Disclaimer: Numb3rs, the characters, the decision to shorten the run – not mine. Jasmine and her gang, all mine.

A/N: I don't know as much about American law as perhaps I should, therefore some of this may be a little off the mark. I did some research, but found surprisingly little on the subject I was looking for, so I have taken some liberties, hopefully this doesn't offend anyone!

Chapter Eight – Test

It had been two weeks since Colby had taken the number six spot within the JK gang's leadership. He was trying hard to keep a reasonably low profile and not break any laws, which was tough going. He had entered into 'negotiations' with another couple of gangs and secured further members through those. The JK gang numbers were now up around the thousand mark, something he felt extremely uncomfortable about, he knew, however, that when the time came to bring the gang leaders down the members that weren't caught in the clean up operation would gravitate back to their original gangs. He hoped, at least, to be in a position to help LAPD with better intel on those members.

Right now though he was having a bad day. He had been on his way to meet Adam at the bar, something they had taken to doing every few days. Several blocks away he looked up to see he was being followed by a police cruiser. He checked that he wasn't speeding and knew he hadn't broken any traffic laws, so just concentrated on his driving. He paused at a stop sign, checked both ways and pulled out, followed mere seconds later by the police, the next thing he knew he was being pulled over, he just couldn't figure out why. He looked in his rear view mirror and watched as two male officers exited the car, rolling down his window he kept his hands visible on the steering wheel after turning off the ignition.

"Afternoon Officer, can I help you?" He asked in a calm, polite voice.

"Licence and registration, Sir." The officer on his side of the car was a Sergeant and clearly had some considerable experience in traffic stops.

"Certainly, it's in the glove box, can I reach for it?" Colby was all too aware that reaching to the glove box without warning could land him in a lot of trouble. Receiving a nod he leant over and produced the documents requested.

The Sergeant took them and walked back towards their car, leaving the younger officer to keep an eye on Colby. On his return to the car the Sergeant had a look of determination on his face.

"Mr Granger, I am going to have to ask you to step out of the car please." The tone used was firm and no nonsense. Colby thought about asking why, but one look at the police Sergeant's demeanour told him it wouldn't be a wise question right at that moment, so he complied with the request. As he got out he noted that both officers had their hands resting lightly on their weapons. He raised an eyebrow in question, ensuring that his hands were well away from his body in a non-threatening manner, a posture he was becoming all too used to assuming. He really didn't like being on this side of the law one bit, he was about to like it even less.

"We have reason to believe that you are in possession of a concealed unlicensed weapon, we are going to search you and your vehicle."

Colby knew they had no cause for pulling him over or searching him or his vehicle, but he also knew that there was no weapon for them to find, so rather than cause a fuss he decided to let them do what they wanted, he was to live to regret that decision minutes later. Having patted him down for weapons, escorted him to sit in the back of their cruiser to enable them to search unimpeded he watched in abject horror as the Sergeant produced a gun from his car that hadn't been there previously. This was not good, he was being set up by an LAPD Sergeant. Damn he always managed to find himself in difficult situations when he least expected it.

"Mr Granger, step out of the vehicle." Ordered the Sergeant. Not in a position to argue he did as told and when instructed to place his hands behind his back he did so and winced as the cuffs were placed on his wrists, a little too tightly for his liking. He was Mirandised and placed back in the car. Sighing Colby had no choice but to go along with the situation, but he had every intention of calling his lawyer to sort this mess out. He remained silent on the ride to LAPD headquarters and during his booking, except to confirm who he was and request a phone call to his lawyer. He was allowed his phone call and was placed in an empty cell to wait for him to arrive. Several hours later Colby was released, he would have to pay a fine of $1000, according to his lawyer. He was in a foul mood, his car had been left at the side of the road, the area was not a good one and he wondered if, when he finally got back to it, it would be in one piece. His lawyer offered him a lift back to collect it and he readily agreed. When they reached his car it seemed to be intact, much to Colby's relief, he thanked the lawyer and watched as he drove off. Unlocking the car door he slid behind the wheel and breathed a sigh of relief, finally the day from hell was over. Unfortunately for Colby he was mistaken about that, it was about to get a whole lot worse. A car pulled up near him, but he didn't give it much thought, even though the street had no other traffic. Perhaps if he hadn't been so tired and angry he would have noticed something, as it was his door being wrenched open and being dragged from his car was the first sign that he was in trouble, again. He had a moment to reflect on what Gary had said about him becoming less observant, perhaps the LT was right. Recovering from the shock of being hauled out of his car he managed to find his feet, but was being firmly held on both sides by 2 large men, so no matter how much he struggled he was unable to pull free. The street was dark, no lights lit the area and there seemed to be absolutely nobody about, if there was they weren't prepared to step in and help. Another car pulled into the street, briefly lighting the scene, he got a good look at both men and the car that had pulled up near his. If he had been able to rub his eyes, he would have. The car looked like it was a black and white police unit, the 2 men appeared to be wearing LAPD uniforms. What the hell was going on? The car that had turned into the street pulled up next to them. He heard the door open and the interior of the vehicle lit up to reveal 4 other men, one of whom he recognised as the Sergeant from earlier that day.

"Take him over there." Said the man sitting in the passenger seat and pointing to something on the other side of the street.

Colby tried to resist, but the 2 men together were stronger than him. He was unceremoniously marched across the street, he could now see that they were entering a parking lot behind a dilapidated building. The car from the street turned in after them and stopped with it's headlights pointing towards the back wall of said building and the occupants got out and approached them. The 2 men holding him released their grip and stepped off to the side, Colby backed himself up against the wall behind him, hoping it would afford him some protection. Whatever was going on here was not good and he had no doubt he was going to be forced to defend himself. Once sure that he wasn't going anywhere, the 2 men dressed in LAPD uniforms grinned maliciously and left, he heard the sound of car doors closing and the car engine being started as they drove off, leaving him to the tender mercies of the 4 men.

"Hey fellas." He eyed the men, sizing them each up. They looked almost feral, they were sizing him up as if he were their prey.

"Fed." The biggest man stated, clearly the alpha male of the pack. Prudently Colby remained silent, figuring nothing he said would prevent these men from doing whatever it was they were about to do. They were like sharks scenting blood in the water, all of this was clearly intentional, he just couldn't work out if his cover had been blown or there was some deeper purpose behind it. He would protect himself as best as he could, but he knew he was no match for these 4 men at once. Watching them carefully he waited expectantly for them to make the first move, nobody was going to accuse him of throwing the first punch, anything that happened on his part would be purely self defence. He didn't have to wait long until the man to his right stepped quickly forward, fist raised. Colby blocked the punch easily, but couldn't watch four different directions at once and the second punch, from his left, found it's mark, landing squarely in his stomach. Not to be outdone Colby landed a solid punch on the man's jaw, one that knocked the man to the ground, causing him to hit his head and knocking him out. Colby felt a brief sense of satisfaction before he felt another punch being landed on his own jaw, he could have taken any one of these men in a fair fight, but this could not be considered fair. Despite having taken one of them out it was still 3 against 1, it didn't take Charlie to tell him that the odds were stacked against him. Still using the wall behind him to protect his back he continued to land punches of his own as he was knocked senseless. All his efforts to protect himself didn't go unrewarded and he managed to knock out a second man. Breathing heavily from the exertion and the beating he was taking he faced the 2 remaining men, who suddenly changed tactics and rushed him at the same time, powerless to do anything but try to step away from them, the wall at his back now became a hindrance, leaving him only one of two ways to go, choosing his left he wasn't quite quick enough and was grabbed by the larger of the 2 men and his arms pinned down, preventing him from fighting back. The other man took a sadistic pleasure in using Colby's midriff as a punching bag, it took several heavy blows before the Agent started to have trouble breathing, despite this he continued to struggle in his opponent's grip. Seemingly having had enough of holding onto Colby and wanting to get in some of his own punches he was pushed away from the man behind him, as he regained his balance he dimly saw a fist heading straight for him and felt the impact as it struck his left temple, knocking him to the ground. The parking lot around him became somewhat blurry, he attempted to get back up from his vulnerable position, but his tormentor wasn't about to let that happen and planted a heavy kick in his stomach causing him to gasp with the pain. The 2 men still standing looked at each other and the bigger man bent over Colby's body, pulled him up by the neck of his top and landed one final punch on his left cheek. Colby welcomed the darkness that over took him as he lapsed into unconsciousness.


Colby came round some time later, pain coursing through his body. He had no idea how long he had been out, but he was now alone in the abandoned lot Gingerly he tried to sit up, but as the world started to spin, his ribs protested and his stomach lurched, he came to the conclusion that it was a bad idea and laid himself back down slowly. He wondered how he was going to get himself back to his car and then in turn to his apartment. He tried sitting up once more and felt sure it wasn't going to happen, there was probably nothing broken, from what he could tell, but he also realised he was likely to have a concussion, driving was out of the question, even if he could make it back to his car. As he ran his hands over his body checking for any further injuries his hand brushed his phones tucked in his pocket. He pulled one out and checked it, much to his relief it was still working. Who was he going to call? He only had a vague recollection of where he was. Closing his eyes for a moment, he needed to think, should he call Don? Nope, he discarded that idea straight away, not knowing the reason for this beating he wasn't about to put any of his team in danger by getting them to come out here, wherever here was. Not to mention if his cover hadn't been blown then it would be if the first people he called were his ex-FBI teammates. Colby was having trouble thinking clearly, his vision was foggy and he was feeling nauseous, he just wanted to go to sleep. NO! He heard his own voice in his head, he had to stay awake, at least until he had got some help. Looking at the phone in his hand and realising it was the gang one, it suddenly dawned on him, Adam. He pressed speed dial 1 for Adam's cell phone and prayed that the man would answer.

"Archer." Came the welcome sound of Adam's voice.

"Adam, it's Colby, need your help." His voice sounded weak even to his own ears.

"Col? What's wrong? You sound like shit." The tone of the voice at the other end of his life line sounded concerned.

"Can you come get me? In a parking lot behind an abandoned building."

"Where?" Asked Adam urgently, he had no idea what was wrong, but it didn't sound good.

"Compton."

"Lotta streets in Compton man, gotta gimme more than that." Encouraged Adam.

Colby was desperately trying to remember something, anything that would lead Adam to him. "Shops." He closed his eyes, trying to picture where he was. "Bar."

"Name of the bar Colby, come on!" Adam knew his friend was in trouble but he was beginning to lose patience.

"Trying to remember."

"Try harder!" Adam was, by now, up on his feet at the bar and waving to Daz, who was immediately by his side. Covering the cell with one hand he turned and spoke to the other man. "Colby's in trouble, bring the car round." He ordered. Daz dashed off without question and had the car round the front of the bar and ready to go moments later, Adam jumped into the passenger seat. "Head for Compton."

"Where in Compton?"

"I dunno yet." Sighed Adam frustrated.

Giving his boss a puzzled look he did as he had been told without further questioning as Adam turned his attention back to the phone. "Col?" He was met by silence. "COLBY!" Yelled Adam down the phone.

"Wha… what?" Came the dazed response.

"Name of the bar?"

"Er…" Colby was finding it even harder to focus, but he knew he had to try. He closed his eyes and pictured the street where he had been pulled over earlier in the day. He saw the sign and suddenly knew the name. "Tenampa." He murmured, relieved he had finally remembered he allowed himself to drift into the darkness that had been beckoning him back, allowing his phone to fall and disconnect from Adam.

"Colby? Dammit got disconnected. Tenampa bar in Compton, you know where it is Daz?"

"Yes boss." Now he knew where he was going he put his foot down.

Adam and Daz arrived at the bar in short order and pulled up in the parking lot. There was no sign of Colby. "He said he was in a parking lot behind an abandoned building. Let's drive down the street and see if we can spot anything." Adam instructed. Daz nodded and pulled back out onto the street. "There. That's Col's car." Adam pointed to the other side of the street and Daz pulled the car up to the kerb. They got out and found the car unlocked, keys in the ignition. Looking round the dark street they couldn't see any sign of Colby. Adam picked up his phone and dialled Colby's number, they could just make out the faint ringing sound of a cell.

"Sounds like it's coming from over there boss." Daz turned and jogged across the street, closely followed by Adam. "Building certainly looks abandoned." They carried on round the side and could make out the glow of Colby's ringing phone, within seconds they were kneeling by his unconscious form.

"Colby? Can you hear me? Come on, open your eyes for me bud." Adam urged the man.

Colby could hear a ringing, it was beginning to annoy him, he tried to move to find out where it was coming from, but pain shot through his body. Then he heard a voice, familiar, friendly, worried. The voice wanted him to open his eyes. He tried, but only one eye would respond, but it was enough.

"Daz, call an ambulance!" Adam turned his full attention back to his injured friend. "Colby, man, what the hell happened?"

"Dunno, can't remember." Slurred the semi-conscious Colby.

"Ambulance on it's way boss." Informed Daz. He took off his jacket and laid it gently over the prone form at his feet, causing Adam to raise an eyebrow. Daz was not normally one for considering others, he shrugged in response and went back to the street to look out for the ambulance.

"Thought you'd had a better offer when you didn't turn up at the bar today man."

"Sorry."

"Don't be, clearly not your fault." Adam reassured Colby. He couldn't see him properly to assess how badly he had been injured, but from the lack of movement and response he figured his injuries weren't minor.

The ambulance pulled into the parking lot and the headlights lit up the scene and two paramedics jumped out.

"What happened? What's his name?" Asked the older of the two.

"His name is Colby Granger, I dunno what happened, got a call to come get him and found him like this. He's pretty outta it." Adam stepped out of their way.

The older paramedic quickly assessed the patient. He had clearly taken a thorough beating. He turned to his colleague and sent him back to get the backboard and a collar, better to be safe than sorry. In a matter of minutes they had loaded Colby into the back of the ambulance, connected him to oxygen, an IV and monitoring. Adam told the paramedics they would meet them at the hospital and the ambulance pulled off in the direction of St Francis Medical Center.


Adam and Daz walked into the ER and approached the reception desk. "Hi, we're here to see Colby Granger, he was brought in by ambulance a short time ago."

The woman on the other side of the desk smiled politely and checked her screen. "Oh yes, the Doctor is in with him now, I suggest you take a seat, he'll be with you when he's finished assessing the patient." She indicated a seating area. The two men sat on the hard plastic chairs to wait. They hadn't been there long when a Doctor approached them. "Are you here for Colby Granger?" She asked.

"Doc, I'm Colby's friend, how is he?" Asked Adam

"In a great deal of discomfort. He has a concussion, multiple contusions and lacerations to his face, his left eye is swollen shut and he has severe abdominal bruising. I am having him admitted, he will need to be closely monitored for at least 24 hours. We're about to transfer him to a room upstairs."

Adam nodded and the Doctor turned to go back to her patient and oversee his transfer to a room.

Shortly after Colby was wheeled out of the ER and to a room upstairs, Adam and Daz followed, they waited for the nurses to settle him before going in to see him for themselves.

"Hey Col, how ya feeling man?" Adam stood close to the side of the bed so Colby didn't have to move too much to see him.

"Been better."

"Have you remembered anything else?"

"Nope. It's all fuzzy." Colby frowned as much as his injuries would allow.

"Don't sweat it dude, sure it will come back to ya. We're gonna leave ya to get some rest now, but we'll be back in the morning, alright?"
"Yeah, and thanks man."

Adam nodded before turning and following Daz out of the room and back to the car.

"Do you think it was Davies?" Daz asked.

"I dunno, but we'll find out. I'd better call the boss and let her know what happened." He sighed, not looking forward to sharing this news with Jasmine.


A nurse was checking Colby's vitals when he next opened his eye. "Hey, how are you feeling Mr Granger?"

"Hurts." He managed to respond.

"I'll speak to the doctor about getting you some more pain relief. Anything else I can get for you?"

Despite the pain he was in there was something bothering him. "Phone. Cell phone."

"You want me to pass you your cell phone?"

"Please."

She went to where his personal effects had been put and took out both his cells. "Er, you have 2, which one?" She walked over to his bedside and he pointed to the one he wanted. Handing it over she placed the other one back. "You need to rest, if you want to call someone I can do it for you."

"Thanks, but I'm good." He tucked the phone out of sight under his pillow, making sure it was switched off. He couldn't afford for Archer to find it.

"I'll see about that pain relief." She was back a few minutes later and gave him some more morphine and he drifted into a fitful sleep.