More than a week had passed. More than a week and most of the children had been found. The human children had been first, likely because they required more care. The very day that the bus had been taken, it had turned up parked outside the city on an abandoned road. The human children had been found locked inside. Alone and unharmed. Connor and Hank had been called to deal with the body of the driver a day later. The uniformed man had been found shot in the head and tucked away in an alley near the very first stop. No one had noticed him in the dim alleyway, hidden between two dumpsters under a few bags of trash. The dustmen had found him while emptying bins the next morning.
It seemed the assailant had approached the bus at the first stop. He must have either lured the driver off somehow with a ruse or taken him at gunpoint. The children would have been easy enough to scare into silence. A threat to their families. A threat to them. Settle down or I'll kill your Mummy likely worked wonders on an eight or nine-year-old. They probably hadn't heard the gunshot. He would have used a silencer, and Connor was quite certain it was a he. This murder didn't match up with a feminine crime. Point blank to the head? Too messy. Too personal.
Once the driver had been dealt with, it had been an easy matter for their assailant to step in and take over. He'd had the keys to the bus and a group of terrified children who wouldn't dare step out of line. It seemed he'd even taken the driver's hat and jacket since they hadn't been found at the scene or on the bus. The deceased driver had worked for the school for around ten years, driving the bus every day. He had no criminal record, so he clearly hadn't been involved. This had been a planned out crime, targeting that specific bus at that specific time. Connor's gut turned every time he thought about why.
Sixteen of the twenty students on the bus had been found. All the listed humans. They'd been a little traumatised, and they were hungry and dehydrated, as expected after such an event, but were otherwise unharmed. They'd been questioned by the FBI and child services about the ordeal. Connor didn't know all the details, but they had a description. A tall, scary man with light brown hair wearing denim. They hadn't noticed an LED, but it was a familiar description to Connor. It sounded like the android they'd chased at Aaron's ceremony. The one who'd been spotted near the Hickory Killer's last crime scene. Not to mention he'd turned up at one of the copycat crime scenes before then, too. It had to be linked to the Hickory Killer. He's never gone so young before, though…
After the human children and the driver had been found, one of the android children had been retrieved. It had been a male YK400. Smaller than Niles, with cropped blonde hair. His model was quite outdated, and he'd suffered severely from stress during the encounter. As a result, his memory files had corrupted, and the technicians had no choice but to erase them. Aside from the mental trauma the boy had returned unharmed. He'd even been taken care of prior to his release. His thirium levels had been replenished, and he'd been recharged. He'd been left alone in the middle of a park in the afternoon. He'd been surrounded by people, but no one recalled noticing anyone out of place. They'd been more distracted by the small android child wailing hysterically. It's likely they would have noticed a distressed child entering the park, so he was probably placed in stasis and carried inside. He was found beside a bench, so perhaps he was set down with his schoolbag and people thought it was just a parent carrying their sleeping child. Unfortunately, this meant they gained no leads or evidence from this boy.
A couple days after that the next android child had been found. This one had been a YK500 female model. She had a sharp blonde bob and big blue eyes. Connor wasn't sure if looks played a factor, but he'd noted it down as something to consider anyway. Unlike the YK400, this girl was a child of Jericho. Josh had been over the moon that she'd been found safe. They all were, of course, but it seemed this girl had formed somewhat of an attachment to Josh. Her memories hadn't been corrupted by stress, but they had been tampered with. Any footage relating to the identity of her captor had been cut out via a forced interface shortly before her release. She'd been left stumbling through the Plaza with a mishmash of scattered memories of where she'd been and how she got there. She was understandably scared. She'd managed to stumble her way into a small café and ask for help.
The final child that had been released was a YK500 male model with curly red hair, green eyes, and scattered freckles. He'd been treated similarly to the others. Fully charged, filled with thirium, physically unharmed, but with scattered memories from a forced interface. The difference had been the note clutched in his hand. He'd been left right outside the gates to Cyberlife Tower with no memory of how he got home. He'd wandered through the gates in a daydream before noticing the note he was holding. He'd taken it to Simon, knowing the older androids would know what to do with it.
"I know it sounds unusual, but I thought it best to just bring it straight here," Simon said after he'd finished explaining the encounter. He hadn't brought the child with him, thinking it best that he rested. He also knew the child wouldn't be of much use. He'd already interfaced with him and shared the limited memories he had. Connor nodded as Simon finished his story, looking at the seat beside him. Hank sat forward and folded his arms on the metal table. The interrogation rooms offered the most privacy and security besides Fowler's office, so it wasn't unusual to use them for private meetings. Simon seemed a little nervous at the surroundings, blue eyes darting around the dimly lit room with its imposing black glass wall and small circular lights.
"You did the right thing," Hank confirmed, which put Simon at ease somewhat. He hadn't opened the note himself. He'd seen the G on the envelope and figured it was meant for someone specific. From what he'd heard about the comings and goings in the station, he'd figured Reed to be a safe bet. Unfortunately, when he'd asked at the front desk, he'd found Detective Reed was unavailable. Apparently, he was out of town on business and wouldn't return for some time. Connor had been the next most obvious choice, and he trusted him implicitly. Simon pushed the envelope across the table, unsure he was required for anything else. He'd done what he came to do. There was no need to involve himself further.
"Thank you for coming all this way…In light of certain events, I'd like to arrange transportation to take you back to Jericho," Connor piped up worriedly. The killer had already made use of a doppelgänger PL600, but he still felt it best not to allow him access to the real thing. Simon didn't understand entirely, but he knew Connor was serious. If something had Connor worried, he felt it sensible to listen. Connor had a knack for sniffing out trouble. It was in his programming. He was designed for it. He was also wise, in a similar way to Markus. He had an underlying confidence in everything he did.
"So long as it's no trouble," Simon agreed politely, knowing that the officers were busy. Connor insisted it was no trouble, clearly putting a lot of value on Simon's safety. He called for an officer and a young Asian woman arrived. She was introduced as Officer Chen. There was something familiar in the twinkle she had in her glittering brown eyes, and as soon as she opened her mouth, he knew. She was a friend of Detective Reed's. There was no mistaking the bite and humour in her tone. The way she spoke to Connor was just too familiar, though she didn't resort to rude nicknames the way Reed did.
"Alright, let's get this show on the road, Goldilocks," she added with a quirk of her lips. Simon's eyes widened a fraction at that. Connor smiled his encouragement as he gestured for Simon to follow Tina, who'd already turned to lead the way. Connor watched his friend depart before closing the door and returning to his place at the table beside Hank, who was still holding the envelope. Technically, they should call Perkins and Colin. This was definitely related to the Hickory Killer, which made it their evidence, but it's also connected to Nines and Gavin…
"I can't accidentally open it…but I can accidentally not mention that it was sealed when we got it," Hank gruffed eventually, Connor's LED spinning yellow at the suggestion. He didn't like to break procedure, especially on a case his brother was working on. On the other hand, this case was linked to their other brother and a co-worker. He couldn't help but feel they had the right to stay in the loop and help. "Your call," Hank prompted with a shrug, though Connor knew he was eager to see it, too.
"Let me scan it," Connor sighed eventually, focusing in on the paper. It was the same high quality material as the other messages. Looking at the seal, it seemed tight. It wasn't the Hickory Killer's style to use poisons, so he wasn't particularly worried about some form of trap. He sniffed the envelope and could only scent paper, glue, and ink. He couldn't run a full analysis without licking it, which would leave his fluid imprinted on it. It seemed to be safe. It wouldn't hurt to call Colin and inform him of the development. He called internally, Hank watching as his LED span the same lazy yellow it always did when he was speaking internally.
Hello Connor. Do you need something? Colin's gentle voice asked in greeting. The fact that they were speaking internally meant that Connor couldn't pick up anything from his brother's surroundings. At this time, he was likely at work, but that could mean the FBI offices, a crime scene, a meeting, or even out on the road somewhere. Something of his curiosity must have seeped through. I'm catching up on paperwork today, so I'm available if you need me. Connor was quietly relieved to have his silent inquisitiveness answered.
Another child was returned to Jericho, but with a note this time. We can confirm it's linked to the Hickory Killer. Connor opened up a visual link to allow Colin to view things through his eyes. He turned over the paper, letting him see the stylised G in black ink before flipping the rectangle to look at the sealed edges. He waited for permission almost anxiously. He wouldn't be able to open the letter without Colin knowing what he'd done now.
Open it. Colin's curiosity was getting the better of him. It wouldn't matter either way. Connor was an android and, therefore, wouldn't leave any tactile evidence. Lieutenant Anderson knew better than to touch anything without gloves, and they were the only two present in the interrogation room. Connor didn't hesitate. His fingers deftly peeled the glued seal free and opened the envelope. He was gentle as he tugged the paper loose, finding two notes inside. He looked at the outer one first, unfolding the paper and looking down.
It wasn't wise, agents, to take Detective Reed and put him beyond my reach. It's unlikely you'll be able to solve this puzzle alone. My gift is for Detective Reed, and only he will understand my message. I suggest you return him immediately, else Christmas will be ruined! The first note read in a playful, chiding tone. Connor's jaw tightened slightly. They'd known it was unlikely that the Hickory Killer would let Reed's absence go without comment. They'd also known there was a possibility of something like this happening. But with a child? It doesn't make sense…Without much thought, Connor put the first note aside and looked at the second. My dear Gavin, I told you I'd leave you a Christmas gift, and here it is! The package will be in a hideaway for you from me. In a vault, around and down, within a heart it will be found. Packaged up with blocks so tight, you must find it by midnight. Release the doll and pull the wire, else the strike will light the fire. Tick-tock, Detective, and Merry Christmas!
What do you think? Connor asked as he finished reading, laying the notes flat on the table to allow Hank to lean over and read them without touching the paper. His frown lines deepened as he read the notes, particularly the second one. He could see something in the words. Hideaway, packaged, blocks…Seems significant…It could be a reference to C4. The explosive came in blocks, and that fitted with the strike and fire well enough. Reed wasn't part of the bomb squad though, he had no knowledge of explosives. It also didn't seem like the killer's style. Though that might not mean much if this is a game for Reed to figure out…The killer was getting a kick out of watching Reed directly this time, not through killing. That was almost more worrying. Has he changed his focus completely?
I don't know…Perhaps we should meet in person to discuss it. The four of us. Colin clearly meant them and their partners. It didn't take long for Connor to agree, both of them agreeing to meet at FBI headquarters for a change. It was rare for DPD officers to visit the Bureau. They rarely consulted on cases like this, and when they did, it often made more sense for the FBI to work out of the local station.
The first thing that struck Connor as they pulled up to the large glass tower was that it looked imposing. There was a huge crest worked into the tiles of the entrance hall floor, people wearing suits rushing back and forth, and a busy front desk where two secretarial model androids were greeting visitors and staff. Connor's LED flashed yellow as Colin sent a ping, drawing his attention to the right. Connor smiled as his brother approached, politely greeting them before taking the lead and showing them through the barriers. They were walked through smart hallways where pictures of various agents lined the walls. There was a section for deceased agents, and then a section for decorated agents with various certifications. It didn't surprise Connor to see that Perkins was on this wall, with various commendations from his extensive time at the bureau.
"Lieutenant Anderson, Detective. Colin tells me you have new evidence," Perkins greeted as they stepped into his office, getting straight down to business. It seemed Perkins was in charge of this section. He had a large, comfortable office at the top of a small set of stairs that overlooked a small pen. Agents were busy working at their desks, occasionally leaning over or crossing the room to consult with one another. Perkins was sitting behind a large mahogany desk with a black leather top to protect the wooden surface. He had a shiny metal nameplate with a tray of papers stacked behind it. Hank didn't envy him all the paperwork he had to do as a senior agent. Perkins gestured to the two leather chairs in front of his desk. Hank and Connor sat as Colin took up a position like a bodyguard at Perkins' shoulder.
"We do. Another child android was returned to Jericho. Like the last two, there were no recoverable memory files, but this time he was carrying a note." Connor pulled the three items from his inside pocket and slid them across the desk. The papers had all been sealed within clear evidence bags, both notes flattened open so that they could be read through the plastic. Perkins looked over all three carefully, his brow furrowed in both displeasure and thought. He didn't like the taunting feel of the notes. He liked it less that demands were being made. It was worse still that they may just have to go along with it at this point. From the look of the note to Detective Reed, there were clues that only he would be able to unravel.
"What do you think? Is it enough to force your hand?" Hank asked curiously, unsure what he would do in Perkins' shoes. It was never a good idea to cave to an assailant. Whatever this guy was planning, it involved Reed somehow. Bringing him back would just put him in danger. On the other hand, there was a missing child out there relying on information that only Reed had. It sounds like this sicko planned something for today or tomorrow. Depending on how far away they stashed Reed and Nines, that may not leave much of a window to decide…It's Christmas Eve today! The fucker must have planned to release that kid when he did.
"I'm open to suggestions…Did either of you get anything out of the note?" Perkins asked as he ran his eyes over it again. The hideaway seemed a significant word. Perkins was sure he'd seen it more than once, but what did for you from me mean? Was it somewhere Reed had hidden from the Hickory Killer before? They'd never had a direct encounter, though. Not one that was on record, at least. Is that it? Did something happen between them, away from the case? Something that Reed never reported? Perkins wasn't sure he believed that. Reed seemed the straight shooting type despite his temper. He was relatively confident that he would have recorded everything case related. There was also mention of a vault somewhere, likely underground, but what did around and down mean? Somewhere circular? Down certainly suggested underground.
"We had thought the packaged blocks may be a reference to C4, but aside from that, things seem uncertain." Connor's LED flashed yellow as he and Colin networked on the problem. This would likely be easier with Nines involved. His close working relationship with Reed would often give him a different insight or perspective, and his higher processing power was always a useful addition to their skill pool. Behind the desk, Perkins nodded his agreement. He could understand why they would think that, and it certainly seemed like something big would happen. The mention of fire wasn't promising. If there really was a bomb, then it wouldn't just be the child at risk. It could be a whole block. Hundreds of people. If it's a bomb…
"I don't like it, but…I'm not sure we can solve this in time without Detective Reed." Colin spoke up finally, and Connor nodded his own agreement. The phrasing seemed significant. There was clearly some form of message hidden within it. They needed to consider time as a factor. Reed had to see the message and have time to figure it out. It was unlikely that the killer had made it so simple that Reed could solve it at a glance. They would also need to factor in travel time. If they were needed in person, then Detective Reed and Nines would need enough time to return to Detroit. With Christmas Day barely a few hours away, that left them little time to debate.
"I tend to agree…Colin, contact WITSEC. Have someone get in contact with Detective Reed and deliver a copy of the note to him. Tell Detective Nines to get in touch with any insights Reed has, but don't bring them back unless it's absolutely necessary. If we can get through this without giving the killer what he wants, then that's what we'll do." The weight of the decision settled firmly on Perkins' shoulders as he spoke. If this was the wrong call, then whatever happened was his fault. Colin nodded his obedience, already making the call and sending a digital copy of the note along to his contact. They had an agent settled close by, so it shouldn't take long for the message to reach Nines.
