Chapter Eight
A figure occupied a jet black Mustang parked across the street from the bar, discreetly observing the detectives. With an intense gaze, he silently tracked their every move. The man, his icy eyes fixated on them, spoke in a frigid tone, cautioning, 'You would be wise to remember my words, Soifon.' Meanwhile, he observed a brown-haired man part ways with a woman, both making their way towards the very car housing his target. Maintaining his composure, he toyed with a lighter and a cigarette, eventually igniting the tobacco and inhaling deeply. Eventually, he turned to his companion, seated in the back of the car, who inquired, 'Shall we proceed with trailing?' To which he coolly responded, 'Not just yet.'
After Jay walk away, Erin emitted a sigh as his words reverberated in her mind. She shook her head and proceeded towards her car, where Soifon was patiently waiting beside it due to its locked status.
Erin's green eyes furrowed when she observed her friend's bruised face. It reminded her that before she discusses her feelings with Soifon, she should inquire about the truth behind the injury. Her thoughts meandered towards the possibility of someone other than her friends' alleged adopted parents being responsible for the bruise, especially considering their tendency to mistreat her whenever Soifon acted in a manner they disapproved of.
She surmised that their shared difficult childhoods brought them closer throughout the school year, particularly since Voight took in the brunette when she was fifteen. The only disparity between them was that Soifon lacked anyone else to provide shelter during that period.
The brunette expressed her apologies to her friend, stating, 'I apologize for making you wait.' In response, the raven-haired woman gave a nonchalant shrug, accompanied by a smile, and remarked, 'It is of no concern. I have no immediate plans, and waiting does not bother me.' Erin couldn't help but smile, appreciating her friend's willingness to wait.
After unlocking the car doors, Erin proceeded to take a seat in the driver's seat. Meanwhile, Soifon positioned herself in the passenger seat. Once Erin had properly placed the key in its designated location, she initiated the ignition of the car.
Upon starting the car, Erin departed from the pa Erinrking lot of the bar. 'Would you care for take out and subsequently accompany me to my abode?' inquired Erin as she made her way towards her residence. She was feeling famished and desired to obtain sustenance and partake in a meal prior to expressing her sentiments to the brunette, Soifon. 'I don't have any objections,' responded the younger woman, offering a smile. Neither of the women were aware that a black Mustang had begun to follow them.
Erin inquired, "Do you have any particular ideas?" She turned towards her friend, who responded with a smile and a shrug, "Honestly, I don't have any specific suggestions. We could simply opt for ordering pizza since it would be a quicker option." The raven-haired woman proposed. Erin nodded in agreement, "That sounds acceptable."
After reaching an agreement on the meal choice, Erin proceeded to drive in complete silence except for the gentle background music emanating from the radio.
After an extended journey, the duo has arrived at Erin's apartment, having acquired two boxes of pizza and some beverages along the way. Upon parking the vehicle, Erin disembarked and assisted Soifon in carrying the pizza boxes. 'Let us proceed indoors promptly, lest we succumb to the frigid weather,' uttered Erin. In response, Soifon chuckled softly and retorted, 'Rest assured, we shall not perish from the cold.'
Erin glanced at her closest companion and emitted a laugh in unison with her, reflecting on her friend's statement. 'Are you absolutely certain about that?' inquired the brunette, taking charge and guiding her dark-haired companion to her apartment situated on the third floor. 'Indeed, I am certain,' affirmed the younger woman, her amusement evident in her blue eyes. Erin couldn't help but feel her heartbeat quicken once more, even with Soifon's bruised face; the woman remained remarkably beautiful.
"Erin, are you in good health? Upon hearing Soifon's inquiry about her well-being, Erin responded with a smile and a nod. "Yes, my apologies for my absent-mindedness. I was simply preoccupied with some thoughts." She then proceeded to adjust her keys, unlocked the door, and graciously allowed Soifon to enter before her. Once they were both inside, she securely locked the door.
Soifon could not suppress her laughter as she observed her friend, the woman with raven-black hair, placing the pizza boxes onto the coffee table. She observed as Erin carefully set the bag of soda down and proceeded to the kitchen to fetch some plates and cups for their use.
Whilst Erin was occupied with retrieving plates and cups, Soifon elegantly strolled through the apartment, attentively examining several framed pictures adorning Erin's fireplace. Her cerulean eyes meticulously studied each image until they gently settled upon one particular photograph of incomparable significance.
Compelled by a rush of emotions, she instinctively reached for the frame, causing a faint moisture to appear in her eyes. As a flood of memories engulfed her, a subtle yet heartfelt smile manifested on her countenance, reminiscing about the moment captured in the photograph.
The photograph depicted two adolescent females mounted on horses, both approximately sixteen years old. They appeared to be leaning in towards each other, presumably attempting to capture a more favorable image of themselves together. Notably, both exuded radiating smiles on their countenances.
As thoughts traversed Soifon's mind, she effortlessly lowered the frame onto the fireplace. Oblivious to Erin's return from the kitchen, who now stood beside her, she contemplated the inquiries posed by the latter regarding her whereabouts and expressed concern about the injuries adorning her countenance.
Seeking mental clarity, she shook her head and resolved to disclose her recent experiences to Erin. In considering that sharing these intimate details with a trustworthy confidant like Erin might yield potential insights on how to handle the predicament involving Ace.
The woman with black hair felt a sense of fear as she considered informing Erin about Ace and his intentions. She was aware that by doing so, she would potentially jeopardize her friend's life. As memories of her older adopted sister, who had tragically lost her life a year ago, resurfaced, tears began to well up in her blue eyes. She clenched her hand tightly, recalling the identity of the person responsible for Julie's murder, as she contemplated the possible consequences of her actions.
Upon feeling a hand resting on her shoulder, Soifon turned her head. Erin, with a concern-laden tone, asked, 'Hey, Soifon, is everything okay?' Soifon's blue eyes met Erin's green ones as she let out a shaky breath. She walked away from the fireplace and took a seat on the couch, with Erin following suit. After a few minutes, Soifon began to speak, muttering, 'Yes, I'm alright, I think.' Her voice was muffled by her hands, but Erin was able to hear her.
Erin commenced the act of tenderly massaging her friend's back. 'In the event that something is troubling you, I am available to lend an ear,' she whispered. Upon hearing Soifon let out a sigh, Erin instinctively enveloped the other woman in her arms, allowing Soifon to lean into her embrace as she rested her head on Erin's chest. 'Hey, Soi, please rest assured and confide in me. What is troubling you? Is it in relation to the bruise on your face, or is it something else?' Erin inquired with a tone brimming with concern.
Erin sensed Soifon's gradual nodding. "Furthermore," the raven-haired woman murmured as she gently extracted herself from Erin's embrace. Soifon inhaled deeply before recounting the events of the previous night when she departed from Erin at Molly's. "You recall Ace, correct?" She inquired, although she was aware that Erin was indeed acquainted with Ace. Soifon felt Erin's hand tighten around hers. "It's nearly impossible to forget," the brunette responded with a distinct undertone of animosity towards the man.
Soifon found herself unable to suppress her laughter at Erin's comment, as she was aware of Erin's strong dislike for Ace based on certain reasons.
While Soifon commenced to disclose everything to Erin upon her departure that day, she recounted her whereabouts and experiences from the previous years, including the distressing episodes she endured during the time she was in Ace's company. A discernible ire reflected within Erin's emerald eyes as Soifon explained the acts of violence perpetrated against her by Ace and the multitude of ways he sought to inflict harm upon her.
'I deeply regret not heeding your warnings concerning him,' Soifon admitted remorsefully. 'Upon my return last year, he proved to be more malevolent than ever. Tragically, his intended target was me, but his misdirected assault claimed the life of my sister, Julie.' As memories of her late sibling resurfaced, Soifon paused to gather her emotions, taking a series of deep breaths.
Erin's facial expression tightened with a display of intense anger while her striking green eyes glowed with fury. Every minute piece of information Soifon disclosed about the events that had unfolded over the years evoked a visceral reaction within her. Her hand unconsciously formed into a tightly clenched fist upon learning that Julie had been killed by Ace. Gazing into the eyes of her close friend, she gently pressed for further details, stating, 'Please continue. I am here for you. Please enlighten me as to his motives or desires.'
Soifon couldn't help but sense a feeling of security in Erin's embrace, much like they did when they were younger," she confessed, her voice hushed. "I must admit, I have reservations about revealing this information to you, for if Ace discovers that anyone else is aware of his motives, not only will I be in peril, but he will go to great lengths to eliminate anyone who possesses that knowledge."
Whatever the matter may be, I am confident that we can handle it collectively. Once I ascertain his intentions, we can devise a plan to apprehend him," Erin murmured softly while gently caressing Soifon's back with her thumb. "I understand your concern, but I do not wish for you to be harmed on account of me. He poses a significant threat." Soifon whispered.
Erin adjusted their position on the couch and gently placed their hands on Soifon's face. 'I am not concerned about the danger; I am willing to do whatever it takes to ensure your safety. We can confront him together, Soifon,' the brunette vowed, gazing into Soifon's blue eyes. 'Now, please enlighten me on what his intentions are regarding you.' Soifon confirmed, blushing slightly as Erin continued to caress her face. 'At the moment, he has not disclosed his demands. Currently, he seems to be relishing the thrill of playing a game of cat and mouse. He warned that once he realizes you are aware of his involvement, he intends to target both you and me.'
"Rest assured, we will handle any situation that arises, and I assure you that until you have the opportunity to read it, we can discuss this matter with Hank. Please do not be concerned, Soifon, as I will not allow any harm to come to you." Erin then leaned in without uttering another word, placing her lips tenderly on the surprised Raven-haired woman's lips.