"Are you fucking kidding me?!" Thalia barked indignantly. She practically exploded out of her seat as she slammed both of her hands onto the desk in front of her. The police captain did not look impressed by her display, not that she gave a shit at the moment. That corrupt, pompous asshole had been a thorn in her side for years.
Even though it was illegal, the police captain had a lit cigar in his mouth, and he was chewing on it. Who the fuck just chewed on a lit cigar? It was disgusting, and Thalia debated kicking it down his throat. His white hair was tucked underneath his stupid hat, and his brown eyes confessed that he was full of shit.
Safe to say, Thalia didn't get along with him.
The police captain was a human, but he had coffers that would make a goblin greener with envy. He took a bribe from anyone willing to pay, unless it was from any official hunter organizations. They tried to pay him to do good, but he wouldn't! Who the hell did that?!
"Tell your partner to calm down," the captain drawled. He pulled the cigar out of his mouth, turned his head, and spat out the pieces he had been chewing on. Or was that dip? Was he chewing tobacco and smoking a cigar at the same time?!
"I'm not going to calm down until you go after Lycaon!" Thalia snapped. "He attacked three different people, and we have witnesses! How can you just let him walk?!"
"No camera footage," the police captain replied, like it was that easy. "Can't take statements from two eyewitnesses that had previous altercations with Lycaon when he has his own eye witnesses who say he was at home with his family."
"He doesn't have a family," Thalia interrupted.
"Neither do I, but I still have to pay alimony," the captain grumbled. Thalia started to wonder if it was worth losing her license to kick his ass all over the police station.
"I saw Lycaon attacking a member of Chiron's bar unprovoked," Zoë added. Thalia sat back down in her chair and tried to look relaxed. "As did one of your uniformed officers."
"I recall a werewolf attacking this member of the bar, and doing a background check into that employee's background shows me nothing. They're like a ghost, and I'm not going to waste men putting Lycaon behind bars because this employee was attacked by a werewolf. Yet, no one saw Lycaon transform, so how do we know that the werewolf was Lycaon? I am not inclined to risk my reputation for that," the captain said.
"Would you be inclined if I gave you money?" Thalia grumbled.
"You two need to get out of my office," the captain said with finality. Thalia rolled her eyes. "Or, I can have you escorted out. I am not going to charge Lycaon for anything. If you have any further complaints, go through the proper channels."
"Sounds great," Thalia sarcastically remarked as she stepped away from the desk. She gave a mock bow. "Thanks for the help, Captain Fat Fuck."
A hand grabbed Thalia by her shoulder and yanked her out of the office. Thalia glared at the floor as she followed after Zoë. The two of them were silent as they walked outside. It wasn't until they made it to the car that Zoë turned to look at her.
"That went well," Zoë deadpanned. If Thalia wasn't so pissed, she would have teased Zoë for actually telling a joke and slowly proving that she was, in fact, not a robot. "This may work out better in our favor. We can take this up our chain of command, and we can go right to the governor to get permission to arrest Lycaon. Or just take him out."
"You're right," Thalia said. She let out an angry exhale and leaned on the car. Her hands pressed hard into the hood, and Zoë let her stay like that for a few moments. Then, she opened the door and got in the driver seat. Thalia exhaled again as she walked to the passenger side and got in the car as well. The drive was in silence as Thalia blasted the radio louder than she should have.
Zoë didn't comment on it, still looking like the perfect picture of calm and collected. Thalia didn't know how Zoë could do that. It seemed like nothing bothered her. Even under fire and or while being attacked, Zoë did not get flustered or scared. Maybe, she really was a robot.
Thalia's phone rang, barely audible over the blaring radio. Thalia turned down the music and answered her phone, "Percy! How's it going?"
"Not well," Percy answered. Thalia frowned at that. She had met Percy through Annabeth, and the merman was actually a pretty cool guy. Annoying at times, but he seemed to make Annabeth happy. If only the two would get together already. If they weren't already sleeping together under the sea.
"What's wrong?" Thalia questioned as she settled back in the seat.
"You have to promise you won't blow up," Percy began.
"I already did that a few minutes ago, so I think I'm good for an hour or two," Thalia tried to joke. Percy didn't laugh. "I won't, Percy. What has you so bothered?"
"Something happened yesterday. We all went out for ice cream. While we were out, Ma Gasket approached us and threatened my family if we didn't let her have Tyson," Percy explained. Thalia's frown deepened.
"Did you go to the police?" Thalia asked. While Captain Fat Fuck and his squad were too scared to touch Lycaon, they would by more than happy to go after Ma Gasket. Thalia wasn't sure if it was because Ma Gasket was a female or a Cyclops. Probably a mix of both.
"I'm scared to," Percy admitted. "Ma Gasket knows where my mother lives. She threatened to eat Estelle. Thalia, I don't know what to do. Help me please."
"Percy, I will help you," Thalia promised. She leaned back in her seat as she felt a headache swelling in her temples. She knew that Tyson had been tricked into signing a contract that basically made him Ma Gasket's slave. Thalia wasn't sure if it was legal or not, but it wasn't like the police gave a shit. If Ma Gasket had forced any other species but a fellow Cyclops to sign it, the police might have done something.
There was still Thalia's organization. They would need time to make the report, but they could at least offer protection to Percy and his family. Thalia spoke, "Just hold tight. Give us a day or two to make a report and send it to our superiors. Is there any place that you guys can stay away from your house?"
"Everyone has already offered, but I don't want to be a burden," Percy began.
"I would rather you stay at someone else's than end up being buried in the ground," Thalia lectured. Percy sighed sadly. "It sucks, but you guys won't be a burden. Everyone loves you. If you can't find a place to stay tonight, let me know. I'll help set you up for a hotel."
"Thank you, Thalia. I'll ask Piper if her offer is still open. I don't think Ma Gasket would think to look there," Percy said.
"Good. I'll meet with you guys tomorrow and get an official statement," Thalia assured. Percy thanked her again, and Thalia smiled. "Do you need us to stop by and help you get to Piper's place?"
"No," Percy declined. "We'll be fine. I'll text you as soon as we get there."
"Sounds good. I'll see you soon," Thalia promised. She heard Percy hang up and looked at Zoë.
"More problems with Ma Gasket," Zoë assumed. Thalia nodded. "What now?"
"Ma Gasket threatened Percy's family. Claimed to know where Sally lives and threatened to eat Estelle. I'm going to kick that bitch's ass," Thalia muttered.
"You're going to end up fighting the whole city at this point," Zoë commented, and Thalia wasn't sure if she was joking or not. "Don't stretch yourself too thin, Thalia. You can't help anyone if you're trying to help everyone."
"Watch me," Thalia grumbled. She laid her head back and sighed softly. "I can't let my friends or my family be hurt."
"I know, but you must prioritize," Zoë rebutted. "Tyson's issue is going to require finesse. Going the legal route means that we must find a lawyer to help Tyson get out of his contract, if he can get out of it. Or, we will have to convince Ma Gasket to let him go. Do we have time to do that while dealing with Lycaon? He has already shown his violent tendencies."
Thalia sighed and didn't answer. She rubbed her forehead. It took her a minute of thinking to come to her conclusion, "Let's get some food."
"At the bar?" Zoë presumed.
"It's got good food. I'll pay," Thalia offered. Zoë glanced at her.
"Pay for the free food that Chiron will give you?" Zoë accused. Thalia gave her a grin and a shrug. The hint of a smile came to Zoë's lips as she focused back on the road. Thalia listened to the music and tried to quell the anger left behind from yelling at the police captain. It didn't help that Percy called her and told her about Ma Gasket.
Thalia was just grateful that she was in town to help them out. If she was across the country, she wouldn't know what to do with herself.
By the time they made it to the bar, Thalia was as relaxed as she could be. She still wanted to rip some heads off, but it wasn't like she could do that here. Zoë parked the car and got out. She started to walk towards the front door. Thalia hopped out of the car after her and followed behind.
As they made it to the front door, Thalia saw Clarisse standing by the door. Next to her stood Reyna. Thalia would be lying if she said that she expected Reyna to be back already. Not after the ass kicking that she received.
Reyna had her arms crossed as she glanced at Clarisse. The bandages were off of her face, replaced by stitches. Thalia was just amazed the woman was on her feet. As they approached, Clarisse looked at them and scowled, "You want to check Thalia's ID every time."
"I used a fake ID one time," Thalia complained.
"And you'll get your ID checked every damn time," Clarisse promised. She looked at Zoë. "Go on it."
"That is so unfair," Thalia complained. Clarisse rolled her eyes and motioned for her to go in as well. Thalia looked at Reyna. "How are you feeling?"
"Fine," Reyna muttered. "I've had worse."
There was a small frown on Clarisse's face as she studied Reyna. Her gaze moved back to Thalia, "Any news about Lycaon?"
"Assholes are just going to let him walk free," Thalia answered as she crossed her arms angrily. "I don't know what we're going to do, but we have to figure something out."
"I told everyone to call the police if Lycaon even comes sniffing around," Clarisse said. Thalia moved her gaze back to Reyna. The newest member of the bar intrigued her. "Are you two going inside?"
"Yeah. Came for dinner," Thalia answered.
"Try not to sit in Frank's section. He's training Nico," Clarisse warned. Thalia felt a lump in her throat, and she nodded. Zoë remained emotionless, other than the small frown that touched her face.
"Is he staying with Chiron?" Zoë questioned.
"Yeah," Clarisse confirmed. "Chiron said that Nico had a real fucking rough time with Lycaon. Kid is scared of his own shadow. I heard some of it, but..."
Clarisse trailed off and looked away, anger flushing her face. Clarisse loved to play the role of asshole and the toughest person in the bar, but she really was a softie. She cared for all of her co-workers, and Nico had been a big part of the bar years ago. Along with his sister.
"They used him as a toy," Zoë confirmed quietly. She closed her eyes. "Especially during the full moon. I wish I had known. I would have done something."
"None of us knew," Thalia whispered as she tried to comfort her partner. She grabbed Zoë's shoulder. "I've heard stories of what Lycaon his stupid werewolves do to hookers that they hire. I really hope they didn't do the same to Nico."
"He's alive," Clarisse grumbled, and it looked like she was starting to shake in rage. "I hope that piece of shit comes to the bar when I'm here."
Out of the corner of her eye, Thalia saw Reyna tensing as she listened to the conversation. Thalia cleared her throat, "What matters is that Nico is away from them. They won't be able to use him as their sex toy again, and if Lycaon does try, I'm more than willing to take care of him."
"If only Ma Gasket and Lycaon would take care of each other," Thalia grumbled to herself. She shook her head. "We shouldn't keep you two any longer. I'll see you later, Clarisse. And Reyna, make sure to keep getting rest."
Clarisse nodded to her. Reyna gave the hint of a nod before looking away. Thalia led Zoë inside. The two of them were quiet as they were led to a table. It was Thalia who broke the silence, "You should try talking to Nico sooner or later."
"He blames me," Zoë exhaled in a clipped tone. The look on her face made it clear that the topic was dying then and there. Thalia looked down at the menu. Zoë was quiet until they ordered their drinks. Thalia ordered a soda, while her boring partner got water.
"She looks familiar," Zoë commented. Thalia looked up and raised an eyebrow. Zoë moved her gaze to the front door as it opened. She kept her gaze on Reyna as the newbie slowly walked across the bar and towards the backroom.
"Reyna? I've never seen her before," Thalia stated.
"I swear I've seen her before. I just can't place it," Zoë muttered softly. She frowned.
"Must not be too important if you can't remember," Thalia dismissed. "Now, let's eat some food. Yelling at Captain Fat Fuck left me hungry."