Meanwhile, Delta and Liz had spent the day in police custody, while the cops determined if they were responsible for Daniel's death.
Liz had constantly bitched about her fear of prison, stressing Delta out even more.
Detective Mario Rizzo entered their cell at 8:15 p.m. and said, "I'm Detective Rizzo. You're free to go, ladies."
"Really?" Liz said.
"Yes. The evidence proves you did try to avoid the deceased by slamming on the brakes, so technically you aren't at fault for his death and we will not charge you."
"What about Brennan Worthington, Detective?" Delta asked.
"I'm not at liberty to talk about an ongoing case. Please let me escort you to the front desk, where you can get your possessions and then leave."
"You don't understand. We knew Brennan Worthington when we were kids. He murdered my brother, Yancey," Delta said, rising to her feet. "He denied it, was never charged by the police and then he and his family moved away. It devastated my family, especially my mom, who was never the same after that. She drowned her sorrows in booze and my cousin, Liz's family took me in. If it weren't for them, I'd have gone the same way as my mom. Yancey was everything to us and I….I told cops what I suspected happened, but I was disbelieved, because I was known to be a fibber and….I'd be willing to talk about it on the witness stand for the prosecution….."
"Whoa. Whoa. Is this true?" Rizzo said in astonishment.
"Yes," Liz said. "I knew Brennan. He was a weird kid, who believed in things like the occult and he had a pentagram on his bedroom wall. His mom was in a cult. They worshipped the devil and stuff and had sacrificial rituals. He bragged about killing Yancey, but no one took him seriously, because he was a bit of a braggart. I saw him torture animals and he just laughed and said it was fun. It's no surprise he went on to become a serial killer if he did become one. I'll testify too. Just put us on the stand, so we can get justice for Yancey after all these years and send Brennan where he belongs. Death row. I'd gladly jab him with the needle too if asked!"
"I need you to write down what you know about Brennan Worthington," Rizzo said. "And everything that happened when you were kids."
"No problem," Delta said. "I just want justice for Yancey and to see that bastard pay for what he did to my brother!"
"Come with me to my office," Rizzo said and left the holding cell, followed by the two women.
XXXX
Twenty minutes later, both girls had finished writing their affidavits about Brennan and they were sitting in Rizzo's office drinking cups of coffee.
"There's no statute of limitation on murder in Louisiana," Rizzo said. "However, it'll be difficult to charge him and find proof of his guilt all these years later. The best you could hope for is to be a prosecution and character witnesses for the prosecution to send Worthington away for the other thirty-two murders he's committed. You may also get a chance to speak at the sentencing hearing with your victim impact statement."
"Thirty-two other murders? Holy smokes," Liz said. "I can't believe it. Any survivors?"
"One, but I cannot reveal his name for obvious reasons. Regarding your safety, one of our investigating officers and his family were attacked in their home earlier. The man's wife and son are dead and he's in a critical condition in hospital. We theorize that Worthington's responsible and that he could have an accomplice, who helped him escape from prison earlier today with several other inmates. Most of those men have been traced and re-imprisoned. Worthington's uncle has been warned of his escape and he and his wife have been moved to a safe place. We can do the same for you if you wish."
"I'm not afraid of Worthington, so don't bother." Delta said. "Bring it on. I am sorry about your officer and his family. The survivor? How'd he manage to survive?"
"Me either," Liz said.
"Will power," Rizzo said. "I've seen the video tape of his testimony and he's a remarkable young man. I have no doubt the jury will see it and will convict Worthington. We'll inform you of the trial date of course and if we have captured Worthington, but go underground in the meantime for your own good. If there's anything you need, don't hesitate to call the department."
"Thank you," Delta said, standing up and shaking his hand.
Liz shook Rizzo's hand and said, "Good luck, Detective."
Delta and Liz retrieved their possessions from the front desk and then left the police station.
XXXX
"We should have taken the offer of witness protection," Liz said, noticing she didn't have much cash in her handbag, as they walked to their car.
"We'll be fine," Delta said, taking her cell out of her handbag and pocketing it. "I have enough money to tide us over. There's a cheap motel over there, where we can crash and we can get dinner at that restaurant next door to it."
The women crossed the street and were quickly accosted by a group of teenage boys dressed as Goths and wielding knives.
Terrified, the woman ran away screaming and ducked down the nearest manhole, leaving their handbags behind in their haste to get away.
"We left our handbags behind, Delta," Liz said and groaned. "Now we have no money."
"We have our lives and that's what's most important. It's just money. We'll get more, cous. Have faith."
"But I'm hungry!" Liz whined. "And now they have my credit cards. We have to go back and they have my cell phone, so how the hell am I going to cancel my cards?"
"I have my phone, so I'll do it. Let's just find somewhere to sleep and I'll call the police station for help in the morning."
"But I'm hungry!"
Delta said nothing and walked on, while Liz followed her and continued griping.
XXXXX
Liz and Delta saw what appeared to be a door at ten p.m., cautiously approached it and startled when an alarm went off.
"What the heck?" Liz said in bewilderment. "Have we triggered some kind of security system? Why would there be one in the sewers?"
The door opened and Leo, Donnie and Mikey stepped outside, wielding their weapons, menacing expressions on their faces, their eyes flinty.
"Holy shell! Giant lizards!" Liz said in amazement, her eyes wide. "I must be dreaming."
Delta rolled her eyes and said, "Lizards? Really, Liz! Anyone can see they're giant Turtles, but how is that possible?"
"We'll ask the questions," Leo said coolly. "Who are you and what do you want?"
"Just somewhere to sleep," Delta said, raising her hands in surrender. "That's all."
"How the shell did you find our lair?" Mikey asked, studying the girls intently. He thought they were beautiful, especially the one with shorter hair and who seemed unafraid of them.
"Lair?" Liz asked. "Have we wandered into some kind of animal environment?"
"It was an accident," Delta said. "We were attacked by thugs and we ducked down here to escape them. We left our handbags behind, so we're penniless for now, but we'll contact the police tomorrow to help us. All we wanted was a place for the night."
"Hmm. A likely story," Donnie scoffed. "How do we know you don't work for Shredder?"
"A cheese grater?" Liz quipped.
Donnie glowered at her, making her cringe, and said, "Well, how do we know?"
"We don't know any Shredder," Delta said. "Look, I came to New York to get justice for my murdered brother and we agreed to testify in the trial of a serial killer called Brennan Worthington. You may have heard of him. He's been on the news."
"Did you say Brennan Worthington?" Leo asked, raising an eye ridge.
"That's right," Liz said. "He murdered Delta's brother and my cousin, Yancey. I'm Liz by the way and that's Delta."
"I think they're legit, guys,," Mikey said and looked at his brothers.
"I think so too," Leo said, sheathing his katana. "I know a Brennan Worthington. I briefly dated him and he….He did the most atrocious things to my husband, who is the only known survivor. It sounds like the same one and if it is, any enemy of his is an ally of ours. You may come inside."
"I'll make them something to eat and drink," Mikey said, putting his weapons away.
"I'll check on Raph," Donnie said.
They all went inside to the lounge and then Mikey went to the kitchen.
XXXX
Leo was discussing recent events with Brennan when Raphael was wheeled into the lounge by Donnie.
Leo immediately went over to his husband and said, "Raph, these are Delta and Liz. They know Brennan and he murdered Delta's brother. They're in New York to get justice for him and to testify in Brennan's trial. Liz and Delta, this is my husband, Raphael. That's Donnie and Mikey's in the kitchen."
"Hi," Raphael said. "I'd get up, but I can't, because of what that bastard did ta me, but I will soon. I'm gonna walk again and I'm gonna testify at the trial, so he gets what he deserves. I'm sorry 'bout yer brother."
"I'm sorry for what happened to you," Delta said, tears springing in her eyes at seeing the wheelchair bound Turtle. "You didn't deserve it."
Liz could only stare at Raphael, still thinking she was in some kind of dream, because mutant Turtles didn't exist.
"What ya lookin' at, lady?" Raphael demanded, making Liz flinch. "Didn't no one teach ya that starin' is rude?"
"I'm sorry!" Liz stammered. "It's just this feels so surreal. Huge walking and talking Turtles. Like something out of a sci fi movie, you know."
"I could say the same 'bout ya. Ain't every day that rude bimbos appear in the lair. Kinda like a horror movie," Raphael retorted.
"Raph!" Leo said. "Please. These are our guests."
"Yer guest. I don't mind her," Raphael said and tilted his chin towards Delta. "Because she's real polite, but that one makes me feel like I'm a freak and uncomfortable. I don't like her.
"Raphael," Liz said quickly. "My cousin means no disrespect and while she can be tactless, she's harmless. I assure you. All she and I want is justice for my brother. We have zero interest in hurting you or your family."
"Daddy!" a little voice said, rushing into the lounge and then up to Raphael.
"KANE! Come back here, young man!" Splinter boomed, entering the lounge, Leo jr behind him and Raphael jr in his arms.
Raphael's golden eyes lit up, as Kane clambered onto his lap and snuggled against him.
"More Turtles," Liz said in surprise. "This is like a zoo. How's that even possible? You're all males. At least I think you are."
"Daddy, who's that lady?" Kane asked.
"Yeah. Who is she and who's that?" Leo jr asked, pointing at the two women.
"Our new friends, Liz and Delta," Leo replied, as Mikey entered the room with a tray of sandwiches and cups of coffee.
"They're pretty. Maybe they can be girlfriends for Uncle Donnie and Uncle Mikey!"
"Hahaha. No," Raphael said. "They're just here for a while and then they're gonna leave."
"Are they yours?" Delta asked. "They're adorable."
"Yeah. Mine and Leo's," Raphael replied. "All three of them. This is Kane. That's Leo jr and Raphael jr's in my Dad, Splinter's arms."
"Nice to meet you," Splinter said.
"But how is that possible if you're males?" Liz said.
"Leo's dick went into my hole and I became gravid," Raphael said. "But I ain't no lady, ya nosy parker. I got male and female parts, so I can lay eggs and I laid three of them."
"Wow. You're a scientific miracle! The zoos and labs would love to study you. I work at one part-time. You could come and talk to the scientists."
"They've tried!" Raphael hissed, his golden eyes flashing. "But we escaped, because we don't belong there just 'cause we're different. I really don't like ya and I've never punched a lady, but I'd make an exception in yer case!"
"Fascinating. That rage of yours. Have you considered anger management?"
"Liz!" Delta warned. "Stop it. Raphael, I apologize for my cousin's behavior. Liz, stop it. They're being nice to us and all you've done is goad Raphael!"
"Daddy, I don't want to be a freak show at a zoo," Leo jr said miserably.
"Ya never will be, Leo and neither will yer siblings," Raphael said. "Don't worry. Daddy and I'll never let that happen and neither will our family. She's just a stupid woman, okay? Ignore her and remember all humans ain't bad or dumb like her."
The alarm went off and Donnie, Mikey and Leo went to see who'd triggered it.
They returned with Fisher and six of his men, who'd been warned ahead that they were meeting Turtles. They acted like it was just run of the mill and let their boss do the talking.
"You need to leave now," Fisher said after introductions had been made "Time is of the essence. Have you packed?"
"I always keep emergency bags packed," Leo replied. "Delta and Liz should come with us. Is that possible?"
"We'll make a plan. Get your possessions and we'll leave in two vans."
"Daddy, what's going on?" Leo jr asked, as Leo and the others went to get their suitcases.
"We're goin' someplace safe," Raphael replied. "Just for a while, Leo."
"Why?" Kane asked.
"Because a bad man wants ta hurt us and the cops wanna take us someplace he can't find us," Raphael said. "We'll make it fun, okay? We can play board games and watch TV and…."
"I don't want you to die, Daddy," Kane said and tenderly kissed Raphael's beak, as he wrapped his arms around his dad's neck.
Raphael's heart broke at seeing how scared his kids were. Fucking Brennan for terrorizing them.
Delta was moved by the scene as well and thought, this poor family's been through hell and back. So what if they're different? They didn't deserve it and those little kids deserve a good childhood.
"I ain't gonna die, champ," Raphael said. "Only Brennan will, because me and Daddy are gonna kill him when I'm better, so he can't hurt no more people."
"Don't you think that's a job for the executioners, Raphael?" Liz asked, as Fisher and the men went outside the lair to smoke.
"Nope," Raphael said, his golden eyes blazing. "The cops will find him and lock him away and he's just gonna rot for years in prison and waste the tax payers' money. I usually don't condone vigilantism, but I'm gonna make an exception in his case. Ya'd think ya'd want the same damn thing after what he did ta yer cous!"
"I'm on board, but then we can't testify and the cops know your lair location, Raphael," Delta said. "So they'd come and get you if you killed Brennan."
"Not if we high tailed it outta the country. We got connections and means of doin' so. We can return when things have died down. I'll video tape the bastard's dyin' confession and send it ta the police, so the families can have closure of where their loved ones are and so on, but it's gonna happen. Payback for what he's done ta me, my family, so many others and I don't feel sorry 'bout doin' it. I'll sleep better knowin' he's dead and can't hurt no one else. Ya got any idea what it's like bein' a quad and ya can't do nothin'? Leo wipes my damn ass and feeds me, but I'm gettin' sensation all the time, so we got faith I'll make a full recovery and will walk again."
Fisher entered the lair with the men and Leo and the others returned with the suitcases.
They all left the lair, Mikey, Donnie and Delta in charge of the suitcases.
Leo pushed his husband's wheelchair, the two older turtle tots walking next to them.
Splinter carried Raphael jr in his arms.
They all walked through the tunnels to the manhole near the cops' vans.
Leo wheeled Raphael through a large tunnel that led outside right next to the van, as the others climbed up the manhole, Raphael jr clinging tightly to Splinter.
Raphael was wheeled up the ramp into the first van and Leo, Kane, Leo jr, Splinter, Raphael jr and Fisher sat in the back with him.
One of Fisher's men drove and another sat in the front passenger seat.
The rest of Fisher's men, Liz and Delta piled into the other van.
Then they all set off for the safe house.
Leo fussed over his family throughout the drive, his hand in Raphael's.
"How are you, my love?" Leo whispered, his other hand on Raphael's knee.
"Horny."
"W-what?" Leo said in shock.
"It's yer pheromones," Raphael said and chuckled. "They're drivin' me crazy. It's matin' season and ya know it always hits me hardest!"
"Raph, the kids and Dad will hear!"
"They're asleep, but ya know what this means, babe. We can have fun when we're alone."
"We will. I can smell your pheromones. Damn. You smell so spicy and intoxicating."
"Put yer hand on my groin. No one's lookin'."
Leo did and was floored when he felt an obvious bulge in his husband's lower plastron, his shock evident on his face.
Raphael grinned and said, "That's right. I've got a boner, Leo. Yer fault. Yer such a bad boy."
Leo beamed, stroked Raphael's slit and said, "I'll take care of it later, hon. Guarantee it. That is if you're up to it."
"I'm always up for it," Raphael said huskily. "And just think of all the things we can do when I'm better."
"I can't wait. Oh, Raph. I love you so much. I'd be an empty shell without you."
"I ain't goin' nowhere, angel. Love ya too," Raphael said and nuzzled his beak against his husband's. "I always will. Ya will help me kill Brennan, right?"
"It'd be a pleasure!"
"Hmm. Pleasure," Raphael said mischievously. "I don't suppose ya could blow me while the others are asleep?"
"Raph!"
"Just jokin'. Gonna get some Z's. Love ya."
"Love you too," Leo said and tenderly kissed Raphael's lips.
Raphael closed his eyes and thought, my dick's back ta life. I can't wait until me and Leo get it on and I can give him the pleasure and love he so deserves. I love him so damn much. My Leo. My rock, my soul, my universe. I really hit the jackpot with him. I'm a lucky boy and I'm never gonna take him for granted again.
A/N A huge thank you to PinkAngelofLight. This chapter was all her idea.
Next up, the guys arrive at the safe house, but have they seen the last of Brennan? Will he discover their whereabouts?