Part II Love's funny
Jacob had finally gotten his own case no more following in other detective's footsteps it was time he got to make his own prints.
His case had taken place in Landone, Oregon a town just on the outskirts of where that major viral outbreak took place two years ago.
Jacob had the case briefing, list of possible suspects and victim including there bios. He was going over this information on his flight to Oregon.
CASE: Death of Mr. Oliveira. Little left behind in the murder scene victim found dead in bed. No evidence of break in. Rebecca Chambers who was on the scene right around when the murder occurred walked into the victim's apartment discovering his dead body.
Carlos Oliveira- Ex U. B. S, one of the key members of the anti-Umbrella corporation responsible for the unmasking of Umbrella's bio-weapons. Found dead in his apartment at 1:12 am by Rebecca Chambers Cause of death: Bullet wound to the head
SUSPECTS: Rebecca Chambers- Found victim, supposedly romantically involved with victim. Worked with Mr. Oliveira in the anti-Umbrella case and also an ex- member of S.T.A.R.S. Medic and bio-chemist.
Jill Valentine- Friend of victim part of the anti-Umbrella case and ex- member of S.T.A.R.S. Valentine is an ex- cat burglar.
Chris Redfield- Ex-S.T.A.R.S and part of the anti-Umbrella case
Claire Redfield- College student, Chris Redfield sister and member of anti- Umbrella case. Was in Raccoon during the viral outbreak saved young Sherry Birkin whose parents died in the city and now has custody over her.
Leon S. Kennedy- Member of anti-Umbrella case. Escaped with Claire Redfield and Sherry Birkin out of Raccoon City.
Barry Burton- Ex-member of S.T.A.R.S and part of anti-Umbrella case
It seemed like enough of a straight forward case which Jacob realized was probably why he got it, but he was still determined to impress the F.B.I.
These people are all connected with that Umbrella ordeal which in the end heavily involved the F.B.I. If he was to make the case quick and clean he was sure the F.B.I would be grateful. He wanted the F.B.I to be grateful.
He quickly knew where he had to start his investigation and where he hoped to end it too. Once off the plane he looked through his papers for Rebecca Chamber's address.
* - * - *
He and Jill spent the night on her couch feeling their skin against each others, feeling their hearts beat as one, feeling for the first time the love that they had for each other and sharing it.
Jill had fallen asleep against his chest and Chris had no plans on moving it. He and Jill were suppose to be at work in a half a hour, but for this one time Chris was going to let it slide and enjoy the moment.
An hour later Jill's phone rang Chris could feel Jill jump up from the couch. She looks at him startled.
"What time is it?"
"9:30," he told her.
"Shit Chris we were suppose to be at work a half a hour ago," Jill says running to the phone. Chris grabs her by the arm and pulls her back into his chest.
"They can live with us being late this one time."
Jill smiled and kissed him softly. The two were looking at each other meaningfully when the phone rang again. Jill begins to frown.
"It's probably Becky I'm just going to answer it and tell her were going to be late."
Chris nods and Jill runs to answer the phone.
"Hello," Jill answers
Chris watches as Jill's cheerful expression turns drastically to shocked, scared and dead serious.
"Okay Rebecca calm down we'll be right there."
After listening to what Chris thought for sure was "whose we," Jill uncomfortably says "Chris and I."
A minute later Jill hangs up the phone her entire body was shaking.
"What's wrong?" Chris asked trying to put his arms around her, but Jill backs away.
"That was Becky.Chris Carlos was murdered last night."
Chris stood there blankly. How could this be they both had just seen the guy yesterday?"
"Shit," he whispered, it was the only thing he could get out of his mouth.
"Yeah well," tears were running down Jill's face now "the F.B.I is at Rebecca's right now she and the F.B.I want us to go to her place."
He nods "Let's go then," he says softly getting on his shoes and walking out her door not noticing how far Jill was traveling behind.
* - * - *
Jill had never felt so many emotions at once in her entire life. Carlos was murdered, those three words kept replaying over and over in her head as they walked to Rebecca's. All the while she kept a close eye on Chris.
She and Chris got to Rebecca's to find her in a mess. In fact Jill didn't think that mess quite covered Rebecca's state, emotional and physically trashed did it more justice.
Chris went and sat next to Rebecca who began weeping into his chest. Then for the first time Jill looked at the man who was occupying the room with them. This must have been the F.B.I agent he was very good looking with light brown hair and matching eyes. He was tall and a bit scrawny, but neither of those demolished his handsome facial features. Jill looked back at Chris his face hard and serious; Jill couldn't keep that worried feeling away.
"What happened?" Chris asked the F.B.I agent coldly.
"I think I'll introduce myself before we get into things. As I told Miss Chambers I'm agent Jacob West from the F. B. I."
"What happened?" Chris repeated even colder then before as Rebecca began to cry even harder on his shoulder.
"Well," said agent West his appearance now very business like "as I'm sure Miss Chambers told you Carlos Oliveira was murdered last night. He was shot in his bed we don't know at what time exactly but it's safe to presume before 1:00am because that's the time that Miss Chambers called 911."
Chris interrupts the agent and turns to Rebecca "You found him?" Chris asked her.
Rebecca took a brief break from her sobbing to nod then returned to her previous actions as did agent West.
"While the killer did a clean job we have no evidence other then the bullet that was taken out of the victim's skull."
Both she and Rebecca wince.
"It was a standard bullet from the beretta which I believe is issued to everyone in the S.T.A.R.S unit.
Jill couldn't believe what he was implying. Neither could Chris who yells at the agent.
"Are you suggesting that it was someone from the S.T.A.R.S team?"
"I'm only saying that I want to talk to everyone in your unite. I've already spoken to Miss Chambers," his eyes turn to her "I like to speak to you next Miss Valentine and then you Mr. Redfield," he says to Chris.
"Fine," Jill tells him "but would you please give us a moment to gather ourselves?"
"It's the least I can do," agent West tells her leaving the room.
"Once he was gone Rebecca turns to her and Chris "It's been a long morning I think I'm going to try to get some sleep."
"Yeah I think that's a good idea," Chris says gently patting her on the back. They watched as Rebecca goes into her bedroom before they turn to each other.
Jill looks at Chris fighting a feeling that she couldn't fight. She gently begins to ask him.
"Can you believe this?"
"No," was all he says.
Jill couldn't fight the feeling anymore and finally mustered up the courage to say something about it.
"Chris you know no matter how you answer my question I'll stick by you there's no way I couldn't, but before I go talk to agent West I have to know.Where were you before you came back to my house last night?"
Chris stared at her his face dry as a dessert. Jill would have given anything for an expression, but there he stood blankly.
"Chris please," she begged.
Chris stands up walking away from Jill. Jill follows Chris gently grabbing his arm "Chris," she begged one last time "I'm dead sad that I lost Carlos, but if I loose you then I'm no better then dead myself."
Chris turns to her looking her directly in the eyes his face now wild with emotion.
"Jill I love you and desperately believe in you and everything you stand for," he sighs deeply "I just wish you felt the same."
"I do," she cries. Just then the door opens and agent West steps in.
"If you're ready?" he says
Jill turns back to Chris who wouldn't look back at her. Defeated in everyway imaginable Jill joins agent West in Rebecca's kitchen.
* - * - *
Rebecca for the time being was just too emotional to deal with. He got the basics from her, but she really wasn't in any state to be really interrogated. God she was only 18.
Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield were next on his list to question. He obviously had seen the connection between them there was defiantly something going on between the two, if it was something that involved Mr. Oliveira was yet to be determined.
He was questioning Miss Valentine first who was very attractive, but Jacob couldn't let that get in the way. He was set on putting his job above his personal life.
Together he and Miss Valentine went to the kitchen were they sat opposite of each other. There Jacob began his questioning.
"So Miss Valentine how did you meet Mr. Oliveira?"
She glared at him obviously annoyed and still hurting. "We met in Raccoon City we escaped together; I believe you've been informed on the story of what happened in Raccoon."
"I did tell me how would you describe your relationship with Mr. Oliveira?"
"Friends," Miss Valentine was obviously getting inpatient with him.
"Alright and what about you and Mr. Redfield? Was there ever any conflict between the three of you?"
She stands up livid "listen asshole," she shouted "I don't know exactly what you're trying to get at but our personal relationships had nothing." She seemed to be having trouble getting the rest out finally after a deep breathe and a soft sob she did "it had nothing to do with Carlos' death."
"Then what did?" he asked making Miss Valentine go quiet and sit back down. "Most murders happen because of something personal," he told her "Now I just want to know everything I can about this case so I can find the murderer. Not just because it's my job but because I'll sleep better knowing that person was brought to justice. I think you want that too so please."
In-between quiet sobs she told him all about her relationship with Mr. Oliveira and Mr. Redfield. She also told him about all the events that had occurred just yesterday but swore that Chris had spent the night with her. Jacob just saw it as another possibility.
Once finished Miss Valentine left and a stern looking Mr. Redfield came in. They politely shook hands then Jacob got right into asking him about his relationship with Mr. Oliveira. Mr. Redfield was upright honest about how he never cared much for him, but was careful to add that it still comes as a blow whenever you lose a team member.
Jacob then asked Mr. Redfield where he was last night. He told him he sat outside Jill's porch until she and Carlos came back then after what he saw he went to his sisters after talking to her he went back to Jill's where he spent the night.
When he touched upon the subject of his sister Mr. Redfield became real upset.
"What do you have to say to the report that your sister was the last person to see Mr. Oliveira alive?"
"What?" he said flatly.
"Miss Chambers reported that right around 10:30 last night she saw Miss Claire Redfield outside Mr. Oliveira's apartment building giving him a kiss on the cheek."
"What exactly are you insinuating?" Chris asked his face was getting red. "Nothing, there's no harm in a kiss on the cheek. I just wanted to know your opinion of their relationship."
Chris stands up angrily just the way Miss Valentine did a short while ago "I don't know what your thinking asshole, but don't go trying to get to point A to point Z without any other stops between!"
"The only person her that is jumping to conclusions is you Mr. Redfield now please let's remain civil you work in law enforcement you know that I'm just trying to do my job," Jacob said calmly.
Mr. Redfield sat back down and Jacob questioned him further. No new information was gained and soon after Mr. Redfield left. Jacob sat there for a minute thinking about all that was said in that kitchen. It was obvious to him who he should talk to next.
* - * - *
Claire was worried about Sherry. She had locked herself in her room all day and when she tried talking to her she told her she wasn't feeling well and to leave her alone. Claire obeyed, but Sherry's demand only made her more concerned.
Claire was wondering how things went with her brother and Jill when her phone rang. Speaking of the devil she thought as she picked up the phone and found Chris on the other line.
"So," she asked "How things go with you and Jill?"
"Claire something bad happened," her brother's voice was weird he defiantly had her undivided attention.
"What is it?" she asked listening to her own voice waver.
"I'm with Jill at Rebecca's right now." he pauses for a moment before continuing "Claire, Carlos was murdered last night."
Claire stood there dead silent. How could that be she had just seen him last night? Without her saying anything her brother continues.
"He was found dead in his bed with a bullet wound in his head."
Claire still remained silent. She had faced all the horrors that Umbrella had to offer and made it out okay, she had lost someone she cared for to Umbrella and watched him die in her arms, even then after awhile she was okay, but this was unreal.or maybe it was the other was around maybe this was real.
"Listen Claire," her brother's voice interrupted her thoughts "I have to go talk to the F.B.I agent right now but I'll stop over later tonight."
Claire nodded her head stupidly forgetting that Chris couldn't see her, but somehow Chris understood.
"I'll see you tonight," he told her before hanging up the phone.
Claire fell to the floor after getting off the phone with Chris. She was speechless she couldn't even tell Chris that she had just seen Carlos right after their talk.
It was a while before she gathered herself enough to call Leon.
"Hello," his voice said dully.
"Leon," she stumbled out his name.
"What?" he snapped so angrily and un-Leon like.
Claire began to cry and Leon's voice softened "What's wrong Claire?" he asked.
"Carlos.Carlos was murdered."
There was only silence on the other end of the phone finally Leon's voice broke through. "Do you want me to come over Claire?"
"Please," she sobbed.
"Alright hang on I'll be right over."
Like he promised Leon came right over. He found her crunched together like a ball on the couch he at down beside her and Claire needing the comfort curled up into his arms.
"How did you find out?" he gently asked.
"Chris just called me."
"Does Sherry know?"
"Oh god I haven't even thought about that yet. How am I going to tell her? You know how fond she was of Carlos."
"Where is she?" he asked.
"In her room she's been there all day it's really weird." "Do you think she already knows?"
"I don't know how she could I mean I just found out."
Leon stands up "come on," he says "let's talk to her together."
* - * - *
Sherry hadn't been able to make herself face Claire yet. She was still feeling too hurt inside. She knew she couldn't hide in her room forever, but for the time being it was easier.
She was about to go get some breakfast when she heard Leon's voice outside the door. Sherry got upset all over again. Not only how could Claire do what she did to her, but how could she do that to Leon? They were supposed to be a family.
Shortly after she heard Leon's voice there was a knock on her door. Sherry wasn't going to answer it, but when she heard both Leon and Claire call to her she knew it was pointless to hide from both of them. Slowly she got up from her bed and answered the door.
Both Leon and Claire had depressed expressions on their faces Sherry thought that Claire had come clean with Leon. Sherry would eventually find out that it was worse.much worse.
"Sherry sweetie there's something I have to tell you."Claire's voice was soft and hesitant.
"I think I know all ready," Sherry told her.
"How?" Claire asked startled.
Sheepishly Sherry told her "I left the house last night and I saw you and Carlos outside his apartment."
Claire looked from her to Leon. Leon's expression was even sadder then before "what exactly do you think happened Sherry?" Claire's voice was a mix of anger, curiosity and disappointment. Sherry didn't like hearing it at all.
'I think you guys had sex," Sherry told her bluntly.
Claire looks hard at Sherry "Is that what you think of me? Someone who easily has sex with any man on the street?"
Sherry lowers her head shamefully; thankfully Leon came to her defense.
"She didn't say that Claire, but what else is she suppose to think when she saw you?"
"Are you saying that you think I slept with Carlos?"
"I wouldn't have if I hadn't seen it too."
"What?" Claire asked him incredulously.
"I was coming home from Barry's last night and I saw you come out with Carlos from his apartment and give him a kiss on the cheek."
"So what!?" she yelled "First of all I don't think I owe any of you an explanation about my love life, but for your information I did not sleep with Carlos. I only went to talk to him about something involving Chris and Jill."
Now both Leon and she were hanging down their heads. Neither could look Claire in the eyes.
"I guess it's good to know that you two jump so quickly to conclusions. It let's me know what the two people I care most about really think about me."
Claire was about to storm out of the room when Sherry cries after her.
"I'm sorry Claire I just saw it as ruining our chance for a family."
Claire looks at Sherry her face back to its usual soft, tender look.
"Honey," she says "I would never ruin our family. No matter what happens you'll always have me."
Claire turns back to Leon without looking at him directly she asked "Would you give us a minute?"
"Yeah I better get going anyway," Without another transaction between them Leon leaves and Claire turns her attention back to her.
"You know Sherry I never do anything to hurt you. I love you."
"I love you too Claire. I just wanted to be part of a family for once. When I saw you with Carlos I thought"-
Claire finished her sentence "that Leon and I would never get together and we couldn't be a family then," Sherry nods.
"Sherry, there's never been a promise that Leon and I will end up together, but that doesn't mean we can't have a family. I think Leon will be there for you regardless of what goes on between us and I know and you should too that you'll always, always have me."
Sherry smiles at Claire then asked "Do you love Leon?"
"Loves a funny thing Sherry," Claire told her "there's love like the unconditional kind that I have for you and my brother, then there's the love where you care a lot about someone but it's nothing romantic and finally there's the deep passionate love that can only be shared with one other."
"Which one do you have for Leon?"
"I really don't know. I know I care for him a lot that goes with out saying, but I don't know if it's the passionate kind. I think that's something special that should make your heart go wild and stir things inside of you that." Claire suddenly starts to laugh "I can't believe that I'm telling you all this."
"I'm thirteen Claire not four." Claire laughs even harder and wraps Sherry in a great big bear hug.
"I love you kiddo." With one last hug Claire gets up from her bed to leave when Sherry asked.
"Claire, if you and Leon weren't going to talk to me about what happened between you and Carlos what were you going to talk to me about?"
"Shit," Claire cursed she rarely swore in front of Sherry. "I can't believe I forgot."
Just then the doorbell rang.
"I'm going to get that Sherry, but there's something serious I need to tell you."
Leaving Sherry curious Claire went to answer the door.
* - * - *
Jacob left Rebecca Chamber's and headed for Claire Redfield's.
He didn't believe the killer to be either Jill Valentine or Chris Redfield, but he still couldn't rule them out yet.
Busy with his thoughts right outside Miss Redfield's apartment Jacob ran right into another figure. It was a young guy he mumbled the word "sorry," then continued on his way as did Jacob. Jacob got outside Miss Redfield's apartment and gave her bell a buzz. Jacob had a feeling that this was it and IT it was as the door opened and the most beautiful woman that Jacob had ever seen came into view. She had auburn hair about shoulder length and piercing steel blue eyes. Jacob could actually feel his knees go weak.
"Is.is Miss Redfield here?"
"I am," she told him.
Shit, Jacob knew he was in trouble.
"Ah.I.I'm.age.agent Jacob.West," he was amazed he was able to stumble out at least that.
"I figured the F.B.I agent would be coming around."
"Sorry," he didn't know why he apologized but it seemed like the right thing to do.
"Hey It's not your fault your just doing your job," finally somebody understood "Listen agent West I'm in the middle of a important conversation with a thirteen year old girl could I possibly ask you to hold on for a bit?"
"Anything you want?" he told her and meant it.
"Thanks you make yourself comfortable."
She left him and Jacob found a spot on the couch. From a room down the hall he could hear a lot of crying. About twenty minutes later Claire re-appeared a few tears running down from her eyes.
"What is it?" he asked sympathetically.
"I just broke the news about Carlos to my kid."
This caught Jacob a little off-guard. She said earlier that the girl was thirteen, but Claire couldn't be much older then twenty.
"She isn't really mine," Claire explained to him she must have noticed his confusion "I adopted her."
Of course Jacob thought Sherry Birkin the little girl she found in Raccoon City. He felt stupid for already forgetting.
"How is she?" he asked knowing it was a dumb question.
"She's been better," Claire answered also knowing it was a dumb question.
The two grew quiet and awkward. Eventually Claire finally broke at least the quietness.
"So is there anything you need to ask me?"
Yeah Jacob thought everything about you "It was reported that you were the last to see Mr. Oliveira alive can you tell me what you were doing around 10:00 last night?" he felt like an ass.
"Who reported that?"
"Rebecca Chambers, she saw you leave Mr. Oliveira's apartment last night."
"Who didn't?" he heard her mutter.
"What's that?"
"Nothing, no I was at Carlos' last night I wanted to talk to him about something."
"Do you mind me asking what you wanted to talk about?"
"I had to ask him about something that went on between him, my brother and Jill Valentine."
"Fair enough do you recall anything being odd while you were at his apartment?"
"Not at all," she told him.
"Do you have any ideas about who would want Mr. Oliveira dead?"
"Well whoever did it got their wish," she snapped. After a deep breathe she calmed down and continued to talk "This came to a huge shock to me and I thought after all I'd been through I couldn't be shocked."
Feeling like he should say something sympathetic he told her "I'm truly sorry for your lost the only comfort I can probably give you is my word that whoever did this will be caught."
Claire gives him a weak smile "That means more then your probably think."
Standing up they shake hands, the feel of her skin even in a handshake sent shivers that he never felt before through his body.
With his final words being "I'll be in touch," Jacob left her apartment. It amazed him that he couldn't escape that feeling that he got just being around her, even now after leaving her apartment the feeling still tingled all his senses. Gathering himself Jacob took out his list of suspects up next.Leon S. Kennedy.
* - * - *
Leon felt like an ass as he should. He had no business judging Claire she had full freedom to do whatever she wanted. Leon cursed himself for letting his jealous feelings get the better of him.
Leon went right home from Claire's his plan was to get real drunk then maybe he could think of a way to apologize to Claire.
He got out a six-pack from his fridge then went to his living room. Leon set the beer on a small table beside his couch then collapsed into the cushions.
Leon picked up his first beer off from the table and looked at it. He was never one to sacrum to liquor. Any challenges that ever came his way always faced it with a clear head, but never before had a challenge before been for a woman's heart. With one last look at the beer Leon threw it across his apartment and watched it explode against the wall he did the same with the five others.
Leon spent his afternoon thinking about how he could make it up to Claire when his doorbell rang. Thinking it could be Claire Leon rushed to the door he was extremely disappointed to see a man standing there.
"Mr. Kennedy?" the man asked him.
"Yes"
"Hi, I'm agent Jacob West from the F.B.I."
"Oh, I see"
"I take it you heard about Mr. Oliveira?"
"More or less"
"Is it alright if I ask you some questions?"
"Do I have much of a choice?"
"I suppose not."
"Leon opens his door further "then come on in."
The detective walks into Leon's house and immediately his eyes go to the beer spattered against the wall. Agent West looks at Leon.
"Woman troubles," Leon mumbled to him.
With understanding Jacob West nods. The two men take a seat at Leon's dinner table there agent West begins his questioning.
"Mr. Kennedy"-
Leon interrupts him "call me Leon."
"Alright Leon where were you last night around 10:00?"
"I was walking home from my friend Barry Burton's house."
"Did you happen to walk by Mr. Oliveira's apartment by any chance?"
"Yes, I have to walk by to get home."
"Did you see anything suspicious?"
"Not suspicious."
"But you did see something"
Leon swallows "I saw Carlos and Claire together outside the building."
"You have a problem with that?" the agent inquired.
Leon looks around at all the smashed beer cans "kind of," West got the point.
"I see.well that's all I need. Good day Mr. Kennedy."
"Leon," he corrected.
"Right," and with that agent West left.
As queer and sudden as agent West's departure was Leon's mind was too preoccupied with Claire to know what to do about it. Leon just wished things could be easier. Not surprisingly Leon wasn't the only one.
* - * - *
Chris was planning on going to Claire's right after his interrogation, but he thought he make a quick stop at Barry's to fill him in. Chris knocked on Barry Burton's door it took a few minutes before someone answered. Barry came into view he looked like he'd been hit by a truck.
"You heard about Carlos?" Chris asked surprised that Barry would be in this much of a wreck, he really didn't know him that well.
"Wha.what the hell are you talkin about Chris?" Barry slurred.
Chris walks into Barry's house while Barry stumbles. Chris looks at Barry "Are you drunk Barry?"
"What the hell is it to you?" Barry snaps.
"My god," Chris whispers to himself after that things got quiet. Suddenly remembered things don't get quiet at the Burton's.
"Barry where's the girls?"
Finally Barry unraveled "gone Chris there all gone."
"What? What happened?"
Barry falls to the ground "Kathy.Kathy had an affair," his friend cried.
"What?"
"After she told me she took the girls and left."
"That's not fair she cheated on you."
"Yeah well what can I do about it?"
Chris sighs "so do you know who it was?"
Barry glares at him "Do you know anyone Hispanic?"
"Carlos!?" he gasps.
Barry taps his nose "the very same son-of-a-bitch."
Chris sat down next to Barry as he vowed to himself.
"I swear Chris on my life that Carlos Oliveira will pay for this!?"
Chris looks up at his friend "Barry, Carlos was murdered last night."
Barry looked like he was going to fall over and die "your shitin me?" Chris shakes his head.
"Well I'll be damned," Barry said then asked "who did it?"
"No one knows yet, but I'm sure a F.B.I agent named Jacob West will be coming around."
Chris gets up "I have to go see my sister, are you going to be okay?"
Barry shakes his head "Chris why don't you call everyone over I really don't want to be alone right now."
Chris pats his old friend on the shoulder "That sounds like a good idea," with that said Chris got on the phone and started making calls.
* - * - *
Jill received Chris' call so relieved just to hear his voice, even though it wasn't its usual friendly tone.
Jill didn't mean to accuse Chris in her heart she truly didn't believe that Chris had committed the murder it was just that her damn head was telling her otherwise.
She got to Barry's and found everyone already there. Leon and Barry were already in the kitchen talking in low voices while in the corner of the room stood Chris and Claire involved in conversation. Claire had her arms wrapped lovingly around Sherry.
Jill had nothing but the greatest amount of respect for Claire. At the age of mere 20 not only had she gone through the whole Umbrella ordeal, lost someone she cared about and on a daily basis calmly handled the ridiculous drama that went on between everyone, but on top of all that she took a 13 year old girl under her wing and set the rest of her affairs aside to take care of her. Claire had the courage and heart that only her brother could match.
Jill looked at Chris she desperately longed to talk him, but couldn't will herself to do it. Instead she went over to Rebecca who was sitting on Barry's couch looking lost and depressed. Jill sat down next to her.
"How are you doing?" Jill asked the younger woman.
Jill watched as Rebecca glares at her "I feel like my hearts been ripped from my chest and then every woman in this room has danced on it," she replied.
Jill didn't know what to say thankfully she didn't have to say anything because just then Chris, Claire and Sherry walk up to them Jill looked up at Chris who didn't look back.
"Rebecca, can I talk to you for a moment?" Claire asked. Rebecca didn't say anything, but still followed Claire to one of the bedrooms.
Now it was just Jill, Chris and Sherry. Chris looked uncomfortably around he turns to Sherry.
"I'm going to go talk to Barry and Leon," he pats Sherry on the shoulder then chances a look at Jill their eyes locked and Jill could read into his soul it made her heart ache out for him. After their brief moment Chris briskly walks away to join Barry and Leon in the kitchen. Meanwhile Sherry joins her on the couch.
Jill had never really talked to the young teen. They had of course made chit-chat before but never a real conversation. Now Jill took a good look at the thirteen year old. She had been through more then anyone should have to go through she lost both her parents, her home, infected with a deadly virus and now had to deal with the loss of someone else she cared about. What surprised Jill the most was how maturely she handled it all. She reminded Jill greatly of Claire.
"Jill?" she heard the young girl ask.
"Yes Sherry."
"Do you love Chris?"
Her question was so blunt. Blunt in a way that only a 13 year old could be.
"With all my heart," she told the girl.
"Then why aren't you together?"
"Love's funny that way Sherry it's never that easy."
"That's what Claire says."
"Claire can be pretty wise."
"I think so too," Sherry told her and there it was she just had a deep conversation about love with a thirteen year old. Nothing what Jill had expected, but deep down something that Jill needed it helped her gain perspective.
Jill smiled at Sherry only from a thirteen year old Jill thought then watched as the three men from the kitchen joined her and Sherry in the living room. * - * - *
Rebecca had never felt what she was feeling before. She didn't now if it was sadness, anger, resentment, jealousy or something like affection and love.she just couldn't tell.
She followed Claire into one of Barry's bedrooms the thought of why Barry's family wasn't home slipped into her mind but was quickly shoved aside by her trying to sort the other feelings that were going on inside of her.
When they got inside the room and Claire closed the door Rebecca was just so lost she collapsed on to the bed and broke down. She cried meaningless tears into the pillow.
Rebecca felt Claire sit beside her and gently stroke her head. Last night this was the person that Rebecca could have killed now her presence was the most comforting thing that Rebecca had ever felt.
"Becky," Claire addressed her "Chris told me that you saw Carlos and me outside Carlos' apartment and I wanted you to know that nothing happened."
"I'm sorry Claire," Rebecca told her "I let my jealous heart take over instead of my steady mind. I hate when I do that it's so stupid."
Claire smiles at her "It's never stupid to follow your heart Becky. I think now you need to more then ever. Carlos is gone and he will be missed, but he's gone and that fact isn't going to change. I know that sounds insensitive but you can't wallow over him he isn't worth it."
Rebecca couldn't believe how disrespectful Claire was being to someone who just died. It so didn't sound like Claire.
"What happened Claire did Carlos do something to you?"
"No, it's just.you know what don't worry about it it's another worry for another day. You have enough on your plate already."
Rebecca really wanted to know what happened but Claire was right anymore worries and she might just fall apart. Anyway her mind was too pre- occupied with a hundred other things to really think about it.
"Claire, I should have been there."
"What?" Claire asked confused.
"After you left I wandered around aimlessly if I would have gone right to Carlos I could have prevented it."
"Becky you can't think like that. Our lives are already filled with too many could of's and should of's we don't need anymore."
Once again Claire was right and for the first time that day Rebecca could breathe normal.
"Thank you so much Claire," she cried wrapping Claire up in a hug.
"No problem that's what friends are for. If you ever need a friend don't hesitate to come to me."
Rebecca nodded it was nice knowing that no matter what someone was there. It was a feeling that she thought everyone needs and a feeling she thought she was missing being with Carlos.
* - * - *
Claire heard about both Rebecca and Barry from Chris. Where she knew she couldn't help Barry she knew she could at least try with Rebecca.
Claire knew how much Rebecca loved Carlos just thinking about it made Claire grow so angry towards Carlos. She didn't care that he was dead, it sounded awful but the effect that he left on other people's lives more importantly their hearts was unforgivable even in death.
After Rebecca and Claire finished talking they walked back to the living room everyone else was already there sitting and dead silent. Rebecca took a seat next to Chris Claire was going to join them when Barry's doorbell rang.
"I'll get it," she said with nobody even moving to indicate other wise Claire answered the door.
Jacob West stood in front of her Claire could feel her heart begin to beat faster. Agent West was a very good looking man and during their last encounter Claire felt very comfortable around him.it was a little weird.
The two stood there for a moment looking at each other until Claire came to her senses and asked him.
"Agent West what are you doing here?"
"I came to talk to Mr. Barry Burton. Am I at the wrong house?"
"Of course you are sorry; this is Mr. Burton's home come in."
Agent West walked in and stared at everyone in the living room.
"Whoa did I come at a bad time?"
"No," Barry said standing up "I reckoned you be comin around sooner or later."
So agent West and Barry went to an open bedroom while everyone else stayed in the living room. Claire unwillingly took Barry's spot on the couch next to Leon. Things were still quiet and Claire was having a hard time dealing with it feelings inside of her were moving around too fast for her to stay quiet so she asked.
"What do you think you guys of agent West?"
"I think he's an asshole," Chris and Jill said at the same time they looked at each other then once again went quiet."
Claire honestly curious turned to Leon "what do you think?'
"I think one way or another it doesn't matter what I think."
That couldn't be farther from the truth but Claire was too weak to argue so things went back to its uneasy silence. Claire hated Carlos for what he had done to them.
A little later agent West and Barry came back to the living room. It was impossible to read either of their expressions.
Agent West was putting his jacket on when he heard him call to her.
"Um.Miss Redfield can I talk to you for a second?"
"Sure," she said getting up and joining him in the kitchen. She noticed the agent was looking nervous.
"What can I do for you?" she asked pleasantly.
"I.I was wondering if you know if your not.well busy or anything tomorrow night if maybe you would like to.to"-
"To go out?" she finished his question, he nodded.
Claire didn't know what to say. She knew it was a bad idea, but something inside of her really wanted to. In the end that something won.
"That be great," she told him. "I'll pick you up at seven if that's okay?"
"Can't wait," she told him and that was that.
Agent West left while Claire remained where she stood wondering what the hell she just got herself into.
Jacob had finally gotten his own case no more following in other detective's footsteps it was time he got to make his own prints.
His case had taken place in Landone, Oregon a town just on the outskirts of where that major viral outbreak took place two years ago.
Jacob had the case briefing, list of possible suspects and victim including there bios. He was going over this information on his flight to Oregon.
CASE: Death of Mr. Oliveira. Little left behind in the murder scene victim found dead in bed. No evidence of break in. Rebecca Chambers who was on the scene right around when the murder occurred walked into the victim's apartment discovering his dead body.
Carlos Oliveira- Ex U. B. S, one of the key members of the anti-Umbrella corporation responsible for the unmasking of Umbrella's bio-weapons. Found dead in his apartment at 1:12 am by Rebecca Chambers Cause of death: Bullet wound to the head
SUSPECTS: Rebecca Chambers- Found victim, supposedly romantically involved with victim. Worked with Mr. Oliveira in the anti-Umbrella case and also an ex- member of S.T.A.R.S. Medic and bio-chemist.
Jill Valentine- Friend of victim part of the anti-Umbrella case and ex- member of S.T.A.R.S. Valentine is an ex- cat burglar.
Chris Redfield- Ex-S.T.A.R.S and part of the anti-Umbrella case
Claire Redfield- College student, Chris Redfield sister and member of anti- Umbrella case. Was in Raccoon during the viral outbreak saved young Sherry Birkin whose parents died in the city and now has custody over her.
Leon S. Kennedy- Member of anti-Umbrella case. Escaped with Claire Redfield and Sherry Birkin out of Raccoon City.
Barry Burton- Ex-member of S.T.A.R.S and part of anti-Umbrella case
It seemed like enough of a straight forward case which Jacob realized was probably why he got it, but he was still determined to impress the F.B.I.
These people are all connected with that Umbrella ordeal which in the end heavily involved the F.B.I. If he was to make the case quick and clean he was sure the F.B.I would be grateful. He wanted the F.B.I to be grateful.
He quickly knew where he had to start his investigation and where he hoped to end it too. Once off the plane he looked through his papers for Rebecca Chamber's address.
* - * - *
He and Jill spent the night on her couch feeling their skin against each others, feeling their hearts beat as one, feeling for the first time the love that they had for each other and sharing it.
Jill had fallen asleep against his chest and Chris had no plans on moving it. He and Jill were suppose to be at work in a half a hour, but for this one time Chris was going to let it slide and enjoy the moment.
An hour later Jill's phone rang Chris could feel Jill jump up from the couch. She looks at him startled.
"What time is it?"
"9:30," he told her.
"Shit Chris we were suppose to be at work a half a hour ago," Jill says running to the phone. Chris grabs her by the arm and pulls her back into his chest.
"They can live with us being late this one time."
Jill smiled and kissed him softly. The two were looking at each other meaningfully when the phone rang again. Jill begins to frown.
"It's probably Becky I'm just going to answer it and tell her were going to be late."
Chris nods and Jill runs to answer the phone.
"Hello," Jill answers
Chris watches as Jill's cheerful expression turns drastically to shocked, scared and dead serious.
"Okay Rebecca calm down we'll be right there."
After listening to what Chris thought for sure was "whose we," Jill uncomfortably says "Chris and I."
A minute later Jill hangs up the phone her entire body was shaking.
"What's wrong?" Chris asked trying to put his arms around her, but Jill backs away.
"That was Becky.Chris Carlos was murdered last night."
Chris stood there blankly. How could this be they both had just seen the guy yesterday?"
"Shit," he whispered, it was the only thing he could get out of his mouth.
"Yeah well," tears were running down Jill's face now "the F.B.I is at Rebecca's right now she and the F.B.I want us to go to her place."
He nods "Let's go then," he says softly getting on his shoes and walking out her door not noticing how far Jill was traveling behind.
* - * - *
Jill had never felt so many emotions at once in her entire life. Carlos was murdered, those three words kept replaying over and over in her head as they walked to Rebecca's. All the while she kept a close eye on Chris.
She and Chris got to Rebecca's to find her in a mess. In fact Jill didn't think that mess quite covered Rebecca's state, emotional and physically trashed did it more justice.
Chris went and sat next to Rebecca who began weeping into his chest. Then for the first time Jill looked at the man who was occupying the room with them. This must have been the F.B.I agent he was very good looking with light brown hair and matching eyes. He was tall and a bit scrawny, but neither of those demolished his handsome facial features. Jill looked back at Chris his face hard and serious; Jill couldn't keep that worried feeling away.
"What happened?" Chris asked the F.B.I agent coldly.
"I think I'll introduce myself before we get into things. As I told Miss Chambers I'm agent Jacob West from the F. B. I."
"What happened?" Chris repeated even colder then before as Rebecca began to cry even harder on his shoulder.
"Well," said agent West his appearance now very business like "as I'm sure Miss Chambers told you Carlos Oliveira was murdered last night. He was shot in his bed we don't know at what time exactly but it's safe to presume before 1:00am because that's the time that Miss Chambers called 911."
Chris interrupts the agent and turns to Rebecca "You found him?" Chris asked her.
Rebecca took a brief break from her sobbing to nod then returned to her previous actions as did agent West.
"While the killer did a clean job we have no evidence other then the bullet that was taken out of the victim's skull."
Both she and Rebecca wince.
"It was a standard bullet from the beretta which I believe is issued to everyone in the S.T.A.R.S unit.
Jill couldn't believe what he was implying. Neither could Chris who yells at the agent.
"Are you suggesting that it was someone from the S.T.A.R.S team?"
"I'm only saying that I want to talk to everyone in your unite. I've already spoken to Miss Chambers," his eyes turn to her "I like to speak to you next Miss Valentine and then you Mr. Redfield," he says to Chris.
"Fine," Jill tells him "but would you please give us a moment to gather ourselves?"
"It's the least I can do," agent West tells her leaving the room.
"Once he was gone Rebecca turns to her and Chris "It's been a long morning I think I'm going to try to get some sleep."
"Yeah I think that's a good idea," Chris says gently patting her on the back. They watched as Rebecca goes into her bedroom before they turn to each other.
Jill looks at Chris fighting a feeling that she couldn't fight. She gently begins to ask him.
"Can you believe this?"
"No," was all he says.
Jill couldn't fight the feeling anymore and finally mustered up the courage to say something about it.
"Chris you know no matter how you answer my question I'll stick by you there's no way I couldn't, but before I go talk to agent West I have to know.Where were you before you came back to my house last night?"
Chris stared at her his face dry as a dessert. Jill would have given anything for an expression, but there he stood blankly.
"Chris please," she begged.
Chris stands up walking away from Jill. Jill follows Chris gently grabbing his arm "Chris," she begged one last time "I'm dead sad that I lost Carlos, but if I loose you then I'm no better then dead myself."
Chris turns to her looking her directly in the eyes his face now wild with emotion.
"Jill I love you and desperately believe in you and everything you stand for," he sighs deeply "I just wish you felt the same."
"I do," she cries. Just then the door opens and agent West steps in.
"If you're ready?" he says
Jill turns back to Chris who wouldn't look back at her. Defeated in everyway imaginable Jill joins agent West in Rebecca's kitchen.
* - * - *
Rebecca for the time being was just too emotional to deal with. He got the basics from her, but she really wasn't in any state to be really interrogated. God she was only 18.
Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield were next on his list to question. He obviously had seen the connection between them there was defiantly something going on between the two, if it was something that involved Mr. Oliveira was yet to be determined.
He was questioning Miss Valentine first who was very attractive, but Jacob couldn't let that get in the way. He was set on putting his job above his personal life.
Together he and Miss Valentine went to the kitchen were they sat opposite of each other. There Jacob began his questioning.
"So Miss Valentine how did you meet Mr. Oliveira?"
She glared at him obviously annoyed and still hurting. "We met in Raccoon City we escaped together; I believe you've been informed on the story of what happened in Raccoon."
"I did tell me how would you describe your relationship with Mr. Oliveira?"
"Friends," Miss Valentine was obviously getting inpatient with him.
"Alright and what about you and Mr. Redfield? Was there ever any conflict between the three of you?"
She stands up livid "listen asshole," she shouted "I don't know exactly what you're trying to get at but our personal relationships had nothing." She seemed to be having trouble getting the rest out finally after a deep breathe and a soft sob she did "it had nothing to do with Carlos' death."
"Then what did?" he asked making Miss Valentine go quiet and sit back down. "Most murders happen because of something personal," he told her "Now I just want to know everything I can about this case so I can find the murderer. Not just because it's my job but because I'll sleep better knowing that person was brought to justice. I think you want that too so please."
In-between quiet sobs she told him all about her relationship with Mr. Oliveira and Mr. Redfield. She also told him about all the events that had occurred just yesterday but swore that Chris had spent the night with her. Jacob just saw it as another possibility.
Once finished Miss Valentine left and a stern looking Mr. Redfield came in. They politely shook hands then Jacob got right into asking him about his relationship with Mr. Oliveira. Mr. Redfield was upright honest about how he never cared much for him, but was careful to add that it still comes as a blow whenever you lose a team member.
Jacob then asked Mr. Redfield where he was last night. He told him he sat outside Jill's porch until she and Carlos came back then after what he saw he went to his sisters after talking to her he went back to Jill's where he spent the night.
When he touched upon the subject of his sister Mr. Redfield became real upset.
"What do you have to say to the report that your sister was the last person to see Mr. Oliveira alive?"
"What?" he said flatly.
"Miss Chambers reported that right around 10:30 last night she saw Miss Claire Redfield outside Mr. Oliveira's apartment building giving him a kiss on the cheek."
"What exactly are you insinuating?" Chris asked his face was getting red. "Nothing, there's no harm in a kiss on the cheek. I just wanted to know your opinion of their relationship."
Chris stands up angrily just the way Miss Valentine did a short while ago "I don't know what your thinking asshole, but don't go trying to get to point A to point Z without any other stops between!"
"The only person her that is jumping to conclusions is you Mr. Redfield now please let's remain civil you work in law enforcement you know that I'm just trying to do my job," Jacob said calmly.
Mr. Redfield sat back down and Jacob questioned him further. No new information was gained and soon after Mr. Redfield left. Jacob sat there for a minute thinking about all that was said in that kitchen. It was obvious to him who he should talk to next.
* - * - *
Claire was worried about Sherry. She had locked herself in her room all day and when she tried talking to her she told her she wasn't feeling well and to leave her alone. Claire obeyed, but Sherry's demand only made her more concerned.
Claire was wondering how things went with her brother and Jill when her phone rang. Speaking of the devil she thought as she picked up the phone and found Chris on the other line.
"So," she asked "How things go with you and Jill?"
"Claire something bad happened," her brother's voice was weird he defiantly had her undivided attention.
"What is it?" she asked listening to her own voice waver.
"I'm with Jill at Rebecca's right now." he pauses for a moment before continuing "Claire, Carlos was murdered last night."
Claire stood there dead silent. How could that be she had just seen him last night? Without her saying anything her brother continues.
"He was found dead in his bed with a bullet wound in his head."
Claire still remained silent. She had faced all the horrors that Umbrella had to offer and made it out okay, she had lost someone she cared for to Umbrella and watched him die in her arms, even then after awhile she was okay, but this was unreal.or maybe it was the other was around maybe this was real.
"Listen Claire," her brother's voice interrupted her thoughts "I have to go talk to the F.B.I agent right now but I'll stop over later tonight."
Claire nodded her head stupidly forgetting that Chris couldn't see her, but somehow Chris understood.
"I'll see you tonight," he told her before hanging up the phone.
Claire fell to the floor after getting off the phone with Chris. She was speechless she couldn't even tell Chris that she had just seen Carlos right after their talk.
It was a while before she gathered herself enough to call Leon.
"Hello," his voice said dully.
"Leon," she stumbled out his name.
"What?" he snapped so angrily and un-Leon like.
Claire began to cry and Leon's voice softened "What's wrong Claire?" he asked.
"Carlos.Carlos was murdered."
There was only silence on the other end of the phone finally Leon's voice broke through. "Do you want me to come over Claire?"
"Please," she sobbed.
"Alright hang on I'll be right over."
Like he promised Leon came right over. He found her crunched together like a ball on the couch he at down beside her and Claire needing the comfort curled up into his arms.
"How did you find out?" he gently asked.
"Chris just called me."
"Does Sherry know?"
"Oh god I haven't even thought about that yet. How am I going to tell her? You know how fond she was of Carlos."
"Where is she?" he asked.
"In her room she's been there all day it's really weird." "Do you think she already knows?"
"I don't know how she could I mean I just found out."
Leon stands up "come on," he says "let's talk to her together."
* - * - *
Sherry hadn't been able to make herself face Claire yet. She was still feeling too hurt inside. She knew she couldn't hide in her room forever, but for the time being it was easier.
She was about to go get some breakfast when she heard Leon's voice outside the door. Sherry got upset all over again. Not only how could Claire do what she did to her, but how could she do that to Leon? They were supposed to be a family.
Shortly after she heard Leon's voice there was a knock on her door. Sherry wasn't going to answer it, but when she heard both Leon and Claire call to her she knew it was pointless to hide from both of them. Slowly she got up from her bed and answered the door.
Both Leon and Claire had depressed expressions on their faces Sherry thought that Claire had come clean with Leon. Sherry would eventually find out that it was worse.much worse.
"Sherry sweetie there's something I have to tell you."Claire's voice was soft and hesitant.
"I think I know all ready," Sherry told her.
"How?" Claire asked startled.
Sheepishly Sherry told her "I left the house last night and I saw you and Carlos outside his apartment."
Claire looked from her to Leon. Leon's expression was even sadder then before "what exactly do you think happened Sherry?" Claire's voice was a mix of anger, curiosity and disappointment. Sherry didn't like hearing it at all.
'I think you guys had sex," Sherry told her bluntly.
Claire looks hard at Sherry "Is that what you think of me? Someone who easily has sex with any man on the street?"
Sherry lowers her head shamefully; thankfully Leon came to her defense.
"She didn't say that Claire, but what else is she suppose to think when she saw you?"
"Are you saying that you think I slept with Carlos?"
"I wouldn't have if I hadn't seen it too."
"What?" Claire asked him incredulously.
"I was coming home from Barry's last night and I saw you come out with Carlos from his apartment and give him a kiss on the cheek."
"So what!?" she yelled "First of all I don't think I owe any of you an explanation about my love life, but for your information I did not sleep with Carlos. I only went to talk to him about something involving Chris and Jill."
Now both Leon and she were hanging down their heads. Neither could look Claire in the eyes.
"I guess it's good to know that you two jump so quickly to conclusions. It let's me know what the two people I care most about really think about me."
Claire was about to storm out of the room when Sherry cries after her.
"I'm sorry Claire I just saw it as ruining our chance for a family."
Claire looks at Sherry her face back to its usual soft, tender look.
"Honey," she says "I would never ruin our family. No matter what happens you'll always have me."
Claire turns back to Leon without looking at him directly she asked "Would you give us a minute?"
"Yeah I better get going anyway," Without another transaction between them Leon leaves and Claire turns her attention back to her.
"You know Sherry I never do anything to hurt you. I love you."
"I love you too Claire. I just wanted to be part of a family for once. When I saw you with Carlos I thought"-
Claire finished her sentence "that Leon and I would never get together and we couldn't be a family then," Sherry nods.
"Sherry, there's never been a promise that Leon and I will end up together, but that doesn't mean we can't have a family. I think Leon will be there for you regardless of what goes on between us and I know and you should too that you'll always, always have me."
Sherry smiles at Claire then asked "Do you love Leon?"
"Loves a funny thing Sherry," Claire told her "there's love like the unconditional kind that I have for you and my brother, then there's the love where you care a lot about someone but it's nothing romantic and finally there's the deep passionate love that can only be shared with one other."
"Which one do you have for Leon?"
"I really don't know. I know I care for him a lot that goes with out saying, but I don't know if it's the passionate kind. I think that's something special that should make your heart go wild and stir things inside of you that." Claire suddenly starts to laugh "I can't believe that I'm telling you all this."
"I'm thirteen Claire not four." Claire laughs even harder and wraps Sherry in a great big bear hug.
"I love you kiddo." With one last hug Claire gets up from her bed to leave when Sherry asked.
"Claire, if you and Leon weren't going to talk to me about what happened between you and Carlos what were you going to talk to me about?"
"Shit," Claire cursed she rarely swore in front of Sherry. "I can't believe I forgot."
Just then the doorbell rang.
"I'm going to get that Sherry, but there's something serious I need to tell you."
Leaving Sherry curious Claire went to answer the door.
* - * - *
Jacob left Rebecca Chamber's and headed for Claire Redfield's.
He didn't believe the killer to be either Jill Valentine or Chris Redfield, but he still couldn't rule them out yet.
Busy with his thoughts right outside Miss Redfield's apartment Jacob ran right into another figure. It was a young guy he mumbled the word "sorry," then continued on his way as did Jacob. Jacob got outside Miss Redfield's apartment and gave her bell a buzz. Jacob had a feeling that this was it and IT it was as the door opened and the most beautiful woman that Jacob had ever seen came into view. She had auburn hair about shoulder length and piercing steel blue eyes. Jacob could actually feel his knees go weak.
"Is.is Miss Redfield here?"
"I am," she told him.
Shit, Jacob knew he was in trouble.
"Ah.I.I'm.age.agent Jacob.West," he was amazed he was able to stumble out at least that.
"I figured the F.B.I agent would be coming around."
"Sorry," he didn't know why he apologized but it seemed like the right thing to do.
"Hey It's not your fault your just doing your job," finally somebody understood "Listen agent West I'm in the middle of a important conversation with a thirteen year old girl could I possibly ask you to hold on for a bit?"
"Anything you want?" he told her and meant it.
"Thanks you make yourself comfortable."
She left him and Jacob found a spot on the couch. From a room down the hall he could hear a lot of crying. About twenty minutes later Claire re-appeared a few tears running down from her eyes.
"What is it?" he asked sympathetically.
"I just broke the news about Carlos to my kid."
This caught Jacob a little off-guard. She said earlier that the girl was thirteen, but Claire couldn't be much older then twenty.
"She isn't really mine," Claire explained to him she must have noticed his confusion "I adopted her."
Of course Jacob thought Sherry Birkin the little girl she found in Raccoon City. He felt stupid for already forgetting.
"How is she?" he asked knowing it was a dumb question.
"She's been better," Claire answered also knowing it was a dumb question.
The two grew quiet and awkward. Eventually Claire finally broke at least the quietness.
"So is there anything you need to ask me?"
Yeah Jacob thought everything about you "It was reported that you were the last to see Mr. Oliveira alive can you tell me what you were doing around 10:00 last night?" he felt like an ass.
"Who reported that?"
"Rebecca Chambers, she saw you leave Mr. Oliveira's apartment last night."
"Who didn't?" he heard her mutter.
"What's that?"
"Nothing, no I was at Carlos' last night I wanted to talk to him about something."
"Do you mind me asking what you wanted to talk about?"
"I had to ask him about something that went on between him, my brother and Jill Valentine."
"Fair enough do you recall anything being odd while you were at his apartment?"
"Not at all," she told him.
"Do you have any ideas about who would want Mr. Oliveira dead?"
"Well whoever did it got their wish," she snapped. After a deep breathe she calmed down and continued to talk "This came to a huge shock to me and I thought after all I'd been through I couldn't be shocked."
Feeling like he should say something sympathetic he told her "I'm truly sorry for your lost the only comfort I can probably give you is my word that whoever did this will be caught."
Claire gives him a weak smile "That means more then your probably think."
Standing up they shake hands, the feel of her skin even in a handshake sent shivers that he never felt before through his body.
With his final words being "I'll be in touch," Jacob left her apartment. It amazed him that he couldn't escape that feeling that he got just being around her, even now after leaving her apartment the feeling still tingled all his senses. Gathering himself Jacob took out his list of suspects up next.Leon S. Kennedy.
* - * - *
Leon felt like an ass as he should. He had no business judging Claire she had full freedom to do whatever she wanted. Leon cursed himself for letting his jealous feelings get the better of him.
Leon went right home from Claire's his plan was to get real drunk then maybe he could think of a way to apologize to Claire.
He got out a six-pack from his fridge then went to his living room. Leon set the beer on a small table beside his couch then collapsed into the cushions.
Leon picked up his first beer off from the table and looked at it. He was never one to sacrum to liquor. Any challenges that ever came his way always faced it with a clear head, but never before had a challenge before been for a woman's heart. With one last look at the beer Leon threw it across his apartment and watched it explode against the wall he did the same with the five others.
Leon spent his afternoon thinking about how he could make it up to Claire when his doorbell rang. Thinking it could be Claire Leon rushed to the door he was extremely disappointed to see a man standing there.
"Mr. Kennedy?" the man asked him.
"Yes"
"Hi, I'm agent Jacob West from the F.B.I."
"Oh, I see"
"I take it you heard about Mr. Oliveira?"
"More or less"
"Is it alright if I ask you some questions?"
"Do I have much of a choice?"
"I suppose not."
"Leon opens his door further "then come on in."
The detective walks into Leon's house and immediately his eyes go to the beer spattered against the wall. Agent West looks at Leon.
"Woman troubles," Leon mumbled to him.
With understanding Jacob West nods. The two men take a seat at Leon's dinner table there agent West begins his questioning.
"Mr. Kennedy"-
Leon interrupts him "call me Leon."
"Alright Leon where were you last night around 10:00?"
"I was walking home from my friend Barry Burton's house."
"Did you happen to walk by Mr. Oliveira's apartment by any chance?"
"Yes, I have to walk by to get home."
"Did you see anything suspicious?"
"Not suspicious."
"But you did see something"
Leon swallows "I saw Carlos and Claire together outside the building."
"You have a problem with that?" the agent inquired.
Leon looks around at all the smashed beer cans "kind of," West got the point.
"I see.well that's all I need. Good day Mr. Kennedy."
"Leon," he corrected.
"Right," and with that agent West left.
As queer and sudden as agent West's departure was Leon's mind was too preoccupied with Claire to know what to do about it. Leon just wished things could be easier. Not surprisingly Leon wasn't the only one.
* - * - *
Chris was planning on going to Claire's right after his interrogation, but he thought he make a quick stop at Barry's to fill him in. Chris knocked on Barry Burton's door it took a few minutes before someone answered. Barry came into view he looked like he'd been hit by a truck.
"You heard about Carlos?" Chris asked surprised that Barry would be in this much of a wreck, he really didn't know him that well.
"Wha.what the hell are you talkin about Chris?" Barry slurred.
Chris walks into Barry's house while Barry stumbles. Chris looks at Barry "Are you drunk Barry?"
"What the hell is it to you?" Barry snaps.
"My god," Chris whispers to himself after that things got quiet. Suddenly remembered things don't get quiet at the Burton's.
"Barry where's the girls?"
Finally Barry unraveled "gone Chris there all gone."
"What? What happened?"
Barry falls to the ground "Kathy.Kathy had an affair," his friend cried.
"What?"
"After she told me she took the girls and left."
"That's not fair she cheated on you."
"Yeah well what can I do about it?"
Chris sighs "so do you know who it was?"
Barry glares at him "Do you know anyone Hispanic?"
"Carlos!?" he gasps.
Barry taps his nose "the very same son-of-a-bitch."
Chris sat down next to Barry as he vowed to himself.
"I swear Chris on my life that Carlos Oliveira will pay for this!?"
Chris looks up at his friend "Barry, Carlos was murdered last night."
Barry looked like he was going to fall over and die "your shitin me?" Chris shakes his head.
"Well I'll be damned," Barry said then asked "who did it?"
"No one knows yet, but I'm sure a F.B.I agent named Jacob West will be coming around."
Chris gets up "I have to go see my sister, are you going to be okay?"
Barry shakes his head "Chris why don't you call everyone over I really don't want to be alone right now."
Chris pats his old friend on the shoulder "That sounds like a good idea," with that said Chris got on the phone and started making calls.
* - * - *
Jill received Chris' call so relieved just to hear his voice, even though it wasn't its usual friendly tone.
Jill didn't mean to accuse Chris in her heart she truly didn't believe that Chris had committed the murder it was just that her damn head was telling her otherwise.
She got to Barry's and found everyone already there. Leon and Barry were already in the kitchen talking in low voices while in the corner of the room stood Chris and Claire involved in conversation. Claire had her arms wrapped lovingly around Sherry.
Jill had nothing but the greatest amount of respect for Claire. At the age of mere 20 not only had she gone through the whole Umbrella ordeal, lost someone she cared about and on a daily basis calmly handled the ridiculous drama that went on between everyone, but on top of all that she took a 13 year old girl under her wing and set the rest of her affairs aside to take care of her. Claire had the courage and heart that only her brother could match.
Jill looked at Chris she desperately longed to talk him, but couldn't will herself to do it. Instead she went over to Rebecca who was sitting on Barry's couch looking lost and depressed. Jill sat down next to her.
"How are you doing?" Jill asked the younger woman.
Jill watched as Rebecca glares at her "I feel like my hearts been ripped from my chest and then every woman in this room has danced on it," she replied.
Jill didn't know what to say thankfully she didn't have to say anything because just then Chris, Claire and Sherry walk up to them Jill looked up at Chris who didn't look back.
"Rebecca, can I talk to you for a moment?" Claire asked. Rebecca didn't say anything, but still followed Claire to one of the bedrooms.
Now it was just Jill, Chris and Sherry. Chris looked uncomfortably around he turns to Sherry.
"I'm going to go talk to Barry and Leon," he pats Sherry on the shoulder then chances a look at Jill their eyes locked and Jill could read into his soul it made her heart ache out for him. After their brief moment Chris briskly walks away to join Barry and Leon in the kitchen. Meanwhile Sherry joins her on the couch.
Jill had never really talked to the young teen. They had of course made chit-chat before but never a real conversation. Now Jill took a good look at the thirteen year old. She had been through more then anyone should have to go through she lost both her parents, her home, infected with a deadly virus and now had to deal with the loss of someone else she cared about. What surprised Jill the most was how maturely she handled it all. She reminded Jill greatly of Claire.
"Jill?" she heard the young girl ask.
"Yes Sherry."
"Do you love Chris?"
Her question was so blunt. Blunt in a way that only a 13 year old could be.
"With all my heart," she told the girl.
"Then why aren't you together?"
"Love's funny that way Sherry it's never that easy."
"That's what Claire says."
"Claire can be pretty wise."
"I think so too," Sherry told her and there it was she just had a deep conversation about love with a thirteen year old. Nothing what Jill had expected, but deep down something that Jill needed it helped her gain perspective.
Jill smiled at Sherry only from a thirteen year old Jill thought then watched as the three men from the kitchen joined her and Sherry in the living room. * - * - *
Rebecca had never felt what she was feeling before. She didn't now if it was sadness, anger, resentment, jealousy or something like affection and love.she just couldn't tell.
She followed Claire into one of Barry's bedrooms the thought of why Barry's family wasn't home slipped into her mind but was quickly shoved aside by her trying to sort the other feelings that were going on inside of her.
When they got inside the room and Claire closed the door Rebecca was just so lost she collapsed on to the bed and broke down. She cried meaningless tears into the pillow.
Rebecca felt Claire sit beside her and gently stroke her head. Last night this was the person that Rebecca could have killed now her presence was the most comforting thing that Rebecca had ever felt.
"Becky," Claire addressed her "Chris told me that you saw Carlos and me outside Carlos' apartment and I wanted you to know that nothing happened."
"I'm sorry Claire," Rebecca told her "I let my jealous heart take over instead of my steady mind. I hate when I do that it's so stupid."
Claire smiles at her "It's never stupid to follow your heart Becky. I think now you need to more then ever. Carlos is gone and he will be missed, but he's gone and that fact isn't going to change. I know that sounds insensitive but you can't wallow over him he isn't worth it."
Rebecca couldn't believe how disrespectful Claire was being to someone who just died. It so didn't sound like Claire.
"What happened Claire did Carlos do something to you?"
"No, it's just.you know what don't worry about it it's another worry for another day. You have enough on your plate already."
Rebecca really wanted to know what happened but Claire was right anymore worries and she might just fall apart. Anyway her mind was too pre- occupied with a hundred other things to really think about it.
"Claire, I should have been there."
"What?" Claire asked confused.
"After you left I wandered around aimlessly if I would have gone right to Carlos I could have prevented it."
"Becky you can't think like that. Our lives are already filled with too many could of's and should of's we don't need anymore."
Once again Claire was right and for the first time that day Rebecca could breathe normal.
"Thank you so much Claire," she cried wrapping Claire up in a hug.
"No problem that's what friends are for. If you ever need a friend don't hesitate to come to me."
Rebecca nodded it was nice knowing that no matter what someone was there. It was a feeling that she thought everyone needs and a feeling she thought she was missing being with Carlos.
* - * - *
Claire heard about both Rebecca and Barry from Chris. Where she knew she couldn't help Barry she knew she could at least try with Rebecca.
Claire knew how much Rebecca loved Carlos just thinking about it made Claire grow so angry towards Carlos. She didn't care that he was dead, it sounded awful but the effect that he left on other people's lives more importantly their hearts was unforgivable even in death.
After Rebecca and Claire finished talking they walked back to the living room everyone else was already there sitting and dead silent. Rebecca took a seat next to Chris Claire was going to join them when Barry's doorbell rang.
"I'll get it," she said with nobody even moving to indicate other wise Claire answered the door.
Jacob West stood in front of her Claire could feel her heart begin to beat faster. Agent West was a very good looking man and during their last encounter Claire felt very comfortable around him.it was a little weird.
The two stood there for a moment looking at each other until Claire came to her senses and asked him.
"Agent West what are you doing here?"
"I came to talk to Mr. Barry Burton. Am I at the wrong house?"
"Of course you are sorry; this is Mr. Burton's home come in."
Agent West walked in and stared at everyone in the living room.
"Whoa did I come at a bad time?"
"No," Barry said standing up "I reckoned you be comin around sooner or later."
So agent West and Barry went to an open bedroom while everyone else stayed in the living room. Claire unwillingly took Barry's spot on the couch next to Leon. Things were still quiet and Claire was having a hard time dealing with it feelings inside of her were moving around too fast for her to stay quiet so she asked.
"What do you think you guys of agent West?"
"I think he's an asshole," Chris and Jill said at the same time they looked at each other then once again went quiet."
Claire honestly curious turned to Leon "what do you think?'
"I think one way or another it doesn't matter what I think."
That couldn't be farther from the truth but Claire was too weak to argue so things went back to its uneasy silence. Claire hated Carlos for what he had done to them.
A little later agent West and Barry came back to the living room. It was impossible to read either of their expressions.
Agent West was putting his jacket on when he heard him call to her.
"Um.Miss Redfield can I talk to you for a second?"
"Sure," she said getting up and joining him in the kitchen. She noticed the agent was looking nervous.
"What can I do for you?" she asked pleasantly.
"I.I was wondering if you know if your not.well busy or anything tomorrow night if maybe you would like to.to"-
"To go out?" she finished his question, he nodded.
Claire didn't know what to say. She knew it was a bad idea, but something inside of her really wanted to. In the end that something won.
"That be great," she told him. "I'll pick you up at seven if that's okay?"
"Can't wait," she told him and that was that.
Agent West left while Claire remained where she stood wondering what the hell she just got herself into.