-chapter 3-
Nichols was utterly stupefied. He was used to Michael doing things out if the blue without telling him anything. He was used to his being unpredictable. But mike wasn't the kind to just get in a random car with some random butler man and go. But that's exactly what he just did. He seem to have been momentarily confused by the police sirens, that's when his phone rang. He glanced at it and his expression went serious as he got in the sedan and motioned him to get in. As soon as Nichols got in, the butler floored it. They seemed to be running from something. The man in the drivers seat hit a button on the dashboard and small television screens slid into view from somewhere beside the front seats. The screens were black, but typing began to appear:
I am V. Forgive me for pulling you from your apartment but it was necessary to keep you both alive. The crime syndicate named Black Sun is after you. You dug too deep into their past and they didn't like it. You will be taken by Stein to an safe house. But the location must remain hidden.
The butler reached into the glove box and pulled out two pairs of what looked like wrap around shades.
"Put these on."
Michael hesitated, obviously having the same thoughts as Nichols. 'What if this is a trap?' He thought.
"Now."
Michael put the sunglasses on and so did he. Everything was pitch black for the next 10 minutes. Nichols could feel them going up hills and back down. Until finally they stopped. He heard the whirr of a machine and they were going down again. Not a hill, he thought, straight down, underground.

Michael had the impression the safe house was underground. It was the safest place.
"You may take the glasses off now," said the butler, whom V called Stein. He removed them and the artificial light blinded him momentarily. When the light dimmed he looked at his surroundings. The car had landed in front of an underground mansion. They had been placed in what seemed a garage. Expensive cars lined the back wall: Rolls Royce, Austin Martin, Mercedes, the works. They stepped out of the car and walked towards a pair of sliding glass doors. The specialized rubber tire flooring of the garage changed to porcelain tiles under his feet and the ceiling angled upwards to a smooth rock surface from which hung a massive chandelier with a shower of crystals. He looked to the double helix of stairs that led to a balconied walkway with red oak doors, bedrooms. He count 11. He brought his eyes back down to the bottom floor. In the middle of the floor there was a long, also red oak, dinner table. It was empty except for a sleek black laptop. Possibly a PC, though it was unmarked. A few feet from the table was a pair of oak doors. Kitchen. Beside the kitchen were two other bed room doors, Both with high security. Retinal and palm print scanner duo. Wonder what V's hiding there. Just then a thought occurred to him. V himself is most likely here. The top security doors. A computer room? Why have two computer rooms... Unless one was actually a bedroom. V's bedroom. Stein gestured them to the laptop on the table and Michael walked over to it. He pressed a small button on the side and the screen slowly swung open. The screen was black but he expect it to be. Soon familiar green letters appeared on the screen.

As you may know by now, the crime syndicate commonly know as the Black Sun is after both of you. Mr. Noire, you have been researching cold cases you believe are connected to the Black Sun. You are correct. And that is why they look to eliminate you and your partner. I have brought you here to keep you and Mr. Nichols safe until the eminent threat has been dissipated. This may take time. The syndicate will be on the search for your whereabouts and possibly contact any family you may have.

Michael wasn't worried about his family. His single living family member most definitely didn't need help. As He pushed those thoughts out of his mind he heard Nichols swallow hard.

Mr. Nichols. I recall you having a sister, Amy. I have very trust worthy operatives guarding her. I assure you she will not be harmed.

Nichols gave a sigh of relief.

For now, accommodations have been made for each of you. The two top left rooms have been made. If anything is needed, there is a red button by the bed, press it and either Stein or Ainsley, you will meet her in the morning, will assist you. Stein, please show them to their rooms.

Stein closed the laptop, "follow me, Sir." They followed him up the left side of the helix to a pair of doors of the same red oak. "Here are your rooms. As master V said, press the red button if any of you need anything. Good night, Sir." And with that he left. Nichols shrugged and entered his room. So did Michael. As he entered, he noticed the soft smell of roses and sweet rain. The room had a queen size bed with red silk sheets, though it was meant for one person, because there was only one night stand. Red oak, English style. It had one drawer with, like a hotel, a holy bible. A set of drawers stood on the other side of the room. Inside were clothes similar to his, and also his size. He wandered to the bed and took off his jacket, but didn't bother to change. Michael slumped on the bed and sighed.
'There goes my case...'