Chapter 4 4

"Eighteen years," Adolf said, his tone heavy with frustration. He flicked his lighter, trying to light his cigarette. It took several tries before the flame caught, and the tobacco sparked to life. He took a long drag, letting the smoke fill his lungs. "Do you think she even exists?" he asked, exhaling slowly. Jack shifted in his seat, his eyes distant. "I think she's out there, somewhere. We just need to keep searching. Or maybe we are in the wrong city." "From my vision, I know she's here," Adolf insisted. "But it's like the flower is obscuring my sight.

Every time I try to focus on her, my vision blurs and she fades away." Jack shook his head, his expression skeptical. "Adolf, that flower is messing with your mind. You know that tobacco is bad for you, right? It's messing with your perceptions and making you see things that aren't there. Tobacco is dangerous and it isn't good for you. " Adolf scoffed. "Dangers of tobacco?" he scoffed. "That's rich, coming from a mere mortal like you. What do you know of the ways of the supernatural? You know nothing! You see those guys," he pointed at some group of guys. "You save the pep talks for 'em. They ain't supernatural. " One of the guys saw him point at them and he stepped forward with his gang, his expression threatening "Hey, you. Who are you pointing at? You got something to say to us?" "Oh ye of little sense," Adolf said with a mocking smile. "Why art thou persecuting me so?" The man's face turned red with anger, and he took a step forward, ready to pounce. But then, much to everyone's surprise, Jack began to laugh, a booming laugh that filled the air. He looked up from the newspaper he had been reading, and a mischievous glint sparkled in his eyes. Jack slowly looked up from his newspaper, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Am I interrupting anything here?" he asked, a twinkle of mischief in his eye. The man's face flushed with rage, and he took a step toward Jack, fists clenched. But just then, Jack burst into uproarious laughter, his eyes fixed on the paper in his hands. "You have to read this," he said, leaning forward and offering the paper to the man. "It's hilarious!" The man's fist clenched as Jack reached out the newspaper to him. His eyes narrowed, and he let out a low growl. Then, in one swift motion, he swung his fist at Jack's face. The blow landed with a sickening thud, and Jack stumbled backwards, a trickle of blood running down his chin. He reached up to touch his face, his eyes widening in shock. Then, a sly smile spread across his lips. "Perfect," he said, his voice low and husky. Adolf grinned. Jack cleaned his nostrils with the white towel he was holding. Adolf, you know what to do with them. I suggest they go for a ... Swim. " he said, pointing over the bridge. "It's hot. Don't you think? Well, meet me at the train station Adolf. I got a ride to catch. Be fast. " Jack said as he moved away. As Jack walked away, Adolf turned to the men, a sinister smile playing across his lips. "Gentlemen," he said, his voice deep and commanding. "I think it's time for a swim, don't you?" The men's eyes darted towards the water, their gazes transfixed. Slowly, their pupils turned a deep green. They turned to face Adolf, their bodies completely under his control. "You see that water," he said, pointing towards the river. Their heads turned in unison, their gazes fixed on the shimmering surface. Without hesitation, the men began to move towards the water, their feet pounding against the pavement. They reached the riverbank and waded into the shallows, their clothes soaking through. Adolf watched from the shore, his expression unreadable. The water was frigid, but the men did not flinch. Instead, they began to walk deeper, their bodies submerged up to their necks. Suddenly, they stopped, their faces eerily calm. In unison, they sank beneath the surface, the water closing over their heads. For a moment, all was still. Adolf let out a low chuckle, a look of satisfaction on his face. "Au revoir," he said, his voice dripping with dark humor. "C'est la fin." With that, he turned and strode away, his footsteps echoing in the silence. In the river, there was no movement, no sign of life. The water was calm, the surface smooth and unruffled. Nothing remained to mark the passing of the men, not even a ripple. Jack sat on a bench at the train station, engrossed in his newspaper. Suddenly, he sensed a presence and looked up, his eyes meeting Adolf's. "Adolf," he said, his tone guarded. "What happened to those men? Did they..." Adolf held up a hand, silencing him. "Don't say it, Jack," he said, his voice soft but firm. "They didn't die. They simply... moved on. There's nothing to fear in that." Jack's lips curled into a wry smile, his eyes glinting with mischief. "You sly devil," he said, shaking his head. "You sure know how to get what you want. But what's next? Do you have any more dastardly plans up your sleeve?" Adolf let out a deep, rumbling laugh. "You know me too well, Jack," he said. "But I'm not about to reveal my secrets to you. That would spoil all the fun." Just then, a woman who had been standing nearby, listening in on their conversation, approached a nearby police officer. She spoke to him in hushed tones, pointing towards Jack and Adolf. The officer nodded, his expression grim, and approached the two men. "Excuse me," he said, his voice deep and authoritative. "I need to ask you a few questions. It's urgent." Adolf rolled his eyes and muttered under his breath, "Karens." Then, turning to Jack, he smirked and said, "They're like monkeys, and she's the banana." The officer's eyes widened and his pupils dilated. He turned towards the woman, a strange look in his eyes. He started to move towards her, his steps unsteady, as if in a trance. The woman let out a scream and ran away, with the officer giving chase. Jack and Adolf looked at each other and let out a heavy laughter. "Let's cut the hypnotic shenanigans," Jack said, giving Adolf a pointed look. "We've got to get home. I don't want to be here when the authorities show up." Adolf sighed, a sheepish expression on his face. "Yeah, that's probably for the best," he said. The two of them headed to the nearest train station, bought their tickets, and boarded the next train. As they settled into their seats, they couldn't help but feel a sense of relief at leaving the chaos behind them. The train rumbled on for what seemed like an eternity, but was actually only about thirty minutes. Adolf had fallen asleep, his head lolling on Jack's shoulder. Jack nudged him awake. "Come on, sleeping beauty," he said. "We've arrived." Adolf stretched and yawned, blinking his eyes as he adjusted to the light. "You know, I really do get exhausted when I use my hypnotic abilities," he admitted. "It's like I'm tapping into some deep well of energy within myself." Jack stepped through the front door, dropping his keys on the table and sighing deeply. "It's good to be home," he said, stretching his arms above his head. He took off his jacket and tossed it onto the table with a sigh of relief. He opened the fridge, pulling out a bottle of rum. He poured two glasses, handing one to Adolf. As they each downed their drink, the warm, spicy flavor of the rum spread through their bodies, warming them to the core. As Adolf settled onto the couch, flipping through the channels and landing on a wrestling match, Jack continued to stand, slowly sipping his drink. Suddenly, his phone began to vibrate in his pocket. He ignored it at first, but the caller was persistent. Finally, he relented and answered the call. "Hello, JB or should I say BJ," a mocking voice said on the other end of the line. "If it isn't Steve Walters," Jack replied, a hint of amusement in his voice. "How's it going, mate?" "I'm doing great, and I'm planning a party tonight," Steve said, his voice crackling with excitement. "We'll have plenty of drinks and, of course, some lovely ladies. So, I expect you to be there. Who knows, maybe you'll even meet your future wife!" he added with a laugh. Jack let out a sigh. "I can't make any promises, but I'll do my best," he said, an amused smile playing on his lips. At the mention of women, Adolf perked up, jumping to his feet. "We'll be there!" he said, his voice booming with enthusiasm. "Don't you worry, Steve. I'll make sure Jack shows up!" Jack rolled his eyes, a wry smile on his face. "Oh, gee, thanks, Adolf," Steve said sarcastically. "I feel so motivated now." Jack ended the call, shaking his head with a laugh. Just then, the TV flashed a breaking news bulletin about a group of men who had been rescued from drowning. "Wow, that's terrible," Jack said, his tone turning serious. "I can't imagine how scared those guys must have been." he mocked. Just then, they heard a knock on their door.