Resident Evil: Tangled Web
By: PhantasmBabeIvory
Chapter Five
Even after their coffee mugs were empty, Claire and Elliott remained in the booth for another hour. They talked at length about topics ranging from favorite movies to childhood hijinks. It wasn't until they were walking outside that she became uncomfortably aware just how dark it was. She now didn't relish returning to the office at this time of day. Even though she still had her phone with her, the thought of venturing alone to a dimly-lit building didn't sit well with her.
After a second or two, she had a burst of inspiration and turned to look at him. She could easily kill two birds with one stone. "How'd you like to come with me to see if there's a reply? If there is, you'd know right away if it's a dish you could prepare." She realized after the words left her that it was risky to invite someone she barely knew. However, she knew the building and its layout quite well. It would be easy to break away from him on the off chance he tried something.
Elliott's eyes conveyed his surprise. Claire guessed he hadn't expected her to extend the offer. "Um, sure. How far away is it?"
"About two to three miles. If that's not a problem, I can guide you there."
He agreed and turned to regard the parking lot. "Which car is yours?"
"Bike, actually," Claire corrected. She led him towards a shiny Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R with a pink finish and blue lightning bolts decorating the front plating. She asked him where his car was so she could wheel it over.
He walked with her over to his own vehicle after she disengaged the kickstand. "It's funny," he commented. "You didn't strike me as someone who liked living on the edge."
She grinned. "Just one contradiction that makes me interesting," she joked. "It's not my only vehicle though. I typically use my car for driving to and from work."
He gestured to a gray Toyota Camry they were approaching. "Here we are."
It didn't take very long for the two of them to drive to the Terra Save office. She was unlocking the door to the building in no time. She felt another wave of unease as they entered the darkened interior, but reminded herself of Elliott's reaction to brush it off.
Claire was relieved to find a reply sitting on the fax machine. Even better, approval had been given for a pan-seared filet mignon with red wine sauce. She relayed the info to Elliott and he responded with a smile that he could be able to cook that up with no problem. "You don't have to worry about paying me," he said without being asked. "I'm happy to help out."
"Thank you. You are a lifesaver!" Feeling as though a weight had been lifted, she added, "If there's ever anything I can do to return the favor, don't hesitate to ask."
"Don't mention it. I enjoy spending time with you." Claire was unsure how to respond to that. He thankfully spared her any awkwardness by clearing his throat and saying, "Well, it's getting late. Shall we?"
She agreed. Once they were back at the front door, she panned the parking lot before opening it. There were no other vehicles in sight. After locking up behind them, she turned to look at him with a smile. "I don't have the venue address on me right now, but I could call you tomorrow. Is that okay?"
"Absolutely. I look forward to seeing you again."
She blushed. "Mutual. Thank you again. For everything."
He merely nodded. The two of them walked back to their respective vehicles in silence. It wasn't long before they were on their way, each headed in a different direction.
Claire was very much reassured once she was back in her apartment with the door bolted. She had made it through an entire day with no incidents. She replenished Tyrant's food and water. Her cat came running at the clatter of the food falling into the dish. He began munching heartily as soon as the bag was out of the way. She lovingly stroked his head for several seconds before moving over to her desk.
There were no more unordinary emails awaiting her when she checked. She decided that she wasn't going to waste her time worrying about it since nothing had happened today.
Sighing, she reached for the printout. Once she had it in hand, she hesitated, having second thoughts. At last, she said aloud, "Whoever you are, you're done making me paranoid." Before she could change her mind, she dropped it into the shredder.
Nevertheless, the issue was invading her thoughts when she was trying to get to sleep. To put herself at ease, she resolved to take it more seriously only if a second email from the same sender found its way to her. After all, if someone was really trying to warn her, it was unlikely they'd resort to just one message.
Thankfully, there was no further correspondence from RogueChild within the next 24 hours. When another day passed with no signs of danger or life-threatening emergencies, Claire was quite relieved. She was able to sleep easier that particular evening.
She didn't get up until 9am on the day of the fundraiser. Showering and having breakfast didn't take long. Around 10:30, she went out to return the movie rentals and to buy a bag of cat litter.
Upon returning to her apartment, Claire took some time to play with Tyrant and then to read a few more chapters in Dean Koontz's latest novel. Come 2pm, she had completed all necessary chores. Everything was in order for her to depart for the rest of the day. At the front door, she knelt down to scratch behind Tyrant's left ear. "Hold down the fort, sweetie," she said lightly. "I'll be back before you know it."
The next place she went to was to a salon. She had previously made the appointment just for a simple shampoo and manicure, but she asked to have her hair styled as well. The stylist agreed only because her next appointment had canceled on her. By the time she exited, Claire's long red locks had been curled into ringlets. She hoped it would not only impress Elliott but the visiting CEO as well.
She arrived at the banquet hall almost two hours ahead of schedule. The first thing she did was change into the light blue, modestly cut gown she'd packed in a garment bag. The second was to check in with the catering staff and make sure that the ingredients for Excella's meal were accounted for.
She and the other staff members from Terra Save were arranging the floral centerpieces on each table when Elliott shyly walked in. She thanked God that her gossipy co-worker Amy was on vacation for the weekend. Claire met his gaze from across the room, giving him a warm reassuring smile. They came face to face in the middle of the hall. "You look beautiful," he said.
She blushed. "Thank you. Hope you didn't have any trouble finding the address."
He smirked. "That's what Mapquest is for." He looked around, taking in the rustic decor. "Pretty nice place for being out in the middle of nowhere."
"That it is. My company's hosted several events here over the years. I've always found something very inviting about this place."
Elliott nodded, then asked if she could show him where he'd be working. Claire led him to the stove in one corner of the kitchen. She'd informed the caterers of the change of plans. She'd chosen this spot so that Elliott wouldn't get in their way, and vice versa. Before leaving him to it, she stepped closer and whispered, "We'll get a chance to talk more later."
Claire swore that she was on pins and needles for the next half hour pending Excella's arrival. After the majority of the guests had entered and been seated, the CEO stepped through the front doors. Claire blinked upon setting eyes on Excella, gaining a new understanding of the latter's narcissism. Excella was dressed in an expensive looking sparking silver evening gown that was showing quite a bit of cleavage. The CEO could easily pass for a fashion model with her statuesque figure and the arrogant vibe she was putting off.
Claire stepped forward, reminding herself to be civil. "Miss Gionne," she said. "Glad you could make it. I'm Claire Redfield, the office supervisor for Terra Save."
Excella, unsmiling, gave a curt nod. The tone she used when she answered in a thick Italian accent made Claire want to punch her. "I'm well aware of who you are, Miss Redfield. You've made quite a name for yourself. I look forward to seeing if you live up to the hype."
Claire let out a breath to calm herself. Her gaze darted to the two people behind Excella. She guessed the man and woman in more casual attire had to be the CEO's bodyguards. Each of them were wearing leather jackets that may or may not be concealing weapons.
Since Excella didn't seem inclined to introduce either of her guards, Claire took the initiative. She addressed the two of them when she spoke next. "I don't foresee any problem this evening. I trust the two of you won't do anything unnecessary that will scare the rest of the guests."
The man, tall and muscular with unkempt red hair and a steely gaze, merely nodded. The brunette woman smiled faintly and said, "You don't need to worry about that."
Claire wasn't entirely reassured, but she said nothing. She was shortly escorting Excella into the dining room to show the CEO to her seat. Both of the guards would be watching from the front hall with the promise that they would stay largely out of sight.
The next two hours passed with little fanfare. Claire made a formal speech before the platters were brought out thanking everyone for their support. During the meal, she periodically threw glances towards Excella. It was impossible to tell if the CEO was enjoying her specially made meal. For the most part, Excella just plain looked bored.
Claire found an opportunity to duck out the back door as the banquet was winding down, anxious for some fresh air. "Why did she even bother coming here?" Claire said under her breath. She wrapped her shawl further around her shoulders to ward off the cold. Hearing the door open behind her, she turned to see Elliott stepping out.
"Hey," he said. "You okay?"
"I am. But I'm sorry our CEO isn't acting more appreciative. People who behave like that have always irritated me."
He smirked. "There's no pleasing everybody. I'm not going to let it bother me. It's not like we're going to be seeing her on a daily basis." He shifted his weight. "I just wish I had the opportunity to cook something for you."
That made her smile. "All in due time, Elliott. Thank you for helping out this evening."
"No problem."
Claire shuddered slightly from the chill in the air. Noticing this, he suggested they go back in. The banquet hall was nearly empty by this point. The few remaining Terra Save staff members and the caterers were cleaning up. She excused herself from Elliott, stating that she was going to change into a different set of clothes.
She had just tucked the dress back in its garment bag when she heard the restroom door open. Claire didn't think much of it and quickly got redressed in her street clothes before exiting the stall. She wasn't expecting to see the CEO's female bodyguard washing her hands. Claire hesitated upon seeing the other woman, then said, "I didn't think Excella was still here."
The bodyguard looked up, meeting Claire's eyes via the mirror. "She's not, actually. She left several minutes ago along with my partner." The brunette turned off the sink, turning to look at Claire when the redhead stepped up beside her. "Allow me to congratulate you on her behalf. I know Excella's too stuck up to say so herself. She may pay me, but just between you and me, she can be a real bitch to work for."
Claire set the garment bag and her purse on the counter. "Thank you. I think." She turned on the sink in front of her, reaching for the soap dispenser. She was soon given the impression that the brunette was very much the chatty type. The latter was probably being more talkative only because her boss wasn't around.
"You're welcome. And might I say, I love the lipstick you're wearing. What shade is that?"
That question totally threw Claire. She never typically paid attention to makeup labels. "I'm not sure. But it's in my purse. Give me a few seconds."
Claire took the time to wash and then dry her hands before digging through the purse. She found the lipstick tube in no time, turning the label side up.
The brunette leaned in to look. "Softsilver red from Revlon," she read aloud. "Not an easy one to remember."
Claire was feeling generous. "I could write it down for you."
The brunette looked at her with wide delighted eyes. "Really? Thanks!"
Claire chuckled. Finding a notepad and pen was more difficult. Claire had to remove several objects from her purse to get at them. She copied the lipstick name down quickly, handing the sheet of paper to her companion. "So, fashionista and a bodyguard, huh?"
The brunette cocked her head to one side. "There's no reason why one can't look good and kick ass." She extended her hand. "My name's Jessica, by the way."
"Nice to meet you," Claire said, shaking Jessica's hand. She reminded herself that Elliott was waiting or she could easily have kept talking with the brunette. She explained as much to Jessica and the latter simply nodded in response.
"Take care," Jessica said. "And, given how closely my company is affiliated with yours, maybe we'll see each other again someday."
Claire smiled at that. In seconds, she was walking back into the banquet hall. When she saw Elliott sitting at one of the tables with a half-empty bottle of red wine and two empty glasses, she had to laugh. Stepping closer, she said, "This seems a little presumptuous of you."
"Maybe so," he said. "But it seemed a shame to let it go to waste." He poured some of the wine into his glass, then raised it. "A toast to the fact that the evening went smoothly like you wanted."
Claire shrugged, walking over and seating herself across from him. She poured a glass as well. "Why not? But the hall's only been booked for five hours. I imagine the owners will be kicking us out soon."
He nodded. "Then let's make the most of it." He clinked his glass against hers, and they both took sips. When he set down his glass, he tentatively reached for her hand. He looked relieved when she didn't pull away as his fingers brushed hers. "Allow me to make another toast. To many more evenings spent enjoying each other's company."
"I think I'd like that."
As Claire had predicted, she and Elliott were only given several minutes to sit and relax. However, they did make a plan to talk a bit more outside. They poured the remainder of the wine in their glasses down the kitchen drain before exiting the building, taking the bottle with them.
Claire thanked her staff for a job well done and wished them each a safe drive home. She said she'd see the majority of them on Monday. After setting her belongings in her car, she went to sit on the steps in front of the entrance next to Elliott. When he asked, she said that her flannel jacket was doing better at keeping her warm than the shawl.
He then asked if it was okay if he smoked. Claire hesitantly said she didn't mind. Even though she had seen him smoking when they first met, she had thought that it was just a one-time thing. She guessed he had been making an effort not to during their subsequent encounters.
Elliott took a long drag on the cigarette after lighting up. "Bad habit, I know. I've been trying to quit," he said offhandedly. He turned his head away while he exhaled, then focused back on her. "I don't think I've asked what your favorite food is."
"Pasta. Angel hair or penne with Alfredo, specifically. You?"
"Either seafood or Italian, or both. I've developed quite a fondness for lobster pizza. Ever tried it?"
"Can't say that I have."
Elliott grinned. "Then you have to let me treat you sometime."
She nodded with a warm smile, then snapped alert when a car pulled up alongside the steps with the window rolled down. It was Garrett, one of the banquet hall's owners. "I'm getting ready to head out," Garrett called out to them. "Will you two be okay on your own?"
"We'll be fine. Thanks," Claire answered. "We won't be much longer."
Garrett accepted that, rolling up the window as he drove off. She sighed as she saw the vehicle disappear around the corner. Turning to Elliott, she said, "Maybe that's our cue to leave. It's been a long day."
"True," Elliott agreed, checking his watch. "I promised my sister Katherine I'd come over early tomorrow to babysit Henry."
"That's a nice name. Your nephew, I presume?"
"No, Henry would be her husband." Claire looked at him with a start. Elliott's cheeky expression told her he was kidding.
Though she swatted at his arm, she said, "I guess I did walk into that one." She stood up, stretching to work out the kinks in her back. "How old is Henry by the way?"
"He'll be three next month. Who knows, maybe you can help me pick out a gift for him." Elliott walked over to a nearby granite trash can and carefully ground out the cigarette against the side of it.
At the same time, Claire was moving towards her car, wishing him a good night as she did so. She liked that they were making plans, but wasn't sure how she felt about the smoking. She hoped it was a habit that he would successfully break.
Claire was the first one to turn out of the lot. She was entertaining thoughts of soaking in a tub with vanilla flavored bath salts when she got home. She hadn't driven far before she saw someone standing on the side of the road, looking like they were trying to flag her down.
Claire eased the car to a stop, beyond curious when her headlights illuminated a familiar face. She hit the switch to lower the window, partially leaning out. "Jessica? I thought you'd be gone by now."
The brunette bodyguard stepped closer before answering. Looking embarrassed, she said, "I would be, but my car up and died on me! I called AAA, but they said it could be up to three hours! Any chance you could help me out?"
Claire nodded without hesitation, shutting off her engine and undoing her belt. As she exited the car, she wondered why Garrett hadn't stopped. There was only one direction to turn away from the banquet hall, so he had to have driven by.
Claire soon shrugged it off, reasoning that Jessica might still have been trying to get ahold of roadside assistance when Garrett passed her. The brunette was opening the car door to pop the hood when she stopped, looking at something behind Claire with wide eyes.
Claire turned to see Elliott's car coming to a halt some yards away. "It's okay," she said to Jessica. "He's a friend. Maybe he could help."
Jessica smirked. "Wow, two saviors for the price of one! Lucky me!" While Claire was filling Elliott in, the brunette opened the hood and secured it. Jessica's cell rang seconds later, and the brunette looked down at it in annoyance but still answered it.
Claire half listened to Jessica say, "Yeah? Don't start with me, Ray!" Realizing it was too dark to see, Claire went to grab a flashlight from her glove department, tuning out the sound of Jessica's voice as she did so. She was soon standing next to Elliott examining the engine. Claire was skilled enough in mechanics to identify basic problems, but nothing obvious was standing out.
Claire sighed. She didn't want to leave Jessica alone, but she also didn't want to linger here much longer than she had to. She looked at Elliott. "See anything?"
He shook his head. "Any ideas?"
Claire set her purse on the edge of the hood. "The owner couldn't have gotten far. Maybe he'd know someone who can get here quicker than AAA." She paused, puzzled when she didn't immediately spot her phone. She shone the flashlight into her purse, growing more anxious when she still didn't see her cell's familiar shape.
Jessica stepped back into view, apparently done with her call. "What's the verdict?" Jessica asked.
Claire told herself to play it cool though her fear was spiking. "Wish I could tell you." Claire paused. "Maybe you should try starting it again. See if the engine turns over."
Elliott unwittingly offered another helpful suggestion. "Or it could be the battery. I have some jumper cables in my car we could hook up first."
Jessica was silent for so long that Elliott interpreted it as consent. He turned away, starting for his vehicle.
Jessica shook her head, an annoyed expression coming to her face. "So much for keeping this simple."
Had Claire not been on edge, she wouldn't have reacted as quickly as she did when Jessica's hand inched towards the waistband of her jeans. Claire grabbed hold of the brunette's wrist, simultaneously twisting the latter around to get her in a chokehold.
Jessica ducked to avoid Claire's grip. The brunette then twisted back so she was facing Claire, one hand curled into a claw-like shape.
Claire had to release Jessica and dart backwards to avoid the palm-strike aimed at her face. The brunette was, fortunately, thrown off balance as a result. Claire seized the opportunity to grab hold of the firearm that Jessica had been going for.
Elliott had to be pretty shocked when he realized Claire had a 9mm Browning to Jessica's head. The whole altercation had taken mere seconds, after all. Claire backed up a step, stilling her breath. "Elliott," Claire said aloud. "Get in your car, and start driving!"
Jessica held her hands up in what appeared to be a defensive gesture. The smug smile on her face got under Claire's skin like nothing else. Too late, Claire heard the sound of a second gun being cocked behind her. The redhead shifted her stance to keep Jessica in sight while also looking at Elliott.
Claire cursed under her breath when she saw Jessica's fellow bodyguard, the steely-eyed man, was still present. And with a Glock pistol aimed at Elliott to boot. The message was pretty clear, but the unnamed man stated the obvious anyway. "Drop it," he said to Claire.
Claire loosened her grip on the Browning, allowing Jessica to take it back. The brunette looked towards her partner for a second. "Thank you, Raymond," Jessica said.
Poor Elliott had to be beyond confused. Claire pitied him in spite of being scared to death. "Please," Elliott said. "If it's money you people want, you can have it. Just let us go."
Jessica cocked her head to one side. "Given that Ray and I were contracted to grab Miss Redfield, letting her go would defeat the purpose. Sorry to tell you that you've just become collateral damage, sweetie. Assuming that's what the boss determines." Jessica pulled out her phone, averting her gaze only long enough to punch in a number. Whoever she was calling, it didn't take them long to pick up. "It's me. We have the girl in custody, but she's not alone. A guy friend of hers showed up, knows our faces and names. Orders?"
Claire waited with bated breath, fearful for Elliott. She didn't know what these people could possibly want with her, but the odds of him getting out of this situation alive weren't looking good.
Jessica was silent for a painfully long while before saying, "Understood." She looked at Elliott with a devilish smile, raising her weapon. Her next words, however, demonstrated that she was just toying with him. "Guess it's your lucky day, sweetie. Boss has decided you get to live for now." Jessica shifted her gaze slightly. "Raymond, if you will."
Claire turned in time to see Raymond strike the back of Elliott's head with the pistol's hilt. Elliott crumpled to the ground instantly, unconscious if not dazed. Before Claire could turn back around, a cloth had been placed over her nose and mouth. The redhead struggled for a bit before the edges of her vision began to blur.
Claire started to feel faint just seconds later. Chloroform, she guessed. It had to be. She fought to stay conscious but failed. The last thing she was aware of was being shoved into the backseat of Jessica's car before the darkness claimed her.