~ C H A P T E R S I X ~
The moons lucent glow was dark and still, watching the scene at the hotel with its iridescent light. It glooms over Stephen's silhouette as he sat on his bed with confusion painted on his face. Hawk's body lying unconsciously still on the ground. Thoughts lingered in Stephen's mind, as more questions unraveled by tonight's events. Is the Mask dangerous? Is that the main reason they killed Stella? Or did Hawk lie about it?
Stephen's thoughts began to quiver as the roosters started to crow. The light that glimmers from the moon is no more, all that's left is tangerine glow that says the night has already dawned.
When the shades of his bedroom windows began to vanish, Stephen realized it's time to move. He cautiously handcuffed the killer's hands and bound his mouth and eyes, causing him to be frantic and struggle vigorously.
Stephen struck him in the neck in response, leaving Hawk unconscious.
"You are no use of me squirming." Stephen muttered in his sighing breath.
After that, he started packing and gathered his belongings and started loading his car trunk.
Moments later, he carried Hawk's unconscious body and cuffed him in the backside of the car. Stephen decided to bring Hawk to the Special Intelligence and Elite Force headquarters (S.I.E.F), also located at Belgranna.
He did this because he thought that calling his friend for help would not be ideal since someone at the S.E.U might try to listen through the operator again. His friend, Felix Kirk; which was experienced in handling bigger cases and is high-ranking that also works at S.I.E.F, would be the most appropriate person for the case.
~~~
Stephen left Vastile City and traveled back to Belgranna. The drive was long and excruciating, mostly because Stephen's mind wandered aimlessly while Hawk's muffled cries can be heard banging on the backseat of his car - hindering him to think properly.
Stephen took a path secluded from the main road to avoid the problematic attention that the muffle cries in his background would bring.
When he finally arrived at the S.I.E.F headquarters, he entered the heavily guarded and private property. There, he was blocked by a few armored guards.
"I am Detective Stephen from the B.I.C.F Belgranna station. I came here to see Felix Kirk, and I have a suspect with me." Stephen explained in a stern voice while showing his license. The guards exchanged glances.
"Where's the suspect?" Asked one of the guards.
"In my car. Go take him." He commanded casually while smoking his pipe. His firm voice and the cold demeanor of his engulfing eyes made the intimidating gesture that compelled the guards to obey his words.
They immediately carried Hawk who is no longer resisting due to his exhaustion, out of the car.
"Fine, you may-" Stephen abruptly went inside without waiting for the guard's approval, so they transferred Hawk's helpless body into their truck to take him to prison cells.
Stephen entered the building, strode towards the elevator and had a lift. People there seem to have their own destination and are busy while guards roamed around the building, covering every floor. He went to the third floor and navigated through the office rooms and desk workers, some even asked him if he would like some assistance but he promptly ignored them for he already knows where he is going.
On the right side of the building, is where Kirk's office resides. As soon as he get the glimpse of it his pace fastened, and when he arrived, he abruptly knocked on Kirk's office which was already open.
Stephen walked inside as soon as he heard Felix say "Please come in."
His office is very descent with lots of documents in it. He's looking at some papers while sitting comfortably in his chair with his feet on his desk.
Felix is a tall guy with a calm personality. He has a regular neat haircut which was complemented by his formal attire. He wears glasses and a white dress shirt with matching black trousers. As soon as he looked up, his eyes widened as he was surprised by Stephen's presence.
"Detective Stephen! Long time no see..." Felix said as he adjusts his glasses in disbelief. He then stood up and extends his hand to meet Stephen's hand for a handshake.
"Hey Felix, I see you are surprised by my visit." Stephen greeted as he shakes hands with Felix.
"I suppose you have a purpose?" Felix went back to his office chair while fixing his glasses.
"Yes, I brought a suspect with me."
"???" Felix gave a questionable look at Stephen.
He was silent for a few seconds, and then he asked "So, what about the suspect?"
"I have this case. Well, it's not actually 'my' case, but-" Felix interrupted Stephen.
"Don't even try to reason out Stephen. I know you well. Just tell me what's the case all about, and I'll help you."
Stephen stated the whole situation. From Stella's death - to having to deal with a killer. He explained what he knows about the S.E.U, and showed Felix the picture of the Mask with the logo in it.
It was clear to Felix that Stephen needs the help of the S.I.E.F headquarters, especially when they're handling a situation about a big illegal organization. He offered his help without a second thought.
"Let us handle this case Stephen..." Felix said while leaning at his desk, tapping it with his fingers.
"For now, it's safe to stay here in our headquarters for your protection."
"I'll be back tomorrow." Stephen reassured Felix.
~~~~~