"How is she?" Chris asked as Pride walked back into the office.
"In shock. Said she needed sometime alone."
"We've all been there." Chris said before adding. "I've been doing some digging into the accident and it sounds a little sus."
"Explain."
"According to my source Brody Sr crashed into a tree. After which the car exploded."
"Damage to the fuel tank?" Pride guessed.
"That was the assumption. Only it exploded with such force the occupant was thrown clean through the windshield. Also they found something that may be a detonator."
"Murder?" Pride asked with a sinking feeling.
"That's the hunch. Although, no one outside the department knows that yet. My contact will keep me posted, unofficially."
"They want help? Unofficially."
"As long as we keep out of the way and they get full credit."
"Book us on Brody's flight. Get Loretta on it to."
"Sure thing King."
-00-
Two hours later the trio pulled up outside of Brody's home.
"I'll go get her." Chris immediately offered, jumping out of the truck.
As the truck door shut Pride turned to Loretta and said. "Thank you for coming. I hope I haven't ruined any big plans for the weekend."
"You know I would do anything for family." Loretta replied. "And Brody is family."
"That she is. Although I am not sure she fully realises that yet." Pride smiled.
"Are you going to tell her that her father's death is suspicious?" Loretta asked.
"Yeah. Thought about not, but she deserves the truth. Besides being accompanied by all of us may be a give away." Pride said glancing over to the house. "Wonder what's taking so long." He added noting that LaSalle was still on the doorstep. Growing concerned he turned back to Loretta and said. "Stay here." With that he left the truck and headed over to Chris.
"What's going on?" Pride asked as he reached the younger agent who was now pounding on the door.
"She's not answering. There's been no sound from inside." LaSalle explained, his face etched with worry.
"Stay here. I'll head round the back." Pride said, sharing Chris's concerns.
Pride moved round the side of the house until he could finally see in through a window, what he saw filled him with dread. The small lounge was ransacked. Cursing he edged his way further round, but stopped when he heard a small bang. Knowing something as wrong he drew his gun and went back to the front where Chris waited impatiently.
"Something isn't right. The lounge has been tossed. Give me thirty seconds then go in the front."
"You got it." LaSalle said drawing his gun and counting.
Pride immediately turned and went back round the house. Once again he heard a small bang. This time he didn't stop, he kept going until he saw the backdoor being pushed by the breeze. He peered in through the window and his heart almost stopped when he saw Brody tied to a chair, head down. As much as he wanted to run to her side he stopped himself and surveyed the scene looking for signs of danger. Seeing none and knowing his thirty seconds were up he entered the house, gun still drawn.
Silently stepping into the kitchen he scanned the room for anything hostile. Once again he saw a scene of carnage with the contents of every drawer and cupboard scattered on the floor. Stepping through the mess he reached Brody and checked for a pulse, relieved when he found one, but concerned with how cold and wet she was.
Before he could dwell further Chris burst into the room, his eyes asking Pride about Brody.
"Alive." Pride confirmed. "Make sure the rest of the house is clear then get Loretta in. I'll call for an ambulance."
Content that he was not in immediate danger Pride pulled out his phone and called for help. Once done he knelt in front of Brody and gently lifted her head revealing a bruised and bloody mess.
"Brody? Brody it's Pride, can you open your eyes?" He asked gently. Getting no response he looked her over for life threatening wounds. Seeing no large pool of blood he relaxed slightly, but the angle of Brody's shoulder made him worry.
"What happened?" Loretta asked rushing in.
"Don't know. Found her like this. Wasn't sure if I should move her." Pride said helplessly.
"Let me see." Loretta said as she walked to Brody, whilst Pride went and stood next to Chris.
"Anything?" The senior agent asked.
"Similar scenes to here. Whoever it was, was definitely looking for something. There was something odd though."
"Go on."
"The bath tub was full. The water was tinted red and there was loads of ice in it."
"Ice?"
"Yeah, that water was freezing."
"So is Agent Brody. Perhaps one of you can get some blankets." Loretta instructed.
"On it." Chris said.
"Dwayne, you can untie her now. Let's get her on the ground, just be careful of her ribs and shoulder."
As Pride cut the cable ties revealing the red and raw wrists his blood boiled. Fighting his anger he gently moved the still unconscious agent to the ground as Chris returned with blankets. With Brody secure he looked at LaSalle and said.
"Christopher call your contact investigating her father's death, make sure her mother has protection. Then see what you can find here, learn something."
"You got it."
"Call in as much back up as you need. I'm going to the hospital with Brody to set up a protection detail. As soon as she is safe I'll be back."
TBC
A/N: Thanks for the reviews. Next chapter up tomorrow.