I'm the bad guy, duh

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    Plot: The story takes place in New York City. Your character is a big time lawyer, who specializes in high stake and well-known cases. Your character has a reputation of being the best of the best. That is exactly why my character (Theo) sought out her expertise. Theo was caught and is being prosecuted for the murder of 12 women. Since this is a high profile case it is being publicly broadcast across the nation. It is your character's job to help Theo get away with his murders. Your character knows the amount of money and high status winning this case would bring. However, somehow romance will ensue between them, which neither of them could have predicted. So I would prefer your character to be female, however a male character will be accepted. Semi-advanced to advanced posts only. Just respond if interested with your character's name and picture, maybe a little bio info if your feeling crazy. Then I will start the RP.


    Theo Romano ; 'The Kinderhook Creek Killer'


    Vivian “Hotshot” Sedillo

    OOC;; Hello there! Glad to have you join!


    IC;;

    "23..24...25-" Theo hummed out these numbers through his slightly pursed lips. His arms secured behind his back, his shoulders were really starting to get stiff from this position. He made a mental note to himself to make sure to stretch more. Silver cuffs tensed around his wrists, causing a red rash to begin to form around them. "What the hell are you counting, boy? You think this is a joke?" The officer barked at Theo and interrupted his mumbling of numbers. Theo sat up a little straighter in the cold metal chair beneath him, and then let out a small sigh. "Well, I was counting the ugly tiles in this room. However, you made me lose count. So thanks to you I'll have to start again." Calmly Theo responded to the officer, a small smirk danced at his lips. "You think your so clever." The officer started as he begin to stand and slowly circle the handcuffed man before him. "That doesn't matter now. We have you now, the evidence is stacked so high against you. You sir, are going to rot in prison for the rest of your sorry life." The officer smiled as he felt he had won their little word battle, he began to open the door. "Wait." Theo rolled his eyes as he let this single word slip out of his mouth. His teeth lightly clenched, he had to remind himself to breath and remain calm. It would look guilty of him to have an outrage, he would simply not allow that. "Officer, if you would be so kind, I am ready to call my lawyer." Theo even ended his phrase with a welcoming smile. As if he wasn't at this police station being charged with 12 accounts of murder. "That's the smartest damn thing you've said all day, boy." The officer replied before exiting the room.


    Once the officer exited Theo inhaled deeply. Theo had really done it this time. He did not understand where he miscalculated in life. This was not how things were supposed to pan out. Theo slowly took in his appearance in the interrogation mirror, obviously two-sided, just like in all the old cop movies. Except this was no movie, it was all too real. Theo was disgusted at his current appearance, this was highly unlike him. His hair laid tossed and a mess upon his head, large bags sat underneath his eyes as if he had been on a week bender, and his posture was not it's normal held high respect inducing pose. Instead his shoulders slumped over, he was tired. Theo knew he needed to get a hold of himself. Appearance is everything he reminded himself, as he cleared his throat and maneuvered his head held high. No one needed to know the internal struggle Theo was having right now, he wouldn't allow it.


    The officer returned and dragged him to the old payphone upon the wall. "Make it quick." The officer said, as he stared and monitored Theo's every moment. The officer had been ever so kind to secure his handcuffs in front of his body in order to allow him to make his call. Theo firmly grasped the phone and dialed the number in, he had made sure to memorize the number for this exact situation. Theo placed the clunky phone to his ear and waited. Unfortunately, against all of Theo's wishes, the phone went to voicemail. So all he could do was wait for the aggravating beep and be patient. "Ms. Sedillo, this is Theo Romano. I'm sure you've heard the name. It appears I have found myself in a bit of a predicament, and I require your services. Your urgency would be greatly appreciated, as I am currently stuck in the not-so pleasant interrogation room. I look forward to meeting you." Theo spoke slow and calm. As if he was speaking to his lover. He hung up the phone gently and smiled, like always, to the officer who led him right back to his little slice of hell.



    (Hi! This plot really fun, I’m excited for this thread!)


    There was very little out of the ordinary about the morning floating along as if her feet didn’t even have to touch the ground. Vivian had been one of the first to trickle in the morning and settled herself down at her desk for a day full of appointments. Thankfully days full of catering to clients were few and far between. Besides that the rest of the staff did most of the pampering. Still, there were a lot of high profile lawsuits and divorces she had stacked up that weren’t all that interesting. Important yes, but all the cases she handled were high profile. Neatly spread out stacks of paper and a steaming cup of coffee were already waiting for her when she arrived. Tucking a rogue strand of dark hair back behind her ear her eyes fell to the papers as she made her way around the desk. She settled down and began to pour over the pages like they were her gospel. Even though the oak door to her office was wide open the whole firm knew they entered at their own risk. Her prep time was essential for her cases. The whole building better be going up in flames before someone stepped through that door. She had breezily made her way through the first clump of papers when she suddenly lifted her head towards the doorway. Vivian’s brow slowly went up, there certainly weren’t any flames visible from her perspective, but her assistant looked like she was preparing to walk through flames. Vivian slowly laid her papers down and waited. A viper coiling itself up before it struck.


    “A call came in for you from the Mr. Romano.” The woman’s voice was breathy and her cheeks flushed bright red as she looked away as if embarrassed by a thought. Vivian straightened her spine. Oh how she hated when she said someone’s name like it was supposed to mean something to her. Of course she knew all about Mr. Romano, Vivian just reviled the thought of someone being just that important. “About time he called.” Vivian muttered seeming more annoyed than anything else. His face was splashed on every front page and he was occupying twenty-three hours out of the twenty-four hour news cycle. She’d been keeping close tabs on all of this, just in case he was smart enough to make a move that might save his own hide. “Forward his message to me. Reschedule my appointments and push the conference call back as far as you can.” As she was speaking she was already on her feet once again moving quickly and efficiently to clear her desk, grabbing her keys and phone in one hand and coffee in the other. She paused long enough to see the iritic bobbing she got in response as Vivian snapped the door locked behind her.


    It never failed. If he wasn’t as sensationalized as he was she might have been able to file him away and dealt with her day as normal. That’s not how this ever worked. She was going to rush down there and turn her unholy wrath on whoever she had to just to rescue him from interrogation. At the very least she’d get to make the District Attorney sweat a little this morning. Taking a long drink of her coffee she took opportunity to check her watch for the time. As soon as she stepped foot out of the car she looked prepared for battle. Her carefully cultivated appearance made it clear she was ready to be mobbed by any press. Making her way inside she didn’t acknowledge the media’s presence beyond a smile when the notion of her representing the Kinderhook Creek Killer was lobed at her. “I’m here to meet with Theo Romano. That is all I can say at this time.” And with that she turned and disappeared inside, her high ponytail swishing back and forth with her movements. The smile was already gone as soon as she turned away.

    Back in Theo went. Back into the closet sized 'room' that was supposed to be the location of his juicy confession. Yeah right. He mused to himself. The cops were so ignorant to think that harsh words and threats were going to intimidate him. The officer's were jokes to Theo, they were weak and inferior in his eyes. However, Theo still maintained his outwardly charm per usual. The door behind him creaked open, this two people entered the room instead of one. The officer introduced the man to his left "This is Detective Richards. He has a lot to talk to you about." Theo looked him over, and greeted him with a warm smile. This man was a little older than the rest of the officers Theo had encountered. He was not dressed in uniform, but rather a brown suit. It screamed of a middle class working man. Richard's hair and mustache looked of salt and pepper. His once dark hair now carried swipes and patches of grey.


    The detective plopped himself down in the chair in front of Theo's. He then slowly pulled out a file from within his briefcase and let it fall onto the table. "12 innocent woman. All found brutally murdered." The detective started his little spiel. As Richards spoke he removed two pictures from the file, and only two pictures. He placed them in front of Theo. Theo glanced at one of the photos as quick as he possibly could, one small glimpse was all he needed for the memories to flood back. "This one is Janet Hopskin. She had two children at home, and a husband in the Navy." The detective spoke on as he pushed the photos closer to Theo. The picture of this woman was not simply a nice head shot. This was a photo of the crime scene. The photo which pictured this woman face down in the leaves, her back exposed to the elements. A long meticulous laceration horizontally lay on her back. There was blood splattered all around on the forest floor where she laid. Her naturally blonde hair even soaked with the crimson hue.


    In Theo's mind he was taken back by there small look at this photo. Janet. He remembered her with ease. Theo remembered the vivid way her hair always smelt of cherry blossom shampoo. His mind began to travel deeper into his memories. Theo recalled the sunflower tattoo on her ankle that he was so fond of. His memory went a little darker the further he traveled. He remembered ghat Janet was a bit different from the other ladies. She did not scream, nor plea with him. She simply accepted her fate, no fight lied within that woman. Theo recalled how quick he life wasted away before his eyes and by his hands. "All these woman stabbed through the heart." The detective carried on. Theo could have chuckled out loud, if that not be severely suspicious. She deserved it. The phrase ran across Theo's mind. He knew what Janet did to her family, to her husband. She betrayed him. Theo could never allow that to happen, he dealt out the justice that Janet deserved. "Well boy. What the hell do you have to say about these photos?" The detective's voice boomed this time. Theo cleared his through. "It is such a shame. The person who did this must be a real monster." Theo responded softly, as if he showed a genuine emotion for the need to catch the killer.


    Obviously Theo's response was not what the detective had been looking for. Next thing Theo knew Richard's gave a nod to the officer just standing in the room. Then Theo felt a hand on the back of his head, and his face was soon after shoved roughly into the wood table beneath him. His cheek lay smashed against one of pictures below. "We are done playing games with you. You are going to talk, or else there will be consequences." He could hear the threat that was contained in the tone of the detective's voice. The hand pressing into Theo's head pushed harder, placing a painful amount of pressure on his skull. Theo took a breath, his attorney better get her ass here soon. "I believe you two might need to re-read the Constitution." Theo slowly let the words out of his squished mouth. "Cause I am almost positive this is illegal in some way." Theo huffed out his cheeky comment. This only made the detective darken his glare. Where in the hell was Theo's lawyer?

    It was as much a circus inside as it was outside. The whole place had seemingly become swarmed with rapid dogs. There were uniformed officers and administration staff buzzing around in the general vicinity of the interrogation room. They were probably all wanting to be a fly on the wall when they finally made Mr. Romano crack and spill all the juicy details. Vivian breath in through her mouth and exhaled through her nose. It had been ages since any sort of serial killer had made this much attention. He was practically a certified celebrity now. Her heels clicked slowly and deliberately with every step she made, echoing through the bustling hallway. A cop turned in time to see her coming and quickly jumped back, pressing his back flat against the wall to let her past. It didn’t take long to train the officers in the art of staying out of her way. She might have to give them more credit than she often did, maybe they weren’t all entirely clueless. The rest of the crowd parted in similar fashion leaving the hallway free and clear for her to pass. She came to the doorway, not needing any help finding her way to the room he was being kept in.


    It would be easy to barge her way in there and start going off like a frenzied pit bull or, she could try a different strategy. Turning sharply she emerged into a dimly lit room, the large window taking up almost the entirety of one wall. It gave a perfect view of the accused murderer. Stepping in the lone person in the room didn’t even look up as she closed the door behind her. “Mind if I sit in for a moment?” Vivian parked herself right next to glass. It was a way to peak into an almost undisturbed ritual. She was going to let Detective Richards dig himself a grave. She crossed her arms over her high collar blouse and watched the fireworks. Anything they grilled him about now was just more cannon fodder for her to use later. She was also watching the supposed killer. Although he looked like he’d been put through the ringer the smile he was wearing through most of this reminded her a tv broadcaster, perfect and utterly devoid of meaning.


    Vivian would have smile had it been appropriate when Theo’s head was smacked against the table. That was all she needed. The door opened and the lawyer finally made her entrance into this little show. “Get your hands of Mr. Romano, unless you’d like to hand me your badge now.” Those were her first sharp words that proceeded her into the room. She pointed a nail first at the officer then turned to glance at the older detective. Vivian came into the room with a charged air seeming ready to combust and take everyone in this room down with her. “Don’t think you’re safe either. Ever thought about retirement?” She arched a brow, but turned away before there was a real chance to give a retort. After all she wasn’t here for either one of them. No she was here to help the cocky bastard that was still smarting off even with his cheek pressed to some dead woman’s pictures. There were going to be eleven others she was going to have learn before this case was all over. She flicked her hand in the air dismissively towards the officer in the room. “Both of you out. I need to speak to my client. Consider this interrogation over gentlemen.”

    From the moment the door flung open a fire of joy spread across Theo's body. Every click of the stilettos was a step closer to Theo mending this situation. His little guardian angel had arrived in rather fashionable timing. Theo could feel the hand on his head being snatched away with speed. "The room is yours." The detective said with a bit of spite, however he knew that this room was no longer under his control. The two law men left the room, and it left just Theo and the woman he had heard about. This woman would be his champion. She was going to undo the claims and the charges and set Theo's life back on track. Back to the way Theo liked it. Back to a time when Theo's biggest concern was what shoes to pair with his blazer, and what woman to choose.


    Theo rolled around his neck, letting his muscles adjust to being back in their normal position. His eyes loomed over his new attorney, taking her in, inch by inch. Starting with those little stilettos he had heard making such a loud entrance. Then tracing up her legs and onto her business attire. Professional and well-kept, not a strand laid out of place on this woman. That was a very pleasing attribute to Theo. His eyes finally fell upon her face. There was a softness and a beauty behind it, however he knew it was masked behind the business woman that stood before him. Theo admired the fight in this woman most of all. He had read over some of her most popular cases, and time and time again she fought until the very end. Stubborn she was, and he liked that.


    "A pleasure to finally meet you in the flesh, Ms. Sedillo." The smile that was on Theo's face seemed the slightest more geunine then any of the smirks he had given out that day. "I would shake your hand, but as you know I am a bit occupied at the moment." He almost chuckled out this phrase as he gave a jiggle of his wrists in the cuffs. "Oh, I do have a request Ms. Sedillo. If you would ever be so kind, I am dying for a shower and a fresh pair of clothes. So if you could make that happen...I will throw in a large monetary bonus." Theo kicked his feet up a top the table, letting his legs straighten and his body relax. "I want to make it very clear. Money will be no issue. You do your job, and you will get the funds required for you highly sought expertise." Theo added, that grand smile still plastered to the smug face of his. Outside of being know for being a serial killer, Theo was a well-known and successful stock broker. He made his money aiding people to take the risks and fork their money out. He loved his job. At the very moment, he would have loved to be yelling out numbers and flagging down people. However, he knew as soon as this pretty little attorney helped solve his problem things would fall back into the way they were before. Maybe he would even write a book about how he was mistakenly accused for the murder. Ignorantly, Theo had no fear for his situation. He believed that his dumb luck would strike again and help him out of yet another large setback of his life.

    Her eyes were fixed on the pair of men until they were out of sight. She pivoted on her heel when she heard the door click. The man in front of her looked less like a blood thirsty killer or the successful stock broker. Her first impressions of him was a seemingly normal looking, if very arrogant seeming man. First impressions were not what they seemed, she knew that better than most. Looks were something that could be contorted and bent to fit whatever sort of mask the man wanted to put on. The one he was wearing now screamed of a would be Casanova. The young woman gingerly placed her hand on her hip. There was a moment of silence as the pair of them sized each other up in a silent showdown of sorts. Vivian took note of his natural charm that intertwined and wrapped around his words so easily.


    Vivian put her hand on to her hip letting the first bit of her own veneer slip the tiniest bit, cracking a sharp angular smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Let’s be honest with ourselves here Mr. Romano. Nothing about this screams pleasurable.” She drew her index finger in a motion signaling to whole of the shabby interrogation room. Tapping her finger on her side she considered his request for a moment. “I think that can be very easily arranged.” Vivian assured as she slid herself into the seat across from him. Of course she wasn’t his glorified secretary that was going to scamper this way and that running to fulfill his every whim, but a shower and change of clothing was a reasonable enough request. She paused watching him kick up his feet like he didn’t have a care in the world. It was a small wonder the police didn’t do more then smack his face against the table.


    Vivian clasped her hands together in front of her. “One of the most first things I learned in law school is that money is something you avoid discussing. I never really prescribed to that, but as of now. The biggest concern I have is not monetary.” If he had the money to pay she would do her job and get him cleared of all of these charges even if that seemed to be 12 Herculean labors laid before her. She was practically dying for another case to come along and challenge her. It had been a month or two since anything had really come along to surprise her. “Just be aware that this isn’t some small suit or something that is going to get wrapped up in a neat little bow for you. The odds aren’t exactly in your favor, especially if your truly guilty. Twelve women dead and trails of evidence all linking them back to you.” There was no way to beat around the bush in this case. She caught a look at the photos still left out of a blonde laying face down splattered in her own blood. Vivian barely batted an eyelash at the sight. If it affected her in any way that wasn’t made obvious by her expression. “Luckily for you, I’m not God so I’m not here to pass judgement. Twelve women means a much hired burden of proof for the state.”

    All business, no pleasure with this woman. Theo could appreciate that in a woman. Especially in his own attorney. Theo knew the deep shit in he was in given his current situation. However, he still was refusing to accept his fate. He would get out of this, he knew it. Theo let his gaze follow her all the way into the chair in front of him. "Thank you Ms. Sedillo. I am sure you might appreciate a shower for myself, just as much as I would." That same playboy smile stuck all smug on his lips. "Because I am aware we are going to spend a lot of time together." Theo added, knowing he was being cheeky. Theo was genuinely excited for a nice hot shower, a moment of of peace where he could finally let his facade down. A hot steamy shower always had the affect of allowing him to be free for those brief moments. Free of the fake personality, the expectations, and the charm. It sounds silly, but in the shower Theo had no one to impress or schmooze. It was just him, and the water hot water doing it's best to cleanse him in more ways than one.


    Listening to her speak, he knew it was time to actually focus on the case. Focus on his fate. Whether is was going to be lived back in his penthouse, or stuck to rot behind bars. Theo understood that he was going to need to corporate with this woman. Let her take control of his life, which he was not too pleased about. It was not something he was exactly used to. He was also aware he would most likely have to share information about himself, let her into his head. Which was fine, to a certain extent. Theo had no intention of telling her the whole truth. Never, would Theo admit to the crimes he actually committed. Those are secrets that he would take to the grave. Besides, she is trying to prove him innocent no matter whether that's the truth. Theo knew to trust no one, besides himself. Especially with a bit of information that could put him away for life. No one ever would truly understand his mind anyway. No one agreed with his reasoning or his methods, and Theo knew that was something he had to just accept.


    "Ms. Sedillo," Theo started, removing his feet from the table and sitting up as he continued. "Before we truly get started in our business partnership, I would like to make something clear to you." His smile had faded slightly, the pleasant tone still there. However, you could tell that these statements were not apart of his usual act. "Loyalty is the most admirable quality in my eyes. Taking this position as my attorney requires a great deal of loyalty to and from me." He continued, his eyes no longer sweet and playful. They were connected and fixed right on hers. "As long as you provide me your loyalty, we shouldn't have any issues." He paused and let the flicker of the cheap light above them be the only noise before finishing his long spiel. "However, if there is an issue of that sort between us. I will deal with it." Theo finished with his smile returning. He leaned back into his seat and his gaze returned calmer once again. He was now ready to corporate, he had said his peace. Hopefully she heeded his warning, because he meant every word of it.



    She flickered her eyes over the man as he flicked a switch and put on an entirely different face now. No smiling and witty remarks. If he was truly a murder that would have been moment that his victims probably would have realized that their Prince Charming was more smoke and mirrors. She listened to what some might consider to be a threat. Drawing in a breath she waited until he was finished and watched him flicker right back to his usual performance. “That’s something you and I can agree on.” Vivian paused to plucked up her brief case and put it up on the table. “Believe me Mr. Romano I wouldn’t get where I am today if I had anything but complete loyalty to my clients.” Her eyes locked on his own for a moment. Before pulling them back down to as she unclamped her briefcase the black lid jumping up to shield her face from the man across from her. She left the rest of that sentiment unsaid. Accepting cases such as this one had bound her with people with some of the worst human beings there was to offer, she had stuck through with them till the bitter end. She had done things that would have most certainly gotten her disbarred or behind bars herself if things ever came to light.


    Loyalties were the thin invisible threads that still somehow kept her life together in some capacity. One day that ledge she was standing out was going to crumble. It wasn’t today however. Today was about trying to keep Mr. Romano here from loosing anymore of what little footing he had left. She laid a pad and a small folder down beside her. There was nothing spectacular or ground breaking about what was going to take place in their first meeting. If she had her way she wouldn’t be meeting in a room with so many eyes that could be peaking in on their conversation. She would much rather meet behind closed and secured doors. The sound of her case slapping shut was the only sound she made before sliding it away from herself. “Any questions I ask you are entirely to build your case so, I will advise you now to answer as honestly and closely to truth as is possible. The less you give me the ammunition they might be able to bring against you. I need to be able to cover all our bases here.”


    She crossed on leg over the other, bouncing her stiletto underneath the table. Even before things began she knew it was going to be arduous work ahead of her. This wasn’t just one death she was going to have to defend against. There were twelve of them and twelve motives she was going to have to stick on someone else. “And then we’ll see about getting you a shower and a change of clothes.”

    This was also the hardest part because it meant encroaching in on Theo’s life and eventually going farther than that. While her natural instinct was to pull back the curtain and expose everything that might lie behind it, she’d learned over time that it was something that needed to be done slowly and methodically. Taking their pieces of their lives in her hands was a much easier pill to swallow than divulging every little dirty secret. “Did you in any way know any of your alleged victims? What are the police using to tie them all to you?” She would be able to find out just what they had on him from her own sources.

    Theo felt content, it seemed as though this woman was being genuine with their partnership. He still had no intention in fully letting her in, but he still could feed her little bits of information. She did have a valid point that it would help her build her case. Theo was listening, giving this woman his full attention. He knew that at this moment his fate sat in her hands. Her questions were protruding, but expected and necessary. Theo understood that. However, in his brain he was already sorting details of which could be disclosed and others that would be under lock and key.


    "Eight of the woman I had some connection with through my job." Theo began spilling information that could really sink him. "Whether they were invested in certain stock trades, husband of investors, or other employees within my company." He sat up once again. He felt uncomfortable telling the truth, private information. It was not often that Theo didn't have a spin or a fib on a story. Even his job required him to embellish in order to sell his stocks and get buyers. "One of the other four was my ex-girlfriend. Her name was Paula." Memories of the dark haired vixen flooded his brain. She was a true fire cracker. Paula was a model, yet was not the girly type like one would expect. She had grew up in a small rural community and moved to the city on a dream to pursue modeling, and unlike any others she had made a decent name for herself. Paula's country roots stuck deep, even though she always tried to hide that southern drawl of hers. She was never afraid to get her hand's dirty. At one point in time Theo was truly and utterly in love with the woman. However, their relationship took some wrong turns and the love Theo once had vanished. It was replaced by a roaring fire of rage and betrayal. "Paula and I dated for a little over two years. However, we had some issues and went our separate ways." Theo cleared his throat before continuing. "After the breakup it had been at least a year since speaking with her. Then one day on the new's I saw what had happened to her." Theo felt like he wanted to run out of the room. Talking about Paula made him severely uncomfortable. The girl broke his heart. He was not the same man when he had dated her. Back then he was more honest, thoughtful, and cared much less about himself. She had really did a number on him.


    Theo shifted before starting up again. "The other three, I have never met them in my life." All up to this statement Theo had mostly been telling the truth. Unfortunately for the other three woman he actually had met them, except it was only once. It was probably the biggest mistakes of their short lives. Theo had not known much about the other three woman. However, he knew enough about them to take action. He had met all three in different locations. Surprisingly, the three woman had almost fell in Theo's lap. At least that was how he saw it. He still vividly remembered the first of the three that he had his run in with. It was at a bar out of town. It was one of those hole in the walls, small and rundown. Theo had wandered there after a rough day at work. He needed a drink and wanted to be alone, so this particular bar was ideal. He really was minding his own business. That was until he saw this woman, unfortunately her name escaped him. Theo had watched as the petite brunette woman slipped off her wedding ring. He watched her toss it in her purse as if it met nothing. Like the vows she had spoken held no value. Theo watched as this woman sought out the men at this bar, practically throwing herself at them. This small woman was the first for Theo. The first time he felt it his own duty to take care of the scum before him. His first victim. And he couldn't even remember her name. No matter to him though. In Theo's eyes she had gotten what she deserved. That night was a start of a new side in Theo. A night where he felt he had finally found his purpose and a means in which he could express himself freely. The feeling he got from his monstrous acts invigorated him. Every time it left him with needing more. Theo knew he was doing the world a favor with his work. People should have been thanking him.

    The post was edited 1 time, last by theo24 ().

    She had no great expectations as to what he might share with her. There were always things that he probably wouldn’t share with her and like a starving animal she was going to have to take whatever scrapes he might throw her. The woman sat up a little straighter as she watched him unbury a few of his secrets that he might be willing to divulge to her. He was going to have to confess to her what he might not be willing to say to anyone else more for his own sake then her own. It was his head on the chopping block after all. The woman watched Theo clicking her pen. She twirled it around between her French tipped nails. His answer to her first question would be driving yet another nail into his coffin.


    Listening dutifully she scratched down a few careful notes on her note pad. She kept meticulous notes on all of her cases for her own reference and she was the only one that might be able to decipher what the string of characters might mean. Vivian studied him every move and twitch he made. Analyzed every word that dropped from his venom coated lips. Eight of the women were loosely attached to his own. It wasn’t a slam dunk, but it was yet another tally in the prosecutor’s row. She looked at the twelve names all lined up in a neat row. Funny how a person’s whole existence could be shortened down into a page. “A passive connection is still a connection.” Vivian interjected her lips forming a hard thin line. That left only four names unaccounted for. Taking her pen she dropped her pen back to the yellow lined paper making two dark circles around Paula’s name. Quirking a brow she looked back up, mostly just to watch him squirm around in his chair. He was a cornered animal ready to bolt right out of his chair. There was the briefest tremor of tenderness that came into voice ever so briefly. She sighed recognizing it as the smoking gun that the authorities could use against him. Even a blind man could see the connection that they would draw.


    “Who ended things? I doubt it was mutual.” Vivian examined him up a microscope for his response. What he wouldn’t say was just as crucial as what he might be willing to tell her. Folding her hands in front of her leaning forwards, a woman seeming to be in silent prayer. Really she was trying filtering the information, compiling it all. She pressed her hands a little bit tighter together. The only slight bit of light shining through the thick fog around this whole case. Three names that were entirely strangers to him. Statistically if he was committing these sorts of murders it was uncommon for him to suddenly change up his targets so abruptly. Not impossible, but not likely. It was an angle that she would be able to work. “All three of this women were married, but weren’t found with their wedding rings on. It’s a working theory that they were being unfaithful. How do you feel about someone straying from their vows?” All the questions she was asking him now were questions that he would be facing from the prosecution. There was nothing they wouldn’t dig up of scrounge for.


    Vivian also didn’t give him much luxury of rest either, her mind already skipping forwards. “Oh, another thing Mr. Romano.” Turning to a fresh page she revealed a long set of dates running down the margins of the page. Angling it towards the man she motioned to the dates rather pointedly, stabbing at it with the end of her pen. “Here are the dates. Does this jog your memory I’m going to need to know your whereabouts and anyone who might be able to support them. I’ll need that as list as soon as you can provide it. Keep in mind that I will be checking into them possibly.”

    Theo's resolves were fading. His mind full of conflict. He could feel his stomach start to clench, as if one of the woman had stabbed him and not the other way around. He was struggling with his decision to continue to lie or officially start filling in all the gaps. The con man within him was convincing him to keep the lie, just like he always did. However, deeper within his brain there was a voice telling him to let this woman completely in. Let her help you.The softest voice in his head whispered. Theo closed his eyes for the slightest pause, mentally pushing that voice away. It was too dangerous for him to tell anyone. At the same rate, it was also too dangerous not to tell this woman.


    Theo's hands clenched into fists, hidden beneath the table. Even hearing Paula's name out loud from another person's lips brought Theo displeasure. "I broke it off." His response was simple enough. That was all this woman was going to get for now. Especially with the rapid fire of her other questions. Vivian was starting to put pieces together, Theo knew it from the minute she mentioned marriage. Appearance is everything, Theo. Get your shit together. He needed to remind himself who he was. He was the calm and collected man in the room, he was to never show his weakness. His reminder had helped slightly. Theo could feel the tension in his shoulders let loose and his hands unclasp. "I have no opinion on other's marriages, Ms. Sedillo. Frankly, I have more important things to deal with in life then ensuring the happy matrimony of other couples." Theo knew every word was complete bullshit. However, he was regaining his control slowly. This was evident from the tiniest of a salesman's smirk upon his face. Theo was slowly but surely retaining his composure.


    That was until this woman started asking about his whereabouts on the nights of the murders. He had not planned on dealing with this. He was ignorant sometimes and messy when it came to his hobby. It was peculiar the way Theo operated. The actual murders were precise, they had meaning and detail. Every cut and slice on those women was planned. Every tool was cleaned, fingerprints removed. However, he never truly planned the date or time when he was going to strike. Theo simply chose the day and time when he could not contain his rage any longer. When he needed the satisfying excitement from the hunt and the kill. That was the most unplanned aspect of all of his operations. Theo's hands were clenched once again. His shoulders were now more tense then before, and his stomach somehow sunk further to the floor. "Listen Ms. Sedillo. I don't think this environment is the most conducive to jogging my memory of all these highly personal question." Theo mused as he did his best to put his award winning smile on like usual. "I think a room with more privacy would allow me to kick this fit of amnesia." Theo could not do this in this room. Knowing the people trying to lock him away for life were right out that door was unsettling. "If not, I am afraid I won't be much help today." There would be no compromising on the privacy, especially if this woman was going to hear the truth. The real truth. Theo never thought it would come to this, but he was prepared to tell her everything.

    She’d found the chink in his armor and plunged a dagger right into his heart. At least that’s what his body language was telling her. If he was going to be easy to knock off kilter then he had no business committing crimes. Granted it wasn’t much of a reaction, but he was clearly loosing his composure. Vivian certainly wasn’t upset to see the plastered on smile disappear for a minute. A dark brow raised ever so slowly as if to challenge that simple of a statement. There was clearly a lot more buried underneath it. Whether he liked it or not she was going to have to dig up every little thing he might want to keep hidden. Part of her job was staying one step ahead of the prosecution, she fully intended to see this through to the end. That was unless Mr. Romano decided he no longer needed her counsel. That was probably the only ways she going to wash her hands of this thing.


    “Good to know Mr. Romano. Although I don’t think any of their partners are feeling very happy now.” He almost sounded convincing maybe with a little work he could polish that answer up enough that a jury might actually buy it. Her eyes were zeroed in on him. It might be difficult to imagine, but as she saw things everything she was doing to him now was for his own good. She laced her fingers together a little tighter watching him pull himself back together just to fall apart again when she moved it on to his whereabouts for those nights. She didn’t expect him to be able to dredge up a plausible idea of where he might have been that quickly, but she needed to at least make it clear that if he’d better start working on it if he ever wanted to see the light of day again. His whole body was coiled up like a compressed spring. Vivian slowly nodded her head pushing herself away from the table. She was going to have to use every bit of good will that she’d built up with a few select members of the police force.


    “I’ll add that to my lists of demands.” The legs of her chair scrapped loudly across the floor. “I think reminding the detective of his stunt earlier will help move things along.” She turned around to face the mirror. Her heels clicked in an easy rhyme as slowly made her way the short distance across the room. Her knuckled lightly rapped on the reflective surface before pointing her finger towards the door. There wasn’t any doubt in her mind that if the detective wasn’t observing on this for himself, someone would go running to get him. The young woman sauntered her way back to her seat. Sliding back down into her seat to wait, not that she was going to be very patient for long.

    OOC;; I am so sorry for dropping off the face of the earth for a while! Life got crazy for me! I hope you are still interested in this thread.


    IC;; Exhaustion was taking over Theo's body. His mouth dry, leaving his tongue feeling heavy. His lips cracked and chapped, not creating their usual perfect frame for his fake smiles. Dark circles clung under his eyes, causing the deepest of contrasts from the bright blue irises that held so many secrets. It had been 3:00 in the morning when the officers stormed his penthouse. This was to ensure that the suspected serial killer was home when they have arrived. Theo had only been sleeping for roughly an hour before he was woken to commotion. The door flung off the hinges. The marble floor that had cost Theo an arm and a leg lay scattered with the marks and scuffs of muddy boots. His imported love seat from Italy tipped and slung across the floor. Theo had awoken by the sound of the door splintering upon the ground. Shockingly, Theo's reaction was not to run or protest, but rather he simply sat up in his bed. Swinging his feet to ground himself on the floor, he just sat there with his arms behind his head, waiting. Waiting for the inevitable movie moment of the cops storming his house. Waiting patiently for the officers to detain him like a rabid animal.


    It was almost a relief to Theo, not having to try and guess when men would take him from his home anymore. Plus, he knew that a small part of him wanted to be caught. An artist does not truly create his art for just himself, he creates it to share with the world; to inspire others. Although Theo knew the consequences of being blamed for these murders, he also now experienced the true crowd he had secretly been desiring. He wanted people to see and realize his message. People to heed his gruesome warning signs.


    However, as Theo sat exhausted in a windowless room he did not feel as much triumph in this moment. He slumped back into the cold metal chair, twisting his cuffs as they bit into his skin leaving marks similar to the ones found upon the murdered women's wrists. Theo let his shoulders relax, letting his eyes fall lazily upon his attorney. He watched her return to her seat, waiting for the old fox to meet her beck and call.


    Just like clock work the elder detective did not leave her waiting. He prowled into the room, clearly not pleased by her position of control in the situation. "What do you want?" He spat out, arms crossed with harsh eyes staring her down. The officer slamming the door behind him as he permanently placed himself in the room. "Ya, know Vivian. I don't know how you look yourself in the mirror every day..." The grey haired man began, his crow's feet creasing at his words. "-helping piece's of shit like this get off without punishment." The detective gestured towards Theo. Although, at the detectives words Theo had managed to muster up a rather dramatic eye roll. "You know you would be just another victim to him, those women do not look much different from yourself." Anger was clearly building in his voice. It seems as though this had not been the first time that Vivian had stood in his way of prosecuting a criminal. "It makes you just as bad as the monsters you defend." The detective pushed deeper into the room, "God will judge you just as harshly!" He paused before staring her directly in the eyes. "For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil." The officer spoke as if he was reading directly from the bible. Theo had recognized the quote. 'Ecclesiastes 12:14' Theo mused within his own thoughts, he only recognized it due to it being one of the same quotes his father had rambled often when he was a young boy. With that last venom filled comment the officer had seemed to have said his peace. Theo couldn't help but snicker at the mention of God from the detective. In his mind it was hard to fear a man or being that did not actually exist. "Too bad God didn't do anything to save those women." Theo muttered ever-so quietly under his breath, a genuine smirk playing across his lips.