I'm so sorry it took me so long to get out a new chapter. My holiday stories took longer than I thought and I was super inspired to write Shassie for awhile. Real life kept interfering as well. But here it is, the next chapter. I hope some of the hints about Shawn's past help make up for the wait.

Enjoy.

Shawn looked around the room, wondering how long they were going to keep him in here. It had been over an hour already since Lassiter's 'interrogation' and he hadn't seen anyone since. They were probably trying to figure out what to do with him while the FBI finagled his release. At least it was better than being shoved into a holding cell with the other criminals.

He wondered if he could thank Lassiter for that. The detective had been less antagonistic towards him ever since he had found Marlowe in that trash compactor on their wedding day. It was part of what had led Shawn to say more than he had originally planned to during their talk. Also, the man had had a point; Lassiter had deserved some answers, about the psychic thing at least. Though he didn't think the detective was going to stop there. The little Shawn had said about his time as an agent had seemed only to spark Lassiter's curiosity. He would have to be careful if he didn't want Lassiter to find out the truth.

He glanced down at the table. His badge was sitting there, reminding him of another time, another person he would rather forget. He picked it up, running his fingers over the cool metal. When he had first gotten it, he had thought about telling his dad. Finally, he had done something he knew Henry would be proud of. Though with the way things had turned out, it was better that he hadn't said anything.

He threw the badge back on the table, running a hand through his hair. He wondered how long it would take his dad to find out this time. Henry had probably already heard he had been arrested. He supposed it really depended on how much of the station knew he had once been, well, technically still was, an agent.

He looked up as the door opened, admitting Chief Vick. She crossed over to the table and stopped in front of him. "Mr. Spencer."

"Chief," he said with a nod. He leaned back in the chair, crossing his arms over his chest. "What brings you down here to the dungeons?"

Vick sighed and sat down in the chair across from him. "The FBI want to make you a deal."

"Let me guess. I agree to help them with the case and those pesky fraud charges magically disappear."

She nodded. "They're working on it as we speak. Agent McKenna seems pretty confident you'll take the deal."

Shawn smiled wryly. "It's not like it's much of a choice. I'm not very keen on the idea of going to jail."

"Before you accept, I have to warn you this case is more serious than anything you've helped the department with before," Vick said. "These are some dangerous people we are going up against and I can't guarantee your safety."

"I'm sure I've seen worse," Shawn said, remembering the last case he had helped the FBI with.

Vick studied him for a moment before nodding. "I suppose so."

"What happens after? Once the case is done?" Shawn asked.

Vick looked at him sadly. "You still lied to the department for seven years. Even if we don't formally press charges, I can't ignore that fact."

Shawn sighed. He had guessed as much. "Yeah, I know." He stood and walked around the table. "Well, let's get this show on the road."

"Aren't you forgetting something?" Vick picked up his badge and handed it to him.

He looked at it, feeling the weight of it in his hand. He didn't want to be sucked back into that life again, but once again, he had no choice. He shoved the badge into his pocket. "Thanks."

He followed the Chief up from interrogation to her office. Along the way, he noticed several officers staring at him. Some looked at him with pity, others with anger. Clearly, news of why he had been arrested had leaked.

Everyone turned when they entered the office. They were arranged similar to how they had been when he was spying on them from the ceiling a few hours ago. Juliet and Lassiter were sitting in chairs to the left; the two agents were standing off to the right. An empty chair stood in the middle.

Lassiter didn't look thrilled, though some of his usual hostility was missing. Juliet kept her expression blank, though there was a coldness to her eyes that made Shawn's heart ache. The two agents looked at him as well; McKenna smugly and Stretch with open excitement. Only one person seemed to be missing. "Where's Gus?" he asked.

"Mr. Guster is a civilian and is not needed on this case," McKenna said.

"Well, I'm not working the case without him," Shawn said, crossing his arms.

"If you don't cooperate, I can send you back to jail," McKenna warned.

"If you want my help, Gus is a part of this," Shawn said firmly.

After a tense moment of silence, McKenna nodded. "Fine. Agent Matthews, go collect the consultant."

Shawn raised an eyebrow, surprised his bluff had worked. They must really want his help if they were willing to let him have Gus that easily.

His friend must have been waiting right outside the door, because Stretch returned with him within seconds.

"Shawn!" Gus quickly crossed the room and pulled him into a tight hug. "I thought I was never going to see you again."

"Dude, I can't breathe!" Shawn gasped. Gus let him go but continued to hover uncomfortably close. He ignored Lassiter's snicker as he tried to catch his breath. "I've only been locked up for a few hours."

"It felt much longer on this side of the bars," Gus said, sounding perilously close to tears.

"But you were the one free," Stretch said in confusion.

"Gus, I'm fine," Shawn said quickly, hoping to head off the waterworks before they started. "Don't turn this into the time we watched Up."

"You cried during a children's film?" Lassiter asked derisively.

"The man was mourning the lost opportunities with his dead wife," Gus said defensively. "Shawn was crying too."

"I told you, I had something in my eye," Shawn said. Admittedly, the movie had been pretty depressing for a children's film, and his eyes had gotten a bit watery, but he had not cried. He was regretting even bringing it up, though it had distracted Gus from causing a scene.

"Sure, Shawn," Gus said with a smirk. He looked around at everyone gather in the office. "So what's going on? Are they letting you go?"

"Not exactly," Shawn said. "The FBI need our help on a case."

"They need Spencer's help," Lassiter corrected. "He just threw a fit until you were included as well." Juliet gave an exasperated sigh. "What?" he asked defensively. "It's true."

"I'm sure your help will be valuable, Gus," Juliet said. Shawn had to admire, however reluctantly, the way she could look at Gus standing next to him and not let her gaze flicker once over to him. "Right, Agent McKenna?" she asked, turning to his old partner.

McKenna looked over at him and Gus with a smirk. "If you can help keep Spencer in line, you're more than worth it."

"Don't count on it," Lassiter muttered.

"You guys, I'm standing right here," Shawn complained. He thought he saw a flicker of amusement in Juliet's eyes, but it was gone when he turned to look at her. "Now that we've got the 'pick on Shawn' segment out of the way, could someone fill me and Gus in on the case?" He sat down in one of the open seats in front of Vick's desk, Gus standing next to him.

"Lassiter?" Vick asked, gesturing towards her head detective.

Lassiter cleared his throat, his expression serious as he turned to look at Shawn. "The Lobos are the biggest crime organization in Santa Barbara County. They have a hand in all drug trafficking in and around the city. Their leader, Carlos Hernandez, has connections with the Mexican cartels and uses them to get the drugs he needs. He runs a tight ship and keeps his people in line. Most of the other groups in the area know better than to tangle with them. It kept things relatively peaceful." He said that last word like it was distasteful, as if crime and peaceful should never be associated with each other. "That changed about three weeks ago when the first body appeared."

"There have been four victims so far, all displayed in prominent areas of the city," Juliet said. Shawn met her eyes for a second, disturbed by the haunted look the memory of those bodies gave her, before she looked away. "We think someone is trying to move in on the Lobos operations and these bodies are a warning to clear out."

"Some warning," Gus muttered.

"Why bring the feds in?" Shawn asked. Gang wars were serious, but not necessarily something the FBI would become involved in. He glanced over at McKenna with a sudden sinking feeling. Unless this was something bigger than just a gang dispute.

Lassiter glanced at McKenna as well. The agent unfolded his arms, passing Shawn a file. "This should answer your question."

With a feeling of trepidation, he opened the file. Gus, looking over his shoulder, immediately turned away, gagging at the gruesome pictures of the victim's body. Shawn could sympathize; he had seen bodies like these in person before and it was still hard to look at. He sighed and looked up at McKenna. It made sense now why the agent had been so eager to get him to help on the case. "The Fathers."

Gus looked at him sharply. His friend knew enough about his time as an agent to know this was bad news.

McKenna nodded. "'Fraid so." He nodded at Gus. "How much did you tell him?"

Shawn shrugged, noticing the curious stares from the detectives in the room. "Some, but not everything."

McKenna moved until he was standing in front of them, leaning against the edge of Vick's desk.

"What do you know about the Tre Padris?" he asked Gus.

Gus squared his shoulders, going into what Shawn liked to call his 'lecturing pose.' "They were formed in Chicago in the 1920s by the heads of three Italian families: the Rossis, the Romanos, and the Contis. Originally, it was to protect their respective families from the crime happening in their neighborhood. They soon became criminals themselves, pushing out the nearby gangs and eventually taking over the city. They spread from there until the Fathers had a presence in most major cities. They were practically untouchable for decades, too powerful for even the government to go after." He glanced sideways at Shawn. "Until about twelve years ago."

McKenna smiled. "Yes, that's when we finally managed to strike a decisive blow against them. One raid and we took down nearly the entire Conti family. We couldn't have done it without the help of an annoying, interfering civilian." He nodded his head at Shawn.

Shawn shifted uncomfortably in his seat as Lassiter and Juliet looked at him in surprise and shock. Vick just nodded slowly, as if this confirmed something she had already suspected.

"That's the 'typical case' you were involved in?" Lassiter asked incredulously. "I don't believe it."

"It's not that big a deal," Shawn protested.

"Yes it is," Stretch insisted. "You have been an inspiration to incoming agents for the last decade. An unknown civilian who struck a blow against the biggest crime syndicate in America and became one of the most unorthodox field agent in department history. Everyone knows about you."

"Great, just what Spencer needs; another fan," Lassiter groused. Shawn agreed with him. He didn't like the idea of being touted as a hero to all those agents. He wasn't a hero; he had been angry and out looking for revenge. Hardly virtuous traits and something he would rather forget.

McKenna was looking at him curiously, probably confused by his attempt to avoid the spotlight for once. Thankfully, he chose to move on with the discussion. "The Fathers were in disarray for years after Chicago. Eventually, the Rossi family rose as the dominant power in the group, thanks to their patriarch Roberto." Shawn remembered hearing about him, always in a respectful and slightly fearful tone. "Roberto stepped down last year, leaving his son Marco in charge. His reputation is almost as bad as his father's. Since then, the Fathers have been expanding at a fast pace, moving into more and more cities. We believe they are doing the same here in Santa Barbara."

"Why? Surely they have bigger targets than some small time drug smuggling," Shawn pointed out.

"We believe there is something else they are after," Vick said. "Something they can only accomplish in Santa Barbara."

"Marco sent his brother, Sal, to head up the operation," McKenna added. Shawn let out a low whistle. That was like sending in the cavalry to rescue Timmy from the well. This operation must be important to rate the second in command of the Fathers. It was also more bad news; Sal was known for being extremely brutal with his dealings. He was surprised more bodies hadn't appeared.

"We need to know what Sal is planning before we can make a move. He's been dodging the law for a long time now, so we need to make sure we have enough to make it stick." McKenna looked at Shawn. "To do that, we need someone on the inside."

Shawn could see where McKenna was going with this. "I'm not going back undercover."

McKenna raised an eyebrow. "Would you rather go to jail?"

Shawn shook his head. "I'll help with the case, let you know if I have any insights. That's it."

McKenna studied him for a moment, then reached over and grabbed a file off Vick's desk. "Take a look at this."

Shawn took the file warily. "What is it?"

"A partial list of Sal's entourage. See if you recognize anyone."

Shawn looked quickly through the file. Most of the people he hadn't met in person, or only knew by reputation. He grinned slightly at Sadie's picture. She had taught him a few tricks last time they met. The girl certainly knew her way around a knife.

His smile disappeared when he flipped to the next person. He instantly recognized that face; it had haunted his dreams for years. His head snapped up, uttering the name with a low growl. "Sage."

Vick and Juliet looked surprised at the anger in his voice. Lassiter seemed surprised as well, but also thoughtful, another clue to his past Shawn was sure he would puzzle over.

McKenna nodded slowly. "I thought that might get your attention."

He looked back down at the file, hands shaking slightly as he gazed at that smirking face. After all these years, he didn't think he would ever cross paths with that man again. Least of all back in his home town.

He felt a tentative touch on his shoulder. Turning, he looked up into the worried eyes of his best friend. "Can I talk to you for a minute? Privately?" Without waiting for an answer, Gus pulled him up out of the chair, nodding apologetically to everyone as he dragged Shawn across the room. They passed McNab in the doorway, holding a piece of paper and looking at them in confusion. Shawn flashed him a smile before Gus shut the door in his face.

Gus let him go once they found a secluded corner to talk in. Shawn crossed his arms as he turned to face him. "That was a little rude. Makes you a bit of a hypocrite for yelling at me for entering the Chief's office before knocking."

"I don't think you should take this case," Gus said bluntly.

Shawn snorted. "Would you rather I go to jail? I don't really have a choice."

"Then just advise like you said. Don't go undercover," Gus said.

"I never said I would do it," Shawn pointed out.

Gus gave him a look. "I know you Shawn. You're going to do whatever you have to to get this guy and that is what worries me."

"I can handle it," Shawn assured him.

"That's what you said last time." Gus shook his head. "If I hadn't been there. . ."

"Exactly," Shawn said. "You here now and you can make sure I don't get in too deep this time." Make sure I don't go too far he knew they were both thinking.

"Shawn," Gus said.

He interrupted him. "I have to do this, Gus," he said, looking at him seriously.

His friend sighed. "Yeah, I know."

"You gonna help me with this?" Shawn asked.

"Do you really have to ask?" Gus held out his fist and Shawn bumped his against it with a grin.

"Let's get back in there, find out what the game plan is." Gus nodded and Shawn led the way back to Vick's were about to enter when a voice shouted across the station.

"Shawn!"

He sighed heavily. He knew it would only be a matter of time until his dad showed up. He turned to face his father, arms crossing defensively over his chest. "Dad."

Henry stopped in front of him. "I thought you were arrested."

"Well, you shouldn't believe everything you hear," Shawn said. "You taught me that."

"Karen called me," Henry said, crossing his own arms.

"What did she tell you?" Shawn asked nervously. He hoped the Chief hadn't mentioned anything about his FBI past. Being busted for the psychic schtik was bad enough; he didn't want to imagine the lecture he would be in for if his dad ever found out he was an agent.

"She said some evidence came to light concerning your 'abilities'." A look of suspicion crossed Henry's face. "Is there anything else she should have mentioned?" He glanced over at Gus, who quickly turned away.

Shawn hid a sigh, hoping Gus's actions wouldn't make his dad too suspicious. Gus never could lie to Henry. "Nope, that pretty much sums it up. Luckily, the FBI is willing to offer me a deal if I help them on a case."

Henry's eyes narrowed. "What kind of case?"

"I can't go into details," Shawn said evasively. "Top secret FBI stuff." His dad would be pissed if he knew what he was getting into. Going up against the mob was not exactly safe and Henry would do everything he could to talk him out of it.

McNab opened the office door, looking surprised to see the group standing there. "Shawn, Gus. The Chief is looking for two." He nodded politely at Henry. "Mr. Spencer."

"Looks like we'll have to continue this later," Shawn said with some relief. "Wouldn't want to keep Vick waiting." McNab stepped out of the way so Shawn and Gus could enter the office. He could feel his father's stare until the door shut behind them.

"We have another body," Vick said. "It was found staked out in the middle of an abandoned lot next to the construction site downtown. Based on the reports from the officers on scene it looks like another message from the Fathers."

Shawn frowned. That was a pretty busy area. The body had to have been put there recently, within the last hour or so.

"How are we running this?" Vick asked, looking at McKenna.

The agent thought for a moment. "We know the Fathers, but you know both the Lobos and the area. I think it would be best if you took lead of the investigation until the time we have enough intel to make a move against them."

Vick looked slightly surprised she was being allowed that level of control but accepted gracefully. "Very well. I'll make sure any information gathered is shared among all parties involved. I don't want something missed because someone didn't have the relevant information."

There was respect in McKenna's eyes as he nodded. "Yes ma'am."

Vick turned to address the group as a whole. "I want to keep Mr. Spencer's change in status a secret for now. Since Detective Lassiter made sure the majority of the station knew of Spencer's arrest," she threw a look at her Head Detective, who shifted uncomfortable, "we will be going with the story that the arrest was premature and the charges were dropped."

"Chief!" Lassiter exclaimed in protest. He subsided under the force of her glare.

"No one outside this office is to know of Spencer's association with the FBI. He is consulting the department on a case, nothing else. Do I make myself clear?" She looked everyone in the eyes, even the agents. McKenna looked amused but he nodded along with everyone else.

"I'd like all of you to check this site over, see what you can find. We'll meet back here tomorrow morning to discuss how we want to proceed with this case." Knowing a dismissal when they heard one, they headed for the door.

"And Spencer?" Shawn turned back as everyone filed out of the office. "Don't make me regret giving you this chance."

"You won't," Shawn promised. Vick must have seen something in his face that convinced her of his seriousness. She raised an eyebrow but simply nodded and waved him out.

His dad was still waiting for him when he exited the office. "Shawn, we need to talk."

"Not now, dad," he said, hurrying to catch up with the others.

Henry grabbed his arm, pulling him to a stop. "Why did the FBI offer you that deal?"

"They wanted my help and I couldn't exactly do that if I was in jail," Shawn said dryly.

"But why do they want your help?" Henry pressed.

"Maybe because I'm good at what I do, however it is I do it," Shawn said sourly, stung by his father's remark.

"And that's the only reason?" Henry asked.

"Spencer!" McKenna was standing near the entrance, waiting for him impatiently. Everyone else were already out of sight. "Let's go!"

"You heard him, dad. Got to run." He patted his father on the shoulder and took off, ignoring the shouts following him.

McKenna chuckled as they headed out of the station. "I take it you never told him?"

Shawn snorted. "I'm still alive, right? He would have killed me if he found out I joined and quit without telling him."

"You didn't exactly quit," McKenna pointed out.

"Close enough." Shawn glanced at his former partner when they reached the bottom of the stairs. "Look, I'd appreciate it if you didn't tell anyone about my time at the bureau beyond what they need to know for the case."

McKenna raised an eyebrow. "After what happened today, you still want to keep secrets?"

"I'll tell them eventually," Shawn said, though with little conviction. He had not real intention of telling anyone anything if he could avoid it.

McKenna shook his head. "Fine. I'll keep my mouth shut."

Shawn grinned at him. "Thanks M&M."

McKenna groaned. "Don't you start that again. If you do, I'll tell everyone what happened during that first knife fight with Sadie."

Shawn's eyes widened. "You wouldn't." The grin on the agent's face was not comforting him.

"Keep calling me that name and find out," McKenna said.

Shawn decided that was one chance he was unwilling to take. He was sure he could find another nickname for the agent. "All right, I won't call you that anymore."

"Good." McKenna put on a pair of sunglasses and walked over to where Stretch was waiting in the car. "See you at the crime scene."

Shawn watched the agents leave before heading over to the Blueberry. "Everyone left already. What took you so long?" Gus asked when he climbed in.

"My dad was still hanging around," Shawn said with a sigh.

"He's going to keep pestering you until he finds out what's going on," Gus said as he pulled out of the lot.

"And I'm going to keep avoiding him as long as I can," Shawn said.

Gus looked at him doubtfully. "That won't work forever."

"It just has to work long enough to finish this case, then we can run off to Mexico," Shawn said.

Gus shook his head sadly. "So that's it? Once this case is done, you're going to take off?"

"Maybe." Juliet was mad at him for lying, probably to the point she would break up with him for good this time; he had screwed up the only job he had ever enjoyed doing, and his dad would make his life a living hell once he found out the truth. Besides Gus, once this case was done, there wouldn't be much keeping him here.

Shawn sighed and looked out the window as the city passed by. How the hell had his life fallen apart so quickly?

I'll try to get another update out soon, but I have three other stories I need to update first, along with a couple side projects and a big project due June 1st. After that I should be able to update somewhat regularly.