Love Finds You - Even If You're On the Run

Prologue

Prologue

“Sir, we’re bringing him in for questioning. Are you available?”

Dominick Ravenscroft leaned forward in his chair, as the voice crackled from his radio. The young man ran a hand through his sandy hair, before clasping the receiver.

“Yes, I will question him.” Dominick responded. There was silence for a moment before the radio sounded again.

“Detention room three, sir.”

Dominick stood and exited his office. His footsteps echoed in the hallway as he passed door after door. Most doors were closed, but from the few that remained open Dominick could catch glimpses of scenes inside. Most were unpleasant. Begging or muffled screams came from the rooms.

Dominick slowed as he came to a door with the large numeral “3” printed on it. The room inside was simple. Grey walls, no windows, a cement table and two chairs – one of which was occupied by a wide-eyed middle age man. An armed guard followed Dominick in before the thick, steel door was slammed shut with a mutedboom.

The man in the chair shifted nervously as Dominick sat in the remaining chair. The only sound was Dominick, who took a file from the security guard and thumbed through it. His eyes flickered to the man after a moment.

“I-I didn’t do nothing!” The man burst out his fingers gripping the edge of the table.

Dominick gazed at him coolly. Obviously the man was nervous and stressed. The deep bags under his glazed eyes suggested he hadn’t slept for days. He rocked slightly in his chair, causing his handcuffs to clink softly, rhythmically. Dominick’s eyes dipped to his file, before focusing sharply on the man.

“I hate skipping to the questioning part without proper introductions. I’m Dominick. Dominick Ravenscroft. And you are James Landford, am I correct?”

The man-James- blinked in surprise. “Ravenscroft?” He murmured, ignoring the question. “You’re The Raven?” He squinted, scrutinizing Dominick.

A thin, mirthless smile flashed across Dominick’s features. “The Raven is a myth. But in a way… yes.”

James snorted. “You’re no Raven. You’re just a boy.”

“Enough about me. Lets talk about you, James Landford. I hear your in quite the predicament.” Dominick made a lowtsk, tsknoise. “Caught red-handed, stealing a nucleic rocket power-core.Yet… the power-core is nowhere to be found... Tell me, Mister Landford, where is the power-core?”

James paled at once. “I didn’t steal it. I don’t know what stupid voodoo happened but I didn’t take it, someone else did, I swear.” He blurted, his once-again frantic gaze settling on the young man opposite him.

Dominick narrowed his eyes, meeting James’ gaze. “Really now?” He mused, clasping his hands. James suddenly went ridged.

“Y-your eyes!” He whispered, his voice suddenly horse.

Dominick nodded slowly, leaning towards James. He grasped one of the man’s hands. “Where is the power-core?” Dominick asked slowly, maintaining eye-contact. James twitched his head, trying to look away. His mouth opened and closed, soundlessly. His eyes bulged, hazed over with a slight purple hue.

Suddenly the two jerked away from each other. James clutched his heart and sputtered. An inhuman scream ripped its way free of James’ throat and he doubled over, twitching violently.

“Medics, quick.” Dominick addressed the guard who stood stationary by the door.

A dim green light suddenly lit James’ skin. He jerked and writhed from an invisible pain that seemed to wrack his body. The scream grew louder with his increasing pain. His hands strained against the handcuffs that bound him to the chair. Blood trickled from multiple wounds, where he had struck himself in his violent, desperate writhing.

And suddenly silence.

James had faded, his body becoming translucent for a moment before he completely disappeared – like a candle flame, suddenly snuffed out.