Opener:
"I got the solution"
"James - don't move" Sam said softly
Jack smirked at James "not so clever now are you" he sneered.
"James – we're gonna have that drink alright? You and me when we're done here" Sam said quietly.
"Get back!" Jack shouted his eyes locked on James "Get back I said!"
"I got the solution" Sam said softly "James – listen – I had this friend
once…" he continued to talk as he kept his eye on the scope.
"DON'T TALK TO ME ABOUT HIM!" Jack shouted the gun hand shook and James visibly began to sweat more "Scorpio Scorpio" Greg said quietly as he ducked behind Wordy
A few hours earlier:
"Hey Admiral, I gotta go into town!" James called out as he descended the wooden stairwell of the large mansion. He wore a simple pair of blue jeans and a short sleeved white shirt. He ran a hand through his short neatly cut brown hair and glanced at the mirror hanging on the wall his brown eyes stared back at him and he rubbed his clean shaven face checking for anything he had missed – he wasn't vain but the former naval officer didn't like to go out looking like he had just got out of bed.
James grabbed a black jacket from the hook by the door.
"What did I say about calling me Admiral Lieutenant Commander?" Jason Reagan asked as he appeared around the corner from the lounge and slowly walking and with some effort as he leaned on his canes. His silver hair was neatly cut and his chiselled features smoothly shaved – his right cheek bore a scar – a reminder of a close shave with a knife attack many years ago.
"That you're not an Admiral anymore?" James replied cheekily turning to face him as he pulled on his jacket.
38 year old James Reagan a Senior Special Agent from NCIS was vacationing in Toronto, Canada for two weeks whilst his wife Mya remained behind working in DC and looked after their three year old twins Gabriella and JJ. Although James had wanted his wife to come too Mya had reasoned that someone had to keep the money coming in and also she had already had time off due to personal issues and of course the twins – therefore she had technically used up a lot of leave. She had encouraged him to take leave – especially as James had never taken more than 3 days leave in the 10 years he had spent with NCIS – minus his absences for naval duties.
He chose to spend his vacation with his father's brother Jason a Retired Admiral who was one of the influences that drove James to join the Navy himself.
80 year old Jason lived with his own son Kobe Jaime who was currently stationed on a ship on a 6 month tour and James felt bad that his uncle was often alone – his wife having died two years earlier of Leukaemia but he'd never had the chance to go stay with his uncle… at least til now.
Jason and James had a close relationship – despite rarely seeing each other James constantly called his uncle every day to check on him.
When James was only ten years old his parents were murdered by revenge seeking convicts that his father (A JAG) had put away – his mother despite not being involved in the case itself did help her husband by defending him and his ruling – even going as far as to help ensure the convicts couldn't get early release. However the convicts escaped a few years later and found out where James' father lived – there they cut the brake lines of the JAG's car then ran them off the road.
The couple who were heading to work after dropping their children to school – were killed instantly.
Jason – the JAG's younger brother – took custody of the three brothers and moved them from DC to Las Vegas for their protection.
Ever since then James and his younger brother Michael grew close to the JAG who was also a former naval aviator. Their elder brother 12 year old Ryan didn't understand why he couldn't take care of his brothers – he resented his uncle for getting involved – when Ryan was 16 he got a job and moved into his best friend Ben's house.
It wasn't until Ryan himself got a family (at the age of 21) that he understood the burden his uncle had taken on – even though his uncle had a wife and son of his own – the man reconciled with his uncle and they have been catching up ever since.
James dreamed endlessly of joining the Navy and Jason taught James all he could teach about the navy – James worked hard at school knowing he needed good grades.
When James was 16 he travelled with his brother to DC to visit their parent's house – there James got into naval academy – his brother Michael followed close behind two years later.
Jason followed the careers of the two brothers closely – especially James who followed in the footsteps of his uncle whilst Michael followed his father's footsteps.
When James became a Commander (The same rank his father was before he died) Jason presented the man with his father's uniform (complete with the correct bars etc.) and wings which James to this day wears with pride.
"What you gonna do in town boy?" Jason asked as he leaned against the post at the bottom of the stairwell
"Just got a card issue, tried to buy something and it gave me grief so I gotta get it checked out" James replied as he grabbed his cell phone and wallet that were on the counter "I'll be back soon as, you want anything?" James asked softly as he faced his uncle approaching until he was at arm's length with the older man.
"Nah son, you're alright – go ahead and don't rush back for me – go have fun" Jason replied smiling softly.
"Alright, you know how to reach me" James gave his uncle an affectionate pat on the shoulder before heading out of the door with a swift wave.
James closed the door softly and descended the stone steps breathing in the cool breeze – stopping a moment he glanced up at the clear blue sky then headed to his black dodge charger that he had borrowed from NCIS – his hummer was with his brother who had borrowed it to transport the several dogs and James' personal car had conveniently broken down. Horrified that James may abandon his vacation His boss and the Director had loaned the charger out to James with the famous warning of 'any damage and you pay…out of your own wages'.
Sliding into the driver's side it wasn't long before James arrived in the town centre and parked up in the car park just around the corner from the bank.
Checking the identification badge was in the windscreen and ensuring he had all he needed James locked up the car – he checked around for a meter but found none – he hoped he didn't get a fine.
Crossing the small street James paused to help a woman who was struggling with two small boys (one five and another around three) and an overloaded pram she was using to carry her shopping – he held their hands a moment and played with them whilst the woman loaded her shopping in the trunk of her car. When she was done the four walked towards the bank as that was where the young family were headed to next as well.
Inside James let the older of the two young boys run off to the counter with his mother and brother whilst James went to another empty counter – the bank wasn't that busy – not many people seemed to be around – nine customers including himself and the three children he could see.
James patiently stood in line – two men in front of him were deeply discussing a game of chess whilst two male tenders manned the desks – a little further over another tender was talking to the woman James had helped earlier. Behind her was another woman with a little girl of around four.
The little girl smiled up at James as he looked around and James noticed and offered her a small smile in return before giving the mother a smile as well as she smiled at him.
"Mommy that man smiled at me" James heard the girl say as he turned away and chuckled as her mother giggled "I saw" She said as she stroked her daughter's hair.
Suddenly the doors flew open with a resounding boom and two men charged in firing bullets from two large guns into the ceiling. Screaming erupted and everyone hit the deck.
Both men wore ski masks and dark glasses to mask their eyes, black coveralls and heavy black boots.
James resisted the urge to reach for his own – he wasn't armed but the gesture would indicate he was supposed to be armed and that would attract the attention of the gun men – instead James obediently hit the deck. His eyes darted around checking no one had been hit – thankfully no one – yet.
The masked men began to shout orders – the smaller and skinnier of the two men forced everyone into the side of the lobby where there were no windows or doors whilst the bigger began to yell at the tenders.
James watched as the tenders shook their heads – and stammered their responses – clearly they didn't have access to the safes.
The children began to cry and the smaller gun man raised his gun at them – James shifted himself into the line of fire "Hey they're just scared – leave them alone" James urged "You really gonna shoot kids?"
"Don't be an idiot" the other gun man shouted over at his brother "Leave them"
The smaller gun man hesitated and watched James then his gaze shifted to the children "keep them quiet" he said finally before stalking off to his partner.
James glanced at the children – he was angry – they shouldn't be here at all "It's gonna be okay" he hushed gently "We gotta be quiet for a while okay? – we'll be out of here soon" he could hear the sirens outside. "Hear that? The cops are here" he whispered and the children nodded sniffling and cuddling up to their mothers.
James offered the mothers a nod then looked at the other male hostages "We're gonna stick together okay" he said and the men nodded.
"Quiet!" The younger gun man shouted over at them and James shot him a glare but obeyed. At least they hadn't started shooting anyone yet – but they were armed and looked like they were willing to.
James glanced around – there were no access or entry points near enough to James and the people with him – the vent above James however was too high for anyone to get into undetected.
Although the lobby area was open plan and only had one exit and one entrance James knew there was a door behind the counters that led to a multitude of offices and the vault which was likely in the basement somewhere.
Currently everyone was confined to the lobby.
A phone rang on the counter and the older of the two gunmen fired his gun at it – James rolled his eyes and shook his head – clearly they weren't in the mood to negotiate…not that they had tried to communicate.
Another phone began to ring but the gun men ignored it as they continued to bark at the shaking tenders.
At least they hadn't shot anyone yet.
However they did seem to be at a barrier with no one able to open the vault – the manager seemed to have picked his staff well if none of them could access it.
After what seemed like hours James' cell phone vibrated in his pocket – glancing down at it discreetly James cautiously pulled it out thankful for the flat screen of the PDA
"This is Sergeant Greg Parker, SRU – Is this Special Agent Reagan NCIS?"
The text came up plain as day – and another thing James was glad for was a new app on his PDA which allowed him to type anything he wanted without even having to have his PDA the right way round - Cautiously James typed out a message in reply his eyes never leaving the two gunmen whose backs were turned – he had an accurate memory of where the keys were and how many taps to get what he wanted – he'd done this countless times.
"Yes. How did you identify me?"
James sent the text then happening to glance up James sighed 'stupid question James' he thought mentally chiding himself – the security Cameras – but how they managed to get his ID so fast was good to him.
"Our search identified you as a Federal Agent of NCIS – and your car was located by one of my officers" came the response "Think you could answer some questions?" the next text came quick before James could respond and he nodded briefly.
"Anyone injured?"
James shook his head
"Anyone armed"
James nodded and indicated two with his fingers discreetly
"Are you armed?"
James shook his head.
Suddenly one of the gun men turned slightly and James was glad he was slightly hidden as he hid his cellphone.
Greg sighed – this form of communication was dangerous – for everyone – he wanted to avoid bloodshed today.
"We can get an earwig to the vent above him" Ed said suddenly over the earpiece as if reading his friend's mind "If we give them a distraction while one of us lowers the earwig down the vent – he's right below it" Ed and Sam had taken position on the roof right where the vent was.
"Do it" Greg answered calmly and told Spike to send another text:
"An earwig coming to you from the vent above you – we need a distraction – working on it"
James rolled his eyes – great – he wasn't that keen on cops – if he had it his way he would have already taken charge but no he had to lay low and obey. And besides it wasn't like he was armed – unarmed he could not risk the safety of himself and the people with him – however if he had been armed the question was whether or not he would have been allowed to use his gun.
For now Greg had him under control
Not that he was good at taking orders from cops.
And not knowing what was going on outside made him all the more annoyed – he liked to know – this earwig better come quick.
After what seemed like an hour something happened outside and the two gun men raced to the windows to see what it was – in the distraction something touched James' shoulder and dropped to the floor - James glanced aside to see a small box attached to a light string – quickly James took the earwig from the small box and placed it into his ear as the string and box went up back into the vent.
"Can you hear me Agent Reagan?" Came Greg's calm voice and James almost cringed at the calmness – he simply nodded briefly.
"Good" Greg replied – he hadn't failed to see James' badly hidden reaction to his voice.
"He's a naval officer too" Spike piped up suddenly "His uncle lives here in Toronto – an Admiral"
"I can get him" Jules suddenly piped up "Where you been Jules?" Sam asked and Jules smirked "Just dealing with something, been listening in the whole time – how's things looking?"
"Get the Admiral" Ed said simply "Address on your phone"
"Thanks, on my way" Jules knew better than to push when Ed was like this.
Ed looked at Sam "Naval Officer…turned Fed…sounds like you Sam…minus the fed part"
Sam just shook his head "Feds tend to be a little trigger happy" he said dryly
"Well he's not a fed right now is he" Ed replied
"He can hear you guys" Greg commented as he saw the look of disdain on James' face
James shook his head as he heard Greg point out he could hear the two officers that were on the roof above the agent. Looking back at the gun men he narrowed his eyes – they were now talking in whispers whilst the tellers were slowly trying to inch their way back to the group undetected
For a moment it seemed the tellers had gone unnoticed til a thud against the desk nearby drew their attention
"HEY!" the younger of the gun men shouted aiming his gun at the two tellers "Going somewhere?" he asked storming back towards them
The Tellers froze in fear and James glanced at the camera
"Go easy" Greg said simply – he could see from James' record that he could handle volatile situations but the Agent wasn't a negotiator – or was he? – His record didn't indicate that he was experienced but Greg's instincts told him to let James do it.
"Hey, they're not trying to escape" James said softly keeping his hands visible – he didn't flinch when the other gunman trained his gun on him – he kept his gaze trained on the first gun man "Easy" he murmured "Look, the doors are over there" he indicated with his head the far side of the room "And they're coming over here… there's nothing here that they can get through" James continued to hold his gaze as he reasoned with the gun man.
"He's right" the older one said simply glancing at his partner then back at the tellers "But any funny moves…someone will get hurt" he snarled gesturing at them with his gun. James watched him as he turned and walked back to the computers. The younger one hesitated seemingly wanting James to react to the gun trained on him.
"He's noticed you didn't react" Greg said simply as he watched the screen, James didn't need telling – for now the situation was under control but for how long who knew – but they couldn't stall any longer – they had to act and soon!. Until then James had to keep the peace in a sense.
James looked over at the younger gun man "How long you gonna keep that thing at me?" he commented dryly "I'm not gonna do anything"
The young man hesitated then sulked off to his partner.
"Any ID on our two men yet?" Ed asked and Greg looked to Spike who shook his head "That's a negative Ed, but working on it" the young man replied.
Greg contemplated his next move "Hey Reagan"
James grunted in response as he shifted
"See if you can get some audio going" he said quietly.
James shot a look at the camera "Please?" Greg added and James rolled his eyes. Reaching into his pocket he tapped into the last message Greg had sent him then calling the number he discreetly placed it under his leg – the mic had a good range – but weather it would pick up the voices was another matter.
Spike strained to hear "We need to get it nearer" he said apologetically. James looked over to the gunmen. They were quite a distance away; too far for him to naturally move over without drawing attention to himself. He glanced back to the camera and shook his head.
In his ear he heard Greg sigh, and then the sound died.
Greg leaned back in the chair and swapped transmitting frequencies. Spike looked at him worried.
"He's not co-operating" Greg said.
"He doesn't trust us." Spike replied. "Would you trust him if the situation was reversed?"
"In his city, under his jurisdiction..." Greg said, but it was clear he was having to think about his answer.
"Maybe Sam can get through to him" Wordy said. "Ed said it. You two share a similar background." Greg nodded.
"I'm not sure" Sam said. He'd never been that good at talking subjects down, but Ed gave him a look that said he believed in him. He took a breath, and then switched his microphone frequency over to let him speak directly with James.
"James, this is Sam. Master Sergeant Braddock." James heard the voice in his ear, recognising the voice from a few minutes ago. "I know we're asking a lot of you right now, and I know you sure as hell have no reason to trust us. To be honest" Sam's voice softened "I didn't trust these guys either when I first met them. I know what it's like, having to put your trust in strangers. You're used to working with a team you can rely on, a team you know has got your back. You work as unit, almost as one. You know what everyone else can do, and they know what you can do." Sam's words cut through James like a knife. That was exactly how he felt. The voice continued.
"We need you, James. We know you can do this, we have faith in you. The question is, do you have the faith in yourself?"
James swallowed and looked up to the camera, nodding his understanding.
A simple movement of James' hand on the floor attracted the attention of the two tellers – then James pushed the phone to them – one of the other men in-between James and the two tellers quickly reached over picked it up and handed it to the tellers.
James indicated with his head where he wanted the phone and one of the tellers nodded taking the phone he touched it gently on the floor and quietly shifted it under the desk until it was on the other side but still under the desk.
"Better" Spike said nodding gratefully
The conversation could be clearly heard by the SRU officers and James over their earpieces
"Mark, we gotta do something – we have hostages now"
"Well we need the vault open – what we gonna do?"
"Well I'm not the one that shot the phone"
"There's other phones genius! We need this manager – see where he is"
"Well those two guys didn't know how will the customers know?"
"We're not getting out of this – did you see outside? We're surrounded already"
"Let's just give it up?"
"What? Are you insane?!" the gunman shoved his partner's arm aggressively "They'll kill us!"
"They'll kill us if we do something stupid" His partner reasoned "Say like shooting the hostages?"
The gunman stared at Mark then sighing he looked over at the hostages.
"Least we got one name to go with" Spike said simply as he glanced at Greg who nodded
"Hey Reagan" Greg started "I think we started off on the wrong foot" He knew he needed James to help.
James looked at the camera giving him a look
"Well you probably don't enjoy taking orders from a cop" Greg added and James rolled his eyes
"But we gotta work together on this one – you're the only one there keeping the situation calm – if you hadn't been there that guy woulda shot the kids…"
James' gaze stayed on the camera but his peripheral vision was watching the gun men who were now debating over the computer
"They clearly can't get what they want – they're gonna want to make demands – including asking for the manager"
James shot a questioning look at the camera
"We can't locate him" Greg answered.
James gave the camera a 'what can I do about that?' look and Greg sighed "James, you're a good Federal agent – a naval officer – I can see that – you got standards and in your eyes we aren't doing so good right?"At that James blinked – he wasn't going to say they weren't doing a good job – yeah time seemed to be going slowly but the fact that no one had gotten hurt yet showed that the scene was actually under some degree of control. They hadn't come charging in like trigger happy guys in uniform and they had made some attempts at negotiation – all of which the gun men had ignored.
And they hadn't taken long to figure out who James was – and had quickly enlisted his help.
James also had heard from his own uncle that these guys were actually pretty good – sometimes during a call his uncle would tell him stories about what he could see on the news and if he was actually out there in the crowds at the scene he would call his nephew – at the end.
James' attitude came from a general distrust of local law enforcement and any agency that wasn't NCIS (Except the CSIs)
James looked right at the camera and shook his head very discreetly – he disagreed with what Greg had said.
The answer was in James' eyes, the man didn't need to speak to tell Greg what he was saying – And Greg could read people better than anybody "Is he disagreeing with you?" Spike asked and Greg nodded.
Suddenly the little girl began to shake and James looked over at her "What's wrong?" he asked and her mother shook her head "I don't know" she said worriedly as she tried to soothe the child.
"What's going on?" one of the gun men shouted as James moved over to help lay the girl on the floor "She's sick" James retorted looking up at him as the gun man approached
Greg looked at the screen grimly – if someone was hurt the stakes just got higher "I'm getting the medics on standby"
James checked the girls pulse – it was racing – he looked up at the younger gun man "We gotta get her out of here" he said and the man smirked and walked back off to his partner.
James looked at the woman who looked close to tears "Just try and keep her from hurting herself" he said as he gritted his teeth.
The little girl continued to shake and James pulled off his jacket to place under her head as he placed her in the recovery position.
Meanwhile
Jules had arrived at the Admiral's house and had paused to run some background to see if she could get any information on the Admiral that could help her – finding nothing that stood out except for the man's exemplary service Jules approached the door and knocked.
"Hold on!" Jason called out as he slowly got to his feet and grabbing his sticks he walked towards the door – Jules was about to knock again when the door opened
"Yes?" Jason asked calmly and simply before Jules could speak
"Are you Jason Reagan?" Jules asked
"Yes I am" Jason replied "And you are?"
"Jules Callaghan, SRU – could I come in for a moment please sir?" she asked.
"Ah the SRU" Jason said stepping back to allow her entry "What can I do for you?" He asked.
Jules stepped in and closed the door behind her "You have a Nephew called James Reagan?" she asked.
Jason's eyes widened "Yes. Is he alright?" he asked nervously as he led the way back to the lounge – inside he sat down in his well-worn armchair and looked up at Jules "Please – do have a seat" he said indicating the chair opposite.
Jules nodded taking a seat "Your nephew is currently one of the hostages in a bank. He's unharmed and he's helping us with the situation" she said gently
"That's James" Jason nodded "If I know James, He's wishing he was armed" "Does he normally carry a gun?" Jules asked
Jason shook his head "Not while off duty. However I do have my own firearm and if he had known there was trouble he would have taken it. But he knows he can't use a firearm without permission from his boss"
"How long have you known James?" Jules asked - stupid question yes but not all uncles had contact with their nephews – judging by what she could tell about James it was likely Jason didn't see much of his nephew. Jules was only there to talk to and reassure the Admiral – and keep him posted on the situation – and make conversation.
"Since he was a little tyke" Jason replied fondly "When my brother. His father died I did all I could to help him and his brothers"
Jules smiled "How many brothers does he have?"
"Two – one older one younger – James and his younger brother both joined the Navy – But Mike wanted to serve one way and Jay wanted to serve another"
"He joined the Navy?" Jules answered spotting the pictures behind the admiral – each one was of a different man or woman in the Navy – the one Jules had spotted was of James which she recognized from the CCTV image she had received of James in case the Admiral had asked "That him?" she asked just to be sure and the Admiral glanced back at it then nodded "That's him when he got his promotion" a beat "first promotion"
Jules smiled "Does he still serve?" she asked
"Occasionally he will get called out to duty. He's on reserve you see. He wanted to stay in the Navy but loved his job at NCIS" Jason found himself wondering why exactly she was here – surely not to look after him – the admiral was curious.
Jules could see the question in the Admiral's eyes before he could actually say them "Admiral, I am simply here to act as a go between in case the team at the scene need information – and if you want to know something…" she assured him and the admiral nodded
"Reagan…can I call you James?" Greg asked and James gave a simple nod in response "We need to get her out of there" he heard James' angry grunt and sighed "I know"
"I got the manager" Wordy suddenly piped up "He's been" a beat and Wordy looked at the manager beside him "Pre occupied". Wordy had been down on the ground spotting for his two comrades when a commotion had caught his eye – he caught O'Neil the bank manager trying to get through the crowds and retrieved him.
"Bring him to the truck" Greg said sharing a look with Spike "James, we got the manager" he said looking to the screen.
James nodded.
"You know he needs permission from the Director of NCIS?" Ed asked and Greg nodded "I know – working on it – trying to get through" he said as he dialled a number on the phone on the counter – he had been trying a few times already.
Suddenly the line clicked and the call connected "This is The Director's Secretary's office – who is speaking?" Came a female voice
"This is Sergeant Parker, Strategic Response Unit – Toronto – Canada. I need to speak with your Director"
"May I ask what this is about?" The woman asked
"One of your agents – Special Agent Reagan"
"I see – hold on a moment please" there is silence then a click
"This is the Director of NCIS - How may I be of service to Toronto's police?" he asked simply – it was clear by his voice he didn't trust cops either.
"One of your agents is a hostage in a bank" Greg started "At the moment we have it under control – however it's looking like a young hostage may need medical assistance"
"But?" the director pushed – did they really need NCIS to come help them? – They were way out of their jurisdiction.
Then it dawned on him "Reagan needs permission to use necessary force" The director contemplated his thoughts "No other choice?" he asked? He was eager for James to not have to act.
"All Negotiation attempts have failed – James has been willing to help us this far and he does want to help with this plan"
"What plan?"
"He's going to distract the hostage takers while we get the hostages out then we can better deal with the situation"
The director rolled his eyes "He's already agreed to it?"
"Not yet, we wanted to get your permission first sir" Greg said warily
"He knows the rules – any issues call me" he hung up
"I think that was a yes" Greg said cautiously "Reagan"
James looked up at the camera again
"Your director said you know the rules"
James smirked and nodded – oh he knew the rules alright
"Does that mean he said yes?" Greg asked and James nodded simply.
The door of the truck opened and O'Neil entered first followed by Wordy "Mr O'Neil I understand you're the manager of the bank?" Greg asked and the wiry haired man in a suit nodded nervously "I got up late and saw it on the news – came as soon as I heard" a beat and the man ran a hand over his head "I should be in there – I wasn't doing my job" Greg stepped forward bringing himself within arm's reach of the man "Listen to me, this wasn't your fault. Even if you had been in there it wouldn't have changed the outcome. We need your help. Think you can help us?" Greg asked gently and the man nodded
"Okay, I need the passwords for the doors" Spike said as Greg glanced at him
Taking his cue Greg gave James the go ahead to start – he had only given James an outline of what he could do – how James chose to do it was up to him.
James prepared himself as he placed his hands back on his head.
"Hey!" he said loudly waving to the gun men with one hand "Come over here!" he called.
The gun men looked over and Mark looked to his partner "Go see what he wants" he said simply and the younger one nodded sauntering over and aiming his gun at James "What?"
"Listen, a kid's sick – you want to get into the manager's office – you let the kid go" he said boldly
"How do you know where the office is?" the gunman snarled "Let alone the passcodes?"
"Do you think I've never been here before?" James asked sarcastically "I've been up there before – to his office – with my uncle – and I can handle any passcode entry keypad easy"
"And you forgot to tell us this?" The gun man snarled aggressively
"Easy" James murmured as the gun was trained on him "When the stakes are higher so is the memory – I forgot I knew – Now you want to get in or what?"
Greg shook his head – unorthodox yes but would it work?
The man hesitated then nodded returning to his partner he discussed this with him then heading back to James he indicated the man to get up and lead the way.
"Wait" James said "Let the girl and her mother go" he said quietly "Or you'll have to shoot me – then find your own way through the passcodes"
At first the young man hesitated
"Let them go – we don't need death on our hands Jack" Mark called out and Spike smirked as he started to run a new search on the name.
The young man rolled his eyes but nodded "Go" he said and the mother scooped up her child and ran for the doors – the older man unbarring it momentarily – once the doors were secure again the man turned and stared at James narrowing his eyes.
"We have her" Wordy said as he and other officers formed a protective cover around the two and moved them to safety.
"Thank you" James replied before standing and heading for the doors.
"Nice work" Spike said as he added more information on the search on the younger man which revealed both men "Mark and Jack Fleming – looks like they're both former offenders – Mark is 25 and Jack is 23 – they've been doing time since they were 16 – tried as adults for murder" a beat and Spike rose a brow "According to this – Mark was just the accomplice his record was sealed but he is named as a known associate of Jack – he was given a chance to get out early but he rejected it, he didn't want to leave his brother"
"Did he do it?" Ed asked
"No, his brother called him afterwards and asked him to help him – When his brother arrived he tried to call the cops but Jack pulled a gun on him and forced him to drive – a witness overheard it all"
"Explains why Marks been reluctant to shoot anybody"
"Unlike his brother" Spike added and looked back at the screen "okay James I'm going to feed you information"
Spike fed James information on codes and where to turn until they reached the manager's office – then James was forced to wait at the far side of the large office away from the doors and windows as the man searched the entire room – getting more and more frantic as he searched.
Greg watched cautiously "He's afraid he's going to let his brother down – he got him into it he wants him out alive" he surmised "James, try and reach out to him" Greg knew the man had a younger brother who was in the military too – and an older brother in the force – but the history between them all wasn't known.
James hesitated – he loved his brothers and didn't like talking about them much – but he had to get the younger one onside.
"You're afraid of letting him down aren't you?" he whispered
"What?" the younger man paused and stared up at James
"Your brother, I have a brother too"
"what do you know about my brother huh?"
"That you clearly care for him and you don't wanna let him down – your split in half – one wants to do what your brother wants and the other doesn't" James kept his eyes on the younger man
"He's just a wimp – ever since we got out – wait why am I telling you this?" Jack raised his gun and approached til he was within arm's reach – James gulped.
So many times he had been on the wrong end of the gun – it never went away – that fear – despite being a Federal Agent James was not tough – and he wanted to go home to his kids.
"We gotta move!" Ed said urgently
"Wait" Greg said as he watched the other camera where the hostages were – Mark had moved to the hostages now and was pacing and stopping to look at them "He's alone – he's regretting his decisions"
"Who says the older brothers gotta be the leader" Sam asked as he hurried off to find a vantage point for the office where James and Jack were.
As he clambered up he contemplated something "Hey James – about earlier – I don't think you're a trigger happy Fed – you're not like the rest of em"
"Wordy – I'm coming out – cover me" Greg said as he headed for the door
"Got it" Wordy said - he had left to continue to spot for his colleagues and now he returned to the truck as Greg .
Taking the lead Wordy kept his gun ready as he led the way towards the doors of the bank – as he opened it Mark spun round and aimed his gun – Wordy raised his as he kept himself in front of Greg
"Wait" Greg said cautiously "I'm just here to talk" he raised his hands as he remained behind Wordy
"I don't want to talk!" Mark said aggressively "Don't make me shoot!"
"You won't shoot cause you don't want to shoot" Greg countered "You had a chance to shoot someone and you haven't – the fact you didn't let your brother hurt those kids – that tells me a lot about you"
"You know nothing about me!"
"I've seen your record Mark, you and your brother have been through a lot – you just got outta jail and now you're here"
"It wasn't my idea" Mark said nervously "We needed cash – Jack said this place would be easy to rob – guess he was wrong"
"I got the solution" Sam said as he took aim from his new vantage point – Ed and Sam had separated – Sam to focus on the younger brother whilst Ed focused on the older.
"I can tell you you're brothers about to shoot a Federal Agent" Greg replied
"What?" a beat and Mark hesitated evidently a million thoughts racing through his mind "There's a Fed here?" his gun hand shifted slightly lowering but not enough.
"He went upstairs with your brother" Greg said softly "And I know you wouldn't want your brother to end up with a murder of a Fed on his record you know what will happen to him"
Mark gulped "We just needed some cash – we" Mark hesitated again
Beads of sweat began to form on James' forehead – he could hear what was going on downstairs and he knew Sam had his back – but he was still dangerously close to getting shot "Look – you shoot me then what? This place is gonna be swarming with cops – know why? Cause once shots are fired they won't wait"
Jack smirked – at this point he didn't care anymore – the muzzle was close now to James' forehead and James for once was actually contemplating pulling the Fed card now that the other brother knew – but that would just worsen the situation.
Greg watched Mark carefully "Mark, my friend upstairs – he has three kids…two little kids… an older son and a wife" a beat and he watched Mark's reaction "You can still stop your brother"
"He has kids" Mark hesitated then nodded
"First let the hostages go" Greg said gently
Mark nodded and indicated the hostages to leave – Spike came forward and helped the hostages out – Greg and Wordy headed for the door – before they go through Lou appears and approaches – Greg nods in approval.
"James - don't move" Sam said softly
James kept his hands raised as he locked eyes with the man opposite him – the cold steel of the gun pressing against James' sweating forehead.
"I'm heading up now" Greg said as he hurried up the stairs behind Wordy followed by Mark then Lou.
Jack smirked at James "not so clever now are you" he sneered.
James gulped not moving a single muscle and Sam steadied his aim as he kept Jack in his crosshairs.
"James – we're gonna have that drink alright? You and me when we're done here" Sam said quietly.
James couldn't reply but the voice in his ear – he wanted it to continue – because without it he was afraid.
"Sam, keep talking" Greg said as he reached the top of the stairwell behind Wordy and Lew moved forward so that he was beside Wordy "Copy that" Sam quietly.
"He's got the gun right on his head" Ed said softly "James – when you get the chance – step back and Sam" a beat "you know the drill"
"Switching channels" Spike said as he switched the channel of the earpiece in James' ear so that he could only hear Sam "Sam you can still communicate with everyone else – James just can't hear us – only you"
"Copy that" Sam replied
Greg reached the third floor and approached the door – Wordy and Lew entered first but partly blocked the door allowing Greg to be seen but their frames blocking any shots.
"Get back!" Jack shouted his eyes locked on James "Get back I said!"
"I can't do that" Greg said softly "But I'll stay right here, and these guys – these guys won't do anything unless I say so – alright" he said softly one hand on Wordy's shoulder
Jack kept his eyes on James "Go away!"
"Let's just talk alright" Greg said softly "Let's just talk" Greg hadn't failed to notice the close proximity the muzzle of the gun to James' forehead "I'm Greg Parker from the Strategic Response Unit" a beat and Greg kept his eyes on Jack "That man in front of you – you know his name?"
"I don't care!" Jack snarled
"His name is James" Greg said quickly – he didn't want to reveal that James was a Fed and worsen the situation "Jack – we all want to get out here alive alright" a beat "Nobody needs to get hurt today"
"Shut up!" Jack shouted
"Jack!" Mark shouted from where he was behind Greg "Jack don't be stupid!"
"Mark! Get outta here!" Jack shouted
"No! I can't! You're my brother – just put the gun down – we can get out together"
"No! It's too late for me – get outta here while you can!"
"NO! Not without you!" Mark replied "Come on!"
"Get outta here!" Jack replied angrily
Greg glanced at Mark "Lou" he whispered – he was hoping Mark would help calm Jack – instead it seemed to be agitating the man.
Lou stepped back and Wordy shifted a little so that Lou could leave and Greg was still covered. Lou grabbed Mark and led him away down the stairs.
"Mark?! Mark?!" Jack shouted "what did you do to him?"
"We're getting him out of here for his safety – why don't you put the gun down and you can go see your brother huh?" Greg asked
Jack shook his head "No. You get out of here and let me walk away – or this man here dies"
"I can't allow you to walk away" Greg replied
"Sierra one" Greg asked slightly ducking behind Wordy
"I got the solution" Sam said softly "James – listen – I had this friend once…" he continued to talk as he kept his eye on the scope.
Greg stepped back up and watched Jack "How about we talk about why we're here – why did you come to the bank?" he asked
"I needed money – that's what banks are for!" Jack replied sharply
"Sierra one – as soon as his gun moves away" Ed said over the earpiece
"Understood" Sam replied
"Okay okay" Greg said softly "You just got outta prison and you wanted to get some money out right? Start a new life… you can still do that" Greg started
"Yeah right – as soon as I shoot this guy – you'll shoot me" Jack replied
"No no" Greg shook his head "We won't do that as long as you don't shoot anyone – you don't wanna shoot anyone right?"
Jack smirked "Try me – Cause no matter what – I'm not going back to jail" he sneered
"Boss – his brothers dead" Spike said over the earpiece and Greg hesitated "Talk" he whispered "Cops just broke into the house that Jack and Mark put down as their home address for their PO" Spike said "Found a body – identified him as Joseph Fleming – the youngest of the three brothers" a beat "He works for a law firm and is married with two kids"
"Kids and mother okay?" Ed asked echoing the thoughts of Greg
"They're okay – they weren't home – they were at a friends for the day and weren't due back til tonight"
Greg looked to Jack "Jack" he hesitated "Tell me what happened with Joseph" he asked
"DON'T TALK TO ME ABOUT HIM!" Jack shouted the gun hand shook and James visibly began to sweat more "Scorpio Scorpio" Greg said quietly as he ducked behind Wordy
Jack flinched and glanced at Greg – that moment allowed James to step back and Sam took the shot right at that second.
Greg shook his head – he didn't want that shot to have to be taken – it was inevitable but he still hated it.
"Greg" Wordy said softly and indicated James who had backed up against the wall and was breathing heavily – cautiously while Wordy secured the dead suspect Greg approached James
"Hey you're okay" he said softly
James fixed his eyes on him whilst still trying to control his breathing "Where's Sam?" he asked wanting to see and thank the man
"He's gotta go for investigation" he saw James tense up "Standard protocol – he'll be alright – Standard protocol – you'll see him after" a beat and Greg looked at James' hands which were clenched so tight that the knuckles were going white "hey hey it's okay come on let's get some air" Greg cautiously reached forward and took hold of James' upper arm and pulled him forward – James began to stumble and Wordy caught hold of him as more officers came to deal with the body and the weapons "come on easy" Wordy said softly and James allowed the men either side of him put his arms around their necks.
James felt physically weak – he was a fed – he was used to having guns pulled on him but for the first time he had been unarmed off duty and unable to do a single thing – all he had wanted was to be able to hold his kids again and kiss his wife.
Not normally one to accept help from anyone James had to admit he needed it – he had been standing there for so long his whole body frozen – Sam's voice the only thing keeping him grounded. Then hearing the crack of the bullet just as he stepped back – his feet had felt heavy to him and somehow they had co-operated just in time.
With the support either side of him James managed to take the stairs – Greg giving him words of encouragement.
Once outside the air seemed to help as James inhaled deeply and sighed "Thanks" he whispered before letting them take him to a stretcher
"You don't have to go to hospital if you don't want to" Greg said as James tensed up "But just sit down for a bit alright?, it'll help you – and I can get you a coffee if you want it?" he asked
James shook his head as he sat down slowly and as he felt the weight being lifted he almost collapsed but Wordy caught him and steadied him "Easy – That's exhaustion kicking in" he said softly "I'll drive you to your uncle's okay?"
James nodded slowly
"Alright good – Here" Greg pulled a card from his pocket and handed it to James "Sam asked me to give you his number before he signed off – wrote it on the back"
James nodded appreciatively.
Greg glanced back as he spotted Ed and the others waiting by the command truck – he gave Wordy and James a nod before heading over to his team.
"How's he doing?" Ed asked and Greg nodded "He'll be fine – just exhausted"
"Greg?" Ed asked stopping beside his friend as the others began to pack up
"I'm fine" Greg said as he looked to Ed but it was clear the man didn't believe him
"Greg" Ed started
"I shouldn't have mentioned the brother" he said gritting his teeth and heading for his car.
Ed looked over at James who was now being helped to the other SRU car by Wordy.
(Chapter 2 coming soon)
- UniqueWriter200 -