Chapter 2

It had been quite the hectic day for the Kanto Police Force. Hectic, but very, very successful. They had succeeded in taking down the largest criminal base in the history of the world. Team Rocket was no more. A handsome lavender haired Officer was just finishing up his written record for the day; each officer had to write a report on the day's events any time something major like this occurred. He worked for the major crimes unit, in which they kept very thorough and complete records of every crime or criminal takedown. When completed, he quickly filed it away and began gathering his personal belongings, preparing to head home for the evening. He chucked inwardly a little, considering he used to work for that horrendous organization. Sometimes he wondered what would have happened if he hadn't gotten away. He escaped from the base in Unova and fled back to Kanto approximately 4 years ago and had somehow managed to land a job as an officer in the Kanto Police Force Major Crimes Unit.

A knock at his office door broke his thoughts.

He rose from his seat and opened it. His boss, Lieutenant Kadie Johnson was outside with a small stack of folders in her hands. "Officer Morgan, here are the files on the captives that Giovanni had in his possession. We have full statements and medical exam reports on all three. Could you please review the files and see to it that the evidence presented here will be enough to convict those named in court? You're the best in the business, if anyone can do it, you can. If you can get them back to me by tomorrow afternoon, I'd appreciate it. I know that's asking a lot considering it looks like you are just about to leave, but it's important." She smiled and then left the office.

James Morgan sighed and sat back down at his desk. At least overtime pay was good. He'd already put in 12 hours today alone, and would likely put in more by the time he finished reviewing these files. He went over the first file, vaguely recognizing the name of the person, a young man who likely failed training and ended up as one of Giovanni's puppets. Everything he saw was enough to prosecute for unlawful detainment and kidnapping. He didn't think any further information was needed. He set that file aside and picked up the next. He opened the cover of the manila folder and almost dropped it when he read the name at the inside left cover.

Jessica Tonaka.

He did a double take, not believing what he was reading. For the past 6 years, he had thought she was dead. He had checked every phone book, every public listing across the regions in hopes of finding her name, to no avail. He figured Giovanni had killed her, or sent her to her death somewhere. He couldn't believe he was reading her name at the top of the file. His eyes drifted to the profile on the right. It was definitely her. Faded waist length red hair. Emerald green eyes. That was definitely Jessie. He kept reading through the file, the expression on his face going from joy, to anger. Bruises and gashes. Physical, sexual and emotional abuse. Injured wrist. Unlawful detainment and kidnapping. Fury began building in his mind. This was his best friend for almost half his life, and he couldn't even fathom someone treating her this way. He read over her statement, and his insides turned at what she had endured. James remembered Viper from his training days, if he had known then…..

He shook off those thoughts, and realized that he needed to let his boss know that he couldn't work on this case due to a conflict of interest. Even though he would love to be the one to get the book thrown at Giovanni and his gang of Elites, if anyone found out his ties to Jessie, it wouldn't stand in court. James rose, took the file and walked toward Lieutenant Johnson's office. Luckily, she was still there when he knocked.

"Officer Morgan, can I help you?" She asked.

He nodded, and explained his situation. She gaped, and realized that this was the girl he occasionally talked about. His long lost friend that he was still searching for, in hopes that she was alive.

"I understand, Officer. I will reassign the case to someone else, that isn't a problem. Would you like to take some of your leave time that you have accrued over the years? I think you have a few weeks worth, seems like you've never taken any of your vacations. I can check the exact time you have tomorrow. It would all be paid leave. I was the one who interviewed Miss Tonaka this afternoon and took her statement. She was a bit reluctant to explain her situation, but she did when I told her it could be the difference between Giovanni and his gang going to jail or not. She's scared and confused, I'm sure she could use a friend. One of her concerns expressed to the hospital staff was that she didn't have any friends or family to help her, and she had nowhere to go. From my understanding, the nurse was attempting to get her a temporary room at the Kanto General Recovery Center while she figured things out. Now it all makes sense. She mentioned her partner, James. I'm not sure why I didn't connect it in my head until now. I knew you used to be a Team Rocket Agent…which has proven to be quite valuable on this takedown, I might add, so thank you…but I never connected the dots until just now. Go be with her, Officer Morgan. I will take care of things here and call you tomorrow with leave information. For now, don't worry about anything."

James thanked her profusely for her kindness and understanding, and went back to his office to collect his things. He quickly called Kanto General and asked for a room number for Jessie Tonaka. The operator informed him that she had just been transferred to the Recovery Center and was about to be transported there now. She also informed him that visiting hours at the center were 9am to 7pm. It was 7:18pm. He thanked her for her help and hung up. First thing tomorrow morning, he would go visit. He drove home from the police station, his mind full of thoughts and his heart full of emotions. He didn't know what to think.

Would she remember him? Would she even want to see him? Perhaps she blamed him for all of this mess they were in? He hoped not, though. She may have had a fiery temper, but he knew deep down inside, she was just a broken woman. And now he feared that she had been broken all the way. Her life had never been easy, this was the last thing she needed. He hoped with all his heart that he could help provide her with some comfort and stability for once in her life, if she would allow him to do so. He knew that the night would be filled with restless thoughts. When he arrived home, he showered and went to bed. Sleep eluded him at first, with thoughts of the past, both good and bad. Eventually, sleep crept up on him and he drifted into a dreamless sleep.