EPISODE 5: The hunt
He stood up and started pacing round the room, ignoring the men. "But come to think of it, if I killed you all it would have been nice cause I haven't tasted blood in a while." He slowly turned to look at their terrified faces, taking in the pleasure and then returned to his leisure pacing. "However, if I killed you, I would be short of hands and men... and I need men. So see," he smiled at them. "you are lucky." He bursted out laughing. The room was a bit dark and the light from the table lamp that laid on the floor— when it caught his face in the broken mirror, it reflected a scarred man. A quarter half of his right face wrinkled down to a part of his lower lip. When he saw his face, he frowned but didn't look away like he usually did. Instead, he stared right into his eyes which dilated and said, " I want you all to get that bastard for me. I want him alive so I can give him a living hell. I want to know who he is and the hell he hailed from. I want to know if he thinks himself to be a god; I shall bring him before the CYCLE and decompose his body for him while he is still alive. He would beg for death but it won't come!" He crushed the mirror and shattered it to the ground, his knuckles already bleeding. He ignored it and turned to the men. "Fail me one more time and your punishments will be worse than his!" And with that, he walked out from the room. ........ Who ever said "blood is thicker than water" must have not had someone close to them who wasn't related by blood—someone they deeply cared about. Someone they could go an overly extra mile for... This was the case with Clara. She cared deeply for Sai that she had now considered her a sister she never had. Since the first day she was brought in by doctor Hither, she had always bonded with her like a mother to her nursing child. She would protect her from anything...and anyone. Sai's pain was her pain, her joy was her joy... and tonight, she was just as hollow and quiet as Sai was in her bed. She looked five years younger tucked under thick duvet and her hair packed back with pink furry head band. She wore no earrings; the nurse had removed them earlier on. She said it would make her uncomfortable and Clara had been asked and tasked to engage her in a convo. With that in mind, Clara dragged her stool closer to Sai's bed and took a closer look at her face. She was so beautiful, and even more beautiful when she slept like a baby. When Doctor Hither told her that Sai was pregnant, she was stunned at first, but seconds later, she had this unfounded joy she couldn't interprete. "My Sai is pregnant?" She asked Doctor Hither. She didn't know if it was habit or reflexes but doctor Hither always pulled down his glasses a bit with his index finger to look at someone out of curiosity. He did that now as he asked Clara, "You didn't know?" She shook her head. He adjusted his glasses back to his eyes. "I find that surprising as I know you to be very meticulous and you always thread with precision." He switched his bag from his left to his right hand. "She is three weeks pregnant and her reaction to the stress made her lose consciousness. Nothing serious for now. But if by tomorrow morning, she isn't awake, I will send an ambulance to bring her in. She's on normal saline. Patricia will be checking her through the night." "Yes, doctor." He set to go, "Don't forget to drop by my office." "I will."• She picked up Sai's hand which had on the IV fixed into the vein and it felt really warm to the touch. She caressed her fingers and spoke with a scuffy voice. "My beautiful Sai... you won't believe what I heard today." She sniffed and swallowed. Her throat felt dry. "You are pregnant Sai. You are pregnant." She smiled. Her voice was very low and a soft lullaby was playing on the background as per Dillion's orders. "There is a beautiful baby in your womb. You are about to bring a life into this world. Don't you want to wake up and feel it? You need to wake up, Sai. You need to wake up." She removed the rosary over her head and tucked it into Sai's palm. "I will pray for you." She cleaned her tears and sat up straight, adjusting the scarf to ensure it covered her hair. "Dear Father in heaven, I know you are ever listening and compassionate. Forgive us our sins and hear our prayers.. watch over those who are sick... give us strength to overcome our hurdles...".... Dillion's hands were at the door handle. He listened intently to Clara's prayers. He was not a believer and didn't plan to be one– ever. But he felt at peace with this prayer tonight, knowing fully well that Sai was not alone. If there was a supernatural being, he was watching over Sai and his unborn child. It was a comfort in this unfortunate point in time. The nurse Patricia was in the adjacent room. She had checked on Sai about four times since doctor Hither left and had called him about twice to give her report. Though everywhere was silent, he could tell that she wasn't asleep in the guest room. He let go of the door handle and turned back to the living room where sat on the couch and picked up a book and pretended to read, but in his mind, he was calculating his next move and forging his offence and defence mechanism. Those guys have it coming. Matrix. Two nights from tonight was the fashion opening gala of Deeper Height brand he had been invited to. He had no intentions of going until he discovered that that man would be there. The heavens was smiling at him. The wolf he wanted to lure out with meat decided to come out on its own to find grass. He changed his mind and set his schedule to be able to attend the gala. The problem was now for him to choose who will accompany him to the gala night. A chaperone. ....... "Tell Lorin to come in." He told Fred. Fred was his personal assistant in the office and was competent with his job. "Yes boss. Anything else?" "No. That will be all." Fred bowed and walked out of the office with long strides. When he was out, Dillion relaxed his back and crossed his legs. He picked up the shiny hard back card on his desk and looked at it from side to side. It glittered with light. A slim, tall and pretty lady with her hair packed in a ponytail, black office trouser and blazer worn on white Chiffon shirt underneath, walked into the office and stood before him. He handed her the card. She collected it with both hands and looked at it. "What is this sir?" He uncrossed his legs and stood up, adjusting his coat. "It's an invitation to the Gala opening of Deeper Height." "Oh..." She said. "I still don't..." He looked at her straight in the eyes, "I want you to accompany me to the event." "Oh!" She smiled. "Oh...okay boss. When...?" "It's tomorrow evening." She looked excited and she didn't even bother to hide it. "Alright boss. I will be there." "What's your size?" She looked at him confused for a moment. "My size?" He raised a brow. "Oh! My size?" She asked and faked awkward laughter. "It's a size small. It's—" "Alright!" He abruptly cut her off. "Fred will send an item to your home this evening. Courtesy for the short notice." With that, he picked up his phone and walked out of the office. She looked at him all still stunned by the play of event. Dillion wasn't one to engage in long hearty conversation. So this little chitchat today was a shocker for her. She grinned wide. Was she just asked to be his companion? She looked at the card in her hand. DEEPER HEIGHT GALA NIGHT was boldly written on it. ........ The dark blue limousine pulled up to the Ford mansion in front of the red carpet. It made people turn their heads as they wondered who it may be. The driver adjusted his white suit as he hurriedly walked around the vehicle to open the back door. Everyone's eyes watched, expecting to see which celebrity or person of high class was present—something that wouldn't be unusual in this event. When the driver opened the door, the long leg of the occupant touched the floor, showing off his black pricy leather shoe.EPISODE 6: The hunt 2 Aurora looked at Lorin who was in front of the mirror assessing the armless silk silver gown that was sent to her yesterday. She looked pleased and content with a plastered smile to her face, her cheek could burn. "You really–reeeally think that he likes you?" She asked her, bewilderment written on her face. "I don't think so. I can smell it!" Lorin dropped the gown on the bed and sat by it. "He could have asked anyone but he chose to ask me." "That doesn't mean anything." "It does to me." She replied her warily. She touched her chest for reassurance and said, "Don't kill my hope." She picked up the jewelry box that accompanied the dress and opened it. "And I am certain he is a bachelor. I haven't seen him with a woman. Ever. This could be my chance." "Your chance to woo your boss?" "Hm-hmmm. I like the way you said it. Woo...I could try my luck." "Isn't he the same boss you always come home cursing when he makes your days difficu
RED INK EPISODE 7:The Hunt 3 ~~ "We are here at Ford mansion, boss." Fred said as he opened the door to the limousine. Dillion stretched his legs, almost meeting Lorin's and dropped his tablet in a corner. When he came out of the car, the evening's cool breeze danced around his face, carrying along the smell of dampness and... grilled chicken. Food. He looked around, seemed like the entrance was at the adjacent angle where people were taking pictures. He turned to the vehicle and helped Lorin to her feet, gently taking her hand. "Thank you." She said, standing beside him. He looked at her, her shoulders were bare. She didn't carry the coat. He stretched into the car and picked up the coat from the seat. He shook it out and wore it around her shoulders. He extended his arm to her, offering it up for appearance. She couldn't contain her smile as she slowly but purposefully wrapped her arm in his. "Shall we?" He asked. She nodded. He
RED INK Ep 8: Triggers Everywhere was blurry. The lights looked distant to her. She perceived the fragrance in the air, it was different and... it was calming. She heard the door open and closed—two or more approaching her bed. A man and a woman. The man looked like he was in a white coat or so, and he had black hair. He was hovering over her, looked like he was looking at her face. "You are awake?" The man asked. She recognized that voice. It sounded familiar. "She's awake?" A female voice asked from across the room. She heard a chair screech as the person stood up. She blinked again. Where was she? She was determined to make her visions clearer. She blinked continuously and slowly succeeded. She noticed the ceiling was made of white POP and a bulb stood in the centre of it. She looked at the three people standing close to her bed. "You're finally awake?" Clara sniffed, wrapping her scarf around her neck. She looked at them as she tried to
RED INKEP 9: Introductions "Wooooow!" Lorin whispered as they strolled into the interior of the party. The theme setting was a pale red and gold, mixed with some silver and glitters. The tables were all set in a fancy glimmer and the wine glasses were arranged so fancifully. She looked up at Dillion, he wasn't amused by the setting, his mind seemed to be somewhere else. From a table by her left hand side, she saw Larry Donas—he was making small talks with a beautiful blonde lady who sat beside him. There were about five people at his table; the table was large. In the ballroom, there stood nine to ten of that same table, all occupied by more people or less. "Where do we sit?" She looked around trying to find an available seat. Her hand was still on Dillion's arm, he didn't reply her. They watched a middle aged man walk up the podium with a smile on his face, dressed in fancy blue suit and a black shirt underneath. Black tie, black shoe, blue trouser. He s
RED INKEpisode 10: Introduction 2 • "So, does her husband and his wife know..." Lorin trailed off not wanting to complete the question. Dillion half smirked. He picked up the wine glass in front of him and got comfortable—his hand on the edge of Lorin's seat. "If you are asking if Madame Clara's husband knew, I would say yes. He was very well aware of the fact that she was stood up. Mr Ford and Mr McGiven never agreed till the day he died." Lorin was stunned. "Mr McGiven is dead?" Dillion sipped his wine and observed Hugo from the corner of his eye. He thought he felt him looking at him. "You know..." he started to say. "For someone like you who loves gossip, you surprise me that you know very little of the real gossip mangas." "You must have read me wrong then." Lorin told him. "I love entertainment. You are able to know this much info because you live in their world. I don't." "Of course. It was a lighthearted joke." Lorin looked at him, not amused for the f
Red inkEpisode 11: The Opera House The crowd was tense as everyone was at the edge of their seats, waiting for the famous Peter Spencer to hit his iconic E5 pitch. With their mouths agape, Peter took his pitch to its edge and held it for about seven seconds, causing most of the crowd to stand up on their feet, cheering and clapping; all impatient for him to give his finish and bow. After scoring his pitch, he smiled and ended the song along with the instruments playing. Admiring his cheering crowd, all clapping vigorously and some shouting "woah! Wow!"—everyone having goosebumps... This was his stage, his world. He had been playing in it for eight years since he was twenty and had built a name for himself. He surely had come this far. He reveled in it for few more seconds before giving his bow; first, from the right, then the left and finally, the middle. And with that, the curtain was drawn, all waiting for the next presentation for the evening. ~~~~~ "When is the act coming u
RED INK EP 12: Momentum••*Alexis Point Of View*• She walked stealthily through the passage of the HQ that led to her unit. She was taking her time to conduct herself so she could deliver the news she had just heard from James. As she reached the door of her unit, she watched her team, all focused on their works and jurisdiction. She sighed, breathed in...then out. She then plastered a smile on her face and walked in. "Guess what guys?!" She faked excitement....too much excitement as she came into the unit, both hands on her hips, now chewing a gum. Everyone's gaze fell on her. Confused as to what the excitement was about, they looked at themselves. "I heard you were speakinh sith James. What did he say?" Levi asked. She rolled her eyes and pushed the files on her desk to a corner. Balancing on one side of her butt at the edge of the table, she picked up her phone and looked at the time. "Time says 9:15pm now." She put the phone in her pant's back pocket. "Want some food?
Red inkEp 13: Two sides of a coin•• He looked at the scene before him, the grass was wet and damp, rain drizzling, washing the blood of his victims away with its spontaneity. He didn't have much to do, he was done for the evening and he had who he came for. Boss would want him to finish it clean but he made a special request tonight, that he should leave the scene as it was, unattended and allow whoever was passing by perceive the odour of the decay...multiple dead persons. That would be one odour to reckon with. It would be a trigger point for the man who hid in the shadows. So with that in mind, and the rain against his plan of blazing them up in fire, he tucked his rifle back in his back pocket. He had opted to go for framing it to look like a shootout. Of course, it looked amateurish but that was also the intention. He turned back through the meandering woods that led to where his car was packed. The cooing sound of an owl in the tree which would had been perturbing to a chi