A soft cool breeze gently caressed the gossamer curtains within the open window, allowing warm light to spill out into the night as they parted slightly. A shadow shifted on the rooftop opposite the apartment…watching…unbeknownst to the pair outlined against the light. A soft smile slid across Vince's lips as he heard the welcomed sound of his wife's soft laughter…followed by his son's exuberant childish giggle. He closed his eyes and let it wash over him like a healing balm, soothing the constant ache that resided deep within his chest. His smile widened as Trip howled indignantly in protest against his mother's questionable play…followed by her soft laughter as she surrendered and they continued the game sprawled out across the table between them.
"Who's winning?"
His smile widened as Orwell's soft voice came over his com. His eyes slid open.
"Probably Trip." He replied softly as he watched his son dump a handful of dice onto the board and then throw up his hands with a crow of victory. Vince snorted softly. "What's up?"
Orwell's voice grew serious as she answered. He could hear the soft click of keys in the background. "I have the information regarding the warehouse that burned down two nights ago. It belonged to a dummy corporation within the ARK umbrella…no surprise there. A body was found. The official reports are calling it accidental arson caused by a drifter who was unfortunate enough to die in the blaze." She snorted softly in disagreement. "Looks like Fleming was behind your little adventure after all."
"He usually is." He replied softly. "At least this particular threat has been neutralized."
He shifted his attention to the window as his family packed the game back into the box and stood. His eyes softened with longing as he watched his wife pull their son into her arms for a goodnight hug before pressing a kiss against his mop of unruly hair. A gloved hand reached up slowly and pulled the chain free from beneath his chest plate. Vince stared at the circle of white gold cradled against his palm.
"Are you okay?"
A sad smile crossed his lips as he closed his fist around the ring, shifting his eyes back to the apartment as his wife closed the windows and drew the curtains, extinguishing the warmth of the lights.
"I'm fine." He assured her as he tucked the ring back beneath his armor and stood. "I'll see you back at the loft."
Vince moved quickly to the edge of the roof, pausing for a moment with his hand on the metal railing of the fire escape. He turned back toward the darkened windows of the apartment and smiled softly.
"Soon." He whispered a soft promise, before turning and slipping over the side of the building and into the night.