Hate Of The Unknown

Chapter 9- Unexpected But Not Unwelcomed

My attention was stolen by the sound of Vincent's car as it pulled into the driveway. My heart quickened its pace in anticipation of seeing him again. Vincent made his way toward me and wrapped a strong arm around my torso, pulling me closer to him. We had this thing where we hugged every time we saw each other. It just felt right. "Jules, how are you doing?" he asked in a deep voice that sent shivers down my spine. I couldn't help but blush at his touch. "I'm good. It was a relatively normal day for me. And you? Everything is okay?"

"Yeah, nothing new. The club is a little hectic, there was a murder next to it last week, and the human police were all up in our business today." Well, this was new. "I didn't know. Why didn't you tell me?" I asked him, concerned. "Don't worry Jules, it's nothing to do with us, unlike Heather. Just some fight that broke out close to our club. That's what happens when you mix drugs, alcohol, and hotheads in one place. Sometimes a dark ally is just a dark ally."

"Oh." Was my intelligent replay. I guess things like that were bound to happen when you work in the club scene. "Never mind that. Ready for your first prison sitting?" I entered the car and sat on the passenger side. "I think so. I haven't really prepared. I'll just sit, sense lies and truth, and tell them to Vivian. Is there more to it?"

Vincent smiled at me as he started to drive. "Not really, You got the hang of most of it. I just want you to be prepared. Most of the people you will interview will be criminals. They may act in a violent manner or try to get under your skin. Just know that you have my back at all times."

His kindness made my heart flutter. "Thank you, Vincent. I wasn't too concerned because I knew you would be with me." I gazed out the window and admired the scenery of the city. When I looked back at Vincent, his ebony cheeks were brightened by a rosy hue. Could it have been my words that caused him to blush? I tried not to let such foolish thoughts enter my mind.

It wasn't as if I had a crush on Vincent. I think I don't. I enjoyed the attention he showed me and the fact that he was always there for me. Jake left only yesterday though, so I wasn't ready to jump into anything else just yet. Also, I had no idea if Vincent even liked guys.

We left the city behind us and entered the rural road, filled with vibrant greens and tall trees. It was a popular destination for camping. "We're almost there now. You should be able to spot the council building up ahead soon enough," Vincent mentioned. And sure enough, after a few turns, I could make out the building in the distance.

As we drove through the dense forest, a gargantuan parking lot emerged from behind a veil of trees. Beyond it loomed towering walls guarded by patrolling guards. As we drew closer, another building came into view. Its white walls gleamed in the sunlight, and large glass windows sparkled like diamonds. This corporate structure stood out in stark contrast to the wilderness that surrounded it.

"The large facility with the walls and guards is the prison. We'll do the estimation from there, according to Vivian. She said she got us a pass to the inside parking lot. That should save us some walking."

"Honestly, walking isn't such a bad idea right now," I murmured. Vincent shot me an anxious look. "If you don't want to do this -"

"No, it's fine. I just didn't expect a prison in the middle of the woods." I nervously tugged at the hem of my shirt, attempting to soothe my racing heart. We drove to the big front gate and reached a guard. Vincent rolled down his window and showed him something on the phone, probably something Vivian had sent him.

"I need to see your ID." The guard said in a somewhat bored tone. "Here's my ID. This is Julian, the new witch that works for the council. He'll get his ID today."

"I can't let you pass without his ID." The guard insisted. "Look, it's written in the entrance approval enforcer Vivian sent me. Section five, allowed to enter without an ID until provided with one." The guard and Vincent went back and forth for a little while until the guard gave up and, with a heavy sigh, opened the gate for us.