Part 31 Haunted past

Disclaimer: Please see part One
Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Boston is Burning

Part 31

Ducky headed up to the bull pen. It seemed his past had once more come back to bite him in his neither regions. He sighed but knew that he would need Gibbs and his team to be aware of his past if only to keep them safe. If the old council's hit teams were active again then it was vital they be stopped and given the nature of the murders NCIS was bound to be called in as several cases involved members of the Navy and Marines along with their family members. He knew from reviewing Abby's filed that several members had been killed. The hard part was knowing that they had likely been Wiccan's or potentials who really had no connection to the council. Most he knew might not even have realized they were in danger, well the Witches might have known but the potentials had all been children.
Ducky pushed the button to the life with trepidation. He was not looking forward to this conversation because he knew it would change his teammate's perception of him forever. He had not always had the kindness and compassion he did now.
There had been a time when he was every bit as cold and calculating as the worst serial killer. He had seen it as necessary to save the world. Well he had until he had finally seen slayers for what they were. Young women no girls who by nature of their calling were trapped into a never ending cycle of death and killings. He had been so naïve and foolish back when he was young. He pushed his dark thoughts aside and held on tightly to the boxes with the cold cases they would need to compare. While most of the information was available on the computer he found comfort in holding a paper file and he always felt pasting real picture of victims up made it seem more real. Donald Mallard mentally prepared himself for the multitude of questions that would soon be coming his way and he hoped that they could help solve these past cases along with the current ones.

Dermott Fitzpatrick picked up the phone and made a call. He knew it was vital that Vlad Dracula's plane run into no issues when it landed. He so did not need the elder vampire to feel threatened because that would lead to all kinds of issues. No for the moment the elder vampire would be allowed into Boston and given the same reception as any other diplomat visiting. It did help that he had a diplomatic passport not that he had any illusions that this would amuse the queen of the Slayers but even she would have to admit that the average beat cop or even detective would not be equipped to deal with this master vampire. He had been kind enough to send a warning and oddly enough Dermott had the thought he intended to help. Dracula had never been a typical vampire and perhaps he did intend to be helpful as the rogue agents of the old council could become a threat to him as well. In any case Dermott did not want to risk the honest policemen being killed nor did he want to risk them being turned so he let Vlad fly in under a flag of truce. Besides this way he at least had an idea of where the vampire would stay. It was far better to keep an eye on the master vampire.
"Thank you Philip I appreciate your assisting us. The Count intends to invest heavily in the state and Boston so making his visit easy is in all our best interests." He spun the lie with ease and pushed aside his conscious.

"That is no problem Governor we all want to increase business in the state and in Boston proper. I have sent word that the Count is to be given a smooth path through immigration upon his arrival." Philip Johansson the mayor of Boston said with a cheerful smile.

The governor was pleased with this. "Good we need his support on several business actions and given his reputation if we make him feel welcome Boston can only profit."

"Yes I have heard that. He did manage to turn his own town around and into a thriving area and his movies do bring in revenue so perhaps some of that magic will rub off here." The Mayor said enthusiastically.

Dermott winced at that magic yeah so right in that. "We could hope, in any case thank you. Well I have a few more calls to make Mayor so I will say goodbye for now."

"Of course governors do let me know if we can help anymore."

"Oh yes one more thing on a differing subject I of course appreciate your support with the Council as well. They have a great deal of expertise when dealing with the occult and I fear this latest case may well need their assistance."

The mayor frowned at that. He paused and then said. "I appreciate the assistance and will make certain BPD accepts their help. However Rizzoli and her team are the best we have and I am certain they will solve this case not that the additional help is not appreciated." He said not wanting to get into a political fight with the ever popular governor.

"I know, sadly I just received some information from an old friend. Off the record this case may be linked to serial murders across the nation and perhaps even the world. The Council has contacts all over and they can help with this case." Dermott said he knew it was risky telling the mayor this information however the need to have the Council involved was vital so the risk had to be taken. Dermott was certain of one thing though and he was counting on that. The Mayor loved Boston and he would do all he could to protect his city and that meant he would see that the Isles, and the Council helped BPD.

"Will this be as bad as Hoyt?" The Mayor asked suddenly worried for his best team of detectives and his city. Hoyt had been a nightmare and he honestly did care for his officers and did not wish to place them in any undue danger.

"Mr. Mayor this killer makes Hoyt seem like a school yard bully." The governor said sadly. "It is one of the reasons I asked for help."

The string of expletives would have done a sailor proud and caused Dermott to smile a bit it seemed the Mayor shared his view of the situation as he too had said a few words his voters would have been shocked at. "I will warn BPD. However it won't stop Rizzoli and her team from catching the bastard. I suppose it's just their rotten luck to catch this case. I have to go Dermott and warn them. Please let me know of any other developments even if they are off the record."

"I will and good luck." Dermott said as he hung up. Well I have given them all the warning I can. Let's hope it is enough.

The team entered the police station as one and it raised a few eyebrows to see Rizzoli leading a group of strangers into the office area. Many wondered who the new comers were and a few were openly leering at the women. It was hard not to for any red blooded male but they really were a bit blunt about it.

Detective Crowe gave a low whistle of appreciation as he spotted the beautiful women with Rizzoli and he could not resist snarking. "So Rizzoli starting your own Harem now I guess the good doctors not enough woman for you?"

Jane was used to Crowe being crude and rude but this stunned her. He had never been so obviously sexist. Before she could reply Faith moved. She was suddenly up close and personal with Crowe.

She grabbed him by the throat and lifted him up with one hand not really worried she was showing off slayer power. "I suggest you apologize asshole or I will rip out your throat Maura, Caylin and Dr. Martin are all ladies as are the others in company they so do not deserve your lack of respect plus I so would not poach my big sisters wife. I may be a bit wild and untamed but I do not poach and Maura she's not one to share not that Janie is not one hot piece because she is but still I don't swing that way so make with the apologies asshole or you will regret it." She gave him a bit of a shake to prove her point her rage clear to see.
Crowe choked and tried vainly to pull Faith's fingers from his throat.

Paddy laughed as he watched the scene. "It brings a tear to me Eye it does. You are such a chip off the old block I could not be prouder."

Faith glared at her father but deep down she felt a stirring of contentment and pride. Paddy might not be a prize in the fatherhood department but she had not met such approval since the Mayor and it felt good. Not that she did not have the council's support because she did but still it felt good to know her parent approved even if he was a bit of a criminal and a mobster of course that should be a warning but she would take what parental approval she could it had happened all to rarely in her life for her to ignore. Plus she really was offended for the others. These cops were supposed to be their co-workers and support and they had just shown a very large amount of disrespect something Faith was not about to tolerate.

"Faith put detective Crowe down." Maura said worried that the other detectives might over react and injure her newest sister. She noted the other cops seemed nervous and a bit shocked not that it was not shocking to see Crowe manhandled. It was amusing but Maura knew it could easily lead to issues for Faith. She did appreciate her sister's support but so did not want her to get into trouble.

"No not until he apologizes. He was looking us all over like we were meat to be devoured. I know I ain't much and I maybe deserve it but you all not so much."

This time it was Hope who spoke up. "Faith no woman deserves to be treated poorly. I know I am not your mother but I do know she would not be pleased with his treating you like that. However the other officers are getting worried and they could react badly I am sure we don't want to risk injury right now. The officer will apologize I'm sure if he knows what is good for him."

Lieutenant Sean Cavanaugh came out of his office and said. "Put Crowe down Agent Lehane. He will apologize to you all as soon as you do." He seemed amused and resigned and clearly annoyed at his detective. His words seemed to calm the other officers a bit as he clearly had Faith's attention. Then again none of the officers really knew what to do as it was clear they could not risk interfering or Faith could damage Crowe more severely.

Faith looked at the Lieutenant and sighed. "Sure thing but you really ought to teach your dogs some manners." She tossed him back. "I mean someone might accidently break them otherwise."

Crowe fell back and scrambled to his feet moving to grab his gun when a strong hand caught him. "I know you are not thinking of pulling a weapon on Faith." Buffy said softly "Because if you try I will break your hand then see you up on charges." She would back her sister slayer to hilt not that she did not agree with Faith. Because she did, the dark slayer had merely beat her to the punch as it were. Personally she wanted to deck the asshole. However she refrained because they needed to work with the police.

Crowe pulled back and stumbled shocked to be so easily man-handled by two beautiful women.

"Crowe apologize now or I will bring you up on charges." Cavanaugh said "Be glad I need all hands on deck or I would suspend you for that bullshit you just pulled."

Crowe would have snarked something but the look on his bosses face stopped him. "My apologies ladies I was out of line. I was just yanking Rizzoli's chain."

"Maybe you should think Detective before you insert your overly large feet into your mouth." Maura said with a hint of anger in her voice. She was more than tired of the detective's rudeness. He had always been uncouth and rude and she had watched Jane put up with his verbal harassment for years. She so wanted to smack him down. The truth was Faith had only beaten her to taking on Crowe by a few moments. She was also annoyed that Paddy seemed pleased with Faith's actions and wondered if he would have been proud of her doing the same?

"Hey I was just messing with you all." Crowe said annoyed and feeling defensive.

"I hardly think sexual harassment is a joke officer." Constance remarked. Like Hope she was angry at the insinuation about her daughter and daughter in law.

Crowe looked around for support from his fellow officers but found none. He swallowed hard and decided to keep his mouth shut for the moment. He would get even later. There was no point in digging a deeper hole for himself.

"Lieutenant I do hope you will reprimand this officer. He hardly reflects well on the BPD." William Isles said. He glared at Crowe wishing he could knock the man around the room a bit. However he decided to let the system deal with this idiot. Sadly they had far more important issues to deal with.

"Crowe and I will be having a long discussion about his behavior Dr. Isles." Cavanaugh replied. "Get gone Crowe I know you have some follow ups to do. I suggest you go do them now."

Crowe would have protested but for once he used his brain and retreated. He scrambled to leave the squad room.

"Wow who'd have thought Crowe could move so fast." Vince Korsak said with a grin.

"I guess he knows when to abandon ship." Angela agreed. "I hope he doesn't plan on eating at the café any time soon. I so will refuse to serve him." Her hands were on her hips and she looked truly angry. It was not something most of the Rizzoli family was used to seeing.

"Ma Stanley won't like that." Frankie said though he thought it be funny as Crowe was single and like most single cops ate at least some of his meals at the café because the food was good and cheap.

"Stanley will live with it. I sick of his attitude toward the girls. Hell toward any women."

Sean's brow rose at that. His protective nature flaring, "What has he done?"

"It's not what he's done its more his attitude he makes Stanley seem like a charming knight." Angela said clearly giving away more than she intended.

"Well then it looks like Detective Crowe and I will be having a long hard discussion." The Lieutenant said clearly angry now. He was fond of Angela and Crowe was now clearly on his shit list.

"Man I almost feel bad for Crowe." Frost said but he quickly hid behind Korsak when his boss glared at him.

"We need to get back on track." Jane said. "We all know Crowe's an ass he always has been but that's got to wait for now. We have a case to solve."

The others allowed Jane to pull them back to the task at hand.

"All right everyone gather around." Sean said. "I have some people to introduce and they will be around for a while and I expect you all to treat them with respect and not make asses of yourselves."

The other members of the Homicide team all came in to meet the new comers. None made the same mistake as Crowe. Not that they did not think the ladies were hot because they were however they all had the common sense not to mouth off before realizing the visitors were important somehow.

"Rizzoli please do the introductions." The Lieutenant said.

Jane nodded and said. "We have a rather complicated case and we have asked some experts in to help. Dr. Isles, Dr. Giles and Dr. Martin are all here to help with the investigation. Dr. Giles has brought in a team of experts to help Dr. Summers, Dr. Rosenberg, Dr. Summers and Agents Lehane and Kennedy who all specialize in the type of investigations we will be conducting. We have reason to believe that our case may be connected to a national and perhaps an international one."

The squad gave a collective groan at that. Serial killers always made their lives complicated and difficult.

TBC…..