« Damn fake leg ! » John shouted, sat on the ground. He started hitting his prosthesis but it didn't change anything : it was totally jammed. He was unable to get up. Dorian arrived and kneeled beside him.

"We arrested them. All of them.

-It's perfect. Just perfect." John said hitting his leg again.

-Those new electro-magnetic weapons are very efficient. They shut some MX down." Dorian added with a light smile.

"I'm very glad you admire technologic progress. Now if you don't mind, can you help me ? That would be nice of you."

Dorian put his index on John's ankle and waited few seconds.

"Sorry John, there's nothing I can do.

-What ? How is it possible ?

-I don't know, I can't access. A component must be blown. I'm sorry.

-I can't believe it.

-You have to go and see Rudy. Come on, I'll help you to get up.". Dorian put his arm around John's shoulders and lifted him without difficulties. "There's an ambulance outside, I take you…

-No way ! I'm not leaving in an ambulance. Not a chance !

-So how do you want to go to Rudy's ?"

John lowered his eyes and sighed.

"You want me to take you ? You want ME to drive ?

-No choice." John said looking for his keycard in his pocket. "Here ! Let's go." They saw Detective Paul walking to them.

"So Kennex ? You're out of order ?

-Shut your mouth Paul !" John said without a look for him. Dorian put his arm around John's waist and brought him to the car.

"John ?" they heard from behind. Dorian stopped. They looked back to see Valerie Stahl almost coming running.

"She's running to you." Dorian whispered.

"Shut up. Hey Val.

-John, you okay ?" she asked, very concerned.

"Yeah, thanks. It's nothing. Just some electro-magnetic thing.

-Oh. I'm sorry for you.

-Thank you." He said looking at her straight in the eyes. He could see she was very worried. He wanted to take her in his arms.

"I'm DRIVING him to Rudy's lab." Dorian said. John glared at his partner for interrupting this moment.

"Yes, go. He can't remain like this. Let me know how things are going. John if you need anything.

-Thank you, Val. Maybe later, what's in the top drawer." He answered smiling.

She smiled at him too then, without a thought, she put her hand on John's arm.

"Whenever you want, John." Then she turned round and went back to the crime scene. She left John speechless.

"John ?... John ?

-What ?

-It's odd. Your heart rate is going faster." Dorian teased him.

-Didn't I tell you to shut up ?"

Dorian just smiled again and helped his partner for sitting on the back of the car. Then he proudly settled down in the driver seat. He took his time to fasten his seat-belt, to adjust his seat and checked on the rear-view mirrors.

"Take your time. There's no rush." John said, annoyed.

"Security first, John.

-I think we're good." Dorian started the engine. "And stop smiling stupidly.

-How do you know I'm smiling ?

-Oh believe me. I know." Dorian indicated left then slowly pulled out. "Unbelievable." John grumbled. His phone rang. "Kennex.

-Your leg is jammed ?

-Yes, Rudy.

-Cool ! I mean…

-How do you know this yet ?

-Valerie called me."

Dorian's smile grew bigger as he looked at John by the rear-view. John waved him to stop. "Can you look at the road please ?

"We're on our way.

-OK. I'm getting ready right away.

-Take your time. Considering our speed, I think we'll be here at nightfall.

-I can't believe you let Dorian dr…

-Bye Rudy !" John hang up. "You okay ? Having fun ?" he asked the DNR

"Absolutely not. The synthetic leg of my partner is out of order, I'm wor…

-Don't say 'out of order'.

-And how could you say it otherwise ?

John wanted to answer but didn't find anything. "Would you shut up ?" was all he found.

"OK. Since we don't talk, I'm gonna put some music on.

-Do that."

Dorian connected himself to the car radio. The chorus of "Crocodile rock" started. "I'm tired of Elton John. I'm sure you have something else. He accessed to the playlist.

"No ! Don't…

-John ?" John closed his eyes. He knew what Dorian found. "John ? Who is this band ? The Zutons ? And what is this song called 'Valerie' ?

END OF PART 1