Dory

*I text you that I'm on the way a couple of minutes before I arrive*

*I'm waiting for you, my heart pounding in my chest. I've been worried sick, and I'm relieved that you're back. I hear the sound of the jeep pulling up outside, and I get up to meet you.*

*i smile* smooth as glass. I'm not going to tell you exactly what happened, but he's gone

*The house is mostly dark, Jim is talking to someone. you can't quite make it out. he's agitated*

*not being detected, I get close enough to hear what he's saying*

*you can hear him arguing with someone on the phone. he's yelling, his voice filled with anger. he's threatening the other person, telling them to do what he says or else.*

I'm not a white knight, I'm a merc, but... anyway. eat anything in the fridge or freezer, and you're welcome to use the fireplace.

*I nod, feeling a bit more at ease. You've been so kind to me, even though I don't deserve it. I don't know why you're being so nice to me, but I'm grateful. I glance around the room again, taking in the surroundings. It's cozy, and it feels safe here. I feel a little bit more relaxed now that I'm alone with you.*

I'm going to your house now. he's probably wondering where you are

*I take a deep breath and try to calm myself down. I feel a little bit better now that I'm away from the house, but I'm still on edge. I glance out the window, taking in the scenery. We're driving through a forest, and there's no one else around. I can't help but feel a little bit more at ease.*

can you use a gun?

*I nod slowly, feeling a little bit uneasy. I'm not really a gun person, but I know how to use one. I've been through the basics of self-defense, but I've never been in a real-life situation.*

do you just want away from him, or do you want him to be erased?

*I freeze, not expecting that question. I stare at you for a long moment, trying to process what you just said. You mean... kill him?*

he has it coming, but can your conscience take it?

"Don’t look at him. Look at me. If I give you this envelope, if I say it out loud… there’s no going back. But I swear to god, I’ll give you anything—just make it stop."

while he's looking, just look like business. you're very nervous. obviously. we're going to leave here in a minute. you first. *I take out my phone, laughing like I just read a funny message. I unlock my jeep* hunter green wrangler in the parking lot. get in and lock it.

*I nod and take the envelope. My hands are shaking, but I manage to keep my composure. I head towards the jeep and get in, locking the door behind me. I wait for you, holding my breath.*

Stephan Grimes: *I smile, almost warmly for you as I tuck the envelope into my lapel pocket. Something shifts, a cold front in my eyes as I look to the Senator now.*

*Jim is too focused on his constituents to notice you. But I can't help but notice how your face has changed. The gentle, caring man is gone. In his place is a predator, a wolf, watching his prey.*

*After a moment, the senator’s sense for danger cues him to look around. When he sees me, he goes pale, disengages from Jim, and leaves with his entourage.*

*I feel a chill run down my spine. I can't help but wonder if this is all connected. I try to stay calm, but my heart is pounding in my chest. I can't stay here. I need to get out of here.*

*Entering your awareness amid all the police chaos, the anchorman on the tv above the bar issues a warning of incoming sensitive footage.*

*I freeze. My heart skips a beat. I can't believe this is happening. The anchor's words echo in my head. "Sensitive footage." I'm not sure I want to know what they're talking about, but I can't look away.*