Pulse: Season One

by LVCEBREROS

Freddie Benson will begin college and, after a shocking series of events, will become a crime fighting superhero known as Pulse. This show is kind of a spin off TV series of my creation. Several OCCs as well as a few familiar faces. I hope everyone likes it! There is SEDDIE in the future! Stay tuned :P

13. Episode Thirteen: Vendetta

Author's Note: Hi gang! I'm back and I bring you all the latest installment of Pulse. I do apologize but I had a lot of stuff on my mind and I want to make sure to give you guys something you'll enjoy. This is the return of Bast and she is back with a literal vengeance.

There might be some issues that people might have which I will take into consideration when you guys bring them up. I try my best to give you all the best but some things fall through the cracks and they might not be the best idea. I think my readers are the best and your feedback means the world to me.

I would personally like to thank my best friend honour632. She's been my rock and kicked my butt when I needed to get back to writing. You're awesome! You should check out her work because she is fantastic!

Reminder: A giant rewrite is currently taking place and this episode features the biggest changes. Especially the recasting of Cassie as well as a new factor, shocking revelations, and some character motivations I'm changing because they didn't feel right in hindsight. Hopefully, my further creativity boost gets me somewhere and you all like it.

Disclaimer: I own nothing that wasn't created by me and there are certain things I used that don't belong to me including a song by Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood. If you guys spot anything else, know that I don't own that either. I also used some dialogue from the movie 'Batman Returns' which features one of my favorite incarnations of Catwoman who Bast is inspired by. As much as people have their problems with it, I like that movie and you guys will see Selina and Jane have more in common due to their fractured mental states. You'll see what I mean once you've read it.

Also, there's something I need to address, I am opposed to underage drinking. It's a fact that a few teenagers engage in that type of behavior but I don't like it. It's not for political reasons, I just think it's rather foolish to do it. If you guys are confused by that, once you read the episode, you'll understand. Also, I didn't do it for the sake of doing it. It's a bit of a plot point and you figure out what it is, you get a cookie =)

Without further ado, I bring you episode thirteen!

•••

"In moments of pain, we seek revenge."

- Ami Ayalon

•••

In a lavish nightclub that was packed with partygoers, a man in a well-tailored black suit walks into the club flanked by his entourage. He was in his late thirties and had light brown hair that was slicked back. He walks over to a crowd of gorgeous-looking women and flashes a charming smile.

"Ladies, why don't any of you have drinks?" The well-dressed man asked. He looks at the bartender. "Leroy, I want a drink for every beautiful woman in this building. Put it on my tab!"

"You got it, Johnny!" Leroy the bartender said as he started taking orders from the women who approached the bar.

The well-dressed man, Johnny Grisham, continues walking through the club with his entourage when he stops after he locks eyes on a breathtaking young woman with long blond hair and wears a shimmery white short dress with matching black stiletto heels. She was wearing dark sunglasses to conceal her eyes but there was something about her face that seemed familiar.

Johnny sees her as easy prey for his sexual advances and walks over to her. One of his men goes to follow him but Johnny motions for him to go with the rest of the entourage to his table. He takes a seat in front of the woman. "Hi there. Never seen you around here before."

"I'm sort of new in town." The woman said.

"Can I offer you a drink?" Johnny asked.

"Are you trying to get me drunk?" The woman said playfully.

"No, of course not. I just think you should be having fun." Johnny said with a grin. "Everyone deserves to have a good time."

The woman smiles, "Guess that's true."

"I'm Johnny Grisham. And what do I call such a rare and radiant creature like yourself?" Johnny asked her.

The woman removes her sunglasses to reveal that she is none other than Jane Louis. "Felicia."

Johnny grins at her. "Pleasure to meet you, Felicia."

"Say, why don't we just skip the part where you buy me a few drinks and the awkward small talk and we just head back to my place." 'Felicia' told him. "Have some fun of our own."

Johnny grins from ear to ear.

•••

Inside of a swanky hotel room, Johnny was serving champagne into a wine glass. "What's taking so long?"

"I'm getting ready for you, baby." 'Felicia' said through a closed door of the bathroom.

"Well, don't take too long. I didn't send my boys home just so we can sit and talk." Johnny replied as he took a sip from his glass of champagne.

"So... What do you do for a living?" 'Felicia' asked him.

"I... help people who ask for it," Johnny replied.

"Sounds like fun." 'Felicia' said and Johnny smiled

"It can be. How much longer are you going to be exactly?" Johnny asked and 'Felicia' laughed softly in the bathroom before walking out. However, this wasn't 'Felicia'. In front of Johnny stood none other than the criminal Bast wearing an armored high-tech cat suit.

"What the hell?" Johnny said as he stood and Bast laughed devilishly, her whip in her hand. "Who the hell are you?"

"Your worst nightmare, baby," Bast said mockingly, charging up her electric whip.

Johnny raced over to the door, almost getting it opened when Bast swung her whip and wrapped it around his leg to pull him back, Johnny hit the ground with a hard thud and a yell as he was pulled away from the door.

"You aren't going anywhere." Bast hissed, dropping on top of him to keep him down.

"What do you want from me?" A panicked Johnny said and Bast's razor-sharp claws appeared from her gloves.

"You killed my mother so... now you're going to pay," Bast said before she swung her fist and ripped open his neck, blood splattering all over her suit as she kept swinging until she was satisfied.

•••

The following morning, a cleaning lady who looked to be in her late fifties and looks of Mexican descent walks into the hotel room pushing in a cart filled with cleaning supplies. "Housekeeping?" The woman said in a thick accent.

The woman looks around but stops when one of her white shoes steps into a wet spot on the floor. She looked down and saw the wet spot was blood. She sees where the pool of blood started from, the body of Johnny Grisham lying on the floor with his throat ripped out and lying on top of a larger pool of blood.

"Aye dios mio!" The cleaning lady exclaimed as she backed out of the room. She starts yelling in broken English. "Help! Please, help!" She runs out of the room in a panic to escape the gory scene.

•••

In the Pulse Cave, Cassie and Freddie sat in the middle of the floor of the dojo. The two of them had their eyes closed and were sitting in the lotus position. Freddie was wearing a long-sleeved white T-shirt and black track pants, sporting a bandage wrapped around the palm of his hand. Cassie wore a dark blue tank top with black yoga pants and had her blond hair tied in a ponytail. While Cassie had a calm almost serene expression on her face, Freddie scrunched his face as he seemed agitated and frustrated.

Freddie groans, opens his eyes, and looks over at Cassie who sits to his left. "This is ridiculous."

"You aren't concentrating," Cassie said, not opening her eyes.

Freddie gets up off the floor. "What is this supposed to teach me how to calm down? This is only serving to make me more and more anxious."

Cassie opens her eyes and looks at her nephew. "It's supposed to help center you. Be a healthy way of dealing with that volcanic rage bubbling just below the surface."

"Volcanic rage?" Freddie asked with a puzzled look on his face. "You might be overreacting a-"

"Need I remind you of what happened with Ricky Maturo? Or the goons outside St James?" Cassie said.

Freddie goes to say something but stammers at coming up with an answer. "Okay, I'll admit I have a bit of anger management issues."

"A bit?" Cassie asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Hey, at least I'm admitting it," Freddie said as he let out a deep breath. "It's just- it's been like three weeks since the whole thing that happened with Deimos. I don't know, my emotions have been on edge."

Cassie gives him a warm smile as she gets up from the floor. "Freddie, I understand how you feel. Trust me, you get your temper from Lenny's side of the family. You've just repressed that anger for years. My guess is that-"

"These handy dandy superpowers uncorked the bottle." Freddie estimated.

Cassie grins. "Maybe." After taking a long pause while Freddie looks at his Pearphone, she says, "Look, I think this isn't the right kind of meditation I should be teaching you. I'm going to try something different that will hopefully help you."

"I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. You haven't steered me wrong before." Freddie said as he looked at his phone. He then looks back at Cassie. "Well, this week anyway."

"Ha ha," Cassie said, giving a half-hearted sarcastic-sounding laugh. "What time is it?"

"6:45," Freddie said.

"In that case, I think you should head to school," Cassie said. "It's time for Pulse to go back to being Freddie Benson."

Freddie rolls his eyes. "Fine, I won't argue with you. Besides, I got midterms all this week and I want to at least pass them if I want to keep my scholarship."

"Yeah, you flunk out and your mom will drag you to South America with her." Cassie jokes.

"Don't joke about that. I may be eighteen but that doesn't mean she wouldn't try it." Freddie said with a laugh.

Cassie smiles at him, "Do you want a ride back to the dorm?"

"Nah it's fine. I'll take the train." Freddie said as he grabbed his book bag.

"You have become quite the New Yorker," Cassie said.

"I've lived in Seattle for my entire life but New York City is like no other place in the world," Freddie replied. "It's like I'm connected to it."

"That makes sense, you weren't born in Seattle," Cassie told him. "You were born in New York."

Freddie raises an eyebrow. "Really? No way!"

"Yeah, you were born in the same hospital as your dad and I were born. I was the one who came up with your name." Cassie replied.

"Wait, you came up with 'Fredward'?" Freddie asked questioningly.

"Well, your parents were arguing about who they should name you after: after my grandfather Frederick, or after your mom's dad Edward," Cassie explained. "I was sick of hearing them fighting over it so I came up with an amalgamation of both names, Fredward."

"So, because of you, I spent most of my elementary and middle school years getting viciously bullied?" Freddie said jokingly as he put on his white sneakers.

"I prefer to think of it as building character. You survived, didn't you?" Cassie said.

"Yeah, barely." Freddie quipped.

"The point is that you're a tough kid, even though you didn't know that," Cassie stated. "New Yorkers are tough SOBs. We may get beaten down but we get back up, dust ourselves off, and show people it was a mistake to mess with us."

Freddie smiles, "I guess you're right. Besides, I had some really good friends watching over me... And making sure I don't believe my hype."

"You're talking about Sam, aren't you?" Cassie asked with a grin on her face.

"She did have a habit of making my life a touch difficult before we started the iCarly web show," Freddie said, sounding reminiscent of the good old days. "Sometimes I wish I could go back, just for a minute."

"And what would that serve?" Cassie asked with a bit of cynicism. "Look, we all wish we could go but in reality, we need to move forward. Otherwise, we'll never learn to appreciate what's going to happen next."

"Well thanks, Nug Nug." Freddie said in a joking manner.

"Use your feelings, you must." Cassie said in a strange voice.

Freddie just rolled his eyes.

•••

Meanwhile, at the Centre, Claud was standing in the middle of a back room wearing a blindfold over her eyes. She was wearing a black spaghetti strap top underneath an almost transparent black top, dark cut-off jean shorts, and black shoes.

"Okay, what exactly are we doing again?" Claud asked as she tried to feel around her environment without her eyesight.

"I'm testing your owl physiology. In this case, what I'm going to call blindsight." Galen's voice called.

"Blindsight?" Claud asked questioningly as she reacted to the sound of his voice.

"It's the ability to interact with your environment without the aid of your sight." Galen's voice told her. "Owls are nocturnal creatures and they rely heavily on night vision but also on using their other senses. Blindsight allows you to navigate and fight while in the darkness."

"So what are you going to do? Throw things at me and see if I'm able to avoid them while I can't see?" Claud asked him.

"Not exactly." Galen's voice said matter of fact.

Suddenly, a long wooden stick nearly hits her in the back of the head but she barely ducks out of the way before she gets smacked with the end of the stick.

Claud turns but can only sense Galen standing in front of her, holding the stick in his hands. "Are you nuts? You're trying to hit me?"

"I am training to use your animal abilities. You need to understand that you are now more than human." Galen told her. He swings the stick at her but she again barely dodges the swing. "Your senses have been heightened to an absurd degree. You need to practice how to use them or they'll overwhelm you."

Galen continues swinging until Claud on instinct grabs the end of the stick before it could hit her in the head. Claud pries the stick from his hands, smacks Galen in the stomach, knocking him to the ground, and breaks the stick in half effortlessly.

Claud throws the two halves on the ground and she removes the blindfold from her eyes. She finds Galen on the floor and looks remorseful. "Dude, I am so sorry. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. I'll live." Galen said as he got back to his feet.

"I didn't mean to do that. I was just reacting and- " Claud realized something. "Wait, why am I apologizing? You tried cracking my head with a freaking stick!"

"I was teaching you to rely on your other senses. I wasn't intentionally trying to hurt you." Galen said. "And you did well."

"I did?" Claud asked.

Galen nods, "You need practice but you'll get better with more training."

Claud's eyes widened. "I have to keep doing this?"

"It's the only way you'll improve. You won't get good at using your enhanced senses without some trial and error." Galen said.

"I'll take your word for it." Claud shrugs. "Granted, it's no weirder than having me 'write down my feelings' thing. Seriously, what is the point of that?"

"It helps to deal with the multitude of emotions that you're feeling. The sensations you're feeling vary and can help you control your emotions." Galen explained.

"I'm assuming that it helped you out seeing as how you aren't going all Wolfman on people," Claud said while she ran her hand through her short black hair.

"Strangling people with my bare hands?" Galen asked jokingly.

"No, but points for knowing your classic monster movie knowledge," Claud replied.

"It also helps to have someone you trust to confide in how you're feeling," Galen said. "You have been talking to Leo about all this, right?"

"Yeah, old Maxwell and I have had some heart-to-hearts about all this. He's always been a good listener." Claud said. "Well, when he's not busy with his job."

"He does have a very adult job despite his age. Still wondering how the two of you met." Galen replied.

Claud shrugs. "Just kinda happened. I'm thinking it was the same when you met the lovely Ms. Sinclair."

"Lovely? Does someone have a crush?" Galen asked teasingly.

"Can you blame me? The girl is cute, smart, funny, and a complete badass. I'm surprised the two of you aren't a thing." Claud stated.

"I don't see Cassie as a potential love interest. Never have. She's more like my big sister." Galen said. "I've got her back and I know she's got mine."

"So, you two have known each other for a long time, huh?" Claud asked.

Galen smiles, "She's my rock. Kept me from losing control of the animal inside me."

"Huh," Claud replied. "Does that mean I have a shot?"

Galen just laughs. "I'm thinking I should take you home."

As he begins to leave the room, Claud is left confused and she chases after him. "Is that a yes or a no?"

•••

Later inside of an empty subway car, Freddie sat on a seat. He was jotting down notes on a small leather-bound notebook in which he was writing down his emotions. It was one of the techniques Cassie had taught him that could help him deal with anger issues. This was the second book he had been writing because the first one Cassie gave him he had filled with his thoughts.

The train car comes to a stop to pick up more passengers. The door to the car opens and Leo Maxwell enters. The train starts to go again and Leo sees Freddie sitting there.

"Freddie, hey." Leo greeted Freddie who looked up from his notebook which he proceeded to put inside his bookbag.

"Leo, how's it going?" Freddie said in a friendly tone.

"Fine, I guess. Just heading to the daily grind." Leo said as he took a seat in front of Freddie facing him. "Are you heading to class?"

"I got midterms all this week. Been studying hard for the past few weeks, it was kinda hard to concentrate with what happened a few weeks ago." Freddie said, noting what happened with Andre Deimos.

"I get it. It was a sucky situation, especially with what happened with Detective Parker and your friend Sam." Leo replied.

"Yeah, but thankfully no one got seriously or permanently hurt," Freddie stated.

"Thanks to Pulse," Leo said frankly.

"And you too," Freddie said which surprised Leo. "Cassie told me you shot an arrow through Deimos' arm to protect Sam. You've never really mentioned being good at archery."

"I never thought it would be something to mention in polite conversation. Archery isn't exactly a conventional hobby." Leo stated.

"I hear ya. I used to be in the Junior Bow and Arrow Club at my school." Freddie said.

"Seriously?" Leo asked with a raised eyebrow.

Freddie nods. "I used to be pretty good at it. Back when archery wasn't seen as the hip thing to know."

"Yeah, one fictional female character from a Dystopian future uses a bow and arrow, and now everyone wants to do it." Leo jokes which makes Freddie laugh.

"I was inspired by a book when I decided to take it up. Only it's one of the classics." Freddie told him.

"Robin Hood?" Leo asked.

"Yeah. I first watched the animated film with the fox as Robin Hood. Made me want to find the book and read it. A lot less talking animals in that though." Freddie replied jokingly.

"You are a man of discerning taste," Leo replied, smiling but he then grimaced in pain while grabbing the back of his neck.

"You okay? You look like you had a rough night." Freddie noted.

Leo remembers what happened to him the night before on his nightly patrol as the Fox: getting put in a headlock by a large gangster with a shaved head and a tight black muscle shirt. He powered out of it by elbowing the gangster in the abdomen, grabbing the gangster's arm, and flipping him over his shoulder.

Leo quickly comes up with a valid-sounding excuse, "I think I slept wrong. I think I need a new mattress." He then notices the white bandage on Freddie's hand. "What happened to your hand? Have you had an accident?"

Freddie thinks of his late-night patrol as Pulse and how he injured his hand: A throwing knife had ended up lodged in the center of his hand. Pulse instinctively yanks the knife out as he looks at the thug who threw it at him. A lanky-looking man with stringy jet-black hair who smirks at injuring Pulse. Pulse fires a small bolt of lightning at the thug with his uninjured hand.

Freddie looks at his bandaged hand and then comes up with a good excuse. "I was helping Cassie with some repairs at her PI office. I was picking up a piece of plywood and I got a big splinter in my hand."

"Oh," Leo said, he wasn't buying it but he made him think he did.

Just then, a group of five tough-looking punks enter the train car. They looked like they were looking for trouble.

"Boys, let's make this real easy and hand over any cash or valuables you have." The ringleader, the same stringy-haired punk who threw the knife at Pulse and injured him, instructed Freddie and Leo.

Freddie glares at the ringleader. He couldn't believe that after an encounter with Pulse, this creep had the nerve to commit a crime less than twelve hours later. He wanted to teach him a lesson but how could he with Leo in the room?

Freddie spoke up as he got up from his seat, "Guys, we don't have much you would want. Just go back to the Hot Topic you clowns came from and leave my friend and me alone, we can forget this even happened."

"Or we can just beat the crap out of the both of you and take your stuff anyway." Another thug, a heavy-set guy with a crew cut and a facial tribal tattoo, said.

Leo gets up from his seat, "Pal, this is going to be a bigger mistake than that doodle on your face. What does it even mean anyway? 'I've got way too much time on my hands' or 'My parents never hugged me because I wasn't planned so they drank to avoid talking to me'?"

The heavy-set punk goes to punch Leo but Freddie grabs his fist and holds it back effortlessly which shocks the gang due to Freddie's size.

"Like he said, big mistake." Freddie simply said as he hurled him to the back of the train car with one push.

[Soundtrack Note: 'The Phoenix' by Fall Out Boy plays during the fight starting at 1:00]

The stringy-haired ringleader pulls out a butterfly knife and flashily menaces Freddie with it. Instead is met with Leo grabbing his arm and twisting his wrist hard and injuring him, causing him to drop his knife.

The third thug grabs the knife and tries to stab Leo but Freddie stops him by using the steel railing in the middle of the car as leverage and hitting him with a flying kick. He leaps on top of him and punches him hard a couple of times until he is out cold. He looks up at the remaining members of the gang with an intimidating stare that says 'Come get me.'

The fourth gang member tries to make a move on Freddie but Leo grabs him, turns him around, and repeatedly socks him in the face with quick and vicious punches which catches Freddie off guard for a moment.

While distracted, a heavy-set gang member grabs Freddie by the shoulder and shoves him to the ground.

"What are you gonna do now, runt?" The heavy-set thug asked menacingly.

Freddie instinctively uses his legs and hands to spring back to his feet. The heavy-set thug takes a few swings at him only to have Freddie duck each one and on the last one, crouches down and sweeps his leg. This causes the heavy-set thug to hit the floor hard and knock him out cold.

The stringy-haired leader picks himself up and grabs his knife with his uninjured hand. He goes to stab Freddie but Leo grabs his arm and knees him hard in the stomach. He drops his knife and Leo throws the ringleader in front of Freddie.

Freddie stares at them and smiles which causes the ringleader to laugh uncomfortably. Freddie then quickly punches him hard across the face, knocking out the ringleader with one punch.

Freddie looked at Leo and was surprised that he wasn't put off by the violent display. Both of them look over at the remaining gang member who is just a scrawny little teenage dirtbag.

[Soundtrack Note: Song ends at 1:30]

"I'm-I'm just gonna..." The kid said. Without saying another word, he runs to another car, leaving his buddies unconscious on the floor.

Freddie and Leo stare at each other and then at the carnage around them. "I'm thinking maybe we should-"

"Make a swift exit? Seems like a good idea." Leo said as the train came to a stop and the two of them grabbed their belongings and made their way out quickly before anyone saw that they were responsible for beating up the gang.

•••

In the hallway inside Cassie's apartment building, Cassie made her way to her door when her phone rang. She checks the caller ID and grins a bit as she answers the phone. "Isn't it a little early for you, Parker?"

"Well, 'hello' to you too, Sinclair." It was indeed Danny Parker calling her. "How are you?"

"No reason to complain. Been a little dullsville without my favorite annoying moral compass around here trying to tell me what to do." Cassie said that makes Danny chuckle. "What about you? How's LA?"

"Not too bad. Sam and I have been mostly sightseeing and hanging out with her friends." Danny said. "She has some very... Colorful friends. Cat's a sweetheart but a bit- She's sweet but not all there. Although she's a rocket scientist compared to Goomer."

"What is Goomer's story anyway? I heard he's an MMA fighter." Cassie asked while pulling out her keys.

"He is and the guy is surprisingly huge. I think he's almost the same age as Galen except he doesn't act like it. His manager tells him what to do." Danny explained.

"That Dice kid with the amazing hair?" Cassie asked.

"That's him. And his hair is marvelous looking." Danny replied. "Anyway, I'm thinking Goomer's taken one too many blows to the head, which might explain the slight child-like intelligence."

"Please, I've probably taken more blows to the head than that guy and had my fair share of concussions but still kept my level of intelligence intact," Cassie said.

"Huh, that explains your off-kilter sense of sanity," Danny said laughing.

"Need I remind you that it's my sanity that has kept you alive?" Cassie quipped. "You'd be dead a long time ago if it weren't for me."

"Thanks for the reminder, Silver St. Sinclair," Danny said sarcastically which made Cassie laugh. "So how's Freddie doing?"

"Much better than a few weeks ago," Cassie said as she got the door open to her apartment and walked inside. "But I'm guessing you aren't asking for yourself, are you?"

"You guessed correctly, Sam's still worried about him," Danny said as Cassie closed the door behind her.

"Well, you can tell the lovely Ms. Puckett that Freddie is doing fine. He's just a little stressed out lately." Cassie said as she hung up her black messenger bag on a coat rack next to the front door and took her tan leather jacket.

"Stressed out about what?" Danny asked.

Cassie's eyes widen after she realizes her slip of the tongue and she comes up with a valid excuse, "Midterms. He and the merry band of misfits have been studying nonstop for the past week."

"Didn't think a kid as smart as him would get stressed out about exams," Danny said.

"The kid has always been a bit of an overachiever. He tries his best to be at his best, almost to the detriment of his mental well-being." Cassie said.

A noise behind her causes her to turn around and worries her.

"Everything okay there, Cassie?" Danny asked, almost sensing her anxiety.

"Yeah, just a bit jumpy. Listen, I gotta go but we'll talk soon, okay?" Cassie said as she looked at where the noise came from.

"Sure thing. Bye." Danny said.

"Bye," Cassie said and the line went dead.

Cassie hears the sound she heard before, the creaking of floorboards from the weight of someone walking inside the apartment. She pulls out a small baton from her bag which she flicks a small switch on and the baton extends to a two-foot-long staff. She twirls the baton to test the object's balance and makes her way closer to the sound.

Cassie makes it closer as the noise occurs again, it is coming from her bathroom. She walks close to the door and quickly opens it. She swings the baton at the intruder who swiftly ducks the strike, grabs the end of the baton, and swings at Cassie who effortlessly avoids the punches.

Cassie shoves the intruder against the wall of the hallway between her bathroom and her bedroom. She pins him against the wall by using the baton to hold him back and choke him. She then is shocked to find out who the intruder was. "Alec?"

"Hey, Sand. How's it going?" Alec managed to choke out. He was wearing a button-up white shirt that was tucked into his black slacks. He looks casual by having the sleeves rolled up at his elbows but he still looks very refined. "Um... Do you mind getting off? I'm finding this a little... awkward."

Cassie realizes what she is doing and pulls the baton from his neck. She then punches him playfully in the arm. "What on Earth are you doing? I could've seriously injured you!"

"Really? I hadn't noticed." Alec said while rubbing his arm. "Ow!"

"How did you even get in here without a key?" Cassie asked.

"I picked the lock. You taught me how to do that, remember?" Alec reminded her.

"And part of me is regretting that decision," Cassie said jokingly. "What are you doing here besides breaking into my home?"

"I wanted to spend some time with you. I feel like I hardly see you." Alec said.

"Well, I do have work and I am also taking care of my nephew. I hardly have any real free time." Cassie explained as she and Alec walked into the living room area.

"I understand but how difficult is it to take care of an eighteen-year-old boy?" Alec asked. "Especially an eighteen-year-old with superpowers?"

Cassie smirks and crosses her arms over her chest. "You'd be very surprised. He's a good kid but he's still a bit of a handful. You remember being his age, don't you? I mean, it wasn't that long ago, Al."

Alec rolls his eyes, "You're lucky I'm not as age-obsessed as most people my age are."

"Wait till you get to your early forties and midlife crisis hits," Cassie said. "You'll be buying expensive sports cars and dating people half your age by then."

"Oh, that's funny, Cassandra," Alec said sarcastically. "How about I take you out for an early lunch? My treat."

"Sure. But let me shower and change first. I just got done with my morning workout and I kinda reek." Cassie said.

"All right, no problem," Alec said smiling.

Cassie makes her way to her bedroom and goes to get ready to shower.

Alec looks around and finds a picture frame with an old photo of Cassie, Alec, and Galen when they were teenagers. Cassie is standing in the middle with her arms around her two male friends. He touches the face of the girl in the photo, staring at her with a measure of regret.

•••

"That's messed up and you know it."

Freddie was walking on the quad of the City Tech campus with Gabe and Millie walking with him. Freddie had told his friends what had happened on the subway and they were just reacting to his story. Gabe is paying attention to the conversation while Millie is busily answering a text message. "What was I supposed to do?" Freddie asked. "Let those creeps rob me?"

"You didn't have to beat them into submission," Millie said. "Cassie's right. You have serious anger issues."

"I'm aware of that, thank you," Freddie said as he brushed his hair back.

"How on Earth did you beat up five guys?" Gabe asked, lifting Freddie's arm with the bandage on his hand. "You aren't exactly one hundred percent yet."

Freddie wanted to tell them that Leo had helped him beat up the guys on the train but he felt like it wasn't his place to let the cat out of the bag. Leo probably wouldn't appreciate that. He also didn't know how Millie would react to her boyfriend having a violent side. Somehow he knew Leo wouldn't hurt her but she tends to blow things out of proportion. "Guess I got lucky."

"Sam's right, you are a really bad liar." Millie jokes as she continues texting.

Freddie laughs. "Millie, I need to ask you for a favor?"

Millie looks at him perplexed, setting her phone down for a second. "Sure, what is it?"

"I... I spoke to Heather yesterday and- she's not going to jail for drug possession but she needs to do some community service." Freddie told her.

"Yeah, and?" Millie said bitterly.

Freddie sighs. "Well, I was wondering if you could take her to the Centre so she can meet with Galen and she can-"

"Whoa, wait. You want me to help my tormentor?" Millie asked, indignant. "This girl has been making my life a living hell since I met her. Now you want me to help her? Why would I do that?"

"Mills, I understand how angry you are," Gabe said. "She did have her goon of an ex-boyfriend beat up me and Freddie, remember?"

"You're siding with him? Can't believe you two are drinking the Kool-Aid." Millie asked.

"Millie, she's not a completely bad person. She's just been in a very bad place in her life." Freddie said. "If you don't help her, do it for me."

"Aw, dude!" Millie said frustrated. "Why'd you have to pull that!"

"Please just do me this favor," Freddie said and he flashed his sad puppy dog eyes.

Millie groans, "Fine. I'll talk to her after class and take her to the Centre to meet Galen."

"Thank you so much," Freddie said sweetly.

Millie rolls her eyes and goes back to texting. "You're lucky I can't say 'no' to those puppy dog eyes."

"If only he used those powers for good." Gabe jokes.

"At least I didn't resort to blackmail," Freddie said as he motioned to her phone. "You've been texting someone named Jake for the past few days."

Millie looks at her friends who look for an answer. "Fine, if you must know, Jake's a medical assistant I met at the hospital while Claud was in the hospital. He's a nice guy…" The boys seemed shocked by this revelation when she said, "He's also gay and nine years older than me so you don't have to worry, okay?"

"You sure he isn't lying to you?" Gabe asked.

"Yes! God, you're worse than my dad when it comes to you and Leo." Millie exclaimed which made Gabe blush and Freddie laugh. "Besides, Jake has a good spirit. So no need to worry."

"I know and we do trust you," Freddie told her.

"We just want to keep our favorite future nurse safe," Gabe replied. "We have our reasons to be concerned, okay?"

Millie was about to say something when she looked in front of them and her eyes widened. "Freddie, how are you hoping the rest of your day goes?"

"Well, after what happened this morning, I don't see it getting worse," Freddie said.

"I wish you hadn't said that," Millie said as she motioned with her eyes to tell her friends what was causing her distress.

Jane Louis was standing a few feet away talking to an administration official for the school.

Gabe and Millie both looked at Freddie who swallowed hard and then let out a deep sigh.

"You okay, dude?" Gabe asked.

"I'll let you know in a minute," Freddie said and with that, he walked towards Jane.

Jane was carrying on a conversation with the administrator. "I am deeply sorry that you won't be continuing your education with us, Ms Louis."

"I am sorry too but it won't be permanent. I will return but after all that's happened, I need some time to grieve." Jane told the woman.

"I understand. Just take as much time as you need." The woman said.

The woman leaves Jane who stands in the courtyard, looking troubled. She looks up to see Freddie make his way over to her which makes her smile.

"Freddie, hey," Jane said. "How are you?"

"Good. How are you? I haven't seen you since you took your dad to Vermont. Are you doing okay?" Freddie asked.

"I'd be lying if I said I was fine. It's been a rough couple of days." Jane told him.

"I'm so sorry. Is there anything I can do?" Freddie asked.

Jane smiles, "Not much anyone can do, honestly."

Freddie tries to break the tension. "So are you coming back to school?"

"Actually... I'm dropping out of school. I need to take a break from school for a while." Jane said.

"Oh. I thought that maybe you were coming back." Freddie said, sounding disappointed. "I mean, I understand but-"

Jane laughs. "Relax, I'm going to come back. I just need to focus on my life right now."

"Oh, that's good," Freddie said smiling.

"So, how have things been here? Any Pulse sightings?" Jane asked.

Freddie laughs uncomfortably. "A few of them. There was some crazy stuff that happened a few weeks ago. I would go into detail but I'd be here all day."

"It really seems like I miss a lot, don't I?" Jane said half laughing. "I gotta go. I'll be seeing you."

Jane goes to leave but Freddie speaks up which makes Jane turn to face him. "Listen, if you aren't too busy, maybe we can hang out sometime. If that's alright with you."

Jane smiles brightly and hugs him. "You're sweet, you know that?"

Freddie laughs awkwardly while Jane pulls away from the embrace. She noticed he was wearing the bracelet she had given him on his injured arm. "Oh um, I had a little... home improvement accident. No big deal."

"Ouch, but that's not what I noticed," Jane said. "You still kept it."

"Yeah, I don't throw out gifts from my friends. Besides, this was a really cool-looking bracelet." Freddie told her which made her smile.

"That's sweet," Jane replied. "I gotta go. See ya." Jane finally leaves and Freddie's friends go over to him.

"That was weird," Gabe said.

"You okay?" Millie asked.

"Jane's dropping out. She's not coming back to school." Freddie informed them.

"Oh," Millie said, sounding surprised. "Did she say why?"

"Because of her dad. He's not doing very well." Freddie said.

"That sucks," Gabe said.

"I want to be there for her. Be a friend and support her." Freddie said.

"You sure you only want to be 'a friend'?" Gabe asked which made Freddie turn around and scowl at him. Gabe's eyes widen and he puts his hands up defensively. "And you are still terrifying."

"I think what Gabe means in his own... brutally honest way, don't you think you're reaching out to her because of what happened with Sam?" Millie replied.

Freddie sighs "I don't know. It's... I know I shouldn't have feelings for her but- I care about her."

"We get it and that's the reason you're a great guy but... I just think you need to proceed with caution." Gabe said.

Freddie shrugs. "Guess you're right."

Gabe looks up and sees something in front of him that shocked him. "Um, Freddie, what would you assume is worse than running into your ex twice in a month?"

"I don't why, why?" Freddie asked.

"Because your day is about to go from bad to strange," Gabe stated as he motioned with his head what he saw.

Freddie and Millie look to where he is pointing and they find one of Freddie's close friends, Orenthal Cornelius Hayes Gibson AKA Gibby. He was wearing a long-sleeved black and white checkered shirt and khaki pants and his hair was as short as it was the last time Freddie saw him.

"Gibby?" Freddie exclaimed in surprise.

Gibby looks around and finds his friend standing a few feet away. He extends his arms and says "Freddie!" He runs over and hugs him, picking his friend off the ground. "How's it going, buddy?"

"Uh- I'm- fine," Freddie said, trying to catch his breath. "Dude... Can't... Breathe."

Gibby quickly lets go and puts Freddie down. "Sorry. I forgot you were such a sensitive flower."

Freddie laughs off the slightly backhanded compliment. "What are you doing here?"

"My dad's here on business and I thought that I could see you," Gibby said. He looks over at Gabe and Millie. "These your friends?"

"Yeah," Freddie said, looking over at them as they made their way over. "Gibby, these are Gabe Morgan and Millie Flores. Guys, this is Gibby Gibson."

"Nice to meet you," Gabe said.

Gibby nods at him to acknowledge his presence then he looks over at Millie, takes her hand, and gives her a small kiss on her hand. Millie laughs and blushes in embarrassment and Gabe rolls his eyes annoyed while Freddie shakes his head amused.

"Pleasure to meet, Dimples," Gibby said.

"Um, it's nice to meet you too, Gibby," Millie said giggling but trying not to sound uncomfortable, pulling her hand away.

"You should've called or emailed me. Let me know you are coming." Freddie told Gibby.

"I was going to but I thought it might be a better surprise," Gibby said.

Freddie sighs and rubs the bridge of his nose in irritation. "Sam put you up to this, didn't she?"

"How'd you know that?" Gibby asked.

"Lucky guess," Freddie said, sounding annoyed while Gabe and Millie snicker at Sam playing a trick on him.

"So Gibby, what does your dad do?" Millie asked to break the tension.

"My dad's a party planner. He's been helping the organizing committee for the policemen's masquerade ball. He's getting paid a lot for it." Gibby told them.

"Is your dad Gideon Gibson?" Gabe asked.

Gibby raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, how do you know-"

"Your dad has been helping my mom and the rest of the historical society plan that party for the past month," Gabe replied.

"Wait, you're the son of that billionaire who is paying for all this?" Gibby asked.

"Yeah, that's me," Gabe said sheepishly, running his fingers through his hair.

"Please, don't try to sound modest." Millie retorts. "Humility isn't your strong suit, Gabriel"

"You really do know how to build up a guy's self-esteem, Millicent." Gabe quipped.

Freddie grins at his friends arguing and Gibby just stands confused.

"How long have you two been dating?" Gibby asked.

Gabe and Millie look at him and simultaneously say "We're not dating."

"You guys are arguing like an old married couple." Gibby pointed out.

"He does have a point," Freddie said, amused by the situation.

"I have a boyfriend and his name is not Gabe Morgan," Millie emphasized.

Gabe looks at her, his ego a bit bruised. "Dating me would be the luckiest day of your life."

Millie gives him a smirk. "I'll be sure to tell Lucy you said that."

"Don't you breathe a-"

"Relax, Gatsby, I wouldn't date you anyway so she doesn't have to feel threatened," Millie said.

Gibby looks at them then whispers to Freddie, "Sure they aren't dating?"

"Jury's still out," Freddie whispers back.

"Excuse me but I happen to have a wonderful boyfriend who works for the police department." Millie gloated. "Also he's cute, smart, funny-"

"And you are trying too hard to sell him," Gabe replied.

Millie glares at him while Freddie bites his bottom lip to stifle his laughter.

•••

Inside the hotel room where they found Johnny Grisham's body, the CSU team, including Nina and Leo, began to work on the scene. Victor was talking to the hotel manager who was a slightly effeminate-looking man who was distressed by the situation.

"I just don't know how this could happen. Mr. Grisham's always been a great customer. Who would do this to him?" The hotel manager said.

"That's what we're going to find out," Victor told him. "Did Mr. Grisham arrive with anyone?"

"I believe it was a woman but only one person who saw her was the same housekeeper who found Mr. Grisham." The hotel manager said. "Unfortunately she speaks little to no English, all Spanish. You really wouldn't get much out of her."

"I'd still like to try," Victor stated. "But we are going to need access to the security camera footage from last night."

The hotel manager nods. "Consider it done. The owner has already given me permission to do whatever I can to assist in the investigation."

"Thank you," Victor said.

"Detective, could you come over here?" Nina called as she and Leo closely examined Johnny's corpse.

Victor excuses himself from the manager and walks towards them. "What did you find?"

"Well, this guy suffered," Leo said frankly. "Whoever did this ripped him open. Nearly took his head off."

"Any idea what could've caused someone to be able to do this to another human being?" Victor asked.

"Unless we want to stretch the limit to near improbability, maybe he got ripped apart by a werewolf," Leo said in a joking manner. Nina and Victor glare at him as he laughs weakly until he sighs. "Sorry. Just trying to lighten the mood."

"But our aspiring comedian does have a theory that doesn't have anything to do with lycanthropy," Nina stated. "Remember that robbery by that cat burglar?"

"Bast? The one who stole precious stones from Gregor O'Shannon?" Victor asked.

Nina nods. "Leopold seems to believe that this cat burglar might be responsible for this murder."

Victor looks over at Leo. "Care to explain why that is?"

Leo sighs as he examines Johnny's neck. "Well for starters, the slash marks on the victim's neck match the scratch marks made on the safe in O'Shannon's home and the claw marks made to the face of one of the goons that attacked the rave a few days later."

"They look to me like they are the same thickness." Nina pointed out. "Leo also found a mineral in Mr Grisham's wounds. Could be the same material that was found in O'Shannon's safe."

"If we run tests on the material, it should be a perfect match," Leo stated.

"Good job, Maxwell." Victor compliments his daughter's boyfriend. "How did you know about the Bast case?"

"I read the file, I like to be thorough when it comes to unsolved cases in the department," Leo said as he got up off the floor. "I tend to get a little bored while I'm waiting for lab results."

"Most technicians do a crossword puzzle," Victor replied.

Leo shrugs. "I'm not most people."

Victor smiles at him, he then notices a fresh gash on his forehead. "When did that happen?"

Leo looks at the cut and tries to come up with an excuse "Oh, I had a little mishap on the subway this morning. Some punk tried to jump me, but it didn't end well for him though."

"Oh," Victor said, sounding a bit suspicious of the young man.

"So, have you found any witnesses?" Nina asked.

"Yes, but the only issue is that she doesn't speak English," Victor said. "And just when our translator decided to take a vacation to Belize."

Leo thinks and has an idea, "Don't you know anyone who speaks Spanish? Maybe a certain blond-haired friend of Millie's might know someone who could help?"

Victor stares at him with one raised eyebrow then he sighs. "I'll see if she does." He pulls out his phone and steps out into the hallway.

•••

Meanwhile, at the Groovy Smoothie, Cassie and Alec were enthralled in a conversation as they drank some smoothies. Charlie Robinson watches from the front counter while keeping the area clean. Charlie watches the scene intently without anyone noticing.

"So he just clipped the rear bumper of Black Beauty on a fire hydrant?" Alec asked Cassie while Cassie sipped her smoothie.

"In his defense, I was teaching Freddie how to parallel park," Cassie said while finishing her sip. "And as I recall, you weren't exactly the best student driver."

"I wasn't that bad, Sand." Alec tried to defend himself.

"Oh really? Need I remind you that you crashed the student vehicle not once but five times? I think you gave the poor driving instructor angina." Cassie said.

"The man was in his early sixties. I'm surprised he didn't have angina already." Alec said as he took a sip of his smoothie.

"Whatever helps you sleep at night," Cassie said teasingly.

Alec smiles brightly. "I really missed this."

"What, getting mercilessly teased by your high school bestie?" Cassie asked.

"Not exactly but I missed hanging out with you. Honestly, my job is sometimes so mundane that talking to you is a nice change of pace." Alec said.

"Come on, you're a legal consultant to a big-shot mogul. That has to have some moments of excitement." Cassie stated.

Alec sighs so as not to say something that could lead to her finding out what he does. "I will give you that but it's not as exciting as our adventures when we were in high school."

"If by 'exciting', you mean insane and filled with peril." Cassie jokes.

"You have to admit, it was never boring," Alec stated.

Cassie smirks as she takes another sip from her smoothie.

Just then, Charlie walks over to the table and sets down a flyer in the middle of the table which reads 'Karaoke Night'.

Cassie picks up the flyer. "What's this?"

"The Groovy Smoothie is hosting a 'Karaoke Night' tomorrow night. Alec tells me that you're into karaoke." Charlie stated.

Cassie looks over at Alec with a withering look. "Did he?"

"I do remember you saying that during our dinner date that ended with us rescuing your nephew," Alec stated.

"Well, I did enjoy watching drunk Japanese businessmen embarrass themselves in Karaoke bars in Kyoto," Cassie said laughing. "Nothing funnier than watching one of them trying to sing Journey."

"You don't sing?" Charlie asked.

Cassie shakes her head. "Not really. I have no real vocal range but as I recall, Alec sure does."

"Cassie," Alec replied mortified.

"You may not know this, Charlie, but he was in the glee club. Back way before it was fashionable." Cassie said.

"Really? In that case, I'd better see you at Karaoke Night, Mr Grayson." Charlie retorts.

"Oh he's going to sing then I am so going to be there!" Cassie said. Suddenly, Cassie's Pearphone rings and she looks at the caller ID and then answers the phone. "Hey Vic, what's up?" After a moment, she speaks. "Oh. My Spanish is a little rusty... but I may know someone who is pretty fluent in Spanish." After another pause, she speaks again "Sure, I'll bring him over as soon as possible. Okay, bye."

As she hangs up, Alec looks at Charlie and then at Cassie. "What's going on?"

"Victor needs my help with a murder case he's working on. He's got a witness who speaks mostly Spanish but I got someone who's it's almost his second language." Cassie said as she got up from the table. "Tell you what, if you want to spend more time with me, why don't we go to Karaoke Night? It might be fun to see me embarrass myself on stage trying to sing cheesy pop songs."

Alec smiles. "I'm game for it."

"Hey, if we'll probably find your soulmate," Cassie said with a smile. "Whoever they might be."

"I doubt that but we'll see." Alec smiles.

"Oh, ye of little faith. See you tomorrow?" Cassie said as she made a call on her phone and walked out of the store.

Alec looks at Charlie who took the seat in front of him. "Real subtle there, Charlotte. You know I'm done chasing windmills, right?"

"I know but you need to practice flirting or something," Charlie said. "It seriously pained me having to watch all that. It was pitiful."

"Guess Cassie isn't the only one playing matchmaker for me, is it?" Alec estimated.

Charlie smiles. "Look, I don't mind playing matchmaker for my lovesick friend. It's time for me to stage 'Project Grayson'."

"So my life is now a reality show?" Alec said sarcastically.

"In your case, it's The Bachelor," Charlie said. "It's time for you to play the field. Be a pimp."

"Oh, I am the maddest of pimps," Alec said. Charlie scrunched her face to stifle her laugh while Alec realized what he said. "Remind me never to say that again."

Charlie just smiles at her friend. She then notices his sullen face. "What's wrong?"

"I think I probably already met my soulmate and I blew it," Alec said, putting his hands to his face.

"Really? Anyone I know?" Charlie asked.

Alec shakes his head. "It doesn't matter, I'll probably never see them again."

Charlie stares at her friend. A thought came to mind - a possible idea.

•••

At the Centre, Galen was setting up for the next group therapy session when two people walked into the room. He turns around and finds Millie standing there with Heather Chase next to her. Millie doesn't look too happy to be bringing Heather there.

"Millie, hey. This is a surprise." Galen greeted her. "Who's your friend?"

Millie sighs, sounding annoyed. "Galen, this is Heather Chase. Heather, this is Galen Lennox. He runs the support group here."

"Nice to meet you, Heather," Galen said while offering his hand for a handshake.

Heather was speechless for a moment as she noticed the handsome stranger. She shakes off the nerves and accepts the handshake. "It's nice to meet you too."

"So why did you bring her here?" Galen asked.

"Freddie wanted me to help her get some community service work," Millie said.

"You're the girl he saved from the drug overdose." Galen estimated.

"Yeah. I'm not proud of what I've done. I'm trying to make up for it." Heather said. She looks at Millie. "Especially with you. I hurt you and I was wrong for doing that."

Millie rolls her eyes then she looks at Galen. "Look, I have to go to work right now. You think you can-"

"I'll start showing her the ropes. Don't worry." Galen said with a smile.

"Thanks. I'll talk to you later." Millie said as she quickly left the building.

Heather watches her leave then lets out a deep sigh. "So..." She looks at Galen. "What do you need me to do?"

Galen looks around. "You can help me set up the rest of the chairs."

Heather nods and she follows him to a large stack of fold out chairs against the wall. "How long have you known Millie?"

"For a while now," Galen told her. "I'm close friends with Freddie's aunt but Millie and I met through her boyfriend who brought her to the Centre."

"Oh," Heather replied with sadness in her voice. "She's probably told you a lot about me."

"That you and her have a heated rivalry and she feels that you have been nothing but hateful and nasty toward her?" Galen said. "She told me."

"Whatever she says, she's right. I've been a total bitch towards her." Heather replied.

"I've met girls like you and what I've learned, there's more underneath than even they know," Galen said. "I know there's more to you than you know."

"You think so?" Heather asked. "So you don't think I'm a bad person?"

"If Freddie thinks you are worth giving a shot, I'm willing to make my own judgment on it," Galen said to her. "Now help me with these, would you?"

Heather nods as she starts to move the chairs to the center of the room along with him. "I'm trying to be a better person. I'm just really bad at it."

"It's not an easy thing to do. Even decent people can do bad things. We all make mistakes." Galen said as the two continued setting up the chairs. "The trick is not knowing what's right or wrong. It's a matter of choice."

Heather giggles. "No offense but you sound like a fortune cookie."

Galen grins at the joke. "You aren't the first person who has said that to me."

Heather blushes as they continue working. "Think I'm going to enjoy my community service."

Galen gives her a small smile that makes her melt even more.

•••

Cassie leads Freddie into the building at the precinct, who looks a bit anxious to be there.

"I don't know if this is a good idea, Cassie," Freddie stated.

"You're just going to be translating for Victor. It's gonna be an easy way for you to get close to the case without drawing too much attention." Cassie said.

Freddie thinks then he realizes. "Guess that's not a bad thing."

They round the corner and Freddie bumps into Leo who is looking through some files intently.

"Whoa! Dude, I'm sorry." Freddie said as he helped Leo pick up the papers that fell on the floor.

"Nah. You're fine. I wasn't paying attention to where I was going." Leo said while picking up the papers. "You guys here to help Detective Flores?"

"Yeah, he called me earlier and asked if I knew anyone who could translate some Spanish," Cassie said. "But I'm guessing you already knew that."

Leo smiles as Freddie gives him his paperwork. "I may have suggested it to him. I gotta check some of the lab results. Let me know how it goes."

"I'll be sure to tell you," Freddie said jokingly while Leo left.

Cassie whispers to him "Did something happen between you two that I should know about?"

Freddie smiles, "You don't wanna know."

Cassie laughs when Victor calls her over. She and Freddie make their way to his desk. "So, where's the witness you need help with?" She asked.

Victor motions for them to follow him. "She's in the interview room."

"What exactly did she see?" Cassie asked.

"We found the body of Johnny Grisham, a criminal Jack of All Trades, in a luxury hotel room this morning," Victor explained as the three made their way down the hallway. "His throat was ripped open to the point where he was nearly decapitated. The housekeeper who found the body was also the one who saw who he was last seen with Grisham when he was still alive. The only problem is that she speaks little to no English."

"And you want me to help translate?" Freddie asked.

"I was made aware of the fact that you speak Spanish and our language interpreter is out of town," Victor said.

Freddie looks over at Cassie who simply shrugs then he looks back at Victor. "Oh, okay. I don't mind helping out." After a beat, he says "Am I getting paid for this?" Cassie rolls her eyes and smacks him in the back of the head. "Ow! What was that for?"

"Resetting your behavior." Cassie quips.

"Translation: don't ask that question again," Freddie said as he rubbed the back of his head.

"Who says you aren't smart?" Cassie joked which made Freddie laugh.

Victor opens the door to the interview room where the woman who found Johnny's body sits in front of a table. She looks very frazzled as she glances over at the people entering the room.

" , this is Freddie Benson. He's going to be assisting in this interview." Victor said.

"Don't worry, sir. I'll take it from here." Freddie said before Victor could get another word out. He nods and he and Cassie look on as Freddie grabs the vacant chair on the other side of the table and places it close to Mrs Gonzalez but not too close to make her feel uncomfortable.

Freddie sighs and starts to speak in Spanish "How are you, Mrs. Gonzalez?"

"I've been better but I'm okay, mijo." Mrs Gonzalez replied in her native tongue. She seemed nervous and exhausted as seen from the dark circles under her eyes.

"I know it must've been very upsetting finding Mr. Grisham's body but I need to ask you some questions so the police can find the person who did this," Freddie explained to her in Spanish. "Is that okay with you?"

Mrs. Gonzalez nods, "Yes, I don't mind answering questions."

Freddie looks over at Victor and starts speaking in English, "You can ask her questions, Detective Flores."

Victor nods, "Thank you. Mrs. Gonzalez, you said that you were the last one to see Johnny Grisham alive."

Freddie translated what Victor said to Mrs Gonzalez word for word.

Mrs. Gonzalez nods, "Yes, I saw Mr Grisham. He gave me a two hundred-dollar tip if I put an extra chocolate mint on his pillow once I came to clean the room. He had a bit of a sweet tooth."

Freddie repeats what she has said to Victor in English.

"Was he alone when he gave you the tip?" Victor asked and Freddie translated.

"No, there was this girl with him. Blond, very pretty but she had sunglasses on which was strange because it was nighttime." Mrs Gonzalez said. "She also stuck close to Mr Grisham. Never made eye contact. I see him a lot with girls like that. They're either very loose girls or completely out of it. I think- I think he might have drugged these girls. I know I shouldn't think that way, he was such a nice man."

Freddie translates what the witness had said as the wheels turn in Cassie's head which Freddie saw.

•••

"This guy was a total scumbag."

Victor leads Freddie and Cassie out into the hallway. Both Freddie and Victor are surprised by Cassie's outburst.

"Dude!" Freddie exclaimed. "The guy died."

"Sorry to speak ill of the dead but this guy was a complete waste of skin," Cassie said.

"I do have to agree with you on that, Cassie," Victor stated.

Freddie stares at the two with a perplexed look on his face. "Am I missing something?"

"Johnny Grisham paid people off to ignore what he was up to," Cassie explained. "Any witness to his actions would get paid off and he would pay them a little more to keep them quiet. This is why a career criminal never sees a day in jail for too long. These witnesses would just be adamant that he's 'a nice man' when in reality he would manipulate these people."

Victor nods in agreement with her.

"Wait, how did you figure that from what Mrs. Gonzalez said?" Freddie asked.

"Don't worry about it. It's a skill I have to read people, I see things like a cop would." Cassie said. "Don't take it so hard."

Freddie rolls his eyes with annoyance.

"Why would he take it hard?" Victor asked, confused.

Freddie's eyes widen as Cassie stammers while trying to come up with a valid reason but is saved by the timely arrival of Leo who walks over to them with a piece of paper in his hands.

"Detective Flores, I got something to show you," Leo said.

"Thank goodness," Freddie said under his breath.

"What have you got?" Victor asked.

"Well, we were able to get footage from the security camera at the hotel. It's not a clear picture but we may have gotten a good view of the last person seen with Johnny Grisham." Leo said, handing him a print out of a photo from the security camera.

Freddie and Cassie glance over Victor's shoulder and get a look at the picture. They saw a slightly blurry of the 'blond woman in the sunglasses' that Mrs, Gonzalez had spoken of.

"That kind of looks like the woman that Mrs Gonzalez saw with Grisham," Cassie said.

"She seems like she's not trying to make eye contact with the camera," Victor said.

"I got the results of the mineral found in Grisham's wounds and it's a perfect match," Leo said.

"Perfect match to what?" Freddie asked.

"The mineral found in his wounds matches the mineral found in Gregor O'Shannon's vault," Leo informs them.

Cassie's eyes shift to Freddie who starts to get it before she does. "What mineral was it?" She asked.

"A rare titanium alloy," Leo said, reading off the paper. "From what I've heard, this stuff can cut through pretty much everything."

Freddie and Cassie stare at each other and both of them figure out what is happening.

"Leo, no disrespect but we can't reveal that kind of sensitive material to civilians," Victor said. He looks over at Freddie and Cassie. "No offense but it's not my call."

"It's fine. We're glad to help." Cassie said.

Victor pulls Leo away and the two walk down the hall.

The two relatives stand there trying to process the information they had received.

"Titanium alloy?" Cassie said. "You know what that means, don't you?"

"Yeah," Freddie said after letting out a deep sigh. "Bast is back."

•••

Inside of her clock tower hideout, Jane sat at a workbench. She was sharpening her claws on her gloves using a metal file. She seems focused on her task when all of a sudden, an electronic beeping interrupts her concentration. She looks behind her at a computer monitor that displays 'Target Spotted'.

Jane sets down her gloves and walks over to the monitor. She makes a few keystrokes on the keypad and on the monitor pops footage from a security camera inside of a street corner.

She sees a man walking across a street using a crosswalk. She taps more keys which pauses the footage, she uses a mouse to select a portion of the image to focus on the man's face then she fixes the frozen image to appear in crystal clarity.

"Run facial recognition software," Jane instructs the computer.

After a few moments, a mugshot and a criminal rap sheet appear side by side next to the picture from the security camera footage. It was the rap sheet of a man named Oscar Aaronson.

Jane's eyes scowl at the picture and she grits her teeth. "Found you, you son of a bitch."

Jane looks over at a checklist on a notebook where three names appear to be written on the notebook. One of the names was Johnny Grisham's which was checked in black ink and crossed off in red ink. She picks up a pen and checks off Oscar Aaronson with black ink.

However, the last name on the list was a familiar name to most, especially to Freddie and his fellow schoolmates: Richard Maturo.

•••

Half an hour later, Heather was mopping the hallway of the Centre. She was having a little trouble due to the fact that wasn't used to manual labor but she does make her best effort to keep doing her job.

"Wow, hell must have frozen over."

Heather looks behind her to find Claud Moon standing a foot and a half behind her next to the yellow 'Caution: Wet Floor' sign.

"Can I help you?" Heather asked.

"You don't remember me, do you?" Claud asked, crossing her arms over her chest.

Heather shakes her head, "Should I?"

Claud scoffs, "You start a catfight on a college campus and you automatically forget?"

Heather starts to piece together where she had seen her before and her face falls. "Oh. Oh my god. Look, I am really sorry. I didn't mean to start that fight. I was just really upset that day and-"

"Yeah, so was I, Nellie Olsen." Claud snapped. "A close friend of mine was found dead on the subway the night before."

Heather glares at her. "Look, I'm not trying to excuse my behavior, Wednesday Adams! I'm trying to apologize!"

The two girls stare each other down until, after a pregnant pause, the two start laughing.

"Wednesday?" Claud asked amused. "When most people try to insult me, they go straight for Morticia."

"Well, when people try to do that, they go for Regina George," Heather said, still laughing. "Kudos for going old school."

After more awkward laughter, the two young women stare at each other again. "Galen told me about what happened to you? About your overdose."

Heather looks down, "Yeah. Freddie told me that you were kidnapped and spent a few days in the hospital."

Claud exhales deeply. "Guess we both had a rough few days, huh?"

"Listen, I'm not expecting everyone to forgive me," Heather told Claud. "For once in my life, I want to do the right thing. I don't care if nobody believes me but I believe I can be a better person."

"You do realize that there is a lot stacked against you, right?" Claud points out. "You have been terrible to a lot of people. Especially to Millie."

"I didn't say it was going to be easy but I'm sick of doing things the easy way," Heather replied. "It may have brought me immediate gratification but in the end-"

"It's brought you no real joy?" Claud realized.

"And I sound like a complete hypocrite," Heather said.

"Not really, just confused. It happens to everyone." Claud said. "I'm not going to pretend you didn't do all those nasty things to people but if you want to change, more power to you."

Heather nods. "Thanks."

Claud walks closer to Heather and gets in her face "But just know that if you ever mess with Millie or any of her other friends, I will claw out your eyes with my fingernails. Understand?"

Heather stares at Claud and sees the look on her face, Claud means it. "Got it."

"Hey, Moon!" Galen's voice called.

The two young women turn to see Galen is now in the room. Claud puts her hands up defensively. "Relax, Gale. I didn't touch her, I promise."

Galen just smiled as he looked over at Heather. "How are you doing? Having any trouble?"

"It's fine. Nothing I can't handle." Heather said. "As long as you don't make me wash dishes, we're good."

Galen smiles again which makes Heather blush. Claud sees this and quietly snickers. "Just let me know if you need anything."

"Uh yeah," Heather said, sounding flustered. "Thanks."

Galen goes to leave and Claud follows him.

"Oh, she SO has the hots for you," Claud whispers to him.

Galen rolls his eyes as they walk off.

•••

Back at the precinct's forensics lab, Leo was looking over a lab report. He looks intently at it as if he is trying to remember every detail of the report.

"What does it take for a girl to see you these days?"

Leo looks up and smiles. He turns and sees Millie stand at the entrance. "Sorry. I've been a bit busy lately."

"Really? I hadn't noticed." Millie said with a smirk. "How's it going?"

"Same old, same old. Some bad guy killed some thug and I'm supposed to pretend this bastard wasn't asking for it." Leo said as he set down the report on the table.

"Nice that you can be objective." Millie jokes.

"I know it sounds wrong for me to say but these guys ask for it," Leo said. "Not that we should be taking the law into our own hands or anything-"

"Why not?" Millie asked.

"You're the daughter of a cop. Shouldn't you believe that the law should be enforced by the police?" Leo asked.

"I've been around the legal system since before I could crawl and I know for a fact that it isn't perfect," Millie said.

"Is that why you're the founding member of the 'Pulse Fan Club'?" Leo asked.

Millie smiles, "The guy did save my life. I owe him some loyalty."

"What about this... Fox guy? Do you support him?" Leo asked curiously.

"I don't know much about him. He's fairly new, isn't he?" Millie asked.

Leo bites his bottom lip and sighs, "I wouldn't know."

"Look, as long as he is helping people, he's okay in my book," Millie said. "Just don't tell my dad I said that."

Leo laughs. "So... What are you doing after work?"

"Uh not much. Planning to stay home and study for my last midterm exam." Millie said.

"Does it matter where you're studying?" Leo asked.

"Not really. Just need a quiet place." Millie stated. "Why do you ask?"

"I was wondering if you would like to come to my place and you could study there," Leo said.

"Wait, you're inviting me over?" Millie asked, smiling.

"If it's alright with you," Leo said.

Millie is ecstatic at hearing this. "Sure. I'd love to come see your bachelor pad."

Leo grins. "Awesome. I'll take you over as soon as I finish my shift."

"I look forward to it," Millie said and she kissed him on the cheek. "See you then." With that, she leaves the lab.

Leo smiles and then looks back at the report. He needed something to help him. Well, he needed someone.

•••

Cassie and Freddie made their way out of the precinct and the two of them carried on a conversation.

"Why would Bast be killing people? She's a thief, not an assassin." Freddie said

"This might not be an assassination. From what I heard there, this was an act of rage." Cassie said. "Victor said she almost took Grisham's head off. That sounds like someone who was extremely angry."

"And Bast might be angry?" Freddie asked with confusion.

"We won't know for sure until we look into Grisham's criminal activities. Maybe he cheated her out of some money and she took revenge on him." Cassie estimated.

Freddie's eyes furrow and he looks up at her surprised. "Leo is going to send you a message."

Cassie is about to say something when her phone chimes. She pulls it out and sees a text message from Leo that reads 'Come to the lab. I need to talk to you.'

"Why does Leo want to talk to you?" Freddie asked.

"I'll tell you as soon as you tell me what you two are hiding?" Cassie said while putting her phone away.

Freddie laughs. "I don't feel like telling you right now."

"You have your secrets so I'm allowed to have mine," Cassie said.

"I'll head over and start doing some research on Grisham and try to find his connection with Bast," Freddie said. "I'll get Gabe to help me. If he doesn't want to kill me."

"Why would he want to kill you?" Cassie asked.

"I left him alone with Gibby," Freddie stated.

"Wait, another one of your friends is in New York?" Cassie inquired.

"Yeah, his dad is helping coordinate the policemen's masquerade ball and he thought it would be fun to surprise me," Freddie said.

"But I assume it wasn't his idea," Cassie said with a smile. "That it was the brainchild of a certain spunky blond?"

Freddie stares at her. "How did you-"

"Lucky guess," Cassie said with a smile.

"But I left him with Gabe so I could come help you out," Freddie said.

"I'm sure he'll be fine. What's the worst that could happen?" Cassie asked.

"You obviously don't know Gibby. He has the tendency to wear out someone's patience." Freddie said. "He could possibly make the pope want to strangle him."

Cassie laughs, "Then Gabe might be in serious trouble."

Freddie chuckles and then becomes serious. "I'll start doing research and maybe get Gabe to help me if he isn't busy plotting his revenge. You do your secret thing with Leo and I'll see you back at the cave."

"See ya later," Cassie said, walking back to the precinct.

Freddie then walks away from the precinct and goes towards the subway entrance. I hope he has better luck than he did this morning.

•••

Cassie walks into the now deserted lab where Leo stands there, holding the lab report. "Got your text. You wanted to see me?"

"Yeah. There's something I need to ask you." Leo said, sounding serious.

"Um okay. What's up?" Cassie said nervously.

"I need to ask you for a favor," Leo said while pulling out something from a drawer.

"What is it?" Cassie asks only to get her answer once she sees what he pulled out of the drawer, a syringe.

"I'm going to need a blood sample," Leo said.

"Why on Earth would you need a sample of my blood?" Cassie asked, sounding petrified.

"I'm not asking for it to hurt you or anything," Leo said.

"Then why do you need it? And I want you to give me an honest answer." Cassie said, sounding agitated. "If you want to use it to hurt people, you'd better think again."

"You have severe trust issues," Leo replied.

"I don't want my blood to be used for something nefarious," Cassie said. "The fact that you know about my powers scares the crap out of me. You're a genius with forensic science, you could probably look at a sample and see it as an opportunity to use it for something you feel is a good thing."

"True but I believe in the old adage: the road to hell is paved with good intentions," Leo said. "I want to have a contingency plan. It always helps to have one."

"Especially in the line of work you're doing?" Cassie said. "I told you that I know about your nighttime activities. No need to play coy, seeing as how you already know my secret."

"That's not the only secret I figured out," Leo said, which confused Cassie. "I know that you were Mockingbird."

Cassie stared at him wide-eyed. "How did you-"

"Didn't take too long to figure out. I read some of the old files on Mockingbird since I've worked here but... I used to hear stories about her when I was a little kid. That she was heroic and very dangerous. How she saved people." Leo said.

"Oh. Didn't think Mockingbird would end up becoming some kind of folk hero." Cassie said. Leo then laughs under his breath. "What?"

"It's funny but she kind of inspired me to do what I'm doing," Leo said. "You were a real hero."

Cassie laughs nervously, appearing amused. "Wow. I don't know whether to be flattered or just assume you're buttering me up to that sample."

Leo laughs at this. "You wanted me to be honest, right? Trust me, I wouldn't lie about something like that."

Cassie smiles then takes a deep breath and extends her right arm out. "Take as much as you need. I got enough to spare."

Leo smiles as he picks up the syringe and looks at her arm. "Gonna need to find a vein-" Cassie rolls her eyes then takes the syringe from him and stabs it into her arm. He looks at her in shock while the blood flows into the syringe. "Or."

"Relax, no need to be gentle on my account," Cassie said, winking at him. "Not my first bloodletting rodeo."

Leo just stares at her in awe as she pulls out the needle and hands him back the syringe filled with blood.

•••

Freddie was exiting a subway train at his stop. He was talking on the phone with someone and was engaged in a heated conversation. "Gabe, how many times do I have to apologize?"

"How about until you pay for the prescription of Xanax that I now need after spending the afternoon with Gibby?" Gabe replied in a half joking half angry manner. "Or how about when someone refills his Adderall prescription? One of us needs to be on medication!"

Freddie laughs. "Man, I didn't mean to leave you alone with him for that long. It was kind of a 'work' thing I had to take care of."

"It's cool. I'm just messing with you... Sort of." Gabe replied. "So is Bast really back in town?"

"Yeah and it seems like she's added murder to her list of skills," Freddie said. "But it doesn't make sense. She's a thief, not a serial killer."

"Benson, 'serial killer' would imply that she's killed more than one person," Gabe said. "There's only been one victim found, right?"

Freddie sighs, "It just doesn't fit. What would cause her to kill this guy? Not just kill him, basically seduce him and lure him into a trap."

"What do you want to do?" Gabe asked.

"I'm going to do some research and try to find out how Johnny Grisham is connected to any of Bast's past crimes," Freddie said. "Cassie thinks maybe this guy cheated her out of some cash or something and she killed him. You can help me out as soon as you drop Gibby off with his dad."

Gabe breathes deeply, "Fine. He said he's meeting with my mom so I'm stopping by the penthouse and leaving him there."

As Freddie continued his conversation with Gabe, an older man in his late forties with short graying blond hair was talking to another man who looked about the same age only he had jet black hair that looked like it was a dye job. Both men were as well dressed as Johnny Grisham was.

"I got word that Johnny was found dead in his hotel room." The man with the graying blond hair said.

"Why should we worry about that?" The man with the jet black hair asked. "Grisham probably pissed off the wrong skank and she tore him a new one. It's a coincidence. Nothing more."

"A coincidence? Are you kidding me?" The gray-haired man asked, agitated. "Someone knows, Aaronson."

The man with jet-black hair Aaronson, shushes him and pulls him aside. "It's been almost ten years since then. No one knows about what happened that night. We've got nothing to worry about."

"Are you serious?" The gray-haired man asked. "What if this bitch comes after me while I'm with my wife and son? I can't expose Ricky to what I've done. I don't want him to know that his college tuition is paid with blood money."

As they spoke, the two men didn't realize they were being watched by a woman in a stylish short black trench coat with matching black leggings and stylish black combat boots. She has a hood over her head and watches the men intently. But the woman wasn't a random stranger waiting for the train. It was Jane Louis and she was watching them. Scowling at the two men.

"Don't worry about it, Maturo. If this lady shows up, I'll take care of it." Aaronson assured him. "Nip this in the bud before it gets back to McMahon."

"You'd better. Don't want to face that man bearing the news that someone is hunting for answers on what happened to Fitzgerald." Richard Maturo said.

"Relax, Rich. I got this." Aaronson said. "Now go spend some time with your family. Let me do the heavy lifting.

Rich Maturo sighs then walks off, passing by Freddie who is still talking to Gabe on the phone.

"Where are you guys now?" Freddie asked.

"We're right outside the main entrance to the penthouse building," Gabe said. "He's trying to buy something from a vendor selling clothes."

Freddie rubs the bridge of his nose. "Please make sure he doesn't buy any street pants. He got into serious trouble the last time he did that."

"What happened last time?" Gabe asked, his curiosity peaked.

"Remember when I told you about the time iCarly appeared on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon?" Freddie said. "What happened to Gibby?"

"Yeah, his pants fell and he-" Before Gabe finished the sentence, there was a long pause. "Oh. OH!"

"Yeah, and knowing him, he might buy a pair of pants and wear them at the ball," Freddie replied. "Last thing a bunch of high society people need to see is Gibby's-"

"I get the point. I'll make sure he doesn't buy pants from him." Gabe said annoyed. "But you owe me so much."

Freddie laughs. "Put it on my tab. I'll see you later."

"Later, bud," Gabe said, and then the line went dead.

Freddie goes to put his phone in his pocket while walking but at the same time Benjamin 'Ben' Frances was making his way to his train. The two boys collide with each other and Ben drops some of the items in his hands.

"Whoa! I am sorry." Freddie apologized. He looks up and sees it was Ben. "Oh hey."

Ben picks up his belongings then looks and sees Freddie. He laughs nervously. "Hello there."

"We really need to stop meeting like this," Freddie said laughing.

"We do seem to have a habit of doing that, don't we?" Ben said anxiously. "I mean, not that I'm intentionally planning these run-ins or anything. I mean- And here I go, blathering like an idiot. I do that a lot."

Freddie smiles as he hands Ben's stuff. "I noticed."

Ben breathes deeply as he takes the object Freddie gives him. "Thank you."

"Where are you off to in such a hurry?" Freddie asked.

"I got a job as a server for a catering company. There's this big gala in a few nights and they've had me running ragged for the past week." Ben said as he put away his belongings. "I've barely had time to study for my exams. I'm not exactly the best at time management but I am, as my mum used to put it, quite scatterbrained."

"Well, not all of us have it together," Freddie said. "We just fake it."

Ben laughs at this when he becomes distracted by Jane who passes them as she tails Oscar Aaronson who was leaving the tunnel as well. Only Ben saw something only he could see: a transparent apparition of a woman with curly brown hair and similar skin complexion to Jane. The apparition seems to be trying to speak to Jane. Like she was trying to get through to her only Jane didn't hear her. Jane literally passed through the apparition.

"Jania, stop this!" Ben heard the apparition say. "Killing them won't fix any of this!"

Freddie notices Ben was distracted. "You okay?"

Ben looks at Freddie and nods. "Sorry. I was somewhere else for a second. I apologize."

"Nah, don't worry about it," Freddie said good naturedly. "You just seemed a million miles away."

"Yeah, I have a habit of doing that. Nothing to worry about." Ben said nervously. He thinks then reaches into his backpack. "Since I've run into you... Well, not intentionally of course. I've been meaning to give you something. A sort of peace offering for freaking you out a few weeks ago."

Freddie watches and sees Ben pull out a paperback edition of Homer's The Odyssey then Ben gives Freddie the book. "Is this for me?"

"You said you would be interested in reading it if you got your hands on a copy. I figured I'd save you the trouble." Ben replied. "It wasn't too much of an imposition for me to buy it for you, was it? I could take it back if you-"

"Ben!" Freddie spoke up to get the young man's attention. "It was a nice gesture, thank you. I'll read it when I have some free time."

"Oh. Great." Ben said. He looks at his wristwatch. "I have to go or I'll be late for work. I will see you around school?"

"Sure," Freddie said smiling.

Ben nods and runs off to catch the next train that is headed to his destination.

Freddie makes his way towards the exit of the tunnel as Jane, who is still tailing Oscar Aaronson, turns and sees Freddie who fails to notice her.

Jane swallows hard and looks away as Freddie turns to her direction, almost as if he sensed her presence. He shrugs and then continues to make his way out of the tunnel. She focuses back on Aaronson and slowly follows him by keeping her distance.

•••

Gabe and Gibby exit the elevator on the top floor of the Morgan penthouse. Gabe looks very annoyed while Gibby just looks bored and upset over something.

"Dude, why did you stop me from buying those pants?" Gibby asked Gabe. "Guy was gonna give them to me for three bucks."

"There's a reason those pants are so cheap. They probably sewed those things in the back of a van!" Gabe said frustrated.

"You're worse than Freddie whenever he tries to give me advice," Gibby said smiling.

"Well that means I'm as smart as he is," Gabe said. "Seriously, how did he put up with you?"

"Funny because I was gonna ask the same thing," Gibby said. He thinks and realizes something. "I don't know if I meant how it sounded."

Gabe rolls his eyes and leads him into the study. "Come on, my mom is probably out on the balcony with your dad."

Gibby follows Gabe out to the balcony garden area where his mother sat on the patio furniture with a man who looked to be in his early forties but seemed to have a youthful vigor about him. He had chestnut brown hair and brown eyes, wearing a dark brown suit jacket with a black dress shirt and black slacks.

Fiona Morgan wore a cream-colored short-sleeved turtleneck dress that was at thigh length with modest jewelry on her wrists and a diamond pendant necklace around her neck. Her dark brown hair was pinned back in a half-tail.

Fiona looks up to see the two boys outside and she smiles at the sight of her son. "Gabriel, sweetheart." She walks over and gives him a kiss on the cheek. "This is a wonderful surprise. What are you doing here?"

"Just helping out a friend," Gabe said, sounding slightly embarrassed.

The man looks over and sees Gibby, he seems surprised to see him. "Gibby, what are you doing here?"

"Hey, Dad. Hope we aren't interrupting anything." Gibby said politely. "I remembered you said that you were over here and I asked Gabe if he could bring me here."

Gibby's dad smiles at Gabe, "You must be Fiona's pride and joy." He extends his arm for a handshake. "Gideon Gibson. It's a pleasure to meet you, son."

"Same here, sir," Gabe said cordially.

"How do you know my son, may I ask?" Gideon asked.

"Oh, um, Gibby is a childhood friend of my roommate Freddie," Gabe explained.

"Oh, you're friends with Freddie Benson?" Gideon asked. "Nice kid. Always kept Gibby from doing something foolish."

"Yeah, Freddie was always my Jiminy Cricket," Gibby replied. "Except that time I got left in the chimney of the Dershlit house."

"To be fair, you did sort of volunteer to go through the chimney to get help," Gabe said. "Freddie told something about you thinking if Santa could do it, so can you-"

"He told you about that?" Gibby asked.

"He's told me a lot about you. You were kind of his bud from what he told me." Gabe said.

"Oh," Gibby replied. "Guess he was always a pretty good friend."

"That's all I could ask for," Gideon said.

Gabe looks over at the table where some plans for the party sat. "Still organizing for the policemen's masquerade ball?"

"Yes, just putting some finishing touches so we can have everything run smoothly," Fiona said. "And I do expect you to be there, young man."

"Come on, Mom," Gabe begged. "I hate those stuffy high society shindigs."

Fiona pulls Gabe aside while Gideon has a conversation with his son. "Gabriel, I want you there for moral support. Your father is going and I want us to be a family."

"Dad's going?" Gabe asked. He then whispers under his breath. "Must be looking for a photo op."

"Gabe, please. For me." Fiona pleads.

Gabe sighs. "Can I bring a few friends?" Fiona arches her eyebrows. "Not my old friends but maybe Freddie or his aunt? Lucy..."

Fiona smiles. "All right. I will be sure to put a few of your friends on the list. And I would be honored to spend more time with your beautiful girlfriend."

Gabe smiles. "So, is Dad working?"

"Yes, he said he had to take care of some business," Fiona explained. "But he promised he would be at the ball."

"No offense, Mom, but I'll believe it when I see it," Gabe replied.

•••

Inside David Morgan's darkened office, David was conducting business with a man in a well-tailored dark suit. He seems like he might be in politics by his posture as sat in the chair in front of David's desk.

"I spoke to Councilman Braddox. He's going to find a way to fit that amendment into your daily extracurricular activities." The politician said.

"Good, and I will surely donate a large sum of money to your reelection campaign, Senator," David said.

The senator smiled at and got up off the chair and shook David's hand. "Rest assured that I will make sure everyone looks the other way, my friend."

"Good," David said. "And can I expect you at the policeman's ball? My wife is the head chair of the organizing committee."

"As long as I can bring a lovely companion to the event." The senator said.

"Will I be expected to see your charming wife?" David asked, playing along.

The senator smirks, "She's in Martha's Vineyard with my mother-in-law. I'm bringing a... constituent to the event. The old ball-and-chain thinks she's just the coordinator for my next fundraising event."

"Then we will show the utmost discretion to you and your lady friend," David said. "Don't want my son to think his elected official is allowed to cheat on his wife."

"Your son will be there?" The senator asked. "Haven't seen him since I had the judge expunged his criminal record. How is he?"

"Surprisingly good. He's doing well at school and he's made some good friends that are keeping him on the straight and narrow. He's even reconnected with a child friend of his." David said.

"Wonderful. Wouldn't want to waste his 'Get Out of Jail Free' passes so frequently." The senator replied.

David got right in his face and the cordial and polite man became quite intimidating. "As long as you're in office, Clayton, my son will have as many of those free passes as possible. Unless you want me to tell everyone how you even got your position in the first place."

The worried man gulps. "No, sir."

David puts on a smile that seems warm and inviting but says to the senator more than one would assume. "Good. I'll see you at the ball."

The senator nods and makes his way out when Alec Grayson enters the office. Alec was dressed in a dark suit without a tie and a white dress shirt with his hair combed neatly.

"Senator McMahon, a pleasure to see you again, sir," Alec said.

"Likewise, Mr. Grayson." Senator Clayton McMahon said. "Will I be seeing you at the ball?"

"That would be up to my employer, Senator," Alec said.

The senator nods and walks out of the office as his security detail follows him to the elevator.

Alec looks at David Morgan as he shuts the door behind him. "What brings the illustrious senator to your beck and call?"

David grins. "Just a little business we needed to sift through." He sits back at his desk and looks at his right-hand man. "How are things progressing with our secret project?"

"Slowly but the good doctor is continuing her evaluation of the remains. Studying every strand of altered DNA." Alec said. "Dr. Circe says if she had less degraded tissue it would move much more quickly."

"We did our best to keep those remains as fresh as possible. It has been almost four months since the subject met his demise." David points out. "It's not as if we know a way to use cellular regeneration to give the tissue some substance."

Alec knows of someone who could help with that. He would never ask that because doing so would violate their friendship so he bites his tongue. "Shame there isn't anything like that in real life, sir."

"Yes, because there's no such thing as people who have superhuman abilities," David said sarcastically.

Alec laughs weakly. He knows that his boss knows better. He just doesn't know about her.

•••

At the Pulse Cave, Freddie was reading through a few police reports. Most of them were mobsters and low-level thugs who were brutalized in almost the same manner as Johnny Grisham was. Very few of them survived the assaults.

Freddie had been at this for the last two hours and he rubbed his eyes.

"You know, the answer is right in front of you."

Freddie looks over to his right and finds Dream Sam standing next to him. She was wearing the same outfit she wore when the gang went to Las Vegas to bail out her mom. "I'll humor you, what is in front of me?"

"You're racking your brain and giving yourself a migraine when the answer's right in front of you." Dream Sam said as she sat on the table.

Freddie scoffs. "You know Gabe would blow a gasket if he found you sitting there. I mean, if you were real."

Dream Sam smiles which then fades and she looks at him with a worried look. "Nothing is what it appears to be."

"I kinda figured. I don't understand why Bast would do this. Why is she killing people?" Freddie asked. "Not saying these guys weren't asking for it but she went from thief to murderous vigilante. It doesn't make sense."

"I don't think it's supposed to. Not until you get all the answers that are staring you in the face." Dream Sam said. "But once you know, it won't be the same."

Freddie stares at the monitor. "Not sure I like that thought."

Dream Sam smiles again then kisses his forehead. "Don't worry, Benson, you won't be alone."

Suddenly a loud clang seems to wake him. He had fallen asleep in front of the computer and he got his bearings, looking up to see Gabe walking down the stairs.

"Hey, Rip Van Benson. Have yourself a little nap?" Gabe teased.

"You're hilarious, Morgan," Freddie said sarcastically as he rubbed his tired eyes. "How'd it go with Gibby?"

"Better than I thought it would. He's a bit of a weirdo but charming in his own way." Gabe said while removing his jacket.

"Yeah, he has that way of putting people at ease... Occasionally." Freddie replied. "You met his dad?"

"Yeah. That dude is like this suave and debonair guy. In a way, I can see where Gibby gets it." Gabe said. "Also, my mom wants me to go to the ball to support her."

"Is that a problem?" Freddie asked.

Gabe shakes his head. "It's just- My dad's gonna be there and I know he's only going to go because it's a good photo op."

"You might be misjudging him a bit," Freddie said.

"I know my dad. He does this all the time, he makes these big promises and then he bails." Gabe replied. "I've been burned way too many times. My mom believes in him because she loves him without question. Me, I know better."

"So you going?" Freddie asked.

"Yeah, but I asked my mom if I could bring some people," Gabe said. "Do you have any plans?"

"You want me to go to a high society party?" Freddie asked. "I wouldn't even know what to do. I'm polite but I'm not exactly Mr. Darcy."

Gabe chuckles. "My parents like you so I'm sure you can charm the pants off those big wigs."

"I don't have anything to wear. What do I wear?" Freddie asked flustered.

"Relax, I got a few tuxedos lying around and you look about my size so you can borrow one," Gabe said. "Now you are out of excuses."

Freddie laughs. "Fine, I'll go. Who else are you taking?"

"Your aunt, I kinda feel like we should bring our resident badass in case the crap hits the fan," Gabe replied.

Freddie shrugs. "I guess that makes sense. Who else? Millie?"

"No, I'm respecting her relationship with Leo so I don't think it would be appropriate for me to invite another guy's girlfriend to a party where she's going to look like a million bucks," Gabe said.

"How do you know that?" Freddie asked.

"Because she always looks like a million bucks." Gabe said absentmindedly but quickly added, "She seems to work wonders with makeup and beauty products."

"Riiiiight." Freddie said questioningly. "So you're taking Lucy?"

Gabe nods. "I hope she doesn't mind. She is going to be in a room with my parents. Remember the last time that happened?"

"She seemed to get along with them okay." Freddie pointed out. "I'm sure everything will be fine."

"I hope so," Gabe said. He looks at the monitor. "How long have you been at this?"

"For a few hours, trying to find out what caused Bast to change her MO like this," Freddie said.

"You're acting like she has some moral high ground. She's a thief, a criminal." Gabe said.

"Some could call what I do criminal." Freddie points out.

"What you do leans more on the light side of morally gray," Gabe tells him.

"She's not a murderer," Freddie replied, shaking his head.

"How could you be so sure? All the times you encountered her, she beat you down or tricked you." Gabe stated. "What makes you think she hasn't crossed that line?"

"To be honest, I don't know. It's sometimes hard to trust what's right in front of me." Freddie said. "I have to trust my gut and hope for the best."

"Yeah, famous last words," Gabe said and Freddie rolled his eyes. "Listen, there's something I've been meaning to ask you."

"Sure, what is it?" Freddie asked.

"This is going to sound strange but would be alright if you could teach me how to fight?" Gabe asked.

Freddie raised an eyebrow. "Seriously?"

"Yeah. It's not too much to ask, is it?" Gabe asked.

"No way, I'm curious why you're interested in learning to fight," Freddie said.

"I don't know. Maybe I just want to know how to defend myself." Gabe said with a shrug. "I don't want to do it because I wanna hurt people or anything but- I don't want to feel useless."

"You aren't useless," Freddie assured him.

"Really? All my friends are fighters and I'd probably end up getting beaten up by a ninety-pound girl." Gabe said. "I want to be able to hold my own so I don't feel like I need to be saved."

"I get that," Freddie replied. "Look, if that's what you want, I would be more than happy to give you some pointers."

"Awesome," Gabe said. He takes the chair next to Freddie. "But first, let's find some info."

Freddie grins and the two boys continue where Freddie left off.

•••

Night had fallen and Leo opened the door to his apartment, leading Millie inside. He shuts the door behind him as Millie takes a quick look at the surroundings. The apartment seemed to be simply furnished with a couch, a flat-screen television mounted on the wall, a coffee table in the living room, a modest-looking kitchen with an island in the middle, a refrigerator, and a stove. It was modest and laid back.

"Nice place," Millie said sweetly.

"Thanks. Can I get you something to drink?" Leo asked.

"Sure," Millie replied as she set down her book bag on the couch.

Leo walks to his kitchen and opens the fridge. "Let's see, I have water or mustard."

Millie smiles in amusement then clears her throat to stifle her laugh. "Water's good."

Leo pulls out a bottle of water and gives it to his girlfriend. "Sorry, I normally don't get too many guests. Claud usually brings me take out when she comes to visit me,"

"Hey, there's nothing wrong with the bachelor lifestyle," Millie said as she drank her water. "You live here alone?"

"Yeah. I don't really mind though. I like the quiet." Leo said.

"How can you afford to live here by yourself? New York does exactly have the cheapest housing." Millie said.

"Let's just say price is no object for me," Leo said.

"What do you mean?" Millie asked, perplexed.

Leo chuckles, "I own the building."

"Wait, you own the building?" Millie said, sounding taken aback. "How can you afford to-"

"It's kind of a long story," Leo said. "But first, I need to change out of these clothes. I'll be back."

Millie nods and watches him walk into his bedroom. She opens her bag and starts pulling out her study materials. All of a sudden, her pink Pearphone rings. She checks the caller ID but somehow, she knows who was calling her and she answers.

"Hi, Dad," Millie said cheerfully. "What's going on?"

"Just checking in. I saw you leaving with Leo." Victor said. "Are you out on a date with him?"

"Not exactly. He's helping me study for midterms." Millie told him.

"It seems like you've been studying like crazy for the last few days," Victor said. "I have a feeling you might be acing your exams."

"I'm not as confident as you are but I'm hoping for a really good passing grade," Millie said with a laugh.

"I'm assuming that you brought him to our place so he can help you study," Victor said.

"Not exactly. I'm actually... at his apartment." Millie said nervously.

"Millicent!" Victor yelled. "I don't think you should be alone with him."

"Dad, how many times do we have to have this discussion?" Millie said adamantly. "He's my boyfriend and I trust him."

"It's not that I don't trust you, it's him I don't trust," Victor responded.

"He wouldn't hurt me. I wouldn't be with him if he did." Millie said. "I'll be fine. If I don't come home, you'll know where to find me and I'll be safe. Okay?"

Victor lets out a deep breath "All right, I trust you but you call me as soon as you wake up."

"I will. Good night, Dad." Millie replied then hung up the phone.

Millie quietly walks towards the bedroom to see what was keeping Leo where she finds Leo shirtless with his back facing her. She sees that his back has some semi-healed scars on them. The injuries reminded her of something but she was too distracted by her boyfriend's well-built physique to think of what it was.

Millie stands there speechless as Leo finishes putting on a shirt.

"Oh wow," Millie uttered. Leo turns around and sees Millie in the room who quickly turns away. "I am SO sorry for not knocking. I shouldn't be-"

"Millie, it's fine. Really." Leo said. "Why don't we talk in the living room."

Millie nods and the two go back into the living room. Leo pulls her over to the couch and they sit down.

"I think there's some stuff I need to discuss," Leo said.

Millie stares at him "I know but it's probably none of my business-"

"Millie, it's okay. I feel like there's stuff I haven't told you that you need to know." Leo said.

"Like how you own a building when owning your real estate is a pipe dream in New York." Millie jokes. "Are you totally rich or something?" She looks at him and notices him averting her gaze and smiling. "Oh my god, are you?"

"Yeah, I do have a trust fund but I can explain why," Leo said. "I was adopted by a rich and affluent couple, George and Amelia Maxwell. I never knew my biological father and my biological mother died in childbirth."

"Oh my god," Millie said somberly.

"The Maxwells were good friends with my mother and they adopted me after she died. George was a head of a tech company and he and Amy were philanthropists who believed in helping the needy." Leo explained. "I didn't know I wasn't their son until they told me when I was nine years old."

"Why then?" Millie asked, confused. "I don't think you were old enough to deal with that."

"It was kind of my fault. I went snooping in George's office because I needed a pair of scissors to make him a Father's Day card. Instead, I found my adoption records." Leo said.

"How did you take that news?" Millie asked.

"I freaked out at first but they both explained to me that it didn't matter how I came into their lives, I was still their son," Leo stated. "After that, it was like I never found those papers. They were my parents no matter what some stupid piece of paper said." He then looks down. "I had two more good years with them until..."

Millie sees the sadness behind his eyes and takes his hand to comfort him. "What happened?"

Leo takes in a deep breath, almost as if he was getting a huge weight lifted off his chest. "When I was eleven, a bunch of robbers broke into our house. Amy..." He becomes a bit choked up and Millie squeezes his hand to let him know she is there. "My mom took me to the panic room and told me to hide with our caretaker Wesley. She gave me a kiss on the forehead and closed the door behind her as she went to go get help. She... didn't get far and I heard her screaming... Heard her screaming... One of them stabbed her through the chest. I stayed with Wesley for an hour until the police showed up."

"Oh god," Millie said as her eyes welled up with tears. "I'm so sorry."

Leo exhales. "Because they had no children of their own, my parents left the majority of their estate to me while Wesley got the house and a fairly large inheritance. He was a very close friend of the family and he treated me like I was his grandson. Wes took care of me after my parents died, he was like my best friend but-"

"You still wanted your parents." Millie assessed.

Leo swallowed hard, struggling to hold back a sob. "I-I wanted to know why this happened. Why them? Why our house?"

"Crime is random, it sometimes doesn't have a rhyme or reason," Millie said. "Bad things just happen to good people."

"It isn't fair but I should've realized that by now," Leo said. "I realized I didn't want to see anyone else go through what I did. Something bad happened to me, I want to make sure it doesn't happen to anyone else."

"So why didn't you become a cop? Why become a forensic lab tech?" Millie asked.

"Because you're a lot more tied down by rules. I respect what the police do but I don't like being kept in a bubble. I like being helpful in more than one way." Leo said.

Millie smiles. "For a while, I wanted to be a cop like my dad but he wouldn't hear of it. He didn't want me to get hurt. I know it's because of what happened to my mom. He doesn't want to lose me too. I just want to help people."

"So that's why you want to be a nurse?" Leo said.

Millie nods. "I don't want to feel helpless. Like I can't contribute."

"I get that. We both want to help people." Leo said.

"Guess we're quite a pair, aren't we?" Millie said with a smile.

Leo smiles back and squeezes her hand. "Just know that I am one of the few people that gets it."

"Thanks," Millie replied. She then reaches into her book bag and pulls out her study supplies. "I think I need to get to what I really came here for."

"Knew you had an ulterior motive." Leo quipped.

Millie playfully hits him with her textbook. "Why don't you use that genius brain of yours to help me."

"Well, since you asked so nicely," Leo said jokingly and the two continued to work.

Leo stares at her for a while and she notices. "What?" Millie asked.

"Nothing. Just admiring the view." Leo said.

"Okay, Casanova, let's focus. I want to actually pass this exam so I don't flunk out." Millie retorts. "Not all of us can have graduated from college when they were seventeen."

"Actually I graduated when I was thirteen." Leo points out. Millie looks up and gives him an annoyed look. "And I'm not helping."

"You're lucky you're cute." Millie jokes.

Leo smiles as they look through the book.

•••

Inside of a well furnished apartment on the West Side, Oscar Aaronson walks into his living room with a glass of scotch in his hands. He was talking to someone on the phone in an assertive manner.

"I told you that I need to speak to Senator McMahon," Aaronson shouted. "I don't care about protocol, this is an emergency! Hello? Hello?" He throws the phone across the room in anger.

Suddenly, the power goes out in the entire apartment which adds to Aaronson's frustration.

"Unbelievable. I can't catch a break." Aaronson stated. "Jonesy! Check the fuse box! Jonesy!"

Out of nowhere, a large man lands at Oscar Aaronson's feet. His face had three deep slash marks and his throat had been ripped open.

Aaronson looks around and finds Bast sitting on the marble island in the kitchen, playfully swinging her legs.

"Sorry, but Jonesy is in no condition to do much of anything," Jane said, her voice filled with malice.

Aaronson stares at her and points, "You- You're the skank who killed Johnny, aren't you?"

"Oooo, it isn't nice to call someone names. Didn't your mother teach you any manners?" Jane said as she sprang off the island. "Of course, she didn't. If she had, you wouldn't be the kind of monster who murders people because someone paid him to. Especially mothers of little kids who don't understand why someone would do such a thing."

"W-what do you want?" Aaronson said anxiously while reaching behind his back.

"You murdered Julianna Fitzgerald. I want you to tell me who paid you to kill her." Jane asked.

"I-I have no idea what you're talking about," Aaronson stated. He pulls out his gun only to have Bast whip out a throwing knife and hurtle it at Aaronson. The knife lands on Aaronson's right shoulder, making him drop the gun.

Without warning, Bast does several quick acrobatic flips and leaps on top of him. She grabs his gun from the floor and crushes it in her hands, scattering the pieces on his chest.

"Now... Since we can't have a civilized conversation." Jane said seductively as she inserted one of her clawed fingers into his left shoulder while twisting the knife in his other shoulder. "You and I are going to have some fun."

Aaronson whimpers in pain, looking up at the masked woman staring down at him.

•••

Meanwhile, two floors below the same building, Galen walks Heather to her apartment. Heather tried her best to keep it together in front of her handsome new acquaintance but it was proving quite difficult.

"You- you didn't have to walk me to my door," Heather said, appearing a bit anxious. "I could've made it here on my own."

"I wouldn't feel right not making sure you made it all the way home safely," Galen said.

"Such a gentleman." Heather quipped. "Your girlfriend must be really lucky to have doors open for her." She sees Galen look down and appears to be a bit embarrassed. "Or boyfriend. I didn't mean to judge you. If you're into-"

"I'm straight," Galen said frankly, which made Heather laugh weakly. "I'm actually single right now."

"By choice?" Heather asked. "I'm sorry. That's none of my business."

"No, I don't care. I just- I don't open myself up to people as much." Galen said.

Heather's mouth forms an 'O' "I see. I was assuming that you and Freddie's aunt were-"

"Me and Cassie?" Galen asked with a laugh. "No, she's like an older sister. Besides, she's not my type."

Heather turns bright red when a loud anguished scream is heard from the floor above. "Oh my god. What is that?"

Galen's heightened sense of hearing picked up more than Heather knew and he looked at her with a sense of urgency. "Get inside and call 911."

"Wait, where are you going?" Heather asked with grave concern.

"I have to go help. Stay here and don't open this door to anyone else." Galen orders her and she nods. He runs to the stairwell and runs upstairs.

Heather looks panicked but does what Galen told her and rushes into her apartment, shutting the door behind her.

•••

Galen runs up the stairs and reaches the floor where Oscar Aaronson's apartment is located but he stops dead in his tracks when he finds the hallway littered with the bodies of Aaronson's security detail. All of them were brutally beaten to death and mutilated.

Galen stands in shock when the door to Aaronson's apartment swings open and Bast steps out, dragging Oscar Aaronson out of the apartment. His wrists and ankles were bound together with duct tape and was gagged with duct tape to silence him but his muffled screams are heard through the duct tape.

Bast senses a presence in the hallway and turns towards Galen's direction but instead of finding Galen, she finds her victims lying on the floor. Bast charges up her electric whip, walks over to a window at the end of the hallway, and shatters it with her whip.

Unbeknownst to Bast, Galen was hiding in the other wall out of sight as he peeks to watch Bast drag Aaronson through the broken window. She holds up her arm and points it at the edge of the building on the opposite end of the street. A grappling hook launches from her wrist gauntlet as she roughly picks up Aaronson by his arm as the wire retracts and sends the two flying over the other rooftop.

Galen gasps as the smell of the blood and guts leaking open wounds from the dead bodies overwhelmed him and he runs back into the stairwell. He falls to his knees and chokes back his vomit. He hated the smell of death.

•••

Back at the Pulse Cave, Gabe was still sitting at the computer while Freddie sat on the floor in the lotus position. He was trying to meditate in the way Cassie had taught him and Gabe watched with a perplexed look on his face.

"Is that working?" Gabe asked.

"It would if you could be quiet," Freddie said, trying not to sound agitated. "I need to clear my head."

Just then, Cassie and Pete enter the hideout and descend the stairs which causes him to snap his eyes open and throw up his hands in defeat.

"I give up!" Freddie announced.

"What was-" Pete began to say.

"It's best not to ask," Gabe assures them.

Cassie rolls her eyes but appreciates what Freddie did. "You guys are still looking for more on what is the connection between Johnny Grisham and Bast."

"Yeah and we don't see a real connection," Gabe said. "I keep thinking Bast got cheated out of some cash and took out Grisham although our fearless leader doesn't want to consider the possibility that Bast is the one who killed this guy."

"It doesn't make sense. Sure, she's a criminal but she's not a murderer." Freddie defended Bast.

"If that's how you feel, go with your gut. Trust your instincts." Cassie said.

"Wow, you're actually trusting me to make the judgment call here?" Freddie asked, sounding surprised.

"You did say you wanted to work without a net," Cassie said smiling which makes Freddie grin which quickly fades when his eyes furrow to signal he's picking up an electronic transmission. "Freddie, are you alright there?"

"You need to take that," Freddie said to his aunt.

Suddenly, Cassie's phone rings and she checks the caller ID. She looks at him as she answers her phone. "Gale, hey. What's- Oh my god. You sure? Oh, wow. I'll make sure he knows. You want-" after a brief pause, she speaks. "I'll be right there. See you soon." She hangs up and looks at the others.

"Cass, what is it?" Gabe asked.

"Um, Galen found a massacre in the hallway of Heather's apartment when he was dropping her off," Cassie spoke, trying to find the words as she looked over at Freddie. "He- he saw Bast kidnapping someone from an apartment and taking him about several blocks away from the building."

Freddie looks taken aback by this as he tries to speak, "Is he sure?"

Cassie swallowed the lump in her throat. "You need to suit up."

Freddie nods and walks over to the display case where his suit was and opens the case. He looks almost defeated that there was a very good chance Bast is behind all of this. He puts on one of his gauntlets and charges it up with electricity.

•••

Almost an hour later, Victor was at that nightmarish scene in the hallway only the bodies had been cleared away by the coroner. However, the floor was caked with blood to the point that Victor had to wear protective booties over his shoes.

"Dear God," Victor exclaimed. "One person did this to a dozen men?"

"I'm afraid so. The injuries on each of the men suggest they were killed in a vicious but swift fashion." Nina stated.

"They weren't the intended target." Victor assessed. "These guys were just in the way."

"Shame Mr. Maxwell is taking the night off," Nina stated. "Kid has a knack for finding something I missed. Your daughter is a lucky girl."

"I want to trust she's doing the right thing but... There's something off about him." Victor replied.

"Victor, speaking from experience of raising two teenagers, you need to give them room to breathe," Nina said. "I'm not saying let them do what they want. Millie is eighteen years old, in the eyes of the law, she is an adult. You need to trust that you raised her well enough to know that she can make the right decision on her own. She's an amazing young woman and she is going to make you very proud."

Victor smiles, "I'll take that under advisement."

"Sir?" A young uniformed officer walks over to Victor and Nina. She was twenty-seven years old and had long blond hair that was tied in a tight bun and hazel eyes. The young woman looked to be fresh out of the police academy. This is Officer Penelope Simmons.

"Yes, Officer Simmons?" Victor asked.

"The witness is ready to be interviewed," Simmons told him. "He's in the stairwell with his lady friend."

"Thank you," Victor said to the young woman. He walks into the stairwell where he finds Galen sitting on the steps with Heather sitting next to him. She clutched his hand to comfort him. "Mr. Lennox? Are you feeling better?"

Galen looks up and he appears to look ill. "I'm a bit nauseous but I can answer your questions."

"All right. What exactly happened?" Victor asked.

"I was dropping Heather off at her apartment when I heard a loud scream coming from the floor above us," Galen explained as Heather nodded in agreement. "I told her to call 911 while I went to see if there was anything I could do to help. That's when I found- What I found in the hallway."

"I heard the scream too," Heather said. "Everything he's saying is true."

Victor nods. "Galen, did you get a look at the person who may be responsible for this?"

Galen swallows hard and nods, "Looked like a woman in a slinky catsuit. Only there were cybernetic attachments on them. I saw her drag this guy out of his apartment. He was bound and gagged with what looked like duct tape. I'm not sure."

"That's enough for now," Victor said. "You let us look at your phone records and they show that you called someone moments after you found the bodies. Who did you-"

"Gale!" Cassie's voice calls from the stairwell below them and they see Cassie running up the stairs.

"That would be her, Detective," Galen said.

Cassie reaches them and notices the sickly expression on her friend's face. "You okay?"

Galen nods. "I've been better. Then again I've been worse."

"What happened?" Cassie asked.

"This is a police matter, Cassie," Victor stated.

"Please do not pull that crap on me, Vic. I am in no mood for the jargon." Cassie said bluntly. "No disrespect but I need the facts before I jump to conclusions."

Galen smiles in amusement while Heather snickers but stifles it when Victor looks at her.

Victor sighs. "We'll discuss this in the morning once I've had a better look at the evidence."

Cassie stares at him. "Seems fair."

Victor looks at Galen and Heather then hands him his business card. "If you remember anything else, let me know. You should take your friend home. Have a good night." With that, he walks back to the crime scene. He grabs his phone and sends a message to a certain crime fighter to 'How fast can you make it?' A response quickly comes reading 'Already here. Clear out the apartment but use discretion.'

"I can actually make it home on my own but thank you," Heather said as she and Galen got up from the stairs. "I'll see you next week?"

Galen nods, "I look forward to it."

Heather instinctively hugs him while Cassie grins at this. "Bye." She walks down the stairs and goes to the floor where her apartment is located.

Once the stairwell was empty, Cassie said "You feeling better?"

"I don't feel like I'm about to hurl last week's lunch but..." Galen replied. "Still can stand that smell."

"Guess it's been a while since you've been around dead bodies," Cassie said. "Your senses must have been on overload."

"So the kid knows?" Galen asked.

Cassie nods while the two walk down the stairs. "He's already here. Anything he should know before he talks to Victor?"

"Aaronson's leaving a trail of blood leads all the way to a warehouse on 47th Avenue," Galen said. "Looks like Bast wants to place it with her victim before she kills him."

"And by the time our boy finds him, it might already be too late," Cassie said. "Off topic, what's going on with you and Heather? I'm sensing a vibe."

"Is it the same kind of vibe I'm getting from you when you're around Danny?" Galen asked.

Cassie smirks. "Diverting the subject to me? Oh yeah, you do like her."

Galen rolls his eyes as they continue down the stairwell.

•••

Victor returns to Aaronson's apartment and finds Officer Simmons speaking to Nina and some CSIs finishing packing up. "I need this area taped up and everyone cleared out. I'll need five minutes to do a walk-through on my own."

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Simmons asked, looking confused.

"Five minutes, Simmons," Victor told the female officer.

Officer Simmons nods. "Yes sir." She turns to face the officers and the CSU team and motions for them to follow her out.

Victor stood alone inside the now-empty apartment and turned to find Pulse standing in a corner in the darkness. He just sighs and takes it in stride. "Uh, I guess you've been there long enough to hear that we need to be quick about this. The apartment belongs to Oscar Aaronson. He has been renting it for about nine months. Judging by the moving boxes, he was clearing out and in a hurry."

"Did anyone get a good look at who did this?" Freddie asked in his disguised voice.

"I got one witness. He got a glimpse of a mutual nuisance of ours taking a bound and gagged Aaronson out of the building." Victor said.

Pulse looks down then up at Victor. "Bast?"

Victor nods. "She's gone from stealing priceless relics and trinkets to cold blooded murder. Anything you can understand from your perspective?"

"Nothing about this makes any sense to me, Detective," Freddie said. "But I will get to the bottom of this. Stop her rampage before anyone else gets hurt."

"You care that a couple of low life criminals get killed by some in a costume?" Victor asked. "Seems like you'd respect what she's doing to some degree."

"I've only put clowns like Grisham and Aaronson in the hospital. This is different." Freddie replied.

"Wait, how do you know about Johnny Grisham?" Victor asked.

Pulse backs up then heads through an open window. "Let's just say a little birdie told me." With that statement, he leaps out the window and uses his grappling hook to go to the other building across the street.

Victor sighs as Officer Simmons returns to the room. "Can I help you, Officer?"

"Have you finished your walk through?" The female officer asked.

"I have. Let's head back to the precinct. It's going to be a long night." Victor said as he led Officer Simmons out of the apartment.

•••

Pulse runs at high speed and leaps from rooftop to rooftop while talking on the com link.

"The trail ends at 47th Avenue?" Freddie asked.

"That's what Galen said," Cassie told him. "Says the blood trail starts to degrade after that."

"Loki, what's in that general area?" Freddie asked Gabe.

"Mostly warehouses and abandoned factories," Gabe said. "Perfect place to take someone to kill them without anyone asking questions."

"We don't know what happened. At least not yet." Freddie stated adamantly.

"I don't know. Seems pretty black and white to me." Cassie said.

"Since when have we trusted facts being 'black and white'?" Freddie asked.

"What are you going to do if you do find Bast?" Gabe asked.

"I honestly have no idea," Freddie replied. "But I know I shouldn't be alone when that happens."

"You need backup?" Cassie asked.

"Yes and I know exactly who I have in mind," Freddie said. "Loki, can you trace back the signal where the Fox made his call to com links?"

"Should be a snap, why?" Gabe asked.

"I'm looking to get our archer friend to tag along," Freddie replied.

•••

Meanwhile, at Leo's apartment, Leo was reading Millie's textbook on the couch. He was about to ask her a question to continue helping her study when he turned to see she had fallen asleep on the other end of the couch.

Leo smiles as he sets down the book and gets off the couch. He walks over to Millie and picks her up without disturbing her. Millie was sound asleep, in a sleep so deep that him picking her up didn't wake her.

Leo walks to his bedroom and makes his way over to his king size bed. He lays her on the center of the bed and grabs a blanket, draping it over her. He looks down at her and sees a strand of hair had fallen in front of her face. He gently brushes the strand back which causes her to move slightly to get adjusted then she continues to sleep.

All of a sudden, Leo hears a vibration coming from the living room. Leo quickly makes his way back into the living room and walks over to a black duffel bag on a bookshelf.

He opens the bag and finds a high tech looking device inside the bag. His demeanor changes and pushes a button on the device. "How did you get access to this frequency?"

"Guess my tech guy is a bigger genius than you thought." Freddie's disguised voice is heard saying.

"What do you want?" Leo asked, his voice also was disguised.

"I need your help," Freddie said. "I am dealing with a problem and I need you to help me. I know you don't owe you anything but-"

"Where do you want to meet?" Leo interrupted.

"You're willing to do this?" Freddie asked, sounding puzzled.

"This has something to do with the murder of Johnny Grisham?" Leo asked. "I got an inside man in the precinct. That's all you need to know. Now where do we do this?"

"47th Avenue and Roosevelt. The killer had kidnapped another lowlife." Freddie said. "I'm not sure what I'll do if I find her alone."

"You need backup. I get it." Leo said. "I'll be there."

Leo cuts the connection then remembers that Millie is sound asleep on his bed. He sighs and walks out of his apartment, quietly shutting the door behind him. He walks up to the elevator and pushes a button then after a minute, the doors open and Leo steps inside. He then pushes a hidden button that was next to the emergency button that only he knew about and it goes down.

The elevator stops at the intended location and the doors open to reveal his hideout.

•••

Moments later, Pulse stands on top of a roof pacing back and forth. His view overlooked an abandoned factory that he estimated that Bast may be hiding.

"Has he showed up?" Cassie asked over the com link.

"Not yet," Freddie said. "Sure is taking his sweet time."

"Are you sure involving this guy is a good idea?" Gabe asked through the com link.

"I thought you guys were going to let me trust my instincts?" Freddie asked.

"Cassie said that. I'm still on the fence about that." Gabe said in a joking tone.

"The Fox knows what he's doing," Freddie replied. "If there's anyone else that can relate besides a certain former vigilante, it's him."

"My ears are burning."

Pulse turns and his hands spark with electricity only to find the Fox standing three feet behind him.

"Whoa, take it easy there, Pikachu," Leo said, putting up his hands in a defensive manner as Pulse relaxed and the electrical energy dissipated. "Someone is a bit on edge, aren't they?"

"Thank you for coming," Freddie said.

"What exactly are you looking for?" Leo asked.

"Johnny Grisham's killer hit another criminal tonight, Oscar Aaronson," Freddie explained, he swallowed hard as he struggled to find the words. "She may have decimated his entire security squad and kidnapped Aaronson with the intention to kill him."

"What makes you think he isn't already dead? That this is just a trap we're meant to walk in on." Leo asked.

"Because she doesn't know I'm following her!" Freddie snapped.

"Wait," Leo stated. "This like an ex-girlfriend thing?"

"No." Freddie bluntly said. "I'm honestly hoping it's some random psycho."

The Fox then extends his arm to the factory. "Then let's find out, shall we?"

Pulse nods and the two crime fighters leap down from the roof and land on the ground. The two of them stomped towards the abandoned building.

•••

Inside the factory, Pulse and the Fox walk down a hallway. The Fox carefully makes his way through the hall to avoid tripping on any set trap and Pulse follows close behind him.

"You smell that?" Leo asked.

Pulse looks down and sees drops of blood leading to a door on the left side of the hall. "Look at this."

The Fox sees the drops on the floor and the two stand in front of the door. He looks at Pulse and points at the door with his head. "By all means."

Pulse nods and, with one swift super strong kick, kicks the door down. It splinters to pieces and the two crime fighters look inside to find Oscar Aaronson who was in an even worse state than he was when he was taken by Bast.

Aaronson's face was cut up and had a bleeding wound, he had a bloody midsection, his face was almost purple in his complexion. He listlessly looks up to see the two costumed men entering the room.

"No." Aaronson weakly choked out. "You freaks get away!"

"We came here to help," Freddie assured him. He removes his makeshift bonds while the Fox looks around the room. He checks a packing crate and looks inside. "We're going to get you out of here."

"Pulse?" Leo said worriedly as he stared into the crate. There was a moderately sized homemade bomb inside the box, counting down to thirty seconds. "I know what that smell was. It's C4!"

Once he heard those words, Pulse grabs Aaronson and throws him over his shoulder. He and the Fox ran towards the large window from the second floor of the building as the countdown reached zero.

Once that happens, the bomb explodes and a large fireball engulfs the room just as the two crash through the window, and the flames of the explosion nip at the nape of their necks.

Both of them land less than gracefully on the ground but Pulse takes the brunt of the fall due to the extra weight from the man over his shoulder.

"Ah! Okay, that hurt." Freddie stated.

"Pulse?' Gabe's voice called through the com link.

"Are you okay?" Cassie asked.

"Peachy. Except my knees bends backwards now." Freddie said, groaning in pain. He looks over at the Fox. "You okay?"

"I'm fine," Leo said in pain as he rubbed the shoulder he had run to crash through the window. "You certainly know how to show a fella a good time."

Pulse sets Aaronson down on the ground to offer the man some comfort. "Mr. Aaronson? Oscar?"

Aaronson coughs up blood showing the injuries were much too severe. "Please... "

"Who did this to you?" Freddie asked.

Aaronson looks behind Pulse and the Fox and points with his last remaining life force left in his body at something behind the two and succumbs to injuries.

Pulse and the Fox look at the direction Aaronson had pointed at. They see Bast stand on the edge of a building. She looks down at the two men then runs off into the night.

"Satisfied with what you found?" Leo asked.

"I'd be lying if I said this brought me some sort of relief," Freddie told him.

"What happened?" Cassie asked.

"It was Bast. She tortured Aaronson to death." Freddie said sadly.

Police sirens are heard in the distance and the Fox reacts to them. "We have to go. Let the coroner have him." Leo told him. He grabs Pulse by the arm, pulls him away, and down the alley.

Seconds later, Officer Simmons arrives on the scene and finds Oscar Aaronson's body on the ground as well as the burning wreckage of the abandoned factory.

"Officer Simmons requesting a fire crew and an ambulance at 87th Ave and Roosevelt, over," Simmons said over her radio. She looks up at the fire and tries to process all that's happening.

•••

Early that morning at the Pulse Cave, Freddie and Cassie were by themselves. Freddie was getting patched up by Cassie as he sat on a chair shirtless and the signs of the fall he took are shown on his back. He was bruised and there was a first degree burn on the back of his neck.

However, Freddie seemed more emotionally spent, trying to process what had happened.

Cassie runs her glowing hands over her nephew's injuries. She saw his turmoil and broke the silence. "You tried to save him."

"I should've gone alone. Maybe I could've stopped her from torturing him." Freddie said.

"Then the two of you would've been blown to kingdom come," Cassie stated. "You were smart for having the Fox there. He saved your life."

Freddie sighs as she finishes healing him. Cassie stumbled a bit from exhaustion and she caught herself. "Whoa, take it easy," Freddie warns her as he helps her to the chair he had been sitting on and sits her down.

"I'm fine," Cassie assured him. "You had a collapsed lung, you know that?"

"Explains why I was winded." Freddie joked as he put on a long sleeved gray shirt. He then hangs his head. "You were right. It was Bast."

"I wanted to be wrong, you know," Cassie said. "You wanted to believe in the best in her. It hurts to find out that sometimes it doesn't work out that way."

"There must be a reason she's doing it," Freddie said. "You don't just start killing people for no good reason."

"I wish I could say that things are gonna be simple," Cassie said, remembering some of her past struggles with morality.

Freddie takes a deep breath. "I'm going to find out why she's doing this. Even if it kills me."

"It almost did," Cassie said.

Freddie managed a weak smile as the others descended from the stairs.

"We bring coffee and donuts," Gabe announced as he held a pink box of baked goods.

"How are you doing, kid?" Pete asked, sitting down a tray of hot beverages.

"Still sore though but I can breathe again," Freddie replied.

"Got to appreciate the little things, right?" Galen retorts.

"I guess," Freddie said. "You guys didn't have to come back. Don't you guys need sleep?"

"We took a few micro naps throughout the night," Gabe replies as he grabs a powdered donut from the box. "Besides, you could use the morale boost right now. Especially after finding out an acquaintance of yours is a murdering psychopath."

"It still doesn't make sense," Freddie said, rubbing the back of his neck. "I have to find out why she's doing this."

Cassie snatches the donut from the box and extends it to her nephew. "We get that. For now, rest up and worry about that later. You need to keep your strength." She tempts him with the donut. "It's jelly filled. Who doesn't like jelly filled?"

Freddie questioningly looks at the donut. "It is cherry?"

"Would I be offering it if it wasn't?" Cassie jokes.

Freddie couldn't help but smile as he took the donut from his aunt. "Well, since you were kind enough to offer."

Cassie smiled, she was glad to have cheered him up.

•••

Meanwhile at Leo's apartment, Millie was still sound asleep on Leo's bed but is slowly pulled from her slumber by the sun creeping through the window. She begins to lift her head from the pillow and rubs her tired eyes, looking around for her boyfriend who was nowhere in sight.

"Leo?" Millie called out but got no response. She sits up and finds a handwritten note on the end of the bed. She picks it up and notices it was in Leo's handwriting. It read:

'Claud had an emergency. I'm sorry I left it without telling you. Please don't be mad at me.

Love,

L'

Millie beams at the word he wrote, 'Love.' Almost made her forget he had left her alone in his bed inside his apartment. Almost.

Then a strange and terrifying thought hits her, he left her in his bed as if she was just some one night stand.

"Oh." Millie quickly gets off the bed and runs into the living room.

A loud pounding on the front door distracts Millie's train of thought. Millie gets out of bed and walks over to the door, she checks the peephole and is surprised at who is at the door.

Millie opens the door and finds Jake at Leo's door, he was wearing sleepwear and had messy matted hair. "Jake?"

Jake is just as surprised to find Millie inside Leo's apartment. "Millie? What are you doing here?"

"I was about to ask you the same thing," Millie said with a cheerful smile.

"I-I live in the building. The heat went out in my apartment and I was looking for my landlord to call a repairman." Jake explained until he realized: "Wait, your boyfriend is my landlord?"

"If you're talking about Leo Maxwell, yes. He's my boyfriend." Millie sweetly told him. "Granted, I barely found out he owns the building. I honestly didn't know anyone lived here."

"Yeah, Leo said he's very selective of the people he lets rent out an apartment," Jake replied. "I think just me and my roommate and a few other people live here."

"Your roommate, yeah," Millie said. "You don't talk about her much, do you?"

"Not much to write home about. She's a sweetheart but a total neat freak." Jake said in a joking manner. "A little uptight."

"Fair enough," Millie said. "Say, you wouldn't have plans tonight?"

"It is my day off so I was just going to stay in and watch some cheesy movies." He told her.

"How about I invite you out tonight?" Millie asked, Jake's curiosity perked up. "My friends and I are going to the Groovy Smoothie for Karaoke Night. I want to introduce you to my friends."

"Let me guess, the age gap is freaking them out?" Jake asked.

"Maybe just a little," Millie said, hiding her embarrassment. "What do you say, you in?"

Jake seems to have an idea and he smiles. "I'm absolutely in."

Millie squeaks in delight which catches Jake by surprise. "Yay! I'll meet you there?"

"I'll be there with bells on," Jake said with a smile. "I'll talk to Leo later. See ya tonight."

"See ya tonight," Millie said as Jake left and Millie closed the door.

•••

Inside his underground hideout, Claud was working on sewing up a gash on Leo's shoulder using a makeshift first aid kit. A bottle of vodka sits on the metal table next to Leo who was trying to remain composed while receiving treatment for his injury.

[Soundtrack Note: 'Happy Little Pill' by Troye Sivan softly plays from Claud's phone that sat on the table]

"This is going to sting, but you know that because this is like the nineteenth gazillionth time I've done this," Claud stated as she sterilized a needle using a silver Zippo lighter.

"Just do it while I'm still numb from the alcohol," Leo said then he took a swig from the bottle of vodka.

"No need to get snippy, Rorschach." Claud quipped. "I could just take you to a hospital and then you can explain to your girlfriend how you got hurt."

Leo groans in pain as Claud begins to treat his injury. "I'm sorry. It's the first time I had to hurl myself through a window."

"A vigilante is always due for a few firsts while on the job," Claud said in a joking manner. "Speaking of your girlfriend-"

"When were we speaking of her?" Leo asked, trying to divert the conversation.

"Hilarious, Leeloo," Claud replied sardonically. "Why aren't you letting Millie take care of this? She's studying to be a nurse, figured she'd be better at this than I am." Leo remains quiet as he takes another sip from the bottle. "You still haven't told her?"

Leo exhales. "I can't tell her."

"So, you're building your relationship based on lies?" Claud estimated as she finished up. "Counting the ways that go wrong."

"I am still debating whether or not I should tell her," Leo stated as Claud tapped him on the shoulder to signal she was done.

"Millie Flores is the sweetest person ever and you don't trust her?" Claud asked. "Is it because of her dad?"

"No," Leo told her while putting on a black T-shirt. "It's because of me."

"I don't follow," Claud said.

Leo turns his swivel chair around to face her. "When I started this, I was on my own. The only person who I had to worry about was me and no one else would get hurt. The only reason I let you in was-"

"Because I was persistent." Claud retorts.

"I would say stubborn," Leo stated. "I saved your life and you came around looking for trouble. Whether I like it or not, you are involved."

"So again why won't you tell her?" Claud asked.

"Because it's too dangerous. I can't have someone I care about getting hurt." Leo stated gravely. "As a direct function of their affiliation with me."

"Because you don't want the risk of losing them in the same way you lost your parents." Claud discerned.

"You see why I don't train you to go out on the field with me. I need you here, where it's safe." Leo stated. "And Millie is safe as far away from this as possible."

Claud smiles and pops her talons from her right hand. "Well things are different now. I'm pretty sure I can take care of myself."

Leo shakes his head when his phone vibrates. He looked to see who was calling "It's Millie."

Claud quickly turned off the music on her phone to give Leo the silence he needed.

[Soundtrack Note: Song stops playing]

"Millie, hey," Leo said into the phone. "I'm sorry I left. I had-"

"I know. Claud had some emergency." Millie said, sounding anxious. "I need to ask you something."

"Uh, sure. Is something wrong?" Leo asked.

"Last night when I fell asleep, did you put me on your bed?" Millie asked.

"Yeah, my bed is much more comfortable than my couch," Leo said. "I hope you don't mind."

"Not at all," Millie said cheerfully. "I know I'm a heavy sleeper but I'm surprised you were able to carry me without waking me up."

"Guess I got some killer upper body strength," Leo replied. "Listen, if you want to spend some time together again tonight, I promise not to disappear on you."

"Well, I was going to ask you something last night but I dozed off," Millie said with mild hesitation. "There's this Karaoke Night tonight at the Groovy Smoothie. We're going to make it like a group thing. The guys are coming, Gabe's bringing Lucy. One of Freddie's close friends from Seattle is coming too. Claud said she might go. She didn't tell you?"

"Karaoke?" Leo said nervously. He turns to Claud who averts her gaze and stifles her laugh. "I'd love to go but I don't want to completely humiliate myself."

"Public humiliation is half the fun of karaoke." Millie jokes. "So, you'll go?"

"Absolutely. As long as I get to spend time with you, I'd be more than willing to risk embarrassment." Leo said. "I'll see you tonight."

"I look forward to it," Millie said happily and she hung up.

Leo looks over at Claud who can't contain her laughter and starts laughing. "Karaoke? Really?"

"I wanted to see the look on your face, I couldn't help it," Claud said. "You should go. Have fun."

"I have to go but I have to look into the Bast murders," Leo stated. "Pikachu and I had a close call in them at the factory."

"Still can't believe he asked for your help," Claud said. "What really surprises me is that you agreed."

"I wouldn't have but like you said, he could benefit from my expertise," Leo replied. "But from what happened last night, this is only going to escalate."

"Want me to stay and use my hacking skills to do some digging?" Claud offered.

"You don't mind?" Leo asked.

"Hey, you may be the genius archer crime-fighting badass but in the hacktivist community, I'm the Fox." Claud bragged.

Leo exhales. "I just hope this doesn't get any worse."

"And in this line of work, it usually does," Claud stated.

"Thanks for the optimism, Negative Nancy." Leo joked. She punches him in the arm and he recoils in pain. "Ow. Still sore."

"I know," Claud replied and Leo laughed weakly as he rubbed his shoulder.

•••

[Soundtrack Note: 'No Shelter' by Rage Against The Machine plays, starting at 1:30]

Inside her clock tower lair, Jane was tinkering with a wrist attachment for her right gauntlet and looks at it with laser focus. She sets it down then picks up a metallic casing and a vial with a small amount of clear liquid inside. She pours the liquid into a casing and sets it down to reveal two other casings laying on the table.

As she works, loud music blares from her high-tech computer.

Jane continues her work on the gauntlet until she hears a noise. Her eyes furrow and she pulls a a throwing knife from her jacket and hurls the knife towards the potential intruder.

Instead, she finds her father Albert standing there but surprisingly he catches the knife in his gloved right hand before it hits him square in the chest.

"Well..." Albert replied as he held the knife up. "That's a warm greeting."

"What are you doing here?" Jane asked surprised as she shut off the music.

[Soundtrack Note: music shuts off]

"I thought I might ask you the same thing," Albert stated as he gave his daughter back the knife.

"You shouldn't have come here. You should be back at the hospice." Jane said with concern.

"Not while my daughter is throwing her life away," Albert replied. "I know you're hunting down the men who murdered your mother."

Jane glares at him. "They deserve to die. Thought if anything, you would support me on this."

"Jane, I told you what happened because I thought that in the last few months left of my life, I could help you find some closure," Albert replied. "I never would've told you if it was going to send you on a rampage!"

"I call it justice. I'm doing this for mom because someone took her from us and I want to know why." Jane said, turning away from her father.

"Jania…" Albert uttered, which makes Jane wince. "Everything that I have done was to give you a better life. I thought that letting you follow in my footsteps would help you feel like you were a part of something. I never thought it would lead you to becoming a cold blooded murderer."

Jane spins around to face her father. "What did you think was going to happen? I was going to steal a few trinkets and that I would forget what happened to mom? Someone is behind all this and I want to know who."

"Do you really believe that killing them is going to bring your mother back?" Albert yelled.

"No! I'm not an idiot, dad!" Jane shouted back. She turns away from her father and goes back to work. "Why do you even care what happens to a bunch of lowlifes?"

"I don't care about them, I care about you!" Albert stated. "I don't want you to turn into the one thing I tried to protect you from. If you do this, there's no coming back from it."

"I'm not coming back," Jane said darkly.

Albert exhales. "If you don't stop this, I will go to the police and turn you in."

"Go ahead. It's not going to stop me from doing what needs to be done." Jane replied. "Now go back to the hospice. Live out your last days in peace."

Albert was devastated at his daughter's actions and just backed out of the room and out of the hideout. If she wasn't going to listen to him, he was going to find another way to save her.

•••

At the busy precinct, Victor was talking to Officer Simmons who was reading from a report.

"The injuries Aaronson sustained would have killed him before the building exploded," Simmons told him. "The question is how did he get out of that building?"

"What do you mean?" Victor asked.

"From the autopsy, his spine was severed and he wouldn't have been able to get out of the building on his own," Simmons stated.

"Unless someone got him out," Victor replied. He had a silent thought go through his mind: was Pulse the one who got Oscar Aaronson out of that building?

"You think he was saved by one of those vigilantes?" Simmons asked.

Victor looks at her surprised. "You think so?"

"I'm not an idiot, Detective. Just curious which one it was," Simmons said. "I have to go work on my report for last night's incident. I'll be around if you need me."

"Thank you," Victor said and Officer Simmons walked off.

Victor goes over to his desk and looks at the paperwork at his desk. He was at a lost, trying to figure out what is the connection to all this. Unexpectedly, his cellphone rings which he answers. "Flores."

"Hey, Vic." Danny's voice said on the other end of the line.

"Danny, hey." Victor greeted his partner. "How's LA?"

"Everything's great," Danny told him. "I've been hanging out with Sam and her friends. It's been good to spend some time with her without our lives being in grave danger. It's nice."

"That's great to hear," Victor said, trying to hide his peril over the case he was working on.

"How about you?" Danny asked. "What am I missing since I've been here?"

Victor didn't know if it was a good idea to tell his partner what was happening. Not ruin his good time. "Not much, everything has been pretty boring around here."

"And I honestly don't buy that for a second," Danny stated. "What's going on?"

"I'm not sure I should tell you," Victor said. "Don't want to distract you from your good time."

"And not asking for my advice will only lead you to follow nothing but dead ends," Danny said. "Just tell me."

Victor sighs, "You remember that cat burglar we dealt with a few months ago?"

"Bast?" Danny asked. "What about her?"

"Well, it seems that she's gone from thievery to murder," Victor told him.

"Are you serious?" Danny stated.

"Two low level criminals were eviscerated and so were a few of their cronies," Victor explained. "One of them was taken to a factory by Bast then the building was blown up."

"That must've made collecting evidence difficult if the guy got charbroiled," Danny said.

Victor looks around to see if Thompson or anyone was nearby to hear him and sees the coast is clear. "Not if our electrifying acquaintance pulled him out of the building before it went boom."

"Pulse saved him? Wow. Sam should be pleased with hearing that." Danny said.

"Why is that?" Victor asked.

"I think she's joined Millie in the Pulse Fan Club," Danny said with a laugh. "Are you having a problem with this particular case?"

"I just can't figure out why Bast changed her MO like this. There has to be a reason she's doing this." Victor replied.

"You said these guys were torn apart, right?" Danny said. "Maybe this wasn't methodical. It seems like this was rage. An act of vengeance." Victor starts to piece things together. "You want another suggestion?"

"If it'll help," Victor said.

"Why don't you ask for Cassie's help?" Danny replied.

"I'm sorry, what?" Victor exclaimed.

"Come on, Vic, you can't deny the girl is good at what she does," Danny said to him. "Wouldn't be so bad to have her use her expertise in this. It's not like the captain would be against it, he has her as his informant on the streets."

"Guess that's true. But I kind of shut her out last night when she was trying to find out what was going on at Aaronson's place." Victor stated.

"What was she doing there?" Danny asked.

"Her friend Galen was the one who found the bloody crime scene," Victor said. "Poor guy was too shaken up to be a suspect. He looked like he was going to throw up. Probably can't stand the smell of blood."

"Probably," Danny replied, knowing that maybe his enhanced wolf senses made the smell overpowering to Galen. "I wouldn't count on Cassie staying mad for too long."

"Really? Why is that?" Victor asked.

"When a potential case is in her face, she's too stubborn not to attempt to solve it," Danny said. "It's an understatement to say that woman is headstrong."

"Not going to argue with you there," Victor said as he looked over and saw Cassie enter the precinct. "And speak of the devil."

"Cassie's there, isn't she?" Danny asked, already knowing the answer.

"She just walked in," Victor replied.

"Told you, stubborn," Danny stated. "I say bring her in on this. You've got nothing to lose except any chance of solving this case."

"I'll take your advice, partner." Victor retorts. "And take my advice and get back to your vacation. Spend more quality time with your sister."

"No need to twist my arm on that request," Danny said with a laugh. "I'll talk to you later, see how things are going. Bye."

"Bye," Victor said and the line went dead.

Cassie walks into the precinct, wearing a long sleeved black turtleneck top with a black thigh length skirt and black ankle boots. Her blond hair in a halftail. Of course, she is wearing her tan leather jacket. She looks around and sees Officer Simmons getting up from her desk and a huge smile forms on her face, seeming to recognize her.

"Penny?" Cassie asked.

Officer Simmons looks up and sees Cassie standing there and she recognizes her too. "Sandy?"

Cassie's smile becomes bigger and she goes over to give Officer Simmons a huge hug. "I can't believe it! How long has it been?"

"Too long. How are you doing?" Penelope Simmons asked as they pull away from the friendly embrace.

"Good," Cassie said. She looks at the young woman's uniform. "I see you followed in your father's footsteps."

"Yep. I was transferred here after graduating from the academy." Penelope stated.

"How is your dad? Still as stubborn as ever?" Cassie asked playfully.

"Oh, that'll never change," Penelope said and Cassie laughed. "He and my mom moved to Boca Raton last year. He's finally enjoying his retirement."

"So he finally bought that boat he always wanted?" Cassie asked.

"It was the first thing he did when he got to Florida," Penelope stated. "He even named it 'Lucy in the Sky'."

"I do remember him being a huge Beatles fan," Cassie stated as Victor made his way over to the two women. "Hey Vic."

"Cassie, hi." Victor greeted as he sees the closeness of the two. "I didn't know the two knew each other."

"Oh yeah, Sandy and I go way back," Penelope stated.

"Penny's dad used to work with my brother before Lenny left the department," Cassie said. "Her dad was the one who showed him the ropes to police work."

"Detective Benson had saved my dad's life on several occasions." Penelope pointed out. "We need to exchange numbers. Stay in touch when you aren't here trolling the precinct."

"I wouldn't call it 'trolling', Penny," Cassie said.

"I would." Victor quipped.

Cassie scowls at him then hands Penelope a slip of paper. "Here's my number. If you don't have plans tonight, maybe we can do something?"

"Will the charming Mr Grayson be there? I heard you two are socializing again." Penelope stated. "I'm friends with him on Facebook."

"So, you're cyberstalking him?" Cassie quipped.

"I would call cyber-driving-past-his-house rather than stalking," Penelope replied as she gave her a piece of paper with her phone number written on it.

"I'm well aware of your gigantic crush on him, Penny. You've had it since you were still in braces and pigtails." Cassie said.

"Look, I'd better get back to work. It was really good seeing you again." Penny said as she gave Cassie another hug.

"You too, Penny," Cassie said and Penelope Simmons walked off. She sighs, "Poor girl is barking up the wrong tree." She then looks at Victor. "You have a reason for standing there and gawking? You want to ask me something, go ahead."

"Well, first I want to apologize for being rude to you last night," Victor said.

"No apology needed. You have to follow protocol, I get it." Cassie said. "Can't have a spitfire like me getting in the middle of your investigation."

"It wouldn't be such a bad idea to have you get in the middle of this," Victor stated. "I was wondering if you could help me out with the Bast Murder Case?"

"Wait, what?" Cassie said, sounding dumbfounded. "Are you serious?"

"A good friend of ours recommended I ask for your help," Victor replied. "Said you helped him out while I was in the hospital."

"Hold on, Danny suggested that you ask for my help?" Cassie asked. "Wow."

"Would you be willing to help me with this?" Victor asked.

"Sure, I wouldn't mind helping out," Cassie told him. She looks over her shoulder and sees Leo enter the precinct and head down to the forensics lab. "Listen, let me know what I can do to assist you and I'll be sure to check it out with you. But I have some business to take care of."

Victor watches Cassie leave and follow Leo. Another thought crossed his mind: what would those two have to talk about?

Cassie reaches Leo who had earphones in his ears and was wearing dark sunglasses. She taps him on the shoulder which causes him to flinch in pain. He quickly removed the earphones from his ears and snapped angrily at the person who aggravated the pain he had been trying to hide.

"Watch where you're-" Leo yelled only to find Cassie standing behind him now wearing a look of worry on her face. "Cassie, hey."

"Rough night?" Cassie asked, knowing full well about his nightly activities.

"No need for the lecture," Leo said. Before he could leave, Cassie forcefully grabs his forearm. "Ah!"

"Come here," Cassie said as she pulled him into an empty room. She made sure that the lock on the door worked so her secret wouldn't be discovered by someone who might expose her.

"Okay, what are you doing?" Leo asked.

"Take off the glasses," Cassie commanded.

Leo becomes anxious. "I don't think I-"

"Don't treat me like an idiot," Cassie said with a calm but stern demeanor. "Take the glasses off, please."

Leo sighs and he slowly removes his sunglasses which causes him some discomfort and he winces in pain. The removal of the sunglasses reveals that his eyes were badly bruised.

"Oh god," Cassie said softly.

"Does it look that bad?" Leo asked with a weak laugh.

"Did you think you were going to walk into work looking like that?" Cassie asked.

"You'd be surprised what people ignore," Leo said, trying to smile but it caused his more discomfort when he moved his face.

Cassie sighs and goes to touch his face but Leo backs away apprehensively.

"Whoa, what are you doing?" Leo asked.

"Just trust me. I promise not to hurt you." Cassie assured him.

Leo calms down and relaxes as Cassie touches his face with her glowing hands. He opens his eyes a bit and sees the glow coming from her hands. "Whoa-"

"Nuh-uh. This works better if you remain calm, kid." Cassie said as she continued to heal his injuries. "Just relax, okay?"

Leo takes in a deep breath and relaxes his body to allow her to finish the healing process. After a moment passes, Cassie moves her hands away and backs up a bit.

"There," Cassie said breathlessly. "All done."

Leo touches his face and doesn't feel any pain. He looks at the window in the room and sees the bruising was gone. He was completely healed. "Wow. This is-" he looks over and sees Cassie slightly drained and catches her before she falls to the floor. "Whoa, whoa. Easy."

Cassie snaps out of her weakness and looks up at Leo. "You took quite a beating."

"How did you do that?" Leo asked.

"It's part of my power. I not only can heal from my own injuries but I can also heal other people." Cassie explained.

"Oh. So why did you just collapse just then?" Leo asked.

"Because that healing process is connected to my life force," Cassie told him. "I get drained but it depends on the extent of the injury. My guess is you were a lot more hurt than you let on."

"I did have to hurl myself out of a window to get away from an explosion," Leo replied. "The healing does explain how you're still alive. I've heard stories of Mockingbird surviving things that should've killed a normal person."

"I wouldn't necessarily classify myself as 'normal'." Cassie quipped which made Leo laugh.

"So, why are you here?" Leo asked. "Come to do a favor for a mutual sparky friend of ours."

"I came to check on you, you idiot," Cassie said bluntly. "And how do you figure I'm working with him anyway?"

Leo shrugs. "It makes sense. A crime fighting pro needs a protégé. Especially one with superpowers of their own."

Cassie chuckles, "Think it's a tiny bit more complicated than that."

"Can't argue with you there," Leo said.

"Well... my 'protégé' as you call him, went through the same window you know," Cassie said. "I made sure he was taken care of but I just wanted to make sure you were okay. And it's a good thing I did, otherwise, you would have had to explain your black and blue face to Millie."

"Then in that case you are a godsend," Leo said and Cassie laughed. He has a thought crossing his mind. "Do-um- have any plans right now?"

"Not really but don't you have work right now?" Cassie asked.

"Just got to run through some lab reports, it won't take me too long," Leo stated. "You mind sticking around?"

"Not at all," Cassie said as the two walked out of the room. "Why do you ask?"

"There's something I need to show you," Leo said as the two of them left the room.

•••

At a dive bar called The Roughneck which was a hang out for lowlifes and criminals of all varieties, an imposing man with red hair shaved into a mohawk was drinking a pint of Guinness. Most of the people at the bar are tough customers but most knew to stay away from him.

The door opens and a seductive figure slinks into the bar. Most of the men gawked at her while the woman looked disgusted and nervous.

The female figure takes a seat on the barstool next to the man who lazily looks up and then looks away.

"Shouldn't be in school, sweetheart?" The man asked, speaking in an Irish accent as he went back to his drink.

The woman he was talking to was Jane Louis who was wearing a long black duster jacket over a short slinky red dress and calf high stiletto heeled boot. Her hair was pulled back in a tight high ponytail.

"Are you a truancy officer?" Jane asked playfully.

The man looks at her befuddled. "Darling, cut to the chase. I'm not in the mood for games."

Jane smiles and then gets right to business. "Word on the street is that you're the man to see about getting things done."

"Depends on the kind of work." The man said. "I'm not someone you call to fix your car or watch your siblings."

Jane laughs, "I need someone for a little extracurricular assistance."

"And what does that mean?" The man asked.

"Inflicting pain and violence on some well-deserving individuals," Jane told him.

"I'm not a vigilante." The man stated. "Why don't ya go looking for those fellers in the costumes that have been puttin' guys like me in the hospital."

Just as she was about to say another word, a sleazy guy walks over to Jane and starts to flirt with Jane. He seems intoxicated as he slurs some of his words. "How about I buy you a drink-"

Jane grabs him by the neck and slams his head against the bar. She holds him down and pulls a knife on him, holding it to his face. "Try to touch me and I will give you another hole in your face!"

The man stands there in shock as Jane shoves the drunk man away and he runs off. He then simply says "Vaughn Mallory."

"Jane Louis but most know me by another name, Bast." Jane gloated.

"Wait, you're the one who stole those jewels from O'Shannon?" Mallory asked.

Jane simply grins. "Guilty."

Mallory just grins from ear to ear. "How much ya willing to pay?"

Jane smiles and throws down a large yellow envelope filled to the brim with money in front of him. "That's three thousand dollars in large bills. That's one third of your paycheck. You'll get the rest when the job is done."

"What job is that?" Mallory asked.

Jane flashes a sinister grin. "Revenge."

•••

Leo and Cassie exit the elevator at Leo's building on the floor where the Fox's hideout was. Cassie looks around the room at the layout of the crime fighter's lair. She seemed shocked but also felt something else.

"So... This is it," Leo said as the two of them walked completely into the lair. "What do you think?"

Cassie was speechless for a while as she continued her walk through the place. It wasn't until half a minute later that she spoke up. "This place is amazing."

"Coming from Mockingbird, that means a lot," Leo said.

Cassie smiles and shakes her head. "That's not who I am anymore."

Leo sensed the sadness hidden underneath her jovial nature. "Not going to ask but I think it's safe to assume that there is some tragedy in your life."

Cassie picks up an arrow from his display and stares at it. A grim and somber look on her face. "Yeah. I did." She sets down the arrow and looks at him. "But a lot of us have faced their fair share of adversity in our lives. Not as bad as the two of us have."

Leo scoffs, "Why do you assume I have some tragic backstory?"

"Because most of us who get in this line of work have a reason to motivate them to do what they do," Cassie replied. "In most cases, something was taken from them."

Leo sighs and then stands next to her. "I never knew my real parents and my adoptive parents were killed during a home invasion while I hid."

Cassie remains quiet, feeling that saying anything wouldn't help. She simply listened.

"I decided that I wasn't going to let something like that happen to anyone else. I want to protect people from those who prey on the innocent." Leo said. "I trained my mind and body to become a weapon, I honed my skills with a bow and arrow. I even traveled the globe to find people to train me. It wasn't until I got to Nagasaki that I received training from a grandmaster."

"Grandmaster?" Cassie asked.

Leo nods. "A woman named Ishi Natsume trained in skills of combat and stealth. Taught me the traits of self regulation and using fear as part of my arsenal." Cassie laughs which Leo sees. "I know that sounds like Batman but it's worked out well for me thus far."

"No, that's not why I'm laughing," Cassie told him. "Ishi was the one who trained me during my early days as Mockingbird."

Leo chuckles softly. "Small world, huh?"

"She must've seen something in you. Which is an ironic statement because she's blind." Cassie replied.

Leo smiles. "She told me you were one of her favorite students. She also... felt your sadness. A deep pain the two of us seem to share."

Cassie smiles at him. "I wish I could tell you things will get better. Scales tip but it never ends."

"Then why fight? If there's no light at the end of the tunnel, how do most of us keep going without stooping to their level?" Leo asked.

"Because if we don't fight, everyone else will lose hope," Cassie said. "We're the beacons in the darkness. No matter how much dark slips through, there's always light,"

Leo smiles. "You sound like her, you know that?"

"I'll take that as a compliment," Cassie said. She then lets out a deep sigh. "Can I ask you something? Old school crime fighter to next generation?"

Leo looks down and then looks at Cassie with seriousness in his eyes. "I've never killed anyone." Cassie's eyes widened in surprise. "Come pretty close though. I know how to hurt people but I know where to strike. I studied humans pretty well to know when my arrows should hit for clean shots."

"Honestly, I have had my moments of weakness. Especially when I first started out." Cassie said. "I beat a man half to death when I first went out. I would've killed him if a friend hadn't stopped me. I understand letting rage and hatred take the wheel. That's when Ishi found me. Taught me to channel my anger so I don't let it consume me."

"Guess we have a lot in common," Leo stated.

"Guess so," Cassie said. "I'm not going to tell you who he is. It's not my secret to tell."

Leo nods in agreement. "I get it. I'll probably figure it out. But when I do, I can guarantee that his secret will stay with me. Would be hypocritical if I ratted him out. Wouldn't be right."

Cassie smiles and grabs his hand and clasps her fingers between his. "Just know that you're not alone. You can trust me, I promise."

Leo smiles as he clasps his hand and grabs onto hers. The two of them stand in silence. As friends, as soldiers. A mutual respect for one another was quietly expressed.

•••

Freddie and Gabe were finishing their exam for their entertainment technology class, both of them looking tired after their late night and the exam.

Professor Bennett looks at the clock on the wall and informs the class "All right, guys, time is up. Hand in your exams here at my desk."

A few of the students grumble while most of the students just hand in their exams, grateful to be done with school until winter break is done. Freddie and Gabe go over to hand in their exams, Gabe notices his friend's exhausted face.

"Are you able to finish?" Gabe asked, concerned.

"Thankfully, there were moments when I was struggling to keep my eyes open," Freddie said running his eyes. "Hopefully I didn't just write down the lyrics for Ginger Fox song on that last essay question."

"You sure you're going to make it through karaoke?" Gabe asked as the two handed in their exams.

"I have to try to have a good time but I know I'm going to be preoccupied," Freddie said.

"You guys do remember this exam is forty percent of your final grade for the semester, right?" Tommy stated.

"We're aware," Gabe said jovially. "Trying not to remind Mr. Worrywart over here. He's half convinced he's going to fail."

Freddie glares at him. "I'm worried?"

"See, it helps to admit it." Gabe jokes.

"Don't worry, fellas. I'm sure both of you will do fine." Tommy said. "You guys enjoy your break."

"Thank you, Professor," Freddie said politely as the two of them left along with the rest of the class.

The two friends walk out into the quad where they find Millie and Lucy making their way over to them.

"Hey, guys. What's the haps?" Millie asked.

Gabe gives her a look. "That's not cool."

"I know," Millie said, sounding deflated.

Lucy grabs Gabe and pulls him for a kiss which makes Millie and Freddie mildly amused and uncomfortable. After a half a second long kiss, she pulls away and looks at him. "Play nice or I won't do that again."

"Yes, ma'am," Gabe stated and the group continued to walk across the quad.

"How did you guys do on your exams?" Lucy asked.

"Okay I guess," Freddie replied. "I'm just looking forward to a much-needed break from school for a couple of months."

"Amen to that, dude," Gabe said. "How about you guys?"

"We did fine. Still not confident but I think I'll get a decent grade." Lucy said.

"Well, I'm not confident I'll get a great grade either," Millie stated.

"Please, Flores, you've been studying nonstop for the last week," Gabe said. "You've read most of your textbooks cover to cover."

"That's not why I'm worried," Millie replied. "Heather kept acting weird. She was being... Nice."

"She told me she wants to change and be a better person," Freddie said.

"Still can't believe you become BFFs with my arch-rival," Millie said to him.

"She's not that bad once you get to know her," Freddie replied.

"Please don't let this change of heart be because you have the hots for her," Lucy said fake sounding like she was mortified.

"Of course not," Freddie said adamantly. "And it's not because I pity her either. I just think it helps to get to know someone before you know them."

"So does that mean you and Gabe are going to hang out with Ricky Maturo?" Millie suggested.

"Not unless it requires a visit to the emergency room," Gabe said.

"For who, you guys or him?" Lucy asked playfully.

"Either." Freddie and Gabe said simultaneously.

Millie smiles but she looks ahead and her smile fades. "Freddie."

Freddie looks ahead to see what Millie panics and he sees Jane Louis playfully flirting with Ricky Maturo. His stomach dropped to the floor at the sight of this.

"Oh Freddie," Millie replied sadly.

"You all right, dude?" Gabe asked.

"I'm fine. We're not together anymore." Freddie said, looking down at the floor. "She can do what she wants. I'm fine." Freddie continues walking as his friends follow him.

Jane looks past Ricky's shoulder and sees Freddie and his friends leaving campus. She looks sad which Ricky sees. "You okay?"

Jane shakes off her melancholy and puts on a convincing fake smile on her face. She was acting uncharacteristically flirtatious with him. "Yeah, I'm fine. Say, you going to Karaoke Night tonight?"

"It seems kinda lame," Ricky said.

"It could be fun," Jane said, trying hard to seduce him. "Maybe afterward we can go back to your place and have a little fun of our own."

Ricky grins from ear to ear. "I'd like that, a lot."

Jane smiles, hiding her mild disgust with herself.

From a distance, Heather is watching the display of her ex-boyfriend and this strange girl she thought she knew. She did not like it one bit.

•••

Later that night, the gang was at the Groovy Smoothie for Karaoke Night. The crowd watches as a female amateur singer belts out a rendition of Lady Gaga's Bad Romance. She finishes the song and the crowd politely claps as she bows and gets off stage.

The gang: Freddie, Millie, Gabe, Lucy, Gibby and Claud, sat at a table. They were dressed nicely with the girls, except for Claud, in girly party outfits and their hair perfectly styled while Claud wore a black long sleeved top and a studded choker and her hair quaffed. Freddie wore a long sleeved button up shirt with the sleeves rolled up and dark blue jeans. Gabe was in a long sleeved royal blue shirt and black slacks. Gibby was in plaid black and white checkered long sleeved shirt and khaki pants.

"Well, that was brutal," Claud stated, rubbing her right temple.

"Come on, Moon. I've heard much worse." Gabe replied.

"A bad Karaoke singer is only made much worse because of my condition," Claud answered.

"What condition?" Gibby asked. "You got weird bird ears or something?"

Claud's eyes widen as she realizes her slip-up. "Uh no. It's-"

"Claud has sensitive ears," Freddie said, helping her out. "Like my cousin Amanda."

"Yeah but Claud doesn't have giant Dumbo ears like your cousin," Gibby said which made the group snicker. "Seriously, like a car with both its doors open."

"Dude!" Freddie exclaimed.

Claud smiles and pats Freddie on the shoulder. "I'm sure your cousin has a... a nice personality."

"Don't make excuses. I know she's not someone you want to stare at." Freddie quipped as he sipped his drink. "Like staring into the sun, eventually you'll go blind."

The group laughs and Gibby claps his hands together. "Well, I'm going to give a stellar performance."

"In karaoke, that's kind of an oxymoron." Gabe joked.

"Does your friend have to be such a downer?" Gibby asked Freddie.

"It's not negativity. It's honesty." Freddie replied with a laugh.

Leo and Cassie walk into the restaurant. Cassie was still in a different outfit: a white sleeveless top with tight black pants and black ankle boots. Her hair was pulled back in a stylish ponytail and still wearing her tan leather jacket. Leo was in a red hoodie with a dark gray T-shirt and dark blue jeans.

"Hey," Millie said as Leo planted a kiss on her cheek. "You're late."

"Sorry, work was a bit of pain," Leo told her.

"What are you two doing together?" Gabe asked Leo and Cassie. "You guys don't seem like you'd be hanging out intentionally."

"I ran into Cassie at the precinct," Leo said.

"I'm going to be helping Millie's dad with the Bast case," Cassie told them. She looks over at Gibby. "And you must be the infamous Gibby." She extends her arm for a handshake. "I'm Freddie's aunt Cassie."

Gibby accepts the handshake. "Wow, you are much prettier in person."

"Dude, come on!" Freddie exclaimed again which made the group laugh out loud and Cassie hid her amusement.

"What, I have to state the obvious," Gibby replied.

"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you," Cassie said.

"And this handsome fella is my boyfriend Leo Maxwell." Millie introduced.

"Nice to meet you, Gibby," Leo said.

"Sup, dude," Gibby said as he quickly ignored him and continued to stare at Cassie.

"Wouldn't bother, kid."

The group turns to find Galen walking over to them and he puts his arm around Cassie.

"You aren't her type," Galen said.

"And you are?" Gibby asked, slightly nervous.

"This is Galen Lennox," Freddie said. "He's a friend of Cassie."

"Translation: scary jealous boyfriend," Gibby replied. "I'm going to go on stage before he decides to tear my head off like a chicken." With that, he rushes over to Charlie's MC booth to sign up to perform.

"Oh, he has no idea," Claud said under her breath.

"Nice save by the way." Cassie thanks Galen as he removes his arm from her shoulder.

"My pleasure," Galen told her.

"What kept you?" Millie asked.

"New York City traffic still sucks," Galen answers. The group says indistinct statements of agreement. "So, is your friend Heather?"

"She's not here yet," Freddie told him. "She didn't come with us but I did invite her."

"Much to my chagrin," Millie said snidely.

"Don't hold back, Mills, tell us how you feel." Gabe joked with Millie smacking him in the back of the head. "Ah! I seriously need to get that helmet."

Millie smiles then she looks at Galen. "How come you and Freddie seem so drawn to her anyway? Is it something you have to have a Y chromosome to understand?"

"No, because Heather's not as bad as you think she is," Galen stated. "There are two sides to everything."

"Doesn't explain your hate for a certain attorney friend of ours," Cassie stated.

"I'm justified for that. That guy has something wrong and I will figure it out." Galen stated while Alec made his way over to the table dressed in a casual button-up shirt with black slacks. He was also wearing a red scarf around his neck.

"My ears are burning," Alec said, which caught the attention of the group.

"Al, hi," Cassie exclaimed as she hugged him. "I'm surprised you're late."

"Especially since you have the cash to pay for a valet," Galen said bitterly.

"Nice to see you too, Odie." Alec snidely quipped.

"Who would that make you? Garfield or Nermal?" Galen retorts. "Judging by your know-it-all attitude and the sudden urge to want to send you to Abu Dhabi, I would go with the gray kitten."

"Guys, can we not do this?" Cassie pleaded with mild annoyance in her voice.

Alec smirks. "It's funny, I missed these little snide remarks we exchanged. Although yours used to be much more clever."

A low but hostile-sounding growl is coming from Galen who continues to glare at the attorney.

"Gale!" Cassie replied nervously.

Gabe raised his hand and pointed at the two. "You two want to get a room?" Galen's death glare becomes focused on Gabe who slowly lowers his hand. "I'll be quiet."

"Smartest move you've made in your life," Freddie whispers to his friend which Leo hears and laughs at.

"Can you two not do this? Honestly, you two fight like cats and dogs and frankly, breaking up your little verbal smackdowns is exhausting." Cassie pleads with her two friends. "Let's have a good time and leave the drama for another day. If not for my sake, do it for the kids."

"Anyone else thinks this sounds like we're in family court?" Claud asked the teens sitting at the table.

"I was just about to say the same thing," Gabe said while extending his arm for a fist bump which Claud accepted with mild reluctance and amusement.

"Just call a ceasefire until the night is over, okay?" Cassie asked.

Galen exhales deeply and offers his hand for an amicable handshake. "Truce?"

Alec nods and accepts the handshake "Truce."

Millie breathes a sigh of relief as she turns to the entrance to see Jake walk through the front door. He was wearing a long-sleeved blue-gray shirt underneath a brown leather jacket and jeans. He was doing his best to get warm after coming out of the cold. She excitedly waves him over to the group. "Jake! Over here!"

Jake looks over and manages to find Millie in the crowd with her friends. Alec sees the young man and is surprised to see him. Jake walks over to Millie and hugs her which she accepts.

"Glad you could make it," Millie said.

"Same. Traffic is the worst." Jake said as he pulled away from the friendly hug. He notices the gang is staring at him. "I'm Jacob Logan but everybody just calls me Jake."

"He works at St James. That's how I met him." Millie said as she made proper introductions. "These are my friends, Freddie Benson, Gabe Morgan, Lucy Shepherd, Claud Moon, and Leo Maxwell."

"I know him. He lives in my building." Leo announced. "And I got your request, I'll get the repairman coming tomorrow."

"Thanks. Winter's coming and I kinda don't wanna freeze inside my apartment." Jake said goodnaturedly. He looks at the group. "I've heard a lot about you guys from my roommate."

"Who's your roommate?" Gabe asked.

"She works here. You guys know Charlie Robinson, right?" Jake asked.

"Oh! You're the slob of a roommate she always talks about." Lucy spoke up. "Well, more complaints about but-"

"I think what she means is, it's a pleasure to meet you." Freddie cut her off to save any further embarrassment.

Millie looks over at Cassie, Galen, and Alec. "This is Freddie's aunt Cassie Sinclair and some of her buddies Galen Lennox and Alec Grayson."

Alec clears his throat as he hides his social awkwardness. "I met him the other day. It's really good to see you again."

"Yeah, you too," Jake said, his cheeks flushed red.

"So, Alec… why don't you tell Jake what you do for a living?" Cassie said, acting as Alec's wingman.

"He already told me he's a lawyer," Jake said as he sat down next to Millie.

"It's a bit more complicated than that. I work for David Morgan." Alec said to the group.

"Wait, you're working for my dad?" Gabe asked.

"Yes. I've been working for him for the last three years." Alec told him. "He told me not to mention it to anyone. Not until he thought it was okay."

"You're acting as if you were more than his legal counsel," Gabe stated. "My dad can be cold and secretive but you're not like his hitman or anything."

"It's complicated," Alec stated.

Galen looks over his shoulder and sees Heather step in and walk straight to the counter to buy herself something to drink. "Excuse me. I'm feeling a little crowded. I'll be right back."

Alec sees Galen walking over to Heather. "Huh, hadn't pictured Old Yeller being into jailbait." Cassie instinctively smacks him in the back of the head. An action that made Jake flinch but got little reaction from the gang. "Ow!"

"Sorry but I will be making sure you uphold your truce," Cassie stated. "Even if I have to inflict an indiscriminate amount of pain."

"I don't see you hitting him," Alec said, rubbing the back of his head.

"You were the first to violate it," Cassie stated. "That was a warning."

Alec's eyes widened, realizing that she could do much worse. "I'll be good."

Cassie nods. "Good."

"Does she always like that?" Jake asked.

"Nope. Usually, she's violent." Freddie said which made the group laugh again.

Jake looks at Alec who is rubbing the back of his head. The two share looks of concern for each other which Cassie and Millie saw.

Heather waited at the counter to get her smoothie and the cashier rang her up.

"That'll be 2.18." The female employee stated.

Heather reaches into her purse to pull out her money but sees she has only four dollars left in her wallet. She needs those to get home. "Oh, I-"

"Don't worry. I got it." Galen walks over to the counter and hands the cashier three dollars.

"You don't have to," Heather said.

"It's fine. I want to help." Galen stated. He looks at the cashier. "Keep the change."

"Wow, 82 cents. Your boyfriend's a swell guy." The cashier said sarcastically as she closed the drawer.

Heather just smiles and sips her drink, playing along. "He sure is." She changes the subject. "So, are you feeling okay? You looked pretty nauseous yesterday after what happened."

"Don't worry. It happens whenever I smell something unpleasant." Galen told her. "Guess it kills my mystique to learn I have a weak stomach."

"Nope. Just makes you human." Heather stated. "Men have every right to show weakness. Most don't know they are allowed to."

Galen smiles. "You came here by yourself?"

"Yeah. Most of my so-called friends ditched me after my overdose." Heather said.

"Fair weather friends, that's all they are," Galen replied.

"Yes, exactly," Heather stated. "Freddie invited me to come with him and his friends but I thought it would be a tad uncomfortable seeing as how I spent the beginning of the school year torturing them. Freddie was able to forgive me but I don't think his friends would be as forgiving. Especially Millie."

"Give it time. It's not going to happen overnight but they'll forgive you." Galen assured her.

Heather's cheeks turn bright pink. "Thanks."

A male employee who looked more like a surfer dude was acting as the MC and hopped on stage with a mic in her hands. "All right, folks. We got another performer ready to hit the stage. I think a few may recognize him from his stint on the iCarly web show! Put your hands together for Gibby!"

The crowd including Freddie and the gang cheers and applauds as Gibby walks on stage only he seems a bit caught off guard. "Hey! I also happen to do a blog about card tricks, you know?"

"Hun, no one cares." Surfer Dude said bluntly as he gave Gibby the mic.

"Take your shirt off!" A random male audience member yells jokingly.

"I'm not a piece of meat!" Gibby said frustrated which made some in the crowd uncomfortably laugh. He points to Charlie. "Hit it!"

Charlie nods and plays a familiar tune. Well, familiar to Freddie. Gibby started to belt out the song at the end of iCarly when Freddie found out how Sam ruined his chances of getting into NERD camp and made up after Carly reminded the couple how much they cared about each other. Surprisingly to the gang and the rest of the crowd, Gibby was a really good singer.

"Wow, he's not terrible," Leo replied.

"I kinda knew that," Millie replied.

"Of course, you would, iCarly stalker." Gabe teased which caused Millie to stomp on his foot. "Ouch."

"You deserved that," Millie replied.

"You keep saying that and I don't think it's true." Gabe retorts and Millie grins mischievously.

Freddie listens to his friend singing but the song pulls him into a different place in time. A happy place.

At that same moment, Heather and Freddie are the only ones to notice Jane Louis walk in on the arm of Ricky Maturo. Jane had her hair down and was in black and red: a tight black leather jacket, a blood-red lace top that showed off her black bra, tight black pants, and knee-high black stiletto-heeled boots.

Heather closes her eyes and looks sadly at her ex with Jane which Galen saw. He felt her heartbreak as she swallowed hard to conceal a sob.

A knot forms in Freddie's stomach at seeing Jane moving on with the guy who had been bullying him and Gabe. He starts to get up from the table. "I need some air. I'll be back."

Cassie watches her nephew slip out of the restaurant without anyone noticing, especially Gibby. She goes to get up to check on him but Leo stops her.

"I'll go see if he's okay," Leo told her and he got up from the table to follow him out.

Jane sees Freddie walking outside and Leo following him. She hides her pain at the actions her deception was having on people she cared about. Freddie was the one person she didn't want to hurt but she reminded herself that mission is what mattered.

Freddie walks out to an alley next to the restaurant and paces around trying to get his mind off the memories and emotions that were flooding his brain and heart all at once. He kicks a large metal dumpster in frustration which leaves a huge dent. He puts his back on the wall of the side of the restaurant and then sits on the concrete floor as a few tears escape from his eyes.

Freddie hears footsteps and quickly wipes away his tears. "Cassie, please leave me alone. I don't want to talk to you about this."

"How about me?" Leo's voice asked. Freddie looks up to see Leo standing in front of him. "Are you willing to talk to me?"

Freddie takes in a deep breath and manages a smile. "What are you doing out here?"

"I wanted to see if you're okay," Leo said. "You seem upset." He points at the damaged yellow dumpster. "Especially judging by the dent in that dumpster, something made you angry."

Freddie drops the act and looks down. "It got a little hard to breathe in there."

Leo sits down next to him. "This about Jane walking in with that meathead?"

"Sort made things worse but that's not why I needed to get out of there," Freddie said. "That song... The song Gibby was singing-" He swallows hard.

"His singing wasn't that bad." Leo joked.

"I know that," Freddie said with a laugh. "It- It reminded me of when I was with her."

Leo puts the pieces together and realizes who he is talking about. "Sam."

"Yeah," Freddie said, smiling to hide his pain. "She- She always drove me nuts but- Everything around me reminds me of her. I can't stop thinking about her. My entire body hurts when I'm not with her. But we knew ending it was the right thing to do because we might end up hating each other if we continued."

"You were afraid that love would consume you both." Leo asserted. "That it would destroy you."

Freddie looks down. "I sound like an idiot."

"You sound like you're lost. Not sure what you want." Leo stated. "You sound like ninety-nine point nine nine nine percent of the human population on the planet. Even the best of us are blithering idiots."

Freddie laughs weakly. "So none of us are going to get it right."

"There's no right way. We're going to slip up. Make terrible mistakes." Leo said. "We just have to keep trying until we figure out what 'right' is. Especially when you fall in love."

Freddie exhales. "Why are you acting like it's your responsibility to help me? Because you're my friend?"

"Because you're a much better person than I am," Leo said. "You don't deserve to be in this much pain. You're used to burying your pain and pretending everything's okay for the sake of others. I see it because I know for a fact that the people with the biggest smiles are the ones in most pain."

"We wear masks," Freddie replied.

"Yeah," Leo stated.

Freddie wipes his tears. "Guess I have to put my mask back on. Have to face Jane with that... Neanderthal."

Leo gets up from the floor and offers his hand to help Freddie up. "Well don't worry. I got your back, bro."

"Bro?" Freddie said with a raised eyebrow.

"Just come on," Leo said as Freddie accepted his hand and Leo helped him up.

The two of them walk back inside and back over to their friends, taking their seats as Gibby finishes his performance and gets a resounding standing ovation from the audience.

"Are you feeling better?" Cassie asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Freddie said, sounding cheerful.

Surfer Dude heads back on stage and Gibby leaves, going back to sit next to Freddie's friends. "All right, give the dude another hand! Now we have our next performer on deck. Please give a hand to Cassie Sinclair!"

Cassie's eyes widen in horror and the group all looks surprised at this.

"When did you sign up to perform?" Millie asked.

"I didn't-" Cassie realizes what happened and she looks at Alec. "You didn't-"

"Come on, Sand. Get up there and show them what you're made of." Alec encouraged her. "Unless you're too... chicken to get up there."

Cassie's mouth drops as Gabe, Claud, and Jake figure out what is going to happen.

"Oh no." Jake, Gabe, and Claud speak at the same time.

"What?" Lucy asked.

"Please tell me you didn't go there," Jake said.

"I'm confused," Millie replied.

"I do believe the feisty blond suffers from a case of McFly Syndrome," Claud stated.

Millie and Lucy look puzzled while Freddie and Leo both get what that means.

"As in Marty McFly," Gabe explained in simple terms he hoped the girls would understand.

Millie and Lucy slowly start to figure it out. "Oh... Uh oh."

"Exactly." Gabe, Claud, Jake, Freddie, and Leo simultaneously reply.

Cassie takes off her jacket and gets up from her seat then gets up in Alec's face. "When I'm done, you are SO dead." She walks towards the stage as Alec contemplates his mortality.

Millie then gets up from the table. "Cass, wait up!"

Cassie looked back at Millie who stood next to her. "What are you doing?"

"Sharing the humiliation with you," Millie said which made Cassie smile and cooled her down.

Cassie turns to the Surfer Dude and looks at the song choice. She turns to Millie, pointing to the song. "You familiar with this one?"

Millie looks at her song choice and smiles. "Oh yeah."

Cassie looks back at Surfer Dude. as she picks out the song she wants to sing. "That one."

"You sure?" Surfer Dude asks and Cassie and Millie nod. "All right. Give it all you got."

Cassie and Millie each take a microphone and get on stage. The pair look anxiously as the crowd waits for the performance to start.

[Soundtrack Note: the karaoke version of Something Bad by Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood plays on the sound system]

Cassie just stands there, her nerves causing her to freeze up. She looks at the monitor with the lyrics pop up but Cassie can't say a word.

"She's got stage fright," Heather said to Galen.

"Oh she is going to kill you," Gabe whispers to Alec.

Cassie walks a bit off stage but Millie stops her. "I can't do this."

"Yes, you can," Millie assures her.

"I don't like performing on stage," Cassie stated. "Had a really bad experience while doing a high school production of Hamlet."

"Remember, I got your back," Millie said, offering her hand for a shake in solidarity

Cassie thinks and smiles, taking the hand. She then looks back at Surfer Dude. "Restart the track." He nods and restarts the track.

"Hit it!" Millie exclaimed which surprised everyone.

Cassie goes to center stage and the song starts only this time, the two start to sing:

Cassie and Millie

Stand on the bar, stomp your feet, start clapping

Got a real good feeling something bad about to happen

The gang's mouths hang open in shock as the two perform, the rest of the crowd gets into the performance.

Millie:

Pulled up to the church but I got so nervous

Had to back it on up, couldn't make it to the service

Grabbed all the cash underneath my mattress

Got a real good feelin' something bad about to happen

Cassie:

Ran into a girl in a pretty white dress

Rolled down a window, where you heading to next?

Said I'm heading to the bar with my money out the mattress

Got a real good feeling something bad about to happen…

The gang is slightly caught off guard by hearing Cassie and Millie sing. They weren't the best but the two are still pretty good.

"Did you know your aunt could sing?" Claud asked Freddie.

Freddie shakes his head smiling, looking quite surprised. "No idea."

"Millie isn't too bad either." Jake points out.

"Right?!" Gabe exclaimed, which made Lucy laugh.

Cassie and Millie:

Stand on the bar, stomp your feet, start clapping

Got a real good feeling something bad about to happen

Drinks keep coming, throw my head back laughing

Wake up in the morning don't know what happened

Whoa… Something bad

Whoa… Something bad

The gang watches as Cassie pulls a cowboy hat from someone from the crowd and puts it on. Cassie walks back over to Millie as the two ladies do a bit of a jig.

Jake looks at Alec who does his best to not stare at Jake but fails miserably. Jake smiles at Alec and Alec smiles back at him.

Cassie:

Now me and that girl that I met on the street

We're rollin' down the road, down to New Orleans

Got a full tank of gas and the money out of the mattress

Got a real good feelin' something bad about to happen

Millie walks over to Cassie and grabs her hand and Cassie goes with it. The two start to stomp their feet to the beat.

Gibby seems a bit disappointed. "She's better than me."

"Cheer up, Gibbs," Lucy said as she patted him on the back. "You're more comfortable on stage than they are."

Gibby smiles as that statement makes him feel better.

At the spot where Ricky and Jane sat, Ricky has his arm around Jane's shoulder which annoys her.

"Um, Ricky, could you get me a drink?" Jane asked politely, trying to get him to leave.

"Sure thing, Gorgeous," Ricky said as he kissed Jane on the lips which Jane tried to sell while choking back her vomit. "Be right back."

Millie:

'Bout to tear it up down in New Orleans

Just like a real-life Thelma and Louise

If the cops catch up, they're gonna call it kidnapping

Got a real good feelin' something bad about to happen

Cassie and Millie:

Stand on the bar, stomp your feet, start clapping

Got a real good feeling something bad about to happen

Drinks keep coming, throw my head back laughing

Wake up in the morning don't know what happened

Whoa… Something bad

Whoa… Something bad

The gang starts to get the crowd to clap to the beat as the two start to sow their oats. Cassie tosses the hat back to the man she took it from.

Cassie and Millie:

Stand on the bar, stomp your feet, start clapping

Got a real good feeling something bad about to happen

Now the drinks keep coming, throw my head back laughing

Wake up in the morning don't know what happened

Whoa… Something bad

Whoa… Something bad

The music fades out and Cassie and Millie look around to find the crowd giving them a rousing applause. Cassie blushes and takes Millie's hand as the two take a bow on stage.

"Thank you!" Cassie said to the crowd. "That was a once-in-a-blue-moon performance."

"No encores, goodnight!" Millie shouts out. The two get off stage give the mics back to Surfer Dude and walk back to the table.

Cassie and Millie sit down and are met by the gaping mouths and shocked expressions of the gang sitting at the table. "What?" The two said in unison.

"Where on Earth did that come from?" Freddie finally got out.

"I guess I got caught up in the moment," Millie said with a shrug and Cassie smiled.

Cassie glances at Alec who is a bit embarrassed. "And you're off the hook, Al." She says with a smile.

"Thanks… I think." Alec said sheepishly.

"It wasn't a bad idea, Alec. It was worth it for how fun that was." Jake said which made Alec smile.

Millie looks at Claud and the two share knowing glances at the two men.

Jane waits for Ricky to come back but instead finds Ricky's ex Heather standing in front of her. "Oh, Heather."

"I saw you with Ricky," Heather said bitterly. "Care to tell me how it feels to help yourself to my leftovers?"

Jane scoffs. "Jealousy is a nasty thing, isn't it? That and taking drugs to escape your oh-so-sad little life. Think the phrase 'poor little rich girl' would apply here but, wait, you don't have any money."

The gang looks over and sees what is going on with the two bickering girls.

"What's going on?" Lucy asked.

Freddie saw the two of them exchanging verbally vicious blows. "I don't know but it does not look good." He gets up and walks over to the two.

"You get off on treating people like trash?" Heather asked.

"Says the stereotypical mean girl," Jane said. "You're just mad that you couldn't hold on to Ricky."

"Says the girl who dumped a perfectly nice guy like-" Heather turns to see Freddie standing next to them. "Speaking of, you dumped him so you can go chasing one of my exes. Or is it the fact that you didn't want him to find out you're a violent psycho?"

"I am not a psycho, you bottle blond bitch!" Jane spat.

"Guys, calm down," Freddie said. "Let's not say something we'll regret later like-"

"Crazy freak!" Heather exclaimed.

"Vapid whore!" Jane shouted back

"Like that," Freddie said as he tried to separate them.

Cassie, Leo, Alec, Jake, and Galen made their way over while Gabe and Gibby stayed with the girls.

"As crazy as this is going to sound because you probably don't even remember but we used to be friends," Heather stated. "We were good friends. Is it what happened to your mom-"

Jane's eyes widen and before Heather can finish, she punches Heather square in the nose.

Heather reacts horrified while the crowd is stunned by this. "You hit me. What are you, crazy?"

Suddenly, Jane pounces on top of Heather and proceeds to punch her but Heather blocks her face.

Freddie and Leo try to pull Jane off only to have her elbow both of them in the groin. The two of them fall to their knees in pain. "Okay. That hurt."

Heather held Jane's wrists to get her to stop but she was losing her grip. Galen growls and attempts to jump in to help but Alec stops him.

"Not a good idea," Alec stated. "Unless you want this to turn into The Wolfman."

Cassie makes her attempt to get Jane off but is met with Jane shoving her to the floor. Cassie is in shock someone had the guts to do that and a wave of anger boils in her.

Galen and Alec exchange looks of mutual understanding. "Oh, that was unbelievably stupid," Alec stated.

"I would say so," Galen replied.

Cassie runs to the back of the restaurant and then comes back after a few seconds with a cold washcloth in her hands.

Heather then attempts to fight back and tries to hit her only to have Jane punch her again in the nose. She then pulls a knife from the holster on her boot and puts it inches from Heather's face.

"Shame you can't afford a nose job because you're gonna need it once I'm done with you!" Jane said.

Cassie uses the soaking wet white washcloth and places the cloth in her right hand. She uses her covered-up right hand to grab the back of Jane's neck. Jane yelps in pain as Cassie manages to pull her off Heather and Galen grabs Heather before Jane can make a second attempt to attack her.

Cassie tosses Jane away, making her drop her knife, as Freddie and Leo manage to get to their feet. Jane tries to go after Heather only for Cassie to stand in her way.

"You want her, you're gonna have to go through me. And frankly, I want you to." Cassie said. She places her booted left foot over the knife so Jane can't get it.

"How tough can you be honestly?" Jane scoffs.

"Can I draw you a diagram?" Gabe spoke up.

Jane glares at him and then focuses on Cassie. "Oh right, you're supposed to be this über badass female. That you beat up anyone who crosses you."

"Only one way to find out," Cassie said as she motioned for her to attack her.

"Either you end up fighting her or leave because someone will call the cops," Jake warned her.

Jane glares at Cassie and smirks. "Whatever. You're not worth it."

"Sadly, neither are you," Cassie stated bluntly.

Jane's face falls as she stands there shocked as Ricky grabs her arm. "Let's bail before they call the cops on you." He told her.

Jane grins mischievously. "Would hate it if that happened. Let's go." The two of them walk through the crowd who parted to not make her angry. The crowd calms down and goes back to their activities.

Galen checks on Heather who grabs her nose in pain. "You okay?"

"I think that second punch broke my nose," Heather said muffled due to her hands covering her mouth and nose. "She pulled a knife on me."

Galen sees her distress and then looks over at Cassie who walks over to them.

"I'll take care of that," Cassie said and she looked over at Millie. "Millie, help me."

Millie sighs and follows Cassie who takes Heather into the bathroom.

Gibby walks over to Freddie and helps him up. "Still getting beat up by girls, huh?"

Freddie just smirks. "I'm kinda used to it by now." He looks at the door. "I'm going to talk to Jane. Try to get an explanation for what just happened."

"I know what happened, Heather was being her usual vindictive self," Lucy replied.

"It's a touch more complicated than that, Luce," Galen replied.

Leo stands in front of Freddie who is about to leave. "I'll go."

"You sure?" Freddie asked. "You don't exactly know Jane."

"That and she's walking around with Moose over there," Gabe replied.

"And you wonder why he doesn't like you." Claud jokes.

Jake and Alec share glances which Cassie notices and realizes something. However, she says nothing.

"I can handle that blockhead but I'm more worried about his pretty and slightly more psychotic company," Leo said.

"She's not a psycho," Freddie said, defending Jane.

"Tell that to yours and my aching groins." Leo replied, "If I don't come back, tell Millie I'll call her later."

The group looked around as Freddie sat in a chair.

"Still sore?" Gabe asked.

"I think the phrase 'duh' comes to mind," Freddie said pained as Gabe patted him on the back.

"Could've been worse," Gibby stated.

"I think getting hit in the junk is the pain worse than most," Freddie replied.

"I don't know, getting flayed alive is up a lot higher on the pain scale than a nut shot," Alec replied.

Freddie just smirks. "Point taken."

Jake looks at Alec. "Flayed alive?"

"It was the first thing that popped into my head," Alec replied which made Jake laugh.

•••

Inside the ladies' room, Cassie was trying to take a look at Heather's injury but it was made difficult by Heather not moving her hands. Millie stood by the door to make sure no one came in while Cassie did her healing thing.

"Heather, would you let me see," Cassie said, sounding annoyed.

"Nope. These hands are my binky right now." Heather said in defense. "It hurts less when I have my hands here."

"You and I both know that isn't proper first aid, Heather," Millie replied. "Besides, Cassie has a surprising bedside manner."

Heather looks at Cassie who looks at her with a calm but assertive demeanor then lets out a deep sigh. "Fine." She moves her hands away to reveal a severely bruised and swollen nose. It wasn't broken but had Jane hit her again, it would be.

"Oh!" Millie recoils in horror at the sight of it but quickly disguises her shock with her usual cheerful nature. "I mean, oh it doesn't look that bad."

Cassie stares at Millie with judgmental frustration. "Nicely done, Millicent. Can't wait to see how you are with burn victims."

Millie stuck out her tongue, annoyed by the comment.

"How bad is it?" Heather asked worriedly.

"Don't worry. I'll take care of this." Cassie assured her. "I'm going to use a holistic approach to this. I learned it while I was in China."

"Holistic medicine?" Heather asked. "I don't know-"

"Trust me, I won't hurt you. I promise." Cassie replied. "Close your eyes and don't open them until I say so. Okay?"

"Okay," Heather said with a sigh and closed her eyes.

Cassie rubs her hands together and pretends to do a ritual of sorts in case Heather opens her eyes which she does and sneaks a peek. "Nuh-uh! This won't work unless you have your eyes shut. Shut them tight."

Heather groans. "Fine." She does as she's told and closes her eyes again.

Cassie's hands then start to glow and she places them over Heather's injured nose while Millie watches.

"It kinda tingles." Heather comments. "It's warm, too."

"I think it also helps if you're quiet." Millie retorts as Cassie continues working her healing magic on Heather's injury.

Cassie finishes healing her and moves her hands away. She catches her breath to regain her strength while Millie looks concerned. Cassie raises her hand and makes an 'OK' signal with her right hand then lets out a deep breath.

"All right, Ms. Chase, I'm finished," Cassie informs her.

Heather opened her eyes as Millie got a look at Cassie's work. Heather's nose wasn't as bruised as it was before. It wasn't fully healed but that may have been intentional on Cassie's part.

"How does it look?" Heather asked.

"The good news is you won't be able to use this as an excuse to get a nose job." Millie jokes.

Heather touched her nose and noticed it didn't hurt as much as it did moments ago but it was still sore. "It still kinda hurts but... Wow."

"It's not a perfect treatment but it gets some results," Cassie stated. "No charge, by the way."

Heather smiles, "Guess I deserved to get my nose almost broken by that looney."

"And you wonder why people want to hit you." Millie retorts which causes Heather to roll her eyes.

Cassie looks at Millie, "Millie, could you give us a minute? I'd like to talk to Heather alone for a bit."

Millie shrugs. "I guess. I'm gonna be outside if you need me." She then walks out of the bathroom and the two remain alone.

"Heather, I'm not going to say that you weren't asking for some snide backhanded comments from people you hurt," Cassie stated. "But don't you ever say you deserve to get hit? Jane was out of line for what she did and you know it. Especially for pulling that knife out."

"That's true but I deserve at least a fraction of the misery I'm getting," Heather replied sadly.

Cassie sighs. "Okay, what makes you think being nice is equal to being someone else's victim? People think you're mean because you speak your mind. You say the first thing that pops into your head, right?"

"I guess," Heather said.

"I used to be a bit like you when I was younger," Cassie told her. "Brash, opinionated, I took no crap from anyone. I also got into a lot of fights while I was in school and I spent some time in juvie but that doesn't mean I completely conformed to what people wanted me to be."

"What did you do?" Heather asked.

"I found a balance," Cassie told the girl. "There's nothing wrong with being assertive but there is a difference between being just an ultra vindictive bitch from hell and being a human doormat. You have to find that balance."

Heather smiles at her. "I'm trying to do the right thing."

"I get that, just don't use it as an excuse to let people walk all over you," Cassie stated. "Be you. That's all you can do."

"Thanks." Heather retorts.

Cassie nods and goes to leave then stops and turns to face her. "Speaking as a crazy freak myself, if you hurt anyone I care about, you will answer to me. Do we understand each other?"

Heather nods. "Perfectly clear."

"Good," Cassie stated. "I'll give you a minute to get readjusted."

"Okay. Thanks." Heather replied. "Thank you for not writing me off."

"Don't thank me. Galen is the one reason I didn't completely write you off." Cassie told her. "He sees something in you. That doesn't happen with a lot of people."

Heather beams as Cassie leaves the room.

•••

Ricky led Jane to his car which was in an empty parking lot. Jane looks around as he goes to open the passenger side door. "So, where do you want to go next?" Ricky asked Jane.

"How about we go to the zoo?" Jane said as she looked around and saw something that made her smile.

Ricky seems puzzled by this request. "The zoo? It's like seven thirty at night."

Suddenly, Ricky is struck on the back of the head and he falls to the ground unconscious. Standing over his incapacitated form was Mallory who had clubbed Ricky in the back of the head with his fists.

"I've been waiting all night for someone to do that," Jane said with malice and anger in her eyes.

Jane pulls out plastic zip ties and she and Mallory tie Ricky's ankles and wrists together. Jane places a cloth sack over his head and Mallory shoves him into the trunk of his car and she slams the trunk shut. She grabs his car keys and steps into the driver's seat while Mallory sits on the passenger side. She starts to drive away from the scene.

Unbeknownst to Jane, Leo steps out from behind a concrete structure. He had seen the entire scene go down. The next step was to get Pulse to help him rescue Ricky from his deranged date.

•••

Freddie, Cassie, Gabe, and Millie had returned to the Pulse Cave where they found Pete sitting at the hub computer.

"How was karaoke?" Pete asked not taking his eyes off the screen.

"Cassie and I sang on stage," Millie said.

"Really?" Pete replied as he looked at Cassie.

"Yes, and if any of you value your internal organs, you will never mention or refer to it ever again." Cassie retorts.

"So posting a video I took of your performance would be a bad idea?" Gabe asked while holding up his PearPhone.

"Need I remind you of the potential of the loss of internal organs?" Cassie asked.

"I'm good," Gabe said, putting away his phone.

"Also, Freddie's ex started a brawl with Heather to the point where she pulled out a knife to slice up her face," Millie stated. "Which led to Freddie and Leo getting nailed in their manhood and Cassie grabbing Jane by the neck using a washcloth."

"How did you do that with a washcloth anyway?" Freddie asked.

"You could've easily grabbed her by the hair or something," Millie said.

"Which is an easy way to get an assault charge," Cassie said. "As fun as cat fight is to watch, the real-world consequences for an adult beating down a teenage girl are being hauled off to jail."

"Okay, then how were you able to stop a rabid teenage girl with just a simple washcloth?" Gabe asked.

"Because it wasn't a simple washcloth," Cassie said. "I ran the washcloth under ice-cold water. It's a technique bouncers have been known to use to break up catfights in nightclubs. Sorta works like a cold taser."

"That's actually kind of clever," Pete replied.

"I didn't come up with it. I worked in a bar in Kyoto." Cassie said bashfully. "It's a technique we all learned to deal with drunk businessmen who started bar fights."

"So, did you have any luck finding some way to connect Johnny Grisham to Bast?" Freddie asked, changing the subject.

"Well, no but I thought that I should try to connect Grisham with Oscar Aaronson," Pete said.

"Did it work?" Millie asked.

"Oh yeah," Pete said. "I didn't want to completely sift through it without our resident computer whiz finding and possible leads."

"Smart man," Gabe said as he took his place in the chair. He starts maniacally tapping on the keys. "Grisham and Aaronson have been arrested together in the late 1980s."

"Might have been a student-mentor kind of thing." Freddie surmised.

"Twisted but not uncommon," Cassie stated. "Kids tend to latch on to an adult in their lives and either try to emulate them or learn from their mistakes."

"Makes me glad I was around Spencer growing up," Freddie stated. "Guy is a goofy man child but he's a good person."

"Here's what caught my attention," Pete said, pointing at the screen.

Gabe looks at what he is pointing at. "Two of them were brought in for questioning in the shooting of Senator Julianna Fitzgerald."

"I remember that," Cassie said. "It was all over the news. A US senator for New York was found dead on the side of a highway road. She was traveling home for her daughter's birthday. Her car was run off the road then two gunmen shot her six times."

"Two of the shots were in the head," Gabe said, reading off the screen.

"It also says that there was no substantial evidence to charge them with murder," Freddie replied.

"Maybe Bast is connected to the senator somehow," Millie stated.

"Who's the current state senator?" Pete asked.

"Clayton McMahon, a conservative Republican who went to private school with my dad," Gabe told them.

"Guy's a total scumbag. He's been identified on the news as one of the main faces in the war on women." Cassie stated. "He's even considering running for president."

"I'm certainly not voting for this guy." Freddie scoffed.

"How did he even get elected?" Millie asked.

Gabe reads off the monitor. "He took office... after the death of Senator Fitzgerald."

"Wow, that is way too convenient," Cassie stated.

Unexpectedly, the Pulse phone vibrates and Gabe looks to see who is calling. "It's him." He presses a button and tosses Freddie the phone.

Freddie figures out who it is as he puts the phone to his ear. "What do you need?"

"Meet me at 29th and Lincoln. I got a lead on Aaronson's killer." Leo told him in his disguised voice.

"I'll see you there," Freddie said and hung up.

"You're going to meet with him?" Millie asked. "Without knowing what he wants?"

"I owe him. I led him to a building that practically exploded." Freddie stated. "He deserves a little blind faith."

"Just promise that you'll be careful," Cassie said.

Freddie nods, "I'll try to stay as safe as I can, considering my occupation."

Cassie just shakes her head. She knew he was going to get into some serious trouble.

•••

Alec pulls up his car to Leo's building with Jake in the passenger seat. He looks over at Jake who did his best to stay warm. "You okay?"

"I'm fine. I just really don't like the cold." Jake told him.

Alec grins at how cute Jake is behaving. "I'll walk you to your apartment."

"You don't have to." Jake insisted. "Charlie is probably asleep and I don't wanna disturb her."

"And if I do wake her up, I will personally apologize to her," Alec replied. "She and I are good friends."

"Oh, I know. She talks about you all the time." Jake told him.

"So you knew who I was that day at the hospital?" Alec asked.

Jake shakes his head. "She never gave me details until the night after we met. We put two and two together."

Alec nods as he tussles the hair on the side of his head. "Let's get you inside."

Jake sighed, he was not going to fight this. "Alright."

The two got out of the car and Jake felt the chill of the cold air. Alec sees this and proceeds to take off his red scarf from around his neck. He walks over to Jake and starts to put the scarf on him, surprising Jake.

"What are you-"

"This should help keep you a little warm," Alec said, finishing up adjusting the scarf. He then heads inside and Jake, still a bit surprised at what Alec did, follows Alec inside.

The two walk down a hallway toward the door to Jake's apartment. Jake touches the scarf as he moves closer to his door. He goes to open the door and looks at Alec. "Do you want to come in? You don't have to."

Alec stammers and smiles. "I-I wouldn't mind. Would you mind?"

Jake also begins stammering and finishes unlocking the door. "No… Not all."

Jake and Alec step inside as Jake shuts the door. Alec gets a good look at the apartment: a few dirty dishes in the sink, a few articles of clothing on the couch, a table in the kitchen area, and a hot plate on the counter. It looked lived in.

"It isn't as sloppy as Charlie said," Alec said as Jake went into his bedroom.

"Try telling Charlie that," Jake called out as the door opened and closed.

"I heard that!"

Alec turns around and sees Charlie coming out of a room on the opposite side of the hall from Jake's room. She was wearing some cute pajamas and her hair was in a ponytail. "Charlie, hey"

"Hey, Alec." She said softly. "What are you doing here?"

"I was just dropping your roommate back home. Making sure he made it home." Alec said with a smile,

Charlie grins at him. "Well, aren't you sweet?"

"He is."

Alec sees Jake return to the living room and stands next to Charlie. Alec looks at Jake and smiles. "I don't mind. I'm just glad I did."

Jake looks at Alec and Charlie and exhales. "I'll let you two crazy kids chat. I gotta get some sleep-"

"Wait!" Alec called which made Jake stop. He pulls out a pen and takes Jake's arm then writes his cell phone on his arm. 'Call me anytime you want. If you want to."

Jake looks at his arm and smiles. "Sure. I guess I'll call ya later. Goodnight." After that, he heads into his room.

Alec and Charlie stare at each other and she giggles at the situation. "Wow, that was adorable."

"He's a nice guy. Might want to get to know him better." Alec told her. "So, do you have plans tomorrow?"

"Well, I am off tomorrow…"

"Then how would you like to go to a fancy party?" Alec asked. "My boss' wife is throwing a charity event and he needs me to go there too."

"And you need a date? You could just ask Cassie to"

"I don't want to go with her, Charlie. I want to go with you." Alec told her. "Please, come with me. I want to have fun with a friend. Please?"

Charlie thinks and smiles. "I do have to go shopping but sure. I'll go with you."

"Thank you," Alec said as he hugged her. "I will pick you up at 7?"

"I'll be there with bells on," Charlie said with a smile. Alec pulls away from the hug and looks at her. "I mean that figuratively."

Alec nods and starts to leave. "I gotta go. See you tomorrow?

"I'll see ya then. Goodnight."

Alec shuts the door and Charlie exhales. She seems lost. Not knowing what to do.

•••

Meanwhile, Galen was walking Heather back to her apartment. Heather's nose had a small bruise which she tried to hide. Galen looks at her, feeling badly for her.

"Are you feeling okay?" Galen asked.

"It hurts but I think I could hide it with makeup," Heather said. "Can't believe Jane would do that."

"You said you two were friends. Why'd you stop being friends?" Galen asked.

"Considering my assertive nature, you think it would be my fault." Heather quips then she becomes serious. "We used to be close when we were really little kids until... Her mom was shot and killed. After that happened, her dad pulled Jane out of school and I didn't see her until I saw her on the CityTech campus."

Galen takes this in, something told him that might be important to remember for later. He then looks at her with a guilty look. "I should've gotten involved in trying to get Jane off you. I wanted-"

"Were you going to beat her up once you got her off me?" Heather asked. "I don't want to sound rude but it's not your job to protect me. Also, I've dated a bunch of macho peabrains. I don't mind being around someone who can keep his primal animalistic urges in check."

Galen smiles. "Good."

Suddenly, the door to Heather's apartment opens, and a middle-aged woman with blond hair. She carried herself differently than most people would think, she is a strong-willed woman who takes no crap from anyone.

Heather looked at the woman and seemed annoyed. "Mom, what are you doing?"

"You're late." Heather's mom told her. She then sees the bruise on his nose. "Oh god, what happened?"

"I'm fine. Some crazy girl attacked me while at Karaoke Night." Heather replied as her mother checked her nose.

"Do I take a talk with this girl?" Her mother asked.

"I don't think it matters. Jane wouldn't listen anyway." Heather said.

"Jane? Jane Louis?" Heather's mom asked. "That girl has some serious problems. Ever since what happened to her mother." She looks at Galen and seems surprised. "Who might you be?"

"I'm Galen Lennox. I run the community center where Heather is doing her community service." Galen said as he went for a handshake which her mother took.

"Ella Chase." Heather's mom said as she accepted the handshake. "This is the second time you've escorted my daughter home. Tell me, do you get this invested in all the kids you help."

"Mother!" Heather exclaimed mortified.

"It's all right, Mrs. Chase," Galen said. "I can assure you that I am only interested in helping Heather. I care about her too much to do something that would cause her any harm."

"Okay, Mr. Lennox," Ella replied. "I do appreciate you bringing her home. You and her new friends seem to have a profound effect on her. Especially with what happened with her... drug overdose."

"We can't take credit for that, Mrs. Chase," Galen stated. "She's always had a strength inside her. She fell, and she picked herself up. She just needs people to believe in her."

Heather's eyes well up a bit at his compassionate response. She's not used to someone being open with their feelings. Or with anyone saying kind words about her.

Ella nods, "Thank you, Mr. Lennox. I'll keep that in mind. Come inside, sweetheart. It's getting late."

Heather exhales and walks into the door. She looks back and smiles at Galen. "Good night, Galen."

"Good night," Galen said calmly.

Heather beams as Ella closes the door in Galen's face.

•••

The Fox stood on the rooftop of a building overlooking a brownstone. It looked like a nice neighborhood that was unaware of the presence of the vigilante archer.

Without turning around, he acknowledged the presence of an unseen figure.

"You're right on time," Leo said. He turns his head to find Pulse standing on the roof. "Need to work on your stealth. Heard you coming from halfway through the next building."

"Thanks for the critique," Freddie stated flatly. "What's going on?"

"I witnessed the kidnapping of a college student an hour ago," Leo told him.

"You didn't stop this guy?" Freddie asked incredulously. "He could've taken this girl somewhere to do God knows what."

"Actually... She bound him and put the boy in the trunk of his car." Leo told him. "She had this tall Irish bloke with a mohawk doing her dirty work. He knocked the guy out cold. She and her hired goon took this guy somewhere. Not sure where."

"Why didn't you follow him?" Freddie asked.

"Save your judgments until I finish rallying the information," Leo said, sounding annoyed. "The kidnapping is a means to an end. He was taken for a reason."

"What reason is that?" Freddie asked.

"To set a trap," Leo stated.

Freddie looks at him. "The guy's bait. For you who?"

"We're going to find out," Leo said as he pulled an arrow from his quiver and shot it at the window of the brownstone. The arrow that hit the window had an electronic listening device on it. He flicks a switch on his bow that activates the device.

"Do you know who got kidnapped?" Freddie asked.

Leo shushes him as they hear what is going on inside the home.

"Richard, Ricky hasn't come home yet." A woman informed him.

"Ricky?" Freddie said in a hushed tone.

"Don't worry, Adele." Rich Maturo told his wife. "Ricky said he was going on a date with a girl from school. I'm sure he'll be home soon."

Suddenly, a phone rings, and after a moment, Rich speaks. "See, it's Ricky. Just calling to check in."

"That's a relief," Adele said. "I'll head to bed. Tell him not to be home too late. Good night."

"Good night," Rich said. Footsteps leave the room. "Ricky, you had your mother worried sick-" Suddenly the mood changes considerably. "Who is this? Where's my son? No, you're- Please... Please don't hurt him."

Freddie and Leo heard the desperation and fear in the man's voice.

"What do you want? Money? I'll give you whatever you want. Just don't hurt him." Rich stated. After another long pause. "I'll be there as soon as possible."

Everything goes silent.

"Ricky Maturo was kidnapped?" Freddie asked.

"You know him?" Leo asked.

"Not personally but I do know of him," Freddie stated.

Pulse and the Fox look over to see Rich exit the house as quietly as he can and walk over to a silver Lexus. He gets inside the car and starts the engine.

The Fox pulls out a small device and throws it on the bumper of the car. He pulls out a handheld device that starts beeping.

"Tracking device?" Freddie asked.

"Need to know where he's going," Leo stated. "We can't keep up with him on foot. At least we'll know where to go if we lose him."

"Brilliant idea," Freddie stated.

"Well, I wasn't born yesterday, Pikachu." Leo joked.

Rich Maturo takes off in his car and the two crime fighters make chase.

•••

Rich Maturo ends up at the Central Park Zoo and he runs towards the reptile house. He walks inside the building and finds Mallory wearing all black and with a ski mask over his face standing next to Jane in her Bast costume.

Mallory had Ricky propped up due to the younger man still being unconscious. He had his mouth duct taped shut in case he woke up and started to yell for help.

"You're late," Jane said, her voice disguised. "I might've lost my patience and ripped his throat open and fed him to the anaconda."

"What do you want?" Rich asked.

"I know you were involved with the death of Julianna Fitzgerald," Jane stated. "I want answers otherwise I'm going to add your sweet son to my list of collateral damage."

"Look, I was just the getaway driver. Grisham and Aaronson knew more than I did." Rich replied.

In the shadows, Pulse and the Fox hid as they observed what was going on, picking the right moment to act.

"Do you take me for an idiot?" Jane snapped. "Aaronson told you who hired him and Grisham. Well, I was dissecting him so he told me through the screams." She seductively walks over to the unconscious boy and pops her claws.

"Don't! Please!" Rich pleaded.

"Tell me who hired them or you're going to watch him bleed out all over this place." Jane threatens as she places her claws on Ricky's exposed neck.

"I don't know! I swear to God that I don't know!" Rich shouted.

Before Bast went to slash Ricky's throat, a small stream of electricity hit Bast in the back. She is knocked away from Ricky and she looks over to see who did this along with Mallory.

It was Pulse standing in the room.

"I wished this wasn't true but looks like I finally got my proof," Freddie stated.

"This isn't your business, Sparky," Jane told him.

"You're hurting innocent people so I'm making it my business," Freddie told her.

Bast laughs off the assertiveness. "Uh oh, I'm in wicked trouble now."

"You have no idea," Freddie replied. "You need to stop what you're doing."

Bast shakes her head. "Ooh, sorry. Can't do that. I'm not finished yet." She tries to get up from the floor.

"Neither am I," Freddie stated. He shoots a small ball of electricity that knocks her down before she can get to her feet. "Stay down."

Bast scoffs. "That wasn't very nice."

"I'm not trying to be nice," Freddie stated frankly.

"So… you're stooping to my level?" Jane asked.

"No, but I will do what I can to stop you from hurting these people," Freddie told her.

Bast gets to her feet and looks over at Mallory. "Snap the idiot's neck!"

"No!" Rich shouted.

Mallory goes to snap Ricky's neck only to get shot in the arm with an arrow. He looks over and sees the Fox standing next to a surprised Rich.

"Not so fast, Four Leaf Clover," Leo said as he pointed his bow with another arrow prepared to fire at him. "Drop the boy or the next time I hit something vital."

With this attack, the fight began with Pulse taking on Bast while the Fox fought off Mallory.

Mallory drops Ricky on the floor and charges at the Fox who ducks an incoming clothesline while simultaneously hitting him in the stomach with his bow.

Mallory looks back at the Fox and glares at him. "You probably aren't so tough without that toy in your hands, now are ya?"

The Fox answers that by strapping his bow on his back and motioning for Mallory to come at him. "Why don't we find out."

Mallory charges at the Fox but the Fox counters with a knee to the stomach and an uppercut that sends Mallory reeling.

"Guess that answers that question. Isn't it, Irish Spring?" Leo quipped.

"Thought you hero types were above using stereotypes?" Mallory asked.

"Would've gone with a Lucky Charms reference but it seems beneath me," Leo replied. "But I wonder if the beating you're trying to inflict is magically delicious?"

Mallory counters that with a running bicycle kick to the face while he jokes, causing the Fox to fall flat on his back. "How 'magical' was that?"

"Enough for me to realize I need to lay off the jokes when I'm fighting the Jolly Green Shamrock." Leo joked as he used his legs to get himself to his feet and hit him with a spinning heel kick that caught Mallory in the jaw.

Bast swipes at Pulse who effortlessly dodges each attempt Rich looks on and tends to his prone son. Pulse grabs both her wrists to stop her assault. "Stand still and hit back!"

"I don't want to hurt you," Freddie told her.

Bast counters that with a headbutt to get him to loosen his grip then follows that with a right roundhouse kick to the face that sends him falling backwards. "Not a problem."

Bast simply strides toward the Maturos and goes to attack only for Pulse to stand in front of her.

"I said 'I didn't want to'," Freddie said as he unleashed a small blast of electricity that sent her flying and crashing into a glass display window. "Didn't say I wouldn't."

Rich hauls his son off the ground and tries to leave with his son. Bast sees this and does not like it one bit.

"NO!" Jane shouted with venom in her voice.

Bast gets to her feet and makes her way after them only for Pulse to grab her by the shoulders and tosses her back where his electric strike had sent her.

"Get out of here! Go!" Freddie commanded. Rich nods and takes his son out of the reptile house.

Bast engaged Pulse and the two continued to fight Bast threw a punch at Pulse but he blocked it, and spun Bast, nearly breaking her arm. Bast throws Pulse back, slamming him onto a stone wall. Pulse makes a flying tackle, grabbing Bast, and the two of them hit the ground.

"Get off me!" Jane screamed and she sidekicked him hard in the stomach to get him off her. She slowly gets to her feet. "Why can't you just stay out of my way? These people are no better than the clowns you put in the hospital!"

"At least I don't put them in the morgue," Freddie stated.

"So what, you're on some sort of moral high ground? You're no better than the rest of us!" Jane spat.

"You're wrong about one thing. I may not be a saint but I've never had to cross the line you have taken seven league steps from." Freddie said sternly then his voice became calm. "But you can come back from this."

"No, it's too late for me," Jane told him.

"No, it isn't. I promise." Freddie said calmly.

Before Bast could react, the Fox managed to get Mallory to where she had landed.

Sirens can be heard in the distance which makes the three masked figures worried.

"Time for us to be headed off, lass," Mallory told her.

Bast nods and throws a smoke bomb which fills the room. The two crime fighters gasp and cough until everything clears and they see Bast and her henchman are gone.

"We need to go!" Leo told a still confused Pulse.

"Think she believed me?" Freddie asked him as the two ran out.

"I did," Leo said. "We have to catch up with Maturo. We aren't done with him."

Rich gets his son away from the reptile house and looks to see if they are being followed. He sees no one and lies Ricky on the grass.

"Ricky?" Rich pleads with his unresponsive son. "I am so sorry."

Rich senses a presence and quickly turns around to find Pulse standing behind him.

"My friend would like to have a conversation with you," Freddie stated as the Fox appeared on the other side of Rich and grabbed him by the shirt collar then forced him against a tree.

"Why did Bast try to kill you and your son?" Leo demanded.

"I don't know," Rich said, playing dumb.

"Please don't lie to me because my patience is already pretty thin," Leo said forcefully.

Pulse walks up to Rich while the Fox holds him against the tree. "Do you want your son to die? Because if you don't tell us, we can't help you save him from Bast if she decides to come after you again."

"And judging by her bloodlust, she will be back," Leo replied.

Rich sees no alternative and comes clean, "I helped Johnny Grisham and Oscar Aaronson kill Senator Fitzgerald. Aaronson got me the job as the driver and he and his partner did the rest. I didn't want to do it but it was forty-five thousand and I needed money to take care of my family."

"And you took care of them with blood money," Leo stated in disgust.

"I had no choice. There was this big shot paying the three of us." Rich said. "If we talked, we would be dead."

"Well, now two out of three aren't going to be talking so what stopped you from telling the cops?" Leo asked.

"He works for a bigger guy, I don't know who he is. He has cops in his pocket in practically every precinct. There's no telling what would happen to me or my family if I talked." Rich said.

"If you tell us who hired Grisham and Aaronson, we'll do our best to get this guy to stay away from your family," Freddie assured him. "Go to the police and talk to Detective Victor Flores. That guy isn't in the pocket of anyone, I can assure you of that."

Rich swallows hard then exhales. "His name is Waylon Lovett. He's the one who hired us."

"Thank you," Freddie said as he looked at the Fox. "You can let him go now."

"Fine," Leo stated as he let go of Rich.

"Ow." Ricky groaned as he rubbed his head.

"Ricky!" Rich was overjoyed that his son was alive and conscious. "Are you okay?"

"My head hurts," Ricky said as he sat up and looked at his surroundings. "Are we in Central Park? How did I-"

"Don't worry. You're going to be okay." Rich said. He looks around and sees the two masked men are gone.

An ambulance and a cop car pulled up and two EMTs made their way over and started checking on Ricky.

"You all right, sir?" The police officer asked Rich. "We got a call about a break-in at the zoo."

"We're okay," Rich said. "But I need to speak to Detective Flores."

"In regards to this incident?" The officer asked.

Rich shakes his head, "No. It's actually about an unsolved murder."

•••

Inside of a lavish office of a heavyset man in a well-tailored suit. The man sits at his desk smoking a cigar and talking on the phone.

"Don't worry." The man said, speaking in a Southern accent. "I have most of the paperwork that could connect us to Aaronson and Grisham with me and it's on the way to a paper shredder as we speak. You just sit tight and this will all blow over. Have a pleasant evening."

As he hangs up the phone, he pulls out a flash drive from his desk and grins from ear to ear. "Granted, having a bit of insurance doesn't hurt."

All of a sudden, the power goes out in the office. He goes to reach for something inside of a drawer in his desk, and a spark of electricity sends him back in a panic.

"I really wouldn't do that if I were you, Mr. Lovett. It's pointless."

Waylon Lovett looks up and finds Pulse and the Fox standing in his office.

"Hope those aren't Cuban," Leo said. "Those bad boys aren't just unhealthy but illegal too."

"I know you two. You're those masked freaks making trouble for lowlife criminals." Waylon stated.

"Freaks?" Freddie said, feigning sounding offended. "I am hurt. Are you hurt because I know I am?"

"Not so much really," Leo stated frankly. "Coming from a scumbag like him, it doesn't say much."

"That's true," Freddie said.

Waylon tries to activate his security system but it fails to turn on.

"I wouldn't bother with that. We managed to disarm your entire security system before we got to your office." Freddie told him. "Did you know that most security systems work electrically and digitally?"

"We do live in the Internet age, don't we?" Leo replied.

"W-what do you want?" Waylon asked, seeming very terrified.

"We just want you to answer some questions," Freddie said. "We want to know why you sent Johnny Grisham and Oscar Aaronson to kill Julianna Fitzgerald?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about. Senator Fitzgerald's death was a tragic accident." Waylon stated, feigning ignorance. "There's no possible way I could be responsible for"

"One of your stooges talked." Leo is not waiting for Waylon to finish spitting out his BS. "Not saying which one but seeing as all this started to unravel after Grisham's death, pretty safe to say it wasn't him."

"I think Aaronson talked after we saved him from that explosion?" Freddie asked, faking naivety. "I don't remember."

"It might be," Leo replied.

"If it was Maturo who told you, I will have to tell you that Richard is an ex-con whose credibility is rather shot," Waylon said in a smarmy arrogance.

"His credibility was only affected by the fact that you threatened his family," Freddie said angrily, dropping the innocent act. "That tends to make people clam up, doesn't it? Tell us who told you to hire them. Who is your boss?"

Waylon quickly goes to his drawer and pulls out a silver .38 Special from the drawer and goes to shoot Pulse but the Fox quickly pulls an arrow from his quiver and shoots it at Waylon, sticking him to his desk chair.

Waylon yells in pain as Pulse barely has a chance to react. The arrow hit the man in the right shoulder.

"Whoa! I thought we weren't going to hurt him?" Freddie asked as they walked over to the man stuck to the chair.

"He'll live," Leo said as he picked up the flash drive and put it in the pocket of his utility belt. "And he was going to shoot you. I made a judgment call."

"He's not going to talk if he's in pain," Freddie said anxiously.

",Oh, I know he will." Leo retorts.

"What makes you so sure?" Freddie asked.

"Because he has another shoulder," Leo said while twisting the arrow stuck inside Waylon.

Waylon screams in agony as the two masked figures stand over him. "All right! I'll tell you. It was Clayton McMahon, he paid me to have Fitzgerald killed. He needed her out of the way."

"Why?" Freddie asked.

"He was up against her in the senatorial elections," Waylon told them. "H-he knew he wouldn't win against her so he had me pay some expendable goons to do her in and make it look like a highway robbery."

"And he's been having you cover it up for years?" Leo asked.

"He said that he had to be elected so he can help the man that was financing his campaign," Waylon told him. "A man pulling his strings."

"Who is it?" Freddie asked. "Who is he?"

Before Waylon could finish his sentence, a shot rang out and hit Waylon right between the eyes.

The two masked men turn to find Vaughn Mallory holding a gun and Bast standing at the door next to the gunman.

"I knew if I followed you two, I'd get what I needed," Jane said, menacingly. "Thank you." She looks at Mallory as coldly as she can. "You can shoot them now."

Mallory points the gun at the Fox but before he can fire, Pulse hits him with a ball of lightning that knocks the gun out of his hand.

Without saying a word, Bast throws another smoke bomb on the ground that fills the room with smoke.

After a fit of coughing ends, once the smoke clears, Pulse looks at the Fox. "I guess we're even now."

The Fox shrugs and the two of them leave the office and walk out to the alley. "I'll have someone look at the flash drive and see what they can do with this information."

"I'll take it. I've got a tech guy and he could find out what's on it in no time." Freddie told him.

"With Bast knowing who orchestrated the senator's murder, we need to be faster than that. No offense to your tech whiz but mine is much better than yours." Leo stated.

"Hey!" Gabe is heard saying over the com link.

"Fine. Let me know what your techie finds out." Freddie told him. "My team and I will do more digging on Senator McMahon. See how we can keep him from getting away with this."

"Good luck with that," Leo said sincerely. "I'll get back to you as soon as I can with what I know."

With that, the two vigilantes parted ways. Pulse jumps onto a fire escape and climbs up onto a rooftop. He then takes off running from rooftop to rooftop.

"For the record, I could probably dance circles around his techie." Gabe is heard saying.

"You okay, Freddie?" Millie is heard asking.

"Shaken up but I don't have time to worry about myself," Freddie said. "We have to find out what Bast's real motive is before she goes after McMahon. Is Cassie still there?"

"No, she left a few minutes ago," Millie replied. "My dad called her to the zoo. He wants her there to examine the crime scene."

"Good. You guys start research on Senator McMahon until I get there." Freddie said. "We have to make sure this guy goes to jail before Bast gets his hands on him."

•••

Back at the Central Park Zoo, Cassie was walking through the reptile house wearing blue latex gloves while Nina and her CSU team collected evidence. She surveys the damage that the fight caused, noticing the glass display that had been shattered when Pulse sent Bast flying.

"I'm going to kill him," Cassie said under her breath.

"You find anything on your walk-through, Ms. Sinclair?" Nina asked.

"There was a struggle here but that's obvious," Cassie stated which made Nina smile. "There were... Four people were involved but there are six sets of footprints but I guess two of them are of the Maturos."

"Very astute, Ms. Sinclair," Nina replied.

"Thanks but you don't have to be so formal. Call me Cassie." Cassie told her.

"Okay, Cassie," Nina replied. She walks over to a set of footprints. "These are strange, never seen ones like these."

Cassie looks at the footprints and sees that the ground around them looks like they melted. She knew these were made by her nephew due to his electric nature.

"These are... bizarre," Cassie said.

"From what I can tell is that they were made by a male, eighteen, maybe nineteen years old. Average height and weight, maybe 5'6 or 5'7." Nina noted.

"Seems a little small to be an imposing threat," Cassie stated, as to nonchalantly draw attention away from Freddie.

"Well, they do say big things come in small packages," Nina replied.

"I guess so," Cassie replied. Cassie's attention becomes fixated on a CSU, he looks familiar to her for some reason.

Victor enters the crime scene and walks over to Nina and Cassie. "Maturo and his son are headed to the hospital. The kid has a concussion but he should be fine. I'm meeting his father at the hospital, says he has information on a cold case."

"Want me to tag along?" Cassie asked.

"If you wouldn't mind," Victor said.

"I haven't got other plans and I can function on zero sleep. But if I start seeing pink elephants, make me take a nap." Cassie stated which made Victor laugh.

Cassie's attention is taken back to the CSU member as she sees him place an item in his pocket instead of putting it in an evidence bag. She looks at the man closely and realizes who this man is and why she remembers him: she saw him at the airport with Jane because this was her father Albert Louis.

Cassie sees Albert make his way out of the crime scene and she stands in his way. "Is this your first day on the job? Because..." She snatched the item from his pocket before he could stop her, which was a napkin with a trace amount of blood. "This looks like evidence."

Albert takes a swing at her, however Cassie can dodge the punch and counter with a swift right roundhouse kick that knocks Albert off his feet. This display of violence surprises Victor and Nina.

"Better men have tried that move and I still had them on the ground." Cassie retorts.

Albert coughs up blood and coughs uncontrollably. Nina goes to check on him.

"This man is very sick. We need to get him to a hospital." Nina informed them.

Cassie looks at Victor and puts up her hands defensively. "He attacked me. Also, I can't kick someone so hard I cause them to cough up blood."

"Don't worry, Cassie," Nina said. "This is a pre-existing condition."

"And considering this man was stealing evidence and attacked you, he's going to be handcuffed to a hospital bed," Victor said.

Albert laughs to himself. "I used to be better than that. Guess I got rusty."

Victor sees a uniformed officer step into the scene. "Officer, escort this man outside and keep him there, then call an ambulance to take him to the same hospital where we took the Maturo boy. Nina, you stay with him until the ambulance comes."

Nina nods and follows the officer after he hauls Albert up and takes him out of the room.

Victor walks over to Cassie and looks a bit unnerved. "Want to tell me what the hell that was?"

"Call it intuition, Vic. I know that guy. I've seen him before." Cassie told him. "He's the father of Freddie's ex-girlfriend."

"Okay, so why on Earth would he be stealing evidence from a crime scene?" Victor asked.

"Think this rabbit hole is going to get deeper and be harder to understand," Cassie stated.

Victor stares at her with a puzzled look on his face. What did she know that she wasn't saying?

Just then, another uniformed officer made his way over to Victor.

"Sir, there's been another murder." The officer told him.

Victor looks at Cassie and they share a glance of concern. "It's going to be a long night."

"It's starting to feel that way," Cassie stated.

•••

Back at the Pulse Cave, Freddie was now in normal clothes and sitting on a metal table while Gabe was sitting in front of the computer, Millie was reading a book and Pete was sitting on the floor playing with a fireball floating above his hand.

Millie looks up from her book and stares at Pete and what he is doing. "How do you keep that going?"

"Years of practice," Pete stated, trying to retain his concentration. He focuses and the flame changes shape and shifts into a dragon, almost to one similar to the kind of dragon you might find in Game of Thrones.

Millie stares at him. "Cool."

"You have to have an enormous amount of concentration. Especially when it comes to those control elements like myself and Freddie." Pete said.

"I would hate to run into someone who can control the earth." Gabe jokes. "I've seen Avatar: The Last Airbender and earthbenders are no joke. Especially Toph, can't beat a girl who can bend metal."

"Hmm, would've pictured you being a big fan of Sokka." The gang looks up to see Galen walking down the stairs. "You two seem to share the same sense of humor."

"How'd it go with dropping off Heather?" Millie asked. "Is she feeling better?"

"Do you care?" Freddie and Gabe ask simultaneously.

"Look, we're not going to suddenly be BFFs and start hanging out all the time but even I think it was scary when Jane pulled that knife on her," Millie said. "I'll just settle for passive-aggressive tendencies while dealing with her."

"Think you count that as a win right there, Benson," Gabe replied as he went back to his work.

"She's fine by the way," Galen told her.

Millie nods, "Okay."

Freddie jumps off the table and walks over to Gabe. "Did you find anything?"

"Just the fact that people not only voted for this clown but also reelected him," Gabe said. "There's so much that's been swept under the rug starting from an early arrest for driving under the influence when he was seventeen. His dad was the police chief so he had that arrest hidden until the press got a wind of it during the last election."

"This is why I hate politics. Practically every one of them is crooked." Galen said.

"And McMahon is no exception. There was another news article regarding him taking campaign contributions from members of the NRA to ensure he voted to oppose a bill that went through the senate on stricter gun control laws." Gabe stated.

"It's not just that either," Pete said and he looked at Freddie. "Didn't Waylon say McMahon works for someone more powerful than him?"

Freddie nods. "He said he was his biggest contributor."

"I'm looking through his bank statements and no suspicious activity from this mystery man doesn't show up," Gabe replied. "Just a series of number transactions."

Freddie's mind drifts as he starts to remember something he heard a long time ago and a spark figuratively flashes in his eyes. "The Maestro."

The entire group turns their attention to Freddie.

"Exsqueeze me, baking powder?" Gabe replied with confusion while the others looked just as perplexed.

"When I fought Liam Samus after he let me know what he was there to do was test me, he told me he was hired by someone called the Maestro," Freddie told them. "This guy could be some sort of crime boss or something."

"A criminal kingpin." Gabe said.

"Yeah and if I were a betting man, I'd put all my money on this guy being McMahon's mysterious benefactor," Freddie stated.

The other looked surprised by this and Galen asked, "So what does he want from you?"

"What if he wants to put you on his payroll?" Gabe jokes.

"Or make sure you don't get in his way," Pete replied. "That you aren't a threat to his business."

"We need to find out who this Maestro is. If he is some sort of kingpin, we need to put a stop to his operation." Freddie stated.

"I agree but I think we need to do more digging on Senator McMahon," Gabe replied. "Make sure whatever we find he can wriggle out of."

"Yeah, you're right," Freddie said.

"I never get tired of hearing that," Gabe said in a cocky attitude that made Millie annoyed but made Freddie laugh in amusement.

"I just hope the Fox's tech whiz finds out what's on that flash drive," Freddie said.

"Hey, maybe you and your new crime-fighting bestie can talk about that while you're braiding each other's hair and arguing about how many criminals you've beaten up." Gabe quipped, sounding a bit dejected.

"Guessing you're still mad I let him take the flash drive," Freddie asked.

"You know I could've deciphered the info from that flash drive and you instead trust a stranger with what could be valuable information," Gabe said.

"I know you could have but we need two brilliant minds working two sides of this," Freddie replied. "Trust me, I know what I'm doing."

Gabe sighs, "Fine. I trust you. But no way is his techie smarter than me."

Freddie just grins as the computer dings and catches everyone's attention.

"I got access to Senator Fitzgerald's records. Thankfully they were digitized after her death." Gabe said as he looked through her files.

"What does it say?" Galen asked.

"Her background mostly. She was the daughter of two Irish immigrants and was born and raised in Brooklyn. She went to Harvard Law School on a scholarship and became the district attorney for Lower Manhattan and at the time was the youngest appointed DA." Gabe said while reading off the screen. "She was elected senator for New York State at the age of thirty-five. She was a Democrat who focused on education reform and cleaning up of corruption and organized crime."

"Under that platform, she must've gotten her in the path of some very dangerous enemies," Pete replied. "Probably how she ended up dead."

"What else does it say?" Millie asked.

"It's got the names of members of her family," Gabe said. "The records that were on paper were redacted out of respect for the privacy of the family. She was married to a man named Albert Louis but he took her name when they got married and they had a daughter named Jania."

The wheels were slowly turning in Freddie's brain as he tried to piece everything together. His subconscious said it was right there in front of him but it was too hard to see a clear picture.

"After Julianna Fitzgerald died, Clayton McMahon took office and hasn't lost it since," Gabe said.

"It's kind of easy for him seeing as a crime boss has him in his back pocket." Galen retorts. "Anyone who tries has their good name tarnished while McMahon remains squeaky clean despite his past and political views."

"So, now what? We got all this information, what are we going to do with it?" Millie asked.

"This... All this... They're pieces of one big puzzle." Freddie said. "It's like someone shook them up because I can't see what it means."

"I know you're going to figure it out," Millie said hopefully. "You're just thinking too hard about it."

Freddie sighs. "I need some air. I'll be back."

"You aren't going out again, are you?" Galen asked. "Cassie would kill you if you got seriously injured while she was gone."

"No, I legitimately need some room to breathe," Freddie said while walking up the stairs and closing the door.

The team looks at each other rather than up the stairs.

"Is he gonna be okay?" Millie asked.

"Yeah," Galen stated.

•••

"He's starting to see what is happening and he's not liking it."

Freddie sat on the large leather couch that sat in the middle of the room and stared forward. He kept thinking about everything he learned tonight and his encounters with Bast left him shaken. She was hungry for vengeance and it was turning her into a monster. Could she be the daughter of Senator Fitzgerald? Was Bast so blinded by her mission that she is willing to kill to get the justice her mother deserves?

He lies back on the couch and reclines his head on it. It had been a long day and he was soon fast asleep.

•••

At the hospital where Ricky and Albert were taken, Cassie lies on a couch in the waiting area. She wasn't sleeping but staring blankly up at the ceiling.

Suddenly, her cell phone rings and she checks the caller ID which makes her form a half smile on her face. She then answers the phone "Do you have any idea what time it is, Parker?"

"I believe it's almost two in the morning." Danny's voice is heard saying. Cassie yawns loudly. "You sound exhausted."

"Yeah, I haven't slept in the last twenty-two hours," Cassie said. "It's been a rough day. Thanks for getting me involved in the Bast case, by the way."

"I figured you'd be a bit bored and Victor needed your expertise," Danny told her.

"I think he might be regretting his decision," Cassie said, rubbing her eyes.

After a brief pause, Danny asks "What did you do?"

"I... may have... kicked a terminally ill man in the face," Cassie said halfheartedly.

"Wait, what?" Danny exclaimed.

"In my defense, he disguised himself as a CSI and tried to steal evidence from one of the crime scenes Victor brought me to," Cassie explained. "We brought him to the hospital and he's under police guard."

"Crime scenes?" Danny asked.

"There were two scenes. One of them was at the reptile house at the Central Park Zoo and the second one was at the office of a lobbyist." Cassie explained. "It looks like Bast was involved in both places. But also there were appearances from your favorite vigilantes."

"Pulse and the Fox were there?" Danny asked.

"Yeah, they saved a father and son from Bast who seems to have kidnapped the boy to lure his father into a trap," Cassie said.

Danny sighs, "Starting to wonder what is the point of going after them if they're doing a lot of good."

Cassie smiles, "Guess we've got another member of the Pulse fan club?"

"I wouldn't go that far," Danny said with a laugh.

"So, what are you still doing? Isn't it past your bedtime?" Cassie asked, teasing him.

"Hilarious, Sinclair," Danny said sarcastically. "Sam went out with her friends to a party. She's been spending all her time with me, thinking she should have some fun without me."

"So you called me because you were bored?" Cassie asked.

"I called because I couldn't sleep. Just needed to hear your voice, I have kind of missed it since I've been gone." Danny said.

Cassie is caught off guard by the response. She couldn't believe he had said that and sat in stunned silence for a while until she found a response. "You're such a sap, Parker."

"Guess I am," Danny said.

Cassie looks up and sees Victor walking towards her with Rich Maturo standing next to him. "Vic's heading this way. I have to go."

"Okay. Keep me posted on what's going on." Danny replied.

"I will. Promise." Cassie said. "Get some sleep. At least one of us should get some shut-eye."

"I will. Good night." Danny said.

"Good night," Cassie said and she hung up. She gets up from her seat and walks forward to stand in front of Victor and Rich. "How's Ricky doing?"

"He has a mild concussion but he's going to be fine," Rich said.

"I'm going to take Mr. Maturo back to the precinct. From what he told me, I need to conduct a much more thorough interview." Victor told her.

"What about the evidence thief? Did he say anything to you?" Cassie asked.

"He wouldn't even admit his name is Albert Louis. Didn't get anywhere with him." Victor replied. "I'll try again tomorrow if his condition doesn't deteriorate."

"What does he have?" She asked.

"Stage Four lung cancer. The doctor was surprised he was able to walk around without the need of an oxygen tank." Victor said.

"He's supposed to be at a hospice. At least that's what his daughter told Freddie." Cassie said while in mid-yawn.

Victor grins at her exhaustion. "You should go home. Get some sleep. I'll call you if anything happens."

Cassie yawns. "Well, you don't have to twist my arm. Good night."

"Good night," Victor said as he left with Rich.

Cassie watches him leave and once he is gone, she walks down the hall. She was going to get some answers from Albert Louis and get confirmation of something she suspected.

•••

Albert Louis lays on a hospital bed with both his hands handcuffed to the sides of the bed. He wore an oxygen mask over his mouth and nose.

The door to the room opens which gets his attention. "I don't want to answer your questions, Detective."

"That's fine." Albert looks up and sees Cassie standing at the door. She shuts the door and stares at him. "But you are going to answer mine."

Albert bites his tongue and looks away from her. "I have nothing to say to you."

"So you don't care that Bast is killing people?" Cassie asked.

"Those bastards got what was coming to them." Albert snapped, dropping his calm demeanor.

Cassie takes a deep breath and sits on the end of the bed. She then surmised a theory, "They did something to you, didn't they?"

Albert regains his composure and sighs, "They killed my wife. They shot her and left her on the side of the road like she was garbage."

"I am truly sorry. I understand what it's like to lose someone you care about." Cassie said with sincerity. "But taking their lives isn't going to bring her back. You're no better than they were."

"I know that. That's what I tried telling her." Albert said.

"Bast?" Cassie estimated.

Albert nods. "I didn't give her all the details about my wife's death. Just that something terrible happened and that I never found out what it was."

"And your present condition caused you to change your mind," Cassie said.

"I knew that I didn't have long left so I thought she deserved the truth," Albert replied. "I had no idea it would go so wrong."

"She didn't take the news well, did she?" Cassie asked.

"She snapped. Thought that someone deserved to pay for what they had done." Albert said. "I left the hospice in hopes of stopping her. It didn't work, she's hellbent on making them all pay."

"Which is why you tried to take that evidence? To protect her?" Cassie asked.

"She's drowning and I'm trying to save her from herself," Albert stated somberly.

Cassie sighs as a terrible realization comes upon her and hits her like a ton of bricks. "Because she's your daughter."

Albert nods. "Yes. Jane is Bast."

Cassie felt a grim heartache for her nephew. She knew that if Freddie found this information out, he wasn't going to take it well.

•••

Back at the hideout early the next morning, Freddie was still sound asleep on the couch only he wasn't alone in the room. Cassie sat on the floor leaning against the wall, staring at her sleeping nephew. There was a profound sadness behind her eyes as she continued staring at Freddie. She didn't know what she was going to do.

As if he had sensed her there, Freddie slowly began to wake up and he opened his eyes. He looks over and sees Cassie staring at him.

"Hey. How long have you been there?" Freddie said, rubbing his eyes with his hands.

"A while," Cassie said somberly.

Freddie notices Cassie's unease and looks at her with a serious look on his face. "What's wrong? Did you find out something while at the crime scene?"

"You could say that," Cassie said. She swallowed hard and stared at him. "There's something I need to tell you."

"What is it?" Freddie asked.

"While I was at the reptile house, I caught someone who was impersonating a CSI and trying to steal evidence," Cassie explained.

"Who was it? Was it Bast or that goon she's palling around with?" Freddie asked. "I mean, the guy must've been like six foot four. Hard to miss-"

"It wasn't either of them," Cassie said.

"Then who was it?" Freddie asked, becoming very worried.

Cassie exhales deeply. "It was Albert Louis."

Freddie seems taken aback by this news and stammers nervously. "Jane's dad? But how can- He's at a hospice in Vermont. He can't be-"

"I remember seeing him at the airport the day Spencer arrived. I saw him with Jane after you finished talking to her." Cassie stated. "I am very certain it was him."

"Okay, if Albert Louis was there, why would he be stealing evidence from a crime scene?" Freddie asked, trying to process this news.

Cassie looks at Freddie, not sure if she should tell him but he needs to know the truth. "He told me he was trying to save Bast."

"Wait, why would he be helping Bast? He doesn't know-" All of a sudden, it hits Freddie like a punch in the stomach and he stares at Cassie. "No. It's not her. It can't be."

"I'm sorry, Freddie, but it's true," Cassie said grimly. "Jane is Bast."

"No. She's not a- that's not her." Freddie said.

"Freddie, look at what she did to your friend Heather. She pulled a knife on her, remember?" Cassie asked. "Albert told me that he had told her what happened to her mother and she snapped. Wouldn't pulling a knife on someone be something a mentally unhinged person would do?"

"Yes but-"

"And Gabe told me that she dropped out of school. Sounds like she's cutting ties with anything that can get in the way of her mission." Cassie stated.

"That's true but-"

"And her flirting with then going with Ricky to Karaoke Night even though she couldn't stand him before?" Cassie points out. "Then he ends up being kidnapped by Bast? You can't tell me that this all doesn't sound a touch suspicious."

"Okay!" Freddie shouted, catching Cassie off guard. "It all sounds bad but that doesn't mean Jane is Bast."

"Are you trying to convince me or yourself? Albert told me that she was Bast. The man is dying, he wouldn't have a reason to lie." Cassie asked while the others walked out of the Pulse Cave to see what was going on. "You have some deep-seated denial and you don't want to admit this but I wouldn't be saying this to hurt you."

"Then why are you saying this?" Freddie asked, holding back his tears and his anger.

"Because it's the truth!" Cassie yelled.

"The truth from a woman with a multitude of secrets," Freddie said, filled with venom, turning his back to Cassie.

Cassie glares at him, obviously hurt by the verbal tirade. "I know this isn't what you want to hear but it's all there in front of you if you look back at everything you've heard in the last couple of days."

"Freddie, she might be right," Pete said. "It all adds up."

"And it came from her terminally ill father. Death tends to make a person quite truthful." Gabe replied.

"I don't want to hear it," Freddie said adamantly.

Cassie spoke up, "We understand that-"

Freddie whirls around and faces everyone. "No, you don't understand! We're not talking about this!"

"YES, WE DAMN WELL ARE!" Cassie screamed as she rose from where she had been sitting.

The outburst caught everyone by surprise, especially Freddie who stared at Cassie with wide eyes.

"If we don't find a way to stop her- if we don't do something about it-"

"Say it, Cassie. We're damn well talking about it!" Freddie said bitterly. "Tell me I have to kill Jane."

"We don't have to kill her but the police might not be as forgiving towards a serial killer," Cassie said. "Do you think she's going to go down peacefully? If this ends, it's going to be in a hail of bullets and a lot of blood."

Freddie stares at her, "There's no way I'm gonna let that happen. I'm going to find a way to save her."

"I don't think she wants to be saved," Cassie said frankly. "The girl has a death wish and she's going to take a lot of people with her. Including you if you don't open your eyes."

Galen notices how upset Cassie is and knows neither one is going to back down. He looks over at Pete who saw what he did and the two come to a mutual silent understanding.

Pete nods and walks over to Cassie and stands between her and Freddie. "Cassie, you look exhausted. Why don't I take you back to your place so you can get some sleep?"

"But don't forget we have to go to the masquerade ball tonight." Gabe reminds them.

"Sure that's appropriate with everything that's been happening?" Millie asked.

"Senator McMahon is going to be there. If Bast is going to make any kind of attempt on his life, tonight might be the perfect opportunity." Gabe replied.

Cassie sighs as she looks back at Freddie and then at him. "Good thing I have a nice dress sitting in the back of my closet for such an occasion." She grabs her jacket from the floor and puts it on. She goes back out of the building but turns back to look at her nephew. "I didn't want to be the one to tell you this but if you don't see this for what it is, she's going to destroy you."

Freddie looks down as she and Pete leave the building.

The rest of the gang looks at each other and stays silent until Gabe decides to speak up. "Um, we found something you might want to see."

Freddie squints his eyes to hide the tears that managed to escape and he sighs. "Fine."

The four go back into the Cave and Gabe pulls up what he has found while Freddie steps away.

"While you were sleeping... I found something that looked bizarre but it might have a connection to... Bast." Gabe said, trying his best to not step on his toes.

"What'd you find?" Freddie asked.

"Well, there was a break-in at the Boston Zoo about two weeks ago. Someone broke into the laboratory next to the snake habitat. They were doing studies on snake venom to research on finding antivenom for the most lethal of snake bites." Gabe told him. "The weird thing is that they stole several vials of venom from a Tibetan pit viper."

"Why would someone steal snake venom?" Millie asked. "Especially that venom from that snake?"

"This type of snake has the most potent venom," Galen told her. "This venom causes shortness of breath, hallucinations, paralysis then finally death. It's also acidic. The venom burns to go in and is agonizing as it courses through the human body until it ultimately kills you."

"How do you know about what snake venom does?" Gabe asked.

"I studied biology in college. It helped me understand my hybrid nature a bit more." Galen told her.

"Oh." Gabe simply said.

"Can we get back to the urgent matter at hand?" Freddie asked, sounding frustrated. "What does this have anything to do with Ja- Bast?"

"I took a look at the police report and the scratch marks found in the crime scene match the scratches in all of Bast's other crime scenes," Gabe told them.

"But why would she steal vials of poison?" Freddie asked.

"Yeah, what is Bast going to do with it?" Millie asked. "Is she planning to force the stuff down his throat?"

"Judging by how bloodthirsty she's become, she is plotting something much worse in mind," Galen said.

Freddie swallows hard then grabs his jacket from the metal table. "Gabe, can you get me an address?"

"Shouldn't be too hard. What address do you need?" Gabe asked.

"I need to know which hospital Ricky was sent to," Freddie said.

"Wait, isn't that the same hospital Jane's dad was taken to?" Millie asked. "Are you going to talk to Jane's dad?"

Freddie shakes his head. "It's for a different reason."

Gabe taps on some keys and jots down something on a sheet of paper. "Don't do anything dumb."

"You know me," Freddie said, taking the paper from Gabe.

"That's why I say it." Gabe quipped. Freddie groans and puts on his jacket. "Whatever you need to do, don't take too long. I need to see if I can do some amateur tailoring on the tuxedo I'm going to let you borrow."

"Thought you said we were the same size," Freddie stated.

"Well... there is a distinct... height difference between us." Gabe teased him.

Freddie rolls his eyes. "I won't take too long, I promise." He then walks up the stairs and once he is gone...

"He's not going to do something stupid is he?" Millie asked.

"He just needs to think things through," Galen stated.

"That didn't answer my question." Millie retorts.

"Just trust he'll do the right thing," Galen told her.

"Thank you, Wise Wolfman." Gabe joked which caused Galen to let out a low animalistic growl. "God, you are frightening."

Millie smiles and she leans next to Galen. "Could you do that frequently? It pretty much makes him quiet."

Galen grins and Gabe just groans.

•••

Inside of the Fox Den, Claud sat in front of the computer working feverishly while Leo sat on a chair staring at an old and worn photograph.

The photo was of a couple who were well dressed standing in front of a Catholic church altar holding an infant who was dressed in an outfit children that age wear to be baptized. The man had dark brown hair that was combed neatly and he had piercing blue eyes and wore a sharp suit. The woman had long blond hair and pale blue eyes and she wore a modest dress that matched the color of her eyes.

Leo stares at the picture and touches the faces of the man and the woman. These were obviously his adoptive parents George and Amelia Maxwell. He sets the photo down on the table he was sitting next to and picks up a piece of paper that read at the top 'DNA/Blood Test Results' and at the bottom was a percentage point of 99.999% Match.

"Hey, Errol Flynn," Claud said to get his attention. "Are you still with me back there?"

Leo puts the paper face down. "Yeah, I'm fine." He walks over to Claud. "Were you able to find anything on that flash drive?"

"Lots. It did take a lot of work though. Whoever did the encryption on these files was very skilled at their job. Took me a good thirty minutes to clear through the encryption." Claud stated.

"As skilled as they were, they are no match for your skills." Leo compliments his friends.

"No need to stroke my ego, Barton. I already like you." Claud said teasingly. "But this is got info this political scumbag wanted to keep hidden. Lovett traded contact back and forth with Aaronson. How he wanted to keep him up to speed on the progress."

"Even with this stuff, he's going to cry that these were doctored files and he's completely innocent," Leo stated, he thinks for a second. "Was there anything else on it besides documents?"

Claud grins mischievously. "Clever boy you are, Maxwell." She rechecks through the files and finds something. "Pay dirt. There are several voicemails on here. Old school audio clips but they sound in fairly good condition. So now what? Are we going to hand this over to the cops?"

"Even if we did, McMahon probably has cops on the take inside practically every precinct in the city. Also, my credibility is a bit on the outs considering I'm a vigilante." Leo stated.

A strange look on his face that Claud recognized. "That's your idea face," Claud stated.

"Are you still in contact with that hacktivist group?" Leo asked.

"The Third Eye? Yeah, why?" Claud asked.

"What do you think they could do with this information?" Leo asked.

Claud grins. "Ruin this guy's political career faster than you can say Watergate."

"Good, make sure you send them a copy of every single thing that is on this flash drive. We have to make sure this weasel is nailed to the wall." Leo stated.

"You got it, boss," Claud said as Leo put on his jacket. "And where are you going?"

"Need to see Maturo. Make sure the senator doesn't send someone to silence him." Leo said.

"What about Pulse? Can't you get him to do this?" Claud asked.

"If I'm right about who this guy is, he's having a hard time dealing with all this," Leo said.

"You know who he is?" Claud asked.

"I'm not sure but it's his decision whether or not he wants to tell me," Leo stated. "Keep working and I'll be back as soon as I can."

Claud nods and goes back to work while Leo gets into the elevator and the door closes as he heads up.

•••

Inside an abandoned warehouse, a group of eight tough-looking men whose heights varied from five foot nine to almost as tall as Vaughn Mallory.

"It's been twenty minutes. Where is he?" One of the men, a tall man who spoke in a British accent.

"Patience is a virtue, Evan." Another man, the shortest of the men has a shaved head. "Mallory said he'd be here."

"He also said he had a job, Wylie. I'm starting to think the bastard is just yanking our chains." The British Evan stated.

"Don't worry, fellas." Mallory appears out of the shadows. "I've got too much class to treat you like that."

"What kept you?" Wylie asked.

"Sorry, my new boss lady had to get herself dolled up for you," Mallory said.

"You got yourself a new girl, Vaughn?" Evan asked teasingly,

"Not exactly."

Out of the shadows, Jane appears dressed in a black skin-tight leather outfit with knee-high stiletto boots and her hair down. Her makeup was dark and dramatic with a blood red lipstick on her lips.

"Not paying him enough to stoop that low," Jane stated. The men tensed up and either drew their guns or got into a fighting stance. She grins amused and puts up her hands defensively. "Relax, boys. I don't bite... Not unless you want me to."

"Who the hell is this bitch?" Evan asked.

"Oooo, such poor manners. You kiss your mother with that mouth?" Jane joked.

Evan gets in her face and points at her face. "I don't know you so I sure as hell that I don't need etiquette lessons from some-"

Before finishing his rant, Jane grabs his wrists, twists his arm, and bends it back. She uses force to shove him against the wall of the warehouse.

"Ah! Bloody hell!" Evan exclaimed in pain.

"See, I don't have time for macho posturing. Either you shut up and listen or you spend the next two months only being able to eat through a straw!" Jane threatened, twisting his wrist.

"All right, all right. I'll play nice. Just let go!" Evan shouted.

"Fine but if you try anything, I'll tear your face off," Jane said with malice in her voice.

Evan nods and Jane lets go of his arm and then roughly shoves him against the wall. Mallory smirks while Evan turns to face the other and he sees Mallory laughing. "Where'd you find this cow? A Guy Ritchie film?"

"Be nice, Evan," Mallory stated. "She's not exactly the forgiving type."

Evan rubs his shoulder and stares Jane down. "You the one Mallory is working for?"

"And I want all of you to work for me for a one-night-only engagement," Jane said.

"What do you need us for?" Wylie asked.

"Tonight, the New York Historical Society will be holding the annual policemen's masquerade ball. I need a group of talented marauders such as yourselves to storm the building." Jane explained.

"Are you insane? Why would we risk our lives to attack a bunch of cops at their party?" Another goon asked.

"It won't just be a few high-ranking policemen there. There are going to be the one percent at this shindig, also a couple of politicians, the mayor and the... senator of New York. You want to rob or violently assault these entitled undeserving ingrates, be my guest." Jane said bitterly. "I'm only after one thing."

"And what's that?" Wylie asked.

"That's for me to know," Jane told them. She pulls out a large duffel bag from the darkness and throws it in front of the men. "That's the down payment for this job. You get the rest once I get what I want. After that, we never have to see each other again."

Evan bends down and opens the duffel bag to reveal a bag full of uncut diamonds. He picks up one of them. "You're paying us with rocks, luv?"

Jane smirks. "Those 'rocks' are uncut diamonds. You could hawk them on the black market for millions of dollars. A small bag could be sold for at least ten million dollars."

"How did you get these?" Evan asked.

"Stole them from an African warlord a few months ago," Jane stated frankly. "That was from a small pile so he won't be missing them and there's plenty more where that came from."

"How the hell were you able to pull that off?" Wylie asked as he looked at the jewels.

"Let's just say this kitten has a particular set of skills that makes me very good at what I do," Jane replied coyly.

Evan realizes what she means and who she is. "You're Bast? The protégé of Osiris?

"In the flesh," Jane said in a playfully seductive way.

"That guy's like a legendary thief. The authorities weren't able to catch this guy." Wylie said in awe.

"Yeah, that was my old man," Jane said proudly.

"What do you need from us? A distraction while you steal some sort of pricey artifact?" Wylie asked.

Jane shakes her head. "This is personal. So, you in or am I gonna find some other lucky stiffs to give these rocks to?"

Evan smiles and looks at the other then at her. "You bet your arse we're in."

Jane smiles evilly. "Good."

•••

Almost an hour after dawn broke, Cassie opened the door to her apartment and she walked inside with Pete close behind her. He shuts the door behind him while Cassie leans against her couch.

"You didn't have to follow me up?" Cassie said, yawning. "I can find my bed just fine on my own."

"I know but I also know you would instantly change your mind and go back to the precinct, basically having another night without getting any sleep." Pete frankly speaks and he grabs her by the shoulders and gently pushes her towards her bedroom. "No excuses. Get to bed."

"Fine, Dad." Cassie teases as she goes into her room with mild reluctance. She takes off her jacket which Pete takes from her and he hangs it in her closet. She plops herself on the bed and stares up at him. "Are you going to stare at me all day?"

"Just until you fall asleep. I want to make sure you get some rest." Pete said.

"I got two pairs of handcuffs in my dresser. You want to tie me to the bedpost to make sure I stay put." Cassie jokes.

"Don't tempt me." Pete teased her right back. He then has a thought cross his mind which he verbalizes. "What are you doing with two pairs of handcuffs?"

"Work-related. Get your mind out of the gutter, Petey." Cassie quipped which made Pete laugh. She sits up and looks seriously at him. "That kid doesn't deserve this."

"Freddie will be fine. You weren't wrong for what you said to Freddie. He's in deep denial over finding out about Bast." Pete stated. "Don't worry. He won't stay mad at"

"That's not what I want to talk about. This is about Jane. She's just a kid. She doesn't deserve any of this." Cassie said bluntly.

"You're right. But she made her choices, Princess." Pete replied.

"I know, but now Freddie has to pay for her choices," Cassie said. "It isn't right for him-"

"Okay, now you're just stalling," Pete answered, which made Cassie groan. "Get some rest. Freddie's going to need you at your best if we want to stop Bast."

"Fine." Cassie groaned as she lay down on her pillow. "With my accelerated healing, I think a good fifteen minutes should do the trick."

"Why don't you try an hour or two and see where that goes," Pete said while he covered her with a blanket and she adjusted herself to get comfortable.

"All right," Cassie said in mid yawn. "Just don't watch me sleep. It's only fine when I do it."

"Okay," Pete said softly. "I'll stay here until you fall out and don't tell me not to."

Cassie yawns and closes her eyes. "Not to."

Pete smiles as Cassie slowly starts to drift off to sleep.

•••

At the now busy hospital where Ricky is, Freddie walks down the hall and finds a uniformed police officer standing guard in front of the door to Ricky's room.

"Can I help you?" The officer asked Freddie.

"Oh, I'm Freddie Benson. I'm here to see Ricky Maturo." Freddie told him.

"Are you family?" The officer asked.

"No, sir. I'm a friend of his from school." Freddie told him.

"I'm sorry, son. I've been instructed not to let anyone but his immediate family in to see Mr Maturo." The officer replied.

"With all due respect but look at me," Freddie said, pointing out his stature. "Do I look like I would be a threat to anyone?"

"Looks can be deceiving." The officer stated. "Let me see some ID."

Freddie reaches to pull out his wallet and gives him his identification card. "I only want to check on my friend. I'm worried about him, that's all."

The officer checks and double-checks the card then he relents, hands him back his ID, and steps aside. "Ten minutes."

"Thank you," Freddie said as he put away his ID then he walked inside the room.

Freddie looks around and finds Ricky lying on his bed. He sees Ricky had his head wrapped up and his face was heavily bruised. His eyes were closed and he seemingly looked like he was asleep.

Freddie stares at him, he couldn't believe that Jane had done this. Ricky isn't the nicest guy but even he didn't deserve this. Well, maybe just a little. But Jane was close to having her henchman kill Ricky. Did she snap after learning what happened to her mother?

"Are you going to say something or are you just gonna stand there?" Freddie looks over and sees Ricky is awake. "When did hospitals start offering tours? It's the only thing that could explain why you're here."

"Nice to see you too, Ricky." Freddie spitefully jokes. "How are you feeling?"

"Like someone hit me with a missile dropkick from the top rope turnbuckle," Ricky said, rubbing his bandaged head.

"Do you remember what happened?" Freddie asked.

"Not really. I was walking Jane to my car then the next thing I knew, I woke up lying on the grass in Central Park." Ricky said. "And why do you care? Thought you'd be throwing a parade that I got my ass handed to me."

"No one deserves to have that happen to them, not even you," Freddie replied.

"What happened to Jane?" Ricky asked with concern. "Is she okay? I hope that psycho in the catsuit didn't hurt her."

Freddie bites his bottom lip. "Maybe she ran to get help while you got taken."

"Maybe. She was acting a little weird before it happened." Ricky stated.

"Weird how?" Freddie asked.

"She said that she wanted to go to the zoo. Thought it was weird because there's no way any zoo in the city was open around that time." Ricky explained.

"Huh, that is weird," Freddie said, hiding the anxiety he was feeling. Why did she say that to him? Because she knew she was going to get away with it?

"You alright there, pipsqueak? You look like you're going to hurl." Ricky asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Freddie said, swallowing hard. "Anyway, why do you care?"

"Hey, you're probably one of the few people who knows I'm in here. Thought I should be a little nicer to you." Ricky said as a thought crossed his mind. "And how do you know I'm here?"

"Oh, my aunt is helping the police catch the weirdo who kidnapped you," Freddie told him.

"The pretty-looking older blond lady who stopped Jane and Heather's catfight?" Ricky asked.

"I don't think she'd like to be called 'old' but yeah, that's her," Freddie stated.

"What I saw her do to Jane at the Groovy Smoothie, she's a badass," Ricky said. "Dude, you're lucky to have that chick in your corner."

A small smile forms on Freddie's face. "Sorta take that for granted sometimes."

Ricky sighs. "My dad's being questioned by the cops. He said he did something bad and that he needs to make it right."

"Did he tell you what it was?" Freddie asked.

"You seem to be asking a lot of questions," Ricky said, sounding annoyed. "So what, suddenly we're friends now?"

"We don't have to be but we don't have to spend the rest of college years tormenting one another," Freddie told him. "I have physically hurt you only because I was retaliating to your physicality. You know what they say, two wrongs don't make a right."

Ricky stares at him. "You kinda sound like a fortune cookie."

Freddie shakes his head amused. "I only want to mend fences. We don't have to be friends. We don't even have to like each other but we don't have to treat each other like our own personal punching bags. Does that sound fair?"

Ricky nods. "Like treating each other like people."

"Exactly. I have spent my entire elementary school, middle school, and high school career being picked on by guys like you. To be honest, I want to break the vicious cycle." Freddie stated.

"You know, you're a pretty cool guy for a fortune cookie." Ricky retorts.

"I'll take that as a compliment," Freddie said. He then extends his hand for a handshake. "So, are we cool?"

Ricky smiles and accepts his hand. "Yeah, we're cool." His handshake was firm which Freddie returned in kind and Ricky reacted to. "Whoa, you got quite a handshake."

"Thanks, I guess," Freddie said. "I should get going. Feel better, man."

"Thanks," Ricky said as Freddie went to leave. "Benson?" Freddie turns around to face him. "You don't think Jane is behind what happened to me, do you?"

Freddie lets out a deep breath. "I wish I knew. I only hope she has a good reason for... sending that woman after you."

"Maybe," Ricky replied sadly.

Just then a middle-aged woman with long light brown hair enters the room holding a small green duffel bag "Sweetie, I brought you your laptop and some of your Blu rays." She looks to see Freddie in the room with a disdainful glare. "Hello. Who might you be, young man?"

"Mom, this is Freddie Benson. He goes to my school. Freddie, this is my mom, Adele Maturo." Ricky said, making the formal introductions.

"Pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Maturo," Freddie said politely.

"Likewise, Freddie. I'm sorry for being so curt with you. I thought you were some blogger looking to get the story on what happened to my son." Adele apologized.

"It's all right. I asked the guard to let me in, I wanted to see how Ricky was doing." Freddie said, trying to remain respectful.

"Well, I was quite worried about him but my Richard is a fighter. Just a few weeks ago, he had this giant biker break two of his fingers." Adele told Freddie. "My boy needs to learn to pick his battles."

Freddie turns his head at Ricky whose face turns bright red from embarrassment. "Yeah, I heard about that. The guy must've been real scary."

Adele smiles. "It's good to meet a friend of Ricky's who has such impeccable manners. Maybe they'll rub off on my son."

"Ma!" Ricky yelled.

"I'm just glad he's safe," Freddie said. "I heard that one of those masked men saved Ricky. Is that true?"

"That's what my husband told me. Said there were two of those vigilantes." Adele said. "I never thought I'd say this but I am thankful those men saved him."

Freddie hides his smile "I'd better go. Feel better, Ricky."

"Thanks," Ricky said.

"Don't be a stranger, Freddie," Adele called.

Freddie leaves the room and walks down the hallway. He stops and leans against a wall, looking and feeling mentally spent. He knew that if slipped up, Bast was going to kill the senator and there was no telling what would happen afterwards.

Freddie pulls out his phone and taps the screen to dial to make a phone call. He puts the phone to his ear and hears the other end's line ring until someone answers. "Hey, it's me. Listen, I need your help. Could you meet me?"

•••

At the precinct, Victor was following Rich Maturo as an officer took him to a holding cell. "Are you sure that's all you can tell me?" Victor asked.

"Yes, until I know for certain my family is safe, I can't reveal anymore," Rich told him while walking inside the cell.

"Don't worry. What you've already told me, it's enough to reopen the case and get a second look at the evidence we have in storage." Victor replied as Victor closed the cell door behind him. "We're just locking you up until we can find a better way to protect you."

"I requested you lock me up so I don't see a problem," Rich said.

Victor and the officer walk out, and Rich lies on the cot in the cell. He stares up at the ceiling, contemplating where everything in his life went wrong.

Victor returns to his desk and Leo walks over to him holding a file in his hands. "I got a match on the prints we found at one of the crime scenes."

Victor looks up as Leo hands him the file "You get any other sets of prints?"

"You mean the three masked figures? No, sir. Only one individual made a costly mistake." Leo replied. "The prints belong to Vaughn Mallory, a major thug within the criminal underworld with numerous ties to a few criminal organizations."

"Guy has an extremely long wrap sheet," Victor said as he led through it he looked at his mug shot. "He's been apprehended several dozen times and he still gets released? Must have the finances to post bail or to buy his way out of a conviction."

"So how does a small-time thief like Bast be able to pay a high-priced goon to help her do her dirty work?" Leo asked, part of him knowing the answer already.

"Maybe Bast isn't as small a time as we assume, Maxwell," Victor replied.

Leo nods and looks over his shoulder and sees a suspicious-looking man enter the building. "Sir, where's Mr. Maturo?"

"Had him put in a holding cell at his request?" Victor replied. "He said he'd feel much safer if he was locked up where no one can get to him."

"Counting the ways that can go wrong," Leo said in a low tone until he cleared his throat and spoke up. "I have to get back to the lab and see if I can find something that can help your case."

"Good luck, Maxwell." Victor then goes back to reading Mallory's file.

Leo walks past the suspicious-looking man while pretending to be oblivious to him by 'checking his phone for text messages'. He lazily gazes up to see the man heading toward the area where the holding cells are located.

Leo casually walks down the hallway and starts following the man.

Rich continues to stare at the ceiling when his peace is interrupted by a commotion outside the door to enter the holding cells.

Suddenly, the officer that was guarding the door is sent sailing and crashing through the closed door. Rich looks at the door frame and sees the man Leo had been following enter the room.

"Richie, you've been a very bad boy." The man stated.

Rich is overcome with fear and he realizes what is happening. "McMahon sent you, didn't he? He sent you to kill me?"

"Well as he said, dead men tell no tales." The hit man said as he pulled out a gun with a silencer on the barrel.

Out of nowhere, the hit man is grabbed by the shoulder and turned around to face Leo who hits him with a hard right hook in the face that sends him falling and the gun flying out of his hands.

"This is where I come up with a witty post-punch insult but I save those for special occasions." Leo joked.

The hitman gets to a sitting position and reaches for his gun but Leo hits him with a soccer kick to the head that knocks him out cold.

Leo shrugs his shoulders and looks at the man behind the bars. "Are you okay?"

"You- you saved my life," Rich stated.

"Yeah, no charge," Leo said jokingly.

At that moment, Victor and a few other cops rush into the room to find the unconscious hitman and Leo standing over him.

Leo looks down at the hit man then at Victor and he points at him. "He started it."

•••

Back at the Pulse Cave later that afternoon, Gabe was sewing the sleeve on a black tuxedo jacket and was dressed in his tuxedo only he wasn't wearing his jacket, and his hair was combed back. Freddie was also wearing a tux only the shirt was a bit long on him and he was trying to make the shirt seem less puffy. His hair was combed neatly and he was buttoning the button on the right sleeve to conceal something under it.

"I can't do anything about the shirt but at least the jacket won't be as long," Gabe said as he finished up with the sewing.

"It's fine, I appreciate it. I promise to get it back to you as soon as I'm done with the tux." Freddie said.

"Well seeing as I'm making some alterations, you are more than welcome to keep it. I've got like five tuxedos my mom kept." Gabe said, handing him the jacket.

"Thanks, man," Freddie said as he put on the jacket. "Wish we were going to this thing without having a mission."

"Please, I've been to so many of these events, a little excitement wouldn't be so bad." Gabe jokes. "Just without the potential for murder and mayhem."

Freddie nods. "Hope we can stop this before it all gets even out of hand."

"I think it already has, dude," Gabe replied.

Freddie looks down. "I hope it doesn't get any worse."

"Wait a sec, isn't your friend Gibby supposed to be at the ball too?" Gabe asked. "I mean, his dad helped my mom plan it."

Freddie's eyes widen as he smacks himself in the forehead with his palm. "Dang it! I forgot about him. That's another thing I have to worry about as if it wasn't bad enough!"

The door opens to the Cave which gets the two boys' attention. They look up to see Brad Warner descending the stairs.

"Hey." Brad breathed as he made it down.

Gabe looks at him then Freddie, who looks away, then back at Brad. "Uh hi. How did- what are you-"

"Freddie said I should come over. He said you guys needed help." Brad explained to Gabe.

Gabe realizes something and looks at Freddie "You told him? When?"

"A few weeks ago. I saw me give a beating to some Deimos' goons so I came clean and told him everything." Freddie stated.

"Not everything but I figured out most of it," Brad replied.

"So are you going to start telling all your friends from Seattle?" Gabe asked. "You aren't going to tell Gibby, are you?"

"Even if I told him point blank, he either wouldn't believe me or he'd have to be reminded over and over again." Freddie jokes. "Guy's still a few hens short of a chicken coop."

Gabe and Brad nod in agreement. "So why did you call him here?" Gabe asked.

Freddie clears his throat to break it to him gently. "Well, I figured that since you're going to be at the masquerade ball, I thought maybe he should-"

"Are you seriously not suggesting what I'd have to kill you for suggesting?" Gabe said indignantly.

"Come on, Gabe. Brad knows his way around computer hardware and software, he wouldn't cause any kind of damage to your network server." Freddie assures him.

"I'm sure he wouldn't but I don't feel comfortable having him poking around through her internal hard drive," Gabe said.

"'Her'?" Brad asked with a confused look on his face.

Gabe sighs. "Her name is Oracle. She's what I call the main program of the hub computing system. Named her after the alias Barbara Gordon took after she was paralyzed by the Joker and used her technological skills to become the information broker for the DC universe."

"Oh," Brad said plainly. "Cool."

"Thanks," Gabe replied. He boots the computer and types on some keys. "Let me show you how most of her more complicated programs work so you don't erase most of the info I have saved on here."

"He's not going to delete anything, Gabe," Freddie assures him.

"Unless he doesn't know about the failsafe program I have that deletes any information that would try to be accessed by someone trying to hack into our servers. The info goes straight to my Pearbook's backup server so I can re-download it back at a later time."

Freddie is a bit taken aback by this then smiles. "Should've known you'd be ten steps ahead."

"Try twenty, my little electric mouse." Gabe jokes.

Just then, the rest of the team enters the base and sees Brad. Millie was in a sleeveless cream-colored tank top with a burgundy long-sleeved cardigan sweater over it, black leggings, and matching flats. Galen was in a short-sleeved dark blue shirt and dark pants. Pete was in a black long-sleeve shirt and blue jeans.

Cassie was dressed to kill in a thigh-length red evening gown with a low neckline. Her hair is up in an elegant-looking braided bun and her makeup with a dramatic evening look.

"Oh, be still, my aching heart," Gabe said half joking while staring at Cassie.

"Watch it because my eyes are up here, Chuck Bass." Cassie quips as she points at her eyes and away from her chest.

"You make it a bit difficult to do that in that outfit," Gabe stated. "Are you going to fight in that anyway?"

"I got a very supportive bra at 'Build a Bra'," Cassie told him. "Extra strong titanium hooks."

"Oh," Gabe said frankly.

Millie looks at Brad and then at Freddie and realizes what is going on. "You told him."

"He told him," Gabe said.

"He told me," Brad said. Both boys said that simultaneously.

"On the plus side, you realized quicker than Gabe did." Freddie jokes.

"Watch it, Benson, or you're going to the ball in a T-shirt and sweatpants." Gabe jokingly threatened.

The rest of them laugh or act amused by this.

"Well, in that case, welcome to the team," Millie said in a friendly manner. "You get your starter pack in the mail. Comes with buttons and stickers."

"I'm not necessarily on the team," Brad said. "More like a fill-in until Gabe comes back."

"Think of it this way, Bradley, you've got 'reserve membership'," Gabe stated.

"Hence the buttons and stickers," Brad said with a grin which made Millie blush.

Cassie and Freddie stare each other down while the others appear nervous.

"So, you two are giving each other the silent treatment?" Galen asked.

"No, I figured not to say anything to upset him right now," Cassie stated. "We need to function as a team."

"She's right. There's too much at stake for arguing." Freddie said. "We can do that later."

"I look forward to it," Cassie said bluntly.

Brad leans over to Millie and asks, "What's going on?"

"I'll explain later," Millie whispers to him.

"If you two are done being passive-aggressive towards one another, I have some spy toys for us to use," Gabe stated.

Freddie and Cassie walk towards a metal table that has some devices on the table. Cassie picks up a device that appears to be a fancy-looking ballpoint pen. "What's this?" She asked.

"You guys know what a shock pen is?" Gabe asked.

"I'm aware," Freddie said, remembering the device Sam stole from Spencer that she used to electrocute him with. He half smiles but also rubs the side of his neck.

"Well, this is a little different," Gabe explained. "It's an EMP pen."

"What does it do?" Millie asked.

"You push the button on the top and it unleashes a small electromagnetic pulse from it. Strong enough to take out electronic devices or power grids within a two-mile radius." Gabe told them.

"That's kind of awesome," Brad stated.

"Thanks," Gabe said. "Just a little something I crafted in my spare time."

"You could probably make a wacky robot sidekick for this team." Millie jokes.

"I hate funny robots." Gabe simply said.

"Well, they're probably not too fond of you." Cassie quipped as she patted him on the back.

"I'll be holding on to this though. Going to need something to defend myself with when the crap hits the fan." Gabe stated. "Freddie is already wearing his James Bond gear."

"What is it?" Brad asked.

Freddie lifts his right arm and smiles "It's a surprise." Brad grins at this.

"But don't think I would leave you empty-handed, Cass," Gabe said.

"What'd I get?" Cassie asked with some genuine curiosity.

"You remember to not wear any metal jewelry on your arms, right?" Gabe asked and Cassie lifted both her arms to reveal her arms were bare. "Good." He grabs two simple-looking silver bracelets and gives them to her.

"Um, kid, if you wanted to get me new jewelry, I appreciate you not going quite as gaudy," Cassie said, staring at the bracelets.

"These are more than simple pieces of jewelry," Gabe said with a smile.

"What are those?" Freddie asked.

"Well, tonight, these are going to be your new best friends," Gabe replied.

"What does that mean?" Pete asked.

"These are my versions of the Widow's Bite," Gabe said. "With a quick flick of the wrist, you can unleash a mild electric shock."

"Whoa, no way!" Brad exclaimed as the others looked a little surprised.

"Yeah, these will be able to stun your opponents or distract them while you deliver your brand of violence," Gabe said as he put the bracelets on her wrists. "The band has a lining of insulation that will keep you from getting electrocuted along with your intended target."

"That's why you didn't want me to wear anything on my arms. Not to draw too much attention to it." Cassie assumed.

"That and if you wore anything metallic near it, it would've attracted electricity and shocked you," Gabe stated frankly.

"Um, are you sure these things are safe?" Galen asked.

"Oh yeah, just be a little careful with them," Gabe said and Cassie nodded.

"So, do we have a plan?" Pete asked.

Cassie looks at Freddie. "Your call, kiddo."

Freddie looks at her, surprised she would let him do this. "Okay. The three of us go into the ball and keep a close eye on things. If Jane shows up, we keep a close watch on her. Keep a close eye on Senator McMahon. He might be a monster but if she kills him, she's as good as dead."

"What if she isn't alone?" Gabe asked. "She's going to more than likely bring that six-foot-tall leprechaun?"

"If she does, we try to get the civilians out of there and limit the collateral damage. Galen and Pete will make their way inside in case things get dicey." Freddie said. "I'll get to Jane and try to talk her down. Hopefully, get her to back down."

"You know, if you do that, she's going to figure out you are Pulse," Millie stated.

Freddie bites his lip, "I know. Let's move."

The team makes their way out while Millie and Brad stay behind.

Brad looks at Millie with a look of concern. "Something bad is going to happen, isn't it?"

"I hope not but... Yeah, it is." Millie said sincerely.

"Thanks for being honest," Brad said.

•••

At the policemen's masquerade ball which was being held at a grand ballroom in the Upper East Side, the party was beginning and Gideon was talking to Fiona while she tried to make sure that things were going according to plan. Fiona was in a purple floor-length evening gown with her hair in soft curls while Gideon was in a cream-colored suit with his hair combed neatly.

"Mrs. Morgan, relax," Gideon assures her. "I made sure that all the necessary steps were taken."

"I know but I want everything to be perfect," Fiona stated.

"That's my Fifi, always worrying. Especially when there's nothing to worry about."

Fiona and Gideon turn around and find David Morgan standing behind them. He was in an all-black suit including an all-black dress shirt and wearing a demonic-looking all-black devil mask. He also had a long gift box in his hands.

"It never hurts to remain on alert," Fiona said as she walked over to her husband and planted a quick kiss on his lips then looked at the box. "Oh, what is this?"

"Well, I thought that my wife should be wearing the most beautiful and amazing-looking mask at this party," David said as he opened the box and Fiona looked inside. She gasps as she pulls out an elaborate purple butterfly mask that has a handle.

"Oh my goodness, this is gorgeous," Fiona exclaimed and hugged him. "You are wonderful."

"Nothing but the best for my girl," David stated.

At that moment, Gabe walks over with Lucy by his side. She was in a maroon long flowy dress and a harlequin-type mask. Also, her hair was down in soft curls. Gabe was in a tuxedo and his hair slicked back, dapper and suave.

"Let me guess, Dad bought you something pretty and very expensive." Gabe joked as the Morgan elders pulled away from the embrace.

"I'm glad you could make it, son," David said, ignoring the comment. "Where are your invitees?"

"Oh, Freddie is checking in with Gibby and I kinda lost track of Cassie," Gabe said. "She's around here somewhere."

Fiona looks at Lucy and smiles. "It's wonderful to see you again, Lucy. Did my son get you that mask?"

"Uh no. It was lying around in my attic. It was in good shape though." Lucy said, hiding her nerves.

"It is," Fiona said. She looks behind Gabe and Lucy as the other guests begin to arrive. "Time to make nice with the lesser of two evils." She hugs Lucy and then plants a small peck on Gabe's cheek. "You two have fun."

"Thanks, Mom," Gabe said as Fiona walked off.

Lucy locks eyes on David who lifts his mask. "It's all right, Ms. Shepard. I don't bite."

Lucy laughs uncomfortably as Gabe swallows hard and takes her hand to make her feel better. Gabe turns to see a masked Senator Clayton McMahon schmalzing it up with his mother.

In another part of the ballroom, Freddie was listening to Gibby explaining something. Gibby was dressed in a tuxedo and wearing a mask that looked like a raccoon.

"So Peyton was all over me and then my roommate walked in!" Gibby told Freddie. "I had a sock on the doorknob and everything!"

"Wait, you know what the sock on the doorknob means?" Freddie asked.

"Yeah. You don't?" Gibby asked as he threw a hors d'oeuvres. in his mouth.

"Sorta new to the concept," Freddie said sheepishly.

"Yeah, it's not like you and Sam ever did anything," Gibby said.

"Not that I'm willing to tell you about," Freddie said, sounding embarrassed.

"So, why aren't you wearing a mask? Couldn't afford one?" Gibby asked.

"Something like that," Freddie said softly.

Gibby sees a server pass by with a tray of stuffed pizza rolls. "Hey! Can I get some of those?"

The server turns around and looks back at them and the server turns out to be Ben Frances. He was in a white button-up shirt with a black vest and slacks.

"Hey, Ben." Freddie greeted him.

"Hello, Freddie." Ben greeted him warmly. "I didn't know you were going to be here."

"Yeah, Gabe invited me here," Freddie said. "Ben, this is my good friend Gibby Gibson. Gib, this is Ben Frances. We go to school together."

"Nice to meet you," Gibby said while munching on a cocktail weenie.

"Uh, you as well, Gibby," Ben said nervously.

"So, you work for this catering company?" Freddie asked, changing the subject.

Ben nods, "It's my first job, I need it to pay the bills. I-I'm doing my best to stay out of trouble."

"Want to stay out of trouble? Make with the pizza rolls, Mr. Belvedere." Gibby said.

Freddie rolls his eyes while an anxious Ben places the tray in front of him. He looks around the room to see if he spots Jane while Gibby takes a handful of pizza rolls from the tray.

Ben notices Freddie's anxiety and looks at him closely for a moment until he finally says "You're scared, aren't you?"

Freddie glances over at him, "Scared of what?"

"They say you're scared. Scared of what she's going to do." Ben said.

"Who's 'they'?" Freddie asked, appearing confused.

"It's kind of hard to explain. You'd probably think I've gone mad." Ben said and he noticed the tray was empty. "I'd better get this back to the kitchen. Unless your friend here wants to lick the tray."

Freddie laughs quietly as Ben walks off.

"You know, that guy's a weirdo," Gibby said while chewing a mouthful of food.

"Coming from you, not sure that's an insult," Freddie said as he took a pizza roll and popped it into his mouth.

"You know, there's something I've been meaning to say about you," Gibby said.

"What's that?" Freddie asked.

"You're different. I don't know, like a lot more confident." Gibby pointed out. "It's strange but you just aren't the same guy."

"Is that bad?" Freddie asked.

Gibby shrugs, "I don't know. I'm not the guy to ask. You're always going to be one of the good guys. No matter if you change."

A small smile forms on Freddie's face.

[Soundtrack Note: 'You Don't Want Me Around' by The Federal featuring Rachael Kime plays in the sound system]

At a different part of the ballroom, Alec and Charlie were having a conversation. Alec was in a tuxedo and Charlie was in a flowy long-sleeved white evening gown that became rainbow-colored at the bottom and her hair was down. She was wearing a rainbow-colored glittery mask and he wore a black domino mask.

"I don't think I should be here," Charlie said. "I don't fit in rubbing shoulders with politicians and the rich elite."

"It's not so bad," Alec told her. "You sort of get used to it."

"So, you weren't born with a silver spoon in your mouth?" Charlie teased.

Alec laughs. "I couldn't have grown up any further from the upper crust of this city. I grew up in Brooklyn where I had to struggle to get to where I am now."

"Huh, there's so much you haven't told me," Charlie stated.

"I don't like talking about it. My past is where I like it." Alec said. "So, how did you meet Jake?"

Charlie's eyes darted back and forth as she came up with a good reason. "Oh, Jake and I go way back. We met back when I was in New Orleans."

"Oh, did he go to school there or was he from around there?" Alec asked.

"He- He was going to school there but he wanted to get out of town as fast as possible," Charlie explained. "I was heading for New York so I thought we should stick together."

"I'm glad. He seems like a really sweet guy." Alec replied.

Charlie swallowed her drink, trying not to choke. "Yeah… he is."

"Are you okay?" Alec asked.

"I'm fine. Drink just… went down the wrong pipe." Charlie clears her throat, her voice cracking until it adjusts itself. Sounding familiar to Alec. "So… why are you so interested in Jake? He doesn't seem like your type."

"And what is my type?" Alec asked,

The two of them turn to see Cassie heading over to the pair. Alec stares at her outfit and also sees she is wearing a matching red lace mask over her face.

"Someone like her," Charlie said quietly.

Alec rolls his eyes as he takes Charlie by the hand and they walk closer to his friend. "Cassie, what are you doing here?"

"Oh, Gabe invited me and Freddie to come over. In a sense, I'm the unofficial security detail." Cassie joked while grabbing a full glass of champagne from the tray of a passing waiter.

"Thought you were just a private investigator?" Charlie asked.

Cassie sips some champagne and then says "I'm not getting paid for this. Doing a favor for a friend." She then looks at Charlie and remembers what was happening tonight. "Charlie, can you give me and Alec a moment? It's kind of important."

"Uh, sure. I have to use the little girl's room. I'll be back." Charlie said as she walked towards the lavatories,

Alec whispered to Cassie, "What's going on?"

"You need to get Charlie out of here," Cassie instructed sternly,

"Care to tell me why?" Alec asked softly.

Charlie comes back into the ballroom and sees Cassie whispering something to Alec. She sees he seems agitated and nervous. She goes over to the two and hears Cassie say "Get her somewhere alone."

"What is going on?" Charlie asked.

Alec pulls her close and asks. "We need to talk. It's serious."

Charlie nods quickly as he takes her by the arm and takes her somewhere safe.

Cassie watches anxiously as she continues her surveillance around the building.

•••

Back at the Pulse Cave, Brad was looking through some of the files on the Bast case and he looked a bit taken aback by all of it. He then sees something and clicks on it. Millie was a few feet away talking on the phone to Leo.

"Are you sure?" Millie asked.

"Yeah, the guy said he was sent there to silence Maturo," Leo said on the other end. "Your dad is trying to get him to tell him who hired him. The guy won't crack."

"And you took him down before he could kill him?" Millie asked, sounding surprised. "How did you manage that?"

"Guess I got lucky," Leo said sheepishly.

"Well, you saved the day so you can pat yourself on the back for that," Millie stated which made Leo laugh. "So, you heading home?"

"Yeah, I got to catch up on my sleep. Why? Do you want to come over?" Leo asked.

"That sounds tempting but I can't. I'm hanging out with the guys right now." Millie said. "Watch some bad movies, braid each other's hair-"

"Haha. Well, have fun. Talk to you tomorrow?" Leo asked.

"Absolutely. Love you. Good night." Millie said. She hung up and then realized what she had done. Her phone rings and Millie instantly answers.

"Did you just say 'love'?" Leo asked anxiously.

"Yeah, I did," Millie said half mortified. "Um, we can talk about that in the morning."

"Good call," Leo said, agitated. "Good night."

Millie hangs up and seems a bit distraught.

"You okay?" Brad asked.

"Yeah, I just used the 'L' word and said it to my boyfriend. No big deal." Millie said quickly due to her nerves.

"I'm guessing that's the first time you used that word with someone who wasn't one of your parents?" Brad surmised.

"Bingo," Millie said. "I'll focus on that in the morning. Right now, we have to stop Bast from killing a guy who kind of deserves it."

"Okay, but I think you should see what I found," Brad said as he turned back to the computer.

"What is it?" Millie asked as she took the seat next to Brad.

"This video I found, I think it might be important," Brad said.

"If it's the Shia LeBeouf motivational speech video, I've already seen it," Millie said.

"No, take a look," Brad said, sounding serious.

Millie looks at the monitor and her eyes widen as it plays. "Oh my god."

"What does it mean?" Brad asked.

"That this senator's days might be numbered," Millie stated, not taking her eyes off the screen.

•••

Leo steps out of his elevator into the Fox Den where Claud sits by her computer waiting for him.

"You're here early," Leo stated.

Claud gets up from her chair, "You okay? You look pale."

"Paler than you?" Leo teased.

"Hilarious, Leopold," Claud said as she turned on the screen to upload a video. "There's something you need to see."

"It's that video where that bunny rabbit is eating peanut butter, I've seen it," Leo said.

Claud points at the monitor and doesn't say anything else. Leo looks at the monitor then his reaction switches from intrigued to pure terror.

"They made a video!" Leo exclaimed. "Using the info from the flash drive!"

"You knew this was going to happen," Claud stated. "It's what they do. They point out the injustices in the world. They point out the ugly truth."

"Well, Pulse is going to figure out how they got this information. They're going to trace this back to you." Leo said.

"Oh. That's bad." Claud said.

Leo rubs the bridge of his nose. "Look, I'll fall on this sword for you, but be careful next time."

"So there's a next time?" Claud asked.

"Moon, I like you. Not get rid of you just because you made a mistake." Leo said. "We need to find out where this senator creep is."

"I heard the news say he's going to be at the policemen's masquerade ball tonight," Claud said.

"In that case, I'm heading to a party," Leo said while walking to his display case where his Fox costume then opened the case.

•••

Meanwhile across the street inside his car, Galen and Pete sat watching and waiting for any suspicious activity outside the building. Galen keeps a keen eye out for something amiss while Pete just shuffles in his seat uncomfortable and taps his foot.

Galen exhales deeply then turns his head to face his passenger. "Thought you'd be better at stakeouts."

"I am. I just don't like waiting." Pete told him. "Sorry, I can be a bit of a hothead."

Galen stares at him and smiles, "Was that your attempt at ironic humor?"

Pete shrugs, "Nowhere near as good as Gabe's quips, was it?"

"I've heard worse," Galen stated as he focused his attention on the building again.

"You think she's just going to walk through the front door?" Pete asked. "If I were trying to create an infiltration, I'd take the back entrance and slip in through the kitchen area."

Galen looks at him again perplexed, "What, were you a spy in your past life?"

"Something along those lines," Pete stated.

"Bast is a thief. She'd be expected to try for a back entrance." Galen said. "It'd be smart to"

"Hide in plain sight?" Millie's voice is heard asking over the com link.

"Exactly, Sugarplum," Galen said teasing. "So, what's up? Did something happen?"

"Brad found something that leaked online almost an hour ago. It's gone viral." Millie stated.

"What is it?" Pete asked.

"I sent you the link to your phone and Freddie and Gabe's phones too," Brad said. "It looks pretty bad for this senator guy."

Pete and Galen look at each other as Galen's phone vibrates. He taps on the screen and the video begins to play with a strange emblem that resembles an eye appears on the screen and a figure in a hooded black sweatshirt wearing a tragedy mask appears afterwards.

"We are the Third Eye. We speak for those who have been silenced, for those who are plagued by injustice and corruption." The figure spoke in a distorted-sounding voice.

Pete and Galen stare at each other and then back at the video.

•••

Inside the ball, Gabe was watching the video with Lucy standing over his shoulder.

"What is this?" Lucy asked.

"I don't know," Gabe said softly as he watched.

"It has come to our attention that a member of the governing party of this country has gotten his position through criminal means." The figure in the video said. "Senator Clayton McMahon, a strict conservative, a man who believes in upholding wholesome family values, has proven that his hypocritical behavior extends beyond the norm."

Freddie was looking at his phone and watching the video. His mind was going through so many emotions. Did the Fox give these people what was on the flash drive? Part of him was angry but another part of him knew this needed to be done.

"This documented evidence states that Mr McMahon ordered lobbyist and good friend Waylon Lovett to kill the incumbent senator for New York Julianna Fitzgerald." The figure is heard saying. "Had a trio of criminals ambush her on the side of a highway road. Just so he could win an election. Tell me, what kind of man is that?"

Freddie puts his phone away in frustration and looks up at the man who is responsible for Bast's rampage then walks over to the bar.

"Can I get a drink?" Freddie asked the bartender.

"What'll it be?" The bartender asked.

"Get him a Sazerac." A masked man behind Freddie came up to the bar. He looks like a very distinguished man with reddish brown hair and he spoke in a Scottish accent. "With whiskey, not brandy. And I'll take one as well."

"Yes, sir. Coming right up." The bartender said as he started preparing the drinks.

"You look like you could use a stiff drink, son." The man said. "Nothing puts hair on your chest quite like a good Sazerac."

"Don't think I should be having alcohol. I'm underage." Freddie said.

"Well, I won't tell if you won't." The man said while the bartender set down the two drinks. He hands the bartender a fifty-dollar bill. "You earned it."

"Thank you." The bartender said as he took the tip from him.

The man sips his drink, "Ah. Divine. I prefer it with Absinthe but it's hard to come by in the States." He pushes the glass in front of Freddie. "Go on."

Freddie reluctantly takes the drink and stares at it. Cassie wouldn't want him to be doing this but in an act of defiance, he takes a drink. He coughs a bit as the alcohol hits the back of his throat. "Whoa. Wow."

"You okay, son?" The man asked.

"Yeah," Freddie said coughing. "That was... My first taste of alcohol."

"It's always touch and go with whiskey. I always go with Scottish whiskey, a lot less abrasive than Irish whiskey." The man said. "But that's my humble opinion."

Freddie takes another drink but is now used to the alcohol. "It's good whiskey."

"So, I'm pulling out this cliché, why the long face, fella?" The man asked, which made Freddie laugh. "You look like you have a lot on your mind."

"Yeah, you could say that," Freddie said while taking another sip, making a face after swallowing.

"You want to talk about it?" The man asked.

"Not really, I kinda deserve to suffer in silence," Freddie said.

"Okay. But if you change your mind, I'll be around." The man said then he walked through the crowd and simply vanished.

Freddie looks up and sees Jane descending the spiral staircase in a short black long-sleeved cocktail dress. Her hair was pinned back and her makeup wasn't as dramatic

"Yeah, this isn't going to blow up in my face," Freddie said as he downs the last of the Saverac and made his way over to his ex. "Hey."

"Hi." Jane greeted warmly. "Surprised to find you here."

"Yeah, Gabe invited Cassie and me to come here," Freddie said. "He asked Cassie because she's pretty good at beating people up so he wanted her as security. I'm sort of a package deal. How did you score an invite?"

"Oh, a friend of mine was planning to go but changed their mind at the last minute and asked me if I wanted to go. Now I'm kind of glad I did." Jane said, smiling.

"You sure because I recall you going out with Ricky and then you hitting me in ... a special area as you were trying to cut up Heather's face," Freddie replied. "If anything, I thought that I'd be the last person you wanted to see."

Jane became embarrassed by her actions, "Uh, yeah, about that-"

[Soundtrack Note: 'Eyes on Fire' by Blue Foundation plays]

"We can talk while we dance," Freddie said as he grabbed her arm.

"I don't know..." Jane stammered.

"I'm bored and you kinda owe me so come on," Freddie said as he pulled her to the center of the ballroom. He grabs her other hand and gets in a position to lead in the dance.

Jane scoffs at this, "You're going to lead?"

"I spent most of my early adolescence being dragged to dance classes, I'm sort of an expert at this point," Freddie said with some assertion. "I can take it slow if you want?"

"You don't have to be on my account," Jane said then she whispered in his ear. "I'm very nimble."

Freddie laughs but struggles to hide his anxiety. The two of them start to dance to the beat of the song only to have Jane stare into his eyes which makes Freddie a bit frantic and bump into a couple behind them.

"I'm sorry." Freddie apologizes as the older couple gives him a dirty look and then moves away from him.

Jane giggles, "An expert, huh?"

"Okay, so I'm a tad rusty. But that doesn't mean I can't do it." Freddie stated.

"Then don't talk about it, show me," Jane said seductively.

Freddie clears his throat and then takes the lead again. He starts to move much better and more fluidly than he did before. Jane places her hands on his hips to throw him off only to have Freddie dip her and run his hand against her upper thigh.

"Wow, didn't think you were into dirty dancing." Jane teased.

"Just call me Swayze." Freddie joked.

"That makes me 'Baby'?" Jane said as she grabbed the back of his neck to get free by playfully digging her fingernails into his neck.

Freddie rears back a bit as Jane stands in front of him. "Are you trying to turn this into a Pasodoble?"

"Well, they do say all dance is like combat," Jane replied.

"In that case, let's dance," Freddie said with a wink.

Jane grins as she raises her arm almost in a similar movement to a strike only to have Freddie block it and then pull her close using the arm to grab her. She stomps at his feet but he manages to avoid her steps using some quick footwork.

"Hmm, impressive." Jane compliments.

"You should see me when I'm trying." Freddie teased which caused Jane to pull back a bit and then go for what looked like the dancing equivalent to a roundhouse kick but Freddie thought quickly and caught her leg placed her hand on her lower back and slowly dipped her.

Jane looks into his eyes as he stares back at her. "Wow."

Lucy and Gabe watch this from the edge of the dance floor in shock and awe.

"Whoa, I didn't know Freddie could move like that," Lucy exclaimed quietly.

"Neither did I," Gabe said amused. "Eat your heart out, James Bond."

Meanwhile, in another part of the ballroom, Clayton McMahon approaches David Morgan as he is talking to some of the guests of honor, several decorated policemen.

"David, want to explain this?" Clayton said angrily as he held up his cell phone.

"What do you mean?" David asked, feigning ignorance.

"You know damn well what I mean. How did a group of hackers get their hands on the information?" Clayton asked. "Everyone now knows what happened! My political career is ruined!"

"You should be a bit more worried about losing your freedom, Senator," David said emphasizing the last part sounding malicious. "These gentlemen have informed me that they are supposed to take you into their custody until a few uniformed officers take you down to be questioned for this murder as well as the attempted assassination of the only living witness to this crime. You have gotten sloppy, Clay."

Clayton gets in his face, "If I go down, I'm taking you with me. I'm sure the police would love to know who the upstanding philanthropist David Morgan is."

David laughs as he gets in his face and whispers to the senator, sounding very sinister. "Go right ahead but I think your credibility is down the tubes. I know how to make sure people stay quiet without getting caught because I know how to pick the right people." He looks over at the policemen. "You can take him. Handcuff him to something sturdy, he's a slippery little snake."

Clayton tries to attack David only to have the policemen grab him and take him away. "You're going to pay, Morgan! Mark my words, you'll fry! FRY!"

Fiona walks over to her husband as they drag the senator away. "Are you okay?"

David turns his malicious grin to one of warmth and compassion then faces his wife. "Everything is going to be fine now." He kisses her on the forehead while Gabe looks on. Something about his father's behavior didn't sit right with him.

Jane watches the policemen drag Clayton, she knows she has to make her move before her window of opportunity is gone but her focus is pulled away as Freddie takes her. She looks at him as he stares at her looking worried but desperate to hide it.

"Let's get some air," Freddie suggested.

Jane sighs and reluctantly follows him out to the garden balcony outside.

•••

Inside a fancy-looking and well-furnished parlor room near the ballroom, Alec pulls Charlie inside and closes the door.

"Did we need to go into this room? It's like you're planning something." Charlie said.

"Well, actually I am," Alec said to his friend. "There's something I need to do."

"Um, okay," Charlie asked in a flirting tone. "What is that?"

Alec walks over to Cassie and puts his hands on her shoulders. "There are some really bad people that are going to attack the party."

"Wait, what?" Charlie exclaimed, her voice cracking again and sounding a bit more like a man. A familiar man's voice.

Alec raised an eyebrow. "Are you okay?"

Charlie clears her throat and her voice sounds normal. "Sorry, I'm just freaking out."

"We'll hide out here until the coast is clear," Alec instructed.

Charlie smirks at the man. "How do I know this isn't you making all this up to get me alone?"

"Charlie…"

Charlie goes to kiss him only for Alec to stop her. "What are you-"

"Charlie… I'm not attracted to you." Alec told her bluntly. "I-I'm in love with someone else."

Charlie starts to tear up, "Cassie. You're still in love with her."

"No. I'm not." Alec informed her. "Cassie and I are friends and that's it!"

"Then who?" She asked until it hit her. "Oh. Oh, God."

"Charlie?"

"I'm such an idiot," Charlie said, her voice sounding digitized and a mix of her voice and a different but familiar male voice.

A voice Alec recognized.

Before he could say anything, Cassie burst into the room and saw what was going on. "Al, Charlie, are you guys okay?"

Alec looks at Cassie as Charlie wipes some tears on her cheeks. "What happened, Sand?"

Cassie walks over to them and shows them the video of the Third Eye. "You guys need to see this."

Alec and Charlie look at the screen and are shocked at what they see. "Oh God."

"Guess you weren't lying," Charlie said, her voice sounding normal.

Alec glances at Charlie in bewilderment which makes Cassie a bit confused.

•••

In the garden out on the balcony, Freddie and Jane were strolling through the flowers that were planted. Jane looks anxious to get back inside to make her move on McMahon but focuses on a white flower on a bush.

Freddie notices her nervousness and says "You okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," Jane said, not looking at him but staring at the flower. "Oleander. Do you know these types of plants are cultivated widely despite how deadly it is? Beautiful and deadly."

"I think I can think of a few things that those plants have in common with," Freddie said under his breath.

Jane snaps out of her trancelike state and looks at him. "Why did you want to come out here?"

"I thought maybe we could use some one-on-one time," Freddie said, trying to cover up the lie.

Jane smiles and makes her way over to him. "If you wanted to just get me alone, you didn't have to go through so many hoops."

"Guess I must like the chase," Freddie said, teasing.

Jane smiles and puts her arms around his neck and whispers into his ear. "Think this place has a bed somewhere. We could make use of it. What do you say?"

Freddie smirks at this. "And take off our costumes?"

"Guess I'm just tired of wearing masks," Jane said, letting out a deep breath.

"Me too," Freddie replied as Jane looked back at him. "Let me ask you something, why'd you come here?"

"You first," Jane said, playing coy.

"To see you," Freddie said, half telling the truth.

"That's lovely." Jane breathes with a come hither stare. "And I wish that I could say the same but I came for Clayton McMahon."

Freddie was caught off guard at first but part of him knew what she meant but he asked her a question to draw suspicion from himself. "What do you mean? Not you and McMahon?"

Jane lets out an amused and loud but most deranged-sounding laugh. "Me and McMahon?" The laughter becomes more and more psychotic as she bends down and gets something from her garter belt: a silver throwing knife. "No, no. This and McMahon."

Freddie looks up and sees the knife which terrifies him. He grabs her wrists to get her to calm down.

"Now don't give me a 'killing McMahon won't solve anything' speech because it will," Jane told him, sounding angry and deranged. "Aren't you tired of a sanctimonious weasel like him coming out on top when he should be six feet under?"

"Look, I know the guy did something really bad but who do you think you are?" Freddie asked.

Jane laughs weakly as she stares into his eyes with pain etched through them. "I don't know anymore, Freddie." She starts laughing again but the laugh reveals a sadness behind it. The two of them stare longingly into each other's eyes until Jane kisses him passionately which Freddie returns only not as strong as her kiss.

The two of them pull away and Jane looks at him. "I'm sorry but I have to do this. I've come too far and I can't go back."

"You're wrong," Freddie told her. "You can stop this. You can come back from this.

"No, it's too late for me," Jane told him.

"No, it isn't. I promise." Freddie said calmly.

Jane stares at him as she slowly pieces it together and is stunned and heartbroken. "Oh, my god. You're-"

"Jane, I-"

Before Freddie could finish his sentence, Jane knees him in the groin again which causes him to fall to his knees and then land on the ground in pain.

"I don't care who you are, you aren't getting in my way," Jane said as she marched back inside. She pulls out a small walkie-talkie from her clutch and speaks into it. "Move in but McMahon is mine."

Freddie lies on the ground and groans in pain. He slowly starts to get up from the floor then he pounds his fist on the ground in anger.

Just then, Cassie runs into the garden with Alec and Charlie close behind her and she finds Freddie on the ground. "Oh god, are you okay?"

"Fine, wishing I still had a protective cup but I'm fine," Freddie said as Cassie and Alec helped him up. He looks at his aunt. "She knows and she's going to go after him."

Cassie's eyes widen as she looks at Alec and Charlie. "We have a problem."

"Got a plan?" Alec asked.

"Always. Only it's his plan right now." Cassie said while looking at Freddie.

Freddie winces and then says. "Get them in here then try to get the guests to safety by any means. I'll go after Jane and try to stop her."

Cassie nods as she pulls out her phone then she sniffs in front of Freddie's face and looks shocked. "Is that whiskey on your breath?"

"Now is not the time," Freddie said bluntly. "We'll talk about this later."

"You damn right we will," Cassie said angrily which made Alec smile.

"You guys are so weird," Charlie said as the four ran off.

•••

As the party continues, Gabe gets an email from Freddie that says 'Get everyone out, NOW!'

Gabe's eyes widen when suddenly, Vaughn Mallory enters the ballroom flanked by Wylie and Evan and the rest of the gang.

"Everyone, apologies for crashing this party but we seem to have lost our invites." Mallory jokes. A policeman comes at him but Mallory knocks him out with one punch. Mallory smirks as the man falls to the floor. "All right, let's make this quick. On the ground and hand over any valuables you have on your person."

The party guests reluctantly do as instructed as Evan and Wylie start taking money and jewelry from the guests.

Mallory walks over to Evan. "I have to go check with the boss lady. Keep an eye on things."

"You got it," Evan said then Mallory left the room and headed toward the kitchen area.

Wylie looks at Lucy and likes what he sees. "Hey, did the kitty cat say we can keep pets?"

"I didn't hear anything but go ahead," Evan stated.

Wylie smiles evilly and then goes over to Lucy but is distracted by Cassie calling out to him.

"Hey!" Cassie called out.

Before Wylie could react, Cassie leaps into the air then on Wylie and electrocutes him using her wrists gauntlets. Wylie topples over as Cassie uses the momentum to somersault forward and attack the nameless goon. He tries to hit her only to have her duck the punch, hitting his arm and breaking it. He screams in agony when she kicks him in the stomach then does a leg sweep to knock him off his feet and out cold.

Another goon approaches her only for Cassie to use momentum from her leg sweep to kick the gun out of his hands. She then kicks him in the head but he fights through the kick and grabs her. Cassie elbows him in the face and uses her strength to throw him over her shoulder and cause him to land hard on the ground. She then uses the strength of her legs to leap back up to her feet.

"Whoa," Lucy exclaimed.

"Tell me about it," Gabe said.

Cassie picks up the pipe Wylie was using as a weapon while Wylie was coming only to have Cassie crack him across the face with the pipe and then casually walk past the downed goons.

"Everyone who was invited to this party, quietly make your way to the exit in an orderly fashion," Cassie yelled when suddenly Evan punched her in the face and caused her to fall on her back.

"I normally don't like hitting women but seeing as how you beat the snot out of me mates in rapid succession, I'll make an exception," Evan said.

Cassie gets up and touches her now bloody lip. "You think I didn't come with backup? Because if I didn't, I would be pretty stupid."

All of a sudden, another expendable goon crashes through the doors into the ballroom and Pete and Galen make their way in.

"Man, that guy went down too easily," Pete stated.

"Shame, they don't make them how they used to," Galen replied.

Evan grabs Charlie from behind to take her hostage but Alec hits Evan in the head with a Glock. He turns and finds Alec pointing the gun at him. "One move and I make that haircut look even more ridiculous by blowing off the top of your head!"

Before Evan can do anything to him, Cassie shocks him with her wrist gauntlets and knocks him out cold. She breathes deeply and wipes away the trace of blood from the corner of her mouth.

"For the record, that hurt," Cassie said as she, Galen, Pete, Alec, Charlie, and Gabe stood over Evan.

"Is everyone all right?" Cassie asked.

The guests try to get their bearings as Charlie whispers to Alec. "Boy, you weren't kidding about her."

Alec smiles weakly at Charlie then turns to watch as Cassie rubs her jaw and David looks at her intently which worries Alec.

•••

Freddie, who wasn't wearing his tuxedo jacket, runs down the hallway and comes to a halt when he sees three of Jane's hired goons standing in the hallway. They draw their handguns and point them at him but before they can fire, a loud crash is heard coming from a window next to the wall in the hallway.

The men look to find the Fox standing there but he wastes no time and quickly beats each one into submission with swift and brutal strikes, finishing off one of them with an arrow to the lower chest.

The Fox looks at Freddie who had hidden behind a wall to not get thrown into the fray. Freddie slowly walks over to the masked man and surveys the damage.

"You didn't kill them, did you?" Freddie asked.

The Fox looks at him and simply says "They'll live."

"Why are you-"

"I was in the neighborhood. Thought I'd stop by and see what all the commotion was about." Leo said.

"Wouldn't have anything to do with that Third Eye video with the information from the flash drive, would it?" Freddie asked.

"Let me guess, you're Pulse's whiny techie?" Leo asked teasingly.

Freddie smirks. "Something like that."

"For the record, it wasn't my idea but my tech whiz thought it might be the only way to get McMahon to get thrown off his high horse and face justice," Leo told him.

"And for the record, he's not mad at you for it. He was caught off guard." Freddie told him.

One of the goons groans in pain and slowly starts to get up. The Fox strides over to him and kicks him then pins him down with his foot.

"Start talking, minion. Where's your boss?" Leo said bitterly as Freddie looked on with vested interest.

"Screw... you." The goon spat as the Fox stepped on his throat.

"Talk or I'm going to make my footprint a permanent part of your neck," Leo said angrily as he removed his foot from his throat and back on his chest. "Where is your boss?"

"I don't think he's bluffing," Freddie said, playing innocent bystander.

The goon coughs and starts talking. "I wouldn't want to confront her right now. She's pissed off because the cops took McMahon to jail and missed out on getting what she wants."

"Where is she?" Leo asked.

"On the roof... but she's not alone." The goon stated.

"What do you mean?" Freddie asked.

The goon looks at Freddie. "You Freddie?"

"How do you know my name?" Freddie asked, looking at the Fox and then at the goon.

"She said to give you a message. Said you would understand what it means." The goon said.

"What's the message?" Leo asked.

The goon smirks. "I have something of yours."

Freddie's eyes widen and looks at the Fox who motions with his head to get going. "Go, I'll take care of these idiots."

With that, Freddie takes off running towards the emergency stairwell that leads to the roof.

•••

In the main lobby of the building, Pete and Galen were helping Alec escort the party guests while Cassie was on the phone, and Gabe, Lucy, and Charlie stood next to her.

"I think everyone is here," Cassie said over the phone.

"You sure? Jane has someone held hostage, someone I know." Freddie said on the other end.

"Place is pretty empty. Officers are checking the building for any stragglers of Bast's posse." Cassie told him.

"Except they can't find the walking-talking Lucky Charms ad anywhere," Gabe said. "Must've hightailed out of there after Cassie beat down those clowns.

"Which was marvelous to witness by the way," Charlie replied.

Cassie shakes her head in amusement. "She's probably bluffing just to get you up there."

"Excuse me?" Gideon Gibson walks over to Cassie and taps her shoulder. "Have you seen Gibby? I can't seem to find him."

Cassie swallows hard and quickly lies. "No, I haven't. Maybe he's in the crowd outside, you should check."

Gideon nods and heads out of the building.

"Oh no, Gibby," Freddie said then hung up the phone.

Cassie became terrified. "Freddie, don't- Freddie? Freddie!" She runs up the stairs to head up to the next floor.

"Cassie, come back!" Alec yelled.

"I'll go after her. You get everyone out!" Pete said as he chased after Cassie.

Alec watches them leave as Charlie walks over to him. She grabs his hand in support which he takes. He looks at her and gives her a knowing look.

•••

Freddie runs out through the door of the rooftop access with panic etched on his face as he looks around but instead of finding his friend Gibby, he finds Jane standing on the edge of the roof holding Ben Frances by the arm with the throwing knife at his throat.

"Hey, you," Jane said with a fake cordial demeanor.

"Jane, what are you doing?" Freddie asked with terror in his voice.

"It's pretty simple, Freddie. It's a game I want to play." Jane said as she inches the knife closer to Ben's neck. "It's called 'How much do you value his life?'"

"Don't do this, Jane. Let him go." Freddie commanded.

"Alright, but it's going to be a nasty fall," Jane said as she inched Ben closer to the ledge and Ben panicked at the thought of being dropped to his death from a ten-story building.

"No! No, that wasn't what I meant!" Freddie shouted and Jane pulled Ben away from the ledge but still kept him close enough to pose a threat. "Leave him out of this. He has nothing to do with this."

"Well, you got involved in my business and that means everyone is fair game." Jane retorts. "You know, I saw you talking to him with your other friend. What's his name? Guppy?"

"Jane, stop!" Freddie said through gritted teeth.

"Tell me, should I slit your throat then drop you?" Jane asked Ben, who whimpered in fear. "I mean, it'd be considered an act of mercy. You'd bleed out before you even hit the ground."

"Please... Don't make me do something I'll regret." Freddie said in a threatening tone.

Jane laughs at this. "That's so sad and yet... I honestly want to know what your next move is going to be."

"She-" Ben uttered.

"Sorry, what's that you want to say?" Jane asked Ben.

"She doesn't want you to do this, Jania," Ben said.

Jane's eyes widen and with that comment, Jane tosses Ben off the edge before Freddie can stop her. Freddie looks over the edge and sees Ben has grabbed onto a flagpole that was hanging from the side out of sheer luck. He clings to the pole for dear life as he looks up at Freddie.

"You have two choices: stop me or save him. You certainly can't do both, can you, hero?" Jane said mockingly.

After a brief pause, Freddie makes his decision and bends down to look at Ben. "Ben, don't let go!"

"Why on Earth would I let go?" Ben said with a mix of frustration and sheer terror.

Freddie reaches down to help Ben back to the roof. "Ben, take my hand!"

While Freddie is distracted by trying to save Ben, Jane grins and sees an opportunity to eliminate a threat to her plans. An opportunity that she hoped she didn't have to do to someone like Freddie.

Jane pushes him off the roof and Freddie instinctively grabs the flagpole as well which causes it to bend slightly from the combined weight of the two young men. She looks down at Freddie, "Hope this teaches you to stay out of my way... Well, if you live through this." She blows him a kiss and then skips off to leave.

Ben begins to slip and starts falling only for Freddie to grab his wrist and hold a tight grip on him.

"Ben, hang on!" Freddie told him.

"I don't think I can," Ben said. "Just let go and pull yourself back up."

"No! It's both of us or none of us and I'm pulling for both." Freddie said. He looks at his right arm and has an idea. "Ben, do you trust me?"

Ben looks down at the street below, at certain death, then back at Freddie. "Don't see a lot of reasons not to."

"I'm going to swing you back up and you will climb on my back and hang on to me," Freddie said as he felt the flagpole start to slowly give way. "After that, it gets a touch complicated."

"Are you insane?" Ben said, sounding incredulous.

"I need you to trust me. You're going to be okay." Freddie assures him.

Ben swallows hard then Freddie starts swinging him up and manages to get him back on the pole which is starting to fall apart. Despite his panic, he climbed onto Freddie and put his arms around his neck. As he does this, Freddie unbuttons the sleeve on his right arm.

"Now what?" Ben asked.

"Well, remember what I said about it getting complicated?" Freddie said as the pole finally gave way. "Hold tight."

The flagpole starts to fall and so do the young men. Ben yells out but Freddie remains calm and composed as he raises his right arm to reveal a high-tech wrist gauntlet in the sleeve. He pushes a button that shoots out a wire from it. The grappling hook at the end of the wire attaches itself to the stone foundation of the building. The wire becomes taut and the two of them stop falling.

"Blimey." Ben manages to get out as he looks around and sees their predicament. "We're not dead."

"Yeah, I noticed," Freddie stated.

"So, you're going to push a button that's going to have that wire get us back up?" Ben asked.

"Not exactly," Freddie said with anxiety. "Hold on and shut your eyes."

"Wait, why?" Ben asked.

"Because I don't want you to get glass in your eyes," Freddie said as he stared at a window and swung toward it.

Ben shuts his eyes tightly and keeps holding on as Freddie crashes through the window into a different hallway on a lower floor.

Both of them land a bit roughly but they recover from their ordeal as Ben looks around while Freddie lies on the ground slightly winded.

"Well then, that was fun," Ben said halfheartedly. "Let's never do that again."

Freddie catches his breath and slowly gets his bearings. "I picked the wrong day to take my first sip of alcohol."

Just then, Cassie and Pete run into the hallway and see the two young men on the floor next to the broken window. She doesn't hesitate and runs over to her nephew.

"You guys all right?" Cassie asks while she helps Freddie to his feet and Pete helps Ben up off the floor.

"Well, Jane just tried to kill us but other than that I'm swell," Freddie said sarcastically. He looks at her and points. "Don't say 'I told you so' even though part of you can't resist."

Cassie nods. "I'll save that for later. Like the chat, we need to have about your underage drinking."

Freddie rolls his eyes and starts dusting himself off. He looks back at Ben who is still shell-shocked over his near-death experience. He looks out the broken window and sees the Fox landing on another rooftop using a zip line.

•••

Half an hour later, the authorities had arrived and the party guests were getting their bearings while the police officers loaded Evan, Wylie, and the rest of Bast's goons into a paddy wagon.

Ben was in an ambulance as he was being treated for a deep gash on his forehead by the EMT. Freddie stands next to him and watches the EMT patch him up.

"How does it feel?" Freddie asked him.

"It stings but I'm alive. Thanks to you." Ben stated.

"I did what I had to so you wouldn't get hurt," Freddie said.

Ben smiles through the pain. "They told me you were going to save me. I didn't believe it at first. I mean, not that you wouldn't save me but they have gotten it wrong before-"

"You keep saying 'they', who are they?" Freddie asked. Ben stammers to find a proper answer but Freddie stops him. "Never mind, you can explain it to me later. Just home and get some rest."

"What about you? Ben asked. "Are you going after that looney bird?" Freddie remains silent and Ben gets up to leave. "Whatever you do, stop her because she's got Death nipping at her heels. What she is going to do is going to decide her fate."

"I'll keep that in mind," Freddie said softly. Ben leaves the area as Victor walks over to him. "Detective, hey."

"Do you know how lucky you are?" Victor asked.

"I wouldn't say luck had anything to do with it," Freddie replied.

Victor lifts his right arm, "Did it have anything to do with this? Where did you even get this?"

"Uh." Freddie stuttered to find the words. "Internet."

"I made it for him, Detective," Gabe said as he, Cassie, Pete, and Galen made their way over.

Victor looks at him. "Why on earth would you make this for him?"

"Because there's a crime fighter in town who is pushing the criminal element to become more ambitious. It's called the law of escalation, Detective." Gabe said.

"I think what Alfred here is trying to say is you can't be too careful," Cassie said trying to cover their tracks.

Victor rubs his brow. "I don't have time to question whether or not that's a valid excuse. McMahon is on his way to a nearby precinct but his transport vehicle is stuck in traffic. I have to get there before this bastard gets his high-priced lawyers to get him out on a technicality." He goes to leave only to look back at Freddie and then at Cassie. "Did you smell-"

"I know and I will read him the riot act in the morning," Cassie said, referring to Freddie having an alcoholic drink. "Good night, Victor."

With that, Victor walks through the crowd as Lucy walks over to them and Gabe sees her shell shock and pulls her aside.

"Are you okay?" Gabe asked.

"Shaking but I'm fine," Lucy said, failing to hide her anguish.

"It seems we can't get through a date with some kind of insane incident occurring." Gabe jokes.

"Well, it makes things interesting. Not saying that I wouldn't be having a good time if something crazy didn't happen." Lucy stated. "Let's just say, it's never a dull moment with you."

"Do you want me to drive you home?" Gabe asked.

Lucy shakes her head. "My mom is coming to pick me up. She heard about what happened from the news and is practically blowing a gasket but then again she overreacts when I don't take an umbrella when it's raining. Keeps saying 'You'll catch a cold'."

"Been there," Freddie interjected, reminded of his insanely overprotective mother.

"I'll call you later?" Gabe asks and Lucy kisses him passionately on the lips which makes the group snicker and hold back their laughter. She pulls away and he smiles, "I'll take that as a 'yes'."

Lucy looks at the group and then at Cassie. "Thanks for saving me from that creep. I don't know what would've happened if you hadn't stepped in."

"No problem. I don't like it when men try to take advantage of women." Cassie told her. "Makes me extra violent."

The boys make similar sounding remarks regarding that statement ranging from 'And then some' to 'You have no idea'. Cassie looks back at the boys with a death stare and they stop their statements and become silent.

"And with the comments from the peanut gallery finished, you take care, Luce," Cassie stated sweetly.

Lucy hugged Cassie tightly and was surprised that the girl had some uncanny strength behind the embrace which knocked the wind out of her.

"Lucy... Can't... Breathe." Cassie said, gasping for air.

Lucy pulls away quickly, "Oh, sorry. I do that a lot. Guess I don't know my strength. You guys try to have a good night." She leaves as Cassie recovers from the hug.

"You okay?" Galen asked.

"I'm fine. Think she cracked some ribs though." Cassie stated.

Cassie goes over to Alec who was hovering around Charlie who was being looked after by one of the EMTs. She taps him on the shoulder to get his attention. "How's she doing?"

"He- uh she's a bit shaken up. I'm gonna take her home once she's been cleared." Alec said then turned to her. "You gonna explain what exactly happened back there?"

"Funny, I was about to ask you the same thing," Cassie said then looked at Charlie. "Did you two-"

"It's… complicated. But I'm assuming what happened with those lowlifes is connected to the kid?" He asked.

"I'll give you the details later," Cassie said as Charlie walked over to them. "Are you doing okay, Charlie?

"I'm fine," Charlie answered solemnly, her voice sounding hoarse and tired. "Tonight was kind of a bust, huh?"

"Not everything was. Just the scary goons attacking the party." Cassie said as the three walked over to the group.

David and Fiona Morgan walk over to the group. Alec straightened his posture and Charlie hid behind Alec.

"Is everyone okay?" Fiona asked.

"We're a little shaken up but we're fine," Gabe told his parents.

"We're sorry your night got ruined, Mrs Morgan." Freddie apologized.

"Don't be silly. It's just a party, and there will be others. I'm only glad that you're doing all right." Fiona told him. "We heard you were pushed from the roof."

"Yeah, I was trying to save a friend who was also pushed off the roof," Freddie said. "I'm sorry about the window though."

"Don't worry about it, Fredward. I'll be sure to pay for the repair of the window." David said. "You are a hero for what you did tonight." He looks at Cassie, Pete, and Galen. "The four of you showed extreme bravery tonight." He then focuses on Cassie. "How are you feeling, Ms. Sinclair? How's your face?"

"I'm fine. Sore but I've been punched harder than that piece of euro trash." Cassie said as she touched the side of her mouth feigning being in pain.

"What you did was amazing. You quite literally leapt into action." Charlie exclaimed. "Especially in that dress, that's twice as courageous."

Cassie laughed uncomfortably and turned a bit pink from embarrassment. "It was nothing."

"If you ever decide that private investigation isn't paying the bills," David spoke as he pulled out a business card and gave it to her. "Give me a call, I'm sure there's a place in my organization for someone with your... talents."

Alec's eyes go wide and he becomes pale which Galen sees.

"Um, thank you," Cassie said politely. "I'll keep it in mind."

"Sir, if it's all the same to you, I'd like to take Charlie home," Alec spoke up to distract his boss away from Cassie.

"I don't see any problems with that, Mr Grayson," David said cordially. "Try to enjoy the rest of your evening… But I expect you to be at the office tomorrow morning."

"Yes, sir," Alec said as he led Charlie away.

Gideon walks towards the group. "I still can't find Gibby. Has he called you, Freddie?"

Freddie shakes his head. "No sir. I'm sorry."

"I tried calling him but he won't answer. I'm getting very worried." Gideon said.

"Why don't we go talk to the police," Fiona suggested. "Maybe they can canvas the area."

Gideon nods as David and Fiona lead him away from the group.

Freddie looks at the group and reaches for his phone. "I don't like this."

"Neither do I," Cassie said. "She's not going to stop. Not until she's killed McMahon."

"And she's willing to take innocent people with her," Galen stated.

"I'm only hoping Gibby isn't her next piece of leverage," Freddie said as he put to the phone his ear. "Come on, Gib. Pick up. Pick up." He heard the phone ring for what seemed like an eternity but it was only seconds. It was after several rings that someone finally answered. "Hello? Gibby?"

"Hey, man. What's up?" Gibby greeted.

"Where are you?" Freddie asked worriedly while the others looked on. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm good. I'm with one of your friends, she said that we're going to play a game." Gibby said as Freddie turned white as a sheet.

"She?" Freddie stammers out.

"Ah. Ouch. That pinches." Gibby said with mild discomfort, "She and a friend of hers took me to this building, they blindfolded me too. She said it's a game."

"Let me talk to her," Freddie said assertively.

"He wants to talk to you." Gibby is heard saying.

After a long pause, Freddie heard a voice.

"Hello, Freddie," Jane said which made Freddie's heart hurt.

"Let him go, Jane," Freddie demands.

"Now, now, didn't we have this exact conversation almost an hour ago?" Jane asked playfully.

"Jane, you don't have to do this," Freddie said, his voice tinged with anguish.

"I didn't think you were going to survive the fall but you came prepared, didn't you?" Jane replied.

"I am trying to help you," Freddie said.

"I never asked for your help, hero boy," Jane said. "You should have stayed out of my way."

"Jane." Freddie manages out.

"Here's the deal: you can save your friend or try to stop me because you can't do both," Jane explained. "Let's face facts, you can't be in three places at once."

Freddie's eyes widened in horror. "What do you mean 'three'?"

"See, I figured you'd have that guy with the bow and arrow save your friend and you would make the big save and stop the bad guy. I thought I'd make it a bit more sporting." Jane stated. "I put a bomb in Grand Central Station. It's gonna explode in two hours and people will die if you don't stop it. If you breathe one word to the cops, I'll tell them who you are."

"Jane, that's terrorism," Freddie stated grimly.

"You forced my hand. This is on you." Jane said. "You did this, make the right decision. Goodbye."

"Jane. Jane!" Freddie yelled as the line went dead. He looks at his friends who seem worried about him. "We have to go." He starts striding off and the others try to keep up.

"What the hell happened?" Cassie asked.

"I'll explain on the way and we don't have time for a long-winded explanation," Freddie said. "And I don't have time to hear you say. 'I told you so'." There is determination burning behind his eyes. He was done playing around.

•••

During a huge traffic jam on the Brooklyn Bridge, a police transport vehicle was in the middle surrounded by other cars. Inside the back of the vehicle was Senator Clayton McMahon who was handcuffed by his hands and being watched by two heavily armed police officers.

The disgraced senator twiddled his fingers nervously but he tried to sound confident. "These charges won't stick. I'll walk and your asses will be out of the job!"

"Huh, big talk for someone who killed to get his job." One of the officers stated.

"Allegedly." Clayton defended himself.

"Is it moving?" The other officer asked the driver.

"Nah, the place is a parking lot. Must have something to do with what happened at that party? These thugs were stupid enough to attack an event filled with cops." The driver stated.

"Let's just pray the rest of the night is uneventful." The other officer said.

Meanwhile, on top of a part of the bridge, Bast was crouched down looking at the vehicle. One way or another, this was going to end.

•••

Back at the Pulse Cave, Freddie was now in his costume except not yet wearing the mask and goggles. Cassie reenters the room wearing a long-sleeved black top blue jeans and black combat boots. Her hair was out of the elaborate braid she put it in for the ball and she had the mask she wore in her hands.

The rest of the team, including Brad, stands in the room with them. Gabe was back at the hub while Millie laid out the first aid supplies she was going to need. Galen hands Cassie batons and she puts the two halves in a holster behind her back while Pete helps Millie out. Brad just stands there in awe as he stares at Freddie in his costume.

"How much time does he have to get there?" Cassie asked.

"One hour unless Jane is lying and there is no bomb," Pete said.

"I can't take that chance. She's going for her endgame and she's going to do whatever it takes to see it through." Freddie said. He looks up at Bead after finishing adjusting his wrist gauntlets and notices him staring. "What?"

"I'm sorry but seeing you like this is a bit new to me," Brad said. "You're like a legit superhero."

Freddie smiles. "Thanks but right now we have to focus on saving more innocent people and stopping Ba-Jane."

"You don't think she's going to have someone guarding Gibby?" Millie asked.

"Which is why I'm going to that building to rescue him," Cassie said. "I don't care if it's Lucky Charms, he gets in my way and I'll knock his block off."

"Well since all her hired goons got carted off to jail, he's the only one we'll have to worry about," Galen replied.

"Should one of us head to Grand Central?" Pete asked.

"No," Cassie stated. "If one of us goes, the police will wonder how we know about the bomb and that person will get blamed."

"She's right. Best let him handle this one." Freddie said as he put on his goggles.

Cassie smirks. "I'm right? Should I add that to the tally?"

Freddie gives her a withering look. "Don't let it go to your head, Agent Romanov."

"I got the location of where Jane called from. It's a warehouse in Garland, an old abandoned bedding warehouse store." Gabe said.

"Is it me or are there a lot of abandoned buildings in the city?" Millie asked.

"Blame the economy, I guess," Gabe said with a shrug. "Also got the location of the police transport, it's stuck on the Brooklyn Bridge in heavy traffic."

"He's a sitting duck without a clue Bast is coming," Millie stated.

Freddie sighs as Gabe hands him something by putting it in his hands but only they knew what it was. He looks at the others. "We all know our jobs?" The team shares a look of understanding. "Good, let's save the day."

•••

At Grand Central Station, unsuspecting people were minding their own business as they were blissfully unaware that there was an explosive device on the roof of the building.

Suddenly, a figure leaps onto the roof and lands with elegance. The Fox had arrived and he walked close to the bomb and then stopped.

"You found it?" Claud asked via their com link.

"Yeah, but this seems too easy," Leo stated. He pulls an arrow from his quiver and points it at the bomb. He shoots the arrow and once the arrow touches the bomb, a mild electric shock bursts from it. "Yeah, she came prepared."

"Now what?" Claud asked

The Fox walks close to the device and opens it up. "I think we have a problem."

"What's wrong?" Claud stated.

"I think Bast may have lied about the timer," Leo stated as the timer had only twenty minutes left.

•••

Cassie, Pete, and Galen arrive at the warehouse that Jane called from Cassie and Galen arrive in Black Beauty and Pete on his motorcycle. Cassie was now wearing her leather jacket and the masquerade mask again. They see the door was chained shut.

"It's locked?" Galen asked. "She locked Gibby in there?"

Cassie sighs. "Okay, this screams trap."

"Imagine if Freddie had chosen to go after him? Bast would have tried to kill him again." Pete asked.

Cassie's eyes harden. She didn't like that Bast was trying to kill Freddie again. "Gale, break the lock."

Without saying a word, Galen pulls on the lock and with one effortless motion yanks the chain off the door.

"Thank you," Cassie said, sounding grateful as she stepped inside first.

"Fearless, isn't she?" Pete stated.

"You just met her?" Galen jokes as the two of them follow her inside.

The trio walks through the warehouse that has dirty and dingy mattresses inside. They look around and see a light peeking through a crack through a door.

"Now they just want us to find him," Cassie said. "Hang back. I'll go in first."

The guys nod in agreement and Cassie walks close to the door and turns the knob. She exhales and opens the door wide open quickly to see Gibby tied to the chair with a blindfold over his eyes and headphones blasting loud music from them.

Cassie steps inside the room to try to free him only to be greeted with two bullets through her chest. She gasps in shock and looks over to find Mallory standing in the shadows.

"Sorry, lass, nothin' personal," Mallory stated as Cassie fell backward in a heap.

The two men see this and run inside the room. Pete checks on Cassie while Galen rushes at Mallory. His eyes glow bright yellow as he shoves him against the wall.

"You're gonna pay for that," Galen growled as he bore his wolf fangs at him.

Mallory stares in shock but reacts quickly and tries to punch him only for Galen to duck the punch and deliver one of his own.

Pete looks down at Cassie "Don't play dead for too long or Galen is going to rip him apart."

"Shut up," Cassie mumbles under her breath.

•••

On the Brooklyn Bridge, the traffic jam goes strong and the transport is moving slowly when suddenly something lands on top of the vehicle.

"What the hell?" One of the officers says.

Then they heard a loud commotion in the front of the car that sounded like a violent struggle was taking place.

"Stay with him, I'll go see what's going on." The officer told his buddy.

He opens the back of the transport and goes out to see what is going on.

The officer who remained with McMahon stares at him. "You behind this?"

McMahon glares at him. "Do I look like a Bond villain?"

Out of nowhere, the officer goes flying into a car which causes the people in the surrounding cars to flee in panic.

The remaining officer gets out and is met by Bast who had bloody claws but was wearing a different kind of mask that showed off a bit more of her face.

"You gonna frisk me, officer?" Jane said sexually.

He goes to draw his gun on her but Bast counters it by kicking the gun out of his hands, breaks his arm with one fluid motion then slices open his chest and kicks him in the face. The attack knocks him out cold.

Clayton McMahon looks at Bast who enters the vehicle and approaches him.

"You and I need to talk, Senator," Jane stated and McMahon became terrified.

•••

Back on the roof of Grand Central Station, the Fox was busy disarming the bomb which was down to its last two minutes.

"I almost got it but even if I disarm it, I have to get this explosive off this roof," Leo stated.

"Why don't you send it to space?" Claud jokes.

"Claud that-" Leo realizes something and smiles "Is not a bad idea."

"What are you going to do?" Claud asked.

The Fox pulls the inside of the bomb that has the explosive material in it. He attaches the inner workings to an arrow. He takes the arrow, draws back his bow then fires it into the air just as it counts down to its last ten seconds.

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1

BOOM!

The bomb exploded high in the air only to be fireworks and posed no real threat.

"You have gotta be kidding me," Leo said half amused but mostly annoyed. "It was a trick."

"A lot of effort for a trick," Claud said.

"Bast gave Pulse three opinions: disarm the bomb or stop her," Leo said. "This was a trick so no one would stop her from killing the senator."

"Guess she didn't count on you helping him out," Claud said.

"Maybe she did. Maybe she... Wanted me out of the way." Leo estimates and goes to jump off the roof onto another. "I need to get there before she kills Pulse too."

Claud realizes something. "Is this more than professional respect?"

"Something like that," Leo said as he kept running.

•••

Inside the warehouse, an oblivious Gibby continues to rock out to the music while Galen and Pete team up to face off against Mallory. Both men seem to be having trouble with him even though he has no powers. They did hold their own exceptionally well with Galen punching him so hard in the face that it drew blood while Pete burns his chest with his heated hand but it does little damage.

After all their attempts to severely injure him fail, Mallory grabs them both by the neck and forces them to the wall.

"Ya know you couldn't stop me," Mallory stated. "What was the point?"

Pete and Galen look behind Mallory and grin despite the pain. "We just wanted the attention."

Pete and Galen kick him off which causes Mallory to turn around and find something that shocks him to his core: Cassie, alive and holding the two bullets in her hand which she throws on the floor.

"You know, I don't like it when people shoot me," Cassie stated.

Mallory recovers from the shock and goes to attack her only for Cassie to whip out her batons by pulling them from behind her. She clocks him across the face which causes him to stumble back a bit.

Mallory goes to strike her with his fists but she blocks the attack with the batons and sends backwards a bit.

"Get Gibby out of here!" Cassie orders the men. "I got him, go!"

The guys did as instructed as Galen cut through the ropes Gibby was tied to while Pete removed the headphones but not the blindfold.

"We're leaving," Pete said.

"WHAT?!" Gibby shouted because of the mild hearing impairment due to the music.

Pete and Galen drag him out while Cassie continues to fight Mallory.

Mallory tries to punch him only for Cassie to duck and pelt him with her batons in the arms and stomach. The blows send Mallory at a wall, she uses the butt of the baton to club him but he recovers and punches her hard in the face. Cassie reels while Mallory grabs her and throws her at a wall hard.

Cassie gets up as the deep gash on her forehead instantly heals in front of him and she pops her injured forearm back into place.

"What in God's name are ya?" Mallory asked horrified.

"Getting tired of answering that question," Cassie stated.

Cassie and Mallory exchange blows until Mallory pushes her away and looks at her in disgust.

"You don't touch me, ya freak!" Mallory shouted.

"You just had to throw out the 'F' word," Cassie said mildly offended and amused.

Mallory notices her looking behind her and turns quickly only to be greeted by a fireball that hits him in the chest and sends him crashing at the wall. The blow knocks him out.

Cassie sees Pete standing at the doorway with a small flame disappearing from his hand. "You killed him?" She asks as she handcuffs Mallory while he is out cold.

"Nah but it's gonna be sore in the morning," Pete said.

"Oh," Cassie said. "I'll call Vic."

"What are you going to tell him?" Pete asked.

"That we found Gideon Gibson's missing son," Cassie said with a shrug.

Pete watches this with amused annoyance.

•••

On the bridge, Bast was pushing Clayton McMahon on the ground and every time he tried to get up she shoved him to the ground.

"Why are you doing this?" McMahon asked in shock.

"You know what you did," Jane said bitterly. She punches him hard in the face. "Just admit it!"

"I don't know what you're talking about!" McMahon yelled which caused Bast to pick him up by his shirt collar.

"You took everything from me! You took the one thing that mattered." Jane shouted.

"W-what did I do?" McMahon asked, confused.

"You killed my mother," Jane said her voice filled with rage.

McMahon smirks, his true evil shining through. "Sweetheart, do you have any idea how little that narrows it down?"

Bast yelled in anguish and with focused fury threw him on top of a car that shattered the windshield. "You are going to suffer the way my family suffered!" Bast loads her wrist gauntlet with the poisoned pellets she had made. "I made these just for you."

McMahon is horrified and realizes who this one "You're Jane, Julianna's daughter?"

Bast points her wrist gauntlet at him and prepares to shoot him until a jolt of lightning knocks her back a bit. She looks back and sees Pulse has arrived. "So you made the wrong choice?"

"Nope," Freddie said. "Let's just say I have more friends than you thought."

McMahon tries to get up but Bast forces him back down. She looks back at him. "You can't stop this."

"Yeah, I get that but that doesn't mean I won't try," Freddie said.

Bast punched McMahon as hard as she could and incapacitated him. "So what's your master plan? Talk to me and tell me you love me?"

"No. I want you to remember the person you were before all this happened." Freddie said.

"She never existed. That girl died the moment my mom died." Jane yelled.

"You're wrong. I wouldn't have fallen for you if that were true." Freddie said. "I know you're in pain. I can't even imagine the pain you must be in but I know deep down that girl is still in there."

Jane scoffs, "You saw what you wanted to see. I'm just a husk, a hollow woman made of straw. You fell in love with a lie!"

"Doesn't mean I won't try to save you," Freddie said.

"Shut up!" Jane said as she raised her hand and scratched him hard enough to knock his mask down and deep enough to draw blood and left three large scratch marks on his left cheek. He winces in pain as touches the blood and he looks at her in shock.

"I'm sorry," Freddie said and he sent a strong bolt of lightning at Jane that sent her crashing into another car.

Jane recovers from this and looks at him. "Now we're talking." She gets to her feet and charges at him. She swings wildly but Pulse effortlessly dodges each attempt of an attack, using her anger to turn her attacks against her. Something Cassie had been teaching him through his meditation training.

'An angry opponent is an unfocused one.'

Pulse grabs her arms and pins them behind her back and Bast groans out of pain and frustration. "You willing to protect that murdering bastard?"

"Not willingly but there's always another way!" Freddie yelled.

Bast scoffs as stomps on his foot to get free. She turns to face him. "Don't be so naïve. The law doesn't apply to people like him or us."

"Wrong on both counts," Freddie told her.

"That's because you see the lines and you won't cross them," Jane said. "Is that why you couldn't be with me? Or was it because of your ex?"

"Don't bring her into this! She has nothing to do with it!" Freddie said angrily.

Bast looks behind her and sees a groggy McMahon get up and slowly try to escape. Without saying a word, she lifts her arm to fire her poison pellets which she does and she fires twice.

The pellets find a target, just not the one she wanted: Pulse had leaped in the way of the two pellets that entered his body. He fell to his knees and screamed in pain from the burning sensation of the poison.

"You moron! Why did you get in my way? WHY?!" Jane is livid and sees McMahon is long gone. She ran over to him and proceeded to punch him in the face three times.

Pulse looks back at her as she pulls off his goggles to see his complete face. He stared lazily at her, the paralyzing agent in the pit viper venom was affecting him.

Bast pulls out her whip and charges it with electricity. She swings the whip and it wraps itself around his neck.

Freddie tries to get the whip off only for Bast to tighten its grip. He could only choke out one phrase "I want to... help... you."

"Do I look like I need help?" Jane scoffs, ready to take his head off.

Suddenly, an arrow knocks the handle of the whip out of his hand. This causes the grip to be released from Freddie's neck and he topples over on his side.

Bast turns to see the Fox standing there with another arrow ready to fire.

"Thought your little pyrotechnics show was going to keep me from helping him?" Leo asked in his disguised voice.

"Thought you were dumb enough to fall for it." Jane bitterly said.

With that, the two of them start to fight one another. The Fox tried his best to hold her off but Bast's cybernetic suit gave her the strength advantage and she beat him down.

Freddie had some movement left and tried to crawl to safety, a pair of feet were in front of him. He looked up and the figure of the feet belonged looking down at him. Freddie looks up to see the other Freddie he saw while he was under the influence of Phobos.

"See, this is what happens when you don't listen." The other Freddie said.

Freddie stares in confusion but he remembers what Galen said about the venom and how it causes hallucinations. This must be one of them. But how could he have the same hallucination that he had with Phobos?

The other Freddie points at Freddie's pocket then at the Fox was doing his best to fend off Bast. "Might want to act quick before you can't move at all."

Freddie realizes what he meant and pulls out what Gabe had given to him before he left: the EMP pen. He presses down on the button and a small shockwave knocks out electronic machines in the area including Bast's whip and powering down her suit.

That action took most of the strength Freddie had and he fell over. Bast looks at the Fox who gets to his feet and draws his bow.

"Guess we're even now," Leo stated.

Out of nowhere, police sirens can be heard in the distance which distracts the Fox. Bast picks up her depowered whip which was still a whip of course. She swings it around and the whip hits the Fox hard in the face, hard enough to knock his mask off his face.

"Sorry, I'm not about to get caught before my work is done," Jane said. She walks up to Freddie and looks down at him. "You get in my way again, I'll make sure your little secret won't stay that way."

With that, Bast is gone from the scene and slicks off into the night.

Leo starts to get up and rubs his face that was in pain. He sees Freddie slowly trying to get up but falling to his knees again. Leo runs over to check on him, forgetting that he isn't wearing his mask. "Are you okay?"

Freddie looks up at him, his vision for the most part may be blurry but what he saw in front of him was clear as day. "Le-Leo?" He then passes out from the venom.

"Freddie!" Leo yelled. He pulls out something from his belt: a syringe filled with Cassie's blood. He injects it directly into Freddie's leg which causes Freddie to let out a weak gasp. "Let's hope this helps."

Leo grabs his mask from the ground and puts it back on. He then grabs Freddie's goggles and puts them back on. "I'm getting you out of here."

Leo uses his strength to haul Freddie up and take him away from the scene.

•••

Back at the Pulse Cave, Freddie was lying on a surgical table with Cassie standing over and healing the deep slashes on his face. The Fox stands a few inches behind her watching intently. The rest of the team watches from different parts of the room. Brad looks more worried than everyone else but the others do look concerned.

"Is he gonna be okay?" Brad asked.

"He should be. The Fox got him here in time." Cassie said as she continued to heal him.

"How are you doing that?" Brad asked, regarding Cassie's healing powers.

"That is a longer conversation we don't have time to have tonight," Cassie said as she finished healing Freddie. She fights through the weakness she feels over the drainage of energy and Galen helps her to a chair.

"We still have to get the venom out of his system," Galen stated.

"Don't worry," Leo spoke up. "I took care of it."

"What did you do?" Gabe asked.

"Yeah, you would need an antivenom strong enough to do that," Millie stated.

"I didn't need one," Leo said. "Ms. Sinclair donated some of her blood. I think it burned it out of his system."

"Wait, how did you get Cassie to do that?" Pete asked, as confused as the others.

Cassie looks at the Fox. "Time to come clean."

Millie looks at Cassie shocked "You know who he is?"

Cassie sighs "It wasn't my secret to tell."

"Who is he?" Gabe asked.

The Fox stares at the team and lets out a deep breath. He slowly reaches for his mask and starts to remove it. The team has different shocked reactions as he completely takes off his mask until Leo is staring back at them.

"Surprised to see me?" Leo asked.

The team looked dumbfounded by the revelation but Millie was just completely stunned. She slowly walks over to him with a blank stare on her face which turns into a scowl and she punches him hard in the face.

Leo lands on the ground and Millie takes off up the stairs with tears in her eyes. Pete takes off after her while the others just stare at Leo who is nursing a bloody lip as well as a broken heart.

"I did not see that coming," Gabe said and Galen nodded in agreement.

Leo slowly gets up and walks over to Cassie. "Let me know if he gets better." Cassie nods as Leo slinks off in defeat and leaves via a hidden exit in the building. He seems devastated throughout the events.

"So..." The team looks up and sees Freddie slowly sitting up. "What'd I miss?"

The team looks at him with concern as Freddie seems like he is feeling badly over everything that's happened.

••••

At an undisclosed hospital, Mallory lays on a bed recovering the injuries he sustained while fighting the team. He was beaten up pretty badly.

Mallory hears the door open a crack and sees David Morgan has entered the room. "What do I owe for pleasure?"

"You are in very serious trouble, Mr. Mallory," David told him. "You and your friends attacked the ball and I don't take kindly to people like you ruining things."

"Why would you care about some stuffy high society party?" Mallory asked.

"Because my wife spent a long time planning it and I don't like to see my wife upset," David stated.

"It wasn't my idea. I was paid to do this." Mallory stated.

"Yes, Bast, right?" David asked. "Don't worry, we'll take care of her when the time comes and your buddies that were arrested are going to be dealt with in good time. But I want someone to pay and you're my scapegoat."

Mallory laughs, "You're going to kill me? No offense, mister, but even in my condition, I could still kick your ass."

David smiles then he turns to an invisible figure that seems to be next to him. "Make it quick and try to not leave such a mess." Mallory stares confused as a second set of footsteps heads toward him. "Have a nice night." With that, he leaves the room.

Mallory goes for the call button only for all the machinery to spark with electricity. The figure seems to be standing over him and Mallory seems to be being strangled by an invisible force.

David walks down the hallway as Mallory's scream of pain echoes through the halls of the hospital which makes him smile.

•••

Back at the Pulse Cave, Freddie sat on the floor of the dojo looking very downtrodden and defeated over what happened. He was wearing a long-sleeved shirt and black sweatpants as he stared blankly at the bracelet Jane had given him that he had taken off.

Cassie walks into the room and sees her nephew's depressed state. "I just spoke to Victor. He said that the police had found Jane's hideout. Some run-down clocktower in Queens. They're going to try to find her."

"How's Gibby?" Freddie asked, not taking his eyes away from the bracelet.

"He's with his dad. Guy has no idea what he went through." Cassie said. "That or he's just a really good liar."

Freddie manages a weak smile but Cassie knows his heart was shattered by all that occurred. Cassie walks over to Freddie and sits down next to him.

"Go ahead. Get it over with, say I told you." Freddie stated somberly.

"Is that what you wanna hear?" Cassie asked. "You want me to call you an idiot for believing in Jane? Because if you do, you are out of luck."

"Thought you'd be happy you were right?" Freddie asked.

"I usually am, but not at your expense," Cassie said. "You made a mistake, you can't blame it on optimism. You tried, she was just too far gone."

"I thought I could save her," Freddie said, holding back a sob.

"Sometimes you can't save everyone. You aren't perfect, no one is." Cassie said.

"So what am I supposed to do?" Freddie asked, feeling dejected.

"The best you can," Cassie said. "Be the clever boy you've always been. I was wrong, this isn't going to destroy you. It's only gonna make you stronger."

[Soundtrack Note: 'Smother' by Daughter plays as it continues to play over the montage]

Freddie gives her a small smile. "Think I can add this to your tally." Cassie smiles at him. "So, how long have you known about Leo?"

"Not too long but he found out about my powers by accident." She told him. "He let me into his little world and he didn't have to. And he did save your life, right?"

"Yeah. He did." Freddie said, "I just don't know what I'm supposed to do now."

Cassie takes his hand to pull his focus from the bracelet. "Talk to him. You and I both know he's not the bad guy. He just needs someone who understands him. Someone who knows what he's going through."

Freddie exhales, "I guess."

Cassie sensed his sorrow and exhaled "You want me to stay?"

"Thanks but honestly I just need to be alone right now," Freddie told her.

Cassie nods then she hugs him to make him feel her support. She gets up and walks out of the dojo.

Freddie sighs and then looks at the bracelet. Still trying to understand how this could happen.

His phone vibrates and Freddie sees it was a message from Leo.

•••

Meanwhile in the hallway that led to Charlie and Jake's apartment, Charlie and Alec were walking to her door as both of them were oddly quiet. They had not said a word to one another since they left the party and the silence was deep.

Alec takes a breath and breaks the silence. "So…"

"You're mad at me, aren't you?" Charlie said, sounding depressed.

"I'm not mad, Charlie. I'm just really confused." Alec told her.

"You're confused?" Charlie replied, her voice cracking again. She clears her throat and regains her composure. "I'm sorry."

"Charlie… I meant what I said. I'm not interested in Cassie." Alec told her. "I may have been in the past. To an unhealthy degree… but that's in the past."

"So what do you want?" Charlie asked, her voice squeaking due to nerves.

Alec looks at her dead in the eyes which makes her nervous. "The person you're hiding."

Charlie gulps and exhales. "What do you-"

"We both know exactly what I mean," Alec said, looking her in the eyes. He takes her right hand and looks to see some faded ink marks on her arm.

"Alec-"

Alec gently touches her face. "When you're ready to tell me what's going on, let me know."

Alec lets go of her then backs away and leaves the hallway.

Charlie watches him leave with a look of hope mixed with heartache. She opens the door and walks inside. She shuts the door and locks it.

Charlie looks around the apartment and finds Alec's red scarf on the couch. She goes over and tentatively picks up the scarf. She leans back against the door and holds the scarf close against her body.

Suddenly, a flash of prismatic shards shatters and fades as the visage of the young woman is replaced with her real form. Or his true form.

Jake Logan now stood where Charlie once stood, wearing a black hoodie, a purple shirt, and blue jeans. He had tears running down his cheeks as he continued cradling the scarf in his arms slid down to the floor and sat there.

•••

At a morgue of a hospital, a coroner lies on the floor unconscious. He had been knocked cold by Jane who was wearing a hooded jacket and dressed in all black.

Jane walks over to the drawers where they keep the bodies. One of them was open slightly then she pulled it out and found a full-body bag inside.

Jane unzips the bag and stares at the body she found. It was the body of her father Albert Louis. Tears start to stream down her face as she touches his face with her gloved hands.

Jane's eyes well up with tears as she starts to realize everything she has lost. Both of her parents, her innocence, and now the only person who truly cared for her, Freddie.

She kisses her father's forehead in a silent goodbye to him. She zips the bag closed, closes the drawer, and calmly walks out of the morgue.

•••

Millie walks into her apartment. She was mentally drained due to the events that took place and her usual skip in her step was gone.

She slowly walks to her room and closes the door behind her. She throws herself on her bed and lays her head down.

Her thoughts go to Leo. The boy she ever felt love for. She even used the word in front of him. Now she finds out that he is a vigilante, one known for his penchant for violence.

She then thinks back to all that he told her about his past, the scars on his back. It was all there and she didn't think he was the Fox. How could she?

Millie's phone rings and she picks it up. It was Leo calling her. She stares at the screen and lets it ring until she hits 'Decline'. She throws the phone down and starts to cry.

•••

At Leo's apartment, Leo sat on his bed and was holding his phone. He then leaves her a text message that reads 'I am sorry for hurting you.'

Claud then enters the room holding a coffee mug with warm coffee inside. She goes to give it to him but he declines it.

She sits down next to her friend and holds his hand to comfort him. Let him know she was there.

Leo stares at the wall, not knowing what to do now.

•••

Cassie enters her apartment and closes the door. She goes to lie on her couch and stares at the ceiling. After a moment, she has an idea and then pulls out her phone. She pushes the speed dial and listens to the phone on the other end ring until the person she was calling answers.

"Cassie?" Danny's voice is heard.

"Hi," Cassie said, her voice trying to sound cheerful but Danny didn't buy it.

"What's wrong? Everything is alright?" Danny asked.

"Not really. I've kinda had a tough night." Cassie said.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Cassie asked.

"Honestly, I wanted to hear your voice," Cassie said half laughing and swallowing her anguish.

"Now who is the sap?" Danny said, teasing.

Cassie laughs, "You can be a real pain, you know that?" After a moment, she says "Thanks."

"Anytime," Danny said and the two proceeded to talk.

[Soundtrack Note: Song fades out]

•••

The next morning at Jane's clocktower hideout, Freddie enters the building and sees that the place was ransacked and cleared out. He looks around and sees a book on the floor. He picks it up and sees it is the book 'Dangerous Liaisons'.

He opens it up and a flower that was pressed between the pages falls out. He picks it up and sees it is a white oleander blossom.

"Think she was trying to be ironic?"

Freddie looks behind him and sees Leo standing in the room.

"Police took what was left. Her fingerprints were all over this place." Leo explained. "Guess she didn't have time to burn this place to the ground."

Freddie gets up and looks at him. "Got your text. You wanted to see me?"

"I did," Leo said. "We need to talk."

"If this is about having us keep each other's secrets, there's no misunderstanding. I will keep your secret just as I hope you keep mine." Freddie said.

"Thank you but that's not why I wanted to talk," Leo said. "I need to tell you why I came here."

"What do you mean?" Freddie asked. "You came here to fight crime, didn't you?"

"Not exactly," Leo said. "I came here to find out about my family. My biological family. I learned that I was the product of an affair and my father cheated on his wife. They also told me that after I was born, he had reconciled with his wife and had a son, my half-brother."

"Okay, so you came to find your half-brother?" Freddie asked.

Leo nods "I got the name of my biological father and looked through a lot of records. I also used my forensic skills to run a blood test and found him."

"Oh, that's good. Who is it and how did you get his blood?" Freddie said.

"He sort of leaves it at crime scenes," Leo said. "I found it in front of a hospital after I saw him beat up some goons."

Freddie has a realization. "Wait, what are you saying?"

"Freddie, you're my half-brother," Leo said frankly

Freddie stares at him wide-eyed and the only thing he can say is "Oh."

•••

•••

Main Cast

Fredward 'Freddie' Benson - Nathan Kress

Cassandra 'Cassie' Sinclair - Sarah Michelle Gellar

Millicent 'Millie' Flores - Ashley Argota

Gabriel 'Gabe' Morgan - Landon Liboiron

Peter 'Pete' Sawyer - Charlie Hunnam

Also Starring

Detective Victor Flores- Daniel Dae Kim

Detective Daniel 'Danny' Parker - David Giuntoli

Galen Lennox- Tyler Hoechlin

Leopold 'Leo' Maxwell - Dylan O'Brien

Guest Starring

Jane Louis/Bast - Vanessa Morgan

Claudia 'Claud' Moon - Bex Taylor-Klaus

Alec Grayson - Colin Donnell

Charlotte 'Charlie' Robinson – Mischa Barton

Jacob 'Jake' Logan - Thomas Sanders

Benjamin 'Ben' Frances - Max Deacon

Brad Warner - Justin Prentice

Heather Chase - Ashley Benson

Richard 'Ricky' Maturo - Luke Benward

Fiona Morgan - Mary Louise Parker

David Morgan - David Morrissey

Ella Chase - Kim Dickens

Albert Louis - Lennie James

Professor Thomas 'Tommy' Bennett - Marc Blucas

Officer Penelope 'Penny' Simmons – Miriam McDonald

Gideon Gibson - Nathan Fillion

Richard 'Rich' Maturo - Bruce Greenwood

Senator Clayton McMahon – Gil Bellows

Vaughn Mallory - Sheamus

•••

And that's it for now. Until the next episode! I hope you guys liked it =)

Please review, your comments mean a lot to me. I know a lot of people have A LOT of questions about certain turns and revelations. If I have offended anyone, I do apologize. I just want to try something bold. I hope you guys like it.