Chapter Twenty: Discovering

Two huge stories broke overnight - one a little more personal than the other, and for April O'Neil, both were of grave concern. She and Vern were standing on the steps of City Hall waiting for the Chief of Police, along with several committee members, to talk about the one which would be covered on every news channel, paper and internet feed: The Maniac had struck again. That is what they were calling him: The Maniac. It was a perfect Hollywood name and every serial killer needed a name. It was deadly and catchy at the same time though April herself couldn't take credit for coming up with that one.

"You do not seem yourself today O'Neil, should I be worried?" Vern was eyeing her with a concerned look on his face. He looked more tanned than ever.

"You been at the spray tan Vern?" She eyed him back, eager to change the subject. Though Vern knew about the turtles it wasn't a conversation she wanted to get into right here right now.

"Nah. Got my own supply at home, you know that. No odour either, one of the good ones; I can always lend you some?"

She frowned "And how would that work exactly? You would scrape it off me to get it back?"

He paused as if considering it and then shook his head "Be serious O'Neil" Checking the line up through the lens he added: "You sure you're okay?"

"Stuff, that's all Vern, just stuff. I am, and will be, fine for this report so don't worry" She signed off her appearance with a final glance in the back of her phone which doubled up wonderfully as a mirror.

"Lovers tiff?"

April shook her head and gave him 'that look'; Vern just couldn't resist digging where Casey was concerned: "No. Not a lovers tiff"

"That's good then. But, you know, just bear in mind...I am always here if you need a chat, anytime day... or night" Cameras suddenly started to flash and the dull chatter that had been in progress between the media giants and members of the public quietened down: "Oh look and there he is.." announced Vern.

He was referring to Officer Jones who had just accompanied Detective Launder and several uniformed officers, as well as the Police Chief, down the steps to where the microphone stand had been set up. The microphones were never in the right position and always had to be adjusted; the Chief wasn't exactly gifted with height - whoever set the stand up must be so there were literally inches to change. After this had been done, he began:

"Good morning. Today's briefing will not be followed by questions though we are planning a press conference for later during the day, time to be confirmed.." He glanced over at Launder who nodded indiscreetly "Sadly we are here to announce four more deaths, four more young lives, taken far too soon. Detective Launder to my right is leading the investigation along with a team of highly qualified Officers" The Chief paused, almost appearing to gather himself "I will not be releasing any information on the victims but the families have been informed and we are supporting them during this very traumatic time. What we are asking you to do is be vigilant, be aware and keep yourselves safe. Keep your eyes open for your fellow citizens, your friends, your family. We do not believe that any of the victims knew their attacker and we believe he will strike again. However. You must trust me when I say we will work day - and night - to locate and apprehend this man. And he will be punished".

The Chief moved away and Launder stepped forward: "As the Chief said, I am the Lead in this investigation and with a lot of years experience there is no way this one will escape without justice. I know that there are many speculations out there amongst you folk so we will be running a televised press conference later today, pre-registered questions only. Thank you" He turned around and the group ambled back towards the building amid screams and shouts from the crowd who begged to know more.

"Typical" spat April, Vern re-set the camera to focus on her and counted her in "Though details remain few and far between there is enough rumour here to sink a battleship. This was the first chance we had to formally meet the Detective on the case, Detective Launder, who has over twenty years experience on the force. I for one will be holding on to all those words and above all keeping myself and my loved ones as safe as possible. Take care New York. April O'Neil reporting live for Channel 6"

Vern lowered the camera "You didn't add anything about the press conference"

April pulled the hairband from her pocket and tied her hair back in a loose ponytail. "And why is that Vern?" She began to head over to Vern's car, he dutifully trailed behind.

"I know, I know...because these things have a habit of not happening"

"I didn't want our report to be a disappointment, if what the guys in the posh building say disappoint then that's for them to be made accountable" April knew she was right. She popped open the boot of the car and pulled out her leather jacket. Vern grabbed the camera box.

"I get it"

"You know what these things are like Vern, everybody clambering to get to the truth, it always gets messy"

"I know, I said I get it" He secured the camera in it's case and closed the boot.

"We just have to make sure if there is a Press Conference that we are there to cover it" April opened the passenger side door and got in.

"That depends on Rita" He could feel April glaring at him "She's the Network Chief, this is the biggest story since Jack the Ripper, c'mon O'Neil we have to be real on this. She may pick someone else. It's not like we hold the top score for number of press conferences attended"

"No but we do have the highest viewing figures"

He conceded defeat and pressed the ignition.

The mood in the lair was definitely dampened by the discovery that Leo had jumped ship. He had taken minimal belongings, his weapons and of course a book or two. Donatello didn't know how many were missing because the elder brother's stash was topped up quite regularly; because as well as being a serious martial artist Leonardo was also a serious reader.

Leeanne watched them all faffing about for as long as she could then took herself off to Donnie's lab, at least there she was surrounded by some familiar things. Oh how so longed to get back to work, to get to normal, if things would every be normal again. Obviously she probably wouldn't be working at TCRI, unless they bought Sacks down that is. Perhaps her old job would still be available? She did like it, and besides because it was a smaller organisation everyone knew everyone and everyone certainly knew to leave her alone to get on with her work.

Walking alongside the workbench she ran her fingers over the darkened wood, it felt smooth and almost warm to touch. Again her mind wondered back to Leo - where was he? what was he doing? what was he planning?

"You okay?" Donatello's high pitched voice snapped her out of her wonderings, she turned round to face him.

"I guess"

"It won't be because of you" Donatello was doing his mind reading trick again "Leo just obviously needs space to get his thoughts in order"

"Don you are way to polite and besides I think there is way more going on with your older brother than just him needing 'space'"

Michelangelo rushed up to them, breathing heavily "D you gotta come see this. We found it in Leo's room". Leeanne noticed Mikey looked visibly pale; if indeed that was at all possible for a turtle.

"Okay Mikes, show me" Donatello mouthed two minutes to Leeanne then left.

She continued to move along the bench before reaching a covered object on the end. The hairs on her arms sprung up to attention, a wave of tangible electricity pulsed over her body. She reached for the cover and pulled it off revealing nothing but a pile of junk. She touched it. A spark of electricity cracked and threw her onto her bottom, knocking the breath from her body: "What the..." Getting up she went for a closer inspection but this time there would be absolutely no touching. It hummed quietly - how can junk hum? And then everything went black.

Donatello didn't want to leave Leeanne, he didn't want her to mope and think too much, he got that feeling from her - that she was more of a thinker than a talker. But, he also felt like she'd improved since day one and seemed not as tense. Donatello knew that when Michelangelo had 'that look' on his face he wouldn't be silenced but he was shocked to find his father and Raph standing over Leonardo's bed looking at the object which had caused so much offense.

"My god.." whispered Donatello. The blankets were covered in blood. He bent closer "It looks old"

"Never mind it's age!" spat Raphael "Where has it come from?"

"Leo?" began Michelangelo "Has he hurt himself?"

"I think this is older" added Splinter calmly "Donatello, could you take it to the Police Lab, see what you can find out? Meanwhile you two must keep looking through the tunnels"

"Of course sensei" The scientist could not take his eyes off the sheets - the blood was so thick it was encrusted "Where did you find this?"

Michelangelo looked up at him, his baby blue eyes full of fear: "Hidden in his storage chest, Raph broke the lock"

Hidden.

The key word.

Leonardo hadn't wanted anyone to see this. Donatello's head was suddenly full of theories that he hoped weren't true.