-- No, I still don't own FAKE, so stop making me sad. -Pouts- Crimson still belongs to Yujero and the other random characters are mine. --
-- Okay, so I haven't updated in a long time again and I'm reaaaaaaaally sorry. :( Between work and the NYAF last weekend, I've been running around like the a turkey before Thanksgiving. Buuuuut here's the next chapter -Cough- Finally... -Cough- Heheh lol Anyways, I'll let you get to reading and thanks to all who've stuck with me for it! Luff you all!! --
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Chapter 9: Misplaced Confusion/Plans In Motion
"What the hell were you doin' over there, man? Takin' a nap?"
Crimson cast a glare at the other man but knew the gesture was pointless. Bieng his second in command, Blade was by far used to his leaders icy glare.
"I was just watching him... That's all."
"That's all?" The other echoed sarcastically as Crimson tossed his jacket over a couch then settled down into his favorite chair, draping a blanket around himself. "Man, when you gonna kill that guy? It's been over a week now... Ain't ou bored with him yet?"
"I'll kill him when I feel like it, Blade. Now stop questioning me."
His second shook his head and exhaled sharply in amusement.
"Ya know, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you lost your guts."
When Crimson didn't even turn to glare at him, Blade tilted his head and flopped on the couch across from him, staring at him in amazement.
"The hell, Jace? I've never seen you like this before. This guy can't be that tough to get to, can he?"
It was silent for a moment before Crimson shifted slightly under the blanket and sighed softly, staring into the fireplace."
"No, he was easy to get to..."
"Then what's the problem? Why don't you just kill him already?"
"I... Don't know..."
Blade stared at him, head tilted in awe. He'd never seen his leader confuesed like this, especially not over a simple assassination. Murder seemed to come as a second nature to the man and he carried it out flawlessly everytime, never showing any emotion over the crimes he committed. This alone was a main reason why he was their leader because in truth, despite the fact that almost everyone in the gang was older then him, no one had ever dared to go up against him and his infamous temper. So now, seeing him stare thoughtfully into the blank fireplace, Blade worried about what could have possibly gotten into the young leader.
"You're thinking I can't do it..."
Crimsons quiet voice snapped him out of his thoughts and he found himself staring into harsh, chilled grey eyes.
"I never said that."
"But you're thinking it, aren't you?"
Blade fell silent as Crimson's accusing eyes stared him down, years of practice showing as his unblinking stare ground down the others defenses.
"I was just thinking that it's wierd for you to take so long on a murder, that's all. You usually toy with 'em for a day or two then wham! Next victim please."
"Well maybe I wanted to drag this one out a little longer. Is that a problem?"
His eyes hardened to a point where even Blade had to force himself to swallow, the click in his throat nerve wrackingly loud in his own ears.
"No sir..." He muttered, lowering his gaze slightly."
Crimson stared at him a moment longer then sighed and turned his gaze back to the empty fireplace.
"Leave me alone for awhile, Blade. I need to think..." He said softly and Blade nodded, standing slowly off the couch.
"You want a fire in there to keep ya warm?" He asked, motioning towards the fireplace.
Crimson shook his head slightly and Blade nodded before turning and heading out of the room. Only after the door snapped shut did Crimson allow himself to relax, curling his legs up to his chest and placing his chin down upon them. He knew he should sleep so he'd be able to go out stalking later, but his mind was so jumbled that he thought he'd never be able to clear it enough to actually sleep. As the minutes ticked by on the old grandfather clock they'd picked up off the curb just two weeks ago, Crimson shut his eyes against the room and found himself picturing Berkley resting peacefully in his bed. This time though, instead of imagining the carnage he had been hired to carry out, the image of his prey calmed and lulled him into a quiet dreamland of his own.
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"So, find anyone with a criminal record yet?" Dee asked sarcastically and Diana laughed bitterly.
"Yeah, only about half of New York City."
"Oh, is that all? Well I'm glad we limited it down so much."
They both shared an eye roll and a groan as they stared at all the names in front of them.
"Looks like we're gonna have to do this the old fashioned way." Diana finally said, tossing the papers down and picking up her third cup of coffe of the night.
"Oh, and what's that?"
Dee asked, his own coffee sitting on his desk alongside his midnight snack. Diana took a sip of her coffee then leaned back and stared up at the ceiling.
"We're gonna have to stalk Berkley too."
"Stalk... Wait, what?!" Dee exclaimed, staring at her as if she'd grown a third head. "How's that supposed to help and when exactly are we going to have time for this? I don't know about you FBI people, but I've got other cases to work on too and the chief will have my head if they don't get taken care of."
"Use your head, Laytner." Diana sighed out. "I know it's hard but make that tiny brain of yours work."
They exchanged stuck-out tongues across the room and Dee rolled his eyes, both of them stifling a small laugh.
"So tell me, honestly, how stalking Berkley is gonna help him."
"Well first things first, you'll have to get someone to cover for you for awhile, which I'm sure JJ will be all too happy to do."
"Do you have to remind me of his over-enthusiastic-ness towards me...?" Dee asked in a pained tone, rubbing his hand over his face.
Diana smirked before continuing. "Second, if we follow Berkley at the same time his stalker is..." She trailed off, rolling her wrist in a continuation motion as realization struck Dee and he snapped his fingers quickly.
"Then maybe we'll at least be able to find out who's doing it and, if we're lucky, arrest the bastard right then and there."
"Aw what a smart boy... You want a doughnut?" Diana crooned then laughed as Dee glared and blew a raspberry at her. "Come on, Laytner. Let's get home and get ourselves some sleep. We'll start on this tomorrow night."
Dee nodded and stretched, groaning when he saw the time on his computer. "Yeah, sleep sounds good right about now..." He got up, collecting his stuff and opened the door to let Diana out.
"You're paying for breakfast though and yes, I want doughnuts."
Diana laughed and patted his arm as she walked out past him.
"Whatever you say, Dee. Whatever you say."
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-- Sooooooooooooo am I still on a roll? Even though I ate said roll a few chapters ago... o.O;; Oh well. R&R and lemme know what you think pleeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaase!! I'll love you even more!! --
