Grimm swore as the coffee that was being poured from the pot and into his cup splashed onto the counter. Fortunately, none of it landed on Grimm or his clothing but that did nothing to lessen the stream of curses that were flowing from his mouth. Grimm placed the coffee pot on the countertop before ripping, more paper towels than he needed, from the roll to clean up the spilled coffee. He wiped the counter up first to keep it from running onto the floor. With that contained, he cleaned off his coffee mug, a simple white mug with the Mason City PD logo on it. Once he threw the paper towels away he stared at his shaking hands willing them to stop.
Either through sheer willpower or the passage of time his hands started to calm themselves. He gripped the handle of the coffee pot tightly, glaring at his white knuckle grip daring his hand to shake again. Satisfied that his grip was steady enough, he poured coffee into his mug once more.
"They are back," Grimm grunted as the mug filled. "Hawk is K.I.A., got drug dealers loose in the city, I have a date tonight and now..." He turned to look at Eris as she ate her breakfast peacefully from her bowl. "I'm talking to my fucking dog in my dreams!" Grimm forcefully returning the coffee pot under the coffee maker. "This is more fucked up than a vegan at a wing eating contest." He brought the coffee mug up towards his lips and after he blew gently on the surface gulped down the entire cup.
"Ah fuck!" Grimm swore again, having nearly burned his tongue. He refilled his mug and took it into his living room before setting it on the coffee table, something he never did. Grimm normally just ate in the kitchen. He sat heavily on his couch laying back in the cushions before rubbing the bridge of his nose. Movement drew his gaze, his eyes, now focusing in on the source. Eris had finished her meal and was approaching him. She stopped at the edge of the carpet that separated the kitchen from the living room. She looked at him as if asking permission for something.
Grimm nodded and beckoned her over with a single wave of his free hand. She trotted over happily, sitting down in front of him, tail wrapped around herself peering up at him. With a heavy sigh, Grimm reached out with his right hand and started petting the top of her head between the horns. The tip of her tail lifted off the carpet and started to tap it softly. He didn't say anything for a while, he just pet her and looked at her while she looked at him. A smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth as he waited for her to actually say, 'soooo we goanna talk about this, bud?' Which of course she didn't.
"So," Grimm started, staring into her crimson eyes. "You can understand, huh?" He paused, waiting for some kind of visual cue but she remain stoic. "I mean understand, understand. Exactly what I'm saying?" Again, he wasn't sure what he was expecting but then she bobbed her head a single time in what could only be described as a nod. He pulled his hand away and just looked at her. He knew that she was smarter than any canine he had ever worked with before, and he knew she understood him on a different level. He just had no idea how much she had understood him. "So that was really you? In the dream, I mean?" In response, she repeated the series of commands he had given her in the dream.
"Alright, alright," Grimm said when she was halfway through. "No one likes a show off." Eris returned to her normal statue like state and peered up at him. He was about to ask her if she was the one responsible for the dream melding thing but knew that wasn't right. If the MMA looking chick was supposed to be Eris, then that purple haired women was the one that was claiming the responsibility for that; whoever or whatever she was. Grimm exhaled through his nose and leaned back into the couch once more. When he did, he caught sight of his Pokémon book where he left it on the coffee table.
Fueled by coffee and adrenaline, the wheels started to turn in Grimm's head. 'If Eris looked like a human in that dream,' Grimm thought, grabbing the book and started to flip through the pages. 'The other women could be a Pokémon. She has to be, to do what she says she can that and her ears and red eyes!' Grimm keep flipping until he reached the index of the book. Once he reached the 'D's he used a finger to scan for anything that had 'dream' in it. The one that jumped out at him was the word 'dream eater'. He quickly flipped to the corresponding page number. His eyes darted back and forth as he read quickly.
Dream Eater: Special Attack Move
Type: Psychic
Affects: Only when the target is sleeping.
Description: The user eats the dream of the target, draining stamina from the target and replenishing some to itself. It is debated and unconfirmed how this process takes place. Some believe the user simply sucks the dream from the target. Others think that the user actually enters the target's dream and extract the dream that way. As of yet, there has been no way to prove or disprove either theory.
Pokémon that can utilize the move: Gastly, Haunter, Gengar, Hoothoot, Noctowl, Ralts, Kirlia, Gardevoir, Spiritomb, Darkrai, Munna, Morelull, Shiinotic & Lunala.
Grimm frantically searched around the coffee table for something to write with and to write on. Coming up with a stub of a pencil and the back of an open envelope a bill had come in. He quickly wrote down all the names of Pokémon that could use the move dream eater. He hurriedly wrote the names on the envelope, hoping he'd be able to read it later. Grimm often wrote things quickly and in a hurry when he had a lead. His desk full of sticky notes with phone numbers and words on them, that meant something only to him.
Starting down the list, he turned to the page that contained the Pokémon's entry that was on the list. He skimmed quickly and studied their picture before moving onto the next one. Grimm didn't have to look long for he was only on his second name 'Haunter' when he stopped. He snatched the book and stood up so he could get more light on the picture. The picture in the book depicted a disembodied head with floating hands. The Pokémon was purple, a royal purple and the eyes a bright blood red. Just like that woman in his dreams.
"Son of a bitch!" Grimm muttered sitting back down. The book said that Haunter was a ghost type Pokémon and could use the dream eater move. In his line of work, Grimm didn't believe in coincidences but he also didn't believe in tunnel vision. Finding one lead that looked good and focusing solely on that could screw an officer over just as much as having no leads. Grimm flipped through the book to check the remaining Pokémon from his list. He found that other than Gengar, no other Pokémon fit the bill like that women in his dreams. Grimm closed the book after marking a few pages with sticky notes. He got to his feet and went into the kitchen to finish the last of the coffee. When he did he saw the card Roman gave him where he had tossed it on the counter. He picked it up and looked at it with a strange smirk coming to his lips.
"We do it to break the ice," Grimm quoted what Athena the Gardevoir had told him when he first met her at the club. "Son of a bitch…" He muttered again before turning to look at Eris. "You feel like going out today? Do a little off the clock investigating?" In response Eris got to her feet and stood in front of Grimm. "She wants me to talk to him and it would be rude not to, right?" Grimm remarked, retrieving his pistol and placing it into his holster but concealed under his shirt since he was off-duty. Still, he brought his badge and clipped it to his belt under his shirt. He might be off duty, but Grimm always had the option to intervene if he saw something as a cop, provided he had his badge. He fashioned Eris's leash to her collar and gave her side a reassuring pat. "Let's go shake his tree and see what falls out of it."
It was not a short walk to The Trader's Club from where Grimm lived and it made him give some serious thought into investing in a car. Still, it wasn't worth it in his mind since he lived so close to the station. The streets and sidewalks were busier than usual since the tournament was in full swing now. Trainers and their Pokémon went to and fore between matches, many of them trying to size each other up, both human and Pokémon alike. Several turned their eyes to Grimm only to look away when he glared at them with authority to back it up.
Eris and Grimm arrived at the club about an hour later, and Grimm was not very surprised that it was already fairly busy, even if the club itself wouldn't be open till the evening. Part of him wondered if some were actually borrowing the Pokémon for the tournament. He also knew he didn't care; still hating that place and the man that ran it all. Grimm exhaled softly when him and Eris entered and he saw the lengthy line waiting to speak to Athena about their requested 'trades'. Grimm filled into the queue with them. He was not there in an official capacity and thus could not exercise his authority to jump the line. Grimm noted with some distaste that the place was more akin to the DMV than a club. No one spoke except to answer Athena's questions and no one made eye contact, just looking straight ahead.
Though Grimm knew he was getting some looks because he was the only person in here with a Pokémon out at his side, he felt anger building in him, not because they looked at him but how they were looking at him. They were judging him. He knew the look all too well. At house parties in high school when a boy and girl suddenly disappeared at the same time for a while only to reappear just as suddenly. The pair would always try to play it cool but everyone would stare at them with sideways glances. Look at first one then the other. Trying to figure out what they did, how they did it, who was better, who was on top, if the two 'belonged' together.
'These motherfuckers!' Grimm thought, his jaw clenching. 'They think that…that…' He couldn't even think about it. 'They judge me? They're here at a brothel and they judge ME!' Grimm clenched his hands into fists. He took a deep breath through his nose and out though his mouth trying to calm himself. He was about to do it again when he felt Eris's snout bump his right fist. He looked down at her and into her crimson eyes. He could almost see it in her face then. 'Forget about them.' She seemed to be saying. Grimm sighed and opened his hand so he could rub the top of her head. 'You're right.' Grimm thought. 'Fuck 'em. Let 'em think whatever their sick minds want to.'
"Mr. Escobedo would like to see you in his office," A deep, thick voice said to Grimm's left. Grimm looked over to see the one that spoke was one of the Machoke bouncers Roman employed. The large Pokémon had unhooked the rope that zigged zagged everyone through the lobby so Grimm could step out of line. Grimm stepped out of the queue wordlessly, Eris trotting alongside.
"I know the way," Grimm told the Pokémon who only re-hooked the rope and returned to stand by the door. Grimm walked quickly up the stairs, determined to not seem off put by this unexpected summon. This was what he wanted, but he expected to ask to see him, and not the other way around. Grimm climbed the stairs that lead to Roman's office, stopping on the landing in front of the door with Eris at his side. He gave her a look before pounding on the door briskly.
"Enter," A muffled voice said. Grimm turned the knob and entered the office once more. Grimm found the club owner dressed in another one of his tailored, hand-pressed suits standing behind his desk. The owner was not alone like Grimm had suspected, but instead there was a quadruped creature standing beside his desk. It had smooth silken looking golden fur, the features of a fox, bright crimson eyes, and the most unique feature were several streamlined but busy tails were curled behind it.
The Pokémon upon seeing Grimm and Eris enter made a noise that could only be described as a cross between a high pitched bark and soft growl. It moved swiftly and gracefully, making a beeline for Grimm. Just as swiftly Eris stepped between Grimm and the approaching Pokémon taking up a combat stance uttering a low growl in challenge. If the approaching Pokémon was concerned or even noticed the threat, they gave no sign of it. They nimble weaved between Eris to rub their head against Grimm's leg making a low purring noise. The Pokémon acting more akin to a feline then a canine the features betrayed. Grimm looked up at Roman who had a very amused smile on his face.
"Aiya!" Roman stated sternly. The golden fox Pokémon turned their head to look at Roman. "Come here." The fox-like Pokémon left Grimm and made their way over to Roman quickly. Eris watched it go a growl still in her throat. "You'll have to forgive Aiya." Roman said petting the top of the Pokémon's head. "She's very affectionate. Though usually not so to strangers. Ninetales are known to be extremely loyal but typically it has to be earned, for they are not quick to trust. Interesting she trusts you already, officer."
"You summoned me here," Grimm said pointedly. He had no desire to play these peacocking games with the club owner.
"When I saw you in my club I simply presumed you wished to speak with me," Roman said before a sly smirk crept across his lips. "Unless you decided to get into battling and are in need of my services."
"You presume correctly about wishing to speak with you," Grimm said, arms akimbo. There was a tense moment where neither man seemed to be willing to do or say anything, content to stare the other down. Roman broke the silence by chuckling softly and gesturing towards a chair in front of his desk.
"Won't you take a seat?" Roman offered.
"Thanks," Grimm said, walking up and settling in the offered chair. Eris followed Grimm, sitting beside his chair head up switching her gaze between Roman and Aiya. Aiya sat next to Roman's chair once he sat down himself, his left hand absentmindedly petting her head. His right pulled out a cigar from the box on his desk. The club owner didn't even bother asking Grimm if it was alright for him to smoke since Grimm was not a police officer on duty at the moment. Roman carefully cut the end of the cigar and took his time lighting it until the ember glowed an even cherry red. Roman turned his head and exhaled a cloud of smoke just far enough to the side so he was not blowing it in the face of Grimm, but close enough that Grimm would get the full effect of the smell.
"So," Roman said thoughtfully before taking another puff. "What can I do for you, officer. I find myself in a position I am not used to, I am in your debt." Grimm kept his face impassable even going so far and to squint his eyes so the close proximity to the smoke would not cause them to water.
"More akin to being the one owed I'm sure," Grimm said, folding his arms across his chest. "Though I feel a man such as yourself would not find himself in any kind of debt unless he wanted to be." In reply, Roman smiled around the cigar in his mouth and drew in a mouthful of smoke. Only to exhale it straight up out of the corner of his mouth never breaking eye contact with Grimm. Grimm hadn't expected Roman to take the bait, but it did let the man know he wasn't a complete sap. "Tell me, do you own a Pokémon known as a Haunter or a Gengar?" Roman pulled the cigar from his mouth and tapped the ash into a crystal ashtray on his desk.
"I trust you will just look up my Pokémon records anyway?" Roman asked the cigar forgotten about for the moment. It was Grimm's turn to remain silent as the pieces moved across the board of this mental chess game. "I do happen to own a Haunter, Morgan is her name." Eris, who had been scanning around the room, flicked her eyes to look at Roman. Silence fell over the room once more broken only by Roman inhaling on his cigar and exhaling a cloud of smoke.
"I'm sure some as experienced with Pokémon as yourself would know that Haunter's have a move called dream eater," Grimm stated.
"Is that a fact?" Roman stated, amusement filling his voice once more. Roman smiled around his cigar once more, eyes seeming to twinkle as if daring Grimm to say it. To accuse him of something that could never be proven.
"Would it be fair to say you're a businessman?" Grimm asked, raising an eyebrow. This action was mirrored by Roman to Grimm's query.
"But of course," Roman said as he knocked more ash from his cigar, over half of it gone now.
"Then I would prefer to be left un-accosted so I might make my own decision without outside influences," Grimm said, leaning forward and placing his palms upon Roman's desk to look the man in the eye. Roman wordlessly moved his cigar from one corner of his mouth to the other using his tongue, then back again. Now it was Grimm challenging Roman, daring him to say he had no idea what he was talking about. "As a businessman would you not concede that is a fair point?"
"You surprise me yet again, officer," Roman said stubbing out his cigar in the ashtray. "I think you are more educated than you try to let on." Grimm smiled.
"Naw," he said before getting to his feet. "I can just bullshit with the best of them. Now do you agree? That someone should make their own choice without outside interference?"
"I couldn't agree more," Roman said, getting to his feet as well before extending his hand. Grimm looked at it for a moment but then took it and shook it once, a quick up and down. As Grimm turned to leave, Aiya the Ninetales stood up and went to follow him but Eris was quicker, cutting the Ninetales off and placing herself between her master and the fox Pokémon.
"He is not your master," Eris told the other Pokémon threateningly. Aiya seemed taken aback a moment before cocking her head to the side.
"Of course not," Aiya said as if that was obvious. "He saved me from a life of slavery from despicable men." Eris's own head tilted in thought.
"When was this?" Eris asked.
"But a few days ago," Aiya explained. "I am not surprised your master does not recognize me as I was but in a pup form then." This only left Eris more confused but before she could ask any more questions.
"Eris," Grimm called by the door. "Let's go." Eris trotted quickly over and descended the stairs with her master. Roman watched them go and then looked out the wall of windows that overlooked the club to watch Grimm and Eris leave. Athena came in wordlessly and led Aiya to her room, shutting the office door behind her. Now that the office was empty Morgan the Haunter appeared floating behind Roman's shoulder.
"Well that was boring!" Morgan said. She materialized into her humanoid form, the one Grimm and Eris had seen and 'sat' in the chair behind. "I was expecting mister by the book to do something more drastic. You know charge in, slay the evil king and save the swooning damsel in distress!" Morgan draped an arm over her eyes and leaned back in the chair in an exaggerated swooning motion.
"You know I dislike it when you sit in my chair," Roman muttered, still gazing out over the line of people waiting to 'trade' for his Pokémon.
"That's why I do it," Morgan said sitting upright.
"You give him not enough credit," Roman remarked thoughtfully.
"Who?" Morgan asked. "Lancelot there?" Roman nodded by way of reply.
"You've seen first hand what happened last time he charged in to slay the evil king and save the damsel," Roman remarked. While Roman spoke, Morgan had made the box of cigars open without the use of her 'hands' and a cigar to float out of the box and over to Roman.
"Oh yes," Morgan said, her grin widening. "They raped the shit out of him! I've yet to get tired of that dream. It's kept me up late at night if you know what I mean." Roman snatched the cigar out of the air and turned to look at the Haunter with an annoyed look.
"Is everything a game to you?" Roman snapped. Morgan just smiled wider, unnaturally wide the smile literally going from ear to ear.
"You know it is," Morgan said. Roman sighed and tended to the fresh cigar in his hand cutting it and lighting it. After he exhaled a few mouthfuls of smoke Roman sighed.
"My apologies my dear I did not anticipate he'd be so reluctant still," Roman explained turning his gaze back out the windows. "Or so tactful."
"Tactful? The man charges his problems head on," Morgan said, leaning back more and crossing her legs.
"You like games. That include chess?" Roman asked, sticking the cigar into his mouth.
"A lil boring for my taste," Morgan started. "Now strip chess is another matter." She smiled wolfishly, Roman grunted around his cigar.
"We'll we've just been checked, my dear," Roman said with smoke coming out with each word spoken. Morgan scoffed. "To little credit." Roman turned to face the ghost Pokémon. "He's figured out that you were the cause of his dreams, or at the very least strongly suspects it. I told you he'd put it together after you dream shared with them."
"So what? Not like he can prove anything," Morgan pointed out. "Dreams are dreams, and there is no way to prove they are anything more than that." Morgan smiled. "So relax." Roman scowled around his cigar.
"Exactly," Roman said. "So he came here and he set a trap. One I fell into quite handily."
"Trap?" Morgan asked, sitting more upright. "What trap?" Roman smiled puffing on his cigar, seemingly to savor knowing something the ghost Pokémon hadn't caught onto yet. Roman said nothing, but enjoyed his cigar until it suddenly flew from his mouth and floated still smoking a foot from his face. "What trap?" Morgan demanded. Roman didn't seem to mind she had taken his cigar, satisfied to have knocked the Haunter down a peg or two.
"You heard him," Roman said as if Morgan should be able to put it together easily. When she glared at him he continued. "He asked for the dreams to stop and if they do, right after speaking with me, then he'll all but confirm that you are the cause of them. Not that he could prove this to anyone, but he'll know and for him that will be enough." Morgan scoffed in disbelief.
"That's the trap?" Morgan asked, her turn to be annoyed. "Then I won't stop giving him the dreams. Besides I have more plans for those two."
"But if they continue, he'll never accept our help," Roman pointed out.
"He said that?" Morgan asked doubtfully.
"He implied it," Roman said, taking his cigar from the air and inhaling once more. "So that is the trap, my dear. Either we stop the dreams and he knows without a doubt we're the cause, or he won't take our help." Morgan just glared for a long moment, letting Roman smoke in silence while her first clenched. "Check," Roman repeated the chess saying. At that, she looked ready to smash something but instead she slowly started to grin.
"Ooooooooo. I like him," Morgan said endearingly. "Macho tough guy, but he's got a few brains rattling up there. I see what drew you to him. He's the key, we turn him and all the tumblers will fall into place."
"More like a flame, my dear," Roman said, puffing on his cigar to glow bright red for effect. "One that will either light the path for us or burn down everything we have."
"Now who's being the dramatic one?" Morgan asked returning to her natural Haunter form. "More connected and powerful men have tried to take you down without success."
"Never underestimate a true believer for a cause, especially if it's their own cause," Roman cautioned. "Now, ready and rouse the girls." Morgan grinned wolfishly once more.
"Which ones?" She asked excitedly
"All of them," Roman said putting out the stub of his cigar. "I'm expecting a rather full house tonight."
Grimm found himself back at his apartment after swinging by a café to grab a quick lunch for him and Eris. Grimm was still annoyed that the Pokémon meals were more expensive than regular meals. He kept telling himself he was going to take Carla up on those cooking lessons she kept offering. He knew it'd be cheaper than eating out all the time. He smiled to himself as he and Eris had walked back after the meal. Grimm could hear Carla's accusing voice. 'Dios mío. If you found a woman that could cook, you wouldn't have to, you know.' Grimm had quipped something along the lines that was that all a wife was good for? Carla had responded with something spoken rapidly in her native tongue and slapped him on the back of the head. 'If you won't find a woman for love then at least do it for food! There is no getting through to you!' She had promptly stormed off.
Now back inside, Grimm booted up his computer to check police records. While Roman had admitted he owned a Haunter, Grimm lived by the motto 'trust but verify'. Grimm logged onto the Pokémon database, located Roman's Pokémon ID number and brought up the list of all the Pokémon he owned on record. Grimm's stomach turned from seeing the sheer number of Pokémon Roman owned. Knowing what the majority of them were being used for, made him sick. A quick search showed him that he did indeed own a Haunter nicknamed Morgan le Fay. Grimm smirked bitterly.
"Morgan le Fay?" He said, looking at Eris who posted beside his desk watchful as ever. "His hubris will be his downfall." Grimm knew very well the folk story of King Arthur and The Knights of The Round Table. He then looked at Eris and couldn't suppress the smirk. "It seems we as humans can't help but name Pokémon after legends." Grimm got to his feet and stretched his back. "Guess we should get ready." Grimm walked over to his closet and stared at his choice of clothes frowning. He realized he didn't have much in the form of 'nice clothing', or anything that wasn't provided to him by the police department that had some kind of logo on it. He normally wouldn't care, but he was supposed to be meeting Tamono for dinner after the wake. He then chuckled softly as he could almost hear Carla scolding him in his mind.
Grimm settled on a plain black polo style shirt he wore when he was a cadet going through the academy and his 'dress' tactical pants. Tactical style pants that were kaki in color but didn't have the extra cargo pockets so they could pass as normal dress pants if one didn't look too closely. While he was under the warm water of the shower, an interesting thought occurred to him. He said 'we should get ready' implying he was going to take Eris with him. Why though? Why take a pet to a wake? He could just leave her here, besides he'd never take an animal to a wake.
"She is my partner," He said aloud, shutting the water off. Those simple words really stuck with him. Even when he had Shadow back in the service he stayed in the kennel. Maybe he just didn't trust her fully to leave her alone in his apartment by himself. Maybe…he was just enjoying not being alone…and he had found out that she was much more aware and cogent then he had thought. Plus they had been together ever since they met and the idea of leaving her behind felt odd. Besides, he could just put her in her Pokéball if he needed to. Feeling like he came to a pleased conclusion he dried himself off and got changed. He once again concealed his pistol and badge on his waist under his shirt.
"You should probably get a bath sometime yourself," He told Eris while he hooked her leash to her collar. She only looked up at him and seemed to nod a single time. Grimm left the apartment leash in hand and after locking the door, left the building. The bar was far enough for Grimm to call a taxi, which the price was inflated being a weekend and with so many out-of-towners for the tournament. This didn't leave him with much cash left for drinks at the wake, which was probably a good thing since he had a date after this. Grimm walked into the bar with Eris at his side before looking around.
The Shield Bar was a 'cop bar'. Not that it would turn anyone away but the theme was certainly meant for police officers. Framed police uniforms through the years hung on the walls, along with pictures both of certain officers or stock photos of action shots. Framed newspaper clipping of heroic local police actions also took up space on the walls. All expected the very back wall one saw right when they walked in to the bar. 'The Honored Fallen' it said at the top in carved polished wood. Beneath it were pictures of police officers that had gone down in the line of duty in orderly lines. Tonight there was a new picture of Hawk on an easel with a wreath of flowers around it.
"Grimm!" A voice called out to him. Grimm looked over to see it was Savage beckoning him over to a table. Grimm approached the table and found that Tank and Gage were already standing around the table drinks in. Both other officers were TRU members. Tank was a largely built man with grey eyes that matched his night black hair that was cut closely to his skull. That was why it was no surprise to anyone that when he was selected for TRU he was made a shield carrier. Gage was a head shorter than Tank and skinnier, though both feats were not difficult when compared to Tank. Gage was also one of the few female TRU officers, and was typically one of the second through the door on a raid due to her skill with a shotgun and using it to unlock any door.
"Tank, Gage, LT," Grimm greeted each officer in turn. They each nodded courtly in return. Savage peered down around the table to look at something at Grimm's feet. Grimm looked down and saw Eris at his side taking up her normal stance. "Oh." Grimm said a bit sheepishly. "I can put her in her ball."
"Naw," Savage said with a wave of his hand. "I'm just surprised but happy to see you're getting along with her so well. Your dislike of Pokémon is no secret, Reaper." This got chuckles from both Tank and Gage. Grimm bristled, he didn't necessarily enjoy being known as the guy that hates Pokémon.
"Well we've been through a lot together in the past couple of days and it felt odd not to have her here," Grimm spoke truthfully.
"Indeed," Savage said, seeming to look Grimm over. The Lieutenant pulled out his wallet and placed a bill on the table. "Gage, Tank do me a favor and go get all of us another round. On me." The two fellow TRU members shared a glance. They knew when someone was trying to temporarily get rid of them to have a private word. Since Savage outranked them, he could have just ordered them to fuck off instead. However, they were being given a respectable excuse and bribed with free alcohol so the choice was a no brainer as far as they were concerned.
"You got it, boss!" Gage said cheerfully, taking the money from the table. "Let's go, you blockhead." She said nudging Tank into following her. The two walked up towards the bar with Savage's money. The Lieutenant fixed Grimm with a serious gaze.
"You wanted to talk?" Savage promoted.
"Yes," Grimm said, caught a little on the back foot. He had wanted to talk to Savage about the Pokémon numbers from the raid, but he had been expecting to do it after the ceremony, not right when he got there. "As you know I pulled Pokésitter duty the other night."
"Aye," Savage said, nodding, folding his arms on the table so he could lean closer to Grimm. Grimm stepped closer to the table and leaned himself so he could lower his voice.
"I was doing the routine inventory check and," Grimm started to say but then paused, not sure how to word it, or even if he should say anything.
"Annnd?" Savage prompted. "Spit it out, Grimm. Whatever it is you have to say will stay between us if you wish it." Grimm looked at Savage and nodded. The entirety of TRU was built on respect and trust for each other. They had to because they needed everyone to watch the back of everyone else. It was why Grimm wanted to bring this up to Savage and not through his normal channels.
"The numbers were a little off," Grimm said, downplaying it a little. Before Savage could ask any questions. "I was looking over the numbers of Pokémon that were brought in from the raid on the mill and only 87 were brought in. I thought the number was low but the records and the after action report state it as 87 Pokémon. I talked to…" Grimm caught himself before he said Tank. "A fellow officer and they also remember the number being higher of collected Pokémon around 140 or so." Grimm paused once more not sure if he could say what he had to next.
"Remember that Pokemon that wouldn't let go of my leg, the…Vulpix," Grimm recalled after a moment. Savage nodded. "According to records no Vulpix has even been to the Pokémon Center in the past few days without a trainer ID. Sir," Grimm said, dropping his voice even lower. "I guess for my peace of mind I want to know if there is an undercover sting operation in play here to account for the missing Pokémon." Grimm finished mentally holding his breath.
"Or if someone is skimming off the top, eh?" Savage said bluntly. Grimm couldn't keep the look of shock off his face but he also knew better to try and lie to the veteran officer.
"Yes," Grimm admitted. "Hence my informal meeting request. To Grimm's surprise Savage started to smile.
"I'm glad you brought this up to me, Grimm," Savage said, that smile on his face was cheerful and in good humor. "Most other officers in your position would have thought it just a numbers error and thought nothing of it. There few that didn't think that wouldn't have the stones to bring it up at all." Savage paused and then his face became more serious. "This conversation is off the record and if you tell anyone, I'll have to deny it."
"Of course," Grimm said, his own tone deathly serious. His heart was beating twice as fast, unsure of what he was getting wrapped up in.
"As you know, our budget isn't the greatest and most of it has to go towards new gear and yearly training requirements, plus up-keep on facilities and vehicles," Savage started. "Pokémon with no trainer ID tags that are collected by us if they need treatment the department has to pay for it. Otherwise they must be omitted from care and whatever happens to them, happens." Savage's voice took on a harder cold edge at the last statement. He paused and sighed softly before looking Grimm in the eyes.
"To put it bluntly," Savage said and Grimm expected nothing less. "The department could only afford to board and treat 87 Pokémon which meant that we'd have to leave 50 plus others flapping in the breeze. This didn't sit right with any of us, but our hands were tied. So the brass agreed to board and treat the others off the record. They were still taken to the Pokémon center they just were not logged in and have no records. The Vulpix you spoke of must have been one of them."
"I see," Grimm said, dropping his gaze to the table as his eyes moved rapidly in thought. He knew what Savage was saying could very well be the case. They only had so much of their budget for the treatment of confiscated Pokémon and nearly 140 at once was sure to press their budget to the limit. Still, it seemed shady even if it was for a good cause. "Where did the money come from for the rest of them?" Grimm asked. Savage lowered his voice even more and flicked his eyes from side to side to make sure no one was nearby.
"The chief used back channels to speak to the city and the mayor," Savage whispered. "To get some for the profits from the tournament to pay for it. They're making money hand over fist at the stadium and an annoyance donation was made to the Pokémon Center in the amount needed to cover the cost." Savage smiled and suddenly slapped Grimm on the shoulder. "Of all the shady things and back alley deals a position has done, this is one of the few that benefited more than just themselves. Also chief, she had the stones to ask for some more money to get an out of state lab to run a test on that Lemon Dust shit and not only that, but to put a rush on it. The eggheads found it was based on a fentanyl compound mixed with ecstasy."
"Shit," Grimm said. He had seen the effects of fentanyl first hand and how it could be lethal to a first time user and the way it could fuck with someone's mind.
"Yeah," Savage agreed. "But as you know there is a contractive to fentanyl a rapid detox. It wasn't hard for them to whip up a batch based on Pokémon potions at that detox. They have a trial batch of what's basically a cure for lemon dust they're trying on those off the record Pokémon. So far the trials have been very positive."
"I see," Grimm said again, trying to process all this at once. So much had happened that he wasn't aware of. So much that had happened behind the curtain. All of it was back alley handshakes and shady deals. Yet it was for the benefit of victims. Of creatures that had been imprisoned and forced to be addicted to a drug to make them more compliant and better at breeding. 50 of which would have been outright killed because the department could not afford to treat them all. It seemed to be a clear cut case of doing the wrong thing for the right reasons. Even so, it still didn't sit well with Grimm. They were police officers, they were the law they couldn't just bend the rules when they felt like it. Not because what they did was wrong but because who was going to keep them in check? To make sure someone didn't start doing this for their own personal gain?
"Hey," Savage said a little louder, slapping Grimm on the shoulder. "You're always by the book and I've always respected that about you. Never took or taken shortcuts. If we would have asked for the funds directly it would have taken forever for them to get it approved even though we both know they could spare it. We still did the right thing, we just cut through the red tape."
"Yeah," Grimm said, still sounding unconvinced. Savage was right though, if they asked for the money to treat the Pokémon, a hearing would have to be called to first approve the notion then another hearing to see where the money was going to come from with everyone arguing where it should be taken from. Then a third hearing to be the final approval so the money could be given away. Then, even when the money was awarded, the Pokémon Center couldn't just spend it freely. They'd have to make a report of how every cent was spent and provide justification for it so an oversight committee could rule if they were spending the money correctly. All in all it would take months before the Pokémon Center got any money, and by then, who knows what state those Pokémon would've been in. "Yeah," Grimm said more confidently. He then smiled. "Fuckin red tape."
"That's right!" Savage said cheerfully once more, straightening back up. Grimm still felt uneasy about the underhanded way it was done. However, in this case, the ends did seem to justify the means. Plus the profits of people watching Pokémon forced to fight for their amusement used to help treat mistreated Pokémon was justice in Grimm's book.
"You would not believe the line!" Gage said as she and Tank returned setting four pint glasses filled with an amber colored liquid on the table. Grimm glanced over to the bar and saw there was no line. That combined with the fact that not only did they show up once the conversation between him and Savage was concluded Tank's glass was not quite as full as the rest. Grimm suspected that the two officers had been watching and waiting for the conversation to look like it was over. Tank going so far and stealing sips from his own drink.
"Well you're here now," Savage said before passing a glass to Grimm, who took it.
"To Hawk," Tank said, lifting his glass and pressing it towards the center of the table.
"To Hawk!" The three said lightly tapping their glasses to his, before drinking. Other officers having heard their toast mimicked the toast or added cries of 'hear, hear!' The sound of an object striking glass rapidly drew all the officers' attention to the back of the bar where Angel was standing next to Hawk's picture tapping a knife to his glass. A hush fell over the bar as they stared at Angel.
"We are here to celebrate the life of Patrolmen First Class Robert Collins, better known for his call-sign: Hawk," Angel said, speaking clearly to be heard by the entire bar. "Notice I said celebrate and not mourn. Hawk was a good officer, and like any good officer, he was willing to give his life for those of his brothers and sisters, just as every officer is." Angel paused to sweep his eyes along the room. "Ask anyone in this room and they will tell you they would give their lives for anyone of us without a moment's thought. Yet ask those same people and they would never want anyone else to do the same. So we have a paradox of everyone willing to give their life for each of us but none of us willing to accept that sacrifice from any of them." Here Angel paused turning to look at the picture of Hawk.
"Hawk was no exception of that paradox," Angel continued. "And just like Hawk, we have a choice to make. We can choose to be angry at whatever we choose to be. The suspect, the city, at crime, at our deity, the world. We could ask the mighty 'why'. Why was it him? Why was it not me? Why did he have to go first? Why didn't we do this? Why didn't he do that? We can be sad for losing a comrade, a good officer and dear friend. No one here can pass judgement on what anyone of us will do, only offer advice or an ear to listen to." Angel paused again looking at the crowd once more.
"I know what I am going to do," Angel said. "I will not get angry, for it does no one any good, least of all Hawk. I know 'The Why' that matters to me. This is a dangerous job and Hawk was willing to make that sacrifice. Instead of being sad at his passing, I choose to remember the time Hawk, while he was at the academy switching the hot and cold water valves in the shower." There were some soft chuckles and a few smiles. "And the time when he was a rookie and he went with his partner to break up that sorority party and all the girls thought he was a stripper." Now there was laughter, even from Grimm. "He looked so young they didn't believe he was a real cop and actually there to tell them to keep it down. He walked away with his face as red as a tomato and his pockets stuffed with singles and phone numbers!" Now the entire bar was laughing.
"So Hawk," Angel said, lifting his glass a smile on his face. "This one is for you!" Everyone raised their glasses and shouted 'Hawk!' before drinking. The mood had suddenly become lighter and the conversations started with everyone wanting to share a story or memory of Hawk. Angel smiled contently and walked away from the picture after tapping the glass meaningfully. Drinks and catered sandwiches were passed around as officers started to mingle moving from group to group to hear and tell different stories.
"Not hungry, Reaper?" Angel asked, slapping Grimm on the back having walked up to the table he was still at with Savage, Tank and Gage. Angel was making the rounds. "Thanks for being here, everyone." He said before Grimm could reply.
"No I," Grimm started reluctantly. Yet he knew better than to try and lie to a group of seasoned cops. "I have a date after this and want to make sure I can eat while I'm on it." All of the officers at the table stopped to look at Grimm. He sighed and finished his glass of beer. "Alright get it over with."
"No, no," Savage said, trying his hardest not to smirk. "How'd you met her?" The rest of the officers were snickering trying to drink to stop themselves from laughing. Grimm sighed heavily.
"On a call, kind of," He admitted and braced himself. The officers burst out laughing.
"I didn't know you worked vice, Grimm!" Tank said. Vice department were the ones that dealt with prostitutes among other things.
"Cute," Grimm muttered, glaring at all of them. "Real cute."
"No I'm sure she is a real nice lady," Gage said grinning. "What's her name? Sydney with a 'S'?"
"Oh I'll remember this," Grimm said humorlessly. "When I see your girlfriend on the corner." A hush fell over the table as everyone stared at Gage waiting for her comeback. She had a hard expression on her face before she couldn't hold it and started laughing which caused everyone to laugh.
"Seriously though, Grimm," Angel said, slapping Grimm on the back. "Congrats!"
"Thanks," Grimm said gratefully.
"And I know a guy that has pills for you know…your problem," Angel said straightening a bent finger causing everyone to laugh again.
"Funny your wife never said it was a problem," Grimm shot right back with everyone laughing even louder.
"You lucky sonofabitch I haven't gotten any from my wife in years!" Angel said lightly shoving Grimm. Everyone at the table was laughing loudly now with people staring at them, wondering what was so funny.
"Alright, alright," Savage said once he got himself under control. "That's enough." He looked at his watch and then at Grimm. "What time you going to meet her?"
"And where are you taking her?" Gage asked.
"Going to bring her flowers?" Tank questioned.
"It's our first date!" Grimm said. "I'm not trying to bang her on the first date!" The group did a mocking 'awww'.
"You pigs!" Gage said, turning to look at Grimm. "I think that's sweet." Everyone laughed again. "But if I had your dick I wouldn't bang her on the first date either she'd never see me again!" The table laughed louder than before Grimm laughed mockingly.
"Least I have a dick!" Grimm countered out of reaction.
"Honey!" Gage said. "I do just fine without one!" The laughter was rekindled to a point Grimm thought it was never going to stop but he himself couldn't keep from laughing as well. It was all in good fun and no one really meant it. He had known them all long enough and they knew nothing was personal.
"Alright, you dogs!" Grimm said straightening up and gentling tugging on Eris's leash to lead her towards the door. "I'm out of here!"
"Good luck!" Someone called after him as he walked out. Grimm stood outside in the night air to wait for the taxi he called. Once they got to Tamono's house, Grimm placed Eris back into her Pokéball and then had the driver wait there while he went up and knocked on the door. Athena the Gardevoir opened the door after a moment and smiled in greeting.
"Officer, why don't you look handsome," She greeted.
"Uh thanks," Grimm said, having expected Tamono to greet him. "Is Mae ready?" he asked after a moment feeling like he was back in high school and meeting the parents of his date.
"She is, won't you come in?" The Pokémon asked.
"Well the cab is waiting," Grimm said, jerking his thumb over his shoulder towards the idling car.
"Oh!" Athena said, surprised. "Miss Tamono was expecting a night in and is currently busy preparing dinner for the two of you."
"Oh!" Grimm said, his turn to be surprised.
"I'm sure she could be ready to go in a couple of minutes if you don't mind waiting," Athena offered.
"No! I mean a night in is fine!" Grimm said quickly, suddenly more nervous now that the date was going to take place in her home. "I just got to pay the taxi." Athena nodded and watched as he jogged over to the taxi, leaned in through the window and a moment later pulled away before he jogged back.
"Please come inside," Athena offered again, standing to the side to allow him to pass.
"Thank you," Grimm said, walking inside the house.
"Did you bring your partner Eris with you?" she asked once he was inside.
"Yes I did," Grimm said with a frown. "Was I not supposed to?"
"Oh no I'm very glad you did!" She said. "It will be lovely to get to know her!" The Gardevior said shutting the door.