"So tell us again about your missing son?" Kenzi asked Laurie, a new client sitting down inside a house at the kitchen table.
Laurie who had bags under her eyes obviously due to lack to sleep and stress took a sip of tea and looked at Bo and then Kenzi. "Derrick was just a normal college kid and did what colleges kids do. He took a week long road trip with friends to the beach and then mid tip he abandoned them without a word. His friends tried to locate him and so did the local PD there to no avail. He has been missing for a week to this day now" Laurie said in frustration.
"Was he acting strangely, distant, withdrawn or was there anything missing from his room suggesting that he was going on a longer trip of sorts?" Bo asked.
"No. He was the normal bright, friendly and talkative kid in college. He did pack items for this road trip but nothing out of the ordinary. The police say that he will be back but I know my son Derrick. He's a good boy and would not leave like that. We are tree elders we always either stay or live within the same vicinity. Can you find him?" Laurie said worried.
"Sure we can. That moves us on to the compensation for our time, travel and expenses." Kenzi piped up.
"I…. umm.. I can't pay you in cash, but do you accept gold krugerrands?" Laurie pleaded with an apologetic tone.
Kenzi's mouth dropped open for a second as she processed that "Sure! I think we can work with that. Do you mind if I ask you some more questions while my associate Bo takes a look around for clues?" Kenzi said quickly as she wanted to get on with the case ASAP.
Laurie just nodded.
"Does your son have a current romantic interest or did he or his friends reveal that he had one while he was on vacation with them?" Bo asked getting up.
"No. He has always been a sort of a loaner. He would date some girls in his class every now than then, but nothing serious." Laurie said looking up at Bo in her professional light grey colored business attire pants and white blouse under her matching unbuttoned suit jacket. A thin necklace chain probably containing a badge or ID at the end was obscured as it was tucked into a pocket inside her jacket. A metal grey compact semi auto could be seen mounted on her right side hip as she got up.
"Thanks. I'll take a look around if you don't mind." Bo asked and turned to roam the house.
Bo was browsing all the family photos in fames in the dining room display and it reminded her that she really had no picture of Tamsin other than the one she took at the cargo container. They also had no pictures together. She made a mental reminder to herself to get one. Speaking of, Bo then quickly thought of the raid that was probably going on now in Tamsin's district. 'God I hope you are ok Tamsin' Bo thought.
Kenzi and Bo finished up at the client's house in 30 minutes gathering all the clues they needed. They then proceeded to the station to gather more information for their case.
Bo was sitting in the passenger seat of Kenzi's newish sports car when she slinked out of her suit jacket as the seats were tight for room. "Kenz, I can't believe we went to a client's house in this get up" Bo said referring to her outfit. "I need at least be wearing some leather somewhere" Bo clarified as she pulled the jacket free and placed it behind the chair. She adjusted her badge which read Special Agent, Precinct 39 on it. "You at least got to accessorize a little." Bo said pointing to some of Kenzi eccentric bling as she leaned back into the chair.
"Well I'm the brains of this PI outfit remember? We need to attract the krugerrand type clientele right? *WHICH* I must say I did. So that is why I brought this car, and we dressed up. Besides I'm like Mike Zuckerberg. Since I'm the boss, I can dress anyway I like so even dressing in this semi business casual ridiculous outfit paid off see?" Kenzi justified still paying attention to the road. She down shifted and overpassed a couple cars making several moving violations in the process and then came back down to normal speed again.
"HELLO!" Bo said as she dangled her badge next to Kenzi to see.
"Oh like my bestie is going to give me a ticket. Please" Kenzi exhaled quickly. "Besides, we are here already." Kenzi abruptly turned into the station. "So it's barely been a week since Dyson stopped by and gave that to you. Do you even have a desk *Special Agent*?" She asked inquisitively.
"Yea, Dyson knew that with Tamsin's new assignment as well as her being a human now, Hale would put a new Fae there to be his partner in the interim to keep up looks and to appease the council. So, since I half joked to Tamsin and Dyson that I would take her desk while she was on assignment, Dyson put it through and Hale approved. Also it somewhat appeased the dark since I am *UNALIGNED* and the cops in department are used to seeing me already." Bo concluded as she unbuckled her seat belt, grabbed her jacket and got out of the car.
Kenzi trotted next to Bo as her 4 inch heals impeded her stride. Bo did not have that issue since she was wearing flats. "Yea the cops in the department are used to seeing you all right... seeing your ASSets is more like it. Hey," Kenzi abruptly stopped to turn to Bo holding her arm and looking her up and down. " I don't remember Dyson giving you a gun? Is that real?" Kenzi questioned.
"No he didn't. Tamsin left her service weapon at my place a while back. So I decided to complete the look. It's not like I need to use it." Bo said remembering how a part of her wanted to strip Tamsin down during that bath tub confession and help give her a tongue bath, succubus style. As appealing as it was back then, Tamsin was also very drunk and that would be taking advantage of her.
"Hey Bo Bo." Kenzi said as she grabbed Bo by both shoulders making eye contact with a piercing stare then lowering her head slightly "You know, I am glad I don't have to ask D-man for favors to look up stuff anymore, BUT…. Do you think it's a good idea to put BOTH of you together as *PARTNERS* now that he's got his wolf back?" Kenzi voiced with concern. She was not oppose to Dyson making moves on her bestie, but she was afraid Bo would get even more confused with her current romantic relationships she was already trying to sort out if they kept in close proximity to each other.
Bo considered this for a moment. She never really thought of it that way. Her primary goal was to go take Tamsin's place in the short haul and not leave Dyson high and dry. She also did it out of a tinge of guilt as well. They always worked on similar cases so why not make it official. When Tamsin returns, she can just get back with her normal routine and give up the badge and Tamsin's desk. Dyson and she were in the past but it was made apparent at her dawning that Dyson was holding on to hope to be an item again when Bo was no longer attached. Would their closeness spark up some smoldering embers into a raging fire? She loved him at one point after all and still cared for him today. Could it be possible to love again? Bo's mind became dizzy with the possibility of a triangle turning into a square. It seemed that everyone close to her wanted to be with her. Laruen and Dyson made their advances known to some degree ahead of time. Tamsin kept it all inside until she started to crack and inadvertently showed signs of her feelings for Bo but otherwise tried her hardest to repel Bo. "No. But I can handle it Kenz. He's got his wolf back but I told him that I can't have him pining after me all the time. I'm already kind of confused right now with just 2 people, I can't afford to make it 3. This was just the right thing to do. Tamsin's is gone on assignment and this is where I am needed." Bo confessed backing up slightly from Kenzi's grip and donning on her jacket.
"OK but make sure the Kenz is always top priority" Kenzi stated patting Bo on her forearm.
"Of course!" Bo said emphatically as they both walked into the station.
On their way to Dyson's desk, it only took a couple seconds after entering for Bo, wearing her badge and power suit, to stop all productivity at the whole precinct again.
Dyson was as his desk busy with paperwork as the norm for the light. Without even looking up he greeted "Special Agent Dennis. Kenzi." He glanced up a second later and found it peculiar and a little amusing that both Kenzi and Bo were dressed up in formal work type attire. "So how did the job interviews go?" Dyson said with all seriousness trying hard to suppress a laugh.
"D-man, just steppin up our game ya' know. When we bring out *this*." Kenzi gestured in game show hostess style, "They bring out the dough!" Kenzi announced pointing both her index fingers at Dyson pistol style. She then quickly skipped over and hopped on his desk.
"Hey Dyson." Bo smiled happy to see him. She took off her suit jacket and hung it on the chair back and sat down at Tamsin's desk. This was the first time sitting at her desk. It felt odd as she did not tell Tamsin yet she was squatting at her desk and that the Ash approved her to work at the precinct in the interim. Should she go through her drawers and reorganize? She flung her hair back over her shoulder with her hands and noticed a sudden spike in energy in the area. She looked up and did her best to keep a neutral expression. It was from Dyson with his eyes glued on Bo. His expression was neutral was well as he smiled at her but Bo could tell the difference in his aura. 'His heart still beats for me. Maybe Kenzi was right and I should have avoided this whole situation' Bo thought.
"Bo, when did you get a service weapon?" Dyson asked as he tried hard to not let his mind wander to Bo's other physical characteristics.
"Oh, Tamsin left it behind a while back at our place. I'm just holding on to it." Bo said quickly as she did not want to get into the details on the circumstances surrounding on how she acquired it.
"Do you even know how to use it?" Dyson asked as it peaked his interest.
"Bo and I were trained by the *BEST* instructors … on YouTube…. So NO FEARS D-man, we got it covered. Like my Bo Bo really even needs one with me around and not to mention her persuasion powers." Kenzi cut in slapping her hand playfully on his desk.
"Well when you are ready to take it to the next level, let me know Bo." Dyson offered. Bo 'in uniform' did peak his interest for a variety of reasons, but he had work to do. "So what do I owe this pleasure?" Dyson asked as he went back to his stack of paper work.
"Well we got a missing person's case. Just dropped in to lookup some info in the PD database and track down a cell number or 2." Bo stated the facts with a smile.
"Let me know if I can help ladies, you know where I sit." Dyson said without looking up. It was not that he wanted to come off as uncaring and cold, it was more to respect Bo as a partner rather than thinking about her as someone he was or will be romantically involved with.
Time flew by as Kenzi and Bo and even Dyson from time to time worked out any leads and possibilities they had and came up with a plan. They all worked well together. As time passed through the day, both Dyson and Bo loosened up as they were able to find that common ground they could work together as partners. It was still a learning curve but at least this endeavor would not be a failure. It was Kenzi that Dyson and Bo had to thank for it. She was a good friend to both of them but made sure to help steer the conversations and interactions to avoid any possible landmines. Tamsin's name did come up in their conversations but more to the effect on how she can be utilized on this case as needed. It seemed that their missing person was headed toward the edge of their district. He had turned off his cell phone or was forced to mid route and probably removed the battery. However, using cell tower data there was a very small set of numbers which also registered on the same towers in the travel path at or about the same time as their subject Derrick.
"This is interesting. At about the time Derrick's phone was shut off, a pay as you go phone with no online registration, no name, no credit card or address was brought online and is now travelling with this one number that was travelling with Derrick's original phone" Kenzi brought up.
"Yea and it is headed toward the edge of our district." Bo said looking at the map in lost thought.
"They must have a car of some sort as they are traveling the main interstates and looking at the registration times on the towers, they are in a vehicle going about highway speeds. Annnnddd…. It looks like they are currently stopped in this area as of about 10 minutes ago." Kenzi pointed.
"Wait, I know that area, it is old and beat up pier with cargo containers and a single active dock." Bo said stopping herself short of stating that it was where Tamsin's container was located.
"Well maybe they took a rest stop of sorts." Dyson looked up from his desk and interjected.
"No. This area is pretty remote and there is not even a gas station or hotel around for miles." Bo followed up. "So they must be either picking up something or waiting for something…." Bo said as she furrowed her brows pensively.
"Wait!" Kenzi said, "How current is this satellite feed Dyson?" she asked.
"Our feeds are about 24-48 hours old unless another agency requests more frequent updating." Dyson said as he got up and looked at Bo's screen. "In this case, here, it is 31 hours old."
Kenzi pulled out her laptop and started to click away. "Svoloch'! These guys must have never heard of the internet. They don't have their schedules online."
Bo just got off her cell phone "There is a boat docked there now whose destination is Norway. They leave in about an hour. Let's go Kenzi." Bo said as she got off her chair pulling her annoying suit jacket behind her. "Dyson, can you contract the dock master and see if you can stall them?" Bo asked hurriedly to which Dyson nodded.
"We are cutting is close, it takes 40 minutes to get there according to my GPS on my phone. Which really means 30, but with my new toy, I think we can make it in 25. To the KENZ MOBILE!" Kenzi stated as they briskly walked out of that station as productivity amongst the beat cops dropped again to an all-time low in passing.
As Kenzi stated to drive like a speed demon and Bo holding on for her life, Bo stated loudly to get over the sound of the racing engine, "You know it would be nice to get there alive and not get pulled over."
"First, I was born to drive this machine. Tesla and I are one. Second I have you who is a cop for the district, and third, we won't get pulled over with *THIS*!" Kenzi said as she flipped an unlabeled and nondescript switch. An immediate whining of police sirens and strobing lights came to life.
"Kenzi, you're not even a cop! When did you have time to get this done!" Bo exclaimed and held on tighter as Kenzi suddenly increased speed weaving through traffic.
"MOVE OVER BITCHES! ….. Well you're a cop so why not? And my cousin…. knows people, that knows people, who know how to pimp out rides." Kenzi smiled nonchalantly zipping through traffic and continued "*AT* a very attractive price point I might add. Don't even get me started with some of the James Bond enhancements he put in here. I just call him Q."
They got there in 22 minutes, record time but it took Bo a couple minutes to get her sea legs again as that ride was intense to say the least.
They started to walk the perimeter when they noticed there were men and women patrolling the area in all back fatigues armed with AR-15 rifles.
"Crap-tastic." Kenzi said in a whisper as Bo and Her ducked behind a cargo container to evade detection. "Bo that's a lot of people. Do you think they are the law?"
"Nope, but I can tell you this. Something big is happening here as this place was almost abandoned the last time I was here." Bo let out keeping her voice low looking around to get her direction.
"You were here before? I thought we don't fly solo?" Kenzi looked back at Bo raising her whispered voice slightly.
"Not now Kenz. What type of hardware are you packing?" Bo asked as they stealthily moved to the next row of cargo containers to evade detection.
"Ummmmm my powers and what you have." Kenzi confessed with an embarrassed look on her face. She remembered to pimp out her car, but forgot to 'pack' some essentials. "Wait," as Kenzi reached in her boot, "I've got this?" she said in consolation. She had pulled out her emergency 3 inch boot knife.
"You call that a knife." Bo said in a mock Australian accent.
"Oh Bo Bear, please tell me you haven't been watching reruns of Crocodile Dundee on second rate movie channels in the middle of the night" Kenzi said annoyed as they yet again moved to another set of cargo containers hastily as another set of guards passed their former location.
"Shit I've got my dagger, and gun with only 8 bullet… ummm rounds in it and I don't know if it will fire after Tamsin got it wet when she was in the tub with me." Bo said assessing the situation getting her bearing once more.
"Bo Bo, you told me about detective snarky pants paying you a visit while you were in the bath, but HOW did she get her gun wet again? God Bo! Did she accidentally have a wet t-shirt contest for you too?!" Kenzi asked sarcastically and then shook her head and put her hands on her temples to focus "Never mind. You two are just totally depraved."
"Kenz follow me. We need more hardware, and a lot of it… and I think I got a plan." Bo stated as she moved between cargo containers to another set of rows.
It did not take long for Bo to find Tamsin's rusted maroon container. Bo was just about to unlock the new lock Tamsin put on the container but then she turned to Kenzi and put her hands on both sides of her shoulders. "Kenzi. Promise me above all else to NOT tell anyone about this. Whatever you see here you never discuss it anyone including me outside of this container. OK Kenz?" Bo forcefully said staring her down.
Kenzi was about to make a witty comment but saw in Bo's eyes that she was dead serious. She just nodded in compliance. Who would steal anything from that hunk of junk rusted container she thought.
Bo dialed the 10 digit comb which Tamsin gave her and opened the door, she ushered Kenzi quickly inside and then closed the door behind themselves.
Kenzi could not see and turned her cell phone light on and Bo did the same. Bo walked over to the desk in the back and turned on the camping light. Kenzi could not believe what she saw. She looked around with her mouth part open in awe of the sheer collection of weapons in front of her. She was about to reach out and touch some of them, but stopped and considered why Bo would not tell her about this place. Bo was busy as she took out some binoculars and tossed one to Kenzi. These were vintage WWII German binoculars. All the weapons in there had history. They ranged the gamut and style of swords and bows, to the most modern rifles and hand guns. There seemed to be less of the more modern hardware, but they were still present. Who would have all this? Not Bo. TAMSIN. A war machine. This place was so like her. She was a methodical and accomplished killer and these must have been the items she had collected over all her life times. This container was organized, but cold. Utilitarian but not flashy. If things could describe a person, this was definitely her. It was akin to being inside of Tamsin's soul. Bo pulled out a double cross bow and set it on a box along with another. An out of place item Kenzi noted was on Tamsin's desk. It was a pair of stylish sunglasses. It was Bo's from the last time she was there as she did not have it on her today. Kenzi came to the conclusion as to why Bo was not joking about keeping this place secret. Bo was protecting the essence and soul of the Valkyrie she loved. Kenzi probably would have never seen this place if circumstances were different. Bo in her typical symbolic manner found a place even in this cold container as she left her sunglasses there as if she belonged. And she did.
Kenzi chose not a say a word as they started to load up. Bo uttered only a modicum of instructions in a soft and low voice. Bo was treating this place with the same reverence as a church. That was new. Kenzi pulled out a modified AK-47 with a long barrel with collapsible bipod mount and a scope then showed it to Bo who just nodded in approval. It was sniper time. She took out a set of banana magazines taped together with duct tape. She then inserted the magazine into the AK and chambered it. 'Ready to rock' she thought. Sure she had used an AK-47 before, but not this type which was heavily accessorized and definitely not with this much heritage on it. Selling the items in this place could have given Tamsin the ability to retire well but she chose not to Kenzi wondered. Her eyes then locked onto an authentic 1860 US Calvary sword with intricate engravings on its hilt. She looked at it carefully and was about to pick it up and feel it until she felt Bo's seething stare locked in her direction. "What? Just appreciating the art work." Kenzi said meekly as she moved on.
Bo was hesitant to even let Kenzi know about this much less let her in. It was not that she did not want to tell her, it was more of the fact that she was about to show her something that was not hers to share. Only 3 people were allowed into Tamsin's container which was in essence who she was. Tamsin, Arin and Bo. Now, Kenzi was going to see it making it 4. She felt bad and knew she would have to tell Tamsin about it. Hopefully she would understand.
She tried to just get down to business and only stayed long enough get loaded up. She put down her compact semi auto and swapped to a Glock 22 full frame with a high capacity magazine and chambered it. She also put one spare magazine in her jacket pocket. She finally slung a crossbow with an integrated quiver over her shoulder.
They nodded to each other as they exited the container and locked it.
"Kenzi, climb to the top of these containers, call Dyson for backup and then cover me. Keep your cellphone on as I will be calling you to keep an open line once I drop in and say hi to these 'nice' people." Bo commanded as she clipped her bluetooth head set on and walked away.
After getting as close to the docked ship as possible and confirming that Kenzi was in line of sight via her binoculars. She then called her cell. "Got ya covered Bo Bo." Kenzi said in her ear. Next she pulled out her badge and walked up to a 2 of the guards patrolling the ramp to the boat. She just smiled a she held out her badge with her left and holding the cross bow loaded but pointing down with her right. The guards approached her with the rifles on their shoulders ready to fire. Bo played to cool. "Police Precinct 39. I am here to talk to Derrick Oakton."
"You got some balls to be here lady" they guy grunted. "With the amount of hardware we have here, you as good as dead." He ended with a threat.
"I love foreplay." Bo said smoothly "But you must be confusing me for a blond since I already brought my own army and if you so much as look at me wrong, your dead." Bo spat back. "Can we play nice today? I just want to talk Derrick" Bo said calmly.
The guard questioning Bo started to back off while the other radioed commands to the surrounding patrols to find this 'army' Bo was speaking of.
After a moment a red haired woman from the boat looking over the railing at the whole situation yelled "Stop and hold your positions. Escort her up to the main deck" she ordered.
"Ma'am you'll have to leave your weapons here." The guard stated as he motioned to the other guard to frisk her.
Bo set down her crossbow and then put her hands up. As she was being patted down, Bo reached out and grabbed his hand as it was about to reach her thigh with her gun and used her powers and said, "You frisked and felt my *ENTIRE BODY* already remember? Now can we just move along? Oh you can call me Bo." she said in a sultry voice before letting go. "Jeez Bo bear, try to keep your panties on" she heard through her ear piece. "Th.. this way ma'am … ummm Bo. Please." the guard ushered her to the ramp nearly tripping and drooling all over himself. "All in a day's work Kenz" So smirked as she was escorted to the main deck and then inside one of the very large main cabins surrounded with windows. Containers were still being loaded on this cargo freighter but it looked like they were finishing up. "Kenz, can you see me?" she whispered and waited next to a window facing the field of containers. "Yuppers. Annnnd smile, red head welcoming party and Derrick are approaching to your left with surprisingly not much security. Looks like 2 guards plus one that is still trying to lift his jaw off the floor" Kenzi stated in Bo's ear piece.
Bo turned and Derrick and the Red head were approaching holding hands. Just as she thought, he did have someone. "Hi Derrick I'm Bo" she said shaking Derrick's hand but as she was about to shake the red head's she immediately pulled back. "And who do I have the pleasure of meeting?" Bo asked putting her hand on her hip touching the hilt of her dagger surreptitiously.
"Erica. You must be the Unaligned Succubus, Bo Dennis." She said factually. "I have heard so much about you."
"Good stuff, I hope." Bo responded not knowing how to gauge her until her aura spiked slightly as she held Derrick's hand and looked at him. She could tell Erica at least liked Derrick. "So eloping on this luxurious cruise ship bound for Denmark?" Bo asked.
"We are going away together to getting married and live the life we deserve." Derrick stated as he smile at Erica. His aura spike as well.
"Let's cut to the chase shall we?" Erica huffed out annoyed. "Who sent you and why are you here?"
"Wow, OK. I was hired to find you Derrick. You mother is worried sick about you and sent me to make sure you are safe and to bring you home" Bo stated as she observed them both.
"You can tell my mother that I am fine and no, I am not going back. If she is worried about my well-being and happiness, she can leave us alone. We are in love and have been for over 15 years. It is time we make some of our own decision. So you can leave now as we will be departing shortly and not even your backup units enroute will be able to catch us." Derrick said stubbornly.
Bo look outside to the sea of containers and asked "Can we sit down and talk?" Kenzi immediately knew that Bo was talking to her "Bo I got the guards covered but I can only do head shots for anyone seated ok? I am also not too sure how accurate this thing is" she stated quickly.
"I don't know what that will accomplish but I think we have a little time. The Dock Master is causing some stink about our manifest not being accurate." Erica stated looking annoyed.
"Way to go D-Man!" Kenzi said into Bo's ear.
"So you two are obviously star crossed lovers, so can you tell me why you are choosing to run away without seeking Derrick's parents knowledge or approval?" So asked sincerely taking a drink of water that was already set down on the table.
"My Mom totally trashed Erica that is why! I have been bringing her over to our occasions every now and then and they HATE her! I thought they would eventually warm up, but no. They just wish for me to find some other girl fit for royalty within the clan." Derrick vented.
"I am a Fire Sprite that is why. It is not who I am, it is WHAT I am. Fire Sprites and Tree elders are arch enemies. Tree elders inhabit older and ancient tree that just grow and take up the land but then they grow so tall on their canopy light never reaches the forest floor to allow for more plant life. Fire sprites help keep a balance and make small forest fires to bring new life out of the old and decaying trees the tree elders live in. We are hated because was wreck their home of hundreds possibly thousands of years. They are so obtuse and near sighted." She said as she explained the circumstances to Bo.
"Erica, I assume that your ummm clan is OK with you being with Derrick?" Bo questioned inquisitively.
"Nope. They knew Derrick was a great guy as my friend, but as soon as I hinted I wanted to go with him, they just threatened to disown me" Erica said as her words were laced with distain.
"Oh. So just give both parties a call and let them know that you will be sailing off into the sunset with or without their blessing." Bo stated succinctly.
"Are you nuts! Erica is equivalent to royalty and my mom and cousins … Oh don't let them deceive you. They'll hunt us down then kill the one's we care about, then it will be an all-out war. That is why we have so much security." Derrick said annoyed. "Do you even know what it is to love someone that is totally opposite of you and is supposed to be your enemy? Can a succubus feel love even?" Derrick lashed out frustrated.
Bo took a deep breath as she blew off the insult. "Derrick, Erica. I do love and I also do know what it is like to love another that is or was supposed to be your enemy but you somehow you get it to work. Sure a succubus can lust, but we can feel the full spectrum of emotions including love. We are not beyond trying to want more than just a one night stand. We just have to want it bad enough just like the 2 of you. I refuse to let what I am define who I am. Can I… get a drink?" Bo asked as she looked around. The guard she thralled earlier motioned to the bar. Bo calmly walked over and just pulled a beer out of the fridge and sat back down on the chair opposite of Erica and David who looked genuinely curious as to what she was about to say. Bo took a big drink and then started with a large exhale "I… I love a Valkyrie. A powerful instrument of war, destruction and death. I, as you know am succubus, the total opposite as I am a lover. She is dark and I am unaligned, although most of my friends and family are light. We got our relationship to work somehow almost inadvertently. All this time, she was hell bent of proving that I was a criminal and miscreant. A freak of nature. Her goal was to put me behind bars. When we were forced to work together, we fought more times than not, but we eventually found even through all the fighting we ended up respecting one another." Bo paused and looked up trying to find the correct words to say next. "The fighting still continued on however but this time it was for a different reason. We both wanted to purposefully repel one another to deny that two totally opposite beings can be attracted to one another. Now we are insanely in love with one another." Bo was looking away the whole time and finally turned her full attention back to them.
"I think I just tasted some of my bile coming back up. BTW Dyson will be here in 10." Kenzi reported in Bo's earpiece in a sort of whisper.
"How heartwarming." Eric perked up. "So you must know why we want so much to be together and why we must fight … the world if we to, in order to stay together. Does your family support you?" she inquired while Derrick looked on silently as if gauging Bo.
"Well, my family knows, but my full extended family I have yet to tell." Bo said thinking about what to say next. "My family is a sister that I have, Kenzi. Sure she was adamantly skeptical at the onset. First she thought I was nuts. Then she thought it was just a re-bound relationship. In the end she accepted it for what is really was. A destined paring between two loving people." Bo concluded deep in thought.
"And supposing after everything," Derrick spoke up interrupting the moment "Kenzi did not want you to have anything to do with your Valkyrie?"
"She would not do that. She wants me to be happy." Bo stated sincerely.
"But what if she told you in no uncertain terms that she could not and would not stand to see you with your Valkyrie. What would you do then?" Derrick pushed asking the question as Erica looked on with great interest to Bo's answer.
This was going to be a tough answer Bo mused. She never thought of it that way. She just assumed Kenzi would come around. "I don't know, I never considered that before." Bo said a little taken off guard.
"Welcome to our world. *THAT'S* exactly what we are dealing with." Derrick said apparently dismayed at Bo's answer. He then looked at Erica who was still looking at Bo waiting for an answer.
"Kenzi. I would side with Kenzi." Bo stated with authority behind her statement.
"What!" Both Erica and Derrick said in unison.
"Why?" Erica shot back with venom no doubt referring to their bitter family struggles which forced them into this position.
Bo hesitated and was tempted to hang up or mute her line with her BFF but like she told Kenzi before, there were things we don't say to each other until it was too late. No time better than the present she mused. "Kenzi is my heart. She is a human and accepts me for who I am. She treats me like I am normal in this messed up world we as Fae, heck even humans, live in. She is by my side no matter the circumstance and has my back. She wants the best for me and therefore we are sisters to the end. I trust her unequivocally. To answer your question," Bo paused and looked directly at both of them as her eyes watered up a little, "she was in my life first and has *CARRIED* me through all my failed relationships and major screw-ups. She is family and I can only surmise that if she did not agree with me being with Tamsin … ummm my Valkyrie …. There has to be an extremely good reason that was not self-serving. It would hurt me to no end to be separated from someone I love, but if we were truly meant to be with each other, I have full confidence that fate will intervene and bring us together again." Bo concluded. She found it odd that her Bluetooth headset was awfully quiet. Did they get disconnected?
Kenzi was still on the top of the 6 stack of cargo containers scanning all the activity through her rifle scope, which she had to admit was old, but it still had excellent optical quality. The AK itself was a little beat up, but it felt used and comfortable almost like a worn leather jacket. The guards were still patrolling but were now sweeping at faster intervals probably aware than something else could go down. They did not dismiss the possibility that Bo had backup. She was still listening in and relayed Dyson's ETA with a signature Kenzi comment of course. She was a little worried now that someone on the boat deck with binoculars was now scanning the tops of the cargo containers. But as luck would have it, Kenzi was slightly obscured by cargo containers in front of her and the sun was also nearly setting behind her making it hard for them to see from the ship. Still she was glad she wore black on a black container as she would stick out like a sore thumb if she wore anything else. She still kept her eye on the guy with binoculars on the deck when she heard her name explicitly mentioned by Bo twice in the same breath. She immediately swiveled her rifle to get a view of Bo, Erica and Derrick. As Bo was talking, Kenzi immediately hit her mute button. "Good timing Bo." She stated sarcastically as Bo continued and the words began to settle in. Kenzi started to speak to herself "I'm Fae not human Bo… Keep it together Kenz. Stay on target." She said taking in deep breaths. "Took me hours to put on my makeup." She knew that Bo would never abandon her intentionally because of anyone or anything, it was just an understood but unspoken rule. The effect of Bo essentially affirming and pledging it to the 'world' of that fact was heartwarming and reassuring. She was still looking though the scope at Bo and she could see Bo's sincerity as if she was sitting right there with her. Before she knew it she felt a couple tear drops roll down her cheek. "Damit Bo. Like that is so not cool." She exhaled sharply as she put the butt of her AK down. She expediently wiped her tears off her face with her sleeve making large streaks of her mascara down her face. "You sooo totally owe me. You knew this AK did not come with a tissue dispenser, mirror and mascara applicator Bo Bo." She then unmuted her phone and picked up her assault rifle again to keep scanning for signs of trouble.
"Our parents want us to marry someone of significance politically. They don't give a shit about 'love'" Erica spat out a little put off.
"Erica, I agree with you. I abhor these stupid Fae rules. They just get in the way of common sense which seems to be less common with Fae. I do what *I* want. You should know that about me. I assume you have reached that point to." Bo said in a soothing tone. "However, did either of you tell your parents directly that you are in love and are going to be together with or without their blessing?"
The both looked at each other. "No, we don't want to be responsible for starting a war which will end up hurting and killing the people care for." Derrick spoke in a forceful tone for both of them.
"But you may end up causing a deeper rift between the clans as they will find out sooner or later which still may lead to just that. War. Right after all the finger pointing, political posturing, and sabre rattling. If the clans are that myopic, war was inevitable and you were just the convenient scapegoats." Bo paused and let what she said sink in. "You *could* however use this as an example to show that a lasting peace can exist even between 2 blood enemies. Is there really any harm in inviting just your parents over to talk one final time?" Bo bargained.
"No!" Erica yelled, "They aren't dumb, they'll just send an extraction team to get me and kill everyone else."
"Well tell them that if they do I will just chi suck everyone dry in a 10 block radius at the same time and everyone will dies." Bo said as the thought about Tamsin's harsh but effective methods came to mind. It would definitely keep both sides on their best behavior. Tamsin's methods may seem callous and crude, but Bo learned a thing or two from it. The only difference was that she could not follow through but her counterpart would without hesitation. "You said you heard about me Erica, what do you hear?"
"That you are powerful, have no master, follow no laws. You are unaligned which says that you are more reckless than the dark or the light combined. You strive for what is right and what makes sense to you. You are both feared and adored by my clan." Erica spewed out.
Derrick chimed in "The same goes for my clan except they think that you must be having … ummmm feeding sessions continually to maintain your powers when you are not using them."
"Yep Bo Bo, his clan just called you a succu-whore in heat." Kenzi chirped into Bo's ear piece. Bo was glad Kenzi was still on the line "Oh yea, Dyson just got here. Should I release the hounds or tell him to walk up and join you?" she asked.
"So? Do you want to give this a shot? Not that I want to suck anyone dry, but I guarantee that both parties will stay behaved." Bo asked with a coy smile.
"You would do this for us?" Erica questioned with a smile.
"Sure if you don't mind the 'reckless' unaligned succubus crashing your party?" Bo said with a flirty look and a wink.
"Let's do it!" Derrick said enthusiastically as Erica squealed with joy then hugged and kissed him. Immediately after that, she got off her chair and hugged Bo who was still seated.
"My partner Dyson and Kenzi probably want permission to come on board. They work with my precinct and will be an asset to get this plan off the ground. Is that ok?" Bo asked them.
"Sure, send them in. I have our security teams know immediately." Derrick motioned to the guard and relayed that Dyson and Kenzi were guests and should be here momentarily.
Bo then pretend to dial Dyson and said "Hey, everything is ok and I think we have a plan. Can you meet us here? Thanks".
"OK, just told Dyson and I am on my way in. Hey you locked Tamsin's container, so I hope they don't mind if I come to the party with a pimped out AK-47." Kenzi squawked over her ear piece.
"Sure thing. See ya." Bo said as she finally hung up for real.
Kenzi waited for Dyson to pass the security check point and he was ushered in without being searched. So all was good. Kenzi then slung the AK over her back and proceeded down the ladder. After she got back on the ground, she saw 2 people on patrol but one of them was a female. She stepped out with her hands up and flagged her. "Hey, I'm Kenzi with precinct 39." She said as both guards approached with their AR-15s ready to fire.
"Oh, she is expected." The woman in short brunette hair said as she lowered her weapon and her male counterpart followed. "This way ma'am" she said devoid of any emotion as she walked in the direction of the ship.
"Wait… ummmm can I talk to you for a sec?" Kenzi said as she caught up with her and stood in front of her. She had a confused look on her face. "Ummm I know that I don't know you that well but… I need a favor…" Kenzi puffed out a little embarrassed. "Do you have some place I can, err freshen up before the meet and greet?" she squeaked motioning to her face.
The guard took a moment and smirked ever so slightly but in a softer tone as she leaned forward to Kenzi slightly said "I don't know if I have your all the foundation, blush and mascara colors you need but you are free to try." She straightened up and then announced "This way please."
"*Nice* uber modded AK-47 sniper rifle." the male guard said following behind Kenzi admiring the weapon in addition to the cute Goth girl toting it. He was probably wondering how she was able to wield it as the weapon was disproportionately large as compared to Kenzi's small frame.
It turned out that the female guard who went by the name Jessica, had most everything she needed for 'damage control' purposes. It kind of surprised Kenzi as Jessica had almost no makeup or foundation on when they met. But it was good enough. After she thanked Jessica, she made it to the main dining room with Bo and Dyson.
Both families did show up with minimal guards as Bo requested. Sure they spent hours bickering, but it was the good kind. Both clans actually cared about some type of peace and both parents ultimately wanted their children to be happy. In the end, Derrick and Erica planned to have their wedding at a neutral location where both clans could attend. Security would be done by Derrick and Erica's security teams who were already patrolling the area. Things were looking up. At the end of the day, everyone went home but at least there was no blood shed today.
At the end of the day, Dyson went back home to go over some paperwork and get a drink. Bo and Kenzi told him they needed to make a quick stop first before they followed suit back to their shack.
"So how many Krugerrands should we charge for this?" Kenzi said to Bo as she put away the AK where she found it in the container.
"Sorry Kenz, I'm worried. Tamsin went out on this op this morning and has not returned any one of my calls or text messages. It is now late into the evening. I think I would have heard something by now" Bo said as she sat down at Tamsin's desk putting the Glock and magazine away on a shelf and donning her lighter, compact service weapon back on which was still actually Tamsin's too.
Kenzi could see that Bo was agonizing over the well-being of her Valkyrie. "She's tough, she'll be just fine. For all we know she is just probably drunk with her new gang after kickin some Fae ass," She murmured sitting down on the cot as she tried to comfort Bo.
"Yea," Bo said as she got up lazily unconvinced as she felt something was wrong. They both walked out and closed the container and locked it. Just then her phone vibrated which signaled that a text message was received. Bo initially looked at it and smiled but as she read it her face lost its color and horror filled her face. "Kenzi!" Bo exclaimed as she broke into a frantic running pace toward the car not caring that Kenzi could not keep up "We have to get to Tamsin's Precinct now!"
** 8 hours earlier **
The team whole team was back in the ready room with all their gear. Tamsin lightly sprayed them with a watery substance that smelled like it came from a marsh. The team had no idea why, but Tamsin knew that they had to cover up their smell to avoid detection inside the building from the shape shifters.
Kendra gave them a once over. She noticed that besides standard class C body armor and modified ballistics packages Tamsin requested, some carried 'comfort' weapons as well. Chica carried some throwing knives, Tamsin carried two short swords crossed across her back but hidden well, hump day carried an older 357 magnum snub nose revolver and carrot top carried a 50 caliber desert eagle.
"All right all rifles and shotguns in the tool boxes. Let's put on our coveralls and move out." Kendra ordered. Kendra was about to put her shot gun in loaded with only slugs rounds when Tamsin grabbed it and it looked like she was gauging the weight. She looked at Kendra curiously and tilted her head and said "You're that good of a shot to only need slug rounds?"
Tamsin pulled Kendra aside "You know what we are dealing with right? This is not a joke" Tamsin said in a very serious tone and demeanor. She kicked herself for Bo rubbing off on her in which she gave a shit about humans. Well at least they could always act as my human shields Tamsin thought maniacally. She now felt a little better that she still had it in her to not care. She shook off that thought a second later however.
Kendra was surprised that Tamsin knew the proper weight of shotgun when loaded in that fashion. She was the best shot and could hit moving and stationary targets, she just needed to reload less. "Well I almost killed Dyson from over a mile away while he was on the move didn't I? I am even more effective close range." Kendra stated coolly as she saw Tamsin quickly process and think about the information tactically.
Tamsin could see her stubbornness a quality she herself had. She just admitted to almost taking down a shape shifter and her partner from over a mile away. She knows this Fae well Tamsin concluded. She remembered reviewing Kendra's service record. She achieved several sharp shooter awards even more than Long Shot and On Target but she excelled when it came to tactical close range combat maneuvers. She was a reflexive shooter and was on the money all the time especially out in the field. She had a sixth sense which Tamsin took a lifetime to hone, but Kendra was 'gifted' for a human female in an almost exclusive all male arena. "If you're that good, I suggest you use this and only perform headshots" said Tamsin as she pulled out her AR-15 which she was going to substitute for her own shotgun.
Kendra scanned the AR-15 closely and wondered why this AR-15 was so special. She had a confused look on her face as the standard AR ammunition did not have nearly as much stopping power as a slug. Her eyes roamed to the magazine which looked custom. She ejected the magazine and surveyed the bullets lifting up the magazine in the light to get a better gander. "I have never seen this ordinance before Tamsin. Is this some sort of a 50 cal round?" she asked with intrigue.
"Yes, these are high velocity, heavy weight 50 cal hollow points rifle rounds in a modified AR-15 with a custom 15 round magazine." Tamsin factually stated. "They will go through an engine block and are built for stopping power in close and mid-range encounters not to mention maximum carnage" An evil smile crept across Tamsin's face as she looked at Kendra and Kendra's eyes locked onto hers again "These are called *Beowulf* rounds." She said smiling at the irony. "Care to take it for a quick spin at the range downstairs?"
Kendra quickly expended 3 magazines at the range. The AR acted just like any AR she fired with just a little more kick, but the effect was amazing. She took off her goggles and hearing protection and glanced at Tamsin who was just standing behind her with an 'I know I am the best' expression on her face. "I think I'm in love." She exclaimed.
"Oh, *I know*" she smiled smugly scrunching up her face and bending at the knees slightly. The only thing Valkyrie's like better than gore, death and destruction is *MORE* gore, death and destruction.
"If I am using this, what are you going to use?" Kendra asked petting her new best friend.
"Val… Tamsin's first rule on weapons. *ALWAYS* have a backup. I got another in my truck." She said with a click at the end. "Shall we? Our chariot awaits us." Tamsin said as they fist bumped one another.
They approached the area in several F150's and it was as expected but better actually. The informants posing at bums and dock workers were arguing with the gas line workers. Carrot top and Spike who did not need to enter into the building joined in and started to create a physical altercation which actually attracted more attention from those inside the warehouse as some human security guards came out to make sure the fight did not spill over into their controlled area. It was a perfect distraction. Snipers radioed that they had overwatch and eyes along with Heavy D.
They changed out of their coveralls retrieved their respective rifles and shotguns from the 'tool box'. Chica, as planned cut the fence as they breached the perimeter. Two of the men on Kendra's team cut and pulled back the weakened panels to the warehouse walls as both teams quickly and quietly entered.
The 2 teams separated in column formation with traq rifles and silenced Glocks drawn and were rapidly swallowed by the darkness in the warehouse.
A/N: Sorry slight detour. I felt that I needed to give Kenzi more 'screen time' as she should be more than just comic relief especially if she is Bo's BFF. Also referring to the just aired LG S04E05 in Canada, all I have to say is "Now serving number 69." Jee, that sounds familiar like I wrote about it earlier. Hmmmm Lol. Thanks to all the reviewers and for waiting again.