The Demon Of The Nine-Nine
Disclaimer: I do not own Halo or Brooklyn 99 in any way, shape, or form. They belong to their respective owners.
Grudgematch: Thanks, man. And let's be honest, Carla will be the one that'll be making the first move if she wants anything to happen between her and Six.
Djangiti: You're welcome and thank you. And most of them are, not sure if Headhunter is a term that is still being used but I know that it used to be.
Jebest4781: Cheers, man.
Master of the Underworld: You really think that Gina's going to stop flirting with Terry just because Six is on the scene? Nah, she's just got more eye candy and unlike Terry, Six isn't married.
Angry lil Elf: Fortunately, you don't have to wait long for this chapter. And Kelso might have if Six gave him a chance too, but he walked out before he had a chance. Like I said, if you were to imagine a super successful multibillionaire a muscular, scarred-face Detective wouldn't be what you would think of.
Daddy indeed lol.
FallenMetalGod: I'm glad you liked the chapter and I really hope that I'm keeping them all in character. As for the penthouse and Holt comforting Amy, you'll see in this chapter.
Daua002: You're welcome, I hope you like them all.
Memnon45: Hopefully you'll enjoy this chapter too. As for the Halloween Heists, I think that initially Six will be like Holt was when they first started as not really caring but as the series/time progresses he starts enjoying himself and gets into them.
Isekai Me Please: Thanks, man.
TheClowningPrince: I think that she secretly likes that somebody is calling her by her actual name, and since Six has been doing every day since he arrived to suddenly start calling her Rosa just feels weird.
UndeadLord22: A very good chance.
1971kr: Thanks, appreciate the kind words.
Savior16: Thank God that Six can't hear her thoughts. And if there are other Spartans that get included in this story it won't be the Chief, but rather Spartans that have some connection to Six such as fellow Spartan-III's.
Lomada: What seems out of character for Six these last two chapters? The fact that he comforted Amy after she was left traumatized. And I wasn't aware that I was lonely, seems like you're projecting. But you did bring up some good points hence why I changed a few things last chapter; as for the floor, I just thought that it looked more professional if it said what was on said floors.
Guest: What bit?
Statess: Thanks man, glad you liked it.
gabekaykwok: Yes, there will be other shows added to this verse/story.
Darth Ralan: I wouldn't say conditioned rather it just sounds weird Six calling her Rosa; that and she secretly likes someone calling her by her actual name.
Jestalnaker94000: Thanks, and it really is. Jake should count himself fortunate that ONI don't exist there, or he might mysteriously vanish. And the only Zombie story idea I had was attempting a Halo x Walking Dead crossover with Six saving Sophia with the two having a Lee/Clementine, Joel/Ellie dynamic.
Guest: Then here you go!
War Sage: I'm glad you liked it; and as you can see this one was much, much quicker.
And I'm sure that Six and Cox wouldn't describe their relationship as a friendship lol.
That she is, unless she just moves on and gets with Turk; it depends on who bad she wants to get with Six; and that she does...which probably just makes her want him more.
Yeah, poor Amy; but she'll get past it.
I think that Rosa secretly likes Six/Jericho calling her Rosalita.
Yes imagine Jake reaction if he ends up meeting Max; I'm sure that the girls will be a little envious of Max's girls lol.
Sixfan29: Thanks man. If Carla wants anything to happen, she gonna have to make the first movie on out emotionally stunted supersoldier; and if she does she's going to learn firsthand the ridiculous stamina that Spartans possess...you can't help but feel sorry for her.
We might do, yeah.
Krieger Techpriest: Indeed!
Octavio Sumarkho: Good news, you don't have to wait nearly as long as you did last time! And honestly, I think that the only species that the squad would have a chance of beating are Jackals. While it might not seem like it due to the games, Grunts are much stronger than humans and Brutes are both stronger and faster than Spartans.
Guest: We'll see.
Guest: Well, you might be getting your wish. If Six does get a harem, which is a strong possibility, Amy and Rosa will definitely be included.
Brainstorm Sorcerer: Fortunately for Six those questions are few and far in-between...although that might chance, who knows. And yes, Six was offered a Nobel prize for his work in cybernetics. Yeah, anything to rub it in the face of David lol. Personally, I think that Six is a borderline troll. I think that it's a little bit of both for Amy, it also didn't hurt that Six had his shirt off.
I think that Jake does; actually, he mentioned it in an early episode where he was telling a story to Holt who told him not to do voices.
For Jordan do you mean as in she's attracted to him? If so, probably not since while they might claim otherwise, Six and Cox are friends and unlike with Petey, Six wouldn't do that to him. Amy might do, yeah. I haven't really thought about where the penthouse is based right now but was thinking the Financial District. The suit is just what he wears for work seeing it as a uniform.
I think that Six will have quite a few admirers, whether he realizes is another story altogether. Yep, despite what Six and Cox claim the two are friends. And I think that the squad will keep pestering Amy until she gives in and tells/takes them to Jericho's penthouse/apartment building. Terry is free...for the moment; but come on, it's Gina. She not about to let her Tear-Bear go that easily.
Chapter 18.
Watching as Jericho disappeared around the corner as he went off to collect the shooter from the Interrogation Room, Amy slowly wandered over to her desk and sat down in the seat. Looking around the room to see everyone working, she suddenly felt like she didn't belong there anymore after everything that had happened.
While she had been asked to assist Charles and Jake find the waitress that had been seen fleeing before the shooter opened fire, she doubted that they'd need her help, nor would they want it. They had all seen the footage from the penthouse meaning they saw how pathetic she had been and how she had nearly gotten Jericho killed because she hadn't noticed the shooter in time.
Jericho has said that he was fine, that he would happily have given his life if it meant keeping her safe and while it still made her heart flutter a little it didn't change the fact that he could have died because of her. The violent flashback of him turning around with his shirt becoming a deep crimson red from when he had been shot repeatedly protecting her surface, as did the crippling feeling of shame and guilt that came with it along with...
"Here you go, Amy." Scully said, pulling her from her thoughts just in time to see him place a mug down on her desk. "A cup of tea with a little extra sugar than usual."
"And some cookies." Hitchcock followed up, placing a small plate of chocolate chip cookies down in front of Amy. "They always go down great with tea."
Amy smiled at Hitchcock and Scully, appreciating the gesture. "Thanks, guys." She told them just as a large hand rested gently on her shoulder. Looking to see who it was, she found Terry smiling down at her.
"You okay, Amy?"
Not wanting him to be worried, Amy put on a fake smile. "I'm fine." She insisted, desperately trying to maintain that illusion, not just because she didn't want anyone to be worried about her, but because she wanted to return to some sort of normality.
"You know," Terry began slowly, delicately breeching the subject. "If there is one thing I've learned from being a father than it's when my kids are hiding things from me." He remarked softly, smiling kindly and when Amy's eyes shifted slightly, he pressed a little more. "And I don't just mean my biological ones."
Getting chocked up, Amy looked away as her eyes started watering again. "I-I'm fine, really." She promised as her voice broke a little. Whatever resolve she had crumbled the second that Terry pulled her into a one-armed and she finally broke down. Tears slowly rolling down her face, a sob escaped her lips. "I-I'm s-sorry."
"What are you sorry for?" Terry asked consolingly, hugging Amy who openly sobbed and accepted the hug as she leaned into him. "You did nothing wrong."
Sniffling, Amy shook her head. "I-I should have done more."
"You did everything you could." Rather than Terry, Jake spoke up as he and Charles walked over. "And everyone here knows it."
"No, I didn't." Amy retorted through her tears, fiercely disagreeing with Jake. "I didn't do anything. Everyone was dying around me, and I just froze up..."
Charles interrupted. "Anyone would in your place."
"Jericho didn't." Amy shot back, knowing that Charles was just trying to make her feel better. "He could've died protecting me..."
Jake interjected. "But he didn't. We all saw him; he was the picture of health and wearing a snazzy new suit to boot." He added earning nods all around. "If he was hurt, like really hurt, do you think that the hospital would've let him out?"
"Jake's right." Terry stated, subtly sending a look of approval to the typically immature detective. "If not for the fact that we were told, nobody would even know that he was shot; and I'm certain that Jericho wouldn't want you worrying about him."
"Still doesn't change the fact that I nearly got him killed."
A box of tissues was suddenly held out in front of Amy. "You didn't. The lunatic with the gun did." Gina told her firmly, offering her a tissue to wipe her tears. "And it's a good thing that beefcake did, if you died who would I bully over their terrible sense of fashion?"
Sniffing, a tearful laugh escaped Amy's lips. "That's true." She murmured, accepting one of the tissues and wiped her eyes. "But none of you saw the state of his back once his shirt was off; it was like something out of a horror movie. You didn't see the blood covering his seat of his Chevelle, he was literally sitting in a pool of his own blood because of me."
"Amy." The woman in question jumped when Captain Holt suddenly spoke up, shocking her when he called her Amy rather than Santiago. Looking past everyone, she saw him approaching with the AFT Agent standing off at the side with a weapons case in hand. "Could we talk in my office?"
"You don't have too..."
"I want too." Holt replied softly, approaching her, and resting his hand on her shoulder. "Please." He added gently, getting a slow nod from Amy.
"Okay." Amy agreed, her voice a little nasally from her snivelling. Getting up from her seat, she went to follow Holt as he gestured towards his office only to stop when Jericho and Rosa walked around the corner escorting the shooter that was cuffed, though the latter looked annoyed.
She had seen him before when Jericho had caught him and carried him down the stairs of the penthouse but seeing him again once the adrenaline had worn off, a cold chill ran down her spine as she stared at the man that murdered all those people and would have murdered her if Jericho hadn't been there to shield her from the bullets, putting his own life on the line just to keep her safe.
"Thank you, Detective. I'll take him off your hands." Special Agent Hirsch said, approaching Jericho and Rosa.
While Rosa looked disgruntled, Jericho nodded. "Do you have your own handcuffs?"
"I don't." Hirsch informed Jericho. "But I'll be sure to return them once I have more for you." He explained getting another nod from Jericho who handed him the keys to the cuffs which he accepted before giving him the shooter. Once he had him by the cuffs, he looked at Holt. "Once I learn more I'll be in contact, captain."
"I look forward to hearing from you." Holt stated, his hand still resting on Amy's shoulder that he felt tense up the moment that Diaz and Reach escorted the shooter into the room.
Hirsch offered a small nod. "I won't keep you." Bidding them all goodbye, he pushed the shooter forward to get them moving and left the Bullpen, headed inside the elevator, and pushed the button making the door close, leaving the large group of detectives.
"So, why exactly did we just hand over the shooter?" Jake asked what was on everyone minds, well, almost everybody's mind.
"Because the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives has jurisdiction over this case, Peralta." Holt explained to Jake before turning to look at Jericho who was still staring at the elevator and appeared to be deep in thought. "And I apologize if I came across as apathetic, to both of you." He said looking between him and Amy, pulling the latter from his thoughts. "That was certainly not my intention."
"It's fine, captain." Amy replied softly, her voice a whisper of what it usually was. "You had a lot going on."
"That is no excuse." Holt countered, strongly disagreeing. "You both witnessed a terrible tragedy, one that was thankfully stopped because of your actions."
"I did nothing."
Jericho clearly disagreed. "You preformed proficiently."
"Everyone here knows that isn't true. They all saw the recording from the security camaras..."
"Then they saw that it was you and not me that calmed the crowd." Jericho voiced, putting emphasis on you as he looked solely on Amy. "How you stopped them from panicking, reassured them that the situation was being dealt with and to remain calm." He finished getting a small, appreciative smile from the brunette.
Rosa followed up once Jericho was done. "It was pretty badass how you carried on even with everything going on."
"Diaz and Reach are correct." Holt concurred with the two. "Even traumatized, and naturally so, you acted professionally and did your job to the letter." He praised Amy who smiled a little more. "But I do believe that we were heading into my office. Reach, if you would like to join us."
"Negative, sir." Jericho politely declined. "I have a job to do."
Holt observed Jericho for a moment. "Are you capable? You were shot repeatedly to my understanding."
"Not the first time."
"...Very well." Holt relented, mostly because he knew of his past endeavours throughout the NYPD; although he did not like the casualness in which he spoke about receiving physical trauma. "But do not overexert yourself."
"Acknowledged."
"Hmmm." Holt hummed through a nod, then looked at Amy. "Shall we?" He asked motioning towards his office, getting a small nod from the traumatized detective before the two headed off.
"Don't forget your tea, Amy." Scully called out with a smile, stopping the pair. Picking up the mug and plate of cookies, he handed them over to Amy who took them with a grateful smile before they disappeared into his office with the door closing.
Happy that Amy was willing to talk to somebody rather than keeping it bottled inside, Terry addressed the rest of the squad. "Alright, we still have that lead to follow up on."
"Yeah, our only one." Rosa growled through gritted teeth. "Still can't believe that we just handed the shooter over; feels like the Vulture just swooped in."
Jake hissed at her. "You know it's bad luck to say his name, Rosa!"
"You're probably wondering who the Vulture..."
"Detective Pembrooke of Major Crimes; I'm aware of who he is." Six informed Charles, cutting him off before he could finish. "And the waitress is not our only lead." Slipping his hand into his waistcoat, he pulled out the bag that stored the bullet fragments. "These were removed from me."
Squinting to get a better look, Jake's eyes suddenly widened. "Let me guess, your muscles are so thick that bullets shatter on impact."
"No."
"Awww."
Ignoring Jake disappointed whine, Six continued. "I was shot a total of five times and each one was a fragment rather than an actual bullet. The weapon that it was fired from is Next-Gen, at least according to Special Agent Hirsch."
"I'm guessing that's what was in the weapon case he was holding?" Rosa concluded.
Six nodded. "Most likely, Rosalita.
"Do we know anything else about the weapon?" Charles asked Jericho. "Such as how the shooter got possession of it?"
"Only that it was Bullpup." Six told Charles. "And my hypothesis was that the shooter was there to assassinate Ronald Dawson...but it is entirely possible that this waitress that Jake spotted was the true target."
"Or she just had a fight or flight response."
"Hm." Six grunted, agreeing with Rosalita. "That too."
Terry looked at Charles and Jake. "Have you two discovered her identity yet?" He questioned the two of them.
"Not yet Sarge." Jake answered for the two of them. "We're still tracing the phone number that the catering company gave us."
"While you two do that." Terry said, not so subtly dismissing Charles and Jake who went back over to where they had been working before coming over after seeing the state that Amy was in. "Scully and Hitchcock,"
"Yes, Sarge?" Scully asked, speaking for them both.
"Take the bullet fragments off Jericho and take them down to Forensics." Terry ordered Scully, getting an enthusiastic not from him before doing exactly as he was told and took the bag from Jericho and left the Bullpen to do exactly that. "As for you two, well...Rosa, why don't you help out Charles and Jake."
"Whatever." Rosa shrugged indifferently before walking off.
Once Rosa was gone, Terry looked at Jericho. "And you should just take it easy."
"That will not be necessary."
"You were shot, Jericho."
"Shot; as in past tense."
"You were still shot. " Terry pointed out firmly. "And without any anaesthetic to numb the pain I'm sure that you're just putting on a brave face."
"Not..."
The muscular Sergeant cut him off. "Does Terry have to order you to go and sit down? Terry doesn't want too, but Terry will."
"...Acknowledged." Jericho relented, if somewhat reluctantly before turning and walked off in the direction of his desk oblivious to the large smile that Terry had on his face, as well as the little fist pump that he did.
"I'm sorry for making such a scene out there." Amy apologized quietly, nursing the tea that Scully had made her as she and Holt sat on the couch in his office. "You must think that I'm pathetic."
"Not at all." Holt insisted staunchly. "You suffered an emotional shock, and rightly so. Everything that you are feeling right now is completely natural; you have nothing to feel ashamed of."
"I still should have done more." Amy muttered softly as she stared down into her mug. "If I had then..."
Holt cut Amy off gently. "It is easy to say that now you have had time to think about all the little things that you could have done differently, but in the moment, it is never that simple."
"I was trained..."
"Yes, we are trained to deal with those situations, but those tests never take human emotion into consideration; and despite the terrible things that we see in this job we are still human. We cannot just shut off our emotions because it is convenient, even if at times it would certainly make things simpler."
"It would." Amy strongly agreed with him. "I just," She hesitated and felt her eyes starting to water again. Looking at Holt, she saw him waiting patiently rather than pressing her. "I can't stop hearing the gunshots going off and the screams of the people as Jericho held me protectively, shielding me from the bullets that would've killed me if he hadn't put himself them and me, not even caring that he could have died doing so."
"I remember him turning around and his back was covered with so much blood that he should've died and yet he didn't even seem to acknowledge that he had been shot and chased after the shooter, the dead bodies and screams not fazing him at all. Even with all the blood, both his own and from the people that were shot he carried on, even the crystal blue water turning a crimson red didn't bother him...which I guess makes sense considering his comment about mass graves."
Her comment left Holt puzzled. "Mass graves?"
"It's just what he told Jake when he asked Jericho if seeing the bodies bothered him." Amy explained, revealing what Jericho had told everyone. "He just said that walk among enough mass graves and the sight becomes as familiar as your own heartbeat."
While Holt revealed nothing, he did not like that remark one bit...but it would explain a great deal. "I see."
"He said that it was from when he was in the military...as did the rest of Noble Team, I guess."
Holt looked at her curiously. "He mentioned Noble Team?" He asked and if so, that was certainly progress.
"Not exactly." Amy asked shaking her head. "He gave me his dog tags to hold before going to get X-rayed. While I waited for him, I looked at the names that were engraved into the tags." She explained to the captain with her eyes glazing over in thought. "They must have meant a lot to him."
"I'm certain that they did." Holt agreed with her. "And according to his Psych evaluation it was the last time that he ever allowed himself to grow close to anyone due to, and I quote, refusing to allow myself to become emotionally compromised again, end quote."
Amy frowned as she thought about the man that had saved her life. "He refuses to allow himself to care about people?" She quizzed, having a hard time believing that after he had comforted her even while being shot.
"While he might claim that his actions speak otherwise." Holt stated, disputing what Reach believed. "Over the last decade he has put his life on the line countless times showing that he still cares a great deal about his fellow man, despite his PTSD."
"...Jericho has PTSD?"
Before Holt could confirm there was a knock on the door. "Come in." The captain beckoned with the door opening to reveal the towering form of Terry standing in the doorway.
"Sorry for interrupting, captain, but I thought that you should know that we've discovered the address of the waitress." Terry explained to Holt from over by the door. "Jericho wishes to leave right away in hopes of finding her before she flees."
"Very well. Have him take Diaz with him and..."
"I'd like to go with Jericho."
Both Holt and Terry looked at her. "Are you sure?" The former asked gently.
"I am." Amy nodded, answering Holt. "This is my case and I want; I need to get to the bottom of it and find out why this happened. Please, captain."
Holding his gaze for a few seconds longer, Holt granted her request. "Very well. Go with Jericho, but don't feel like you have anything to prove."
"I know. Thank you, captain." Amy told him, even managing to muster up a small smile. Grabbing the plate of cookies that were resting on her lap, she got up and carried both the plate and mug of tea past Terry who gave her an encouraging smile as she walked past. Feeling a little better after comforted by both the squad and Captain Holt, not to mention reassured by Jericho that she had done something, she placed the items on her desk.
Placing the tea and plate of cookies on her desk, she walked over to where Jericho was also sitting at his desk along with Rosa.
"Ready?"
Amy smiled a little that Jericho didn't feel the need to coddle her and ask her whether she was sure that she wanted to go just because she was a woman and instead treated her how he would Charles, Jake, Terry, Hitchcock, Scully, etc, etc. "Yep."
Jericho nodded before getting up and towering over her. "Then let's go." He told her and went to head off, but before they could get too far...
"Are you sure you're going to be all right?" Charles asked carefully.
"I'm fine, Charles." Amy insisted with a smile.
"Are you sure?" Jake followed up, just as concerned about his friend as everyone else was. "You don't have to go if you're not feeling up to it."
"I want too." Amy told Jake through a small smile. "And I'm feeling a lot better after talking with everyone...and having a little cry helps." She finished lightly before looking at Jericho who was waiting patiently. "I'm ready."
No words needing to be said, Jericho offered her a small nod before the two left the Bullpen and headed back into the elevator. Waiting until the door closed and they were out of earshot, Jake looked at the others. "Do you think she's really feeling better or just putting on a brave face so that we wouldn't worry?"
"Amy's tough, she'll be fine." Rosa voiced lounging in her seat and waited for something to do know that they had discovered the identity of the waitress.
"I know, but" Jake paused, trying to word it correctly. "She just watched people get gunned down a few hours ago and now she's heading back out there. I've never gone through that but if it did happen to me, I'd probably need more time."
Charles nodded at his best friend. "Me too. But at least Jericho is with her."
"True." Jake muttered, though it still didn't make him feel any better. "What did you think about that mass grave stuff?"
Rosa looked sharply at Jake. "Mass grave?"
"Yeah." Jake nodded grimly. "I was just making conversation, you know, as I do."
"Unfortunately."
"Hurtful." Jake pouted but continued. "But as I was saying before I was rudely interrupted." He said throwing Rosa a mock glare who ignored it entirely. "I asked him whether seeing all those bodies bothered him and he just retorted, walk though enough mass graves and the sight becomes as familiar as your own heartbeat. Which you know, aside from making him sound like a total badass, it's a pretty terrifying thought."
"Hmmm." Rosa hummed in thought. "What else did he say?"
"Just that he used to be a Headhunter."
"Which still sounds awesome...whatever it is."
Rosa nodded with Jake. "Agreed."
Sitting back behind his Shelby Mustang GT500, Six raced through New York City and headed to the address that Charles, Jake, and Rosalita had managed to get from the catering company and traced the cell phone of the waitress that had fled. The name that she had given was fake implying that she was living off the grid, that or hiding; and if she was hiding there was a chance that she did know the shooter that Hirsch taken with him.
Speaking of which, there was something about the man that rubbed him the wrong way. There seemed to be more to his initial surprise upon seeing him, his concern not feeling heartfelt. Perhaps he was being paranoid, and he probably was, but as Mendez had drilled into him and every other member of Beta-Company, trust your gut because it was usually right.
Then again, Mendez said a lot that didn't make sense such as machines break, eyes don't, which wasn't true at all. Of course eyes could break. Eyes could be stabbed, shot, there was vision impairment and a long rang of other medical conditions. Granted you could just get your eyes flash cloned in the twenty-sixth century if anything happened to them, but that wasn't the point.
While Six was busy monologuing, Amy sat in silence but kept glancing at him. The revelation that he had Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder weighing heavily on her mind, but it made a lot of sense. Between watching his parents being killed and being the sole survivor of Noble Team; at least she assumed that he was, it was possible that there was more than six members, but after constantly losing the people that he loved it had to take a toll.
It really made what she was feeling pale in comparison. Whereas the visceral memory of what happened at the penthouse was horrific and continued to play in her head, she had no connection to those people. She couldn't even begin to imagine how horrible it must have been to endure that pain alone.
He had no friends, no family, nothing. One of the most, if not the most successful men on the planet and he had nobody to share it with; she couldn't imagine anything worse. While she didn't have a boyfriend at least she still had her loved ones...even David.
Privately, she really wanted to ask Jericho how he dealt with it but didn't want to come across as insensitive. Then there was the fact that she didn't know how he would respond if she brought up that she knew that he had PTSD. In the time that she had known him he had never once raised his voice, not even to Hitchcock and Scully, but there was a chance that if she mentioned it that he would explode at her; especially since most that had PTSD refused to acknowledge that they had it.
Amy was suddenly pulled from her thoughts when she felt them slowing down. Pulling herself back to reality, she watched as Jericho stopped outside of an apartment that looked a little rundown.
"Let's hope that she's still here." Six voiced getting a nod from Amy. switching the engine off before the two climbed out. Not bothering to lock the Shelby since even if it was stolen, he could just call it back along with the thief, they headed into the apartment and onto the floor that the cell phone had been traced too.
Arriving outside the apartment door that like the rest of the building's interior was grubby and in poor shape, but still nowhere near as bad as the apartment that he and Rosalita had visited on his first case at the Nine-Nine, the Spartan knocked on the door. Waiting for a few moments and when there was no response, he knocked again just to be certain that nobody was in there. "NYPD."
"Maybe she already left?" Amy offered as she stood behind Jericho. "It's been a few hours since the shooting giving her plenty of time to grab some things and get out of the city."
Six nodded slowly, knowing that Amy was right. It was moments like this that being a vigilante or working for ONI were preferable since he didn't need to waste time waiting for a warrant to search the premisses. "Hm." He grunted, acknowledging the wisdom in her words. "Guess we have no choice but too..."
Whatever he was going to say was interrupted when footsteps filled the hallway. Looking where they were coming from, Six and Amy saw a young woman standing at the end of the hallway holding a plastic bag. Seeing the terrified expression, she had the moment that she saw them, Six intervened. "Relax, we're..." Before he could fully explain the woman dropped the bag, turned, and ran.
Chasing after her, Six sprinted down the halls with Amy running behind him, trying to catch up with the supersoldier. Heading around the corner, he arrived at the stairs that went up and down. "I'm heading up!" He called over his shoulder, informing his partner before rushing up the stairs and followed the waitress that was currently their best lead right now.
Running up the stairs, crossing numerous steps with a single bound, he quickly caught up to the woman who was racing towards the rooftop and grabbed her arm making her scream. Feeling her fighting back to free herself from him, Six captured her arms and held her in place. "I'm not going to hurt you, Ma'am." He spoke softly, looking into her eyes that were filled with fear. "I'm Detective Jericho Reach of the NYPD. If you need to see my credentials, I can show them to you."
"J-Jericho Reach?" The woman repeated with a heavy accent. "Y-You were on the news, you were there."
Six nodded. "As were you." He stated calmly. "I'm going to release you; I would appreciate if you didn't run." Getting a small nod from her, he did exactly that and took a few steps back to give her some space.
"How did you find me?"
"We tracked your cellular device."
"My cellular...you mean my cell phone?"
"Hm."
Her breath caught in her mouth, fear filling her dark brown eyes. "Then so can he."
"He?"
"Please, you must let me go." The woman pleaded, tears filling her eyes. "I have to get out of here before he finds me."
Frowning, Six continued. "Who are you hiding from..."
"Natasha."
"Who are you hiding from, Natasha?" Six asked softly making her shake her head.
"It doesn't matter. You can't protect us from him."
Watching as her hand unconsciously went up to her pelvis, Six eyes widened slightly. "Your pregnant." He voiced getting a small nod from Natasha. "And I can protect you."
"Not from him."
"Yes, I can." Six proclaimed strongly. "I swear on my life that I will protect you and your unborn child; I just need you to trust me."
Natasha said nothing at first before slowly nodding. "Okay."
"Thank you, Natasha." Six gave her a small, but reassuring nod. "I'm going to take you back to my precinct; but before that how about we go and retrieve the items you dropped?" He suggested getting a slight smile from Natasha and motioned for her to head down the stairs.
Running out of the building and onto the street, Amy looked around for any sign of the waitress that had fled the moment that she had laid eyes on them. Looking through the crowd of people that walked down the pavement, she sighed and ran her hands through her hair in frustration when she was nowhere to be seen.
It was possible that she had gone up and Jericho had caught her but would've made more sense for her to go down and disappear into the crowd or jumped into a car and fled the scene...which she most likely did. Once again, she felt like a complete and utter failure. She had one job and she failed at that, only this time nobody had died because she hadn't done enough.
While she felt a little better after having a little cry and being comforted by everyone at the Nine-Nine, not to mention Captain Holt's words, it still didn't change the fact that all those people had died because she hadn't noticed the shooter. If only she had looked up and...
As she looked up for added affect, Amy's eyes widened when she spotted the glimmering from where the sunlight reflected of the end of a scope that was mounted onto a sniper rifle that another shooter with a balaclava was holding as they stood on the rooftop to the building next to the one that she had just left. Without hesitation, she pulled her gun from her holster startling the people that saw it.
"NYPD, EVERYONE MOVE!" Amy shouted at the crowd that screamed and scrambled to get away. As everyone rushed past her, she pointed her gun at the shooter just as they turned to look down at the street upon hearing the commotion. Determined not to allow anyone else to die today, she aimed and pulled the trigger making the shooter jump to cover.
Her hands trembling from the adrenaline of firing her weapon outside of a shooting range, which she had never actually done before, Amy took cover by Jericho's Shelby and kept her gun pointed at the building and waited for the shooter to resurface.
"Report."
Hearing Jericho's voice, Amy briefly glanced over to the front of the building to see him holding his own weapon with one hand whole the other was placed protectively on the waitress, revealing that she had gone up rather than down.
"I spotted someone aiming a sniper rifle at the building from that rooftop over there." Amy informed Jericho and heard a gasp coming from the woman.
"Oh, god. He's found me."
Confused what she meant; Amy heard Jericho speak up. "I gave you my word that I would protect you and your child, Natasha; and I intend to do just that." He told the woman who she discovered was called Natasha. "And do you still see them?"
"No." Amy replied, still pointing her gun at the building, waiting for him to resurface.
"Alright, I want you to get in the car and take Natasha back to the precinct." Jericho told her firmly. "The shooter is most likely here for her."
"W-What?" Amy questioned incredulously, both at the reveal and the order. "I can't just..."
"On three you're both going to jump into the car while I cover your escape in case the shooter is still up there." Jericho continued, his voice calm and composed. Looking at him from where she was crouching, Amy saw him giving her a confident, reassuring nod. "Okay. 1. 2. 3, GO!" He shouted pulling Natasha out, shielding her with his body and came out onto the street and pointed his own weapon at the building as he kept an eye out for the shooter on the rooftop.
Having no choice but to trust Jericho, Amy jumped into the Shelby Mustang and started the engine just as the passenger door opened and Natasha was practically thrown into the car. The second that she was, Jericho slammed the door shut before banging the back of the Mustang. "Get out of here!"
Putting her foot down on the accelerator, Amy almost lost control when the steering wheel was snatched from her hands due to the Mustang having more power than she was expecting. Gripping the wheel tightly, the engine thundered as she shot away and raced down the street to get Natasha to safety.
After securing the area with the rest of the police that had shown up after being called, Six pulled up outside the precinct. Climbing out of his Pontiac GTO, he grabbed his phone and sent her home before walking towards the entrance and heading inside.
Stepping into the building, Six headed up the stairs and into the elevator. Pressing the button, the door closed, and the room shifted as it ascended to the fourth floor. Waiting for a few moments, the room shifted once more, and the door opened. Leaving the elevator and walking out onto the fourth floor, he was immediately greeted by everyone aside from Amy, Terry, and Captain Holt.
"You're back!" Jake exclaimed as he and the others got up from their desks and walked over to meet him. "Did you manage to catch them?"
Six shook his head. "Negative. The shooter was long gone by the time that I reached the rooftop and the NYPD shut the block down." He explained to the group, frustrated that they had gotten away. "Amy seemed to have scared them off; speaking of which, where is she."
"Down in the interrogation room with Holt and Terry." Rosa told him.
"Noted." Six nodded at Rosalita. Bidding them goodbye, he turned and headed for the Interrogation Room to check up on Natasha, assuming that was where Amy had taken her.
Walking down the hallway, he quickly reached the Interrogation Room for a second time that day. Opening the door and heading into the room that housed the two-way mirror, he found Amy and Holt inside and staring into the main room, the former looking relived to see him.
"Welcome back, Detective." Holt greeted through a small nod as Jericho entered the room and closed the door behind him. "Were you successful in apprehending the second shooter?"
"Negative. They were gone before I could reach the rooftop." Six explained, repeating what he had told the others. "Fortunately thanks to Amy's actions we suffered no casualties." He said making the woman in question stand up a little straighter.
"Hmmm. Indeed." Holt concurred with Jericho. "Your actions saved a lot of lives today, Santiago."
Amy blushed a little at the praise she received from both Captain Holt and Jericho, her future rabbi and the undisputed greatest cop in the entire NYPD, even if the latter would argue otherwise. "I was just doing my job."
"Hmmm."
"Hm."
The brunette looked between the two and wondered if they noticed just how similar they sounded to one another.
"How is she?"
"Shaken and naturally so." Holt told Six, his eyes never leaving the interrogation room as he watched as Terry spoke to the young woman that Amy had brought in. "But her possible assassination attempt proves that she is more than just a simple waitress."
"She is." Six confirmed making Amy and Holt look at him. "When I found her and revealed that we tracked her by her cellular device she was terrified because if we could then so could he."
"He?" Holt questioned.
"She never said." Six informed Holt as Amy listened in. "But whomever she was referring to, she is afraid of him."
"Then maybe the shooter and whomever she is hiding from are connected." Amy suggested out loud. "And perhaps even the shooter from the penthouse."
Holt nodded. "A good hypothesis, Santiago. Unfortunately, we will not more until Special Agent Hirsch returns." He told her before returning his attention back to Terry who was still speaking to the woman.
"So, what happened?" Terry asked gently, his voice coming through the intercom.
"I was working at a bar in Washington when I started dating this man. I thought that it was love." Natasha told Terry though a bitter smile, her lips trembling and looked to be on the verge of tears. "One day, I took picture of him, and I wanted to send it to my family. He got mad. He took out SIM card and microwaved it."
"And what's this lovely gentlemen's name?"
"Gino Corelli. But I don't think it's real." Natasha revealed. "I was ready to break it off when I got pregnant. I followed him to a motel one day. I peeked in through the window, expecting him to be there with another woman. But instead, there were bags with money and guns in boxes. Then she saw me. And like ice, he shot at me. I was scared, so I came to New York."
"This is the Demon's city, I thought that I would be safe here, that he would never risk coming here knowing that the Demon would come after him...but I was wrong. At the party, there was one of the men from the motel. He saw me, and then..."
Hearing the tremble in her voice, Terry placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "It's okay. You don't need to say anymore, Natasha."
"It's not okay." Natasha shook her furiously as her eyes watered. "Those people are dead because I was at the party. Instead of running, if I had just let them kill me then..."
"Then you and your unborn child would have been the first of many to be killed by that man." Terry finished, comforting Natasha who was clearly traumatized from her ordeal, not to mention suffering from survivor's guilt.
Watching as Terry comforted Natasha, Six looked at Holt. "It seems likely that whoever tried to assassinate her will try again; I recommend putting her in protective custody." He told him getting nod from the captain.
"Agreed."
"I volunteer myself."
Both Amy and Holt looked a little surprised as they stared at Jericho. "You do?"
"Hm." Six confirmed with a firm nod. "I gave her my word that I would keep her and her unborn child safe, I intend to keep that promise, sir."
"That won't be necessary, Reach. We can put her in a safehouse where she will be..."
"The building that my penthouse is situated in is one of the most secure buildings within New York, second only to Noble Industries." Six informed Holt who showed no reaction about him owning a penthouse. "It's outfitted with Bullet-resistant glass meaning that if the shooter should discover her location and attempts to assassinate her again, she will be protected behind the glass...unless they fire at the same spot repeatedly."
Contemplating it for a few moments, Holt eventually nodded. "Very well. She can stay with you tonight and in the morning she'll be placed in Witness Protection. I should contact Special Agent Hirsch and notifying him about Ms Belenko."
"I would prefer if you didn't."
"May I ask why?" Holt questioned curiously.
"I'm currently having a contact of mine running a profile on him." Six explained and when he noticed the quizzical looks that he received from both Amy and Captain Holt, he continued. "When he saw me, I detected trepidation in his tone."
Amy offered an awkward smile. "You're an intimidating sight."
"And an unattractive one, but the fact still remains that there was apprehension to my presence."
"You don't trust him."
"I don't trust anyone." Six answered Holt and while she tried not to show it, Amy felt a little hurt by that.
"Yes, I know." Holt stated recalling what they had spoken about on his first day at the Nine-Nine and what was in his file. "And if this was how you felt why did you not say anything before he took the shooter with him?"
"It is not my place to question the decision of my superior officer, not without causation; and there is a good chance that I'm just paranoid."
Looking at him, Amy offered a disconcerting smile. "And are you?"
"Semper Vigilans."
Amy gasped. "You speak Latin?"
"Inter alias linguas."
"Ooooh, Mamma." Amy said fighting back the urge to throw herself at Jericho upon hearing his fluent Latin; and just when she thought that she couldn't be any more attracted to him.
While impressed with the Latin, Holt steered the conversation back. "And when will this contact of yours conclude their investigation?"
"Once it is completed."
"I would like to see the results of this investigation once it is concluded."
"Acknowledged."
"Hmmm."
Amy looked between, or up in Jericho's case, as the two discussed about the investigation that one of Jericho's contacts was doing on Special Agent Hirsch. Privately, she found it quite attractive that he had contacts. It was just so, so...professional. She didn't have contacts, nor did anyone else of the squad they just used whatever the NYPD provided which was usually quite limited.
"Should I take Natasha with me now?"
"Hmmm." Holt confirmed with a nod. "I shall see you in the morning."
Six returned a nod of his own. "Have a productive evening." He told the two of them before turning and headed for the door.
"Do you need help?" Amy suddenly called after Jericho making him stop. "I mean, it doesn't seem right that you should do all the work and you must be pretty exhausted after being shot. We could take shifts. While one of us sleeps the other can watch Natasha." She blushed furiously when they both looked at her and realized what it sounded like. "Wait, that wasn't what I meant!"
While he had no intention of sleeping having done so a few days ago, Six acknowledged that this was her case too. "Captain?"
"The decision is yours."
"Grab your things."
It took every ounce self-control that Amy had not to do a fist pump or victory dance. "Sure." She said playing it cool. Telling the captain goodbye, she left the room. While Jericho went off to collect Natasha, she headed back to the Bullpen where she found the rest of the squad sitting at their desks either doing paperwork or just relaxing and waiting for something to happen.
"Get anywhere?" Rosa asked drawing everyone's attention making them turn to see Amy walking over.
"We did." Amy answered Rosa as she walked through the Bullpen and towards her desk. "This case just seems to go deeper and deeper the more that we learn."
"Sounds serious."
Amy looked over at Jake. "It is. Turns out that Ronald Dawson wasn't even the target, but rather the woman that I brought in was. The shooter at the party was friends or at least worked with her ex-boyfriend who was a weapons smuggler and tried to kill her when she saw him at a motel with bags of money and crates of weapons; and when he saw her, he, well, you know what happened."
"Shit." Rosa voiced what they were all thinking.
"He killed all those people just to get to her?"
"Yeah." Amy muttered, nodding at Charles.
"Hopefully that AFT Agent will be able to get a name out of him so that he can be charged."
At the mere mention of the AFT Agent, Amy frowned a little. "Jericho doesn't trust him." She told Charles, remembering what he said. "Actually, he said that he doesn't trust anyone."
"Well, that's not hurtful at all." Jake mumbled.
"He probably hasn't since..." Amy quickly stopped herself but realized that she had been too late in doing so as everyone looked at her.
"Since what?"
Hesitating a little, Amy relented with a sigh. "Since Noble Team died and he developed PTSD."
"...Jericho has PTSD?" Jake asked slowly, pretty much mirroring her reaction from earlier that day when she first found out.
"Apparently, at least that's what the captain told me." Amy revealed to everyone that had fallen silent. "While it was never said, I get the feeling that his team dying was what made him leave the military in the first place and hasn't grown close to anybody since, stating that he refuses to become emotionally compromised again."
Processing everything, Jake frowned. "Every time we learn about his past it just gets worse and worse." He remarked glumly, not even feeling like making another comparison between Jericho and Batman.
"Someone really seems to have it out for him." Charles added.
Jake nodded slowly. "Which sucks."
"It does." Amy agreed with Jake, as did Rosa, she just refused to say it out loud. "I need to grab my things."
While everyone looked at her, Rosa was the first speak up. "You know we've still got a few hours before our shift ends, right?"
"You do." Amy returned as she grabbed her purse. "Jericho and I are going back to his penthouse and taking turns in watching over Natasha tonight." She revealed to everyone, stripping the strap across her shoulder.
"Nice." Turning back to the computer, Jake quickly looked back when he realized what Amy said. "Wait, did you just say penthouse? Jericho owns a Penthouse?! Wait, what am I saying? Of course he does, he's a multibillionaire. I bet he has hundreds!"
"I've only seen the one but..."
"You've seen it?!"
Amy nodded at Jake. "Yeah, where do you think he got the fresh suit from?"
"What's it like?"
"Huge."
"Heh, that's what she said."
"Oh, I bet he is." Gina purred coyly, unsettling everyone but Rosa.
Trying to ignore Gina and NOT think about how big Jericho was, Amy continued. "I never went up to the second floor, but the ground floor is easily as big as this room. There is this beautiful fireplace as soon as you enter, a large kitchen, two bars and...
"Wait, not only does he have his own bar but two of them?!"
"Yeah." Amy told Jake who grinned wildly. "One next to the television on the wall, while the other is in the backroom which I guess is his study or office along with the computer and Poker Table."
Jake slammed his fist on the table. "That does it! We have to go there!"
"Not tonight." Amy smirked at him, rubbing salt into the wound. "Jericho and I are working tonight." She told him. However, before she could rub it in his face, Jericho and Natasha turned up, followed by Terry and Holt.
"Ready?"
"Whenever you are!" Amy smiled, discreetly sending a smug look at Jake who grumbled under his breath and started sulking.
"Then we shall see the three of you tomorrow morning." Holt announced as Amy walked over to join Jericho and Natasha. "If there are any problems..."
"Yes, sir." Jericho acknowledged through a small nod, getting a small one back from Holt.
Nothing else needed to be said, Amy, Jericho, and Natasha said their goodbyes, or have a productive night in Jericho's case, before leaving the Bullpen and heading into the elevator with the door closing a few seconds later.
"How come when I have to watch over a witness I never get to stay in some super-awesome penthouse!?" Jake complained loudly, expressing just how unfair it was.
Rosa gave Jake a dull look. "Probably because none of us own a penthouse." She droned, although she really wanted to see this penthouse too; and wondered if it was the penthouse that he was building that bike he mentioned.
"Don't you bring common sense into this!"
While Jake was chastising Rosa who rolled her eyes, Charles looked over at Holt. "Um, captain, is it true that Jericho has PTSD?" He asked carefully making both Holt and Terry stare at him, though the latter looked surprised while the former seemed to be mulling it over before eventually nodding.
"Unfortunately, yes." Holt answered grimly. "Detective Reach does suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; along with a range of other mental disorders."
"...so, Jericho is crazy?"
"Jake!"
"What?!" Jake cried at Terry as everyone looked at him. "I'm just asking; not like I said he was insane."
"It's literally the same thing." Rosa drawled; although it would certainly explain why she found him so fuckin' hot.
"Detective Reach has passed his mental evaluation exam." Holt said simply.
"By a lot?"
"What other mental disorders does he have?"
With a sigh, Terry looked over at Scully who had spoke up. " Survivor's Guilt, for one. Both from watching his parents and..."
"Noble Team die." Rosa finished.
Not questioning how she knew about Noble Team, Terry nodded. "Yeah. Jericho has never spoken about how they died, but it was the reason that he retired from the military and why he keeps a professional relationship with everyone."
"Um, have you not seen him and Rosa?" Jake asked sarcastically thumbing over to where she was sitting. "They practically flirt every chance they get; and while she might act that she hates it, everyone here knows that she likes when he calls her Rosalita."
Rosa narrowed her dark eyes dangerously at Jake. "What was that?!" She growled at him.
"Nothing."
"That's what I thought."
"Ignoring their attraction to one another." Holt intervened stoically getting a snigger from Jake that was quickly silence with a strong punch to the arm making him cry out in pain. "I would advise caution on bringing it up."
Rubbing his now dead arm, Jake replied. "Do we look stupid to you? That would be trying to steal one of Sarge's yogurts." He was glared at for his remark. "It happened one time Terry, let it go!"
"Terry's never letting it go!"
For a third time that day, Six arrived back at his penthouse; only this time with both Amy and Natasha. Driving down the incline, the garage door opened, and he headed inside making Natasha's eyes widen when she saw all the cars throughout the room.
"You own all of these?"
"Hm."
"And you drive them all?"
Slowly driving through the garage and over to the spot that he had taken from Shelby Mustang, Six answered. "No. I typically only drive those that I have classified as my work cars."
"Which I guessing are your muscle cars." Amy assumed getting a nod from Jericho. "So...you never take out the Porsche?" She asked as they drove past a 911 GT3 which was a metallic grey colour that looked so lonely just sitting there unattended.
"No."
"Oh." Amy murmured as she peeked into the wingmirror and caught the Porsche staring back at her almost longingly, almost like it was silently crying out to her to come back and love her. Feeling them slowly down, she watched as Jericho reversed back into spot where he had taken the Shelby from before switching the engine off.
Opening the door and climbing out of the Shelby, Six pulled the seat forward allowing Natasha to climb out. Once she did, he closed the door just as Amy got out on her side and closed hers before the three of them made their way through the garage and towards the elevator, though Natasha got a little distracted as she continued to look around at all the cars in the room.
Stepping inside the elevator, he waited until both Amy and Natasha were inside before pressing the touchscreen panel and tapping the seventh floor making the door close, followed by the room shifted as it ascended. Waiting for a few moments, the door opened as they reached the penthouse floor with Six gesturing for them both to step out.
"Oh, wow." Natasha awed as she looked around. "Your home is very beautiful." She complimented; a statement that Amy agreed with.
"It serves it purpose."
Amy lifted an inquisitive brow. "Which is?"
"A place to stay during the week." Six answered as he walked past them and made his way into the kitchen. "Do you both require nutrition?"
Both following him into the kitchen, Amy smiled at his odd choice of words. "Do you mean would we like something to eat?"
"That's what I said."
"Um, yes please." Natasha replied with a smile and watched as Jericho, the man that swore that he would protect her and the baby that she was currently carrying that he would protect them from Gino or whatever his real name was, opened the cupboard draw and pulled out several packets and placed them on the counter.
Walking over to the counter, both Amy and Natasha looked at the wide variety of MRE's that were on display, none of which looked all that appetizing. Admittingly they couldn't actually see what was inside on the silver packets, but it was an MRE, how enjoyable could dry, dehydrated food be? "Um, is there anything else?"
"Yes."
"Oh, thank God."
"I have a wide range of variety for you to choose from."
While she couldn't be certain, Amy could've sworn that Jericho was messing with her...she suddenly realized that he wasn't when he went back into the cupboard and pulled out several others.
It was few hours later; and after setting up the rooms for Amy and Natasha, Six could be found sitting in front of his computer and reviewing the file that had been composed regarding Special Agent Bennett Hirsch.
Much like himself, Internal Affairs were also investigating Hirsch believing him to be an Illegal Arms Dealer with connections to Jack Kirstein, a weapons tester that worked at Stonehill Industrial Group; a private arms contractor that manufactured the MG-10, the weapon that the shooter used at the party.
Hearing his phone ring with a ringtone that was reserved for one person, Six picked it up and placed it against his ear. "Yep."
"You might be interested to know that I have just sighted Jack Kirstein heading in the direction of Coney Island." Dot informed him over the phone rather than letting her voice come through the speakers throughout the penthouse.
"Quite the way out from Portland."
"Indeed. Additionally, I have traced Special Agent Hirsch cell phone to a warehouse located in Coney Island."
"Acknowledged. Send me the address." Six ordered before hanging the phone up and got up out the chair and made his way out of the backroom. Following the sound of the television, he found Amy and Natasha on the couch watching television.
Feeling someone watching her, Amy looked over her shoulder to see Jericho standing there who threw his head to the side before walking around the corner. Getting the message, she excused herself and followed him around the corner to find him placing his gun holster on. "What's going on?"
"I need you to stay here with Natasha while I follow up on a lead." Six whispered, not wanting Natasha to hear them.
A pit forming in her stomach, Amy crossed her arms. "What sort of lead?"
"One that could put this case to rest." Six answered cryptically making Amy frown.
"Sounds ominous."
"Hm."
Not liking that grunt one bit, Amy continued. "Is it dangerous?"
"Everything can be dangerous."
"Jericho."
Hearing her worried tone, Six placed his hand on her shoulder. "I'll be fine." He promised through a whisper. "Just keep an eye on Natasha."
"I could call the squad."
"There's no time." Six argued getting a worried frown from Amy. "I need to get going; I'll see you when I get back." He told her. Removing his hand from her shoulder, he turned and started walking away only for a hand to suddenly grab his making him stop and look back to see her with an uneasy expression.
"Be careful." Amy whispered, hating the fact that for a second time that day she was just leaving him in the firing zone. It was hard enough doing so when he had told her to get Natasha to safety and not knowing if the shooter would kill him, but now? She didn't even know what he was walking into other than it was dangerous.
Offering her a small nod, Six gave her hand a small squeeze to reassure her that he'd be fine. Letting their hands slip from one another again, he turned and made his way across the penthouse and into the elevator. Tapping the floor for the garage making the door close, he caught Amy still looking at him before it closed completely, and he headed down.
Watching as the elevator door closed, Amy sighed still not feeling any better even after Jericho had given her hand a reassuring squeeze. Putting on a fake smile, she walked back into the room and sat down on the couch next to Natasha.
"Is everything okay?"
Whether she heard their conversation or she just wasn't all that convincing, Amy offered her a smile. "Jericho was just called away for a moment; he shouldn't be long." She lied through her teeth, not actually knowing if she would see him again. It was stupid just letting him go alone not knowing what he was face. "God, please be okay."
Sitting in their patrol car, two cops could be seen scanning the cars that went past making sure that they were abiding by the speed limit and checking that their plates were up to date; something that they had been for the last few hours.
"How long do we have to do this for?"
"What's wrong Rookie? Police work not as exciting as you thought it would be?" The older of the two asked around his cup of cheap coffee that had gone cold ages ago.
The younger of the two briefly looked at him. "I just thought that my first month out of the academy would be a little more interesting than this. I thought that we'd be doing actual Police Work."
"This is actual Police Work."
"You know what I mean, Sarge. Where are the shootouts, the high-speed chases?"
The Sergeant chuckled at his naivety, secretly wondering if he had been like that at his age. "You've watched to many movies."
"No, I've..." Whatever the Rookie was about to say was cut off when the roar of an engine thundered, and a black blur shot past them. Looking down at the radar gun, he saw 196MPH displayed across it making his eyes almost fall from his sockets. "What the hell was..."
"Reach." The Sergeant voiced casually as he took a sip of his coffee.
The Rookie looked at him sharply. "Reach. You mean Jericho Reach, the Jericho Reach?" He asked barely managing to hold back his excitement regarding the living legend of the NYPD, one that everyone at the academy inspired on being like who had hadn't graduated at the top of his class but rather the top of the academy, his scores still unbeaten even to that day. "I thought he was shot?"
"You think a bullet is going to keep him down?" The Sergeant asked amused. "No, if anything it's just made him come back stronger." Shaking his head, he brought the coffee to his lips. "I'd hate to be whoever Reach is after right now."
After racing through the city and following the directions that Dot had laid out for him, Six slowed down when he finally reached the warehouse. Turning down the back alley, he spotted the light bleeding through the small glass window on the door that led into the building. Switching the engine off, he climbed out of his Pontiac GTO and quietly shut the door behind him.
Grabbing his gun from his holster, he walked over to the back door that was left unguarded. His first instinct was to climb the building and smash through the rooftop to take those inside by surprise, but that was the Demon's tactics not Jericho Reach's.
Slowly opening the door not wanting to draw attention onto himself, Six headed into the building. Checking his corners, he moved deeper into the warehouse where he heard voices coming from the main room that was filled with gunmen that were all equipped with MG-10's; however, two stuck out. First was Jack Kirstein; but last but not least was Special Agent Hirsch.
"What're we doing about the girl?"
"You let me worry about that." Hirsch told Kirstein as Six quietly moved around the room, using the large crates to keep himself hidden as he moved closer. "The only thing that matters right now is moving this stuff to a secure location before Reach comes sniffing around."
"I'm not scared of some pig."
"Well you should be. These guns have a 100% kill rate and not only did Reach shrug them off and catch our associate but a few hours later he was back at work." Hirsch pointed out with a slight edge to his voice. "But first things first, we need to make this look like an ambush."
From where he was hidden behind the crates, Six listened as footsteps approached before gunfire filled the room as the car in the room was opened fire upon. Within a few seconds the gunfire stopped, and silence returned. "Alright, that should do it." He heard Hirsch comment. "I want it to look like I was caught in the crossfire, so I want you to shoot me right here in the shoulder...are you sure that you can make this shot?"
"I test guns for a living. There's no one better."
Entering Spartan Time, Six broke free from the crates and entered the fray. Stepping into the line of sight, Hirsch eyes widened when he appeared. Taking advantage of his initial surprise, he fired a single round into his deltoid making him let go of the MG-10 he was holding and stumbled back. Sprinting towards them, he fired another bullet straight through Kirstein hand as he turned sending blood spraying across Hirsch white shirt and made him drop the Glock.
Sliding across the hood of the car, he planted his feet back on the ground before kicking Kirstein's legs from underneath him. As he fell, he slammed his elbow into his chest sending him slamming into the ground, then rammed the barrel of his weapon into Hirsch throat forcing him to drop to his knees and hold his throat as his airflow cut off momentarily.
With the first two taken out, he turned his attention to the final three. Pulling the trigger, he fired a bullet that went through the closest one kneecap pulling their leg from underneath them and slammed their face into the ground. As the fourth aim their MG-10 at him, Six ejected his magazine from his Glock, flipped it in his hand before throwing it at him with it hitting the centre of his throat making him choke and gasp and fell to his knees.
As the fourth dropped to his knees, Six flipped his Glock around and lobbed it at the fifth and final henchmen hitting him in the cranium, making him stumble back. Exploiting his momentary loss of balance, he sprinted forward, racing towards him and delivered a strong, albeit restrained punch to the abdomen that forced him to his knees and threw the contents of his stomach up.
Catching the weapon as it fell, Six pointed the MG-10 directly at the first gunmen who went to pick his gun up." "Don't." He told him calmly getting an immediate nod from him. "Toss it aside." He instructed coolly to which they did in a heartbeat and tossed it over to him. Picking it up, he duel wielded the weapons as he looked around the room at the guilty party.
"Gentlemen, you're all under arrest for Conspiracy for Smuggling Government Weapons,"
Arriving outside of the warehouse after being contacted by his superiors who had given him a brief explanation on the situation, Captain Holt climbed out of his car. Flashing his badge at the officers that lifted the tape for him, allowing him entrance.
Walking past a matte black 1969 Pontiac GTO and the other patrol cars that had their lights flashing, Holt stepped into the warehouse that had several officers inspecting and cataloguing numerous models of the weapon that the shooter from the party had used; however, his eyes were fixed on the only officer there that belonged to his precinct.
"Detective Reach."
"Captain Holt." Jericho greeted, excusing himself from the others and walked over to him.
"How are you feeling? I understand that you have had quite the eventual evening."
"Fine, sir. And the evening has been successful. Five Illegal Arms Smugglers have been apprehended and pulled off the street; among those numbers are Gino Corelli, otherwise known as Bennett Hirsch." Jericho revealed to him.
"Then I assume that your contact included their investigation."
"Affirmative. Through my contact I discovered that Internal Affairs have been investigating Hirsch for some time now, along with his associate Jack Kirstein, another of the men that were arrested tonight for Conspiracy for Smuggling Government Weapons." Jericho explained to Holt. "Everything will be in my report, sir."
"I look forward to reading it." Holt remarked stoically. "That being said, it does not excuse your actions tonight?"
"Sir?"
"While your actions certainly proved beneficial, what if you had been killed tonight?"
"Then we would not be having this conversation."
"Are you being facetious?"
"Negative; I'm being factual."
"Regardless, what you pulled tonight was incredible reckless, not to mention dangerous. You've already been shot numerous times today, Detective."
"It was a calculated risk, yes." Jericho concurred with him. "But ultimately one that paid off, and one that I would make again. Civilians were murdered today..."
"And what of your own life?"
"My life is secondary to humanity." Jericho stated emotionlessly, unnerving many of the officers that heard him.
While he didn't show it, Holt was extremely bothered by how quickly that response had come out almost like it had been hardwired into him. "At any rate, you did a fine job tonight, Detective." He complimented Jericho who remained expressionless. "We'll talk more about it in the morning. Do you wish to be relieved from watching over Ms Belenko with Santiago?"
"Negative."
"Very well." Holt accepted through a small nod. "We shall resume our conversation in the morning."
"Yes, Sir."
Bidding Jericho goodnight, Holt watched as jumped into his vehicle and pulled away. Once he was gone, he sighed. The two had shared a couple of conversations since he had him transferred him to the Nine-Nine and while he was an exceptional cop, it was his attitude towards life that bothered him. While he cared a great deal about his fellow man, often putting himself in life-risking situations such as tonight, it was like he didn't identify with humanity.
A mentality that he hoped that they could tackle in time.
And cut! And here is the next chapter of The Demon of the Nine-Nine! And let me tell you this chapter was a pain in the ass to write and I'm glad it's over, lol. It just seemed to go on and on and on. Next chapter will either be a filler, or I'll jump straight to Ep4 with Jake meeting the medical examiner since it's been a while since I've done an actual episode.
And the squad finally learn that Six has PTSD; and a penthouse!
There really not much to say other than let me know what you all thought.