Devil in the Church: Chapter 6

Danny's safe house was a surprise. He'd pointed it out to me some time ago and I remember thinking it was well situated for an outpost or gathering point for people who didn't want anyone else knowing what they were doing.

The old factory was surrounded by other old factories and large open parking lots that used to serve the workforce. That made it idea for decent lines of sight during the day, and the lack of power and working street lights meant it worked well for getting in and out without being seen during the night. But, what made it a surprise wasn't its location, it was what waited for us inside.

The section devoted to office work had been cleaned up. It wouldn't pass hotel inspections by any means, but inside was a room with a clean mattress, cases of bottled water, a well stocked first aid kit, and other amenities that I would expect to find in a safe house that was seldom used, but kept up just in case. There was only one window, boarded up on the outside, the inside painted black with aluminum foil laid across it for added privacy. From where they sat me as Danny and Kurt moved about preparing the room, I could see it wasn't perfect, but still well done.

The generator was hidden in an adjacent room. It was surprisingly quiet when Kurt kicked it to life, the exhaust being piped to the main factory floor through a hole in the wall. There was even a port-a-potty in the same room, which I was relieved to see, even if it made me wonder how Danny had managed to get one at all, much less get one hidden in here.

All of this sparked my interest. This wasn't a first attempt. Everything from the location, how it was set up, to the supplies on hand spoke of something that had evolved from long experience. It said a lot about Danny's competence at such things, not to mention hinted that Danny knew a lot more than a straight arrow should know about such things.

The mattress had even been wrapped in plastic to keep it from going bad. A fact I was thankful for when Kurt and Danny unwrapped and prepared it. I wasn't in a position to be picky, and I'd slept on worse in the past, but that didn't mean I wanted to if other options were available. I could count on one hand the times I'd been this injured and from prior experience knew I was going to be here for a while, assuming we didn't get found before I recovered.

My first day here passed in brief moments of coherence. I'd wake, Danny would help me eat, drink, take medicine they got from somewhere, and take me to the bathroom. It was exhausting to the point that there wasn't much in me to ask many questions or get answers.

"Yes, Renée, I talked to Calle. He'll be here tomorrow," Danny said repeatedly until it was practically a his go to line for anything I asked.

It was better on my second day. Still too weak to move on my own without help, but better with longer periods of consciousness. Which was fortunate for when Calle arrived.

I was just finishing a bowl Kurt brought me. A surprisingly light and flavorful chicken soup. It was more broth than the actual soup that his wife Lacey made but in my current condition, it tasted almost as good as anything Penny had ever made.

The sound of the door opening signaled Calle's arrival. Dressed in an impeccable and expensive looking dark suit, he contrasted greatly with our hiding spot. Everything about his appearance looked tailored, from the styled look of his hair, the crisp white of his shirt, to the shine on his black shoes. While Danny's people had cleaned up the place before we occupied it, this was still a room in an abandoned building and looked it. Calle looked ready to walk into a courtroom, or a fancy dinner party.

I'd only met him once before, when I first contracted his unique services. The suit was different, but everything else about him was the same now as then. The friendly smile on his face was only marred by a long scar that ran from his nose across his cheek. Long healed, it was puckered as if it had been caused by fire or some kind of acid. A stark reminder of the kind of clientele he regularly represented.

Despite his prim attire, there was no denying his experience. Calle didn't bat a single long eyelash at meeting in such a place. Nor could anyone deny the intelligence behind his gaze as he looked me over noting my condition and the damage I was sporting.

"Miss. Hebert," Calle greeted as easily as if we were meeting in his office. "I do hope you are better than you appear."

"I feel better than I did yesterday, Mr. Calle," I replied, offering a slight smile of my own as well as my hand. "It could have been a lot worse."

"Indeed. I have found that such things usually tend to fall into that line. Ah, Thank you, Mr. Hebert. Very kind," Calle said after lightly shaking my hand. Danny moved a chair next to my makeshift bed along with a folding table for Calle to put his briefcase.

He looked ridiculous sitting in the folding chair dressed as he was. The mirth in his eyes when he once again turned his attention to me showed his own amusement at my reaction. Opening his briefcase, he pulled a notepad and gold plated pen.

"The phone call I received only said you were in trouble with likely legal ramifications. However, before we get into the details, a couple of things. First, I should make you aware that while there are laws in place to prevent spouses from testifying against each other, there are no similar laws in place to protect parents and their children. Therefore I am bound to ask if you wish to discuss matters with Mr. Hebert present?"

"You think they'll make him testify against me?"

"It's possible, though unlikely due to how sensitive these types of situations can be," Calle answered easily. "I have personally only seen it happen a few times, and of those times, the parent chose to do so. In either case I will, of course, do what I can to minimize all negative outcomes but the possibility exists should matters be forced to the point that we see this carry into a courtroom. I ask as a matter of not just his protection, but your own. I will be asking you some very detailed questions about the situation which brings me here today."

It was a strong point, and one Danny seemed to understand, though he didn't look happy about it.

"I'll leave…"

"No," I interrupted. "If Danny wants to stay, he can."

"Are you sure?" he asked.

"I trust you," I answered honestly. "But Calle's right. If push comes to shove, you could get into a lot of trouble for knowing the details. A lot more than you currently would be."

Smiling, Danny nodded retaking his seat.

"You're the client," Calle said. "The second point I would like to raise is that despite whatever the current situation might be, you realize there is very little I can do from a legal standpoint until charges are filed and you are in custody, correct?"

"What do you mean?"

"Until such time as you are formally charged, there is no case to defend against," Calle explained. "I can, and will, gather materials in preparation of such. However, to the best of my knowledge the situation has not progressed to the point where I can personally affect it.

"Typically these situations proceed in a very methodical manner. A crime, or series of crimes, is allegedly committed. Witnesses are interviewed, evidence is collected, and suspects are assessed. Based on these factors if an arrest has not yet taken place, warrants are made for arrests or to further the first step of collecting additional evidence."

"I'm well acquainted with the basics of an investigation, Mr. Calle," I said, smiling.

"Of that, based on prior interactions with you, I have no doubts. I was merely explaining as a matter of courtesy for your father."

"I'm sure the laws have changed since I was last in this situation," Danny said. "Especially when capes are directly involved, but I'm familiar with the basics myself from... prior experience."

"Oh?" Calle muttered before smiling showing his very white teeth. "Unexpected but very nice. It is always pleasant to deal with knowledgeable individuals. Sadly, most of my clients are typically limited to what they see on T.V. and the judicial system of the real world doesn't have the same dramatic flair. Since there is no need for the basics, we can proceed toward what happened. Miss. Hebert, if you would and please, leave nothing out. The more I know, the better I can protect your interests."

Sighing, I nodded. Calle asked a few questions for clarity but mostly listened. Despite my usual distaste for it, I answered honestly, keeping my eyes away from Danny. Not that it helped not see his winces or hear his occasional mutterings. Neither loud enough to draw the iron, if strangely easy going, focus of Calle, but more than enough for me to notice. Especially after his questions reminded me about that mess with Glory Girl at Arcadia.

"I already heard about it, actually," Calle noted casually. "Though I didn't know you were the young woman who was accosted."

"How?" I asked before rolling my eyes. "Oh, don't tell me it's already on the PHO?"

"The incident took place in a public location," Calle answered, chuckling at my reaction. "But whether it is or is not being discussed on Parahumans Online, I don't know. I heard it from my niece. She is interested in a career in Parahuman Law and interns in my office for the experience. Brought the topic up due to her curiosity about unintentional use of parahuman powers in a public venue when they have an area of effect."

"And what did you tell her?" I asked, curious myself.

"That this particular case is unique. Miss Dallon is a public cape following in the footsteps of her parents and their heroic organization, New Wave. Another fact of the situation is that the reported confrontation was limited to a verbal argument. It is a matter of public record that Glory Girl's aura is rated Shaker, not Master as seems to be popularly speculated due to the emotional influences. It unfortunately isn't something she can turn off," Calle answered.

"All parents who send children to Arcadia are required to sign waivers to the effect that they understand parahumans attend the same school as their children and that such incidents are possible. It gives the school a great deal more leeway when dealing with such matters as well as protects them from liability."

From where he was sitting, Danny nodded thoughtfully. "I remember signing that form for your entrance to Arcadia. I thought it strange, but remembered a conversation I once had with Annette before she, well."

After a moment to collect himself, Danny continued. "The point is we were discussing high school options for when Renée was old enough for enrollment. We were having a disagreement over which was the better option. Arcadia or Winslow."

"The same argument we had, except you wouldn't give me an opinion on it," I said raising an eyebrow at the previously unknown caveat. "Why were you talking about high school options for me when I would have still had several years of primary to attend?"

Smiling sadly, Danny nodded. "A point I made back then as well, actually. Your mother however felt it prudent to have a direction in mind before your final elementary year. It pains me that you don't remember her, kiddo, but your mother was quite active in all aspects of your life."

It was plain to see Danny meant every word. How much her passing had hurt him, and still hurt him despite his healing. My smile matched his as he continued. "Annette believed Arcadia had more options that aligned with your interests at the time. I had thought Winslow would be less personally intensive for you, and might have offered more options to be yourself without the academic pressures Arcadia was known for."

"Why didn't you mention that before?" I asked.

"We never came to an agreement," Danny answered. "Annette obtained forms from both schools and we spent several nights going over them. Offered programs, academic possibilities and such. In the end we decided that when the time came, we would let you make the choice of which one you wanted. My main point however is that even then both schools had similar forms involving possible parahuman incidence and liabilities."

"Yes, it has been standard procedure for some time," Calle agreed. "Especially with the increase of young teenage parahuman incidents. In the last few years I've represented several such individuals myself. A few involved incidents at schools like Winslow and Arcadia."

I nodded, moving slightly to get more comfortable. I'd heard of a couple of stories like that back in New Orleans. Rumor had it that was how Baritone had ended up in the Wards. I hadn't been there to see it, happened a few months before I'd woken up there, but I remembered talk among the Rats after I'd joined. According to them, Baritone had been living in an orphanage at the time he'd gotten powers and had been friendly with several Street Rats. Had even done a few small jobs with them. They'd considered him one of them.

Then one day, something happened that put him at odds with some high school seniors. Supposedly, one of them had been beating him up pretty good when it happened, and Baritone had fought back, putting several in a hospital. The next time anyone saw him, he'd been a Ward, no longer living at the orphanage and the people who worked there refused to admit he ever had. It had been a sore spot with his friends still in the Rats when he'd cut ties and dedicated himself to his new life.

I personally knew of a similar situation that had happened a year ago but instead of the Wards, she'd joined up with Bayou Amos. That one I knew more about, but only because it attached attention to a part of the city we'd been operating in and caused a few issues for my own group. Called herself Whiplash. A ranged kinetic manipulator that was absolutely a pain to deal with. Both in a fight, and personally. Thankfully Amos never sent her around to collect the rents otherwise he would have less people willing to pay them. She was about as subtle as a brick thrown through a window.

Shaking myself from those thoughts, I returned my attention back to Calle. "So what do you think is likely to result from what happened?"

Tilting his head back, Calle considered it a few moments. "Miss Dallon is a hero in good standing and a member of a respected and established organization generally known for accountability and good relations with both the PRT and Protectorate. In all likelihood Arcadia will ask Miss Dallon to write a letter of apology to those students who were initially caught in her powers effect. The school will issue a letter to their parents and the issue will be fuel for gossip for a while. If I'm right, Mr. Hebert should receive such a letter within a few days. I don't imagine they will allow it to sit too long."

"That's it?" Danny asked. His face slightly flushed and pinched. "Glory Girl confronts a cape in a public place while she's unmasked, and all that happens is that she has to write a letter and she gets off without a reprimand?"

"Oh, I'm sure she'll be reprimanded," Calle casually stated. "Both by the school and from her parents. If only for the negative attention the situation directs toward their team. Such events are bad for business, after all."

"And the fact Gallant outed me to her?" I asked, no where as surprised by the apparent double standard as Danny was. "I'd never personally encountered her before the other day."

"Allegedly outed," Calle corrected. "Although considering your lack of prior interaction with her it is a plausible allegation. One that might prove to make an interesting bargaining chip depending on how hard the PRT and Protectorate wish to take your actions the other day. I'll look into it, discreetly of course, when the time comes, but the implications are interesting.

"Until then it is important to note that the only people who know about Miss Hebert's status as a cape, were Clockblocker and Glory Girl. Until we can prove otherwise, we can only speculate that Gallant knows about Miss Hebert's alter ego. However, before I investigate that, we should finish our discussion here."

Frowning, I nodded continuing where I left off prior. Explaining Angela's call led to who she was and who I thought might have been behind it and why it happened. Then my race to Lords, seeing the kidnappers with Dinah and the running fight through the school to teaming up with Vista.

That seemed to interest Calle quite a bit. He asked more questions, listened more intently to the answers as I proceeded to explain what had followed. Our rooftop run, wrecking the car and Vista snatching Dinah back before leading the kidnappers on a merry chase while I thinned their numbers. Finally the end where I brought down the building. Most of his questions at the end were centered around Vista's actions and reactions to things I said and done.

Danny hadn't spoken at all during this time. Just sat in his chair. His face shifted with emotions as he listened. The white of his knuckles gripping the back of the chair he was using told me that he wasn't happy with a lot of what he heard, however. At least not until after I'd finished and the room descended into silence.

"Mr. Calle," Danny said. "How bad is the situation for Renée?"

Shifting in his seat, Calle flipped through a few of the pages of notes he'd written before answering.

"Based on Miss Hebert's description of the sequence of events, I would say that a lot of the potential charges would depend on the PRT's willingness to pursue the infractions."

"What do you mean?" Danny asked. Shifting in my makeshift bed, I listened myself, curious to see where Calle's thoughts might differ from my own assessment.

"Cape law, Mr. Hebert, is not as cut and dry as it would be for regular people in similar situations," Calle explained. "Even today precedents are still being set depending on the individual cape in question, their actions, and the client's willingness to plea bargain. But I am confident that isn't what you meant with your question."

"To answer, based on Miss Hebert's statements, I could see the following charges being levied," Calle said. Shifting in his seat slightly while carefully going over the many notes he'd taken. Answering his questions, I hadn't noticed that his notes had quite reached the levels they were now, but they had, amazingly. "Assuming of course that evidence collected and witness statements could in fact be linked to Miss Hebert as being personally responsible for such."

"To start, grand theft auto, driving without a valid license, and reckless driving. Various violations of speed ordinances and such could be expected. Depending on if there were any accidents caused due to these charges, a subsequent series of further charges could be filed along side. Including but not limited to causing an accident, property damage, disregard to public safety ordinances, and the like. If anyone was injured then comparable charges would apply."

I nodded, half expecting it. I hadn't seen any collisions in my run, but I hadn't exactly been looking for them either. I guessed it was only a matter of time before something like this happened and I had run several red lights while cutting through a few intersections. Danny didn't seem to take the news as well however, and started paling as Calle continued.

"Destruction of private property, at least two counts for the collision at Lord's Elementary. Possibly three or more depending on how many vehicles were damaged during that time. A series of further charges related for doing so in a school parking lot as it was a willful act. Possibly more from the school ranging from willful endangerment of minors on up, should anyone have been hurt."

Wincing sent pain radiating through my injuries even as Danny's eye started twitching. Not my best idea, but time hadn't exactly been on my side to keep them from getting away with Dinah. Vista hadn't acted like anyone else had gotten hurt in the scuffle when we'd talked. Hopefully that meant none of the kids had gotten caught up in the mess. Unperturbed by his assessment, Calle flipped through a few more pages of notes.

"That brings us to the actual engagement. Physical assault and battery and battery with parahuman powers with the intent to cause harm. The actual charges and subset of charges for each person you assaulted would be filed separately as well depend on just how badly they were hurt. Let me see, you told me that you personally engaged nine men. That would mean nine sets of charges ranging from various counts of battery, aggravated battery, or manslaughter and murder charges if any of them died from their injuries. Again, the actual charges levied would depend on each individual you assaulted. From your own accounts several of them were possibly grievously hurt which will push those charges toward the upper end."

At Calle's thoughts on that subject, Danny moaned, lowering his head into his hands. I sighed, feeling the weight of my blanket even more than a moment ago. I'd never killed anyone before, trained myself to always be mindful of the possibility when I used my powers. I was very aware of how lucky I'd been in the years I'd been active that I could say that.

My care was helped by the fact I never engaged in fights like this before. Every engagement I'd been in prior happened after I manipulated the encounter to limit witnesses to place me there, damage to just what was necessary to achieve the aim, and most importantly, to keep civilians out of the line of fire while it was going on. Even my last round with Two Mauls, while not something I had a hand in setting up, was still within my ability to turn to my advantage.

The reason I was laid up at the moment, however, wasn't any of those things. As much as it grated on me, the whole thing was one mistake after another as I made a fool of myself through the city. When word got out I was involved it was going to ruin my image. Not to mention what this mess was doing to Danny and everything we'd been trying to build in the last few weeks. Just from what Calle had said so far, the best likely outcome I could see would be going open villain while trying to stay one step ahead of a Protectorate that wasn't interested in letting bygones be bygones.

"More property damage," Calle noted going over his last page of notes. "The car you damaged to stop them and the store you engaged two inside. The city might choose to levy charges based on if you are deemed responsible for any public property damaged in the course of events. And of course, the building that was leveled at the conclusion of the events. To be honest, I would need to consult with colleges back at the firm who are more specialized in such knowledge to make an accurate guess as to the total possible charges, but I believe that to be an accurate, if rough, basic layout of what you are facing."

"Christ," Danny muttered, head still in his hands after Calle finished talking. "You are so much your mother's daughter."

Unsure how to take that considering Danny was currently face down into hands, I turned to Calle. The well dressed man appeared amused by Danny's reaction.

"You don't seem bothered by your own assessment," I noted.

"I've represented far worse, Miss Hebert," Calle answered, his smile no less amused at my question than Danny's reaction.

The scar across his face seemed to stand out even more than it had when I first met him.

"Mr. Hebert, would it be possible if I could have a private moment with my client?"

Looking up, Danny silently stared at Calle. His face was lined in worry, frustration, and a myriad of other emotions. After a moment of silence, Danny nodded turning to me. His soft smile didn't quite take away the worry, but showed that the frustration he felt wasn't directed at me.

After receiving a smile in return, Danny rose from his chair, leaving me alone with the lawyer.

"I'll go check on Kurt. Make sure he hasn't gotten bored on look out."

"I've represented a lot of super villains, Miss Hebert," Calle said once Danny had left. "I can count on one hand how many had parents show to their day in court. Half of which were a nightmare to deal with. One client in particular was most memorable. All the worst examples of a show-biz parent and the kid was a vandal and mass murderer. Such a toxic dynamic, but that's something you tend to expect with young sponsored villains whom enjoy that particular lifestyle."

"Alright," I said, not sure where he was going but slightly curious. "I am not sure how this applies to the situation."

"The dynamic you share with your father has been refreshing to interact with. It is… something. Hold on to it."

Danny was full of surprises. Looking at the door he walked through, I couldn't help but think how my disappearance and amnesia must have affected him. I knew he wasn't particularly enamored of the lifestyle I'd come to enjoy, but he'd adjusted to it remarkably well considering. Not to mention judging by a few of his comments, Annette seemed to have led a rather… adventurous life herself. Those were stories he hadn't shared yet, but I was growing more and more curious about them.

Looking to Calle, I asked, "I know you are good at what you do, Mr. Calle, but how likely is it you can fix this?"

"You are worried that these events mark the end of your efforts to assimilate back into your old life?"

"I am worried about Danny and how this will effect him," I answered. "I never tried to hide my identity back in New Orleans. Not really. Honestly, I have spent more time as Gambit than Renée. Enough so that there isn't any real difference between my personas."

"A common occurrence from my experience," Calle noted. "Especially in cape's such as yourself."

"Amnesiacs?"

"Villains," Calle chuckled. "Though I've taken to calling capes like yourself 'Patrons of Fortune' actually. Has a rather nice ring to it, don't you think?"

My ribs responded to my own chuckle by letting me know they didn't particularly appreciate Calle's humor, even if I had.

"But psychology isn't my area of expertise, Miss Hebert," he said. "What are you trying to say?"

"I am a thief," I said slowly without a trace of shame. "And a good one. This life is all I've known, Mr. Calle, and I've dedicated a good portion of it to learning my craft."

Calle was quiet as I gathered my thoughts.

"The prospect of returning to that singular existence doesn't bother me. I know how to live that life. What does bother me is when my lifestyle affects civilians like Dinah and Danny. But the price is what it is, even if it isn't one we like to pay. If this situation cannot be fixed to prevent complications for Danny, then I need to know sooner rather than later."

Looking thoughtful, he leaned back in the chair. "There are many factors that are not yet known. How these factors prove out, will affect the final outcome greatly."

"Oh?"

"Yes. Some of those factors depend on what evidence stands against you. Even then, there are options available depending on your willingness to settle for a deal."

Looking directly at me, Calle continued, once again giving me his pearly white smile. "Not to sound immodest, Miss Hebert, but I am a very good lawyer. My firm has many specialists at its disposal, including our own investigators.

"If it is at all possible to negate the outcome of your recent adventure, I will find it. Failing that, I will endeavor to negotiate the best possible deal to your benefit that supports your interests. That includes protecting your father as much as I can from any and all legal repercussions."

XxX Gambit XxX

Calle left after that, though I thought he spent some time talking to Danny before Kurt took him back to wherever he parked his car. His assurance that he could protect Danny actually helped, though I wasn't sure if he was patronizing me or if he could actually cash the chips he anted. I hoped so, but there wasn't anything I could personally do about any of it at the moment. As it was, talking with Calle was exhausting enough that when I fell asleep.

During the time I was awake I'd caught Danny sleeping in a chair across the room facing the bed. If he wasn't there and thought I was asleep he was hovering. Or he paced. Often mumbling quietly to himself unless Kurt was here to distract him. Sadly, Kurt wasn't here very often. That continued all through to the next day.

When I woke I found it easier to move on my own again. As long as I went slowly. My doing so sparked an argument between Danny and I when I tried to get him to go back to work. It was a given that I was stuck here, but Danny hadn't left once. Kurt brought our supplies and was acted as Danny's messenger with the world that existed outside the safe house. It was a situation that if it hadn't been noticed yet, was going to be very soon and that wasn't going to do either of us any good in the long run. Danny staying here like this was creating a massive, and very noticeable, change in pattern for the normally stalwart union leader. People were going to notice. When they did, they were going to talk. Once people started talking it was only a matter of time that the wrong kind of people would hear about it.

It was sweet, and as I tried to tell him more than once, appreciated but he was stubborn and wouldn't budge. To make matters worse, Calle's message, when it came, didn't give us much to work with. Only that he was looking into matters but as of yet had nothing definite. I apparently wasn't in the system yet. Not as Gambit, and not as Renée Hebert. Kurt brought a paper that had an article about Dinah's kidnapping. Page six but it was so vague that had I not been personally involved, I wouldn't have known it was the same event. I wasn't even mentioned in the article at all.

Even if we had a laptop reception was so bad inside the factory that I doubted we'd get a reliable signal anyway. Kurt had the only cell phone at the moment and to use it he had to try outside the building. Which was why I asked Kurt to check the PHO for information. Specifically the thread on Glory Girl and anything that might have related to me. What he brought back didn't shed any light on the situation. Glory Girls thread consisted mostly of people razing her while speculating that the whole thing was probably because the 'unknown girl' hit on her boyfriend. Thankfully, there was no video taken so at least it looked like I wouldn't have to deal with that going forward.

The thread dedicated to what happened in town didn't specifically name Dinah and was even lighter on details about what had actually happened. Mostly just speculation about why Gambit had suddenly taken to heroing. Which irked me, especially after talking to Calle, but I'd leave it alone for the moment. Kurt and Danny however thought my reaction to the news was hilarious.

Other than that, nothing concrete, just speculation.

Even by the fourth day of going to ground, there was nothing.

Which didn't make any sense at all. And when things didn't make sense, that could only mean one thing.

Rule 24. Plan for the worst, expect everything to go badly, and when pleasantly surprised when nothing does go wrong, wait for something weird to happen.

Between Calle and I, we had a good idea of what the worst was. I expected the situation to go that badly, and a bit worse to be honest. Yet, here I was four days into being surprised that nothing had happened yet. Which shouldn't have even been a consideration, considering. Worse to my mind, after everything that happened, if this was the nothing part, then what was going to be the weird?