Elle paced the alleyways around Isaac Mendez's studio, getting more frustrated every second. Mohinder told her not to go after Sylar, but she knew her father would be furious if he found out that she got close enough to catch him and didn't. So she kept searching, alley after alley, looking for some sign that he had been there. But it was getting so futile that she was about to go back to the studio to look for clues.

She gave one last annoyed foot stomp and turned to leave, when she found herself face to face with the one person she'd been looking for. She barely had time to gasp in horror before she was slammed telekinetically against the brick wall and held there, watching in terror as her captor sauntered forward, over-confident smile in place. He didn't bear any of the wounds people usually had after she hit them… he was cured.

"Elle Bishop," he greeted, looking her up and down. She tried to catch her breath.

"How--"

"I got to spend a long time on Dr. Suresh's laptop. He seems to be interested in you," he smiled. "The file picture must be fairly old… you grew up."

Elle didn't move… she couldn't, even if she wanted to. She knew every part of her had to be shaking in fear. Sylar seemed to notice this too. He cocked his head to the side.

"Are you afraid of me?"

Elle forced herself to nod. Sylar smiled again and let her down. She fell to her knees, panic having taken the feeling from her legs. Sylar knelt down next to hear and leaned in close to her, whispering.

"You should be. But I'm not going to hurt you right now. You see, I know how easy it would be to kill you and take your ability… right now," he whispered, brushing his lips against her neck as he spoke. "But you may prove to be more valuable to me alive." He pulled away, and looked her sternly in the eyes. "You're going to keep an eye on Dr. Suresh for me, and start feeding me names from his list."

Elle, still shaking, glared back at him defiantly.

"And if I don't?"

Sylar smiled, unthreatened. He leaned into her again, pressing his lips against her cheek.

"Then I'll kill your father, and then I'll kill you too." His evil smile grew wider as she let out a sound somewhere between a sob and a gasp. "Don't tell anyone, I'll know. I'll contact you soon, Elle."

And suddenly she was alone, quivering on the hard ground.