Family Ties Chapter 22
-G-
AN – Another longer length chapter here and for all those who said there wasn't enough Nadalind in the last chapter, I hope this makes up for it. Enjoy and let me know what you think!
I do not own any characters or stories from the tv show Grimm. Some dialogue is lifted from various episodes in Season 3 and Season 4. No infringement or copyright is intended. It's all for fun, no profit being made here.
-G-
The colours swirl, the hues soft and hazy around him as he feels that familiar sensation wash over him and sees the blonde he wants come into view.
"Adalind," he greets and watches as she tries to smile at him but it wobbles.
"Nick, how did it go? Are you ok? Is Henrietta? What happened with Sean? What did he say? Is he going to help, or do something else? Will he-"
"Hey," he interrupts, stepping close and griping her upper arms lightly. "Slow down, Adalind, it's alright. Let's focus on one thing at a time, ok?" She takes a deep breath and nods. "First, both Henrietta and I are fine, nothing happened between us and Renard except talking. He got cross a couple of times but otherwise we all managed to keep our cool. He had questions and we answered them, as best we could without giving away too much. He expressed concern about Diana and wants to meet her."
"Meet her? Why? How? When? Nick, she wouldn't be safe!"
"As much as we think that, we don't know for sure. He is her father, Adalind, and he has a right to meet her," he says and watches as Adalind pulls a face.
"I know him," she replies, voice severe. "As best as anyone can do. He might be interested in her but not for Diana's own good, not for her herself. He only sees things in ways that affect or benefit him. And I am not going to let him use her as he did me! Throw her away when she's no longer fit for his purpose!" She steps away from him then, wrapping her own arms around herself and breathing heavily. He gives her a moment before moving closer, embracing her from behind and giving her time to accept his offer of comfort. She breathes deep then sighs, letting her weight relax slightly and lean back into his chest.
"I don't want that either. Diana deserves more, and so did you," he says quietly. "But we have to give him that chance and if he proves us wrong, then that's good for Diana, to have both her parents in her life and supporting her. But if our predictions about him are right? Well, he'll come to regret it. You're not alone, neither is Diana, and you have people here for you now." His words settle into the space between them and she sighs again, before fully relaxing in his arms. He presses a kiss to her hair and she links their hands together around her waist.
"I've spent the past few days trying to teach Diana about emotions and her feelings and all the time, running around the back of my head, is how terrified I am that I'm going to do something wrong, and then I'll lose her," she admits softly.
"I will do everything in my power to make sure that doesn't happen," he vows and she turns he head to smile at him.
"I know," she says and edges up on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek. "Thank you." She eases back down and he nuzzles her hair, taking a deep breath himself. "What else happened?" He quickly details the rest of the meeting, Henrietta's reaction as well as his friends being in the know and their promises to keep the secret.
The colours begin to spin and mix around them and Adalind turns in his arms, their hands still entwined and so their bodies press closer in the tangle.
"Nick," she says, her face tight but she fades away then before she can say anything else and he wakes with his name from her voice ringing in his ears.
-G-
Work is thankfully quiet with no new, active case and so Nick is able to run his own errand during his lunch break. Ducking out, he makes it to the address in good time and accepts the offer of a walk around by himself as the agent he's met has to take another call. Following the simple instructions on how to enter, he sees an outdated system that could be updated to create an even more secure lodging, before taking in what's available. The advertisement called it a loft, and it sits above an old warehouse so has an industrial feel to it. Steel shutters on the side windows, metal beams criss-crossing throughout the roof and thick walls. There's two bedrooms, one bathroom and a somewhat decent sized living area that includes a kitchen sectioned off by an island. Re-enforced doors lead to another section that's partially built, with plans and framing for two more bedrooms and a bathroom but currently no kitchen. Fire escapes are at either end of the building and stairwells are enclosed that lead to the roof, giving some outside space with the small platform there.
Walking around the space he tries to take it in with a keen eye. He has more to think about, after all it might not just be him staying here, there's a possibility of a young child being present, so he has to make sure it's safe. He knows it's not ideal but it will be private, and keeping out of certain people's awareness is key, as well as giving them some space to just be. With this loft, the attached rooms next door that could become more lodgings if needed and the warehouse space downstairs, this could become something that they could use for years to come. Whether it stays as a safe house or becomes something more.
He does a final check of the two bedrooms, one smaller than the other but both good sizes, before walking down the steps and to the only bathroom, eyeing the kitchen as he passes. It's all a bit rough around the edges but he thinks that it has a certain, relaxed charm, especially after living somewhere that had everything placed just so for so many years. Really, it's a blank canvas that could be shaped into whatever he needs it to be.
Bathroom is similar, simple enough, and he's glad to see that there's pipework to install a washer and dryer, from his little experience with children he knows how fast they can go through clothes. He kneels down to inspect them, thinking he might be able to describe it to Bud to get the man's advice on what model would fit best, accidentally knocking the door as he moves.
Opening outwards, it hits the wall and he hears a faint click and an echo of said click. The noise catches his attention, and he studies the wall just outside the bathroom, sure he heard something different. He feels along the wall, coming to a panelled section that when he taps on it sounds hollow on the other side. Considering he's in a warehouse with re-enforced walls that's not the kind of sound that should be produced.
He notices a pipe or hook to the side of the panelling and grips it to investigate, surprising him when it shifts in his hand and the panel to the right moves back, creating a gap. Moving closer to investigate, he feels a cold draft and realises it's some kind of opening. Pushing the panel back he sees a square space that holds a platform before disappearing down to some kind of tunnel.
This wasn't mentioned anywhere on the listing he read, but judging from the smell and sight of it, whatever this is hasn't been used in some time. A potentially secret escape route sounds very good to him and he pulls his flashlight out to illuminate the space more. He just sees more steps and what looks like brick flooring. It has possibilities though, and could be very handy if a hiding spot was ever needed. It occurs to him that he may be thinking more doom and gloom than needed, but in this instance, he'd rather be too cautious than not enough.
Exiting the loft, he finds the agent still on a call and he motions to them that he has to leave. They nod and gesture towards their phone before handing him some paperwork and turning to enter their own car. It would annoy him, the lack of attention, except it plays well into this being something not tied to him. He's not used his name in any of the enquiries and there is no way the agent would be able to give an accurate description of him, with all their focus going on that call, so he takes a breath and gets into the land cruiser as he thinks it all through. Buying the loft, potentially the whole space as the entire lot can be included which would affect the price but would give them a lot more room.
It's not quite liveable yet though, he will need to fix a few things and that will cost money, and his time as he's not going to want random tradespeople here to then tell others where he is. Although, there is one he can trust and he pulls out his phone to make a call, knowing he needs information before he can really put in an offer on the place.
"Hey Bud," he greets as the Eisbiber picks up. "I was hoping you'd be able to give me some advice."
"Advice? Oh sure, Nick, I mean … I don't know what advice I could give you, I mean, you're pretty great at everything, but I'll try, you need me, I'll be there, best as I can so, sure, erm, what advice did you need?" He smiles at the other man's words and then details what he needs to know and what he's after, giving as little information as possible. It works surprisingly well, with Bud filling in any gaps in the conversation with other chatter and Nick gaining the knowledge he needs. The conversations lasts as long as the drive back and he finishes the call by thanking Bud before hanging up and making his way into the precinct.
He and Hank still have no case, so paperwork becomes their focus but they hear as others get assigned scenes and bodies as the day goes on; a robbery at a food stand and a murdered prostitute down by the river being the stand-outs of the day. With nothing new, they are able to leave on time and head towards Monroe's house for a group dinner so Nick can let them all in on how the meeting with the 'idiot father', as Hank referred to him, went down.
"So, captain is now fully aware but we don't know much else?" Hank summarises as Rosalee passes out wine glasses. Nick and Monroe both pass, having beers instead but Hank and Wu accept eagerly.
"Pretty much," he agrees. "Although, he still doesn't know where they are nor did we tell him Diana's name. I would have gotten there, but he left before we got into too much detail. Neither my mom or Adalind are happy but there's not a lot we can do until we know which way he's going to go."
"But he wants to meet her? That's good, right?" Rosalee tries to sound positive but it still comes out cautious.
"Yeah, that's what he says. Adalind isn't convinced, but then she also hasn't had the best relationship with him."
"Don't remind me," Hank mutters.
"And you're all ok, being civil with him at work and the like?" Monroe queries.
"Well, it's not like we have much of a choice," Wu points out. "Technically, he's not done anything wrong that we can prove, beyond reasonable doubt, and he is still our boss, so …" He shrugs as Nick and Hank share a look of agreement.
"I'm not sure I could," Rosalee admits. "But I am my own boss so my experiences with getting on with others in the workplace is quite far in the past."
"Yeah, same here," Monroe says. "You're basically in a hand tied, damned if you or damned if you don't situation. Are you going to set up a meeting?"
"Yeah, but how we do it, I'm not sure yet. I don't want to put anyone in a situation that's unsafe and with Renard, you know he's going to be thinking and wanting everything on his own terms." He takes a sip of his beer as the oven dings and Monroe gets up to gather and then distribute the food.
"So, we need some contingency plans in place?" Wu states as they fill their plates.
"I think we might need plans of plans of plans," Nick quips.
"Well, you know what they say … if you fail to plan then you plan to fail." Monroe adds as they start to eat and they spend the next little while talking through how a meeting might go, where it could take place and, perhaps most importantly, quick escape and get away routes.
"I don't know if I really want this to happen in Portland, we know we've got a lot of interested parties here. But we also have the home advantage, and we know routes in and out of places in the city much better than they will." Nick states. "Plus, we have the Wesen council operative due any day, the royals have somebody here too and I bet you anything captain will be lining up his own people as well."
"So, it's us against everybody else?" Wu asks and they all share a look around the table.
"Pretty much, yep." Nick confirms.
"Alright then … so, what are we looking out for again?"
-G-
The choice of venue for this meeting does not bode well and so he takes out his gun as he enters, sweeping around the space as he moves slowly forward.
"Sean Renard," a voice calls, European accent strong. He turns to face a man taller than himself, with light hair and a twisted grin. Rispoli walks at his side glancing between the two taller men and he stills, keeping his gun up just in case. "We haven't met, I'm Kenneth. You know Rispoli here." They stop a few feet in front of him and he nods a greeting.
"The king is extremely annoyed with how things have progressed. He desperately wants his grandchild. And I've been tasked with the responsibility of making that happen." The blonde pauses here to look Renard up and down, taking in his stance and his weapon. "There's no need for guns. Nobody's going to shoot anybody. If I wanted you dead, you'd be dead." The words are curt and the aristocratic tone smug.
"Same here," he states with a hard look towards them both before putting his gun away. "So, we're to talk about my child."
"The identity of the father has never been the focus," Rispoli comments. "We know who was involved, with the ah mother, and royal blood is the emphasis here."
"Well, as I am the father and as such, am in a position that I know more than you, you might want to re-think that." He sees Rispoli throw a look at Kenneth but the other royal keeps his attention on him.
"I can see why you might reason that way, but you're wrong."
"And I can guess why you would say that. Afterall, your position will be undermined by mine, especially when you take into consideration my link to my daughter." He sees them both jolt at that and share a look and can't help but let out a short laugh. "You see? You didn't even know that. How behind you are. My father must be so proud of all the work you've done for him so far." Kenneth takes a step forward at that and he moves to meet him.
"If we truly all desire the same outcome then we must join forces," Rispoli says, hands up in a placating gesture and eying the two of them. "The objective, after all, is locating and returning the child to their or her proper place with the royal family. Fighting amongst ourselves will not get us any closer to that aim."
"He's right, so you should listen to me," Renard jumps on the opportunity to talk. "At the moment, all you have are questions. I have answers and the ability to find out more."
"You're talking in riddles," Kenneth complains. "Do you have the child or not?"
"Not at this time," he admits, hiding his annoyance at that fact. "But I have access and am arranging a new location, which I will be in control of, as we speak. My child will be with me, and soon."
"And then with the family," the Verrat leader states.
"With our family," he corrects. "Afterall, I am part of this family. And I remain the direct link to this child."
"I'm sure, once we have secured the child and returned her safely to the king then we will be able to correctly label everyone's positions within the family." His cousin says smoothly. "Being involved in the child's awaited arrival will, of course, mean a lot to the king and I'm sure further arrangements can be made to where we will all be in the family lineage."
"Just so long as it's understood, that as her father I will be keeping my relationship, as such, with my daughter."
"The king simply wants his grandchild," Rispoli states, voice tense. "I'm sure, all other family connections will be viewed as a bonus on top of that."
"Then, I guess we'll be staying in close contact with each other for the duration of your stay."
"Yes, your city has it's, ah, shall we say charms?" Kenneth pulls a face. "And I would so like to meet more of the locals, I believe you have a Grimm in these here parts? Do let me know his name and address, he is top of my things and places of interest to be viewed." Renard pauses then gives up the information, aware that in this give and take he cannot hold all the cards. Well, not appear too anyway.
"And now, information on the child?" Kenneth demands next and he smiles, slow and threatening.
"I'm not sure I have enough trust in you just yet for that," he replies. "No, let me see how you fare in my city for a few more days and then we can meet again."
"That's not how this is going to go," Kenneth barks, stepping forward.
"Oh, but it is," he sneers back. "As you admitted, this is my city. And we're talking about my daughter. So, while you might have some ideas of your position or station back home, here? Get used to me being the important one." He turns to walk away, ducking the expected attack and spinning round to deliver his own punch. It only causes his cousin to stumble but it's enough of a distraction and movement for him to be able to pull his weapon and train it on him.
"Police and their guns," the fairer man quips as he regains his balance. "I thought you did things a little differently/"
"Well, welcome to America," he says sardonically back before backing away and walking out. As much as he would have loved to let his Wesen side at the other man, there will be a time for that. Right now, he has to build on this uneasy alliance so he can capitalise on their resources and gain the upper-hand. Then gain everything he deserves.
-G-
Breath pants against his ear and her moan fills the air around them. Sweat trickles down his neck, down to his collarbone and he shudders as a tongue swipes across his skin, lapping it up. His hands grip slim hips as their bodies press together.
"Are you licking me?" He asks and she nods against his neck even as her mouth sucks down. "Wh- ah- why?".
"Want to know how you taste," she murmurs and laps again. "How we taste together." Her words send a thrill through him and he pulls her head up to kiss her, hold her in place as he fuses their mouths together and yes, tastes her. Their bodies push back and forth as tongues battle and he doesn't want to pull away, wants to keep her right here with her body in his hands and her taste in his mouth.
Her hands pull his head away as she pants for breath and he has never been more thankful for his extra stamina so he can just not stop, just move his focus from her mouth to her neck.
"Nick," she breathes and he loves the sound of his name on her lips, "I want to taste you everywhere," her hands creep down his body, "Taste us everywhere." She squeezes him as she sucks his bottom lip into her mouth and he wakes with a groan.
He lies still, taking deep breaths as he tries to dispel the images, and all the feelings they invoke, from his dream. Not that it's not enjoyable, he thinks maybe he's enjoying it too much, but waking in such an aroused state is not as pleasant as it sounds. Especially when the person being dreamt about is far, far away.
He never even really knew he had such desires, not that his sex life has been boring or anything but it definitely ran to the more, how to put it, vanilla side of things. And he's not complaining, he's enjoyed what he's had in the past, but now it just seems to be he's wanting more. Maybe that's from his Grimm side, or it's this link that's allowing feelings to develop and his subconscious is taking that into more extreme directions than his waking mind would. But since his waking mind is all too happy to replay the images from his dreams, he thinks there might be something else. He'd love to know if it was a side effect from being a Grimm, maybe being closer to the Wesen side of things, but as the only person he could potentially ask is his mother, which would then be enquiring about her sex life and details about his parent's relationship he's not sure he wants to know, that conversation is not going to happen. He's not that desperate, yet. Still, cold showers first thing in the morning aren't fun, even if they help him prepare for the day. Now if Adalind were here to shower with him … he groans again, rolling out of bed and trying to get his head away from the blonde and back to the present, needing to get ready for work and get there or else be late.
-G-
"You don't normally come to me?" The gypsy states with a questioning look as she moves around the room. Sean Renard looks around nonchalantly before giving his answer.
"I've heard of your services and am in need of them now. Anything else is not up for discussion." His voice is firm, along with his stare and she nods in understanding.
"Of course, sir, no disrespect meant."
"Good. Now, I've heard you can track missing people."
"Oooh, I am good at that, sir. I only need an item of personal significance and I can gain a location." She grins and nods, pride in her voice at her abilities.
"An item of personal significance?"
"Yes, sir, some item that holds a tie to the missing person in question. It can be highly significant or not, as long as there is a tie I can follow into the spirit realm so as to divine their location." He shakes his head at that, not even knowing what items might hold significance for his daughter let alone have access to any of them, before looking down at his hands.
"What about blood? Would that work?" He says as the thought crosses his mind.
"Does the blood hold significance to the person who is to be found?"
"It's a person from my bloodline, so it is their blood too."
"Why, yes, that should work. It will take more power so will cost you more." He takes out a wad of cash and throws it on a nearby table.
"There," he says as she moves to pick it up. "Only half now, half when it works and you give me a location, that is proven to be correct." She opens her mouth but meets his stare and quickly nods instead. She motions for him to follow and they move through the front room, behind a curtain and down a corridor to a smaller room, set up with side tables and shelves of items and ingredients as well as a small cauldron.
"Please, take a seat. Roll up your sleeve so I may take a sample." He does as she says, quickly rolling the material up as she gathers what she needs. A small table is set up next to the cauldron, vials and crystals laid on top as more water is added and the fire is stoked. "I will take a small sample to embed the crystal and then you can add another to the potion. That will give strength to the call we send out, as we seek that which is lost."
She uses a syringe to take the first sample, adding it to a bowl with clear stones inside. The blood rest on top before appearing to sink slightly, giving the stones a slight pink hue. He is handed a small knife next, with the instruction to think of who he seeks as he adds his blood to the mixture.
The heat from the cauldron rises as he stands and watches as she encourages the steam to form a cloud above the cauldron's rim. She adds several more items, watching the liquid within then commands him to add his blood. He thinks of his child, his daughter and the legacy they can build together as he lets his blood drip down.
The liquid bubbles and swirls, the steam cycling through different colours, seeming to solidify into a window with something, some vision inside, a form taking shape, before it hisses and just fizzles out.
"What was that?!" He snaps and she looks bewildered next to him.
"I have not had that happen before. How strange. I could see the connection forming … perhaps the focus was lost. It can take just a flicker for connections and threads to be lost."
"You mean you lost concentration? That is not what I am paying you for!"
"Please, sir, these calls need a lot of power and intent. But, with a few more moments and another draw of blood. We can try again." He glares before then giving a nod and watches as she prepares the space all over again.
"The first time I used clear quartz, a most useful gem for aiding when things are lost and seeking that which we wish to find. But it was perhaps not powerful enough. This time, I will add in as well black tourmaline, selenite and labradorite. They will aid in all manners of search, both physical and spiritual, as well as bring focus and power. I will tie my gift to see as well, to give more chance of a vision being produced. You must focus on who is to be found, think of them and only them, as you add your blood to the call." He follows her instructions, again watching as his blood sinks into the gemstones and them into the potion she creates.
The steam surrounds her this time, seeming to be thicker and the air crackles between them. The liquid in the potion swirls fast and the feeling of something heavy settle over the room. The gypsy gasps, the steam congealing around her with her hands suddenly diving down into the potion and she then cries out as there is a backlash from the cauldron, sending them both stumbling back and the contents sizzling onto the floor.
"Oh, oh my," the woman mumbles, body shaking, as she looks around the space.
"What the hell was that?" He demands and she stares at him blankly.
"Whoever you seek, they are protected. And it is powerful. Such power involved. I will not attempt that again, no, for no money or fear, no. Oh, the power … that was … chilling." She murmurs, body still trembling, voice slightly vacant as she talks.
"No, we try again now! You just didn't do enough!"
"Sir, no, I cannot, I-" He heaves forward and grips her shoulders in his hands.
"You do not say no to me!" He snarls. "Do it again, now!"
"Sir, please, I dare not-!" He lets out a roar at her words and backhands her, the force sending her to the floor.
"You denying me dearie?" His voice slips into something else but his rage stays the same.
"Hey! Abuela!" Another body rushes into the space and comforts the woman on the floor. "You need to leave!" It says, standing up to face him, male face full of bravado. He backhands them too, before pulling them back to face him by the throat.
"There's nothing to see here, laddie, got it?" He squeezes and it chokes and he hears a begging cry come from the floor.
"Yes sir," is gasped out and he smiles before making sure everything will fade to black for them all.
-G-
Adalind shudders as a chill passes over her, as if a sudden wind had sunk beneath her clothes and invaded her bones. Kelly looks up at the movement but is quickly distracted by Diana, asking a question about their current exercise. She hadn't had a restful night and she feels rather on edge, nerves frayed and raw. Which might be one of the reasons they are currently doing what they are.
Alongside her, very loose, lessons on emotions and the regular body movement work-outs that Kelly has them do, the Grimm has now begun teaching them both breathing exercises, to help with emotions and keeping calm. Involving them all builds their connection even more, as well as being beneficial to them all. Adalind, herself, has taken many helpful tips from those activities, to help with the stress of their situation as well as for any possible future use.
"Now, close your eyes and keep your hands by your side. Picture one of mama's rainbows. Bring your hands up as you inhale, slowly through your nose. Fingertips to the top of the rainbow. Count to three in your head. Then bring your hands down as you exhale, breathe out through your mouth. Every movement, we go slow." Kelly's voice is slow and measured, calm and relaxing as she guides them through the actions.
"Go slo-oow," Diana repeats, breathing out as she talks, and Kelly does an exaggerated movement for her to watch and then copy.
"That's it, well done Diana," she praises and the little girl beams. Adalind takes a slow, deep breath herself and feels the warmth and energy of her daughter in the space beside her, as well as Kelly's cooler presence. Both are now familiar and comforting, and she lets her own energy mingle with theirs in a magical form of a caress. Diana giggles and Kelly lets out a hum.
"As nice as that feels, concentrate," she murmurs and Adalind nods, bringing her thoughts back in line to the calming flow of her breath going in and out. They spend a while longer on the exercise before moving on to more fun activities, Diana instructing Kelly to draw more characters and Adalind repeating the favourite parts of that book, as well as embellishing what adventures they might have next.
And it all feels so natural, this version of normal, with Diana being safe and happy with them, and the routine they have settled back into but she can't help but worry that they are in a bubble. Right now, it all seems ok, but what happens if it pops?
"Are we doing enough?" Adalind whispers in a moment of distraction for Diana, as her thoughts become too loud for her to bare alone. Kelly moves to her side and offers her a Grimm smile.
"We are doing what we can and, most importantly. Showing Diana that we are there for her. That she is loved and cared for. We might not get everything else right but as long as she knows that, knows she can come to us with anything, then we've done ok." Kelly reassures her. "We know there are unknowns coming at us, so giving her the tools she might need is what's best, for all of us."
"I just worry, all the time," she admits and Kelly wraps one arm around her shoulders.
"I hate to break it to you, Adalind, but you're a mother now. The worrying part never goes away."
-G-
"Hey Burkhardt, you got a minute?" Nick looks up as Pogue calls out to him and nods as he and his partner Meacham walk to his desk.
"What can I do for you Pogue?" He asks as the other two detectives stop by him.
"You still got that friend who can speak Spanish?"
"Yes," Nick replies slowly, unsure where the enquiry might go.
"Well, any chance you could ask if they could help us out? We've asked department for an interpreter but they say it'll be a couple of days and I feel if we let this one sit, we'll lose the momentum we've got." Pogue looks annoyed and frustrated at the same time.
"You got a Spanish link?" Nick queries, leaning back in his chair.
"Yeah, both our victims, it was assault and robbery of an elderly woman and her grandson. Grandson speaks some English, so does the old woman, but then she gets upset and then they start jabbering away in Spanish and we're getting nowhere." He shrugs in irritation. "So, any chance you could ask your friend to help us out, even an hour of their time would probably get more than what we've got currently."
"I can ask but I don't know … it's my ex and while we're on alright terms, I'm ah not sure she'll be entirely comfortable with this." Nick shrugs as he really doesn't know what Juliette might say. She had liked helping him previously but that was before their lives got too tangled in all of his cases, particularly the Wesen ones.
"Ah, sorry Burkhardt. I'd leave it alone but we really need a break in this case and I think once the family leave, we won't see them again." Nick nods, understanding where they are at and that feeling of a case slipping through your fingers.
"I guess I can ask?" He offers and both officers thank him for even doing that. They stand and watch as he pulls his phone out and makes the call. Juliette is amicable on the phone and actually agrees to help, volunteering to come to the precinct during her lunchbreak. Both Pogue and Meachum are incredibly thankful and go to make sure their witnesses don't leave before she can get there.
Watching her walk in and be greeted by them is strange, and seeing her walk by with a brief glance towards him is odd, leaving him feeling out of sorts.
"Was that …?" Hank asks with a head tilt as he arrives at their desk.
"Yeah, Juliette is here helping Pogue and Meachum with an interview. They remembered she can speak Spanish and with the department's interpreter not available, they asked me to ask her if she'd be willing to help." He explains as neutrally as he can.
"That not awkward?"
"I guess I'll find out," he replies, voice sounding as unsure as he feels.
"Better you than me man," Hank shrugs and Nick sighs.
"Yeah," he mutters, glancing over his shoulder and down the corridor where they went. He's able to lose himself in some case files that need reviewing and so isn't aware of how much time has passed before the sound of familiar footsteps reaches his ears.
Pogue and Meachum thank her as they and Juliette round the corner back into the bullpen and he sits back in his chair as she smiles at them before glancing towards him. Seeing him already looking at her, she points him out before offering a goodbye to the other detectives and walking to his side.
"Hey Hank," she says quietly to his partner and Hank gives her a greeting back before politely asking how she's been. Their ensuing conversation isn't exactly awkward, it just doesn't have the ease it once did.
"Will you walk me out?" She asks Nick as the conversation fades.
"Do you need me to?"
"It would be nice," she replies and her voice is a little tenser. He nods, seeing something in her face and pushes back his chair, almost catching her feet as she also moves. "Nick!" Her sharp exclamation carries and he's suddenly aware of a lot of eyes are on them. Wu now stands at Hank's shoulder and at some point, the captain has arrived and is standing in his doorway with another man Nick doesn't recognise, both looking towards him.
"Sorry," he offers and she huffs. He gestures to let her walk first and then moves to her side as they exit the bullpen and walk down the corridor.
"Is everything alright?" He asks quietly and she sighs.
"Yes, I'm sorry for that. It's just, being here and doing that questioning, the elderly woman in there was talking about spirits and sensing the beyond and, … it just brought back memories of when I had lost mine and was struggling with, well with everything that happened back then." Juliette finishes, looking away from him.
"I didn't mean to put you on the spot, or cause you any discomfort by asking for your help," he says and she looks back up at him.
"I didn't mind you asking for my help," she says. "I'm happy that you felt you could. And I said yes, I agreed to come. I guess I just didn't realise how hard I would find it to do." She shakes her head and offers a small smile. "I'll be ok. Have I caused any problems for you?"
"No, it's fine. You helped us out a lot today, Pogue and Meachum were feeling pretty desperate." He states, shifting on his feet as other officers walk past them.
"Yeah, they said something similar. And they were full of thanks once we recorded the interview." Juliette steps closer to him to also avoid others in the hall and he's aware of the stares they're receiving and how close they are now stood.
"And I'll add to them, thank you, really, for coming down and helping my colleagues. You didn't have to and I'm very grateful you did." He reaches out, squeezes her shoulder gently and smiles. It's meant as a thankful gesture, as well as maybe slightly comforting, and he can see in her face she takes it as such.
"I'd say anytime but I'm not sure that would be entirely truthful. But I'll always answer your call." She smiles back.
"Do you have to head back to work?" He drops his arm and takes a step back, creating space between them.
"Yeah, which I had better get going to. See you at the house later?" He agrees and watches as she walks out before slowly walking back to his desk. Pogue stands next to Hank and Wu, looking sightly concerned.
"I'm sorry if I made things worse between you two, Burkhardt, I know break ups aren't fun."
"It's fine," Nick sighs as he drops down into his seat, feeling all those eyes on him again.
"Well, thanks anyway, she was a lot of help." He nods in gratitude before leaving and both Hank and Wu move closer to him.
"You sure you're ok partner? That didn't look comfortable," Hank comments and Nick shakes his head.
"Sure, yeah, ok," he replies before huffing out a breath. "You know what? Sometimes, I really don't know," he admits and gets supportive expressions from them both. "Anyway, you have a case for us?" He redirects to Wu and the sergeant is quick on the uptake and gives them details of where they need to be next.
Examining the prostitute's body and then talking to the upset room mate takes them a while and then returning to the precinct gives them an angle none of them saw coming as they go over the details already noticed.
"This is starting to sound a little familiar," Hank points out. "Prostitutes, left-handed killer, organs being surgically removed …" He trails off and tilts his head suggestively and Nick frowns.
"You're thinking Jack the Ripper?"
"Well, if I remember correctly, same M.O. Only difference is, that was London, and this is Portland." Nick shakes his head but quickly types into his computer so he can check the details.
"Here we go, 'London, September 1888. Elizabeth Stride's body was found in a dark yard off Berner Street at 1am. Her throat had been cut with a sharp instrument. Another victim named Annie Chapman also had her throat cut and uterus removed by an unknown assailant'." He reads off the screen, noting the similarities from those facts to their case.
"You talking Jack the Ripper?" Wu asks as he arrives at their desk. They quickly recap him with their thoughts, with Nick adding in the Wesen elements he's seen so far.
"So, Jack didn't just pick his victims because they were prostitutes. He picked them because they were Wesen." Wu says and the three of them share a look.
"Sounds like Jack the Ripper could've been a Grimm, except for the leaving their heads on." Hank chips in and Nick stands, grabbing his coat off the back of his chair.
"Time for a trailer visit," he states and the other two nod before following him out. He clocks another visitor in Renard's office and tries to commit the face to his memory as he walks past, just in case, but he's starting to think the captain is definitely making moves of his own.
The three of them go through the books and find even more information that could point towards a serial killer that pre-dates Jack the Ripper and also had Wesen as their victims. The details are scarily similar and potentially having a 300-year-old killer who has killed multiple times and hasn't been caught is not a comforting thought.
They call it a night after another hour of research and reading and a phone call to Monroe, who offered his own opinions on the case. Wu offers to stay longer, his love of the trailer and everything in it rearing up again, but Nick points out that if this is going the way they think it is then they potentially have more bodies to come and so should get rest while they can.
Driving home something feels off and he checks his surrounding, almost pulling over to check both of his phones before realising that they same headlights have been following him for several turns now. If he was further away from home, he'd try a diversion to get confirmation but he's already on his street and doesn't want to make them aware he's onto them. Still, he slows right down so he can catalogue as many details as he can.
Thinking he's been followed and it actually happening could have very different results, and the reasons behind the action are vast and varied. He scans the area as he gets out of the land cruiser. The car idling across the sheet is suspicious and as another drives past he catches a glimpse of a man who he thinks was seen in Renard's office previously.
Going inside he checks in with Juliette, who has no clue about anything other than her cooked dinner, enquiring if he wants any of the extra she has left over of her dinner for his. He debates telling her before deciding not to, still unsure it actually happened but unable to ignore his instincts that tell him something was different. It leaves him feeling unsettled and like he's bringing danger to those closest to him. He's the attraction here, not them, and it shouldn't be brought literally to their doorsteps. Of course, then there's the reason why someone might be following him ... or reasons, as he's not just a Grimm with his own enemies made, but also the link to a community still mostly uneasy with his presence and also now known to a somewhat frenemy that he has information that they want.
Perhaps he could talk to Henrietta, after all she had multiple ways of disguising her address and magical protection over the space itself. Once the warehouse was confirmed as his then he could get that started and then get Bud to help pass around the news that the Grimm had moved. Either way, he encourages Juliette to have an early night and then heads there himself, hoping for something that could help, in some way, or maybe just to see someone that would make him feel better.
-G-
Black brightens and swirls of colour invade his vision before settling him into the now familiar space in his dreams. He takes a deep breath and let's the magic and energy flow around him before turning, greeting Adalind as she appears.
"You ok?" He asks as she moves towards him.
"Yeah, yeah, you?" Her reply isn't convincing but he doesn't push.
"I'm alright. How's Diana?" Her face immediately brightens at the mention of her daughter and she spends the next few minutes detailing all that they've been doing, the fun stuff alongside everything else they've been undertaking when trying to teach the young girl.
"And your mom is so good with her," Adalind compliments. "Not only did she rescue us when we first met, back in Austria with Meisner, but she continues to be so supportive and helpful. I don't think I would have survived being on the run on my own and your mom has done so much to keep us safe." He nods, happy to hear that but then frowns.
"Wait, who's Meisner?"
"He's with the resistance. He got me out when the Verrat came for me and then helped when I gave birth. I think he knows Sean but I'm not completely sure about that." She quickly runs through her reasons for why and Nick tries to catalogue it all, as any connection to the captain that could crop up again is worth knowing.
"Any other relationships he might use?" He asks and she shrugs warily but gives him some more names to look into. It's not a lot to go on but something is better than nothing and anything that could give them an edge over the half royal is a bonus.
"Thanks," he says as she finishes and she gives him a small smile. "Anything else you think I should know?"
"I don't know," she replies quietly, looking troubled and he can't help but step toward her and embrace her. She snuggles into him and he rubs her shoulders while giving her time to talk to him. "It's just …. A lot."
"I get it," he offers but she huffs out a raw laugh and pulls back from him slightly.
"I'm not sure you do. And I don't want that to sound awful, or ungrateful, you've been brilliant, better than, which I didn't expect and now we're doing things like this and I want that too but I just feel all so over the place and-" she takes a deep breath and looks up at him, eye shining with emotion. He can't help but cup her shoulders, trying to be reassuring physically for her even as the feeling of magic and something else heavies the air around them.
"What if this doesn't work out? I'm not exactly … I don't actually have a lot of experience in healthy relationships. Any kind. My father left when I was four and it wasn't much longer after that, that I realised my mother's love came with conditions. And Sean, well that was to appease my mother as much as it was attraction and want to be with him. Plus, I understood there, that to be with him was to do as he said … I guess what I'm saying is that I don't know, about this, what's between us and … it's really scary." Her voice goes from quiet to rambling to quiet again as she talks, looking at his face then away again. He can't quite get a read on her but after all they've been through so far, what he's experienced and what he wants, he knows he needs to take a step in that direction.
"That's your experiences," he starts quietly, "and you know I've had my own tangled relationships. Losing my parents but then getting my mother back, years later, and finding out I've been lied to. Lying myself, over and over, and losing trust within my relationship. We've both been through it."
"Yeah," he gets a chuckled agreement at those words and she leans back into his touch.
"But that's not a reason, a good one anyway, not to try, I mean, I'm not that scary." She outright laughs at that.
"You can be," she murmurs and he shrugs.
"I don't want to scare you," he amends.
"I don't want to be scared," she sighs. "I don't want to … but I am."
"Just, keep talking to me. There's no pressure here, right? We have time to figure this out." She smiles, soft and slow, and nods before stepping forward and more into him. Her hand just grazes his chest, giving him the sensation of warmth and little sparks, before the colours swirl around them and it all fades away.
-G-
He wakes feeling unsure, his dream still fresh in his mind and hoping that Adalind takes his words seriously. Now he's thinking of her, thinking of building them, he can't stop and he wants the opportunity to see where they could go. She knows all about his Grimm life, hell she might know it better than him having grown up Wesen and having a mother very active in the Wesen community.
Still, he won't force anything and they have time to figure whatever it is between them out. Especially with their dream link giving them opportunities to know each other better.
Any further thoughts about that situation are derailed by his phone and the call they've got a body to investigate. He finds out where to meet and then gives his estimated arrival time on scene before disconnecting. Juliette is in the kitchen as he walks through, reminding him that she'll be gone from that evening and for the rest of the weekend and he wishes her a good time before heading to his car. Another phone call stops him from starting the ignition but this is a welcomed interruption, confirmation that payment has been received and he's now the owner of the old paint factory and converted lofts. Starting to drive, he makes a rough plan for what he can do next, now very glad he's got a free weekend to set up what he needs to.
"M.E.'s on her way, but just like her friend, one slice to the throat, abdomen cut open. So, it's either the same Jack copycat or a copycat of the copycat." Wu explains as he joins them at the scene. They discuss the new findings versus the old before Renard joins them and takes over the conversation.
"Do we have any leads?"
"Nothing we can share with the press," Nick admits.
"Share it with me," the captain instructs.
"Well, it's possible we're dealing with something very old," he starts and then he, Hank and Wu take it in turns to update their superior on the information they've found and the links to their current cases. Details are very similar but timeframes put into play questions more than give answers and he can see frustration on his captain's face.
Except, there's something else there and as he watches the older man talk and take in their replies Nick thinks he sees something in his eyes … almost like pride? Or smugness? His instincts are telling him something if off and as the captain gives his orders, he holds Hank and Wu back as they go to walk behind him.
"Uh, how are we supposed to book a killer who's over 300 years old?" Wu mutters.
"We have to find them first." Hank points out.
"I think it's just getting started," Nick admits. "And we need to keep an eye on captain. I don't know what it is but I've just got a feeling … something is not quite right there."
"You mean, more than the other stuff going on?" Wu questions and he nods.
"Yeah, I can't say what but something's just tugging at me and I think we need to be vigilant around him."
-G-
"So, you wish to know about the protections around my house? For potential use around a new property for you to use?" Henrietta asks as she leads him further into her house. He's seen the entry and hallway, as well as the sitting room but now they head into the kitchen, from which he can see a further sunroom as well. He thinks he sees a glimpse of a cauldron before turning his attention back to her.
"Yes. There's a strong possibility that Adalind will have to bring Diana here to meet with Renard, and I've been working on a location to use as a safe house. Somewhere with no legal, or followable, ties to me that we can use if needed." He admits, thinking Henrietta might have to be one of the few people who will know the actual location. If she can set up similar protections there as at her own house then it'll be worth it.
"That seems a very wise move, Nicholas. I-" A frantic banging on the door interrupts them and Henrietta looks puzzled.
"You expecting anyone?" He asks and she shakes her head in the negative. More banging comes as she takes a deep breath and he draws his gun.
"It's Sean," she says and goes to answer the door. Nick moves to follow her then something, some instinct, makes him pause and he lingers behind the wall as the front door opens.
"Sean, what's wrong?" He hears Henrietta ask and then the sound of footsteps.
"Something's happening to me," comes the quick reply, his captain's voice sounding harsh and desperate.
"You were shot again?" Henrietta's voice sounds alarmed and their footsteps indicate them moving further into the house.
"No. This is from when I was shot before. It's the same wounds. They were healed, then they just started bleeding. It's happened over and over."
"Has anyone else seen this?"
"I went to see a doctor. I had an MRI. I had a CAT scan. They say there's nothing wrong with me but there is something wrong with me!" Captain's voice rises in volume and harshness as Nick listens, trying to put it all together.
"Ok. I need you to sit down. Have there been any dreams?" Henrietta's voice takes on that calming tone and he hears the rustling of fabric that indicates Renard has listened to her.
"Yeah. I keep reliving the moment I was shot. And then I wake up and I-I have this dream that something is reaching for me … And I've had blackouts."
"And where are you when that happens?"
"I don't know. I keep waking up in these strange places." He goes on to detail the places and Henrietta asks more questions, the captain's tone of voice getting more and more stressed as they talk. Nick thinks maybe he should give them a bit of privacy but something keeps him where he is and tensed, ready to move if its needed.
"No!" The captain's sudden shout makes him jump slightly. "I don't have time! I don't even know why I came here; this is a complete waste!"
"Sean! I need you to come back!" Henrietta's voice calls and Nick goes around the corner as the slam of the front door echoes down the corridor.
"Henrietta?" He calls as he enters and she turns to him, face distraught.
"Nicholas, this is serious. We need to get Sean to return. I fear something awful has occurred." She pulls out several books, flipping through them quickly. "Here, oh goddess above. Not from the spirit realm. Nicholas, go to the kitchen and retrieve the athame from the stand on the windowsill." She instructs and he turns quickly to follow her orders.
He sees the blade as soon as he enters and as he picks it up, he hears movement from the front door again.
"Sean-argh!" The cry is full of pain and Nick pivots instantly, moving quickly to return to Henrietta. When he enters Renard is stood over her with a blade, a scalpel perhaps, at her throat and blood is already dripping down her shirt.
"Hey!" He shouts, throwing the knife in his hand and watching as his captain takes it in the shoulder as he moves to face him. Henrietta uses the movement to scramble away and Renard simply looks at his shoulder then to Nick.
"Oh, you shouldn't have done that laddie," comes a strange, lilting voice that is not his captain at all. It sounds almost … British?
"Captain," he says slowly, keeping his eye on the man in front of him as he moves slowly, trying to position himself between the man and Henrietta, still on the floor. "I don't know what's going on-"
"Then you shouldn't interrupt, eh mate? But not to worry, I can take care of you both!" He suddenly rips the knife out of his own flesh and throws it back at Nick. He's able to duck but it gives time for the other man to move forward and he aims for Nick's side with the blade still in his hand. Nick swipes it away and kicks out at the captain's knee, making him stumble.
"Captain," he says, feeling utterly bewildered. "What's going on?"
"Not-ot Sean," Henrietta gasps from across the room. "He's po-possessed!"
"I'll be back for you in a jiffy, dearie," the British voice calls out. "As soon as I've dealt with this chap." He lunges at Nick, forcing him back and they trade blows as he tries to get his head around what's happening. He throws a punch that's blocked but he spins and jabs an elbow into the taller man's ribs. A leg comes up to kick at him and he twists, tangling their legs as he delivers another hit, aiming for where the knife went in mere minutes ago. The other man lets out a grunt at the move that turns into a growl, one hand coming up to push out at Nick's face as he side-steps free from their tangled lower limbs. A particularly powerful shove sends him into the wall, knocking down a shelf, and giving the possessed captain time to pick up his blade once more.
"Oh, you'll regret that, laddie," he snarls menacingly. Nick feels a bubble start in his chest, cold and rigid, and his senses start to zero in on his immediate surroundings. He tries to push it down, wanting to keep alert and present, as well as not place Henrietta in any more danger than she already is in.
"Nicholas," Henrietta wheezes and he tries to move once more so to put himself between where she lays and the advancing male.
A new sensation invades him, a feeling to move a certain way and get the other man in a particular position. It's like déjà vu or some certainty of what he needs to do; feels like he's suddenly remembered being told key information. He lets his instincts take over, blocking as another swipe comes and then using his strength to drive blow after blow into the other man's chest. Red stains quickly become apparent on the captain's pale shirt but Nick feels he can't stop yet. Out of the corner of his eye he sees Henrietta gather something to her chest before wobbling to her feet, her own clothing coloured by blood loss too. They all shuffle and shift around the space, the captain, or whoever, becoming increasingly agitated and enraged as the fight goes on.
"Enough!" They shout out. "I will have my reward! I will have her end! I will have-"
"Diath," Henrietta snaps and Nick drops at her word, darting forward and twisting the blade out of the hand in front of him, using the motion to bring the arm up in a harsh rotation and spinning round so the captain faces Henrietta directly. She blows a cloud of rust coloured dust into his face, swaying starkly with the movement, and the captain coughs harshly as he inhales it. Nick uses that distraction to force the man down, roughly onto to his knees, one arm held behind his back, as he puts his own scalpel to his throat.
"That means death," he murmurs and then slices it across its owner's throat and lets the body fall forward.
-G-
AN – Sooo …. Yeah, that happened. Stick with me, folks.