KasperXIII
Sworn To A Great Divide
With Jenny too stunned to focus on the events and words around her, Tony nodded at his orders to keep her subdued. Wherever they were going, she was coming along. Good, no full-blown execution in an already-crime scene. For James' own convenience, Tony agreed to keep their prisoner in his own trunk when they leg it. James had enough on his plate as is, and watching over a mere pain in the ass like Jenny wasn't something he needed, and his actions showed it. Usually, he'd analyze a situation further before drawing such drastic conclusions, as far as to be fully convinced that it was Jenny that sold them out. This time it was different. He wasn't even taking his time to see the facts straight, only the circumstances and threats thrown around by the girl herself that seemed to dig her own grave, unknowingly. What was even more nerve-wracking: the true guilty party was there right under James' nose watching what would become of him if his secret was blown wide open. Not to mention that Frank would soon find out that they'd supposedly found their culprit, when he knows that she's innocent as well. Would he stand idly by and watch Jenny be killed if it would ever come down to it?
Next was the process of loading the vehicles with everyone's bags, as well as Jenny. She'd be in a very uncomfortable place in the back seat of his and Frank's vehicle, squished between the luggage and probably knocked unconscious. Held by the back of her hair as he practically dragged her about, he directed her to the vehicle, the remote key at hand, and clicked to open it. Jenny had yet to say a word, fortunately. Less arguing for Tony, and less of a headache for the rest of the pack. Tony did have the chloroform at the ready, just in case she becomes too chatty. He did plan on using it on her once she was in the trunk anyway - no taking a chance that she decides to start kicking and screaming in the middle of a busy street. They got lucky with Roland's case being out in the desert, so nobody could hear him banging around in the trunk and yelling obscenities. Jenny would be a different case. No taking chances with a simple knockout.
Once he had the trunk open with the bags for himself, Frank, and Jordan loaded with just enough room for one more body, Tony's head nudged inward to notify Jenny to get inside.
"Fuck you," she growled under her breath.
"You might wanna watch your tone, cupcake. I'd hate to hurt a pretty face like that."
She scoffed at the petty remark about her being 'pretty', as emotionless as it sounded from Tony. "I'd never fuck you."
"Hehe... I think we've established that. Now get in."
When it came to small enclosures, Jenny wasn't all that fond of them. Especially given the fact she was a prisoner. Her face went pale as she looked at the cube made for herself to fit in. She event gathered the strength to stand on her own two feet and step back slightly. Tony still had a grip on her neck, and he kept her from flat-out bolting.
"Uh, uh, uh," he chuckled. "In. Now. Or Do we have to do this the hard way?"
Her eyes rolled with a groan. "Fuck. You. I did nothing wrong. Why are you treating me like a prisoner?"
Enough was enough. He could simply interpret Jenny as resisting, his hand that wasn't gripping her slowly making its way around his back. "If you insist," he shrugged. "One piece of advice... don't fight it." Without warning, a rough rag found its way into Tony's hand and flying over Jenny's mouth and nose. Her eyes shot out, and she began to squirm and jolt in place in a futile attempt to break from the grip of a larger, stronger detective. She'd get nowhere, wasting her breath and inhaling the chloroform faster, slowly feeling weaker and weaker. Tony noticed her signs of resistance, against what he'd advised. He gave a hushing noise as a reminder of his words, though it didn't stop her from swinging about. Her movements were still limited, and her voice gave off muffled cries for help, though none would reach her. No one could see what he was up to - not even Damien from his lookout position - and neither him nor Jenny had raised their voices enough to catch anyone's attention. "Shhhh... Save your energy." Jenny would've tried to move Tony's arm from over her face had she not been handcuffed. But she was powerless before a man of greater strength. Slowly, but surely, her eyelids began to shut and her body became much weaker, almost to the point of a state of slumber. She began to lean against Tony more than before in order to keep herself up on her feet, but even keeping her posture was becoming difficult. She lost feeling in her body, fumbling against the detective, and her head soon hung back against him as well. Once he felt her submission, Tony removed the rag from her face and slipped it back into his pocket. He caught her into both of his hands and held her up bridal style, not fazed by her light weight, and loaded her in the trunk. Not like he expected the prisoner to willfully get inside anyway. She was curled up into a ball right between the suitcases and the walls of the trunk. Tony also prepared for the worst case in which Jenny wakes up by placing a quick slab of duct tape over her lips. Packed into a small place and her mouth sealed shut, there was no chance for her to create a scene in the middle of the road. With that problem settled for now, he let the hood of the trunk fall and shut properly, barely so with all of their baggage. Hell, not all of it even fit, so Jordan and Elvis would have to scoot together in the back seat, unfortunately. Hopefully, it wouldn't be too big of a deal. Animals were useful healers after all, and he wouldn't doubt that Jordan had found comfort in the dog's presence.
"Let's go," Tony called out after having loaded the belongings of his partner and the child.
With Jon's help, Nicole loaded her belongings into James' Range Rover as well. Fortunately, she'd be traveling with him, James, and Karin's brother. She didn't have much in the way of conversation with Joseph. Was she too scary in his eyes? She did give off an intimidating vibe by nature. For a good part of her life, she taught children around Joseph's age, anyway. It was her job to assert herself as the superior figure. But under this roof, she felt more like a mother to everyone than a teacher. She offered every ounce of hospitality that she could from preparing meals to helping the old butler with housework. But in the midst of her own pain losing both children, Nicole also recognized Joseph's. That nice girl, Karin, that she was greeted to from the start? She was also arrested alongside her daughter. That had to take a toll on him. In their moments of loss and close proximity, Nicole opted to sit in the backseat by Joseph's side, holding his hand and telling him that James and Jon were doing what they could to get his sister out of lockup. Even if she was weakened by her own losses, she could still be a rock to those even weaker like Joseph. And that meant she'd hold his hand the entire ride or let him rest his head on her lap to sleep if need be. Particularly after losing Thalia, every child felt like her own, which is what made her want to comfort Joseph even more.
Tony agreed to drive the second vehicle while Jon drove the other. The vehicle headed by Jon would lead the way with Tony's close behind. Hopefully, nobody would notice these vehicles riding a bit lower than normal in a neighborhood where there was just an arrest of a known criminal/terrorist. The best they could wish for was not getting caught by an unmarked police vehicle, and not being pursued in their small convoy.
Well, the last one would be an empty wish. Because not far behind would be Damien. He didn't see much since the time of the arrest, waiting for something to happen in that home. Once he saw two vehicles leave the driveway, he immediately sprung into action from his relaxed position in the reclined driver's seat. He adjusted the seat properly to a position more appropriate from driving, turned the keys in the ignition, put the car in drive, and did his best to keep eyes on the rear vehicle and maintain distance. If he's caught pursuing the group, he might be the one in hot water after all.
--
Charlie had fallen asleep shortly after takeoff on the ride to wherever Andrew had in mind for him. His trust was very thin at this point after watching his sister get shot by a man holding a badge, so having a federal agent, also badged, take him somewhere quite really in the middle of nowhere in a state he knew very little about was all quite scary to him. He figured it was all one big nightmare and that he could wake up from it if he were to be knocked out, sleep being an option. Unfortunately, when he opened his eyes, they were treading a path lined by several trees and felt quite bumpy to Charlie. Fortunately, he wasn't one to get carsick easily, so the trip itself didn't upset his stomach or anything. What DID upset his stomach was the anxiety. Where was this man taking him? A quiet place so he could be shot, just like his father and sister? And where was his mother? Couldn't she just show herself and be done with? He could go with her, or at least she could come with him. And Jon... where was he, too? Killed by the men with guns?
But what could an eight year old do? Nothing more than sit tight and wait. Andrew's intentions would appear in time.
He was awake enough to look up and see the house in front of him. He found it very relatable to a cabin, and it wouldn't be the first time he'd stayed in one. There was one family vacation to France that he's been to where he and his cousins went camping. There was also one camping trip with his school that he really enjoyed. But on both of those, his mother was present. There was no parent or guardian he trusted this time. Nothing but a total stranger that he might've assumed to be a pedophile had he not shown his badge. The location was relatable in his mind, and inside looked rather.... home-like. Not like his home in Philly, but it was a warm atmosphere. A lot of the decorations and objects in the house, including pictures, seemed to be images that he'd soon forget, but at least he was being made to seem like home. Everything down to a daughter not much younger than his sister. Unfortunately, Faye reminded him a bit TOO much of his sister. Seeing a strange face that young made him step back, slightly mortified by the girl, and his face simply spelling fear. He didnt want too much attention, but if she would be the only stranger, he would try his best to tolerate it, even if he had stepped back and stood behind Andrew's leg. He didn't exactly shiver, but he did flinch at the sight of her. But he did at least wave back.
"H-Hi." No other words. Just hope he wouldn't be too social here. And that his mother would appear soon.
Then, finally, came the bedroom where he'd be staying. Just seeing the cabin theme continue was still appealing, almost enough for him to want to discuss that. Even more convenient that they were now alone. "M-My uncle in France... I don't remember where exactly, but he owned a cabin at some ski resort. It was really fun to go to. My mommy told me that Thalia was a good skiier, too. I wish she would've been with me for most of my life to show me how she does it." Charlie had dropped a hint that he'd only just met Thalia, which might've been a start for putting things together. His nervous voice continued, "Your house.... r-really reminds me of the trip last Christmas vacation. Not the skiing... just the cabin."
Seeing the cozy bed almost made Charlie want to sleep again, but after having just woken up and put through hell, it seemed too scary to fall asleep in a stranger's bed. It brought Charlie to think... this house was big for two people. Where was Faye's mother? And why did Andrew need this big a home for just his family? Was it even a true home? He thought over the proposition for a drink. "Warm milk sounds good. Maybe the TV as well. I'm not that tired after drive here, so I think I'll watch something. My mommy doesn't let me watch some TV shows without her permission or supervision, but you don't have to stay if you don't want."
Once again, Charlie had opened up about a part of his life: his strict mother. More hints for Andrew to use, and if that wasn't enough... "Her name is Nicole... my mommy's name. Just so it'll help you find her." He then separated himself from the federal agent for a moment to the bed. He placed his palms over the bed and propped himself up on it to make himself comfortable. But being physically comfortable didn't negate the emotional discomfort he had. And he had to speak about it. "You're... still looking for her, right? And.... i-is Thalia okay? She's not.... dead, is she?"
Next was the process of loading the vehicles with everyone's bags, as well as Jenny. She'd be in a very uncomfortable place in the back seat of his and Frank's vehicle, squished between the luggage and probably knocked unconscious. Held by the back of her hair as he practically dragged her about, he directed her to the vehicle, the remote key at hand, and clicked to open it. Jenny had yet to say a word, fortunately. Less arguing for Tony, and less of a headache for the rest of the pack. Tony did have the chloroform at the ready, just in case she becomes too chatty. He did plan on using it on her once she was in the trunk anyway - no taking a chance that she decides to start kicking and screaming in the middle of a busy street. They got lucky with Roland's case being out in the desert, so nobody could hear him banging around in the trunk and yelling obscenities. Jenny would be a different case. No taking chances with a simple knockout.
Once he had the trunk open with the bags for himself, Frank, and Jordan loaded with just enough room for one more body, Tony's head nudged inward to notify Jenny to get inside.
"Fuck you," she growled under her breath.
"You might wanna watch your tone, cupcake. I'd hate to hurt a pretty face like that."
She scoffed at the petty remark about her being 'pretty', as emotionless as it sounded from Tony. "I'd never fuck you."
"Hehe... I think we've established that. Now get in."
When it came to small enclosures, Jenny wasn't all that fond of them. Especially given the fact she was a prisoner. Her face went pale as she looked at the cube made for herself to fit in. She event gathered the strength to stand on her own two feet and step back slightly. Tony still had a grip on her neck, and he kept her from flat-out bolting.
"Uh, uh, uh," he chuckled. "In. Now. Or Do we have to do this the hard way?"
Her eyes rolled with a groan. "Fuck. You. I did nothing wrong. Why are you treating me like a prisoner?"
Enough was enough. He could simply interpret Jenny as resisting, his hand that wasn't gripping her slowly making its way around his back. "If you insist," he shrugged. "One piece of advice... don't fight it." Without warning, a rough rag found its way into Tony's hand and flying over Jenny's mouth and nose. Her eyes shot out, and she began to squirm and jolt in place in a futile attempt to break from the grip of a larger, stronger detective. She'd get nowhere, wasting her breath and inhaling the chloroform faster, slowly feeling weaker and weaker. Tony noticed her signs of resistance, against what he'd advised. He gave a hushing noise as a reminder of his words, though it didn't stop her from swinging about. Her movements were still limited, and her voice gave off muffled cries for help, though none would reach her. No one could see what he was up to - not even Damien from his lookout position - and neither him nor Jenny had raised their voices enough to catch anyone's attention. "Shhhh... Save your energy." Jenny would've tried to move Tony's arm from over her face had she not been handcuffed. But she was powerless before a man of greater strength. Slowly, but surely, her eyelids began to shut and her body became much weaker, almost to the point of a state of slumber. She began to lean against Tony more than before in order to keep herself up on her feet, but even keeping her posture was becoming difficult. She lost feeling in her body, fumbling against the detective, and her head soon hung back against him as well. Once he felt her submission, Tony removed the rag from her face and slipped it back into his pocket. He caught her into both of his hands and held her up bridal style, not fazed by her light weight, and loaded her in the trunk. Not like he expected the prisoner to willfully get inside anyway. She was curled up into a ball right between the suitcases and the walls of the trunk. Tony also prepared for the worst case in which Jenny wakes up by placing a quick slab of duct tape over her lips. Packed into a small place and her mouth sealed shut, there was no chance for her to create a scene in the middle of the road. With that problem settled for now, he let the hood of the trunk fall and shut properly, barely so with all of their baggage. Hell, not all of it even fit, so Jordan and Elvis would have to scoot together in the back seat, unfortunately. Hopefully, it wouldn't be too big of a deal. Animals were useful healers after all, and he wouldn't doubt that Jordan had found comfort in the dog's presence.
"Let's go," Tony called out after having loaded the belongings of his partner and the child.
With Jon's help, Nicole loaded her belongings into James' Range Rover as well. Fortunately, she'd be traveling with him, James, and Karin's brother. She didn't have much in the way of conversation with Joseph. Was she too scary in his eyes? She did give off an intimidating vibe by nature. For a good part of her life, she taught children around Joseph's age, anyway. It was her job to assert herself as the superior figure. But under this roof, she felt more like a mother to everyone than a teacher. She offered every ounce of hospitality that she could from preparing meals to helping the old butler with housework. But in the midst of her own pain losing both children, Nicole also recognized Joseph's. That nice girl, Karin, that she was greeted to from the start? She was also arrested alongside her daughter. That had to take a toll on him. In their moments of loss and close proximity, Nicole opted to sit in the backseat by Joseph's side, holding his hand and telling him that James and Jon were doing what they could to get his sister out of lockup. Even if she was weakened by her own losses, she could still be a rock to those even weaker like Joseph. And that meant she'd hold his hand the entire ride or let him rest his head on her lap to sleep if need be. Particularly after losing Thalia, every child felt like her own, which is what made her want to comfort Joseph even more.
Tony agreed to drive the second vehicle while Jon drove the other. The vehicle headed by Jon would lead the way with Tony's close behind. Hopefully, nobody would notice these vehicles riding a bit lower than normal in a neighborhood where there was just an arrest of a known criminal/terrorist. The best they could wish for was not getting caught by an unmarked police vehicle, and not being pursued in their small convoy.
Well, the last one would be an empty wish. Because not far behind would be Damien. He didn't see much since the time of the arrest, waiting for something to happen in that home. Once he saw two vehicles leave the driveway, he immediately sprung into action from his relaxed position in the reclined driver's seat. He adjusted the seat properly to a position more appropriate from driving, turned the keys in the ignition, put the car in drive, and did his best to keep eyes on the rear vehicle and maintain distance. If he's caught pursuing the group, he might be the one in hot water after all.
--
Charlie had fallen asleep shortly after takeoff on the ride to wherever Andrew had in mind for him. His trust was very thin at this point after watching his sister get shot by a man holding a badge, so having a federal agent, also badged, take him somewhere quite really in the middle of nowhere in a state he knew very little about was all quite scary to him. He figured it was all one big nightmare and that he could wake up from it if he were to be knocked out, sleep being an option. Unfortunately, when he opened his eyes, they were treading a path lined by several trees and felt quite bumpy to Charlie. Fortunately, he wasn't one to get carsick easily, so the trip itself didn't upset his stomach or anything. What DID upset his stomach was the anxiety. Where was this man taking him? A quiet place so he could be shot, just like his father and sister? And where was his mother? Couldn't she just show herself and be done with? He could go with her, or at least she could come with him. And Jon... where was he, too? Killed by the men with guns?
But what could an eight year old do? Nothing more than sit tight and wait. Andrew's intentions would appear in time.
He was awake enough to look up and see the house in front of him. He found it very relatable to a cabin, and it wouldn't be the first time he'd stayed in one. There was one family vacation to France that he's been to where he and his cousins went camping. There was also one camping trip with his school that he really enjoyed. But on both of those, his mother was present. There was no parent or guardian he trusted this time. Nothing but a total stranger that he might've assumed to be a pedophile had he not shown his badge. The location was relatable in his mind, and inside looked rather.... home-like. Not like his home in Philly, but it was a warm atmosphere. A lot of the decorations and objects in the house, including pictures, seemed to be images that he'd soon forget, but at least he was being made to seem like home. Everything down to a daughter not much younger than his sister. Unfortunately, Faye reminded him a bit TOO much of his sister. Seeing a strange face that young made him step back, slightly mortified by the girl, and his face simply spelling fear. He didnt want too much attention, but if she would be the only stranger, he would try his best to tolerate it, even if he had stepped back and stood behind Andrew's leg. He didn't exactly shiver, but he did flinch at the sight of her. But he did at least wave back.
"H-Hi." No other words. Just hope he wouldn't be too social here. And that his mother would appear soon.
Then, finally, came the bedroom where he'd be staying. Just seeing the cabin theme continue was still appealing, almost enough for him to want to discuss that. Even more convenient that they were now alone. "M-My uncle in France... I don't remember where exactly, but he owned a cabin at some ski resort. It was really fun to go to. My mommy told me that Thalia was a good skiier, too. I wish she would've been with me for most of my life to show me how she does it." Charlie had dropped a hint that he'd only just met Thalia, which might've been a start for putting things together. His nervous voice continued, "Your house.... r-really reminds me of the trip last Christmas vacation. Not the skiing... just the cabin."
Seeing the cozy bed almost made Charlie want to sleep again, but after having just woken up and put through hell, it seemed too scary to fall asleep in a stranger's bed. It brought Charlie to think... this house was big for two people. Where was Faye's mother? And why did Andrew need this big a home for just his family? Was it even a true home? He thought over the proposition for a drink. "Warm milk sounds good. Maybe the TV as well. I'm not that tired after drive here, so I think I'll watch something. My mommy doesn't let me watch some TV shows without her permission or supervision, but you don't have to stay if you don't want."
Once again, Charlie had opened up about a part of his life: his strict mother. More hints for Andrew to use, and if that wasn't enough... "Her name is Nicole... my mommy's name. Just so it'll help you find her." He then separated himself from the federal agent for a moment to the bed. He placed his palms over the bed and propped himself up on it to make himself comfortable. But being physically comfortable didn't negate the emotional discomfort he had. And he had to speak about it. "You're... still looking for her, right? And.... i-is Thalia okay? She's not.... dead, is she?"
