Rainne: I thought I was the only one who used the word Squee. :D
Beth: I see terry cloth for some reason. Dark blue or black. Heh.
Theshadowcat: so, where the hell's MY CHOCOLATE then? LOL.
note: been having a bitch of a time getting Abe's thoughts to Rielle bolded, dammit. His Thoughts Are Typed Like This... so if it doesn't go through right, at least you'll know. stupid ffnet sometimes. grr
Chapter Fifteen
Rielle:
Two Hours Later…Abe, Broom and I were sitting around in the office again, waiting for Hellboy to come back from a shower and a change of clothes. He was ordered to bring Lavinia as well for breakfast/discussion, but that was half an hour ago. I was almost tempted to look for them, but the oak door scared me. Well, no, what was outside of that door scared me.
When Red finally woke up a while ago, his hold on my leg and waist loosened immediately. I would have laughed if I weren't promptly gasping for breath. He apologized and checked on my injuries even after repeated assurances that I was fine. After that he pretty much kept quiet, all but the stretch that cracked bones and the yawn that shook the walls and woke Abe up. A cup of coffee later and he was out the door to shower and fetch Vinny. I couldn't help but notice that the tension was back between us, although lessened by our closeness during sleep. He didn't say more than five words to me.
What, you expected everything would get better overnight?
While we waited Broom and I discussed the Norse Pantheons and I was more than a little surprised to learn that many of the old gods were still around in one form or another. I wasn't really a religious person, but the mythology was interesting nonetheless. Abe interjected before Broom could explain more and told a rousing tale about the BPRD's encounter with a physical incarnation of Loki that had me in tears of laughter within minutes.
Lavinia and Hellboy showed up in the middle of the story and Red jumped right in to supplement. Vinny just gave me a strange look and sat down, trying to catch on to what the guys were talking about. I just shrugged, wiped my eyes and listened to them argue about who Loki was more pissed at, while Broom shook his head like a beleaguered parent.
It was cool, like last night never happened, like we were old friends having breakfast together and nothing bad had ever happened. I knew it wouldn't last but I tried to enjoy it while I could. The only person who felt 'off' was Lavinia, who kept giving me sidelong glances and kept her mouth shut except to take coffee and pastries from Broom.
A few pots of coffee and tea were consumed before matters turned more serious. Inside I was screaming for a cigarette and some fresh air (an oxymoron, I know), but I couldn't ask for one, not now. Anyways, who knows what my status was outside of this room? For all I knew, as soon as I stepped foot outside this room I'd be shot on sight. Thank the gods this office has a bathroom.
Broom:
As the boys chattered and argued, the girls remained relatively silent, observing the chaos that always occurred when those two got to fighting. I put a stop to it when it got down to petty name calling, and the boys listened immediately… except my son whacked Abraham on the back of his head with his tail before seating himself on the chair near the girls.
Boys… I still call them boys, and they're both grown men and taller than me…I smiled inside. They may be bigger but even Abraham could act like a four year old when provoked enough, and who better to bring that on than my own adopted son?
I did not need to be psychic to feel the string of tension between Miss Cyr and Miss Asaiken. I only hoped that the problems between the two former best friends could be resolved quickly, I could tell the distance hurt Rielle quite a bit. But realistically, the betrayal was significant and I knew Lavinia would not forgive it completely. They may be friends again, but the lie was bad enough that I didn't think they would ever be as close as they once were. Love is one thing, trust is something completely different. You can love somebody to death but trust is something that needs to be earned and kept up. Rielle had a lot of work ahead of her.
I felt a pang of regret for ever bringing those two girls into the base. I discounted it quickly though. Better that the secret came out here amongst allies than somewhere else with enemies. Didn't stop the torture even so.
Matters were discussed over yet another pot of coffee, mostly the consequences of last night's 'incident' with Ackland. Rielle was understandably concerned over what would happen to Abe for doing what he did to Ackland, a man who was high enough in military rank to command respect. I explained to the group that before I went to bed last night, I contacted a few of my 'people' and argued my way through to not having Abe executed immediately. The government was not happy with what happened to Ackland and the situation with Miss Cyr, but I convinced them to let me deal with Abe myself, that he was an integral part of our operation and could not be done without.
The group was visibly relieved, Abe himself included. What everyone but me failed to notice is Lavinia's hand firmly grasping his. I don't think she even noticed. The picture in my mind of the redhead and the fish-man was now firmly planted and I was glad he made a friend, even if he didn't know it yet.
'The Rielle Situation' as I called it was a little more complicated. Unfortunately, Tanner spoke to the government officials before I did, and must have sent them some mixed messages which was enough to get them interested. Predictably they were doing their own research and would likely find out some of what she told us all last night, but to what extent, I didn't know or care to even think about right now. It wouldn't take long though; even to get around the obvious lies Tanner told them. Rielle would likely be considered a danger to society and be locked away, or sent back to her own country to be dealt with accordingly. Either option did not please me.
When I spoke with them, they asked that both women be detained until further notice, until they figured out what to do with a rogue agent and an innocent civilian. They also promised to keep their mouths shut and their investigation as much a secret as possible, but I knew that no matter how careful they were, some outside agencies would have the technology and/or the power to discover what they were researching. But that would have to be dealt with later.
Until then, I supposed that it was my responsibility to care for Rielle and Lavinia and I would do so without any misgivings.
After I explained this to the children, Lavinia protested.
"We're being detained?" She shot off her chair and began pacing. "You mean I'll have to sit in a jail cell?"
I shook my head in the negative. "No, you can stay in your old room. You didn't do anything wrong. It's just that your affiliation with Agent… Miss Cyr has put you under suspicion. It won't take long to clear your name, and after that I'm sure you'll be free to leave."
Lavinia glared openly at Rielle, who had her head firmly planted in her hands and stared at the floor. Lavinia just shook her head and kept pacing until Abe laid a calming hand on her and led her back to her seat. I could be mistaken but I may have heard her growl.
I could barely hear the regretful whisper from Rielle when she asked, "What about me?"
Sighing, I answered as best I could. "I can't tell you that yet. I'm not the one to make that decision, but when it's made…" I sincerely didn't know how to finish that sentence so I left it hanging.
"Yeah. Okay." She said, sounding thoroughly defeated.
The answer was given about an hour later, but not by official government endorsement.
Miss Asaiken was sent off to retrieve some more of the women's belongings from their apartment in town. By Tanner's orders, two heavily armed guards were sent with her, as a security precaution he claimed. Now having been released from the Medical lab he was in vengeance mode, and I could hear his anger over the phone as we discussed how to get this done to both of our liking. Thankfully he was distracted by something 'urgent' and had to end the call.
Before Lavinia left, Rielle timidly asked me if she could bring her car here for safekeeping, just in case. I agreed, as there was plenty of room in the mechanical bay to host her vehicle, and ample security to keep it safe. She seemed much attached to it so I had no problem approving that. Even Lavinia stated no objections, for she must have known her friends love for her car and quite possibly shared it. There was the unmistakable glint of lust in her eyes when Rielle asked her to drive it here.
She was gone less than half an hour before Tanner burst through my door with a few soldiers in tow and a smug grin on his face. Thankfully Hellboy had gone to the gym to work out; I shuddered to think what could have happened had he been present.
Rielle was currently 'using the facilities', so it was just Abe and I in the room when Tanner stomped in, ordering his soldiers to fan out and find the girl.
Abe's anger rivaled mine. I didn't have time to open my mouth before Abe was on his feet demanding an explanation.
Tanner just grinned wider. "This may be the Professor's office, freak, but this is my base. I can walk where I choose. Now, where is Agent Cyr?"
I firmly chided myself for thinking about taking Tanner's knees out with my cane. I couldn't have done it anyways. Something small but fast flew out and hit Tanner right between the eyes, knocking him back a few steps. Guns were raised at the girl standing across the room with her arms crossed and a look of pure hatred on her face. A dark voice emanated from her as she coldly addressed Tanner.
"I've said it before, and I'll say it again. If I ever hear you or anyone here call him a freak again, it doesn't matter what you do to me, I'll bust your mother-fucking head open like an overripe melon."
I believed her. Apparently so did Tanner.
Rielle:
Guess he doesn't like being threatened… too bad.
Tanner's men promptly had me on the floor and my arms cuffed behind my back. I could hear Broom and Abe protesting my treatment but I couldn't see what they were doing, as my nose was firmly planted in the plush carpet. I idly wondered if I could get rug burn from all the carpet action I'd been getting in the past couple of days. Too bad it's not the right kind of carpet action, huh Ellie?
I heard Tanner's voice rise above the yelling of the soldiers and the loud arguments coming from my friends. "Interfere with this and I'll have this freak-show shut down for good! Now back off, Doctor Sapien before I have you arrested."
He amplified the word freak just to piss me off, I knew it. I couldn't bust his head open like I wanted to so I growled at him instead. Be still now, get vengeance later.
"You have no right to do this." Broom argued. I wish I could see his face. Tanner's loafers backed away from my face and turned to the right, presumably to face off with the Mad Hatter.
I could hear them bantering back and forth but for some reason their voices dimmed… just enough to let one single thought through.
Distract Him For Me Rielle, came a soft voice at the back of my mind, and I lifted my head off the floor to watch Abe take a cautious step towards Tanner. I didn't even bother asking why he asked such a strange thing, but I knew Abe wouldn't do anything to endanger me. Strangely enough I trusted ol' Fishboy.
"Hey Tanner," I spoke up, causing Tanner to get his attention off of Broom and onto me. "How's your nose?" I asked with a smug grin that made him turn bright red.
Abe took another step closer to Tanner as his back was turned, I saw him silently reach a hand out to touch him, or at least get close enough to get a full reading.
Nice… Keep Going.
Abe's hand hovered barely an inch away from Tanner's cheap suit-jacket, and I wondered why the soldiers surrounding me didn't say anything.
They Don't Like Him Either…Tanner ordered the soldiers to bring me to my feet. They grabbed the chain on my cuffs and lifted me up so I was eye level to the balding bureaucrat. I plastered a sadistic grin on my face and stared him in the eye.
"What? Want a repeat of last night?" I twitched forward a little like I was going to head butt him again, and I could tell it took all of Tanner's strength not to jump back. Luckily he didn't or he would have felt Abe.
I leaned forward just a little more, as far as the soldiers behind me would allow, and went almost nose to nose with Tanner. "I could bite that smashed piece of cartilage right now if I wanted to…" Then I snapped my teeth like a dog. This time Tanner did jump but by now Abe had removed his hand and stepped back.
Abe gave me a wink so I backed down. He looked an inch away from smirking outright.
"Get this bitch out of here." Tanner ordered, shaking himself a little before stalking away with me and the soldiers behind him. I gave a questioning look to Abe as I passed him and he gave me a smile that said absolutely nothing. Damn him.
Just Be Good For A While, We'll Find A Way To Get You Out.
I heard his threat. If freeing me endangers you or the others, don't do it. Tanner had threatened to close the BPRD down, and although I wasn't clear on what the BPRD was exactly, I knew that it would severely affect HB and Abe. I would NOT allow that to happen.
It Won't. It May Take A Couple Of Days, But We'll Free You. I Have A Plan.
By then I was out the door, unable to see Abe's face but hearing him just fine in my head. Good Luck. I sent as a final thought. I didn't think Tanner would make it easy for them, but I'd underestimated my fish-buddy before.
Abe:
YES! I got him! I could have cheered aloud if it weren't for seeing the Professor standing there red as a beet and shaking with pure hatred for Tanner. He actually looked like a little old Hellboy at that moment; I suppressed a grin at the imagery. Seeing the Professor with horns would be too much.
"I should have done it, I should have done it…" he was mumbling so quietly I had to strain to hear him.
"Done what?"
The Professor looked sharply at me and I was assailed with a vision of an insane Dr. Broom taking out Tanner's knees with his cane, then proceeding to beat him mercilessly with it. I could not help it this time, I started laughing. Even Broom cracked a little smile and his color paled just a little.
"That man, if you can rightly call him that, deserves worse." Broom stated as he leaned on his cane and walked to his desk.
"He'll get it." I reassured him. Karma and all. I was not a firm believer in karma but once in a while I really wished it was real. If anyone deserved an ass-kicking by a senior citizen, it was Tanner.
I watched as Broom dug through his books, and finding what he was looking for, turned and gave me a squinty eyed look. Drat.
Instead of yelling at me, Broom shrugged and said, "I knew you would find it one day." He poured us both a stiff drink from his half empty bottle of old scotch and handed me one. It was a little early, but if he needed the support, I'd get as plastered as he wanted.
I found myself wondering why my thought processes had changed so much in the past week or so. Ever since the two women showed up, I realized I'd 'loosened' up a little. Here I was drinking, again, without provocation from Hellboy. I'd also stood in front of a man who was at least twice my size and reduced him to tears, all in defense of someone I really was not sure about, and although I've done some interesting and quite dangerous things in my life here with the BPRD, this seemed… different. What else would happen to me while these girls were here?
Frankly I couldn't wait to find out.
"So, what did you read off of Tanner?" Asked Broom, peering at me from under his bushy white eyebrows and a smirk hidden by the glass.
I sorted through the information I got from Tanner and related the most important points quickly. "First off, he has a rather annoying case of hemorrhoids that has been making him irritable."
I paused as Broom choked on his scotch. He waved a hand at me to continue as he coughed. I shrugged. "Okay. Second, he plans on selling Rielle to the highest bidder before the government can do anything about it. He really wants out of this particular subdivision of the government, and is willing to switch sides if the price is right. He sees Rielle as an opportunity to do so."
"That son of a bitch," said a grumble from behind me. I'm surprised I didn't feel him come in; his presence was as loud as they came. Hellboy took the bottle from his father and chugged the rest. He looked rather angry despite his recent workout. A quick read told me he already knew about Rielle being dragged away in cuffs, a piece of news he didn't even have to intimidate a guard for.
Broom didn't even seem to care that his son pretty much chugged a very expensive bottle of scotch and burped right in front of him.
"So, you gonna tell me what the plan is?" Red nudged me with his right hand, obviously stating that I damned well better tell him.
Just to keep him in suspense I answered, "Nope," in the aloof tone he hated so much. Broom chuckled at us again and looked at his empty glass sadly. "But we must move quickly if we want Rielle to stay alive for more than 48 hours." I can think of a few governments who'd love to get their hands on her.
thanks for reading!