They're splitting up.
After exchanging numbers Bree decides to take off solo, mentioning homeless shelters and other hiding spots that she knows the killer would go undetected in. Riley takes the hunting grounds and the college campus, leaving the two of them. "If Bree or I catch the scent of a vampire we do not recognize, we will let you know," he tells them before heading for the bus stop. "Where do we go?" she asks Demetri after inhaling deeply. The reality of the situation is slowly setting in and while she's not scared of Demetri, the fact that there is someone as strong and dangerous as him roaming the city with an intent to murder is beginning to scare her. A murderer who is hunting women who, while they do not look like her, are still her age and human.
Maybe coming to Seattle was a bad idea.
"You're scared," he says as he takes her hand while they drive down the road. The coolness of it brings her back to the present, acting like ice chips for her frazzled mind. Why does her fear always set in after she has resolutely made her decision? "I can always get you on the next flight to Boston, and I'll do it if you say the word." He's stopped the car near a quiet park and she allows herself to focus, squeezing his hand. Her mind feels like it is slowly spiraling out of control and she forces herself to observe what she is seeing and touching, reciting everything in her head.
"I don't want to go back, no," she says as she turns to him, "but I am scared, yes. It's just settling in that the person on these streets is just as indestructible as you are and unlike you, he's not killing for food or survival. He's killing for fun. He's taunting cops and slaughtering innocent women cause he feels like it and all these women are like me - human and young and innocent in all this." Demetri, however, looks angry. "I'm not going to let him touch you," he almost growls. "Of course I would prefer if you went back but if you choose to stay and help, he won't make it close enough to you without me ripping him apart limb from limb." His concern is both touching and scary but most of all, it reassures her because she knows he means it.
She's safe with him and as long as she does not do anything monumentally and colossally foolhardy, she will be fine. "I know," she murmurs as she buries herself in his coat, inhaling the heady scent that is unlike anything she's ever smelled. Must be a vampire thing. "Let's go, shall we? I did not ride through this anxiety attack to go home to Boston and not catch a vampire." The engine purrs as the car starts up again and they make their way down the street until Demetri slams the brakes, jostling her in her seat as they stop. "He's here right now."
He must have smelled him, and he turns the windows down more and takes a deep breath, eyes flitting around. "He's in that restaurant." She exits the car along with him, the duo walking to the maitré'd stand. "We would like a table for the two of us," he says smoothly to the host, who looks at the two of them and then turns his eye to the roster in front, tutting in disappointment. "Sorry, we don't have any available spots right now." Demetri's hand slightly tightens upon hers, and her brain scrambles for something they could try. An idea pops into her head. "It's our anniversary dinner," she says with a coy smile, sidling up closer to him, "and we'd really like it if you could try and help. Surely there could be a spot for two that you could find? He's flown in from London early and I don't want us to miss out on the Michelin menu here."
On cue, Demetri quickly slides the man what looks like a few hundred-dollar bills as he turns to kiss her. "I'm sure he'll find a way for us, love," he answers as they pull away, and she sort of forgets about the maitré'd until the latter clears his throat and they're ushered to a fairly private spot. "Quick thinking," Demetri murmurs appreciatively as he pulls the chair for her, making a show of settling her in, "he's got supernatural hearing, so let's keep the conversation on text." Giving him another quick kiss for show, they take their seats, quickly turning to their phones. "Work back home?" she says in a light, conversational manner as he picks up his phone, getting a smile in return. "Yes, love," he turns to the menu, her phone pinging shortly.
He's caught my scent, knows there's a vampire here.
Is he watching us?
He's watching you. I have a fair idea of what he thinks I have in mind for you.
Demetri wants her to play the ditz on a date part, she gets. Perfect. They quickly place their orders - the tasting menu for her, wine for him - and get back to playing their part, him rubbing circles on her palm. Sophia knows it's for show but it doesn't stop her body from responding the way it does, sparks running through her as he trains his gaze fully on her. The fact that they are on a stakeout makes this even more exciting, and her entire being is humming with anticipation and want. When this is over, all that she wants to do is go back to their hotel and just spend her time with him, doing anything and nothing. "What are you thinking about?" he asks and she just smiles, choosing to disclose her thoughts for the sake of the act. "What we're going to do after," she says, trying to do her best to put on a sultry voice, which she most definitely failed at, judging by the amused smile on his face.
Hey, I'm trying my best! She fires back in a text, getting her reply in the form of a chuckle.
I know - it's cute to watch you try. You're much more alluring without that, by the way.
It still boggles me that you're into me for me, you know. Truly, it does.
Make it up to you after? She's composing her reply when he shoots her another text. He's getting up to go somewhere - I'll follow. This time's kiss is just as short but a lot more passionate, and he heads off to in the direction of the restroom, following their suspect. She lets Bree know about the developments, who she is sure will let Riley know. A few minutes pass before Demetri returns to their table, the other gentleman nowhere in sight. "I know where he's going to be, but we can't move just right now," he tells her, taking his seat. "He's under the impression that I will be dealing with you first and joining him later. Besides, I have no absolute way of knowing if he's with a potential victim or not. If there is a human that he seems to be around for an extended period, that will most likely be the one. Till then, I suggest we stay here."
"Do you have something like a tracker on you?" she asks him as she reaches for her glass of water; the excitement of the event looming ahead is drying her mouth. Upon his questioning look, she elaborates further, "in case you need help. Do you have anything like a wire upon you, something I can use to safely monitor the situation?" Thankfully he doesn't scoff at the suggestion, rather seeming to mull it over. "I do," he replies, informing her of the few unused devices in his car. They discuss ways of proper concealment and once the meal is over, close the bill and head back to the car.
Now back in the vehicle, Demetri rifles through the small inconspicuous bag tucked away near the driver's seat, pulling out some equipment and a laptop. Once the device is set up, he taps the password into her phone's notes and begins unbuttoning his shirt, carefully tucking the device away from view. Once he's satisfied with the placement, they set up the remaining software on the laptop, checking for possible feedback and other issues and relocating their car to a parking structure.
Now, to wait.
Compared to last time, she isn't so worried about what lies ahead. Maybe it's the fact that she doesn't have to be bait again or the fact that Demetri most likely outmatches his opponent, but she's not that worried about the outcome. He's going to end this and things will go back to normal for them. Well, as normal as it can get now that she has a vampire boyfriend who also works for the vampire mafia. She'd like to visit his home sometime, but that is all contingent upon his employers. Let's not think too far. As of now, her only concern should be stopping this murderer. They sit in silence for hours when Demetri starts out of his seat; night has long set over Seattle, and it's around the timeframe when the killer starts to prowl for victims. "I'm heading out," he tells her, and she puts on her headphones, testing the mics one last time before she gives him a heads up. "Stay safe."
"I will," she replies, rolling up the windows and locking the car doors for further affirmation. The keys are in the ignition, and she keeps the air circulation on while listening in via the headphones. It's street sounds and chatter for the most part right now, and it is a while before the sounds die down and quiet takes their place. "Hello," she hears him speak, but she's pretty sure he's not talking to her. A voice on the end confirms that. "Where's your pretty little thing?" the latter asks, man - the killer, she registers.
"At the hotel. I figured I have some fun here before finishing off with her." It's quite fascinating, how cool and aloof he keeps his voice. There's no trace of any emotion that could convey otherwise. To be frank, the way he says it disgusts her and that fascinates her further, just how well he can put on a show. There are other implications to this discovery that she doesn't want to dwell on, and Sophia pushes the thoughts aside and focuses on the situation at hand. They exchange idle chatter about the woman with them (a young, college girl, she hears), the killer speaking about her with utter callousness, interrupting himself to soothe her drunk self and tell her how she's safe. And then she hears a whoosh and the faint sound of something hitting the ground. Demetri probably pushed the girl aside.
She can't hear much in the middle, just the sound of what sounds like stone against stone cracking as they possibly fight. "Are you seriously denying me dinner?" the killer asks mock-indignantly, and she hears the sound of fighting again. "You are simply too big a risk of exposure, and it seems like you enjoy the attention from humans," Demetri punctuates the sentence with a loud thud, possibly throwing the man back, she guesses? She knows in her gut that Demetri doesn't really care if the girl lives as long as he destroys the vampire, and she just knows that girl won't make it alive if she doesn't intervene. So she revs the engine, peeling out of the parking structure as she follows the GPS directions of the wire.
Here goes nothing.