Revelations
Chapter Four
"So what do you think of the new guy?" Jake asked as he and Alex made their way back to the Nest.
"David? Seems OK. Cody certainly seems to get along with him."
"You know……I always wondered what kind of people Cody would have as friends," he mused as he parked his truck and the two exited.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Alex asked all of a sudden feeling protective of Cody.
Hearing the defensiveness in her voice he said, "That's not what I meant. I mean Cody eats, breathes and probably even dreams about computers and gadgetry. I always wondered if all of his friends would be the same way."
"Well, it's hard to say if all of his friends are techies, but I'd have to say the odds are pretty good."
Jake stopped just short of the entryway door and turned to Alex. "So what do you think the new girl's gonna be like?'
Alex shook her head in exasperation. "Leave it alone Jake! You're imagining things…..get over it!"
"I'm just asking….."
"I know what you're asking, and I know what you're implying. Give it a rest!" And before he could question or comment any further, she reached for the door and entered the warehouse.
The two made their way to the main area, being careful to remain quiet since some of the team members were still sleeping. After Dave had arrived somewhere around 9:30 the previous night, the group had decided how best to divide their resources. The group decided that because Donovan had worked with both Dave and Laura before, they thought it best that he be the one to work with them again. So that left Monica, Cody, Alex and Jake to work the other 12 hours shift. But since Monica wanted to have the chance to brief Laura, today would be the exception to that arrangement.
Jake and Alex entered the operations area and found only Cody working away at his computer console.
"Everyone still asleep?" Alex inquired quietly.
Cody looked up briefly from whatever it was he was reading and answered, "Everyone except Donovan. He's in his office."
Jake glanced quickly at his watch. "It's still pretty early, what's he doing up already?"
Cody shot him a 'give me a break' look before saying, "Gee Jake….I don't usually ask the big guy about his sleeping habits. But if it interests you that much…… he got up about an hour ago, showered, asked me briefly if there was any new info, I answered, he poured himself a cup of coffee and then he made his way up the stairs. I didn't know I was supposed to alert the media," he added snidely before returning to his work.
"Boy….someone's grouchy this morning," Jake mumbled before turning away.
As if sensing that he had been the topic of conversation, Frank came down the stairs and approached Alex and Jake.
"So what did you find out about our suspect?" he inquired directly.
Alex took out a small notebook and began to recite what was written there. "Henry Sumner, age 45, unemployed machinist. Used to work for the metal works factory on the east side before it burned down two years ago. Ever since then he's had a hard time finding and keeping jobs. According to a former employer, he was, and I quote, 'extremely tense and usually combative'. And that's pretty much the report we got from all of his other bosses. The reason for termination in all cases was either excessive absenteeism or bad attitude. From what we could find out, he hasn't held a job for the last ten months. That would have left him plenty of time to work up this madness he's got going."
"Anything on his whereabouts?" Frank asked although he already knew the answer.
"Nothing…..it's like he dissolved into thin air," Jake answered.
"Do you think he left town?" Alex asked.
Frank folded his arms in front of him and paced a second or two before answering. "No…..I think he still has some sort of score to settle. I think he just went underground for awhile, waiting for things to cool down a bit."
"Either that or he already had a contingency plan in place," Monica added as she stood in the doorway having heard the conversation between the three.
Donovan turned to face her. "What kind of contingency plan?"
She walked further into the room before responding. "Let's face it……this guy knew we were going to eventually find out who he was. The way he had his house rigged to blow proves that. Maybe in some way, he wanted to be found out, and if so, I'm sure he made other plans for that eventuality. I don't think he's hiding……I definitely think he's still at work, just from a location we're not aware of yet."
"That's definitely something to consider," he said to himself more than to the group. He seemed lost in thought when they all heard a knock at the main door. Jake started to make his way to the door but before he got two steps away, Donovan announced that he'd get it.
After their boss opened the door, the four agents could hear some hushed conversation before he returned with a visitor.
"Everyone," he announced, "I'd like you to meet Laura Daniels." Cody's first thought upon meeting their new agent was that she was way prettier in person than in her file photo. The others merely nodded their heads in recognition. Frank continued the introductions. "Laura….I'd like you to meet Alex Cross……Jake Shaw…….Monica Davis and Cody Forester."
After shaking hands with the group, she smiled appreciatively and said, "It's a pleasure to finally meet everyone."
"Finally?" Jake asked curiously.
"Well….since I received word of the assignment, I was, of course, given folders on the team members so that I could acquaint myself with all of you as much as I could. Especially since it seems that I'm going to be the odd man out here."
"Ahhh….we're really not a bad bunch. I have a couple of useful hints for you though," Cody started, trying to sound suave and sophisticated, nudging Alex out of the way so that he could stand closer to Laura. "First….Alex must have a cigarette first thing in the morning, if she doesn't get one, she's a bitch for the rest of the day."
"Hey!" Alex shouted indignantly.
"Just telling the truth sister!" he retorted before continuing. "Second, Jake here is our resident hothead. If someone's going to go off the deep end, it's usually him." At this point Cody had to duck to avoid a flying pen launched from somewhere in Jake's vicinity.
"Third, Monica is our mother hen. She feels it's her responsibility to make sure that everyone is well-fed and taken care of." Cody didn't turn to see Monica's reaction because he was sure he could picture her just fine with her arms crossed in front of her and staring darts into the back of his head.
"Now the big guy here……well……how shall I put this nicely……," he began, tapping his chin pretending to contemplate the situation. "Well……he's a control freak. Everything must be mapped out and planned in triplicate before making a move."
Cody should have sensed that he'd gone too far but he totally missed Donovan's reaction due to the fact that he was intently staring at Laura as she reacted to his statements. At first she had a somewhat shocked look on her face, but that look was soon replaced by mild amusement and then he could tell she was downright tickled by the whole situation.
Before Frank could say anything, Laura interjected. "And what should I be warned about you Cody?" she asked with a smile on her face.
"Oh that's easy, just keep your hands off my equipment." As soon as the words left his mouth, he knew that he'd left himself wide open for comments.
But before anyone else could react, Laura returned, "I don't think you'll have to worry about that Cody…….I'll let someone else……..handle your equipment." Jake, Alex and Monica all broke out into peels of laughter, and even Frank looked somewhat amused.
"Sorry Cody," Laura began, "I just couldn't help myself," although she was having a very hard time not joining in on the laughter. The truth was she was very grateful for Cody's comments since it helped ease the tension she felt when she walked into the room. Of course she was very well aware that most of that tension was emanating from Frank.
Now that the laughter seemed to be dying down, Monica spoke up. "Laura….I told Donovan that I thought it might be a good idea for the two of us to spend the day going over the facts of the case."
Nodding in agreement, "I think that's an excellent idea. It's just what I was going to suggest."
"Wonderful. But before you get started," Frank began, "Laura and I have some things to discuss about her stay here. If you'll excuse us." And with that he ushered Laura to the stairs and the two made their way to Frank's office.
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As soon as the two were out of sight, Jake smacked Cody upside the head.
"Owwww!! What the hell was that for?" he asked as he rubbed the side of his face.
"What was that for?!?! You're kidding me, right? What the hell was all that shit you were spouting?" Jake asked in reply.
"I was just trying to break the ice! Everyone's been so uptight about her coming here."
"Break the ice, my ass!" Alex added. "You thought you'd try to score some points by getting her to laugh at your stupid jokes. I hate to break it to ya bub, but she is soooo out of your league."
"I don't know about that. Haven't you ever picked up a People Magazine and seen a picture of some gorgeous supermodel and then wondered how in the hell she ended up with some guy that looks like…..I don't know….me!"
"Keep dreaming, techno geek……keep dreaming," was all that Alex said in reply as she walked away. Jake and Monica too had to chuckle at his efforts. But soon, the four got back to work and soon forgot about the incident.
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Laura walked into Frank's office and looked around. It's just as I would have pictured it. She went to the far windows and briefly looked out, not that she could see much since most of the glass was that wavy kind that distorted the view. As she was gazing outside, she heard Frank quietly close the door behind her, and she turned to look at him. Did he just lock that door?
The two just stared at each other for what seemed like an eternity. She was trying to remember how long it had been since she'd seen him last. It's been too long, that's all I know. She couldn't help but appreciate the way he looked today. He was dressed entirely in black. Black slacks. Black shoes. And that delectable black turtleneck that she loved. She didn't know what it was about him in that turtleneck, but it always got her blood going. Maybe it just made him look mysterious…..maybe it just makes you horny! Before she could put a coherent sentence together, he finally broke the silence.
"I missed you," he said in a low, slightly husky voice. He hadn't moved. He remained just inside the closed door, mesmerized by her. Does she have any idea what kind of effect she has on me? It had taken every ounce of control he had to behave himself when the two had been downstairs just now. She'd been standing so close to him that he could breathe in the scent of the shampoo that she used, and he had wanted nothing more than to bury his nose in that wavy blonde hair, but somehow he didn't think the rest of his team would understand why he was pawing their newest member.
She continued to stare at him, almost afraid to blink, as if in blinking he might somehow disappear. She began to think that maybe this had been a huge mistake. How could she possibly work with him when she felt this way. Personal feelings could easily get in the way while working a case of this intensity. She should go. She should call the powers-that-be and tell them to get another profiler. But then…..how long will it be before I see him again? In the space of a heartbeat she decided.
"You missed me, huh……prove it," she responded, putting every emotion she was feeling into those few words. Passion…..need…..desire…..lust……love.
Frank slowly walked across the room, his eyes never leaving hers. He looks like a panther stalking his prey. When they were standing so close that their breath became one, he raised his hands and gently cupped her face lightly skimming his thumbs across her pale cheeks. Then he slowly lowered his mouth to hers. The kiss was gentle and unhurried. Lips exploring lips. Caressing, teasing, and slowly increasing in intensity. He was determined to make the moment last, but his body was screaming for him to do otherwise. He slid one hand into her hair cupping the back of her head while his other hand glided down her arm and made it's way to the small of her back pulling her even closer to him if that were possible.
It wasn't enough. She snaked her arms around his neck, plunging her hands into his hair, softly scraping her nails across the fine hairs at the base of his neck. She tried to press every inch of herself up against his body, but she couldn't get close enough and it was driving her crazy. She whimpered against his mouth and he instinctively knew what she wanted….what she needed. He stepped forward and pressed her up against the wall, pinning her there with his body. As his tongue explored her mouth, he was silently telling her how much he wanted to devour every single inch of her. Had he ever wanted her more than he did at this moment? He didn't think so, and he was sure that he'd go mad if he didn't take her now. The hand on her back slowly slid to her thigh and she lifted her leg in response, crooking it around his leg as he moved his hand to explore what was hidden from view under her skirt.
Somewhere in the back of his mind, Frank knew this was wrong, completely and utterly wrong, but at this particular moment he chose to ignore that tiny voice of reason. He'd sacrificed so much for his career over the years, and somehow taking a few minutes of pleasure only seemed fitting in return. But before he could fully become enveloped in her, the moment was shattered by a ringing phone. At first the two ignored the shrill sound, but as it continued, both knew that work would have to come first. With a strength he didn't know he possessed, he separated himself from her and turned to the desk. Taking a moment first to calm his breathing and regain what faculties he had remaining, he finally picked up the phone.
"Donovan," he nearly yelled into the mouthpiece.
"Well good morning to you too, Mr. Sunshine!" was the humored response he got. Frank sighed quietly and tried to focus on the conversation at hand. Lt. Phil Casey was one of the detectives at the local precinct, and he was their liaison with the PD. Frank had a pretty fair idea of why the man would be calling at this time of the morning.
"What can I do for you Phil?" Frank inquired, adjusting his tone of voice. You've got lousy timing Phil, that's all I've got to say and some day I'll have to pay you back.
"I've got some info for you. We've received two calls within the past 6 hours from people claiming to have seen a suspicious man at a local motel. We sent a couple of cruisers by to check it out and they found something."
"Found what?" Frank asked, suddenly riveted by the conversation.
"They had the manager open the room in question and they found some wires and what appears to be C4 explosives. I called the bomb squad out and they say the place is clean, but I figured you or some of your people may want to take a look."
"Absolutely. What's the address?"
"It's the Woodcrest Motel. 15435 Sawmill Rd."
"We'll be there within the half hour," he informed the man. "And thanks."
"Anytime, Frank. We'll do anything we can to help catch this bastard."
"Right," Frank responded before hanging up the phone.
Laura had been intently trying to follow the conversation, that is, as well as she could after having nearly climaxed just from his mind-numbing kiss. She knew the call had to do with their case and her senses were immediately on edge. "Frank….what is it?"
He turned to face her and she could tell that everything that had transpired between them just minutes ago was totally forgotten. The Frank Donovan she was looking at now was the take charge, tough-as-nails man that so many people feared. Not the man that she knew and had loved desperately for so long. The one who liked to sit quietly in front of a roaring fire reading a good book, or the one who's eyes still glistened with tears when he spoke of his father's death. This was not the man who had made love to her gently and passionately on more occasions than she could count. Sighing inwardly, she prepared herself for the fact that she may not see her Frank Donovan for some time to come.
"The cops received 2 anonymous tips pointing them to a local motel. They checked it out and found what looks like the remains of some sort of handmade bomb. I want to check it out. See if they missed anything."
"I'm coming with you."
"Laura……," he began, not liking the idea of her out in the field.
"Please don't Laura me…..this is what I do Frank, and you know I'm at my best when I can actually see the place where the suspect has been recently. I'm here to work….let me come with you." He stared at her for more than a few seconds and she could see the wheels turning behind his eyes, weighing the pros and cons.
"All right……but when we're out in the field, you follow my orders to the letter. Understood?"
She smiled slightly and answered, "Yes sir, Agent Donovan." He couldn't help but return the smile and then the two exited the office and made their way to the main level.
The other agents looked up immediately when they heard Frank and Laura descending the steps in a hurried fashion.
"What's up?" Jake asked first.
"The local PD got a tip that led them to a local hotel. They found what looks like the remains of a bomb. Laura and I are going to check it out."
Laura turned to Monica and said, "I'm sorry…..looks like we'll have to postpone that orientation for a couple of hours."
"No problem. Do you want me to go with you?"
"Not unless you want to," Laura responded. "I sometimes get a better sense of people if I see the places they've been….the things they've touched."
"Kind of like a clairvoyant?" Alex asked curiously.
"Not exactly…….more like…..sensing why a person chose to be in a certain place, or why they left things the way they did. Sometimes I can get a better handle on the suspect's psyche that way."
"Interesting," Monica commented. "I've never worked quite that way. If it's OK with you, boss, I'd like to come with you. It never hurts to learn new skills."
"Of course. Let's get going," he said to the two profilers. Actually he was glad that Monica was going along with them. Laura was wrong if she thought he had forgotten what had happened between the two of them in his office. The truth was, it was all he could think about and even though he may not appear that way on the outside, on the inside he was completely consumed by the blond standing entirely too close to him. The look of her….the smell of her….the way she walked, talked, moved….the way she tasted……the softness of her skin when he ran his hand up her silky thigh…..Oh dear God…help me! It was better that Monica tag along with them, acting as a buffer. This is going to be one long assignment, he thought to himself ruefully.
After the three had left, Cody turned to Jake and said, "Did you see that?"
"See what?" thinking he had missed something terribly important
"Laura…….her face was all flushed and Donovan looked pissed as hell. You don't think he read her the riot act over what happened earlier, do you? I mean geez…..I was only joking around." Jake could tell that Cody seemed very upset over the situation.
"Nah…..I think you're imagining things. Besides, even if he did chew her out, she looks like the type that can stick up for herself. So stop trying to defend your new girlfriend," he added, emphasizing the last word for effect.
Cody spun around and glared at Jake who was smiling mischievously. Man…..can't a guy be nice to someone without there being implications. Although……it would be really nice………
"Knock it off you two!" Alex admonished. "I swear….the two of you act like you're in high school again! I suggest we all get some sleep. I don't know about you, but it's been a long night. Somebody wake David up and let's get some shut eye." The two looked rather sheepish and moved off to do as she'd suggested.
After they'd left the room, she took a moment to replay the morning's activities in her head. There was definitely something going on, but she'd be damned if she'd talk to Jake about it. But there most certainly was something different about Donovan. He'd seemed almost….nervous, on edge. Something about the way he'd glance at Laura……something in the way he stood almost too close to her. And Cody was right, Laura's face did seem a bit flushed when they came down from his office and she could have sworn……you're imagining things Alex. I don't know…..I swear she looked like she had whisker burns around her mouth………hmmmmm……..things could get very interesting.
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A/N -- Thank you all sooooo much for reading! (and for reviewing) I most sincerely appreciate it!!! I hope you enjoy the upcoming chapters when things get a little complicated in Frank Donovan's world. ;)
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