CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR (OLD FRIENDS, LONG FORGOTTEN)
Jim Brass drove a little faster than he should on his way home.
The day was turning out to be a shitty one. Not that it had not started out fantastically.
He could not have asked for a better start to a day.
Finding Haley safe, unharmed and functioning? The man could not have asked God to do more. But the crime scene details had taken longer than anticipated, then Grissom's call concerning the missing body had meant another detour.
Jim had called Haley a couple times, receiving no answer. He concluded, perhaps they were running tests or something. The thought even crossed his mind, that Duvalier had turned the woman's cell off.
One of the first things Haley had asked for, when everything had settled down this morning, was her purse.
Miraculously or perhaps, diabolically..Duvalier had anticipated the request, having brought the damned thing in the pickup he had rented.
Haley had been grateful, hugging the large black bag affectionately, as she might a long lost friend when it had been handed over.
Jim had thrown the FBI agent a quizzical look, asking the silent question, receiving a shrug of the massive shoulders in reply along with a woeful shake of Duvalier's head. "She never leaves home without it..we have to surgically remove it from her hand at the end of the day."
Brass pulled into his driveway, throwing the 'company car' into park. He often drove the 'issue' vehicle, his own Ford Expedition sitting inside his garage, reserved for special occasions like, trips to San Diago with Grissom for fishing trips, the important things in life.
He had forgotten to turn the front porch light out when he had left Wednesday morning. He had noted upon his approach, driving past his house. He shook his head for his forgetfulness.
He was forgetting more and more things these days..or it seemed like it, anyway.
The man grabbed his jacket and lap top out of the front seat, closing the car door with his foot as he rounded the front of the hood. He began the rather winding walk that led to his front porch. Why anyone would meander a sidewalk in such an odd manner had puzzled him when he first saw the house, but the price was right at the time and he was in no mood to continue a search for a place to live.
It had taken him a month to find this house after his move from Jersey. The hotels were getting pricey. After the divorce, 'price' was a big consideration for him.
He glanced the neighborhood, as he did each and every time he arrived home, the 'cop' in him searching for the 'unusual'. Of course, he had never found it here in this quiet suburb, for which he was grateful.
The homes lining the street were quiet, soft lights streaming form windows here and there, cars parked in drive ways, garages closed for the night. It was quiet and subdued. Everyone having settled in from the day's activities.
The breeze had picked up, whipping his jacket a bit as he walked. There was a hint of chill in the air. It felt good on his face. He had not needed the jacket today.
The night sky was clear, no clouds to speak of. The 'waxing' moon giving off very little of it's light, if any.
A row of hydrangea bushes lined the entire front of Jim Brass' home. They were in desperate need of trimming. They hid the cement slab that constituted his porch, not to mention the wrought iron railing that bordered the three steps leading to the area then traveled down the entire length.
A slight movement to the left of the door, caught the man's attention. An alarm went off in his head, his entire system going to 'alert' status. It had been almost negligible..but, some dark shape had shifted minutely, catching his eye...
Jim hastily ducked back behind the cover of his garage corner. He plastered himself to the door, listening intently. A sound of footsteps met his ears, the slight scrape of shoe against concrete unmistakable
The wind picked up and the sound was lost.
He lay the jacket and lap top down beside his feet, rising, extracting his weapon from it's holster on his belt. He held the gun aloft in his right hand, taking time to think the situation through.
A thousand scenarios flashed in his mind's eye. Someone was on his front porch..waiting for him to come home? An old perp with a grudge? Someone attempting a burglary? A cop's place? Of course, the idiot would not know a cop lived here.
Was it a neighbor? But what neighbor would be so stupid as to lurk around in the dark..the light was on. Why not step out to be recognized?
A soft sigh was carried on the wind. A sound which made Brass' brow furrow.
He chanced a hasty glimpse around the edge of the corner.
Half hidden in the shadows of the overhang, half revealed..a figure stood. Dark clothing, small stature, face obscured by a hoodie
The figure merely stood, looking at the entrance to his home.
Maybe he couldn't make up his mind whether to try a break-in or not.
Jim stepped out, his weapon poised and pointed. "LAS VEGAS POLICE!" He commanded, his tone harsh..to be obeyed. "SHOW ME YOUR HANDS!"
He witnessed the stiffening of the man's body.
"GET AGAINST THE WALL..HANDS IN VIEW! NOW!!"
There was no hesitation on the part of the 'figure'..who immediately stepped, obeying the instructions. He leaned against the brick facing, between the picture window with it's heavy green drapes..the one's Brass hated, and the front entrance.
Jim could see no weapon, which did not mean there wasn't one hidden on the perp's person.
Brass covered the few yards quickly, never taking his eyes off the man. He stopped at the bottom step. "Stay put!" He ordered. "Don't move!" He waited a second or two to see what, if any action, the man would take. He chanced covering the last few steps, his weapon pointed at the man's back. "Spread you legs.." He wanted the guy at full disadvantage before he searched him. "Back..further!"
When he was satisfied that the guy was not going to make any quick moves, Brass felt secure enough to pat him down, and was just about to do just that when..
"I mean you no harm."
The soft voice washed over the man, stunning him into inactivity. The silence came, veiling the moment like a heavy fog. Brass was...astonished, temporarily unable to react one way or another.
Slowly..carefully...the man..turned his head.
The light of the porch shone on the turned profile.
Brass' mouth fell agape.
He stared at the face revealed, his system in total chaos.
"This is rather..uncomfortable. May I....straighten?"
Something in the man 'clicked'..and he instantly lowered the half poised weapon he still held in his hands, only just realizing it was there. "...My God." He whispered his awe, unable as yet to..process the events that had taken place. He put his weapon away.
"....Please?" It was insisted rather..impatiently.
"OH!" He moved hastily, assisting her. "I'm...sorry! I didn't know..." He stopped, having allowed the woman to move from her previous position. He stared into the pretty face, the brown eyes observing him rather analytically, he noted. "...How did you.." Questions came at break neck speed. And stopped short of his mouth. "I...thought..."
"You are most proficient at...what you do." She nodded her head, removing the hoodie completely. "Not that I ever had any doubts."
She seemed to be waiting for something, but, in his present state..Jim did not have a clue as to what. He simply continued to stare at her..unable to do anything more or less at this stage.
"...I arrived about ten minutes past. I was..undecided about.." She trailed away. "I saw the car pass, I did not know it was you, of course." She indicated the street out front which was still deserted. "It seemed to have pulled into the next parking area."
"What are you...." The man's mind still was reeling..all he could do is, shake his head at this point. "My God, your hair has..grown so much!" He could not stop taking in the lovely tresses surrounding the small, upturned face with it's exquisite features.
She smiled. "Yes, I should have taken sheers to it but.."
"NO!" He found his tongue for that statement...surprised by the vengeance behind it. "..I mean..eh.." He..rephrased, seeing that he had startled her somewhat. "No..don't do that. ..I..I think it's...beautiful!"
The hazel eyes dropped, her manner becoming more at ease. "Most kind." She lifted the inquisitive gaze hastily however. "...It is good to see you again, James."
"Weena..." He whispered, his throat tight and dry suddenly. "...How the hell did you..get here? You're supposed to be in the Program! Has something happened? Are you in danger? Do the Marshals know that you are.."
"I realize that you have many questions. I will answer them. But, for tonight." She had held up her hands to silence him. "I have something to...say to you. It is of the utmost importance. I will need a moment of your time?"
"What?" He wasn't following. "What is it? Is something wrong? If you need my..."
"Please." She smiled gently at him. "I know it is late but..I have waited a very long time and..I simply could wait no longer to speak to you." She...waited.
"I'm listening..."
"...Perhaps..inside?" She hated to ask it. "I am not yet acclimated to your climate. I am very cold."
"Jesus, I'm sorry, baby...come in..Of course!" He felt like an idiot, fumbling with the key holder on his belt, stepping rapidly to the door. "God, I don't know what the hell I was thinking...it is cold out here, isn't it." He didn't really find it that chilly, but, he certainly would take her word for it. "Jesus!" The man shook his head just again, for his stupidity. "You should have called, I would have come pick you up." He was having trouble with the lock, his fingers shaking visibly. But, finally, it clicked and the door swung open. "Come on in..please."
He stepped aside, having opened the door wide and turned the switch on at the side of the door, the living room instantly bathed in light.
The man glanced around the room, for the woman seemed to be doing the same. He grimaced, seeing the condition it was in. "Hey, I'm sorry, honey....it's been a little hectic at work. I haven't had a chance to..straighten up or..anything."
Weena smiled. "It is exactly as I remember."
"Was it that bad before?" He didn't remember. "I'm not usually such a slob." He didn't think he was anyway, closing the front door absently. "Weena...are you alright? I mean..is everything..."
"I am well, James." She turned, her hands linked before her. It was then..he saw.
Weena glanced down, then...straightened stiffly. "It is what I came to tell you."
Brass pulled his eyes from... "...Who...Who's the lucky man?"
"...Excuse me?" She..scowled.
"The kid...who's is it? I..assume you've.." The words hurt him to say, his worst fears having come to pass...and yet, shit..why not? She was young and ..beautiful. He had known it was only a matter of time before some..but to actually see the evidence before him..with his own eyes...
"I...beg your pardon?" Her features showed her rising anger.
He swallowed hard, trying to hide his growing depression. "Hey..I'm glad for you, baby..really. I just..don't understand what's going on. You're going to have to fill me in, ok?"
She stared at him..nothing more.
"You've dropped out of the Program for a reason, I assume. And while it's true, Gibalti has been ousted by another faction..it still may not be safe for you to.."
"It is your child." She stated flatly. "That is what I have come to tell you. I do not expect anything of you..I do not wish to alter your life in any fashion. I merely thought..you should..be made aware."
Brass felt floored by yet another revelation..the words she spoke sinking in slowly..as if his brain had turned to thick molasses suddenly.
Weena stopped for breath, then..fell silent for a long beat. "There has been..no other male. And while I fully realize...you have not followed such a path..were it me, I would wish to know that.." She trailed away yet again, words impossible to find suddenly.
The silence was more than brittle..it was rigid, much as the woman's body.
Brass had heard the words..he had understood them even. But, they seemed...surreal somehow..just as this entire damned..
"...It seems Mother was correct.." Weena laughed hollowly, downing her head. She pulled the hoodie close about her body as if to warm herself, or perhaps..to hide her condition. "It is not as if..she did not warn me." The words had been said so softly, Brass wasn't sure he heard them or just imagined them.
The woman's body language altered drastically. She drew in a deep breath, exhaling slowly. "..this has been a mistake." She stated flatly. "I should not have come here."
She moved toward the door. Brass' hand snaked out, catching her wrist, halting her trek.
"Wait!" His was incredulous. "You just can't...leave!" He looked at her as if she were insane..which is how he felt, at the moment. He was reeling... "What the hell, Weena..." He clamped his fingers around her wrist determinedly. "It's been...seven months! No word..nothing and then you show up..and .." He stopped his tirade.
Weena seemed to be waiting again.
"What the hell am I supposed to think...to do?" He defended himself. "I'm..floundering here! Help me out, for Christ's sake! Fill in some details!"
"Details do not matter...not now." She realized. "It was never my intent to..." She pressed her mouth together tightly for a beat. The brown creaminess observing the man intently. "You need time." She nodded curtly. "...Very well. It is granted." She looked at the contact, his fingers still clamped about her wrist. "..Let go your hold of me, please. You are hurting my hand."
Brass looked at the contact as well, then..loosened his grip a bit. His lifted a stubborn stare. "Sit your little ass down and start from the beginning. We got some talkin to do." She was summarily informed.
"No." She objected. "It is late and I am..fatigued. The child has that effect on me of late. I will contact you soon. After you have had .."
"Like fucking hell." Jim laughed at such folly. "Your track record for disappearing is legendary. You can rest here. No way in hell you are going anywhere until I get some answers."
"I have all the answers I require. You do not have an interest in the child." She cast him a dark glare. "It is all I.."
"Like fuck I don't have an interest in a child that I conceived..." He growled his own growing anger. "Sit down."
"I have no desire to.."
"SIT..." He barked....loudly. "DOWN!" He indicated the couch.
The woman...hesitated, but then...walked slowly to..the divan.
.
.