Free 2 Brooklyn James by Brooklyn James

friend,” Dr. Godfrey consoles. “With a little work you’ll get there.”
    “Did you say Hell Hound?” Tony ignores his encouragement, questioning his previous reference to the red-eyed Manny Briggs.
    Dr. Godfrey nods, his expression sincere. “Red…dark red symbolizes fire, anger, rage, malice, wrath,” he takes his time, fully enunciating each word, driving home its definition. “ETNA is sending a very clear message. Are you familiar with Greek mythology, Detective?”
    Tony looks at him perturbed, as if he should already know the answer.
    Dr. Godfrey holds his hand up, bowing his head, accepting his foul on the play. “In Greek mythology, Hades is the god of the underworld. The devil, one may conclude.” He scrunches up his nose hoisting his spectacles nearer to his eyes as he situates himself closer to the recliner’s edge. “A Hell Hound is a hound of Hades, or a dog of Hell in the literal translation. They are the guards to the underworld, relegating who is sucked in and who is declined access. They have even been known to track down lost souls, the dead or the dying, and bring them to Hades. European lore can lead one to believe seeing a Hell Hound may be an omen of death.”
    Tony rolls his eyes, tiring of the extravagant explanation.
    Dr. Godfrey nods, acknowledging he will orient toward a more direct point. “As described in legends, Hell Hounds have glowing red eyes and supernatural abilities. They’re rarely seen, very phantom-like. They may appear as if out of nowhere and vanish with the blink of an eye. An elusive creature. Hell Hounds are associated with fire and often have fire or heat-based abilities.”
    “‘They burned…so hot,’” Tony rehearses Gina’s sentiments aloud.
    “What burned?” Dr. Ryan inquires.
    “His eyes,” Tony says, starting up his incessant pacing. “How does this work? This Vigilare thing? How are powers defined, or relegated?”
    “This is yet to be identified.” Dr. Godfrey shrugs. “It seems to be innate. A natural inclination. But that’s not proven. Only speculation,” he clarifies.
    “That figures,” Tony huffs brusquely. “If your theory is correct, the natural inclination of a convict, a murderer, a rapist…” he searches for words to describe Manny Briggs’ characteristics.
    “Pure evil,” Dr. Godfrey resolves.
    Tony shakes his head. “And just exactly how does ETNA plan on maintaining control of such a beast?”
    “Gina,” Dr. Godfrey concludes knowingly.
    “Her natural inclination,” Tony deduces, abruptly ceasing his pacing.
    Dr. Godfrey nods. “She’ll sacrifice herself.”
    “That’s why she can’t be running off alone,” Dr. Ryan speaks up, concerned by Gina’s disappearance.
    “I wouldn’t be worried with Gina’s whereabouts at the moment,” Tony advises. His focus shifts to William Truly. “You might wanna go find your daughter. And her sidekick.” He glances at Marks sensing his interest in Aubrey Raines. Dr. Godfrey smiles at Tony’s deduction, respectful and proud of his natural inclination.
    “But Gina is the mark,” Dr. Ryan argues.
    “It’s not a new concept, lady,” Tony devises. “How do you think mob bosses maintain control of their personnel?”
    She looks at him with renewed understanding.
    “Yeah,” he scoffs. “You should be familiar with the process. The same way you got Gina to go along with your scheme.”
    “They go after the heart,” she says warily, her gaze falling on William Truly.
    “Come on, Lancelot,” William Truly orders, rapping his hand off Marks’ iron chest plate and opening the door.
    Jolting to attention, he barks, protesting the moniker, “It’s Marks.” Dutifully and hastily following William Truly out of the apartment, he reiterates, “Officer Sam Marks.”
    Tony grabs his keys off the counter, heading for the exit.
    “I’m coming with you,” Dr. Ryan balks. Tony stops at the door, his expression all the motivation she needs to stay put.
    Dr. Godfrey pats her