Shadow Taking Over

13- Aquainted

Her eyes scanned the wall clock. Four hours until midnight. She shifted uncomfortably against the wall, not daring to move a centimeter.

"So, what's your name?" he asked as though this was a casual conversation.

Eve pressed her lips firmly shut. She looked to the television. A straight crack lined the screen. The broadcast about her continued to play. There was an update. Apparently, a caller had reported seeing a "freaky red head" who attacked him. His voice sounded familiar. The stoner from before. Fate really wanted her to fail. Ace followed her gaze and listened to the reporter. Outside, the sound of distant sirens alerted them to the incoming forces. Ace stepped toward the window. He moved the curtain with his index and middle.

"Better think of something to say quickly." He glanced at her and chuckled. "I wonder how much I'll get for turning you in."

Senka became smaller. They brushed against Eve's cheek, traveling about her neck. Eve pulled her hair behind her ear at the shadow's cold touch. The mark Lance bestowed upon her flashed before she could conceal her hand again. Ace spotted the mark. Immediately, his composure shifted into that of anger. He stomped over to her and tore her wrist from her pocket. Eve fought but her strength was outmatched. His glare bore into her. Even though his palm burned at the touch of her skin, he would not loosen his grip.

"You're with Lance." He sneered. "I should have known."

That was enough of an accusation to get her fuming.

"Let's get one thing straight. I am not with him. I'm only doing this because I have no say in the matter. If it were my choice, I would be halfway across the world by now." Eve met his glare equally. "I'm just here to make sure you're aquatinted- even though you seem to know him already."

Ace paused to take in what she said. His lips curved into a smile. Her snappy outburst pleased him. "Now that's more like it."

"Wh-"

Two knocks rapped the door. "Police- open the door. We have reason to believe a fugitive is inside."

They exchanged a long look. Eve readied herself to run, but it wasn't necessary. He took her covered forearm, dragging her the opposite way of the front door. Instead, they ended up in his bedroom. Ace lightly kicked the door shut behind them with his heel. He fiddled with contents in a dresser drawer, carelessly tossing articles of clothing onto the floor. Eve watched him, unsure of what to make of the situation. He apparently found what he was looking for: a boring hoodie.

"Sir, please answer the door or we will be forced to enter." The cop called, just waiting for an excuse to give the order to break the door. He had always wanted to give the 'break the door' order. Considering the door handle was melted clean off, that order may be necessary to get inside.

"Lift your arms," Ace ordered.

Eve scoffed. "I'm not going to surrender that easy."

He forced her arms over her head and stuffed her into the hoodie. She wiggled around to fight, but ultimately that jacket was getting on her whether she liked it or not. Eve smacked him hard on the arm. He backed off without argument. Her body really did not need another layer. She gathered her hair up out of the hood when she started to smell it scorching the fabric.

"I hope you don't like this jacket because it's going to combust in a minute!" She shouted in a hushed tone.

"As long as it gets you out of here," he retorted. He dashed for the window to unlock it. It screeched as it stretched open from years of staying shut. Brisk night air rushed into the stuffy room. A fire escape was on the other side. "Out you go then." He gestured with a wave.

Eve stood firm. "I'm taking you with me."

"Wouldn't dream of missing my appointment with Lance," Ace said as he swung out onto the escape.

A loud crash erupted from across the apartment. Heavy footsteps of men came next. That encouraged her to move. Ace was already one floor below, descending the stairs with ease. Eve followed suit. She covered her hands to grasp the railing for balance. Eve momentarily glanced up to see that two of the cops, one a captain, had hopped onto the escape. Reluctantly, she pulled the hood over her hair. They made eye contact directly afterward. Senka peered off her shoulder and glared at the men. They pounced like a predator. Eve was quick to grab Senka before they could get far.

"No, we have to go!" She snapped at Senka.

They craned their head back at Eve. After elongated staring, she glanced back at the men. Both men had drawn their firearms. One was on his shoulder radio, calling for back up. Eve practically sprinted down the steps. Four bullets ricocheted off the metal escape. Senka popped up from hiding and tilted their body as to say, I told you so. With little to no options, Eve decided to sick Senka on them.

"Fine- but just subdue them. Do not hurt them, please."

Senka formed a grinning mouth of teeth. The shadow dove into the surface of the rail and zipped upward. They flew at the first cop they saw. Senka morphed into a miniature, demonic shaped person about the height of a newborn. Tiny claws dug into the cop's right arm. The man shrieked in horror. He made a grab at Senka, but of course the shadow was faster. They crawled about his body, leaving both men confused and terrified. Once Senka found his radio, they swiped it off the cord.

"Sh-shoot it! Shoot it, O'Neil!" One cop screamed at the other.

"I- I- it's moving too fast, Sir!" O'Neil exclaimed. He had his handgun sighted on the captain. The bullet trembled in the chamber.

Between the shrieks from the captain, Neil blubbering, and the shouting over the radio, the escape was in total chaos. Senka skidded on the captain's chest. They spun their head full circle to look at Neil with beaded eyes. A giggle omitted from the mouth of the shadow. They leapt for Neil's fallen radio. Neil pulled the trigger. The bullet passed through Senka and struck the captain in the chest. His vest caught the bullet, but could not catch the captain as he fell through Ace's apartment window. Neil gasped. The pit of his stomach assured him of his removal from the department for shooting his commanding officer.

The radio was snapped in two by Senka's claw. There was no better distraction than this. Senka melted on the nearest stair. Within the blink of an eye, the shadow was gone. They chased after Eve and Ace, who had already escaped into the neighboring forest.