The Heart Collector (Under Editing)

Chapter Twenty-One: Fight

Fare could not help but stare with wide eyes. The Truthfalls spoke to each other with familiarity, but their body language suggested hostility. As soon as the Commodore had stepped through that door, Novus stood in front of Fare and Jasmine. When it was clear that the staring match would continue, Fare made herself known.

"You know each other?"

"Yes," Novus said, "He is the Commodore in charge of the Ninth Division."

Fare raised an eyebrow and peeked around him, "Why are you here then? Shouldn't you be investigated the death of your coroner?"

That uneasy feeling was back in Fare's gut.

Crow smiled and for some reason that just unsettled her even more.

"I am." The Commodore said, "I heard about Ms. Bali and personally came to see if there were any possible connections."

Fare noticed that Novus tensed at that.

"Really." Novus stated, "Because I heard that you had taken personal leave and wouldn't be back until the end of the month."

Fare's eyes widen. The Commodore smiled. Novus crossed his arms.

Crow chuckled, "I suppose so, but tell me Captain. Haven't you ever worked off the clock?"

"I have, but I typically don't sport my uniform and rank when I do."

Fare was put on high alert when she felt the room grow colder. She adjusted Jasmine on her back slightly and waited to see what happened next.

"Not all of us think like that Snow. Isn't that right Fare?"

It was like a mini explosion went on in the back of her head from the sheer shock that he knew her name. Novus was even surprised.

Crow chuckled again, "Why the surprise Snow? Did you really think no one would know about what you were doing? Consulting with a Fae who has clearly broken the law."

Fare's heart pounded. She wondered if he knew about Agatha and Kila. She had a rap sheet of minor offenses, but she had a feeling that he was not referring to those. She started to look around for an escape route. One was the window, but it was double paned. The other was the door that the Commodore was blocking.

"If you're looking for an escape route Ms. Blackglade, I can assure you that there is none."

"If you claim that your only here to investigate, why would that even matter to you?" Fare remained calm despite her fight or flight response screaming out at her.

Fare did not like the smile that he gave her and from Novus' body language, he did not as well. She felt the hair on the back of her neck stand on end again. They were being watched and she figured it was more Truthfalls. She stole a glance at Novus and wondered if he had thought the same. Her skin begun to crawl and the blood running through her veins started to feel as if they were burning. Her eyes widen in realization that it was her pin-point ability trying to warn her that Commodore Crow was a Fire Fae.

Before she could even brace herself, there was a sudden burst of steam that almost sent Fare and Jasmine to the ground. When she came out of her shock, she noticed a huge wall of ice and Novus' arms outreached. He had blocked an attack from Crow.

"What the Hell are you doing Alistair?!" Novus shouted.

Crow had sent more fire at the wall, "Isn't it's obvious Captain? I'm going to make an arrest."

Fare noticed Novus' feet slide slightly backwards after each impact.

"Arrest? On what grounds?" His arms were shaking.