A/N: Yup, it's definitely time for another round of this one. (grins)
BUT, first things first… THANK YOU, so much, for those absolutely amazing review! (HUGS) They really make my day, ya know? So thank you!
Awkay… (takes a deep breath) There's about a million things I'm supposed to do so I'll have to jump right in. I truly hope you'll enjoy the ride, folks!
Mayhem
Three Weeks Later
It hadn't taken those hunting down Foyet long to figure out that finding Ellie Spicer would make finding the psychopath much easier. So far the girl had been infuriatingly good at avoiding the army of people after her. But that morning she made a unexpected mistake. She went to a pharmacy without bothering to disguise herself, allowing her face to be seen. In an instant people were following her, finally tracking her down to a abandoned block of flats in a far corner of the city. In there no one was asking questions. It was the perfect place for hiding.
Aaron's eyes were even harder than usual as he observed the footage sent by a camera that'd been attached to a SWAT-team member's helmet. His team wasn't allowed to work on Foyet's case any longer, as Strauss had pointed out in no uncertain terms long ago – this was the closest to him they'd get. His team's warning of this being a potential trap had echoed on deaf ears. Now all they could do was wait and pray for the best.
The closer to the correct door the SWAT-team got the further William stiffened beside Aaron. Derek was practically seething on his other side. Aaron couldn't even imagine what was going through the agent's head at that very moment.
Aaron wasn't blind. He saw quite clearly how much Spencer meant to the dark skinned man, even if Derek himself was still struggling. If it'd been Haley in Spencer's shoes…
Just then there was a loud crash. The entire group watching tensed up when the SWAT-team infiltrated the apartment, securing every single corner. There was absolutely nothing. Mail had been thrown to the floor. Almost like…
"They're long gone", David growled. "They must've known they'd been found."
Aaron's blood ran cold as realization dawned. The exact same thought made William's eyes widen to a dangerous extend. "Son of a bitch…", the older man growled.
Just then the member of SWAT with the camera made it to the computer abandoned to a tiny table in the middle of what looked like a kitchen. They all noticed that the computer was promptly deleting files. When the man pressed a button a message popped up to the screen.
'Don't ever try this again.'
Exactly two seconds later a timer appeared, counting down from ten. The room's temperature seemed to drop several degrees.
"Holy shit…!" Emily uttered.
There was a second of paralyzing terror before the SWAT-team was running. And then the bomb went off. The teammember carrying the camera fell down and stayed down. From the smoke and chaos it was impossible to tell if they all survived – if any of them survived.
It wasn't until the room's door was thrown closed they realized that Derek had left. No one seemed surprised. William followed the lead soundlessly, a look of shock, defeat, anger and frustration on his ghostly pale face.
Aaron stared at the screen, at the smoke, at the devastation, trying to catch even the slightest glimpse of hope. No one was moving.
"They… They'll be okay, right?" Penelope's voice was shaking and Aaron wished he would've been able to console her but he couldn't even open his mouth.
The operation hadn't only failed miserably. This also meant that Foyet and Ellie were still out there, quite possibly more dangerous than ever before. This meant that all hell had just broken loose. There was no telling what would happen next.
William made barely a sound as he took a seat next to Derek, who'd finally ended up slumping to a bench outside the building. He didn't care to know why the agent's knuckles were bloodied. His own were itching.
"How?" Derek's eyes were filled with naked fury and despair, the same emotions William had been struggling with since this all began. The agent's lower lip was trembling. "How the hell are we supposed to bring an end to this when we're not allowed to do a fucking thing?"
William's mouth opened, then closed again. And finally he uttered the only honest answer that came to mind. "I don't know." His eyes narrowed while he watched a father and son walking hand in hand on the other side of the street. The father looked around carefully before daring to cross the street with his child. "Yet."
Heaven knows William hadn't been much of a father. But this was his son on the line. This was the thing that meant the most to him on the line. And there was absolutely no way in hell was about to stand in the sidelines and watch.
At the age of six Laura Doneghy – a pretty little girl with long, honey colored hair and massive brown eyes – knew better than well to be aware of strangers. Her dad had taught her that very early on. Today, however, she still hadn't been picked up from school almost an hour after her last class was over and she was getting ready to jump into any car that'd take her.
By the time Laura heard approaching steps there were tears in her eyes. She turned her head to see a young woman with chin-length black hair and blue eyes. The woman smiled at her. "Hi, Laura. I'm Ellie, your new babysitter."
Laura frowned. True, her dad her told her that she'd get a new babysitter today but she was supposed to come straight to their house. Her dad was supposed to pick her up. "Where's daddy?" she inquired quietly.
"He was busy with work", Ellie explained in a gentle tone, poking her nose with one finger. "He told me to take extra good care of you."
Laura's frown didn't fade away. "Does daddy know you're here? I don't want him to worry."
Ellie smiled, ruffling her hair quite hard. "Don't worry, sweetie, you'll get to see daddy soon. Now let's go. I've got some special treats for you."
Easily convinced Laura grinned radiantly and took Ellie's hand, letting the woman lead her away.
Spencer didn't know what chased marshal Doneghy out of the safehouse that afternoon like there'd been fire on the man's tails. It was already one o'clock – the man was late for picking up his daughter. Spencer wondered if it had something to do with the mysterious phonecalls the man had been making and receiving all day. It infuriated him that the marshal wouldn't tell him anything. Wouldn't he be safer if he'd know all facts?
Trying to distract himself from thinking too much Spencer shifted his attention to Doneghy's laptop, typed his way into a online chess game. Usually he wasn't a big fan of technology but in this isolation – confinement – he didn't really have a lot to do.
Spencer blinked twice, his entire capacity of thinking becoming paralyzed in a unnatural way, when he saw an invitation to a private game. He stared at the name on the screen.
'Vonnegut'.
His memory clicked, delivered him a picture of Derek standing by his bookshelf. What had the dark skinned man been examining so intently? The answer popped in instantly.
Vonnegut's 'Mother Night'.
Spencer accepted the invitation against all the warning of his head. This could be a trap, a disastrous mistake. He didn't care.
All hesitation melted away when Vonnegut's first line appeared to the tiny chat-box only he and the other player saw. 'It's your move, Pretty Boy.'
Spencer licked his lips, his heartbeat slipping out of control. It was so hard to believe that after such a long time… He made a move.'How did you find me?' The caution was still there, lingering.
'I'm not naming any names but a certain someone hinted that there's a suspiciously familiar player on this site. I've been logged in for five hours, waiting for you.' Derek's move was made easily on the virtual gameboard. 'I just wanted to make sure you're alright. I mean, it's been a while…'
At that moment Spencer found himself doing something he hadn't done in a long time. He smiled. This time he didn't hesitate before making his move on the board. 'I'm fine. I'm safe.' His expression faltered before he typed more. 'I just wish I was there.'
'It's not going to be like this forever.' Derek made another move. The man was losing quickly. 'I promised, remember? I'm not going to give up.'
'I know.' Spencer's new move sent Derek towards his doom. Without a warning his eyes began to sting. He wiped them although he didn't feel any moisture. This was all so frustrating that he wanted to scream. 'I miss you.' He regretted typing those words as soon as he saw them. He wasn't sure if he'd even wanted Derek to see them yet.
There was a torturous pause before Derek did anything. 'I have to go. Boss is calling.' The man's next move was the agent's downfall. 'You'll get out of there soon. I promise.' With that the bizarre meeting was over, just as unexpectedly as it'd began. 'Vonnegut' logged out.
Spencer stared at the computer screen for several moments, trying to convince himself that he hadn't imagined the exchange that'd just taken place. Then, finally regaining his ability to function, he switched off the computer, nearly dropped it to the floor and lay down on the couch, deciding that he wouldn't even try to focus on the book he'd been starting with. He lay down, fixed his eyes on the ceiling and brought one unsteady hand to his chest.
His heart was pounding, swelling and breaking in his chest, and he had absolutely no clue what to do about it.
It was bad enough that Liam Doneghy was late for picking up his daughter because of George Foyet and the failed attempt of catching the man. It turned into a true nightmare when he finally made it to the school and discovered that Laura had already been taken. None of the teachers had a clue of where his daughter was.
When Liam dashed through the doors of his small house he was having a full blown panic attack. That's why he couldn't possibly notice the person sitting there, waiting for him, before the man spoke. "Missing something, Liam?"
Liam stopped dead on his tracks, his head whipping to side. His eyes narrowed and filled with sheer rage as soon as he recognized George Foyet sitting on his couch. It took every ounce of self control he had not to jump on the man instantly and… "What the fuck have you done to my daughter?" he bellowed instead, his voice shaking with wrath.
Foyet's expression didn't change. "My… partner is looking after her. She's safe, that much I promise you. How long she stays that way is entirely up to you."
Liam saw red. His whole body shook and twitched while feelings began to boil over. "You son of a bitch…!" he screeched although he knew full well how dangerous it was to anger this man. "If you lay a finger on my daughter…!"
"You're getting it all wrong, Liam", Foyet interrupted him in a calm, dangerous tone. "You see, what happens to her is entirely up to you. The choice is in your hands."
Liam frowned, almost choking on wrath. "What choice?" Because from where he was standing he quite honestly couldn't see any choices.
Foyet leaned forward on the couch, appearing far too pleased to his liking. "What I'm asking for is a simple, in my opinion quite fair trade." A second, two, ticked by. "I give you your daughter… as soon as you give me Spencer."
For the longest time Liam could only stare, wondering if this could all be real. Was Foyet honestly…? "You're asking me to sacrifice Spencer." It wasn't a question.
Foyet shrugged. "It's either Spencer, or your daughter. So ask yourself… Which one is more important to you? Which one's life are you willing to leave into my hands?"
Liam swallowed, feeling sick to his stomach. His heart raced while a searing sensation took over his eyes.
He'd already buried a wife. He didn't think he could live through burying a daughter as well.
By the time Derek made it home his head was killing him. It didn't make things any easier that Spencer's words were circling there, surrounding him, tormenting him.
/ 'I miss you.' /
Opening the door and marching in Derek discovered Clooney snoozing on the couch. He arched an eyebrow. "You have absolutely no respect for me whatsoever, do you?" he inquired and snorted when the canine merely gave him a wry look. "Stop looking at me like that. I already know I fucked up."
Clooney emitted something that sounded suspiciously lot like a snort, then shifted so that its behind was towards him. 'Well, duh', the gesture said.
Derek rolled his eyes, making his way to his computer and opening it faster than he managed to think.
He was almost relieved 'Fowles' wasn't logged in. Relieved and worried. What if something was wrong? What if he'd…?
Stop it!, he commanded himself in the end.
He swallowed, feeling out of breath and empty. "You know …" He licked his lips. "I miss you, too."
The apartment was completely, utterly silent. Usually Derek didn't mind – he'd lived alone long enough. But right now…
Right now he had this unexplainable bad feeling in his stomach. And he truly wished the words he'd failed to speak would still find their way to Spencer.
Spencer was so deep in thought that he jumped when the apartment's door opened and Doneghy marched in, a grave look on his face.
Spencer frowned, his posture stiffening instantly. "Where have you been?" Something about the other man's expression was really scaring him. "What's going on?"
Doneghy looked at him directly into eyes. He saw a million emotions of which he could only name half. "Something's come up. We need to leave right away."
Spencer swallowed, cold spreading through. "I'll start packing."
"There's no time for such." Doneghy's voice was laced with something that got him suspicious, something that troubled him deeply. The man seemed to be in a great deal of pain. "Just… Just put on your jacket. We've gotta go."
For the past nine weeks Doneghy had been the most solid and constant tie Spencer had to the outside world, the thing he had to rely on in order to survive. That's why he chose not the question although he had a feeling he should've. Instead he put on his jacket and let Doneghy lead him through the door.
They'd been driving for ten minutes in utter silence, Doneghy driving and Spencer occupying the backseat like he always did, until the genius decided that it was high time the other did some explaining. "Doneghy, where are you taking me? What is this?"
It was dark outside, enough so to keep him from seeing Doneghy's face properly. All he truly saw were the man's eyes. He felt chills upon noticing the tears. "Spencer… If there was a way I could've kept you safe I would've. I need you to understand that. If I would've had the chance to I would've done pretty much anything for you, just like I promised Derek, Aaron and your father. I would've."
Spencer's eyes widened as realization began to dawn. He reacted quickly but wasn't fast enough against Doneghy, who'd been preparing for this from the start. In a flash the door was locked, blocking his exit. And then he cried out upon feeling sharp pain in the back of his neck.
Whatever the drug was it burned on its way through and took affect almost immediately. Doneghy's face was nothing but blur when Spencer tried to look at the man a few seconds later. He was dimly aware of the fact that his body was trembling. "Please…", he breathed.
He couldn't tell what the sound he heard was. "I… I'm sorry, Spencer. I'm so sorry." With that the marshal left the vehicle.
Spencer knew he should've struggled to stay awake, that he should've tried to keep himself alert and prepared. But the drug was much too strong. With a barely audible whimper of anger and defeat he slumped to the backseat, his eyes slipping closed already.
The car's door opened once more. On the brink of unconsciousness Spencer hoped and prayed that he only dreamt hearing Foyet's voice. Somehow he doubted he would've been so lucky. "Hello, Spencer. It's been a while."
No matter how hard Spencer struggled the drug was stronger. Everything faded away into silent, gray fog.
As he walked on Liam wanted to scream, wanted to throw up, wanted to kill someone. Needed someone telling him that this was all just a sick joke.
And then he saw Laura, standing beside a girl he immediately recognized as Ellie Spicer.
The child beamed at him. "Hi daddy! Ellie's really nice. She let me have ice-cream for dinner. Nora never did."
Hearing his daughter's voice Liam couldn't hold himself back for another second. He ran to the child, fell to his knees and pulled the girl into a tight, crushing hug. And for the first time since his wife's death he cried.
"Daddy?" Laura was starting to sound scared. "What's wrong?"
Liam wished from the bottom of his heart that he could've said everything was fine, that it was all going to work out, now. But he couldn't when he heard Foyet start the car where Spencer was unconscious, when he saw moonlight flashing on the gun Ellie was reaching out for.
And then Ellie hid the gun once more. There was a unreadable look on her face. "I hope you know how lucky you two are", she stated before walking away without a single glance backwards. The car's door sounded like a gunshot.
"Daddy." There was audible fear in Laura's voice. "Daddy, you're holding too tight. You're scaring me."
Liam swallowed down a sob, unable to stop the tears from rolling. "I'm sorry, honey", he choked out in a whisper. "I'm sorry." He wondererd how much she'd hate him if she knew. He wondered if she'd ever forgive him.
Liam wondered how he'd ever forgive himself.
The car disappeared, taking away Spencer, taking away Foyet, stealing absolutely all light. The two of them were left into total darkness.
TBC, no?
A/N: Oh boy… (winces) Things aren't looking good right now. The poor things!
PLEASE, leave a review! Whatever your thoughts and feelings on this are, let me hear them out! Your views mean a lot to me, ya know? (gives puppy's eyes)
The next two chapters are already on my drawing board, receiving their polishing touches. You're really keeping my inspiration up, ya know? (grins)
I really liked the idea of a trailer last time, so I'm doing it again. (grins) Here's a taster for 'The Longest Night' and 'Our Darkest Hour'. (Remember, they're still under reconstruction so minor changes may take place.)
/ Derek was dimly aware of how dangerously he was driving while not looking both ways before joining the main road's traffic. "Do you still remember that favor you owe me? I could use it now." /
/ Aaron frowned, already preparing himself for the worst. A sick feeling rose and formed a ball into his stomach. "What's wrong?"
JJ swallowed thickly, her eyes appearing suspiciously moist. "A… A package arrived a while ago. A woman matching Ellie's description left it for this little boy to be delivered. It's been examined carefully and has nothing dangerous in it, but…" She trailed off. /
/ Derek didn't have the time to catch his breath before there was the sound of a door opening. The bedroom's door was opening even further.
"I assume you've been looking for me?" /
/ A gunshot rang out. /
"I'm saying to myself, 'This has got to be a nightmare'. I haven't woken up yet."
(Curtis Sliwa)
Until next time, folks! 'Hope ya'll be sticking around.
Take care!
Nicolethecrazyone: You're so kind. (beams and blushes)
Massive thank yous for the review!
Katsakura: William's in alright. We'll see just what kind of a part he's about to play…
It'd be cool to write Diana in again. I love her character.
I really hope you'll enjoy the brand new part.
Colossal thank yous for the review!
Winter Cicada: I bet poor Spencer is absolutely losing it with all the hiding. (winces)
Kind of adorable that Derek got at least a glimpse of his Pretty Boy, no? (grins)
Heh! I loved the message idea when I first ran into it with 'The Red Dragon' and couldn't resist making my own version of it now that I got the chance. (And yup, it was two murderers communicating. I hope I'm not making a huge spoiler here…) (grins) 'Glad to hear ya liked it.
We'll see what happens next, with William and Ellie firmly in the game…
Monumental thank yous for the review! And don't worry about the delay, hun. I'm happy as long as you're out there and enjoying the ride. (grins and hugs)
Reidland: It's all up in the air, isn't it? (shudders) Let's hope those two get their chance without Foyet or anyone else shadowing their lives.
Awww, I'm happy to hear you enjoyed the messaging. Don't worry, NO ONE else but the two of them knows about it. (smirks)
Monumental thank yous for the review!
