
"It came from over there. There must be a road at this end of the forest."- Cornelia pointed to the left, somewhere in the distance, behind another group of tall trees. "I think we've reached the left side road going through White Mountain forest."
Cornelia had been right. Another ten minutes through the dark and they were standing in front of a shallow ravine. Behind it, through the trees, they could see a road, palely illuminated by the moon.
By the time they finally managed to get on it, Irma was already putting the idea under doubt. If they wanted to get out of the darn forest, they could as well just teletransport. They were after a criminal who had killed their friends' first unborn, not going around, tracking road accidents. But as she set foot on the asphalt, all her thoughts left her head. Apparently, the accident had tracked their criminal for them...
"Oh, my God"- Cornelia almost screamed. Irma wrapped her hand around her wrist, instinctively:
"No. Don't go there. You'll leave prints."
"I wasn't even planning to do so! Is that...is that blood?! Alexis, he was..."
"Run by a vehicle? Yes. He deserves it. And he's dead."- Irma announced, but even though she hated the felon, her voice cracked. The site in front of them was more than appalling...
"How do you know- "
"Because I think that those are some of his vital organs over there."
The flashlight on Cornelia's phone confirmed it. The bright light made the entire scene even more nauseating and explicit, and Cornelia hurried to look away before actually making out something particular that would haunt her dreams. Jessie was dead. No doubt. The red she had seen was enough of a proof.
"Ew, I can't look!"
"He's not simply pushed by a car; he has been run over. Hey, don't freight trucks drive down this road? The Detergent factory is nearby."
"I think so. He...he has tripped over."- Cornelia mumbled, stealing a look of the bloody mess on the road. She instantly regretted it. "He obviously fell on the road while running out of the forest, just before the truck passed..."
"Unlucky bastard, huh."- Irma shook her head. She had had enough. "They probably saw him, but it was too late. They couldn't stop and just sped away after the milk was spilled. Pardon, the blood. Can you imagine? That poor driver had to go through this, because of this baby killer. He'll probably end up blaming himself for running him over."
Cornelia shook her head. She was terrified, tired, and wet. She couldn't spend another minute in the presence of the squashed inspector.
"What do we do now?"- she asked quietly.
"Nothing."- Irma replied grimly. "An accident led to that monster's death, but at least everyone got to see his real face beforehand. Corny, thank you for stopping me from killing him myself. The Oracle is right. Sometimes, it is better to just leave things in fate's hands."
Looking forward to your comments on the latest chapter! :)
