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…
6 years earlier…
Sonja clutched the monitor against her heart in dismay as she sat up in bed for the thousandth time that night.
"What am I doing wrong?" she mumbled to herself, the cries of her newborn baby girl ringing loudly from the devices' speakers. As she sat the monitor on her bedside table, she intently watched the screen as Vivian tossed and turned restlessly. The sound of a deep grumble startled her, causing Sonja to jolt backward and hit her head on the bedpost. She grasped her skull with a frown.
"Is our lil' firecracker awake again?" Christopher LaSalle inquired, scooting closer to his disconcerted wife. His brown hair was disheveled and eyes weary as he stretched, the downy comforter and blankets falling away from his bare chest.
"I don't think she ever went to sleep," she scoffed, massaging the back of her head. "I'll go check on her."
"Nah."
Sonja felt a gentle tug of her arm.
"I'll check up on Miss. Vivian LaSalle. Maybe she needs to spend some time with her daddy."
"Are you sure? What if she's hungry?"
LaSalle chuckled as he crawled out of bed and slipped on an old t-shirt.
"We know where to find ya. Try and get some rest, okay?"
Sonja muttered in protest as her husband placed a kiss on her cheek and exited their bedroom with a wide grin. He never had to work hard at getting his way.
Within a few seconds, LaSalle was strolling into Vivian's room and up to her crib as Sonja was glued to the monitors screen in anticipation. She couldn't make out the quiet conversation between him and his daughter, as LaSalle delicately lifted the baby into his arms and held her close like a fragile doll. He paced back and forth in the nursery for a while, patting Vivian's bottom as he did so. The cries from the baby died down to sniffling, as LaSalle retrieved a blanket from the rocking chair and made his way out the door. Sonja raised a brow.
Ten minutes passed before she became anxious of their whereabouts and hopped out of bed, flipping on a lamp to locate her warm cardigan. The soft material embraced her body as she covered her feet in slippers. Wasting no time swooping out the door and into the hall, she gasped as she nearly knocked over her husband and their sleepy baby.
"Sonja? Where in the heck are ya runnin' to?" he whispered, sweeping away a stray hair from her eye that had fallen in the chaos.
"I didn't know where you guys went! I was worried," she replied, her tone defensive, as she ran the back of her hand across Vivian's cheek.
"We went for a walk," he smiled, eyes dropping to his daughters face. "We had a lot to talk about."
"Christopher!" Sonja hissed. "You actually left the house?"
"Of course not. Sweetheart, why on earth would I take our newborn baby outside the house if I didn't absolutely have to?" he shook his head with a soft laugh. "We just went downstairs. That's all."
"Oh." Sonja crossed her arms and felt her cheeks burning red with embarrassment. "I'm sorry. I'm a bit of a basket-case nowadays…"
"No. You're just gettin' used to bein' a mama."
He held the baby in one arm and used his other to wrap around Sonja and coax her back down the hall and into their room.
"Chris? Why aren't we taking her to her room?"
"I think what Vivian needs right now is both of her parents," he grinned. "Since spendin' one-on-one time with us isn't cuttin' it."
The family made their way into the room as Sonja quickly dimmed the light from lamp before it upset the baby.
"I read in a parenting magazine we shouldn't enable behavior like this," she stated, voice unsure. "Isn't she supposed to learn how to be 'self-sufficient' or 'independent'? Or- something like that?"
"Is it the same magazine that said we should make sock puppets to express our feelin's properly?"
Sonja glared. "Chris."
"I suppose I get what you're sayin'," he nodded reluctantly. "But I figure we can work on that another day. How about we all just settle down and get in bed for a while?"
"What do you mean? Go to sleep?"
"No, I mean we can snuggle or cuddle or whatever we want," he laughed. "I think Vivian would like that. I think she might be lonely."
"Lonely?" Sonja felt the edge of her mouth roll into a smile. "You sure you aren't making excuses because you don't want to put her down yet?"
"Am I that easy to figure out?" he grinned, beaming down at the baby in his arms.
"Most of the time," she shrugged, leaning forward and pressing her lips onto his neck. "Come on, then."
Sonja removed her cardigan and slippers and slid under the covers, pulling the blankets back to make room for the others. LaSalle handed her the baby blanket draped across his shoulder and slowly climbed into bed, Vivian cradled in one arm. Once they were secure, LaSalle switched Vivian into his other arm, leaving her contentedly sandwiched between her parents. For the first time that night, her face appeared serene, and her breathing slow.
"That's my girl," LaSalle cooed, brushing his finger along Vivian's caramel skin.
Sonja emitted a giggle before she could catch herself, causing LaSalle to redirect his attention.
"What's got ya gigglin'?" he puzzled.
"I cannot even count how many times you've told me that."
He paused for a moment to piece together what she meant, and when realization struck, his eyes softened as he stared at her with a tender gaze as he did so often.
"Yeah, you're right. I'm sorry, I just can't help it!" LaSalle placed Vivian in Sonja's arms so he could wrap an arm around them both, and gather his wife closer to him, nuzzling into her hair. "I'm so darn proud of you. I'm proud of both my girls."
Sonja laid her head on his shoulder with a sigh. "We'll miss you when you go back to work."
"NCIS won't be the same without ya. Not to mention the fact that I have a new partner!" LaSalle shook his head disappointedly.
"Hey, your partner is Tammy Gregorio. Can't get much better than that!"
"I know. We're gettin' a new trainee who's joinin' the team soon, and that's gonna be interestin' to say the least."
"Don't be so sad, okay? You act like we're breaking up or something." Sonja attempted to conceal her laughter at LaSalle's behavior.
"Well we kinda are, aren't we?" he smirked. "City Mouse and Country Mouse are fightin' crime together, no more! The end of a legacy."
"Now we're fighting dirty diapers and sleepless nights," she grinned. "It's a whole new adventure."
He paused, softly rubbing her cheek with his thumb.
"You didn't have to quit, ya know?" he whispered. "We could have tried to make it work."
"You're kidding, right? I wouldn't leave this baby girl alone with anyone in the world but me or you."
"I had a feelin' you would say that," he smiled. "I just feel bad you had to give up everythin' ya worked so hard for. That job was everythin' to you, Sonja."
She took ahold of his hand and pressed it against her own that was cradling the sleeping Vivian.
"This is everything to me. I would give up anything just to have this for the rest of my life. So don't be sad for me, okay? This is all I've ever wanted."
"Okay then," he nodded, kissing her forehead. "How'd I ever get so lucky?"
"I was crazy enough to move in with you, marry you, and have a kid with you, I guess," she winked, nudging him with her elbow.
His smile widened as the look in his eye grew bright.
"Yeah. I guess you were."
…
The obnoxious sound of a cellphone ringing jarred Sonja from her slumber, causing her to nearly roll off the couch she was awkwardly positioned.
"Shit," she muttered, fumbling with the device on the coffee table, until it was safely in her grasp. Hastily bringing it to her ear, she swiped the screen to answer.
"Hello? Chris, is it you?"
"Sonja? This is Meri," the concerned voice answered. "I'm sorry if I woke you, our time difference is a bit off. I just got the news about LaSalle not long ago. God, I'm so sorry."
Sonja sighed, her heart dropping into her stomach. Sitting up, she reacquainted herself with her surroundings before replying to her friend and ex-coworker. She remembered she had fallen asleep on the couch in Pride's living room after a quick dinner with him and the children. The trio played several games while Sonja watched on, quietly drinking a glass of wine while holding her phone in a death grip, waiting for the call that would change her nightmare into a dream. After getting the children settled in the guest room, Sonja bid Pride goodnight and laid on the couch for what seemed like hours until she passed out from exhaustion. Now, checking the clock on the wall, she saw it was nearly five o'clock in the morning. She groaned, rubbing her swollen eyes.
"Hi, Meri. It's no problem, I wasn't really asleep anyway," she replied. "And thank you for calling. I appreciate it. How did you find out what happened?"
"Gregorio called me a couple hours ago. Pride texted me yesterday afternoon and asked me to find a time to call him about something, but work had my hands tied. When Tammy filled me in I couldn't believe it! Are there any leads? Any new information?"
"No, not that I know of," Sonja shook her head. "We can't find any evidence to show us where he might have went. Sebastian may have a lead though."
"Really? What is it?"
"We think Chris's disappearance has something to do with a past case of his- a past case of mine too, actually," Sonja began. "Do you remember the undercover operation he and I did about a decade ago involving the Livingston family and a stolen painting? Amber Matthews? Any of that ring a bell?"
"Hm…Yes. I think so. Oh my God, you stayed at the guys' house didn't you? Didn't he torture LaSalle?"
"Yes. That's the case. Apparently Lawrence Livingston escaped from prison in New York a week ago and his whereabouts are unknown."
"This has to be related Sonja," Brody exclaimed. "How else can they explain an agent disappearing like that? It's too much of a coincidence. He must have LaSalle."
"I know," Sonja whispered. "That's what I'm worried about."
"How long has he been reported missing?"
"Almost twenty-four hours now."
"Damn it," Brody mumbled underneath her breath. "Time is so crucial…"
"I agree. I'm about to get up and get dressed and see if Sebastian has made any progress over night. If anything major happens Pride or I will let you know!"
"Don't worry about me, Sonja. Just let NCIS and the FBI do their job and get LaSalle back- and promise me you won't get yourself into trouble throughout this process. You getting detained or arrested for interference with the case would make matters much worse."
"Boy, you and Pride sure sound like a broken record," Sonja light-heartedly scoffed, her chin resting upon her knuckles.
"Do you blame us?" she laughed. "Promise me you'll be safe, okay?"
"I promise."
"Good. How are the kids? Should I fly down and watch after them?"
"They're doing alright. Better than I thought they would. Most of the gang is taking turns babysitting them so I think we're good in that department! If anything changes I'll give you a call."
"Sure, whatever you need I'll be there."
Sonja's ears perked up at the sound of bare feet quietly shuffling along the wood floor until Pride appeared from the hallway, clad in jeans and his usual dress shirt. He smoothed his unkempt hair with a groggy smile as he sent her a pleasant wave. Sonja acknowledged him with a grin.
"Okay, I better let you go so I can get the day started. Thank you so much for calling, Meri."
"You're welcome. Be well."
Sonja hung up the phone as Pride maneuvered passed furniture and other obstacles until he seated himself next to her on the couch, eyes inquisitive.
"What are ya doing talking on the phone at this hour, Sonja? You should be getting some rest."
"I was," she lied, running her hands up and down her arms. "Meri didn't know what time it was. She wanted to call me as soon as she found out about Chris."
"I never got the chance to fill her in. Who told her?"
"Tammy."
"Oh. I see," he nodded. "She must have been upset."
"Just as upset as everyone else."
"Well," he coughed, rising to his feet, "I was just about to make some breakfast if you'd care to join me? It doesn't look like either of us are much for sleep right now."
"Sounds perfect," she smiled. "I'll wait to get the kids up a little later. We all have a big day ahead of us."
"We sure do."
…
"Mommy! Max spilled his apple juice and his pancake went on the floor," Vivian remarked, brushing her hair away from her face, legs swinging from the chair seated at the dining room table.
Max, giving an admonishing glare to his older sister, slammed his hands on the tray of his highchair.
"Viv! You be mean to me!" he reached out in an attempt to yank at her shirt, but Vivian anticipated his move, slyly leaning away with a grin.
"Okay, that's enough. You two have been nothing but trouble this morning," Sonja snapped, bending down to retrieve the empty cup and the sticky flapjack off the hardwood.
"What's goin' on? Do I need to grab some paper towels?" Pride piped in, abandoning the remaining food on the stove.
"I think we're going to need a mop," she sighed, examining the pool of fruit juice. "I'm sorry Dwayne, I don't know what's gotten into them!"
"Oh gee, Sonja, they're just youngsters. It's no big deal," he smiled. "Nothing that can't be cleaned."
"I know. Everything just feels strange when Chris isn't around."
"Mom! Your phone is ringing," Vivian chirped, pointing to the device that lay across the room on the couch. "Maybe it's Daddy!"
"Uh," Sonja exchanged glances between the mess on the floor, and the man who stood beside her. "Do you mind if I-''
"This can wait, Sonja. You better go get that phone!"
"Right," she nodded, dashing into the living room, the forgotten sippy cup tumbling from her grasp.
Before another second elapsed and the call possibly going to voicemail, Sonja pressed 'Answer' and slammed the phone to her ear.
"Hello? Who is it?"
Pride quietly observed as he drug a mop through the situation on the dining room floor.
"Yes Sebastian, I can do that," she replied, earnestly nodding as she paced. "I can be there in ten minutes. Let me figure out what to do with the kids."
"What's happening?" Pride questioned, laying the handle of the mop against the wall.
"Ok great. See you soon." Sonja hung up the phone and took a deep breath.
"Are you just gonna leave me in suspense? What's the news, Sonja?"
"There's no time to explain, but Sebastian found some new information on Livingston that could be helpful. He wants me to come down to the lab so we can talk."
"How do you suppose you'll get in there? You're just a civilian. Can he get you a pass?"
"No," she sighed. "He said we can't meet at headquarters because things have become 'complicated', but he'll tell me more when I come down. He says he's going to try and make up a story that I'm going to start as an intern in a few weeks, and want a tour of the areas I'll be working in."
Pride raised a brow. "You can't be serious! And what's this 'complicated' thing to do with headquarters? Sometimes the man makes no sense."
"I'm serious alright," Sonja wound through the kitchen until she and her former boss came face to face. "If this news on Livingston checks out, we can find Chris today," her voice fell to a whisper as the children looked on, eyes curious. "It's already been over twenty-four hours, Pride. He doesn't have much time left and you know it."
"Believe me, I know," he replied, voice intent. "I've been there. I just don't want to see you get on the wrong side of the law when NCIS and the FBI are doing all they can to bring Christopher home. They have all the resources they need to get the job done, I'm tellin' you Sonja. Sebastian is just going to get you strung out," Pride placed his hands on his hips, eyes skyward. "You two shouldn't even be discussing the case, might I add…"
"If he thought those guys were doing enough he wouldn't have just called me right now," Sonja remarked, poking the man in the chest. "Besides, who around here knows Livingston better than me?"
Pride brought his gaze to her own, lips pressed into a thin line.
"The people at NCIS and the FBI are really good agents, I'm not discounting that," she continued, voice still low to conceal the conversation. "But do any of them know Lawrence Livingston? Do they know what he is and what he does?"
"Sonja-''
"No, Pride. Listen to me. I'm an asset to this case whether anyone wants to admit that or not. Chris has a better chance at survival if I'm the one answering questions. Facts are facts."
"Fact is, you might get caught," he sighed, shoulders slumping. "I know the agent in you wants to do this, I do. I just don't think you getting sent to prison would be worth it."
"Yes, the agent in me but more importantly, the wife," she nearly exclaimed, almost unable to contain composure. "And the mother who wants her children to grow up with a father. Do you hear me, Pride? I have to do this. I have to go forward. I understand your concerns because I feel them to, but please, let me go. If it were my life on the line, LaSalle would do the same."
Pride paused for a moment as he weighed options, Sonja's eyes glistened with tears.
"Okay," he replied, a reassuring smile finally breaking. "Do what you gotta do. I have your back."
"Thank you," she whispered, quickly kissing him on the cheek.
"What's happening, Mom? Are you okay?" Vivian asked, leaving her seat at the table.
Sonja reached out and took her daughter by the shoulders, the soft cotton of Vivian's dress brushed against her fingertips.
"I'm okay, sweetheart. I need to go visit Uncle Sebastian for a while. What do you think about staying here with Dwayne and your brother? You guys can play games or do anything you want!"
"We sure can. I was even thinking about a trip to the park! How does that sound?" Pride jumped in, voice as jubilant as one could muster.
"That sounds good," Vivian muttered, eyes downcast. "I wish you could come with us Mama."
"I want too baby, but I can't," Sonja replied, her heart breaking all over again. "I have to take care of something very important."
Vivian blinked, head rising. "Is it because of Daddy? Is Daddy in trouble?"
Sonja's mouth dropped, her breath caught in her throat. After a second, she felt herself nod and hold her daughter a bit tighter.
"Yes, Viv. Yes he is. Mommy needs to go help him. Will you be a big girl and let me do that?"
Her daughter appeared taken aback, brows scrunched together in confusion. Then, without warning, the girl lunged forward and fell into her mother's arms, burying her face in Sonja's neck.
"I'll be okay. Go help Daddy, please. Help him, Mom."
Sonja thought her daughter was going to burst into tears, but to her surprise, the girl remained calm and voice stronger than ever.
"Uncle Dwayne can take care of us. Daddy needs you," she continued, pulling away to place her small hands on Sonja's cheeks. "Daddy always tells me if anything ever goes wrong you can take care of it, Mama. He says you're the boss lady. If he's in trouble I think you're the only one who can help him."
Sonja licked the dryness of her lips, her eyes welling with tears. She scooped her daughter up and held her in a close embrace as Pride and baby Max watched on.
"You're so smart," Sonja lovingly muttered, kissing her temple. "I love you Vivian LaSalle. You and your brother are the best thing that has ever happened to me. Your Daddy and I love you both so much, do you know that? I'm so proud of you."
A tender moment passed between the girls before Pride stepped in.
"Come here, honey," he said as he retrieved the girl from her mother's arms. "Your mama needs to get a move on."
Sonja briskly made her way over to her son, who stared up at her with his eyes glossy and round.
"Be a good boy for Uncle Dwayne, okay? Mommy will be back soon," she smiled, running her fingers through his thick brown curls.
She placed a kiss atop his head as he returned a grin and diverted his attention to whatever was left on his plate. Sonja then grabbed her cellphone and purse as she threw her hair into a quick ponytail.
"Thanks for this Pride," she announced. "Thank you for everything."
"You're welcome," he smiled, Vivian still relaxed in his arms.
Sonja opened the front door and couldn't help but cast a backwards glance as her thoughts weighed heavy.
"She's right, you know?" Pride gestured to Vivian. Christopher once told me, 'if Sonja had the power to move the Earth and stop time to get what she's after, by God she would do it!', and let me tell you- I believe it."
…
"Wow, I can't believe this whole 'intern' thing actually worked out! I never thought in a million years they would buy it," Sebastian exhaled, wiping faux sweat from his brow.
"Then why would you suggest we do that?" Sonja groaned, leaning against the desk in the lab.
"It was better than saying you're a former NCIS agent, wife of the missing head agent, and have no clearance to be in here but we're bypassing certain laws so I can give you secret information on the case."
"Jesus, Sebastian, would you keep it down?" she hissed, looking over her shoulder. "I'm already paranoid enough!"
"Right, you're right. Sorry," he mumbled, adjusting his glasses.
"Where's your partner, anyway? Shouldn't he be helping with the case too?"
"Oh, yeah. He's been super helpful! Especially when I took a power nap about six hours ago. We've been pretty much working non-stop here."
"I really appreciate that, that's great. Where did he go, then?"
"I told him to go run some things by Patton for a while since I knew you were coming over," he explained, rolling his chair towards his computer monitor. "I would rather keep him in the dark about-'', he gestured between himself and Sonja, "this thing."
"Oh. Okay. That's smart if you think he would say something."
"He totally would," Sebastian sighed. "He's a 'do everything by the book' sort of guy- which isn't a bad thing most times."
"Let's get down to business then," Sonja replied, clearing her throat. "Start from the beginning, don't leave out a single detail. What do you know and what's up with headquarters?"
"The place is crawling with FBI agents, man," Sebastian relayed, removing his glasses to squeeze the bridge of his nose in frustration. "They're all over place. With Chris gone it's like they're making themselves at home, or something. It's not cool. I had to get Gregorio out of there before she punched someone in the face."
"Damn it. What about director Hill? Have you told him about the lead on Livingston?"
"Yeah, I called him literally thirty seconds after you left to go to Pride's house last night. I'm not gonna lie, he was skeptical. Nonetheless he accepted the lead and said his men would look into it. I told him we were going to do the same."
"Did he say anything else?"
"He mentioned there was no suspicious activity outside of your house or on the property since Chris's disappearance. He still has the area under surveillance just in case someone or something shows up."
"Okay. Has the FBI updated you with any new information? Did they find anything on Livingston?"
"They said the might have a few things in the works but they're uncertain for the time being." Sebastian rolled his eyes with an annoyed expression. "It seems like they're not so keen on sharing."
"What about you then? Please tell me you found something? I need to know where that bastard Livingston is hiding!"
"Please direct your attention to the screen, Mrs. LaSalle," he smiled, dramatically swiveling in his chair with a click of his remote. "I found a few things that you might find useful."
Sonja rushed to the monitor and gazed into the screen, trying to absorb information as quickly as humanly possible. After a few minutes ticked passed and Sebastian sat quietly in suspense, Sonja broke away from the screen and began chewing on her nail as she paced back and forth.
"So? What do you think? Any ideas?" he pressed, eagerly rising from his seat.
"Livingston was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole. It's been ten years and he somehow escaped from prison a week ago," she mumbled to herself, eyes rapidly blinking. "He wasn't put into solitary isolation so he had the opportunity to communicate with his fellow inmates…"
"Sonja?" he questioned, his forehead forming wrinkles. "What are you thinking?"
"We need to interview cellmates. We need to talk to anyone he ever came in contact with in that prison. You need to get the person in charge on the phone!"
"Sure, yeah, I've got the number right here. You think he had someone on the inside? Maybe one of his old business friends? I'm sure the man has created a social network that extends past New York."
"I'm sure of that, too. It's been over twenty-four hours since LaSalle went missing and we have ten years of criminal history to comb through. Not to mention the phone calls we need to make. This could take days."
Sonja exasperatedly fell into an open chair, her hands covering her disheartened face.
"We got a chance, Sonja. Don't give up," Sebastian encouraged, venturing over to crouch by her side. "I'll make the calls right now and send anything I hear up to the FBI while I double check what they're checking. I'll give Patton and Gregorio a call so we can all work on this together. Time can be on our side if we make it that way, you know? You don't have to do this alone."
She let one of her hands take his as she turned her head to meet his gaze.
"You're right. We can do this."
"That's the spirit!" he grinned, jumping to his feet. "I'll get on the phone right now."
As Sebastian dialed the number, Sonja found herself wandering over to the monitor and reviewing Livingston's information once more, in an attempt to unearth anything familiar. As she became lost in the words and pictures on the screen before her, her mind backtracked ten years prior to the events that took place at the Livingston estate. Images flashed through her head as voices rattled. She heard the sound of women's laughter and Lawrence Livingston's smooth voice. She saw Chris LaSalle in an uncharacteristic outfit of khakis and a plaid shirt. She remembered when he recounted the night they shared their unofficial first date and took her breath away. She felt the tension when Livingston took him away on a golf trip. The touch of his lips ghosted across her own. She closed her eyes and took in a breath. In the next second, realization hit her.
"Okay, great news," she heard Sebastian announce. "The prison management says they will be willing to cooperate fully and send us anything we need. I put them in touch with the FBI and NCIS headquarters so hopefully we will hear some results in the next hour. Luckily Livingston is a wanted man and we have people in New York and New Orleans looking for him!"
"Oh my God, Sebastian! How could I forget! I'm so stupid," Sonja exclaimed, reaching out to take him by the shoulders.
"Uh, Sonja? Did you hear anything I just said?"
"Jan Livingston was arrested too! His wife. Whatever happened to her?"
"Well, I- I don't know. I think I must have overlooked that."
"So did I, so did I," she mumbled, turning him around to push him toward his computer. "Look. Check it out. Her name is Jan Livingston and they were arrested the same day."
"Okay, give me a moment," he replied, his fingers moving rapidly across the keyboard.
It didn't take long for a few pages of information to pop up and fill in the rest of the blanks.
"Alright here we go," he began. "Jan Livingston was charged on Aiding and Embedding, her sentence being ten years with a chance for parole."
"Really? Has she been released?"
"Oh, wow. It looks like she got out on parole five years ago. She also filed for divorce from Mr. Livingston that same day."
"Does it say where she lives now?"
Sebastian shook his head. "No, this is all just a bunch of legal stuff. If you want to know that we might have to run it by Patton."
"You don't think you can sneak me into headquarters, can you?"
"No, I doubt it. Director Hill will probably drown us with questions. I'll call Patton and tell him to bring whatever he needs to the lab and to let Gregorio tag along, too. The more the merrier!"
"Perfect. God, this is so exciting Sebastian!" Sonja grinned, her hope rekindling. "If anyone knows where Livingston is, it's Jan. With her help she can lead us straight to Chris."
…
"It looks like Mrs. Livingston turned her last name in for a new one three years ago, and became Jan Smith," Patton recounted, pulling up the marriage license on the monitor. He then opened up another window and produced a family picture from Facebook, displaying Jan with her new husband and three grown step-children. "This is apparently a photo they used for their Christmas card, and the location is Albany New York."
"I wonder how much dough Mr. Smith's got in the bank," Gregorio scoffed, flipping through papers of the old case file. "The woman probably wouldn't trade a mansion for a condo."
"She decided to move quite a few miles from home, too," Sonja pondered.
"I'm pretty sure I would take a condo over a prison cell," Sebastian cringed, peeking over Gregorio's shoulder to skim the files.
"So, what's the plan Sonja? Do you want me to pinpoint her address and get someone over there to talk to her? Or do you want me to get her phone number?" Patton asked.
"No, if the police show up it might spook her. I don't want her to run. Jan's a fragile lady, let me tell you."
"Okay, how about if director Hill gives her a call? We can try that first before the police make a move," Gregorio suggested.
Sonja shook her head as she bit her lip, crossing over the room to look out the window.
Sebastian stared at the former agent, dumbfounded for the briefest moment, until his jaw dropped and his hands found their way into his hair.
"Sonja. No! There's absolutely no way-''
"What's up Sebastian?" Gregorio puzzled. "What am I missing?"
Suddenly Patton's eyes went wide as he jerked his wheelchair backwards, sitting his tablet aside.
"Oh, hell no! Lord Sonja, you gotta be crazy!"
Agent Gregorio, finally catching on, firmly placed her hands on her hips and marched towards Sonja.
"What makes you think we're going to let you go after her? We've already gone way passed illegal, and you think we're going to help you get out of the state?"
"Would you guys calm down?" Sonja huffed. "I haven't even said anything!"
"You didn't have to," Patton said. "It's crystal clear, girl."
"This whole thing is getting out of control," Sebastian sighed. "I agreed to share information, but you skipping town behind the FBI's back might be a little too much, don't ya think?"
"You're right, Sebastian. It is. If we keep going on like this, we're all going to get arrested!" Gregorio interjected, gesturing wildly.
"Okay people, just hear me out for a second. Take a breath," Sonja attempted to soothe. "I thought we were all in this together? Aren't we?"
"We are. I'm just worried that too many lines are being crossed," Gregorio replied.
"How would be sneak you outta here, anyway? The director and his team will come looking for you, eventually," Patton mused.
"It's already the middle of the afternoon, Sonja. You have to take into account the time it will take for you to pack, avoid detection somehow, and hop a flight all the way to freakin' Albany, when we could just give the Smith family a phone call and clear all of this up," Gregorio stated plainly, yanking her cellphone out of her pocket and holding towards Sonja.
"Even if Sonja doesn't meet her in person, if Hill finds out she was in touch with Jan Livingston- I mean, Smith, all of our heads will go on the chopping block," Sebastian pleaded, wringing his hands out on his jeans.
"He's got a point, ya'll. Say Sonja presses a few of her buttons and Jan pops a blood vessel and calls headquarters! The jig will be up," Patton added.
"We need to bring Pride in on this. There's no other option," Gregorio shrugged. "He's the only one who will make sense of this."
"No! This is the only option," Sonja exclaimed, exasperated at her friends argument. "I need to be on a flight to New York by tonight or Chris is done. He won't stand a chance, I'm telling you. It's true, time is the biggest factor in this scenario, and the FBI is taking all the sweet time they need, aren't they? We gave them a lead to the prison and it's been at least an hour and we haven't heard a word. Yes, I promise I will run everything by Pride, but he doesn't get to decide how this plays out, and neither do any of you."
The trio of co-workers stood silent as they all let out a breath.
"I don't like this anymore than you guys," Sonja continued, "But if anyone goes down for this, it's me. If I get put in prison for bringing my husband home, then so be it. None of you told me to do what I'm about to do. Anything I do going forward is of free will."
"What do you want us to do while you're gone? Pursue any leads from the prison?" asked Patton.
"Yes. We need interviews from the guards and any information on Livingston's cellmates, friends, pen-pals, whoever," Sonja replied. "Don't leave any stones unturned."
"You got it," he nodded.
Gregorio gently placed her hand on Sonja's back to gain her attention.
"You can't use your own boarding pass. Hill will find out and waste no time getting your ass sent back to Nola. You're going to need a false identity."
"Oh, I can whip you up one of those," Patton winked. "That's nothin'."
"So illegal," Sebastian muttered, head flopping backwards.
Sonja smiled, her eyes locking with the case files laying on the desk.
"Thanks, Patton, but I don't think you'll have to."
…
"You're telling me you're going to leave town and hop a flight to Albany New York under the pretense of Alicia Matthews to question Jan Livingston?" Pride marveled, taking a stiff drink of scotch.
"Yes, I am," Sonja replied, glancing at her other friends for support. "All my documents are in place. The only thing I had to do was contact the real Alicia Matthews and get things smoothed over with Patton's help."
"So, you're all in on this?" he asked, eyeing the group situated around the dining room table in his house.
"Well…" Sebastian hesitated.
"No. None of them support it, it's fully my decision," Sonja cut in.
"Yet Patton helped you smooth things out concerning your I.D?" Pride let out a sigh and tiredly rubbed his eyes. "I know I said I have your back, but I don't like this one bit, Sonja."
"I know, I know. It's more than risky. All I need you to do is stall Hill for me. Please."
"What do you suggest?"
"We were thinking you could make up a story of her falling ill, or somethin'," Gregorio spoke. "If Hill or his goons come looking for her just say she's held up in her room and wants to be alone. They'll have no reason to force entry."
"That might work the first time they come around, but what am I going to do after that? Say she's asleep or in the shower?" Pride replied. "That's going to begin to sound suspicious."
"That's all we got," Patton shrugged. "We don't have much to work with, but it's gotta work!"
"Oh boy," Pride mumbled, concernedly looking at Sonja from across the table.
"Where are the kiddos?" Sebastian asked, surveying the area.
"They had an early dinner and went to bed. I'm going to go in and sit with them for a moment before I leave," Sonja responded, her smile weary.
"How long will you be gone? A day? Two at max?" Pride questioned. "If Hill or NCIS can't find anything in the meantime, everything will stand still! I don't know how much further the timeline of this case can be stretched."
"Hey, just leave that to us, Pride," Sebastian replied. "We are working on plenty of leads. By tomorrow we'll be looking real good."
"Does Christopher have that much time though?" the retired agent appeared to whisper to himself, his hands covering his face.
"Let's hope so, Pride. We're really hopeful here," Gregorio responded, squeezing his arm.
"I need you to be okay with this, Dwayne. My kids will need you when I'm gone," Sonja implored, standing to walk over to his side. "Please. If I didn't think this could work I wouldn't do it, you know that. It's a gut feeling. I know Jan will lead us to Chris, it's our only shot at bringing him home."
The man and the group of friends sat around the table, wordless, until Pride stood and looked meaningfully into Sonja's eyes. Without a reply, he gave a stern nod and patted her cheek before he began gathering items Sonja would need for her trip.
"I can't say how much you all mean to me," she announced, eyes tearing up. "I couldn't do this without any of you. So, thank you."
Gregorio stood and wrapped her arm around the woman who had grown to be her greatest of friends.
"Good luck, Sonja. You're going to need it."
As Sonja bid farewell to her children, she packed her bags and departed from the home. Reaching into the pocket of her jeans, she pulled out her new burner phone Patton gave her to avoid possible GPS tracking from director Hill. She quickly typed in a number she had memorized by heart and waited for a reply.
"Merri? Hey, it's Sonja. Sorry if you didn't recognize the number, I'm using a burner. I'm going to be out of town for a day or so and I was wondering if your offer still stood- do you think you can fly out and help with the kids?"
…
8 years earlier…
"So, this is like the hundredth time you've stayed at my house, right?" LaSalle smirked, pulling Sonja into his lap. The couch cushioned their weight as she giggled, reaching behind her head to ruffle his hair.
"I wouldn't say hundredth, but yeah, a few. What's your point?"
"We have sleepovers nearly four times a week, my house or yours. Sometimes, we even spend weekends together if we aren't talkin' on the phone till' the wee hours of the mornin', wouldn't ya say?"
"Sure," she nodded, patting his leg. "Where are you going with this, LaSalle?"
"I'm not one for labelin' things, Percy, don't get me wrong. I'm not about that. I was just wonderin' when we're gonna tell the team we're an item?"
"An item?" she laughed. "Oh my God."
"Aren't we?" he returned, playfully kissing her neck. "What else would you call what's been goin' on for nearly three years now?"
"I beg to differ. We've only been this serious for a year." Sonja hopped off his lap and snatched her beer from the coffee table.
"Oh, so we're serious now?" LaSalle chuckled, amusedly scratching his chin. "I can't keep up with ya, City Mouse!"
"Chris, stop. Why can't we just enjoy living in the moment?" Sonja popped one of her homemade vegan snacks in her mouth as her male counterpart rose from the couch.
"We are, but we can only keep this a secret for so long," he replied, stuffing his hands in his pockets. "Remember the time we were makin' out in the kitchen at headquarters and Gregorio nearly caught us? You were traumatized!"
"Whoa. Your memories and mine do not seem to be gelling," Sonja disagreed. "You were being completely obnoxious and I wanted you to shut up, so I kissed you. That's what happened. Gregorio showing up out of nowhere just caught me off-guard."
"Obnoxious? Me?" his face stretched into his signature grin.
"She didn't see anything, either," Sonja added, waving her finger. "She would have made that face where she wrinkles her nose and gets a look of disgust. She didn't say a word."
"I know she saw, because she grabbed my arm and commented when you walked off!" he laughed, slapping his knee.
Sonja was mid-drink as her eyes widened.
"No! What did she say?"
"What does it matter? Apparently we weren't even makin' out," he winked.
"Christopher! Are you saying she already knows about us?"
"Yeah. For a while now," he shrugged.
"Did she tell anyone? Does Pride know?" Sonja sat her drink down and placed her hands on her hips.
"No, I don't think she told anyone. That's why I'm bringin' this up, Sonja," he replied, slowly walking towards her. "The team is gonna find out eventually, so we might as well tell them together. I'd rather not sneak around with you anymore. I'd rather show ya off."
She paused, biting down on her lip to suppress a smile.
"You're asking if we can be official. Is that right?"
LaSalle crossed his arms with a boyish shyness.
"Well, yeah! Yeah, I guess that's what I'm askin'."
"Okay then. We're official. Can we eat now? I'm starving," she laughed, crossing over to the fridge to bring out the food.
"That's it? After all the stubbornness, you're givin' in?" he remarked, almost disbelieving.
"Isn't that what you wanted, LaSalle? Sheesh, sometimes I just don't know about you." Sonja unwrapped a bowl of vegetables with a confused expression.
He sighed, closing the gap between them in mere seconds. He tenderly took her hand as she stopped her movements.
"I told ya labels aren't important to me," he whispered, his thumb tracing circles on the back of her hand. "If you like how things are now, then that's how they'll stay. We don't have to put a name on it. Nobody has to know. I just didn't want news to come out and make you feel vulnerable, is all. It's our news and we should be the one sharin' it."
Sonja stood still as moments ticked by, their eyes locked in an unending gaze. She then abandoned the bowl and wrapped her arms around LaSalle's neck, their bodies molding together in perfect synchronicity.
"You can be such a bone-head sometimes, but damn do you have a way with words," she spoke softly, her cheeks becoming warm.
"You're not mad at me, then?" he laughed, his lips brushing against her hair.
"No, I'm not mad. Chris, I'm the happiest I've ever been! If you want us to share the news, then that's what we'll do. I won't have a problem with it."
"You're sure?"
"Yes. You're right, the team would find out eventually anyway. We should tell them ourselves."
He slightly moved backwards to glimpse her face.
"So I have full permission to call you my girlfriend now? Is that correct?"
"God, yes, LaSalle," she laughed, her eyes rolling. "Don't make me change my mind."
"Don't worry, I won't," he replied, quickly kissing her cheek before retrieving his cellphone. "I need to update my Facebook and let everyone know I'm officially off the market!"
She swiped the phone out of his grasp before he could do any damage.
"I don't think so, Lover Boy. Sebastian would see that in two seconds and call the entire city!"
"Oh. Good call," he nodded. "Better to wait until tomorrow after we tell them personally."
"Tomorrow?" she sighed, shaking her head with a smile. "Can't wait."
"Now that that's all settled, you ready for some dinner?" he grinned. "I tried to make ya a thing or two, but as you know, vegan food and I don't really get along."
"I know," she smiled. "I prepared in advance."
"That's smart thinkin'!"
The couple quietly arranged their meal as they shared smiles and chuckled lightly. With their plates of food ready, the seated themselves on the couch. Sonja turned her body towards his and laid her head on his shoulder with a sigh.
"Don't get soft on me, LaSalle," she whispered, her lips splitting into a grin.
"Oh man, don't ya start with this again," he remarked, his sides shaking with laughter.
Sonja whacked his leg.
"That's not what you're supposed to say. Try again."
He cleared his throat and turned towards her, brushing his nose against her own. His breath was hot, and his voice was low.
"I'm not soft. I care about you, you idiot."
"I love you too," she smiled, their food nearly forgotten, as their lips grew nearer.
"Chris," she continued, slowing down the momentum. "Do you think this would have ever happened even if I didn't kiss you before you left with Livingston that day?"
Christopher LaSalle recalled the moment vividly, and without hesitation, he replied "I know it would."
…
"Are you sure this is the right address? Patton, please tell me you know what you're doing!"
"Of course I'm sure! I'm not about to let you mess this up, okay? Just cool down before you go up to the door. Collect yourself."
"I'm cool, trust me."
"You sound like you're about to throw up!"
"I'm fine!" Sonja exclaimed, checking her appearance in the rearview mirror. "Everything went smoothly at the airport, no one suspected a thing. Everything is going according to plan."
"Good. Let me help you feel even better and tell you Sebastian has been in touch with director Hill. Apparently there are talks going on between the FBI and Livingston's prison manager and associates. We should have some solid news soon."
"Thanks, Patton. Do you know if Meri made it into town alright? Is she with Pride and the kids?"
"Yeah, she's good. The kids were real happy to see her."
"That's great," she sighed with relief. "I'll be home soon. If I get anything important I'll call you or Sebastian before I board my flight. I gotta go."
Sonja snapped out of her trance as she leaned against her rental car in the front yard of the Smith household. It was a quaint house settled into a residential neighborhood, nothing compared to her former establishment. There was no gate with guards in charge of security, there wasn't hundreds of yards of sprawling green grass. The house was ordinary, and the garage small. If Jan was trying to stay under the radar, this was the place to be. Patton had even run a background check on the new husband, Ivan Smith, whose record came back clear. He wasn't a millionaire. He worked as the manager of a local grocery store just five miles from their home. Nothing flashy, nothing impressive- just plain ordinary.
Sonja had run plenty of scenarios through her head as she drove to the airport, boarded the flight, exited the flight and paid for a rental car. Even as she plugged the address into her GPS and set towards the destination, scenarios continued to invade her mind. What if Jan didn't recognize her? What if she flipped out and called the police? What if she knows where LaSalle is and was in on it with Livingston the whole time?
These questions haunted her as she forced her limbs to climb the unbalanced set of stones that lead to the front door. Visions flashed through her head of Matilda, Livingston's head housekeeper, dragging her and LaSalle's luggage up the steps of the mansion. This time there was no mansion, there were no grand outfits, no secret identities and lies. More importantly, there was no Chris. He had been missing for over forty-eight hours and time wasn't forgiving.
Her impulse was turn and run, but Sonja found her hand moving on its own accord, lifting and knocking on the door.
"Be right there! Give me one second," she heard an unfamiliar voice reply. A man's voice.
There was a banging sound and set of other unfamiliar voices until the door eventually swung open, and revealed a middle-aged man in a gray t-shirt. He ruffled his salt and pepper hair with a lopsided grin.
"Hello. What can I help you with today?" he asked, reaching his hand out to shake her own. Sonja noted he was without a New York accent.
"Uh, hi," she stuttered. "I'm here to see Jan, is she around today?"
"May I ask your name? Jan isn't fond when people just swing by unannounced," he chuckled, crossing his arms sheepishly. "She's kind of a control freak, likes the house clean for company."
"Yeah, I totally understand that," Sonja replied, her nerves mounting. "Tell her it's Sonja Percy. I haven't seen her in a few years, but I'm in town so I thought I would stop by."
"Okay! No problem. I'll just grab Jan and see if she's up for it."
The man cracked the door shut and called for his wife. Sonja bit her lip as the couple squabbled for a minute or two, until he popped the door back open.
"I'm sorry Sonja, Jan doesn't remember you for some reason. Are you friends from work? College? I could try to jog her memory!"
"Oh gosh," Sonja fumbled, cold sweat forming on her neck. "It was a bit more casual than that. We met at a party, sort of. I'm friends with her friends."
"Hm," he nodded, brows furrowed. "I'm sure sorry you drove out for nothing! I wish I could have helped you."
"Yeah, me too," she whispered, turning to walk away.
An odd sensation took hold of her, causing her to halt in her path. If Sonja were thinking logically, she'd say she was insane. It was barely noticeable, but felt as if a ghost of a touch. A touch consisting of a hand wrapping itself around her arm. The only recollection she had of such a memory, was when she were working a case with LaSalle and she would have bursts of frustration and walk away. Or when she became emotionally overwhelmed and couldn't bear him to witness it. It was the same touch. It vanished as quickly as it appeared, and Sonja could feel oxygen reacquainting itself with her body. The door of the Smith residence was creaking shut. Sonja stuck out a hand and blocked it. Ivan raised a brow.
"I'm sorry this has all been so confusing, but I've been a little nervous bringing up the subject of my arrival. Our friend, Alicia Matthews, has some important news she would like for me to share with Jan. It's private, if you don't mind." Sonja heard the words leaving her mouth before she had a chance to stop herself or formulate them.
"Oh," he blinked, scratching his head. "No, it's okay. I understand. I'll go get Jan, hold on."
"Shit," she breathed, the moment he departed. "Here we go."
Sonja heard a woman raise her voice defensively then quiet. Heated words were being exchanged. The sound of high heels clacked to the door, until a timid hand pushed it open. Standing there before her, finally, was Jan Livingston. The woman stood there dumbfounded as her glass of water crashed to the floor. Her husband came running to investigate.
"Jan! Honey? Are you okay?" he exclaimed, touching her face before bending down to pick up the shards of broken glass.
She yanked him upwards, forcibly smiling.
"Please, Ivan. Don't worry about the mess," she instructed, voice disturbingly calm. "Leave me with my friend."
"Alright," he nodded, slightly suspicious. "I'll be in the kitchen if you need me."
Jan released her hold on the back of his shirt as he hesitantly left.
The moment he was out of earshot, Jan pushed Sonja out of the doorway with the palm of her hand, shutting the door behind them.
"Are you crazy?" she snapped, her hand remaining on Sonja's chest. "How in the hell did you find me? What on earth-''
"I see we're bypassing pleasantries," Sonja mumbled, swiping Jan's hand away.
"What are you doing here?" Jan continued, sweeping her bleach blonde bangs from her eyes. "You need to leave. Right now."
Sonja was slightly taken aback by the woman's appearance as she soaked the situation in. Jan's hair was the same color and length as she remembered, but now sported bangs. Her long, painted nails were short and bare. Her outfit consisted of jeans and a blouse. Her face was free of make-up, and bags lay underneath her eyes.
"Do you know who I am?" Sonja asked, ignoring the woman's comments.
Jan scoffed, flinging her arms in the air.
"Of course I know!" she replied. "You paraded around my house as Alicia Matthews with your partner for two days then ended up arresting me! NCIS agents from New Orleans sleeping underneath my roof, my God…"
"You're right. All of that, and more, happened ten years ago."
"Exactly! Ten years ago. Why have you sought me out now?"
"I have a few questions for you. I need everything you know on Lawrence Livingston since the day of his arrest."
"What?" she huffed, "Is this about Amber Matthews and the old case? What else is there to say? The case is closed. You know what he did."
"It's not about that," Sonja refuted, crossing her arms. "I assume you know he escaped from prison a week ago?"
"Yes, I know." Jan anxiously glanced over her shoulder with an uneasy expression. "I've been a nervous wreck wondering if he's going to come after me. That's why Ivan has been so worried about me, bless him."
"He knows about your past, then?"
The woman shrugged. "Sure. As much as I wanted to tell him. He obviously knows I was married and that I was briefly incarcerated because of my husband's deeds."
"Okay, listen. To get straight to the point, I don't know what you could have done to make Livingston come after you, but that's not the case," Sonja grimly informed her.
"What are you talking about? You act as if you've spoken with him!" Jan recoiled, gluing her body against the door. "What the hell is going on? Tell me now or I'm calling the police."
"He took Christopher LaSalle, Jan. My partner on the Amber Matthews case. Chris is gone."
"Oh my God," she muttered, placing the back of her hand on her forehead. "How is that possible? Do you have any evidence?"
"No," Sonja shook her head. "All we know is Livingston escaped from prison one week ago and forty-eight hours ago Chris went missing."
"I'm sorry, I wouldn't put it past Lawrence to do something of that nature, but how can you be sure? What if your partner has enemies?"
"I'm not sure, Jan!" Sonja exploded, eyes wide. "I have no clues, no leads, nothing. Coming to see you is my only hope of bringing him home. I need your help."
Jan slowly brought her arms to side and stared into Sonja's eyes.
"You two," she pointed, "You two fell in love, didn't you?" Jan continued to stare. "All that, chemistry you put on for us, was actually real?"
"We didn't know then, exactly," Sonja responded, a tear escaping down her cheek. "But yes, we did. We're married. We have two kids."
"Oh," she whispered, her mouth hanging slightly open.
"I have a damn good feeling Livingston is in on this," Sonja pushed, walking closer. "He's clever enough to pull this off but not that clever. I know he must have someone or some people working with him. I'm hoping you can give me some names."
"Well, I," she stammered, slightly dazed, "I don't know all of his henchmen by name. I barely had any contact with him in the prison."
"Did you see him making phone calls? Writing letters? Pulling guys to the side or anything?"
"His contact with the outside world was strictly limited," she replied. "I do recall knowing that he could not make phone calls or write letters. He was allowed visitation hours, though."
"Okay. Do you know if he had any visitors?"
"I think he did, but I don't know who. I'm sorry."
"To evade detection he must have drove to New Orleans," Sonja mused. "He either had someone helping him get there or he had someone waiting there. He was a business man, he must have had connections all over the world, correct?"
"Yes, that's true," Jan nodded with a sigh.
"Then help me comb through his social network. Does he know anyone in New Orleans?"
"Oh God, I don't know," she puzzled, her trembling fingers touching her lip. "I'm sure there's someone. Especially if Lawrence has been planning this grand escape for ten years."
"Think, Jan. Please. If you care about LaSalle as much as I think you did, then help me find him!"
"I'm trying, I'm trying!" she shrieked, face anguished.
Sonja heard a pair of footsteps approaching the door.
"Honey," Ivan knocked, "Are you guys okay? Do you want to come in?"
Jan was silently contemplating her options as Sonja looked on, her teeth digging into her lip.
"No. No, darling. We're fine," she responded, eyes deadlocked with Sonja's.
"You sure?" he asked, voice laced with concern.
"Yes. However, could you bring me my old photo album? There's something I want to look at that may be helpful."
"Okay!"
The women eagerly waited for her husband's return. Ivan produced the requested photo album less than five minutes later and left them to their own devices.
"Why did you need this?" Sonja asked. "Did you remember someone Livingston works with?"
"Yes, but the thing is, Lawrence doesn't work with him. He's never conducted business of any kind with the man."
"What man? Who?"
Jan quickly flipped through the photo album until she stopped on a page that held a Polaroid of a younger Lawrence Livingston and a mystery man. They were grinning, arms wrapped around one another.
"Him," she directed, pointing to the man. "This is Lawrence's cousin. They only met in person probably twice in their whole lives. He lived in New Orleans last time I checked, which was about twenty years ago. I have no idea if he's still there or why he would help Lawrence abduct your husband."
"Name? Occupation?" Sonja questioned, pulling out a notepad and pen.
"Charlie Jameson. He owned an auto-body shop. Again, I can't guarantee if the shop is still there or if he's there."
"Do you know the address of the shop?"
"Oh, no. I'm afraid not. I'm sorry," Jan replied. "I never met him. I don't know anything about him."
"Okay, this is good. I can work with this," Sonja mumbled to herself, observing the list she created on her notepad. "I need to get this to the lab. Do you have anything else?"
"No, as far as I know that would be Lawrence's only soul connection to the area. I apologize I can't be more helpful. I also apologize for yelling at you," Jan stated regretfully, with a weak smile. "When my past catches up with me I tend to become quite erratic. I worked hard at creating the life I have now and I just don't want it to stop. It's not your fault I ended up where I am. I know where the blame lies."
"No need to apologize," Sonja returned the smile. "I know how strange all of this must be. I don't want to take anything away from you. All I want is my husband back."
"Here," Jan slipped the photograph out from behind its protective covering, and placed it in Sonja's hand. "I sincerely hope this helps bring your husband home. He's a good man who doesn't deserve what Lawrence has done. Your family is in my prayers."
"Thank you," Sonja sniffled, gripping the photo. "I hope you rest easy knowing Livingston is going to be off the streets for good, and you helped make it happen."
"No, thank you. I wish you good luck, Sonja. Goodbye and see you around."
Sonja patted the woman's arm and laughed, turning away and casting a glance over her shoulder.
"Goodbye Jan, and hopefully you won't."
…
"Sebastian! You won't believe it, but I finally got a lead. I can't wait to tell you!"
"Well, that's a coincidence because I have quite the lead too," he replied excitedly. "How did everything go with the ex-Mrs. Livingston? Is she a suspect?"
"No, she's innocent. She answered all my questions. How about you tell me your lead first?"
Almost two hours had passed since Sonja amicably departed from Jan's house and packed her bags to return home. As she was waiting to board the flight, she couldn't help but update the team with new information and check on the progress of the case.
"Apparently when the prison manager went to interview the guards, one of the guys started to look shifty and split! He was taken into custody moments after. To make a long story short, the dude admitted to working with Livingston with the promise of wiring some cash. The agreement was concocted nearly a year ago, but it turned out taking a long time to get the ball rolling. Livingston didn't hold up on the end of his deal, either. The cash never came through. Nonetheless, we aren't crazy Sonja! This is really happening. Livingston definitely took Chris. We have confirmation."
"Wow," she whispered in disbelief. "I'm speechless. This has been in the works for a year…"
"Yeah, as far as we know. It's hard to say if Livingston planned this from the get-go. But hey, this is the news we've been waiting for! What about your lead? What did you find?"
"Well, I thought I was sure of who is working with Livingston until you told me all of this," Sonja responded in confusion. "How was the guard working with Livingston, exactly? What information was he giving him?"
"He said he was communicating with someone on the outside for him. He hasn't given up the name yet, he's still interrogation."
Sonja nearly jumped.
"I have the name," she spat, grasping the paper attached to the photograph in her hand. "Charlie Jameson. He's an auto-body shop owner in New Orleans."
"Wait- what? What does any auto-body shop owner have to do with this?"
"He's Livingston's cousin," Sonja explained. "He's the only connection Livingston has to New Orleans that Jan can think of."
"Do you have an address?"
"No. All I have is a name. Please tell me you can work with that."
"Of course," he replied, voice certain. "Between me and Patton we can make anything happen!"
"Good. I'm about to get on the plane. Expect me at Pride's house soon, I need everyone to reconvene there. I'll text you when I land."
"Alright, Sonja. We'll be here."
…
It was late afternoon by the time Sonja arrived in New Orleans and made her way to Pride's house. She spent a good while with the children who had missed her deeply, until Meredith Brody took them into the backyard to play. Patton, Sebastian, Gregorio and Pride reunited with Sonja in the living room.
"Did Hill know I was gone? Did he come by the house?" she asked, glancing at all the familiar faces.
"He came by to check on you," Pride sighed, methodically rubbing his chin. "I told him you were getting some sleep in the guest room. He left shortly after that."
"Thank God," Sonja breathed, collapsing onto the couch.
"I'm glad to hear you and Mrs. Livingston departed on good terms," Gregorio nodded. "The information she gave you is gonna solve this whole thing, I know it."
"For sure. Sebastian sent the FBI the name you provided us and results should be coming in soon," Patton added.
"Yeah, speaking of soon," Sebastian announced, lifting his eyes from his cell phone, "I just got a message from director Hill. They tracked down the auto-body shop twenty miles from headquarters. The owner and management name is under a 'Charlie Jameson'. They're about to send a team to check it out."
"What if Livingston is there and they spook him? He can't get away!" Sonja reacted, launching upward from her seat. "They have to be careful about this."
"They will proceed with caution, I promise you," Pride soothed, taking her by the shoulders. "They wouldn't put Christopher's life in jeopardy."
"How about if they wait till nightfall? There'd be more coverage," Gregorio suggested.
"There's just not enough time," Patton conjectured. "If they don't go now it may be too late."
"Don't say that, please," said Sebastian. "We need LaSalle to hold on for a little while longer…"
"Come on, gang. Take a breather," Pride insisted, coaxing the group to sit down. "We're gonna play this smart and take it step by step, okay? All we need to do is be patient and wait to see what the team comes up with. If it looks like Christopher is there we'll make a move. Deal?"
They reluctantly nodded in agreement, gathered around Sebastian's phone for any further messages. An hour agonizingly passed, and Sonja was about to lose all morals and kick down the door, when a text message arose on the screen. Sebastian scooped up the phone and clicked the icon as the team crowded around him for answers. He gaped at the device for nearly two minutes.
"Oh. Oh my God," he babbled, almost unaware.
"For Christ Sake Sebastian, spit it out. What's going on?" Gregorio snapped, giving him a shove.
"Did they find LaSalle? Come on man, fess up!" Patton shouted.
"Sebastian? Do ya hear me? You need to tell everyone what's going on before the team ends up tearing apart my house. Okay, son?" Pride encouraged, stooping down in an attempt to create eye contact.
"Hey," Sonja spoke, causing the group to look in her direction. Sebastian even tore his eyes away from the phone at the command of her voice.
"Tell me now," she continued, voice steady. "I'm ready to know."
"They, uh," Sebastian began, clearing his throat, "They went to investigate the shop and found a truck covered with a tarp in the backyard. It's LaSalle's truck. His badge and gun were found lying on the floorboard."
The room fell silent, eyes watching.
"Hill said it looked like there had been a struggle. There was blood on the steering wheel, headrest of the driver's seat, and on the dashboard. They're going to send the samples over to me for DNA testing."
"And?" Sonja whispered, her body going cold.
"They're moving in," Sebastian replied, his eyes glossy. "Hill gave his team the green light. They're going in for LaSalle."
To be continued…
Post A/N:
Okay, WOW. What a chapter. I hope I didn't lose any of you with such a long wait on updating, but it's so challenging to find a time to write when you're a college student! To make up for it, I took my time perfecting this and making it the longest update ever. What did you guys think? The flashbacks are killing me, to be honest. Everything is so freaking emotional! (Insert crying face here). I also think it's cool on the actual show Gregorio is now a part of the team and LaSalle had a day to be the boss when Pride was away on the oil rig! How cool. Are the writers stealing my material...? I hope you guys like this futuristic version of the team I have concocted. It's been really fun. Look forward to the third andfinal chapter of this series very soon! Its bitter sweet to be wrapping up the 'Mr. and Mrs. Matthews' saga, but don't worry, I'm definitely planning to start anew! Please leave me a review and/or message me with any questions or prompts you guys would like to read about. I'm willing to take Percy and LaSalle on plenty of journeys. I appreciate all of your support! You guys are the reason I keep writing- so thank you.
Now that we know where LaSalle is and who has him…. Will he be found dead or alive?