Author notes: there's a bit going on in this scene, wanted to show how Renard is like and build him as the main antagonist :D
Chapter 5: Make and Break
Captain Sean Renard had just concluded a briefing with his detectives about their recent case, his sharp eyes lingering a moment longer on Nick Burkhardt, the newly awakened Grimm. The room buzzed with the typical post-meeting chatter, but Renard's mind was elsewhere. He had been closely observing Nick ever since he discovered his Grimm nature, noting how quickly the detective was adapting to the hidden world of Wesen he had been thrust into.
As the detectives dispersed, Renard remained seated, fingers steepled under his chin. Nick's rapid assimilation and growing prowess in dealing with Wesen were both impressive and concerning. It was only a matter of time before Nick's abilities posed a significant challenge to Sean's carefully laid plans. The captain's situation was precarious, especially with his royal family involved—an ever-present shadow that complicated everything.
He needed to ensure Nick was brought under control before he became too much to handle. The Grimm's potential, if left unchecked, could disrupt the delicate balance Sean had maintained. Failure was not an option, not with so much at risk. As he exited his office, Renard's resolve hardened. He would succeed in bringing Nick under his control—no matter what it took.
Sean's life has been shaped by secrecy, survival, and a complex heritage. Born to a Hexenbiest mother, his lineage was tainted by scandal. His father, King Fredrick of the House of Kronenberg, had engaged in an affair with Sean's mother, resulting in Sean's birth. This made him a bastard son, a hybrid of human and Zauberbiest, a mix that earned him nothing but scorn and enmity from his royal siblings and relatives.
From a young age, Sean and his mother were targets of the Queen's wrath. The Queen attempted to have them both killed, but his mother, Elizabeth, took him and fled to the United States. Growing up in exile, Sean harboured a deep-seated resentment towards the Royals for their treatment of him and his mother and vowed to thwart their plans whenever possible.
In the United States, Sean focused on building a life away from the shadows of his past though he knew one day he'll make his family pay for what he and his mother had gone through. He forged a network of useful contacts around the globe, maintaining a frosty détente with his Royal family. He chose to keep his Wesen nature hidden, aware that his hybrid status made him an oddity even within the Wesen community.
Upon completing his education, Sean bid farewell to his mother and moved to Portland, Oregon. There, he joined the Portland Police Department. His career was stellar; his dedication and skill saw him rise through the ranks quickly. By the time he reached his 40's, he had ascended to the position of Captain of the South Precinct. Unknown to him at the time, one of his detectives, Nick Burkhardt, was an untriggered Grimm.
Once Sean found out about Nick through Adalind, he wasted no time putting his plan into action. He needed control of the Grimm and to obtain the key Nick possessed. Sean knew that Marie Kessler was a formidable Grimm and related to Nick, and her arrival in town at the same time as Adalind's warning was no coincidence. Marie was known to have possession of the key, and Sean knew she would pass it on to Nick.
To set his plans in motion, Sean sent Adalind to do his bidding. Her loyalty and love for him made her a perfect piece on his board. His latest plan involved using Hank as leverage against Nick. Though Adalind had failed to kill Marie, Sean learned that she had succumbed to her illness in the hospital. He decided not to punish Adalind for her failure, understanding that her unwavering dedication to him was an asset he could continue to exploit.
For his plan to succeed, he provided Adalind with Hank's blood, expecting her to produce a potent love potion to use Hank as a bargaining chip for the key. He knew that controlling Nick's partner would give him significant leverage over the Grimm, pushing Nick into a corner where he would be more easily influenced.
Sean knew that to gain control over Nick, he needed to position himself as someone the Grimm could trust, someone he could depend on. He planned to reveal selective truths, carefully curated to paint a picture that would colour Nick's judgement and direct his actions. By doing so, Sean would steer Nick toward eliminating his enemies, clearing the path for Sean's own ascent to power. His ultimate goal was to seize the throne and prove his superiority over those who had scorned him.
Sean's intricate plan relied heavily on Adalind's abilities and her willingness to do anything for him. As he put his plans into action, he was always several steps ahead, anticipating the moves of those around him. He needs to remain calculating and strategic, driven by a desire to maintain and expand his power within both the human and Wesen worlds.
Each move Sean made was carefully considered, ensuring that his position remained secure while he worked towards his ultimate goal. The key Nick possessed was a crucial piece of the puzzle, and Sean would stop at nothing to obtain it, using every resource at his disposal.
As Sean stepped out of the elevator, he entered the dimly lit parking lot of the police station, the cool evening air settled around him as he approached his car. He reached for his keys, the day's events weighing heavily on his mind. Just as he opened the door, he felt the cold, unmistakable press of a gun barrel against his neck.
"Don't move, Sean," a familiar voice hissed. Renard froze, recognizing the voice of Thomas Woolsey, his cousin's bodyguard.
"What the hell do you want, Thomas?" Renard growled, trying to keep his composure despite the dangerous situation.
"Anton wants to have a word with you. Now."
Without another word, Renard was roughly pushed towards an unmarked black SUV. The ride was tense and silent, the only sound being the rumble of the engine and the occasional click of Woolsey's gun tapping against the window. They drove for what felt like an eternity before finally arriving at an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of town.
The parking lot was eerily empty, the dilapidated building looming like a spectre. Woolsey shoved Renard out of the car and escorted him to where his cousin, Anton Krug, stood waiting, his expression a mix of impatience and disdain.
"Sean," Anton began, his tone cold. "The family is growing tired of waiting. We want action."
Renard met his cousin's gaze with a calculated calm. "I've been making my moves carefully. The Grimm is not someone you can just rush in and take down. He's unpredictable, and if we move too quickly, we risk everything."
Anton stepped closer, his eyes narrowing. "If you don't get us that key, the family will take matters into their own hands. We'll find the Grimm and extract it ourselves, by any means necessary."
A tense silence hung in the air as Renard weighed his options. He knew the family's ruthless nature, knew they wouldn't hesitate to do just as Anton promised. His mind raced, and then, in a split second, he made his decision.
With a swift motion, Renard grabbed Woolsey's gun from its holster and fired. The gunshot echoed through the empty parking lot, and Anton staggered back, a look of shock and betrayal on his face before he crumpled to the ground. Woolsey, caught off guard, reached for his own weapon, but Renard was quicker. Another shot rang out, and Woolsey fell beside his employer.
Renard stood over the bodies for a moment, his breath heavy and his mind racing. He knew this would complicate things, but he couldn't afford to have his hand forced by the family. He needed to control the narrative, to ensure that his plans remained intact.
Nick stood at his desk, the precinct buzzing with activity around him. The recent investigation that he and Hank were working on seemed like a straightforward case: two bodies found at an old abandoned warehouse, both dead from gunshot wounds. It didn't appear to be Wesen-related, but Nick knew better than to rule out any possibilities.
He spotted Sergeant Wu across the room and walked over, hoping for updates and to check on Wu after the recent incident with the spelled cookies.
"Hey, Wu," Nick called out, catching his attention. "Any updates on that phone we found on one of the bodies?"
Wu looked up from his computer, rubbing his stomach absently. "I'm working on it. I think the two guys might have shot each other, but I'll need to crack this phone to find out more. It's taking a while."
Nick nodded, trying to keep his tone casual. "How are you holding up? You mentioned some stomach issues before. Everything okay?"
Wu sighed, his face a mix of frustration and discomfort. "Honestly, I've been having some pretty bad stomach problems and I've been gaining weight. But I think it's just stress or something I ate."
Nick's concern deepened. "You should be careful, Wu. Maybe it's something in your diet. Have you changed anything recently?"
Wu shook his head, looking puzzled. "No, I've been eating the same stuff. Wait... I'm starting to feel really dizzy." His face suddenly went pale, and he clutched his stomach. "Nick, I think I'm gonna pass out."
Before Nick could react, Wu collapsed to the floor. Chaos erupted as officers rushed to help.
"Someone call an ambulance!" Nick shouted, kneeling beside the Wu. Nick checked Wu but he couldn't hear him breathing nor could he find a pulse so he started CPR. The room was a flurry of motion, everyone focused on Wu's condition.
In the midst of the commotion, Captain Renard moved quietly through the crowd. His eyes flicked to the cell phone on the desk, now unattended. Seizing the moment, he swiftly pocketed the phone, his movements smooth and practised, ensuring no one noticed his actions.
Nick continued performing CPR, his mind racing. "Come on, Wu, hang in there," he muttered, his voice tight with worry. The paramedics arrived moments later, taking over and working to stabilise Wu.
As Wu was lifted onto the stretcher, Nick stood up, his eyes following the paramedics as they wheeled his friend away. He glanced around the precinct, his gaze briefly meeting Renard's. Something about the captain's demeanour seemed off, but Nick couldn't put his finger on it.
At the hospital, Nick anxiously waited for news on Wu's condition. The sterile smell of antiseptics filled the air, mingling with the quiet hum of hospital machinery. Finally, a nurse approached, holding a plate filled with a bizarre assortment of items: bits of plastic, coins, and other inedible objects.
"Detective Burkhardt?" she asked, her expression a mix of concern and bewilderment.
"Yes, that's me. How's Wu?" Nick responded, his worry evident.
The nurse sighed. "Your friend has Pica, a disorder that causes people to eat non-food items. It can be triggered by stress. He's lucky we got to him when we did. He definitely needs to get help to manage this condition."
Nick nodded, absorbing the information. "Thank you. Can I see him?"
"He's resting now after surgery to clear out his stomach. We'll be monitoring him closely for a while," she explained.
Nick thanked the nurse and stepped aside, pulling out his phone to call Rosalee. He needed to update her on Wu's condition and figure out their next move. Rosalee had informed him that morning that Adalind delivered the second antidote and she is preparing it in another Nez-soufflet.
Rosalee picked up on the second ring. "Nick? How's Wu?"
"He has Pica. The nurse said it's likely caused by stress. They had to perform surgery to clear out his stomach. They're keeping a close eye on him now," Nick explained, his voice heavy with concern.
Rosalee's voice was calm but urgent. "Nick, we really need to get the antidote to him soon. The longer we wait, the worse it could get."
"I know," Nick replied, frustration evident in his tone. "But with the surgery and the monitoring, there's no way we can give it to him right now. We'll have to wait until he's discharged."
There was a brief silence on the line before Rosalee spoke again, her tone determined. "Okay, we'll have to be ready the moment he's out. Keep me updated, and we'll make sure everything's prepared for when he's discharged."
"Will do. Thanks, Rosalee," Nick said, ending the call.
Captain Renard sat at his desk, the dim light casting sharp shadows across his office. The station was quiet now, the usual hustle and bustle of the day replaced by an eerie stillness. He had donned a pair of latex gloves, ensuring there would be no trace of his interference. Before him lay the phone he had taken from Wu's desk amidst the chaos of the sergeant's collapse.
With methodical precision, Renard opened the phone, carefully removing the SIM card and battery. His expression was one of cold determination, knowing he couldn't let anything link back to his connection with his cousin. He inserted a new, untraceable SIM card, destroying the old one with a knife before pocketing it to dispose of it somewhere else.
He checked the phone once more to ensure everything was in place, then leaned back in his chair, contemplating his next move. His mind raced, calculating the risks and plotting the steps ahead.
As the hours passed and the station emptied out, Renard waited patiently. Once he was certain the coast was clear, he stood up, the phone clutched in his gloved hand. He moved silently through the darkened precinct, his footsteps barely making a sound on the tiled floor.
Reaching Wu's desk, Renard carefully placed the phone back where he had taken it, ensuring it looked undisturbed. He glanced around one last time to confirm he was alone, then removed the gloves and slipped them into his pocket. Satisfied that he had covered his tracks, Renard left the station.
Adalind sat in her living room, her thoughts a tangled web of uncertainty and resolve. The meeting at the spice shop played over and over in her mind. She had taken a leap, revealing her intentions to Nick and his friends. Trusting a Grimm was a dangerous game, but aligning herself with him might be the only way to escape the web her mother and Sean had spun around her.
As the sun set, casting long shadows across the room, Adalind's mind wandered to the inevitable consequences of her actions. She knew that by betraying Sean and her mother, she was making powerful enemies. Sean's influence and her mother's cunning made them formidable adversaries. But the thought of breaking free from their manipulation gave her a sense of liberation she hadn't felt in years.
Adalind couldn't shake the guilt gnawing at her. A bystander had been caught in the aftermath of the spelled cookies she had made for Hank. Potions requiring a person's blood granted powerful effects, but they also cursed anyone else who consumed them. The thought of Sergeant Wu suffering because of her actions weighed heavily on her. She never did anything without a purpose and Wu was neither a target nor someone that deserved the curse that had befallen him. Determined to make it right, she had immediately set to work, staying up all night after the discussion in the spice shop to create a second antidote.
She had handed the potion that morning to Rosalee, hoping it would help her cause in gaining their trust and proving she was ready to make amends for her past actions. Now, as she sat in her living room, exhaustion from the lack of sleep seeping into her bones, she couldn't help but reflect on the fragility of the situation.
Lost in her thoughts, Adalind almost missed the subtle shift in the room's energy. Her instincts flared, and without thinking, she woged into her Hexenbiest form. Spinning around, she found herself face-to-face with another woged Hexenbiest—her mother, Catherine Schade.
Adalind's heart pounded in her chest as she scanned the room, thankful for her obsessive penchant for cleanliness. Everything was in its place, no trace of the antidote she had just made. The last thing she needed was her mother finding out she had created an antidote for the love potion Catherine knew she had given Hank.
Catherine's presence was like a dark cloud descending, her power crackling in the air. Adalind's heart pounded, the familiar mix of fear and resentment rising within her. Despite the exhaustion, she straightened, bracing herself for whatever was to come.
Catherine's eyes narrowed, scanning the room before locking onto Adalind. "Adalind, darling," she began, her voice dripping with a cold, condescending tone. "I hope I'm not interrupting."
The room seemed to vibrate with the sudden surge of power between them, the air thick with tension.
"Of course not," Adalind replied smoothly, slipping back into her human form. "What brings you here?"
Adalind's heart pounded, but she forced her expression to remain neutral, masking the anger that simmered just below the surface. She couldn't afford to reveal her knowledge of Catherine's betrayal.
Catherine's gaze remained sharp but she didn't press, her eyes cold and unyielding as she spoke. "I have come to remind you of your mission, Adalind," she said, her tone laced with a frigid admonishment. "You need to succeed in obtaining the keys from the Grimm."
She paused for a moment, letting her words sink in before continuing. "This is your chance to gain power and influence by standing at Sean's side. He may be a bastard, but he is still a prince with a legitimate claim to the royal throne. Do not forget that."
She took a step closer, her presence imposing. "This is not just about you, Adalind. This is about the legacy of our family, about securing our place in the world. Sean is our best chance to achieve that. Do not fail me."
Adalind's stomach churned with a mix of rage and resentment. She knew her mother was using her for her own purpose. The knowledge that Catherine was the one who wanted to stand by Sean's side once he took the throne was a bitter pill to swallow. Adalind couldn't help but wonder how long it would be before Sean discarded Catherine as well.
Her mother's betrayal had cut deep, but the thought of Catherine being cast aside by Sean brought a twisted sense of satisfaction. It was a small comfort in the sea of isolation that threatened to engulf her. Her mother had always controlled her, pulling the strings of her life with calculated precision. But now, Adalind was determined to break free.
"I understand," Adalind said, keeping her voice steady. "I won't disappoint you."
Catherine's eyes flickered with something like suspicion, but her expression remained set in a mixture of disgust, and disappointment. Her lips curled slightly in disdain, and her brows furrowed, casting a shadow over her sharp, scrutinising gaze. "I know I've taught you well. You've always been a quick learner, and I expected great things from you. It's been disappointing, to say the least, that you have yet to produce the results I know you're capable of."
She paused, her tone becoming even sharper. "I have invested so much in you, and this lack of progress is unacceptable. Prove to me that you're worthy of the legacy I've given you."
Adalind's fists clenched at her sides, her nails digging into her palms. She fought to keep her voice even. "I'm doing everything I can, Mother but the Grimm is more-"
Catherine's face hardened in anger as she cut off Adalind, "Do not give me excuses!" The air around them seemed to crackle with electricity as Catherine's powers flared, a palpable tension filling the room.
Stepping closer, Catherine grabbed Adalind by the chin, her grip firm and unyielding. "You have all the tools and the power at your disposal," she hissed, her eyes boring into Adalind's. "I raised you to be a powerful Hexenbiest, not a failure." Her voice was cold, dripping with the weight of her expectations, leaving no room for defiance or doubt.
Adalind nodded, forcing herself to meet her mother's gaze. "I understand. I won't let you down."
Catherine's eyes lingered on her for a moment longer, as if assessing her sincerity, before she finally turned and left. The door closed with a soft click, leaving Adalind alone in the oppressive silence of her apartment.
The moment Catherine was gone, Adalind let out a breath she hadn't realised she was holding. The encounter had left her feeling more alone than ever, she had no family. The weight of her isolation pressed down on her, but she clung to the small spark of hope that she could carve out a new path for herself.
Aligning with Nick and his allies was a risk, but it was also a chance for freedom. Adalind was determined to seize that chance, no matter the cost. She might be alone, but she was also stronger than her mother and Sean gave her credit for. And she would use that strength to ensure her own survival and reclaim her life from their control.
Nick spent the better part of the morning playing catch-up after a long day at the hospital with Wu. His desk was piled high with paperwork, and he could feel the weight of unfinished business pressing down on him. Hank had taken on most of his work in his absence and was now briefing Captain Renard in his office. Nick watched them through the glass window of Renard's office, his gut churning with unease.
Something about Renard's behaviour yesterday during the chaos of Wu's collapse had set off alarm bells in Nick's mind. He had no solid evidence, but his instincts as a Grimm and a detective told him that Renard was up to something. As he observed Renard interacting with Hank, Nick's mind raced. He knew full well that it was Renard's instruction to dose Hank with the love potion. Now, he watched Renard closely, trying to gauge Hank's condition.
Nick leaned back in his chair, fingers drumming on the desk. He had agreed with Adalind about playing along as long as she could to gain more insight into Renard's plans. But the thought of his captain manipulating those around him, especially Hank, made his blood boil. He needed a plan to confront Renard and make it clear that he wouldn't tolerate any more underhanded schemes.
Inside Renard's office, Hank stood across from the captain's desk, giving a detailed update about a recent case he had just closed. Renard listened attentively, his eyes sharp and calculating.
"Good work on that case, Hank," Renard said, nodding approvingly. "By the way, how's Wu doing? I heard he had to undergo emergency surgery?"
Hank shifted slightly, meeting Renard's gaze. "Yeah, Wu's doing better. The doctors said he had some kind of... stress-induced reaction. They're keeping him under observation, but he should be back on his feet soon."
Renard nodded thoughtfully, his expression unreadable. "That's good to hear. We can't afford to lose anyone right now."
There was a brief pause as Renard continued to observe Hank closely, noting the detective's seemingly normal demeanor. His suspicion grew, and he decided to probe gently.
"I couldn't help but notice something the other night," Renard began casually, leaning back in his chair. "I was at that little French restaurant on Fifth—Le Petit Bistro. I thought I saw you there with a woman. Was that Adalind Schade?"
Hank's eyes widened slightly, and he quickly tried to reassure the captain. "Yeah, Captain, that was Adalind. We had dinner a few times, but it was after the flash mob case was wrapped up. She wanted to thank me for saving her life, you know? It wasn't anything inappropriate."
Renard raised an eyebrow, feigning mild interest. "I see. Recognized her from the flash mob murders, that's all. Just wanted to make sure everything was above board."
Hank nodded earnestly. "Absolutely, Captain. It didn't work out between us anyway. Adalind's a six-figure lawyer. She's way out of my league. It was a short-lived thing."
Renard's eyes flickered with a brief, barely contained fury. The news that Hank had ended things with Adalind was not what he wanted to hear, especially given the pressure from his family for faster results. But he masked his anger well, managing a neutral response.
"I'm not trying to tell you off, Hank. Just making conversation," Renard said smoothly. "Thanks for the update. You're dismissed."
Hank nodded and left the office, closing the door behind him. Renard sat back, his expression darkening. Inside, a quiet fury boiled within him. This development with Adalind was a setback he couldn't afford. He would have to pay her a visit and remind her of the stakes.
As the door to Renard's office opened, Nick straightened up, his eyes narrowing slightly. Hank stepped out first, his expression a mix of determination and fatigue. Nick waited a moment before standing and crossing the room to intercept Hank.
"Hey, how'd it go in there?" Nick asked, keeping his tone casual.
Hank shrugged, glancing back at the closed office door. "Same old. Renard just wanted an update on Wu and the cases we're juggling."
Nick nodded, his gaze shifting to Renard's office. "Yeah, makes sense. Listen, Hank, thanks for covering for me yesterday. I owe you one."
Hank waved it off. "No problem, man. You would've done the same for me."
Nick clapped a hand on Hank's shoulder. "Absolutely. Let's grab lunch later and catch up."
As Hank headed back to his desk, Nick's thoughts turned back to Renard. He needed to find a way to confront his captain without tipping his hand too early. He couldn't afford to let Renard know just how much he was aware of. For now, he'd continue to play the game, gathering as much information as possible.
Returning to his own desk, Nick sat down and picked up a file, his mind still churning. He knew he had to drive home the message to Renard that he didn't appreciate the deceit and manipulation. But he also had to be smart about it. Renard was dangerous, and any misstep could have serious consequences.