—-Sorry for the delay, I've been dealing with some anxiety and things, so my stories have had a laps. So sorry. But here is the latest installment in this wonderful journey. Also if you have any comment, questions, or concerns please let me know.
Remember that I do not own any of the Flashpoint characters.
Diana and the other none main characters are my creative designs.
We got back mid-morning, Sam and Spike dropped me off and then headed to the station house to get Sam to his motorcycle. I slowly walked up the stairs to my building as I got to my floor, I heard Russ barking from Daniel's door. I knocked gently as I heard footsteps approaching.
"Good Morning Diana," Daniel said as he opened the door and Russ came running out and jumping at my heels, "how was the trip?"
"It was very entertaining," I say with a smirk as I lean down to pet Russ, "Was he a good boy? He didn't tear up anything, did he?"
"Oh he was an angel," Daniel said handing me the water and food bowls, "kind of inspired me to go get one of my own. The animal rescue is holding open adoptions toady."
"Oh," I say smiling at him, "that's a wonderful idea. They have some wonderful dogs there. When I was on the daily beat, I would go and volunteer occasionally."
"I might go do that then," Daniel said, "have great rest of your day."
"You too," I say as i turn to head to my apartment. I hear his apartment door shut as I reach my door and unlock it.
Russ and I head inside and I shut and lock my door as Russ jumps on the couch. I smile and shake my head at him as I set his bowls down in the kitchen. I head to my bedroom and drop my bag down on the dresser. I put my gun on the side table and flop down on the bed. I was staring up at the ceiling and I hear little paws running down the hall. I turn towards the door as Russ jumps up on the bed and starts licking my face.
"Russ!" I say as I turn him over and rub his belly. "I need to lay here for a minute."
I laugh as he barks a little bit then lays down beside me.
We took a little nap for about 45 mins, and we were woken up by the sound of my phone going off.
Ugh, why now? That dream was so good. I thought as I sat up and grabbed my phone.
"Hello," I said through a yawn, "This is Diana."
"Diana!" I heard a frantic Jules on the line, "Something has happened to Sarge!"
"What?" I said jumping up off the bed, "What happened?" Where?"
"We gathering at his house." Jules said as I was grabbing my gun and keys.
"I'll be right there." I said as I hung up. I kissed Russ on the head, filled his bowls, and headed to my car.
I got in my car and quickly headed to Sarge's house, Jules texted me the address. As I arrive, there are a lot of cop cars and people everywhere. I asked my car down the block and ran to group up with everyone.
"What's going on?" I asked as I joined the group.
"We're not sure right now," Spike said as he handed out our ear mics.
"Ed is talking with the officers in charge," Wordy said taking his mic, "to figure out what was going on."
We all turn and look at Ed who is chatting with an officer. He nods at us and we all walk over to him.
"So, we're helping with this investigation," Ed said as he took his ear mic, "they're not really sure what has happened but there's blood and he left this gun."
"So, what do we do?" Jules asked.
"This isn't going to be fun," Ed said, "we have to go through his phone and computer. We have to talk to his neighbors and go through his house."
"So who goes where?" Spike asked,
"It's our jobs," Wordy said, "we'll do our best for boss." We all nodded.
"Okay," Ed said with a smile, "Spike and Diana go through Sarge's phone and computer, Jules and Sam interview the neighbors, and Wordy we'll process the house."
Sam and Jules headed to interview the neighbors. Spike, Wordy, Ed and myself headed inside.
"His office is over to the left." Ed said as he pointed pass the kitchen.
Spike and I headed over to the office. Spike had apparently brought his laptop so he grabbed Sarge's phone.
"You brought your laptop," I asked as I sat behind the computer and turned it on.
"Always," Spike smiled with a soft smile, "it's a force of habit now."
"I understand," I say as I pop pass the firewall of his computer.
A while goes by and while we're working, we find some communications that are a little fishy.
"Hey Ed," I call out, "Can you come check this out?"
"Coming!" Ed says over the ear piece. "What is it?" He says walking in.
"I found this thread on Sarge's history." I say as Ed and Wordy come over behind me at the desk, "It's from a medical website, but it's not something that sounds right."
"What do you mean?" Wordy asked as he's looking at the screen.
"Well, from Sarge it seems like he's researching this disorder," i say cautiously, "however there are some responses to him and after he stopped visiting the site that are a little off."
"Wow!" Ed stated, "That's one angry person. Why didn't he say anything about any of this?"
"Maybe," Spiked started as he walked over to us and put his computer beside Sarge's computer, "he wan't looking for himself. Rather for someone else?"
"He does have more to his family than us." Wordy stated. "Spike can you trace the other person?"
"On it!" Spike stated.
"Ed," I stated, "this topic is in a lot of files and websites visited by Sarge, so I don't think it's for him. It's in a letter draft sitting in his emails."
"Show me." Ed said as he motioned at the screen.
"Already did," I said clicking open the file. "It's a girl from a few houses down."
"Hey Ed," Sam said quietly over the ear piece, "we're with that family now. They think they may know what happened to Sarge. We're about to head back and fill you all in."
"Sounds good," Ed said firmly, "We'll meet you out by the truck."
We're getting ready to head out the door and the computer chirps. I head back to the desk and click on the notification. A window opens with a live feed of Sarge tied to a chair.
"Sarge!" I exclaim quickly, "Guys, you need to see this."
"What is it?" Spike says coming back around the desk and looking at the screen, "Oh no! I'll see if I can trace it."
"Where is this?" Ed said looking at the video. "Spike?"
"I'm almost there!" Spike said as a beeping sound started in the video.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you." said a voice off screen. "every time you try to hack in, it takes away 10 seconds on the bomb." The camera pans up and zooms in on a small bomb that is on the ceiling above Sarge. "The only way to disarm it is this button right here in my hand. You have five hours to find him or KABOOM!" The camera pans back to Greg who is seemingly unconscious.
"So no going through the web to find him?" Wordy asked as Sam and Jules came running in.
"We can try again but it'll shrink the time on that bomb," Ed said.
"Here you go Spike," I say as I send him still frame shots of the bomb. "Those should help with figuring that thing out early."
"Thanks Diana," Spike said as he started to zoom in and inspect the bomb. Sam comes over to help.
"There is another way to find his location," I said looking up at Ed, shrugging a little.
"You would have to go downtown." Ed said looking from the screen to me. "Go! Take Spike!"
"Okay!" I said grabbing Spike and heading out to my car.
"Where are we going?" Spike asked sharply.
"To a warehouse downtown," I said opening the driver's door and looking at him, "To the dark web."
"Spike you and Sam analyze the bomb." Ed said over the ear piece. "Jules what do you have from the neighbor."
Spike and I are headed downtown as Jules started talking.
"Well the neighbor said that she knew Sarge from a few years ago when he helped apprehend the guys who beat and robbed the family among others in the neighborhood. The beating caused hertz be paralyzed from the waist down. Her family and Sarge have been searching for a cure for a while now. They noticed the comments that we found and Sarge was working to figure out who they were. It seems that he called them right before he disappeared and told them that he had found who it was." Jules stated.
"Why didn't we find anything on his computer." Wordy asked.
"There was a gap in his files," I said looking from Spike down to the road, "I attributed it to self editing, but it could've been deleted. Check the trash files on the computer."
—a few moments later—
"Ryan Sutherland," Jules read out loud, "We have an address."
"You two keep going, and figure out where that room is and what that bomb is." Ed said as they headed outside. "We're going to this man's home address.
"We're here." I said as I pull into an underground parking garage.
"Where is here?" Spike asked.
"Just trust me." I said as we got out of the car, "This way."
I lead the way to the stairwell and type in a code on the keypad. There is a quick beep and the door opens a bit. I head and motion for Spike to follow. I flip a switch and computer screens, computers, and the lights come on.
"WOW!" Spike says looking around the room.
"Welcome to the dark web!" I say sitting down at the main desk. "I'm going to try and back door my way into his system. Since you found an access point, which he wanted you to find, then he has to have another where he is getting access. It's going to be less protected and more open." Spike sits down next to me and hops on.
"This is…." Spike mumbles, "How is this possible?"
"This was set up years ago," I said typing away, "When I started undercover, I was introduced to this place. This is where I learned everything for the undercover position. My Major was Software Engineering and while undercover, my masters was gotten in the same subject for legitimacy sake."
"Really," Spike said in awe, "that's amazing."
"It came with strings though," I heard Wordy say over the comms. " What were those?"
"I had to create that program, that's still active," I said not looking away from the computer, "I also had a mob pay for my education and that's just an uncomfortable thought. I an't come here unless directly ordered to."
"In this instance, I'll make a report for you after we're through." Ed said as we hear tires squealing. "We're here, approach with caution and keep each other safe."
"We'll switch channels while you head in." Spike said flipping his mic to another channel. I follow suit and change mine. "You know your past doesn't determine you now."
"I know," I said sighing heavily, "It just weighs on my mind when I'm here." My computer chimes. "I found him!"
"What? Where?" Spike said rolling over to my computer. "That can't be right."
"He's downtown…" I said cautiously. "Why is he at the hospital?"
"Wait," Spike said abruptly, "The bomb isn't under Sarge, it's above him on the ceiling. Why would it be on the ceiling?"
"To cause more harm," I said with realization. "His beef is with the hospital it's in the comments we found."
"Ed!" Spike said flipping his mic back over, "Ed!"
"Yeah Spike!" Ed replied. "What's up?"
"Diana found him and I figured something out!" Spike said quickly. "He's downtown, and he's under the hospital."
"We're thinking," I said breaking in, "he's going to use the bomb to blow up the hospital and Sarge is just a innocent victim."
"Sarge must have been getting too close." Jules said.
"Let's roll!" Ed said as he and the others hopped in the truck to head downtown. "We'll be there in five."
"Can you jam the signal for the bomb?" Sam asked.
"I think I can," I said nodding and going back to the computer. "I have a back door access to his signal and think I can jam it for awhile, but he's going to know."
"Don't jam it until we're on scene and set up." Ed said. "Spike, can you join us for bomb diffusion once the scene is clear?"
"On my way," Spike said standing up and grabbing his things, "I've got the hospital schematics and I think I know where they are."
"Be safe out there guys." I say turning towards Spike as he turns towards me. I saw him flip his mic off quickly, and I did also. "Whats up?"
'When you jam the signal," Spike said coming closer, "don't hold it too long. Don't stress the signal."
"I'm going to hold it for as long as it takes," I said standing up to be eye love with him. "If you guys are down there, then I'm not going to let it go off on you guys."
"Don't try to blow the circuit," Spike said now inches away from me, "If you blow the circuit it'll blow up anyways."
"I know." I said coyly, "I was just thinking of holding it long enough to keep everyone safe."
"I know," Spike says as he leans in and kisses me on the lips gently. "We'll be okay."
"Keep the peace." I say with a smile as I turn the mic back on. "Spike is heading out now and I'm sending you Ryan's info to contact him." I wink at Spike and he heads out of the room. I lock the door behind him and go back to the computer screen.
"We're at the hospital." Ed said, "We're going to try and make contact as we approach."
"Diana, can you trigger an evacuation quietly?" Wordy asked as the team met up with Spike and headed inside.
"Yeah, I know a few people to contact." I opened a secure email channel and started emailing people. I also contacted the Fire, EMS, and Bomb Squad about what's going on. "People are notified and you should notice people leaving. Fire, EMS, and Bomb Squad are on their way as well."
"Thanks! We're almost to him now." Ed siad. "Call him Jules!"
"Hello, Mr. Ryan," Jules started, "I'm with the Strategic Response Unit, do you know why I'm calling?"
"You're two hours early." Ryan said sharply, "Giving yourself some extra time?"
"We are just wanting a peaceful outcome today." Jules said calmly, "Why don't you tell me why we're here today?"
"Well if you wanted peaceful," Ryan stated angrily, "Then the hospital shouldn't have given up on us."
"Us? Who's us?" Jules asked calmly, "Is there anyone else with you?"
I look back at the feed and I notice that Sarge is starting to wake up. There's no sound but he seems to say something to Ryan who enters the frame.
"Guys!" I say quickly, "Sarge is awake and he's talking to Ryan, who's wheelchair bound."
"He's what?" Sam said. "How does someone who is wheelchair bound put a bomb on the ceiling?"
"Sarge is trying to calm him down and get him to release him and himself before the bomb blows up." Jules said quietly, "II can hear Sarge faintly in the background."
"Spike, we have a problem," I say looking back at he screen.
"What's wrong Diana?" Spike asked.
"The bomb is counting down faster." I said quickly, "I don't think Ryan is controlling it. I'm going to find the signal."
"What bout blocking the signal?" Sam asked looking at the door to the room.
"I can block it and track down the signal at the same time." I said as I'm typing away. "Just tell me when to block it."
"Will do!" Spike said looking at Sam and nodding.
"Sarge is getting untied." Jules said quickly.
"Come in team," Greg said through the phone. "Team One disarm this bomb."
The team heads into the room and quickly escorts Greg and Ryan out. I see Spike and Sam head in and get in position to take out the bomb.
"Diana now!" Spike said sharply, "And blur the video feed. we don't want whoever has the trigger to blow too quickly."
Before Spike finishes that thought the signal and video feed are jammed. I'm searching the the many different kinds of frequencies for the trigger when I get a ping. I look at the monitor and see where the signal is coming from.
"I found the other signal," I said standing up and heading out to my car with a tablet to control the jamming and to find the signal. "It's close to me."
"Go for it Diana!" Ed said quickly. "Just keep jamming the signal."
"On it Ed!" I say as I take my vest and make sure I'm in my civilian clothing only.
I head out of the garage and onto the sidewalk heading towards the hospital. I notice a coffee shop with a good view of the hospital. I enter and head up to the counter.
"Can I have a large black coffee with two creamers." I ask the barista.
"Diana what are you doing?" Wordy asked.
"We've disarmed the bomb," Spike said with a sigh. "You can unjam the signal."
"Okay. Thanks," I say as I get my coffee and look down at the tablet.
I unblock the signals and look up from the tablet. I notice a lot of different people in the cafe, but there's one with a laptop that seems kind of upset. I notice their screen is a picture of the room and see them typing something else. I grab my cuffs and put them in the same hand with my tablet. I start walking past the bomber, as I pass I "accidentally" drop my coffee all over their computer.
"Oh I'm so sorry." I said as they stand up and face me. "Let me get that for you."
"Why the hell did you do that?" He asked.
"I'm sorry," I say looking at him directly in the eyes. "I'm really sorry."
"Diana we're coming to you!" Wordy said as hears the conversation. "Don't do what I think you're about to do."
"Let me replace it." I say reaching for my pocket.
He grabs my wrist abruptly before I can get to my pocket. I pull my wrist out of his grasp quickly.
"What are you doing?" He asked sharply.
"Just getting my business card," I said setting my tablet down on his table. "To give yummy information."
"We're a block away Diana," Sam said, "Keep him talking."
"I'm fine," He said abruptly turning back to his computer. "I can take care of it later…" He stops mid sentence staring at the table.
I look down to the table where his gaze is, and I see the side of my cuffs sticking out. He slowly rises and turns towards me. I put my hands up in a defensive stance.
"Diana!" Ed yells, "Diana!"
"We can talk about this." I said calmly.
"Oh can we now?" He says.
"Derek you don't have to go out this way." I said with a smirk.
"Oh you're the one who interrupted the signal," He grimaced and I could see his fist balling.
"Yeah!" I said confidently, "He was your friend and you were going to blow him up."
"He's weak," He said turning away from me.
As if by slow motion, he turns back towards me with punch coming my way. I dodge it by ducking and sweeping his legs out from under him. He falls down on his face with a lot of force. I quickly grab my cuffs and cuff him as the team runs in.
"Diana!" Wordy said as I stood up. "I thought you weren't going to do anything rash."
"I didn't do anything rash," I said with a smile. "It was just self-defense." The guys chuckle as we get Derek to his feet.
"Who is this anyways?" Sam asks holding the guy in a tight grip on the arm.
"This is Derek Butler," I say as I grab his computer and my things. "He lives with Ryan and I think he was the backup plan if Ryan failed."
"Ryan couldn't take the pain of not being able to use his legs anymore." Sarge said walking in. "Derek here was to take care of any loose ends that needed to be taken care of."
— We talk to all the people that needed to hear the report. Ed stands up for us when we are confronted about using the room. I head back to my car to get my things. We all head to the station house for a debrief. I arrive before everyone and just lay my head on the steering wheel for a moment.
This day was so intense. First Sarge goes missing, then there's a bomb, then Spike kisses me AGAIN, and then I get to face another bad guy face to face. Man this job is crazy intense.
My thoughts are interrupted by a knock on the window. I look up and see Ed. I hop out of my jeep and as I shut my door, Ed puts his arm around my shoulder.
"You did good today," Ed said with a smile, "You did really good."
"Thanks," I say with a slight smile, "I'm sorry you got in trouble today."
"It comes with the title," Ed said. "Anyways it was worth it to see how quickly we were able to settle the situation."
"That's true," I said with a nod as we enter the building.
"You know," Ed squeezing my shoulders a bit, "because of today, they're updating our trucks so were can better access information and files."
"That's good," I say as Wordy comes around the corner. He joins us and puts his arm around my shoulder. "What's with both of you? What's with the arm over shoulder business?"
"Nothing," Wordy said with sly smile, "we just like to walk like this."
We round the corner and in the briefing room, is everyone. Alice is there, My previous captain, all of Team One and a lot of the SRU. I look around the room very confused.
"What's going on here?" I asked looking from Ed to Wordy to Sarge.
"It's your birthday Diana!" Greg said giving me a hug.
"But today has been so rough, you didn't have to do this.." I said as we broke for his hug.
"We know," Jules said with a soft smile. "even though we have really bad days, if we don't celebrate the good ones."
"Then we'll never appreciate or notice the good days that we do have." Sam said with a pat on the back.
"Here's the cake!" Spike says as he comes in with a smile and a cake in hand.
They all sing Happy Birthday, I blow out the candles and we enjoy a lot of good moments as the night went on.
— See you guys next time! —
