Thorny Rose

Chapter Four: The Plot Thickens

By: Ree

Pairing: Ryo/Dee, Berkley/Ryo

Rating: R

Ages: Thank you to one of my reviewers! Now I can say that Ryo is around 27-28, Dee is 26-27, and Berkley is in his mid-30's. Thank you very much for that review, it's really helped.

Summary: Berkley Rose is used to getting what he wants. What he wants is Ryo and he's bound and determined to get him no matter what the cost. Taking advantage of Dee's leave of absence, he begins his carefully planned seduction of the naïve man. What will Dee think when he comes back?

Disclaimer: I do not own Fake. The series is Sanami Matoh's, so don't sue me because ya won't get anything.

Author's Notes: Thank you to all of my reviewers! I appreciate all of your comments and I hope that you're enjoying the story as much as I am writing it!

The next day dawned bright and warm as Ryo rolled over in his bed and immediately curled up in the midst of his many pillows. Cracking open a lazy eye, he groaned a bit and stretched, glancing casually over at the clock. When he saw the time, he sat up and pushed the warm covers off his body. It's a good thing it's warm out today, otherwise I'd opt for staying in bed, he thought with a smile as he got up, yawning and padding to the coffee pot. Pouring himself a cup, Ryo took the first sip of the hot liquid and felt his body start to wake up. Glancing out the window while occasionally sipping his drink, Ryo began to plan what he was going to do for that day. Not only did he have to visit the mental institution, but he also had to go see the parents of Garret's friends. Deciding that he'd grab something for breakfast on the way out, Ryo went to shower and get ready for the day. Choosing something more casual, a T-shirt and blue jeans, he laced up his sneakers and grabbed his keys, wallet, and the file with the addresses on it before heading for his car. Sliding into the driver's seat, the chestnut-haired man started the engine and headed off.

"Let's see...the first address is for Jason Matthews...I hope that his parents are home," he said and turned onto the highway.

Heading for a similar upper class neighborhood, Ryo studied the large hotel that he had come across. This is where they live? It was ritzy, that was certain, and it had a lot of different guards stationed around the entrance and lobby. Handing his keys to the valet, he headed inside. Getting in line at the information desk, he waited for a few minutes before it was his turn.

"Welcome to the Ritz-Carlton, how may I help you?"

"Yes, I'm looking for Mr. and Mrs. Matthews, could you direct me to their room, please?"

"Mr. and Mrs. Matthews live on the topmost floor in the penthouse with their son, Jason, but I think that Mr. Matthews is home. May I inquire as to the nature of your business with them?"

"I'm sorry, but that's confidential for now. Thank you for your help and have a nice day."

Ryo turned and headed for the elevators at the other end of the lobby. Pressing a button and waiting, he wondered what the family did if they lived in this hotel. Must be a high-paying job, considering it costs a fortune to live here, he figured as he stepped into the elevator and pressed the button for the topmost floor. Waiting patiently, he continued to go over what he knew in his mind, occasionally stepping aside for other people to get onto the elevator. Finally, it was only him and a young boy with blonde hair that looked around 12-13 years old. Waiting for him to get off, Ryo was surprised when the boy stepped onto the floor of the penthouse. So, the elder followed him, tapping the preteen on his shoulder.

"Excuse me, you wouldn't happen to be Jason Matthews, would you?" he asked in a polite voice.

"Yeah, that's me. Who are you and what are you doing here? Did security actually let you in?"

"Yes. My name is Randy McLean, I'm with the 27th Precinct, and I came here to speak with your parents. Are they home?"

"You've got to be kidding me."

The blonde-haired kid let Ryo inside and tossed his bag onto the floor before going to the sitting room. Ryo had never seen a penthouse before and his eyes widened as he took in all of the ostentatious things the family had. There was a vase he had seen on auction one day sitting on a pedestal in a corner, a large tapestry that looked ancient, there were marble floors and Oriental rugs, and the furniture was made of a black material that Ryo was quite certain was suede.

"Well, are you going to sit down?" Jason asked as he stretched out on the couch, glancing at Ryo.

"Oh, uh, yeah, I was just admiring all of the things in your penthouse. Are your parents art dealers?" Ryo asked as he managed to make his way over to the other couch without breaking something.

"No, but my dad bought this hotel and now we're loaded," the other explained. "So, why are you here? I know it's not to admire my parents' furniture and since they're not here, I'll have to do."

"Well, I came here to discuss the murder of Garret Warner. Was he a friend of yours?" he asked as he sat down.

"Garret was my best friend...he and I knew each other since we were kids. We both grew up in the slums until our parents managed to strike it rich. My parents said they won the lottery but I don't buy it. As a matter of fact, there's been this strange guy hanging around..."

"Strange guy?" Ryo asked, looking concerned and writing things down. "Did you hear his name?"

"Yeah, my dad called him Ed."

Ryo's eyes widened as he heard that name. "Jason...did you manage to get a good look at him?"

"Sure did, he's over here a lot. He's a tall black guy with long hair done in dreadlocks that are usually pulled back in a ponytail. He always wears sunglasses, but I don't know why. Oh, and he's usually dressed in an Armani suit, even though I have no idea what kind of business he's in."

Well, it looks as though our old friend Ed just couldn't stay hidden forever. If we get him this time...Ryo smiled as he finished writing notes. "Did Garret ever say anything about anything strange?"

"Now that you mention it..."

"Yes?"

"He usually had a limp on him whenever I saw him. It was as though something had hurt him, but he never told me what it was. Detective...you'll find the guy who killed Gare won't you?"

Ryo gave Jason an encouraging smile. "Yes, I promise that I'll do my best to put the guy away."

"Thanks. Gare was my best friend and I can't stand the thought of the guy that killed him walking free."

Putting his notebook away, Ryo knelt down next to Jason. He could tell that the blonde was trying not to cry, just as Bikky had the very first time they had met. It's so hard to lose your best friend...he thought and pulled the boy into a hug. At first Jason resisted, refusing to give in to his grief, but then he gradually broke down and his shoulders shook with silent sobs. Stroking the boy's hair, Ryo sighed.

"I don't know if it's going to be too safe for you with your parents, Jason. Do you have anyone you can stay with?"

"There's my Aunt and Uncle...I suppose I could always stay with them. Why do you ask?"

"Because just in case something happens, I don't want you to be the next victim. I need you to stay safe and warn all of Garret's friends that have blonde hair and are about your age to stay with someone they trust at all times. Can you do that for me, Jason? I've got to put this guy away."

"Yeah, I can do it."

"Good. Now I suggest you get packing, because I don't know how long this is going to take. Thanks for all of your help Jason, and I want you to make sure that you stay safe, no matter what."

Nodding, the blonde ran off to his room and Ryo got to his feet, glancing worriedly back at the kid. If he stays with someone other than his parents, than maybe Ed won't be able to find him, Ryo rationalized as he headed for the elevator. Waiting for it to arrive, he began to think. If the parents suddenly got rich...and Garret always seemed to be walking with a limp...but what does it all mean? As he headed for his car, Ryo couldn't help but wonder what the connection was. Thinking he'd get some more answers at the mental clinic, he headed through New York City until he managed to reach a large country house in the suburbs. It was surrounded by gardens and a fountain, which didn't give it the right vibe for a mental hospital. What surprised him even more was that just as he got out of his car, he saw Berkley talking with someone in front of the house. When is he going to take a hint?

"Commissioner, what are you doing here?" Ryo demanded as he came up the stairs to the front of the house.

"Ah, Ryo, good to see you made it. I saw this address and I figured I would give you some help with this investigation. Did you get any answers from the kids you went to talk with?"

"Yes, Jason Matthews gave me some of the answers I was searching for. Apparently, his parents have been inviting Ed over for some reason. The same Ed as the one who injured Diana before."

Berkley narrowed his eyes and looked thoughtful before turning back to the person he'd been speaking with. "We need to see the head psychiatrist now. There isn't a lot of time for delay."

"I'm very sorry Sir, but as I said before, Dr. Pricet isn't in today. But you're welcome to speak with Scott Warner's doctor, Dr. White," the woman replied and gestured for them to go inside.

"Thank you, come along Ryo," Berkley commanded as the two of them headed inside. "So, what else did you find out?"

"I also found out that Jason and Garret's parents both became extremely wealthy even though the two boys had grown up in the slums. Also, whenever Jason saw him, Garret always had a limp."

Looking deep in thought, Berkley tapped his chin for a few minutes before realization spread across his features. He turned to Ryo with a serious look. "Have you figured it out yet, Ryo?"

"What do you mean?"

"In order for me to confirm it, I'm going to have to talk with this Dr. White. Wait here for a minute."

Ryo sat down, looking confused as he began to think. What did he mean? Berkley wouldn't lie to me about a case...it sounds though as if he's got it all figured out. Trying to figure out what his superior had figured out, Ryo didn't notice Berkley had returned until he was tapped on the shoulder.

"So, what did you find out Commissioner?"

"We'd better discuss this outside."

His look was grim as he led Ryo outside and to a secluded place outside the walls of the institute. Looking grave, he ran his hand through his hair and adjusted his glasses before speaking.

"It turns out that Scott Warner and Kyle Matthews were known pedophiles, confirming what I had thought."

"What do you mean, sir?"

"If I'm correct, then Scott Warner sold his son to Ed. This event is similar to the one we encountered a few years back. Garret was then used to service clients that Ed found for him, which explains why he walked with a limp and also why his parents suddenly became rich. Don't you get it yet, Ryo? The parents are selling their children to Ed so they can become rich off the profits their kids get by sleeping with people."

"What? Oh God, that actually makes sense! How could those parents do such a thing to their kids?"

"It's sick and twisted, that's for sure...but all I know is that we have to nail him. The question is, how?"

Ryo looked thoughtful before looking up to say something. As he did so, his mouth was once again covered by Berkley's lips. This time, there was less dominance in the kiss, and it was sweeter, reminding Ryo of Dee. He tried to summon the will to shove Berkley back, but he couldn't seem to do it. Struggling to just raise his hands and push Berkley away, Ryo felt like they were made of lead. After a few moments, the elder released Ryo as the younger man gasped.

"Well, it seems as though you aren't complaining now. I'll see you tonight, Ryo, and don't be late."

Berkley turned on his heel and headed for his car. Ryo's eyes widened as he touched his lips. Oh no...what was I thinking? Damn, I should have just punched him in the face and been done with it! Why didn't I push him away? Sighing heavily, he sat down in his car for a moment, putting his head in his hands.

"Because the kiss reminded me of Dee...damn, I shouldn't have done that! Now it's going to just give Berkley more ideas! He'll think he can get away with doing that again!"

Punching his knee in frustration, he groaned and decided to just head home. Next time, I'm going to be ready for him. He won't do that to me again. Driving out of the mental institute, the chestnut-haired man was bound and determined to punch Berkley's lights out if he tried that again.

Whoo, another chapter down! This time the plot is thickening...not only does Ryo have to deal with Berkley's advances, but now he's got to make sure Jason doesn't become the next victim. The Ed that they're talking about is the one in Book 3 who was working with the psycho who murdered girls that looked like prostitutes, in case anyone forgot. R&R please!

Ree