I see you
Chapter 10
Greg woke up with a very bad knot that had formed in his stomach. Something happened, or is about to happen. He knew that there is something that shifted during the night. He won't be able to pin point it, it was just something he felt. It wasn't his relationship with Mycroft as the man was still asleep, holding him close. Greg briefly smiled as Mycroft's breath tickled his neck. His long pale arm was around his chest, and his knees behind Greg's. It's not every day he ends up a little spoon but after the talk last night, Mycroft is feeling very protective. Greg knew Mycroft wanted to arrange some sort of protection detail for him, and the way he feels this morning, he feels he might just agree if Mycroft suggest it.
He made up his mind about Duncan, he was going to go ahead and find every possible way to get the proof he needed, if it meant he was going to stalk him, that's fine, he will just claim he wants to his new best friend. Greg snorted at the idea.
"What's so funny so early?" Mycroft's sleepy voice asked. Greg smiled and turned around to look at Mycroft.
"That I'm going to be Duncan's newest best friend." Mycroft blinked then sat up, resting his back against the headboard. Greg followed.
"I already think you're something to him, won't say best friend though." Mycroft said, still sleepy, but serious.
Greg nodded.
"Yeah. I just... this morning I woke up with the strangest feeling... things are about to change...or had already changed...I can't explain."
Mycroft narrowed his eyes as he watched Greg. He could see in Greg's posture that he was certain something had changed and once again marvelled at the fact that unlike him, or Sherlock, Greg has a sixth sense for something. He had an intuition, a feeling that he wish he had. He uses logic and deductions to know a person, Greg use instinct. Whatever Greg is feeling he should heed to that. Greg is never wrong. All of a sudden Mycroft had an overwhelming moment of fear for the unknown. If Greg is worried which he clearly is, he should be worried.
"Greg, I know you won't like this but I really need to know you are safe at all times, I am raising your level of security." Greg looked at Mycroft, and his own worry was mirrored, he tried to calm his heart and Mycroft by pulling him close for a soft comforting kiss.
Mycroft went willingly into his arms. It felt so safe and strong.
"I'm okay with it, does this mean more cameras or someone following me?" Mycroft smiled in relief, already preparing himself to defend his cause and actions. The fact that Greg agreed is worrisome but he wasn't going to let it show, instead he placed his hands on either side of Greg's cheeks.
"More cameras yes, and a man or woman will be assigned to keep an eye on you."
"Just temporary all right?"
"Promise, until you feel the threat is over." Mycroft replied.
"You'll let me call the shots?"
"Yes. You gave your permission and I'll respect it until you say enough."
"Thanks Love."
By the time Greg arrived at work, he could feel the difference, but he told himself it is because he was made aware of it, if he didn't he would never have known about the extra security. Also if his paranoia wasn't on high alert as well.
The morning started relatively quiet until the afternoon when Detective Bradbury came running into his office.
"Greg?" Greg knew straight away this is what he was waiting for, whatever happened, it is big.
"What."
"Mona Stephens. Just been found; alive."
Alive? Greg didn't think twice, grabbing his jacket and phone he followed him out, asking question after question.
"Where? Is she saying anything? Is she hurt? How come alive? Where was she?" Bradbury rolled his eyes as he walked to the car with Greg following.
"You know as much as I do. She was found and is at the hospital."
Greg sat impatiently in the car as they drove to the hospital; it was quite the distance from the Yard. Why did he feel as if the whole fiasco just changed from a simple case to something that will affect them all?
They made their way to the parking area before going inside.
"Okay Greg, I know this isn't just a normal case, but we have to take it slow."
"I know that."
"I know that, as much as I want this bastard behind bars I won't do it at the cost of an innocent victim." For a moment Greg looked angry and offended that he would suggest that. Bradbury sighed.
"I know, you won't, I just..." Greg decided to take it easy on him; he probably would've done the same.
"Yeah. I know. Let's go in hey?"
"Yeah let's do it."
They walked inside and showed their badges to the nurses and were taken to her room.
"Listen detectives I know you have a job to do, but whatever happened to that young girl, weren't good. She hardly talks; she refuses to drink water and food if she didn't see you prepare it or opened the sealed package in front of her or the bottle of water. She gets nightmares and is much attuned to her surroundings."
"She was tortured." Greg stated the nurse looked at him, pursing her lips...
"I can't make that call."
"But you saw enough in your years to know."
"I did. Whatever happened to her, she is not going to forget this for a very long time, if ever."
"You think she has PTSD?" Greg asked softly. The nurse looked said it all, both Greg and Bradbury sighed and looked down.
"Just... Be careful...gentle with her." The nurse said before she walked away.
They nodded.
Bradbury allowed Greg to go in first. Greg went in and it was only the years on the force that allowed him to keep his face neutral. Mona, was sitting on the bed, her knees drawn up her hands were bandaged otherwise she looked fine and healthy, a bit malnourished from the few days of whatever she went through.
Her eyes on the other hand, they spoke of terror and pain. When the door opened she was instantly alert and focused on them.
They walked in steadily and with caution.
"Miss Stephens?"
"You're cops? I want protection. Please." She added as if she forgot. Greg and Bradbury shared a look. Bradbury answered.
"It's already been arranged, they will arrive within the hour. Do you mind if we ask you a few questions?" She nodded.
"I don't want to talk about it."
"No problem." Greg replied. She looked at him for a moment longer before she relaxed slightly.
"Mona, I understand it wasn't a pleasant experience but if we are going to catch who did this, we need as much as you can give me." Bradbury asked softly as he sat down on one of the plastic chairs. Greg followed suit and sat on the other side.
"You won't. I don't know anything." Mona looked down, ignoring them. Greg sighed.
"Mona, why do you say that?"
"You don't know him, you won't catch him." Both Greg and Bradbury shared a look. She was frightened.
"Mona..." Bradbury tried before Greg interrupted.
"You weren't the first but you are the first to survive. I can understand your fear, your doubt in us to catch him, and put him away where he belongs. But I promise you he won't be able to come near you. Not now not ever." Mona looked at Greg for a long time.
"You know who it is?"
"I have a suspicion, so doe's agent Bradbury, but without proof and evidence there is nothing I do."
"Detective Inspector Lestrade..." Bradbury said, hoping that Greg doesn't reveal too much. Greg narrowed his eyes and looked around to him.
"It's the truth." He stated.
"Doesn't matter, I don't know anything." Mona repeated.
They could see she was too scared, she refused to cooperate.
Greg had an idea, but it could get him in loads of trouble. He had to do this alone. He quickly got up.
"Excuse me a moment." Ignoring the looks they gave him he quickly stepped outside. His phone in his hand already dialling.
"Hello? Mycroft?"
"Gregory."
"Listen I'm sorry to bother you, they found Mona."
"The missing girl?"
"Yes."
"Is she okay?"
"No, not really. She refuses to talk, she is terrified and she is asking for police protection."
"The poor girl. I can imagine it must be difficult for her. Why doesn't she want to talk about it, especially if she knew who did it?"
"Because she's scared and she doesn't think we can put him behind jail. That's kind of why I'm calling."
"What are you planning?"
"Can you perhaps have someone watch her, someone not related to the police force?"
"Of course, someone will be there in 30 minutes. Are you going to tell her?"
"Yes. Then I'm going to confront her about Duncan."
"Is that wise?"
"Probably not, but I have to try. You don't have to worry, I won't harass her or anything, and I just need to make her understand I really want to help."
"The man I'm sending over is called David, he will make himself known to you. Ask for password, it will be 'coriander' tell the girl she can trust him."
"Thank you."
"How are you getting back to the office?"
"Excuse me?" Greg asked, already half smiling.
"You are obviously going to let your colleague go on his own, so you can talk to her, and tell her about David."
Greg laughed softly. Mycroft knew him.
"I'll catch a cab to the tube station and then take the Tube, it's on the end of the line, so I'll make a few changeovers but its fine."
"Gregory...please…take care..."
"I will, I love you."
"I..." Greg could hear Mycroft struggled to say that over the phone in fact they haven't really said it before, this is the first time he said it out loud.
"You know I don't think I've said it to you before, strange cause I really do. See you tonight?"
"Yes. We'll talk then. "
"Okay." Greg hangs up and stepped back into the room, Bradbury had obviously tried in his absence but she wasn't forthcoming with anything.
Greg stepped to Bradbury.
"Listen why don't you go back to the office and I'll stay here until the protection arrives?"
"You sure, how will you get back?"
"Tube. Yeah go on." Bradbury said his goodbyes and left leaving the two of them alone. Greg sat down in his chair and Mona ignored him.
Greg waited about ten minutes before he looked at her. It was no or never.
"Duncan Cleverly."
The result was instantaneous, she froze up, and her heart monitor started spiking. Greg held out his hands.
"I'm sorry."
"Why would you say that?" She asked through her tears. She was terrified, and shook all over. Greg answered in a soft soothing voice.
"Because we both know what kind of man he is."
"I can't talk to you!" She cried out.
"Mona, I am trying to put him away, I know what he is and also that you are not the first as I said before, I want to stop him."
She stopped fidgeting and stared as if she only heard him for the first time.
"There were others?" Greg nodded.
"Did they survive?" He shook his head and she started crying.
"I don't know, as we never found them. Listen…Mona, don't tell anyone but I know someone who was able to get you some extra security, some really good security. He will be here shortly and you can trust him." In fact, it was right then there was a knock on the door.
Greg opened it and looked at the man standing in front of him.
"Can I help you?"
"I'm David."
"Have to ask, have you eaten yet?" Greg wasn't just going to flat out asked for password, and from the smirk he received neither did David.
"Yes sir, it was a curry with some good coriander in it"
Greg smiled and opened the door.
"Mona, this is David, David, Mona Stephens." He turned back to her.
"You can trust him, even more than the cops okay?"
"Why?"
"Because I'm here for you not the Met or any other organisations. My first priority is you." David answered as he stepped forward. Mona looked satisfied with the answer.
"Are you staying outside or in here?"
"Where ever you would feel the most comfortable with. It is already cleared with the hospital staff, you have the authority to say who may and may not enter this room." Both Greg and Mona were impressed with that.
"Really?" She asked.
He nodded.
Greg stepped closer and tried again.
"Mona, is there anything you can tell me about the man who kidnapped you?"
"I can't. I can't."
"Mona."
"No!"
"This is all good and well" she pointed to David. "But he can't follow me the rest of my life."
"Mona..."
"No. Please leave." Greg shoulders sagged, he can't force her. He walked back to the door. Before he left he turned to her.
"I understand how terrified you must be, but please if you change your mind, tell David, he'll contact me." Closing the door behind him he let his frustration showed.
He is so close, yet so far.
As he made his way to the nurse's station the protection detail arrived. He spent a few minutes informing them about their duties before quickly going back to Mona.
"Mona? The protection detail is here, you can tell them David is your brother or something if not the truth." She nodded and he left again.
"Detective Inspector Lestrade?" Greg's hands froze on the handle. His whole body shivered. He opened the door. This isn't good.
"David, one minute please?"
David stepped out. Greg was facing Duncan as he stood in the hallway with a bouquet of flowers.
"Boys, David, this man isn't to be allowed within any radius of the patient. Not a hello n letter, or flower, not even a leaf, or I'll have your jobs. That understood.?"
"Yes sir."
"Clear." They answered.
Duncan narrowed his eyes.
"What do you think you're doing?"
"Protecting the patient."
"I'm just a concerned friend."
"We both know exactly what you are and what you're not. No excuse me, you're not welcome here, can I escort you out?"
Duncan smiled and held up his hands the flowers in the air.
"It's okay; I can find my way out." Greg watched as he turned around and walked to the nursing station and then with convincing charm gave them the flowers. The nurses smiled and blushed. He was good.
He turned to David, sharing a look. David nodded and Greg left. He made his way to cab and had to use all his willpower not to look over his shoulder. Back at the hospital David reported the whole incident to Mycroft before sitting down. Outside Duncan stood behind a pillar, watching the cab as it pulled away with Greg inside. A smile on his face.
"See you soon Detective."