Chavez looked up when Nick Burkhardt knocked on her open door. He glanced around before focusing on her.
"Come in, detective," Chavez offered. "I was just looking up your Captain's shooting. I'm assuming that's why you called?"
"Amongst other things," Nick answered vaguely as he came in, shut the door, and settled in a seat on the other side of the table. "I've heard that you've been busy?"
Chavez blew out a breath and knew the detective's words didn't cover it. Not that she could say that to him.
"I believe that something needs to be said between us," Nick stated and Chavez looked at him sharply.
"What would that be?" Chavez asked. "Do you have information on Weston Steward?"
"I wish I did," Nick spat and Chavez pulled back in her seat. "I'm a Grimm."
Chavez started then looked at him in disbelief.
"I don't know what you are talking about," Chavez countered.
"Sure, you do," Nick said, mildly. "And you know more about these killings, the Verrat and the Captain's shooting then you're letting on. We've been up front with you about everything, except what I am, and have given you every file that you've requested."
"If you have been so up front…" Chavez stated then woged.
She froze as Nick stared back at her levelly and she shivered when she saw her true nature reflected back at her. She felt instinctive fear in the pit of her stomach at that while Nick just watched her mildly, before tilting his head to the side and the image slid from his eyes but they were still darker than normal.
"The question that I want to ask," Nick said into the silence. "Is why were you looking for a Grimm?"
Chavez let her nature go and Nick looked at her head on again.
"We…" Chavez went to say but her voice broke and she grabbed up a bottle of water.
Nick just sat there and waited her out and her estimate of the man went up a notch.
"We needed to know," Chavez uttered. "While others have been concerned with the Royals, other groups have decided to make a move."
Nick sat forward in his seat and his eyes were sharp as he looked at her then she felt it. That dark presence that she normally associated with deadlier Wesens but she now knew better and shivered. She hadn't felt that around the man last time.
"How did you hide it?" Chavez blurted out and Nick snorted.
"A potion," Nick answered, easily. "Something that I will not be taking willingly again."
Chavez's lips quirked up, she could work with the man across from her. Even if she could still feel that deadly edge around him. She knew that she wouldn't want to be on the wrong side of the Grimm.
"We believe that Weston was behind your Captain's shooting," Chavez commented, straight up and that dark presence increased and she wondered at the relationship between the two men.
"I believe you may be correct," Nick agreed. "We believe that the crime scene was a set up to get the Captain there, as well as the last murder where the Reaper calling card was left at."
Chavez tapped her pen on the table in thought before focusing on Nick.
"I believe that we can work together on this," Chavez offered. "I have a trunk that you might be interested in as well."
"And I have a file," Nick countered and pulled out said file. "How about a trade? I'm sure that Josh would like his father's trunk back."
xXx
Sean walked into his house then paused at the old trunk sitting in the entrance hall. It looked vaguely familiar as he placed his briefcase and coat down. He then started when a knock sounded on the door, that he'd just closed. He opened it up to find a dark-haired man on the other side, whom gave him a look over with a cold look in his eyes. He had the air of someone that expected his orders to be followed without question and Sean looked at him in suspicion.
"Hello," the man greeted with a slight accent. "I am Alexander and I'm here to see Nick Burkhardt?"
"Come in," Sean offered and held the door open. "I'm Captain Sean Renard."
Alexander looked at him sharply and Sean was sure that he was making the connections. The man nodded and stepped forward with feline grace as he took in everything around him. His suit was top of the line, his appearance well maintained and every hair in place.
"Nice to meet you," Alexander said smoothly.
"I'm not sure if Nick is here," Sean told him. "I've only just arrived home."
"You live here as well?" Alexander questioned with a frown.
"Amongst others," Sean muttered. "Come through to the kitchen. Would you like a drink?"
"Coffee, would be appreciated."
They walked through to the kitchen as Alexander took in everything around him. Trubel looked over from the dining table when they walked in. She had a few books around her and Alexander focused on her with interest.
"Hey, Sean." Trubel greeted.
"Did you want a coffee or tea, Trubel?" Sean asked, intentionally not introducing Alexander.
"No," Trubel said and gathered up her books. "I'll take this to my room."
Sean gave her a slight nod in thanks as Trubel picked up that something was going on.
"Have you seen Nick?" Sean called after her.
"He said he was going to have a shower before the meeting," Trubel replied. "I should be doing the same."
"Can you let him know that Alexander is here?"
"Sure."
Trubel slipped from the room and Sean waved the other man to a chair as he filled the kettle.
"I must admit that we were surprised with Mr Burkhadt's request," Alexander confessed as he took a seat. "Not that Grimms and the Council haven't worked together before. This request, however, was made without warning."
"Nick is not like other Grimms," Sean found himself saying not for the first time.
"Yes," Alexander stated. "We have seen that."
Sean placed down three mugs of coffee with the sugar pot. He snagged up the milk from the fridge and placed it down. He let Alexander pick his mug before making up the other one the way he liked it and the last one the way Nick did.
"Sorry," Nick said as he came into the room. "I didn't hear the doorbell, thank you for coming."
Nick held his hand out and Alexander took it in his.
"I hope that we are meeting on better terms than last time?" Alexander questioned as he sat back in his seat, he didn't miss the look that the Grimm shared with Renard.
"I'll get the file," Sean stated and walked out of the room.
"I need to get into contact with the head of the Reapers?" Nick requested and Alexander flinched.
"You are a Grimm," Alexander deadpanned.
"He's aware of that," Renard drawled as he walked back into the room and dropped a file on the kitchen bench.
Alexander reached out and flicked the file open then paused.
"This is what you are offering?" Alexander questioned as he flicked through a few pages.
"This just came to our attention a couple of days ago," Sean replied.
"After you made your request to meet," Alexander stated.
"I imagine that the wish to not hide what you are is a big draw card for them," Nick remarked mildly. "However, history has a way of repeating itself."
Alexander paused and looked up at Nick sharply but he hadn't intended it as an insult.
"There are too many groups not working together," Renard added. "I want to keep this city safe and we are willing to work with other groups to that end."
"As well as everyone that lives here," Nick added. "Regardless of if they are Wesen or human."
Alexander looked both men over carefully, his sharp eyes picking up more than most and yet they were giving nothing away. They weren't lying and yet he felt he was missing something that was right before him. He leaned forward slightly and took a sniff then froze with wide eyes. He pulled back sharply in shock as his chair tipped back. He quickly tried to catch his balance as his chair crashed to the ground. Both men watched him but didn't say or do anything.
"How long?" Alexander demanded, his voice harsh.
"How long what?" Renard questioned, his voice cold.
"You have a connection to each other!" Alexander exclaimed, harshly. "How long? How did this happen?"
"It happened," Renard said simply.
Alexander paused and stared at them.
"Surprise," Nick said with a grin. "Did you want to move this to the lounge room?"
xXx
Bud twitched slightly as he looked out on the crowd of Wesens, gathered outside the Portland community hall, he knew that Eisbiber would show up. He just hadn't expected his call to get out to so many other types of Wesens in such a short period of time. He knew that Nick had forged himself a name in the Wesen communities, he just hadn't understood how far. It was a good thing that they were on the grassy sports field and not inside the building as Bud looked around.
"Bud," Arnold called and Bud twitched. "What's this all about?"
"Nick just said to get the call out," Bud told him. "And well, I got the call out, then they got the call out and then they did and-"
"We end up with all these people," Arnold cut in and Bud nodded. "Did he say anything else?"
"No," Bud answered. "Just that he wanted to call a meeting. Oh, I hope he's okay with all these people here-"
"Bud," Monroe greeted and Bud squeaked as he turned to his friend. "Whoa man, calm down. What are you worried about?"
"Yeah, Bud." Rosalee added with a smile. "Nick said he wouldn't be too long-"
"Rosalee!" Monroe hissed but he wasn't looking at the woman. "Is that Alexander?"
They all looked over to see; Nick, Sean, Trubel, Josh, Wu and Hank walking towards them with Alexander, slightly separated, but walking with them.
"Who's that other bloke?" Adalind asked as she came to stand near them.
"He's from the Council," Rosalee answered and Bud squeaked.
"The Council!" Bud yelped and rung his hands nervously. "Nick didn't say anything about the Council. We haven't done anything to bring their attention on to us! Maybe, I should have brought that basket of bread and jam-"
"Bud," Monroe cut in and laid a hand on his shoulder. "Just settle down."
Bud opened his mouth and Monroe tightened his hold on his shoulder and he snapped it closed.
"Hey," Nick greeted and smiled at Bud. "Thanks, Bud. You really came through."
Bud beamed as the tension drained out of him at the praise.
"Is there a procedure for these things?" Nick asked as he looked out over the crowd, he already had their attention.
"Bud called it," Monroe stated. "He has to introduce you."
The tension came back to Bud and Monroe's hand on his shoulder now kept him up and in place. He'd forgotten that part.
"Well, Bud." Nick said with a smile. "This is your moment."
Nick waved his hand and Bud shifted nervously before taking two steps forward.
"Um," Bud uttered then coughed. "Um, everyone this is Nick Burkhardt…the Grimm."
Bud then tried to scamper but Monroe grabbed his shoulder, bringing him to a sudden stop beside him. Nick gave him a look of amusement before stepping forward.
"Thank you everyone for coming on such short notice," Nick called out, his voice carrying as everyone went silent. "Let me introduce my partner, Police Captain Sean Renard and Alexander on the behalf of the Council."
Bud could have heard a pin drop as everyone focused on Nick. He wished he had an ounce of the man's courage as he stood there calmly while Bud shifted nervously. Nick looked out over everyone, now that he had their attention.
"We all hide in the shadows," Nick continued. "Hide who we are in fear or to protect ourselves and our families. This keeps us safe."
Muttering went around at Nick's words and Bud looked at Monroe in confusion.
"We have come across information that could threaten us all," Nick said, over the whispers. "That could expose every Wesen and bring death to our door. From both humans and other Wesen."
"Black Claw," Alexander stated as he came to stand next to Nick and looked out at the crowd. "They have been recruiting within the Wesen communities with the aim of exposing us. A terrorist group that are using whatever means they can, whether its murder, blackmail or harassment to bring other Wesen to heel to their own ideals. They want us to show the world what we are and we can't let that happen or we will be hunted down and slaughtered like animals-"
Noise erupted around the gathering and Nick didn't try to get them under control. He let them talk as he stood there, side by side with a Council member and a Wesen. A Grimm standing as an equal to both and Bud had a feeling that he was seeing something that no other Grimm would have done.
A moment in history as he looked around with large eyes and could see the fear reflected back at him. Hiding what they were kept them safe, he knew what kind of reception and violence they could face if a human knew what they were. He'd heard about whole families slaughtered when a Wesen had slipped in front of a human. The fact that the words were coming from a Council member held even more weight.
"Enough!" Sean barked in his police voice and the volume in the gathering dropped. "Any person thinking of joining or aiding this terrorist group will be dealt with-"
"Harshly," Alexander cut in.
"Whether it is by the police," Sean continued. "Or the Council or by other means. We want this town to be a safe place for everyone. Nick and I have worked hard for that aim and we will not allow a foreign group to come in and disrupt that. The freedom that they are offering is an illusion! The Black Claw is a terrorist group that are using fear to get what they want."
"We are asking you to not allow them a way in," Nick took over. "Keep your families safe and to talk to us. I do not want to see blood on our streets and in our homes. Thank you to everyone for coming."
Nick took a step back and over to Bud.
"Bud," Nick said softly. "I'm sure that people will come to you before Sean, the Council or myself. Just let them and pass on what you can."
"Sure, Nick." Bud said quickly. "I'm sure that the wife will like the people coming by and she can try out a few new recipes."
"Thanks," Nick offered. "I better see if anyone wants to talk."
Nick strolled away and Bud was surprised when a few people came up to the Grimm to talk. Sean and Alexander walked over to them and Bud's fingers twitched at the sight of the Councilman. Alexander's cold eyes looked everyone over before focusing on Sean.
"Is that my part done?" Alexander asked Sean.
"If you see it that way," Sean retorted. "If the Council took more time to listen to Wesens, maybe problems like this wouldn't come up. In a way they have a point, Alexander. We need to move with the times and the Council needs to listen to the people they police."
Bud could feel sweat dribbling down his back at Sean's words but Alexander just tilted his head in agreement.
"Perhaps you are right," Alexander consented. "And maybe change is on the way for us as well. That we need to take a more active role."
Alexander then turned on his heels and walked away, Sean's eyes watching him the whole way.
"I hope you know that you and Nick just made history," Monroe uttered.
"If it stops the meaningless killing of people," Hank remarked with a grin. "I'm in."
xXx
Yannick looked at the photos that Alexander had sent him in interest. He could tell that they were crime scene photos and that made him think of two people. Sean Renard and the Grimm, since the request had come from the Council, that just made him frown. After receiving two heads in the mail from the Grimm. He'd kept an ear out for any rumour of the man. It looked like he had wormed his way into the Council, which he could appreciate the talent that would take.
He took a closer look at the drawings of the scythes and could easily pick out the style of one but not the other. He knew the artist of two of the scythes called Roan Goodrich. When he read that the victims were Verrat, it made sense. He didn't recognise the other calling card and sent an open e-mail to the other Reapers to see if he got a hit. He sent a quick e-mail back to Alexander before moving on to other business.
xXx
"Answers," Nick announced as he dropped a few papers on Sean's desk. "Finally!"
Sean looked up and pushed the papers over with his pen as he finished writing on the page before him. Nick just blew out a breath and sprawled out in the chair on the other side of his desk.
"I feel deflated here, Sean." Nick admitted and Sean glanced up.
"I'll be sure to remember that," Sean drawled.
Nick snorted and pulled out his phone as he waited.
"So, the first two Reaper cases, we can throw out." Sean commented, after a few minutes and Nick slipped his phone away. "As a Reaper with a vendetta against Verrat."
"Handy bloke to have on speed dial," Nick quipped.
"Except for the fact that Reapers kill Grimms."
"We all have our vices."
Sean gave Nick 'the look' and Nick countered it with the 'I'm being a smart-ass' grin.
"Keep reading," Nick suggested with a wave of his hand. "Chavez came through as well."
Sean looked down at the papers then paused. Chavez had come through alright as he looked at a photo of Weston Steward.
"Looks like our Special Agent Weston Steward has now been tied to even more murders and the attempted murder of one Sean Renard." Nick said dryly. "He is now on the run with an arrest warrant to his name."
"That could just make him more dangerous," Sean pointed out.
"If he's smart, he would have fled the country."
"So, you think he's still here."
"Yep."
Nick and Sean shared a look and he knew that if they came up against Steward again. The man wouldn't have to worry about a trial.
"Looks like we just tied up a few murder cases," Sean commented. "And we'll never catch up with the Reaper or hold him for the Verrat killings."
"I can clear off my table then," Nick announced with a cheeky grin.
"Not yet," Wu said dryly as he knocked and entered. "New case, jewellery store robbery."
"Anyone killed?" Sean asked.
"No," Wu replied. "But the doors were still locked and the owner doesn't know how they got in. The safe was left open and everything was taken."
"Sounds like one of ours," Nick remarked as he rolled to his feet. "See you later, boss."
Sean gave Nick an amused look as just like, things were back to normal for now.
xXx
A/N: Keep a look out for a Grimm Christmas story to be released soon (one shot). ;-) Set in this series but not a part of it. :-)