Chapter 25
"Is everyone ready ?"
Inspector Coleman stood before a dozen, especially picked out officers, like a general before troupes going to combat.
"Yes Sir !" They answered in unison.
"We strike at midnight ! Tonight is the beginning of the good people taking back our city." He had a steely glint in his eyes.
-O-
In the last few days nothing had changed in Caroline's routine, no one was looking at her more strangely than since the rumor Klaus was sleeping with her started. As far as she could tell, it stayed an unconfirmed rumor. Of course, some knew, Gloria for one, but the older woman had not made any mention of it which Caroline was glad for. Because she didn't know what she'd answer to an inquiry.
Although it looked like things were as usual, for Caroline, everything was different. She'd finally made her choice, she'd chosen Klaus and the people she'd befriended here instead of the memories of her parents. She tried not to think too much about that, instead focusing on planning how to tell Inspector Coleman she was resigning at their next meeting.
Gloria was singing right now and Caroline took advantage of the lull in orders to listen. However the small reprieve did not last as the door opened.
Rebekah Mikaelson, her new sister-in-law Davina and Enzo entered the packed saloon.
"You can tell my brothers that we don't need a nanny."
"I like my head just fine where it is, so you can tell them yourself Princess." Was Enzo casual answer as Rebekah huffed.
Davina stayed silent, not caring about the conversation, she was bored home and had let Rebekah drag her here.
As they reached the counter, Rebekah took a seat and looked directly at Caroline with a critical gaze.
"What drink can I get you ?"
"Two sidecar."
"The usual for me gorgeous." Enzo smiled.
She nodded and served them their drinks.
Rebekah never looking away from her, if she was more timid she'd probably be a nervous wreck by now.
"I don't know what my brother sees in you." Rebekah finally spoke.
"Good. I really don't need another Mikaelson pursuing me." Caroline didn't back down as she held the other blond gaze.
Enzo snorted behind his drink, Rebekah huffed and even Davina spared a glance at her before going back to watching the crowd.
-O-
Klaus and Kol entered the Mystic and immediately spotted who they were looking for.
"Look like Rebekah's targeting your girl. Better be careful she doesn't send her running off." Kol teased him.
"Go take care of your wife."
Kol shrugged and stepped forward. He intended to do just that.
He didn't pay any attention to the others, but went directly before Davina, extending a hand.
"Dance with me ?" He looked pleadingly at his wife and she was unable to resist his eyes.
She put her hand in his and let him pull her to the dance floor.
By the time they disappeared in the crowd, Klaus had reached the bar.
"Being a busybody sister?" Klaus sat next to Rebekah as she turned to him unimpressed.
"Better than being a hypocrite, isn't it Nik ?" After the grief he gave her and Marcel, but as soon as she only exchanged some words with his little blond he came running to interfere. How typical of him.
"Caroline, a word in private please."
Caroline, who was pretending not to follow the sibling interaction blinked at the sudden request. Still, she was curious what could not be said here, so she nodded and left the bar to Sylvia.
They went to the back room. As soon the door was closed, Klaus lips were on hers.
"Was that why you needed a private moment ?" She managed to words out between kisses.
"Is there any better reason ?" He raised an eyebrow as if perfectly right, a boyish grin brightening his face.
"Seriously ?" Caroline pretended to be exasperated but she could not get mad at him when his perfect dimples distracted her. An effect he seemed to be entirely aware he had on her.
"Caroline, Love, your voice is lovely and I do not mind listening to you speak all day, but we only have that much time alone before we need to go back out, and I want to hear you call my name as your breath hitches in my ear." His voice dipped lower, as Caroline body temperatures rose. She pressed her legs together as want coursed through her from him being so close.
Seeing the undisguised lust in her eyes, Klaus lips curled upward and he leaned forward to capture her pretty pink mouth.
-O-
"Ugh. That was so obvious." Rebekah disdainfully glanced at the door Klaus and his little lover had disappeared behind.
Enzo didn't say anything as he took another sip of his drinks, but judging by his expression, although he shared her opinion he was more amused by it.
"When did both of my brothers become such saps." She shot a glance toward the dancing floor this time.
"When Marcel gets out, will you be any different ?" Enzo raised an eyebrow at her.
Rebekah expression fell a little as uncertainty flashed on her face.
"That's if he still want me then." She whispered, but Enzo was close enough to catch it.
"If he's still the same man I know you have nothing to worry about Princess."
-O-
When Kol lead Davina to the dancing space, Gloria began to sing a new song up on the stage. He put his hand on her waist, took her hand in his and stepped close to her as she put her free hand on his shoulder, their eyes locked with each other they began to sway to the music.
Everyday
is just for you
the sun, it shines
just for you
"I still don't know what I did wrong."
"Nothing. I was just getting confused. We were both forced into this marriage, and us being friend to make it work is fine but, since the first day you calling me darling, wanting me, being good to me it felt like we were a real husband and wife and I couldn't help going along with it.
it was love at first sight
i couldn't bear it one more night
without you
heaven only know how much i love you
heaven only know how much i care
and even if the sky fell from above you
you'll know that i'll always be there
for you (for you)
"Sorry to break it to you, but we are real husband and wife." Kol smiled teasingly at her.
"That's not what I meant." She frowned at him.
"I want to be your husband and you my wife. I still don't see the problem."
"Until when Kol ? What about when you get bored and go find some new interesting toy and I'm left behind. I can't play along if one day I have to learn to live without all of this, I'd rather we just stay distanced from the start."
"Is that what this is ? You think I'll grow bored one day and just start being cold to you, that I'm just playing with you right now while the feeling of being a husband is new." Kol said incredulous.
all this pain
just for you
i can take
just for you
"I heard the rumors Kol."
"That I'm a violent maniac ? It's not false. Or is it the others ? Did someone tell you rumors about me always changing women ? Is that it ?" Kol clenched his jaw, he wished he could beat up whoever said that to Davina.
"I might understand it's an arranged marriage Kol. But if you're gonna have other women at some point I can't do this, what we did in the last few weeks. I can't... I don't share. So it's better if we maintain some distance."
i could see it in your eyes
a hello and no goodbye
heaven only knows how much i love you
heaven only knows how much i care
and even if the sky fell from above you
you'll know that i'll always be there
"Davina, since meeting you I have not thought of any other women, the only things I think about is you, your eyes, your lips, your smile... I think of you enough to make me crazy. You know what I think, you're afraid you'll fall in love with me. And all that distance talk is you trying to protect yourself. But I'll tell you what, there's no need for that, I don't share either, I might honestly tear apart any guy trying to touch you." Kol lowered his voice even more as he whispered those words in her ear, the look in his eyes matching in intensity. Davina breath caught as she looked at him with wide eyes. "Believe it or not Davina Claire I happen to like you and although we are already married, I intend for us to... what's the expression ? Right, go steady."
Davina couldn't help the giggle that escaped her, part of her was relieved, another was still wary.
it could be so heavenly
don't you try to fight it
i can see it in your eyes
it's meant to be
"Trust me." Kol's eyes once again pleadingly looked at her.
heaven only knows how much i love you
heaven only knows how much i care
and even if the sky fell from above you
you know that i'll always be there
for you (for you)
"I trust you. But the moment you betray that trust it's over." She narrowed her eyes.
"You won't regret it Darling, I promise I'm yours." Kol smiled and Davina's inside fluttered like she'd gotten used to feel in the first week of their marriage, she hadn't realised she'd missed the feeling until now. She smiled back to him.
oh, for you
for you
for you
for you, oh
for you
-O-
"Give the signal" Inspector Coleman ordered Officer O'Leery as he glared at the building ahead.
-O-
"It's the Police !" A man ran in screaming loud enough to be heard over the music.
The stunned room became silent as loud stomping feet charging on the ground echoed not far out, setting off a wave of panic through the crowd.
In the break room, Klaus heard the music stop and panicked shouts begin to arise. Tensing he immediately took Caroline with him back to the front club, not releasing the tight grip on her wrist. His alert eyes flitted from one corner of the room to the other as people were trying to escape in panic.
"Rebekah ! Kol !" He bellowed, only a fraction of the tension in his shoulders relaxing as he saw his younger siblings come toward him through the crowd.
Caroline eyes widened in disbelief, as she took everything in, with confusion and a bit of fear. She barely had time to register Klaus family reaching them before she was dragged behind Klaus to the back exit.
With all the panic around and the people trying to escape being caught by the police, even with the Mystic surrounded it was difficult for the police to catch everyone. Taking advantage of that, the group managed to find a gap to run.
"Go ! I'll lead them away." Enzo told Klaus as a few officers had seen their group and were coming after them.
Klaus tensely nodded to his subordinate words before taking the others to run.
Caroline could not help looking back. Orange glow and smoke were reflected in her eyes. Her heart thumped loudly in her chest.
A few streets further Klaus stopped and turned to seriously look at Kol.
"Take them back home, do not stop and be careful."
For once there was no trace of mischief in Kol expression as he nodded seriously, his arm protectively around Davina and his other hand taking Rebekah's arm. Both girls seemed as shocked as Caroline felt.
"Wha... ? But Nik..."
"Not the time Bekah. Come on." Kol turned to lead them away.
Klaus nodded to his brother's back and turned to another street his hand never releasing his grip on Caroline's.
It wasn't until they were before her building Caroline understood he took her home. Klaus hurried into her apartment and only then did he released his grip on her hand.
"Stay here. Don't open the door to anyone until I'm back." He stressed to her.
"You're going back ?" Her hand latching onto his suit lapel unconsciously.
"I'll be fine Love." He gave her a smirk despite the circumstances.
"Will everyone be alright ?" Her anxiousness bled into her voice.
Klaus didn't say anything, she understood he couldn't make that promise. He kissed her forehead, told her to lock up after him and slipped out into the night.
Caroline couldn't help replaying the whole thing in her head. Wondering if everyone made it out alright. She didn't see Matt... No, Matt wasn't on shift tonight, he would be safely home. What about Gloria ? She was on the stage the last time she saw the older woman...
With a knot in her stomach came the cold realisation that Coleman hadn't said anything about the raid. Did that mean he didn't trust her anymore ? Or no matter if she was trusted or not, would she have been informed ? What would she have done if she'd known ? She didn't know, but remembering the chaos sweeping the Mystic she knew in her heart, she'd have tried to prevent it.
Now she could only pray everything would be alright.
-O-
"The police is raiding the Mystic." Kol said somberly as soon as they arrived home.
His two older siblings immediately looked grave upon the news.
"Where's Klaus ?" Worried Freya.
"Hmph. With his little barmaid. Can you believe he didn't come back with us, but went off with her ?" Rebekah let all her pent up emotions of the night out in her dissatisfaction.
"Well, it's not like Klaus could bring her here, it's not exactly the right time for a formal introduction to the family and all." Half-heartedly joked Kol as he led Davina to sit on a couch. She still hadn't said a word since leaving the Mystic and he cast a worried glance at her. She caught his eyes and gave him a small smile and squeezed his hand.
"Kol is right. Niklaus probably took her home and will come here after." Freya nodded to herself.
Elijah was pacing the room before the fireplace, his only sign of agitation as his face reflected the same calm expression as usual. For the police to do a raid now, what did it mean... ?
"What's going on ?" Henrik entered the room, rubbing sleep out of his eyes.
-O-
Enzo grunted as his back touched the side alley brick wall. He was pretty sure his ribs were bruised and his lungs burning from all the running. He could hear the sound of the policemen chasing him become fainter until he could no longer hear them. He could finally catch his breath.
Still, he couldn't stay here in the open. Dragging himself further into the alley to a backdoor he began pounding on it. After a couple minutes he heard noises on the other side.
"Who is it ?" Came a wary voice, door still firmly locked.
Smart girl.
"It's me Gorgeous. I need your help, can you open the door ?" He was barely able to stay standing by leaning against the wall as it is.
The door opened slowly as Bonnie Bennett peeked outside. Her eyes widened at the state Enzo was in, and the door opened much wider, light filtering into the dark alley and the night.
"What the hell happened to you ? Did you run your mouth and piss off Klaus ? You probably deserved it anyway." She scolded even as she eased herself under his arm and took some of his weight upon her as she guided him inside her flower shop's backroom. She made him sit on a chair and quickly went back to close the door securely again behind her.
"There was a police raid on the Mystic. I led away a group of cops to let the others escape, but not before they roughed me up a bit." He tried to smile even as his swollen and bruised face ached.
"You moron. What if they had caught you, you'd be going straight to prison." Bonnie frowned even as she busied herself by gathering clean water, clean towel and bandages.
"Wouldn't be the first time. And is that concern I hear Bonnie Bennett ?" His eyes found hers as she stopped before him.
"Now that I think about it, go ahead and get your ass in prison. See if I care." She began cleaning the cut on his face none too gently, making him hiss a bit at the sting.
"You'd miss me." He gave her one of his winning smiles.
Bonnie rolled her eyes, not deigning to give a response to his stupid and false comment, and it was absolutely not to hide that her heart had skipped a beat just now.
"Why would the police raid Gloria's place, I thought she had an understanding with the cops big wigs ?" She changed the subject.
"Isn't that the question everyone is thinking about right now ?" Enzo expression darkened. He'd seen the flames rising from the Mystic before escaping the cops. And he was pretty sure it wasn't an accidental fire due to the raid.
"Take off your clothes."
"Well, Miss Bennett, I'd never have thought you were this kind of girl. Going to take advantage of my weakened state to have your wicked way with me, are you ?" He smiled suggestively.
"Why do I bother with you again ?"
"You like me, admit it." He leaned toward her so their face were so very close.
She didn't say anything for a few seconds just holding his gaze, and then she poked him in the ribs and he gasped in pain.
"You've been holding your ribs since I saw you earlier, they're hurt right ? So take your shirt off so I can bandage them."
"Your wish is my command."
Enzo began to take his jacket and shirt off, but because the movements were somewhat painful he had to stop and Bonnie stepped in silently, helping him. She was quite grateful that it was always hard for others to tell when she was blushing. They worked to bandage his torso in silence and once done Bonnie quickly took a few steps back, in need of some space from all the tension.
"Why'd you come here ?" She asked quietly.
"Didn't have anywhere else to go. Anyone who'd truly care." He answered honestly.
"Enzo." She began, but didn't know what to say next.
"Let me stay here a while. I'll be out of your hair by dawn, I promise Love. Okay ?"
"Yeah." She softly agreed and sat on a chair next to him, as they waited for the night to end in each other company.
-O-
Coleman stood before the Mystic looking at the blackened structure. The fire had been put out an hour ago, but the damage had been done. That hadn't been a planned fire to smoke the club patrons out, but accidents happens, especially in those kind of situations. As far as he was concerned, it was one less den of iniquity to dirty Chicago. And it would hit Klaus Mikaelson hard. Maybe the man would slip in a temper, and they'd be able to catch him red-handed then. Still, it was a shame they hadn't managed to catch any Mikaelson that night, or anyone important. Only a few thugs too drunk to get away and some prostitutes.
"Inspector." An officer approached him with hesitation to give a report.
"Well, report." He sternly told the subordinate.
"There was one death in the fire Sir."
Song: For You by Serena Ryder