The Serum
Part 4
AN: Thanks to goldstranger for Nikki's surname, I didn't know it!! Lol. Thanks to those who've reviewed, esp. goldstranger - you're my hero for this fic - but I'd love to get more feedback from you guys! I think Shal/Eliza's feral side is pretty much gone, but she still remembers her experiences and feelings from when she was feral. Hence remembering about feral body language etc. But as to whether it will stay that way... well, we'll see won't we! Apologies for any Shal/Ella name inconsistancies, it's hard trying to think of her as a different person!
"OK, Ella. This one's yours."
"Sir?"
"The stunts you've pulled over the last few weeks, I want to see you lead a team in. I'm bored of handing over to you half way through a cop. Just keep him calm and do what you do. We're all watching him if he starts to slip."
"Yes sir."
They came in the back door, the situation described for them by the people who had gotten out of the building and had stayed around to watch the action. A young man, they had been told, held the people at gunpoint. He seemed to be talking to himself, they said; he kept clutching at his head like it hurt him. Sounded like a psionic to Eliza, but it could just be another druggie looking for a way to pay for their next hit. She never expected to be right on both accounts.
"David!? What the hell are you doing - put that gun down now!" Granger watched Eliza open mouthed. What was she doing? Her posture was nothing of the submissive that she had been showing the others and she didn't even have her gun out. Going up against an armed crim. without her gun, what was she thinking - was she thinking at all. He couldn't overrule her now, he'd given her the operation, but if it got her killed he didn't know what he would do. "Does Adam know you're here, huh? What would he say about this? I can't believe you would do something like this."
"I'm sorry Shal, I really am, but the dope helps me keep control. I got fired from my job because I lost control."
"Why didn't you go back to Adam?"
"I tried, Jesse got mad at me." Eliza frowned, that didn't sound like Jesse at all, but then she hadn't seen them for over a year, maybe things had changed. She felt a deep sadness as she thought of her old friends. She couldn't help but miss them.
"So you resorted to this?"
"I don't have any money Shal. I need the money for the drugs."
"You shouldn't need the drugs, David. Put the gun down, lets phone Adam and see what's going on, OK?"
"You don't work for him no more?"
"No, David. But I know how to reach him."
"OK." The gun was handed over, butt first and she handed it back to a shocked-looking Granger. "I can always keep control for you Shal. You were always my favourite."
"Thanks David, that's great." She turned to Granger again. "I'll ride back with him, it'll be safer that way, trust me."
"What ever you say girl. Whatever you say."
It seemed so innocuous, the simple band of silver. She knew it wasn't that simple in truth, but it seemed it. She knew it would change as she slipped it onto her finger, and become something more. Why did that scare her so much. Shalimar slipped the ring back into her pocket unused as Granger appeared in the office. "So Ella, 'Shal' huh? And who's Adam." Eliza sighed, she had been prepared for this, expecting to have to explain herself when someone recognised her as who she used to be.
"You know I spent some time on the streets? Well back then I was Shal."
"This guy Adam was your pimp?" Eliza flinched. That had been the first thing that had come to mind when she was organising her cover story, dismissed immediately, of course.
"No, he runs a Sanctuary, to get people back into real work. Out of the way and off the streets. He funded housing and we paid him back whatever way we could."
"Now there's something that doesn't go on your CV. 'Servicing rich paedophilic bastard with a kind heart.'"
"We didn't 'service' him Granger, we did work for him. Cleaning, odd jobs, some body guard stuff, deliveries..."
"Drugs trafficking?"
"You're not going to believe me if I tell you it was all above board are you?"
"Sorry 'Shal' but I know these guys. It's never 'above board'."
"I'll settle for knowing I'm right and you're wrong."
"Well, that guys going to have to be picked up soon or he's going to spend the night in the cells."
"I'll phone Adam now." She assured him.
Granger snorted to himself. "Above board" he murmured, shaking his head. Eliza sighed as he walked away. She'd never expected to have trouble explaining to anyone how Adam was the good guy.
She wandered over to the public phone, picking up the receiver and hiding her hand as she slipped the ring on. She pretended to dial a number as she activated the comm. system.
"Adam are you there?"
"Adam's out at the moment. Who is this?" A female voice replied. Eliza was sure she recognised the voice, but then that wasn't surprising, Adam had probably chosen a feral out of those that were already in safe houses to replace her.
"It's Eliza. I need to talk to Jesse, or Brennan, or Emma. Anyone."
"Anyone but me?" The voice seemed to spit down the line. "Look I don't know what it is with you guys, but I'm part of the team now, OK?" Eliza could almost hear the feral's anger vibrating down the line.
"I'm sorry, it's just that I know that the others know David, the psionic, and I'm not sure if you do."
"Oh. OK then. Give me a minute." There was a moment's silence and an irritated voice came on the line.
"What is it?"
"What a greeting when we haven't talked in a year!" She laughed down the line. "And before you say anything, it's Eliza remember." She warned.
"Eliza!" Jesse shouted.
"Hey Jesse."
"I'm sorry, I've been on the computer too long, it makes me grouchy. Why'd you call. Not that I mind or anything but... It's good to hear from you."
"Yeah, you too. But I have some information for you. There's a psionic in the cells at the city police station that needs picking up. The police here have a problem with Adam so I think it might be better if one of you comes down to claim him. He was arrested trying to pull off an armed robbery so you better be ready for fight for him. He's back on the drugs."
"Aw hell. I thought he'd be OK."
"He said you chased him out when he tried to get in contact with Adam."
"Yeah. I was having a really bad day. It was Nikki's first week and... well we don't get along very well."
"Nikki Rogers?"
"Yeah, Adam said you knew her from before I came to Sanctuary."
"Nikki is my replacement! How cool! She'll be great. Oh, it's been so long since I've seen her, how is she?"
"She's fine..."
"Why don't you get along?" She asked, catching up with what he's said.
"I don't know. She's kinda arrogant. Very confrontational."
"She's feral Jesse. I was like that."
"Yeah, but..."
"She'll calm down Jess. Just you see." Eliza turned to find someone standing behind her waiting to use the phone. She was glad she'd thought enough to keep the receiver to her ear. "Look, Jess. I have to go. Just come and get David before he gets into more trouble and stop taking out your irritation on everyone else. I love you, bye!" She called as she put the phone down and deactivated the ring. She offered the person waiting a small smile and headed over to her desk, placing her head in her hands on the wood. Nikki had taken her place on the team. That was great. She was a perfect candidate, so why did she feel so terribly sad and so very jealous? She had thought that life was perfect... She checked the time and, shutting down her computer, she left the office, slipping a thin gold band onto her ring finger as she got into her car. Life is perfect. She assured herself. Life is perfect.
