Nines cradled Pipsqueak as the five of them sat in a meeting room at the DPD. He hadn't felt content leaving him in the penthouse alone so soon after Gavin's disappearance, and they needed him for what was to come. Pipsqueak didn't know or comprehend the details, but he did know that Nines, and everyone else, was distressed. He'd also noted Gavin's absence, though he wasn't surprised he was gone. He'd seen him leave, but he was beginning to worry that he hadn't returned. It had been many hours since Nines had woken up. Since then, Pipsqueak had been manhandled and interfaced with at varying intervals. Eventually, he'd wriggled free of Colin's gentle arms and hidden up on the walkways in the bar, hissing down at him resentfully.

They'd granted him a reprieve of sorts as Connor and Nines went about their work. They gathered the camera footage and walked the scene, speaking out loud for Hank and Perkins' benefit. Colin had told Nines about Pipsqueak, and that he believed he'd been used as both an espionage and communication device. Pipsqueak had remained wary as Nines approached. He'd already been prodded and probed multiple times and didn't want to be manhandled further. His tail fluffed and flicked as Nines looked up and spoke with a gentle voice, coaxing him down as he always did. Pipsqueak had mewled his distress as he'd hopped down into Nines' waiting arms to butt and nuzzle for comfort.

Nines had hushed and cradled him, offering an interface. He would not abuse the trust he'd built with Pipsqueak. He would not force an interface to remove data by force. Pipsqueak had been further stressed by Nines' silent despair. He'd urgently writhed to get his paws on Nines' larger shoulders so he could nose and rub his cheek. Nines had felt somewhat embarrassed and confused that Pipsqueak's affection had resulted in a fresh wave of saline running down his cheeks. Connor was sensitive, quietly leading him out to the patio while Colin dealt with damage control inside, keeping Perkins and Hank occupied. Connor didn't doubt the two humans noticed. They were experienced investigators. They also respected Nines enough to give him his space.

Connor had remained a supportive and comforting presence, sitting at his side and rubbing circles on his back, and Pipsqueak had continued to mewl his comfort and support. He'd initiated interface after interface, sharing his own worries and offering what comfort he could. Eventually, he'd even allowed Nines to interface with him on a deeper level, as Colin had attempted earlier. The difference was the bond of trust they already shared. Pipsqueak had patiently curled up in Nines' lap and allowed him to view what data remained stored from the night before.

It wasn't the same as data from a humanoid android. Pipsqueak's data was simple, like time stamps. Nines noticed the outside interference as a string of complicated numbers. Pipsqueak's systems had been hacked early in the evening. Nines felt violated as he noted that he'd entered the bedroom during their lovemaking. The Hickory Killer had used Pipsqueak like a voyeur to watch them writhe beneath the sheets. He was horrified. He hadn't even considered it were possible. Why would he? Pet models were so primitive, it never crossed his mind that someone would or could do such a thing. Pipsqueak was only designed to receive updates. The Hickory Killer must have fabricated a virus to mimic an update in order to make a two-way connection possible. But how did he even gain access to Pipsqueak to implant the software in the first place?

He'd told Connor instantly, which is when they'd returned to the precinct. Pipsqueak's systems would need to be thoroughly scanned, which would require specialised equipment. There were few people he'd trust with Pipsqueak's welfare. Many would naturally put Gavin's life above a simple pet model and risk damaging his simpler software while extracting the information. It seemed Connor understood and shared his view to an extent. He'd already made a call to Chloe by the time they left the penthouse.

"Can't you just…copy the data?" Perkins asked curiously as they waited. He and Colin were sitting across from Nines, who was still cradling Pipsqueak in his arms. Pipsqueak trilled as he noted Perkins' hand gesturing towards him. His ears flicked curiously as he rolled and reached his paws across to bat the hand playfully. Nines was somewhat surprised as Perkins huffed and left his hand there, allowing Pipsqueak to bat and paw his worn skin. He didn't even withdraw as Pipsqueak got close enough to nip with gentle teeth. Colin watched with interest. It seemed this was a new side to Perkins that no one had seen before. Nines was further surprised as Pipsqueak wriggled his way onto the table and moved to mewl and purr at Perkins as he teased his ears.

"Unfortunately not…Pet models have extremely primitive systems. The data they store differs greatly from our own. It's not a case of seeing through his eyes, at least, not with the form of data he has stored currently. The data will need to be altered to allow our software to reconstruct the world through his eyes. His data is mostly alphanumerical, though he can share simple feelings to express his needs. The data he stores is tied to his consciousness in a way that ours is not. Extraction is a delicate process, and rarely necessary. We have requested a specialist to assist," Nines replied as he watched Pipsqueak roll onto his back. He curled himself around Perkins' arm the way he did with Gavin, digging in his claws and swishing his fluffy tail as Perkins teased the white fur on his stomach. It was strange to see Pipsqueak take to someone so quickly; someone human, at least. As Pipsqueak moved to settle on Perkins' side of the table, Nines began to understand a little of how Gavin felt all those months ago. He didn't want to deprive Pipsqueak of affection, but it was somewhat lonely to see him pandering to someone else.

"We've been able to follow Sergeant Reed's final movements thanks to the security footage in the halls and on the lower floor," Connor added as he leaned forward and laced his fingers on the table. They could at least get started on that. They knew the Hickory Killer had watched and contacted Reed before he'd left. His phone showed an incoming call shortly before his departure. The number was unknown, but it was too close to be a coincidence, especially since they knew Pipsqueak had been hacked at the same time.

"It is our belief that the Hickory Killer, or his android, was somewhere close by at the time of the call, and that he issued a threat or ultimatum. Judging by the last contact we know of, it's likely he threatened Nines somehow in order to lure him away," Colin agreed as he mirrored Connor. Nines shrank in his seat and folded his arms across his chest, feeling guilty and somewhat embarrassed. He'd been caught breaking the fraternisation code. There was no way Connor and Colin has missed him walking through the upstairs hallway to his room with Gavin's semen smeared body in his arms. He was grateful they hadn't reprimanded him out loud. They hadn't even told Hank and Perkins, though they probably would in a more private setting.

"Don't blame yourself, Nines. This was likely his plan from the beginning." Connor's eyes creased in sympathy as he noticed Nines' huddled form. It was hard to imagine how he felt. Connor had experienced Hank being taken hostage, but it wasn't quite the same. He'd been there and had the chance to fight back and save him at Cyberlife Tower. Nines had simply been left behind with no way of finding Gavin at all. He could be anywhere! They might have left Detroit altogether. That would be the safest option.

"He's right. This all started long before you came on the scene. He's been planning this little comeback for a while," Perkins agreed, looking across with strangely gentle silver eyes. Perhaps Nines shouldn't be surprised by his empathy. He was a seasoned FBI agent and had likely lost many partners and teammates over the years, but the assurances didn't make him feel better. How could he feel better? Gavin had left him. Chosen to leave him. He knew he'd gone to keep him safe, but it was still unacceptable. He couldn't work himself up to anger. All he felt was despair. I want Gavin! It was a burning ache in his chest. A cry that stuck in his throat. A desperate plea he felt with every fibre of his being. He blinked out fresh saline as Pipsqueak returned to butt his unsuspecting chin.

"We'll find him…" Connor murmured softly as he moved to rest a hand on Nines' thigh. That somehow made him feel worse. The Hickory Killer had always maintained a pace far greater than they could follow. Finding Gavin would be difficult unless the Hickory Killer wanted him to be found. If they found him, what state would he be in? The words in Gavin's note echoed in his mind. I don't want you to be the one to find me. Gavin didn't want him to be the one because he knew how it felt. He'd experienced the deaths of people he cared for. He'd been the one to find them and sometimes used as the unwilling instrument of their death.

"We'll do everything we can. The whole of the DPD will be on this. Gavin Reed is one of ours, and we don't give up on our own." Everything we can. Hank was wise enough not to make promises he knew he couldn't keep. He didn't promise they would find him or that he'd be alright if they did. Nines was at least comforted there were others who would be as eager as they were to bring Gavin home. His popularity had grown many times in the past year. Seasoned officers respected him, the android staff felt seen by him, and the newer recruits looked up to him. Gavin Reed was an asshole, but he was their asshole, and god help anyone who hurt him.

"So? What's our first course of action?" Perkins piped up as he leaned forward. He mostly looked to Hank for this since he was the ranking officer representing the DPD. There wasn't a lot they could do as far as tracking Gavin went. At least, not yet. They were waiting for footage from the surrounding area to see where he'd gone, but it would take time to track all the feeds. Connor had already confirmed he hadn't left via the main hotel entrance using the elevator camera, and the last view within the hotel was Gavin climbing the stairwell from the basement. He hadn't shown Nines the footage. It was difficult, even for him, to see the distraught look on his face as he left him behind.

"For now, we've put out a BOLO for all officers to keep an eye out, and every major highway out of Detroit is being stopped and searched, but beyond that, there isn't a lot we can do. We'll need to go over everything as thoroughly as possible to get inside this fucker's head to figure out his next move. He wanted Gavin for something, and I don't know about you, but I don't think it's anything sleaze related," Hank replied with a disgusted scoff. Perkins took on a thoughtful air, nodding his agreement as he leaned on one arm. That seemed mostly accurate. He didn't think the killer was in love with him in the romantic sense, though there was definitely an aspect of possession involved. He certainly felt something, but they knew enough about him to know he didn't feel things the same as everyone else. There was a sexual element to his kills. The knife plunging into flesh over and over. The long drags of the blade. Tying up his victims and toying with them. He seemed to get a sick form of fascination from watching his victims die. Perkins didn't doubt he got off on it, though they'd found no evidence to confirm that. Will he do something similar to Sergeant Reed, or does he have some deeper purpose?

"There is certainly a sexual element to his kills, so I don't think we can rule that out entirely." Colin almost regretted bringing it up, flinching in surprise as Nines pushed to his feet. His chair clattered loudly and tumbled across the floor as he recoiled from the group to pace the wall, LED pulsing an angry red. Pipsqueak yowled and dove across the table into Perkin's lap in distress. Perkins was surprised, but held and soothed him as Connor shot to his feet to grip Nines' elbows before cupping his cheeks with gentle hands to start an interface. The trio at the table watched as their skin withdrew around the connected areas and their faces went blank, freezing them in time. Colin's jaw tightened in agitation as he squirmed in his seat, his own LED spinning red.

"It's alright, son. They know you didn't mean anything by it. You were just giving input." Hank knew well the sting of guilt when you hurt those you loved. It was one of the things he regretted most about the period just after Cole's death. The way he and his wife had held back and boiled over, lashing out at each other. It had been terrible. They'd both been hurt. Those feelings of loss and resentment had overwhelmed the warmth and love they'd once shared. It was only as the years slowly passed that Hank realised how wrong it had been. For both of them. He'd thought of reaching out to apologise. He could probably find her if he tried, but what good would it do after all this time? It would just open old, barely healed wounds. Better to let it rest. If there was an afterlife, maybe he could find her there. That was a nice thought.

"Here, sit down," Connor murmured as he righted Nines' chair and steered him into his seat. Colin's hazel eyes pinched with worry and apology as he looked across at his brothers and Connor's expression softened assuringly as he kept a supportive hand on Nines' shoulder. Nines kept his eyes on the table, embarrassed at his outburst. He desperately didn't want to think about it. He didn't want to imagine the things the Hickory Killer could be doing to Gavin at that very moment. His LED remained red as he tried to deactivate his preconstruction software. He didn't want to think. He didn't want to see. Connor squeezed harder. "Everyone is doing their best right now." It was the best assurance he could give at that moment.

All eyes strayed to the door as a gentle knock sounded, and it opened to admit Chloe. Her usually bright smile was dim as she entered, doing her best to keep a positive front. She hurried across to Nines and dragged him into a tight embrace as he stood to greet her, doing his best not to blink fresh saline on her. Wearing his uniform was supposed to keep him level and assist him in maintaining a more robotic front. So far, it wasn't working. He was still reeling from the loss. He needed to ground himself, to regroup and find that calm, analytical side he'd had prior to deviation.

Elijah was only a step behind, looking predictably grim and pale at the news. He'd had a little time to compose himself, but was obviously worried as he gave polite greetings to those present. Colin rose to assist with the heavy baggage he was carrying. There was one case slung over his shoulder and a larger tool bag and portable computer system in his hand. He gave Colin thanks as he approached the table and held his hand out to Pipsqueak, who nuzzled into his touch but remained wary. He had been the target of a lot of manhandling that day. Unfortunately, it wasn't over yet. Pipsqueak let out a low warning growl as his eyes thinned, which stilled Elijah's hand. He didn't want to upset Pipsqueak more than necessary. He was Gavin's cat. Gavin loved that cat.

"Let me…" Nines murmured as he drew back from Chloe and reached across to interface with Pipsqueak. His silver fur fluffed in agitation, but a patch drew back to allow the contact. Nines offered feelings of regret and remorse. He hadn't intended to startle him. It seemed Pipsqueak accepted the apology as his ears and tail twitched. It was difficult to convey full messages, but Nines tried to get across what was required. They needed him to go into low-power mode. Deep stasis. Pipsqueak was reluctant as he let out another low yowl of discontent. Nines was patient as he continued to send pleading feelings and thoughts of Gavin. Pipsqueak seemed to understand after a while. Low-power mode was linked to Gavin. He clicked and chittered softly as Nines ended the connection before settling in Perkins' arms.

Perkins was gentle as he gathered Pipsqueak's limp form in his arms. His green eyes were closed, as if sleeping, as Elijah positioned him on his side and pulled on a set of black gloves. Nines was unsure what technology was hidden within the gloves, but as Elijah touched Pipsqueak's flank, his silver fur trickled away to reveal the delicate white and silver casing beneath. Chloe helped set up the small computer and attached multiple wires to Pipsqueak's carefully opened neck port. Elijah settled in Nines' chair, allowing him to watch over his shoulder as he worked. He pulled on his large glasses as he traced the lines of code on the portable screen with squinting eyes.

"That wasn't the first time…There's an embedded code here…see?" he murmured as he rested his finger on a small patch of numbers and symbols. Hank leaned over with a frown. It all looked like gibberish to him, but he'd take Elijah's word for it. He'd created the damned things, so he'd know best. "This code would have allowed our hacker to come and go as he pleased. It embedded right into his core programming, meaning the regular memory purges wouldn't affect it…He could have been watching for months, maybe even years!" Elijah was silently kicking himself. He knew the case was dangerous. I should have considered this. He should have run a diagnostic of Pipsqueak's systems to ensure something like this hadn't happened.

Nines' LED span red. How could he not have noticed? He'd lived with Gavin and Pipsqueak for many months. The Hickory Killer could have hacked in and spied on them at any time. Surely, he should have noticed something. Some change in Pipsqueak's behaviour. The hint of an unfamiliar code during their interfaces. How had he missed it so completely? Connor's comforting hand gripped his shoulder. He was sympathetic as he sent him feelings of warmth and support, assuring him it wasn't his fault. Pipsqueak wasn't a sophisticated machine that linked to the internet. He was primitive, only designed to receive information. He was never meant to be used like this.

"Alright…This is the data from the last twenty-four hours. I'm removing the base code and setting up a stronger security system. Nines, I'll link the updating program to your software. From now on, any time Pipsqueak receives an update, you'll have the chance to review it first and ensure there are no hidden codes or viruses inside." Nines nodded his agreement. That would be best. Elijah worked quickly and efficiently, tapping away at the keys faster than the other humans could keep up with. It took little time to extract the necessary data and Pipsqueak was soon awake and purring in Perkin's lap once more. The hard part came once Elijah had the data.

Translating the data into a format that others could understand was difficult. Elijah could see the timestamps of engagement, but not what had happened. Colin moved beside him to assist, frowning as he interfaced with the computer. The computer was slow to make it legible, but he started to put together bits and pieces. He got enough to reconstruct that something had occurred in Nines' bedroom. His hunting instincts had kicked in, spotting movement. Gavin had been disturbed by whatever it was and moved from the bed to the window. The lighting level had dropped. Gavin closed the curtains. Pipsqueak been compelled to move to Gavin's bedroom, where he'd remained awhile. Gavin had seemed distressed, talking out loud to someone. A voice with no body. Colin assumed this was the phone call. He'd already interfaced with the phone to confirm a call had come through. If only we could somehow find out exactly what was said…Pipsqueak bore witness, but his language skills don't comprehend enough to store dialogue in that manner…He may not have stored dialogue, but he understood feelings. He understood Gavin had been sad and afraid, even angry, during the encounter.

Pipsqueak had wanted to remain close, and had shadowed his steps, watching with eyes that were not his own. The strange control finally been released once Gavin left, at which point he'd mewled and scratched at the door for a while before padding up to Nines' room. He'd yowled and pawed him before returning to the bar and waiting anxiously for morning to come, keeping his eyes on the door and hoping Gavin would return. His own systems had been fatigued from the encounter, so he'd rested while waiting for Nines to come online. They already knew what happened afterwards. Nines had contacted them both with a sense of blind fear and despair, screaming into the void that Gavin was gone.

"What could have set off his hunting instincts?" Connor asked as he reviewed the information from Colin. They were both thoughtful as they went over everything they knew about cats. They were driven by movement, so something had likely moved. Gavin had made the room darker by closing the curtains. Something from outside then. Something that had spooked him into action. Closing the curtains had been important. It had blocked the view from outside. Something outside that a cat would pay attention to…

"A laser sight. They can be used from a distance and produce a red spot that cats hunt. Closing the curtains would have cut off the line of sight. That would also be concurrent with the Hickory Killer's latest set of photographs…" Nines' jaw tightened in remorse. This is exactly what their argument had been about the night before. He'd been so confident in the penthouse's security that he hadn't considered such a thing possible. Whether the shot would have penetrated the glass and killed him was irrelevant. The threat had been enough to spur Gavin into action. I should have allowed him to close the curtains and dim the glass. I should have allowed him that security. The Hickory Killer would probably have found another method of drawing him away, but at least he wouldn't feel so guilty and foolish.

"It's not your fault. The Hickory Killer has been working up to this for months. He would have found another way if this hadn't worked." Connor's assurance didn't make him feel any less responsible. Gavin…