Gavin didn't know if Nines yelled after him or not. He was too busy pounding cement as he raced through the underground parking lot. It was almost pitch black. The fucker had cut the lights, leaving the basement level shrouded in darkness, besides a few glowing green circles on the walls. What's he even doing down here? He'd probably been waiting in whatever CCTV room was hidden in the basement. His chest burned as he thought about it. The Hickory Killer had sat there and watched for however long it had taken for him to crack. Had it been an hour? Two? He had no fucking clue, but it felt like an eternity. He could still hear the scuffling steps as the figure ran ahead of him.
"Stop right there, you phcking-phck!" His knuckles were white as he gripped the gun in one hand as he pumped both arms. He was sprinting full pelt through the darkness, only able to see by the dim emergency lighting on the walls. There was a clattering creak as a door was thrown open. The Hickory Killer must have reached the stairwell. Gavin pushed on. His lungs were burning already. He couldn't let him get away. Not this time! He pushed himself harder, knowing he was going to run out of energy if he didn't get a grip. He needed to treat this like a long distance race, not a sprint. If he tired too quickly, he'd lose him.
The thought of getting his hands wrapped around his neck spurred him on as he reached the small doorway. There was nothing he wanted more at that moment. He wanted to grab him by the scruff of his black hoodie and toss him to the cement. To dive on top of him and cage his writhing body against the ground, kicking and screaming. To straddle him as he finally peeled that fucking mask off to see his face! It was hard to imagine how he'd look as the life was slowly choked from his body. They had nothing on this guy. It had been too dark to make out any details before. His eyes were maybe grey or blue, but they could easily have been green or light hazel. He was pretty sure they hadn't been dark brown, at least. He could be young or old. His hair could be any length, any style, any colour. It could even be a mixture of colours. The only way he'd find out was by catching the fucker.
He headed up the darkened stairwell, feet pounding the cement steps, echoing as he raced higher. He considered himself lucky the stairs weren't too steep. There were a lot of them, but they were easy to run up despite the tightness of the stairwell itself. The walls felt like they were closing in on either side, barely even wide enough for two to walk side by side. There were old wooden banisters bolted to the walls, which helped him as he held his gun in one hand and used the other to climb and throw himself around the tight corners to the next set of stairs. He'd only run up one set so far, and his thighs were already starting to burn. He didn't dare pause, but he was sure he could still hear the Hickory Killer above.
"Hey!" There was another clatter. The Hickory Killer had thrown himself into one of the parking lots above. Was it the second floor? He wasn't sure as he continued upwards. The steps quieted. Not a good sign. Gavin grunted as he forced himself to keep going. Breathe later, you useless sack of shit! He couldn't stop! He couldn't let this fucker get away! A sigh of relief huffed out as he heaved himself up the next set of steps to see the open door. It was the second floor. Pale grey light flooded the doorway from the open walls, where the late afternoon sun was gradually starting to sink. He threw himself through the doorway and doubled over, looking back and forth frantically. "Phck!" He couldn't see anyone. He could have cried, he was so frustrated.
The floor was deserted. Not a single car had been left behind. On the plus side, that meant if the Hickory Killer was still there, he was on foot. Gavin breathed deeply, gasping in as much air as he could. He needed to use this time wisely. If he could catch his breath, he'd at least be ready to continue the chase. He gripped the gun tightly and raised it, ready to shoot as he swept the cavernous lot. The only things blocking his view were the thick stone pillars holding up the roof. They were each about a metre wide. More than thick enough for the Hickory Killer to hide behind to catch his breath. There was a lift further across the hall, and at least two other stairwells. He could have gone up or down already, but there was just something twisting in Gavin's gut that told him the fucker was still there.
He could feel the eyes on him. It was the same as earlier in the square. His skin was creeping and prickling. The hair on the back of his neck was standing up. He tried to ignore his own heavy breathing and the stickiness of his hot skin. He was sweating in the humid heat, damp T-shirt clinging to his chest and shoulders. His limbs were quivering a little from the stress and all the running. His adrenaline was dipping like the end of a sugar rush as he started to second guess himself. He swore he could feel the eyes watching him, but there wasn't another sound besides his own breathing. If the Hickory Killer had run all the way there and hidden, then surely he'd still be gasping for breath, too.
"Come out-come out wherever you are…" He didn't expect anyone to hear or respond to the low grumble. It was more to make himself feel better as he finally started creeping towards the nearest low wall. He wanted to get himself covered on one side, so he was harder to sneak up on. He gasped as he heard a low chuckle coming from somewhere to the right. His skin prickled. It was familiar. I phcking know that laugh! He dismissed it. He needed to stay focused. The fucker was probably using his voice changer again. He licked his lips as he reached the ledge and pressed his back against the stone edge. It reached the base of his shoulder blades, letting the evening sun caress his shoulders as the breeze ruffled his brunette locks.
He looked towards where he thought the sound had come from, taking deep, slow breaths as he edged his way along the wall. Occasionally, he swept the gun back to check his blindside, but he was pretty sure the Hickory Killer was ahead and not behind. Each time he reached the edge of a new pillar, his heart picked up and he ducked around to sweep the side. His hands remained steady, even as he felt his arms shaking. He checked the first pillar. Clear. The second pillar. Clear. The third pillar. Clear. He licked his lips, heart racing as he realised he only had two more pillars before he'd have to circle round to the next wall.
"Stop right there!" A black-clad figure pushed off a pillar further within the lot, making a break for the sloping, twisting road that led up to the next level of the carpark. Gavin ran a few paces before taking aim as the figure reached the end of the lot. He fired, cursing as it barely caught the guy's sleeve. A low growl rumbled in his throat as he ran, turning the corner just a few seconds after the figure disappeared. He was already around the bend and out of sight. That phcking-His thighs ached in protest. Stopping had been a bad idea. His muscles had cooled, and it wasn't like he'd stretched out for this run in the first place. He'd probably tear something if this went on much longer. Only two floors to go…
He took another shot as he reached the top and saw the figure ducking and weaving between pillars to throw him off. The bullet clipped one of the stone supports right as the Hickory Killer ducked around it. Phck! Rage swelled in his chest again. How was this guy so slippery? He had to be around his age, if not older, so how the fuck was he so fast and agile? This was the third floor, where half the lot had been cut off by fallen debris from the two floors above. The Hickory Killer couldn't run up the sloping road again. His only choice was to reach the stairwell. He swung right. Gavin followed. He didn't want to take another shot. Nines' gun had a full clip, but he didn't want to run out of bullets. He'd have a clearer shot if the Hickory Killer led him to the fifth floor. The lot on the fifth level was a vast, open air space with no ceiling, which meant no pillars.
Gavin followed at a dead run as the figure disappeared into the stairwell. He paused to listen in the doorway, relieved that the Hickory Killer had gone up instead of down. Rookie mistake! Going up would leave him trapped in the open, giving him a clean shot at his fucking head. Not that he'd take that shot. He wanted it to be slow. His stomach would be a better choice. He could give him a taste of his own medicine. Shoot him in the gut and press his foot down until he cried and begged for mercy. The thought sent a wave of anticipation through his chest, spurring him on, encouraging him to keep going, to keep climbing. His chest ached as he hit the fourth floor. He could hear the figure already running up the final steps to the rooftop lot.
Gavin followed, desperate to get up there before the Hickory Killer somehow found a way back down. He grunted as he reached the open doorway to find the evening sun shining right in his eyes, painting the ground in a deep, golden light. Wind whipped his short hair as he squinted through the glare, catching the black hooded figure as he raced across the open ground. It looked like he was heading for the fallen chasm of debris leading back down to the third floor. What the phck? He couldn't afford to think about that as he pushed off the doorway. He raised the gun and took aim at the retreating back.
"Stop! Detroit Police!" He took the shot. The figure dodged to the side at the last minute. Gavin cursed again and lined up two further shots. He pulled the trigger with a grunt, already taking the second shot as the figure dipped back to the right. Luckily, he'd anticipated such a move. His grin was almost feral as the second shot fired. His chest raised in elation as he watched the figure jerk and stumble. It hadn't hit his back, but it had caught his shoulder. There was no cry, barely a reaction at all. The fucker caught his feet and just kept going. He didn't raise a hand to it or even bend over to ease the pain. If he's not feeling pain, then…
Gavin dropped his gaze as he reached the shooting site, rage pooling in his stomach as he saw the splatter of blue. The android? It's his phcking android? Phck! Of course, that made sense. Gavin roared as he stopped chasing. He'd been played! Again! The Hickory Killer had played him like a fucking fiddle! Led him like a fucking dog! While he was up on the roof wasting time, the Hickory Killer had probably just waltzed right out the front entrance. He let off another shot at the retreating android, stomping closer as this one caught his knee joint, making him stumble to a halt. He was even dressed like the Hickory Killer had been at their last meeting.
"Turn around! Slowly," Gavin barked as he paused a few feet behind the injured android. He wouldn't be running anywhere with that busted knee joint. Gavin watched as the figure raised his hands and slowly limped round to face him, mostly hopping on one leg. Gavin clenched his teeth cautiously. He couldn't make out any features. The android was wearing the same black hoodie and smooth mask. The same soft leather gloves covered his hands, making Gavin's skin crawl with the memory of how they'd felt on his lips. Of course he is! He's supposed to look like the phcking Hickory Killer! "Take the phcking mask off!" He didn't like the reminder. It took him back to lying on that table. To Morgan's whimpered pleas. To that soothing voice and gentle touch on his cheek. He was guarded as he watched the android reach for the mask with one hand, leaving the other raised.
Gavin took a breath and licked his lips in anticipation, completely focused on the dark holes where the android's eyes would be. He was a little too far to make out any details yet, but he knew the android was keeping eye contact. He could feel him watching. Calculating. Leather clad fingers hooked the edge of the mask and paused. The pause seemed to stretch for an eternity. Suddenly, there was movement. The android tore the mask off and tossed it right at him, spinning it like a Frisbee. Gavin barely managed to raise his arm to block the plastic disc before it bounced off his wrist. He curse as a heavy weight barrelled into his waist, sending them both to the concrete.
"You phcking-" Gavin grunted breathlessly as his head almost smacked the ground. He was winded from the impact, wheezing as the android tried to pin him down. He rolled their bodies, blindly punching down at the android's head. His heart pounded as fresh adrenaline flooded his body. The android had raised his arms to cover his face, taking all the punches Gavin threw like they were nothing. Gavin straddled the android's strong hips, grunting as his pelvis rocked up against his crotch. He almost doubled over at the unexpected sensation. The android took that opportunity to flip their bodies, and it was Gavin's turn to protect his own face. He'd lost Nines' gun at some point. He didn't even know where it had skittered off to. All he knew was that he didn't have it. He was alone. On his back, with a strong android kneeling between his thighs.
The weight lifted. Gavin sat up in shock as the android stumbled away towards the collapsed edge of the third floor. The ground there was just gone, dangling down in a slope of crumbling cement and jagged metal struts that had rusted over the years. There was no way he'd be able to follow him safely if he jumped down there. The android knew it, too. Gavin looked around for Nines' gun, but didn't see it. Phck! He stumbled to his feet and staggered after the stumbling android. At least he wasn't as fast with a busted knee. He couldn't believe he was so close. The android had eerily familiar short sandy hair and the same muscular build he remembered. Gavin swallowed. That uncanny valley feeling prickled his skin as he stared. It's that phcking android! It was the one from the arboretum and Aaron's ceremony. The one the kids on his street had seen. The one from Sandy's bus. Phck! He closed in, unsure what he was going to do at this point. He didn't have his cuffs. All he could do was try to take him down.
The android must have heard him coming. The moment he was close enough, he made his move. Gavin cursed as he blocked the elbow that had been aimed at his nose, grunting as they stumbled apart and the android was off and running again. He was probably programmed to either escape or self-destruct. The Hickory Killer wouldn't want to chance him being caught. Gavin roared as he launched himself again and grabbed his waist, tumbling them both to the ground. The whole world turned as they rolled and wrestled, each trying to get the upper hand. He'd worry about how to restrain the fucker later. What mattered at that moment was pinning him down. They both rolled to their feet. Gavin gasped for breath as the android turned his back again.
"Stop!" He staggered the few paces it took to grab his arm. The android span, throwing off his grip. Gavin finally caught sight of his face for the first time. He froze, throat closing as he stumbled back. He couldn't breathe. His heart pounded for a whole new reason as his skin prickled. That's phcking impossible! He shook his head as his knees gave out, green eyes locked to blue. The android smiled. He was a fucking android! There was no question about that. Gavin forced out a breath as he watched the android reach behind and pull out Nines' sidearm, testing the weight as he moved to stand right in front of him.
"Hey Gav." It was the same smooth tone Gavin remembered so well. His bottom lip trembled as he looked up, blinking as the cold muzzle of Nines' gun pressed against his forehead. He couldn't think, he couldn't breathe, he couldn't focus. All he could do was stare at that fucking face. The face that had haunted his dreams for over three fucking years! The face of the man he'd pined for since the day they'd met. The face of the one person he'd let down the most. An ache filled his chest as everything seized up. An ache knotted his chest as his shoulders locked. His lungs froze. His heart might even have stopped at this point. Everything fucking hurt!
"Jack…" He wasn't Jack. Jack was dead! This was an android wearing Jack's face. He wasn't Jack. Not Jack-he's not-he's not-not Jack-Even though he spoke with Jack's voice and had those soft blue eyes. Even though his lips quirked in just the right way. Gavin shuddered as he closed his eyes. He was stuck. Frozen in place. He wasn't scared, but he couldn't bring himself to move. His breath caught, choking in his throat. He just about managed to drag in a breath as the muzzle of Nines' sidearm pressed against his forehead again and forced his head back. Forced him to face the ghost of his partner. Green eyes opened with a start as the gun went off, followed by a grunt. He wasn't even sure what had happened until Nines appeared and tore the gun free, tossing it to the side. Gavin forced himself up on shaking legs as Nines and Jack fought. Not Jack, he's not Jack! They were moving in a blur of punches and kicks. He didn't know what programs the android was running, but he was pretty evenly matched with Nines despite his injuries. Gavin froze as Jack-Not Jack!-stopped and stared at him with calculating eyes. He barely had time to flinch as the android broke away from Nines and grabbed him.
"This isn't exactly the reunion I'd hoped for, Gav…" Jack's voice purred in his ear, one arm resting across his throat in a restraining hold. Even his fighting skills were familiar. Gavin choked as the arm tightened, using him as a shield as he limped back towards the edge of the roof. Gavin stumbled as he was dragged, watching Nines' LED spin red as he followed a few paces behind. His silvery eyes were wide and calculating. He didn't want to risk Gavin's safety. Gavin couldn't even respond to the quip. He growled and wheezed around the pressure on his throat, unable to pry him off. "What'll it be, Detective? Save your partner, or catch the bad guy?" The android stood right on the edge of the building where the wall had collapsed. Gavin's heart pounded as he looked down to his right. They were right next to the sloping ground that had collapsed to the third floor, and behind Jack was a sheer five storey drop to the ground below. Gavin looked at Nines with wide eyes. Phck!
"Let him go." Nines didn't like the way the android's lips quirked at his order.
"With pleasure." He tossed Gavin over the sloping edge before Nines could move. Gavin grunted as his shoulder hit the crumbling cement on the way down. His body bumped and rolled all the way to the end of the collapsed slope, breath catching as he found himself free-falling down through the fourth floor. There was a pile of rocky debris and rusted metal prongs rushing up to meet him. A cry fled his lips as he closed his eyes. He didn't even open them as a set of muscular arms grabbed him and encircled his body in a tight embrace. His position changed. His legs were scooped up like a princess. They jolted to a stop. Gavin was gasping and wheezing for breath as he opened his eyes to find himself safe in Nines' arms. He was standing on the rubble of the third floor, the breeze toying with the curled hair over his temple.
"Breathe, Gavin…" Nines crouched to set him on the crumbling ground and Gavin focused on his breathing, closing his eyes as he felt the familiar hand close over the back of his neck and squeeze. His whole body trembled as he leaned against Nines' chest and pawed at his shirt. What the phck was that? Why was there an android running around with Jack's face? What the fuck was that sick fuck playing at? The hand squeezed harder as his ears started ringing. He still couldn't get his lungs to work. Nines claimed his lips as his eyes fluttered shut.