Autobot Angel

Chapter Five: Witness

Horatio frowned as Speed finished filling the team in on their victim's interesting past. A stalker who'd followed their vic for years, slipping past the Feds numerous times to taunt and torment his victim. A stalker who'd finally caught his prey when her guardians had slipped up. Alexx shook her head in silent dismay. Eric and Calleigh looked sickened, horrified at the terror their victim had lived with for years.

Calleigh finally broke the silence. "Why kill her now?"

Speed sighed. "Maybe he was done playing with her."

"Or he finally decided to shut up the last eyewitness to his crime," Delko muttered.

Horatio gave a nod. "Either is a possibility. Calleigh, Delko, get back on the evidence. We're going to need every bit to find this guy. Alexx, see if the victim has any more to tell you. When the FBI gets here with the rest of the case file, see what you can make of the medical evidence. Speed, check the house again. I'll do the negotiating with the Feds."

Heads nodded and the team moved out to their various tasks. Horatio smiled as Calleigh made a beeline for Speed. Probably checking his gun. The CSI supervisor turned to the phone and picked it up, dialing.

"Hello, my name is Lieutenant Horatio Caine…"

Speed strode toward the house, Prowl right behind him. The CSI snorted softly, remembering Calleigh's descent. She'd demanded to see his gun before letting him leave. Prowl had chimed in with a loud agreement, cutting off Speed's protest. Overruled, though Calleigh didn't know about Prowl, Speedle had surrendered gracefully. He'd watched as Calleigh looked his gun over, examining it closely for any hint of dirt. At last she'd pronounced the weapon fit for duty and handed it back to Tim.

Tim ducked under the tape, and walked up to the door. He reached up with his key to slice the police seal open and stopped.

"What's wrong?"

"The seal. It's already open."

Prowl tensed. "Stay here. I'll check it out."

Speed watched as his 'Autobot Angel' disappeared through the door, then sighed and walked back to the Hummer. Nothing to do but wait until Prowl got back.

Prowl stepped inside the quiet house, going low. Even now, he reacted like a soldier. He moved forward, looking around. Nothing so far. The Autobot moved to the back of the house and slipped down into the basement. From there, Prowl swept the rooms on the first floor, examining every corner. A sound made him draw back into the darkness. He looked up at the second floor. There. Prowl slunk back, eying the shadow of his opponent. He reached down, then stopped. Darn it, no gun. Prowl snorted. Then again, why would a ghost need a gun? Prowl looked up again, then headed for the door. Outside, he jogged to Speedle's side.

"One male, on the second floor. You should call for backup."

"I can handle one guy, Prowl."

Prowl opened his mouth to protest but Speed was already walking toward the door. The Autobot hurried after the CSI. "It's too risky, Speed. We need backup."

Speed ignored the other, pulling his gun and pushing the door open. Prowl groaned and flitted past Tim, not caring if he gave the CSI a chill. Deserves it right now, the tactician grumped. Speed hefted his gun and slipped forward. Prowl's gaze darted around, searching for their foe. Tim crouched beside the staircase and moved toward the back of the house.

"Speed, watch out!"

Speed whirled, just as his attacker landed behind him. The CSI's gun began to steady and the other man slammed his elbow into Speed's, forcing the young man to drop the weapon. Prowl lunged as Speed's attacker shoved Speed down and pulled his own piece. Before the other could fire at the downed CSI, Prowl was there, forcing the suspect's gun up. Speed's jaw dropped. His guardian angel had transformed, becoming a black and white robot. Wings jutted out from Prowl's back, looking suspiciously like doors. The robot's back was to Speed but the young man could make out a red chevron on the front of the Autobot's helmet. The gun pointed straight up and went off. Prowl shifted, letting the other bring it down as he turned, still gripping the gun. The suspect yelped as Prowl's doorwing slammed into him and Prowl's elbow rammed backward. The other released the gun and fell to the side as Prowl completed his turn. Speed stared as Prowl dropped the gun and his appearance shifted back to his human form. Speed blinked, then shed his paralysis and grabbed his gun. The perp had already started running. Speedle gave chase, Prowl right behind him but the suspect managed to escape.

Speed looked over at Prowl. "What was that?"

"My true form."

Speedle started to open his mouth, then thought better of it. After a moment, "I think he could see you."

"Agreed."

Speed looked at his guardian angel and frowned.

"What?"

"You look, I don't know, more solid?"

Prowl blinked, looking down at himself. "I do?"

"Yeah, not quite as transparent."

"Interesting."

Speed stared at Prowl a moment more, then started.

"What?"

"I've got to call H. Looks like we've got a witness."

"Two witnesses," Prowl corrected.

Tim walked back toward the Hummer. "Yeah, but how does a ghost testify in court?"

Prowl tilted his head. "With great difficulty."

Speed couldn't help it. He started laughing. Prowl watched the CSI for a moment, then shook his head. This job was turning out to be harder than he'd thought.

The Autobot shifted to look at the house. I hope you were right, Elektra.

A/N: Well, a bit of a cliffhanger. What further role does Elektra have? Well, not telling yet. Perhaps something to do with a few dead Autobots… Please, review the fight scene. Wanted to show Speedy getting saved (again) by our favorite Autobot tactician. (MY Prowl --Eyes other angry Prowl fans-- Or not.) Anyway, hope you liked it