Chapter 3: After the Manticore Raid

Disclaimer: Please read chapter 1

Bold = thoughts or point of views

Italics = emphasis

~~~ = scene change

[] = telephone conversations

A/N: Thanks to everyone who reviewed! You guys are the greatest! :)

                Max and Logan lay in bed; Max had her head on his chest while Logan had his arm around her shoulder caressing it. Logan was looking up at the ceiling just lost in his own thoughts when Max spoke and brought him out of reverie.

Max: Logan, what are you thinking about?

Logan (grinning): How good it feels to hold you in my arms.

Max (smiles): What else?

Logan: Do you really wanna know?

Max: Yeah.

Logan: I'm thinking about Jade.

Max: Jade 'stay away from me or I'll kill you' Hunter. That Jade?

Logan: Uh huh.

Max (looking up at him): Let me get this straight, you're here in bed with me and you're thinking about another woman?

Logan (laughs a little): No Max it's not like that, now that this whole Manticore thing is over it just got me thinking about her and how it won't be over for her and yet again it's Manticore's fault. Max the last time I saw her she genuinely needed my help but she's to scared to admit it.

Max: Logan don't you think it's time to move on? After all it has been three months and if she wanted your help she would have come by or at least made it known somehow.

Logan: I guess you're right…

Max: But…

Logan: Last month I got a tip that a Jane Doe had been admitted into Metro Medical about two years ago for a gun shot wound to the back of the shoulder. The only distinguishing mark was a six digit tattoo on her neck; they never got her name she ran before they had a chance. Sam talked to one of the doctors who treated her and she remembered the number, it was two-six-six-zero-four-seven. Once I hacked into some of Canidae's files I found hers and apparently her unit addressed her as Trina.

Max: What are you gonna do?

Logan: I honestly have no idea.

Max: I have a thought, how 'bout you not think of anything but us for the time being.

Logan (kissing her): Alright. Night Max.

Max: Night.

                Logan and Max slept in each others arms perfectly content with just being able to be together and not have to worry about anything.

~~~~~Next Morning~~~~~

It was mid-morning Saturday and Jade had just walked into work; looking around she saw the place was virtually packed. Her boss came out of his office and spotted her; then he motioned for Jade to come to him.

Jade (walking and putting on her apron): Hey Nick, what's up?

Nick: You're late.

Jade: Sorry, won't happen again.

Nick: Ok and second of all we're jam-packed and short handed; do you know where Maria is?

Jade (confused): You mean she's not here?

Nick: No and she hasn't called.

Jade: To tell you the truth I haven't heard from her all day; the last time we talked was when she left work yesterday.

Nick: Alright you get to work and I'll page her.

Jade (walking away): You're the boss.

Nick was in his late forties early fifties, about five ten, and muscular built. He had auburn colored hair and honey colored eyes, with sort of a pale skin tone. All day Jade had been running around taking orders, cleaning tables, and at times working the cash register. Saturdays were their big days with the whole karaoke thing and all day every other song was the pre-pulse hit "I Will Survive." I swear if I have to hear that song one more time heads will roll! Jade thought angrily. Nick came out of his office with a distraught look on his face and as he neared Jade she could tell something was wrong.

Jade: Hey any news on Maria?

Nick: Jade there's been an accident.

Jade (looking worried): What sort of accident?

Nick: The hospital just called me, apparently they had admitted a woman last night who'd been brutally attacked and stabbed a number of times.

Jade: What's this have to do with Maria?

Nick: Jade, I'm sorry, but the woman…its Maria.

Jade (dropped the glass that was in her hands): No, no…it's just a mix up, you'll see, Maria's just fine.

Nick (trying to comfort her but she pulled away): They said she's lucky to have survived.

Jade (grabbing her coat and keys): What hospital?

Nick: Metro Medical.

Jade (hesitating): You got everything---

Nick (cutting her off): Go on.

                While driving through the streets to get to the hospital Nick's words kept replaying over and over in her mind. She was brutally attacked and stabbed a number of times…the woman, it was Maria … Maria … Maria…they said she was lucky to have survived…lucky to have survived…survived…brutally attacked … stabbed…Maria…attacked…stabbed. Jade's grip on the handles of the motorcycle tightened until her knuckles turned white; she held on like that until she reached the hospital.

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                Logan was starring at his computer screen preoccupied about something when the slam of the door and Max's voice brought him out of reverie.

Max (showing up with Zack, Krit, and Syl): Hey, look who decided to stick around.

Logan (half of his mind on the computer): Hey guys, what's up?

Zack: We came by to thank you for what you did.

Logan: You're welcome. (Pausing) just out of curiosity where's Deck?

Syl: He fled for Canada a few hours ago.

Logan: Oh…are you guys going to be doing the same?

Krit (going and putting an arm around Max): No we decided to stick around and catch up with our baby sis.

                Before Logan could say anything his phone rang and everyone remained silent as he picked up.

[Hello.] [Logan?] [Yes.] [Hey man, it's me, Matt, you got a few minutes to talk?] [Uh…sure, go ahead.] [Did you hear about that gang Aliens or whatever they're called?] [Yeah Eyes Only did a hack on them two weeks ago.] [Well my friend they've struck again, only this time we might actually have some real evidence to put them away till they're to old to pick up another knife.] [How do you mean?] [The girl they attacked, she survived and she's down at Metro Medical. I'm going down there to see how she is and if she's awake I'm going to ask a couple of questions and see if she's willing to testify.] [That's great man, because I found a few files on them but nothing that could have helped like the lead you've got now.] [So I was thinking maybe you could come down there with me if you wanted.] [Sure when are you leaving?] [Right now.] [Alright then, I'll meet you there.]

                Logan hung up the phone and grabbed his coat and keys; things were much easier for him now, since he could walk again but of course it was with the help of his exo.

Logan: Look guys something important suddenly came up and it looks like it can't wait. So uh…make yourselves at home, there's plenty of food in the fridge and I'll see you.

Max: Wait, how long are you gonna be gone?

Logan: I don't know.

                He gave Max a quick kiss and was out the door in a flash, hurrying to get down to the parking lot.

~~~~~Hospital~~~~~

                Jade asked one of the nurses what room Maria was in; once she got there she saw the doctor hovering over Maria's sleeping form checking her vitals.

Sam (looking up): Can I help you?

Jade (nearing Maria): How is she?

Sam (trying to place where he'd seen the girl before): Have we met?

Jade (shrugging it off): I don't think so.

Sam (remembering): Wait, I remember I treated you at Logan's a few months back.

Jade (realizing what he was talking about): I guess… you know things are still a bit hazy from that night.

Sam: It's understandable.

Jade: Tell me doctor how is she?

Sam: Surprisingly well. I expect her to make a full recovery. We gave her medication last night and she responded well to it; her vital signs are strong and she's out of the woods.

Jade: Can you tell me what was wrong?

Sam: I have seen many cases like this before but this one was different; in similar cases of to much abuse the patient usually doesn't survive or is in a comatose state for a long period of time. Maria had taken a major amount of abuse especially to the lower abdomen level, but she's a survivor.

Jade: Was there anything else?

Sam: Her major organs are ok, she didn't have internal bleeding which was good but she did have blood loss and we gave her a transfusion. Some of her ribs were broken and others were bruised, also her kidneys were a little bruised too. Although like I said we expect her to make a full recovery and we're going to keep her over a few more days for observation.

Jade: Thank you doctor.

Sam: May I ask what your relation with the girl is?

Jade: She's my best friend…my family.

                The doctor smiled and left; Jade pulled up a chair and sat next to Maria, taking her hand in her own. Jade could see the bruises on Maria's face and some on her arms this made her even angrier then she all ready was. Someone will pay for this Maria, I guarantee it.

                Logan and Matt arrived at the same time; while Logan was asking Sam a couple of questions Matt went inside to Maria's room. Jade had her head in her palms so she didn't notice Matt right away but then her hearing picked up the inhale and exhale of a third person.

Matt: I'm sorry; I didn't mean to scare you.

Jade: It's ok. Umm…who are you?

Matt: I'm Detective Matt Sung. I'm going to be the one who heads the investigation on this case.

Jade: I didn't know there was an ongoing investigation.

Matt: Well the people who attacked your friend…it wasn't their first time, it's just that the attacked people haven't survived except for this one.

Jade: Who did this to her?

Matt: A gang called Aliens.

Jade (confused): So you know who did it and yet you're standing here?

Matt: It's not that simple. Yes we know who did it but the only witness we have is lying in the hospital.

Jade: What you're telling me is you need her to testify against these guys.

Matt: Yes.

Jade: What makes you think they won't come after her and try to finish the job?

Matt: I gotta figure they don't know and for now she's safe. We'll put her in witness protection if she decides to testify but if she doesn't she's on her own. We need her so we can finally put these guys away for life.

Jade: How many people have they murdered?

Matt: As far as I know eight and your friend counts as one attempted murder, but for all I know there could be more.

Jade: Well obviously you can see that she's asleep so if you want to give me your number I'll see that she gets it.

Matt (handing her a card): Just have her call me when she feels better, no pressure, we're just gonna talk.

Jade: I'll do that.

Matt (walking outside): Hey Logan you ready?

Logan: I suppose, did you get anything?

Matt: No she was asleep but I left my number with one of her friends.

Logan (looking at Sam): You didn't mention someone was in there.

Sam: It must have slipped my mind. That girl I treated for you a few months back is in there. Maria, the patient, is her best friend.

Logan (walked to the window of the room and peered inside whispering to himself): Jade.

                A few minutes later Matt and Logan left; once outside they went their separate ways. Inside Jade came out of Maria's room and spotted the doctor; she went towards him and asked if he could give her Logan's number which Sam did. After the doc gave her the number she stared down at it for a few minutes then she roamed through the hospital looking for a payphone because she had left her cell phone at home by mistake. When she called Logan a male voice answered but she knew it wasn't him.

[Hi is Logan there?] [Yeah, hang on, he just walked in.] [Hello?] [Logan, it's Jade, I need to see you.] [Alright, when?] [Tonight.] [Come by my place around six-thirty.] [Fine, I'll see you then.]

                Jade hung up and checked her watch it was all ready four; then she went back to check on Maria and met up with the doctor again. She gave him her cell phone number and asked him to call when Maria woke up, then she headed home.

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Jade (arriving home and yelling): Lee? Lee you here?

Lee (coming in a few minutes after her): No need to yell I'm right here.

Jade: Are you just getting in from work?

Lee: Yeah.

Jade: Thought you only worked till afternoons on Saturdays.

Lee: I do but one of the messengers---Max---she didn't show, something about a family emergency; so I had to stay late and take on some of her case load. It's all good though cuz I got extra tips and with my salary at Jampony the more tips the better.

Jade (wrinkling her nose): What kind of name is Jampony?

Lee: I don't know; I just work there.

Jade: Question.

Lee: Yeah?

Jade: This Max person wouldn't happen to be about five six, with a well built figure, brown eyes, dark brown long curly hair, with sort of a dark skin tone, and a bad-ass attitude.

Lee: Sounds just like her. Why do you ask?

Jade (shrugging it off): No reason just someone I've come to know from seeing her around the coffee house.

Lee (looking at her with a confused expression): Speaking of the coffee house, shouldn't you be there? I mean you do work late on Saturdays.

Jade (sadness invading her features): Well halfway through the day Nick---my boss---got a call from the hospital and it was about Maria. It seems that last night after work she was brutally attacked and stabbed a number of times.

Lee (going to her and catching her in an embrace): Jade I'm sorry. Is she going to be alright?

Jade: Yeah, doctor said he expects her to make a full recovery but they're going to keep her over for a few days for observation.

Lee: That's a relief.

Jade (checking her watch): Hey I gotta be out of here before six-thirty so I'm gonna go up and take a shower.

Lee: Ok, hey are you hungry?

Jade (halfway up the stairs): Uh yeah.

Lee: You want me to order some Chinese food?

Jade: Sounds good.

                While Jade went upstairs to her bathroom to take a shower Lee found the number of the Chinese take-out restaurant they usually ordered from. He sat on the couch and dialed the number. Lee was twenty-two years old, he was six feet tall with broad shoulders and a six pack; he had short sandy blond hair with hazel eyes, tanned skin, and dimples that could melt a girl's heart. Fifteen minutes later Jade came down wearing a denim skirt with a slit on both sides and the skirt was cut just above the knees. She had on a white long sleeved shirt which she was wearing over a black spaghetti strapped shirt and she had on metallic dark blue stripped adidas shoes.  Her hair was half up half down so her serial number wouldn't show and her bangs were combed to the right side.

Jade: Food here yet?

Lee: Nope give it ten more minutes.

Jade (looking at her watch): I've got time it's only five.

Lee (intrigued): Where do you have to go anyway?

Jade: I gotta meet someone about a work related issue.

Lee (jokingly): You work at a coffee house; what's the issue, don't know what kind of coffee beans to use?

Jade (sarcastically): Ha, ha very funny. (Knock at the door) why don't you pipe down and get the door.

Lee (in a mock salute): Yes ma'm!

                He got the door and paid the delivery guy while Jade grabbed herself a fork since she hated using the chopsticks they gave. Lee set the two bags of food on the coffee table, sat down on the couch, and started to dig in the carton of fried noodles. While Jade grabbed the carton of orange chicken and began to chow down.

Jade: What are your plans for tonight?

Lee (over a mouth full of food): I got a date.

Jade: Let me guess is it Kate, Teddy, or Carmen?

Lee (smiles): Nope you lose it's none of them her name is Chanterelle.

Jade: You are such a dog!

Lee (acting offended): Hey I resent that.

Jade: So you're telling me that isn't the fourth girl you're going out with this week?

Lee: I plead the fifth.

Jade (grabbing some wanton): Dog.

Lee (with puppy dog eyes): Yeah but I'm an adorable dog with dimples to kill for.

Jade (scoffing): You got that right.

Lee: What that I'm adorable?

Jade (simply): No that you got dimples and I wouldn't exactly say they were to kill for.

Lee: Oh admit it you want me so bad you could taste it.

Jade (sarcastically): Oh yes. I want you, I need you, oh baby, oh baby.

                They starred at each other in silence and then Lee broke out in laughter followed by Jade.

Lee (calming down): What about you?

Jade: I'm gonna go take care of this work matter and then spend the night at the hospital with Maria.

Lee: What hospital is she at? I'll come by tomorrow.

Jade: Metro Medical. Don't you have work tomorrow?

Lee: Yeah but what's my boss gonna do fire me for being a few minutes late; but then again knowing my boss he just might.

Jade: Well don't get fired on a count of me or Maria, you know she wouldn't want that. Besides you've only been at this job for a month now and it's not wise to show up late until you've at least been working there for four or five months.

                Lee laughed and Jade checked her watch again it was already six. She dumped some of the empty cartons into the garbage and washed her hands.

Jade: Boy time really does fly by when you're having friendly banters with your roommate.

Lee: Leaving so soon? (Jade nodded) great more food for me.

Jade (putting on her denim jacket and grabbing her keys and cell phone): I was wrong you're not just a dog but a pig too.

Lee: Now that's cold.

Jade (smiles): Truth hurts.

Lee (playfully): Dang get out of here already.

Jade (sighing): Later.

                With that she dragged her bike to the elevator and pushed for the garage button. Once outside she proceeded to ride over to Logan's; it was ten past six and she figured  if she didn't get stopped by sector cops then she would get there in plenty of time to spare. It wasn't dark out just yet but the sun was beginning to set and she could feel the autumn wind against her face but thankfully her eyes were protected from the sunglasses she had on.

~~~~~Logan's Penthouse~~~~~

                Max and Krit had gone to Crash to meet up with O.C. and the gang while Syl and Zack had stayed back at Logan's. Zack was taking a shower, Logan was in the computer room working, and Syl was sitting on the couch watching a movie. When Syl was feeling hungry she went to the kitchen to grab a piece of fruit; halfway back to the couch she stopped dead in her tracks because of the knock at the door.

Syl (yelling): I'll get it.

Logan: Thanks Syl.

                Once Syl opened the door she saw a pretty young woman about Max's age standing there.

Syl: Can I help you?

Jade (walking in): I'm here to see Logan.

Syl (closing the door): He's in the computer room.

Jade (smiles): Thanks.

                Jade walked to the computer room while Syl went back to eating her pear and watching the movie.

Jade (knocking on Logan's open door): Knock, knock.

Logan (looking up): Hey, come in and have a seat.

Jade (walking in): Thanks but I rather stand.

Logan: So what brings you by?

Jade: Do you know about a street gang called Aliens?

Logan: Actually yes, because Eyes Only did a hack on them a couple weeks back.

Jade (cynically): Must have missed that episode.

Logan: What did you need to see me about?

Jade: I need a location on them.

Logan: Why? You made it clear that you didn't want to help Eyes Only.

Jade: Oh I assure you I'm still gung-ho about not saving the world but this is for pure revenge purposes only.

Logan: This must be about your friend in the hospital.

Jade: How'd you know?

Logan: I was there with the detective.

Jade: Well do you have a location or not?

Logan: If I did, what would you do if you found them?

Jade: Gee let me think, maybe I'll invite them over for some tea and cookies. What the hell do you think I'm gonna do? I'll rip out their hearts and shove it down their throats!

Logan: I see your temper is still in tact.

Jade: What did you expect Logan? My best friend, the only person that comes close to family to me is lying helpless in the hospital with practically every bone in her body bruised or broken. For God sake she's only twenty-one years old and she has her whole life ahead of her; thanks to some greater or higher power out there nothing major was damaged.

Logan: I can understand where you're coming from but why do this alone? Why not let the police handle it?

Jade: Oh yes because the cops are so reliable these days. Look you either have the location or you don't either way I will find them and when I do I won't hold back. I thought coming here would save me some time but if you're just wasting it then I'm leaving.

Logan: They hang at a biker bar down by the docks; I'd advise you not to go alone, there are at least ten people in that gang and they're friends with every thug at that bar.

Jade: Do I need to remind you or have you forgotten I am enhanced.

Logan: But even enhanced people have their limits.

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                Jade arrived at the biker bar but before going anywhere near it she hid her bike a block away. She walked in and all eyes were on her, some guys' cat called, others whistled but she paid no mind to it. Jade went to the bartender and ordered a glass of beer.

Bartender (handing her a beer): So what's a girl like you doing in a place like this?

Jade: I'm looking for a group called Aliens.

Bartender (pointing to a guy): That right there is only one of them fortunately for you the rest of his buddies aren't here.

Jade (taking the beer): Thanks for the tip.

                She walked over to the table the guy was sitting at and she took a seat across from him. This guy was barely twenty; he looked like he was Hispanic, with messy hair and a goatee. He was wearing baggy pants with a cap and a white tank top.

Thug: Well look at you. I think you are one of the finest looking things I've ever seen in my life.

Jade (anger growing): Look hard because I'm the last person you're ever gonna see.

Thug (grinning): Fiesty, I like it!

Jade (with a sly smile): Why don't you come see how fiesty I am.

                The thug got up and walked towards her but before he could touch her she brought her leg up and kicked him in the stomach. He doubled over in pain, she waited to see if any of the other guys came at her but they just stood there dumbfounded.

Jade (looking around): Tsk, tsk, tsk, guess none of your buddies have ever seen a girl kick ass before. That is such a shame (shrugging) oh well.

Thug (getting up): You bitch! You'll pay for this.

Jade: What are you gonna do? Beat me up? Stab me? Kill me?

Thug (swinging a punch but she dodged it): No but it's a start.

Jade (punching him hard in the stomach): That's for Maria.

                They fought for a little while longer until the thug got her in a choke hold and put a knife to her throat.

Thug: It's to bad things had to work out this way; we could have been great together.

Jade: I'm sure it wouldn't have been a lasting relationship.

Thug: You know your friend begged us before we stabbed her let's see if you'll do the same.

Jade (head budding him): No when we're through here you'll be the one begging for your life.

                In his moment of confusion she grabbed him and threw him across the bar and into the wall. She went over and kicked him hard in the ribs, she was about to do it again when her cell rang.

[Yeah.] [Um… yes, hi this is Dr. Sam Carr from the hospital.] [Oh yes, doctor, what is it? Is Maria alright?] [Actually she's doing great, she's awake, and she's been asking for you.] [Ok tell her I'm on my way.]

                Jade hung up and went back to the guy who was barely standing on his own two feet.

Jade (kneeing him in the groin): You're lucky cuz next time instead of calling nine-one-one they'll be calling the coroner's office.

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TBC