Understanding A Killer

Reunion

The world around Eliana seemed to go quiet as she signed the statement papers, ready to leave the FBI building. She kept her head down, refusing to meet the clerk's eyes.

I said 'thank you' to him.

"That's it. You're free to go." - The clerk's voice shook her from the haze as she realized she must've stood there for way too long.

"Right. Thank you." - She anwsered politely.

She picked up her jacket and rushed towards the exit, walking past agents and other employees. Her peripheral vision caught intentions of some people trying to talk to her, but she rushed forward, ignoring even the ones she considered close.

How can I face any of them now?

Once again, the poisonous train of thought was stopped by a sudden sensation. Someone's firm hand grabbed her by the wrist, and she instantly recognized the touch. She turned around to meet Will's worried expression, the frown on his forehead betraying something deeper. Eliana hadn't seen him looking so healthy in a long time, with eyes that brimmed with clarity.

"Hey! Wait." - His voice was firm, but gentle, "We need to talk."

"Will." - Eliana smiled, but returned her eyes at the floor, "Maybe later, okay?"

"No." - He tighened his grip, "It's been 2 months. We need to talk now."

Eliana's eyes scanned the room, noticing the attention Will's intensiveness was causing. "You shouldn't do this here. People are watching." - She whispered, pulling her hand away.

"Sure. Let's do it somewhere else then."

He grabbed her hand again, making their finges intertwine, and led her outside. They walked in silence all the way to his car that was parked near the office.

He let her go with an exhale, pausing before he spoke. "Damn, Eliana. You go missing for 2 whole months, and then try to run away AGAIN. Do you have any idea what's been going on?"

"I'm not trying to run away." - She bit her lip, "But maybe it's not a good idea for you to make a scene in a crowded office. In front of your superiors. I'm not exactly the best company right now... Considering I've basically been deemed a killer."

"If you are afraid that my reputation will be stained by associating with you... You don't have to be." - His lips formed a half-smile, "Everyone sees me as a mad man already. They just need me too much to fire me."

"Did you hear... What I said inside?"

"Yes. I watched."

"Then..." - She looked at him with begging eyes, "Do you believe me?"

"Yes." - His face suddenly darkened, "A lot has happened since you were gone. But... This isn't the right place to talk about it."

--------------------------------------------------------------

'The right place to talk' turned out to be Will's house, where Jack was also supposed to come later.

Eliana took a shower first, still muddy from her trip to the forest. She came out wearing one of Will's shirts, wiping her hair with a towel.

Will scanned her body in s second, averting the gaze quickly, "So..." - He cleared his throat, "I'm not good at cooking, but I made you something. If you're hungry."

"Oh, thank you." - She blushed, looking over at the table. "...But maybe a bit later, okay?"

"Yeah, no problem." - Will's eyebrows formed a small frown, "You're not hurt, are you?"