Call of the Nexus - Worm - Heroes of the Storm Crossover

by TheVampireStrahd

This is a more Heroic tale of Taylor having the Heroes of the Storm in her head.

7. Chapter 7

Disclaimer: I do not own Worm, that belongs to Wildbow. I do not own Heroes of the Storm, that belongs to Activision-Blizzard and Blizzard Entertainment.

Call of the Nexus

Chapter 7

January 21, 2011

PRT HQ

Director Emily Piggot's Office

The Director of the PRT-ENE turned off the television monitor that she was watching. The press conference was over and now she was waiting for….

"Director Piggot, Glenn Chambers is here to see you.", the voice on her intercom announced.

"Tell him I'm busy and to come back later.", Emily ordered harshly.

The door opened and Glenn Chambers walked in with his briefcase in one hand, and a can of Red Bull in the other. The man was wearing a horrible looking vest atop a dress shirt that was partially untucked. The red suit pants did not match the shirt or the vest he was wearing. His not quite a mohawk seemed to have recently been combed through but at the same time it was possible to say it wasn't.

For the Director of Image for the PRT to look like this was a careful crafted presentation by the man himself. It was calculated and it caused many people to underestimate the man.

Glenn walked up to one of the chairs in front of Emily's desk and sat down, setting his briefcase down next to the chair and taking a long drink from the can of Red Bull then set it in front of him on Emily's desk.

"Nice try, Emily. I give you points for trying but you had to know your stall tactic was not going to work today. We are in a major crisis.", Glenn said.

"Tell me something I don't know Glenn.", Emily snarled.

"What can you tell me about the hunt for our two problem children?", Glenn asked.

Emily glared at Glenn for several seconds then she brought up a monitor showing the face of PRT Special Agent Sandra Jefferson. "The FBI and the US Marshals have joined in the hunt for our rogue agent and we've gotten a sighting that she's heading west instead of going for the US/Canadian border."

Emily switched to display two pictures, one of Sophia Hess and the other in her costumed identity of Shadow Stalker. "Armsmaster, Miss Militia, and Velocity are leading two PRT teams are tracking her and hunting down. Armsmaster's last report indicated that he has a lead on where she's running and that his team will have her in custody soon."

Glenn took a drink of his Red Bull, set it down on Emily's desk, gave a humming sound as he gathered his thoughts then he said, "A rogue PRT agent and a rogue Ward that the rogue PRT agent was supposed to be monitoring the now rogue Ward. God this is a mess."

Emily focused her glare on Glenn as she stated, "I warned you about Shadow Stalker. Armsmaster warned you about Shadow Stalker. Miss Militia warned you about Shadow Stalker." She was tapping the table with her index finger as she spoke. "Then there's my Deputy director, Jessica Yamada, and my legal team. We all told you and the people with rank higher than mine what a liability waiting to happen that little bitch was. She should have been transferred to a city that was not as wild and crazy as this one and put on a short leash, my suggestion was that she be directly under Legend's supervision where that man could have taught her how to properly be a hero. I of course, was overruled. Now look where we are."

Continuing to glare at the Director of Image she continued, "Now, you think you can play Monday morning quarterback with me over this little shit? Glenn, I've been fucked twice already. First was Ellisburg, second was taking this shithole assignment. If you or Costa-Brown think you are going to fuck me a third time I've got news for you Glenn, I'm not going to be fucked a third time."

Glenn looked at Emily with a flat look and said, "You know she's furious, Emily. Actually I haven't seen her this angry in a long time. This is me as a friend," Emily rolled her eyes at him. "telling you I think she's going to throw you under the bus literally and figuratively."

Emily nodded her head slowly. "I see. Well, she can try. To quote an old Earth Aleph show, when she takes her shot she better not miss."

Glenn tilted his head. "You seem rather confident."

Emily's expression was angry as she replied, "I told you, I've been fucked over twice and I'm not going to get fucked over a third time. I've got enough paper and enough connections to cover my own ass. She tries to put the blame on me over the Shadow Stalker fiasco, I've got recordings, emails, a full detailed paper trail with her signature all over the place. I never wanted the little shit in my city as a Ward. I warned her, Armsmaster warned her, I warned everyone with a set of ears that she was not worth it. If Costa-Brown fucks me over Glenn, she's going to find out and it's going to be her fucking ass sitting in front of Congress."

With an exasperated sigh Emily brought her fist down on the desk. "I don't know what the hell happened to Agent Jefferson. She used to be a hard ass, in some ways she reminded me of me before Ellisburg. I never would have thought she'd betray her oath, her badge for fucking money." Emily shook her head as she remembered the Agent's more heroic actions.

Glenn gave his own sigh. "You realize that with Miss Hess being all but named as the Ward Shadow Stalker that the PRT is exposed to a lawsuit."

Emily said with sarcasm, "Gee, never saw that coming." Emily glared at Glenn and growled, "Alright, I'm sure you talked to Costa-Brown before coming here, so what did she tell you to do about this looming lawsuit?"

Glenn took a drink from his Red Bull, sat back on his chair, giving a wave with his hand and said, "Well, I'd like to get your thoughts on the matter first."

Emily said, "Well, thanks to Agent Jefferson taking the case from the BBPD, we do know the name of the victim. By now the victim and their family have to know that Hess is a Ward and they are no doubt putting things together, maybe even speaking to a lawyer already. So, my best idea would be to go to that family and offer them a hell of a lot of money and an NDA, and I'd dangle the huge amount of money in front of them first."

Glenn nodded his head. "I had a feeling you'd say that."

Emily tilted her head slightly and asked, "You can't seriously be thinking I'm wrong."

Glenn said, "I personally say you're not wrong, I as Director of Image have to say you're wrong, Emily. I've been given directives on how much I can offer."

Emily barked a laugh. "You can't be serious! They have Sophia and her little friends nailed to the fucking wall like Sophia was doing to the criminals with her crossbow before she got caught." She pointed at Glenn. "I'm thinking I'm not the only person that Costa-Brown might throw under the bus Glenn."

Glenn grunted and said, "She knows better than that."

Emily said, "I've given you my advice, what are you going to do to head off the lawsuit from the Hebert family?"

Glenn said, "We'll make them an offer and an NDA."

Shaking her head Emily said, "I'm telling you Glenn, make sure it has a lot of zeros."

Glenn sighed, "We'll see."

Emily said, "I'm sure you have a lot more to say but I'm busy so unless it's really important, I have work to do."

Glenn stood up and said, "I'll be back later. Hopefully with good news on avoiding the lawsuit."

"Danny Hebert is the head of hiring for the Dockworker's Association, he is a shrewd negotiator, but he's honest and fair. As long as you don't try to screw him over, he might be willing to agree to a deal. But, if you try to pull a fast one on him or don't negotiate in good faith, he'll make you pay for it and you'll find yourself wondering how it all went wrong when he's outmaneuvered you."

Glenn stood up and grabbed his briefcase and Red Bull. He took another drink from the can then threw the empty can into the recycle bin with a practiced shot. Then he left the Director's office.

---

24th Police Precinct

Brockton Bay

Detective Kim Voight was a very busy woman. After being gifted with what had to be the motherlode of evidence, she was feeling really, really good. The Winslow Locker case has exploded into something that nobody could have expected and if she played her cards right, she could be getting a promotion as well as a commendation for her efforts.

It was late in the afternoon, early evening and she'd been cleared by the CDC and the New Wave Healer Cape Panacea to be free of infection hours ago. The quarantine at Winslow High School had been lifted and the students and staff had been allowed to go to their homes. She'd made a token appearance at the press briefing then immediately came back to her precinct to keep working the case.

Follow up teams would go to the homes of those students who'd been absent and they would be checked for infection and if they were, they would be taken to Brockton General or Brockton Regional Hospital where Panacea would treat them.

The two teenage girls that had been arrested were segregated in their own cells as they awaited being cleared by the CDC and Panacea which would lead to both girls being transferred to Federal custody soon after. The rest of the prisoners were moved out of the cells and transferred to other jails.

The primary suspect Emma Barnes had already asked for a lawyer so no one had been able to question her. The other suspect Madison Clements also asked for a lawyer but she also had told one of the guards in the jail cells that she wanted to talk, however they couldn't talk to her until she was cleared by the CDC and Panacea. The third suspect, Sophia Hess had escaped and now the Protectorate and PRT were on the case in chasing her down. That was a complication in the case that she clearly didn't need but she expected that Sophia Hess was going to be charged right next to her friends given the Assistant US Attorney and Assistant District Attorney were out for blood.

The parents of Emma and Madison were waiting in separate rooms waiting for Panacea to clear them before they would be allowed to visit with their jailed children.

The FBI had taken Carrie Blackwell, Jennifer Anderson, and Monica Shelby into custody but she couldn't be transferred to Concord until all of them were cleared by Panacea. They were all in a cell together, separated in their own cell in the precinct. Still, Kim had to process paperwork for the State charges that the District Attorney was going to file against all the prisoners that were suspects in the criminal acts so far.

She'd had to go to the press briefing at police headquarters because she was the one that was now leading the case. But there was no rest for her, she still had a lot of work to do.

As she was typing up her arrest report paperwork into the system, the Captain called her name from the doorway of his office. "Voight!"

Standing up she responded, "Sir!"

The bald Caucasian man that was Captain of the Precinct gestured to her to get moving saying, "Get downstairs, someone from Winslow is here with her parents and a lawyer wanting to talk, claiming they have information."

"You got it, Captain.", she replied.

Kim stood up and put her suit jacket back on and straightened her blouse. She looked at her partner who was entering evidence he'd collected from the lockers of the suspects into the system and he was clearly not in a good mood.

Kim said to her partner John, "See you in a minute. It might be nothing."

Her partner grunted in response, clearly not happy at being the number two in this case now.

The female detective left the bullpen and took the elevator down to the lobby. When she reached downstairs she went to the front desk and took notice of a blonde teenage girl who was sitting next to a blonde man and a blonde woman and a middle aged dark haired man who's look screamed "lawyer". The man and woman clearly were the parents of the teenage girl and they were well dressed.

The desk sergeant saw her and waved her over and she walked over. She looked at the sergeant and asked, "I take it that those people over there are the ones you called me about?"

The desk sergeant replied, "Yeah, that's them."

With a nod of her head and a quick "Thanks", she walked over to the group and introduced herself. "Hello, I'm Detective Kim Voight. I understand you have some information you'd like to share."

Kim recognized the blonde teenage girl now, she had interviewed her twice earlier in her investigation into the locker incident a couple of weeks ago and she remembered the girl's name, Julia Maxwell.

Julia and her parents had already been checked and cleared by Panacea and the CDC earlier in the day. The lawyer wouldn't need to be screened since he most likely had no contact with any family member until now but she'd ask first.

Once confirmation that the lawyer had no prior contact with the family, the group stood up and introduced themselves. The lawyer said, "I'm going to speak for my client, Julia Maxwell. She is in possession of information that she's willing to share provided a deal can be worked out. Can we take this somewhere private?"

Kim gestured for the group to follow her. "Follow me please.", She led them to an interview room and grabbed extra couple of chairs so that everyone could sit. Once everyone was seated Kim looked across the table at the group and said, "Alright, I'm listening."

The lawyer said, "Can you contact the ADA or the US Attorney and tell them we'd like to make a deal. My client has some valuable information in exchange for immunity."

Kim wasn't phased. She looked at Julia, the parents, and finally the lawyer again. "I've spoken to Julia before and she's denied that she had information the last two times I've spoken with her. What could she possibly have that would warrant a deal for immunity?"

Julia was about to say something when the lawyer placed his hand on one of her own hands and said, "My client was in fear. Fear of retaliation if she had spoken against Emma Barnes and Sophia Hess. You know what kind of school Winslow is. As for what my client has to offer, she has a video. She's willing to turn this video over and testify against Emma Barnes, Sophia Hess, and Madison Clements in exchange for immunity."

Kim looked at Julia again. "Before I make a phone call for the ADA and the US Attorney for coming over to make such an offer I need to see what you have. I'd hate to make them a trip and all we see is shaky out of focus video."

The lawyer said, "Okay, I think we can do that. Julia, show her."

Julia took her right hand and grabbed something from her jacket pocket. It was a smartphone. She unlocked it and then placed it on the table right in front of her. On the display was a paused video. Julia pressed play and the video began. Kim reached across and paused it again.

"How is it you have video of the incident?", Detective Voight asked.

Julia was about to say something smart alecky when the lawyer cleared his throat. Julia took a breath and said, "Emma told us not to take pictures or video. She even had Sophia look at us as if she'd kill us if we tried to. But, I had a good view from where I was and it was easy for me to hide my phone and record what was about to happen."

Kim asked, "Did you know what was about to happen?"

Julia looked at her lawyer and he nodded his head. Julia said, "No, I had no idea what they were going to do. Texts from Emma only said that something big was going to happen to Taylor on the first day back from winter break. She promised us a big show. She texted us to be in that hallway, then she had Sophia text us a day before school started and Sophia's texts told us to be there or else."

Kim had seen the texts from Emma's phone that she'd sent out and she knew that Julia was telling the truth. Sophia's phone was apparently in FBI hands at the moment. Kim tapped the "Play" icon on the phone and the video began to play again.

Kim watched the video and with a surprise, it was clear and mostly steady as it recorded the assault against the young raven haired teenage girl. It was a horrible thing to watch as the whole thing unfolded. The most agonizing thing was hearing the cries from the victim trapped inside the locker begging and pleading for help, begging Emma to let her out, calling upon Emma for all their years of past friendship but Emma just laughed and insulted the victim then walked away with her arms raised in triumph and giving a cheerful scream of victory. Kim was stoic, but inwardly she was revolted by what she was watching. After it was over the lawyer took the phone and slid it back towards Julia.

The lawyer said, "I trust that this is worth a deal?"

Kim asked Julia, "What did you do to Taylor Hebert?"

Julia said, "I've only verbally abused her, called her names, I never, ever laid a hand on her. Sophia was Emma's attack dog, she's the one that got physical. She's the one we were all afraid of. Even with her looks Emma couldn't be at the top of the social circle without Sophia beating the shit out of any contenders to Emma's throne. Sophia slapped me in the face once just to get her point across."

The lawyer pressed, "Are you going to make that call so we can make a deal or do you want my client to delete the video?"

Kim glared at the lawyer. "Calm down counselor, I'm going to go make that call now. Sit tight." She stood up and walked to the door and upon opening it she turned back and asked, "Do you want anything? I can call for a pizza."

Julia said, "Anything but pizza….too much pizza today."

Kim chuckled, "Well, best I can do would be sandwiches from the deli across the street."

Julia replied, "A BLT, a side salad, and a Diet Coke please."

Kim nodded, "I can do that. Mister and Misses Maxwell would you like to order something?"

The parents and the lawyer placed their orders and then Kim left the room. She went back to her desk and picked up the phone.

Her partner John snarled, "Where have you been?"

Kim rolled her eyes at her partner then brought her arms up in exasperation. "You know where I've been, downstairs! Julia Maxwell, one of the Winslow girls that's friends with Emma Barnes is offering a video for immunity. I saw it John, it's real. She got the whole thing on video, a clear shot of Emma, Sophia, and Madison right there verbally abusing Taylor then after Taylor opens the locker, Sophia Hess punching Taylor Hebert in the back of the head and pushing the victim right into the locker and locking it. I gotta call the ADA, and Special Agent Sheppard so he can call the prosecuting Assistant US Attorney to arrange a deal."

John was taking a drink of his cold coffee and he coughed and started pounding his chest as he quickly set the coffee cup down. "W-w-wh-what?!", he croaked.

She set the phone down, walked over to the Captain's office and turned her head back to reply to her partner loudly, "Yeah! Fucking video John!" She knocked on the side of her Captain's door and popped her head in.

Kim said, "Captain! You're not going to believe this!"

Her Captain was sitting at his desk working and he looked up at his detective. "Voight! Can't you see I'm working?"

Excitedly she said, "Sir, it's about the people downstairs, she's one of Barnes's best friends. She's got video of the locker assault sir. It's clear, it's crystal. She wants immunity."

The Captain looked surprised, the man rubbed his hands as he said, "Well, well, well. Get busy Voight, call the ADA and the Feds."

With a smile she said, "Yes sir!"

As she left everyone heard the Captain yell from his office, "Good job Voight!"

Kim returned to her desk and picked up the phone. She called the ADA's number and quickly told the ADA what she had and what the young girl wanted in exchange. She added that one of the suspects, Madison Clements was willing to talk in exchange for a deal. Finally, she also told the ADA that she was going to be talking the Assistant US Attorney as well. The ADA said that they were coming over immediately.

Once the call was done she called Special Agent Sheppard and told him what she had and that she needed the AUSA to arrange for an immunity deal so that Julia would turn over the video and testify against the defendants.

Special Agent Sheppard said, "I'll call the AUSA and let them know. You saw the video?"

"I saw it. It's crystal clear.", Kim answered.

"Alright, I'll let them know. I'll see if we can get this done quick. I want to see the video so I'm going to come over in about twenty."

Kim replied, "I'll look forward to that. See you soon."

After hanging up, she called the deli across he street and placed food orders for Julia, her parents, and the lawyer. She looked at her partner and asked, "Hey John you want something from the deli?"

John looked up from his work and said, "Yeah, get me a pastrami, fries and a Coke."

"Gotcha."

Food order placed where she ordered a BLT and Coke for herself she hung up the phone. She looked at her partner and said, "All done logging the evidence?"

John grunted and said, "Just finished. Search warrants on the phones came in so the phones from Barnes and Clements are with the tech guys getting downloaded."

"Good."

Kim's desk phone rang and she answered right away. "Detective Voight."

The voice on the other line was the officer watching the prisoners. "Detective, Panacea just left with Brandish and Glory Girl. All of the prisoners have been cleared."

"Oh? That's great! Were they sick?"

The officer on guard duty replied, "Yeah, I have the report from Panacea and the CDC doctor that came along. They're all healed and cleared by Panacea. They can be transferred out whenever."

Kim responded, "Well now that she's here she can check the girl's parents. So, now we wait for their parents to be checked, so once Panacea gives them the all clear we'll let them have some visitation before it's too late. I'll call you back."

"You got it Detective."

Kim hung up the phone then got up again "Going to go let our witness, her family and her lawyer know that it seems that they're going to get a deal. I'll bring your sandwich when it gets here."

"Thanks." He gave a wave as Kim walked away then returned to start writing up another report.

Food arrived and Detective Kim Voight brought the food over to the Maxwells and took the food her partner ordered upstairs to him. Then she sat down and started eating her food.

As she delivered the food to the Maxwells, she looked at the group of people then she said, "Here's your food, the ADA is on the way and the FBI Special Agent is going to take a look for the AUSA attorney, based on my judgment, I believe you're going to get that deal. Sit tight please, they should be here soon."

Now, sitting at her desk, the detective was getting something to eat since she'd been too busy to eat lunch earlier in the day. She was giving a happy moan as she bit into the BLT and was chewing her food. Her partner John was tearing into his pastrami sandwich at a rapid rate, clearly the man was just as hungry as she was.

Kim was halfway through her sandwich when she was tapped on the shoulder. She quickly finished chewing her bite and spun her chair around, grabbing a couple of napkins she wiped her hands then wiped her mouth as she looked up at the person who was disturbing her food.

Looking at the person, she saw it was the Assistant District Attorney. The attorney was a tall woman with dark brown hair, dark eyes and wearing a nice royal blue dress suit.

The woman offered her hand to Kim, "Sorry to bother your dinner break Detective but I said I would get her right away."

Kim shook the woman's hand. "Not a problem counselor, I managed to eat half of my sandwich before you got here. Any less and I might have chewed your hand off your arm because I was so hungry."

The attorney gave a quick laugh. "So, show me the tape."

Kim nodded her head as she said, "It's downstairs, follow me."

As the two were walking out of the bullpen, Special Agent Sam Sheppard was approaching the two of them. "Detective, Counselor, going to go look at that video?"

"Yes, Special Agent Sheppard.", the ADA replied.

"Where's the Assistant US Attorney?", Kim asked.

"He's on the way, he might be meeting us downstairs.", Sam replied.

The three were walking to the elevators as they talked. The button pushed the elevator opened right away and they all got in.

When the elevator opened the Assistant US Attorney was right there about to enter the elevator. He saw them and said, "Great, you're here. So where is this video, detective?

The Assistant US Attorney was a man with dark hair and gray eyes. He was just under six feet tall and wearing an expensive dark gray suit.

"Right this way, Counselor." Kim led the group over to the interview room where the Maxwells were waiting. As she led them over she said, "Panacea has cleared the prisoners of infection as well as their family. Speaking of family, the Barnes and Clements families are wanting to see their kids before we move them to Concord. Additionally, the Clements girl is saying she's willing to testify against Barnes and Hess for a deal."

Both attorneys made humming sounds as that last bit of information was revealed. The Assistant US Attorney said, "Well, least we can do is listen to what she has to say first, do you think, Miss Kincaid?"

The Assistant District Attorney replied, "Oh yes."

The group reached the interview room and Kim opened the door. As the group was entering, Kim made the introductions.

"Everyone, this is Michael Spector, the Assistant US Attorney, Abbie Kincaid, the Assistant District Attorney, and Special Agent Sam Sheppard of the FBI. Counselors, Agent Sheppard, this is Julia Maxwell, her parents, and her lawyer."

The Assistant US Attorney took a seat on the opposite side of the table while the Assistant District Attorney sat next to him. The man took the lead by saying, "Detective Voight says that the video is clear and it shows the...crime in vivid detail. Based on her word, I'm prepared to offer a deal for immunity, but you will have to testify in court against your friends."

The blonde teenage girl looked at her parents and at her lawyer. The lawyer gave her a gesture to wait. Then the man said, "And does the DA feel just as generous?"

Abbie said, "We are prepared to offer the same deal. Immunity for the video and she testifies in court against her friends."

Michael said, "Just so we're clear, she comes clean as to everything she's done against the victim. We're going to verify it, and if she leaves anything out the deal is void. Are we clear?"

The lawyer for Julia whispered into her ear and the teenager nodded her head. She whispered some words back. The lawyer looked at both attorneys and said, "We have no objections. My client is prepared to write a full statement that her participation in the bullying against Taylor Hebert was strictly verbal. She never physically harmed the girl and will sign an affidavit to that fact."

Both Michael and Abbie nodded their heads. Michael said, "Then we have a deal. Now, let's see this video."

The lawyer took the phone out, turned it on and the screen was queued to the start of the video. "Just press play.", Julia's lawyer said.

Michael tapped the play icon on the screen. The video played and both lawyers were just barely able to control themselves as they watched the crime unfold. The thing that haunted them the most were Taylor's cries for someone, anyone to help her.

Abbie pressed the stop button and glared at Julia. "Consider yourself fortunate young lady. It saddens me that no one in that crowd, where you all outnumbered Emma Barnes, Sophia Hess, and Madison Clements did absolutely nothing."

Michael took the phone and rewound the video. "Do you know the names of these people?" He pointed at the paused image of many teenagers. Many of the faces were quite clear.

Julia gulped and said, "Yes."

Michael turned to look at Special Agent Sheppard and Detective Voight. "Find out who these kids in the video are and arrest them. Aiding and abetting in a terrorist plot, minimum, depraved indifference for seconds. I'll get creative and add more charges after they're in custody." He looked at Julia again. "Your phone's got the text messages and the names of everyone that was there. You're going to testify against those people too."

Julia protested, "Wait a minute! Testify against Emma, Sophia, and Madison is one thing but now you want me to testify against like...thirty people!?"

"That's correct, Miss. A message needs to be sent.", Michael said.

Julia's lawyer chimed in, "We'll need something more in return. A transfer to another school. She can't go back to Winslow."

Abbie retorted, "Winslow is going to be closed for a while. There is the matter of the newly discovered asbestos that was never removed. All Winslow students will be moved to other schools in the city, you'll need to get with the school district to find out which school you're going to be moved to."

Julia's lawyer placed a hand on Julia's arm to reassure her. "Then you'll need to ensure that Miss Maxwell is placed in a school where these other kids she's going to implicate are not going to be attending. She cannot got to the same school as those she's testifying against!"

Michael said, "Fine, we'll work that out."

Julia's lawyer said, "Make sure that it's in writing and we'll agree to it."

"Fine.", Michael said. Abbie nodded her head and said, "We'll see to it."

Michael pulled out a paper and passed it to Julia's lawyer. "This is a warrant for the phone. We'll be taking it into custody, and she will get it back after the case is over."

Julia said, "What?! I have to be without my phone for that long?! I thought you'd just copy the file over and give it back to me!"

Julia's lawyer said, "It's a chain of custody issue Julia, I explained it to you. I'll see about getting your phone returned sooner."

There was more talking between the three lawyers, Julia's parents had wisely stayed quiet during this whole situation. It was clear that Julia's mother and father were both angry at their daughter. Detective Voight had watched them and she was thinking that the young teenager was going to be in trouble at home once this meeting was all over.'

As Kim and Sam watched quietly and had a whispered conversation, there was a chime on Kim's phone. She pulled out her phone and saw the text message that the Barnes family wanted to speak to see their daughter now that they'd been cleared by Panacea.

Kim quietly whispered, "Going to go grab the Barnes girl and let her parents see her."

Sam nodded his head. "Remember, she's invoked."

Kim replied, "I know."

Kim left the interview room, went to a phone and dialed an extension. "This is Detective Voight, Badge 78954 requesting prisoner Emma Barnes be brought to interview room six." She paused and listened to the reply. "Thank you.", she finished and hung up the phone.

Kim then walked to the elevator and went back up to the third floor and made her way to the interview rooms that were on that floor and saw the Barnes family in the interview room through the window on the door. She opened the door and went inside.

Alan, Zoe, and Anne Barnes were sitting in the room, the parents were sitting at the interview table while Anne was sitting on the floor. The oldest daughter had her knees up and she'd buried her face into her arms that were folded across her knees.

Kim sat down on the opposite side of the table and took in the sight of the parents who looked like they'd been run over by a semi truck. She put her thoughts aside and said, "Sorry for the delay, but now that you're cleared by Panacea we're having Emma brought over before she is transferred to Federal custody over in Concord. I am telling you that the room is recording audio and video, but your daughter's already invoked her right to an attorney so nothing she says here will be used against her. Have you looked into an attorney for her yet?"

Alan glared at the detective, "I am an attorney. I can take care of my daughter."

Kim shook her head, "Mister Barnes, this case is bigger than you can handle. It's going Federal which means you'll need an attorney more skilled than yourself to represent your daughter, you're a divorce lawyer, not a criminal defense attorney. You're financially well off, hire one."

The door opened and Emma Barnes, still wearing her clothes from when she left the house entered the room. She saw her parents first and exclaimed, "Dad! Mom! Get me out of here!" She still had her hands cuffed behind her back.

The officer behind her and Detective Voight watched mother and father hug their daughter. Anne had quickly stood up and joined in the group hug. After a couple minutes Detective Voight coughed to let them know that they had to break it up.

Detective Voight moved Emma over to the table and sat her down and had her cuffed to the table so that she could move her hands in front of her. Emma was peppering her parents with questions about when they were going to get her out of jail, how was her dad going to make this all go away, where was Sophia and if they'd seen her. Detective Voight left the room, saying she was giving them five minutes to be with their daughter.

Emma looked at her parents, then looked at Anne. "Dad, when are you getting me out of here?"

Alan tried to look strong, Zoe was trying to look strong too but it was very hard. Tears were falling on her face. Anne was looking at her sister in total disbelief.

Zoe was the first to respond. Her voice was full of emotion. "Emma...Emma, what have you done?"

Emma looked confused, "Done? I've done nothing wrong mom." She looked at her dad and said, "I haven't said anything dad, I asked for a lawyer, are you going to be my lawyer dad?"

Alan said, "Emma…" his voice cracked. "Emma...I...I'm going to get you a lawyer. A good one. We'll get you out of here as soon as we can."

Anne cut in, "Emma, is it true? Did you, your psycho friend, and the ass kisser fill Taylor's locker with blood, used tampons, and other filth and stuff Taylor in her locker for hours?" She reached over and gave her sister a shake so that Emma would look at her.

Emma tilted her head to one side then to the other with a contemplative look. "Sophia's not psycho….but yeah I guess you could say that Madison's an ass kisser…" Emma giggled. Then she said, "Putting Taylor in the locker was so much fun." She giggled again. "The sound of her cries were music to my ears."

Anne saw something in her sister's eyes and she backed up a couple of steps. "Emma, you've gone crazy." She whispered.

Emma glared at her sister and snarled, "I'm not crazy! You take that back!" She stood up and tried to raise her hands but the small chain only let her bring her hands up several inches, just about to where she could touch her face.

Zoe snapped and said harshly, "Emma Allison Barnes!" Her eyes blazed with fury and Emma now looked at her mother with wide eyes.

Zoe grabbed one of Emma's hands and held onto it tightly. "So it is true?! You did this!? My God Emma, do you realize what you've done!?"

Emma tried to do a dismissive wave with her other hand. "It's not a big deal, it was just a prank, mom. Good grief, if Miss Blackwell didn't give a shit over Taylor, why should anyone else?"

Zoe's eyes flashed with fury and in a blink of an eye she slapped Emma across the cheek hard. Emma's head turned in the direction of the hit. Emma brought her head back and was looking at her mother in shock, tears welling in her eyes. Alan grabbed his wife's hand, who had it raised for another slap and the door to the interview room opened as Kim returned to the room.

"Zoe!", Alan exclaimed.

"Misses Barnes, there will be none of that.", Kim declared.

Zoe pulled her hand out of her husband's grasp, stood up and said, "I need some air." She left the interview room.

Anne was shocked at what she'd just seen. She looked at her mother walking out of the room, then at her sister who was rubbing her cheek that her mother had hit.

Alan turned his head to see his wife walk out then he looked at his youngest child.

Kim said, "You've still got a couple of minutes." Kim left the room again, she was standing outside the door while she saw Zoe pacing the hall. She saw Zoe bring both hands to her face and it was clear the woman was sobbing. She had to stay by the door so all she could do was say, "Do you need anything? I can call to get it for you."

Zoe shook her head, her hands still covering her face. Kim reached over and guided her to a chair that was against the wall. Zoe sat down, she slid her hands down her face, the tears still falling her face. "Oh...God!" she cried in despair.

Kim looked through the window that was on the door and saw the father and older daughter talking to the suspect. Kim reached into her suit jacket pocket and pulled out a packet of tissues and offered it to Zoe who thanked her. Zoe quickly wiped the tears from her face then she got up and went back inside the interview room with a more determined look on her face.

Back in the interview room Alan was looking at his youngest child. "Emma...please tell me you didn't do this. This was Sophia's idea, right?" Alan's question was almost desperate in tone.

Emma said, "Dad, it was just a prank. Nobody died."

Anne was standing behind her dad glaring at her sister. "Emma! Taylor almost died! She was in the hospital for a long time!"

Zoe entered the interview room as Emma made a scoffing noise then shook her head and said in a sad quiet tone. "Just proves she's weak then. Just like Sophia said."

Anne's eyes went wide. Zoe and Alan looked at Emma as if she'd grown a second head. Alan asked, "Did Sophia put you up to this?"

Emma giggled, "Sophia's not much of a planner, she's a girl of action. I'm the one that comes up with the plans."

Alan, Zoe, and Anne were stunned. Zoe and Anne wanted to slap the grin off Emma's face but both restrained themselves.. Emma looked at her dad, "When are you getting me out of here?"

Alan gulped and took a breath. "Emma, I'm going to do everything I can to get you out of here but you are not going to be able to come home with us tonight."

Emma was confused. "Why? Just tell them who you are, and they'll let me go. You have connections, dad."

Anne shook her head in disbelief. "Emma! Are you listening to yourself? What makes you think dad can get you out of this?! They're calling you a fucking domestic terrorist!"

Emma blinked. "What? I'm not a terrorist, I did nothing wrong! It was just a prank and it was just stupid fucking Taylor! Taylor's nothing! It was a prank, a joke! Stupid Taylor can't take a fucking joke!?"

Zoe said, "I can't...I can't take this. I'm this close to trying to smack some sense into you." She brought her hand up right in front of Emma's face, her hand in a pinching gesture where there was a very thin space between the thumb and index finger. "Emma, if you know what's good for you, you testify against Sophia, say she made you do this. Alan, Anne, let's go."

Alan said, "In a moment." as Zoe was gathering her things so she could leave.

Emma said, "I'll never testify against Sophia she's my friend!"

Anne was just dumbstruck at seeing her sister. The door opened and Detective Kim Voight entered. "I'm sorry but visiting time is over. We need to start processing her for her transfer to Concord."

Kim walked over and unlocked the cuffs that Emma was connected to on the table then brought her hands back behind her back.

Emma was saying, "Dad, get me out of here! You know people! Talk to them! I did nothing wrong!"

Alan was giving a placating gesture, "Emma, don't talk to anyone, don't say anything. I'll get you out of jail as soon as I can."

Emma was taken out of the room while she pleaded for her dad to get her out. Detective Voight handed Emma off to a uniformed police officer and instructed, "Take her back to holding. We're going to process her paperwork for her transfer to Federal custody."

"Yes, Detective." Then he took Emma down the hall as she kept pleading to be let go.

Zoe was already out of the room, Anne was close behind while Alan was standing by the detective.

Detective Voight said, "I repeat what I said, get her a lawyer."

Alan said, "Thank you for the advice, I'll take it into consideration."

Then he gathered his things and left, to follow his wife and older daughter, who were in a hurry to get out of the police station.

Kim watched the group leave and let out a sigh. "Fuck."

While Kim Voight was monitoring the parents of Emma Barnes's visit, her partner John Wellington was doing the same thing, except it was with the Clements family. They were on the second floor and he was in the interview room with the mother and father of Madison Clements.

Both parents were young looking, with brown hair. Both were well dressed looking like white collar professionals. The wife was petite in size while the husband was tall, close to six feet. Madison was brought in handcuffed behind her back. John was more strict, he told the parents to remain seated while he moved Madison to the table and cuffed her to it so she could move her arms but not get away.

John said, "Mister and Misses Clements, your daughter's invoked her right to an attorney. This room is recording sound and video but nothing that is said can be used against your child. I'm going to step out so you can talk, you have five minutes."

Madison's parents looked at their daughter in silence for several seconds. Madison slid her hands across the table, one hand reaching towards her mom the other hand towards her dad.

Madison said, "Mom. Dad." After a moment both parents took their daughter's offered hand.

It was clear that Madison had been crying. Her eyes were red and puffy. Madison stammered, "I-I'm sorry."

Both parents stayed silent before her father finally spoke. His voice cracking with emotion. "Madison...Maddie...what have you done?"

Her mother was gripping Madison's hand tightly. "Why Madison? Why would you do this?"

Madison was starting to lose control of her emotions. Tears began to fall again. "I-I-I just…" She paused wiping her eyes with her arm. "...I don't know. I wanted to…" She hesitated and sighed. "I'm asking myself that question since I've been put in the back of the police car."

Madison wiped her eyes again. She quickly said, "I want to make a deal with the prosecutors. I'll testify against Emma and Sophia. Can you get a lawyer for me so I can make a deal?"

Her parents looked at each other then her dad nodded his head. "We'll get a lawyer for you." Then he placed a hand atop hers as he was holding on to her hand. "Madison, I just don't understand how you could do such a thing. The news is saying the three of you have been bullying the poor girl for more than a year! You were bullied in middle school, you knew what that did to you! So, you decide to torture a poor girl in some twisted form of revenge or just because you can?!"

Madison's tears were still falling. She quietly said, "I-I know."

Her mother asked, "How could you do that?"

Madison whined, "It's Winslow! You have no idea! I didn't want to be bullied again! I...I just wanted to be at the top instead of the bottom! Emma was at the top and I wanted to be there right next to her!"

There was a period of silence again.

Her mother was squeezing her daughter's hand on and off as she said, "Oh, Madison…" Tears were falling down her face.

Her father gave Madison a glare. "I'm very disappointed in you Maddie. Very disappointed, angry, sad, furious." He let out a breath. "I just can't believe I'm sitting here in a police station and you are accused of being a terrorist."

Madison blinked. "Terrorist? What do you mean dad?"

Her dad replied, "That thing with the locker...Panacea had to be brought to the school to heal everyone. They're saying that the shit you and your friends filed that locker with was a biohazard. The school didn't clean it properly and that the students and staff had to get healed by Panacea because of it. She healed you didn't she? What did she say you were infected with?"

Madison blinked and said, "She didn't say to me, she told the other doctor person who wrote it down."

Her mother said, "They told us. You had Hepatitis A and C and apparently, there's asbestos at the school as your lungs had that too."

Her father added, "She came over and checked us, did you know you got us sick? Panacea had to heal us."

Madison shook her head. She was looking very concerned. There was a knock on the door then it was opened and a man walked in with a woman right behind. The man introduced himself as he walked in.

"Mister and Misses Clements, I'm Michael Spector, the Assistant US Attorney." He extended his hand in a handshake to the parents.

The woman introduced herself as Michael was shaking hands. "I'm Abbie Kincaid, the Assistant District Attorney." She offered her hand to shake with both parents.

The two lawyers didn't sit down, there weren't anymore chairs. Instead the stood against the wall to the right of the door looking at the group sitting down.

Michael took the lead in the conversation as he began, "We are aware that your daughter has invoked her right to an attorney, but we both thought," He gestured to Abbie and himself as he continued, "that you should know that your daughter did offer a willingness to testify against Miss Barnes and Miss Hess in exchange for some form of leniency."

Her father said, "We're aware. She told us."

Counselor Spector said, "We're willing to make an offer, but we're going to require her to not just testify against Miss Barnes and Miss Hess." He looked at Madison and added, "We will require her to testify against the other students that were there watching what happened."

Madison looked surprised. "What? I don't remember everyone who was there!"

Abbie said, "That's not true Madison. You have a lot of text messages on that phone. You know exactly who was there."

The AUSA added, "That's right. So, we'll wait to hear from your lawyer on this matter so if you're willing to fully cooperate we're willing to make you a reasonable deal."

Her mother was about to ask but her father held a hand up. He asked, "How good of a deal?"

Michael looked at the parents and Madison for a moment then he said, "If her cooperation is full, and she doesn't lie to us, I can knock off ten to fifteen years off her prison sentence. Maybe twenty. The difference is she gets to get out of prison where she can do something with the second half of her life. Right now, she's looking at a life sentence, without parole." He stressed the last sentence while looking directly at Madison.

Abbie said, "As for us, whatever prison sentence gets handed out, it would be served concurrently with the Federal time. When you have a lawyer, we'll talk more."

Michael looked at Madison as he said, "I'm sure you're thinking to yourself that your cooperation is worth Immunity. I can assure you it isn't. Miss Clements, you took part in a heinous and vicious crime. I'm willing to knock years off for your help, but you are still going to go to prison. How long you go to prison depends on you and how much you cooperate."

Michael glanced at Abbie, Abbie took the hint and opened the door. She said, "We hope to hear from your lawyer soon." Then she stepped out, Michael was close behind.

As the door was open, Michael turned to look at Madison and her parents. "Sorry to have to meet like this Mister and Misses Clements, Abbie and I look forward to hearing from you and Madison's attorney soon." Then he left the room, closing the door behind him.

Madison's mother reached across and stroked her daughter's cheek. "Be strong, we'll do everything we can to get you out of jail. We'll push for bail since you're going to cooperate."

Madison nodded her head. "Okay.", she said quietly.

Her father squeezed her hand. His voice full of emotion as he talked. "Be careful, Maddie...you're going to be in jail for the weekend. So, really take care of yourself."

Madison's eyes were watering again. "I will.", she replied quickly.

The door opened again, Detective John Wellington entered the room. "It's time, sorry." He walked over to Madison and started to uncuff her from the table. "We're going to be transferring her to Federal custody at Concord now." He placed Madison's hands behind her back and cuffed her again.

Her parents stood up and offered words of encouragement to their daughter as she was passed on to a uniformed officer who began to lead her back to the holding cells.

The Detective handed out his card to Madison's father. "You can call me or my partner if you have any questions."

Madison's father took the card and thanked the man. Then he offered his arm to his wife saying, "We need to go."

Madison's mother took her husband's hand and the two walked to the elevators, escorted by Detective Wellington who pushed the down button for the two parents. The wait was short and the elevator doors quickly opened and they entered the elevator with the Detective.

Detective Wellington said, "I'm just along for the ride, going to take this car back to the third floor so I can finish up my work."

The elevator doors closed and the car moved down and opened on the first floor. Detective Wellington gestured outwards saying, "The lobby is through that hall and to your left. Then you will be outside."

Madison's father thanked the detective and the two left the elevator, heading for the lobby so they could leave the police station. John pushed the button for the third floor and the doors closed. He sighed and ran a hand through his hair while grumbling that he had too much work to do.

Brockton Bay School District Office

Brockton Bay School District Superintendent Brent Wilkenson was in his office. He was looking over his prepared speech he was about to give in just a few minutes. The media was outside waiting but currently the news outlets were broadcasting the press conference that the police and attorneys were giving. He wanted to give the speech now, but he had to wait until the conference was over so he could go on for his own live broadcast.

Scowling, Brent looked at the financial numbers from Winslow High School. He couldn't believe everything he was looking at. So much money was missing, now the school was tainted with asbestos, asbestos that was supposed to have been cleaned two years ago. This was an absolute nightmare.

He scowled and sighed again. An assistant of his knocked on the door and poked her head in. "Sir, the press conference just finished, they're ready for you outside."

Brent said, "Alright." He stood up from his desk, grabbing his notes. He walked out of his office, through the office floor, and out the door. He made his way down to the lobby and out the doors of the district offices. Just outside was a podium with multiple microphones set up. There were multiple reporters along with video and still photo cameras.

Brent walked up to the podium, made a show of arranging his papers then cleared his throat. He knew that they were broadcasting live as one person had signaled that the networks were receiving and transmitting their video and audio transmissions.

"Good evening to the citizens of Brockton Bay and to the media, thank you for coming. I have a brief statement to make concerning the events of today." He gave a sigh and continued, "This is a dark, dark, day for our school district and for one of our oldest high schools in the city. I was made aware of an imminent law enforcement raid on Winslow High School by Special Agent Sheppard of the FBI. I asked for a delay but the agent said that he could not wait. The FBI and Brockton Bay police conducted their raid on the school and have since made multiple arrests on multiple crimes."

"The entire school district staff and I are shocked by the actions of members of our school district family. As has been reported, Principal Carrie Blackwell has been arrested as her assistant Jennifer Anderson, and one of my own assistant superintendents, Monica Shelby. They stand accused of embezzling money from Winslow's school general fund as well as embezzling PRT funds to enrich themselves. Furthermore, linked to this embezzlement scheme is the asbestos scandal."

"Money was allocated to remove asbestos from Winslow High School but apparently Miss Blackwell only had the asbestos removed from the school offices and other areas while leaving the majority of the asbestos behind and pocketing the money while the company and Miss Blackwell asserted that there was no more asbestos in the school."

"With this discovery of asbestos in the school, the Brockton Bay school district is grateful to Panacea for curing those not just those that were affected by asbestos, but by the pathogens that were allowed to spread and propagate, thus infecting the students and staff. We owe a debt to Panacea that we can never repay. But in an effort to pay this debt, the school district will make a twenty five thousand dollar donation to Panacea's favored charity."

"With regards to the presence of asbestos being present at Winslow High School, I have the unfortunate duty to inform the people of Brockton Bay, specifically the students, parents and guardians of those students, and the staff of Winslow High school that Winslow High School is now closed until we can get the asbestos removed from the school." Brent gave a sigh. This was brutal, he thought to himself. "We at the district office are working on placing Winslow students at other high schools. Parents and guardians, you will receive an email and/or a phone call with instructions on where your child will be going to school."

"This will be temporary, we plan on cleaning the asbestos out of the school and complete repairs and upgrades that have long since been neglected by the administration of Winslow High School. This will be done as quick as possible so that we can get the students back to Winslow as quickly as possible."

"I was at Winslow High School today, I arrived at the school after the raid was underway. I saw Miss Blackwell arrested and being led outside. I immediately placed her on suspension pending our own internal investigation and once that investigation is complete, I will update the citizens of Brockton Bay of our findings."

"Regarding Winslow High School, I was shocked to find it in the state that it was in. Doors hanging on by a single hinge, their locks broken, security cameras not working with the only exceptions being the cameras pointed at the faculty parking lot." He paused, grimacing while looking outraged and raising an arm while saying, "Finding asbestos in our school!" He slammed his fist down on the podium at the last word.

"During the day as the arrests were made by the FBI, I could not help but grow more and more angry at what I was seeing. Corruption in the office place, poor academic performance record, rampant gang activity on the school campus. I have suspended the entire office staff pending investigation along with multiple teachers at Winslow High School. This office will dig into the rot that is at Winslow High School and by God, we'll get rid of it!" He slammed his fist on the podium again.

"Now, the corruption and embezzlement scandal is a problem that we will be dealing with and we're going to let the courts deal with the accused. I am confident that they will be found guilty. But, I have to address the second crime that took place here at Winslow High School. I'm speaking about the Locker Incident."

Brent rearranged his papers again, he really didn't need to but it gave the presentation of him looking official as he spoke. "That the administration would fail in its duty in such a spectacular fashion in that they allowed three students to get away with a heinous criminal act makes me sick. I am confident that the courts will punish these individuals as well."

Brent continued to talk for a few more minutes, reiterating that the school district would investigate every staff member of Winslow High School and make sure that if they were guilty of violating the school district policies they would be disciplined up to termination. Any staff member they find evidence of committing criminal acts would have that evidence turned over to law enforcement for criminal prosecution. Brent finished his speech promising that there would be a new dawn for Winslow High School, thanked the media for coming and ended the briefing.

---

The Docks Near The Trainyard

The high tech motorcycle that was dubbed "The Armscycle" quietly moved down the street and stopped a short distance away from the target building.

According to the data Armsmaster had reviewed before, the building was the place that Shadow Stalker had gone to many times on off book patrols. Armsmaster saw Velocity and he got off his bike. The speedster hero approached Armsmaster.

Joining the two was Miss Militia who exited her jeep that was parked across the street.

"Well, what's the word Armsmaster?, Velocity asked.

Miss Militia echoed, "Yes, is she here?"

Armsmaster nodded his head. He took his right hand and pointed up with his index finger. "The drone I deployed picked her up entering the building fifteen minutes ago. The PRT squad I sent ahead has been keeping the building under watch and she hasn't been seen leaving the building. My best estimations are that she's tired and exhausted from running so much today and she's resting to gather her strength."

The three moved down the street where another PRT squad was assembled near the van that acted as a command post. Bringing a laptop out he opened it and showed the aerial view over the building. He activated a sensor and Armsmaster announced, "She's here. The drone's sensors indicate she's on the second floor." The screen showed a thermographic image of a room on the second floor where there was a window. The image showed what appeared to be a female slouched on a sofa, her arm moving in a motion that gave the appearance of drinking something.

Armsmaster began to give a briefing. "We're going to go up there and get her. Velocity will be on point, I'll be right behind. We are going to go in fast. One final warning, she may have been exposed to the pathogens at Winslow High School, so make sure she does not spit on any of you. To be safe we'll put a spit mask on her." He made a point of showing the blueprints of the building and highlighted the route to the room that Shadow Stalker was in. The takedown plan was finalized and the group began to split up into their assigned groups.

The takedown squad assembled with the heroes, Miss Militia was going to be outside ready with the PRT squad that was on overwatch.

Going into the abandoned building, Armsmaster warned, "All personnel, keep an eye out for traps. Velocity, be advised there's a trip wire at the middle of the stairwell."

The squad acknowledged the warning along with Velocity. The tripwire was disabled and the group kept moving up the stairs. Another trap was discovered at the top of the stairwell and Armsmaster disabled it. Silently the squad moved down the hall towards the room that Sophia Hess aka Shadow Stalker was hiding in. There was a final trap in the hall that Armsmaster dealt with and finally the group assembled around the door.

Armsmaster did a sweep of the door with a scanner device and declared that it was clean. He gestured for the group to assemble for a breach.

Velocity was in front on the right side of the door with a confoam grenade in a hand. Armsmaster was right behind him. On the left was a PRT trooper who was passed a portable battering ram. There were three other PRT troopers behind him.

Armsmaster spoke into his hands free communicator. "We're in position. Operation will commence on my mark. All teams check in."

"Team one, ready.", responded Velocity.

"Team two, ready.", responded Miss Militia. She was the point person for the PRT team outside.

Satisfied Armsmaster said, "Go, go, go!"

The trooper with the battering ram swing the object and struck the door at the point he was aiming for, the door swung open. Velocity engaged his mover power and was in the room extremely fast. Armsmaster was right behind with the PRT troopers behind him.

Velocity knew where Shadow Stalker was thanks to Armsmaster's reporting and her eyes went wide at the shock of her door bursting open and Velocity appearing.

Velocity dropped the confoam grenade at Sophia Hess's feet. The grenade exploded deploying its gel like foam deployed trapping the girl by her feet and the foam was expanding rapidly.

Sophia activated her power to turn to shadow and she turned to smoke and started to float towards the window. Armsmaster was close by and he extended his halberd and deployed the taser function. The taser deployed and flew towards the smoky form of Sophia and there was a 'bzzzt' as the taser hit the smoky form.

Sophia returned to physical form with a scream. She flopped to the floor groaning. Velocity was right there to grab her hands and put them behind her back. Armsmaster grabbed a special set of hand cuffs from his kit and passed them to Velocity. Velocity placed the cuffs on Sophia's wrists. He hefted her up, getting her to shakily stand. Armsmaster placed a mask on Sophia so she couldn't spit on any one.

As all this was happening Armsmaster recited the Miranda warning to Sophia finishing by asking, "Do you understand the rights I've explained to you?"

Sophia was recovering quickly as she said with venom, "Fuck you."

Armsmaster started to move her out of the room. He ordered, "Sweep this room and look for any evidence."

Then he switched his communicator over to the Console frequency. "This is Armsmaster, subject SS is now in custody. We're Code Four, I have a squad gathering evidence."

Console replied, "Understood Armsmaster, well done."

Director Piggot's voice came over the line. "Armsmaster, this is the Director. I'm confirming your last report, you got her?"

Armsmaster replied as he was walking Shadow Stalker to one o the PRT vans so she could be transported. "Yes, Director. We found her hiding spot. I have a team gathering evidence right now with Velocity keeping watch. I will be escorting the van bringing her in."

Director Piggot said, "Excellent. Good work, Armsmaster. Bring her in quickly."

Armsmaster replied, "We're on our way." He finished placing Sophia in the van and secured her for transport. A few troopers boarded the van, one in the driver's seat another in the passenger seat and two got in the back to keep an eye on Sophia. Armsmaster walked down to his bike and climbed on it and started the high tech motorcycle.

Miss Militia was in her jeep ready to depart herself. "I'll take the rear guard."

Armsmaster replied, "Noted."

Armsmaster moved his motorcycle to take position in front of the van. "Alright, we're returning to HQ. Move out."

Armsmaster took off first, the van with Sophia started right behind him and Miss Militia followed the other two vehicles to PRT HQ in downtown. They would be at PRT HQ in ten minutes at their speed, which was really fast.

The van bringing in Shadow Stalker pulled into the secure parking garage directly behind Armsmaster's tinker tech motorcycle with Miss Militia right behind it. The van was stopped at the prisoner drop off point but the garage also had a black Federal prisoner transport van waiting inside with several FBI agents wearing tactical gear with "FBI" emblazoned on top of their bulletproof vests.

A woman wearing the standard FBI uniform of blouse and slacks with a blue FBI emblazoned jacket on top walked up to Armsmaster with her badge and ID out.

"Special Agent Maxine Smart.", she introduced herself. "Well done capturing Shadow Stalker Armsmaster, Miss Militia and I hear that Velocity was involved as well along with your squad of troopers. Well done all of you. Now, I'm here to take her off your hands."

The FBI agent took out a sheet of paper from the inside jacket pocket and handed it to Armsmaster. "That's a Federal warrant, we're taking Shadow Stalker aka Sophia Hess into our custody."

Armsmaster looked the document over, it was official but he still used his HUD to contact the Director. He said to the FBI agent, "One moment."

Emily Piggot's voice came on the line and she sounded...irritated. "What?"

"The FBI is in the garage with a warrant, they want me to turn Shadow Stalker over to their custody."

There was a brief silence then the Director's voice said, "I know. Let them have her, she's their problem now."

Armsmaster protested, "But Director-"

Director Piggot snarled, "Let. Them. Have. Her. The little shit is going to get her just rewards. Also, let them have the tinkertech device you're using to suppress her powers."

Armsmaster clenched his teeth. He didn't reply right away which caused Director Piggot to ask, "Armsmaster, do you understand? Give the Feds Shadow Stalker and let them have the device that is suppressing her powers."

Armsmaster finally ground out, "Understood. I will transfer Shadow Stalker into Federal custody and let them have the suppressing cuffs."

"Good. Get to my office when you're done."

"Yes, ma'am."

The Director cut the line and Armsmaster took a deep breath and counted to ten before looking at Special FBI Agent Maxine Smart. "Sorry for the delay, I will transfer Shadow Stalker into your custody. He looked at one of the troopers and ordered, "Get her out."

One of the troopers opened the door of the van and reached in to grab Sophia Hess. She yelled, "Hey, watch it!" as the trooper pulled her out of the van.

The trooper brought her over to Armsmaster who grabbed Sophia by the other arm that wasn't being held by the trooper. The trooper released her while Sophia was cursing at them.

Armsmaster said, "Here she is, one Sophia Hess, aka Shadow Stalker. Be advised these cuffs here," he pointed at them after swinging her around to show the Federal agents then twisted her back to face the agents. "are what keeps her from using her powers. Any attempt to do so and she'll receive a very strong electrical shock. She has a weakness against electricity."

Sophia exclaimed, "Fuck you Armsbastard! Why are you telling them anything!"

The woman that Sophia saw was an FBI agent gave a thin smile to Sophia. "Inter-agency cooperation Miss Hess. Congratulations are in order, you've graduated to Federal crimes and you're going to be spending a lot of time in a Federal prison." She approached the young girl and took her by the arm that the trooper had released.

Armsmaster released Sophia and said, "I give you custody of the prisoner."

Maxine said, "I take custody of the prisoner, Sophia Hess."

She handed Sophia off to another Federal agent who took her and placed her in the black prisoner transport van.

Armsmaster said, "She might be infected.", he gestured to the mask around Sophia's face.

"We're aware. We have a stop to make so that Panacea can take a look at her.", Maxine said. She walked over and offered a handshake. "Sorry for taking her off your hands but the US Attorney wants to send a strong message. But, you did get to capture her and bring her in, that's a PR win for you."

Armsmaster grudgingly brought his hand up and shook the agent's hand. "Thank you for that.", he said curtly.

Maxine smiled, "No thanks necessary." She looked at her agents and said, "Alright, let's roll out!"

Everyone moved to their vehicles and got in. In seconds the small convoy left the garage and was moving down the street, lights and sirens on.

Miss Militia sighed as she watched them leave. "Well, she's right. We did get to bring her into custody."

Armsmaster hummed. "I have to go see the Director. If you have nothing, go check on the Wards and let me know how they're doing."

"Certainly.", Miss Militia said.

The two walked to the elevators and entered it when the doors opened. Both pressed different buttons for their destinations. The elevator doors closed and the elevator started rising to the first destination, the infirmary level.

---

The Barnes House

The trip home was long and uncomfortably quiet. Zoe had turned off the radio when they got in the car as soon as Alan started the car. Anne tried to say something shortly after they were on the way home but Zoe said, "No talking until we get home. I want it quiet."

Now the family was home and the three were in the kitchen standing around the kitchen island. Zoe had grabbed a bottle of wine and opened it, pouring a very large portion into a goblet. Her dad went to the kitchen table and opened his laptop.

Anne watched this and couldn't stand by any longer she started to speak. "Wha-"

Zoe brought her hand up in a stop gesture as she was taking a long drink from the goblet. She refilled the goblet with more wine and walked over to sit across from Alan at the kitchen table. Then she snarled, "Alright Alan, care to explain?"

Anne moved slowly towards the table watching her parents.

Alan looked up from the laptop as he was typing. "Zoe, not now I'm working on a strategy to get Emma out of jail."

Zoe arched an eyebrow. "It's real simple Alan, we're getting an attorney to represent Emma. We're also going to have a psychiatrist examine her."

Alan shook his head, "No, I'm more than capable of defend-"

Zoe yelled, "We're hiring a lawyer! This is not a divorce case! We're going to get Emma some help!"

Anne was slowly walking towards the table, almost near it. She watched her parents with wide eyes.

Alan snapped, "I can do this Zoe! I have to do this!"

Anne was standing next to the table now, between her parents as they sat at the ends of it. Zoe accused, "How could you let this happen? This is all Sophia's fault, I just know it." She looked at Anne saying, "I should have listened to you about Sophia sweetie."

Alan defended his daughter's best friend. "I'm not buying that, Emma and Sophia would never do such a thing, especially to Taylor."

Zoe took another drink and set it down.

"Bullshit!"

Both parents looked at Anne who just said that word. Anne was looking angry as she put both her hands on the top of the back of the chair in front of her. "The cops and the FBI raided our house! They took Emma's laptop! They have her cell phone! I never trusted Sophia, she's always rubbed me the wrong way when she came over. I think its her fault that Taylor stopped coming over."

Alan looked at Anne and said, "Sophia was there for Emma when Taylor was at camp."

Anne asked, "But does it make sense that Emma makes Sophia her best friend when she'd known Taylor a lot longer? Dad, why would Emma put Taylor in that locker filled with all that shit!? How does that -"

Alan interrupted her. "Emma did not do that! I don't care what they say, Emma would never do anything like that!"

Anne retorted, "Well they have evidence that she did otherwise they wouldn't have arrested her would they!?"

Anne growled in frustration she raised her arms up and down then she angrily asked, "Why didn't Emma tell us that Taylor was in the hospital then? Yeah, she said that Taylor ended the friendship, but you're Taylor's godparents! She should have at least told you that Taylor was in the hospital so you could visit! Why didn't she!? Because she did it! She didn't want you to go over then and start asking questions!"

Zoe pointed a finger at Alan. "I want answers Alan. Taylor stopped coming over, Emma stopped going to Taylor's and this all started after Emma met Sophia. Speaking of Sophia, I'm not stupid, the media's practically named Sophia as being the third suspect that put Taylor in the locker and she's a fucking Ward on the run! Sophia is too old to be Vista so that means she's Shadow Stalker. Did you know!?"

Alan said, "Emma said that Taylor didn't want to be friends anymore! I should have talked to Danny, but I didn't! I'm sorry! But, as for Sophia I couldn't say anything Zoe, I signed an NDA with the PRT."

Anne's eyes widened. "Holy shit, Emma got rid of Taylor because she made friends with a Ward? Wait...wait...I remember the press conference, it was like June last year and Emma met Sophia the summer the year before. She wasn't a Ward back then." She was thinking. Then she snapped her fingers. "Now it make sense!"

Zoe looked at Anne, "What makes sense Anne?"

Anne said, "Remember when Emma wouldn't come out of her room for a couple days? The one day she goes out, she meets that girl, she meets Sophia for the first time and all of a sudden they're best buddies. Sophia told her who she was when they met!" Then she looked at her dad. "Alright dad, for what reason would Sophia have met Emma and told her who she was. I think it's about time you told us what really happened to the two of you that day."

Alan stopped typing on the laptop, looked up at Anne then at Zoe who's eyes were narrowing at him. "Nothing happened.", he said in a flat tone.

Both mother and daughter exclaimed, "Bull!" Bullshit!"

Anne pulled out the chair and sat down on it. She looked at her mom then at her dad. She pointed a finger at her dad saying, "Something happened to you and Emma that day. You came in looking like you got into a fight, Emma was worse and I never bought your excuse. Then she spends the next few days in her room barely eating, barely taking care of herself until she goes out and runs into Sophia and all of a sudden Sophia's her best friend!?"

Zoe stood up to lean over her side of the kitchen table, both hands on her hips and she yelled right as Anne said 'excuse', "So start talking Alan! What really happened!"

Alan looked like a deer caught in the headlights. He blinked his eyes quickly and leaned back into his chair, forced to stop typing again. Seeing his wife's glare, his daughter with a matching expression, he folded.

"I...I was stupid that day. I tried taking a shortcut to Emma's photo shoot and it was a trap by the ABB. They attacked us, pulled us out of the car and were about to do something really bad when...Sophia, Shadow Stalker at the time showed up and saved us."

Zoe was furious and Anne looked shocked. Zoe had sat back down as Alan talked but stood up again and leaned over the table again and yelled, "Are you serious right now!? You and Emma were attacked by the ABB and you don't tell me, your wife what happened?! You lie to me, you lie to Anne and allow Emma to lie that on that day, the car broke down and you had to wait in the car for hours for a tow truck!?"

Zoe slammed her hands on the table. "Emma needed therapy, not to sit in her room! You should have told me Alan! I can't believe you kept this from me!"

Alan moved his arms in a placating gesture and said, "I didn't want you to worry! I bounced back! We were fine! I thought Emma would work through it on her own! She's a strong girl!"

Anne and Zoe both asked, "Work through it?!" Zoe's tone was more incredulous.

Zoe glanced at her daughter who got quiet. Then Zoe returned to glare at Alan and said, "Really?! She goes through a traumatic experience and you think she doesn't need help!? No wonder we're in this mess!"

Zoe was still standing, she started walking in a circle to stand next to Alan and looks at the laptop to see what he's working on. She gets even more furious. "Alan, you are not going to be defending Emma, WE Are Hiring A Lawyer!"

Alan yelled back, "I can do this!"

The doorbell rang.

Anne left the kitchen and went to open the door. When she did she saw a sea of reporters blaring questions, flashbulbs going off, bright lights from news vans setting up in front of the house and across the street.

Anne screamed, "Go away!" Then she slammed the door.

She ran to the kitchen as her mom and dad were still arguing. She pointed towards the front door and exclaimed, "The media's out front! There's like umpteen news cameras and a whole crap load of reporters at the front door!"

Both parents looked at Anne then at each other. Alan was getting up but Zoe pushed him down. "No, Alan I'll handle this."

Zoe walked out of the kitchen, the doorbell ringing again. Walking to the front door, the woman opened it to see the sea of reporters and cameras that were flashing taking pictures and a horde of questions were being yelled out.

Zoe held up her hands and called for quiet. After a minute where it quieted down Zoe announced, "My family has no comment at this time! We will be making a statement after we've made contact with our lawyer. Now please, get off of our property before I call the police, I am not giving you permission to be on our property."

Then she closed the door and returned to the kitchen. She was angry, she was furious and it showed on her face. "Alan, when did you find out that Sophia was Shadow Stalker?"

Alan sighed, "I didn't know she was Shadow Stalker until...until later, when Emma told me after the PRT had caught her. I spoke as a character witness to get her a deal into the Wards. Both Emma and I signed NDA's with regards to her identity. Neither of us could tell you that Sophia was Shadow Stalker."

Zoe yelled, "I'm your wife! I'm Emma's mother! You should have told me! I would have signed that paper too! You had no right to keep that from me!"

Alan's cell phone rang.

Zoe hissed, "Who's calling you now?"

Alan grabbed his cell phone and saw the caller ID. "It's work honey, I have to take this."

He swiped his finger across the screen of his smartphone and said, "Hello?"

Alan recognized the voice, it was one of the senior partners. "Alan, we're going to need you to come to the office in the morning, say nine am. Thank you."

The call ended.

Zoe looked at Alan, "Well? What did they want?"

Alan set his phone on the kitchen table. "They...they want me to come to work in the morning, nine sharp."

Zoe snarled, "We're in a crisis here, call them back and say you can't!"

Alan waved his hands in the air, "I know that, but I can't! They know what happened today Zoe. That means they want to talk to me!"

Zoe asked, "What about!?"

Alan exasperatedly said, "I don't know! For all I know, they could fire me tomorrow for embarrassing the firm!"

Zoe brought a hand to her face and asked with some fear, "They'd do that?!"

Alan nodded, "I doubt they will, but they could! A partner might have brought my name up before their disciplinary committee! I could be suspended or fired or both!"

A realization came across Alan's face and he brought a hand to his forehead and slid it down his face. "Oh my God…"

Anne and Zoe both asked, "What?"

"Our names…I know I'm going before the partners tomorrow, but your name's out there too. This could affect your business!"

Zoe's eyes widened in realization as well. "Shit!" She rushed to her purse and pulled out her cell phone, turning it on. She walked back to the kitchen table and waited for the phone to boot up. She sat down as it finished booting up and she swiped across the screen and entered her PIN to access her phone. Notification chimes started sounding, different sounds associated to different people and she gasped.

Alan was looking at new notifications on his cell phone and he groaned and brought a hand to the base of his skull, top of his neck. "Fuck.", he quietly said while looking at the notifications.

Anne looked at her mom and dad with concern. "Mom? Dad?", she asked with concern.

Both adults were quiet as they looked at their phones. Zoe got up from the table and left the room. "I have to deal with this.", she said as she left.

Alan set his phone down on the table and his hands on his face then leaned forward, placing his elbows on the table as he let out a breath into his hands.

Anne looked at her dad who wasn't moving now. Then she walked out of the kitchen and saw the light in the office. She walked over and she could hear her mother talking to someone and she realized her mother was on a phone call and what she was hearing was her mother trying to reason with the person to not cancel an upcoming business meeting.

Anne quietly turned around and left, she went back to the kitchen and saw her dad still with his head in his hands. She moved quietly to the kitchen island and grabbed her own cell phone and she had it on silent mode so she didn't hear anything but her phone had well over two dozen notifications, many messages from her friends from high school and college. A lot of the messages were not nice and it shocked Anne that people she considered to be close friends could be so cruel so quickly.

---

The Hebert House

Danny had arrived with burgers, fries, and cokes from Fugly Bob's. Taylor had dashed out of her room, down the stairs and was standing by the bottom of the stairs.

Li Ming's voice was exuberant, "Woo! I like these cheeseburgers and fries! I just love how the cheese melts on the meat patty."

Sarah chirped, "The food at Fugly's is damn good. I really like the fries."

Widowmaker snarked, "Enjoy this Taylor for tomorrow, you are going to have a hard work out."

Jaina was smiling as she said, "I do enjoy these cheeseburgers. Quite tasty."

The door swing open and Danny entered and blinked in surprise as he saw Taylor standing there looking at him with anticipation.

She held out her hand and exclaimed, "Food!"

Danny chuckled, "Oh no, it's the hungry teenage daughter! Here, take it!" Danny held out a paper bag that was emblazoned with the Fugly Bob's font on it.

Taylor grabbed the bag and dashed to the kitchen. Danny chuckled as he followed behind. He set Taylor's Coke down at her spot on the table while he set his own bag of food and drink.

Taylor opened the bag of food and took out the double cheeseburger and fries. She asked her dad, "Could you get the ketchup?"

"Sure thing, kiddo." Danny grabbed the ketchup and gave it to Taylor who poured out some for her french fries then she took a bite into her double cheeseburger.

The Voices were enjoying it immensely. Taylor gave a satisfying yum sound as she was chewing her food.

Danny was chewing through his burger and paused to give Taylor some news.

"You see the press conferences?", he asked.

Taylor nodded, "Yeah."

Danny said, "So, a lawyer's coming over to talk to us. I'm thinking if it goes well, we'll hire this firm to represent us in our lawsuits. Christian says it is one of the best firms in the city."

Taylor nodded her head. "I see. Will they be suing everyone or are you going to split up the work?"

Danny put his burger down and said, "Well, I'm thinking of letting this firm take on the school, school district, and PRT then we'll hire another firm to sue the parents. I'm going to really enjoy giving the knife that Alan stuck in my back right back to him."

Taylor was silent as she took that in.

Widowmaker said in sultry whisper, "I could stick the literal knife in this Alan's back for you, cherie."

Li-Ming chimed in, "Forget the knife, I could cast electrocute on him, make him dance for you."

Jaina said, "I'll turn him into a sheep."

Everyone was laughing at that and Taylor snorted while drinking her soda and she coughed.

Danny arched an eyebrow saying, "We have time Taylor, you don't need to wolf down your food."

Father and daughter ate in silence for a couple of minutes then Danny said, "I've got three unions plus ours to pull their kids out of all the schools in the city on Monday. We're going to sen a message to the school district about how they screwed up."

Taylor nodded her head. "That's good, dad.", she said after finishing chewing.

Sarah's voice said, "That's a good thing. It could lead to other unions doing the same thing to show solidarity."

Danny added, "I think that once this happens, other unions in the city might join us. That'd really send a message to the Superintendent and the school board."

Father and daughter finished eating their food and cleaned up to get ready for their visitor that was due to arrive very soon.

The doorbell rang and Danny walked over to the door and opened it. Standing in front of him was Robert Cheatum.

"Mister Hebert.", Robert extended his hand in greeting which Danny took and the men shook hands.

"Mister Cheatum, please come in." Danny stepped aside allowing the lawyer to walk in and Danny closed the door behind him.

Taylor was sitting on the sofa and Danny introduced her. "This is my daughter Taylor."

Robert offered his hand to Taylor who stood up and shook his hand. Taylor said, "Nice to meet you."

Robert replied, "Nice to meet you too."

Danny gestured for Robert to take a seat. "So, let's talk.", Danny said.

Danny and the lawyer talked about the case and were starting to talk numbers. Taylor listened to the conversation and the Voices were paying attention too.

Widowmaker said, "This lawyer seems to know what he's talking about, cherie. I can tell this one is quite competent. Just look at his suit."

Tyrande was a little confused. "This is very confusing."

Li-Ming agreed, "Yeah, all this…"

Widowmaker chirped, "Legalese."

Li-Ming said, "Yeah, that."

Widowmaker snarked, "It is its own language on its own."

Taylor had to cover her mouth and cough lightly to cover her chortle at Widowmaker's remark. Her dad looked at her with a raised eyebrow and she gestured she was fine.

Danny asked, "Mister Cheatum, I have a question. Who would be primary on this case? Would you be putting it in one of your Associate's hands or would you, Mister Dewey or Mister Howe take it?"

Mister Cheatum quickly replied, "I'd be taking it, Mister Hebert, otherwise I would not be here talking to you. I would handle the suits against the school district, the school and the specific staff people and anyone else you'd like to sue for that matter."

Danny asked, "And what about the PRT?"

Robert answered, "I'll lead that one too, but I don't think we'd be going to trial on that. The PRT would undoubtedly offer a settlement, a substantial one I have to add."

Taylor took that moment to chime in, "I'm not opposed to settling out of court, but I do have a condition for any settlement."

Robert looked at Taylor and gestured for her to go on. Danny was watching intently.

Taylor said, "I'm perfectly fine with settling out of court but my condition and I will not bend on this issue, just so we're clear. If they want to settle out of court, they have to admit that they were in the wrong. If they can't admit to it then I must insist that we go to trial and get a jury to tell them that they were wrong."

In Taylor's mind several Voices spoke at once.

Sarah said, "That's telling him, Taylor."

Jaina and Tyrande both said, "Well said, Taylor."

Widowmaker snarked, "Finalmente, you show your resolve."

Mister Cheatum brought a hand to his face and rubbed his chin. "Now Taylor, it's customary that settlements like these the party paying the money gets to say that they're making no admission of wrong doing. It lets them save face."

Danny reached over and squeezed his daughter's hand for support. Taylor shook her head and said, "Not this time sir. I won't accept it. These people, the PRT, the school, the people that were working for them failed. They failed in their duties and they failed me. Money is nice, but what I want is I want them to say publicly that they fu—uh, um, messed up and I want that apology."

Taylor leaned forward from her seat and looked at Mister Cheatum in the eye. "If they can't write press release where they say that and give us a check, then they can sit in court and watch a jury of twelve men and women tell them they're guilty and they get to pay us a whole lot more money than they were planning on. Personally, I hope they take it to court, I'm looking forward to the nine digit compensatory damages and the eight digit punitive damages that the PRT is going to have to pay."

Taylor leaned back and folded her arms and nodded her head once as if to signal she was done.

The lawyer looked at Danny and asked, "I take it you feel the same way Mister Hebert?"

Danny nodded his head. "I do. I'm in full support of my daughter. If she wants this, then she gets it. If it's a deal breaker, I understand."

Robert shook his head while saying, "It's not a deal breaker, in fact I fully support young Miss Hebert here. We have the luxury of being in the right and they are in the wrong." He looked at Danny and asked, "in addition to the PRT, the school district, and the school and staff, you mentioned that you wanted to sue the parents of the children involved?"

Danny nodded his head while saying, "Yeah, but after thinking about it, I'm going to hire another firm for that. I have full confidence that you firm could take the additional work but I'm thinking strategically. This way I'm hiring lawyers that the families might call to represent them out of play."

Mister Cheatum chuckled and gave an approving nod. "Very smart play actually. I can offer some referrals, just mention my name and I'm sure they'll be happy to help you."

Danny nodded, "That would be fine, thank you."

Taylor stood up and went to the small bookshelf that acted as the place where Danny had his keys for the truck. It also acted as a place to put things on the top of it temporarily. Currently, the notebooks that Taylor had given Detective Kim Voight were sitting there, the woman had returned them a couple days ago after making copies.

Taylor picked up the notebooks and sat back down with the notebooks on her lap. "Dad, are we going to hire Mister Cheatum's firm?"

Danny rubbed his chin, "It's looking that way Taylor. Mister Cheatum and I need to finish up talking numbers."

Taylor said, "Okay, these notebooks list the bullying in detail and contain emails that I received from the Trio and other students. The police detective, um...Kim Voight she took them and made copies for her investigation. I think you'll need them too and I'll need them back so I can get them to the lawyer we hire against my bullies' parents."

Taylor got up to go to the kitchen to get herself something to drink. Danny and Robert went back to talking numbers. Taylor was walking back into the room with a glass of ice water when the doorbell rang.

Taylor went to the door and answered it. As she was walking by she saw her dad and Mister Cheatum shaking hands and smiling. She overheard her dad say to Mister Cheatum, "Call me Danny."

Taylor opened the door to see standing in front of her were two men in suits, one looked like a lawyer, the other she wasn't sure.

Widowmaker made a scoffing noise and said with sarcasm. "A lawyer and...someone in PR. I think this might be the PRT you mentioned. They're here to prevent your lawsuit."

Taylor didn't react visibly and the Voices in her head were asking Widowmaker if she was sure.

Widowmaker replied, "Oui."

Sarah said, "I think Widow's right."

One of the men, the one that looked like a lawyer in his blue suit asked, "Good evening young lady, is your father home?"

Taylor said, "He is, he's in a meeting right now. May I ask who you are?"

The lawyer looking man said, "We're with the PRT, we'd like to speak to your father."

Widowmaker was radiating smugness, "J'vais raison."

Jaina chirped, "Well, looks like Widowmaker was right."

Li-Ming exclaimed, "Whoa! How did you know?"

Sarah gave a slow clap, "Nice one Widowmaker, you spotted him before I did."

Taylor turned to her dad, "Dad, the PRT is here."

Author Note: Here's some more, no Heroes shenanigans just legal shenanigans from the fallout from the raid on Winslow and getting things together for filing lawsuits on Danny's part. Sophia's been caught, the Barnes got a look at Emma and it's clear she's got a screw loose in there somewhere that Anne has picked up on and Zoe is pissed off at her husband. Also, looks like Madison is looking out for herself and Julia wants to put Emma in prison for a long time. Hope you all enjoyed the words.

Google translate – I'm not going to post the words that I've used before, just new ones.

J'vais raison = I was right.