Chapter before the finale (Chapter 10). Apologies for a long hiatus. I hope this goes beyond expectation. Reviews much appreciated. Enjoy!
It wasn't ideal for Pride to be the "saving grace" of his father yet again. However, it was better than the alternative. He still hadn't told Cassius of his second pregnancy. It was more of a case of, he'll find out once he got there. Chris offered to join him, but Dwayne was dubious considering he was just now going into his second trimester. It may not be wise to have him accompany him, thereby putting the baby at risk.
"Nah, you stay here, Chris. This' somethin' I gotta do on my own"
Chris shook his head lightly and sighed. There had to be a way to keep eyes on his boss for his own safety and his daughter's welfare. He wasn't keen on the fact Pride was doing this alone, an easy target for Parsons and her crew. He waited until Pride left out the main doors to approach their lab rat. Back in his element, in the morgue assisting Loretta. He briefly peers through the thin glass panel in the door and opens it. Sebastian hunched over a microscope.
"Ya got a minute, Sebastian? Could use yer help"
This in turn startled the poor, young man. Thankfully his glasses protected his eye from collusion with the instrument. He clears his throat and adjusts his glasses.
"Now that my heart has stopped palpitating, yes"
Chris flashes a crooked smile and chuckles.
"Sorry 'bout that. Was just wonderin' if you could tail Pride. Make sure he's alright"
Sebastian's brow shot up in a mixture of perplexity and concern.
"Yeah, sure..but, is he in any kind of trouble? I mean, this far in his pregnancy I wouldn't want anything happenin"
Chris bit his bottom lip lightly and crossed his arms.
"He's not in trouble. But Cassius might be. He's gone to get him, but 'cause of this (gestures to his stomach). Doesn't want me takin' any chances"
Sebastian cracks into a grin and chuckles lightly. "Typical Pride. Always putting others before himself"
Chris was able to hear enough of the conversation to pass the info along to Sebastian. He, in turn, plugged the coordinates into his phone and set off. Chris smiled, his anxiety dissipating as he eased himself behind his desk. He had all the faith in the world Sebastian would see this through.
Before stepping foot outside, however. Did he cross paths with his roommate, Gregorio. He didn't intend to tell her where he was going. However, it seemed she had a sixth sense about these things and began prodding him for an answer. He pursed his lips, hesitant to reply.
"If you don't tell me where you're off to-those dolls on the TV stand are goin' out to the curb"
An almost shit-eating smirk soon followed. Accompanied by the nerd's utterly perturbed expression. He knew she wasn't serious, at least he hoped she wasn't. Tripping over himself in a vague attempt to respond.
"Pride's gone to save his dad! (practically blurted in a rapid, panicked tone) and those aren't dolls.. they're.."
"You're not goin' at this alone, sweetheart"
She cuts him off. Though this time around, the overall mood was lighter. She was concerned, even if she hadn't always showed it. He flashes a brief, warm smile at her before glancing at the time on his phone. Eyes widening, feeling the anxiety creeping towards the surface.
"We've gotta go!"
She nods before returning the smile. Chuckling softly to herself as they reach the main doors.
"By the way. I wasn't gonna toss those out. It was the only surefire way I'd get the truth outta ya"
The trek seemed to stretch on for an eternity. Thanks to GPS location, the duo was able to locate Pride's SUV. Letting the car ease next to his. Once he was in their sights, they simply waited. The objective being not to interfere unless absolutely necessary. The site looked to be an abandoned, 60's era chemical plant.
"Good 'tah see ya, kid"
Cassius' weathered eyes traveled towards his son. Pride takes notice as his father's expression swiftly morphed into total stupor. His mouth seemingly unable to form even the slightest sound. Dwayne couldn't help but laugh a little, internally. No doubt the pregnancy threw the elder Pride completely for a loop.
"You... you're pregnant"
He finally spoke once more. An inflection interspersed with shock, sanguine, and even a dash of indignation for not being informed of his impending second grandchild. Pride flashes a small smile, nearing Cassius as he does so.
"Eight months, tomorrow, another granddaughter. Sorry dad, shoulda said something sooner"
Father and son close in for an embrace. Patting each other on the back. However, this wasn't time for old home week. Dwayne breaks away gently, ears picking up the sound of gravel crunching beneath one's feet. His heart starting to race.
"We've gotta go, dad! Start heading towards the car. I'll be right behind ya!"
No sooner had the words even left his lips, did he hear the bone chilling sound of a gunshot ring out. In the time it took to blink, Cassius' shirt had become engulfed in an expanding sea of red. He collapses in a heap to the ground.
"Noo!"
Pride screams. His hands urgently cradling underneath his father's head. His mind in utter chaos. From the corner of his eye, he catches Sebastian and Gregorio rushing to his aid. A bombardment of questions only filtering through as white noise. Everything seemingly at a standstill. What followed was enough to send his body temp into a deep freeze.
"Now that I have your attention. It's time to end this, Dwayne"
Came Parsons scathing voice a mere two feet behind him. Hearing the familiar click of the rifle, Gregorio suddenly signals to Sebastian.
"Now!"
He whips around. Firing a round into the assassin's chest. A second bullet piercing through her lower abdomen. Death was instantaneous. Dwayne could feel the hot tears welling beneath the surface. His team trying desperately to save him. He hears Gregorio's frenzied voice to dispatch to send for an ambulance. Cassius' temperature gradually falling. It took all his remaining strength to speak to his son.
"I.. I'm sorry, Dwayne. Love ya, kid. Take care of that grandbaby of mine"
With that, he took one last labored breath and was gone. Sebastian and Gregorio at a loss for words. Just when the team thought this bad hand their superior was dealt couldn't get any worse. Dwayne slowly tries to get to his feet before he is struck down once again. He was going into early labor.
