A spider's whimper

Mysterious Arrival(6)

Penny, with an air of contemplation, begins to chew on her lip, appearing deep in thought as she carefully mulls over her response. As the focus of the conversation transitions from her work to the topic of the person speaking to her, a subtle change in her demeanor becomes evident. She shrugs slightly, conveying a sense of mild uncertainty and humility, her previous confidence giving way to a more timid disposition.

"Nah, I don't think that criminal and I will cross paths." she said truthfully. "I mean, the world is big, besides...I move alot because of my job, but hopefully fate would be nice to me."

"Oh, but I think you should be worry," Imp said, eyes traveling down her front, then back up to her face.

"That's a weird way to put it," Penny chuckled, running a hand through her hair. "I don't really think I'd want attention from a serial killer, I am very busy woman after all."

"Probably not," Imp agreed. "But then again, I only meant that you're an attractive young girl. People would have to be blind not to take notice."

A blush of embarrassment spreads across Penny's cheeks, tinting them with a warm shade of crimson. In response, she instinctively lowers her head once more, unable to maintain direct eye contact. This display of shyness and timidity reveals her inherent nature, an endearing quality that renders her unable to confidently engage in prolonged visual exchanges.

"Oh, well, thank you?" she breathed, flickering her eyes up to Imp's face before darting them back down again. "You're really good looking too."

A mischievous smirk adorns Imp's face, but as the conversation progresses, his smirk gradually transforms into a wide, self-assured grin. Deep down, he is aware that he should seize this opportunity to bring the discussion to a close, strategically steering it towards securing another encounter with the girl, disguised as a casual outing or perhaps even a date. With a deliberate intention, he casually glances towards the windows, observing the sun's descent on the horizon, recognizing the opportune moment to suggest extending their time together in a subtle, yet persuasive manner.

"Its getting late," he said, looking back at Penny. "Can I walk you home maybe?"

Penny's eyes widen and she too, looks at the setting sun, shocked. "Oh, I didn't realize so much time passed, I have to go. I still have work to do." she confessed, closing her laptop and slipping it into his bag, along with her notes.

"Time flies," Imp agrees with a smile. "I can walk you if you'd like."

"Oh, that's alright, It wasn't necessary." Penny waved him off. "I only live a blocks away."

"Well, at least let me give you my number," he compromised. Penny's cheeks pink yet again, and she nods before pulling her phone out and opening up the contacts app before handing it over.

Imp, displaying a calculated sense of caution, discreetly inputs his phone number into Penny's device. It is worth noting that the phone he utilizes is a track phone he obtained from an online source several years ago, deliberately chosen for its untraceable nature. With a deft touch, he swiftly sends a text message to his own number from Penny's phone, ensuring that the act remains inconspicuous. Sensing a faint vibration emanating from his back pocket, Imp retrieves Penny's phone and proceeds to hand it back to her, concealing his ulterior motive behind a facade of casual interaction.

"It was honor to meet you, Penny," Imp said, making sure their fingers touch when the phone exchanges hands.

"Likewise," Penny beamed. Imp gets to his feet when Penny does, and Imp steps into her space, ducking down and planting a soft kiss to Penny's cheek. The girl barely reaches Imp's shoulders, and is at least half her width -such a tiny thing.

"Text me when you get home safe," he hums, pulling back. Penny swallows thickly, he nods.

As the opportunity presents itself, Imp seizes the chance to separate from the crowd, discreetly navigating his way towards the rear of the bustling bar. Skillfully, he slips out through the inconspicuous back door, ensuring minimal attention is drawn to his departure.

Prioritizing safety, Imp swiftly secures his helmet, ensuring that he is protected before embarking on his journey. With a firm grip on the handlebars, he accelerates down the road, seamlessly merging with the flow of traffic. Diligently, he tails Penny, maintaining a discreet distance to avoid detection. Skillfully navigating the streets, he strategically selects side roads that will position him ahead of the woman, allowing him to stealthily circle back and intercept her path. This calculated maneuver enables him to maintain a delicate balance between observation and maintaining an appearance of coincidental encounters.

Penny's residence is located within the Taylor Vose apartment complex. With a keen eye for detail, Imp skillfully parks his vehicle across the street from her building, positioning himself in an inconspicuous vantage point. From this strategic location, he maintains a discreet watch, observing Penny's movements as she enters her apartment. It is through this vigilant observation that Imp gathers valuable insights, seeking to understand more about her daily routines and habits while ensuring he remains undetected in the process.

Approximately ten minutes elapse since Imp assumed his watchful position. Suddenly, a subtle vibration resonates from his pocket, indicating an incoming message on his phone. Reacting swiftly, Imp slightly lifts himself off his bike, allowing his hand to retrieve the device. With a sense of anticipation, he unlocks the screen and opens the message, eagerly absorbing its contents.

'Made it home safely. Thanks for dinner and the talk, Imp!'

A smirk of satisfaction graces Imp's face as he gazes down at the screen of his phone, his thumbs deftly tapping out a response. With a decisive press of the "send" button, he relishes in the act of conveying his message. Safely stowing his phone away in his pocket, he revs the engine of his bike, propelling himself forward towards Valley Street.