Chapter 21 – Gotcha
It was a weight lifted off his shoulders when he received the call two weeks later from the fire chief, letting him know that their suspect was picked up in Coney Island, Brooklyn. It was sweet music to his ears when he was also told that Lucas Bishop was then turned over to the custody of the FBI for a slew of crimes committed in various states. Logan was subdued a bit when he was informed that the man would more than likely wouldn't face prosecution for arson because the charges slapped on him by the FBI would make sure that he spent the rest of his pathetic life in prison. However, knowing that he would never get the chance to hurt Ororo or anyone else mollified him.
A day after that call, Vic was in Logan's office informing him that Bishop was ready to sing like a canary, hoping to cut a deal with the authorities. Logan wasn't surprised, because men like Bishop always sang a different tune when their backs were against the wall. Vic confirmed their theory that Lucas Bishop was indeed working for T'Challa. In what capacity he was involved with the wayward prince, they didn't know as yet, because the man wanted a deal on the table before he talked. Logan and Vic weren't fools and both knew that if he wanted a deal on the table before he talked, then it stood to reason that the man was in possession of a treasure trove of secrets for T'Challa. Logan, rightfully so, was concerned that the authorities would cave to this man and his demands, in order to catch the bigger fish, namely T'Challa. Vic had assured Logan that they had no intentions of letting this guy get off with a slap on the wrist, because the evidence against him was overwhelming and his other crimes were just too numerous.
Logan waited with bated breath for that one call that would let him know that T'Challa Ukadu was in the custody of the Department of Justice. As far as Logan was concerned, he would rather the powers that be not waste tax payers' hard earned money and carry on the motions of a trial, but just toss the bastard prince into a hole where no one would ever find him or think to look for him. It was going to be stressful waiting for the slow wheels of justice to turn and give T'Challa his just desserts. Just the thought of a long drawn out spectacle of a trial was enough to make Logan want to commit a felony of his own. He knew that T'Challa would no doubt use the trial and the attention it would garner him, to further his quest to destroy Ororo. There were no doubts that T'Challa was going down, but he'll be damned if he gave the prince the opportunity to take Ororo down with him.
As the days progressed, Logan desperately needed this nightmare for her to be over with. Her assurances that she was fine were not washing with him anymore. He saw evidence of the undue stress that she was under, especially knowing that her ex could use any means to disrupt her life, now that he was desperate with the authorities breathing down his neck. Logan had his hands full reassuring her that she was safe and would remain so as long as he was around, but he knew she was still troubled. After all she had suffered at the hands of that man and to some degree was still suffering, he hoped that an end would come soon, for her sake.
When Vic did call, it wasn't for what Logan thought it would be. His hopes were deflated when Vic requested his and Ororo's presence in the city. He was assured that it was nothing to worry about, but since Ororo was caught up in the entire T'Challa mess, she was considered a victim and thus, they needed her to give her statement. So it was with dread that Logan approached Ororo about the FBI's request.
They were having dinner that same night, with the conversation flowing around them as usual, but Ororo couldn't shake off a bizarre sense of uneasiness. She wondered if it had anything to do with Logan's strange expression since he had arrived home earlier. As he helped her clear the dishes and clean up, she felt as if there was an invisible barrier between them. She dreaded the answer to the question she knew she had to ask. She would bet her life it concerned their ongoing saga with her ex.
Ororo was loading dishes into the dishwasher when he came up and hugged her from behind. "Leave that for a minute, darlin'. I have to talk to you before we head to bed."
Reflexively she stiffened against him. "All right," she said as steadily as she could, turning around to face him. Her heart was pounding with alarm. Instinctively she knew that the situation with T'Challa had taken another turn.
"'Ro," he said, glancing away, then forcing himself to look into her questioning eyes. He exhaled loudly. "I got a call from Vic earlier. They want us, more specifically you to make a statement because you are considered one of T'Challa's victims."
She sucked in her breath sharply, started to say something, then cut it off quickly. For long moments she held her breath as she stared at him silently. When her breath was released, it was on a long sigh. "I see," she said weakly. "I thought Victor's inquires with the Justice Department said that I had nothing to worry about."
"Vic assured me that they just needed your statement about the notes you received and your encounter with Bishop," he said quietly.
"Are you sure, Logan?" Her mind was screaming hysterically. When she thought that they would soon be rid of T'Challa, here comes another roadblock. She sighed. "When do we have to be there?"
Logan hauled her into a tight embrace. "I'm sure, babe. He said it wasn't anything for us to worry about." He pressed a kiss to her temple. "Whenever you want to leave, we can. I'll let Vic know to expect us."
"The sooner the better, I think," she mumbled.
"It's going to be alright, darlin'," he replied gently. "I'll call Vic and let him know we'll be down day after tomorrow."
Ororo nodded her acquiescence.
"Maybe we can spend the weekend in the city," he whispered, extricating himself from their embrace. His eyes drilled into hers. "We can take in a Broadway show or have lunch in Bryant Park."
She smiled sweetly, appreciating his efforts to make her feel better. The thought of recreating the very first time they met, was so appealing to her and just what she needed. "That sounds wonderful. Thank you."
"Anything for you, darlin'."
To say Ororo was a bundle of nerves was an understatement. The federal agents currently sitting across from her and scrutinizing her were two of the most dour-faced men she had ever laid eyes on. Surprisingly, they had done their best to put her at ease, while they interviewed her. She answered their questions honestly and with as much calm as she could muster in the tense situation. It was with great relief she sighed once the ordeal was over and she was led to another room where Logan and Victor waited for her. Logan immediately went to her and crushed her to him, refusing to let her go. Victor's partners who were responsible for interrogating Lucas Bishop followed, with huge grins on their faces. Victor, already privy to what they were about to lay out for Logan and Ororo, grinned along with them.
"You going to tell us what's up, Vic?" Logan inquired.
"Hold your horses, runt," Victor growled. "I'll let agents Wagner and Cassidy fill y'all in."
Ororo took a seat in one of the chairs provided for them, while Logan followed suit. He could literally smell the apprehension rolling off of her. He reached across and snaked his arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer to this strength. As the two agents took turns relaying the information they had gleaned from Lucas Bishop, Ororo was happy that Logan was there with her. She had never needed his strength more than she did now. What the agents revealed was so twisted, so despicable that Ororo was literally sick to her stomach. Logan, although seemingly calm on the outside, was boiling with rage on the inside. Throughout the tale, he had kept his arms around Ororo, attempting to lend her some of his strength.
Agents Kurt Wagner and Sean Cassidy revealed that Lucas Bishop had told them some of what they already knew and then some. The vehicle used by the deceased Kevin Sydney belonged to Selene Gallio who was Sebastian Shaw's personal assistant. The vehicle was reported stolen and Ms. Gallio was reported missing at the same time in October of last year. Sebastian Shaw was a business associate of T'Challa and they were involved in many underhanded deals together. Ms. Gallio, in addition to being Shaw's personal assistant, was one of T'Challa's mistresses. Kevin Sydney who was a janitor at Shaw Industries was recruited by Ms. Gallio to do some dirty work for T'Challa, namely delivering the notes to Ororo and to kidnap Ororo for T'Challa and Shaw's sex trafficking ring. Ororo had shuddered at that and Logan had to refrain himself from punching a hole into the nearby wall. When Sydney had adamantly refused to have a hand in committing a felony that could land him behind bars for the rest of his life, Bishop, on behest of T'Challa, murdered him. Bishop then altered the crime scene to make it appear as if Mr. Sydney had committed suicide. Selene Gallio was also murdered by Bishop when T'Challa got word that she was cooperating with the Justice Department to build their case against him. Her body was placed in the trunk of the stolen vehicle to make it appear as if Sydney had slain her before taking his own life. Selene Gallio's death was no longer a cold case and Kevin Sydney's case was now a homicide and the Justice Department was now gunning for Sebastian Shaw and the NYPD and its role in protecting Shaw and attempting to cover up Mr. Sydney's death.
In regards to the fire at First Class Automotive Center, Bishop admitted that he had been tailing Ororo for a while before the night at Harry's. His assignment on command of T'Challa was to perform the job Kevin Sydney had refused to do. His assignment that night was to kidnap Ororo, but Logan's arrival had foiled his plans and as a last ditch effort, T'Challa had ordered him to send a message to Logan, by burning the scrap metal outhouse of the garage. It was revealed that T'Challa wanted to inflict major pain on Ororo because she had dared to disrespect him and his family by having his name brandied about as an abuser. He had had his people look into the backgrounds of Remy, Logan and Anna, for anything that could be used as leverage in his crusade against Ororo. Hence, T'Challa offering Logan's ex-wife one hundred thousand dollars to cause havoc in Ororo's life.
Lucas Bishop, realizing he had nothing lose, had exposed every shady, criminal activity of Prince T'Challa and had even named every single one of his accomplices. Everyone indeed did have a price and Bishop's price was he would be a witness for the Justice Department's case against the prince and a jail sentence of no more than twenty years for the crimes he had committed. Ororo and Logan were disappointed that he wouldn't be spending a very long time behind bars, but they half-heartedly understood that sacrifices had to be made in order to get to the big prize.
The details of Bishop's ratting T'Challa out were not told to them, as the Department of Justice was still in the process of building its case against the prince and didn't want any leaks that had the potential to compromise their work. Logan and Ororo were told that once the case against the wayward prince was made known, then they would be privy to all the sordid details.
The federal agents left the three remaining occupants of the room, all in various stages of shock.
"Christ, Vic! What the fuck did you guys stopped?" Logan asked, breaking the unbearable silence.
"Shit Jimmy. This only the tip 'o the iceberg." Victor turned to address Ororo. "Your ex is like the devil come ta life. I'm glad ya got out when ya did."
Ororo shuddered in obvious disgust. "So am I. I had no idea he was this despicable."
"The two of ya gonna be ok?" Vic asked.
"Yeah, Vic. Thanks for everything."
"No problem. I'm glad I was able ta help stop this guy," Vic replied. "I gotta go though. I gotta go finish up with the investigation."
Logan stood and extended his hand to his cousin. Victor's grip was firm as he shook the offered hand. "I'll be in touch." Victor then walked over to Ororo and gave her a swift hug. "Don't worry 'bout a thing. We're gonna nail this bastard."
Ororo nodded as she returned his hug. "Thank you, Victor. Please say hello to Raven and the kids for us."
"Will do." With those last words, Victor left the couple alone to ponder the last four hours of their lives.
Logan walked over to Ororo just in time for her to collapse against him. "Can we get out of here?" She mumbled into his chest, where her face was nuzzling.
"Sure, darlin'. Where do you want to go?"
Her response was immediate. "Can we just go back to the hotel? I need you to hold me for the balance of the afternoon." She was extremely grateful that he was here, taking charge, relieving her.
He pressed a soft kiss to the top of her head. "You got it, sweetheart. Let's go."
"What are you thinking?" Logan asked. They had made their way to their hotel room after forcing themselves to nourish their bodies. They were now lying naked on the queen-sized bed, his head laying close to hers on the same down pillow. His arm was resting heavily on her stomach, his hand lightly cupping her breast and their legs wrapped together.
"My thoughts are all over the place, Logan," Ororo replied, her breath rushing out in a loud snort. She snuggled closer into his warmth and his strength, knowing that she would never get enough of it, especially after the day they both had.
He could relate. The upheaval of emotions caused by the day's events continued to race through him and he knew they raced through her as well. He, like her, was still attempting to wrap his head around all the information they were given. To learn that one man could be responsible for so much devastation was mind-boggling. To think that he could have lost her if her ex had succeeded with his plans was simply too much for him. Ororo was so damned precious to him, that there was no way he was going to lose her.
He knew this entire ordeal was very difficult for her, but through it all, she had displayed a strength of character that he couldn't help but admire. Now the culmination of the ordeal had awakened in him an emotion that can only be described as raw possessiveness. Now, he was more protective of her and the rage that consumed him was enough to have him wanting to kill anyone who attempted to hurt her and T'Challa was first on that list.
He kissed her shoulder. "I'm sorry, darlin'. I wish I could have spared you this entire nightmare."
"I am still trying to wrap my mind around all that we learned today." Ororo laughed mirthlessly. "I had no idea T'Challa was so sadistic. To think that he wanted to kidnap me…" She shuddered, unable to continue.
Logan pulled her closer to him and snuggled against her. "He's never going to hurt you again, 'Ro. I'll rather kill myself than let that happen."
Ororo sighed, her lips trembled as she tried to contain the emotions rioting inside of her. All afternoon they were threatening to erupt and his soothing words of his promise were the catalyst that pushed her over the edge. The tears rolled down her cheeks as she remembered the wasted time spent with T'Challa, all the pain and suffering at his hands and the havoc he attempted to wreak on her new life. Logan didn't know she was crying until he felt the shaking of her body.
He shifted his weight, rolling over to face her and splaying his calloused massive hand on her back to draw her closer. "Shh…don't cry, baby. Everything's going to be alright."
The depth of emotion so blatantly apparent on her face was his undoing. His eyes glistened with moisture. He cupped her face between his hands and whispered, "He can't hurt you anymore." He wiped away her tears with his thumbs and looked deeply into the cerulean pools so full of feeling. "Darlin'…" His voice cracked with seeing her in so much distress.
Logan brought her head down to rest on his chest. He sighed and closed his eyes, attempting to simultaneously reign in his emotions and comfort the love of his life. He felt her pain as keenly as if it was his and he seriously hated that damned prince for everything he had put her through. He can only hope that this mess was over with soon so they can move on with their lives. He knew that as long as T'Challa was still in 'Ro's life in some shape or form, she would not be able to move forward and be truly happy. He wanted her to be incredibly happy with him, her career and every aspect of her life. He had plans for them, but as long as T'Challa remained an issue, those plans stood a damn good chance of going awry.
After a while, her even breathing and stillness told him that she had fallen asleep. Good, she needed as much rest as possible because he had no clue what was in store for them in the upcoming days. His only recourse now was to be her rock, protect her and love her through this storm. With that in mind, he ran his hand over her soft luxurious hair, before closing his eyes to join her in slumber.