Chicago Takedown Chapter 1

AN: Finally part 3 in the Hostage trilogy. To truly understand this story, you need to have read the other two. I am posting this chapter as a show of good faith. As you know I have never left a story unfinished. It will be a kick in the butt for me to get moving on it.

Chapters will be irregular. At this moment in time, I have no idea how long the story will be.

There will not be a POV. This story is written in the third person.

Huge thanks to Harrytwifan for her wonderful beta skills.

Disclaimer: I own nothing twilight related. Only the plot is mine. Any resemblance to people living or not, is purely coincidental.

Chapter 1

Jasper was seething. It took everything he had to keep his temper in check. Sam was none too pleased, either. Celebrations for the boys return home had quickly morphed. The apartment promptly turned into an operation's meeting room.

Jasper guided a numb Edward to the couch. He could imagine the turmoil his man must be in. After overcoming torture and a near death experience, during and after the bank siege, Marcus had to go and throw him through another loop. Why couldn't he just leave him alone? If Marcus was to walk through the door, Jasper would happily shoot him, and sleep soundly afterward. By the look on Esme's face, he thought he would have a battle to get to the gun first, too. If she ever got hold of the bastard, he'd be choking on his balls.

What point was Marcus trying to make?

If he truly wanted to prove himself to Edward, then he should turn state's evidence, and leave it to a wider task force. As far as Jasper was concerned, Marcus was flexing his ego, at Edward's expense. In the meantime, there were things to be clarified. Questions needed to be asked.

"Does Marcus expect Edward to purely be a contact, or more involved?

Charlie sighed before answering. "Honestly, I don't know. Regardless, he will have to be prepared for anything, even undercover work."

Jasper was not happy with the statement. Charlie was their boss, but he was only seeing the prize, not necessarily the cost.

Did Charlie see his men as soldiers in battle?

Were they all expendable casualties of a larger war?

There was no doubt in Jasper's mind; The Pack was part of a task force. However, he couldn't help thinking Charlie was sending Edward into a burning building, with no hope of escape. Sure, it was their job to fight crime, and sometimes there were casualties. Jasper was going to do his damnedest to make sure Edward did not become a statistic. He would do whatever it took to ensure the safety of his man.

The Pack was happy to let Jasper do the talking. After all, he had more operational experience than any of them. They were also loyal to each other before anyone else. Unfortunately, for Charlie, he had to go and spoil the already awkward ambiance with a weak attempt at bureaucratic bullshit.

"Jasper, technically, you're not supposed to be involved. This is one for The Pack. You're research."

Jasper couldn't believe it. He couldn't help wondering if what he was hearing was what years of government conditioning did to a person. Shoot the gun, then walk away from the aftermath. Not this time. Charlie was cornered.

"Not involved... NOT INVOLVED!"

Jasper lost his composure.

"You bring this into our home, on the day we return from honeymoon, and you say I shouldn't be involved? You have got to be kidding? Not a goddamn chance, Charlie. I could reel off a shit load of reasons why I am involved. You changed the ball game Charlie. Well, so am I. IF, and I mean IF, Edward becomes Marcus's handler, then I am his. End of story."

As Jasper spoke he edged toward the front of the couch. Edward squeezed his hand. He had something to say. Jasper sank back, and held onto his husband.

With no emotion in his tone, Edward asked, "What has Marcus offered?"

"He said that Aro was on his own, and was struggling to keep dominance over the other cartels. They smell weakness, and are out for blood. It's like a battle zone, with one family trying to outsmart another. Regardless of who eventually takes control, he suggests it would be a good time to be able to shut down certain business ventures. Some families have approached Marcus with their support. They see him as Aro's successor. At the very least, he can give us Aro."

Edward clarified the position further. "And none of this will happen if I'm not involved?"

Charlie confirmed everything with a short, sharp, "That's the condition."

Rose asked, "How do we know it's not a ploy to get Edward into the family business; an attempt to turn him to the dark side? Marcus is the one with an heir. Maybe he wants to take over the whole shebang."

"We don't. And what you suggest is possible. Nevertheless, we do know Edward would never turn."

"Thanks."Edward mumbled. He was getting quieter. Not that he'd said much.

Jasper noticed, and pulled him closer. He could see him absorbing every comment, and mulling it over. Edward had already sunk into a world where he could hear all the information, yet his brain worked through the different scenarios. He was returning to cop mode. Only, this was unlike anything he'd dealt with before. Whatever his decision, the Pack would be there for support.

Alice had kept an eye on media coverage both during and after the bank siege. She asked, "If anyone sees Edward, won't they know exactly who he is? His face was plastered all over the news."

"Not necessarily, we have several options in that area. A disguise is one choice. What we do depends on what capacity Marcus wants Edward; then we can start planning. We can't simply descend on Chicago. That's why we need to get started."

"What happens after?" Seth enquired.

Charlie looked confused. "What do you mean?"

"What happens if we're successful? Edward 'll be a marked man."

Charlie shrugged his shoulders, as if Seth's question was a stupid one. "He's not the first person to go undercover. Nor will he be the last. We'll make sure the cover story is believable, and good."

Jasper looked over at their parents, who had been very hushed throughout the whole proceedings.

"Excuse me," Jasper interrupted. "No one has asked Edward if he's gonna do it yet, and I don't think it's a decision that can be made in one night. The decision, though, must be his."

Discussions continued for a while longer, but we were going around in circles. Everyone left, deciding to pick it up again tomorrow. The air of levity associated with the boys' return, had changed into one of concern and annoyance. Concern for the boys, annoyance at the timing, Charlie, and most of all, Marcus.

When Jasper and Edward retired to bed, surprisingly it was Edward that held his arms out for Jasper. Edward knew his man was worried sick.

Edward pulled his husband close, and kissed him tenderly on the lips. "I know what you're going through, love. I feel the same."

Jasper sighed. "Sorry. But, why does he have to pick on you? Why now?"

"I'll find out. He doesn't know me, Jasper. I can bring him and his cronies in. If not, I'll make sure they meet God before me."

Jasper raised his head, and looked upon his man with worry. "You talk as though you've already made up your mind."

"What would you do in my position? The chance to take out some of Chicago's worst. Let's face it; I don't have a choice."

A/N: Sorry it is only a shortie. I wanted to get something out to y'all, as a promise. The story is on its way, and I am determined to finish it.