Chapter 16: The Duet Operation

Sunday morning came sooner than they were expecting. Leaving Blue Valley was a bittersweet thing. For Cori she was seldom excited to get away from family and be back to work. Back to the sanctuary of herself and Edward's own space. However, leaving her mother after the bond gilded once again was a weight in her chest. Even Edward was sullen in the car ride to Lincoln, barely speaking as he stared out the window. Going back to Gotham for himself was dreading. Leaving his first comfort with a family— a mother figure who accepted him was taking a toll. The worst of it for Cori was leaving her mother alone again. No relationships besides her family scattered in far off regions. Worst still, left to stew in the news of Celeste's murderer.

Telling her family the news was still vividly remembered. The emotions were like a rollercoaster, one minute the faces of her grandparents, aunt and uncle and her mother were in tears, then smiles and relief, then dejection and silence. Going round and round as they too seemed to be in shock from the news. Her mother tried to put on her bravest face. Shrugged it off and said only the good things. Cori knew it was weighing on her the most. Specifically, the fear of a trial, and having to relive her worst nightmares all over again.

When they got to the airport, Yumi's tears started slow. As Edward and Cori were about to enter their boarding, she finally broke down in weeps.

Cori turned to her, "This is it."

Yumi mewled, "Oh, I'm gonna miss you, honey."

"I know," muttered Cori, choking down her own tears.

Yumi blubbered quietly, "You sure you can't… just move here? Lots of opportunities in Omaha! You could keep up your journalling. James could find Edward some work, he's got tons of connections. You'd only be a few hours away."

Cori sighed sadly, "Gotham is where the big journaling is, mom. You know it's not fair to talk about this as I'm leaving."

"I know, I'm sorry, I know. I just," quavered Yumi, "I just don't want you to go. Is it bad I want a trial just so I can see you sooner?"

"A little," lightheartedly said Cori, "Christmas is coming up, too."

"Right," sighed Yumi, trying to calm herself, "You're right. What if it does go to trial? What will we do?"

"Then we show up for Celeste. Let her be heard."

Yumi thought for a moment, "I almost can't believe they really found him."

"Me too. Doesn't feel real."

"All because of you, baby," smiled Yumi proudly, "You gave her a voice. I'm so proud of you for doing what I couldn't. You did it, honey."

Cori made a teary smile as her mom petted her cheek, "I love you, mom."

Yumi pulled her in and folded her arms around her again, ignoring the people walking by in the airport, "Oh, I love you, too, baby girl."

Yumi looked up to Edward. A patient wallflower in their departure. She beamed a grin, "Come here, sweet boy."

She released Cori and folded arms around him, too. He meekly returned it at first, then melted into her embrace. He fought tears in his eyes. Unsure of why they were coming, but the more she held onto him he started to understand. The closest thing to a mother he ever had. He was going to miss her.

Yumi yammered, "Oh, I'm going to miss you, Eddie. You gentle giant, you."

The three shared a teary chuckle. When Yumi released him, she fussed his collar and zipped up his coat, much like any mother. She added, "You take care of my girl in that dark city, okay?"

"I will," his voice was light as rain as he tried not to cry.

She pulled him down and kissed his cheek, then went over to Cori and hugged her again, greedier than the first. She smooched her cheek, as well, swaying her in her arms. Cori was certain they'd miss their flight if they didn't physically detach from Yumi and go to boarding.

"We gotta go, mom," sadly reminded Cori.

Yumi nodded, wiping away her tears, "Right, right. You better go before I hold you hostage."

Cori laughed in her chest and slowly started to pull her luggage and Edward's hand up the hall. Yumi called to them, "Call me as soon as you land! I love you guys!"

Cori yelled back, "We will! Love you!"

By the time they were on the plane, the dejection of leaving was at its summit. Not nearly the jitters and excitement they shared when coming to Nebraska. Even for Edward, the plane ride wasn't as exciting. Cori tried to break the gloom, "So, did you have fun?"

Edward looked over to her and smiled, "I did. You come from strong roots. I found myself part of something I thought I'd never have."

"Would you wanna do it again?"

"Oh, definitely. It's only been an hour and I already miss your mom."

Cori giggled at this, "Oh, I'm sure she misses you, too. She fell in love with you."

Edward went nervous, "She what?"

"Not that way," giggled Cori, "She might as well have signed your adoption papers. She loves you."

"I can see where you get it from now. You come from good stock. Even with all the drama."

Cori laughed with him, and he amended, "Taught me a lot. Showed me a side of life I never knew, only dreamed of. Thank you."

"Thank you," smiled Cori, then asked jokingly, "You gonna have nightmares about Auntie Eiko?"

Edward's eyes went wide and nodded, "Oh yeah."

Their quiet laughter wheezed and fleeted, back to the sounds of the airplane and other passengers. Cori and Edward laid back in their seats, with Edward looking out the window again.

"If we go to trial… I'm gonna have to see him."

Edward looked back to her; she was staring ahead of the seat in front of her. Her face droll but deep in thought.

"He's gonna have to see you, too. All of you."

"He doesn't feel, Edward," she snarled, "Anyone who does that to a child doesn't feel."

"Then if it goes to trial, make sure the jury know that. If he can't feel, then he'll do it again. Don't they still do the death penalty in California?"

Cori thought about it for a moment and nodded, "Yeah."

"He shouldn't be alive after what he did," coldly stated Edward, taking her hand for support.

"I don't know if I'm ready to think about that yet."

"Sorry," he sighed, looking back out the window, "We'll have to wait and see. No matter what, I'll have your back."

Cori thought for a moment longer. Accepting this part of her life wouldn't be as easy without the man next to her. She laid her head on his shoulder in silence, letting the ambiance of the plane drift her to sleep.

The next day was back in the haze, stench and bustle of Gotham city. Back in her small apartment with Himalayan lamps and fairy lights. Coming back to it didn't resemble the feeling of home. Rather a foreign place where her home waited for her to come back every holiday. Cori had a wallow of feelings away from her family again. Every time it was felt the same. She'd miss them and be in a funk for a few days, then eventually snap back to normal back to her job and city life. The first day in Gotham when they got home they spent it entirely in bed. Sleeping and nuzzling together, letting the jet leg and heart ache drift away. The morning of the Monday 26th, it was back to the routine. Back to their day jobs as a journalist and forensic accountant. Resembling the lives they blissfully retreated from for just a small time.

Cori was now avidly texting her father, both fearful and excited for the verdict of Dale Hewitt's plea hearing, which Cori was anticipating the call. However, Edward was dropped back to KTMJ with a lump in his throat. He was back to the gnawing in his brain, the overwhelming curiosity he fought with endlessly— always losing. As he sat down in his office chair like the ghost he was accustomed to, the urge came back faster with the smells and faces of the office. Reminding him there was a puzzle needing to be solved. When he started one, it was nearly impossible for him to put it down. Nebraska was a distraction, perhaps a needed one, but now that he was back, the investigation commenced before he knew it.

Mr. Stone walked by and said gladly, "Edward! Welcome back! How was the holiday?"

Edward flinched from his accounts and forced a smile, "It was good, sir. Very good."

"Fully rested?"

"Uh. Yes, sir."

"Fantastic. Did you have a chance to look over that account?"

Edward went to his bag and pulled out the folder, "Yes, sir. I looked through all of it."

"Thoughts?"

"Uh. Compelling. It's worth looking into."

Mr. Stone praised, "Great. We'll start the review soon. Thank you for taking the time to look it over. Even considering it was during your time with family." He took the folder from Edward and went back to his office. Zach popped from the desks and computers like a gopher.

"Rain man! Nice to have you back. Did the girlfriend's parents eat you alive?"

Edward muttered, "No. They were really nice."

"Lucky! Hey, now that you're back, I got some accounts that need some touching up. Can you get started on those for me today? Thatta boy!"

Zach slapped the pile of folders on Edward's desk, then promptly strode over to the receptionist. Edward looked down at the folders begrudgingly. He scooted them to the side of his desk and sighed through his nose.

Don't go back into the pit, Edward. You were doing so well.

He looked back to the obnoxious cackle of Zach at the desk, flirting it up with the receptionist as always. Leaving his work for Edward as he'd do so, like always.

I can't help it. In this office. In this city. The pit feels safe.

He pulled some loose leaf from his desk and a pen. His mind started swimming again, taking the ink to paper.

What do you know, Edward? Start from the top. Renewal. What was the name you saw? You remember it, don't bullshit yourself. What was it? Joon. Mr. Joon. The face at the rescue. Tattoos and scars, older man, Asian. Start there.

Cori came back into the political floor office of the Gotham Times with a few faces saying hello. However, she got to her desk and an excited yowl bloomed a smile to her face.

"There's my bitch! Finally!"

Manny swung from his desk chair and swept her off her feet, bouncing up with her like an ape with its baby. Cori ached, "Okay, okay. Air. I need air."

Manny released her and rambled, "You know how bored I've been all damn week without you?"

"The office was closed the majority of the time, dude. Thanksgiving, remember?" Cori sniggered.

"So what? I was bored the days it wasn't, and you were gone in Nebraska eating corn on the cob and watching football."

Cori sat down to her desk, "Never ate corn. I went fishing, got cockblocked by my mom a handful of times, dealt with my dysfunctional family and ate turkey. That was my week. Oh, and I smashed some assholes Ferrari. How was your Thanksgiving, Manferd?"

Manny raised a brow with his aghast glare and said, "That all sounds like shit on a stick but the last one. You did what? A Ferrari? Is it like the Wild West in Nebraska— bitches just go around smashing sports cars? Why?"

"Long story. Short story is the owner deserved it."

Manny asked her as he sat back down, "Yo mom like the boyfriend?"

"Yup, loved him. He did good. Really good."

Manny praised happily, "Good for you, girl! If the mom likes him, you got a good one. A mama can smell bullshit a mile away."

"All my mom smells is eucalyptus. But thanks, Manny. He's a keeper, no doubt about that."

Then her phone rang. Cori bolted from her desk and jabbed for it from her pocket.

"I gotta take this," she said, running to the bathroom.

It was another strange number she didn't recognize, she pressed accept as soon as she got onto the tile floor.

"Hello. Coraline Atkins speaking."

"Hello, Miss Atkins. This is Kane Schultz, I'm the prosecutor on the case of California State vs. Dale Hewitt. Court was today, and unfortunately Mr. Hewitt did plea not guilty to all charges. The defence claims the DNA results were inaccurate given the time frame of Celeste's murder. So, I regret to inform you that it will be going to trial."

Cori rasped into her palm and slammed her head back to the tile walls. The plummet of fear clawed over her as if the walls were closing in, themselves. Shultz continued, "As of now, you're the only witness we have to stand testimony in trial. Even though you were only five years old at the events, I'd like to have you stand witness. It would be a powerful impact to the jury. However, I won't call you as witness if you don't want to. I wanted to ask first and if you agreed, we could help with transportation and hotel fees. I know you live in Gotham City, which is pretty far away, but your testimony is invaluable to Celeste's case."

Cori said bitterly, "He pled not guilty? Even considering the DNA match? You can't fake that; how does his defence think this is a good move?"

"I'm sorry, Miss Atkins. I know this is not the outcome you were hoping for. Unfortunately I can't speak for their defence in the case. But I can say that as lawyers we can only advise. If a defendant is fixed to go to trial, there's not much they can do to sway them otherwise."

Cori blew air from her mouth, shaking her head to the floor. She was trying to hold back her tears, but the fight was in vain.

"I'm sorry, I need to insist. Will you show up for trial to stand as witness against Dale Hewitt?"

Cori answered, "Yeah, of course I will. If I bring my partner, can his fees be covered, too?"

The prosecutor sighed, "Um. I'm not exactly sure, Miss Atkins."

"He's emotional support for me. I'll be more likely to stand as a strong witness if I have support, sir."

"I'll see what we can do. As long as you agree, do you agree?"

"Yes."

"Thank you, Miss Atkins. Trial is set for next month, January 25th at 8:30am. I just want to let you know, Coraline, that we will be seeking the death penalty in this case. Dale Hewitt is already serving a life sentence for a similar crime. At this point, any other sentence would be an injustice. Do you have any objections to this?"

Cori sighed, burying her own moral objections. The moment to really think about it was here, "I say I object to it; would it change anything?"

"The family wishes are deeply considered in cases like this. I know they don't practice it in the Gotham state, but the type of criminal here is someone who doesn't change by consequence."

Cori thought about what all her family would think. Sobo and Jiji, specifically. She doubted they would condone the death penalty, even in the matter of Celeste. However, Cori then considered Celeste. Her last moments struggling for life. Tortured and abused senselessly. A death penalty was gas and anesthesia. Nothing compared to the agony of Celeste's last moments. It was the least he would endure rather than spending a life behind bars. Three meals a day and recreation activities coached to him like some kind of summer camp. She bit her lip and said, "I don't object. I support the death penalty for Hewitt."

"Good. I'll let the judge know. You seem to be proxy for your other family members in this case. I trust you'll relay this information to them?"

"Uh. Yes, I will." She doubted her own words. Hearing Jiji already screaming at her in Japanese.

They ended their phone call with a growing abyss in Cori's chest. The feeling to rest in bed and sleep all day, leaving the thoughts in small flashes when she'd open her eyes. She wanted to disappear from it. Not in front of a computer screen where the same thoughts were too easy to fall into.

Meanwhile, outside the New Beginnings Rescue, Mr. Joon was on his way home from his shift. He'd take out the trash just before sanitation arrived. On his way home, he stopped at the bank. The sun was beginning to set, when he finally left the till it was dark. Then he trudged through the alleys of Tricorner in shadow. Much like the rats that make the district their home. When he came up to a door in the slums, he looked around his surroundings diligently. Little did he know a pair of lenses were in the alley across the street. They had followed him for a while but keeping themselves invisible in the shadows much as Mr. Joon tried to. Edward backed into the dark as Mr. Joon continued to scour his surroundings.

Edward thought, He's checking to see if anyone's watching. Why? What are you hiding?

Then Mr. Joon knocked on the door. A few moments later it opened. A woman with dark hair and a dress, her eyes swollen with dark makeup. She was younger than him, Asian, as well. Her cheekbones were high and jawline sharp. She hung her head as Mr. Joon handed her a pouch.

Money?

She took it and soft sobs echoed through the street. She laid her head to his chest and continued to cry. There were a few words in their language Edward couldn't understand. Mr. Joon continued to look around the area for prying eyes.

It's a hand off. Drugs?

Then Mr. Joon pushed her back, scouring the alleyways. Edward pushed into the wall, keeping out of sight as much as he could. Silencing his own breath. Mr. Joon eventually let her go back inside and walked away, urgently trudging back down the street. Edward persisted him further. He silenced his phone knowing Cori could call or text at the most inopportune time.

Be careful, Edward. Maybe you should just go home. You haven't been back for more than a day and you're already at it again. In the streets following a stranger late at night. Keeping her in the dark at home, making her worry again.

His thoughts wrangled until Mr. Joon went into a small housing unit. Units built from a failed initiative of Gotham. Promised to supply adequate living conditions for all, but ultimately declining with costs increasing.

He shuddered to himself then, But why would the owner of two businesses live in a shitty housing project? The pieces don't fit. Come onnnn! Edward, think!

The light of his phone was looming in his pocket, he pulled it out to Cori's missed call. Three missed calls. The time 8:45 pm.

He hushed a curse, "Shit!"

Edward retreated from the alley, running to the nearest train station to get back to Tricorner. He didn't realize how far he followed Mr. Joon until now. The time trickled away like water, pulling him into a puddle of deep water.

She's gonna know something is up. She's gonna be pissed, Edward. You idiot! Why do you keep doing this?!

When Edward finally got back to her apartment, he pressed the button to her unit hesitantly.

When she answered, she gave an annoyed, "Hello?"

"Hey, it's me. I'm sorry I lost track of time."

"You forget how to use your phone, too? Ugh. Come up."

The door opened, and Edward walked in quick. He didn't want her waiting another second longer. Especially given the annoyance in her tone. Edward opened the door to her unit, the similar smells of her greeted again.

Just tell her the truth, Edward.

He walked into her bedroom to her on the bed, her arms crossed, and brows furrowed.

Edward said remorsefully, "I'm sorry."

Cori had some battling words behind her teeth, but when she saw him come in, the words were forgotten. She managed to say, "It's fine. I've had a shit day and I'm in a bad mood."

He came in a bit more confidently, "What happened?"

"The prosecutor called me today. Hewitt pled not guilty. It's going to trial."

Edward sighed dejectedly, dragging his feet to the bed and sitting on the edge of the mattress. He rasped, "Shit. That means…"

"That means we're gonna have to relive this all over again. I just… spent my night listening to my mom cry, my dad's breathing in the phone, and my grandparents panic in fluent Japanese. They're pissed at me. They claim they're not, but clearly, they are."

Edward looked back to her sullenly, laying his hand to her leg, "Cori."

"I'm not gonna bother asking you why you were out so late. I already know. You're up to something and I want in."

"What? I'm not."

"Don't lie. I've been gracious enough not getting mad, you lie, I don't know if I'll keep my cool. I need something to distract me from the bullshit of my life right now. Literally anything. Are you Agent Edward right now?"

Edward chuckled nervously, "What?"

"You in the dark place?"

"Cori, what are you…"

"Are you into this Mr. Stone, New Beginnings Rescue, ten thousand sums suspicions again?"

They stared at a while for some time longer, Edward not sure she wanted to involve her in something that could be dangerous. He also didn't want to lie to her.

"Yes."

Cori sat up straight in bed, "I want in. Where are we?"

Edward creased a smile, "Cori, I don't even think I should be doing this. Much less you."

"Stop. If you're doing it, I wanna help. Where are we?"

"What do you mean 'where are we'?"

"In the investigation. Like, what were you doing tonight?"

Edward relented, "I was… following someone named Mr. Joon."

Cori amusingly asked, "Like were you just following him in the alleys? All cloak and dagger— hiding in the shadows?"

"Yeah."

Cori's smile slowly disturbed and she followed up, "Okay. What did he do?"

"He brought a package to some lady in the slums. In those housing projects, the rundown ones. Looked like it could have been money or drugs. He went to a bank before, so probably money."

"A hand off?"

"I think so."

"So, what's the plan then? What do you need to see?"

Edward rubbed his eyes under his glasses, "A confirmation."

Cori was lost in thought until she crawled to the bedside with him, "Okay. So, tomorrow I'm gonna pick you up from work and we're gonna tail this guy."

"What?"

"Let's get the confirmation."

Edward sighed grievously, "That's not gonna do anything, Cori. I only see him when he's on the street. It's hoping he does something between that time, it's not hopeful at all. He's already skittish. I need to see… hear what he's doing behind doors. When he thinks he's safe. When he lets his guard down and talks about what he's hiding. I need…"

"Like a bug? You wanna bug him?"

Edward was going to scoff, given her tone when she said it. Then he got thinking about it, "You ever been to Army Navy?"

Cori shook her head, "No. Why?"

"Lunch break tomorrow. You wanna come with me?"

Tomorrow afternoon, Cori waited outside the front of KTMJ in her car. Minutes came up to noon, time was wasting. She texted Edward.

"You coming out? We only have an hour."

More time wasting. Cori got out of her car then, not wanting to but having to go inside the firm. Her first time in the three months she'd been with Edward. Cori walked in like a timid deer to reception. She asked, "Hey, I'm Coraline Atkins. I'm Edward Nashton's girlfriend. Can you let him know I'm here for lunch, please?"

The receptionist took her time answering Cori, "Who?"

"Edward Nashton. He's a forensic accountant here."

The receptionist begrudgingly looked on her computer, typing away angrily. She would sneak a glare back to Cori, who only returned a flat smile.

"Oh," she grumbled, "Yeah, there's an Edward Nashton here. Weird, thought I knew all the accountants. Want me to call him?"

"Please."

She got on the phone and dialled his desk, "Hey. Got a…" She paused slack jawed, waiting for Cori to give her name.

"Cori. He calls me Cori."

"Cori. Cute Asian girl. Says she's your girlfriend. Uh huh."

She hung up the phone loudly, "He'll be down soon."

"Thanks." Cori said flatly, walking from the desk to sit at one of the chairs.

Mr. Stone came from the hallway, nearly walking into Cori as she walked from the desk.

"Oh!" She gasped, freezing when she saw his face.

He apologized, "Pardon me, my dear. Oh, my. I've seen you. You're… Edward's young lady, aren't you?"

Cori nervously smiled, "Uh. Yeah! Yes, I am."

"I've seen you a few times in the car park. You're much lovelier in person. I'm Mr. Stone, I'm his Regional Director. Another word for boss," he humbly chuckled.

"Oh, wow! Hi! I'm Cori!"

She cursed in her head, don't tell him your name!

He shook her hand, "Nice to meet you, Cori. You waiting for him?"

"Yes!"

As she said it, Edward came from the office doors, jolting in his spot to see Mr. Stone with her.

Mr. Stone looked over, "Ah! There he is. I'll let you two be."

They passed each other giving a single nod. Edward walked up to Cori's wide eyes, giving him a subtle glare. When they reached the car, she started rambling, "I did not want to go in there, Edward!"

"I'm sorry. I got held up with my work. We still got time."

"He seems like such a nice old guy. Then you know what he really is underneath and it's like… talking to your friend's creepy dad at a sleepover."

Edward reminded, "We should go, Cori."

"Right. Sorry."

They made it to Army Navy with just fifty minutes left on the clock. When they walked in, Cori was purely out of her element. The patronage was a gaggle of camo and receding hair lines. All men, she felt like the only woman in the whole shop. Edward pulled her by the hand, almost knowing exactly where to go. He grabbed a small drone, two listening devices and a recorder, and binoculars. Cori raised a brow at the cart, "Jesus, babe."

"What?"

"Not a suspicious buy at all. Our cart stands out like a sore thumb."

Then a middle-aged man in all camouflage apparel walked by with a cart full of ammunition, a rifle, barbed wire, an axe, and most curiously— nunchucks.

Edward waited till the man scooted away to say, "I think we'll blend in just fine."

When they got to the till, there was a large, bald man behind the counter, wearing a black muscle shirt and tattoos. He was taller than Edward, and a permanent crease between his brows.

"Can i interest ya'll in the mini flame thrower. It's on sale."

Cori whispered, "The fuck?"

"No, thank you," said Edward, "That's all."

As he scanned the items, the cashier observed, "Ya'll going undercover?"

Cori chirped, "What was that?"

"Y'all spies?"

Cori forced a laugh, nervous and shaky. She nudged Edward's arm, and he scoffed a laugh, as well. The cashier was silent and still like a statue.

"No," said Edward.

Cori said it impulsively, "Our neighbours keep stealing our cat."

Edward slowly looked down to her, waiting for some kind of statement or joke. She was stiff, batting her eyes up to the cashier.

"Right," the cashier grumbled, "Two hundred and sixteen and seventy cents."

Edward paid with his card, as the cashier kept glaring them down, out of suspicion or purely judgement. Cori hoped it was the latter.

When they left the store, they still had thirty minutes left. As soon as they got in the car Edward asked, "The neighbours keep stealing our cat?"

"It was the first thing that came to mind. You don't have to say it, okay?"

Cori started the car and drove off, not seeing the slightly amused smile on Edward in turn. They parked in the KTMJ parking lot to quickly eat their packed lunches before going back. But Edward pulled out his laptop. Cori said with a mouth full of food, "You should eat or you're gonna starve all day."

"I can't eat right now."

He opened a few tabs, one being Nigma, one a local I.P scanner. He put in some coordinates from his phone into it.

"What is that?" Cori asked.

"Local I.P scanner site. I got New Beginnings Rescue on here yesterday when I was tailing Joon."

"Why?"

"Most CCTVs are still on factory settings. Or haven't been updated in a long time. Nigma has a lot of tools, if you know where to look. It's not just puzzles, journalling and forums. Or…" He glanced over to her and smiled, "Meeting pretty girls, in my case."

Cori cheekily smiled, poking him in the arm.

He went back to his laptop, "Its more than that. An underground part of the site not many know about. You can get a lot of answers about almost anything, even if it's not entirely legal. I wrote my own code for hacking CCTV on a thread a long time ago, before I met you. It should still be on here. If it is, I could use it to hack into New Beginnings Rescue cameras using their I.P."

Cori said excitedly, "Get the fuck out of here. Are you serious?"

"Ha!" He cheered, "Found it!"

He entered the code into the CCTV program using the I.P address to hack into the log in. Suddenly, camera view started displaying on his laptop of the New Beginnings Rescue counter. He showed it to Cori, who nearly choked on her sandwich.

She shrilled, "Oh my God! You got in?!"

"Now we can see what's really going on."

Cori pulled the laptop a little to herself to see. She clearly saw a familiar face with an unknown thug, "There's Higgins."

Edward switched to another camera view, "We got access to the entire security surveillance in the building. Anything under New Beginnings."

He pondered for a moment, "The cameras are on a closed-loop circuit. Interesting."

"What does that mean?" Cori asked.

"The cameras communicate across a proprietary coaxial cable run or wireless communication link."

Cori flexed a brow. Edward glanced to her, and she said, "Nevermind. I'll pretend I understand it."

Edward clicked the record button under the media player. They continued to watch a darker area of the building, layers with tables and boxes. Higgins walked in, opening one of the packages inside the many boxes. When he did so, Cori and Edward gasped to drops. Entire boxes of them brimming in the drug of Gotham City.

Cori grumbled, "I'm not even surprised."

"He's watching over his product. Of course! Mr. Joon is running drops through his business. He's putting it through another shell company— Waterfront Industries— to make it harder to trace."

Edward flicked his excited eyes to Cori, "I think I just figured it out, baby."

Cori smiled back, taking his excited kiss like a breeze of spring. She pushed him back to ask, "Wait, wait. Was that it? That was the answer you were looking for?"

"Not quite. It explains New Beginnings. Doesn't explain the lady I saw with Joon last night or the part she plays. Mr. Stone, or Renewal for that matter. I need to dig more."

"Maybe Renewal is just another front. A charitable company donating money to a charitable cause?"

"I don't know. Sums are too large. Drug dealers aren't fond of sending loads of money just to keep up appearances."

Cori asked, "What's the plan then?"

"Plan?"

"You're the boss. What do we do next?"

Edward slowly closed his laptop, leaning in for another kiss. Cori obliged, pulling him into her lips by his collar. He whispered against them, "I don't know if I want you getting strung along in all of this."

"I want to help. I'll be fine."

"It could be dangerous."

"Then why are you doing it?" She asked a bit louder, taking her face back to look him in the eyes. She continued, "My journalist senses are tingling, Edward. We just found a fucking drops operation! You are sure as shit I'm not backing out. Definitely not while you're still in."

Edward laid back against the passenger seat, longing into her eyes. He softly asked, "You'll help me?"

"Yes," she cooed.

"Really?"

"Of course, I will. I'd do anything for you."

Edward pulled her in for an embrace, just an embrace. He squeezed her in tightly, she pillowed her head into his shoulder. He muttered, "After work we'll go home. Get changed. Then we're walking to that rescue. We're going to find out what Joon is hiding."

Cori complacently sighed, "Okay. You're the boss."