I appologize to all my Toad-loving fangirls for the lack of Toad angst/action thus far, but I can promise we'll get some Toady goodness in the next chapter. I had started it, and then my computer decided to die off on me.. -- Any way, please be patient, I'm getting there.
The man stepped foreward, offering a hand. "My name is Joseph Standel. I've been expecting you."
Victor only glared, unimpressed.
Joseph, unshaken by the cold response, tried a second approach. "The authorities are looking for you and your friend. I think it's best you come with us." Still unwavering, Victor refused a response, a growl rumbling from deep within his throat. Joseph raised a brow, allowing himself one more opportunity to make connection with the monstrous mutant. "Your hideaway is forfeited, Mr. Creed. The coordinates were anonymously reported to them over an hour before your leader lead the attack. You have no where to go." He paused, allowing the information to sink in. "-And your friend is very ill."
Victor growled at the remark, flashing a set of fangs. "You know a little too much."
A cool presence cut into his mind, rippling through his already exhausted psyche.
More than you're aware, Mr. Creed.
Victor flinched, laying his ears flat.
Get out of my head!
Joseph stared directly into Victor's eyes.
I'm only here to help you. Please, come with us.
Victor felt the presence leave him, and he immediately steadied himself with a hand on the railing. Joseph watched him, face coolly business like. "So, Mr Creed, will you come with us? Mr. Toynbee gravely needs medical attention, and you're still very weak."
Victor growled once again, more softly than before, vexed by the boldness of the man. He allowed himself a moment, keen senses picking up on the shallow breathes of Mortimer, stretched out behind him. The faint pulse in his veins. A trickle of sweat.
"Mr. Creed? We don't have time for indecision."
Victor turned wordlessly, gathering Mortimer from the puddle of bay water that had formed about his body. Keeping an eye constantly upon Joseph and his two followers, he stepped off the boat. The two younger lads, both resembling Joseph in build, met him with honest faces, "We'll take him, sir. Give him over." Victor complied, feeling his weariness tugging at every aching muscle in his body. The two boys (couldn't have been over nineteen) accepted Toad's body gracefully, slinging one of his arms over either shoulder. The taller of the two spoke, his voice calm and friendly. "We're not far from the van, Mr. Toynbee. You can rest soon." They began the slow journey, holding him aloft. Joseph glanced at Victor, motioning for him to follow. Once again, Victor complied.
The van, as promised, was in the parking lot just past the dock security fence, which was curiously open and unmanned. Victor didn't question, just followed, allowing himself to be lead to an inconspicuous minivan with an inconspicuous paint job. -Which they walked straight past. The vehicle in question was in fact not a van, but an ancient well rusted, gray exteriored suburban truck. The monstrous rig seemed ready to growl back.
The boys opened the back doors, revealing the last row of seating to have been laid flat. They helped the barely conscious Mortimer into the makeshift bed and climbed in after him.
"Come this way, Victor. They'll take care of him." Joseph motioned with a jerk of his head, walking about to the other side of the truck. Victor followed, mentally ordering himself not to stagger as his body continued to weaken, fatigue growing. He slid into the row of seating behind the driver's side, his head lolling back against the seat-back. He was aware of Joseph's voice, thrumming from ahead: "Victor, I realize I neglected to introduce you to my boys; Michael and Gabriel." A distracted reply emerged from behind him, but he felt his coherency slipping away. The last sound he recognized was the tell-tale rumbling of an engine.
But for Mortimer Toynbee, it was a different matter entirely…
That's it for now, but I'm working on it as you read this, I swear! Please, if you haven't already graced me with a review, do so now! They make me all warm and fuzzy inside!