Chapter 10

Hale walks into the station getting many greetings from the fellow officers after his long absence. They were all happy to see him around. Dyson sees him and approaches.

"Hale, where have you been? We've been waiting on you." Dyson says quickly.

"Yeah, I know. My bad, so what I miss?" Hale asks.

"Look who's finally here, took you long enough. Is this your usual M.O. when you're working here, cause I gotta say you were always early back in the states?" Kendrick jumps into their conversation and gives Hale a quick handshake.

"Well, I just got back actually. I was on leave for some time. Where's Mark and the rest of the guys?" Hale replies.

"They had to leave a bit earlier to take care of somethings." Tremaine jumps in.

"How bout we take this downstairs so we can go over the information you brought us." Dyson suggests.

They all follow Dyson to the open area on the 2nd floor of the station. Tremaine takes the folders in his hands and lay out all the cases he brought with him. It's picture after picture of murders with no seeming pattern.

"What are we looking at here?" Dyson asks plainly.

"Yeah, Is there a connection to all these murders?" Hale adds on.

"Both great questions and we were hoping you all could help with the answers." Kendrick states looking at both Dyson and Hale. "We've been tracking this certain, let's say creature, for some time and we can never get close, but where ever they are tragedy follows and usually young females. It doesn't even seem to be any type of feeding and we have no idea how they cause the murders." Kendrick states perplexed.

Tremaine adds on, "The creature seems to force an average law abiding person to do it's bidding. It took us quite a long time to even realize we were being manipulated to believe these were random shootings and stabbings, etc. We've been tracking closely and it led us here in our investigation, with the latest victim being umm…"

"Mackenzie Malikov, was her name." Kendrick reads off the paper in his hand.

"What?!" Dyson and Hale reply together.

Kendrick and Tremaine look up with their eyes widen by their response.

"Do you two know her?" Tremaine asks for clarification.

Hale closes his eyes and takes a breath.

"Yes, we know her. In fact, you met her last night, with Hale." Dyson says sharply.

"Oh… oh!" Kendrick and Tremaine say realizing their oversight.

"So, you don't think the assailant is picking victims at random?" Dyson asks.

"We did at first, but after following the leads for months now it's seeming more and more like they are targets. It's just frustrating because we can't seem to find a pattern, rhyme, or reason for the targets." Kendrick responds.

Hale's face is becoming more and more grim as they continue to speak.

"Has any of the victims been able to tell you anything, anything at all?" Dyson asks desperately needing more clues.

"No. Ms. Malikov is the first victim to have survived an attack." Tremaine says with caution and Hale quickly pulls out his phone calling Kenzi. He steps away from the group. 'C'mon lil mama answer the phone.' She doesn't answer. He calls again and again no answer. Dyson watches Hale pensively, while listening to the other gentlemen discuss their findings. Hale calls Bo and there's no answer. He tries not to become worried, but the pit at the ball of his stomach has already begun to turn. He texts Kenzi.

Hale: Kenzi, call me as soon as you get this message. If you're with Bo, stay with her. Do not leave her side. I'll be pass the house as soon as I can get there.

Hale is about to tell Dyson he's leaving and Dyson's phone rings.

Dyson: Tamsin. (he says loud enough for Hale to pause)

Tamsin: Dyson, I just left the Dark compound and it looks like the Morrigan is aware of the Amino Imperio… it's not looking good. I texted Lauren to get out of there, but I haven't heard back from her. Where are you?

Dyson: At the station. Do you think the Morrigan is in on it?

Kendrick and Tremaine mouth the words, "The Morrigan", with questioning looks.

Tamsin: That woman is capable of anything and I seriously wouldn't put it pass her. Where's Kenzi, she's not picking up?

Dyson: Hale and I are on our way to the house right now.

Tamsin: Meet you there.

As Dyson and Hale hustle to the nearest car Kendrick and Tremaine jog behind them.

"Why do I feel like all hell is about to break loose? And did you say the Morrigan here maybe involved?" Kendrick says, with a worried look.

"Yes, and it just might. It seems we're all on the same case. I'll text you where to meet us, we have to find Kenzi." Dyson states as he gets in the car with Hale already in the driver seat, checking his phone again.

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Walking down the street Kenzi and Bo are talking.

"So… How was your overnight stay with Hale?" Bo asks with her eyes wide.

Kenzi blushes and then smiles wide. "Oh Bo-Bobolicious!" She stops walking and leans against the window of the store.

"Whoa! That good huh?" Bo says laughing.

Kenzi stands up straight as if she realizes something in that moment. She walks up to Bo and puts her arm in hers, "We made love, Bo. I've never… it's never been" she shakes her head trying to explain how she felt, what it was like for her, but the words wouldn't come.

Bo puts her hand over Kenzi's, "You don't have to explain. I totally get it, sex is great, but love making is the most beautiful and intimate way of being with someone by bearing so much of yourself."

Kenzi's entire face was glowing and Bo could see her aura the brightest she's ever seen.

"Well then, we will just have to have some celebratory drinks after this bit of business with Val?" Bo insists.

"So, what are we supposed to meeting up with Val about again?" Kenzi asks Bo.

"I don't know, she didn't actually tell me yesterday. We're supposed to meet up at the coffee shop, she texted me a bit ago." Reaching for her phone, "Where's my phone?"

Kenzi starts patting her pockets and realizes she may have left hers at the house. Bo walks towards the car and sees her phone on the floor. She picks it up and sees a million calls and texts from everyone.

Bo calls Lauren first, but no answer. Looking at Kenzi, she then calls Dyson.

Dyson: Bo are you with Kenzi?

Bo: Yeah, is everything alright?

Dyson: Where are you?

Bo: We're at the coffee shop not far from the house. We were about to meet with Val. What is going on?

Dyson: We think the Amino Imperio is after her specifically. We're on our way, stay put.

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Bo and Kenzi walk in the coffee shop and Val can instantly tell something is wrong. Val quickly raises from her seat and meet the ladies at the front of the shop.

"What's wrong?" Val asks quickly

"That damn thing is still after me, or that's what they think." Kenzi says looking around at everyone and everything suspiciously.

"Should we go somewhere else safer?" Val ask quieter.

"No, Hale and Dyson are on the way and…" Bo's phone rings.

Bo: Hello

Tamsin: Thank God you answered. Have you heard from Lauren, I tried calling? I was on my way to you but…

Bo: No I haven't, not since earlier.

Tamsin: Shit, shit, shit. Ok, Dyson and Hale are coming your way, so I'm gonna double back to check on Lauren, she's smack dab in the middle of this fae-fuck.

Bo: What are you talking about! (Bo raises her voice and walks outside. Val and Kenzi follow her lead.)

Tamsin makes a U-turn to go back towards dark fae territory.

Tamsin: Lauren was studying the Amino Imperio for the Morrigan this whole time. She had no idea and figured it out this morning when I was there. You all need to get to Trick because from what I think I saw, this mother faer is strong, it has ties to almost every fae gene. There's gotta be more information on this damn thing, but for now… I'm going back, take care of momz for me.

Bo: You know I will. And Tamsin thank you, call me as soon as you know anything.

Hale and Dyson pull up and quickly get out. Hale sees Kenzi's face and he can tell she's happy to see him, but also worried. He grabs her hand to pull her into a hug and she holds onto him longer than usual.

"What's wrong Bo?" Dyson asks as he sees her dialing Lauren over and over.

"She's fucking not answering." Bo is starting to panic and they're all looking at her.

"What the hell did Tam-Tam say?" Kenzi looks at Bo and grabs her hand.

"Lauren's is still at the lab. She's not answering…" ugh, "Lauren has been unknowingly researching the Amino Imperio for the Morrigan, but now Lauren knows it and Evony may have just found out. She will never let Lauren leave with all that she knows and capable of learning, especially since it looks like her twizzle stick ass has everything to do with… with what happened to you Kenzi." Bo says with her mind working double time trying to come up with a plan.

"Go Bo! Go get Lauren the hell out of there. I know Tamsin asked you to stay with me, but I'll be fine." Kenzi says looking at Bo. Then grabbing Dyson and Hale's hand, "See I'm pretty well protected round here, don't you think? A siren and a wolf, what else can ask for? Go, go now!" Kenzi pushes her lightly towards the car.

Bo takes a breath, "I'm coming right back!" She looks up at the guys, "You two…"

Dyson gives Bo a hug and says, "Go get the one you love, we have Kenzi. Go."

Bo quickly leaves.

Hale looks at Val.

"I know. I know. What am I doing here?" Val says.

"Actually, I'm starting to get use to you being around." Hale says with a smile and gave her hug.

"Let's get to the Dal." Dyson says ushering them.

"You comin'?" Kenzi asks.

"Yeah, sure." Val replies following along.

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Tamsin is in the back of the building waiting for the guards that generally come out to smoke when they weren't supposed to. The guards are completely oblivious to the Valkyrie behind them and she quickly disarms one, holding him hostage against the other.

"You're not as dumb as your friend here" she looks at the side of the face of the man she has in a choke hold with her sly grin and back towards the other guard. "Now go ahead and make this simple. Choose to sleep with your family tonight or…"

The other guard understood the capabilities of Tamsin and had no desire to trifle with her, he quickly lays down his weapon. As soon as his weapon is down, Tamsin let's go of her hostage and with one swift kick she knocks the other guard down and punches her hostage knocking them both out.

"Wow, ok then" impressed by her on skill Tamsin goes inside with her weapon already drawn. It's quite obvious the entire compound is on lock down, the reason for the lock down was what has Tamsin worried. She tries every door and they're all locked, she doesn't see a way to get to the upper levels. Tamsin thinks, 'If they're holding her and she isn't already dead… she'll be on the 3rd floor'. She doubles back to see if she missed any doors and then looks up at the vent. 'Fuck me, hate small spaces'. As soon as she jimmy's the vent cover off she hears a noise and takes cover. From the clack of the shoes and distinct smell she rises, "Bo?"

"How'd you know it was me?" Bo says in a whisper.

"You've gotta change your strawberry shampoo, it's super strong." Tamsin smiles, "I knew you wouldn't listen. Let's go, it's already been a while."

Bo nods and they shimmy into the vent.

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They enter the Dal with determination, heading straight for Trick. Trick was already waiting on them with Hale and Dyson's friends from the states.

"Trickster, please what is going on? You've got to know why this thing is after me, you know everything to know about faeland." Kenzi looks desperately up at Trick behind the bar.

Trick sighs, takes a breath, and was about to speak when Mark says, "I told you Kendrick, these cases are linked!"

"Let me see that." Hale looks at the file that has them arguing. "So, all of them are missing?" Hale gives a confused look.

"Yeah, and Mark thinks they're connected with the murder victims somehow, but I just don't see it. So, what now our fae killer is a kidnapper too. There's no way this would go unnoticed this long no one is that good and no way the East Coast council wouldn't have caught wind of this." Kendrick states.

"I don't know, so many things get overlooked especially when the Light and the Dark are constantly battling. Humans going missing, being killed, neither have ever been at the top of any fae priority list because we don't value them. It's a chance that the council is well aware of this issue and they choose to ignore it." Hale states with frustration in his voice.

Val looks up and sees Kenzi's facial expression, the hurt was evident. Reggie takes this moment to explain what he, Kendrick, Mark, Tremaine, and Harry wanted from them, "So, Dyson, Hale. That brings me to what the fellas were discussing earlier when we found out our cases are linked." Kendrick gives Reggie a displeased look and takes over the conversation.

"Look, we know you have your hands full here, but it's obvious that most of the information you need to crack your case open is in the states. All the evidence, everything seems to have started there, not here. Following that trail could help you find the reason why it's stopping here. We were thinking if you could, maybe come to the states for a few days. Help us and help yourselves at the same time."

"We completely understand if you can't." Tremaine adds.

Kenzi places her head on the bar, she hasn't touched her drink yet. The guys continue to talk it out and Val goes over to Kenzi.

"Hey." Val says.

"Hey." Kenzi replies.

"Has Bo texted since she left?" Val asks getting a drink from Trick.

"Yeah, she's there. I am usually right by her side and now… now I'm even more of burden than usual because the target is me… justfaefrickin' perfect!" She shakes her head in irritation.

"Well, at least I'm not the only one Hale will be constantly trying to convince to stay out of danger." They both share a small laugh. "But hey, if we know anything, Bo has a way of making a way out of no way, so… So just drink your drink." Val says with a slight smirk and Kenzi gives a tiny smile and drinks up.

The guys are about to leave so Dyson walks them out. Hale jogs over to Val and Kenzi, "Hey, lil mama you eat?"

"I don't wanna eat, how can I possibly eat right now?" Kenzi says looking into her beer glass.

"Yeah, you should eat something. Trick." Hale says looking up at him.

"Got it. Your favorite cheeseburger and fries, Kenzi?" Trick says.

Kenzi nods and checks her phone again.

"Let me talk to you Val." Hale pulls his sister away from the bar.

"What's up?" Val asks.

"Alright, so I'm just gonna ask. Do you think father knows about the Amino Imperio?" Hale asks and Val's face goes blank. Watching her face Hale takes in a huge breath and mumbles a ton of curse words that Val couldn't hear. He takes in another long breath. He looks over his sister's shoulder to see that Kenzi's not listening, he then looks Val in the face with a stern look and a harsh low tone, "Val, if father has ANYthing to do with this, I don't think I'll be able to forgive him." He looks away from her face, "If anything happens to Kenzi…"

Val nods her understanding, "I'm not sure what he knows Hale, honest. But I do know he knows something, I was actually going to ask Bo to check up on the Dark fae that's been pass the house. That's why I was here today with her."

"What?!" Hale is completely pissed. Kenzi and Trick turned to look at them and Hale just put his hand up to ensure them everything was fine.

"I didn't know how else to find out what Dad's been up to. I didn't want to bother you with it. The two of you argue more every year and I didn't want to see the face you're making right now without knowing for sure it's even warranted." Val pleads.

They're quiet for a moment then Val asks, "What makes you think he knows of the Amino Imperio?"

"I don't know, it just clicked. He wasn't himself when I saw him, he was understanding in a way he never has been. He's been on and off the northern coast council for decades and then to top it off he asked about Kenzi. He truly wanted to know how she was doing." Hale's mind was steadily ticking.

"I don't think Father is capable hurting Kenzi, he knows how you feel about her." Val says plainly.

"Maybe not, but he may not have known it would hurt her specifically. Either way, I will find out." Hale says and walks off.

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Tamsin and Bo see a room below them with windows, so they drop down from the vents. Tamsin is preparing to break the glass, when Bo tries the door and it opens. They both let out a semi chuckle and move forward. They are still one level below where Tamsin believes Lauren is being held. Nearing the stairwell Bo hears voices and they duck and hide in the closet door of the hall. They instantly recognize the voice speaking.

"You're not going to screw me Cane! I want what you promised me or I'll tell that Succubitch everything and I'm positive she'll involve the blood king you're so terrified of." Evony is seething.

Bo couldn't believe what she just said and Tamsin is steadily trying to make out an image from the crack in the door. She can only manage to see a very tall cloaked man.

"Don't be foolish, child. Your stupidity will outweigh your usefulness and then… then we'll have to dispose of you. You wouldn't want that." Cane response is a heavy, dark, and ever condescending tone that is rarely, if ever, used with Evony. "Are we clear?"

"Crystal." Evony replies and Tamsin couldn't believe it. They continue to walk putting a code into the elevator and leaving.

"We've got to get Lauren and get the hell out of here because whatever the hell that was gave me the fucking creeps." Bo let's out in a whisper.

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