Chapter 012: Challenge found!

Fairfax cursed under his breath as cold shot through him. He'd barely stuck his arm out when a car screeched to a halt, tyres smoking. Relief washed over him, quickly followed by a throbbing pain in his shoulder.

Minutes later, he was practically sprinting towards his house, each breath a ragged gasp. This wasn't how he remembered getting around in his old world. He pounded on his door, chest heaving softly.

Beatrice opened the door, a welcoming smile spreading across her face. It vanished the moment she saw his disheveled state and the grimace on his face.

"Charlie, what happened?!" she exclaimed, ushering him inside.

He offered a weak nod, trying to play it cool as he headed for the hallway. "Just fine," he mumbled, hoping his voice didn't betray him.

Beatrice wasn't convinced. "Are you sure? You look terrible. Hospital? Should I drive you?" Her voice held a tremor of worry.

He shook his head firmly, forcing a reassuring smile. "Really, I'm okay. Car trouble, that's all. Worked up a sweat trying to flag someone down. Took a tumble getting in, hence the shoulder." It sounded flimsy even to his own ears.

Beatrice's brow furrowed. "You're not lying, are you?"

He let out a humorless laugh. "Honestly? No. Just a car issue. Speaking of cars, is Raymond around?"

Beatrice hesitated for a moment, her worry slowly giving way to a thoughtful expression. "He just stepped out to get something for Penelope. It's turned quite chilly lately, hasn't it? Is this about work again? You shouldn't be pushing yourself so hard, especially not after you just recovered."

"Yeah, yeah," he said a little too quickly. "Just needed some advice from him on something."

Beatrice seemed mollified for now and retreated back to the living room.

Fairfax sank onto the bed in his room, wincing as he reached for Charlie's phone. A nagging thought flickered in his mind.

"Why wasn't I detected by them?" he murmured.

A voice, smooth and emotionless responded, "[It appears to be due to the fluctuation in your emotional class. Shadow.]"

Fairfax grunted in acknowledgment. "And why do I only get snippets of information about people?"

Another robotic reply echoed, "[Your designated challenge has yet to be identified. Until then, access to comprehensive data will be restricted.]"

'Typical response,' he thought with a sigh. He tried to push himself up from the bed, wincing as his shoulder protested. But froze at the sound of a door opening, muscles tensing slightly.

He waited, counting in his head until the footsteps faded before cautiously cracking his own door open a little.

Elvira was standing outside her room, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Hey there, stranger," she greeted, her voice laced with amusement. "Didn't see much of you today, did I?"

Fairfax tried for a nonchalant shrug. "Been tied up," he mumbled, hoping to sound more occupied than exhausted. He started through the corridor, but Elvira's voice stopped him again.

"Oh, are you heading out again?" she asked, a playful lilt in her voice. "Actually, could you do me a favor while you're at it?"

Fairfax sighed internally. What was actually her problem? He glanced back at her, a flicker of annoyance crossing his features. "Depends on the favor, Elvira."

"Well, Roland's stuck late at work again," she began, walking closer, "and this weather's turned nasty. I swear the heater's on the fritz, and I'm freezing. Think you could maybe grab some warm blankets on your way out?"

Fairfax remained silent, heading for the front door. Penelope must've gone out already, he realized. But before he could reach the exit, Elvira darted ahead, effectively blocking his path.

"Seriously, Charlie," she pleaded, batting her eyelashes dramatically. "I'm in dire need of some warmth here."

"Look," he said finally, his voice laced with a hint of annoyance, "my car's dead in the water. I'm just heading out to get picked up."

"Oh," she mumbled, stepping aside.

"Thank fuck," Fairfax muttered under his breath, surprised by his own bluntness.

He pushed open the door and stepped outside, the cool night air biting at his skin. Where had Penelope gone?

The radio crackled to life, snapping him out of his thoughts. "Unit 39." He spoke through.

"Charlie, where the hell are you?" George's voice boomed through the speaker, laced with a hint of anger.

"Car died," Fairfax explained, his voice tight. "Got a ride back though. I'm home now."

"Good," George grunted. "Stay put. I'm on my way to pick you up."

Fairfax frowned. This whole situation was getting more complicated by the minute. He waited by the curb, the icy wind whipping around him, making him shiver uncontrollably. It felt like an eternity before a car pulled up beside him.

"Get in," George barked from the driver's seat. Fairfax climbed in, grateful for the sudden warmth.

"Here," George tossed him a small bottle. "Muscle relaxer. You look like you could use it."

Fairfax caught the bottle and examined it. Relief washed over him. "Thanks," he mumbled, exhaustion weighing down on him.

He directed George to the location of his stranded car, and they made a quick stop at a gas station to pick up a fuel can. Back at his patrol car, George filled the tank, then waited with bated breath as Fairfax turned the key.

A triumphant grin spread across Fairfax's face as the engine roared back to life. "Wow," he breathed, the sound of the purring engine a welcome comfort in the now-chilly night.

"That's why I always keep a spare can of fuel in the trunk," George lectured, leaning against the car as Fairfax settled back into the driver's seat. "And skip the AC tonight. This weather's a real doozy, wouldn't want you frozen solid by morning." He chuckled at his own joke before patting the hood of the car in a friendly gesture. "Alright, get on outta here."

Fairfax watched George climb back into his own car and head off in the opposite direction through the rearview mirror. As soon as the red taillights disappeared, he pulled over to the curb and addressed the voice in his head.

"Any idea where Penelope might be?" he asked, frustration creeping into his voice.

"[Trying to ditch me so quickly, are we?]" Diana replied, without a hint of amusement in her voice.

"Look, I only have two options here," Fairfax retorted. "Find my damn challenge, which you've proven absolutely useless at helping with. If getting rid of you helps, then sign me up."

A tense silence followed for a moment before Diana finally broke it by giving him the location.

Fairfax wasted no time and sped off towards the coordinates. Minutes later, he pulled up three minutes away from a brightly lit building, a knot of worry tightening in his stomach.

He climbed out of the car and surveyed the place from a distance. Sweat prickling at his skin dried up, making his clothes cling uncomfortably. This weather was definitely throwing him off.

The building looked like any ordinary house, bathed in the soft glow of moonlight. There was no obvious way in, and Fairfax wasn't exactly keen on breaking down the front door. He decided to take a position behind a nearby tree, hoping the Weaver Hunter would show up soon.

Suddenly, a voice startled him from behind. "Hey there, officer, lost?"

Fairfax whirled around, his heart leaping into his throat. A large, imposing man stood behind him, blocking his view.

"No," he responded, forcing a smile. "Just waiting for backup. Got a flat tire, you see."

The man studied him for a moment, then nodded in understanding. "Well, come on in then. We can get you some coffee or tea while you wait. My wife makes the best in town." He boomed with laughter, clapping Fairfax on the shoulder with surprising force.

Fairfax winced internally, the pain from his shoulder flaring up again. "Appreciate the offer, but I wouldn't want to be a bother," he declined politely.

"Nonsense!" the man insisted. "Truth is, you startled the living daylights out of me when I saw you lurking around back there. Thought you might be some kind of… no good character, you know?" He winked. "But hey, a police officer? Now that's someone I can trust. Come on, wouldn't want me to think you're some kind of cop-in-disguise up to no good, would we?"

Fairfax felt a surge of annoyance. "That's ridiculous," he countered. "And for the last time, no, you're not obligated to offer me anything."

The man chuckled nervously. "Alright, alright, have it your way. But seriously, one cup of coffee wouldn't hurt. Besides," he lowered his voice conspiratorially, "my youngest son wants to be a cop when he grows up. Be a real treat for him to meet one in person, right?"

Fairfax sighed in defeat. "Alright, alright," he conceded. "I'll see your son and I'll be on my way. But skip the coffee, thanks."

"No worries, officer," boomed the man, a wide grin splitting his face. "The name's Michael, by the way." He extended a hand for a handshake, but Fairfax simply nodded in response.

"Police," he replied curtly.

Michael seemed unfazed by the lack of a handshake. He chuckled and led the way towards the house, pausing occasionally to glance back and ensure Fairfax was following. Internally, Fairfax debated his options.

Reaching the doorway, Michael pushed it open and ushered Fairfax inside. The warm glow of the interior lights contrasted sharply with the chilly night air.

"Honey, I got the warm towels!" Michael announced, settling into an armchair and grabbing the TV remote. He flipped through channels until landing on a football game. "Solomon, come meet our visitor!" he bellowed, before turning to Fairfax with a nod towards the couch.

Fairfax politely declined the seat, his gaze scanning the room.

The sound of tiny footsteps pattered down the hallway.

A young boy, no older than six, with a mop of peppery blonde hair mirroring Michael's, came bounding into the living room, a wide smile plastered across his face.

"A policeman!" he shrieked with excitement. "Wow, I'm actually standing next to a cop!"

"Lower your voice, Solomon," a woman's voice chimed in from another room. The sound of approaching footsteps followed. "You should be asleep by now. I don't know why Michael hasn't put you to bed yet."

As the woman entered the living room, Fairfax couldn't help but notice the way her warm smile faltered slightly when her eyes landed on him. She was petite, with bright brown hair cascading down her shoulders. But before he could dwell on it any further, another figure emerged from behind her. It was Penelope.

Fairfax feigned nonchalance. "Didn't expect to see you here, Penelope," he said, his voice betraying no emotion.

She remained silent, her gaze fixed on him with an unreadable expression. For a fleeting moment, he thought he saw a flicker of panic in her eyes, but it vanished as quickly as it appeared.

"Just getting something from a friend," Penelope explained.

"This is my wife, Mirah," Michael boomed, gesturing towards the woman. "And her friend,"

Mirah let out a playful giggle. "Your brother-in-law seems like a real treat, Penelope," she teased. "Anyway, come on, let's finish up in the kitchen." With that, she and Penelope turned and retreated back into the house.

A prickling unease settled over Fairfax. He decided to use the bathroom as an excuse to explore further.

Following Michael's directions, he made his way down the hallway. As he passed a closed door, a muffled conversation drifted through the crack. He stopped, straining his ears to catch the hushed voices.

"…He's alive?!" one voice, presumably Mirah's, whispered in disbelief.

"More like he woke from the dead," another voice, Penelope's, replied. "But he doesn't remember anything."

"…You know the rule," Mirah hissed. "He has to go."

"I know," Penelope responded, her voice laced with a tremor.

"Make no mistake this time, or yours could be next."

Suddenly, a screen flashed across his vision.

[Challenge found!]

[Tame the half breed and win a free ticket to exit]

Tame Penelope? Seriously? A wave of anger washed over him.

Didn't Diana understand he was supposed to eliminated by Penelope?