ONE:
 

“This is what I don't understand.”

Leaning back in his chair, Simon Anders watched the young detective in front of him. Red hair pulled back, Anders followed her as she paced back and forth. Determination was read in each step. Still with it Christmas who knew what all she was truly thinking. “What is that?”

“Why dismember the bodies?” Sophia Graham asked after a moment. “Taking the heart gives him the ability to own them.”

Anders shrugged. “Perhaps, you know more then you're saying.”

A slender eyebrow raised as she turned to look at Anders. “No, wait.” she swallowed before sitting down. The slit of her long black dress exposing her thigh, Sophia did nothing to cover up. She felt comfortable with Anders. He had trained her and with his assistance, Sophia was strictly a cop and him the informant. “I'm not sure.”

“Not sure?”

Raising her eyebrow, Sophia stood and crossed her arms across her chest. “I mean,” She threw her head back and let out a growl. “I don't know—know what I mean.” Pausing she watched as Anders stood and move around the table. “I'm here talking with you on Christmas instead of home..with my family.”

“Things haunt us for a reason,” Anders returned. “People who I've been able to help—horrors still haunt them.”

Sophia turned as she looked at Anders confused. “Uh-huh.” She returned before swallowing again. Stripping off her sweater hoodie, Sophia revealed the halter top to her formal dress. It wasn't her fault that her family was rich but unlike so many others in her family. “Why don't we continue this tomorrow”

“But we were making headway.”

Turning to face Anders, Sophia found him between her and the door. Swallowing, the air felt thick and the fear surrounding them made her feel weak in the knees. “Trust me Doctor Anders...we'll figure it out.”

Shaking her head, Sophia Graham pulled herself out the hot tub, attempting to avoid the long scar that covered the right side of her chest. Every time she saw it, Sophia despised the sense of betrayal that came with it.

Padding through the loft apartment, Sophia swallowed as she entered the kitchen. Bringing out a beer, Sophia took off the top and began heading back to the tub. She stopped hearing the buzz.

Panic painted her face as she feared who it was. Not many people knew where she was since her returning to New York. Moving to the door, Sophia collected the gun she kept near it along the way.

Pressing the button that allowed her to view the person, Sophia lowered her weapon—returning the safety as she did. “Lupo,” she sighed.