Chapter 1: A Bit of a Bloody Little Introduction

“I’m considered the… welcoming committee!” He laughed; he sat down at a desk in the police station. It flashed to a view of me. I could hear myself say something and his quixotic laughter continuing. The frustration of my face was evident, but he was certain beautiful.

Flash!

Charming emerald eyes looked at me with a quirky shine to them. “Emmy…. Emmy…” He chuckled. “I hope you like blood….Because you’re going to be seeing a lot of it here in Chicago.” Fangs shone in the light and his face contorted to something with the interests of pure evil. My own scream rang out.

Flash!

The peanut butter smeared on the edges of his mouth made him cringe. “Bloody gah! I hate peanut butter! Where is the chocolate! I want the chocolate!” He exclaimed as he vainly tried to lick the substance away. “Oh…wait a minute…” He said, looking at me with a perverse expression. “There’s the chocolate!” The trench coat he was wearing crashed to the floor and he moved so fast, pressing me against the wall, hovering near me dangerously, and his eyes glowing.

I woke up in a cold sweat from that weird dream. I could only really wonder….What the hell?

-Where it began.-

“Emily, you’re sure?” Fred asked me with a concern laced on her expression, “You don’t to leave our old Alabama for that boy. He’s just a snag toothed jackass.” The loving old waitress watched me with her hawk-eye as she washed a plastic cup with a rag. She was a bit hefty with graying blond hair and pink skin, but she was like the mother I never had.

“I’m positive, Fred!” I exclaimed for the billionth time. “He’s not my problem. This town-no! The whole state is my friggin’ problem!”

“You’ve been saying’ that ever since you went to that big old ‘apple.” Fred insisted, “I can’t say I blame ya that much either. I would a gone with ya if that lazy bum, Hank, wasn’t so damn lazy!” I laughed and she laughed with me, but the amusement drained from her face and the seriousness returned. “Sweetie, you’re sure about this? I’ve heard that Chicago’s a tough place.”

“I’m positive, Fred. I’ll even purchase some pepper spray and a fat mace for protection if you want.” I insisted. “But believe me, if it weren’t for you, I would have left this pit so long ago. I want out! I want out of here! I want to have dreams! I don’t want a spanking yellow house with a white picket fence! I want my dreams and my freedom! I want to go England, have I told you that, Fred? The reason I’m going to Chicago is because I want to earn some money there being a cop or something and then I’m going to be so far gone…. Hell. I may even go to Finland!” I threw my arms up. “There’s so much away from this. These tractors, this dirt, these trucks caked in mud, the same drunks I bust every time, the same ass grabs, all of this...”

“You want it all, huh, chick?” Fred said with a sigh. She placed the cup down and then turned when a bell was dinged. She picked up a plate of fried chicken and turned to me. “Sit your little ass down cause I’ll be right back.” I rolled my eyes and sat back down on the stool. Fred walked off to deliver the food. I spun around in the stool and watched the same familiar surroundings pass before my eyes. The same dingy old clock and posters from the fifties, maybe even earlier. All the usual people of the diner were sitting in the same old red leather booths. It was all the same, I was right to get away from it all. I could almost salivate at the dreams of-!

“Well, well, well, look who’s decided to grace us with her almighty presence, boys! If it isn’t Officer Jacobs…” I heard the bells chime so I could tell that he closed the door and that he thought that I was going nowhere.

“John Reedman.” I replied bitterly. “I never would’ve guessed.”

“That’s my Emmy for ya!” He chuckled and made a few gestures to his friend.

“Real cute.” I snorted and spun back around to face Fred. “Fred?”

“I’m on it.” She walked into the kitchen.

“Oooh.” John said. “I hear you’re going to a big city, Emmy. Perhaps I could ask why?”

“You could…” I brushed him off as Fred slid a coke over to me. “But I won’t give you a reason. It’s none of your business. John Amanda Reedman.”

“Ouch.” He said. “Now, Officer Em. After all the good times we had together that involved the badge and your handcuffs… you aren’t being very nice to me.”

“Shove it up your ass. You begged for me to do shit like that with you and I never did. But I did recommend you to go find a stripper at one point, didn’t I?” I commented as I took a sip, his friends laughed accordingly. “But if you must know, John. Yes, I’m going to a big city. I’m out of here and I’m damn excited, go find yourself a whore and get out of my life.”

“Emily, your flight’s leaving in ten.” Fred said. “Hugs before you go?”

“Of course, Fred.” I stood and walked around the counter. She pulled me into a monstrous embrace and patted my back. “You hang in there for us both, kay?”

“Of course, Emily Amber Jacobs.” Fred replied. The moisture began to gather in her eyes and she dabbed at them with her apron. “I’ll miss you, my sweet Emily.”

“I’ll see you, Fred. We’ll keep in touch, no?” I smiled at her and picked up my duffle. Just as I was about to leave, a fellow officer from the station ran in.

“Emily!” He grinned and then picked me up, spinning me.

“Derek!” I exclaimed.

“They got your transfer from stations all set up, my doll. You’re set.” He smiled at me and brushed a strand of hair out of my eyes. He held papers in his hand and extended them to me.

“You’re serious? Yes!” I exclaimed. “I’ll miss you so much, Derek!” I wrapped my arms around his neck and held him tight. “You’ll find the right one for you.” I whispered in his ear. “It just wasn’t me.”

“I know, Emmy.” He replied. “Get your pretty little ass out of here and make your way into that city!” He smacked my rear as I began to walk out and I laughed. “I own that ass and you know it!” Derek shouted to me as I stood in the door, reminding me of an old inside joke we had.

“Duh!” I told him. That a realization hit me. I looked down at my hand and saw the wedding ring. “John.” I said as he was still sitting at the bar. He was faced away from me, but I knew he was listening. I pulled the ring off my finger and sat it down beside him. “Goodbye.”

-Apartment Hunters-

That day I walked out of Fred’s Diner and never looked back. I got out of my hometown, just like I’ve always dreamed of, and I couldn’t have been happier at the time. But now…. I’m just starting to think it’s a major pain in the ass. That’s a price you’ve got to pay for change though… right?

“Miss Jacobs.” The old man said. “This apartment is a very fine one indeed, the rent is reasonable, neighbors have no interest in bothering you, bugs aren’t a problem and you can come and go as you please.”

“That’s very nice and all…” I told him, “Can I take a look?”

“Of course!” He said and pulled out a key ring. “My name is Edgar Johnson.”

“Nice to know.” I replied a bit cynically. He led me up the stairs and then stopped at a door on the end of the halls. He pushed it open before me and I walked in. It was decent and from what he told me, it worked for my budget quite nicely. After quizzing him about its current condition, I turned to him. “Well…. I’ll take it.” I caught the keys he threw to me. Home sweet home, pshyeah, right.

-First Day on the Job-

I pressed down my shirt to rid of the crinkles and took in a deep sigh. What was I worried about? It was my first day; they offered that if I transferred they’d take me. Still, I couldn’t get this feeling out of my gut about something that would probably go down today, I just didn’t know what.

I walked out of the building and as expected, a SUV with police station labels sat, waiting to take me for my first day. I can only thank God that it was a woman. I opened the door to the passenger side and slipped in.

“Hi.” She said, “My name is Julie Edwards. I’ll be your partner, you are?”

“Emily Jacobs.” I replied, taking her hand as she extended it to me.

“You like to kick ass?” She questioned.

“Hell yes.” I snorted.

“We’ll get along just fine.” She smirked as she pulled out. “Lieutenant isn’t so bad. Just a major pain in the ass. Be careful getting smart with him and you ‘ll do fine.”

“Damn it all, I’m already fired.” I informed, my voice dripping with sarcasm. She sent a dry look my way. “Sorry.” I apologized.

“It’s fine. Just getting used to a new partner is kind of odd for me. I’ve had the same partner for about five years now, but he went a bit off, you could say.”

“I’m sorry.” I told her. “What was his name?”

“Tobias. Tobias Molder.” She informed with a nostalgic look on her face. “Since we’ve got a bit of a way to go before we get to the station, I figure you should know what happened to him. Just so you won’t make the same mistake… We live in a shady part of town, Emily. There are things that go on here, you wouldn’t even begin to imagine.”

“Oh? Is the boogey-man hiding in the backseat?” I couldn’t help but supply as the stern expression on her face was calling for.

“Something like that.” She grinned at me regretfully. “Just recently, Toby and I had this case, about a month ago. It was a funky one. It dealt with a sadistic torturing serial killer and a lot of the weird stuff…very unusual. We had gotten a lead that went to the downtown and you can imagine what type of people hangs there. We found a voodoo shop… the man was scared shitless, so he ran from us. Toby, being the brave sweet bastard he was, kicked out the window and began to pursue him down the alleyway. I had a feeling all day that something bad was going to happen, so I tried to follow him as fast as I could. I heard Tobias cry out but I was too late. As I rounded the corner, I saw him and the killer. The killer had him by his shoulders and it was so weird… he bit him in the neck. I shot at the killer and he looked up. He fled and we never really saw him again. Toby was never the same after that day though, and as time went on, it got worse.”

I raised my brow at her seriousness. “Jeez, I feel like I’m in a Greek tragedy here.”

“This isn’t a laughing matter, Emily.” Julie persisted.

“Is police work ever?” I replied.

“Just let me finish and you can continue your snide comments then.” Julie growled. I threw my hands up in surrender. “Tobias didn’t come into work for a few days and when he finally did, he was as scared as hell. He came to me, covered in blood, and he couldn’t remember why or how. But then he told me something that you wouldn’t ever believe and it’s actually not my right to tell you…so I can’t.”

“What? That’s not cool!” I told her as my curiosity made me a bit interested, but my pride would never show it.

“He’s….not necessarily human, Emily. The Lieutenant told me to fill you in on some of the stuff that we deal with here. We don’t only deal with drug busts and what not. We deal with some paranormal too.” My mouth fell open and my brows rose together. “There. I said it. Believe it or not. It’s what we do. Lieutenant, Chief, whatever he’s called, he can’t hold it against me. I told you. But down to the point, that’s basically it.”

“And what about Tobias?” I asked her.

“Tobias. I haven’t heard of him, seen him, and his apartment is boarded up. Far as I know, he’s gone to Malibu- no. Take that back- That…wouldn’t work.” Julie cringed at her own mistake. “Ah! Here’s the station. I think you’ll like it here. It’s not so bad. We’re relatively good people.”

We pulled into the parking lot and got out. She gestured to the building and told me random little facts. We entered and I shivered at the sudden chill. “Mental note for you. Bring a jacket. It’s as if Hell froze over in here.” Julie assured. “I’ll introduce you to Chief and we’ll find you a desk hopefully near mine.”

“What am I supposed to call him? Chief, Lieutenant, Boss?” I questioned her jumping of titles.

“Basically it bounces. We’re awfully weird here.” Julie answered nonchalantly. “Ooh! Chief! C’mere! She’s here!”

“Coming, Edwards!” I heard a gruff voice call. A curse, things falling, and a door slamming echoed throughout the station.

“He’s a bit clumsy.” Julie whispered. An old man wearing a police suit came out to greet me, he held a coffee mug in one hand and he extended the other to me.

“Chief Marcum.” He cordially said. “Was your trip well, Officer Jacobs?”

“Quite.” I informed. “Thank you.”

“Good. If there’s anything you ever need, my office is over there.” He pointed. “And you’ll be seated next to Officer Edwards. I suppose she told you about Tobias?” I nodded. “Perfect. I’ve got to go. It was great meeting you, Officer.” He ran off.

“Would you like some coffee?” Julie asked me.

“Yeah, thanks.” I replied as she practically dragged me toward a room. “You guys are unnaturally nice. You’re trying to bribe me for something, right?” I asked her.

“No. We just like making good first impressions. We hope you’ll last long.” She chuckled nervously and then handed me a cup. I looked down at the cup.

“Black coffee with only a dab of cream. How’d you know?” I looked at her suspiciously.

“Lucky guess.” She replied and wrung her hands nervously. “Let’s show you to your desk!” She grabbed my arm and began dragging me down a long pathway of different things. Copier machines, other officers, water fountains, more desks, and a plethora of things. She finally stopped and I almost stumbled into her. “Here we are!” Julie exclaimed. “It is awful plain around in our area, but we’ve got the pop machine.” We faced her elaborately decorated desk.

“Your choice of décor eludes me.” I informed her.

“Just like Tobias.” She muttered under her breath when she turned away from me for a moment. Julie faced me again and beamed.

“Hey!” A slightly British accent came out of nowhere. “I bloody resent that.” I spun around and sitting at my desk was the man from my dreams.

I mean literally. You know that dream from before? Peanut-butter, welcoming committee, blood loving dude? It had to be him! “Tobias Molder.” I said, just before Julie could.

“You’re a smart girl, Emily.” He nodded approvingly, “Attractive too. This station needs that around here. Around here…. I’m considered the welcoming committee!” I scrutinized him.

“You can’t be serious.” I said. “How’d you know my name if you’ve been gone so long?” He ignored my question.

“Where have you been, Tobias?” Julie asked, astonished and finally speaking.

“Nowhere that concerns you, Julia.” He snapped. She winced.

“Well. It’s already proven that you’re an asshole, Tobias. Anything else you’d like to share?” I sneered at him. He chuckled and stood up. I gripped onto Julie’s desk for support. Dark brown hair hung over his taunting emerald eyes in a sexy way, but I was on guard, I’d like to think.

He stepped close to me, so close that I could breathe his intoxicating cologne. “Don’t worry, Emily. I’ve got all the time in the world.” He snaked his arm around my waist and jerked me close to him in one move while keeping my gaze caught with his. Think, Emily, why aren’t you stopping this ass?! He leaned close to my ear, pushing my strawberry blond hair off my shoulder. I felt him gazing down at my neck. “There’ll be plenty of things that I show you.” He whispered and I felt my heart race for a mere moment. A ray of sunlight cracked through the windows, hitting the desk, hitting his hand. He hissed and cursed, a small flame sparking on his hand.

At that moment, I was ready to punch him, but he was already gone. Vanished into thin air it seemed. “Damn it!” I cursed.

“Please don’t tell me I was the only who saw that.” Julie said.

“I feel like such a whore.” I told her.

“Everyone did in Tobias’s presence.” She nodded. “Jelly knees.”

“I thought you said he was brave and sweet.” I questioned.

“You forgot the bastard part.” Julie pointed out.

“Jeez, Julie!” I scoffed in disbelief. “What a real sweet asshole your Toby was there.”

“I know, I know. From the looks of it…” She eyed my bag that was on my desk. “I hope you didn’t have anything important in that bag, because it’s unzipped, and I’d imagine he took something from there.”

My eyes widened and I snatched the bag. My journal was gone. “That fucking bastard!” I exclaimed. “What a real nice welcoming committee he is!”

“Welcome to our part of Hell, sweetheart. It’s only begun.” I groaned and sat down at my desk. “I like to call this part of the station the ‘Trigger Happy Paranormal Fighter Dirt Diggers.’ We’re our own special task force in a way.”

That mere statement made me want to beat my head into the desk until my eyes fell out and I was too blind to focus on anything else than the pain. And that’s saying something!

A/N: I got really bored, so I decided that I would throw some stuff around in my head, and so far, this is what I’m getting. Is it going to go anywhere? Don’t know. I just hope it’ll be some fun because Damien is being a real jackass today and over this Christmas Break. I’m really hoping to get that Chapter done over this Christmas Break. If I do decide to do anything with this, it’s probably not going to have anything to do with Damien and them. I hope you guys have an insanely Merry Christmas! By the way, I’ve got nothing against Alabama, so if you’re from there. I hope you don’t get offended. It was just the first southern state that popped into my head at the moment.

By the way; if this sucks, it’s bye- bye. So feel free to share your personal opinion. I was really bored and tired. So we’ll see how this goes. Titles are eh to me…

My Current Listening

‘Rose Red’ by Emilie Autumn