Chapter twelve
· Soifon and Erin's P.O.V*
Soifon strolled along the walking path with Erin, both wearing expressions of contentment, their hands intertwined. 'This is quite pleasant,' Erin murmured as they walked in unison. Soifon nodded in agreement and added, 'Let's savor this peaceful moment while we can. I have a premonition that a case will come our way soon.' This statement prompted Erin to playfully nudge Soifon's side with her elbow.
'Hush, Gray, don't tempt fate,' Erin hissed through clenched teeth.
Soifon couldn't refrain from laughter as she playfully nudged Erin backwards. 'Or what will you do in response?' inquired the woman with raven-black hair. Erin was about to reply to Soifon's query when the younger woman released her hand and swiftly began running, prompting the brunette to chase after her.
The brunette observed as the younger woman sprinted ahead, her mouth agape. Soifon glanced back at Erin and inquired, 'Why are you simply standing there?' The raven-haired woman wore a smirk on her pale face as she taunted, 'Are you hesitant to pursue me?' Soifon playfully jogged backwards while Erin shook her head to regain her focus and playfully glared at her partner. 'That was quite amusing,' she hissed, initiating her pursuit of Soifon. 'I will catch you and ensure that you swallow your words, my dear.'
Soifon turned around abruptly in order to flee from Erin, who was in pursuit of her. 'You need to be swifter than that, Lindsay,' she jeered, propelling herself forward by kicking her legs. 'Do not mock me, woman,' Erin retorted, increasing her speed to catch up with the woman who was just a short distance ahead. Both individuals were too engrossed in their playful banter to observe a figure in proximity to the vehicle, surreptitiously placing an object beneath the trunk.
Soifon swiftly retreated from her paramour, emitting subtle laughter. As she glanced back, she noticed Erin not too far behind. She felt a sense of relief for participating in track during her time in high school, as it likely prevented her capture at this moment. 'Do not let yourself become distracted, Gray, for I am in close pursuit,' Erin remarked, accompanied by a smug expression. This caused the dark-haired woman to playfully stick her tongue out at the brunette. 'You must still apprehend me,' she retorted, increasing her speed and abruptly veering left. This unexpected maneuver caused Erin to briefly lose control and grasp Soifon by her waist. Through gritted teeth, she hissed, 'I have caught you, my dear.' Soifon feigned surprise, gasping and exclaiming, 'Oh no!'
Soifon managed to free herself from her lover's embrace. 'You have deceived me,' she accused, a pout forming on her lips. Erin, still holding her securely, retorted with a smirk, 'Have I? In what manner?' Playfully placing kisses on Soifon's cheeks, the younger woman burst into laughter and playfully covered Erin's mouth with her hand, saying, 'Your arms are longer than mine.'
"Indeed? I must admit that I failed to observe such a situation," Erin responded with a slightly arrogant expression. She then moved Soifon's hand away from her mouth and proceeded to passionately kiss her on the lips. Soifon was initially inclined to engage in a verbal comeback, but decided against it and reciprocated the kiss, embracing Erin with her slender arms around her neck.
This intimate moment lasted for several minutes until their encounter was interrupted by the sound of Erin's phone ringing, prompting the two women to separate from each other.
Both individuals released audible sighs as Erin retrieved her mobile device to check the identity of the caller, while Soifon adjusted her clothing and silently communicated to Erin that they would resume their game of Chase at a later time. Erin acknowledged this with a smirk on her face. The brunette then distanced herself from her romantic partner in order to respond to Voight's incoming call. 'Hello?' she vocalized, ensuring that her voice carried enough volume for Soifon to overhear, in case Voight had a case or any important matter that required their attention.
Frowning upon hearing Voight's voice, Erin was addressed with a query about the speed at which she and Soifon could arrive. Voight's tone was both harsh and serious, implying the presence of a case or a potentially grave situation. Erin promptly responded, stating that they would be there in no more than ten minutes. As she glanced at her watch, Erin met Soifon's gaze, noticing the curiosity reflected in her penetrating blue eyes.
"Please expedite your arrival. We currently have a case that I would prefer to discuss in person," Voight responded abruptly and terminated the call before either Erin or Soifon could respond. The two women exchanged concerned glances but remained silent as they sprinted towards Erin's vehicle. Once seated and securely fastened, Erin swiftly exited the parking lot of the park.
· Cleo and Mike P.O.V*
Two individuals dressed in dark attire approached a dilapidated apartment building. A male voice expressed skepticism, questioning the possibility of a detective residing in such substandard housing. The speaker proceeded to use a lock pick to gain entry, although an alternative entry point, such as a window, was available but deemed risky due to the possibility of it being locked.
"We must proceed in a discreet manner, ensuring that our actions do not arouse any suspicions," a female voice murmured to her male companion, who was cautiously attempting to pick the lock of the door leading to Soifon's apartment.
"Yes, I am aware of that, Cleo," the male hissed as he skillfully used his hands. "Now, would you kindly refrain from making any noise and remain vigilant. Adriana and Clayton are currently engaged in a similar activity on the opposite side of town." He whispered softly. Cleo, the woman in question, responded with a disdainful snort and turned her head away from her sibling. "I fail to comprehend why I have been paired with an unpleasant individual such as yourself, Mike," she retorted, taking a moment to adjust her blonde hair that cascaded from her hood.
"Perhaps because you possess affection for me," Mike replied, employing a derogatory tone. "Now please, maintain silence until I successfully unlock this door," the man with dark blond hair ordered with authority.
With a disdainful snort, Cleo averted her gaze from Mike, engaged in the task of working on the door. The man, with his dirty blond hair and intense, dark blue eyes, murmured his thoughts while his sister stood by, ensuring his safety. Doubts clouded his mind as he pondered the wisdom of their actions. He had sought reassurance from his friend Brian, who had affirmed their decision.
"Is your task completed?" Cleo inquired, her tone becoming impatient as she turned her head to observe her brother who successfully opened the door. He responded, "Yes, now please cease your chatter and let us swiftly carry out this deed. I am not fond of this situation." With a muffled voice, he used his foot to push the door open and dutifully allowed his sister to enter before him. He then silently closed the door behind them. Cleo, expressing her understanding, stated, "I anticipated your aversion, as you possess a tender nature. However, Brian has pledged a generous sum in exchange for our assistance, so why not proceed promptly and secure our compensation?!" She fixed him with a piercing, chilly gaze of pale icy blue.
Observing his sister's ignorance with a derisive eye roll, he acknowledged that she had no understanding beyond her obsession with money. He expressed his concerns about the ethical ramifications, stating, 'It is morally incorrect, and I do not believe it to be righteous. What if an unfortunate incident befalls this individual?' The fair-haired man whispered softly while observing Cleo place a duffle bag on the table. In response, Cleo dismissively replied, 'Who cares? Certainly not me. Now cease your incessant arguments and proceed to install the cameras, similar to a sparrow squabbling in futility.' Impatiently, Cleo tossed two cameras in his direction, instructing him to 'Attend to the bitches' quarters and the living room, while I handle the kitchen and workplace.' With that, Cleo left her brother to arrange the surveillance equipment.
Mike released a sigh, cautiously hoping that no harmful activities were taking place. He proceeded to approach a fireplace adorned with hanging pictures, cat figurines, and a larger picture of two younger women. He discreetly placed the camera beneath one of the larger cat figurines, ensuring it remained out of Soifon's sight. With a saddened expression, Mike stole another glance at the picture. The woman he had been informed about appeared content, standing next to a light brown-haired girl who mirrored her smile. Brushing his fingers against the photograph, he whispered, 'I apologize,' before proceeding to the adjacent bedroom.
Mike, please hurry and set up the cameras. I have already finished setting up mine," Cleo's voice echoed from the kitchen. She sat in anticipation, sipping on a can of soda. Meanwhile, Mike entered Soifon's bedroom, which happened to be the most well-maintained area of the apartment. He approached the dresser, where there was a picture of Soifon with another woman named Erin. Mike swiftly placed the final camera beneath a horse statue adorned with a blue ribbon.
Cleo's voice interrupted again, urging him to finish quickly as they needed to leave. In response, Mike assured her that he was finished, exited the bedroom, and followed his sister out of the apartment, ensuring that the door was locked behind them.