If Yesterday Was Tomorrow [ X-Men ]

Chapter Sixteen

"It's here?" asked Victor as he came across the door with the number "114" on it.

"Yes," answered Azazel as he replaced his hat.

"Alright," muttered Victor.

He knocked on the door. According to the data they'd uncovered, there was a great chance that Dr. Graves would be at home at this hour. If not, they would wait for her inside.

A woman considerable younger than Victor would have expected answered the door. She was in the middle of her thirties. The small wrinkles on her face only made her more attractive. She was quite beautiful, in the style of a hard-working woman that kept a natural look. Her dirty brown hair was tied up in a messy bun. Her blue T-shirt showed a few stains of what looked like paint.

"Hello?" she asked, confusion on her face. Victor offered her a beautiful smile.

"Greeting, Dr. Graves. I am John Smith, reporter for the New York Daily News. This is my assistant reporter, Mr. Brown. We've come, as mentioned previously, to ask a few questions for our article on genetic mutation."

"I... I am afraid I don't understand," she said as she shook his hand. Victor took a confused expression.

"Didn't you receive our confirmation in the mail? I personally made sure that we'd come on a date where you were free. I remember you agreeing for today when we talked on the phone the other day. Did I make a mistake?" he asked Azazel, who shook his head dramatically. Victor almost laughed, but managed to keep his calm.

"Ah, I am sorry, it must've slipped out of my mind. I am so busy, these days..." Dr. Graves opened the door larger. "Please, come in. Sorry for the rude introduction."

Victor grinned and obliged. It was crazy how you could convince someone of something if you put them in the wrong. Humans were always so scared of doing something that would damage their image.

The apartment was abnormally normal. It was not very huge, or too small. It wasn't very messy, nor too neat. For a doctor, she sure had a pretty normal style of life. She lived alone, her family living downstate. It'd take a few days before anyone would notice she was gone. It was perfect.

Victor took out his notepad and pen from the pocket of his suit, trying to look professional.

"Please, sit down," indicated Dr. Graves. Victor nodded and sat down on the grey couch. He sent a look outside by the window on his side. Oh, he really did love New York. He never could get enough of those skyscrapers.

"Can I get you something to drink?"

"No, thank you very much," politely refused Victor as Azazel sat down beside him, making sure to keep his features hidden in the shadow of his hat. He'd hidden his tail in his clothing. Victor noticed that the books on the table were all dealing of genetic things and other scientific intricacies that Victor did not understand in the slightest. Not that the subject really interested him.

"Sorry about the outfit," explained the woman, fidgeting around. "It's my day off, you see..."

"It's fine," assured Victor. "We will not take any pictures."

"Ah, good, good." She finally sat down on the armchair opposite to the mutant men. She leaned forward uncomfortably.

"First time doing this kind of interview?" asked Victor to break the ice. Hell, he was on fire today! He did not know where all this confidence came from, but he loved it.

"Yes," Dr. Graves answered.

"Do you mind if we get started?"

"Oh, no, go ahead."