Disclaimer: I don't own the SAW series. If I did, then Lawrence and Adam would be a couple, Jigsaw and Detective Matthews would be alive and Zep would be a heinous sadist wearing his black jacket and his leather gloves 24/7.

Have fun. Tell me what you think, please.

Chapter 1. Back in action

Thick cigarette smoke filled the small parlor like an evening fog, the light was dimmed, the air was stifling. Casually, the young man was sitting on his dark couch, took a puff from his cigarette. He breathed out a thick cloud of acrid smoke. He watched the tall, silent black man stepping off his kitchen, as if it was a museum visit. A former detective.

Adam didn't dislike cops. He didn't have a criminal record and had never been sent to jail before. But still he found it somewhat sinister to have a law enforcer in his apartment. And what kind of a cop! He was very muscular and was head and shoulders above him.

Suddenly, Detective Tapp paused, looking into the air. "I was told you're the best one around. I hope I can count on what I've heard."

Adam remained straightfaced. But he couldn't deny that he indeed felt insulted. He sounded as if Adam's sight alone was pitiful. But he remained quiet. He took another puff of his cigarette before stubbing it out in the ashtray, nodded. "Ye can count on me, Mister. Believe me, I never disappointed anyone with my work before."

Tapp's facial expression didn't change as well. He looked over at the young photographer.

Adam leaned back onto his couch comfortably, an arm resting on the armrest. "Come out with it. Which rich snob that cheats on his wife am I supposed to spy after?"

Tapp approached him with slow steps, now the light was shining down on his face. Adam could see the embittered face and the bright scar on his neck clearly. When he was within his reach, he gave Adam a photo of a man. Adam took it in his hand and beheld, a quiet chuckle escaped his throat. "I see… just another arrogant snob always lookin' spick and span, being overpaid and always screwing his secretary before driving home… way too easy."

Tapp nodded. "He works in the only hospital of the city. It's close by here, it wouldn't be very difficult for you."

Adam grinned. "Oh, a doctor. Interesting. I think my collection might be complete now. I've already snapped a manager, a bank director, a judge and a realtor."

Tapp raised an eyebrow. "Then we're in business, boy?"

Adam let the photo slide into his trouser pocket, nodded. "Yep, we are."

Tapp brought out a twohundred dollar bill and passed it to the younger one. Adam reached out his hand and masterfully grabbed the bill out of his hand, letting it disappear inside of his trouser pocket as well. "Okey-doke. I'll start right by tomorrow if you don't mind."

He got up and ambled into his kitchen, opened the fridge and grabbed a beer, opened it and took a sip. Tapp didn't take his eyes off of him, his bitter expression didn't change in the least. "What would you think of me giving you twice as much?"

Adam looked up. Slowly, he turned around to him. A tempting offer, and still he was suspicious. His eyes narrowed a bit, he dried his beer-wet lips with the back of his hand. "And what do I have to do for that?"

"Well," Tapp began, approaching him slowly. "Getting more means doing more. I would like to know the daily routine of our dear doctor. I'm asking you… would you be ready to work as an orderly in his hospital for fourhundred dollars a day?"

Adam blinked. Him, in a hospital? With his average school graduation and no interest in bringing deadly sick people their meals, accompanying them to the toilets? "You're kidding, aren't ya?"

Tapp narrowed his eyes at him. "David Tapp is never kidding."

Slightly scared, Adam took a step backwards. "Alright, sorry. But… why do ye want me to follow that guy around all day, just to report?"

Tapp came closer, leaning in his face over his. "Listen, boy. This man is probably the murderer of my partner and best friend."

Adam blinked in confusion. "I don't understand…?"

Tapp sighed, raised his head. "Have you ever heard of the name Jigsaw, sweetheart?"

Adam had to consider for a moment, but then he remembered. "Yes, sure. That insane puzzle-murderer, right?" he said. "You think it's him?"

"I don't only think so, I'm damn sure it's him. Believe me, boy… I've never seen such an arrogant, half-uptight douchebag like that doctor before… working with him won't be a walk in the park, I can tell ye. Standing his selfish grin and the bragging all day… everyone working there deserves a medal!"

Adam knew now that Tapp didn't like that doctor at all. At that moment, he wondered how terrible he must be.

"It's him beyond doubt!" Tapp continued. "That sick bastard loves to kidnap and torture people! I'll just have to prove, and you'll help me, lad!"

Adam gulped. He felt uneasy about it. He had to spy after a man that might be guilty for killing people in a horrible manner! A kidnapper and murderer! Adam's face went pale. "You don't expect me to take part in that insanity, do you?!"

Tapp sighed. "I know I expect a lot from you… but… please understand…"

Fatherly, he placed his hand on Adam's shoulder, looking into his handsome face, filled with panic and fear. "Please understand… this man might be responsible for my misery… he killed my partner… ever since that day, I'm… I'm… yes, I think you can call me a wreck!"

He let go of Adam, turned away from him. "Sing was my best friend… and… and maybe even more than that…"

Adam couldn't see his face, but he was pretty sure that he heard a quiet sob for a single second. He didn't know what to say. He sighed. There's a desperate cop standing in my apartment, offering me lots of money for spying on a murderer, he thought. He saw Tapp clenching his fists. Hate was rising inside of the detective. He only wanted to prove the doctor as Jigsaw.

Adam sighed again. "Alright. I'll do it. Fourhundred dollars each night then."

Tapp turned around to him quickly, reached out his hand for Adam to shake it.

"Very well. We're having a deal then."

TBC…