Chapter 6

Sofia jerked her head up from the bunk where she was resting when she heard the clunking metal of the cell door being unlocked. She was confused when she realized that it wasn't Sara or Nick at the entrance, but instead Warrick Brown, CSI Level 3 and part of the Graveyard Shift. He was flanked on either side by armed police, dressed in full combat gear. Sofia was about to speak but she was hushed quickly by the tall CSI, "We have to move you, it's not safe here anymore."

Sofia was startled, "What going on Rick, where's Brass?"

"He's gone ahead to secure the safe house. He sent me to get you." Sofia was still a little unsure so Warrick continued, "There's a mole in the Department and he didn't trust anyone else. Come on, we have to move fast."

Sofia stood up reluctantly and got ready to leave. Warrick took a few steps forward; that's when she noticed the restraints. Her eyes grew wide and she hesitated.

Warrick noticed her change in demeanor and tried to reassure her. "I'm sorry about this Sof," he said gently, "it's standard procedure when transporting a prisoner."

Sofia grimaced at the word 'prisoner', her stomach bile turned sour and she suddenly felt queasy. However she hid her unease as she presented her hands and feet without protest. It was Warrick's turn to feel uncomfortable as he secured his former CSI colleague to the waist chain and handcuffs. Next he crouched to put on the leg irons. Sofia swallowed hard when she heard the click of the irons tightening around her limbs. She had relinquished control and was in Warrick's hands now.

Warrick lead Sofia silently and quickly through the corridors of the precinct until they reached a rear exit. They were closely escorted by the armed guards, one of which threw open the exit door to reveal the awaiting van. Sofia was loaded into the back of the van with Warrick, meanwhile the guards locked them in before making their way to the front compartment. As Sofia tried to make herself comfortable, the van started up. It wasn't long before they left the city lights behind them as they barreled down the road to their secret destination.

Sofia was still confused, where was Brass and the others? Who did Traynor have on the inside? What was going to happen once she reached the safe house? If Traynor had her in his sights it would only be a matter of time before he would get her; his influence was spread wide.

"Rick, now that we're away from prying eyes, can you tell me what the hell's going on?" she asked nervously.

Warrick sighed, he knew what questions were coming and he didn't know how to answer them. "I don't have the full story Sof, I got a call from Brass saying that he needed me to come and get you, it wasn't safe for you anymore."

"Where are we going?"

"Honestly? I don't know. Nick and Sara found evidence of a mole in the PD so Brass is keeping the details confidential. Only the driver knows the location of the safe house."

"Can we trust him?" asked Sofia.

"He was hand-picked by Brass, so I guess we have to," replied Warrick.

As the van wound down nondescript roads they continued to discuss the case. Although Warrick wasn't on the investigating team he had heard updates through the shift briefings. He summarized what he knew, explaining about the new evidence Nick and Sara had uncovered which cast doubt over Sofia's guilt. He had also heard through the grapevine that they had identified a potential traitor in the ranks. Sofia scowled as she took it all in. It wasn't difficult to believe that Traynor could've gotten to one of theirs, in his line of business he was bound to know the skeletons in people's closets. But she couldn't believe that someone who she worked with could conspire to frame her for murder, let alone try to harm her in her cell. The more she thought about it the more uneasy she felt. She absent-mindedly reached to rub her eyes but was stopped short by her restraints. Sofia looked down at them and then to Warrick in an unspoken request. He returned her gaze apologetically, "I'm sorry Sof, I can't make an exception, even for you." Sofia didn't reply, she just nodded slowly and slumped back helplessly.

They passed the rest of the journey in silence. Sofia had no idea where she was being taken. It all seemed surreal; two days ago life was normal, she was just an ordinary cop doing her job. Then suddenly, her world was turned upside down. She had been arrested for murder and found herself in the same cells she had used to detain countless perps. That walk through central booking was a low point in her life. She knew that it didn't matter that she wasn't guilty; mud like that sticks. Whatever way this played out, it would be a long time before she could walk through there with her head held high. As she mulled this over she was overtaken by a sense of anger. One man was responsible for all of this – Traynor. She had to find a way out of this mess so she could put him down once and for all.

The van ground to a halt; they had finally reached the safe house. Sofia pushed her anger aside and smiled weakly at Warrick.

"What's going to happen now Rick?" she asked.

Warrick didn't reply, his face had turned grim and he looked like he was going to be sick.

"Rick, what's going on?" Sofia was scared by Warrick's sudden change.

As the van was unlocked Warrick stood and without warning forced a woven sack over Sofia's head. Sofia cried out in confusion and fear.

"I'm sorry Sof," Warrick choked as Sofia was pulled out of the van by the armed guards. "Traynor threatened to kill me, and come after my wife. I didn't have any other choice."

"Rick…." came the suppressed cry as Sofia was dragged into the nearby warehouse. Once she was out of sight Warrick moved the van out of view and followed her slowly into the deathly black.