Disclaimer: Marvel Entertainment owns everything, with the exception of Cat who is my own creation. This is a work of fanfic, no copyright infringement intended. Lily rush and the cold case quad are not mine, someone else owns them.

Author's notes: this story takes place in a world shown in the Legacy quest book 2 by Steve Lyons. In that book a demon shows Sebastian Shaw a world where the X men are gone (how is not stated) and Storm is Shaw's White Queen. I'm a huge Cold Case fan as well as X Men fan, so I combined to the two to create this story. There's no date due to the elasticity of Marvel time. Enjoy.

As Hot As Hell, As Cold as The Grave

Prologue the past

Ororo Munro stood admiring her reflection in the full length mirror in her suite in the Hellfire Club. A small smile came to her lips.

"Suits you."

The voice came from behind her and she span around. A small figure in a yellow and blue suit and a taller female figure all in black stood in the doorway. Both wore masks that hid most of their faces.

"I'm not so sure Wolverine," the female said, "wouldn't black be better? It would match her soul."
Noticing Ororo's eyes run over their shoulders, she added. "You might want to ask for a refund on those goons of yours. Easiest so far."

"Logan" Ororo began, but Wolverine interrupted her.

"Logan's for friends bub, and I ain't sure that you're that any more."

"This is ridiculous."

"Did you know, that the deepest, worse circle of hell is reserved for mutineers, and traitors?" the woman asked, moving more fully into the room.

"Should do. We explore them thanks to Elf's mother to rescue him. Back when we were X men."

"Do you ever wonder what happened to him after he 'ported out? Ever wonder if he was alright? Or" the woman continued. "Did they never tell you what they did? Afraid of how you'd react?"

"GET OUT!" Ororo screamed.

"Ororo?" a man with long grey hair tied back in a ponytail stood in the doorway, dressed in 18th Century Clothes.

"Keep your hair Shaw." Wolverine Snarled. "We're leaving."

The woman calmly moved around Ororo, knocking a bottle off the dressing table as she did so.

"Huh. Channel." She observed replacing it on the table. "Never though you'd sell yourself so cheap. Or" she said with a sly smile at Shaw. "Did you just accept the asking price?"

Shaw face flushed crimson and he stepped forwards them.

"Don't even think about it Bub." Wolverine Snarled. "If Cat and Me don't report in soon, some files you might prefer stay hidden go straight to the cops."

"And" Cat added, coming along side him. "In case they're not interested, to few newspapers who will be."

There was silence for a few moments before Shaw stepped away.

"Good plan." Cat said calmly. "We'll see you later." She said her eyes resting on Ororo.

Later

It was raining, great sheets of it that soaked everything. The lighting flashed, revealing a body lying in the alley. A young African America woman, dressed in a white corset and cloak, both of which were stained with blood. She lay perfectly still, not even breathing.

The officer took a final look at the photo before closing the box. With a black pen he wrote Munroe, O. 3rd August 19. He then placed it on the Shelf.

Philadelphia today,

The gentleman was sitting at Lily's desk before she got in. he was immaculately dressed in a well cut suit and the cane, which he grasped in hand, was beautiful carved. Strangely his long, grey hair, which was tied back in a ponytail, did not ruin the image at all. He rose slightly as she walked towards him.

"You are detective Rush?" he asked as she walked over. When she asserted he continued,

"The detective Rush who solves old murders?"

She nodded, wondering where this was all going. But he was so charming she was loathed to interrupt.

"The detective Rush who solved these cases?" he asked, mentioning to an aide who stood near him. The aide opened a briefcase, from which Shaw removed few newspaper clippings. She studied them before nodding

"How can we help you Mr…"

"Shaw. Sebastian Shaw." A smile like a wolf's crossed his face, as he saw her surprise. Shaw's Industries was one of the most successful companies on the planet, making Shaw as its CEO and leading share holders on of the richest men on the planet. He was also pleased at how quickly she regained control.

"My reason for coming here is simple. I have unsolved homicide that I wish to investigate."

"O.K. what was the victim name?"

"Ororo Munroe." He paused. Seeing the confusion on her face, he continued, "at the time of her death she was President of Storm's investments." He suppressed another smile at the expression on her face.

"Mr Shaw," Lily boss had come over, "with all respect that happened in New York. We're in Philly."

Shaw's face had changed. It was harder and anger gazed out of those eyes.

"Detective I labour under no illusions. I choose my partners for what they can offer me. In case, as in my business, the stakes are high. I always go for the best. I have examined the success rate with Cold Jobs for every state. Yours are the best." He paused for a moment. "Ororo taught me that if you take you must give something in return. My offer is simple. I will pay your wages and all expenses, including travel and a generous bonus for completion. "

There was silence

"Think," Shaw continued, "of all those would could finally have answers. All I ask is for you to give me one."

"Why now?"

Scotty Valens, Lily partner had wondered over.

"It's been what 5 years since Ororo died"

A flash of anger crossed Shaw's face.

"That" he said icily calmly "is my business."

He got to his feet.

"I look forward to hearing from you, detectives"

"You don't know we're taking you up." Lily said.

Shaw smiled, motioning to an aide who put down the suitcase.

"Yes I do detective."