A/N: Sorry it's so short! I hope it won't disappoint you…

Disclaimer: I don't own Hot Fuzz :(

Chapter 8

"So you are telling me that our Partners are scheming behind our backs?" the senior looked at his newest recruit sternly. Nicholas shrugged.

"So I heard," he answered. "Rumor has it that they are planning to get rid of us as soon as we stop being useful. And it's gonna happen soon, they're changing their plans now".

"How do you know?"

"Friends in London. I need to meet them to make sure," Nicholas put all the effort he could to look confident. He had no right for mistake. It meant death.

"If I find out you're shitting me… or making this up…"

"Why would I? And how would I even know about them? You're not telling us anythin'," Nicholas even tried to look a bit offended at such lack of trust, when suddenly a hand grabbed his throat.

"Don't fly too high, Shaun," he heard the quiet but menacing voice, as red spots started jumping in front of his eyes. "You're not quite in the position to judge me, are you? Are you?" the hand tightened its grip at those two last words. Nicholas tried to shake his head in response and was finally released.

"Go to London then," the senior went on as soon as Nicholas' coughing fit was over. "We need to be sure. And come back at once".

"Sure thing," Nicholas croaked, still trying to catch his breath.

"And if you don't come back… trust me, I will find you".

Nicholas nodded. He was actually hoping for that.

"What's that?" the senior tensed, hearing some noise somewhere near them. Nicholas couldn't hear anything. Maybe it was because of the ringing in his ears, or maybe the senior was just imagining things.

"Or better just call me if you find out something. You've got your phone, right?"

Angel nodded again. Every person in the gang had to always have their phones with them whenever they went out so that the senior could keep a track of them whenever he needed or wanted.

The first part of the plan was a success, the Inspector thought as he went outside to see a sunny day.

For the first time in the past month or so he felt free. Not at hospital, not under the watch of his former fellows at the Met and not among a bunch of people he normally wouldn't trust with a pen from his pocket. Even though this freedom was temporary, he still couldn't hide an almost childish smile as he looked around. He shook himself. Don't get carried away, Nicholas. You've got more work to do, and you don't have the right to switch off now.

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In London things went just as smoothly. Nicholas knew that now that he had intrigued the senior, he was valuable for him, since he might have potentially vital information. And this meant that if Nicholas (or, to put it better, Shaun) got into trouble, he would use all of his resources to get him out of it. And this was the opportunity to see what those resources included.

Angel's experience at being a London PC helped him a lot. He knew exactly how to irritate them. The only thing he thought as he was being taken to the nearest station (for assaulting a police officer, no less) was not to meet anyone he knew. That would blow his cover immediately. It was weird to be on the other side now. Nicholas felt a bit worried when he realized that he was actually enjoying it a bit. It was the same side of him that had started carnage in Sandford a year ago. The rebellious side. It was helpful sometimes.

Then he used his right for a phone call. The senior wasn't happy with him, but he'd deal with it later. Now he just had to wait. He knew he wouldn't see the "mole", but it would be possible to follow the strings as they got pulled.

"Sergeant Dickenson?" a constable entered the office where Nicholas was sitting opposite the sergeant.

"What is it?" he asked tiredly.

"There are some guys from the Met. They say we've caught a bigger fish than we had thought," the constable nodded in Nicholas' direction. "They are going to take him with them".

Nicholas actually had to struggle with himself in order not to grin. Just as planned… But then there was another thought which wiped out his enthusiasm. Wasn't it too soon after his call?...