{*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*^*]*~Multiverse Mysteries~*[*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*}
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*~6~*
Chapter 11:
Lawyers, Lairs & Loopholes
{*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^} *-Magnus-*-Magnus-*-Magnus-*-Magnus-*-Magnus-* {*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^}
"So what room is your dad in?" Magnus asked, glancing over, brow quirking curiously.
Caleb smiled, shifting the duffel bag on his shoulder.
"404, it's just a bit past the elevators, eighth door on the left."
Magnus nodded, smiling reassuringly. Alec shifted, glancing over at Caleb, leaning back against the wall of the elevator, head tilting.
"And you really think he's gonna be able to identify them?"
Caleb took a deep breath as the soft chime sounded signaling their floor, the doors sliding open silently.
"God I hope so." He breathed, again shifting the duffel, , shrugging somewhat helplessly.
"I-I really don't know what else to do. This was my last ditch effort. If it doesn't work I really don't know where to go next. He doesn't know us- he just doesn't. We've tried to explain but he just gets agitated and suspicious. It's frustrating and really hard not to feel hurt or angry about it but it's not like it's his fault that he can't remember his own kids and there's just nothing any of us seem to be able to do to get the wheels to start turning again.
I mean telling someone who sees you as a total stranger that he's in fact your dad is just really weird. It feels like a scam and like I said he's never been the overly trusting type. Thankfully we've mostly moved past him thinking it's some kind of trick or something but that's about the closest thing to progress we've made.
We've talked to him- me and my sister- and we've tried going over some family pictures and stories to jog his memory but nothing has really been clicking. He just gets really upset and angry. Not at us but at himself for not being able to remember or he gets really depressed that so much of his life is just missing for him and he'll try so hard to force himself to remember but the doctor said him pushing on it like that could make it take even longer so we're all just kinda stuck in limbo." He sighed, shrugging faintly, giving a bit of a hopeless wave, head shaking.
"We've even moved over to calling him by his name rather than dad because when we'd call him that he's just get agitated or depressed. I really don't know what else to do." He sighed, shaking his head faintly, slipping out the door, the two detectives falling into step beside him.
Caleb glanced over, catching Alec's eye, flashing a faint smile.
"Thank you again for this detective. I know you're really sticking your neck out for me here. You have no idea how much this means to me."
Alec sighed, flashing a somewhat apologetic smile that didn't quite reach his eyes, shrugging faintly.
"I just wish we could do more. I get why you did it- I think near anyone would. Given the circumstances I don't think it was wrong but you did break the law a-"
Caleb flashed a somewhat sad smile, reassuringly waving him off.
"I know…I know it was a huge risk. I know I broke the law. I knew it when I did it. I really thought I had it all worked out and I could get the artifacts, get here and get them back and no one would be the wiser but I'm not naïve enough to not have thought that if I messed up or if someone found out there'd be some major repercussions.
I know what I did and why I did it. I'm not gonna try to lie or play it off like it was anything else. I'll fully cooperate with the investigation and face whatever is coming to me. I'll take full responsibility- freely admit to everything, whatever you need. I knew the risks when I did it…but-"
"-It's your dad, and it was a chance. What you saw as one of your last chances. You had to take it." Magnus finished softly.
Caleb sighed, nodding, steps faltering as they neared the door to room 404. He shifted, swallowing, hesitating for a moment, glancing over at the two detectives somewhat unsure.
"W-what if he doesn't?"
Magnus sighed, giving a faint shrug and a fluttering little wave.
"Then you keep trying. You do what you can, take it one day at a time and you start building new memories with him. You rebuild your relationship and your family. Let him see you and your sister and what wonderful people you are and let him see the family he has. It's all you can do." He settled closer, reaching over, resting his hand comfortingly on Caleb's arm, squeezing gently.
He pauses, breath catching, feeling a buzzy little thrill slip through him, a near electric kind of tingle, the whisper of a low, rhythmic, thrum and soft voices ringing in his head overlaid with an oddly familiar beat. He shifted, swallowing, deep eyes sparking curiously, head tilting, flashing a faintly knowing, reassuring smile, again catching Caleb's eye, squeezing his arm.
"But I think it's gonna work. I have a good feeling about this and I'm pretty intuitive- maybe even a bit psychic."
Caleb huffed out a faint breath of a laugh, brow quirking, shaking his head.
"Yeah, I don't really believe in that kinda stuff."
Magnus gave a soft chuckle, leaning closer, giving a faint shrug.
"Well fortunately you don't have to believe in something for it to work for you. I'm telling you sweetheart, I have a really good feeling about this."
He sighed, shrugging, head shaking faintly.
"Well I'm glad one of us does."
He huffed out a soft chuckle, smiling, gently nudging him towards the door.
"Well you'll never know if you don't try. Go ahead, you got this…I know you do. I sense it."
Caleb huffed out a faint chuckle, rolling his eyes before flashing a nervous, grateful smile back his way, beginning to reach for the door handle. Magnus shifted, catching his arm lightly, tugging him back.
"Start with the drum." Magnus said softly, gesturing towards the duffel bag, flashing a curiously knowing little smile.
Caleb blinked, head tilting in faint confusion, brow raising. Magnus chuckled, shrugging, brow quirking right back.
"Just trust me…"
Caleb paused for a moment, brow furrowing in confusion before just kind of deflating, shrugging somewhat at a loss.
"Sure, why not…as good of place to start as any." he mumbled, giving another shrug, shifting a bit closer to the door, hesitating a moment more before turning, lightly wrapping on the door before opening it, slipping into the room, flashing a warm, soft smile.
"Hey Ben. How are you doing today?"
Magnus and Alec slipped inside the room, stopping just inside the door. There's an older man setting in the bed. He has dark grey, clean cut hair, a rich copper complexion and somewhat sharp, angular features. At the door opening he begins to set up but falters, wincing, shifting uncomfortably, bracing himself on his elbows.
Caleb's breath catches, quickly moving to his side.
"Here let me help…" he said gently, shifting the duffel bag off his shoulder, setting it on one of the visitors chairs, quickly reaching forward, lightly resting his hand on the older man's back, helping him to a setting position, lightly fussing with the pillows behind him.
The older man huffed exasperatedly, shaking his head, waving him off.
"I'm fine- I coulda got it. Just a little twinge. I was starting to think you weren't comi-oh…" he paused, trailing off as he catches sight of the two standing near the door, head tilting suspiciously.
"Who's this?"
Caleb started faintly, flashing an overly bright smile, gesturing towards the two detectives.
"Oh umm…t-these are detectives Magnus Bane and Alec Lightwood with the SBPD."
Ben started, blinking in surprise.
"Detectives? What are y-I thought they had all the issues with the accident worked out? Is there something else o-"
Caleb swallowed, shaking his head, taking a deep breath, nervously faltering.
"Umm…n-no they're kinda here for me."
Ben shifted, dark gaze slipping over him a flicker of concern and faint distrust shimmering in his near black eyes, shifting back a bit.
"For you? What did you do?"
Caleb swallowed, faltering, nervously shifting.
"I-w-well-"
"Oh wow, that SO did not come out right." Magnus chuckled, smoothly stepping forward, shaking his head, settling next to Caleb's side, holding his hands up placatingly, flashing a bright, charming smile at Ben.
"Sorry sir, bit of a misunderstanding. See what he means is we're here with him. We're working a case at the museum. He's their head of security.
Last night there was a burglary at the museum and we're the ones who caught the case. Caleb here has been helping us work it out- that's why he hasn't been up here earlier. Think he's a bit tired; don't really think he registered just how badly that came out." He chuckled again, rolling his eyes in bemused exasperation, gesturing towards Caleb, continuing.
"It's more than understandable really; Caleb here has been absolutely indispensable to our case. We actually have a fair bit more to deal with to get this wrapped up and put to bed but when he mentioned you being here and that he was supposed to be by to see you today we wanted to make sure he got the chance to come down before visiting hours ended.
It was the least we could do after all the help he's been on this case. Between his security knowledge and his extensive historical knowledge he's really been a lifesaver on this case. No way we'd of been able to solve it without him.
Isn't that right Alec?" he paused, shifting, glancing over at the taller detective.
Alec startled rather adorably, blinking in confusion. Magnus caught his eye, brow quirking expectantly, prodding him on.
"Huh?-w-Oh! Oh yeah…" Alec stammered, nodding quickly, shifting, folding and unfolding his arms, flashing an overly wide, somewhat nervous smile, nodding again.
"Y-yeah…yeah…he's really been invaluable. We definitely couldn't have solved this one without him." He finished, again smiling, nodding once more, trying his best to pull his expression into a convincingly honest, believable expression.
Magnus just barely managed to keep the groan and face palming internal.
Oh dear lord, he has got to teach this guy how to bluff better…
Or invite him to play poker…
Maybe strip poker…hmm…that's-uh w-wait…wait…time and place Magnus, reel it in dude…
Magnus shook off that rather pleasant little mental spiral, chuckling faintly, settling closer, flashing a much more convincing smile at the older man, nodding, gesturing over to Caleb.
"He's right, he's really been something else on this."
Ben blinked in surprise, setting up faintly, curiously glancing over at Caleb, head tilting.
"You helped solve a police investigation?"
Caleb blinked, glancing at the two detectives, brow rising faintly in surprise before shifting back to his dad, shrugging, reaching up, scratching at his neck.
"I-y-yeah…kinda."
Magnus chuckled, rolling his eyes, nudging his shoulder, playfully scoffing, waving him off.
"Listen to him 'kinda'. He was absolutely exceptional! He's just far too humble for his own good." He shrugged, flashing a playfully impish smirk, head tilting towards Caleb.
"Fortunately I've never had that little hang up. He was amazing, helped us clear the case in no time. He's brilliant and shrewd and would absolutely go to the ends of the earth for others. You don't see that nearly enough. It's really rare to find someone so upstanding, compassionate and intelligent.
He's a wonderful man, his parents must be incredibly proud- they did an absolutely amazing job." He smiled, catching Ben's eye, noting the more relaxed pose and the little flicker of a smile that shifted over his face before shifting to something somewhat troubled.
Magnus smiled warmly, settling a bit closer, reaching over, lightly resting his hand on Caleb's arm. Ben shifted, giving a faint nod, swallowing.
"I'm sure they are." He mumbled softly, voice tinged with sadness, glancing up at the taller man apologetically, a twinge of guilt and remorse flickering in those deep nearly black eyes.
Caleb smiled gently, reaching over, lightly resting his hand on Ben's shoulder, gently squeezing, catching his eye, flashing a softly understanding smile.
"I know he is. I've never doubted it." he smiled gently, squeezing his shoulder once more before shifting his gaze from the older man back to the detectives, flashing a grateful smile at Magnus.
Magnus returned the smile, nodding, once more gesturing towards Caleb.
"He really is one of a kind. I've actually been trying to talk him into going into the academy; we could really use someone like him on the force. He's a wonderful person and a truly exemplary guard. Think he'd make a remarkable officer- and not just cause he's basically a tank and could probably count as a full on SWAT team." He chuckled, nudging his shoulder, flashing a playfully impish smile before it softens to something more genuine, shifting back over to Ben, continuing.
"He has a lot of integrity, ingenuity, intelligence and strength of character. Those are things you can't teach- a person either has them or they don't. Caleb here has them in spades. He's exactly the kind of person we need in the department."
Caleb laughed, blushing faintly, shaking his head, waving him off, with a sheepish, somewhat flustered shrug.
"I-like I said thanks but I really like where I am right now. It kinda feels like I'm where I'm supposed to be. Besides I don't really think I'd get nearly as many chances to use my history degree." He chuckled, catching his eye, flashing a relieved, totally grateful smile before shifting back over to his father, gesturing towards the two detectives.
"But yeah, sorry for being so late. I know the other day I said I'd be in early this morning. I really had every intention of coming in then but with the break in and everything they really needed my help. It was my day off so unfortunately I didn't have as much info as I'd of liked but I know our systems like the back of my hand and could answer any questions they'd have about the museum, security systems, our regulars any recently suspicious activity and anything about the exhibits.
We've been combing over everything and the day just kinda got away from me. That's why I haven't been able to come up till now. It was my day off but I'm still head of security. Ultimately it is still my responsibility to handle anything like this. Still I'm really sorry about the wait."
Ben gave a soft huff of a laugh, smiling, waving him off.
"Hey you were helping with a police investigation. Pretty sure that kinda tops just about anything."
Caleb smiled softly, shaking his head, giving a bit of a shrug.
"Not EVERYTHING…I really didn't want to miss getting down here today." he took a deep breath, again squeezing Ben's shoulder.
Ben smiled, reaching over, lightly patting his arm.
"Well I appreciate that but I would have understood if you couldn't make it." he paused, head tilting, something seemingly occurring to him.
"Didn't you say you had something to show me or some kind of surprise?" He shifted, catching sight of the duffle bag setting on the chair, nodding towards it.
"What do you have there?"
Caleb started faintly, standing up straighter, nodding quickly, turning, quickly striding across the room, grabbing the Duffel bag, moving it over to the hospital bed, carefully settling it on the bed next to the older man. Ben blinked curiously, head tilting, looking over the bag, shifting faintly, a complicated mix of emotions flitting behind those deep, near black eyes.
"What is this?" he hesitated, glancing up.
"More family pictures? Sorry I really am trying b-"
Caleb shook his head, smiling gently, waving him off, reaching up, again squeezing his shoulder.
"No, no, not pictures…this…" he trailed off, shifting closer, carefully unzipping the bag, shifting it down around the sides to reveal the medicine stick, the bow and quiver and the drum.
Ben froze, blinking in surprise, gaze sliding over the artifacts in amazement. He shifted closer, reaching over, hesitantly brushing his hand along the medicine stick, carefully picking up the bow, turning it in his hands, running his finger along the smooth edge, tracing along every scuff, scrape carving and nick.
He swallowed, taking a deep breath, head shaking faintly, gaze shifting from the treasured items up to Caleb, an expression somewhere between amazement and confusion on his face.
"T-these are my father's-"
Caleb swallowed, nodding, shifting closer, nervously brushing his hair back.
"Yeah…they're him, yours…ours. Our families. I-I just thought- I don't know…I mean you seem to remember your childhood and that kinda thing really well. Figured these were a big part of that. I thought maybe they'd help…you know?" He paused, giving a faint shrug, reaching forward, carefully picking up the rawhide drum, shifting it, holding it partially under his arm, settled along his side in a comfortable, natural position.
Ben smiled, nodding softly.
"I think it was a really good idea. Thank you for this." He shifted more towards Caleb, head tilting curiously, gaze flickering over the taller man, brow quirking curiously, gesturing towards the drum under his arm.
"You're holding it right…you know how to play it?"
Caleb blinked, giving a faint shrug, nodding.
"I- yeah...my Grandpa taught me."
Ben chuckled, nodding, shifting, settling more comfortably.
"That makes sense. I never could get the hang of the damn things; I just could never find or keep the rhythm. When we'd go to the annual powwows they actually got to where I was forbidden from going anywhere near the drums."
Caleb huffed out a faint laugh, nodding animatedly, smile brightening.
"I know! You're why it took grandpa three extra years to convince them to let me have a go of it!"
Ben laughed, nodding, giving a somewhat helpless shrug.
"Hey, I did try! I just could never get the hang of it." he chuckled again, pausing, head tilting curiously, brow rising, gesturing towards Caleb and the drum.
"But you could?"
Caleb smiled, nodding, bouncing lightly on his feet.
"Yeah, I got it pretty good. I seemed to be a real natural and could pick up near any song almost instantly. I had a real knack for it.
Maybe too good of a knack…" he chuckled, shaking his head, rolling his eyes before seemingly catching himself- and Ben's somewhat confused look.
Caleb blushed, awkwardly shifting, reaching up, scratching at the back of his neck, shrugging somewhat sheepishly.
"I-uh…I kinda got my own ban for a bit too..."
Ben blinked, brow quirking curiously.
"Yeah?"
Caleb nodded again, blushing brighter. Ben chuckled, smile picking up a tic, dark eyes sparking in amusement, setting forward.
"Well mine was from the time I got the beat so far off it ended up causing the dancers to crash into each other and resulted in two twisted ankles, a split lip, a black eye and multiple concussions." He chuckled, shaking his head in amusement, giving a somewhat helpless shrug and a bit of a wave.
"I couldn't even really argue with them on that. I mean being somewhat flat or a bit off tempo is one thing but when you're so bad at it it ends up resulting in injuries and hospital bills it's probably time to throw in the towel." He chuckled again to himself, shaking his head faintly, dark eyes sparkling in amusement before glancing back up, catching Caleb's eye, brow quirking questioningly, lip tugging up in an amused little quirk.
"What was yours for?"
Caleb blinked, shifting, cheeks coloring all the more, giving an embarrassed little smile, shrugging.
"Uh…W-well see at one of them there was this really cute girl and I really wanted to get her to notice me. I'd talked to her a few times but just hadn't really seemed to make much of an impression or really catch here attention but I noticed she was wearing a band shirt so when it got to my part of the beat in the song instead of playing the beats for the traditional song I played the beats fo-"
"My Generation by The Who!" Ben finished with an exasperated laugh, rolling his eyes shaking his head in disbelief.
"And I thought I'dflubbed during my drumming debacle! At least mine was just a total lack of rhythm and coordination. I couldn't believe you pulled that, y-…" he trailed off, freezing, blinking in shock, looking up at Caleb in amazement.
Caleb was looking back with a perfectly matching expression. He shifted, swallowing, nervously, reaching up, brushing his hair back.
"I-y-yeah…y-you…you remember that?"
Ben blinked, swallowing, nodding slowly, blinking again.
"I-I do…I do! I remember that…I remember it perfectly…" he huffed out a faint, breath of an almost elated laugh, swallowing again.
He took a deep breath, reaching up, subtly rubbing at his eyes, wiping away a relieved tear. He took another deep breath, clearly trying to get ahold of himself, setting up a bit, shifting, brow quirking near teasingly, pointing animatedly at Caleb.
"And it wasn't a cute girl you were trying to impress- you told me it was but it was the curly haired boy working the concession stand at the fairgrounds where the powwow was held."
Caleb shifted, blushing faintly, giving a somewhat helpless shrug.
"Well okay he wasn't a girl…but he was really cute…and it did get me his number." Caleb huffed, rolling his eyes, giving a playfully annoyed glare, pointing.
"Unfortunately you grounded me."
Ben huffed exasperatedly, rolling his eyes, eyes widening, animatedly gesturing.
"Damn right I did! You broke into a rock anthem in the middle of centuries old traditional hymn! Besides he was WAY too old for you."
Caleb huffed, rolling his eyes right back, a teasing smile tugging at his lips at the clearly familiar argument, waving him off.
"No he wasn't! He was a freshman."
Ben snorted.
"Yeah in college! You were fifteen! You were way too young for him."
Caleb relaxed, laughing, a near visible weight shifting off his shoulders, settling closer to his dad's bedside, setting the drum down, animatedly gesturing.
"I wasn't too young! I was very mature for my age."
Ben snorted, shaking his head, gesturing right back, entire being seeming to lighten, to relax and settle into the clearly familiar dynamic.
"You weren't mature, you were just tall!"
Caleb laughed brightly, eyes widening, bouncing lightly on his heels animatedly gesturing.
"Hey I was both! And anyway i-"
Magnus reached over, fingers brushing against Alec's arm. Alec glanced over, brow quirking, Magnus nodded towards the door. Alec nodded, taking the cue the pair subtly slipping back, stepping out of the room, pulling the door.
As soon as they had it shut Magnus gave a soft, delighted breath of a laugh. Alec glanced up at him, catching his eye, a warm, relieved smile tugging at his pretty lips as well, shaking his head faintly, soft smile tugging into a full on grin.
"Oh thank god…I'm so glad that worked."
Magnus laughed softly, animatedly nodding, leaning back against the wall.
"You and me both."
Alec smiled, settling against the wall next to him, nodding. He gave a faint, relieved sigh, relaxing, shifting more towards Magnus, turning to face him, head tilting curiously.
"Hey I gotta ask? How'd you know the drum would do the trick?"
Magnus smirked, shrugging casually.
"Like I said, I'm psychic."
Alec snorted, rolling his eyes, laughing softly, pretty smile flashing soft and warm, gorgeous pear colored eyes slipping over him curiously.
"No really, how'd you know?"
Magnus huffed out a soft chuckle, half-heartedly, turning more to face the other detective, giving a fluttering little wave.
"Eh, just a feeling. I figured the drum would involve more senses than the rest of the artifacts. He can not only see the artifact and remember it in his mind's eye from his childhood but he can feel the texture of the leather, the smell of it, hear the sound and the percussions, the music he heard as a child, music he has a deep personal connection to that was likely something he shared with his children the same way his father would have with him.
Music tends to touch us in a way not a lot of other things can manage. Just seemed like they'd have a lot to connect with on that. Music can have a real impact on our memories. I mean think about how easily you can get a song stuck in your head. Or how long it can be since you heard a song and you hear those first few notes and it all just comes flooding back. Songs and music link to us, connect to us, touch us in a way that not too many other things do.
Add in music that you have a deep, treasured personal connection to- a cultural connection and it just felt like the best shot at really reaching through the fog and helping him connect." He trailed off, giving a somewhat demure shrug, reaching up, tucking a soft, teal tinted lock of hair behind his ear, subconsciously fiddling with his dragon earcuff, glancing up, waving faintly.
"I don't know, like I said, just a feeling." He sighed faintly, smiling.
"I'm just glad it all worked out and we got this dealt with."
Alec begins to nod before pausing, shifting, sighing, head tilting, giving a faint shrug and a near apologetic wave.
"Well…not entirely. We're still gonna have to take him in-"
Magnus started, setting up.
"Wha- but his dad recognized them. That proves his story. That they're his-"
Alec nodded, giving another shrug.
"I know but that doesn't change anything. They were theirs. Unfortunately now by law they now belong to this Mr. Hartley."
"Thad." Magnus all but spat.
Alec sighed, nodding apologetically.
"Yeah Thad…"
Magnus shook his head.
"But he swindled them! He stole from his own family. He tricked a poor, confused, dying man- he stole them. No way would Ben's father have given them to anyone but his son. You heard how they talked about them. These weren't just dusty old decorations tossed into a corner or trotted out to impress guests at parties. These were the centerpiece of their family.
They were everything to the man. This slimy, smarmy cousin cheated them."
Alec nodded, holding his hands up placatingly.
"I know! I get that and I totally agree it's a really screwed up situation but by law he now owns them."
Magnus scoffed, shaking his head.
"Well the law is wrong. And I seriously doubt whatever he pulled was lawful."
Alec nodded, shrugging faintly.
"I agree completely. I don't like this anymore than you do. The guy sounds slimy and shifty as hell. I hate having to do this but there isn't a choice. He broke the law, we need to take him in."
"Bu-"
Alec sighed, shaking his head.
"No Mags, I know. I get it. I hate this just as much as you do but we can't just pick and choose what crimes to solve just because the perp happens to be a better person than the victim. I'm really sorry Mags, but much as I'd like to we just can't.
We need to solve the case." He sighed, shifting closer, reaching forward, lightly resting his hand on Magnus's arm, squeezing.
"Sorry…"
Magnus blinked, freezing momentarily before shivering, breath catching, blinking again, giving a quick, faint nod.
"I-no…you're right. We do. We need to solve the case…" he paused, glancing at the door before shifting hopefully back to Alec.
"But…I-I mean…do we have to do it like right this second? Can we at least give them the evening?"
Alec took a deep breath, hesitating, beginning to shake his head. Magnus perked up, holding his hand up, bouncing lightly on his heels.
"Okay at least a bit of time. We can at least give them a little time. Come on, he's just had his first breakthrough. That's huge. We can't just trod all over that. Visiting hours end at eight. Give them till eight. Give ME till eight."
Alec blinked, head tilting curiously.
"Give you till ei-why-what-"
Magnus shifted, standing up straight, bright, deep eyes sparking bright and excited. He smirked, bouncing lightly on his heels, holding his hands up placatingly.
"Just trust me. Give me till eight and I can do this. I can solve this case, clear Caleb's name, solve another case and right a near two decade old wrong."
Alec blinked, head tilted curiously, brow rising.
"You can do all of that in…" Alec paused, glancing from Magnus down to his watch, glancing back up.
"In an hour and forty-five minutes?"
Magnus smirked, shrugging casually, brow quirking right back in playful challenge.
"Yup…no sweat."
Alec blinked again, huffing out a faint laugh.
"How?"
Magnus smirked.
"Told you, I'm psychic."
Alec snorted, shaking his head, rolling his eyes. Magnus shifted closer, catching his arm, squeezing, tugging pleadingly.
"Come on gorgeous, please? Just trust me, let do this. Just give me till eight and I can fix everything. We can even post a uniform at the door a-"
Alec shook his head.
"No, we're not doing that."
Magnus gasped, beginning to shake his head.
"Alexander ple-"
Alec smiled, holding his hand up, flashing a faint smile.
"I mean no to the uniform. I'll stay here, guard the door. Right now I have the suspect and the stolen property in my possession. I'm not passing that responsibility off to some rookie. This is my case- our case. This is on me."
Magnus snorted, smiling impishly.
"Man, nothing like putting on the pressure."
Alec chuckled, shrugging, settling comfortably back against the door. He took a deep breath, shrugging, brow quirking in faint amusement, gesturing towards the elevators.
"Go do what you gotta do…"he glanced up catching his eye, holding up a finger.
"But I sure as hell hope you know what you're doing. That was a long list you had there and we have a lot riding on this. It's my ass on the line here."
Magnus chuckled, smirking, gaze sliding slowly over him before moving back up, shifting a bit closer.
"Well that right there tells you just how sure I am I have this…No way I'd risk something that nice on something that wasn't an absolute sure thing. After all than what would I stare at during cases?" he smirked, flashing a playful wink.
Alec sputtered, Magnus chuckle, shrugging.
"Oh sweetheart please; as if you don't sneak a peek at mine every chance you get."
Alec flushed adorably, glaring, waving him towards the elevators, pointedly ignoring the flush raising in his cheek and tingeing the tips of his ears.
"Just go! You're burning daylight."
Magnus chuckled, flashing a flirtatious smirk and a playful little salute, turning on heel, practically sashaying to the elevator knowing exactly where the oh so pretty detectives eyes were gonna be trained. As he reached the elevator he turned, seeing Alec's eyes quickly flick up, cheeks flushing at being caught out.
Magnus chuckled, winking once more as he stepped back into the elevator, playfully blowing a kiss as the doors close on the pretty, flustered detective. Magnus chuckled once more before reaching into his pocket, fishing out his phone, hitting Raphael's number.
There were two rings before it connects.
"Hel-"
"Hey Raph? Sorry to cut right to the chase but I'm kinda on a time crunch here. I need a lawyer- you got a good one in town?"
Raph chuckled.
"Mags? I'm a quasi-supervillain/kingpin nightclub owner. I have teams of lawyers in every city I have a club in. I had them set up here before I had myself set up here. Just send me whatever details you have and what you need them for and I'll forward them to the best team for it.
Anything else you need?"
Magnus huffed out a faint chuckle.
"Yeah, you don't happen to have a bounty hunter handy anywhere, do you? I need to find someone quick."
Raph chuckled.
"Eh, not technically. But I do have an ex NSA operative technopath capable of hacking any camera system in the world and a pyrokinetic former Mossad agent who ducked out of work early today.
Thinking they could use a little side project…"
Magnus smirked, dark eyes sparking bright, nodding approvingly.
"That'll work."
***1 Hour and 35 minutes later*** {*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^} *-Alec-*-Alec-*-Alec-*-Alec-*-Alec-* {*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^}
Oh man come on Mags, you said by eight…I can't put it off much longer. We had our interview with Caleb at quarter past five. It's recorded and time stamped. Evidence needs to be checked into the evidence lock up within three hours. Any longer than that and it raises questions about chain of evidence and tampering.
Alec took a deep breath, glancing over once more towards the elevator before shifting back over to Caleb, giving a faint shrug.
"I-sorry. He said he'd be back by now. He really sounded like he thought he had something."
Caleb smiled, shaking his head, waving him off. He settled closer to his side, glancing in through the door at his dad sleeping peacefully in the hospital bed, smiling softly, gaze shifting from his father back over to the detective.
"Hey no apologies necessary. I owe you guys big time.
It worked. His memories are coming back. I don't know what Detective Bane was trying to do, I'm sure he has something he's working on but honestly…I-I don't even care right now…" he huffed out a soft, relieved laugh, shrugging, smiling widening all the more.
"I really don't. It worked. He's coming back to us. My dad is getting his memories back. He's remembering me and my sister and our family. I don't care about any of the rest of it. I know there are going to be consequences; I know there will be repercussions. I will face anything coming to me. Whatever it is, it's well worth it.
You guys helped me. You helped me get my dad back. I could never thank you enough for that." He smiled again, turning towards him, extending his hand to shake.
Alec smiled, grasping his hand, squeezing tightly, shaking, giving a faint shrug.
"I just wish we could have done more for you."
Caleb chuckled, again waving him off.
"You did everything for me. Everything. You managed to give my father back his family. I'm so very grateful. And like I said; I will take full responsibility for my actions. I will. I'll cooperate with the investigation; face whatever consequences are coming for me. All of it. Whatever it takes. It is so much more than worth it."
"That's a lovely sentiment but unnecessary…" a soft, smooth voice murmurs from just beside them.
Caleb and Alec start at the voice mere inches away, neither of them had heard so much as a whisper of movement. The two turn as one, eyes landing on a somewhat short, strikingly handsome red headed man with sharp, exotic features and dark brown eyes. He's decked out in a sleek, absurdly expensive looking midnight violet suit and has a curious, somewhat dangerous looking smirk. The guy smiles, sharp gaze flickering curiously over Caleb. He blinks, eyes lingering appreciatively before shifting over to Alec, standing up straight, holding out his hand.
"Hello Detective Lightwood; so nice to meet you. I'm Todd Nguyet, head of Mr. Lequoia's legal team." He all but purrs, voice smooth and rich like honey with an oddly melodic kind of lilt.
The strange man shifts forward, catching Alec's hand, giving a firm, quick shake, those oddly bright, dark brown eyes flickering curiously over him. Alec swallowed shifted somewhat uncomfortably under the oddly unsettling gaze. There was just something off about it. It felt like the man was looking right through you, like he could see the inner workings of your mind, see into your very soul. Alec pasted on a faintly suspicious smile, nodding.
"Uh…y-yeah…good to meet you too."
Caleb blinks, glancing between the two of them, head tilting in confusion.
"I have a legal team?"
Todd chuckles, those odd reddish brown eyes shifting from Alec back over to Caleb, sparking in interest, flashing a smooth, bright smile. The strange man hums softly, slinking closer to Caleb's side, reaching over patting his arm comfortingly. He blinks, head tilting in an oddly animalistic kind of way, brow quirking, hand lingering on Caleb's arm, shifting up to his bicep squeezing firmly. Those oddly reddish brown eyes flicker excitedly, smirk tugging up a bit more, giving a low, approving little hum, oddly bright eyes slipping once more over the taller man, a fair bit slower this time, settling closer still.
"Mmm…yes you most certainly do. And no worries handsome, you're all clear, everything's all taken care of."
Alec blinked shifting closer, hackles rising, something about the shifty little red headed lawyer man setting off alarm bells in his head.
"And…what do you mean by that?"
Todd blinks, head tilting again in that odd, near animalistic kind of way, those oddly sharp, unsettling eyes shifting from Caleb over to him, deep, penetrating gaze seeming to pin him to the spot. Alec swallowed, shifting, trying to cover the little shiver at what felt like an icy phantom touch slipping down his spine.
Todd chuckles softly, giving a flick of a wave, flashing a teasing little smirk.
"Well you're a bit of a jumpy thing, aren't you?"
Alec blinked, standing up straighter, brow raising to his hairline.
"Not usually…unless I have a damn good reason to be."
Todd outright laughed at that, holding his hand up in a placating gesture, waving Alec off.
"Now, now, no need for that detective. And no worries about the reaction- kinda get that a lot." He chuckled again, giving another shrug.
"Just a bit of a knack I have. It can have it's drawbacks but it does come in pretty handy in my practice.
All I meant was we have Caleb's case all sorted out. Everything's all cleared up. My team was just tying up all the loose ends…in fact they should be done right about…now.." he murmured, head tilting again in that animalistic kind of way, giving a fluttering gesture towards the elevators.
As if on cue the door slide open silently six people slipping out. Four people- three women and a man in absurdly expensive looking suits are kind of surrounding the two in the center. The blonde woman and the man in the front of the procession are both carrying matching briefcases. The two women in the back- a tall, strikingly beautiful Asian woman and a woman with sharply styled reddish bronze hair and a rich golden complexion aren't carrying anything in their hands but unless Alec's mistaking they both ARE carrying.
It makes Alec a fair bit weary but the hospital has pretty extensive security protocols and the security was on it. They'd checked both his and Mags's credentials when they arrived. If the two women are armed they also have licenses and permits to be…so some kind of security detail maybe?
Hopefully…
In the center of the four there's a man and a woman. Alec recognizes the woman as Maiara, Caleb's boss and friend. She looks rather angry, though Alec really doesn't know if that's about the theft, them accusing her friend, the fact that her friend WAS in fact the culprit or about seemingly being near forcibly escorted into a hospital by a pair or lawyers and their bodyguards.
The man in the center of the group isn't at all familiar. He doesn't look angry…he looks terrified and does not seem there completely of his own free-will.
Umm…okay…crap…
Alec doesn't really know what's going on here but he doesn't think it's good. The four surrounding Maiara and the mystery man set off pretty much every alarm Alec has. It's odd, they don't look overly dangerous- I mean yeah the security detail is a bit unsettling but security being intimidating is pretty much a given. But what's throwing him is the armed women are the least unsettling of the group. The two in front of the group set off every alarm Alec has and he can't for the life of himself figure out why. Hell the woman has Barbie blonde hair and the features to match and the guy is nearly a full foot shorter than Alec and looks like he's all of a hundred pounds soaking wet- and yet there is a near palatable aura about the pair that all but screams at Alec to be careful.
Though part of that could be the clearly terrified, twitchy dude in the center of the group that looks like he's half a step away from fainting or wetting himself.
Yeah…something's off here…
They group comes up to the three. Alec shifts a bit, stands up to his full height, towering over the newcomers, kind of subtly moving between Caleb and the approaching group. From behind him he hears Caleb's breath catch, he can practically feel the taller man tensing.
Alec shifts closer, folding his arms, glaring intimidatingly. The four surrounding Maiara and mystery man clearly catch the change in his pose. Worryingly they don't seem impressed, merely amused.
Umm…yeah…he's again going with crap…
"Okay detective, alright, easy there, down boy…these are my associates." Todd chuckles, rolling his eyes, slipping over a bit closer to the group, turning to face Alec and Caleb, pointing at the new comers, beginning with the blonde woman.
"This is Katarina Hastings, Sasha Apinya, Akira Nero and Layla Hilderbrand. They're no threat, just here to help.
This is Mr. Lequoia's legal team." He shifts, giving a near dismissive flick of a wave toward Maiara.
"And of course you already know the lovely Ms. Diamond the museum's curator and my delightful clients boss and confidante…" Todd smirks knowingly, head tilting towards the twitchy dude who keeps looking nervously at the 'law team'.
"And Mr. Lequoia- Caleb?"
"Hu-wha-…"Caleb started, seemingly coming out of a faint stupor, gaze shifting from Maiara and the twitchy man over to Todd.
The shifty little lawyer man caught his eye, sharp dangerous smirk shifting to a surprisingly warm, near coaxing smile, shifting a bit closer. He sighed, shifting closer to Caleb, reaching over, lightly resting his hand on the taller man's arm, squeezing gently.
Caleb blinked, gaze shifting over Todd, shifting a bit closer, shrugging, reaching up, scratching at the back of his neck.
"Uh…s-sorry…I didn't hear you. What was the question?"
Todd blinked, a soft, warm little chuckle slipping out, smile warming faintly, giving a fluttering wave.
"No worries handsome…I didn't even ask it yet."
Caleb blinked in surprise, cheeks coloring faintly, gaze again flickering over the shorter man, a fair bit slower this time. He swallows, taking a deep, kind of shuttery breath, nodding shakily.
"Oh well…good...so what was the question going to be?"
Todd chuckled again, nodding, settling closer, again squeezing his arm before sobering faintly. He stands up straighter, holding up his free hand, gesturing to the jumpy, jittery man in the center.
"Caleb Lequoia, do you recognize this man?"
Caleb sobered as well, standing up straighter, shifting, glaring, giving a sharp, sure nod, fingers flexing, hands balling up in anger. On the other side of Caleb Alec blinked in confusion, gaze shifting from the oddly twitchy man over to the suddenly tense, glaring behemoth of a man
"Oh yes…I know exactly who this is." He murmured, dark eyes flashing bright, taking a rather menacing step forward.
At this the twitchy man finally seems to register him. He freezes, blinking in surprise, gaze shifting over Caleb. There seems to be a flair of recognition in his deep near black eyes- though whether that's actual 'I know this man' or 'oh crap I'm in trouble' Alec doesn't know…it could be either…or both.
And looking between the two and catching a few telltale similarities Alec's almost certain it's both and he's also almost certain he knows exactly who the twitchy little man is…and he's suddenly rather grateful for the oddly intimidating quartet.
If this is who he thinks it is the more obstacles between Caleb and the man the better.
O-okay…so this might be good…but it can go really bad…
Especially if they don't find a way to deescalate the situation quickly.
That might be easier said than done.
Damnit, how is he going t-
Beside Caleb Todd seems to perk up, those odd reddish brown eyes sparking excitedly. He hums softly, shifting closer, reaching up, resting his hand on Caleb's shoulder, hand slipping over, coming to rest at the juncture of Caleb's neck, long, oddly delicate looking fingers brushing lightly against Caleb's skin.
"Mmm…Relax handsome, you're fine."
Caleb shifted, the sharp uptick of tension seeming to just evaporate. His stance relaxes, the rigidity to his back and shoulders relaxes, his fists unclench. He seems to subconsciously shift closer to Todd, kind of leaning into the touch. Caleb's eyes flicker closed, he takes a deep breath.
He swallows, dark eyes blinking open, gaze shifting over to Todd, head tilting curiously. Todd smiles, shifting closer, hand sliding over, squeezing his shoulder.
"Alright gorgeous, Alright, I get it. I know how tempting it is but he's really not worth the effort."
Caleb huffed out a faint laugh, brow quirking, giving a bit of a shrug and a flickering gesture towards the twitchy little man.
"Not like it'd take much of an effort."
Todd snickered, head tilting concedingly, gaze flickering again over Caleb, pointedly lingering on his arms and shoulders.
"Mmm…I bet it wouldn't…" he sighed, bright, sharp gaze slipping over him once more before shifting back up, catching Caleb's eye, shrugging.
"Even so he's still not worth the stress it would cause you…" he paused, smirking, brow quirking.
"Besides my ways a hell of a lot better…and it'll hurt him a lot more." He smirked impishly.
Alec swallowed, shifting, subtly moving closer to be ready.
"Um…now when you say hurt-"
Todd chuckled softly, rolling his eyes, once more waving him off with a fluttering little flick of his wrist.
"Again down boy…he's fine. I mean he's completely screwed six ways from Sunday and likely ending up in the poorhouse- but otherwise fine." He hummed softly, taking a deep breath, standing up straight, again gesturing towards the twitchy little man.
"Caleb Lequoia, who is this man?"
Caleb scoffed, dark, sharp gaze flickering over him, glaring faintly.
"My second cousin twice removed; Thaddeus Hartley."
Todd smirked, nodding sharply, head tilting in that odd, animalistic type way, gaze slipping from Caleb over to Maiara.
"And Ms. Diamond, do you know this man?"
Maiara glanced over at the man next to him, gaze flickering over him before shifting back to Todd, nodding curtly.
"Yes. It's Mr. Hartley, the man who brought the artifacts to the museum…" s paused, glancing back over, expression sharpening.
"The man who SAID they were his families. Who said he owned them all his life…that they were all he had left of his family." She glared at him once more before shifting back over to Todd, giving a slight shrug.
"I pride myself on verifying the items exhibited, on verifying their origins. He showed me proof they were his, including pictures from when he was a child at reunions and his tribal I.D.
Everything checked out, it looked on the up and up…"
"But apparently it wasn't." she paused, taking a deep breath, shrugging, looking up apologetically, catching Caleb's eye.
"I'm so sorry Caleb; you know I'd never sign off on anything with shady origins. I really did check everything. It all looked legit. He even had family photographs of himself as a kid with them. I really thought he was telling the truth."
Caleb blinked, shifting closer, shaking his head, waving her off.
"Well legally anymore they are."
Maiara scoffed, shaking her head, waving him off.
"Caleb I've been a museum curator for over nearly two decades. I know the difference between 'legally' belongs to and rightfully belongs to and it is one hell of a big difference…" she sighed stepping forward, slipping between Katarina and Sasha, shaking her head, shrugging.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
Caleb shifted, shrugging, reaching up, nervously scratching at his neck, giving a bit of a hesitant wave.
"I-I don't know…I mean you hired me for the job. I didn't really have any PROOF proof. I mean I have family pictures with them- probably some of the same ones he showed you- but that's it. He has the documentation, the records and all the rest. All I have is my word and a few pictures." He sighed, shrugging, giving a somewhat helpless wave, reaching up, brushing his hair back, continuing.
"When we first met I didn't really know you. I knew you worked at the museum and you seemed really cool and I knew that you put personally sourced and put together the Navajo exhibit. I'd asked you about the exhibit and the items and you said they were part of a family's personal collection.
Piping up and saying 'yeah, MY family's collection' would seem really off and I didn't want you to think I was just taking the job to get a shot at stealing them or someth-" He started, holding his hands up placatingly, quickly shaking his head.
"And Maiara I know that's exactly what it looks like but I swear it's not. It was never anything like that. I really just tracked them down and I wanted to get to see them again. I loved having them in the museum, loved getting the chance to share my family's history with the public. We all did. My dad said he thought my grandpa would have loved this.
I never wanted to take them away. I just wanted my family to get to see and experience them again. I was never going to steal them. I'd never do that…I swear I wasn't I j-w-with my dad I thoug-"
Maiara shook her head, moving closer, reaching over, resting her hand on his arm, waving him off.
"Hey no-Caleb? It's okay- it's fine…Detective Bane explained everything. He said you we're just borrowing them. That you wanted them because you thought they might help your dad with his memory." She started, standing up a bit straighter, head tilting in concern.
"By the way did the-"
Caleb swallowed, smiling, nodding, shifting closer.
"Yeah…yeah they did."
"Oh Caleb, that's wonderful!" Maiara exclaimed, smiling brilliantly, darting forward, hugging him tightly.
Caleb laughed, nodding, wrapping his arms around him, hugging his tightly, another soft laugh slipping out.
"I know! Oh my god Maia, it was so amazing. It's coming back. I-it's gonna be slow going and it's gonna take a while but he remembered us. Me and Cami. God, Maia you don't even know."
Maiara sighed, nodding, hugging him again before pulling back, swatting his arm, glaring irritatedly.
"OW! Hey! What was that for?"
She scoffed, gesturing animatedly.
"For not telling me! You've been with us for three years and you never told me I had stolen artifacts in my museum? Artifacts stolen from YOUR family?"
Caleb huffed faintly, shrugging helplessly.
"Hey, like I said I didn't know how much you knew about it or how much you'd care when I first started there. I mean yeah you sounded like where the artifacts came from and how they ended up where they were mattered to you but- I mean- so would anyone in our field.
You can't really SAY you don't care if something's stolen so long as it brings in the crowds. After we got to know each other and I realized you weren't just saying what was the PC thing to say but you were truly being sincere I thought about explaining but then I thought it'd just come off like the whole reason I wanted the job was to get a chance to take them back…" he paused, deflating, giving a somewhat hesitant shrug, turning faintly, gesturing over towards Thad.
"And much as I hate it and as sleazy and underhanded as the way he went about it was technically they were his family's…and now they ARE now his."
"Actually, that's not true." Todd interjected.
Caleb started, blinking, looking over at the shifty little lawyer man, brow quirking curiously.
"What? What do you mean?"
Todd chuckled, slinking away from Caleb advancing on Thad. Katrina and Sasha seamlessly step aside as he approaches, clearing a path for him. He came to a stop just beside him, reaching up, slipping his arm around his shoulder, hand coming to rest on his shoulder, squeezing tightly. Thad flinched, paling, beginning to pull away. Todd gave another soft chuckle, grip on his shoulder tightening, tugging him back with a seemingly deceptively strong grip.
He shifts back to facing Caleb, keeping his hold on giving a casual shrug and a fluttery little wave, brow quirking right back.
"Well you see Thaddeus here was a bad boy…and an atrociously sloppy one to boot. He had the paperwork and he got it signed, got it pushed through using the fact that he was a blood relative and an easily bribed judge to expedite things and make it work as fast as he could. He was greedy and messy and sloppy.
Only thing with that is the judge has since been disbarred for this behavior. His cases have all been submitted for review. Most every one of the property disputes that have been handled in his case have been subject to reviews and near all of them have been thrown out." He chuckled shrugging, giving a fluttering wave.
"Your grandfather wasn't in any shape to sign the power of attorney papers or the reworked will. There was no actual witness- those who's signatures that are on the witness statements are the same witnesses signed on over two dozen other cases signed off by judge Mallam. Three of which were signed and witnessed at the same date and time as the one for your grandfathers will.
Turns out they weren't in any of the places when they supposedly signed as one was in court and the other one was in surgery. There were no witnesses and the signee was incapable of reading or understanding the legal documents he was to sign." Todd's smirk widened, grip on Thad's shoulder tightening, head tilting in that oddly animalistic way.
"This makes the contracts null and void." He shifted, giving a faint flick of his wrist, gesturing towards Katarina and Sasha.
In perfect sync the blonde woman and the man turn, smoothly setting their briefcases on the hospital chairs next to them, opening them, each pulling out a stack of paperwork, closing the cases, holding up the paperwork, all in perfect sync.
Huh…oookay…that's weird.
Caleb blinked, freezing, head shaking slowly.
"I-w-wait…wait…what do you mean? What does that mean?"
Maiara smiled, stepping forward.
"It means they're yours. I looked over the papers. They transfer back to you, your father and your sister. It says they belong to your family. They are not his…They never were." She sighed, shrugging.
"The artifacts weren't ever his to lease to us. You didn't steal them. They're yours…you can't steal your own property." She paused, glancing over at Alec, giving a faint shrug.
"Sorry detective. In light of this I'm gonna have to drop the case. I hope it's not too much trouble."
Alec huffed out a faint breath of a laugh, shaking his head, smiling.
"No problem at all. We were happy to help."
She smiled nodding.
"And I really appreciate all you did. Thank you detective." She smiled, shifting forward, extending her hand to Alec.
Alec smiled, taking her hand, giving a firm shake.
"Of course ma'am. I'm just glad it all worked out."
Maiara smiled, nodding before shifting her gaze from Alec over to Caleb, smile picking up a hopeful tic.
"I'm really hoping you guys will allow us to still display the artifacts, they're a huge hit. I can draw up some new paperwork for the leasing…with the real, genuine owners…at a much higher pay rate of course to compensate for this oversight…" she paused, head tilting, giving a faint shrug.
"From what Magnus said it sounded like you had quite the catalog of personal stories and passed down family history about them. If you'd be willing to share some of them with our guests I could probably negotiate an even higher amount. Only if you want to, of course.
What do you think Caleb?"
Caleb blinked in shock, head shaking faintly, giving a somewhat confused, helpless shrug.
"I-I think I passed out and am hallucinating this…" he swallowed, blinking, shaking his head.
"I mean yes, of course we can do that. My dad loved having them in the museum, we all did, and getting to share our culture and our family with others and I'd love to share our stories." He chuckled, shaking his head, blinking in shock, once more shrugging.
"I just really can't believe this is happening. I think I need to pinch myself-Ow!" he exclaimed, startling, looking over, rubbing his backside, looking over at Todd.
Todd smirked impishly.
"What? You said."
He sputtered.
"I said I needed to. And it's a figure of speech!"
Todd chuckled, shrugging, flashing a flirtatious little wink.
"Hey I'm a lawyer- I take everything literally."
Caleb huffed, shaking his head in disbelief, looking over the man, shifting closer.
"Okay seriously. What does this mean? I don't understand all of this and it seems way too good to be true."
Todd smiled, settling closer, giving a faint shrug.
"It seems like that but it's not. It's all true and all real and all legally binding. Thaddeus cheated your grandfather. He forged the paperwork and bribed people to sign as witnesses.
This means that the last version of your grandfather's will was null and void. It was not legal and not applicable. This means his previous will that was on file was the legitimate one." he smiled, shrugging gesturing towards Sasha.
"Sasha here has the copy of the most current- legally verified- will from your late grandfather. It has your father named as the main beneficiary and includes a rather substantial inherence along with the land and property. Regarding the artifacts it states that you, your father, and your sister share ownership three ways." He shifted, turning the other way, gesturing to the terrifying Barbie woman.
"And Katarina here has a full confession from Thaddeus detailing exactly how he went about his little scheme and how many other similar schemes he's pulled in the past. All of them are signed, notarized and have been submitted into evidence. They're being prepared for the case that is being mounted against your dear second cousin twice removed here…" he sighed, shrugging, brow quirking near teasingly.
"It's shaping up to be quite the case…" he smirked, shifting, gaze slipping from Caleb over to Thad, leaning in faintly, voice slipping low and melodic.
"And I am going to ensure I am there every last step of the way to make sure it goes as planned. Though it shouldn't be too hard. The poor guy has been utterly wracked with guilt over his actions, he's assured me he is going to cooperate with the authorities last every step of the way." He shifted closer, catching his eye, brow quirking.
"Isn't that right Thad?"
Thad gulped, nodding like a bobblehead, turning from Todd, wide, worried gaze landing on Alec in a near pleading expression.
"Y-yes- it's right. Totally right. 100%. It's all there, every bit of it…I-in fact there might even be some I'm forgetting.
I'll gladly make a full, complete confession on the record once you take me in…I really need to get this off my chest. I did cheat them out of their inheritance. I've done the same thing with over a dozen others. I've also forged the documents I couldn't dupe someone into signing and then submitted them after the person died. I also blackmailed three judges, five witnesses and two M.E.'s into signing collaborating statements and providing alibies or false evidence.
Oh I also have three paintings that were stolen from galleries, I haven't paid taxes in five years and I steal from the collection plate at church." He paused, glancing over at Todd, Katrina and Sasha, nodding again, shifting closer to Alec, hopefully glancing up at him.
"So that's a lot. You're gonna need to take me in right?" he glanced back at the 'legal team', again swallowing, shifting back to Alec.
"L-like now?"
Alec blinked, somewhat confused gaze slipping between the oddly intimidating quintet and the clearly nervous, jittery man. He swallowed, nodding, reaching into his pocket, pulling out his cuffs.
"Uh…yeah…yeah I think that'd do it. Thaddeus Hartley you have the right to remain silent, anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law, if you cannot afford a lawyer-"
"He won't be able to once this is done." Sasha chuckled.
Katarina gave a soft laugh, head tilting concedingly towards the wiry little man, oddly bright, icy blue eyes flashing curiously, glancing over flashing a wink at Thad. The twitchy man flinched, nervously shifting away from the blonde.
Alec huffed, blinking at the odd exchange, casting a quick glance at the 'lawyers' brow quirking, before continuing.
"One will be provided for you. Do you understand these rights as I've read them to you?"
Thad swallowed, gaze again shifting over the 'legal team' before shifting back to Alec, giving a quick, jerky kind of nod.
"You have to answer out loud." Caleb tossed out brow quirking faintly.
Alec startles as a soft chuckle next to him, turning, surprised to see Magnus settled a bit behind him, leaning casually against the wall. Alec blinked in surprise, head tilting curiously.
"When did you get here?"
He smirked, giving a faint shrug.
"A few minutes ago- didn't really want to interrupt…seemed like we were just getting to the good part." He paused, head tilting curiously, gaze flickering over Thad, brow quirking.
"You were saying?"
Thad swallowed, gaze flickering over him, nodding.
"I-uh…y-yeah…I understand. I know my rights." He glanced over at Alec, brow quirking hopefully.
"That means you'll take me in. Right? That I'm in your custody now…right?"
Alec blinked, gaze shifting around the truly bizarre scene, nodding slowly, stepping closer, catching Thad's arm, tugging him back away from the quintet of doom, turning him around, sliding the cuffs around his wrists.
"Yup, I'm taking you in. we'll get your full official statement and get the paperwork started." He flashed a faint smile at the group, nodding.
"Thank you all for your assistance with the, we really appreciate it but we can take it from here."
Caleb smiled, nodding, turning to Todd, nodding animatedly, reaching over, resting his hand on his shoulder squeezing.
"Yeah, really we do…I do. Oh my god you have no idea how much this means to me. Thank you so much." Caleb breathed, shifting closer, reaching over, resting his hand on Todd's arm, squeezing, flashing a bright, amazed, totally overwhelmed smile.
Todd smiled, shaking his head, waving him off, settling closer, reaching up, patting his chest, hand lingering.
"No problem handsome. Happy to help."
Caleb settled even closer, smiling brightly, hand slipping down Todd's arm, settling at his waist, squeezing, subconsciously tugging him closer still, shaking his head in faint disbelief.
"You did so much more than just help. These artifacts were everything to my family. Losing them was one of the worst things we've experienced- it felt like losing another member of the family. You gave that back to us. I don't know if I could ever repay you…oh!" he started, shifting.
"Speaking of that, how much do I owe you? I don't know how fast I'll be able to pay you back. I mean from what you said about the estate and all of that we should be able to afford it but I know these things take time a-"
Todd chuckled, shaking his head, waving him off, smiling reassuringly.
"No need gorgeous. We were hired by a concerned third party. We've already been paid in full…" he paused, shrugging, smirking.
"Besides, even if it wasn't I'd of taken this one on for free. Miserable slugs like your sniveling quasi-cousin are my favorite. I practically live for cases like this, getting to take people who think they're above the law or untouchable and ensuring they get what's really coming for them. It was a pleasure."
Caleb huffed out a faint laugh, shaking his head in disbelief.
"I-oh my god…really? I'm just…I'm just good?"
Todd hummed, gaze flickering over him, settling closer, again reaching up, resting his hand on Caleb's chest, humming approvingly.
"Gorgeous you are a hell of a lot better than just good."
Caleb flushed, shifting closer, a soft breath of a laugh slipping out, reaching up, scratching nervously at his neck, giving a faint shrug, dark eyes flickering over Todd, lingering appreciatively, fingers at Todd's waist flexing, tugging him closer still.
"I-w-well thank you…still I really wish there was something I could do to thank you for everything."
Todd smirked, shrugging, gaze flickering over him before slowly slipping all the way back up, catching his eyes, brow quirking curiously.
"You could take me to dinner?"
Caleb blinked, gaze shifting over him, swallowing, dark eyes sparking in definite interest, beginning to nod.
"I think I can do that…" he paused, giving a faint shrug.
"Though I should probably be honest. I've never been that good with lawyers. No offense, they usually seem like shifty, evil bloodsuckers out to prey on the weak and desperate."
Todd gave a soft low chuckle, slipping his arm around Caleb's, other hand reaching up, patting his bicep reassuringly.
"Oh no worries gorgeous. I'm not THAT kind of vamp…I don't suck blood."
Caleb flushed brightly, a near giggle of a laugh slipping out, shaking his head, nudging the shorter man, shaking his head in amusement.
"Cute…so what? Lawyers aren't really like that?"
Todd shrugged somewhat unconcerned.
"Eh some are. The crappy ones in any case. I don't really work that way."
Caleb huffed out a faint laugh, brow quirking, hand at Todd's waist, slipping down a bit, tugging him close still, squeezing faintly. Todd all but purred, leaning into the taller man, settling near flush against him. Caleb chuckled, gaze slipping over him again before sliding back up, catching those dark, oddly bright, reddish brown eyes, brow quirking.
"Ah, so you're one of the good Lawyers. One of the one's who isn't all predatory and shifty, yeah?"
Todd snorted, shaking his head, giving a fluttery wave, teasingly smirking.
"Oh god no! I'm as predatory and shifty as they come." He chuckled, shrugging, giving a fluttery, dismissive wave.
"I just prefer to target far bigger more challenging prey. The greedy, sleazy, insufferable and arrogant…those like your sniveling, smarmy little quasi-cousin who think they're beyond reproach. Those who think they can do what they want and get off Scott free just cause life seemed to break their way.
It's so much more fun and far more satisfying of a payoff when you get to take one of them down. It's like big game hunting…only in this case the vicious snarling beast actually deserves everything it gets." he smirked, flashing a playful wink.
"That doesn't scare you, does it handsome?"
Caleb blinked, a disbelieving little chuckle slipping out. He shook his head, bright, curious gaze flickering over the shorter, smirking man. He hums, shifting closer, gaze again flickering over the shorter man, a fair bit slower, a bit of an excited spark dancing in his near black eyes, shifting closer still.
"Actually? I'm kinda REALLY good with that.
How's Larissa's sound?"
"Perfect."
{*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*^} *****End Of Chapter Notes***** {*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*^}
Okay I know it was a rather abrupt end but we needed to wrap it up. I actually really like how this one went. I loved Caleb and his dad and Todd seems like he'll be pretty fun.
Woohoo! Last one to finish for this story! I know there's one chapter left but I've had that done for nearly a month and have really been itching to post it so I'm not gonna waste a lot of time babbling about this chapter.
I like how it went- I really Adore Caleb and Todd and you can definitely expect to see them popping up in the other verses (Todd already has been mentioned in V5- he's the Alien, Vampiric werefox coworker of Evan lol.)
FYI on my Deviant Art journal I'm starting to post my AUX characters- I have the first 2 sets of 20 up already: Caleb, Todd, Katarina and Sasha are in the 1st set, Layla and Akira are in the 2nd, just if anyone is interested. Eventually I'll have all 500 characters. I'll put what set of characters they're in { I also have Thad but he's in set 23 so it'll be a bit before I get him on there}
aceofhearts85/posts
I really like Mags having his running 'I'm a Psychic' Joke- I know it pops up in near every verse just as a little touchstone to connect the verses but in this one it just really makes me giggle as here it actually IS the truth but he's saying it in a way where it's read as a joke.
So getting right to it: here is everything we have left for this round of stories:
A Study In Chaos {Verse 6} {Ch12}, * You Can Go Home Again {Verse 1} {Ch8}* Picture Perfect {Verse 8} {Ch8}* Death Was Just The Beginning {Verse 3 }{Ch9}*Nosey Neighbors {V9}{Ch9}* Picture Perfect {Verse 8} {Ch9}* You Can Go Home Again {Verse 1} {Ch9}* The Demon In The Mirror {Verse 4} {Ch10}* The Demon In The Mirror {Verse 4} {Ch11}* The Demon In The Mirror {Verse 4} {Ch12}* Nosey Neighbors {Ch10}* Nosey Neighbors {Ch11}* Nosey Neighbors {Ch12}* Love Bug {Verse 2}{Ch10} Love Bug {Verse 2}{Ch11} Love Bug {Verse 2}{Ch12}* Death Was Just The Beginning {Verse 3 {Ch10}*, Death Was Just The Beginning {Verse 3 {Ch11}* Death Was Just The Beginning {Verse 3 {Ch12}* Picture Perfect {Verse 8} {Ch10}* Picture Perfect {Verse 8} {Ch11}* Picture Perfect {Verse 8} {Ch12}* You Can Go Home Again {Verse 1} {Ch10}* You Can Go Home Again {Verse 1} {Ch11}* You Can Go Home Again {Verse 1} {Ch12}*
As I said I already have ch 12 completed so it should be posted fairly quickly after this one (I need to do another read through and a few edits since I finished this chapter but it should still be up some time today) and then we're done with this verse for this round!
Yay- I'm really loving how this verse is shaping up- it's gonna be really unique and really complicated but that's what makes it so interesting.
Anyways what did you guys think?
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