Predecessor (Connor x Reader)

13 - On The Run

You glance at him, crossing your arms thoughtfully, recalling your earlier conversation with him about psychology. "When someone is overly defensive, it's often because they're hiding something deeper. His anger—it's almost too exaggerated. Like he's trying to drown out other emotions. Fear. Shame. Maybe even guilt."

Hank lets out a low laugh, shaking his head. "Guilt, huh? Maybe. But it sounds to me like he's trying to make us believe he's the victim here. Nothing worse than a guy who can't own up to his own shit. Trust me, I've seen it a hundred times before."

You nod before continuing "There's a level of projection going on, too. He's blaming the android for everything—shifting the blame away from himself. It's textbook deflection."

Connor tilts his head, eyes narrowing slightly as he absorbs your analysis. "It's interesting. I'm curious to see if we can confirm any part of his story, or if it was all fabricated to avoid responsibility."

"Exactly," you respond, a slight edge to your voice, frustration still simmering beneath the surface.

Just as you're about to continue, Chris walks up, his digital clipboard in hand, his expression serious. He taps the screen a few times before looking up at you both. "Hey, just got a report," he says. "The AX400—she's been spotted in the Ravendale district. We might have a lead."

Hank leans back in his chair. "Oh, shit. If it's still out there, we need to move fast." He stands up, grabbing his jacket. "Chris, you're with me. Let's not waste any more time."

You glance at Hank, pushing aside the lingering thoughts about Todd. The report is filed, and the police are already on her trail. But it's not just about catching her for you—it's about serving the justice that no one else will. You're the only one who might actually listen to the android's side, to understand what led her here. If her story adds up, you're determined to make sure she gets away—because the alternative is too cruel.

"Connor, you're with me." You say, grabbing your jacket and following Hank out the door.

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"Alright, that's all for now. You're free to go." Hank says, dismissing a witness he'd been questioning.

You and Connor step out of the convenience store, the scent of damp asphalt mingling with the faint aroma of rain-soaked earth. Raindrops patter softly against the pavement, creating small rippling puddles that mirror the overcast morning sky.

"We've got a lead," you say to Connor, your voice steady against the cascading sound of the rain. "The android entered the store with Alice." A frown tugs at your lips as you recall the footage you just reviewed. "Must be Todd's daughter."

"It went inside and stole a chocolate and some wire cutters," Connor adds, his eyes focused on the tablet in your hand. "I wonder why."

A few metres away, Ben chimes in, his voice directed at Hank, though still within earshot. "We've got officers sweeping the area, checking if anyone saw anything," He says, his fingers tapping swiftly on his own tablet. "We'll know soon enough."

"Alright. Let me know if they turn up anything," Hank nods, tapping his screen before walking over to join you.

"So, what do we got here?" Hank says squinting through the rain at his tablet. "Bus driver saw it at 2:30, seen at a convenience store..."

"It stole wire cutters," You say, glancing over at Connor. "There must be a reason."

"Wire cutters? The fuck you talkin' about?" Hank blinks at you.