Disclaimer: I do not own Person of Interest or its characters. If I did, this story would be completely unnecessary.
A/N: Another big thank you to my amazing reviewers. You inspire me to keep writing this story. This turned out a little shorter than I had planned but it was a good stopping point. I'm not sure when I'll get the next chapter up. Maybe by midweek. Hope you enjoy!
Chapter 7
December 8, 2013
Joss cautiously climbed out of bed for the first time since being under Elias's care. Her muscles screamed in protest as she stood and slowly crept across the room. She went to the closet and was surprised to find some of her own clothing. Knowing Elias had someone break into her home only made her angrier at the situation. For now, she was at Elias's mercy.
Carefully, she thumbed through blazers, pants, and sweaters. She selected a navy cable knit sweater and jeans. Unfortunately, she underestimated the difficulty of changing clothes with her arm in a sling. One arm was out of the sleeve of her tee-shirt before she realized this was not a one person job. Snorting in frustration, she almost didn't hear the door open.
"Whoa, Detective. I didn't expect to see you out of bed." Joss whirled around and scowled at Marconi as he made a show of covering his eyes. "Just came to give you your prescriptions I picked up yesterday, but it looks like you are kind of hung up there. I'd be happy to give you a hand getting out of that shirt, Detective" Marconi said cheekily.
"Out, right now!"
"As you wish." Marconi made an exaggerated bow and backed out of the room, shutting the door behind him. Joss flopped onto the bed and stared at the ceiling. Thankfully, a few minutes later, the blond nurse arrived, helping Carter untangle herself and re-dress. Carter then settled in the chair next to the bed, pulling a patchwork quilt tightly around her to ward off the cold. She reached for the two day old paper on the nightstand and distractedly paged through it. The headline read: Still No leads on HR's Number Two, Patrick Simmons. Placing the paper down in frustration, Carter stared out the window. The sky was overcast, tinging the outside world with gray. Pondering her next move, Carter didn't realize how long she had been in the same position until the door opened for the third time today. The room had grown dim and she squinted as her visitor turned on a lamp.
Elias stalked into the room and seated himself in a desk chair facing Carter. "I'm glad to see you up and about, Detective. Things are developing quickly. We need to have a chat but are somewhat pressed for time. I suggest you grab a coat. We are going for a little ride and there is quite a chill in the air this evening."
John had been at his post across from Elias's safe house in Brighton Beach for almost 36 hours with no movement. When he returned after seeing Dr. Tillman, John noted that Fusco was acting stranger than usual. The Man in the Suit, however, had more pressing matters than the homicide detective's odd behavior. He sent Lionel to pick up Taylor and Lee for an extended weekend out of town. Lionel called to confirm that Paul Carter agreed to let Taylor go. He thought it would be good for his son to get out of the city, especially after he discovered Taylor had gone home alone to sort through his mother's things.
Refocusing his infrared binoculars, John detected movement in the side alley next to the townhouse. Headlights flashed, spotlighting large, fluffy snowflakes. A black SUV pulled onto the street and John caught a glimpse of the front seat passenger, Elias. Immediately, John raced from his perch in the second story of the abandoned house to his waiting Ducati. Being careful to maintain a safe distance, John followed the SUV as it made its way back to the city. As they traveled the city streets, John recognized Elias's destination. One of his favorite meeting spots—the same deserted locale where John asked for Elias's help with Leila a lifetime ago. John ditched his Ducati and continued on foot. He couldn't risk being heard as he approached.
As the SUV slowed, Joss noticed a black sedan parked across the lot. Its lights flickered in greeting. Elias twisted in his seat to look at Joss. "Well, Detective, I would say this repays all debts and leaves no ties between us. With HR and the Russians neutralized, I can put my plans for this city back into action. I won't let anyone stand in my way, not even you or John."
"I'm glad we're clear because I will be trying to stop you at every turn."
Elias paused and smiled, "Before we part ways, Detective, I must ask if you would like to make our alliance a more permanent arrangement. I could use someone with your talent in my organization."
"Do I need to dignify that with an answer?" Joss retorted.
"I guess not. I made John the same offer before my unfortunate time in Rikers with much the same reply. Now I must ask, Detective, that you remain in the car, while Tony and I make the initial contact with our friends. I wouldn't want any unexpected visitors to put you at risk after I went to all of this trouble to keep you alive." Elias sighed and said just loud enough for Joss to hear "If only you had let me eliminate Patrick Simmons, all of this unpleasantness could have been avoided." With his last remark, Elias exited the front passenger seat while Marconi opened the driver's side door. Joss leaned between the front two seats to watch the other car. Elias had been mysterious about who was coming. Joss suspected it might be Fusco, but she had to admit that deep down she hoped to see another person exit the town car.
Finch and Shaw exited the sedan and stood facing Elias and Marconi. Shaw's hand rested securely on her gun. Elias stepped forward, arms outstretched "Harold, it has been much too long. How are you my friend?"
Harold stepped slightly towards Elias. "You said you have information for me about Jo Taylor. I agreed to your meeting terms so what do you know?"
"So no catching up, Harold? Straight to business then. Tony, if you will?" Elias gestured to the car and Marconi went to the backseat passenger door. Shaw drew her gun, not trusting Marconi, especially with Finch so exposed.
Marconi opened the door and Joss Carter gingerly exited the vehicle, stepping into view. Harold sharply breathed in and heard Shaw's shocked "What the hell?" Joss began to walk forward when Marconi grabbed her arm. Shaw raised her gun poised to shoot him.
Joss turned to face Marconi. "You know, Detective, we can protect you until Simmons is caught. You don't have to trust your safety to them." Marconi inclined his head towards Harold and Shaw. Joss stared at him incredulously and was stunned at what she saw. Marconi's eyes showed genuine concern. Before Joss could respond, she heard the crunching of gravel, signaling the approach of an uninvited guest.
"Get your hands off of her, Scarface. If you touch her again, I'll put a bullet in your head." Joss turned to see John walking towards them, his gun pointed at Marconi.
"John," Joss called, trying to diffuse the situation. John didn't take his eyes off of Marconi. Looking at John, Joss was stunned at his appearance. To the untrained eye, he looked like the professional killer he had once been, however, Joss Carter knew this man. She could see the emotional turmoil in his eyes and the physical toll his injuries had taken. His pace was slightly slower than usual and she could detect he was favoring his right side.
Without breaking his stare with Marconi, John said "Joss, please just get in the car." Joss started to protest, but he suddenly turned his ice blue gaze on her. The words died on her lips and she slowly made her way to the town car. As she passed Finch, she placed her hand on his arm, squeezing reassuringly. She slipped her hand into his camel hair overcoat, quietly taking his phone. Shaw raised an eyebrow at Carter in an unspoken question: Do you want me to intervene with Reese? Carter slightly shook her head "No" and got into the passenger side of the sedan. John slowly backed up, gun still trained on Marconi and Elias. Without saying a word, he slipped into the driver's seat, put the car in reverse and pulled away.
Elias broke the stunned silence. "Well, it's been fun. Harold you know how to reach me if you want to reconvene our chess game." Marconi and Elias got into the SUV and pulled away, leaving Finch and Shaw in the dark as snowflakes fell steadily from the sky.
"Ms. Shaw, do you have your phone?"
"Yeah, Finch. Why?"
"Unless, you want to walk back, I suggest we call for a cab."
