#But sometimes a wee bit of peril is warranted --

[uraharashouten]

@pibrequirem asked: Ok so like...just add to this. I feel like is Jovanni knew how manipulative Urahara was. Like he grab by collar and hold close going. "HOW DID YOU KNOW NO ONE WOULD DIE?" Like it be one of those moments. Jovanni really hates Manipulation in any form whether it is good or bad. (Sorry I saw your meta post and wanted to speak upon it)

"That's a presumption in the form of a question. We all die, Jovanni-san."

Well — aside from those who can't; but that's what Muken is for.

"Every decision we make is a calculated risk. The key is a proper and thorough accounting."

[sablelab]

Covert Operations - Chapter 70

DISCLAIMER: This is a modern AU crossover story with Outlander and La Femme Nikita. LFN and its characters do not belong to me nor do those from Outlander.

MANY THANKS to all who have been with this story from the get go or who have just discovered it.  This is where we are at the moment.

James Fraser and Claire Beauchamp have been successful in bringing to justice several of the Rising Dragons’ inner circle.  The elusive leader of the triad, Sun Yee Lok has still not been captured, but he is aware that Claire may be connected to these deaths.  Hence, the mission is getting more dangerous for her as suspicions about her rise.

Jamie, therefore, must be super vigilant to keep his Sassenach out of peril while at the same time dismantling the triad person by person.  However, sometimes things arise that railroad their plans. Nevertheless, they have each other and that is all that matters in the end, for there is nothing that Jamie won’t do to keep Claire safe.

 And so, the story continues…

SYNOPSIS:  Claire is a little jealous of the woman Jamie met in the park until he explains just who she was. When she returns to the OCTB in the morning, all discussion is about the car bombing, but Inspector Jiang Ng deflects any responsibility away from the Rising Dragons’ involvement in the incident.

  CHAPTER 70

Jamie watched his Claire with some concern in his eyes.  It was difficult to know what she was thinking when she’d handed him the orange juice.  He was aware that she seemed a little distracted as if lost in her thoughts as to what had just happened, and had retreated into herself to try and reconcile her feelings.  However, when he noticed how preoccupied she seemed to be, he also put Karen Yee, her boyfriend Andrew Ma, and the incidents that had just taken place out of his mind.  His thoughts, however, were centred on his Sassenach.

Had it just dawned on her that they were alone in the park?  Was it something else?  

Or was she thinking about last night? To his mind’s eye Claire Beauchamp was the most beautiful human being he had ever met. The hardest thing he had done was to leave her alone in the wee hours of the morning, however, leaving the note had been a spur of the moment decision. It was not something that he would normally have done and perhaps it revealed more than he should have about his feelings for her. He was not a romantic and didn’t want to give Claire the wrong impression but she seemed to bring out this side of him. Perhaps he should have just said “Be back later,” but that was too abrupt, especially after what they had shared last night. His message warranted more than that, Claire deserved more than that. In reflection, he was glad that he’d said what he did. Last night had been sensational. Their encounters in the kitchen and again in the bedroom had been a turning point. He didn’t want to leave his Sassenach but if he hadn’t, they would have made love again and again. There was also a touch of sadness mixed with the euphoria he felt, for he knew at some stage they would have to pull back. When that would be, he couldn’t say ... but their relationship would be under too much scrutiny back at Section One unless they were able to find a way. He was still wary that things would change when they both returned to Section, but in the meantime, they would take what they could get. However, despite the machinations of their superiors, he would find a way for them to be together. It had not been easy for his Claire. This mission thus far had many twists and turns that had placed her in jeopardy on several occasions. She was not out of the woods yet as danger lurked in the most innocent of places. Had she seen the disquiet he’d felt for her being around the two people who had just left? He didn’t trust them but was thankful that they would not be around until the weekend, and if not for Jonathon Randall’s birthday next Saturday, he would have dealt with them personally this week. He was concerned about her neighbour and now that he had met Karen’s boyfriend, he knew that they were planning something. Most likely they were planning a kidnapping plot. The couple had acted suspiciously and then there was the man who Claire said had bumped into her. Hopefully his warning about them would make her more vigilant around them as well as at the OCTB.  However, adding up all the elements of the equation, he didn’t like the answer he was getting. Section had ordered him to check a lead in Shanghai and he’d reluctantly left Claire to sleep a little longer without waking her.  He’d hurried back to Hong Kong for his rendezvous with his informant Fiona Graham in the park as well as to meet up with Claire. He’d hoped that she could provide some Intel on Inspector Ng, but providing him with a disk was indeed a bonus for Section One. It was much more than he’d expected and could provide Intel that led to the whereabouts of Sun Yee Lok. Perhaps it would also shed some light on who Karen really was and more importantly about Inspector Jiang Ng’s alliance with the Rising Dragons triad. Although he’d found out certain things at Section that he needed to know about him, there were still too many other loose ends still dangling about Inspector Ng’s dealings with the triad. The disk might give him the answers. The woman he’d met who Claire was unaware of, had been working as a double agent for Section One and also as an informant for the OCTB for several years. Fiona had been worried that she was being watched and had been nervous about their meeting. The Intel she’d given him in the park was indeed contentious and would implicate Inspector Jiang Ng and link him to the Rising Dragons. Hence in retrospect, because of what had happened to her, Fiona had had every good reason to be uneasy. Her untimely death in the explosion meant that she must have been getting too close to ousting the Inspector as a traitor.

His rendezvous with his informant had unfortunately ended in tragedy. Fiona had been worried that she may have been compromised and the explosion was proof that her fears were warranted.  Nevertheless, she had provided Section One with invaluable Intel but her death was the price you paid when dangerous men became ruthless. He worried that this could have implications for Claire’s safety and her role at the OCTB. The Inspector was an astute man and should he find out about his Sassenach ... this would place her in danger. All the more reason he was glad he was back in Hong Kong to keep an eye on her. Things could become volatile if and when Inspector Ng was backed into a corner. The sooner he was brought into Section One the better. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Claire’s voice broke into his thoughts and shook Jamie from his reverie. “Who was that woman you were talking to earlier Jamie?”

He saw her hesitation at asking but replied candidly. “I wondered when ye would ask Sassenach.”

“Hmm ... so I gather you saw me following you.”

“Aye,” he stated looking at her with a wry grin on his face. Jamie then glanced away before Claire could see the mirth of his teasing. She should have known that he missed nothing where she was concerned. He had known she was there from the first instance as he had observed her with Karen. Unbeknownst to her he had kept them under surveillance for most of their jog through the park. A little miffed at his answer Claire probed further a little green-eyed with curiosity and persisted with her questioning, “Well? ... Who was she?” Jamie didn’t answer, for his thoughts again turned to their meeting.

The talk with Fiona had been helpful.  He knew however, that she was concerned about her cover and had tried to appease her that he would help.  He’d found out information that he needed to know about Inspector Jiang Ng, but there were still too many loose ends about the man still dangling. Perhaps when Fergus analysed the disk that Fiona had given him then Section would know a lot more about the Organised Crime and Triad Bureau leader. 

Moving towards him, Claire grabbed his arm. Jamie turned around to her as she persisted in her questioning. Her voice had an edge to it as she tied to disguise her suppressed jealousy.

“Was she a source?” 

“Aye, she was. She was someone who happened to have dealings with the OCTB,” he finally admitted quite delighted that his Claire was a little bit jealous of his meeting with Fiona. “Section too?” “Aye.” Claire nodded, but Jamie was minimalist in his replies. Prying for more information than he was willing to give she broached a more sensitive area that may prove upsetting if this woman meant more to Jamie than he was letting on.

“A friend or …?”

“Why?” he replied knowing that Claire would not rest until she found out who she was. She bowed her head so that Jamie could not see that she was unsure how he would answer her question. “Just curious I guess.” “She was a contact.” Claire gave him a blank stare then nodded again while more questions spun around in her head. “There was an explosion.” “I ken.” “The girl in the car, did she mean something?” He understood the veiled interest that underlined her question. Claire was jealous and this thrilled him in a way he never thought it would. “No...” “Oh, ... I see. You seemed very friendly with her though.” “There was nothing more.” “You’re sure about that?” She inquired wanting to know the real relationship between Jamie and the beautiful woman. She’d seen the affection between them and although she tried to disguise it, Claire was eaten away with the green-eyed monster.   Jamie clasped her hand and lazily ran his thumb over her Mound of Venus. “She was an operative Sassenach ... her name was Fiona Graham.” Blue eyes, met blue eyes as he continued to caress her hand.  “You could have let me know she was a Section informant.” “This is an important mission Claire. It’s about protecting you and finding Sun Yee Lok. It’s nae about personal relationships. I dinna let personal considerations interfere with my work.” Claire felt a little downhearted by the thoughts that tried to rationalise Jamie’s words. “It’s nae about personal relationships.”

Although she listened to what he was saying, his words did not ring true with the James Fraser she knew ... the one who had been there for her every step of the way on this and other missions. The one who had moved heaven and earth for her many times over.  The man who had always been her confidant, her lover, her rock.  He had gone against Section on many occasions if he thought she was in jeopardy but had still come through for Section One, so why would he say such a thing? But she was glad that he had, for everything between them was personal.

Obviously, Jamie too felt something for her but had his feelings overwhelmed him and caught him off guard?  He’d shown her in so many ways that he loved her but was he not yet ready to say that more openly.  Did it really matter in the long run, because in her heart of hearts, she knew James Fraser loved her?  However, what he had said was a lie, for he had let his personal considerations interfere ... but only for her benefit. Clearly other women really didn’t count. His answers only clarified his feelings and she should have realised this, but her emotions were going haywire.  

She felt terrible and such a shrew because she sounded so jealous about Fiona Graham ... it was most unlike her to place restrictions on anyone let alone Jamie. ... He wasn’t her property ... he owed her no answers except the ones he wanted to give. She felt terrible that the green-eyed monster had reared its ugly head. She should have known better.

Feeling a little chastened and a tad ungrateful especially after all Jamie had done for her to protect her on this mission, Claire was apologetic in her demeanour towards him next.

“I’m so sorry Jamie.  I was jealous when I saw you kiss her.”

“Nae apologies necessary Sassenach.  ‘Tis naught between us ye ken,” he replied with a little smirk bowing his lips. “But with you … ’tis different Claire.  I ken you know this.”

Lowering her gaze and smiling, Claire was suitably chastised, but she was also deliriously happy with Jamie’s honest reply.

 ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Changing the subject, she finally probed for more clarification about the bombing. “Who was the hitter then?” 

“Could be anyone Claire,” he replied succinctly but still pleased with the smile that had crossed her face in reference to Fiona.

“Someone from the Rising Dragons’ triad?” “Most probably ... but it could also be an individual.” “It’s obviously someone good enough to take out your source with a sophisticated car bomb.” “Aye ‘tis.” “Do you have any idea who it might be Jamie?” “Not yet, although I suspect it could be Inspector Ng or a contact of his.” His answer was not totally unexpected given his association with the Rising Dragons, but Jamie’s reply made Claire a little anxious as to what they had spoken about. “Why? What did she tell you?” “She confirmed our suspicions about the Inspector and gave me a disk.” “Can we trust her Intel?” “Aye we can. I’ll look at the disk before I give it to Fergus. If there's anything useful on it, it could affect how we're going to proceed.” “What if the disk is encrypted?” “If there’s something I can’t decipher, he’ll let us know and funnel it through to me.” Suddenly Claire was a little worried and this registered in her voice was she spoke. “Do you think it will affect my mission at the OCTB?”

“Maybe ... especially if it concerns Inspector Ng.”  Turning to her Jamie then quietly replied, “Keep alert and monitor his actions Sassenach. This is how it has to be handled for the time being.”

“I understand.” “Everything will proceed as planned. We’ll follow the mission parameters already laid out. You’ll attend the nightclub on Saturday night, and if Inspector Ng is in attendance, we’ll bring him in to Section as well.” “Okay.”

The following morning at the OCTB …

On returning to work at the Organised Crime and Triad Bureau the next morning, Claire’s colleagues greeted her with the buzz about the car bombing in Victoria Park. 

“Did you hear the news?” Ian Murray inquired enthusiastically when he saw her come into the room. “What news?” “The car bombing ... You couldn’t have missed it Claire. It was all over the evening news and the newspapers this morning.” “Oh, I thought you meant something else,” she evaded putting her things away in her locker. “I do know about it ... I was in the park when it happened.” “No? ... Really? Did you see anything?” Ian gushed rapidly at her. “No.” Interjecting, John So amusedly stated the obvious. “Well ... I won’t bother asking how your long weekend was then Claire.” “Quiet ... that is, until I went jogging in the park yesterday,” she replied back in jest.

He laughed. “Well it certainly looks as if this week is going to be busy. All personnel in our department have been summoned to a briefing in Inspector’s Ng’s office.” 

“Come on we better get there ASAP ... you know what the Inspector is like if anyone is late,” Ian called out from the door. John and Claire exchanged a look at Ian Murray’s enthusiasm, then collecting the things they needed for the briefing from their desks, they followed him out the door. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* John, Ian and Claire entered Inspector Ng’s office and they all sat together near the front of the room. A large interactive white board was already set up in the room for the briefing, and they didn’t have to wait too long before he made an appearance. Glancing around at those gathered Inspector Ng, rested his eyes on Claire Beauchamp a moment longer than the others before beginning. Activating the newest technology at the OCTB, a picture of Victoria Park appeared then with the click of a switch, the image changed to show the car park located on the outer area of the park. Looking around at those gathered Inspector Ng began looking at the screen and pointing out the scene of the crime. “As you are aware there was an explosion in Victoria Park yesterday here in the car park.” Then turning to look at those assembled he stated, “There was one fatality.” “Do we know who the victim was sir?” “Unfortunately the deceased was unrecognizable. Forensics has informed me that their investigations will take some time in order to identify the body. However, from eye witness accounts the dead person was a woman ... Caucasian ... about five feet four inches tall and aged in her thirties.” “Do we have any leads Inspector as to the bomber?” John So enquired inquisitive to what information the OCTB already had. “Several eyewitnesses have given statements but this was no ordinary murder.” Ian voiced the question that other officers were wondering about. “Why’s that Inspector?” “It has the typical signature of a triad execution.” “What about the Rising Dragons? Could it be them?” Claire asked, knowing what the Inspector would say. He briefly glanced at her before stating, “No. It’s not their way of dealing with their enemies.” “Red Lanterns?” “No ... it’s not them either John.” “Which one then?” “Car bombings are the signature of the Black Panthers. They are ruthless and like to leave very little in the way of clues to their crimes. This is particularly so with kidnapping incidents.” “Samuel Li is back in Hong Kong ... perhaps this was a kidnapping gone wrong?” Ian Murray suggested as a possible motive.

“Possibly, but that is conjecture at the moment.”

Claire observed the interaction between the Inspector and the detectives gathered at the briefing and watched as he weaved a plausible scenario for placing blame. 

He was good ... very good, but the charade that Inspector Jiang Ng was playing amused her. She knew that the woman murdered had obvious ties to him and that he was playing the game of cat and mouse in the blame game. The stalling of Forensics would certainly help him diffuse any attention away from himself and onto Samuel Li or a rival triad group. From the Intel Section had on Inspector Ng, it was known that he was ruthless enough to frame someone else for the crime. He was trying to create the perfect alibi by implicating others for if the powers that be found out about his association with the Rising Dragons ... then he would be doomed. She would need to keep an eye on Inspector Ng, keep her ear to the ground and watch her back as well as Jamie had instructed. “Do we have any leads?” John So asked wondering where they could start to piece together clues as to the how, why and who may be responsible. “Not as yet ... by the time officers arrived at the park any perpetrator would have been long gone.” “I was in the park with my neighbour yesterday,” Claire announced unexpectedly shocking those gathered except for her colleagues. Inspector Jiang Ng gave her a penetrating look. “Did you see anything or anyone suspicious?” “No sir ... I just heard the explosion.” “Did you happen to see the woman victim in the park at all Claire? It would certainly help with our enquiries if you can remember something.” “No sir ... I was looking around the flea market. There were several women of that description there, but I really can’t shed any light on who she was.” “That’s a pity. If you do happen to remember something, it could make a big difference.” “Yes sir.” “Are there any clues to go on Inspector?” “It’s sheer speculation at the moment Ian, but a cell phone found in some bushes near the scene may have been used to detonate the device.” “Anything else?” “One witness said that a woman fitting the deceased’s description was seen talking to a man in the park but he had walked away before the bomb went off.” “Were they able to give a description of the mystery man?” Claire asked somewhat nervous to his answer in case Jamie may have been compromised too. “Unfortunately, she was very vague on any specific details, only that he was wearing dark glasses.” Summarising what Intel they had, Claire stated, “So it will be difficult to even know if he was Chinese or any other nationality then?” “Regrettably ... yes.” “What do you need us to do Inspector?” one of the operatives asked. “I expect all teams to focus on the Black Panthers triad. I want to know the exact movements of all their principal players but particularly Samuel Li. I need you to set up surveillance and report back about anyone who he meets during this week.” Looking for confirmation from John So and Claire, Ian Murray volunteered, “We can do that Inspector.” “I also need someone to trace all of Samuel Li’s landline and cell phone calls to see if he has had communication with any known cohorts who could have carried out this crime.” “We’re on it already sir.” “I also want to know if this mystery man is in any way connected with the Black Panthers.” “That might be impossible given what we have to go on Inspector.” “Give it your best shot.” “I’m sure we can cover that also sir,” John replied on behalf of his team. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Inspector Jiang Ng surreptitiously surveyed the officers in his office and he noticed the buzz that a new investigation caused. There was much chatter amongst members of the OCTB and he was most pleased. But more importantly he had done enough. He’d managed to focus the attention of the car bomber away from any possible connection with him and the Rising Dragons and placed it solely on the Black Panthers and Samuel Li. When the time came, he would make a watertight case against Li that would hold up in court. If by chance anything was found to implicate him or the Rising Dragons, he would be able to eradicate the information before it was taken further. All things were possible when you ran the department including exonerating him from any blame and the triad as well. He’d be in the clear and his position at the OCTB would be intact. Smugly he decided to play his trump card. “Good ... I want no stone unturned in this investigation. The people of Hong Kong need to know that it is safe for parents to take their children to Victoria Park to play... It is important too that all the people who enjoy the tranquillity that a park offers its citizens can do so in peace and harmony.” “We need to protect the innocent children and the future; we need to protect them both,” Claire elucidated philosophically well aware of Inspector Ng’s side stepping. “We can’t let the criminals gain an upper hand can we now sir?” His gaze rested on her for a moment longer than necessary wondering if she had called his bluff. “Certainly not Claire!” “Hear! Hear!” was the collective reply from those gathered. “No one is untouchable including a lot of senior triad office-bearers. That’s why it is imperative that we bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice,” he answered wondering if Claire’s cryptic question was alluding to him. Suddenly he felt a little nervous. Claire merely looked at him with a replica of Jamie’s patent blank stare. Yes, she thought ... no one is untouchable ... especially you Inspector Ng. Your time of reckoning will come and you will get your just deserts for ruthless men eventually make mistakes and have to suffer the consequences of their actions. When that happened Madeline would be waiting in the White Room for his imminent presence. Clearing his throat Inspector Ng confidently looked around at all those gathered before adding, “I am proud of all your efforts everyone ... men and women alike. The OCTB is the most professional and efficient police agency I've ever dealt with. That will be all.” A unanimous and sustained clapping ensured at his final statement as the detectives left to begin their investigations. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* When everyone had left the room Inspector Jiang Ng remained behind and pondered Claire Beauchamp’s probing looks, questions and answers. This was a woman who was a chameleon. Sun Yee Lok had asked him to tell him all he knew about her. At the time, the picture was sketchy. Perhaps now he was just really getting to know her. He would guarantee that Claire Beauchamp knew more than she let on and more than she should. Not only would he need to watch his step around her, but he would be keeping a very close eye on Claire’s movements too. Perhaps it was time to step up his surveillance of her. Whilst she was at the OCTB he would be able to monitor her movements and Karen was in place to keep an eye on her at home and at the nightclub on Saturday but maybe there should be more. He would wait and see what transpired this week before making his final decision. What he did come to realise however, was at some time in the future if not before, Claire Beauchamp was a marked woman.

 *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ to be continued