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

Vincent wants to desperately reach out to her to calm her down, but decides against it. She needs to get her anger out. Instead, he pulls out his phone and calls 911. There is no way he is going to try to cover this up. As he ends his phone call with 911, Vincent takes a quick scan around the room. Nothing seems out of place. There's a half eaten sandwich and a crumpled up newspaper that is now coated in blood on the floor near the bed. The closet is to the back of the room and to the right of the bed. Vincent notices that it's ajar. Glancing at Tifa's weeping body, he walks over to the closet, but sees nothing out of the ordinary. He shoots a glance at the window, and notices it's closed and locked. Genesis is a careful man, but Vincent doubt heavily that he is that careful. He is more than certain he left something, and Vincent is determined to find it.

Sirens brims the late afternoon sky as it grew louder the closer it approaches the once happy abode. Vincent kneels next to Tifa, and begins rubbing her back in a soothing manner. Her onslaught to the floor ceases, but her tears doesn't. A red hue now taints her beautiful face. Her eyes are bloodshot red, and the more she cried, the more difficult it is to breath.

"...He will pay for this." Tifa grits. She manages to stop the tears from coming down, and swipes away the snot bubble that's trying to form in her nose.

They hear footsteps burst into the front door. One man asks another man where is the scene. A familiar voice speaks, and tells the pair to head upstairs while he assess the lower portion of the home.

"We will all make sure of that." Vincent kisses the top of her head and gets up from kneeling as the two voices he heard from downstairs comes into the bedroom. One of the men immediately turns his head away from the scene and throws up in the hallway.

"Ma'am, sir, what happened here?" The other asks.

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

Vincent hurriedly shakes his head to rid the evil thoughts from his mind, but in the very back of his mind, he already knows his suspicious are a high possibility. He stands at the entrance of her bedroom to not draw attention to himself in case he's caught. He doesn't want to raise suspicion on himself. The windows are closed and locked and there are books neatly stacked on the computer desk. Vincent bends his knees a little and kneels to see through the small gap between the door and the hinge. The bed is neatly made and the rug underneath it is neatly in place. He straightens his posture and takes a few steps back to observe the other end of the room. He glances at Tifa and the officers and turns his attention back to the bedroom when he sees no one is looking at him. There are no footprints or anything tossed aside or knocked out of placed. Perhaps there's something downstairs. Vincent can only assume Genesis came from the upstairs. He doesn't even know if there's a way to climb to the second floor on the outside; he has to wait for everyone to leave the scene to investigate thoroughly.

"Looking for something?"

Vincent diverts his eyes to the blond man standing next to him. Vincent notices this blond is the same man he saw a few weeks ago at the diner.

"Just curious." Vincent answers.

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

"Vincent."

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

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

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

When Vincent nods, Cloud quickly looks back down and jots a few more notes. It's obvious to Vincent that his words got under Cloud's skin. He isn't trying, honestly; he's just simply telling the truth.

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

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

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

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

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

"Do you know if he had any enemies?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

"You have my word."

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

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

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

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

The analyst nods and heads upstairs while Vincent heads back outside. It's selfish and down right wrong to ask Tifa if she is up to possibly luring Genesis. That conversation wouldn't go well. How could someone ask another person to seduce their father's murderer? Vincent wishes he has another alternative, but he sees no other way. He sits inside his car while he waits on Tifa. He desperately tries to think of another way to find Genesis. Nothing comes to mind.

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

She stops walking and presses her body into Vincent's. He holds her firmly and stops his motions as well. He's too nervous to say anything to her; afraid he might say something insensitive or stupid. Remaining silent is all he could do. Thankfully, Tifa doesn't mind it. He's starting to believe that she enjoys the contact and the embrace.

"Thank you." His thoughts confirmed. She hesitatingly looks up at him. Her eyes are identical to Vincent's eyes from all the crying she has done.

"There's no need to thank me."

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

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

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

Vincent is impressed at how determined she is to get to Genesis. He gingerly wipes away the tear streak residue and gently places a kiss on the top of her head. Tifa gives a small smile, walks to the door the front door, never letting go of Vincent. Vincent opens the door and walks into the kitchen. It always amazes him how the kitchen is the go to place to have meeting when others are at the home instead of the living room.

"Any ideas?" Vincent asks as he sits his keys down on the counter.

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

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

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

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

Sephiroth frowns. "Cloud?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tifa quirks her brow when she notices everyone were looking at her strangely. "What?"

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

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

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

"He didn't see me!"

"You don't know that!"

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

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

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

Tifa returns her steadfast expression to Sephiroth. She sees the doubt and the constant contemplation going back and forth inside his mind. She knows Sephiroth means well. Hell, he's practically her brother. He never wanted this lifestyle for her, that she knew for a fact, but it's too late. She's in and she's in too deep. This isn't a situation that came out of nowhere. Whether Sephiroth is aware or not, she was involved when her mother was killed, and Sephiroth killed the bastard that disgraced her mother. Knowing about the killings are just as bad as committing them. Not once did Tifa feel bad about it.

"I can do this, Seph." Tifa finally speaks to her platonic brother. "Don't tell me I can't."

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

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

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

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

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

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

Genesis froze. He was halfway up the stairs and there was nothing he duck behind to conceal himself. Any sudden movements would alert the inhabitant. He quickly went into attack mode. He walked back down the stairs and grabbed one of the knives from the knife set on the counter. He didn't want to resort to murder, but he had no choice. Genesis peeked up the stairs before proceeding up. When Russell didn't get a response, he got up from his bed and walked towards his bedroom door.

"Tifa, are you-"

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

He couldn't confirm if the older man was dead, but he's almost certain he was. That one slip up have caused unintentional attention to himself. A murder in Nibelheim will not go unnoticed. He needs to do a last minute clean up, and get the hell out of dodge. Though he didn't find out anything at Tifa's home, she's a liability and she needs to be rid of as soon as possible. When he just spoke to her, they made small talk for a few seconds before getting into a deep flirtatious conversation. She said nothing to indicate to him that she returned home, which is fine with Genesis. He feels a little bad that he had to kill that man, who he assumed was her father. She often talked about him on their dates. But he doesn't feel too bad. The old man should've stayed asleep. Nothing in their conversation raised a flag and they both agreed to meet in Rocket Town.

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