I Am Tired Of Being A Hero-Chapter 170: Arlen prepares for the date

The young woman in the investigation room lowered her head to drink some water, her handmaids were wrapped around the cup, trembling slightly.

She looked even thinner than she had been a few days ago, her hair although washed and clean looked dry. Her eyes looked at the Federal officer interviewing her with empty and dull eyes.

"I don’t know anything. I just woke up in my bed. I don’t know anything. You have to believe me."

"Then tell me the truth about that night." The federal office leaned back, "Don’t give me any fantastical story about you being with the phantom one minute and then in your room in the next minute. Tell me exactly what happened. Miss Russell, Three people died and one person is still missing, this is a murder case, if you don’t tell me then you are the only ..."

"That is enough. Officer Moore." Arlen interrupted as he entered the room.

"Hey! This is a federal case..."

"And that is an eighteen-year-old girl who was just kidnapped. She should be in the hospital, not being grilled by an officer for the death of her kidnappers. Besides, even if she tells you anything, it is not admissible, what she went through can lead to memory impairment, and her subconsciousness can manipulate or exaggerate her memories. So it is best if you let her go, once she is okay, she might contact you."

The officer wanted to speak but the calm authority in the Captain’s eyes made him not to. His direct superior had given him just one order, to make sure he cooperated with Captain Sinclair and not overstepped.

"He is not someone we can handle."

"Okay. Here, if you recall something, don’t forget to call us." The federal officer said before leaving the house. Arlen went closer to the lady and smiled.

Tears streamed down the corners of Alexis’ eyes but she did not cry out loud. Every bone in her body seemed to be shaking but the investigation room was so quiet that one could hear a needle drop.

"It is okay. It is all going to be okay, I promise."

"I don’t know how I woke up in my bed. I swear." She said and he patted her shoulder.

"I believe. Your parents and your boyfriend are outside waiting for you. Just go home and rest. Don’t try to carry it all alone, if you are afraid, or you have dark thoughts, seek help, there is no shame in it. You have a whole community ready to do anything for you."

After consoling her and leading her out to disgruntled parents who threatened to sue, Arlen returned to his office to go over the case files again.

According to the autopsy on Victor, his bone age at the time of death was 180 years old, there was no such ability registered in the network. He had even called in a favor but yet nothing.

Time abilities were code red. All mutants with such powers were all watched and probably in the capital. Besides, there were two people there that night. Or three. Nova had been found more than 1000 miles away.

This case was so odd, he sighed as he put away his files. He did not want to think about this case just yet. There was a gnawing feeling that he might not like what he saw. His mind was instantly brought back to the night at the hospital, hazel eyes filled with an unbidden glint of coldness. The red threads in his eyes were like an unsheathed bloody sword, sending chills down one’s spine.

Arlen shook his head and then took out his phone. He switched it on and the picture of Ravi appeared on the screen.

He was looking down at the pot of stew he was making. It was evening and the warm light accentuated the curves of his face even more. His eyelashes were very long, resembling the wings of a black butterfly, exuding a fragile aura. He looked happy.

"You are so damn pretty." Arlen muttered as he looked at the clock for the umpteenth time that day. It was the first time that he could not just wait to clock out of work.

One more hour. He wondered if he could find the time manipulator and pay him to move time just a little faster for his date.

The moment the clock struck four, Arlen all but jumped up from his seat.

"Captain..."

"The next team is coming in. Give it to them. Or keep it in my office. I will handle it tomorrow." Arlen said as he rushed outside and hailed a cab. His first stop was the car dealership.

"Good day! I am Arlen Sinclair here to pick up an Audi." He said to the receptionist when he entered.

The woman blinked, "Yes, the one that paid online without even seeing the car." her hand instantly flew to her lips, "I mean, the car is ready."

Arlen just smiled, "I am also the captain of the Davenport Bureau so..." He took a pause, and looked at her, "I can just come back if anything is wrong. And I am \like a dog with a bone, I don’t just let up."

The woman looked a bit frightened by his words and swallowed, "Sir, we are the best car dealership in Alstria and all surrounding towns. We don’t do anything underhanded."

Arlen smiled innocently, "Of course."

He had chosen a black Audi and the moment he saw the car, he smiled. It was exactly like his favorite car back in the Capital. When he came to Davenport, he had only carried his traveling bag and the documents in them. A few clothes and a few pairs of underwear and socks.

He signed everything he should have before collecting the key to the car and entering inside.

He pressed down and the car instantly zoomed off. Arlen entered a few clothing stores and ran out with the bags, after rushing around the city. He reached home and rushed to the bathroom.

His heart was making a huge fuss and the smile did not vanish from his face, causing him to hum a few lyrics as he took a hot shower.

He drove down Harlem and parked right outside Ravi’s gate. He swallowed and stepped outside the car. Arlen had never seen so nervous for a date, he had chosen a pair of dark green slacks and a tan cotton button-down shirt with a pair of black loafers,

He knocked on the gate and opened it to meet a pair of blue eyes staring at him.

"Hey!" Sage said without a smile, "If it isn’t the police officer? Can I help you, Captain?"

Arlen smiled helplessly, "I am here for Ravi."

"May I ask why you are here for him? It is a bit odd that a superior visits their subordinate after work hours. In the night. It is almost illegal, don’t you think?

"No, it is not." Arlen fought back his laughter, knowing that it would just irate the teenager pretending to be some...Arlen was not sure what.

Sage looked up and down 3 with a disapproving, "So tell me, man to man, just what are your intentions for Ravi?"

"Sage!!!" Ravi’s voice spoiled from inside the house.

"Coming!!" Sage said before moving closely to Arlen, "Just so you know, my ability is portal manipulation. I just have to touch you for 50 different parts of your body to show up in 50 different countries. Nobody...Nobody would ever find you." He then leaned away and smiled, "Welcome, Captain Sinclair to our humble, humble home."

"Sage inside." Ravi was at the door and Sage blinked innocently walking into the house.

Ravi walked down the veranda, "Sorry about that."

Arlen chuckled, "No, it is okay. I just have to treat you right to avoid being chopped into 50 different places."

"Is that what he said?" Ravi’s eyes were wild with shock and he looked at the door, biting his lips.

"See, my hands are still shaking."

He stretched out his left hand that was not shaking and Ravi laughed.

"Yes, you look terrified. Out of wits."

"I might just go into witness protection."

Ravi laughed, "You need to stop those movies."

"Never."

The two of them chuckled again and Arlen looked at Ravi. His Adam’s apple bobbed up and down as he momentarily forgot how to breathe.

Ravi had chosen dark navy blue slim-fit trousers, paired with a crisp -white long-sleeve dress shirt over which he wore a tailored black cashmere sweater that complemented his fine figure. His hair was artfully styled, looking so soft that he longed to touch it.

"You look...Divine, love." Arlen said, his voice sounding parched like he had not had any water to drink in a long time.

Ravi blushed, "You..."

Arlen took a small step toward him, "Aren’t you going to compliment me too?" His voice was low, like decadent chocolate over soft ice cream. It poured into his ears as smoothly as top-shelf whiskey. Sweet and seductive.