I stepped into the elevator with Ellie trailing, pressing the B2 button which would take us to basement where higher security threats were quarantined.

"You know, I'm surprised she hasn't broken out yet."

My brows knitted. "Why do you say that? We've revamped our whole system since she's last tampered with it..."

"It's Carmen." she replied simply. "She wouldn't still be here if it wasn't for a reason."

I blinked. The statement was no revelation to me, but to hear it uttered from a Trainee almost confirmed it's validity.

"You're right. But with suspects like her...we don't acknowledge that she has control over the situation."

She nodded, and the door opened, revealing the harshly lit bottom floor. It's cement walls were painted a light blue, with a black arrow pointing in the direction of the interrogation rooms. Security, was of course, tight, with several checkpoints to clear before being able to reach the room where she was being held. I looked at her through the one way shatterproof glass of the door before turning to my mentee.

"Go in there. Offer her something to drink."

Her face was questioning, but Ellie followed orders, as I entered the control room to monitor the interaction.

"Uh...Miss Sandiego?" the young girl prompted.

Carmen looked up at her, ruby lips curled with amusement. "My, it seems like Devineaux is robbing from the cradle these days."

I rolled my eyes.

"What is it, Detective?" she continued, sounding tired.

"I was just wondering if you'd care for something to drink."

"I'm sorry?"

"You know, water? A Coke? You've been down here all night with nothing."

She laughed wryly. "I wasn't aware that the Agency was concerned about my comfort during this situation."

"You're still a person." the girl said. "Despite everything, you still deserve to be treated as such."

The woman's exterior softened slightly. "I'm glad to hear that there are some that still feel that way. Water would be fine, thank you."

Ellie nodded, and exited, returning quickly with a bottle of water. Despite chained hands, Carmen deftly unscrewed the cap, still amused by the innocent Detective that watched her.

"Well?" she questioned. "What would you like to know?"

Ellie's eyebrows raised, but she didn't miss a beat. "Why are you still here?"

Despite her disregard for what I had told her earlier, I had to chuckle at her boldness, which seemed to even throw Carmen for a moment.

"I'm here to speak to a old friend." she finally replied. "You see, I got in over my head with my last endeavor...and I know how Chase loves a challenge."

"And why do you figure he'd be interested in helping you?"

She tapped her foot against the floor with an impatient air. "Because it has to do with something with something very close to him."

I bit my lip, reviewing the short list of things I held to that standard. I had no children, and was in a very casual relationship with a with a woman at another agency. My parents were gone, my associates were mostly professional, and I had little-to-no contact with my relatives. The only thing I could even claim as being remotely close to me was Phoenix, and why would anyone be after a pet falcon?

I was clearly taking her hint too literally. But whatever it was, she obviously did not feel comfortable enough to disclose further information, at least not to Ellie.

"Devineaux, I know you're watching this." Carmen addressed me, looking at the one-way mirror as if she could see right through it. "We need to talk."

We do. But not on your terms. I still had a reputation to uphold. So instead I entered the room and called the Trainee back, not making eye contact with the woman who was using hers to bore holes into me.

"What was that about?" Ellie asked in hushed tones.

I replied with an honest shrug.

"You're not going to hear what she has to say?"

"Not at the moment."

"Why not?"

"Because that would be allowing her to direct the flow of this investigation."

"So?"

I frowned deeply at her insolence. "It is generally the Detective who does such."

"This isn't a general case. Whatever it is, it must be important."

"It's waited this long. A few more hours won't hurt things."

But I would come to regret that statement. Deeply.