Chapter Eleven
Erin's P.O.V*
It has been three hours since Erin arrived at work to perform desk work, as there hasn't been another case assigned yet. Surprisingly, she doesn't mind the absence of cases, as she appreciates the tranquility and peacefulness. She briefly shifts her gaze towards Soifon, who also appears to be engrossed in her own tasks.
As her lover sensed someone staring at her, Soifon turned her gaze towards Erin and expressed her confusion. 'Is there something on my face?' inquired the younger woman with a smile. Erin reciprocated the gesture and replied in a playful manner, 'No, I am simply appreciating the sight.' Soifon chuckled and playfully teased, 'You are quite peculiar.' Erin winked at Soifon and retorted, 'I am not peculiar; I merely find pleasure in observing you, and I am currently feeling bored.' With that, she redirected her attention to her computer.
"We should consider going out for lunch since it is nearly noon. Our workload is currently light, and I am confident that Voight will not object as he has both of our contact numbers. Soifon expressed this with a gentle smile while leaning comfortably in her seat. Erin agreed, acknowledging that they could go ahead since there were no pending tasks. She stood up to inform Voight that both she and Soifon would be leaving for lunch ahead of schedule.
Upon entering her foster father's office, Erin was greeted by Voight, who looked up from his work and asked, 'Is there anything you need, Erin?' Once she had grabbed his attention, she took a seat in one of the chairs in front of his desk. 'I just wanted to inform you that Soifon and I will be going out for an early lunch, as there are no pending tasks or ongoing cases,' she explained. Observing as Voight leaned back in his seat, he agreed with a nod. 'Alright,' he said. 'So, are you and her officially a couple now, or is your relationship still unsettled?' This question caused Erin to blush. 'We are together, but we would prefer to keep it private for now,' the brunette answered.
Voight indicated his understanding by nodding. "I do not have any objections to it, as long as both of you are content. That is all that matters." His expression became more serious as he focused on Erin's green eyes.
"However, as I mentioned to both Antonio and Ashley, it is essential that you maintain a professional demeanor while at work." Erin couldn't help but smile and nod in agreement. "You do not have to worry about that," she assured him as she stood up.
"If anything comes up, feel free to call us, and we will respond immediately." Erin then exited the office and made her way to her partner, who appeared to have just completed her tasks.
Upon departing from her foster father's office, she approached Soifon's desk, who appeared prepared and completed with her tasks. 'So, what is the proposed course of action?' inquired the woman with dark hair. 'We may now proceed to have lunch, and Voight shall notify us in the event of any unforeseen developments, affording us ample time in the interim,' Erin replied as she retrieved her jacket and donned it. 'Why don't we acquire some food and partake of it at the park?' proposed Soifon.
Erin agreed with a smile, expressing her approval. She took the lead in exiting the bullpen. 'May I inquire where you would prefer to have a meal?' Erin asked as both women descended the stairs. 'Perhaps we could consider visiting Subway for a faster dining experience, which would also allow us some leisure time for a stroll in the park before our return,' Soifon suggested, wearing a smile on her face.
Erin expressed her preference for Subway, stating that it was the desired option. She then proceeded to unlock the car and ensured that both individuals were seated and secured with their seat belts. Erin mentioned that there should be a Subway in close proximity to a park, making it more convenient. Once both women were settled in the car and their seat belts fastened, Erin drove out of the headquarters parking lot.
· Brian's P.O.V*
In an adjacent vehicle, Brian commenced capturing photographs of Soifon and Erin as they exited the headquarters. Subsequently observing the two women embarking into Erin's automobile and departing, he proceeded to tail them, ensuring to maintain a respectable distance in order to avoid arousing suspicion.
Whilst pursuing the targets, Brian's mobile phone began to ring. Brian promptly answered the call, placing the phone against his ear. He greeted the caller with a formal "Hello?" and maintained his focus on Erin's vehicle.
"How is it progressing?" inquired Ace on the other end of the phone. The response came from the man with long hair, stating that he had obtained a few pictures and was currently tailing the individuals to their destination. Ace expressed satisfaction, informing him to meet at the hideout later that night, as Jack had already agreed to the plan and they were now working on convincing Thomas. Brian acknowledged this and offered his assistance, suggesting the possibility of placing a tracker on the brown-haired woman's car or planting bugs in their respective apartments.
Brian anxiously awaited Ace's response as he followed the two women. 'Please proceed, but ensure that you do not lose sight of them. Hire individuals to discreetly install cameras in their respective apartments, ensuring the cameras are hidden from their sight. Soifon and Erin possess intelligence,' Ace advised. Brian's anticipation grew as he listened obediently to Ace's instructions. 'That plan sounds favorable. I can assign Mike and his sister to carry out the task,' Brian suggested, bringing the car to a halt as Erin entered a subway.
'Excellent. Contact me once the task is completed and remember to offer them a substantial remuneration to secure their silence,' Ace commanded. 'Understood. I will be in touch,' Brian assured, concluding the conversation.
· Ace and Jack's P.O.V*
After ending the call with Brian, Ace arrived at a club parking lot where Thomas happened to be present. 'Let us engage in a conversation with Thomas and seek his assistance,' stated the man with dark hair, skillfully maneuvering the car into a designated space and bringing it to a halt.
Ace and Jack entered the club, with Ace taking the lead towards a booth located in the furthest section. A woman approached the two gentlemen and inquired if she could be of any assistance, her voice carrying a husky tone. She placed her hand on top of Ace's arm, but he promptly brushed her off with a rough gesture.
'Depart from our presence,' he coldly commanded, proceeding to walk past the woman with Jack right beside him. The blond companion then offered the young woman a charming smile and expressed his regret, indicating that they had important matters to attend to. Perhaps they could connect on a future occasion.
Ace disregarded Jack's pleasing compliments towards the lady who departed from their presence. It didn't take the duo much time to reach the secluded booth where they found a man adorned with curly brown hair and light green eyes, cigarette in hand.
Upon hearing approaching footsteps, the man with brown hair raised his gaze and displayed a smirk upon recognizing Ace and Jack. With a rough voice, he made a remark before taking a drag of his cigarette, 'Ah, if it isn't Ace and Jack.' Subsequently, he inquired, 'How may I be of assistance to you?' Leaning in his booth, he was accompanied by two women who were embracing his torso.
Ace inquired, observing the man with brown hair, 'Thomas, would it be possible for us to relocate to a more secluded location? The matter at hand is quite significant, and I would prefer to ensure that there are no eavesdroppers.' In response, the man with dark hair stared menacingly at the two women who were affectionately attached to Thomas. 'Certainly,' he retorted, 'why don't you ladies occupy yourselves while my companions and I adjourn to my office? We can resume our discussion once I have concluded my business.' With that, he compelled the two women to depart.
Once the women departed, Thomas rose from his seat and guided Ace and Jack to his office. 'Please follow me,' he instructed, and Ace and Jack obediently trailed behind the man with brown hair. 'So, how may I be of assistance?' he inquired. 'Well, do you remember my ex?' Ace queried as they entered a room Thomas had directed them to. 'You mean Soifon? Oh dear, what has she done this time?' Thomas asked as he moved towards his chair and settled down. Ace proceeded to explain his intricate game of cat and mouse. 'So, you are engaging with her? And this other woman who appears to be her lover?' Thomas remarked.
Ace nodded and said, "Yes, Erin is aware of this fact, which is why she is also being targeted. I have come here to see if you would be interested in assisting. Brian has already taken action by involving two of his friends to install cameras in their apartment." Ace explained as he looked into Thomas' green eyes, a smirk appearing on his face. Thomas agreed, "I don't mind helping, it will be an enjoyable endeavor. I have been idle for quite some time." Ace nodded with a smirk and said, "Very well, let us depart." He then proceeded to leave the room, with Jack and Thomas following closely behind.
· Soifon's P.O.V*
It did not take long for Soifon and Erin to arrive at the park after acquiring their lunch. Currently, they are seated, savoring their sandwiches and being refreshed by the pleasant breeze.
The two individuals were engaged in a conversation reminiscing about preceding events, specifically referring to the initial encounters with Hank and Camille.
Erin amusingly remarked, 'I recall that it took you quite some time to become comfortable with Hank and Camille during your initial visits.' In response, Soifon playfully stuck out her tongue at her partner. 'However,' Erin continued, 'once you emerged from your introverted disposition, you became more outgoing. Eventually, both of us participated in a prank directed towards Justin.'
Soifon chuckled at Erin, stating, 'I must admit, it was indeed your suggestion, but I willingly participated.' Taking a chip and biting into it, she continued, 'Furthermore, you did not make any effort to dissuade me.' Erin objected, 'I suppose we are both to blame, but the outcome, especially Justin's reaction, made it worthwhile.' Soifon concurred with a smile.
Once the women had completed their meal, they stood up and disposed of their refuse. 'Are you prepared to go for a walk?' Soifon inquired. The older woman responded with a smile, grasping her hand. 'Indeed, I am prepared,' she affirmed. Together, they commenced their stroll along the designated pedestrian pathway, hand in hand.
( Please read and review and let me what you think will happen next?)