Pack [Eddsworld]

CHAPTER TEN

Edd immediately made as if to turn and head to the door, almost completely forgetting the events that had just transpired. Tord let out a pathetic whimper, reaching out his arm in an attempt to stop his old friend. He dragged himself to his feet with one hand on the wall, feeling his back click in several places. Ylva was frozen in fear, her breath catching in her throat and her hands covering her mouth.

"Edd, please..." Tord grunted and spat out some blood. "Old friend..."

"Edd, wait a sec." Matt hurried to stand in front of the door, grabbing him by the shoulders. "Maybe he will actually be truthful this time?"

"I'll tell you everything you want to know!" The Norwegian stumbled into the hallway, wincing when he straightened up. "I promise, Edd. I'll tell you everything."

"How can I trust you? You've lied to me before." Edd crossed his arms, his eyes flicking to the door as the bell trilled again.

"Open the door, it's the police!"

Tord's mouth opened and closed silently. He had no way to prove that he wouldn't double-cross them again; they had no obligation to give him another chance.

Edd closed his eyes and hid his face in his hands before letting his arms drop back to his sides. "Grab Ylva and go hide. I'll cover for you."

Tord's expression immediately brightened, nodding in genuine thanks before rushing off and grabbing his friend.

"We're going to break the door down! Stand back!"

Edd unlocked the door and stepped back just in time. It slammed open and a person barrelled through; Matt squealed in pain as he was squished behind the door, slurring something that sounded suspiciously like 'not the face!'

"Can I help you fine gentleman?" Edd stared down at the person in uniform who had collapsed on the floor at his feet.

"U-uh..." He seemed taken by surprise by the unexpected fall, but quickly shot to his feet. "We're searching for a criminal who goes by the alias of Red Leader."

Acting as if he was unfazed by this statement, Edd merely walked past the man and rescued Matt from the door. The ginger let out a wheeze that sounded like he was dying and slumped sideways onto his friend, using him as support. Another policeman was standing in the open doorway, unsure as to whether he should enter or not.

"He looks like this. You might recognise him..." The first guy pulled a sheet of paper from his chest pocket and presented it to the two: it was a wanted poster with Tord's face on it.

After a minute or two of him scanning the picture, narrowing his eyes and scratching his chin thoughtfully, Edd finally shrugged. "No, don't know him."

"Really? Because our files suggest that he used to stay here." The second policeman spoke up, an intensely suspicious expression locked into his features.

"And my files suggest that you had no right to break down our door unnecessarily when you had no proof that the person you're chasing resided here, meaning that I have every right to report the both of you unless you vacate our property." Edd blinked and continued in a lighter tone, "but whatever. Do continue."

Both officers shared an uneasy glance when they realised he was right. Officer Two inclined his head subtly towards his partner, indicating for him to continue with the investigation.

"Has this man stayed at this house at some point in time?" One jabbed a finger at the poster, putting on a face that tried to say 'don't mess with me'.

"Uh..." Edd pulled a weird face and intensely rubbed his chin once again, looking deep in thought. "He... He might've done, I guess."

"What was his name?!" Two exclaimed with so much force that Edd flinched backwards.

This time, Matt took it upon himself to answer. "I think it was... Tim? Or... Todd? No, no, it must've been Tyler!"

"Sorry about him, he had an unfortunate incident with a Memory Eraser Gun a few years back." Edd whispered to One behind his hand, pointing to the rambling ginger with his thumb. "His memory's never been quite the same."

"So you don't know his name?" One stared condescendingly back at the green-hoodied male, not fully believing that these people were such morons.

"No... It was too long ago, I guess. Why are you looking for him, anyway?" He shoved his hands in the pocket of his hoodie, acting as if the answer to his question wouldn't affect his life in any way.

"He's, uh..." One looked unsettled, a sheen of sweat forming on his forehead. "He..."

Two hurried to help him out. "He's committed severe war crimes and he's wanted across the world. Red Leader is mentally unstable and incredibly violent towards other people due to his history in the army. We need to capture him to ensure that no one gets hurt."

"Yeah!" One nodded unconvincingly in agreement, "what he said!"

"Well, I wish you good luck..." Edd paused and glanced at the broken down door, a little peeved. "Is that all you need?"

"Um... Yeah..." He trailed off, suddenly straightening up and puffing out his chest to appear a lot more official than he actually was. "Well, we'd best be off. Notify us if you see any signs of him. Have a good day!"

"Goodbye!" The ginger beamed innocently at them, his fingers intertwined in front of his chest.

The two officers marched out the clear doorway, their arms held stiffly by their sides and their steps rhythmic. Only once did they peer back at the boys before they got into an unmarked vehicle and sped away. Clouds of dust slowly settled in their wake and the tarmac had burn streaks from where the tyres had skidded.

Matt mimed slamming the door after them, his hand clasping the empty air and then dropping back to his side. "And good riddance!"

Edd glanced at his friend with the ghost of a smile playing on his features. "Nice one, Matt."

"Thanks, Edd!" He seemed genuinely proud of himself, raising his chin and crossing his arms happily.

The brunet's cheerful mood faltered as he recalled what the police officers had said about their old friend. "Do you really think Tord did all those things? Or that he's mentally unstable?"

"He was a little violent... He punched my face!" Matt motioned to his eye indignantly, the bruise long since faded away. "And he did blow up our house and stuff too, but..."

"I don't think he'll do that again, though. He's definitely got a different attitude now– he's changed." Edd seemed determined to believe his words, but glanced down at the floor doubtfully.

"He did also shove you to the ground and beat up Tom, too, don't forget." Matt added helpfully, counting off the misdeeds on his fingers as he listed them to his friend.

His expression fell further, his eyebrows lowering and his lips turning down at the corners. "Yeah... I really don't have any reason to trust him at all..."

"But you do, Edd, because I promised you I'd tell you the whole truth." Tord emerged from a room at the side, Ylva following close behind. "And that's what I'm going to do."

~

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