[sup][h1][center][img]https://i.ibb.co/9kZ67HHr/Heroes-Steve-8-18-b.jpg[/img][/center][b][center][color=black] D E T E C T I V E  S T E V E  D O N A H U E[/color]
[COLOR=#F0E68C]D E T E C T I V E  S T E V E  D O N A H U E[/color][/center]
[/b][/h1][/sup]
[center][i]Lucky Noodle, Little Asia[/i][/center]

[indent]Steve reacted a half-second slower than Shimazu, momentarily startled by the figure’s sudden appearance. It wasn’t the result of slow reflexes or a lack of focus, but rather his inability to detect the new arrival. His powers had failed him in this instance, and it baffled him as to why.

Was it the being’s affinity for controlling the shadows? Or something far more complicated?

Whatever the case, he couldn’t dwell on it now.

Steve thrust the thought from his mind and immediately adjusted once Shimazu stepped forward. It was important that he not challenge his positioning; he trusted the man and would fall in line to allow him to intervene. Afterall, he had already dealt with this mysterious being. His knowledge would be far more valuable in this case. And so, he shifted to his right to cover the old man’s flank, his hand resting near his holster as a precaution.

[COLOR=#F0E68C]“Easy,”[/COLOR] Steve uttered, his voice firm to project his authority. He kept Ashley and Julia in his peripheral vision to ensure that they remained safe. [COLOR=#F0E68C]“Nobody move… nobody rush him. We’re not making any sudden movements.”[/COLOR]

The detective’s eyes locked with the man in the shadows, noting that he appeared more human in nature, a departure from the monster he had initially envisioned. It was a gentle reminder not to judge or form preconceived notions about his suspects. He needed to remain impartial and follow the facts.

[COLOR=#F0E68C]“You picked one hell of a time to ask for a conversation,”[/COLOR] Steve continued in a low tone. [COLOR=#F0E68C]“So, here’s how this goes.”[/COLOR] He nodded toward Shimazu without taking his eyes from the shadow being. [COLOR=#F0E68C]“He asked you a simple question. You stay exactly where you are, hands up and palms out… no tricks or disappearing acts, and you answer him.”[/COLOR]

The detective paused and canted his head, scrutinizing the man.

[COLOR=#F0E68C]“Go on… [i]who[/i] are you?”[/COLOR][/indent]