Gavin sighed as he leaned back into the sofa, cradling the hot mug in his hands. He was warm, both from the shower and the roaring fire that Nines had kept burning in the grate since the day they'd arrived over two weeks ago. Pipsqueak had settled in his lap almost the minute he'd sat down, content to sap his body heat and the warmth of the fire. Nines was still up for now, setting some sort of stew to simmer quietly for later that night. It was hard to believe it had been more than two weeks. It was Christmas Eve. Nines' first. Gavin felt a little bad that it wouldn't be a better experience for him. Stuck in a cabin in the middle of nowhere hiding from a serial killer was hardly the ideal way to spend Christmas.
"You look like you're brooding over something," Nines observed teasingly as he left the kitchen and sat beside him on the sofa. Gavin hummed softly as he sipped his decaf coffee. It didn't hit the spot exactly, not in the same way as real coffee, but it was nice to have something hot after crunching through the snow. That had become their routine over the past few days. Wake up, pore over cases they couldn't make much progress on, then go for a walk in the forest to clear their heads. Upon returning, they'd shower, have a hot drink, and wind down for the evening before dinner. Then they'd settle on the sofa for more contemplation and go to bed.
"It's nothing…I just sort of feel bad for ruining your first Christmas. You won't be able to spend it with your brothers," Gavin replied as he held the large cup almost lovingly and watched Pipsqueak stretch up to his feet. He padded silently across the sofa before claiming Nines' lap as his new resting place. Nines obliged the small creature, holding a mug of thirium in one hand and stroking Pipsqueak's silken fur with the other. His golden eyes thinned in pleasure, a light purr filling the room as he settled his head down and twitched his ears in contentment.
"You haven't ruined my first Christmas. I'll be spending it with you," Nines didn't seem to realise the weight of those words. Gavin quickly busied himself with drinking his coffee, hoping his ears weren't burning the same way his mouth was. "Besides, you won't get to see your brother either," Nines added sensitively, thankful that Gavin wouldn't be spending the holiday by himself. He knew that had been the case for the past two years. Gavin had already told him about how he'd always work the holiday, selflessly allowing other colleagues to take the time off. He likely felt bad for being in protective custody and forcing someone else to take his place this year.
"I'm sure his heart bleeds," Gavin huffed, though he was pretty sure Elijah would be at least a little disappointed. He also expected a full scale telling off from Chloe at some point for getting himself into so much trouble in the first place. Even if it is trouble that started a few years back…He continued to sip his coffee and stared into the flickering orange flames, trying to ignore the grim thoughts that came along with that. Jack. Aaron. Gavin crossed his legs on the cushion, getting his feet a little warmer as he shivered. He wasn't even sure it was the cold that bothered him.
Silence settled between them. Both were content to stare into the flickering flames and listen to the hiss and pop of the burning wood. Nines noticed it first, sitting up a little straighter and shifting his gaze towards the covered window. Gavin couldn't hear it yet, but he did notice Nines' alert status. Pipsqueak also seemed to notice the shift in the body beneath him. He hopped down and skittered under one of the low cabinets, wary of Nines' intensity. Gavin sat forward, lowering his mug to his knee cautiously as Nines turned his full attention to the curtained window, where the afternoon light was slowly fading around the edges.
"What is it?" Gavin asked almost nervously, wondering if he should find his gun or something. It was never a good sign when Nines was on high alert. He still didn't hear anything, but Nines was suddenly on his feet and crossing to the window, where he peeked out at the edge of the heavy red curtains. Gavin tensed as Nines' LED blinked yellow, a sign that he was alert and cautious. He was standing stiff and unblinking, probably zooming out to see further down the drive.
"A vehicle is approaching…" Nines replied in warning. There was something wary in his tone. Reed couldn't help the small tick of nervousness in his chest. He placed his mug on the low table and got to his feet, unsure whether he should move closer or further away from the window. Perhaps going upstairs would be the wiser option. Going upstairs would also leave him trapped if this was some sort of ambush, but what are the chances of that? Only a handful of people even know where we are! On the plus side, he knew his sidearm was on the dresser upstairs. Nines seemed to share his caution as he held up a hand to have him wait, likely hoping to assess the threat before taking any unnecessary action.
Nines continued to watch the road, listening intently as the car drew closer. He knew it was a car. It wasn't loud enough for a truck or a jeep. The crunch of gravel and snow told him it was a small saloon of some sort. He didn't even blink as it came into view, his silvery eyes zooming in on the driver. He was the singular occupant of the black car. Nines almost seemed to sigh in relief as he nodded to Gavin. It was safe. The man was their assigned contact from the FBI, Agent Farrel. Gavin relaxed a little, though he was still curious as Nines opened the door and waited for the middle-aged agent to make his way up the steps.
"Detectives. Agent Colin contacted me with a message to give you," Farrel reported as he handed off a neatly typed page to Nines. Nines scanned it quickly, his brow tightening in concern. "He asked me to make it clear you're not to leave unless absolutely necessary, but they really need your input on this one." Farrel also handed a mobile phone to Nines. It was a new one. An untraceable burner that had been recently purchased under a fake identity. It would be safe for them to use it to contact Colin and Perkins.
"Thank you, Agent Farrel," Nines replied politely with a nod as the greying man left again. As soon as the door closed, Gavin hurried closer, eager to see the message. Nines held it back a little, motioning to the sofa so that they could at least be comfortable as they discussed it. Gavin already seemed tense, his heart rate elevated. There was only one reason Colin and Perkins would contact them while they were in hiding. The Hickory Killer must have made a move. He'd forced their hand and made them contact him. "An incident took place in Detroit almost two weeks ago…A bus full of elementary school children was taken. Most of the children have been returned. However, the Hickory Killer released a child with this note earlier today…It seems he is holding the final child, an android, hostage." Nines finally allowed Gavin to impatiently pluck the paper from his grasp. His fingers were trembling with adrenaline as he took a breath and scanned the page with twitching eyes, frowning as if he had a bad taste in his mouth.
"Phck, alright…Give me a minute here." Gavin huffed and sighed as he leaned back and crossed his legs. He could feel every kilogram of the weight that had just been dumped on his shoulders. A kid's life was hanging in the balance. He tilted his head back to face the ceiling as he closed his eyes to think better. Alright…A hideaway for you from me…I never hid from that sick phck anywhere…He knew he was missing something. He opened his eyes and read the line again. The package will be in a hideaway for you from me. He must mean that the package will be from him…and it will be left in a hideaway for me…A hideaway for you…One of my hiding places?…How the phck would he know about those?
Nines watched with interest as Gavin stiffened slightly in his seat and sat up once more, his lips vaguely shaping the words he was reading. He didn't even whisper as he mouthed them. His eyes were sharp and intense as he leaned over the paper, almost glinting with thought. In a vault, around and down, within a heart it will be found. A vault…around and down…a hideaway…Nines knew when he had it. His emerald eyes snapped wide in comprehension.
"The Whirlpool! Well, that's what we called it. It's an old club-was a club. Back when I was running the streets, it was one of my gang's smaller bases. It was a safe place to hide…Can't remember the real name. There was this phck off massive water feature inside, real pretentious shit, full of bubbles. Used to be a bank decades ago. The vault in the basement was left behind, making it the perfect hiding spot. Around and down must mean the water in that tube. It's the only thing that links it to a vault," Reed said almost excitedly as he continued to read the note. "I don't know, or like, what he's saying about a heart, but I'm pretty sure the kid will be in the vault…I'm not sure what the club's real name is…" he added as he closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose in thought. Nines nodded as he recorded the information to send to Colin later.
"How about the rest? Do you have any insights?" Nines asked, not liking the way it had looked to Connor and Colin. Packaged up with blocks so tight, you must find it by midnight. That could mean a couple of things as far as Reed was concerned, neither of them good. We used to keep drugs in the vault, so maybe the kid's been buried in a wall of drugs? Either that or rigged with explosives…Ahhh shit…He went on to read the next part. Release the doll and pull the wire, else the strike will light the fire. Definitely explosives…or flammable drugs…Either way, this kid will be dead by midnight unless we get our asses in gear! Reed was filled with certainty as he got to his feet.
"Get in the car. We've got to get back to Detroit." He watched Nines' LED flicker red as he measured up the conflicting orders. He'd been told to remain where they were unless there was no other option. Those orders came directly from the FBI, but they would have been supported by the DPD. Technically, those should take a higher priority than Reed's orders unless there was no other option. Does Gavin believe there is no other option? "Nines! Now!" Reed snapped as he hurried to slip his feet into his shoes.
"It will take us approximately nine hours to return to the city if we keep to the speed limits," Nines announced, which he was well aware would get them back an hour too late to assist. Reed forgot his leather jacket and sidearm in his haste to get out the door. In fact, he hadn't even thought to grab the keys for the car. Luckily Nines was more prepared, which included pausing to tip out some thirium for Pipsqueak and ensuring that the fire was safely burning with a low flame. It was unlikely they would return that night. In fact, they may not return at all. He sent a message to Agent Farrel about their belongings and Pipsqueak to ensure everything would be taken care of for them.
"Phck the speed limits, Nines! How long if we floor it the whole way?" Reed asked as he hovered by the door impatiently, tugging on the brown jacket that was tossed his way. Nines didn't stop moving or even look his way as he flicked off the stove and lights. He was stepping out moments later with the keys in one hand and Reed's holster in the other. If they were going to be driving at an unsafe velocity, it made sense for him to drive. His endurance and reflexes were far better than Reed's.
"Driving at speed, but limiting the prospect of engine damage and fatal accidents, it will take approximately six hours," Nines replied as they hurried out and climbed into the jeep. He didn't mention it, but he'd also had to factor in the state of the roads. It wouldn't do anyone any good to crash the car due to black ice. Reed seemed unsatisfied by his response, but he didn't say anything about it. He knew that if Nines had made a calculation, then that was final and unalterable. He could insist they drive faster, but Nines was right about the strain on the car, and even Reed wasn't an idiot when it came to the weather. "You should try to rest…I will update Colin on what we know," Nines added as Reed buckled in restlessly.
"You think I can sleep at a time like this?" Reed retorted incredulously as he hunkered down in his seat and gripped the handle by his head. Nines pulled away from the cosy cabin with a hint of regret. He would have liked to enjoy the holiday there with Reed and Pipsqueak. It had been…nice? — Peaceful? Cosy? Homely? — Homely, Nines settled on, suddenly confident. It was a feeling he was beginning to recognise. He felt it every time he was in Reed's home. Perhaps it is because I have no true home to call my own…
Nines fell silent after that, opting to focus on the road. The more focus he put into his current task, the faster he could drive. He deactivated his blinking subroutine, keeping his silvery gaze fixed ahead. He also took full advantage of his extended vision. He could focus on both his frontal and peripheral fields. The road from the house and through the town was shrouded with tall trees on either side. Nines increased his audio sensitivity and heightened his reflexes. If an animal emerged from the trees, he wanted to be ready. It was unlikely with how few large animals were left in the wild, but it was better to be safe than sorry.
Once they hit the motorway, he put his foot down all the way and connected to the DPD database. There was no point in keeping the signal blocker active since they were returning to the city. He wirelessly connected to all law enforcement vehicles in the area to forewarn them of their route and provide vehicle information. The last thing he wanted was to be stopped or chased down for breaking speed limits. His lips curled slightly as he noticed Reed's increased heart rate and the way he gripped the handle by his head just a little tighter. He clearly wasn't used to being the passenger in a speeding car. Nines was also experiencing a certain amount of euphoria from being reconnected to the DPD database, internet and Cloud server. He once again had a world of information at his fingertips.
They barely stopped all the way to Detroit. They got gas twice. The car was burning through it with their high speed. Nines had hoped to have Reed at least eat or drink something prior to their arrival, but he'd refused. They were going so fast he knew he wouldn't be able to keep anything down, which Nines found he couldn't argue with. As they hit the edge of the city, Reed started to direct him. Connor and Colin had both come up empty for clubs called The Whirlpool or anything even linked to the word. Reed had been unable to remember the real name or exact address, but he knew where it was.
"Stop! It's here. Just across the street." Reed was already unbuckling his seatbelt before Nines had fully stopped. Nines barked an objection as he hopped out of the car. The building was in a slightly older shopping district, right on the edge of a new housing complex. The area had a lot of high-rises, but it was mostly deserted at this time of night. It was just before eleven. Nines wasn't sure whether Reed was ignoring him on purpose or whether he was just anxious to get inside. He didn't have his badge, but he did have his sidearm.
"Gavin! Stop!" Nines urged as he hurried to catch up. His shoes clicked on the tarmac as he hurried across the deserted road, still keeping Connor and Colin updated. They'd alerted SWAT and were on the way. "Detective Reed! We have to wait for backup!" he continued insistently as he snagged Reed's leather sleeve and pulled him to a halt. Reed huffed as he tugged free and turned towards him, frustration etched into every feature. Nines almost sighed his exasperation. He was pleased that Reed was getting his fire back, but he wished he would keep a little of the caution he'd built up over the past month or so.
"Nines! We barely have an hour! There's a kid in there somewhere, possibly stuck in a room that's rigged to phcking blow! We don't have time to wait for your brothers or get slowed down by safety regulations! Come on!" he urged as he turned and continued towards the darkened building. Nines followed reluctantly, watching as Reed reached for his belt. He knew Reed felt it. The absence of his badge. He wasn't even wearing a vest. Nines' LED span red at the thought. Reed was so soft. So vulnerable. So human…
"Gavin wait, I really thi-" Nines' voice cut off abruptly. Reed turned with a frown as he heard a thud and the nagging abruptly stopped. He'd been just a few paces ahead, quietly complaining about Nines' incessant worrying and knowing he was being an asshole. He knew Nines was right, but fuck it, they didn't have time. That's when he'd heard Nines cut off mid-sentence. His footsteps just stopped dead as his body slapped the ground. Reed's heart almost stopped as he turned to find Nines slumped in the middle of the road. His mouth dropped for a second before he could make himself move.
"Nines! Phck, Nines!" Reed's heart was pounding as he threw himself down and turned Nines' heavy body on its side. His LED was circling and blipping red. "Hey! Terminator! You okay?" Reed demanded as he shook Nines' non-responsive shoulder. He cursed under his breath quietly. What the phck happened? A virus? Malware? Some sort of software error? He looked up and down the street. He didn't have time to wait for the others, but he also couldn't just leave Nines out in the open like this. What if that fucker is waiting? What if he meant for this to happen? The minute I leave him, Nines will be…but at the same time, he knew there was a scared kid somewhere in that building waiting to be rescued. First things first. I can't just leave Nines in the middle of the phcking street! Reed scurried around and gripped Nines' underarms. He was heavy as fuck. Reed's progress was slow as he dragged him back towards the car. He paused in shock as Nines started stuttering and convulsing in his grasp. "Nines?" he cried in disbelief, too worried to be relieved.
"G-Ga-Ga-vin!" Nines stuttered, twitching a little as he sat up with a gasp. It was like he'd been reinitialised. He ran internal scans, his thirium pump pounding as he analysed the situation. He heard Reed ask again if he was okay, demanding to know what had happened. Nines didn't exactly know himself. He'd been fine, and then…nothing…It was like the world had blanked. It hadn't even been stasis. It was like he'd been frozen in time completely. He ran a scan of the area ahead of him. "I…believe there is some sort of…magnetic field," he reported as he got to his feet. He was still scanning the area with unblinking silvery eyes, but he couldn't detect the source of the disturbance. He could barely even register the field. That was dangerous.
"What? Like an EMP or some shit?" Reed demanded warily, watching as Nines inclined his head.
"That isn't exactly the correct term. I would have shut down completely if that were the case, however it is close. The electromagnetic field interfered with my systems in a manner I had not anticipated. We have no choice but to wait for the others." His LED turned from yellow to red as Reed stepped back into the field. Nines stepped forward, right up to the edge, but the minute he reached his arm out he lost all signal to it. The limb fell back to his side, useless until he drew back. Curious…He couldn't figure out what it was or where it came from. What he did know was that it could be absolutely deadly to androids at large if it was used by the wrong person. Finding the source was imperative. Not as imperative as Gavin!
"No, you have to wait. The field doesn't affect me," Reed corrected, a hint of anxiousness seeping into his tone as he glanced over his shoulder almost reluctantly. They both knew it was majorly breaking protocol. This wasn't even their case. Reed wasn't supposed to be caught up in the middle of this, and yet every part of this proves that the killer knew he would be. This field was likely placed with the express intention of separating us. "Nines, wait here. Do not move from this spot until I come back. That's a direct order," Reed said almost apologetically. Nines shook his head, his expression pleading with him to stop and think. If the killer had planned this, then he knew what Reed would do, what he would choose. He was probably lying in wait within the building.
"Gavin! You can't go in there by yourself! What if he's waiting inside?" Nines objected, his LED spinning red as his obedience protocols kicked in. His internal systems had registered and accepted Reed's order. He was to wait on this exact spot. Nines looked down at his feet, silvery eyes wide in distress as they refused to obey his will to move. Going into the field would be pointless, but anything was preferable to seeing Reed's apologetic grimace as he turned his back. "Gavin…Gavin!" Nines cried as Reed raced across the street.
The lower floor of the building was dark. A few of the windows had even been boarded where they'd been smashed over the years. Nines watched anxiously as Reed drew his gun and hunkered against the wall. His hand tried the dark glass door. It was unlocked. He could read Reed's vitals from where he was trapped in place. His adrenaline was up, making him jittery and almost nervous as he slipped through the open door. He was in full detective mode. His aim was steady despite his raised heart rate as he cleared the doorway and let the door swing shut behind him. Nines tried desperately to move, his own anxiety rising as his partner slowly prowled away from the door and further into darkness.
It was a disused club now. Abandoned even by the gang that had once frequented it. The whole of the lower floor was dark, though a few of the rooms above were lit. Tenants still occupied the upper floors, getting in and out through a side door. The old sign of the club read Venus. He wasn't sure why that had been less memorable than The Whirlpool. Perhaps the club had changed names regularly. Gavin…I have to get to Gavin! Nines tried with all his might to move his right foot. He tried begging and pleading, demanding, screaming, even crying into his connection with Connor and Colin. They tried to offer their support and encouragement, suggesting various overrides or tricks that may release his system. Nothing was working. Reed's order had been too clear. Do not move from this spot until I come back. He couldn't even register a conflicting order to give himself some leeway. There was no point in moving forward. He would be rendered inactive anyway. Let me go! Let me move!
He couldn't stand it. Right now his partner was out of sight. Even as he zoomed to his maximum capacity, he couldn't see him. He'd likely already headed downstairs. Although his auditory sensors were sensitive, Reed's footsteps had already passed beyond his range or were muffled by the lower floor. Or the killer was lying in wait and right now Gavin is…A fresh wave of fear and despair gripped his thirium pump at the thought. The feeling pushed more urgency into his thoughts. Despite that, he couldn't move.
"Nines!" Connor's voice called worriedly, a gentle hand gripping his shoulder. Nines barely registered his brother's presence as he continued trying to break his programming. He felt Connor make an interface, attempting to transfer the deviancy code the way Markus had once before at Cyberlife Tower. Nines focused his systems, trying to stop his virus scanners from recognising the code. He twitched in Connor's grasp with the effort, opening his eyes to see a red wall standing before him. It was strong, barely flickering. He could see Reed's last order etched into it. Do not move from this spot until I come back. "He can't move from this place. Detective Reed ordered him not to move." He heard Connor report to someone close by, likely Hank.
"Nines, I give you authorisation to move and continue working. Do you understand?" Hank asked as he appeared at Nines' other side. "Come on, son, it's alright. I'm Reed's superior. My orders outrank his," he added almost gently as he squeezed Nines' large shoulder. Nines heard and registered the order, his whole internal system shuddering with the conflict. He couldn't accept the Lieutenant's orders. Why? Lieutenant Anderson is correct. He outranks Gavin. I should be able to accept his input, Nines thought worriedly, his LED spinning red. Connor's hazel eyes widened as he read the information through their interface.
"Somehow it seems…Detective Reed's orders are of a higher priority to Nines. I'm not sure if it's linked to his partial deviancy or an error in his software, but Nines' internal systems have placed Detective Reed's orders as his primary directive," Connor reported worriedly. The pair were distracted as a new car and three vans pulled up. It was Perkins with SWAT. Hank hurried over to greet and update them on the situation. It was as Colin approached with a worried expression that Nines' LED blinked yellow. He was receiving an internal call from a number he didn't recognise.