#yeah i know the correct way to draw a four-armed being is to duplicate the muscles but i didn't want to make it too complicated

[cnth-rb]

[Esp]

Algo así como un AU pero ni siquiera yo sé qué está pasando.

[Eng]

Something like an AU but I don't even know what's going on.

[transboygenius]

SE4SON: Chapter 8

[*The next day*]

Jimmy and Nick traveled down the path, dragging a heavy wheelbarrow behind them. Diana just led the way on her horse, telling stories the boys had no interest in listening to. They chose to ignore her as they talked among themselves. Ever since last night, the two have been getting along quite good. They shared their own stories, gave out their personal interests, and even exchanged embarrassing secrets. Nick told his first, just to make Jimmy feel less uneasy. To the boy genius's knowledge, they had a lot in common. He doesn't remember the last time he's had a fun chat with anyone. Usually, when he opens his mouth, out only came scientific factoids. However, what really puzzled Jimmy is that Nick never gave him word about his father. Nick just about told as much as he could tell, without going deeper. Him being gay, him having a crush on the boy genius, and the horrible trauma his father put him through.

"So... What was your dad like, Nick?" "As I told everyone, I don't even know the old man. I was very, very young when he was with us, so my memory isn't exactly stable." "Well, do you ever wonder what he's like?" "(Wonder? I know for a fact that he's a black hearted tyrant that deserves to choke and die) I know where my good looks came from, that's for sure. But, this is just a guess, he was probably a little bit hardheaded. Don't know any more about him, or heck, his full name as well." "Have you ever asked your mom? She likely holds more trivia on him. I mean, she was the one who married him." "Tried. She just doesn't like to talk about it. Don't know why. Look, Jimmy, do you mind if we change the subject? I feel like we're not getting anywhere in this conversation, about a person I never knew in my life. I just don't know him, that's all, end of story."

Nick didn't want Jimmy to know about his relationship with his father. If he told him, Jimmy might think he made up this sob story just for attention, or to gain his pity. Jimmy can be a very dubious boy. Plus, Nick's too embarrassed to express his life further on. He rather not have Jimmy involved into any of his family business. Nick lied that he didn't know his father's name, because the boy genius is sure to track down that man, and try to help Nick by reuniting him with his long, lost dad. Daniel has already made Nick's early childhood very unbearable for him, so the last thing he'd ask for is seeing his old man's mug re-enter his life. Nick's answer colored Jimmy curious. He said he was too young to remember anything about his dad. The boy genius presumed he was probably an infant by then. Why doesn't Nick know his own biological father's name? Why does his mom take it so personal? As much as Jimmy probes for a good explanation, he should know better not to meddle into someone else's family business. Mrs. Dean probably has a reason for withdrawing information from Nick.

Before long, the four of them (counting the horse) reached a huge wall, where the king's border shielded. The only way to get in is through the main gates, supervised by the royal guards. Since Diana left the border illegally, or doesn't carry any documents issued by the king himself, there's no way for them to pass. However, Diana made her own solution. Getting off of her horse, and dragging them alongside, she led the handcuffed boys to some piled up shrubs. Behind the shrubs hid an underground passageway dug under the border's wall. Diana placed the three sacks of loot onto the horse's back, while Jimmy and Nick had to pull an empty wheelbarrow, which is now refreshingly light. The inside was very dark, so Diana lit a lantern on the way. While the gang walked forward, Jimmy was a little anxious of what or who he might meet next, while Nick was looking forward to a much long break.

When they made it to the other side of the wall, they met with some dirt steps, and a trapdoor which brings about to who knows where. Diana gave it three knocks, and a high-pitched, nasally voice answered.

"Password!" "We don't even have a password." "Correct; You may enter!"

As the door opened, Diana and her horse walked up in, now in the kitchen of their homely hut.

"Diana! Butterscotch! You're back!"

Diana wasn't alone. Besides her horse, she was in the company of three people. Jimmy and Nick didn't expect it when they entered the room.

"And you smuggled some immigrants! Yay!"

Speaking of three people; One was a scrawny, short (but still taller than Nick), fifteen year-old girl with a visible overbite. Her hair was styled in pigtail buns, which resembled rat ears. Just looking at her, she kinda does look like a human rat. The voice, that answered to Diana earlier, belonged to her, and she seems to be very energetic.

"Oh my! Nice to meet you! Ya know, if I knew we'd be having guests, I would've had baked a pie!"

The other one appeared to be a slim man in his 30s, with a goatee beard. He was wearing a frilly apron, with a feather duster in his hand. Not much could be said about him, except he may be the only male in this house.

"What an unexpected visit! Did Diana happen to invite you young boys?"

The last one was a fat lady, who looked nice, but didn't seem to be too happy over Jimmy and Nick's arrival.

"...or did you just followed her here?"

The boys just got here, and already they made a bad impression to one of their new roommates. The human rat scurried over to them and sniffed at them.

"Thee two are very odd looking gents. Me like them already! They just like us!"

The human rat seems to take a liking to them. The boys decided to play it polite by introducing themselves.

"Salutations! I'm Jimmy!" "And I'm Nick!" "Oh! So we're introducing ourselves now? Okay! Sounds good to me! *Ahem* It's a pleasure to meet you, Jimmy and Nick! Me Oona! But to be honest, me hate that name! Me'd be much more happier if you called me Rodent Girl, thank you! By full name, that is." Greeted the human rat. "I am sir Benson! I'm in charge of all the manly work around here! Such as the cooking, the cleaning, and planting these pretty little pink posies in the garden!" Greeted the man. "And I'm Mitzi." Greeted the fat lady, in a stoic manner.

Mitzi caught her eyes on the chain between Jimmy and Nick.

"Pardon me, but may I draw the question as to wherefore thee boys are chained together? Did Diana happened to find you in some sort of a cellar or asylum?" "No, she rescued us from being burned at the stake." Nick replied, but that didn't make Mitzi look at them any differently.

"Mitzi, be not malapert to our new guests!" Said Diana. "These young gentlemen, thou are not gonna believe this, came from the future; the twenty first century! Isn't yond most wondrous? Oh, and as for the bilboes, this was just a did fail charm dissemble performance by some naive friend back home!"

All of them were amazed, but minus Mitzi.

"Is it true in the future they build carriages that no longer need to be run by horse power?" Asked Rodent Girl. "Yeah. They're called cars." Jimmy responded. "Cleaning machines that help pick up all the dirt and dust so sweeping isn't a hassle?" Asked Benson. "I believe you're referring to vacuums." "Metal people built by man that conflict havoc on humanity?" Asked Mitzi. "I think Jimmy invented that once." Nick joked, which earned himself a smack on the arm by the boy genius himself.

The boys then remembered the handcuffs.

"By the way, do you have anything we could use to unlink this chain?" Asked Jimmy. "Why don't you just ask Diana? Breaking that will be just cake for her!" Rodent Girl suggested. "We did. But then she told us the short story about some guy's arm she accidentally popped off."

Benson and Diana shared a small convo within themselves.

"Did you tell the lads that the man's arm was merely just a wooden prosthetic?" "No. I felt that would make me sound less hardcore."

Diana suddenly had an idea.

"I'll tell you what. My associate, Mitzi here, has studied and practiced the art of locksmithing! She could perhaps make a duplicate key to undo those shackles!" "Do I have to?" "Yes you will! These are our guests here!"

Having no choice but to approve of Diana's request, or demand, she told the two young boys to follow her. Luckily, Diana stayed behind them. They were too scared to be alone with that woman. She seems to look at them as if they were criminals. She wouldn't be, by any chance, working with the green hoods of Derryberry Everlanes? Maybe she'll have a change of heart once she gets to know them. That way, they wouldn't have to worry about her poisoning their milk.

............................

[*40 hours earlier, in another time*]

Sheen should've had warned Judy about Jimmy's new security system. However, she easily creamed it by reflecting the lasers into the cannons by using the mirror from her facial cream concealer, then she took on the guard bots in a little taekwondo, thanks to the lessons she took to not only protect herself but her family as well. After cleaning the security system's clock, she investigated the lab from top to bottom. And if she can't find him, she might as well pick up some clues that will maybe spell out her son's disappearance. She covered every area in the lab, knocked over some heavy machinery, and she even hollered for Jimmy's name at the top of her lungs. Despite making no progress, she continued searching. She hasn't seen her son in two days and she wasn't gonna stop until she finds him.

Poor Judy has lost her mind. She hasn't ate or slept. All she had on her mind was Jimmy getting hurt. This boy was her only child, and she won't rest on her little baby. So far, she's only covered the lab. Sheen did say this was the last place he remembered Jimmy went to. Since then, that was the only place she's checked, and right now, the lab looks like a tornado just hit it. Her husband tried to talk her out of it, but she's so Jimmy-crazed, she refuses to listen to anyone.

..........................

[*Five hours later*]

Carl Wheezer was putting on another magic show on his front lawn. Sheen, his assistant, was wearing a ridiculous feminine looking outfit Carl made for him. He has more audiences than he had last time, probably because he's starting to improve. ...or because they had nothing better to do, and the show was free, after all. There was only one adult in the audience. The only one who appeared to be enjoying the show was Bolbi. He's the one to clap when nobody else will. (And for some reason, one of the spectators was a measly Twonkie.) Today's performance, he borrowed a five dollar bill from a volunteer, cut it into tiny pieces using his scissors, then blanketed a cloth over it. After chanting his own original magic words, he pulled the dollar bill out, which was back in one piece again.

"THIS IS NOT MY DOLLAR, WHEEZER! THIS IS A COUPON FOR A FREE WHOLE FISHCAKE AT THE RAMEN BOWL!" "What?! A-heh, I'm sorry, Benny! I am TRULY sorry! I may be having some technical difficulties occurring at this moment! If you excuse me, I'd like to have a private heart to heart with my assistant here!"

Carl then grabbed Sheen by his bowtie.

"Sheen. You were suppose to put a five dollar bill under there." "I know. But when I looked into my wallet, all I had was three dollars, 76 cents, and that coupon, which to me, is worth as much as five dollars." "Why?" "You kidding me? You get to portion your own fish cake slices."

Benny was glaring at them, while angrily tapping his foot on the pavement. Carl and Sheen combined their money together, and paid him back the amount his original bill cost. Then he left.

"Sure wish Jimmy was here, Sheen. It's not the same not seeing your best friend watch you from the audience, especially under all this pressure. I was hoping he'd get a chance to witness my new tricks. Where is he, anyhow? He and Nick have been gone for three days." "Well, I don't know about Nick, but he might still be with Jimmy." "Possibly. I mean, we haven't seen him around anywhere. But I have met a few skateboard kids who keep breaking their legs frequently." "What is it, a trend now?" "I don't know. None of them even knew Nick, apparently. Hey, remember yesterday when you presumed that Jimmy may be in his lab, and said it'd be a good idea if one of us checked? Well, when I decided to check there after school ended, it was already occupied by Mrs. Neutron. She said she had everything under control, so I trusted her on that. Say, I wonder if she found Jimmy yet, cuz she's been down there for quite so long." "About how long?"

Suddenly, Judy Neutron came upon them, looking like she's gone through hell.

"Hi, Mrs. Neutron! You're looking extra beautiful today with the bright sun rays shining off of your lovely complexion." Said Carl, in his lovestruck mood from the sight of her. "Carl, I have been searching in my son's lab all day and through the night! My hair is out of shape, I'm covered in transmission fluids, I still haven't found my son, so don't try to suck up to me!" "No really! No amount of filth could ever mask your stunning beauty! Heck, you'd still look good even in that embarrassing t-shirt with a picture of your favorite 70s' sitcom character on it." "Carl Wheezer, PLEASE! I'm in no mood for th- How did you know I owned a 'Welcome Back Kopper' t-shirt?" "Um, ItsJustACoincidence! Sheen, she's all yours! And I don't mean that literally, by the way."

Carl pushed Sheen in Judy's direction.

"Hi Mrs. Neutron! Nice filth!"

Judy grabbed Sheen by the ear, as if he were her own son.

"Don't you 'Hi Mrs. Neutron' me! Now tell me what gives! You said that you remembered that Jimmy said he'd be in his lab! Well, I checked the lab, and guess what, he wasn't there!" "Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh... Maybe he already left the lab. Ooohhh! Maybe Nick's mom has a clue!" "Nick's mom?" "Well, Nick happened to be with Jimmy, or rather, stuck to him, when they headed to the lab. They probably undid the handcuffs right now, so that's why they were in the lab." "Hmmmmmmmmm."

Judy took Sheen by the arm, taking him with her somewhere.

"Where we going?! Are we going out for ice cream?" "Nope! Since you know more than you think you do, you're gonna help me find my son!" "But, Mrs. Neutron! Carl needs me! And there's a rerun episode of Ultralord coming up in just an hour!"

Carl, feeling absolutely helpless right now, just waved goodbye to Sheen. And since his back was turned away, all of his audience got off from their seats, and walked away. Except Bolbi, of course.

.............

[*Meanwhile, back to the middle ages*]

The boys sat on the floor, since none of them could share a stool together, as they watched Mitzi smelt a new key before their eyes in just 5 minutes, thanks to the new supplies Diana stole. When done, she grabbed a hold of Jimmy's wrists and inserted the key into the hole. By just one turn, the cuffs fell off like it were the end of slavery. Jimmy and Nick rubbed their aching bare wrists in relief. It felt like months since they could move both of their arms. No more painful dragging, and they can finally give each other some space for once. They don't have to sit, or lie down, in uncomfortable positions anymore. As much as Nick loves Jimmy, even he can get tired over a little too much bonding.

"Thank you, Mitz! You're a real lifesaver!" Nick was grateful enough to thank. "I never planned to save your lives. And don't call me Mitz." But Mitzi seemed bitter about it.

Mitzi, feeling like she helped enough, exited the room just to be away from them.

"What's her beef?" Asked Nick. "Well, it could be the fact that both of you are men, or she just isn't use to having strangers around here, unlike us, where we are open to warm welcomes." Replied Diana. "Hope you're right about the second part, otherwise she's never gonna learn to like us." "Good luck on that; She can be a tough nut to crack. By the way, how long do you gents plan to stay with us again?" "Until we build something that could take us back home. I was hoping I could borrow some vital replenishments that are pertinent enough to engineer a fully operative time machine, and I would also need some hypothetical earthbound to constitute power into it, such as raw minerals or a strike of lightning. Maybe both." Jimmy exclaimed. "What he say? Is this some kind of future language?" "Nope. Cuz otherwise, I'd understand him." Said Nick. "I mean, the right tools and supplies I need for a brand new time traveling device." Jimmy clarified. "Ohhhhhhh, why didn't you just say so? You boys are welcomed to use anything in the hut's shed, just as long as you don't break them." "Yes ma'am." "And would it be okay if me and the gang visited the future with you fellows? From all those facts I've heard from you, it sounds exciting." "I don't think so. It could possibly affect the timeline. But if you like, we'd be happy to visit you occasionally." "Oh, stop it, you! I'm already getting attached!"

Diana has been very good to them, so it's the least Jimmy could do. The boy genius planned on inventing that new time machine right now, but finally being released from those prison cuffs, it's best to start tomorrow and just relax today. Jimmy is usually in a rush, but sometimes you just need to catch your breath. He can't just keep pushing himself to get work done. Jimmy has had this new perspective ever since that little heart to heart with Nick by the campfire last night. Speaking of Nick, what does he have in mind now that he was free?

.............................

Jimmy and Nick were both chilling outside of the hut, sharing more conversations together.

"So you were jealous of me back then?” Asked Nick. "It was just a phase. I mean, you had everything I wanted. You were good looking, and tall, and strong, and pretty much loved by almost everyone in school. As I grew older, I came to realize that I love myself just the way I am. All that popularity really isn't worth it." Replied Jimmy. "Glad you've come to your senses. There's really no reason to be jealous, because living the popular life just sucks. There's nothing really to do but to shut up and look pretty. You're lucky to have real friends. My friends, if I can even call them that, just like me for my qualities. When we play games, it's only for sport, not fun. As for all those girls, don't get me started with them. No matter where I go, they're always there. I don't even like girls." "Don't tell me you still believe in cooties."

Nick doesn't know how to answer to that. By giving the wrong response, Jimmy is sure to come on to him, about his secret. Thankfully, he was saved when Jimmy asked something else.

"Call me nosy, but why did you and Betty even dated? Not that I still care about her or anything. I swear I moved on." "We never really dated. The whole relationship was merely a sham. We only hooked up because that's what the school wanted, since she is the second most popular kid in school. The fact that we're both pretty, they thought we'd be perfect for each other. She didn't have a thing for me, and I didn't have a thing for her. We set that public breakup for our own sakes, and not to mention freedom." "Did she mention anything about me?" "Moved on, huh?" "Sorry." "Mind if I asked the questions now?" "Shoot." "Hope this isn't too personal, but what did you ever see in Cindy that made you realize you were in love? Wasn't she always mean to you?" "Gosh, I don't think science has an answer to that. Heh heh. Well... it could be from the aftermath of the love potion. Or maybe because we're both smart and we carry the same strategies. Plus, we make a pretty good team. ...when we're not arguing." "That's it?" "Mhmm. That's it." "Well, pardon me for being critical, but in my opinion, real romantic relationships are made out of healthy chemistry. It should be based on trust, understanding each other. Working things out. Not having more heated arguments than a middle aged couple. Also, physical and emotional harm will get you nowhere. It takes more to soulmates than having a lot in common." "I know. And that's the reason why I decided it was now over between us. We weren't necessarily all those things you just said. We were just unhealthy for each other. When it comes to science, it triggers us into warfare. I thought it would be best for us that way, even after all those heartwarming moments we've cherished, the times we stood by each other's side, and when we were trapped on an island together... Nick, do you think I've made a mistake? Maybe Cindy was right. I probably was just thinking of myself." "ABSOLUTELY NOT! If you feel in your gut that it was right, then it's right! Having a fair share of sweet moments won't erase bad history! Look at you two; You fight like dogs over a bone with meat still on it! Your relationship with her is much too dysfunctional, which could possibly lead to abuse in the future! Can't you see she's giving you stress! That could be why you're always pushing yourself to do better! And when you're pushing yourself to do better, you neglect your friends! Don't you remember? You'll find the right someone eventually, but Cindy just isn't the one!" "I see you make a good point, but..." "But?" "...why are you making a big deal out of this?" "I'm your friend, Jimmy. Am I not allowed to be concern for you?"

Now Jimmy knew right there that Nick was much more different than his friends back home. Nick actually cares enough to show him which path is best for him, without being controlling. He acted as the voice of reason. Sheen never lectured him like this, and neither did Carl. Cindy did a lot of yelling and harsh scolding. If Nick haven't said something, Jimmy would've gotten pulled into the Stockholm syndrome.

"And besides, I know what it's like to be stuck in a relationship where you're hurt all the time!"

Nick had broken his rule of going overboard with his information, and he regretted saying it right away, but he had to let Jimmy know he wasn't alone. Now, he may die of embarrassment. Jimmy wondered, who was Nick ever in a relationship with that hurt him so badly? Their privacy was soon invaded when they spotted Benson poking his head out the window.

"Were you eavesdropping on us?" "Heavens, no! I was just gonna call you two for supper when I accidentally overheard your entire conversation!"

Jimmy and Nick got up and decided to head inside for grub.

"Look, Jimmy, I'm sorry for flipping out like that. I don't know what came over me. Should've just kept my whore mouth shut."

Jimmy only responded by wrapping his arms around Nick's stomach area, and embracing into a warm hug, with his face buried in his chest. Nick's cheeks were beginning to glow red again. He just received his very own hug from the boy he loved. Wait. He thought Jimmy was disgusted by the concept of men hugging each other.

"If you feel in your gut that it was right, then it's right."

Jimmy hugged Nick out of sympathy, since he showed him his. The sweet, caring guy before him was the person Nick hid from him for two years. He was the friend Jimmy should've had a long time ago. The boy genius eventually released from his hug, and headed inside for supper. Nick was completely frozen from that hug, yet his face feels so hot. He stood like that for three minutes, before shaking it off and stepping back inside the hut. Although he may not be ready to face Jimmy again after that one hug.

"(It was just a hug!)"

[thecutofmylove]

Detective Turner - Layer I

This is the first layer of a Serial Killer Reader request I’ve received. I’m planning this out so that the individual layers will be shorter and there will likely be more of them. This is written in a male reader’s point of view, but each layer will focus on a single person, each being: the Storyteller, Alex, Tyler, Josh, and Brendon.

00:14:21:31

“Murder is a horror, but an often necessary horror, never criminal, which it is essential to tolerate in a republican State. Is it or is it not a crime? If it is not, why make laws for its punishment? And if it is, by what barbarous logic do you, to punish it, duplicate it by another crime?” - Marquis De Sade

-

Zero days, fourteen hours, and twenty-one minutes since the Saratoga Slasher was arrested and placed into a maximum security penitentiary after murdering eleven women and scattering their bodies across a nearby forest. Zero days, five hours, and three minutes since Alex arrived home from his flight, after closing one of the most disturbing cases he's ever worked. It was just after twelve AM when Alex arrived home to his apartment, and just after two AM when he went upstairs to find his girlfriend, Taylor, asleep in their bed. She was naked, tangled in the sheets and her hair was splayed across her pillow. On an average day, Alex may have taken the time to admire her beauty, but Alex was exhausted. He had been awake for thirty-seven hours reviewing evidence, surveying the slasher's home, and keeping his team in check. On top of that, Alex spent another three hours finishing paperwork and submitting his final report on the case, a grueling process that should have taken an hour, if only he wasn't so tired.

But Alex didn't have to think about being so tired anymore because now, his subconscious was conjuring up lustful dreams about the sleeping brunette beside him, wearing nothing more than-

"Al."

She was sitting in the corner of the living room  with her feet on the end table and a book propped open in her lap. Her fingers were wrapped loosely around a wine glass that was only half full of-

"Alex."

Her hair-

"Alex are you up?"

He groaned.

Her hair was-

"Alex. Your phone."

Alex sucked in a quick breath through his open lips. His throat, dry from sleep, betrayed his ability to speak and instead caused Alex to cough.

"Baby, it's your supervisor," She cooed. He could feel Taylor's delicate hand on his shoulder, rubbing soft circles into his skin.

"Le'm ring through," He groaned, turning over and rubbing his dry and tired eyes.

She sighed softly. "Alex, I've already answered. He says it's important you take his call." He could feel the bed shifting under her weight, and then he could feel her hot breath against the shell of his ear as she began to whisper. "Was everything okay in New York?"

His eyes opened at the thought. No, New York wasn't okay. "Fine," He mumbled. He was now quickly turning over onto his side and sitting upright to take his cellular. He pressed his back against the headboard of their bed frame. Even half asleep he was concerned about reclining himself comfortably. He tried to clear the sleep from his vocal chords as he signaled for Taylor to pass the phone.

She uncovered the microphone and spoke awkwardly "One moment."

Alex took the cellular from Taylor's well-manicured hand and despite his best efforts to sound awake, he sighed a raspy "Agent Turner."

"Turner," A familiar voice echoed. He sounds troubled. "Special Agent Gregory Sheppard." This isn't my supervisor. "We spoke a few years ago when you worked the Atlanta case." He paused. Atlanta, right. Alex was unable to hear anything on the other end. There were no rustling papers, no chatting voices, no elevator dings, no ringing office telephones, no background noise. It was stark silence surrounding this man. Where are you calling from? "I've got some troubling news, Alex," He continued.

Alex squeezed his eyes shut. Fuck. He had only been sleeping two hours, he was in no shape to take on another case. He licked his lips. "With all due respect, agent Sheppard-"

"Gregory; please. I insist."

Alex stopped. Had 'Gregory' seriously stopped him mid sentence to correct him with a first name? I couldn't give a shit who you are. "Gregory," Alex mirrored, slightly annoyed. "Have you got any idea what the hour is? I've just arrived from New York five hours ago. I haven't got any sleep, I can't work now. I spent two weeks on the other side of the country, the last thing I want is another airplane." Alex bit his tongue out of regret. He was the last person in his department that should have spoken to his superior that way. Sleep deprived or not, it was wrong.

Gregory audibly sighed. "Alex, I know this is inconvenient, but I need you to collect your team and meet me downtown in an hour." An hour? Had you heard anything I've just said? "Can you do that?"

Taylor hadn't gone back to sleep after handing Alex the phone. She was curled up to Alex's side with her cheek on his chest and her fingertips gently running up and down his left arm. Truthfully, she was just as anxious about the call as he was, almost as anxious as she was thinking about Alex leaving again for another long-distance case.

Alex sighed. An hour wasn't much time to gather his team at all. "I'm not sure they've got their phones on at this hour," He said with a touch of sarcasm. "Being half four."

Taylor, however didn't seem to like that remark. She took it upon herself to correct Alex's behavior by flicking him on the ear. "Be nice," She scolded.

"Ow!" He jumped instinctively at the sharp sting, ducking his head away from her fingers and reaching blindly beneath the sheets for her side. "I apologize Gregory, I've run into the end table. You still engaged?"

"Yes," He sighed. "I'm here. Alex"

Alex continued to grab at Taylor's side, tickling her and feigning concern to the man on the other end. "Matthew is a short drive from my flat. I can stop by and see if I can't wake him, yeah?" His eyes flickered to the squirming body beside him. Taylor had a hand clasped over her mouth and the other, pushing on Alex's forearm. Leaving was a ridiculous thing to be upset over. Alex knew when he accepted his promotion that he would be in the field much more frequently, especially during cases outside the comfort of Los Angeles. He hoped that whatever this case was, would end at the California border. "I suppose he would be 'Agent Helders' to you, wouldn't he?" Alex asked.

"I've already contacted Helders and briefed him on the case, he was the first agent I phoned," Gregory confessed. "I needed forensics I could trust." 'Trust'. Why are you being so cryptic?

"Forensics?" You could have phoned a local department, but you specifically chose Matthew Helders. Why? Alex was baffled. "What sort of 'case' is this, exactly? Occurring at half four in the AM?" Alex's fingers stopped and Taylor's laughing ceased. The mood had changed considerably.

"I'm not sure yet." That's a lie. The dread was thick in Gregory's voice; this wasn't a 'friendly consultation' for 'old time's sake'. "It's best we don't discuss this over the phone. If the press gets a hold of this before we have any information-" His voice faltered. Is someone there with him? "I-I'm sure you understand Alex."

"I'm not sure I do, Gregory." Of course, Alex understood perfectly. Exchanging pertinent information over the phone could compromise the credibility of the evidence or the security of the case, but he wasn't satisfied with so few details. If I'm getting out of bed after two hours of sleep and driving across town, my career had better be on the line. "Who's jurisdiction does this 'matter' fall under?"

"Christ Alex," He cursed. "Just get your god damn ass over here." No answer. Are you violating the chain of command by phoning me? "If this could wait, I wouldn't have rang at such an hour." He inaudibly grumbled under his breath, likely insulting Alex. That was fine, Alex had done the same just moments ago. "I'll have my tech send the addresses to your PDA."

"Addresses?" Plural? "Two cases?"

"One case. Two locations," Gregory corrected. "I'm hours away. You'll meet my team at the scene, local PD was left out of this one. I requested a discreet investigation, and I'd like to keep it that way. No flashing lights, no fancy bureau-issued cars, Alex. The last thing I need is someone seeing federal plates." His demands felt like a verbal attack against Alex's department, but he knew Gregory Sheppard had no personal 'vendetta' against Alex or his team. He's upset. Is this case personal?

Alex exhaled loudly through parted lips. "I'm two short. Agent Nicholson is consulting on a case in Hidalgo County, a triple homicide, and Agent Kane is attending a wedding in Virginia." Alex released Taylor's side completely and raised his hand to his face. He harshly rubbed over his right brow bone; right to left, left to right, right to left. He then pinched the bridge of his nose. "I have three available agents until further notice."

"That's alright, I'd like as few cars as possible. My guys have Helders, get agents Cook and O'Malley, and get there as timely as you can."

Before Alex could argue, the line was dead and a pattern of three short beeps signaled that Gregory had hung up on him. "Fantastic," Alex scoffed.

-

When Agent Turner arrived at the scene, it was exactly as Gregory Sheppard said it would be. It was a very small pub with no 'crime scene' tape and no police patrolling. Gregory had two agents casually standing outside the front door, and that drew enough attention. Alex could tell by the amount of expired cigarettes surrounding their feet that they had been outside a while. He could not, however, tell if they were planted there intentionally to keep civilians out or to draw attention away from what was happening inside. He supposed it didn't matter either way. However, what did matter was their blatant disregard for preserving evidence. Neither of the agents were wearing gloves, and both of them were continuously touching the hand rails and the door. "What sort of agent doesn't wear gloves at a crime scene?" He mused under his breath.

"Suppose it doesn't matter to them," Nicholas O'Malley said matter of factly from the back seat. "If Sheppard isn't here, this place is going to be a circus."

"Messy," Jamie Cook confirmed from the passenger seat.

Alex audibly sighed and brought his elbow back to rest on the center console between the front seats. "A mess I'll have to clean."

The two agents could hear the agitation in Alex's voice and they both stiffened their spines as if sitting up straight would fix the situation. Jamie, especially, knew how terrible Alex's temper was when cases overlapped with local departments. "Perhaps Matt's found something of use?" Jamie offered innocently.

Alex groaned an 'mm' sound, rolling his eyes and tossing his shoulders backwards into the driver's seat. "What are the chances he's kept it to himself?"

Nick cleared his throat awkwardly, drawing the attention of the other two men in the car. "By chance, has Sheppard shared any details about what happened here exactly?"

Alex shook his head.

"He's called you in and hasn't told you anything?" Jamie could see now why Alex had been unusually quiet. He looked over at the side of Alex's face. Alex's jaw was clenched as he watched the two agents at the door of the pub chatting innocently back and forth. His left arm was bent, elbow resting on the car door as he drew the backs of his first two fingers up and down his cheek. Jamie couldn't tell what Alex was thinking about exactly, but the feeling in his gut told him to drop the subject.

"He didn't." Alex suddenly opened the car door. "Gregory's hours away." He swung his left leg from the car, placing his left foot flat on the pavement of the parking lot. Before he climbed out of the car, he turned to look both Jamie and Nick in the eyes. "I'm not waiting."

"Al!" Nick called after Alex, once he'd gotten out and closed the door behind him. "Just like that?"

"Just like that," Jamie smirked. "He doesn't follow rules, why should we?" He asked teasingly.

The duo sat in silence for a moment, staring at each other and grinning. Nick supposed they were asking questions with their eyes. Questions such as, 'are you serious?' and 'do we value our jobs this little to risk losing them over breaking the chain of command?'. The answers were obviously decided a 'yes' as the two climbed out of the car and began speed walking to the front door of the pub. They raced each other like children would have, in a more ridiculous fashion. A shameful display of elbow shoving, chest grabbing, arm tugging, absurdity. They were just grateful Alex hadn't seen them. However, when they slowed their pace and approached Alex from behind, Nick knew Alex had heard everything.

Alex had pulled his credentials from his jeans pocket and flashed them to the agents standing at the door. While doing so, he'd looked over his shoulder and given the duo a stern look. He then turned back to the man checking his ID and licked his lips. "Agent Alex Turner." He introduced himself first. "These are Agents Nicholas O'Malley and Jamie Cook. I've got another inside, Matthew Helders. We were personally phoned by Gregory Sheppard himself. We're with the-"

The agent adopted a friendly smile and gestured for Alex to put his ID away. "Detective Kelley Browder," He extended his hand towards Alex. "Agent Sheppard informed us of your arrival, he neglected to state when you were arriving. I guess, it's now." He shrugged his broad shoulders and looked to the much shorter agent beside him. "We were given six names, but there are only four?"

The shorter agent flicked his spent cigarette aside and turned his head away from the group to blow smoke from the side of his mouth. "Will the others be arriving later?"

Alex accepted Kelley's formal gesture. He clasped their hands together and partook in what was a rather sloppy handshake for Alex's own taste, but he kept that bit to himself. "Uh, no. My technical analyst is taking care of a case in Hidalgo county, a bit of a busy department down there."

Kelley released Alex's hand and returned his hand to his pants pocket. "The triple homicide, right? Sheppard was phoned about that one, but our department doesn't have the resources to hand out."

Alex nodded in agreement. "My team typically doesn't go on solo cases, but agent Nicholson's services were requested. It's not a problem. If we've got something, he's only a ring away."

"I don't think you will," The shorter agent said solemnly. "This one's pretty cut and dry, a homicide on a John Doe. Agent Helders did find something that you might want to see, Agent Turner."

Me? Alex was confused. "I don't believe I've got your name agent..."

"Dooley. Randall Dooley." Randall too, extended a hand to Alex as Kelley had. "Word is, the sick fuck that did this wants you on this case."

A firm grip, Alex thought. "I suppose I'll have a look then, won't I?"

"Of course." Agent Kelley stepped aside at Alex's request and reached for the door handle. Respectful, Alex noted. "It's a mess in there," Kelley warned. "Two of our guys opted to speak to the witnesses instead of collecting samples."