Window Cracks

▶️The Execution◀️

He then recovers his cool, suave look.

"Oh, I see what you are worried about. Your end of the bargain. No worries about that Trace..."

He gets up slowly from his seat and rounds his desk to head for Trace, watching her intently, stalking her. Trace remains stationary. Resolute. She is brave. She knows Zelch.

"...You and I will be powerful. It is all you wanted right? The power, the validation. This is the ultimate highest, most validating, most powerful place you will be at. We will have the abilities of all the members of this community in us two, only, and no single human in that world will stand a chance..."

He shifts right behind her and his hands linger over her shoulders. Trace remains solid, tense. He moves them down her sides, her waist, as he lowers his nose to her neck and starts to take her scent in. Trace snarls, looking down at the book titled 'The Past Successes of the Great Community'.

"I've always liked you, Trace Fonner. The way you are quiet. You never say a word. And you know what is correct for you."

He is about to grip her waist with his grubby, perverse hands when she abruptly spins with enough power to give him a blow in the chest with her broad shoulder. Zelch shrinks and retreats in pain.

Trace remains rigid, and she hauls in air through her nostrils as they flare in contained rage. She looks down at him and she finally says with an iron voice:

"Den. Is. Missing."

She strides out as Zelch watches her with reformed complacence. He heads for his desk, falls into the seat and calmly returns to his book, breathing deeply to recover.

*
Present Time, Adrianna's POV

The delay in a search group for Den is worrying. This needs to be right. Where is Trace? She would instantly report that Den is gone.

I will head for the Tank to see how the CSU is looking for Hannah to infiltrate.

As I walk, I feel more empowered; liberated, but that gives more space for worry. I am nervous for this. This has to work. It has to—

I bump into somebody.

"I- I am so sorry. I was no... not looking where I was going," I say.

It is Trace. She looks angry and worried.

"You are Hannah's guardian, yes? The new one, yes?"

"Yes, I am," I lower my voice to match her energy. I need to stay as calm as possible.

"I lost one of mine. Den. Do you know him?" She asks slowly, analysing my facial expression. I keep calm.

"I have heard of him... is there a search group working?"

"No," she edges closer to me and narrows her eyes as she bores into mine.

I raise my eyebrows. I am slightly fearful now, but I will not show it.

"No, there isn't. Will you help me look for him?"

A long pause. I am running out of time.

"Sure, how can I help?" I finally let out.