Chapter Seven: Another hint
Sterling flipped through the pictures that the small camera took. He stared at the well dressed man that seemed slick trying to gain Maggie's trust.
"Any idea who he is?" Nate asked.
"There are several names that are coming up for this guy. Nate, he's got at least six aliases that are coming up." Hardison looked at them.
Sterling glanced up at the TV that Hardison hacked into. He stared at the names seeing if any of them had been flagged by Interpol.
"What about bank accounts?" Nate asked.
"One for each of his aliases. His last purchase was a book from a bookstore that sells rare books, back in the States."
Sterling glanced back down at the pictures and paused for a moment. He lifted one picture up and stared at a shadowy figure that stood out of the shadows.
"Look at this," Sterling said sliding the picture to Nate.
Nate lifted the picture up.
"Maybe our ghost isn't our scarred face man of mystery." Nate passed the picture off. "Hardison, can you zoom in on the shadows and maybe get a better look at the spectator."
"I can do my best, but the picture is pretty out of focus when you get that detailed." Hardison pulled up the photos and zoomed onto the shadowy figure watching.
"This guy takes this role very seriously," Sophie mentioned. "He wants to make sure everything is right."
The image became slightly clearer, but not enough to identify the shadowy figure. Sterling flipped through the pictures again searching for another clue. He was becoming anxious to get Maggie back as time was ticking away.
"He's bound to mess up," Nate said. "We know he has people who are in debt to him, but what do these people have in common?"
"They all have some kind problem," Sophie said.
Sterling looked up and Sophie looked at everyone.
"He's asking them to do favors for him and in return he makes their problems go away, but at what cost?"
"Enough to kill," Eliot said. "Revenge."
"Why would they want revenge, Spencer?" Sterling remarked.
"Look at his clients, Sterling. Everyone on there had something to do with the law. Detective Bedeau is angry with her former police department. That Lit Major has had a case of the crazies, but deals. Our mysterious scar face guy is hiding something. The only person who hasn't is the photographer."
"Wouldn't that break form?" Parker asked.
"Unless he's Ghost," Nate said.
"No, he's not," Sterling said.
He stood up and tossed the picture on the coffee table. He grabbed the metal cane and walked towards the window.
"What is missing?" he whispered.
"Perhaps we should take a break," Sophie suggested. "Get some fresh air and look at this in a different angle."
Sterling glanced over at them; he probably looked pathetic to them. He never let this side show at all. He was tougher than that, but perhaps it was the unknown of what could happen to Maggie and the unborn child that gripped onto him tightly.
"You four can go, I want to keep looking," Nate said.
"I'll bring back something," Sophie replied.
Sterling folded his arms as he watched the others. It wasn't a surprise that Nate would stay to keep working. He smirked a little and turned back to look out the window.
"It's not your fault you know?" Nate remarked.
Sterling looked at Nate and turned to face him. Nate didn't look in his direction as he flipped through the photos. He was becoming just as eager as himself in finding Maggie. Maggie was the only reason Nate took the job and Sterling knew that. He still cared deeply for her.
"Then who's to blame?" Sterling asked.
"No one is to blame," Nate said and sat the clicker down.
Sterling pushed off the windowsill and walked to the chair he had been sitting in. He took a seat and looked at the screen.
"I swore I'd protect her from everything and I failed, that puts me in the blame."
"You're only one man, Jim. She knows and you even said she has a little protection," Nate said as he looked over. "I owe you an apology, Jim, from earlier."
Sterling slightly raised his chin and leaned back into the chair. He was impressed Nate was apologizing to him.
"I don't think I've ever heard you apologize to me, Nate."
"Don't get cocky, Jim."
"It was by chance I walked into the same bar she was in. I don't make it my business to keep tabs on everyone from the past." Sterling rubbed his chin. "If I recall she didn't even see me, she was too busy being bored out of her mind by some socially challenged executive."
Nate looked at Sterling and shook his head.
"I'm sure you know the type, Jim. You usually can sniff out their awkwardness."
Sterling smirked and a chuckle escaped his lips.
"I know them when I see them, yes."
"What did you do?" Nate leaned back into the couch.
One Year Prior
Sterling had decided to have a drink at one of the local bars. He got a small break from being a single parent letting Olivia stay the night at one of her friends' houses. He had not expected to stay as long as he did. He walked into the bar and ordered a Scotch and let his wandering thoughts grab a hold of him.
It was the familiar awkward laughter that caught his attention. Sterling glanced over his shoulder to see a familiar blonde trying so hard not to be disappointed by the gentleman sitting across from her. He smirked a little and watched as her body language gave away how she really felt. He ordered two Scotches and lifted them both up to carry away.
As he got closer to the table he heard the gentleman talking about how he made a living and the money that would probably interest a gold digger, but not Maggie. She could care less about his money and even what he was talking about. Her delicate form was slightly slumped and her foot under the table tapped vigorously.
"Hello, Maggie," he said.
He watched as her body language changed at the sound of her name. But it wasn't the sound of her name that revived her; it was who said her name. Her gaze turned in his direction and a smile lightly touched her lips. He smiled a little and Maggie turned her head in his direction.
"Hello, Jim," Maggie replied.
"I couldn't help, but noticed that you didn't send a report to me about the last case you worked on with me. Without that report justice can't be served." Sterling began to rescue her from the horrible time she was having.
Maggie smiled and looked over at the gentleman. He glanced over at him and smirked handing Maggie a Scotch.
"James Sterling," he introduced himself.
"Steve Crescent," the man replied. "Hedge fund manager."
Sterling smirked and Maggie looked at him amused by his quick introduction.
"What is it that you do?" Steve asked.
"I put criminals in their place," Sterling remarked. "I don't con people into giving me their money."
"Not a con man, Mr. Sterling, hedge fund manager." Steve smiled.
"Of course, but anyone can work the system. I just call them how I see them, Mr. Crescent."
"You know, I do have the report in my car, Jim, would you mind walking me to it?" Maggie said as she reached for her purse.
"But, Maggie, we were having a good chat," Steve said as he became pitiful.
"It was nice to meet you, Steve, I did enjoy the time." Maggie stood up and smiled. "Maybe another time."
Sterling watched as Maggie tried to let the guy down. He looked at her as she glanced at him from the corner of her eye. It was obvious that there was something that had changed about her, something he hadn't noticed before.
As Maggie gave Steve the brush off and headed towards the door, Sterling gave a slight nod to the rejected gentleman. He walked behind Maggie into the brisk cool air. It was fresh and promised for a nice autumn.
"Thank you, Jim," Maggie said.
"For what?" Sterling asked.
Maggie stopped and smiled a little. "Helping me tell Steve it wasn't going to work."
Sterling chuckled. "I couldn't help, but to notice a cry for help."
Maggie nodded and reached into her purse for her keys.
"How about a drink? I know a place just down the street that has a little more class than here," Sterling said.
It was the biting of her lip that gave away her hesitation. But it was a nod that let him know it couldn't hurt to have a drink.
"For old times' sake," Sterling said.
"Alright, for old times' sake." Maggie smiled.
He presented his arm to her and she slipped her arm around his. It seemed like a perfect fit as they walked down the side walk together.
They walked into the upscale bar that made other bars pale in comparison. Sterling led Maggie to a corner table and a waiter walked over placing two cocktail napkins on the table. He handed them the specials. Sterling placed an order for a bottle of wine and turned to Maggie. She slightly shook her head.
"So much for one drink," Maggie joked.
"Wine is a good conversation starter," Sterling replied. "It makes for good company too."
Maggie chuckled a little and Sterling looked at her. The low lighting set the mood for two acquaintances reconnecting for the first time in a long period of time. Music played lightly in the background and it seemed it was all planned for them. It didn't take long for them to get lost in conversation. Maggie's smile never faded and Sterling watched as she leaned closer to listen to what he had to say.
As last call was announced for the upscale bar, Sterling and Maggie had finished a bottle. He called the waiter over and paid for their bottle.
"Parenthood looks good on you, Jim," Maggie mentioned.
"It's a lot harder than I remember," Sterling replied.
Maggie smiled and reached over and patted his hand.
"I'm sure you're doing just fine. And I bet you are popular at those PTA meetings," Maggie remarked.
"Ah, yes, those long drawn out meetings." Sterling smiled.
The waiter came back with the receipt and his card. He signed and added a tip before stuffing his card back into his wallet. He glanced at Maggie as she seemed at ease. He slowly stood up and walked over to her.
"How about a walk to sober up?" Sterling asked.
"I'd like that, Jim," Maggie said as she reached up for his hand.
They walked out and walked around the area before he walked her to the car. She reached for her keys and Sterling looked at her.
"It was good to see you, Jim," Maggie said as she fiddled with her keys.
"I was glad to run into you, Maggie," Sterling said.
Maggie smiled and stepped closer to him. She reached up her hand and stroked his rough cheek.
"Let's not let time pass for our next meeting, Jim." Maggie looked up at him.
Sterling reached for her hand and placed a kiss on it. "I wouldn't dare."
He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a card. He handed it to her and Maggie took the white business card. She glanced down at his embossed name and number. She slipped the card into her purse then pulled one of her cards out.
"I look forward to hearing from you soon," Maggie said as she slipped her card into his pocket. "Good night, Jim."
She reached up and kissed his cheek before slipping into her car. He smiled and watched as she pulled away from the curb. He reached into his pocket and looked at her card. It was the perfect ending for a perfect evening.
Present…
"You work fast," Nate said.
"It was just one drink, Nate," Sterling said.
It wasn't the drink that made Sterling turn on his charm. It was the one person he had secretly admired since they met.
"One drink turned into more obviously since you two are married and now expecting." Nate stood up and walked towards the kitchenette. "So, when did you two make it official?"
Sterling smirked a little and turned the golden wedding band on his finger. He still hadn't truly adjusted to the feel of it. And his occupation wasn't one for the settled life. He glanced over at Nate as he poured a drink.
"Three months ago," Sterling answered. "We didn't want to rush into things."
"A year after reconnecting isn't exactly making it slow. When did you marry your ex-wife?"
"Six months, young and foolish," Sterling remarked. "And a very pregnant girl friend."
"Traditional family, Jim?"
"Does it show?"Sterling remarked.
Nate gave a chuckle and walked back. "I'm sure you and Maggie's father get along."
"That's sarcasm, Nate," Sterling said with amusement.
Nate took a seat and sipped the liquid from the shallow glass.
"I'm serious, Jim."
"My head would be on his mantle if he knew I let his little girl get kidnapped." Sterling lightly traced the cut on his left cheek.
Nate wrinkled his brow at Sterling as he did.
"Did all the other victims have a cut across their left cheek, Jim?" Nate asked.
"The two that I saw, yes? Why?" Sterling asked.
Nate quickly grabbed his phone and called the team to hurry back.
