Passion and secrets can equal MURDER!
Chapter 10
A/N: Thanks again for the fantastic reviews on the last chapter, I am really glad you are enjoying my little story and are thankful you've stuck with me.
This chapter will start off with Rachel's POV she is in her junior year at college, then leading up to the murder of Sam Evans that brought her and Finn together again after 12 long lonely years.
To save any confusion Rachel started college before they split up and Finn started at the Police academy after his 4 years at NYU.
As always I own nothing but the plot and OC's
I have again borrowed the College information from their web site. I have no affiliation or connection with John Jay college in any way, except an interest in the topics studied there.
Please enjoy and don't forget to leave a review.
**keep on drumming**
John Jay College of Criminal Justice New York:Rachel's POV in flashback.
"Good morning everyone and welcome to John Jay College, My name is Lloyd Travers, Academic administrator of John Jay. Let me first thank you for choosing our college as your higher education choice. For those who may not know or need a recap on our history. We are a senior college under the umbrella of the City University of New York and founded in 1964 as the only liberal arts college focused on criminal justice and forensic focus in the United States.
John Jay College of Criminal Justice is a community of motivated and intellectually committed individuals who explore justice in its many dimensions. The college's curriculum equips students to pursue advanced study and meaningful, rewarding careers in the public, private, and not for profit sectors of our wider community.
Our professional programs introduce students to foundational and newly emerging fields, and will prepare them for advancement within their chosen fields of expertise. Our students are eager to engage in original research and experimental learning, are excited to study in one of the world's most dynamic cities, and are passionate about shaping the future. Through their studies our students prepare for ethical leadership, global citizenship and engaged service. Our facility members are exceptional teachers who encourage students to join them in pursuing transformative scholarship's and creative activities. Through their research our facility advance knowledge and informs about professional practices that build and sustain just societies.
We also foster an inclusive and diverse community drawn from our city, our country, and the rest of the world. We at John Jay are dedicated to educating traditionally unrepresented groups, and committed to increasing diversity in the workforce. The breadth of our community motivates us to question our assumptions, to consider multiple perspectives, to think critically and to develop the humility that comes with global understanding.
Our motto is after all EDUCATION FOR JUSTICE! I sincerely hope you enjoy your time with us and I hope to see the vast majority of you at graduation and then send you off into the real world helping bring to justice those who deserve it and speaking up for those who are unable to help themselves get theirs."
Loud applause follows Dean Travers off the stage as the cohort of new students began to make their way to either their first class or to the library or for those who didn't have any classes till later, more than likely either to the cafeteria or quadrangle to soak up the rays of the last bit of warmth in the sun before everything was covered in dirty snow and slush, and winter in New York was not something to write home about if one were of the idea that Winter sucked.
Rachel Berry however thought winter was all right and felt like she had done for the past couple of years that the season matched her enduring melancholy mood.
Rachel was making her way through the throng of students to the library where she was planning on spending the day going over her course books and getting a head start on some of the assigned reading, her studies were getting more involved and much more interesting now she was a junior. She couldn't believe that her time at college would be done with in another year or so, and was extremely proud of her self for the excellent marks received for practical exams and written papers, so far she had maintained a position in the top 7% of her cohort. She had no social life to speak of, her daddies were away a lot with their work but had been talking seriously about moving to Florida or somewhere warm, even her cousin Noah was too far for regular catch ups as he was at his air-force base in Texas. She didn't even have a friend in New York, well that wasn't technically true she did have friends it is just that she wasn't interested in spending her free time with them, as most of the time they wanted to go to bars and nightclubs and places she deemed to be fun, and fun things were something she kept relating to her past life with him…
Sighing sadly, HIM... Being an extremely tall and sexy man, with the cutest freckles across his nose, a dimpled smile that made her insides turn to goo each time she saw him, and constantly messy hair. Who had kidnapped her heart and soul when she was 13 years old and never ever gave it back, not that she would have taken it back anyway even if it was wrapped up in a gift box covered in $100 bills, he always said it was one of the two most special and precious gifts she'd given him which of course she always replied with, he was her home and she only ever wanted to be with him, but to remember Finny they were tethered and her love for him was as endless and deep as the ocean. The other was of course her virginity… but then they gave each other the same gift. A few hot tears splash on her hand and another deep sad sigh leaves her lips as she closes her tiny hand around the treasure hanging off the long golden chain around her neck, as she remembers all the happy times with her Finn. She then recalls amid another bout of tears, the countless number of unsent text messages still in the drafts folder of her phone and library of novel length letters sealed in envelopes addressed, but never sent that are in a box right at the back of the highest shelf in her closet, wondering if he ever thinks about her or would even answer one if she had the courage to send them.
But her inner voice keeps chatting away most times uninvited (her only company along with the dreams) telling her that eventually things between them will get sorted and the freaking universe, who for some insane reason decided to force them to take some time apart will make it right. She can't help but think of him and all the plans they had made for their future, and the fact that even after he walked away with no more than a note left under her favorite star covered glass, she is unable to turn off the deep heart stopping love she has for him, so it gets locked away in the dark recess of her heart waiting for the spring to come again and let its warm fingers gently caress it, and turn on the light encouraging it back to life. But until then she promised herself to be the best of the best.
Rachel is shaken from her private musings by the irritating drawl of the unrelenting pain in the ass that manifests itself in the filthy rich, smarmy highlighted blond haired, gym junkie form of one Draven Le'Claire.
"Hey, Hey Rachy DAY-UM you are lookin' good babe! Did you miss me? So I was thinkin, a late supper, some 'very expensive' French champagne and a night in my apartment watchin' the stars blinking through the glass roof then for afters maybe a little horizontal twister under the new mirrored ceiling in my boudoir, come about 8:pm and just wear something easy for me to get off your luscious little body what do you say hmm?"
The whole time he was talking he kept winking and wiggling his right eyebrow making him look like he had a nervous tick, his hand continually rubbing along Rachel's forearm and making a sweaty trail up her arm and over her shoulder rubbing the skin at the base of her ear.
Shrugging of his touch and moving half a dozen steps back, trying desperately not to vomit all over him. Rachel wipes the tears off her face and tucks the chain back into her blouse, takes a deep breath and says with intention.
"Draven I have told you repeatedly since the first day you so rudely propositioned me, that I am not interested in going out with YOU or anybody EVER! I am here to learn so please leave me alone and perhaps focus on your own studies so you do not continue to hold up class discussions by asking inappropriate or stupid questions, therefore wasting everyone's time, now for the thousandth time leave me the hell ALONE!"
Slinking closer and again reaching out to rub his hands up her bare arms, his oily tone oozing from his mouth like a leaky bottle of hair gel. "But Rachy babe, we would have so much fun, a good looking super rich stud like me, and a smart sexy piece of ass like yourself. I mean even though you are short, your legs are somethin' else, I imagine them wrapped around me... and that mouth could take my rock hard 4 inches all the way..."
Standing up to her full 5'3"Rachel's dark brown eyes turn black with anger as her normally sweet tone turns dark "How dare you speak to me like that, I've a good mind to report you for sexual harassment."
Not once in the time her and Finn have been apart has she entertained the idea of doing anything with another guy not even so much as a cup of coffee. Making herself very clear from the onset she wasn't interested in hooking up or entering into a relationship with anyone, but this guy obviously never got the memo or is just too stupid to pay attention and she has finally had enough.
Rachel strides away forgoing the idea of going to the library instead opting to just go home, her mind too overwrought to focus on her books anyway. She calms down a little in the 20 minutes or so it took the on the subway and on arriving home deciding a nice long bubble bath and glass or two of wine, is a wonderful idea. She sighs as her tense body slides into the hot water and after a couple of mouthfuls of wine spends the next few minutes talking to Barbara who is perched on the counter next to the bath, listening to her momma venting about her day and in cat's speak lamenting loudly with her. Rachel reaches out one tiny hand gently rubbing Barbra's soft white head in thanks, allowing herself to get lost in her thoughts, even though she can't stand the guy, smiling a little at the thought of Draven bragging about his 4 inch member, knowing that no one else's would ever be the same as Finn's perfect 8 inches of wonder, but it is more the way it touched her soul and as with anything he did made her complete. The memories of their special times together causing her tears to begin anew. She slams her eyes shut and slides down into the water letting her hot tears blend with the vanilla bubbles loosing herself in the past and her sadness a little longer, before dedicating her thoughts to the business of getting on with the rest of her life and preparing to be a fully fledged member of the adult world… knowing the two paths that are FIN-CHEL will meet one day at a crossroad and the universe will have finally and after too many lost lonely years righted itself.
~xxx~
2013 New York:
"Hello Rachel how are you and Barbra doing today... you look beautiful as always. That sunflower clip in your hair is stunning they are my favorite flower … ooh here let me help you, I'd hate for you to hurt yourself." The man smiles at the gorgeous woman struggling a little with a pink carrier, his skin tingling with desire as their skin touches for just a split second on the handle. "For some reason I always associate them with you always bright and cheerful don't you think?
He smiles again at the woman's friendly greeting, knowing she is just as excited to see him as he is to see her and wonders if today will be the day he will get her to be his.
"Thank you, hi Bobbie, we are both well thanks so much for asking, I've brought Barbra in for her check up next vaccination and a bath."
"Of course Do you want me to bring her home? You know I live close by and I was hoping maybe we could go for a drink or coffee after…?"
Rachel's friendly mood disappears suddenly, she bites her bottom lip and tucks a strand of hair behind her ear before saying softly her tone sad, the reason for it which is obviously unknown to and therefore lost on Bobbie. "I… I'm sorry but… um no thanks, and it will be okay I can collect Barbra after her appointment." Focusing her attentions on her cat she says "Be good baby girl and momma will see you in a little bit." Rachel turns and leaves the clinic just raising her hand in response to the man's apologies for upsetting her by being too forward.
Bobbie spends the rest of the day berating himself for his over the top way with Rachel and thinks he might need to show his affection in a more subdued way, but then again she is probably just shy and more than likely just playing hard to get. He is unfortunately not there when Rachel comes back to collect her cat as he was out walking a pair of spoilt Dalmatians, who were in the boarding kennel while their owners where in France on a 3 month holiday. Wishing it was him and Rachel sunning it up on the French Riviera sipping on champagne and eating caviar. Groaning with desire at the thought of Rachel sexily licking the tiny salty beads off her luscious pink lips, then pressing those lips against his letting him taste both her and the caviar. Then spending the rest of the time having wild and uninhibited sex (he has always thought Rachel would be wild in the sack) in their hotel room overlooking the Eiffel tower. He quickly decides the dogs have had enough walking and as soon as he gets back to the clinic locks himself in the bathroom and takes care of his throbbing hard on.
~xxx~
2015 New York:
"Noah! Oh my goodness how wonderful to see you again, the air force certainly agrees with you you look so, so mature..."
Lifting one eyebrow in puzzlement Puck says "Well thanks cousin I think..., I'm not sure if that is a compliment or an insult, you know I've always been a real man, but fuck it is really good to see you too! But as it is past my dinner time in Texas how's about we get our feed on and then we can spend the rest of my time in the Big Apple catching up and you can hear all about the latest honey that got an extra big taste of the Puckerone."
Her laughter bubbling over her words, Rachel just reaches up again and hugs her cousin, so happy to see him "Oh Noah Puckerman don't you ever change how long are you in town for? Have you see Aunt Marla yet? I feel so bad I haven't been able to get back to Jersey for a visit for ages but we do e-mail every couple of weeks."
"Hey, hey hold up with the questions Cuz, I'm only in town over night for work, some dickhead newbie at my base had some hold up with his paperwork or some shit and just my luck I got sent to figure it out, fuck knows why the idiots in recruiting couldn't do it before he got to Texas, but it does give me the chance to see the second best looking Jew in the place." wiggling his eyebrows at her then picking her up and spinning her around Puck laughs out loud joining in with Rachel's happiness, before he puts her back on her feet.
Still giggling Rachel takes Puck's hand as they make their way out of the busy JFK arrivals lounge and into a waiting cab. Dinner was wonderful, Rachel mostly listened to her cousin go on about his adventures with planes and gasped in shock when he told her he nearly crashed a bird into the hanger because the landing gear was faulty. She does not mention their tall handsome mutual friend because she knows deep down that Noah won't want to bring up the sad past, as he was there in her corner when everything happened in college, and she is grateful to him for that as she knows how close he and Finn were then and probably still are, but she is surprised she hasn't run into the tall policeman somewhere in New York in the past 11 years. After dinner Rachel and Puck returned to her apartment, enjoyed a cup of coffee and some of Rachel's baking Puck always loved it when she baked, and after she promised to send him back with a box of goodies they said their good nights before settling down for the night. Barbra making her cousin feel welcome by situating herself right in the middle of his belly once he was asleep.
"Good morning Noah how did you sleep?"
"Mornin' Rachie, yeah good 'cept your freaking fluff ball decided to use my 6-pack as a pillow, can't see how it could have been comfortable as they are rock hard, but I gotta say at least she has good taste. Though her damn claws were a bit much I've got scratch marks now look" He lifts his white T-shirt up and points to the long thin lines, marking his tanned abdomen.
"Oh dear I'm sorry Noah I will ask the clinic to trim them today when she goes for her worm and flea treatments, she has been scratching at the furniture as well which is very naughty. What time do you have to leave? Will I see you before you go?"
"Yeah, I don't need to leave here till about 17:45 my flight doesn't leave till 19:00 hours or some ungodly fucking hour but the trip back to JFK will probably take an age at that time of night."
"OK then well you have a good day and I'll see you later then."
"You got it Cuz have fun."
Rachel's day was like normal very busy with one case after another and she was thankful when she noticed the time being 4:pm which would give her just enough time to get home collect Barbra and get her to the Veterinary Clinic for her appointment, she is hoping they can fit her in for a pedicure as well, as much as she knows it probably hurt Noah she giggles at what she imagines the stories that he will make up if any body (well ladies especially) asks how he got them.
Walking into the Pet's Parade Veterinary Clinic, just before 4:45 cringing slightly as she is greeted by the overly happy and somewhat creepy tone of
"Hi Miss Berry, have you brought Barbra in for her worm and flea treatments?"
From Bobbie the assistant who over the past few years has tried numerous times to get her to go out with him, Rachel has used every line in the 'Let him down nicely book of quotes' to thwart his advances, hoping she wouldn't have to now pull out the big guns and invent a pretend boyfriend or as a last resort a female lover ( not that there is anything wrong with that but just not her choice).
"Yes hello that's right, I'm also hoping you could fit her in for a pedicure… she is starting to scratch at the furniture and is making quite a mess."
In a playful /serious tone BJ says "Oh dear what a naughty girl you are Barbra." leaning down to speak with the fluffy white cat making a "tisk, tisk" noise. He is checking the appointment book and stealing glances at Rachel before saying "Well you are in luck Rachel I can fit her in at 5:00 I can bring her home too you if you like, it isn't out of my way."
"Oh well only if you are sure, I'd not want to put you to any bother..."
Shaking his head and squeezing her hand BJ says in a determined tone "It is not a problem at all and I am more than happy to do it."
Rachel leaves with a small smile in thanks and a wave after telling Barbra to be good for the nice man. She spends the rest of the afternoon and early evening with Noah then at 5:45 they are waiting on the pavement outside her apartment for his pre-ordered cab saying goodbye, just as Noah attired in his dark blue air force uniform with his hat tucked under his arm showing his close cropped Mo-hawk to the world, wraps his strong arms around her body and presses a kiss on her cheek suddenly a pink and white box filled with a mewling cat is thrust roughly into against his arms, it was only his quick actions that saved the box from dropping on the hard pavement.
"Hey... what the fuck dude? Rachie...?"
Just as Rachel is about to say something a loud honk from behind indicate the arrival of the cab so carefully Noah puts the carrier on the ground hugs Rachel again and climbs into the cab waving goodbye with a worried look on his face and hoping his tiny cousin will be alright, wishing more than anything his best bud was with her now keeping her safe from fuckers like that and wonders if he could get Mike Chang, Finn's partner in the NYPD to 'unofficially' keep an eye on Rachie without her or Finn knowing. As he was about to call Mike his cab smashes into the back of a postal van which resulted in him spending the night in hospital for observation and stitches in the back of his head, all thoughts of anything else vanishing.
~xxx~
Early January 2016:
"Rachel this is Hamish McMurray he is with us on work experience for 6 weeks or so until he starts at College, I know he will learn a lot from you so I'll leave him in your very capable hands, good luck Hamish, Ms Berry is our best so make sure you pay attention and do as she says."
"Y-yes thank you Director, Um h-hello Ms Berry can I-I just say what an honor it is to be able to spend my time with you I have read all your published papers and know I can learn so much."
Slightly embarrassed that she had completely forgotten the Hospital director had asked her months ago if she would be happy to have a trainee for a while she says "Oh yes Hamish, I'm sorry I'd quite forgotten you were joining us today, well no matter welcome, now if you go through that door." Rachel indicates with her right hand to a wooden door with a large window in it "My assistant Dottie will show you where you can put your belongings and such and also where you'll find anything else you might need, ID badge and the like. Come back when you are done ok?" Rachel smiles at the young man who promptly blushes a deep pink, and stammers out a nervous.
"Y-yes t-thank-you M-Ms Berry,"
He went away to find Dottie disappointed that Rachel wasn't the one to show him about, his mind sliding back to the very first time he entered the lab when he was shown about the place on his first interview, and met the beautiful tiny brunette forensic specialist, he spent all his time trying to find out all he could about Rachel.
Time moved on and poor Hamish still hadn't got any further along in his attempts to get closer to Rachel than the occasional cup of coffee at a shared table in the crowded break room with the other staff. He thought he had won the lottery when the Hospital director came to him one day and said that an opening had come up as a trainee-ship type position and did he want to spend some more time working with Ms Berry as well as his college work. Hamish jumped at the chance to spend more time alongside Rachel.
~xxx~
2015:
One Monday in late November Sam was telling BJ while the two were taking a little break at the gym, about how he overheard a young kid in Starbucks going on about a short brunette woman called Rachel somebody or other he had met while working at the hospital, and was well on his way to getting her to go out with him, Sam said it was funny to hear him as the kid only looked to be about 17 or 18 and from what he said Sam got the impression this Rachel was an older woman. By this stage BJ was close to loosing the plot over Rachel completely and every person he heard talk about tiny brunettes' was riling him so bad. He took Sam's words to mean HE was interested Rachel and therefore decided to teach him a lesson, GOD! The fucking bastard already had two women on the go, there was no fucking way he was going to get BJ's as well.
So that's where he took on the idea of adding the anti-freeze to Sam's sports drinks as he had noticed how partial Sam was to blue-raspberry Gatorade while working out at the gym. (He knew it would work just like it did on his Grandma) BJ went out and brought a carton of the stuff and doctored a couple of bottles at a time, taking them to the gym and offering them to Sam saying.
"Hey man I thought I'd try this blue/raspberry Gatorade that seems to help you out, but didn't like it, I like red Powerade better, now I'm stuck stuck with like nearly a full carton of the damn stuff, I don't 'spose you'd want to take it off my hands? I mean I'd be happy to bring a couple in each time you come to the gym save you havin' to cart it about with you all over the place." Here I'll give you my number so just give me a call when you want an' I'll bring some yeah?" BJ grabbed one of the gym's business cards from the table in the change room and wrote his number as well as his initials on the back, giving it to Sam with a smile.
Sam seemed pleased with that and offered to take BJ out for a drink, telling him that he was a great friend and he was glad he'd met him. Little did he know he had befriended and trusted the wrong person and it would be for the last time...
~xxx~
A/N: Ah! well now we know how BJ poisoned Sam. Please let me know what you think, only another one or maybe two and an epilogue to come. This will be the last from me for a little while as I'll be involved in another fun project with a couple of fan fiction writer friends and will need to focus on it, so stay tuned for more on that later. I hope Rachel didn't come across as not being as heart broken as Finn but I always find her a bit harder to write I don't know why. Thanks as always for taking the time to read.