The skip tracer testimony
It isn’t whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game. That’s what they say. But who are they anyway? Furthermore, what did they know about any of this? Bits and pieces. Nothing more. They thought they knew more. Let them think what they will. Her voice again. Has she decided to forgive him?
The fog settles across the water. From here, it looks as though the lake becomes one with the darkening sky. Nothing out there. At least nothing he’s looking for.
Julian returns his attention to the darkened house. It is definitely going to be a long night. He’s pretty sure there won’t be any activity. However, it’s a process of elimination. And this step, although boring, is still important. With this in mind he settles himself in the front seat again. Maybe if he’s quiet enough she’ll come back. It’s a long shot, but he’s willing to try.
The Skip Tracer
No visible lights from the outside. No foot traffic of any kind. Ellis checks his cameras again. The vehicle is still there. Damn. If he hadn’t known it before, he knows it now. They’re hunting him. Of course it was inevitable. After all, he is a hardened criminal. Furthermore, his crimes are intellectual. The corners of his mouth twitch upward slightly. It would be funny, if it weren’t so deadly serious.

He wonders if the skip tracer will give up. Then he scolds himself for being too naive. They never give up. The money’s too good. Furthermore, thanks to the very technology Ellis thrives on, it’s even easier to get caught these days. Caught. The word feels abrasive in his thoughts. It’s as though it embodies a concept, that makes no sense. How is it possible to get caught for speaking the truth?
He scans his cameras again. It looks like only the one surveillance car out there. He must be a low value target then. Furthermore, they must not be completely sure of his location. Otherwise they would have tried knocking. Even at three in the morning. The enforcement authority was nothing if not brazen.
Testimony
Julian feels confident in his skills. He’s never lost a subject. In fact, once he finds them, it’s game over within 24 hours. Furthermore, it isn’t always necessary to find the person first. Other methods work just as well. Therefore, he checks his scanner. Still no activity. It’s odd, but not unheard of. Sometimes it’s all about patience. If he rushes things, important details might get overlooked.
You’re not overlooking anything…you’re just in the wrong place.
Her voice. Soft melodic and gentle. It soothes his mind and calms his pulse. She reminds him of things he doesn’t want to hear. He’s seldom wrong when it comes to finding someone. Although it’s been known to happen. Is it possible that is what has happened here? Admittedly this one has been more complicated than usual. They didn’t usually put up this much of a fight. Especially the speech offenders.
You’re in the wrong place…you missed something babe.
Teasing now, and playful. She knew something, and she was going to make him work for it. This is the third night Julian has been here. And it’s as though the house has been vacant for years. Furthermore, there is no activity in any of the online accounts or social networks. He asks her what he’s missed. After an hour she rewards him with more silence. It looks like he’s got to find out for himself. At least he knows he’s missed something now.
Less the Skip Tracer
Ellis turns the corner without looking back. He doesn’t need to see if he’s clear. If the skip tracer knew Ellis was moving, Ellis would already be in custody. Besides, this is only a temporary solution. They were on to him for speaking out. He is the hardened criminal for speaking the truth. Now he is on the run. If it weren’t for a few clandestine friends, this would be ending in an entirely different way.

Ellis reaches the end of the next street and turns right. From here he can see the fog settling over the water. Its effects are subdued by the depth of the night. One block further up, a car is waiting for Ellis. She is waiting for Ellis. He can’t wait to see her. They have much to talk about this evening. End part 1
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