Rapture Noir: Girls on Film

A bell rang loudly, aggravating the pounding in my temples as I opened the door to Parisian Photography. The next step was simple, just get the photographs developed and find the bastards who have been watching Elizabeth. But if it was so simple, why did I feel this tension? There had to be more to this. How much did they know? Did they know about us? Us...get your head together, there's no 'us.' She's your-

"Hey Miss, I need to get some pictures-" I stopped, looking over the two man and woman at the counter. Twins, red hair, green eyes. "Lutece, I know you."

"I should hope so. After all the trouble we went through."

"I remember what you did." I said with an accusatory snarl.

"And we, you." Was the woman's sardonic reply.

The man stepped forward. "It's best not to forget your role in the whole affair."

"Or perhaps it would be?" She quipped.

"Perhaps, but it would certainly be less interesting."

I balled my fists. "Interesting? This has always just been some twisted game to you, hasn't it?"

The man shrugged his shoulders. "It would be easy to think our actions malicious."

"Easy, but not accurate."

"Callous, perhaps."

"But necessarily so, brother." The woman added.

"Regretfully."

"You two were the ones to send me that Plasmid, weren't you? You don't think that was malicious?"

"An astute observation."

"Indeed, that was us. You may not believe it, but it was simply a matter of aiding a friend in need."

Gritting my teeth I pointed at the man. "Yeah, well your help nearly killed me."

"The unfortunate reaction was due to your current...condition."

The woman stepped forward to match the man. "Perceived condition."

"That is the problem, isn't it? Perception."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"It simply means that your problems may be all in your head." The woman answered in a matter of fact tone.

The man followed up in kind. "Or the problem may simply be that you already know this."

Shaking my head in confusion I tried to respond. "I-"

"While you ponder that, we will process your photographs." She said, plucking the camera from my loose grip.

"Stay or go, the choice is yours."

I exhaled deeply and looked around. Parisian Photography, it wasn't much to look at. Elizabeth would probably call it Spartan. A dull room with light green wallpaper, wooden counter, and a few plastic chairs for waiting. Might as well grab a magazine and sit down.

Rest, real rest, came easy even in the stiff plastic chair I found myself in. When I finally came to I gazed up at the expectant forms of the Lutece siblings. The man's face was impassive, while the woman had a slightly bemused look on her face. In her hads she held a small envelope.

"I do hope we aren't interrupting."

I stirred and tried to sit up straight. "I-uh, no I was just-"

"We know, here are your pictures."

"Well, they aren't exactly his are they?" The man interjected.

"I suppose not. In either case, I suspect that you shall find them enlightening."

"Thanks." I replied, taking the pictures.

"Dear brother, I do believe he's developed manners."

Opening up the envelop I looked at the contents.
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The two watched Booker storm out, stuffing the photographs into his jacket. His body language radiated anger and determination. They couldn't help but feel something deep in the pit of their stomachs, fear? Worry?

Robert turned his head to look Rosalind in the eyes. "Do you think we're doing the right thing?"

"I wish I knew."

"Nothing good can come of being emotionally invested in the outcome. But for their sake I certainly hope they manage to succeed."

Grinning somberly Rosalind replied. "As do I, brother."