embers, c

A string of sharp sounds that could only be made by tall heels introduced a stranger. Even if he recognized her face, the way of her walk down to the hair on her head was all foreign. He didn’t know this woman. Her younger self was a different story.

Jobe wasn't surprised when she smiled, approached him in such a way that reminded him of a snake. It stirred something in the pit of his stomach, though he didn’t care to analyze too deeply. When it came down to it, the source was right here. Besides, had their roles been reversed, he would have approached her all the same.

He inspected her for a few moments, blowing smoke out and away from the general direction of her face. ”Flattery won’t get you anywhere.” It was a flat, even statement. By this time in his life, he had a well-practiced poker face. If it was up to him, a police officer without one was just not a proper police officer.

He had to admit that she looked good for her age; one of the lucky few that aged well. Or it was simply an illusion made by makeup, but he heavily doubted the latter. Staying young-looking and pretty must be part of the job description. It certainly must have had its’ perks. Still, the man refused to let it cloud his judgement.

MARINA LOCH

It was almost laughable how Jobe found his eyes lingering on her lips a beat too long, before roughly shoving down the adolescent boy that was clawing his way up his abdomen. Now was not a time where he would reminisce of days spent wasted. He couldn’t let a wall he’d spent years building up be broken down after a flutter of eyelashes.

"I was referring to myself." Though he had no doubt that it certainly had gotten her places, in her profession. But there was no need to admit it; he wasn’t the only one here that knew that well enough. "And I fail to see why it’s a problem."

He found her hand on his chest, catching him off guard. It took the man a moment to try and figure whether he’d force away her arm or simply ask, but that moment was one spent still, wasted as she tugged down on his tie. His head jerked forward, brought that much closer to her face. The movement caused him to drop his cigarette, only just seeing the ashes flutter in the corner of his vision.

Jobe had to take another moment to regain his composure, though not without searching her ever-present smile. There had to be some chink in the armor, a crack that he could see his way through. Frustration welled up, and with it his hand came up to grip her wrist. A light hold, but firm enough to ensure he meant business. The action cleared his head somewhat.

"I advise that you let go." He spoke almost as if to a child, slow and enunciating. This wasn’t how he imagined this confrontation would go, but now that he that he thought about it, it surely wasn’t surprising.

MARINA LOCH

Jobe tensed up, still as he felt the touch on his neck. Even now he couldn’t bring himself to pull away, or even take a few steps back. He had a feeling that she wouldn’t allow him to, anyways. Which only brought up another argument; why would he give her the chance to be in control?

He decided to ignore that train of thought, right then.

But not all unpleasant things could be ignored, unless one was of the foolishly naive. The best he could do was be still as her red lips came ever closer, once again not quite sure what action to take. And as she kissed him, just the right level of fleeting, he hated how she so suddenly had that effect on him. It wasn’t like him, not at all.

A sigh of relief almost surfaced as she stepped away, tie in her hand while it seemed to taunt him. Undoubtedly there would be a next time, he couldn’t deny that. No matter the nature of this encounter, he still had a score to settle. A grim smile settled on his lips; he nodded. ”I’m almost looking forward to it.”

At that moment, he really needed another cigarette.

MARINA LOCH