Chapter 9: A Threat

 

Kris and Tim made the move to Garden Grove, settling into a cozy studio apartment. Since they couldn't bring all their furniture along, Tim decided to rent a storage unit for the pieces that wouldn't fit. Their new place came equipped with a fridge and a stove. 

Kris landed a job at a nearby restaurant, while Tim is working at a car shop. Tim opted for a shorter haircut and started growing out his beard, which is currently at the stubble stage. Meanwhile, Kris visited the salon to dye her hair a darker shade and added some blonde highlights. 

“Why are you growing out your beard?” Kris asked.

He shot her a glance and said, “For the same reason you changed your hair color.” She rolled her eyes and nodded, saying, “Yeah, I get it,” with a sigh.  

After a brief pause, she asked, “Do you think they’re searching for you?” His silence said it all. 

Later that evening, Kris and Tim were sitting at the breakfast table, enjoying their TV dinners. Kris was watching the Dating Game on TV while Tim flipped through the local news in the newspaper. Suddenly, his eyes widened, and his jaw dropped. Kris noticed and asked, “What’s up?” His features contorted into a frown, and his eyes narrowed. He showed her the article. She gasped, “Oh no,” she said. 

A drawing of the man identified as the serial rapist was circulating.  “I bet Lori had a hand in this,” he said, clearly upset. Kris glanced at the sketch and noticed it looked a lot like her brother. With a deep sigh, she set the newspaper aside, got up, and headed to the kitchen. The kitchen was tiny, tucked away in the corner of their studio apartment.  “What’s your plan?” Kris inquired.  

“Nothing for the moment, but I really don’t want you going back to that class.” Kris nodded in agreement.

A few days later, Kris dropped by the Newsmaker magazine where Lori works. 

“Can I help you?” a young man asked as she entered the office lobby. 

“Yeah, I’m looking for Lori,” Kris replied. 

“What’s your name?” 

“Just tell her Kris is here to see her.” The guy nodded and headed to the back, disappearing into one of the cubicles. 

Kris saw him engaged in a conversation with someone sitting and then Lori rose, caught sight of Kris and waved as she approached.  

“Hey Kris, what brings you here?”  

“Can we talk in private?” Kris replied, her expression serious. Lori recognized the tone and nodded in agreement. They headed back toward the cozy break room.  

“Hi Gena, how’s the article progressing?”  

“Great! It’s set to be published in the next edition,” Gena responded with assurance. Lori smiled and motioned for Kris to take a seat at one of the tables. Gena glanced at them, noticing the serious looks on their faces, and decided to step out and return to her cubicle. 

“What brings you here?” 

Kris let out a sigh and replied, “I know who you are.” Lori looked at her, puzzled. “What do you mean?” 

“Listen, I saw you that night with your vigilante friends.” 

Lori's eyes widened in surprise as she connected the dots, realizing that Kris was the one who had injured one man and killed another. Her expression shifted to one of seriousness. 

“Kris, I won’t sugarcoat it; yes, I am who you think I am, but you killed the man you shot.” 

Kris swallowed hard, her face reflecting shock as she realized she didn’t know if he had survived. A tense silence hung between them until Lori broke it, asking, “What were you doing there that night?”

She pursed her lips and said, “An ass abducted me and brought me to that location, but I fought back and managed to hurt his arm in the struggle. Then another guy came after me, but I...” She paused, unsure of how to continue.

"But you ended his life," Lori interrupted, exhaling deeply, she facepalmed.

"I get it, but taking a life is wrong, and it could land you in prison,” Lori exclaimed. 

Kris let out a frustrated sigh, stood up, and picked up her brown leather clutch from the table. Looking down at Lori, she said, "Stay away from my brother. I’m sure he regrets what he did to you and the other women he harmed. We’re trying to move forward. Stay away, Electra Woman." 

She bent down to lock eyes with Lori. "My brother and I will make a formidable duo, and I have no intention of hurting you unless I have to," Kris said, her tone cold and earnest. With that, she walked out of the break room and left the building.

Lori let out a sigh, her expression turned serious. Later that evening, she had a conversation with Frank. 

"It seems like she issued a threat," he remarked. Lori agreed with a nod.  

"I'm not intimidated by her at all, but I still need to pursue her brother now that his sketch has been circulating.”  Frank passed a cup of chamomile tea to his niece and took a seat beside her.

“Consider asking one if your vigilante friends to accompany you, and don't forget to utilize the Electra-com, which features a built-in ray capable of immobilizing your opponent. Tim appears to be quite a formidable opponent, but it's worth noting that his sister has taken a life. If you find yourself in a confrontation with both, having a friend by your side will be essential.” Lori nodded in agreement and finished her tea.She headed to her bedroom while her uncle was occupied at the Electra Base, tinkering with various technical devices. As she settled in to watch TV, a news update about the serial rapist flashed across the screen.

“A day ago in Long Beach, a woman was assaulted by a man who fits the description of previous assaults on women throughout the OC region. This time, though, he was dressed entirely in black wearing a mask.” Lori watched the news, and a wave of anger surged within her. Her eyes narrowed as she switched off the TV and lay on her bed, staring silently at the ceiling, lost in thought.