@superintcndent - Tumblr Blog

❝ oh sure , confidential i suppose. ❞ she knew that already. but she was playing her part as the local mechanic secretary , not the matriarch of a biker gang. gemma was pressing her luck just by asking any questions in the first place. but she had to feel out this woman , see if she was susceptible to a little cash under the table if it kept the club out of their investigation.

she reaches out and takes the clipboard , scanning through the form to make sure it was completed. ❝ the rental paperwork in the glove compartment ? we'll follow up with the company. hopefully doesn't cost you anything. ❞

gemma still wants more information , she's already forming a plan. ❝ you need a ride to a motel or somethin' ? taxis are few and far between out here. but we're about to close up , i could drop you off. ❞ a little private conversation might be needed to see what other details gemma could acquire. not a bad idea to see where she was staying so she could tell the club to steer clear, too.

❝ MHM. ❞ A QUICK HUM IN RESPONSE, RESPONDING TO THEIR BRIEF DISCUSSION OF THE CASE. She's careful not to discuss it in length, feeling no jurisdiction in doing so within the here and now. Luckily for Gemma, her shop is not on the radar as of yet or at least, not to Stella's knowledge.

Though even with a quick glance, she can already tell this is more than just a simple car shop. The dents and scruff on the walls are a clear indication in themselves. Still, she does not focus on those minor details too much. ❝ Good, good. Yes, you should find all of the extra needed paperwork there. It's insured with the bureau. ❞

But it's Gemma's latest inquiry that causes Stella's attention to shift towards her once more. A ride to her hotel would certainly be far more convenient than attempting a taxi and so, she ponders the options momentarily. ❝ Well, I really did get here in the nick of time, didn't I? ❞ She states with some amusement as she comes to stand. ❝ If it's no trouble to you, that would be wonderful. My hotel isn't far. ❞

gemma stands idly beside her desk , leaning against it with her hand on the flat surface as she watches. the woman's words cause a tightening of her jaw , an anticipation of trouble yet to come. she taps her nails on the desk , wondering how this sort of thing always landed in her lap. better to play dumb and keep up the act ― this was just a mechanic shop and there were no secrets buried here.

❝ homicide ? ❞ she asks , as though it surprised to her to hear of such a thing inside the borders of charming. she wasn't , of course. at least half the bodies that fell were a direct result of the club's actions. she clears her throat , ❝ figured something like that would be big news. we hadn't heard of anything going on. ❞

she pushes her luck by pressing for more info , at least to see if the club was being considered as suspects. ❝ any good leads ? ❞

FILLING OUT THE FORMS, HER FOCUS REMAINS ON THAT, trying her best to remember some specifics about the vehicle she had merely rented for the duration of her visit. Certain aspects of cars went over her head and she hopes her lack of knowledge on the topic won't become a problem.

A quick pause and a glance upwards towards Gemma as interest seems to grow. It's really only natural for someone to be curious, so she doesn't think much of it for now. ❝ We're keeping information under wraps for now, when we need more information from the public, we'll make it known then. ❞ There was still a lot of information needed before any conclusions could be sufficient and that's precisely what Stella's presence here was for.

But she is in no position to give too much away to some stranger without full comprehension of the situation. She has yet to look at all of the evidence. Finishing up the paperwork, she slides the clipboard back towards the other woman and clasps her fingers together in her lap with a heavy sigh. ❝ I hope I was able to provide enough information on the car. It's a rental. ❞

doevines

↟𖠰˚☾ PROMPT : @superintcndent [ 𓅓 ] IF YOU HAVE NOTHING TO HIDE, WHAT'S THE PROBLEM?

CHARLOTTE HAD KNOWN THERE WAS SOMETHING OFF ABOUT STELLA AND JAMES PETERSON THE MOMENT THEY ARRIVED ON THE COMPOUND. call it intuition, or call it the wilderness guiding her hand— either way, she had known to keep a close eye on them : where they went, how they interacted with those around them, what they revealed when they thought no one was watching. she lost track of how long it had been since their arrival, but slowly, piece by piece, she found herself chipping away at stella’s walls. lingering stares. feather-light touches. softly spoken affirmations about how well stella was fitting in with the rest of the helionites. how naturally she seemed to fall into place. that she belonged here. it hadn’t taken much to convince stella to meet with her alone in her office, away from jim, allowing the two of them to speak on a more ... intimate level. ❝ why are you here? ❞ charlotte asked, her tone curious rather than accusatory. ❝ i understand you’re seeking mental wellness, but i can’t help but feel like there’s something more. you haven’t been honest with me. ❞ in other words : if you have nothing to hide, what's the problem?

#doevines #advice & vices (006.)

THIS WOULD HAVE PERHAPS BEEN FAR EASIER WITH SOMEONE OTHER THAN JIM AS HER PARTNER, she had argued his assistance at first, but was denied. He persisted, dismissing her request as well as her professional opinion. They had a history, which he thought would be beneficial while she knew otherwise. Take it upon a man to think they know better than the intuition of a strong, independent woman.

First glance at Charlotte Matthews, and Stella already knew their cover wouldn't last long. The frustration remained palpable, surely, as Stella always did have a tough time holding back any amount of overwhelmed grievance. In all honesty, she should have pulled back the investigation a while ago, but something about this place kept her interest. The place — the hierarchy. The woman.

For the first time, Stella feels way over her head and that is a rarity in itself to ever believe, even to the slightest degree. When entering Lottie's office, she attempts to keep her breath steady and in check. ❝ why are you here? ❞ Then suddenly, she stopped breathing. Eyes blink, slowly, her posture and poise still rightfully established with a slight smirk. ❝ You haven't been honest with me. ❞

Stella takes a seat while maintaining her stoic demeanor though lips do purse and tighten. There's no beating around the bush now, she realizes that and it's clear upon expression as she stares momeontarily before speaking. ❝ I'm not happy, but I'd like to be. For once. ❞

the woman's accent causes gemma's brows to rise slightly , surprise registering for a brief moment before fading. charming was a small town , but it was nestled in a tourist-stricken part of the country and it's not uncommon for outsiders to wander in. ❝ stella. ❞ she repeats , committing the name to memory , ❝ clearly. i don't think you would have made it much farther. we would have towed you in though. ❞ she leads the way back into the small office , featuring a few chairs, file cabinets, a desk, and walls covered in typical car girl prints.

❝ take a seat , i'll find the forms. ❞ gemma instructs , motioning to one of the chairs by the door. she pulls open the first drawer of the file cabinet and pulls out a few pieces of paper , attaching them to a clipboard. ❝ co - owner. my husband and i. ❞ she hands the clipboard over with a pen on top , ❝ what brings you to charming ? just passing through ? ❞

A QUICK CELLPHONE CHECK HAS HER SOMEWHAT PREOCCUPIED THOUGH ONLY MOMENTARILY. She's trained to multitask, and the woman's words somewhat amuse her for some reason. Perhaps for the simple appreciation factor that regardless, Stella would have been well taken care of even if she had been stranded further up the road. ❝ That's very kind of you, thank you. ❞ She says as phone is slipped back into the confines of her coat pocket while following the woman into her office.

Glancing about the place, she takes a seat when instructed to do so, fingers running through blonde hair while waiting for the mentioned forms. The word husband rings heavily and she knows she shouldn't be surprised, nor disappointed, but there is a slight shift in expression that even she almost doesn't detect within herself before she's reaching for the pen and clipboard.

Moving more so towards the question as to why she's in Charming instead and providing a quick nod while beginning to fill out said paperwork. ❝ Mm, yes. Sort of. I'm here for business, actually. I'm a detective, investigating a homicide. ❞

dark eyes lift from the stack of invoices in front of her , eyeing the car as it pulled onto the lot. the club was out on a run and it was just gemma and two mechanics in the shop. she stood up , straightening her dark lace shirt and pushing her sunglasses on as she exited the office. gemma stands in front of the mechanic shop to greet the new arrival , hands planted firmly upon her hips. ❝ hey there , it actin' up on you ? ❞ she asked , motioning to the car. the sound it made was enough to tell her that. she's surveying the blonde woman , looking her over for clues about where she came from or what kind of trouble she might have brought with her. ❝ i'm gemma. here, come on in. we'll get some paperwork sorted. ❞

EYES FALL TOWARDS THE BRUNETTE WOMAN WHO GREETS HER, slightly squinted and a bit confused if only because she hadn't expected such a presence. How hypocritical of her, she thinks, to automatically assume a man would've been the one to make themselves known instead of a woman. Honestly, it's refreshing and she almost smiles - half smiles - when introductions are presented. ❝ Stella Gibson. Thank you, yes… must be the engine, I think. I was lucky to have found your shop when I did. ❞

Her British accent is unmistakable and elegant, but she's not at all arrogant in tone. Humbled, if anything as hands slip into pockets while heading inside per the other's invitation. ❝ Gemma—? You own this establishment then? ❞

#advice & vices (006.)#|| verse update.#|| this is all a ruse.

Stella and Jim Peterson: originally located in London, England. Jim is American, they moved to America after marriage and settled in New York to be around Jim's family. Stella's family is deceased, a daddy's girl, she still currently has a bit of a complex regarding her dad's death and is very sensitive about it. They found the compound as a way to reconnect with each other and themselves because of Stella specifically feeling disconnected to reality and Jim is a support system. Which gives Lottie a way to make Stella a priority between the two. The compound was mentioned to them by word of mouth; someone familiar, someone Stella had previously (and purposefully) contacted and befriended to recommend the establishment.

curated with @doevines

@gatekeepcr gets a starter.

AN UNFORTUNATE CIRCUMSTANCE COULD NOT HAVE COME AT A MORE PERFECT CONVENIENCE. Seemingly inconvenient, her vehicle shuts down just as she pulls up into the driveway of a nearby mechanic shop. Her engine is still working but stubborn and shutting it off means she may not be able to turn it on until it's fully fixed and of course, this causes some frustration. Getting out of the car, Stella runs a single hand through her hair, sighing heavily before heading inside the building. It's obvious that she's frustrated, seeking someone to talk to. ❝ Hello— ? ❞

#|| i don't know what this is. taken from a previous response post.#|| but i'm lowkey obsessed with it.#|| feel free to respond if you'd like. it's not NOT an open.#Insolence & wine (001.)

❝ It’s usually always the same: I’m in the bath… relaxing, seemingly alone. Hand massaging my arm, and when I open my eyes: I see him. Clear as day. His dark eyes, staring deep into my soul before he inevitably suffocates me to death beneath the waters surface. But I don’t die entirely. I just… SUFFOCATE, surviving if only to glimpse every other form of torture he reciprocates upon others that I cannot help. I watch, like a spectator. Unable to stop it and then he laughs while looking at me. Then… his face shifts, distorting in such a way that I can’t, quite place. Like, he’s someone new. ❞ Her eyes are focused elsewhere when she speaks. ❝ Then he eats. Something bloody and fowl, like an organ. And it’s me, who’s feeding him. ❞

musesofhororr-deactivated202406

𝙂𝙀𝙈𝙈𝘼 𝙏𝙀𝙇𝙇𝙀𝙍 𝙈𝙊𝙍𝙍𝙊𝙒 FROM 𝙎𝙊𝙉𝙎 𝙊𝙁 𝘼𝙉𝘼𝙍𝘾𝙃𝙔.

independent , selective & mutuals only. au and crossover friendly. not intended for minors - heavy and triggering themes. est. 2016. written by angela. ©

#「 promo 」

h0lywaters

"It's what women do with their anger..."

#「aesthetic.」

Hannibal remembered months back reading up on Stella and what had happened in Belfast. He remembered admiring Paul's work. It was just a shame he didn't cook the bodies like he would have. But then again he didn't just put anyone's meat into his mouth. There was a deficient between Paul and Hannibal, Paul got caught and took his own life, such a shame, Hannibal thought to himself, for he would have love to meet the man.

He felt that the two of them could have done so much madness together. As stella spoke, Hannibal watched as her eyes looked away. "Stella." Hannibal said softly. "Nightmares are the brain's way of dealing with what happened. It isn't right by any means at all. But sometimes when we or our minds don't know how to deal with trauma we tend to beat ourselves up. That's why we have nightmares."

Placing his pen and notebook down, Hannibal took a deep breath in and let it out slowly. "Have you tried seeing people? Maybe try and go out to a bar and find someone to hang out with."

#musesofhorror #musesofhorror (hannibal lecter)#darkness visible (011.)#arc: pre-investigation

SOMEONE TO HANG OUT WITH, HE SAYS and it's then that Stella meets Hannibal's gaze a bit questioningly with furrowed brows and eyes slightly squinted. It isn't so much the statement in itself that causes an internal line of inquiry as it is the wording of it. She knows what he means, of course and her fingers grip together a bit more in the process. ❝ On occasion, yes. Though truthfully, not as often as I used to. ❞ Going out to meet random people wasn't exactly as easy to do when she was home, that was more of a social intimacy she preferred to keep internationally when applicable. Saved her the struggle of running into them again and although she liked to think that she had a good sense of certain individuals, that was unfortunately, not always the case. Even now, she has a difficult time in figuring out her own therapist who currently sat directly in front of her. There was a strange, brooding sense to his demeanor that she couldn't quite place, but he also hasn't given her much reason to question him in full and so, she dismisses it entirely for now.

❝ Are you suggesting that hanging out with others will somehow help cease these recurrent nightmares? If so, I should probably state that at times, that only seems to make some matters worse. ❞

bertharussellgf

“The Hell Within Him” | The Fall — 3.04

#「aesthetic.」

silencedrage

Her eyes are drawn to the case file that sits innocuously between them, though Stella doesn't jump right into her questions. She seems to be taking seriously her intention to keep things comfortable for Lottie, as much as it can be in a facility like this. She assumes this is about the night that led to her latest institutionalization, though she inhales a little when Stella brings up Natalie's name. Just the briefest flare of nostrils that she otherwise pushes down because she has been avoiding thinking about the events of that night, much to her therapists' consternation.

But it's the other names that Stella brings up that makes Lottie furrow her brow. She recognizes Adam Martin as the name of Shauna's paramour, the one whose body the police had apparently found the night she came to the compound. And... Kevyn Tan. His is a name that keeps coming up unexpectedly, having gone over twenty years without even giving thought to the goth teenager that she'd gone to high school with. At most, she remembered that he and Natalie had been friends, and they'd apparently reconnected recently too.

It had been a surprise in itself to hear that he head become a detective, but she supposed that was the nature of small towns, not that she'd spent any amount of time there since she was 18, and hearing that he had somehow met his demise on the very same night Natalie died, in the very same place, it sends chills down her spine whenever she thinks of it. "Yes, Kevyn," she murmured. looking down, though ultimately relieved that Stella isn't there to talk about her teammate. "I'd heard that he had been found in the trunk of a car... but I'm afraid I don't know anything else than that. I didn't even know what happened until some lovely gentlemen from the state police came to ask me some questions."

She gives the same story that she's given to other investigators, how she and her old teammates had gathered together for the first time in 25 years, for the sake of old times, deliberately skirting around the events that transpired in the woods. After all, Stella is asking about Adam and Kevyn and truthfully, Lottie has no idea about either man. "I don't think I'd be able to help you with your investigation, Superintendent Gibson." She pauses, wondering if she's just seeing something else in Stella's eye. "Did you know him? Is that why you're here?"

#silencedrage #silencedrage (charlotte matthews)#advice & vices (006.)

LOTTIE'S SUBTLE REACTION AFTER HEARING NATALIE'S NAME doesn't go unrecognized in full, nor does the rest of how she responds to Stella's further inquiries on the subject matter of that evening. Knowing of course, how it must not have been an easy conversation to have, over and over again, constantly being berated by multiple individuals looking to get the story straight. Stella hadn't expected much, but remained hopeful that Charlotte could tell her something, anything that might be useful. A soft sigh of breath escalated once realization strikes that perhaps she's just wasting both of their time and she simply nods her head in understanding. ❝ I believe you. ❞ And she does, because there was no reason for the woman to lie in relation to whatever actually happened to Kevyn Tan, who in all honesty, shouldn't have been at Camp Green Pine in the first place. He'd broken many protocols by trespassing on private property and his partner was under a lot of investigation as well because of it. ❝ Yes, I knew him. ❞ But she doesn't feel the need to divulge more information than that, because his death wasn't the only reason as to why she was there. ❝ Actually, Miss Matthews, I'm here for more than just that. We've been looking deeply into your overall case file, studied your testimonies quite thoroughly and spoke with your therapist extensively as well to gauge a consensus on your incarceration status. ❞ It's then that her attention shifted to the manila folder between them on the table and opens it to reveal several small stacks of paperwork. Turning it around for the other to read through, she pushes it towards her, pen already present within the folded corner.

❝ This part may seem a bit tedious, but it is standard procedure and I think you'll agree, well worth the effort. Each page involves your already provided statements regarding the night in question, the highlighted marks is where I will ask you to sign in agreement that everything stated here is accurate to your point of view and everything that you know. Any further information that might be applicable, I can only encourage you to share with me, but as it stands currently, it seems you are eligible for release from this facility. Your compound, however, is still under heavy observation as it is still considered a crime scene, but we've secured a temporary location for you in the meantime should you choose to accept it. All I really need from you in order to let this happen, are some signatures. ❞

perfectionreached

the truth was, she didn't really want to bring anyone else into her campaign. it was hard enough finding people that she trusted enough to even know the completely fake and curated version of herself. but she was desperate. there was no doubt in her mind that the seat on state senate was hers. but she needed to be sure. stella seemed like a very straightforward and honest person, which was exactly the vibe taissa was looking for.

she's impressed by the handshake, pulling her hand away with that small smile still on her face. it wasn't like she was looking for her next best friend, those were hard enough to find, but just someone who she wouldn't hate spending time with. taissa wants to get straight to the point, not wanting to waste either of their time. there would be nothing more embarrassing to her ego than to be turned down in this moment. she supposes that stella already knowing who she was did work in her favor.

"i'm sure if you've seen the papers you've seen the..." she pauses, trying to find the best way to casually talk about the setbacks that her campaign has faced. it wasn't something she liked talking about. ".... issues that i have encountered particularly around threats to my family. i think people are very aware of the attack ads that phil bathurst has put out." she can feel the slight anger drip through her words, trying her best to push it away. "i've been advised that i need someone on the back burner to make sure things run more smoothly. i've heard that you're trustworthy." taissa takes another sip of her drink, eyebrows raising as she makes sure to catch the other's eyes. "would they be correct about that?"

#perfectionreached #advice & vices (006).

FREE HAND IS DRAWN DOWN TO REST UPON LAP AFTER the handshake, shifting in her seat only slightly as she changes the position of crossing one leg over the other to sit a bit more comfortably upon the stool. She's still toying with the stem of her wine glass, but doesn't bring it up to her lips again just yet as she instead, just listens to what Taissa has to say. Yes, she's read about certain rumors involving threats to the woman's family, though she had yet to really dive into the full details regarding it. Playing bodyguard wasn't exactly something she's used to being hired for, but she knows that what Tai is really asking involves a deeper type of protection. A simple nod given and then a hum in understanding, maintaining their eye contact all the while with a stoic seriousness she herself is well known for. Taking an internal note on the way Taissa speaks about her relationship with her competitor and rival, Phil Bathurst. Brows knit together if only slightly with lips coming to purse instinctively at the question presented to her. Trustworthy was a lucrative term and for a second, she finds it an odd sort of inquiry, to ask someone if they could be trusted because naturally, it's in anyone's best interest to agree that they are. ❝ I suppose, that highly depends on who you ask. What is your gut telling you? ❞ Personal interpretations meant more to her than word of mouth, even if they hadn't known each other long, they clearly both knew of the other well enough to gauge an initial opinion.

❝ Mine is telling me that you're a woman of high intelligence, you don't associate yourself with just anyone, no matter how beneficial it might be to your image. You're very particular and precise in that, or at least, from what I can tell so far. Careful, seemingly the simpler and more appropriate phrase to consider. I could certainly tell you that I am trustworthy, but of course, I would say so, wouldn't I? We all believe that we can be and I have a feeling you wouldn't be sitting here talking to me now if you didn't think that I was. ❞

musesofhororr-deactivated202406

" Oh ? " Hannibal asked while he walked back over and handed Stella a glass of water. He then sat down and opened his notebook and read through a few things they talked about last time.

"Is it still about the events that took place in Belfast?" Turning to a new page, Hannibal looked up at Stella for a moment. "Tell me the most recent nightmare you had." Clicking his pen, he looked back down at the blink page.

"I can give you something for sleeping. Hopefully that will help with the nightmares." Hannibal said softly. "Sometimes we think the body can handle all of our pain and suffering on its own. But in reality, it can't."