The World Needs More Grimm
Chapter 27
The Grimm Family
6 days have elapsed since the group converged on Ted Baxters' warehouse and captured Karl Borski.
It is Friday March 20th 2020, approximately 7:30am.
Trubel has now interrogated Karl Borski a total of 3 times. As in the first interrogation, he retreats into himself using the repetitious prayer spoken in Russian. Irving discovered it was the common Lord's Prayer, or the Our Father Prayer, that Jesus taught his followers to pray in the Bible.
Karl Borski hasn't budged. He refused to speak even one word to Trubel, regardless of what she did to him.
Josh attempted to interrogate him twice. Karl Borski refused to speak to Josh also.
After that, Karl Borski was moved into a cell with Ben Peters, the Balam.
The entire group, including John Sanders, is in the command center of HW NYC.
The huge monitor is in view. Various frames are on screen showing 2 days' worth of recordings inside the cell where Karl Borski and Ben Peters are now being held together.
Everyone appears to be focused on a particular task. However, there is no urgency as they are still waiting for their next lead.
Sanders speaks up. "Matthews, why don't we run those 2 names Karl Borski talked about with Ben Peters yesterday." He asks her.
Matthews nods. "Already on it boss. Nothing yet." She adds.
Josh turns to her. "Matthews, how's our Löwen friend Ted Baxter doing? I keep hoping Stan Lewis exposes himself and goes at him for revenge." He explains.
Matthews turns and looks at him. "Nothing on his home front-or storefront for that matter." She tells him.
Davis' eyes go dark. "I'm telling all of you, just give me 1 hour with Karl Borski. I'm sure he'll talk after I'm done with him." He assures them.
He's fully healed from his injury. Most of them, including Davis himself, were surprised at his speedy recovery.
Trubel nods. "We'll see Davis. It's still early. I'd like to give these roomies a full week. Then you can have him." She tells him.
Davis smiles. "I can't wait." He adds.
Josh shakes his head. "I keep thinking we missed something in the identities of our dead Wesen." He verbalizes what he's been pondering.
Irving looks at him. "I don't think so Porter." He tells him.
Trubel looks at Josh. "I would agree with Irving. The Klaustreich and Coyotls were hired to be the muscles of the operation. The real Wesen running it was Karl Borski." She explains.
Josh ponders. "Yeah, Alright. That's logical. Maybe—"
Josh is interrupted by Alisha Matthews.
Matthews looks at him excitedly. "Porter, I think you need to take a look at this." She says.
Josh walks over to her computer. "What is it Matthews?" He asks.
Matthews points to her computer screen. "A police report. From Allentown, Pennsylvania, Last night at 10:35pm." She says, reading factually.
Josh reviews the information on Matthews' computer screen. "Wait a minute!" He says excitedly. "Matthews, can we get all of this info on screen please?" He requests.
Matthews nods, just as excited as he is. "Yep. Coming up now." She says.
The images appear on the huge monitor. They reveal a police report, map with the location where the incident occurred and lastly, the name of the victim.
Immediately, everyone looking realizes this was reported as an apparent home invasion gone wrong.
Josh & Trubel move closer to the huge monitor.
Trubel begins reading factually out loud. "The incident occurred at 10:35pm on Thursday March 19th 2020 at 3265 Wilder Avenue, Allentown, Pennsylvania. 2 men entered the residence believing it to be unoccupied at the time in an apparent home invasion gone wrong. The resident, Mr. Scott Braun wasn't injured. He believes he injured one of the suspects with—" She smiles widely. "-A machete randomly located nearby that he used in self-defense. Officers have questioned all neighbors, and they continue to closely monitor hospitals for the injured suspect." She finishes reading, then turns and looks at Josh.
Josh smiles widely. "Guess what guys? He's a Grimm. Scott Braun." He reveals.
Trubel is surprised. "He is?" She asks.
Josh nods. "Yep. He was on my list of Grimms to call on the East Coast last month." He adds.
Her eyes light up. "Apparently, warning him worked." Trubel says.
Josh turns and looks at everyone in the room. "I think this is the lead we've been waiting for." He says.
Instantly, they all feel energized.
Trubel smiles. "So Josh—back to Pennsylvania again?" She asks.
Josh returns the smile. "Yeah, but—you should know Allentown is not like Philadelphia." He adds.
Trubel nods. "I know. I've actually been to Allentown, Pennsylvania. During the summer of 2010." She reveals.
Josh is surprised. "Really? You'll have to tell me that story sometime." He says.
Trubel smiles. "Sure." She replies.
Josh looks at everyone. "Alright group. Let's gear up and head out." He tells them.
Approximately 2 hours later, Josh & Trubel are together, sitting in chairs inside a home.
There is a man in his sixties, sitting down on the couch across from Josh & Trubel. They are in the middle of a conversation.
Scott Braun looks at both of them. "Even though it was dark, I could clearly see both Wesen woge." He says.
He does a quick, 10-second flashback to the Wesen surprising him inside his home. Both Wesen woge, the first into a Skalengeck, grinning with his tongue hanging out, and the second into a Luison, right in front of him.
The Flashback ends.
Josh looks at him. "One of them was a Luison, correct?" He asks, curious.
Scott Braun nods. "Yes. The other was a Skalengeck." He reveals.
Trubel now speaks up. "Which one did you hurt with your machete?" She asks.
Scott Braun resists the urge to smile. "The Skalengeck." He tells them.
Josh nods. "I see. He was injured enough to need medical attention, correct?" He asks.
Scott Braun ponders, remembering. "I believe so. I was aiming for his neck from behind, but I think I sliced his upper back instead." He explains.
Trubel looks at him. "Mr. Braun—would you mind if I take a look around the exterior of your home for clues?" She asks.
Scott Braun smiles slightly. "No. Please, be my guest." He tells her.
Trubel stands up and walks outside via the front door. Irving and Davis are both nearby, monitoring the exterior from the street.
Trubel walks around the full exterior of the house, using pathways and stepping stones, looking for clues.
She then enters the garage, carefully looking around. She turns on the lights with the switch by the garage door. Now that she has light, she takes her time looking around. She can clearly tell nothing is here.
She exits the garage, and goes outside again, this time walking slowly around the house exterior. When she comes close to the dining room window, she notices something shiny, flashing in the direct sunlight.
She puts on rubber gloves, then walks over to the area and begins looking for the shiny item.
Inside the shrubs, she finds a small ring with 3 keys attached. As she looks back up at the dining room window which is the point of entry, she realizes the keys may have fallen out of one of the Wesens' pockets.
She rejoins Josh and Scott Braun inside.
Trubel looks at both of them confidently. "Look what I found in the shrubs at the point of entry." She says excitedly.
Both Josh and Scott Braun look at the keys in Trubels' gloved hand.
Josh looks at Scott Braun. "Do you recognize these keys?" He asks.
Scott Braun looks at them closely. "No. They are not mine." He says.
Trubel looks at Josh eagerly. "Maybe they fell out of one of the Wesens' pockets." She says.
Josh nods. "Possibly." He replies.
Trubel looks at the keys intently. "I'm sure there's fingerprints on them. We should head back and get them analyzed." She suggests.
Josh looks at her gloved hand. "Smart move." He turns to Scott Braun. "Mr. Braun, we don't want you to worry. We'll have eyes-out monitoring your house to be sure other Wesen don't return to finish what they started." Josh explains.
Scott Braun smiles slightly. "I greatly appreciate that. We Grimms need to look out for each other. If I can ever return the favor, please let me know." He says.
Josh smiles. "I will sir." He offers his hand.
Scott Braun shakes Josh's' hand, then he and Trubel leave via the front door.
The 4 reunite next to the SUV. Josh turns to Lance Irving and passes the fob. "Irving you can drive. Let's head back to HW. We need to get these keys that Trubel found analyzed for fingerprints and DNA. I also need to call Matthews." He explains.
Irving accepts the fob. "Sure thing Porter." He replies.
They enter the SUV. Josh sits in the back with Trubel.
As soon as Irving drives them away from the house belonging to Scott Braun, Josh calls Alisha Matthews.
Matthews answers eagerly. "Hey Porter. How'd it go?" She asks.
Josh gets right to why he called. "We have a possible lead. Trubel found a ring of keys at the point of entry to Scott Brauns' house. We are heading back now to get them analyzed for fingerprints and possible DNA." He explains.
Matthews ponders. "Very good." She reponds.
Josh continues on. "We need to keep eyes-out on Scott Braun and his house, just in case Oscar Torres—or other Wesen—return to finish the job." He requests.
Matthews understands. "Alright Porter. I'm on it." She says.
Josh has another thought. "Why don't you have Snyder and Sanders check video surveillance footage from nearby businesses and see if we can find anything else." He instructs her.
Matthews smiles. "Actually, I'm already on that." She informs him.
Josh laughs. "Very good. Any other leads Matthews?" He asks.
Matthews sighs. "Nope." She responds.
Josh smiles. "Ok then. We'll see you soon." He hangs up.
Approximately 3 hours later, they return to HW NYC, and join the rest of the team together in the command center, sitting at computers.
Trubel has been pondering—deeply. "Josh, I think it's wise we look into Scott Brauns' background. Maybe we can find the missing connection. Find out why Oscar Torres targeted Marcus Kurz, the Daniels and Scott Braun." She suggests.
Josh nods. "Good idea." He says.
Approximately 13 minutes go by. Then, Alisha Matthews jumps up from her computer.
Matthews can hardly contain her excitement. "Alright Porter. The fingerprints as well as the DNA on the keys have a match. A Skalengeck, named Timothy Doane." She informs them.
His eyes light up "Great job Matthews. I'm sure I don't need to ask, but we have eyes-out for Mr. Doane? He asks anyway.
Matthews nods. "Yep. And right now I'm researching his background. Give me 15 minutes to get all the info." She turns back to her computer.
Josh nods. "Alright, thanks." He says.
14 minutes later, Matthews is done.
Everyone, including John Sanders, stands in front of the huge monitor.
Matthews types a few things on her computer. "Alright everyone. I have the background info on the Skalengeck, Timothy Doane. Coming up on screen now." She tells them.
The monitor blinks, and various details and photos come up on screen.
Matthews turns to face them. "Just like most Skalengecks, Mr. Doane is not an outstanding Wesen citizen." She explains.
Irving scoffs. "Not surprising." He adds.
Matthews continues on. "He's age 36, 5-foot 7-inches tall. He belongs to a gang called Lehigh Brothers. The gang members are hired by other Wesen for jobs ranging from theft, murder-for-hire, drug deals and kidnappings." She explains.
Josh nods. "Sounds like Mr. Doane was hired by Oscar Torres to take out Scott Braun." He concludes.
Davis smiles. "Yep. Typical Luison behavior." He adds.
Josh ponders. "Matthews, what about Mr. Doane's known associates?" He asks.
Matthews spins around in her chair. "Still putting together a list." She informs him.
Snyder looks at Josh. "I'm helping Matthews with the list." She adds.
Josh nods. "Alright. Let me know when it's done." He instructs them.
Matthews turns back to her computer. "Yep." She continues with her task.
Josh ponders again. "We need to research this gang, Lehigh Bros. Especially where they meet, but also what jobs they did recently. We might find video surveillance footage of Oscar Torres meeting with him prior to their unsuccessful attack on Scott Braun." He adds.
Sanders agrees. "Alright Porter. Davis, Irving & I can do that." He volunteers.
Trubel turns and looks at him. "Josh, while everyone is doing their assigned tasks, why don't we look for the connection between our 4 Grimm targets?" She suggests.
Josh nods. "Sounds good Trubel." He responds.
The rest of the day passes, as well as the evening and the night. The entire group is hard at work on the computers.
Saturday March 21st 2020. 7:11 am
Matthews face lights up. "Porter, I found video footage of Timothy Doane. From 12 hours ago. You should take a look." She points.
Josh walks over to her computer screen. "Yep. That's him." He smiles.
Snyder now clicks keys on her computer and a map comes up. "Here is the location he was last seen at. It appears he went to the free clinic to get stitched up, and was last seen—here. Looks like an abandoned shop or store." She adds.
Josh ponders this new information. "Why don't the both of you research that location as well as what is located nearby that is connected to their gang?" He requests.
Matthews turns back to her computer. "On it Porter." Her fingers fly over the keyboard.
Josh takes a step back. "Anything else ladies?" He asks.
Snyder looks at him. "Not yet." She responds.
Josh turns to leave. "Alright. I'm going to the breakroom to eat now, and after that, get some sleep. But, please interrupt me eating or wake me up if you get new leads." He requests.
Matthews nods. "I will Porter." She assures him.
Surprisingly, as Josh to turns to leave, Trubel walks fast to catch up with him.
Trubel walks alongside him. "I'm hungry too. Care for some company?" She asks.
Josh smiles. "Sure." He responds.
Josh & Trubel are alone in the breakroom.
They have finished their meal, and are sitting across from each other so they can talk.
Josh smiles at her. "I keep feeling very positive. Like, this is it Trubel." He says.
Trubel is somewhat puzzled. "Really Josh? Specifically?" She asks.
Josh looks at her. "We are on the verge of finding Oscar Torres, Stan Lewis and the other 6." He says confidently.
Trubel sighs. "I'm trying not to get my hopes up. Especially after we found out there's no connection between our 4 Grimm victims. Don't want to be disappointed again." She says.
Josh ponders. "Alright. Good advice. I still can't shake my feeling though." He smiles again.
Trubel ponders now. "Well—A month ago I did ask you to remind me to trust your Grimm instinct, so I won't say you're wrong." She adds.
Josh nods. "Thanks." He tells her.
Trubel looks at him. "You're welcome." She ponders again. "Josh—can I ask you something?" She says.
Josh smiles slightly. "Anything." He tells her.
Trubel looks down at the table, collecting her thoughts. "Let's just say—theoretically—I was ok with giving this—thing—I mean, relationship with you a go. How would we make that happen? My HW home base is Portland and your HW home base is NYC. West Coast and East Coast. I just don't see how it would work." She tells him pointedly.
Josh smiles. "Good question. I have thought about that actually." He tells her.
Trubel nods. "Alright. I'm dying to know." She says.
Josh looks at her. "I would pull strings and transfer closer to you. Maybe not Portland, but Seattle or San Francisco. At least I would be on the West Coast." He tells her, smiling.
Trubel can't hide her surprise. "Really Josh?" She asks.
Josh nods. "Absolutely." He says with conviction.
Trubel looks at him. "You're serious in that, aren't you?" She asks, noticeably lowering her voice.
Josh nods again, slowly this time. "Very serious." He says firmly.
Trubel ponders. "I'm guessing, when you say pull strings this means that you have contacts—friends in high places at HW?" She asks.
His eyes light up. "I do. And they owe me." Josh says matter-of-factly.
Trubel nods, still pondering everything Josh told her. "I see." Is all she can say.
Josh then goes with what he knows—facts. "But, since it's just—theoretical—I'm not assuming anything, or making plans." He says as he smiles at her.
Trubel returns the smile. "Smart." She says.
Josh yawns widely. "I think I'm going to get a little sleep now Trubel. Thanks for eating with me. I always enjoy our meals together." He tells her.
Trubel nods. "Well, it's just food. Not like a date or anything." She adds.
Josh can't help it. "Yep." He smiles to himself at her comment.
Trubel looks at him. "Sweet dreams Josh." She tells him.
Josh looks at her one last time and smiles. "Thanks." Is all he can say.
Josh stands up and leaves the breakroom.
Trubel watched him leave with a look of—longing and—hope.
She's not ready to admit to him—or even to herself—but she has bonded with Josh and is finally beginning to open up her heart.
END OF CHAPTER 27
