Authors note: Yay, finally chapter 8 is up! Things are seriously getting interesting, and we´ll see, perhaps Tala will get some action in the next chapter ;) Thank you so much for reviewing, it really means a lot! Next chapter will be up around the 6th of January, hopfelly before! Happy new years in the meantime!

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And PLEASE PLEASE REVIEW! It means a lot :)

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Darkness-phoenix: Thank you so much for leaving a totally awesome review, it really makes my day! Fantastic that you liked the part written in Kai´s POV, I am planning something similar in the next chapter, maybe even with an M rating, we´ll see ;) And yes, poor Tala, getting all flustered XD Thanks again!:D

Guest: Thank you so much for leaving a review! It means a lot to know that people are reading and enjoying what I write, it is what keeps me going. I am delighted that you like this so far! Hope you´ll like the next chapter as well!

Minij Akane: Thank you for yet another great review, fantastic! It is so good to hear that you liked the chapter and the part from Kai´s POV, hope you´ll like the next one as well!

Lyson: Thank you so much for an interesting and thoughtful review! Great that you like the part about Kai being straight but up for a challenge, I sort of figured that would make things a bit more interesting, also regarding the development of his character in this. I completely understand your reservations about the opening, and I went back and re-watched that Jack Reacher movie. Now I know where I got the idea from, embarrassingly enough! I can ussure you it is just the opening though, the rest will be very different! Anyways thanks for a great review! Hope you will like the next chapter as well! :D

Aeriszox: Thanks a lot for leaving a review, it is a real inspiration knowing that people are reading! Fantastic that you seem to like the fic so far, and I hope you will like the next chapter as well! XD


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When the world goes dark

Chapter 8

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-Kai´s POV-

My day didn´t start the way I had initially anticipated. Instead of going for my customary morning run I ended up having to completely change everything because of another hit. Of course, I could have given it to someone else, said that I wasn´t interested. Normally I would have, but seeing as this new target was apparently a major part of Ivanov´s investigation I just couldn´t resist.

His name was Allan Mackenzie.

He meant nothing to me.

All I knew was that he was part of the same criminal organisation that had hired me for the shooting, and that he was a snitch. According to my intel he had been picked up by the FBI yesterday. Ivanov had probably gone straight to his office after our lunch, ironically enough. Part of me found the whole thing insanely amusing, although I doubted Ivanov would after I took his star witness away from him.

Allan Mackenzie being in FBI custody would complicate things, especially seeing as I was meeting Tala at the range at 3 O´clock, but it wasn´t a problem. I had one shot at nailing Mackenzie, given that my intel was correct, and I was prepared to exploit it. He was being moved at half past 9 to another facility, probably witness protection or something like that. It would be my cue. The only question was what weapon to use.

The obvious choice would be the PSG, however that would be unwise seeing as I was meeting Tala at the range to try that very rifle. That left the HK and the Ruger, both weapons which demanded a more limited distance to the target. I considered for a while, absently playing with my switchblade, twirling it back and forth between my fingers at blazing speeds. This was not an ideal situation. At all.

To downplay suspicion the Ruger would be the obvious choice. As far as the feds were concerned the last person I had shot was a separate case, they probably didn´t even know about Daichi. Adding a different weapon to the mix would confuse them, in addition to the fact that Tala wouldn´t get suspicious when I showed up with a sniper rifle shortly after another hit.

With a sigh I rubbed the back of my neck, yawning and standing up. I wouldn´t have time to scout out the location, and after a quick brass check of the Ruger I stalked outside. Because of the calibre, 22LR, I would have to get close, and even if I went for the head I was likely to need more than one shot to ensure that Mackenzie was actually dead. The 45 would have been a different story, but it was too large and too noisy for what I had in mind. The fact that I was unfamiliar with the location also made the Ruger a better choice. A sniper job usually demanded more planning. I would have to obtain a good vantage point, in addition to knowing exactly when and were the target would be.

At the present I had half an hour to prepare, and the unpredictability of it exited me, made my blood sing. Ivanov would be there, and I had to get close without being seen. The prospect of a possible challenge almost made me shiver in anticipation.

They wouldn´t even know what hit them.

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-Normal POV-

Bryan was fuming, on the verge of boiling over. In a matter of seconds Tala felt certain that steam would come billowing out of his ears unless he miraculously calmed down. Which in Tala´s opinion seemed unlikely. Not that he blamed Bryan. Allan Mackenzie was a jerk. Everything about the guy exuded arrogance, and a constant twitch in one eyebrow gave his features a condescending edge that caused tempers to flare, understandably.

With a head shake Tala got to his feet, gesturing for Rey to join Bryan in the interrogation room. So far Mackenzie hadn´t provided any information at all, and they were still waiting for the guys down at tech to take a look at that computer. At the moment Mackenzie was scheduled to be moved to a more secure location. It was Balcov´s orders, and completely unnecessary as far as Tala was concerned. Firstly because he was perfectly safe where he was, and then secondly because moving him represented a risk in itself. Sure thing, this far they had no proof of anything, but chances were that Mackenzie would break soon. Very soon, judging by Bryan´s relentless questioning.

"He sure is laying it on", Max commented, from where he was leaning against the wall, hands in his pockets.

Tala only grunted in response, gaze fixed on a few small droplets of sweat that made their way down Mackenzies neck. Bryan was getting close.

"Yeah", Tyson agreed.

"I wouldn´t like being in Mackenzies shoes right now!"

A loud bang was heard from the other room as Bryan slammed a few crimes scene photos down on the table in front of his victim, eyes blazing. They were from the shooting, and some of the bloodier ones. The speakers crackled as he planted both hands on the table, leaning in close.

He was wearing a dark brown leather jacket and jeans, with doc-marten boots. What Tala inwardly referred to as his intimidation outfit. He always wore it when he was angry about something, or someone. Not a good sign.

"You see these photos? They are dead, innocent people, all of them, because of you. YOU! YOU LITTLE PEACE OF SHIT!"

Mackenzie visibly paled at the accusations, but didn´t budge, although he looked terrified. Some of the easy arrogance had vanished and he sat there rigid and tight-lipped. Still, he wasn´t admitting to anything, and Tala realized that they would have to change their approach. Whoever he was working for had a serious hold of him, otherwise he would have started speaking long ago. He was a coward after all, your typical snitch. Tala was actually genuinely surprised that he was still keeping his tongue under control.

With only a hint of annoyance Tala picked up the receiver..

"Bryan, knock it down a notch. We have to move him in ten minutes, Balcov´s orders", he spoke, voice deliberately neutral.

As always Balcov´s ever present need of attention was taking over and interfering with his investigation. Just to create a show for the public a convoy of five cars in total was now assembled up front, along with a large group of officers and other personnel. It was ridiculous. Part of this job was putting the investigation before everything else, be it family, or vacation or whatever. Either Balcov had taken that sentiment to a whole new level, or he was putting his ego first. Tala was confident the latter one came the closest to the truth.

He stretched leisurely, butterflies batting their wings inside his stomach. In a few hours he would see Kai again, at the range. The fact that he was allowed to try the rifle came second, he couldn´t deny it. Kai was the important thing, and Tala couldn´t wait seeing him again. He closed his eyes briefly, trying to recall the intoxicating smell of forest leaves with a hint of citrus and leather, the sparkling mahogany eyes with flecks of caramel in them….and…His eyes snapped open as he felt movement behind him, and he steeled himself.

Jeez, he couldn´t afford to lose focus like this, although he really wished he was home in his bed, a certain mahogany eyed beauty on top of him.

Fuck!

That was literally what he wanted right now, although the rest of his team didn´t need to know. He decided to pull himself together, with some effort. Tyson was munching on a snickers bar, and Tala gave him a look, shaking his head.

"We should get going", he said, turning and stalking outside.

Tyson followed him, while Max and Mariah flanked Bryan and Rey as they handcuffed Mackenzie and led him down the hallway after Tala. They were taking him to a guarded apartment close to the city centre, one that was used for witness protection. Not that Mackenzie was a witness, but Balcov always had his reasons. Although this time they were beyond Tala. They took the elevator down to the ground floor, and Tala led the way as they exited through the glass doors of the main entrance. Five black SUVs were already waiting, windows tinted dark.

The main entrance was placed on a street corner, something that would normally have caused Tala to be extra catious. However, this was their headquarters. No one would be stupid enough to try something here, right outside. This though would come back to haunt him later, because what happened next took the word chaos to a whole new level.

Tala could feel the sun on his face as they ventured outside, the doors opening with a soft hiss. It was nice and sunny, the kind of day were most people avoided the interrogation room like the plague. He nodded at a couple of the officers outside, calmly walking towards the nearest car. It was only about five or six metres away, and he proceeded to get in, turning briefly to check on the others.

At first he didn´t quite understand what he was seeing. There was no sound, but as he watched Mackenzie seemed to lose his balance, toppling forward. Bryan´s mouth was open in surprise, and he grabbed the slighter man by the shoulder, pulling him up.

"Hey! Mr. Mackenzie, are you al right?" Rey asked, voice carrying loud and clear.

No reaction. Mackenzies head was resting on his chest, and Tala caught a fleeting look of annoyance flash in Bryan´s eyes.

"Quit the act you jerk", he snapped, grabbing the back of the suspects head, pulling at the slicked back hair.

Then he let go.

"What the fuck!"

Bryan´s hand was covered in a red, sticky substance.

Tala remained frozen for about two seconds before it finally registered. Allan Mackenzie had been shot. In the head. While they were watching. He couldn´t understand it.

How?

How?

That one word was echoing in his head as a flurry of activity broke out around him. People were running about, shouting for a medic and shaking the now lifeless body of Allan Mackenzie. There was no doubt in Tala´s mind. It was too late. He was dead. Nothing they could do. He just couldn´t fathom how something like this could happen.

His brain was working overtime, trying to piece it all together. They were outside the FBI headquarters, there were several officers present, nowhere to hide…..nowhere to hide…? His eyes fell on the corner of the building, ten maybe 15 metres away. Something clicked in his mind. It was the only option. Someone must have been standing there, at the ready, with a gun. Mackenzie had been shot from behind, otherwise he would have seen it, which ruled out the possibility of a sniper. Gaze still fixed on the street corner he started running, coming to abrupt halt once he reached it. No one in sight. Of course.

He wanted to scream, rage and frustration mixing and creating a feeling he didn´t quite understand.

With that he turned around, running the last few metres back to the scene. His team was gathered around the body, and people were running about everywhere. This was a mess, a real mess. He pushed people aside and forcefully made his way through until he got a hold of Rey, pulling him backwards and away from the others.

"The shooter was at that corner, pull up the security footage", he said, voice urgent.

"Ask for a helicopter, we need the NYPD to search the streets both by car and by foot.".

Rey nodded, face contorted in a combination of anger and determination. Deep down Tala knew that they wouldn´t find anything. Not if it was the same guy. No chance. And sure enough. An hour later they still had nothing. The security cameras had been out, no one had seen or heard anything, and although their people were still out looking both on foot, by car and by helicopter they came up empty. So far. No, it was too late. Whoever this guy was he was too good, perhaps the best.

They wouldn´t catch him, not this way. Not when he was in his element.

The rest of the day passed agonizingly slowly. Whatever they did they seemed to come up with nothing regarding Mackenzie, and he was forced to cancel his "date" with Kai at the range, and although the other was still coming for dinner Tala felt vaguely disappointed. His mood didn´t lift before he was finally able to leave at 5 O´clock, dropping by a wine store on his way home. Until tomorrow he would allow himself to just forget about the case for the time being he decided, shaking his head in irritation.

Kai was due to arrive at 7, and he wanted everything to be perfect, even if this had been a shitty day so far. He couldn´t help but inwardly curse the one that was responsible for all this. Had it not been for him he wouldn´t have had to cancel on Kai. It angered him.

In the end he settled on an excellent Bordeaux from 2000, and wandered out of the shop feeling at least a bit better about himself. Last night he had cleaned up his apartment, vacuumed, changed the sheets; he had even washed down the kitchen and the bathroom. Hell! He had never gone through this much preparation because of a guy, not even Spencer. That being said he had never cooked Spencer a meal like this either, and definitely not Oliver. No, Kai was special. He felt like they might work together, that they had chemistry. The attraction was undoubtedly there, and in Tala´s eyes he was perfect. Just perfect.

Today´s disaster slowly disappeared from his mind as he started fixing the lasagne, and after putting it inside the oven a quarter to 7 he quickly showered and dressed in his best jeans and a shirt. A different one this time. It felt wrong to take the one from Oliver. Besides he had bought a new one for the occasion.

Another first.

Normally he never put this much effort into his appearance, but hey, it was Kai.

He could only hope that it would be worth it.

Precisely five past 7 the doorbell bussed, and Tala felt his heart literally jump in his chest. Fashionably late, of course, somehow he had almost expected it. He paused by the door, inwardly counting to ten, trying to control his breathing. Fuck it Ivanov, you can do this, no biggie! Yes, he could do this, no stress! With that he opened the door, supressing the blush as his eyes found those inviting mahogany depths. A silent moment of pent up tension passed between them, and Tala felt almost overwhelmed as he inhaled the now familiar musk of the other. The sexy, trademark smirk was tugging at the corner of his mouth, eyes gleaming as he regarded Tala almost leisurely.

"Hi", Tala said, voice a tad softer and slightly more sensual than usual.

He could tell that Kai had picked up the change of tone, eyes narrowing slightly, playfully.

"Hi", he replied, voice all deep and raspy.

Even white teeth were revealed when he smiled, and Tala felt his legs turn into jelly as he stepped aside. Kai walked past him into the hall, proceeding to remove his shoes and jacket. Tala noted that he was dressed nicer than usual as well, in jeans without holes and a dark, designer sweater. It looked good on him, real good. His hair was appropriately tousled, and he had just enough stubble to make it look hot as hell. Furthermore it was impossible not to notice how athletic he was. Slim but not lanky, built and muscled but not bulky. He was the epitome of male sexiness, and Tala couldn´t wait to see what was underneath those clothes.

"Nice place", Kai observed, following as Tala strolled back into the kitchen.

The delicious smell of Italian style lasagne was spreading through the rooms, and Tala opened the oven to check on it again. Ten more minutes he decided, hoping Kai wouldn´t notice that his ears were getting red.

"Thanks", he responded easily, leaning against the counter.

"I bought it last year"

Kai nodded, looking intently at him through long, dark lashes. Tala smiled, contemplating reaching out to touch him but dismissing the idea. Later he promised himself, later.

"Can I get you some wine?" He asked instead, glancing briefly at the Bordeaux he had placed on the neatly set kitchen table.

The other gave a slight nod, looking pleased.

"That would be great Tala".

The way he said it, Tala, how his tongue seemed to curl around the letters in a caress, it drove him mad. He swallowed, smiled, trying to ignore the almost painful twitch in his pants. No one had ever affected him like this, said his name like this, like it was….special. How could someone have this much sexual appeal? It shouldn´t be legal.

He skilfully opened the bottle, very aware of interested eyes following his every movement as he filled two glasses, crimson liquid swirling as he handed one to Kai. The sudden proximity made his breath hitch in his throat, and he could hear Kai inhale sharply. Their fingers brushed lightly against each other, and Tala felt goosebumps rise underneath his shirt. He wondered what those long, elegant fingers could do. What it would feel like to run his hands over that broad chest.

"I am sorry about earlier, that I had to cancel", Tala said somewhat awkwardly, stepping away.

He supposed it was good to get some distance between them, even if he didn´t mind getting carried away, not really.

"No worries", Kai responded evenly, leaning back against the wall like he belonged there.

Again Tala couldn´t help but notice how at ease he seemed, both with himself and with his environment. There was something distinctly attractive about it, how he was almost shamelessly relaxed but aware at the same time.

Tala heaved a sigh, absently taking a sip of wine. It was delicious.

"A witness was shot, outside the FBI building, with agents all around. It was one hell of a mess. I wasn´t able to leave before 5".

Kai´s eyes widened slightly, in what Tala perceived as mild interest and curiosity.

"Don´t think about it. That is a pretty good excuse".

Tala smiled slightly at that, feeling his cock twitch in his pants as that familiar playful look glinted in Kai´s eyes.

"Did you get the one responsible?"

"Not yet", Tala admitted, feeling a bit stupid.

"Whoever he is he is smart, and very skilled. I doubt we will find him at all, but who knows, perhaps I´ll somehow stumble over him by coincidence".

The last sentence was said with a humours edge to it, and Tala was rewarded with that wonderful smile again, as Kai showed off all his gleaming white teeth.

"Coincidence", Kai repeated, eyes glued to Tala´s face.

The devil was dancing in his eyes, catching the golden light from the candles Tala had lit earlier. He looked glorious, like something out of this world. The panther was there, Tala could see it clearly, but he didn´t care.

He wanted this man for everything he was, the danger, the mystery, the predator lurking in the shadows… he wanted it all….