Long Form Roleplayers

Previous Chapters: Part 1, Part 2

Detective William Banks:
It’s been three days since I’ve been cleared to work out in the field again, and frankly this whole case has turned lousy. There have been zero kills since I walked out of that hospital, which makes me think this thing may be afraid of me. I still don’t understand why it didn’t kill me that night, if I’m a threat why scar me and leave me alive? And of course there is the lingering question of why did it kill my father? He was a good man, could this beast have felt threatened by my father the same way he feels threatened by me? There are too many unanswered questions and I think too much, of course that’s why they pay, to think. There are plenty of other things to worry about now though.

You are not logged in. - Mayor Edward Kelly

Mayor Edward Kelly has decided that he doesn’t like reports of a giant wolf beast stalking the streets and killing criminals. Apparently the police chief is afraid of a string of vigilantes popping up or worse, copycat killers. As such orders have been handed down to shut this case as soon as possible. Really gets under my skin because I know it is close, this may be the only good chance to stop it before it moves on, though the lack of killings might already indicate that. I could use Fernands opinion on that, he should be joining me soon with the usual coffee and donuts.

There is one solid connection that came to me with all my cross referencing and photos, a man named Adrien Wolfe also known in the criminal underworld simply as “The Wolf.” I plan to filI Fernand in on the situation as I made it just this morning while he was out. Till then I sit at my desk massaging my upper nose ridge right in front of my eyes while I think about this problem.

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
William and I have been together for the last three days and nights, in the precinct station during the day, for dinner and more every night. We are so compatible and I am falling in … I cannot say it …

We have started to wrestle as your body recovers. While we’re both competitive, the skin-on-skin, muscle-to-muscle, contests excite us. My arm pulled behind me in a hammerlock, your hard core squeezed in my strong thighs. We don’t seem intent on winning, we are intent on our bodies entwined, flexing and sweating, as foreplay.

I pull my mind out of my reverie of our time together as I enter the precinct station with a Kesslers bag in my hand. As I hang my overcoat over a radiator, dripping from the morning’s heavy rain, I see your furrowed brow as you are already searching for clues in the Beast’s absence - is he gone, moved on, or sated from his last massacre?

I place our coffees and pastries on the desk and grin at you. “Madame Kessler made a special treat for you and me for such cold wet weather, ham and cheese croissants.” I grin, “I think she likes us.” As we feast on our breakfast, you show me the file on Adrien Wolfe.

Detective William Banks:
The Kesslers are perhaps the best small business in town for the two of us, as they are so very open to our clearly developing relationship. Chicago is not the most progressive place in the world, especially at this time following the global change to the modern Influenza outbreak nearly 20 years ago, not to mention a world war, or a ruined stock market. The fear of the world breaking often does little to cultivate progressive change, and with the rise of fascism on the horizon, some folks fear another major war isn’t too far off. Those issue, not part of my life, at least not now; I just want to live free enough to be with who I love, and right now that is becoming Fernand.

The issue that is part of my life is a supernatural wolf that I aim to hunt down, and this man Adrien Wolfe may be him. As you come over to me I give you a warm hug no longer caring about the looks from others, I don’t plan to be here much longer anyways. We eat, and we talk, and I give you the information.

“Adrien Wolfe aka The Wolf, is a serial killer who kills mobsters. He stalks them and takes them out. FBI says that he may be an assassin taking out hits, but that isn’t known for sure. He has a tendency to make his kills very brutal. It is believed his moniker was developed from his name, but that is also speculation. We have eye witness reports saying that he has been back in town since the start of Gruesome Alley. WIth the police so focused on the case, he’s been living under the radar.” I take a moment to drink some of the coffee while I flip through the file going back some.

“Fernand, this is the man my father was investigating when he died. I don’t completely know what the connection is there yet, but I want to find out. It’s possible… Adrien Wolfe is the one responsible for Gruesome Alley as well as the death of my father. We both know that there are… forces at work here. Creatures that folk talk about that the others completely overlook. Gremlins on aircraft during the war. Sasquatch up north in Canada. Blood sucking Chupacabra to the south in Mexico.

You are not logged in. - Gremlin

You are not logged in. - Sasquatch

You are not logged in. - Chupacabra

You are not logged in. - Werewolf

Legends of Werewolves too of course, men who can shift form under the light of the moon. This man Fernand, he might be one of these creatures, and given what I saw that night… Let’s just say I’m a believer in werewolves now.”

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
I listen silently as you tell me about Adrien Wolfe. His choice of targets is certainly in sync with that of the Wolf’s. Is the name coincidence or a sign of his true nature? I can understand you choosing this route of investigation given the clues. As you begin to speak of werewolves and shapeshifters though, I become less convinced. Are these not the imaginations of a less advanced time? My ancestors told tales of the loup-garou, but were those not stories intended to frighten small children?

And yet, is that any more difficult to believe than a large wolf that walks on two legs and has been killing dozens, perhaps hundreds, of people over decades? You have been attacked by the beast and my father saw it all those years ago. The few eyewitnesses to the atrocities who would speak to us confirm it as well. My mind reels at two possibilities which seem equally unlikely, a massive beast able to maintain a hidden lair in crowded cities or the killer monster at night who hides in human form during the day. Another underlying doubt is the connection of Adrien Wolfe to your father. Are you investigating his death only, or all the others that have occurred?

I can think of no third explanation that fits the set of facts as we know them. “William, we need to bring in this Adrien Wolfe and have a conversation with him. And hope we don’t run afoul of the FBI’s investigation. Have you managed to establish his whereabouts?”

Detective William Banks:
I can see you processing the information I’m feeding you and I know how crazy it sounds when I talk about monsters. I’d write it off myself had I not been assaulted and seen one first hand, not to mention the lightning that rained down around him during the act. Seems to me with all these story creatures, that there may be a world outside of our common lives that most folk never get a glimpse into. I’m not saying it’s all real, I’m not going to be chasing any rainbows looking for gold. I do intend to chase this wolf though, and I expect it could get dangerous.

As for the location of Adrien Wolfe… “Fernand, I don’t exactly know where he is. The informant talked about The Twin Anchors, a local dive that he likes to visit. The place is notorious, gained a bit of a reputation during prohibition for serving ‘soft drinks’, which I can attest were pretty good. Anyhow, the informant stated that our man visits there most nights. I’m not thrilled about staking out the joint tonight with all the rain, but it’s best we catch him as soona s we can.”

I take a moment to savor the pastry, this time being more salty than sweet, and pair the taste with the coffee. “Fernand, I know that talk of monsters is something that’s hard to get on board with. There are already men in the precinct that are talking about how I went crazy the night of the attack. My reputation is at stake, so this may be our real only shot at this Adrien fellow. If he is The Wolf, then we can shut everything down and run off like we both want. If he slips through our fingers, this case will likely dry up unless The Wolf goes on another killing spree. Either way I’m done here. Are you up for a stake out tonight?”

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
I listen carefully to your intelligence on Wolfe and your desire to stake out the bar that he frequents. I’m reluctant to move on the suspect so quickly, much less in this storm that shows no sign of stopping, but I know you’ll go with or without me. And facing the killer alone is too risky for you. Of course, I will go with you.

“As long as we can stay dry inside the car until we see him,” I smile at you, “I’ll go. Do we have enough to charge him with? We’ll need some premise to bring him in for questioning.” I feel I may have just made a big mistake but only time will tell if the foreboding I feel is justified.

Detective William Banks:
I get a grim look on my face when you bring up if we have enough to charge him with. While it is true that he has a warrant out for his arrest, it’s possible the FBI would want to take him from us for their own business. Rumors have talked about the FBI looking into cases of fairy tales before. A supernatural wolf creature actually sounds right up their alley if those stories are true. While that would close up the case, it may rob me of the things I want to know, especially if he really is a 7 foot werewolf. Then there is the fact that if this whole monster story is true, and this man is responsible for my father’s death, I might be looking for something a little more than justice.

“Yes Fernand, we do. The man’s a wanted criminal, with more than a few murders documented both locally and nationally. If we can bag him, I’m sure that we can hold him at least until the FBI gets involved. The question is, can we hold him if he is the type of creature that can slaughter an entire room of armed criminals? How do we proceed then? I doubt he would let me off with another half dead scarring like last time.”

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
I nod to you. “Yes, we can make a case for it. And we can make a case to the chief that we’re trying to close this case quickly, as they’ve made abundantly clear lately. Let’s do it tonight. We will take your car; it looks less like a police vehicle.” My eyes twinkle. “It may be a late night, William. Perhaps we need to go back to your place for a … nap.”

Detective William Banks:
I can’t help but to grin at the prospect of getting a little shuteye with you. We’ve been taking a lot of naps lately, but for odd reason, they always leave me a little more exhausted than when we started. Regardless, there isn’t much to do now other than wait. Still the tension in me shows, the precinct is on edge, and the men I interact with normally seem concerned with the way I’ve been carrying on lately. I can’t wait for this whole thing to be over.

“All right Fernand, let’s go get ourselves a little shuteye. This Adrien fellow, the informant, says he usually shows up around 7pm or later. How about we get some real food first, dying for some meat and a beer… or maybe some fancy red wine with lunch.”

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
I didn’t think you would argue with a bit of mattress time. All the talk of monsters and mobsters, of wolves and Wolfe, have strangely whetted my appetite as well. I salivate a bit at the mention of meat and I realize I would fancy a steak, “bleu” of course. Your desire for a red wine makes me smile as I put my coat and hat on, raising my collar against the wind-driven raindrops.

“I’ll make a Frenchman out of you yet, William Banks. Let us go.”

Detective William Banks:
The stakeout begins, and it’s about as boring as you might imagine. It’s raining hard with the occasional rumble of thunder in the distance. The sound alone has me on edge, but fortunately I have this real handsome partner alongside me to help keep my mind focused. I watch the door like a hawk, real determined to catch this Wolfe. Both Fernand and I dressed in civilian clothes for this, so we can get close to man before he catches on just who we are. While we sit there in the pouring rain, figured we could talk a little to pass the time while I pass some Cracker Jack between us for a boost of energy, and something to keep the mouth busy.

You are not logged in. - Cracker Jack

“Alright Fernand, tell me. We catch this man, it turns out he’s the guy, the case gets closed and we are free to move on. Where do you want to take me first?” Phrase it just right, enough emphasis on me wanting to go, but enough that you have to admit to wanting to take me with you. Playful grin on my face, I pass the Cracker Jack over while keeping one eye on the building.

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
It’s a miserable night to be waiting for a criminal to show up. I would be exceedingly unhappy were I not with William. Even the snack he brought along for us is charmingly boyish. We pass the time talking, getting to know each other better, while never taking our eyes off the sidewalk in front of the bar. Then you take a sharp turn, asking where I would take you first, and I smile as you try to trap me with my reply. I think to myself, I hope you are more nuanced in your interrogation of Wolfe.

I glance over while still watching the door and decide to tease you. “I was thinking back to the Triangle Restaurant for dinner.” I see the crestfallen look begin to form in your expression and I can’t torture you any longer. “We’ll need the nourishment for the train trip to New York City for the ocean passage. We will start in Paris first; its nightlife will be an antidote to the darkness we’ve faced. La vie Boheme in Montmartre. I live in the Latin Quarter but I play in the Montmartre. The art and music will cleanse our souls.

“Then we will drive to Avignon, my home town, to visit my father and my sister’s family. My father will want to hear everything about this investigation. Amelie has an American husband, Arthur, whom I like a lot. I need some time playing with my two nephews and my niece. They are not far from the Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine region. We’ll go for some tastings at the vineyards. Perhaps we will go to Alsace for real beer.” I look over at you for your reaction. “I haven’t thought too much about it though….”

Detective William Banks:
When you mention the Triangle, I start thinking up something fancy I should order, but then you transition into talk of the trip like I was angling for. I listen to the tour, these places never being something I considered before, well maybe New York. Part of me thought about it when I was younger, before Pa died. Maybe this is a sign of me being able to move on soon, to something better, something with Fernand.

“Nightlife in New York sounds like a good change of pace. I hear Zoot Suits are popular right now, think you could bare to have me wearing one of those?” I actually manage to crack a smile hoping to see the outrage in your French face over such a fashion disaster. ..of course there is a real social movement following the rise of the, but I think you can take the joke.

I eat some more of the Cracker Jack and keep watching the door, the rain picking up a little more with another rumble from distant thunder. I don’t like it, and my hand grips yours for a moment before I get a hold of myself. I see a couple folk run into the Twin Anchors, but not sure if it is him, a man and a woman probably looking for shelter. “Don’t think that is him. Adrien is a solitary type of fellow, no mention of ever taking people for pleasure.”

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
I watch your reaction and I know you well enough that you’re baiting me about Zoot suits. I give an exaggerated grimace and shudder as a response. “I have never spent time in New York, other than switching from ship to train to come to Chicago. It would be fun to explore it for a few days.” I smile to myself at the thought. “After all, there will always be another transatlantic passage.”

The storm intensifies as the rain pelts down and the thunder sends vibrations through the car. I sense your body tensing as I feel a momentary squeeze of my hand. You quickly try to hold your composure but I can tell you were rattled by it. I had a sense of how traumatized you were by the attack but I see the effects are still there. Our attention turns to the couple rushing to the bar, newspapers held over their heads, as you say Wolfe is not known to take people for pleasure. I refrain from pointing out that The Wolf had no qualms about taking his pleasure with you.

A few minutes later, a few men enter and we begin to pay attention. They are followed by one man whose bearing carries authority. “William, it’s hard to tell through the downfall, but I think that’s our man.”

Detective William Banks:
Fernand is right to suspect that I’m suffering flashbacks to the night. Trying my hardest to act tough about it, but the rain, howling wind, and thunder… It’s almost a relief when you spot that man. “Could be, but hard to tell.” I grip the steering wheel, having to make a hard choice now; going in after a guy who might be our man and risk scaring off the real criminal, or stay out here being miserable for who knows how long. Stake outs are never fun, but normally the officers aren’t providing live evidence that Pavlov’s theories were true when it comes to trauma.

“We gotta risk it, Fernand. He’s the best match so far.” I leave out the bit about having a panic attack. Change of scenery will do me good. We wait for the man to duck into the Twin Anchors and get out of the car to move in after him. Like I said earlier, I used to come here for ‘soft drinks’ during Prohibition, so I know the building. There is a single exit in the back that involves cutting through employee territory. There is also a private room for special guests. I plan to make them let us use that on account of my badge, and turn it into an impromptu interrogation room.

I fill in on the basic game plan for you, but before we leave the car I bring up one more thing. Looking you in the eyes I get real serious, “Fernand, if this guy is the monster I think he is… trapping him in a room and pressing him for info or a confession. It might get us killed. Are you with me?”

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
I look over at you, knowing you are correct about the risk. I’m still less than convinced this man is the beast but if he is, he would not be afraid to kill us to escape. I try to sound confident, “If his pattern persists, he kills other criminals not law enforcement,” I speak in a rush so the last doesn’t make you think of your father. “Let us make the arrest quick. Remember that you must present the badge; I do not have American credentials. I will provide the muscle if needed.”

You nod in agreement and we both know it’s time. We exit the car quickly and sprint to the Twin Anchors, both to get out of the rain and to have momentum as we burst into the room. I push open the door to let you enter first.

Detective William Banks:
Entering the joint, it looks about how I remember. Jukebox is new. I notice that Mr. Walters, the owner, is around taking care of some customers, and that couple we saw run in here, the young lady not sure what to order. Sure enough, that tall fellow we saw, that’s the man we are looking for. Fella is around 6 feet tall, hard to tell what his build is like on account of his overcoat, but clearly he ain’t anybody scrawny. His black hair is combed over, the part in it crooked like he didn’t have a mirror, not to mention his beard looking like he hasn't had a proper shave for a week. He’s sitting down in a chair reading a newspaper, drinking something dark. I ain’t planning to be nice about this, but I also don’t want to make a huge scene.

I gesture to Fernand to keep an eye on the man while I start to make the arrangements, saunter over to Mr. Walters and start a little chat in a hushed tone. He knows me loosely because of the time I spent before, and offers a friendly smile to welcome me back. I flash him my badge and he nods knowing I’m here on official business. I write him a simple message from a page in my notepad explaining I need the backroom, all while talking about german beer I was hoping to get swig of. He nods again getting me my drink and discreetly passes the key to the backroom. So far so good.

The room itself is big, what you would expect from a bar. Altogether there are a little over half a dozen people; Fernand and me of course, barkeep, Wolfe, that romantic couple dodging the rain, and an old timer. The smaller back room is reserved for things like a private poker game, small, maybe 20 by 20 feet or so with it’s own back exit so folks could come in and out quietly for all the dealings that happen in it. LIke I said, trying to do this without causing a huge scene, I move back to Fernand with my drink, flashing him the key to the room. I hand it off to you with a nod, “Unlock the door and head on in, I’ll grab him and pull him in after you.”

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
I watch our target as you talk to the owner. Wolfe is an unsavory looking character but he doesn’t look like a vicious killer. Then again, few do. The owner hands you something, obviously wanting to stay on the good side of the law, considering what goes on here. You come to me and hand me the key, along with brief instructions. I nod and try to walk to the back casually. Opening the door, I enter, taking stock of what is here. I am especially cognizant of the back entrance, wanting to know both escape routes should this interrogation turn into a horror story. I wait for you to enter with Wolfe.

Detective William Banks:
I see Fernand get into position while I keep an eye on Wolfe planning how I’m going to do this. He’s distracted by the paper, so far this has gone perfectly. I take a deep drink of my beer and stand up, ready to spring this trap. Moving up to Adrien, he glances up at me from behind the paper and gives me a dirty look. That’s fine, I give him two other things to look at instead, my badge as I pull my coat open, and my holstered gun with my right hand on it. “You’re coming with me to the back room. Make a fuss and I won’t bother with the arrest.”

He hears my threat and gives me a serious look, starts to lower the paper nice and slow. The scene is tense, I can just imagine Mr. Walters is really nervous as this plays out. My eyes stay focused on Adrien’s, then he relaxes. I hide my confusion as he rises up and holds both hands in the air, “But of course Mr. Banks.” Alright so he knows who I am, that could be a point in either direction of this man being the serial killer that the FBI thinks he is, or the supernatural monster I think he is. EIther way, he’s coming along right now as I push him towards the side room, the other exit nearby.

A few steps later he tries to bolt, but I’m already on him grabbing the back of his coat like some dramatic scene out of a Dick Tracy strip. I bring my knee up into the side of ribs, something reminiscent of all that wrestling talk I love, his grunt causing the whole bar to turn towards us. I now throw this garbage through the door into the side room where he lands on his front right before you. I step in, and close the door behind, “Mr. Adrien Wolfe, we need to have a talk.”

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
I hear the scuffle as Wolfe puts up his resistance. I only get a glimpse of your display of force. I know we’re on business but your aggressiveness and strength make my loins stir. “You’re working, Fernand, you’re working. Save that for later.” Wolfe comes hurtling through the door and skids to a halt at my feet. I grip his collar from behind, flexing my muscles as I hoist him off the floor and drag his derriere into a chair.

“Resisting police questioning rarely gets you anywhere, Monsieur Wolfe.” I twist his arms tightly behind the chair, then pull out my cuffs to bind his hands. Now he won’t be going anywhere unless he drags that ugly thing with him.

“Now perhaps you would like to talk with my partner in a more civil manner.” I’m not sure the cuffs will make a difference should he transform to the beast, but they make me feel a little more secure.

Detective William Banks:
Can’t help but to smile as I see you bind this scum to the chair. I think to myself that we might have to come back to that some other night, but right now, focusing on business. My eyes grow hard as the memories of that night come back, not to mention the image of my father’s corpse. “Mr. Wolfe, like I said, we are going to have a real serious talk now.” I cast a glimpse over to Fernand, some worry showing in case I’m right.

Adrien is quiet, staring at the floor. I grab one of the other chairs and pull it over to him, sitting it backwards. “Alright, I’ll start then Adrien. What do you know about Gruesome Alley?” I reach over and lift his chin so we are looking eye to eye, all I’m seeing in his is hate.

“I want my lawyer.” Typical response from this scum, they know they have legal rights can drag things out for months, years even depending on how well connected they are. Al Capone himself evaded arrest for many years because he knew how to play the system, but eventually the IRS caught him. The thing with me tonight, this case, and my father’s death… I don’t really care about doing things straight right now. Hopefully in a week I’ll be free of this damn thing and on my way to France. So I ball up my hand, and let it fly straight into the side of his face.

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
I see your interest in my use of handcuffs and I am further aroused. My excitement turns to concern as the darkness takes your face as you look at Wolfe again and you become more intense. It was no surprise he would ask for his lawyer, regardless of which crimes he may be implicated in, but it puts you over the top. Your strong fist snaps his head to the side, opening a cut in his cheekbone. You’re already losing control.

I come up behind you, gripping your arms in mine. I growl softly in your ear, “Do not have this case thrown out of court, William. Control your impulses.” I look up at Wolfe and his glare at you. “As you see, Monsieur, my partner wants answers now. Much could happen to you before your lawyer could get here, at this time and in the heavy rain. I don’t think any of us want that to happen….” I tense my grip on you, “... do we?”

Detective William Banks:
I growl back more out of frustration. That’s when the small window to this room flashes with light, a moment later thunder shakes the floor. I try to wipe the memory of the attack from my mind for now, but the realization that the creature might be in front of me makes that hard. I take a deep breath. “Alright, we can play nice Fernand.”

The man does not look amused. He spits a little bit of blood right on my coat. “I will not tell you a single word without my lawyer present.” He gives me a toothy grin with a bit of pink washing over his teeth. I show him some teeth of my own, then start brushing off his coat. “You are well known, the moment I turn you over to the precinct, for whatever reason, the FBI is going to take you away. I could be nice Mr. Wolfe, wait for your fancy lawyer or public defender to come along. What most folks don’t know is that the FBI will just come in and take away prisoners without any real justification. The Supreme Court has stopped that. So let me be real clear Adrien… I could beat you half to death or worse, and you are still going to be locked up for what you’ve done.”

Some of that is a bluff, but Adrien is starting to sweat. Of course if he is the beast, then the idea of being locked up by the most secure system in the United States probably would have even him worried. Plus there’s always talk about the Government doing odd tests on whatever, big werewolf probably be something they would like to get ahold of. I turn to Fernand now to see how he is reacting to my more sensitive side.

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
You’re pushing him and his discomfort could be taken either way, but it does seem to me that when pressured, he would use whatever is at his disposal to escape the situation. I become less and less confident he is the beast. But we still have a ruthless criminal at our command, and we can push this a bit further, if we deliver him to the FBI.

I walk forward and lean in toward Wolfe. “Oh, did you expect this to be a ‘bad cop, good cop’ situation? Not when you disrespect my partner.” I backhand the other side of his face than you punched. “You have two bad cops who want answers NOW!”

Detective William Banks:
Adrien growls at the backhand, then he regains his composure. “You want answers, where should I start? How about with Officer Banks, that is what this is really about, don't you think William?” He looks at me while talking, knowing about a scab he can pick. It’s working too. I get up and take a step away, looking out that window at the pouring rain. If he is the beast, he knows about my father’s death and is going to use that to make me more unhinged, angry. If he is just a man, another piece of gutter trash, then he is using a well known part of my past against me.

“You have my attention. Tell me about my father Adrien.” It’s a simple request, and one I’m willing to follow up with more violence if need be. His look is cunning, like a man playing chess. “Very well, your father was a man looking into the same people I was hunting. He got in my way. The human body is nothing more than a canvas for my art and craft, and so I tore him apart. I’m much more skilled now, perhaps you will be a more elegant piece of work.”

He knows that a confession like this isn’t admissible in a court of law though it can be submitted to a trial under the right circumstances. He’s trying to provoke me into more violence, and it’s working.

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
I see Wolfe getting into your head, but I sense that this is a false confession. He knows the facts of William’s father’s death, it’s common knowledge. But this does not make sense. He is a brutal killer but in all the cases that implicate him, not nearly the level of atrocity in the Gruesome Alley massacres. I think he is trying to provoke you to commit enough improprieties to have all cases against him dismissed. All my instincts tell me he is un morceau de merde, but not the beast. I move to pull you aside…..

Detective William Banks:
You start to pull me aside, but Adrien sees that you are the more grounded one here, at least right now. “I think I’ll start with that nasty scare of yours. Split it open evenly across you and practice a little fractal art. Like a crimson snowflake made of flesh and bone.” I listen to that statement, and the images of The Wolf over me from that night, lightning, rain, his claws in my chest. It’s more than I can bear… I pull my gun and hold it to his head, teeth gritting.

You are not logged in. Gun to Head

“You are a piece of shit. I don’t know if you are the thing that did this to me, but I’m not going to let you desecrate any more people. FBI or not, I’m not going to…”

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
“MERDE!! William, don’t!” I pull you back, “Don’t throw away your career! I don’t think he’s your father’s killer, and he is risking his life for a full exoneration. Would the beast not have manifested and escaped us by now? Give me your gun. Please? William, please?”

Detective William Banks:
Adian sees your outburst, a smile crossing his face despite the gun pointed at his temple. I look you in the eyes and you can see all the stress and anger flowing in them. I’m breathing hard from all this. I think you are probably right, this creature surely would have changed by now… Unless he thinks I wouldn’t pull the trigger. My hand grips the handle as I look at you, index finger shifting. My better nature comes through, I hand the gun to you… and then I backhand him like you did early with a blow so strong he almost topples over.
“Fernand, if he is the beast, truly the thing that did this to me, then he knows I’m not willing to cross the line of murder easily. This may be the one chance to kill it because it thinks I won’t do the deed.” As I make that declaration, Adrien’s scheme becomes clear as the cuffs and his lock pick falls to the ground. He bolts for the back door just as a flash of lightning illuminates the window, thunder cracking almost immediately indicating that the storm is right here.

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
“Sacre bleu!” I let us be distracted by our difference in approach with Wolfe and let him free himself. He runs out the back entrance into the howling storm. I take off in pursuit. He is now a fugitive from justice and I am not subject to law enforcement discipline other than deportation. I run into the raging storm, my gun in my right hand, yours in my left, cold wet raindrops pelting my face. Another flash of lightning and I see Wolfe’s silhouette. I fire with both guns, emptying the chambers. I see the form fall into the darkness but rise and disappear into the torrent.

I run out to chase him down but lose sight of any sign of him. I stand, guns held uselessly in each hand, as the downpour drenches me. Defeated, I turn to the Twin Anchors and back to you.

Detective William Banks:
As you return to the Twin Anchors, you find me by the back door, rain pelting on me as I sit there against it. It’s clear I’m having some sort of panic attack, so many things running through my mind and the surge of adrenaline triggering it all. I can’t believe I let him get away, that I let him distract me like that. I’m not sure if he was the beast, he probably isn’t, but that doesn’t change the fact that this damn storm is a mirror reflection of the one that hit the night I was attacked. The gunshots when you fired echo the same I shot at the beast when it was chasing me.

There is a shudder through my body when you come back, my eyes locking with yours knowing that he got away even though I didn’t see the action. I try to push myself up to look strong, but end up leaning against the door with rain running down my face. “I think… I need a drink…”

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
I stride back through the rain, knowing we didn’t accomplish our goal. I see you slumped against the door jamb, and I know not all the water dripping from your face is raindrops.

“So do I, mon amour. I have liquor back at my hotel room. We failed tonight but the solution to the mystery is still within our reach.” I turn to you, looking at your handsome face. “Let us get warm and dry, then moister on our own terms.”

Detective William Banks:
I look at you standing over me, perhaps the strong figure I need right now to help carry my burden. I pull myself up not wanting to look weak, me having looked plenty weak in front of you already in that damn hospital. Deep breaths, I nod. “He got away… but I think you are right about him. We need to call this in… stop him from running. Let me use the phone first, then we can go to your hotel room.”

We come back into the room, closing the door, a few minutes later giving a brief rundown to the owner while trying not to hyperventilate. I use their phone to call in the precinct and start having them canvas the area looking for Wolfe, hopefully they can catch him since he was seemingly injured. With our part done for the night, we go back out the front to the car.

I hand you the keys on the way out, me being in no condition to drive at the moment. I sit there in the car thinking about the situation, milling it over. I could have burned my career tonight, though it’s already burning because of the talk of monsters. Hushed circles of people already don’t like me, and our relationship adding fuel to that fire, I already know my time as a detective is limited. I’m sure Adrien Wolfe will be caught at some point, but my fear is that if he really was the beast, this Wolf we are hunting, that may have been the only chance to put a bullet in his head.

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
I unlock the door for you then walk to the driver’s side and get into the car. I wait a moment with neither of us saying a word before engaging the electric starter and bringing the engine alive. Once we’re on our way, I rest my hand on your thigh when I do not have to shift gears. I don’t want to make you feel even worse by expressing pity or sympathy, so we drive back to the hotel in silence.

When we get to my room, I turn on the radiator and begin to strip you. “Let’s get you out of these wet clothes, William.” I try not to linger, looking at your scared yet beautifully muscled body, and wrap you in the robe I bought for you when we began spending the night here or at your apartment. I take my own soaked clothes off and put my own robe on. I walk to the dresser which has served as a small wet bar for me and pour us a double shot of whisky, straight up. I hand you a glass and lean forward to touch my forehead against yours. I give you a gentle kiss.

Detective William Banks:
The drive to the hotel is miserable. We… I really fumbled this one. Regardless if Adrien Wolfe was the creature that attacked me, the person who killed my father, or just a deranged serial killer… we blew our chance to get him tonight. I blew our chance tonight. If he was The Wolf… I had a clear shot at his head. Maybe I should have just taken it with no questions asked… The thunder and lightning in this storm don’t help any, each flash of light and rumble causing me to clench up, my eyes moving left and right afraid that the creature is trailing us now. I think it is unlikely that this man is the creature, but I can’t be sure and need to think about it more.

As you bring me inside, it’s clear that my mood is plenty sour, but even still I can’t help but to smile a little when you start to undress me. I help out a bit in the process, happy to slip on that robe of yours with the smell of my favorite Frenchman on it. Short time later we have some whiskey and I’m happy to kiss you, another flash of lightning casting a shadow in the room that makes me jump… trick of the eyes that to me looked like black sable fur.

“We’re both filthy Fernand. Let’s take a bath and turn in for the night. We can sort this all out in the morning at the precinct. For now I just want to enjoy you and not dwell on what happened tonight… or my breakdown.” I’m not afraid to call it what it was, we both know what I’ve been through and aware that trauma can be triggered from various stimuli. In this case the mix of lighting, rain, thunder, gunshots… not to mention the fear of coming face to face with that monster again, it all mixed together and overwhelmed me. I’ve never felt so cowardly in my life…

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
I pull you close and hold you for a minute before heading to the bathroom. I turn on the hot water and the pipes bang for a minute as it makes its way to this third floor room from the boiler in the basement. The hotel bathtub is absurdly small for two grown men to try to fit in together but we’re determined. I have to laugh a bit at our acrobatics to make this work, despite the faucet pressing into my back. The refilled whisky glasses, almost knocked off the stool by our machinations to enter the tub, are on a stool within reach. We lather each other up, gently scrubbing off the grime of the day and, hopefully, the sense of failure we both feel. I caress you with the sudsy sponge in hand, not lingering on your scars, not that you have not been reminded by this night.

Detective William Banks:
Alright, maybe this isn't the brightest idea, both Fernand and I are grown men with a bit more muscle than most being part of law enforcement. We manage to squeeze ourselves into the bathtub in an almost comical way, something you might read about in a comic strip. Regardless, manage to fit with more than a helping hand from a few shots of whiskey. The warm water helps to move us on from the sour mood of the night while we touch and scrub.

After a bit of exchange of touching, some jokes, and general conversation, I manage to forget all about the storm as it moves on. There is something about Fernand that makes me feel secure, the type of feeling that you might consider getting serious with. Always felt that I was late to that party, most folks start getting serious in their early 20s, on account of my pa and the fact I’m into men made it more than difficult. As I’ve said before, Fernand here is my first real step into romance after the old man’s death, and the more I hear that French Accent, the more I want to pack up and move on to the next part of my life.

“Fernand,” I begin after maybe 20 or so minutes of soapy acrobatics, “How serious are we with each other? We talk about you taking me to France when this is all done, and I honestly think my career is going to be over one way or another when this case closes. Do we really plan to do this? To step forward into a life together?” I grow a bit quiet looking for your answer, knowing that this moment out of the ones we’ve shared might be the most critical so far. The one that shows if we both really want a life together.

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
You take me by surprise with your frank and straightforward questions. I don’t want to leave you hanging, thinking that I have hesitations. “William, I want us to be together. Let’s towel off and discuss this further in bed.” I begin to untangle us to stand up and reach the towels. When we’re able to both rise, I’m standing in front of you, water dripping off my muscles. I hand you a towel and we slowly dry one another, before taking our drinks and heading to the bed, climbing naked under the covers.

I caress your cheek before giving you a light kiss and continuing the conversation. “I think you’re right, I’ve seen the mood in the precinct house. If you stay in the US, you’ll need to move to another city to join the force.” I see the concern beginning to form on your face. “William, we are going to France. I want you to see it, to see my Paris, my Avignon, my wine country. But France is difficult for les étrangers, for foreigners. You don’t know the language or the customs. Let’s see if you like it before we plan to move there. If you don’t, I’ll stay in the US with you.”

Now comes the really hard part, the one even I do not wish to think about. “There is one other thing, William. Germany has been arming itself more and more, and becoming more and more aggressive. If war comes to France, I would be expected to serve my country. And if the US becomes involved, you may have to serve yours.”

Detective William Banks:
I join you in bed after another shot to keep the mood going. The scar on my body still affects me mentally, but when I’m around you, it’s less of a focal point in my mind. So I join you in the bed and we look eye to eye with the light sound of rain being the only reminder of the storm. I listen to your concerns and the talk of Germany arming itself for a conflict is nothing too surprising given how they were treated at the end of the last war. Everybody knows a conflict is mounting even if the US is determined to ignore it.

“You’re right Fernand that I’m no Frenchman. Had a bit of the politeness instilled into me with a few trips up to Canada when I was younger, often staying weeks at a time. Know a little French, but nothing that could pass for a full conversation. Probably butcher the words with my accent anyways. Still I think I could adapt over there. I hear France is more accepting of men like us, and that’s really welcoming to me.” I shift to my backside and slide my arms behind my head, all so i can get more comfortable and gaze at the ceiling while I imagine the life.

You are not logged in. - William Relaxed

“The life I imagine for us, I could see us running around as a dynamic duo, chasing crime and maybe who knows what crazy nonsense. Or maybe we settle down and start up some fancy wine making business. Maybe I’ll even build up the courage to do some wrestling like I always wanted.” I take a few deep breaths thinking it over, and then my mind drifts to your concerns about the draft.

(I need to double check this next part) “I don’t think I need to worry about them calling me in for duty if something happens. Seems like the States are trying to stay out of the conflicts with it still reeling from the stock market crash. In addition to that, me being the first and only born to my dad, I don’t think they can force me to join. Might be too old anyways at this point being in my 30s. If they did come calling… Being overseas might be a bit difficult for me as well, so I don’t think I need to worry too much about it. Part of me feels I’ve already given plenty for my country in the name of law enforcement anyways.”

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
I grin when you say that being in Canada for trips has prepared you somewhat for France. “William, we Parisians say that the Québécois speak French with an American accent. They of course take offense at such a notion but they are easier for Americans to understand. Still, it’s a start. In Paris, they pretend not to understand English; in the provinces, many really do not. But not everyone will be like that.”

I take a few moments to contemplate a happy life with you there, taking you to see Josephine Baker, currently a sensation on Parisian stages.Then I listen to your reluctance to join the American service. “William, whether the US stays out of the war or not, it is not likely to be invaded. France certainly will be, should there be war. I would consider it my duty to serve my country, if not on the front lines, perhaps in intelligence. Police and detectives are quite valued in deciphering information.”

Detective William Banks:
I nod along when you talk about your patriotic duty. I was never a military man, followed pa’s shadow into the police work obviously, and that caused me to learn to swallow my pride and take orders. The thought of being part of a platoon, shooting heavy machinery, and of course killing people; it’s not my thing. I’ve seen enough bloodshed with Gruesome Alley to last a lifetime already, but maybe if I were really forced into it, I might be able to swing something with intelligence in France as part of the US military. That’s a problem to solve another time.

“Let’s not talk about… the war.” I say the term with hesitation, part of me knowing it’s coming but wishing the world's turmoil would just pass me by. “If push comes to shove, I’ll step up in some way or another. I’d rather focus on our lives in the present though, live in the here with you in the present, and our more immediate plans going forward. I want to be with you in France and all the romantic things that happen there. When this case closes, I want you to be the focus of my life Fernand, and nothing else.”

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
I listen to your words and take them in. None of us can ever know what is in store for us, how the future will play out. We can only move to what we wish and hope for, and try our best to make it happen. However long William and I are together, I will treasure each moment and remind myself daily to make the most of our time. I yawn and realize it is past time that we go to sleep.

I turn off the lamp on the nightstand and pull you close to me under the covers. “Il n'y a que le présent. Il n'y a que nous. There is only one now. There is only us. I am all yours, William Banks, whatever happens. Now let us sleep. It has been a long day.”

Detective William Banks:
“You’re right Frenand, it’s been a long day. I expect the police chief is going to dress me down in his office tomorrow about the blunder today. Tonight though, well you already dressed me down so let’s just enjoy.” I turn towards you and bring my arms over your thick bicep. “I think you’re the one for me, the first person I ever had the courage to make a move on. Whatever happens, you will always be a part of my life.” I then move in to kiss you as we both begin to fade for the night.

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
This may be our last day of the routine we’ve developed. We left bed after some morning play and you headed to the precinct, more to pack up your personal belongings than to do any work. I walked over to Kessliers’ for our morning pastries and coffee, and to say good-bye to Madame Kessler, as we plan to leave soon for France.

One of my shots must have hit Wolfe as he escaped. He had to seek medical help and was apprehended. I am sure William will have updates for me when I get to the station. Madame Kessler refuses to take my money and even throws in an extra croissant. She gives me a peck on the cheek before I leave. When I get to the station, you’re already at your desk, nearly cleaned off.

Detective William Banks:
Heading to the precinct to clean out my desk, I learned from a few of the officers that Adrien Wolfe had been detained, and just like I thought, the FBI were already moving to take him into custody. New came a bit too late to change anything with my status on the force though. Police chief was aiming to fire me but offered me the chance to resign, still thinking about it. Means I'd be able to collect some benefits when I get older. As I gather up my things, I know that Fernand will be here any moment with our last round of coffee treats. Really going to miss this ritual we started, but I’m sure we will develop more once we settle in France.

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
As we look over the last files and feast on our pastries and coffee, I see what’s going on. “So they were going to fire you until the FBI stepped in and arrested Wolfe for his previous crimes. Now you’re the hero for flushing out a wanted criminal and the police chief can’t touch you.” I toss down this morning’s Chicago Tribune. “The headline is that the Gruesome Alley Killer has been stopped in his tracks. And between the lines, since the FBI have Wolfe, Chicago Police don’t have to prove their case, which is quite, comment dites-vous, flimsy. Just cross their fingers that the killings don’t start again. It seems law enforcement’s patterns are international.”

Detective William Banks:
My face lights up when you toss that paper down in front of me, a bit of a growl afterwards after I realize that the chief was trying to ambush this morning before I saw the headline. They can’t fire me now, not with this in the press. Still I don’t plan to stay, but I can use this as leverage to better terms of leaving, and probably use up that vacation I’ve seen sitting on to go oversea before officially quitting.

“This is great news Fernand. It really changes a few things, but not what matters most.” I hold your hand and take the coffee. A few minutes later after reading the article I give you the inside scoop involving Adrien and how things are playing out politically. It’s a bit of a mixed bag, but you deserve to know the inside deal.

“So Adrien Wolfe was apprehended getting medical care last night. Seems he went to a crime doctor to get the slug removed a week ago, but complications landed him in a real hospital just last night, the same hellish place I was stuck at before.” Can’t help but to grin at that part. “With him in custody he realized he was beat, so he is claiming credit for the the murders. Cries of a defeated man clinging to delusions of grandeur. Course we both know that he probably isn’t the creature, but if the murders die down because of this, I’m willing to move on to more important things.” I sigh and take a drink of the coffee pairing it with the usual pastries.

“The real kicker here is that he is claiming the murder of father as his own. Maybe there is truth in that, but I don’t think it really lines up well. Adrien is, for lack of a better phrase, an artist when it comes to killing. Neat and tidy. What we saw in Gruesome Alley seemed cold and calculating, but not exactly a visual display of art. More and more I doubt he was the creature, but some me regrets not taking the shot that night when I had him just to make sure. For now, with them unable to fire me, I have around 4 months of paid vacation to use up with you. That there is sweeter than this raspberry filled.. whatever this is.” I take a bite and smile

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
I listen to your summary of what was going on. Part of me wants to stay in case the Wolf I came here to find reappears. But he has gone silent, no killings in more than a week. Why would I stay longer when we have made plans for our future? I see the smear of red from the raspberry filling on your lips and I’m aroused, I want to lick it off your sensuous mouth. I reach into my jacket pocket and pull out a small folder.

“I hope you won’t be mad that I took it upon myself to get us out of this city. Two tickets on tomorrow morning’s train to New York City. Unfortunately…..” I give you a sly smile. “... the ship to France does not leave for three days. We will need to stay in la grosse Pomme, the Big Apple, until then. I took the liberty of booking a hotel in Greenwich Village.”

Detective William Banks:
I seductively lick that filling on my lips that you're watching, noticing that one fella who always gives the dirty look is watching. Don’t care about him anymore, this is our happy ending and I’ll damn well do what I please. You tell me about the train and I cough a little as I take a drink.

“I guess that doesn’t give us the most time, but we can manage. You know my apartment, I don’t have a lot, but should probably get packing. If you help me out, I imagine we would still have time to hit the Triangle one last time. Hows that sound Fernand, fancy red wine with some dish I probably can’t pronounce.” I smile as I quickly pack my belongings from the desk in the box ready to head on out.

Inspector Fernand Laurent:
“You are done here, William. My bags are packed. Let us check me out of the hotel, have dinner at the Triangle where I will tutor your French, then pack you up.” We head out of the station house for the last time, but I pull you to a halt in front of the lieutenant giving us dirty looks. I pull you close and kiss you deep, then turn to him and snarl, “Va te faire foutre.”

“Another chapter for us, William….”

Published: 2021-12-27, viewed 51 times.