Recicup: yeah the emotional roller coaster still has a few stops before the explosive finalie! Thank you for being a loyal and constant reviewer, it helps me to keep up this 'epie', story I have.
There are still many ideas but if anyone thinks this is lacking anything, PM me and I'll see what I can do. I know there is still more potential and I want to do as much as possible till Dark Angel (Here) can go out with a bang!
Season 4 ep.16
Time seemed to drag on by as we awaited Gamble's approval notice for the permits. He decided to take care of them for us. Something Alec wasn't too sure on. However it was one phone call that had me terribly suspicious of everything. Pulling my cell from its place against my chest I slid it open, "Clemente? It's been a while. What's up?" I asked conversationally.
"What's up is my ass in the frying pan." This worried me greatly. Clemente was one of the very few 'po-po' types on our payroll … so to speak. "What's wrong?" I asked worriedly, "I came across some information from the head of the department. You remember how you and Alec got picked up for Preston's attempted assassination?" I rolled my eyes, "How can I forget?!" I asked sarcastically. "Held us in there till you came and bailed our asses out." I iterated.
"Yeah well the station has been doing some digging…in all the wrong places." It had me worried on what they were digging for. "What are you talking about?" I asked edgily. I didn't hear anything for a moment, "Just spit it out." I exasperated, "Their digging up any info they can against you and yours as the culprits. They don't have anything solid yet but they have a special agent helping them out now. He seems pretty determined to take you down." Special agent? Fuck. White.
"Clemente that agent is White, Ames White of the FBI. You might remember him. Tried to take over your scene. Succeeded after he messed you up, then you found him - " he cut me off, "Yeah I remember him, a real gold star man. If he's the front liner for this what does that mean?" It means White's preparing our graves. "It means we need to find proof of the real attempted assassin before White makes up enough forged documentation for it to go through."
White's a smart man he can wait us out. Bide his time. "Son of a bitch is waiting us out." letting us get comfy before POP! "Well he has a lot of friend in high places. They seem to want us gone as much as he does." McKinnley. "McKinnley, yeah we know about him." I sigh. "Wait what about the forensics team that worked the case back when the mayor first got shot?" I asked, suddenly struck with the idea.
"That's what I asked. Apparently the possibility of outside forces non-transgenic related were investigated without much enthusiasm. Officers at the scene said the bullet was probably obliterated upon impact." No. "No it wouldn't have been, not with a bullet with that high velocity…no. Listen I'll go out today and check to see if I can find what they obviously missed." He replied, "Just be careful. I'll be on call if you need anything." I wondered, "How is your job on the line?"
He chuckled, "They see me right now as a traitor for taking your side. But once this comes to light that it had nothing to do with you, my ass comes off the chopping block as well." we both agreed before I left my office area. Remembering Alec was on a supply run I made my way to Gem's place. Our temporary babysitter awaited me there. I walked in seeing both my girls gurgling. Oh god how I didn't want to leave them, it had been the only worthwhile thing of waiting in TC.
I worked out, did some paper work, came back and sat and played with my girls till Alec came in. We were coming to the end of my 'need to heal' phase tonight and I was hoping to get Gem to take the girls for that time frame and now for the next few hours. I needed to go take care of this issue. It was long overdue for us to concentrate on Preston's assassination attempt. I kept wondering what was taking them so long in figuring out what was keeping him under.
But that was for later, right now…playtime. I spent an hour just playing and holding my girls before my mental alarm to go went and sets itself off again. Wanting to stay but my need and duty to the city we were living in prevented that. With a kiss to each head I waved 'bye'. Shutting the door I let a silent tear roll down my cheek at the thought of leaving them once again. It seemed to be happening a lot lately, with one of us getting called to work, forcing Gem to look after them but I really don't think she minded.
I was working on a system so that I could hand off at least some of my paper work to another X5, maybe Cece. Something so Alec and I could make an arranged week of how we would spend time with the girls and still get some down time with each other, cause as far as I was concerned we were long overdue. Changing to dark denim, black tank with a brown zip up sweater, I grabbed my jean jacket and headed out. It wasn't that chilly of a day today, despite the forecast.
Taking the bike I set out for the courthouse area that we were at. Stashing my bike into a hardly ever used alleyway, behind a garbage dump…sorry baby but I gotta hide you…I scanned the area. Scrapes of leftover tape from the police were still in sight. Strapped to the railings of the courthouse. Forensics took what was needed - or what the police wanted - but my interest was what lay not here but at the point of origin.
I scanned from the place the podium was to the directionality of where the shot had to have come from. Grabbing out a map that I had caged from Dix's stash…I needed it and it was TC business…I circled where the podium was and I made a give or take a line that was at least a half a mile away on the map so I could trace it back to point. But I also remembered I'd have to account for wind temps and obstacles in the way, so many variables to consider.
Lucky for me being a transgenic has its benefits and what takes forensics labs days or weeks even, depending on the tests being performed, to accomplish will only take me a few hours. Hopefully with a few calls I can find where the shooting took place. I think I'll need to make some calls along the way though. Definitely to update Clemente or getting Sung's help before calling Alec…or if he's not available Daniel. I know they've both done some sniper work.
Looking all around I make my first call, "Hey Clemente, got a question for yah." I'm not much for subtlety at the moment. "I'm just leaving my office Max, what is it?" He responds, "I hate to take you back in there but I need to know if you could get me a copy of the forensics report on the bullet?" maybe he could get me a copy of the file so I could take a look at it.
"No can do Max." I blanched, "Why not?" annoyance in my voice, "Because the bullet wasn't recovered. Forensics couldn't find where it went once it got past the X5 or the mayor and the bullet definitely wasn't in the mayor. Doctor's would have fished it out." So its still here…somewhere… "If I find it you'll be the first to know." I respond and hang up before he can respond back. So it was still here... Using my enhanced eyesight I'm suddenly grateful to have brought my zip up hoodie with me.
Hiding my barcode isn't enough nowadays, I need to hide half my face as well. Scanning the area over not once or twice but three times it takes a glimmer of barest metal to catch it the third time. I jog up to the area by the courthouse making sure to keep my speed low as I approach the area. You can hardly see the glimmer due to the darkness surrounding it. A flashlight wouldn't even have been enough but night vision on a trained eye could. I saw the bullet now.
It was jammed deeply into the buildings wall in a crevice that was barely visible to the human eye. Forensics was probably on it but with the cops trying to pin it on us I doubt they checked over the whole area. I needed to find a way of removing this bitch WITH OUT damaging it. Calling him back up again I tell him, "Today's your lucky day Clemente." He sighs, "And why is that, wait don't tell me, you found it?!" He asks stunned remembering my last words, "You bet, but I can't get it out without compromising it."
Not even remotely possible for me…not without the right training or tools. None of which I have… "Anyway you could send a team out here that doesn't do half assed work and does actually care?" I'm not exactly 'optimized' for this and I need someone who can and will do the job. "I can have one out there in 30 minutes. But Max how are you going to explain your presence there?" he asked.
"No worries I won't be here. I have an errand to run. Just please update me when you figure out what the bullet was before impact. Figure out the shape and we can figure out the type and so on." memories from 'firearms and ballistics' class from Manticore still stuck in my head. I guess it's good that I paid attention. His response, "I'll call you as fast as I can. Be careful…Max." "Will do."
After hanging up I look one more time at the impact area…shit man…that is one powerful ass rifle…it's the only 'gun' I can think of that can handle a bullet that looks that big or make that much of an integrated impact into a marble wall. Shit I think that's at least half an inch in there …maybe even more…grabbing my phone I make another call. Alec's cell goes to voicemail, "This is Alec and unless you're my vivacious mate or it's an emergency for TC it can wait."
I rolled my eyes at the recording before leaving my own message. "Hey your vivacious mate here, listen I might be in late today, had an 'errand' down at the courthouse I needed to take care of. Checking out some leads. I might take a few hours longer than I expected if you need me call me…I love you." I snap my cell shut before leaving. He won't be happy that I left without him but this needed to get done, he'll understand…right? Besides, its time he remembered how much of a capable X5 I am.
Looking back into the general direction of where it could have come from I make a third call to Luke, "Hey Max what's up?" he responds first, "I need to know of every building within a half a mile radius that would have a potential clear shot to the courthouse." He was obviously stunned by that request, "Max where are you?" he asks, "The courthouse, I've already informed Alec so he shouldn't worry." I tell him.
"Shouldn't? Max you should have someone with you. With the way things are for transgenics your like a red flag to any sector cop." Now he pulls the 'be careful card'. "In case you didn't happen to notice Luke I'm quite capable of looking after myself. I did it for ten years before I even met Cindy let alone met Alec - now are you gonna help me out or not?!" I gripe over the phone before trying to avoid exploding over the device…or splintering it…whichever comes first.
"Yeah I'm looking at it now. Why a half a mile though?" he inquired, "Cause whoever
took the shot did it from a far off distance. Silencer isn't an option and I know for a fact that if seven highly trained genetically enhanced soldiers with super sensitive hearing, and two of them being previous snipers couldn't hear it then it had to have been from a long range rifle." He had no argument there. "What about the 'shot spotter system'?" I looked at the phone like it grew a head.
"What?" what the hell was that? "A shot spotter system is something the sector police put up years ago. It's tuned to ignore ambient noises but pick up on any gunfire. I'll bet you all of our firewalls that the sector police haven't bother to check them. That is if it's still turned on." I went from great to fuck in the matter of seconds on that one, "Check on the system then before the building search. Could help narrow the field. In the mean time I'll be heading in the general direction." I clicked off after he said 'okay.'
Getting back on my bike I drove down that general direction to get closer to the source of the attack. Half a mile wasn't much so I got there obviously before they had anything ready for me. Ten minutes later I got a call, "Tell me you've got my Intel?" I asked without bothering to look at the caller I.D. "What Intel?" Alec asked me…shit… "I'm on my way to a lead and needed some Intel from Luke." I answered. "You mean you've already left the courthouse where the mayor was shot?"
Oh! That little weasel! "Luke rat me out?" I asked none conversationally as I pinched the bridge of my nose in mild irritation. "Didn't give him a choice, my mate decided to leave the safety of TC for a lead that more than likely needs two people, it gives me motivation to locate her whereabouts." I'm not a fucking china doll! You…you…DICK! "And what makes you think I'm not capable of handling myself?"
I ask him tartly before telling him at least something to calm whatever hormonal rage he's on. With the way he acts and reacts to the situation you'd think HE was the one just gave birth to twins…not me. "Don't be putting words in my mouth, and you better be meaning that you were on your way back here." He fired back…thinking on his last words…Yeah, ah…nope.
"'Fraid not. Luke was looking up something for me and I need that Intel does he have it?" I asked hoping he'd let it go. "You mean did he hack into that shooter system? Yes, but there's bad news." I had a feeling, "Let me guess they got nothing." I said more than asked him, "They've been shutdown for years it was a dead-end. So get that fine ass of yours back here before I go out there and drag it back." I looked at my phone like it was him for a second.
Putting it back to my ear I remark, "And what makes you think you can tell me what I can and cannot do? I survived on my own for ten years without you. I think I can manage one trip around the city to end the fingers pointed at our heads for the mayor's current disposition." I was really getting pissed off at him now. His 'overprotective-alpha' thing was getting worse lately, especially whenever I was outside TC gates or grounds. Doesn't he know I can handle myself?
So being less than a mile from the site where a bullet was less than a foot away from killing me…yeah I could understand that…to an extent! "Look I'll be home soon I just need to figure out the starting point and where the killer might have possibly have gone from there, now give the phone to Luke before my fine ass decides to shove your ass to sleep on the couch!" I threatened him.
I heard a shuffle before Luke picked up, "I'm not going to bother to ask." He muttered, "Good cause your not gonna be told." He sighed, "There's four possible places that it could have come from with that trajectory." He let out. Once again pinching the bridge of my nose. I really had to stop doing that. I looked pissed off all the time. "Give me the addresses." I ordered. This wasn't just typical TC business. This was important Intel and we needed answers, fast.
"It's not just a few address types Max this type of trajectory spans nearly two blocks in length. You're looking for a high rise place that the shot could have been taken from, one preferably without any obstacles in between the vantage point from the mayor and themselves." Actually that was great help, granted it expanded my search but how many places had that range WITHOUT building interference?
"Okay can you perhaps narrow that down just a little bit more…say only buildings that doesn't have anything blocking the view from that distance?" small buildings could be in the way but not another high riser. The area of where it could have come from decreases significantly. "From what were getting it's narrowed down to four locations." This is even better, four locations between less than two blocks. "Spill it." I tell him good-naturedly. This was feeling better the closer I was getting.
"Polmer's Apartments on the top floor, it's the only chance on that one. There's a high-rise business building at the end of that block as well. Then there's Prospero Security Center's, the roof only, and lastly, a condemned building at the end of the block. Just be careful with that one the inspectors weren't kidding about the condemned part they're tearing it down at the end of the week." I looked at my phone oddly.
"Come again? That doesn't make sense to shot out of a building that isn't going to fall right away." Luke answered, "It was suppose to. The building managers were waiting for it to all this time. It was supposed to be a force shut down after all the tenants were forced to leave but the building never fell. Could be the shooter used it thinking the building would fall soon, but it never did." Okay that made sense, shooter probably thought it was easy since the building was due to fall.
"So why is the building still standing? Wouldn't the city have trashed it or blown it down by now?" Isn't it a safety hazard? "Not enough money to put into blowing a building up simply to rebuild a whole new one in its place. The whole block right here truth fully needs to be fixed." I agreed with him on that one. It did look like a few more buildings were ready to follow in under a year or so.
"I'm on my way." I smiled into the phone as I shut it and leave off on the bike again. This should be easier than I though. Reaching the abandon building first it was easy to slip into but once I reached the calculated floor I found nothing. This building had either been swept over in an EXTREMELY short amount of time with a fine toothcomb or no one had been here in months let alone a day or two ago. I call Luke back up, "I'm confirming that the abandon place is a dead end."
He was just as shocked as I was, "That's strange I would have thought that place provided the best cover." Me to…unless… "Not unless whoever did it wanted to have that appeal." What other place… "Max why don't you try to hit the 'security place' next?" I looked at the phone oddly, "Why there?" I asked. "Cause if it was someone with access to security passes - let me put it this way, how often does someone ask for access to the top floor or the roof?" he's right.
"Got it I'll be there in eight minutes." Can't exactly run top speed in broad daylight…I snap the phone shut and blur downstairs. The place really was ready to be condemned. Stepping out I could feel that the shelf life was very short whether or not it was going to be taking a dirt nap by tracker or by natural causes it was going to be soon, but not soon enough for the shooter.
I raced over to the security place to find Alec was already over there. Stunned by this I tried to figure out how he got out here already not to mention how he figured to be here first. Walking up to him he turned around, "And there she is." And here I am? What the fuck did you say to- "Don't worry about her attire I dragged her in on the job on her day off." the security guard looked like he was wiggling his finger back and forth in disapproval. Alec merely waved it off.
Before I could belt out a comment about my attire let alone my 'day off'…yeah could really use one of those…we could spend the day with the girls…I look over to the security guard. Flimsy arms, short height and hair, his clothes looked pristine even for a security guard. How metro was this guy? Or was he batting for his own team? "Hi." I attempted to answer in a somewhat respectable tone aimed at him.
"Melissa and I are partnered to conduct an investigate on the shoot out that happened a while back and we think there's a possibility that someone may have used your roof as access. During that time was there anyone up here asking about the roof?" Alec inquired to the small man as he leaned over the desk. Okay one 'Melissa?' before we even go there on the fake names I could have used my 'Rachel Glasser' badge.
I still had the damned thing. All I had to do was put the right pieces into a new badge I.D. packet and 'bing-bam-boom' I was good. Then I saw the guy that was watching Alec. The way he was looking at him had the equal effects of making Alec uncomfortable, he was probably getting a slight 'tingle' and making me want to chuckle…badly. Okay he was batting for his own sex, there was no doubt there. I felt sorry for Alec, he was trying so hard to play this part.
"Yeah actually. A nice looking man, bout…" he eyed Alec up and down in a way that has Alec gulp just a little and try to smile in a 'thanks' sorta way. I was holding my stomach in at the hilarity of the moment, "A little bit shorter than you, broad shoulders, older, give or take another ten years, maybe more, dark brown hair…handsome…" he seemed to be off in his own little world for a second before he short his eyes towards me, "OH! Said, his name was Special Agent Ames White!"
That was enough for me I was ready to book it when Alec grabbed my arm, "Did he go up there or not?" he asked. I looked back to the guy, "Well…I don't think so. But my shift had ended that day so I can't be to sure." We both nod, "You have a pretty good memory." I commented. He looks to Alec, "It's hard to forget the handsome ones, they make remembering everything about certain days easier."
I swear he was even batting his eyes at Alec. And the trooper that he was Alec was taking it as best he could. Any other day a manly man like him wouldn't be taking it so well. "Can we go up there? It's possible he may have left something behind." Yeah like evidence…the man looked from me to Alec, "I'll let you up. We can take the back door." The innuendo and sly look to the eyes he had directed at Alec had me ready to be howling in laughter.
Alec straightened up his collar, and grit his teeth, trying not to snap, "Not funny…" he ground out. "Oh on the contrary…I think it's been the high light of my day…other than finding the bullet." I said under my breath as well. "When we're alone we'll talk about this in more depth." I knew what was to come but that didn't mean I had to not enjoy the banter before hand. This was too funny, I was really waiting for the guy to give his number to Alec.
After the elevator ride up, we were escorted to the roof top entrance, "Here you go, now if you need anything just give me a ring. Oh here's my number." I was ready to memorize it for future use when he took Alec's hand and wrote his number down on it. I was biting my lip so hard to keep from busting out in laugher from the look on his face. I saw the guard wink at Alec right as he underlined his number.
Alec smiled, politely and as unnoticeable as possible snatched his hand back, "Thanks we'll be sure to use it." "Oh call me anytime, day or night." His smile and look told all, and I had me ready to roll. Once we were on the roof we looked around before placing a block in the doorway. Once out of earshot of the security guard I bust out laughing, unable to contain it any longer.
"Oh…my…GOD!" he was just looking ickily at his hand. Like it would start to speak 'flamer'. "Why…?" he asked out loud, like 'why me?'. "Where's a video camera when you need one?!" I cackled out between gasps of air. He shot me a look full of acid, "This is NOT funny!" even his look wasn't enough to calm me down, if anything I laughed harder, "Bull! You played the part and you got your little reward…was it worth it?" his looked tightened. I was not quite as hunched over as I had been.
He muttered a few choice words under his breath before walking forward, grabbing my waist he pulled me in for a deep kiss. "Next time YOU flirt with the security guard." I laughed out loud, "Okay, just don't get all pissed when he writes his number on my hand instead." Now he looked torn between dealing with the flamer again and having a guy write his number on his mates' hand.
"Let's just get this bitch over with." He grunted out. I figured I could give him some slight comfort so I slid my arms lower over his butt…or attempted to. He turned on me to fast, "Don't think you can use your little ploys to win me over on this issue. You were supposed to wait till you were fully healed." "And just when did WE agree to that?" I spat out at him, mood nearly deflated from the turnabout. I don't recall agreeing to NOT stepping outside TC.
"Oh WE did…you were probably just to busy working at the time." I really needed to ignore that little dig about my workload so instead I shot back, "Well if you don't want me to work as much as I do…" he interrupted me "That's not what I meant! Max you gave birth to twins. You need to heal." There's that ridiculous 'You're immobile-fragile china doll' shit again. I hated being treated like this and it was only getting worse.
"Look I'm almost fully healed now. It was till the end of this week and guess what, it's the end of the week!" I'll show him proof soon enough. Alec pinched the bridge of his own nose before responding, "Not yet. I want you to be fully healed not just nearly healed there and something gets torn. I don't want you to be 'TC ridden' for too long." he's afraid I'll pull something down there! Oh for the love of …
Before I could tell him, he closed it off with, "Let's just look around, we don't have time for this." My mood has just bought a brown thunderstorm. I took one half of the roof he took the other…nothing. Going back down he still couldn't figure out why I was pissed at him. He did care I knew that but I don't think he fully understood that I know my body better than he does. I'm fine now. And I'm ready to show him, whatever way I feel possible.
Leaving the place I tried to suggest splitting up but he wouldn't let me. Don't get me wrong I could take him on but last thing I needed was to draw unnecessary attention to either of us by beating each other up at transgenic speed…doesn't bide very well for us in the end. Two places to go and one was another dead end. Hopefully we'll get lucky and the next one will be our end to the day.
Finally after a phone call from Dix that told him therefore us which apartment it 'could have been' we were only able to nail down the floor. Now here was the tricky part, figuring out which place it was. Taking the fake I.D. Alec gave given me as 'Melissa' I knocked on a few of the apartment doors. We figured at least that whichever apartment it came from, the occupants weren't there, had something to do with it or were dead.
The first guy he was pleasant, answered the door in a button down shirt, with a beer in his hands, and judging by the dilation in his eyes he was nearing his limit. Getting the I.D. for security I flip it open and state, "Sir we're here to ask you a few questions." He scratched his head, "Can you make it quick?" he asked. Breath was rancid so yeah quick, "Were you here in your apartment when the shooting of the mayor took place?" I inquired. He smiled, "At work all day. Why?" he replied.
Alec stepped up, "Sir was there been any suspicious activity that you may have seen or heard?" his inquiry prompts a reaction in button guy, "Yeah actually. Thought I heard a domestic thing going on over two doors down. Went to go see if the dude was okay. He told me his new girlfriend threw a frying pan at his head hence the bruise I saw. Left it at that. Why?" he asked us now. "And that's Jake Parks?" Alec confirms looking at the list of people Luke told us lived on the floor.
"Yup. He's not in any trouble is he?" he asked…again… "Hopefully not. Thank you for your time." I excuse us from his company as he closes the door. "Think he needs deodorant, he reeked." Alec exclaimed once out of hearing range. "My senses were focused on his alcohol level, he was nearly at the limit." He conceded to that. Reaching the last apartment I knocked.
After several knocks and no answer we both took a second, making sure no one was in the hallway, and focused on honing in to listen for any sound on the inside. There were heartbeats and sounds but not from this apartment. I looked to him in confirmation of what he hears or lack there of in this case. Agreeing that the apartment is empty I make him stand guard as I pick the lock. After three turn ball's fall into place, we walk right on in and close the door behind us.
Nothing really looked odd per say. "Doesn't look like he's been home in months." I took a look in the fridge, "Food's expired." Seeing the contents he remarks, "Slight odder to it as well." before he looks away before looking further around the apartment. "Something doesn't fit right." He remarks looking around. I looked at the floor, "Well there's scuff marks." I point out.
Walking around I do the same as he as he notices and figures out the cause as I walk throughout the rest of the apartment. Rooms clean…well…man clean…bathroom is shut so once I open it I see a duck taped up sink, toilet, and bathtub. I didn't like these looks at all. Walking back out Alec tells me, "The table here was moved from over here." I nod, "Makes sense. If the shooter needed cover, the inside of the apartment would have been perfect." Besides snipers use the cover of the room for a hit.
"Not just that, this window has a direct view to the court house. But you could only see it with a scope. Even we would have difficulty deciphering whose who with the range." Made me wonder if he considered Krit's idea legitimate now, "This was a professional hit no doubt. Someone wanted him dead. And it wasn't you either." He walked away looking at the apartment once again. He shows me as he walks back up to the window, "There was a clear shot to him and to you."
I barely see it with my enhanced vision. Our sight is good but beyond looking for enemies nearly a block or two away we can't see nearly a half a mile away. "The shooter could have chosen to shoot you and you wouldn't have stood a chance. No this shot was meant for him." I didn't know what or how to feel at Alec's 'shooter's assessment. Was he purposely stating this to try to assert some type control?
To not feel so connected since I was next to the intended target? To distance himself from the situation that way he could quote 'maintain distance'? I wasn't sure. But in this instance I was actually worried about what he was thinking. We both needed our heads in the game so maybe distance was better. "Either way there is a shooter out there and anyone with that field could have made that shot."
I remarked trying to ignore his earlier statement referring to me and trying to put distance in there as well. I noticed my senses were acting up, like I smelled something pungent in the air. The bathroom…my senses told me. They acted as a guide for me at the moment. "Well we know where the shot came from but question now is who did it and why?" I asked starting to walk back to the bathroom.
Why didn't I smell this earlier? I wondered walking closer. The tape…I realized. It was blocking off the scent otherwise I would have. "There has to be a small group of guys who can pull this off." Alec raises his voice a little so I can hear him, not loud just enough. "Yeah…maybe Clemente or Sung can pull up a list of snipers, could help narrow the field." I call back out. "It would help. Plus who ever did this had to have the right military training." Alec called back.
I agreed, "Whoever it is was, was either a hired hit man, or he didn't agree with the agreement we had with our dear Mayor." I told him, my stomach starting to protest to the smell, "Or maybe our little snake cult asses decided they couldn't let us get an upper hand anywhere." Alec rebutted with a very logical answer. Still though…something definitely isn't right here. "Alec can you come in here." I call out again.
He walks in seeing the duck tape, "Well this spells nothing but good." He states sarcastically. "Should I ask what's underneath the tape and plastic?" he inquires. We both have a pretty good idea what or who it is but we need it to be confirmed. He goes to the tub I go to the sink and bam! Just as we take back the duck tape the smell of acid eating away at the remaining skin, tissue, fat and everything else was foul on so many levels. It had us both coughing in reaction and scrambling out of there.
Alec slammed the door shut coughing himself, "What the hell man?!" he questioned holding me as I coughed along with him. Our sense of smell had us both reeling at the effect. Sometimes our senses couldn't be controlled. I look back to the bathroom, "You think it was White?" dumb question but there was a chance he was just scouting the other building. We hadn't found DIRECT evidence…yet. And while I wasn't defending him I wanted to be sure on all levels.
My cell rang, "Max here." I answered, "I've got your bullet and a headache. That thing was mangled but our forensics made a rendering of it. I'm sending you the picture of what it should look like." Excellent! "Clemente you're the best." He disconnected so I could get into the text message. Opening it up the graphics didn't look the best on my phone. Stupid size was too small.
Knowing Alec's had more updated graphics on it I sent it to his so we could all figure this out. He popped his own cell open once the message reached him, "This is the rendering?" he asked looking at me. Calling Clemente back up I asked him, "That mangled scrap was this at one point?" I asked stunned. "Something's not right here?" Alec stated. Having Clemente on speaker he asked, "What's wrong? The analysis' was per - "
Alec cut him off, "No, not the rendering of the bullet." He stopped looking at the phone and shifted his face back to me. He looked worried. "This here is a 338 Lapua Magnum." I wasn't too stunned that Alec had been able to I.D. the bullet that fast, but it did have me somewhat concerned. "Yes…" Clemente stated in a question format, "Mind clearing the air here." He asked. "Yeah you don't get it this bullet shouldn't be…is that pure copper?" he asked him.
"Yes is it…you can tell that just from looking at it?" Clemente asked, stunned at Alec's deduction. "Ignore the shock, and just keep going." I tell him. Alec looked to the phone and as if Clemente could see him responded, "Never mind…should have seen that one coming." Alec smiled a bit. I lightly smacked Alec to prevent his remarks from getting a little bit much.
"So you're saying that this bullet in particular shouldn't look or be made out of this material?" Clemente continued on, "Nope and the rendering your forensics did shouldn't come close to that." Now Clemente and I were both confused. Clemente's "Why not?" mirrored my exact look, "Because this…" he held up the phone with the picture in view, "Picture…" he supplied for Clemente as he showed the picture to me.
"It's a custom job, machine made, you can't go out to your local gun dealership and just buy these types of bullets. This was specially made." This was good and bad news. "Well the good part is it narrowed down our list of suspects, the bad news is this person is dangerous as hell." Alec nodded his head in agreement there, "This is great, a hand made bullet? Correct me if I'm wrong but that doesn't sound like an angry protester trying to make a statement." Alec's face dropped slightly.
"No, this…" he once again indicated the rendering picture, "Was a professional hit. They wanted the mayor dead." Alec supplied, "So there wasn't a chance…" I looked to my phone, even Clemente thought the bullet might have been meant for me. "Nope none at all." I took the phone off speaker, "Clemente can you do me a favor and send me a list of every person on the coast who could make that shot? The further we narrow that list the better for Seattle to rest and the better for transgenics to."
It would be better for all parties involved, "It'll help get the heat off our backs and off yours." He agreed…headache and all, "Oh Clemente." I almost forgot something, "Yeah?" he responded. "We found the place where the shot was taken. Whoever did this didn't mind killing an innocent person to do what they wanted. Might help in the headspace profile. Your gonna need to send some one down here." He sighed, "Okay…you better get out of there then." I agreed before hanging up.
"Let's bounce before the team gets here. Clemente will be sending me the Intel on the death here. We'll have it clarified within a few hours on whether the death was by a norm or familiar." He nodded as we left. Transgenic wouldn't even be considered since we all wanted the same basic thing. Killing the mayor wouldn't do that. I couldn't see any reason a transgenic would have for it. Only even REMOTE reason is if White had a transgenic on his payroll.
Even then that was extremely remote since he HATES our kind with a passion in a very literal sense. Working with one of our own when he was born and 'breed' to hate our kind, would be an extreme decision on his and on his bosses' parts. Even then the transgenic or transhuman involved would have found someway to avoid doing damage to the Mayor. No one else knew the mayors private security had a transgenic on it save for a few certain people.
Otherwise…even if that possibility there were no transgenic would sacrifice the needs of hundreds over his or her own. That's not how we were taught. The needs and the lives of one or even a few out weight the needs of many, hundreds even…Lydecker's words during one of our many training sessions came back to me. Back then we thought it cruel to dismiss one life for the many, but now…now we know better. So I know for a fact that a transgenic is not involved…I hope.
We left back for TC after all that and waited for Clemente's call with the so-called 'profile' of the killer. Seeing his number pop up on my phone I silenced all in the room Alec, Mole, Daniel, Joshua, Krit, Syl and myself, "Hello Max?" Clemente questioned hearing himself on speaker, "Your on live Clemente, speak up." I voiced. We heard a throat clearing in the back, "This is an associate with our department. He has the profile you maybe looking for." We nod.
"Go ahead." Alec called out, "Most professionally train snipers are methodical. Their controlled, clean, patient, willing to kill under morally acceptable circumstances." Alec flinched, "No that's not right. Snipers aren't the ones who make that type of call. W - they're just the hands that pull the trigger." He defended. "With the faith that what they're doing is morally acceptable and a target to innocent life." Krit supplied.
Alec shot him a look, "Right." The guy on the other end agreed, "Could this be out of revenge?" I questioned, remembering Joshua's suggestion of Logan, whom we now had in custody. "No, a rookie would have to go through a substantial mental transformation to develop his mental identity." Joshua looked a bit lost, "So that narrows down our list of suspects. Whomever this is has had years at least to develop his or her need to kill the intended target." Joshua nodded.
"Absolutely. I think your looking for a person whose development was damaged." I agreed, plus it narrowed our field down even more. "Thanks." I stated, "There's more." He supplied. I closed my eyes for a moment. "Care to explain?" "Whomever is on your suspect list will either have two different needs. To be on the offensive or to hid from his or her enemies." Who do we know that would do either?
"That could be anyone on the list. That two completely separate directions." Alec stated dismayed. "We know Wh - …" I stopped myself before I could name name's as I just mouthed 'White' out and stated, "Enemy number one has people to hid behind. To different groups to be specific." I amend. He sends his lackies out to do his dirty work for him but…"
I remembered a few times in the past where he came in and did it himself. "But when it comes to myself and my SIC, he gets personally involved." I told them, "You're his biggest targets." The guy in the back round stated, "If that's the case then why didn't she get shot and not the target? We just discovered it was clearly for the target and not her." Krit asked a little befuddled. "He set aside his personal desires to take orders." It had to be his no pain no gain freak cult members.
"If you could figure out which group then you can see if he or she is the enemy number one." I nodded my head. "Thanks, anymore?" I ask him. "I'll hit you up later with anything new." He answered. Clemente took his phone off speaker, as did I, "Thanks for the Intel." I ran a tired hand through my hair. "Thanks for that bullet find. The police had wide-open jaws when they found out about it. News of the find is spreading throughout the stations." Was that good or bad news?
"Is this good news you're delivering?" I ask him. "Depends. Now there's a lot of speculation over who shot the mayor. Just like there's speculation on why he hasn't woken up yet. According to his doctor he should have regained consciousness nearly a month ago. I think someone's using something to keep him under but the doc's can't figure it out. Nurses give him regular check ups but never find anything." He nearly whispers conspiratorially into the phone.
"So someone is somehow getting a drug into him to keep him under. Who could gain anything from th - " my mind went to Gamble instantly. "There's only one person who could stand to gain anything from it. But there's no proof of a drug entering his system to prove he's being kept under. No one visits him. Regular nurse check ups who do a literal check system before clocking back in other places." No it's not a nurse…not unless its like the one I ran into.
Remembering that part it makes me wonder, "Do you have any men posted over at Preston's hospital?" pause for a moment… "I have a guy that does a shift there for four hours two times a week. Their under staffed and his girlfriend does work there so it was a win – win for him." good. "Have him check the whole right arm of every nurse or doctor that goes to that floor. If any of them have a tattooed symbol of two snakes intertwine around a staff of sorts let me know." He paused again.
"I know I'm going to regret asking this but, why am I looking for this tattoo?" I answer, "Because, our number one enemies group has that tattoo there. They could have somebody in the hospital keeping our dear Mayor under. Call me when you have them all checked out." "What in the hell have you gotten yourself into here Max?" he asked tired, "Nothing good. Call me." I hung up already knowing that he knows how I work. "He's going to check out a working theory for me at the hospital." I iterate.
Krit points to his ear. "We heard." I roll my eyes, "Whatever." "I think we should do the same check over at the Mayor's office where Gamble's at. I don't trust the guy." Daniel iterated firmly. Before Alec could protest I voice to him, "Smart. But when you go make sure you have a legitimate reasoning to be there." Alec looks to me in shock. "The facts are becoming more clear on who this is and while I do have some trust in Gamble I don't know his team." He nods in realization.
"He could have a 'mole' – no pun intended – and not even know it." Alec points deflecting hands to Mole then continues on. "So we check his staff. We make sure everyone is clean." They agreed. I put my phone back before shucking off my sweater leaving behind my brown tank. "Feel free to leave. I'm going to bed." I leave for Alec and mine's room as I hear them shuffle to the door.
I had barely pulled my pants off my hips leaving my hip hugger panties in place before I felt Alec coming around behind me. His hold around my hips ignited a small fire within me. "Unless you plan to finish…" his hands grip my hips steadily before pushing my hip huggers slowly downwards. I spread my legs wider to allow them to fall to the level of my jeans as I tried to still shove them down as well.
"I've come to realize lately that I haven't been paying as much attention as I should have been." He spins me around. The sudden movement nearly stumbles me as my legs get caught up in the jeans and panties falling fully to around my ankles. I step out of them as he speaks lowly. "Let me amend that for you." Barely having gotten my bottoms off he shoves me back on the bed, and then dips his head between my legs as I pull my tank and bra off…all in one.
Feeling his tongue down there pulls in the feelings I haven't had in months. I'd forgotten what it was like to go months at a time without sexual contact like this. It makes me wonder how I'd managed before I ever met Alec. Somehow I was able to deal with it with Logan but not Alec. Sex deprivation is not something either of us like or are used to…probably why we both at different intervals visited the gym so much. Plus as Alec has proven to me on more than one occasion, we are very energetic creatures.
We like the aspect of touch and being touched. Something within our feline DNA that enjoys the relaxation that comes with the feel of your mates touch, even the simplest of touches in any form. Just that alone can bring about an awareness and relaxation. I know I hadn't noticed it till we mated. It was weird at first, having that need, but once you get past that you wonder how you worked without it for so long.
Like now, having his tongue do its wicked dance across and over my labia, repeatedly, is a gentle yet, arousing sensation. But gentleness over time can turn into slight harshness when done so repeatedly to the point that you're over sensitized. Alec made it sensitive yes but in a good way and the way his eyes looked up at me keeping my eye contact…I can tell, all he wants is to see me in pleasure. It gave him pleasure to see me like that. I could already see the gentle movement coming from him.
Those little movements that signaled he was slowly rubbing himself with his hand while his other held me open for his fruition. "God I love how you taste Max. Like my own personal ambrosia." He licked his lips for effect. I saw just a dabble that he'd missed trickle down his chin before the hand that was holding me open left me briefly to swipe it into it mouth. Not wanting to miss one drop of me I supposed.
"You let me down there and I'll show you whose ambrosia you are." I wasn't even sure that came out right as my head was starting to spin from the amount of pleasure coursing through me. His lips widened in a smile before reuniting hungrily with my clit as he sucked it into near pain. I grab his head fiercely, and held him from me, not wanting the party to be over, "I want you in me, NOW! No arguments I need you." I spread my legs wide for his entrance, but also to entice him.
He looked so torn. My guess was he'd only planned to give me a little treat before bedtime. Nope he was going to give me the whole enchilada so to speak, if I had anything to say about it. Deciding to help him along I presented my offer, "I'll make it worth your while." I didn't give him time to process my words before I literally ripped his jeans from his body. He had that feral 'I can't believe you just did that…that is so hot' look to his eyes.
Those intense features made me near dripping wet. God I loved it when he looked at me like that. Then his eyes darkened to something more primal, something closer to his feline DNA. But the love still shone brightly through. It may have been lust and primal needs but love was what was still driving the force of it all. It was like for him, I was the only woman in his world.
"I'm going to make you desk bound for the next week. Everytime you move you'll be constantly reminded that you are mine, and mine alone." He growled out, shucking off his boots, socks and the remnants of his jeans. "Promise?" I teased him. My own hormonal levels for him rising to a deafening peak. If I didn't get him in me soon I was going to scream!
He almost forgot his shirt till I started to rip it. He pulled my hands away then took his shirt off, "I do need the shirt again. The pants…" he grinned at me. "Well now you owe me." I smiled, "I don't care." He didn't seem to either. Cause all he did was pull my legs around his waist and gently rubbed himself against me. The pleasure mounted even more so after his initial rub against what I assume was his other hand...or the bed.
I ground myself around his hardening cock as I reached down and started to pump him with strong strokes. "God Maxie…what you do to me…" I gave him feral smile. He caught my look and let out a small growl, "And I'm gonna keep on doing it to you. Cause your everything to me." I grinned, as I let me see the truth of my words. I felt more of him now as pre-cum dripped from his head. He slowly sunk inside of me as we groaned around the tight stretch. "God. Fu - " he grunted as he started to thrust.
Oh god… "Right there…" I moaned out. To long it has been to long! God it felt so good to have him stretching me again...to having him fill me up again. I was so thankful that Gem wasn't due here for another half hour. We had at least that amount of time to ourselves. "You feel so good." He whimpered to me as he stroked not only within me but as his hands stroked over my body as well.
I felt his hands all over me. He teased and plucked at my nipples till they were sore and hard as pebbles. I whimpered as he bent over and gave a small nip to the before soothing them over with his tongue. "Oh god…Alec!" he had started a more intense thrusting maneuver with my legs pulled up over his shoulders now. "Mine…" he growled. I looked him in the eyes, "Always…yours…" before the connection between us broke he uttered, "Yours…always." too.
Neither of us cared about anything in these moments, just the intense satisfaction that came from each other, of what we gave to one another. Seeing his face as he was about to cum made my heart soar, that I could always bring him to that pinnacle. That I could pull him to the point of near madness, that I was able to make him loose control and I loved it when he lost control.
My expression was clear enough now. 'Give me all of you'. All he did was reflect his answer in his eyes, that's how deep we were in our connection. No words were needed, as we both already knew. Bending me almost in half now he slammed into me with everything he had and I took it with fervor. Screaming my rampant pleasure to him as he started to grit his teeth in agonizing pleasure.
I knew we were nearing the end cause by God, I was ready to topple over that edge, "Alec!" I started to screech out. He bent over to swallow my remaining 'eruptions' while he roared his own pleasure into my mouth. "Cum for me, baby, I wanna feel you cumming." His voice harsh, hard and raw, and I explode all around him as he pounded rapidly into me. His eyes open through my orgasm as he watched the pleasure race through my eyes.
The feeling is euphoric and I know that no matter how often we have sex it'll always be wonderful and passionate. He thrusts hard once more and blurred as he groans out as he reaches his own climax, pouring himself into me. Once done we looked like a sweaty pile of limbs, I looked over at the clock on our bed table once I got my heart rate under control…three minutes later.
"Gem will be here with the girls in ten minutes. Let's shower before they get here." He smiled, "As much as I'd love to shower with you, we both know we'll take a LOT longer than ten minutes." I pouted. He continued on, "Come on and get dressed. Once Gem leaves we can take turns showering." I nodded in agreement. Looks like the evening was getting better now…hopefully it stays like this…hopefully…