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Of Kings and Pawns (IC)

The interrogation would begin. So many answers appeared on that sheet of paper written out to illustrate Roland's responses. But most of the responses would be the same, time and time again: Fuck Yourself. Roland's memories were jogged, but for some reason, he still remembered his time with Al-Asheera and his loyalty to Ra's. That was enough for him to become a pain in the ass.

Richie took a seat at the chair to Roland's right side, staring at his right hand. This would be a while, and standing was becoming tiring. "You are a sick, perverted son of a bitch, you know that? I hope your wife and kid know about your stash of pictures of underaged girls you had in your house."

Five taps from the ring finger.

"Well... You may be damaged, but you're probably never going to see sunlight ever again. So it's best you cooperate."

Five taps from the ring finger again. Was that key ever going to be of use?

"Your high and mighty leader, Rami Younes, also known as Ra's, was found dead yesterday morning. Presumably dead from the previous night. Got any explanation for that?"

This time, five taps came from his pinky finger. Richie glanced down at the key and found the meaning: "HAIL RA'S."

The detective scoffed. "Are you sure your wife wrote these for you?"

Five from the ring finger again.

"I thought so. We spoke to Jessica Simmons. She said she had no idea about your affiliation. That your tattoos were aesthetic, and she was unaware that you were responsible for the rape and abuse of at least two confirmed underaged girls."

The 'fuck yourself' tap was given once again.

"Did you think for one second about the lives of Thalia Griffin and Vanessa Scott, the latter of which your leader murdered because she cheated on you? On what planet do you live on to think that's okay?"

Richie was raising his voice, and only getting the five taps from the ring finger. He then made a rushed, abrupt move, slamming his left fist against the bedside table. He was getting furious at the lack of answer.

"Mister Simmons, you're never going to see your wife and son ever again, and your precious clansmen are never going to save you! We already know that Jordan Reeves has succeeded the throne to Al-Asheera, and their entire inner circle, not including you, is no more! So if you don't want me to recommend that your wife puts out a 'do not resuscitate' on your ass, then 'accidentally' trip on the plug to the devices keeping you breathing, then you better start talking."

This time... a different response? Three taps from his thumb. Richie checked the list. 'Kill me'. His eyes crossed in anger, and he chuckled confidently.

"Oh, no, Mister Simmons. You're staying alive for as long as I want you to be alive. Not to mention that I can easily say that you're cooperating, even if you're dead, and your wife and son will be as good as dead."

Five from the ring finger again.

"Motherfucker, you don't deserve to keep breathing. You're lucky to have survived a bullet to the head. There's a lot of people out there that want you dead after seeing the pictures you had hidden away. Even your wife is on shaky grounds about you. You have NOTHING to live for now. So if you really wanna die? You might as well go out doing the right thing. Let your son know that your last acts were noble."

One tap of his middle finger. 'Never', it read.

Richie propped his cane to the ground and hoisted himself up. His grip on the stick was tight, and he leaned closer to Roland's face, making sure he could see the man, even if he was stagnant, not including his fingers. He crumbled the key of words into a ball with a single hand and tossed it at Roland's bald bandaged head. "Fuck you. You're just going to tell me where Sergeant Reeves is, then you're going to die. How does that deal sound?"

Something different? Roland's wrist turned slightly, and his index finger curled. As if to say, 'come closer'. It wasn't on his code. Could he talk? Richie's head leaned a bit closer, enough for whispers to reach his ear. Could Roland engage in conversation? The detective reached forward to remove the mask from the athlete's mouth and nose. This would have to be quick if anything.

"Richard.... Hart..." he croaked. "Your... family..."

Richie's heart sank. This couldn't be good.

".... is.... fucked."

Roland's heartbeat was accelerating judging by the beeping of the machine behind Richie. He even let out a low-volume cackle to assert himself. And all the detective could feel was anger. Roland had threatened his family, and that wasn't going to fly. Was this an excuse for him to end the bastard's life? Kind of like Karin had recommended? Or would he leave that burden for her? The guilt of murdering a man? It was so tempting, especially given his attitude and foul mouth. He was loyal to his dead leader... and this was going to get nowhere.

"You're sick. I mean it when I say you don't deserve to win." The detective released his grip on the mask and let it snap back on Roland's face as hard as he could. It didn't force any sort of reaction out of the thief, but all Richie did from then on was step back, taking a look at his IV once more. He was tense... unsure of what to do next.

He needs to die. He won't last in lockup anyway... But what if I'm caught?

Then came a few knocks on that hospital room door. "Who is it?" Richie asked.

"Nurse. Just going to change his IV."

It was truly now or never this time.

--

At the end of the day, everyone under James' command was a hero in some way, and that was clear as Thalia reflected on how Karin was a role model and a helpful voice in her head from the very beginning - right there at that cafe. It helped to know that people like Karin existed. Who knows? Maybe in whatever prison she'd land herself in, she'd find others like her. She didn't think it was completely out there. It could happen. At least visitors might be allowed if she maintains good behavior. Maybe now more than ever was a good time to behave herself in the face of the authorities. She was doing a good job already, not badmouthing the police superiors. She had no reason to, seeing they were helping her so she could help them.

Just as Thalia nodded in response to possibly seeing Karin again someday, maybe even with her child, possibly? - it came time for the icing on the cake: Karin's immunity. That agreement that was left nearby. It was time for the chief to return and give his signature. Was this for real? Karin was going to walk free, not give birth to a child in prison, stay with her brother, and go back to her lover. It was sad that Thalia couldn't follow, at least not now... but this would have to do, anything for the girl she saw as a wise older sister.

"So... that's official?" she asked. "You can't touch her. She's not connected to whatever I've done. She has nothing to do with it all, anyway. All that matters to me at this point is that she'll move passed this. That she'll get to take a bus home or something after she walks out of here, that you're not gonna put her in handcuffs once this is over. Believe me, I've heard of BS agreements like this where you get my statement, then you show up at her house with guns blazing and...."

Before the redhead could continue her frantic thought process... the injured detective returned to the room, stepping closer to the bed and giving Thalia a nod and smile. "Yes, Miss Griffin. Your friend walks, no catch or condition. Perhaps you watch too many police movies to hear of scandals like this. We can assure you that with a signature from the Chief, this is no laughing matter. We wouldn't have pulled this many strings for an immunity deal we'd just scrap later. If we were going to do that, we wouldn't have brought the chief or captain along to see this. Of course, her freedom is in exchange for your full confession, so if you are, for some reason, considering to back out of that..."

Thalia shook her head. "Never. I'm not backing out of that half of things. Once Karin leaves, I'll tell you whatever I know."

"Good, excellent."

Richie looked a bit... different. Smiling, sure, but it all seemed rather forced. Was it because of what Roland had told him about his family 'being fucked'? Or was this something deeper? After he left Roland's room and let the nurse enter... he seemed to maintain a look as if he were nervous. It could've easily been passed off as his own worries about the coming confession....

But in reality, it would be that Roland's life would end in the next few minutes after he left in favor of the nurse. The trick with the air bubbles that Karin had recommended? He pulled it off in the few seconds before he said he was done questioning. Soon enough, Roland would be a goner. And as Karin walks out, she'd see the swarm of nurses dashing to his room to try to revive him, to no avail. The deal was done. He did as she asked, not for a social with Fritzy, but to prevent him from putting a hit on his family. That, he could never let happen.

--

As Charlie was getting better at archery, it was hard for him to let go of the bow and take a break. It was almost a new addictive habit for him. Maybe when he goes home, he'd ask his mother for a bow and a target to practice with in whatever house they move to. They'll need a pretty big yard for that. Probably something James could arrange, but Nicole would never accept as blind charity. All in all, Charlie was easing up to Faye and her assistance. She wasn't that much younger than his sister, which brought him a slight reminder of the girl he'd had fun with when he first met her. In one way or another, it was a source of comfort, one he welcomed with open arms. But, once again, change would come his way as Andrew returned to him and told him there was something he should see. Something good, for once, in his room. He entered the house again, a bit nervous about the nature of the 'surprise'. What could be waiting for him? It's what he was going on about in his mind as he got a sip of water inside. Refreshing, and calming for him. He was once extremely tense and panicking. But now? He'd calmed down significantly.

And when he got to his bedroom? He was anything but calm, but in a good way when he saw his role model standing before him. They found Jon? That fast? He was shocked, looking behind him to Andrew, then back at Jon. His jaw dropped as he rubbed his eyes to make sure he was seeing right. Andrew and that other agent he had alongside him had just told him that they didn't know where his mother and Jon were. Now, one of them shows up at their doorstep. And surely, if Jon was safe, so was his mother. Rather than panic, Charlie, upon realizing how real this was, put on a grin from ear to ear.

"Jon?" he gasped, taking a few moments just to stare at the taller man from a distance. This really was him. After spending so much time with him, how could he miss the guy? More importantly, how could he just stay still like that? "Jon!" he cheered, charging forward to take Jon into a deep meaningful hug, one he'd been meaning to give to someone he cared about for so long, especially after seeing the police invade and shoot his sister. "You're safe! I'm so glad they didn't hurt you..." he muffled into Jon's body, clinging to the man and not wanting to let go. He'd missed his fatherly figure after all this time, so much. All that was missing was his mother. "I didn't think the police were going to find you, but they did. Is Mommy okay? She didn't get hurt, right? And Thalia, did you see that she's doing okay?"

Could any of these questions be answered properly and honestly in front of Andrew, though? The reunion of the two was pleasant. Almost like a true father-son bond, formed less than a week ago, and seemed to fit like a puzzle piece. Maybe Charlie would be better off going to be with his mother, even though he was grateful that Andrew had kept him safe. And he'd show that gratitude when they leave.
 
"We can't touch her, no." The chief said, after he'd finalized the agreement. "The release forms are official. I can't re-arrest Karin unless she commits another crime. If I was to arrest her on the charges we've already cleared from her name? The mayor would have me out my office before sundown, trust me." He said.

He may have only been further backing up Richie's point, but, he wanted her to trust them.

He turned to Karin, "You're free to leave, Miss Held. You can say goodbye first, if you'd like."

Karin nodded, a mixture of happy and sad as she approached the bed again and gave Thalia a quick hug. "You keep out of trouble." She whispered, simply. "I'll be seeing you again, I'm sure. No matter what place you end up in... I won't forget about you, Thalia." She said, then just held her tight for a minute. She had to pick her next words precisely - they were only going to be simple, but, it was going to be equal to a thousand spoken words. A final goodbye, at least for now.

"Thank you. For everything." She squeezed her hand and smiled as she pulled away, slowly, and she gave a little wave as she made her way for the door. As she looked out the window, she saw busy hospital staff - doctors and nurses, running in and out of a room. Richie must have done as she'd asked. Things would get better for him as soon as she could contact James - his family, protected, his health care improved, his lifestyle changed. It would all be just fine.

And now that one more was dead - for real, this time - things were one step closer. The best part of it was that there was no evidence Richie touched him. His brain was going to hemorrhage. It probably already had, and there was no coming back from it this time. No overdose, no other drugs - the one thing humans rely on to live was the one thing that killed him. Oxygen. Even a single tiny bubble would have been enough to kill him. Hospital fault. Faulty equipment. It could have been any one of those things.

"Detective, would you mind walking me to the front door? Just to make sure I don't get harassed by any of the guys in here?" She asked. "I'm sure it's just me worrying, but, I'd be a lot more comfortable if you could show me out." She said - to Richie, of course. She wanted to talk, clearly. She wanted to talk about Roland, more specifically.

--

Jon looked at him as he entered, and he could only smile. He was holding back the tears, though. He really was. He wasn't about to cry in front of him - not yet, anyway. "Hey, Charlie." He whispered back, but soon Charlie's smile grew and he ran right at him - Jon opened his arms and let the boy collide with his chest, and in response, he also wrapped his arms around him and held him tight, at first lifting him off the ground, but soon sitting him down on his lap. They both needed this, it seemed, just sitting there on the edge of the bed and hugging it out. A day ago, Jon was worried that it would be weeks - maybe months - before he saw Charlie again. After some time, that feeling became too much to bare.

"Me, hurt?" He let out a tiny laugh, his emotion flooding through it a little. He gently poked Charlie's side, just as a playful thing to tickle him. A laugh, more smiling, anything would be nice from him. "You can't hurt someone as tough as me, buddy." He said, quietly, then started rubbing his back. "Your mommy's just fine, kiddo, don't you worry. I haven't had a chance to see Thalia, but, I know she's okay, too." He said. "But me, your mom? Everyone's okay." He took a deep breath and set his head on Charlie's shoulder. He closed his eyes.

"God, Charlie... I missed you so much." He said, pulling away from the hug for a moment and looking him in the eyes. He held his head in his hands and just scanned him up and down - there wear tears glistening in his eyes, and there was even the occasional sniffle from him. "Look at you. I was worried I'd see you again and you'd be all skinny and all that. But look at you." He chuckled softly. "You've got color in your face, you look like you've eaten well... You've had this big comfy bed, too. And your smile ain't changed one bit." He laughed again, almost in disbelief, and he pulled him back into a hug. Tears escaped his eyes and dripped onto the back of Charlie's shirt, but, they were happy tears.

"How were things here? Have things been okay?" He asked. Andrew just watched the two, but, he did smile. He could hardly refuse to let them leave, could he?
 
The commotion outside in regards to Roland's condition was noticed by everyone in that room, even Thalia, who was consumed in her good-bye with her friend. The last hug, the hand gripping, it all meant the world to her. They would meet again at some point, sure, but the absence of each other in that time was going to be strange, and hard for her to get used to. Prison would give a lot of company, right? Not quite the type she'd want, but she could only hope that she's not placed in solitary. It also put her at ease to know that Karin would be safe on the outside, not pursued by the police, and in good hands under James' protection. She still partially blamed herself for an innocent woman getting caught in the crossfire, but at least now she could officially be in the clear, and she could do her time the right way and on her terms.

But what stood out most... thank you? What could Karin possibly thank Thalia for after this past week? For getting her into a sticky situation she didn't need to be in? For putting her brother in harm's way? There was no good outcome besides finding love with James, at least for Karin. So, why on earth would she thank the person who started it all? Was their friendship that valuable?

It's all that could run through Thalia's mind as she saw Karin and Richie leave. She resisted the urge to break down at the sight of her leaving, especially in front of the chief. Thalia wasn't familiar with police rankings, therefore, unaware of the capabilities of the chief among the ranks. She didn't even know if he could put in a good word for her on her court day. In all honesty, why would he? People like him typically want her to burn on the stake, but what if Karin's proposition about a jury hearing her story out? That they might understand that her situation wasn't entirely her fault? Was that something the chief, as a human being rather than an officer of the law, could listen to?

"I... didn't choose to join Al-Asheera," Thalia uttered, almost to herself, staring at the door even after Karin was no longer in sight. She was watching the swarm of people outside. Was this Roland's condition taking a turn for the worse? Karin would have to confirm that herself. As she watched the crowd, she tried to engage in a conversation with the chief. "I was a week out on the streets, and I didn't wanna go home. I would've taken anything over going home. And believe me, that's the worst mistake I've ever made. But what I'm wondering is... will that even matter? Will a jury differentiate what I was forced into from what I chose to do? Every crime I've committed was because I was like a lost puppy, a puppet controlled by the man you found dead the other morning. I know, that's no excuse for me to avoid the death penalty, but there's a lot that I've been blamed for that I never did. All I wanna know is if my confession is going to mean anything for my benefit when I get locked up for.... well, life, I guess."

Thalia was still not convinced about her sentence being shaved off significantly. Part of her believed a life sentence was still waiting for her. But at least she had people who cared about her who'd visit her.

--

Richie agreed to walking Karin out, but not under the pretense given. He knew for sure there were no cops with any sort of beef with her. What has Karin Held ever done to a cop other than threaten to sue them for the treatment she was given at her arrest? No, there was no good reason for it - their little departure together had to be for an explanation. One about the mobs of doctors and nurses coming in and out of Roland Simmons' room, and the security wandering about standing their guard. Something wasn't right, but the less-aware law enforcement were too late to the punch. Roland was certainly long gone at this point, for good. But his threat still rang in the detective's head. It was about his family.... did he really have a way to get to his wife and sons? Especially now that he's been killed... but who would ever suspect it's a deliberate murder, after all?

Due to his condition, the two walked rather slowly, but Richie kept a close watch over Karin, playing the role of the bodyguard. Nobody was going to touch her, but he wanted her to get a good look at the results of his actions, that he'd followed up on his end of the deal. He ended Roland Simmons. In return, he was promised help from Fritzy in his medical bills and some financial assistance to help his sons enjoy their summer. But would he live up to it? He doubted it, and had to expect the worst: that Fritzy would consider him a loose end and finish him and his family off.

But he hoped not. He stepped forward to one of the officers on guard, recognizing the face instantly. No need for ID or anything like that. It was a surprise for each to see him, but that wouldn't be the focus of their conversation.

"Van Dyke, what's going on? I thought Roland Simmons was stable."

The officer showed shock in his facial expression at the sight of the detective. "Detective Hart? Since when did you get back from medical leave?"

"That's not the point," he groaned. "The suspect, he's an Al-Asheera asset, and since me and Detective Walsh were heading that case up, this shit is need-to-know for me. Don't tell me the hospital fucked up already."

Giving up already, the officer elaborated, "We're not sure as of yet. Might've been the last nurse he was with. He was giving Simmons his meds through the IV, only to notice... well..."

"Well...?"

"H-He seems to have suffered some further brain damage. Reasons are still unclear as of now. But if he wasn't a vegetable already, he sure as hell reached that point, before he just shut down all together."

"So in short, Mister Simmons is dead."

He nodded hesitantly. "Unfortunately. I know you wanted to talk to him about what he knows about the mystery redhead, maybe use one another to get confessions out of each other. Looks like he's gone."

Richie had to fake a disappointed and furious reaction to the news, even though he knew that this was all coming. His grip on his cane tightened as he lifted it from the tiles and slammed it back down, yelling, "Damn it! This is unacceptable, Van Dyke. This hospital just costed us a key suspect. At this rate, I say we better move Griffin out of here before they accidentally give her something they shouldn't have. But the captain is going to be livid when he gets the news that our next best thing to Thalia Griffin is now gone. Fuck this... I'll speak to him later..." His gaze returned to Karin by his side. "Excuse me, I need to escort Miss Held off the floor. Make sure that only authorized personnel are up here, you got that? We don't need Al-Asheera sleepers or careless nurses prodding in our investigation."

Van Dyke nodded as he watched the duo continue walking through the crowds of people.

Rather than endure the hold-up and possible interruptions in an elevator, Richie opted for the stairs. It would be slower for him, as he'd be taking each step one at a time, but it would have to do. Besides, in order to speak freely, they couldn't risk being caught by anyone. And odds are, the stairs were an unlikely choice for many, but perfect for them.

"Simmons didn't die because of a nurse's error," he cleared his throat. "I got a window to send an air bubble through his IV, right before a nurse walked in, and I took it. The man's as dead as he can be now, and nobody will be looking in my direction. The son of a bitch didn't even say anything useful when I tried interrogating him." He shook his head at the ominous message he'd been given not long ago from the crippled athlete. His family.... no way would he hide that from Karin if her promises were genuine. "The bastard threatened my family. And whenever he wasn't, all he'd do is either worship that Ra's figure that once ruled them, or he'd tell me to fuck myself. So obviously, he was of no use. And this world... is better off without him." After a few steps of taking it slow - cane, then his feet, then repeat on each step - the detective stopped halfway down one floor of stairs and stood before Karin. Not only did he get her her freedom, but he was going to help her out on the next step forward. He dug through his suit jacket pocket and removed his cell phone. He flipped it upward so the screen would face him and entered his passcode before turning the screen to the woman before him.

"You're free to walk out of here and find Fritzy on your own, but if you want to give him a call, or send out a message for help, here you go. I wouldn't expect you to summon someone like him through a phone call, but at least this is a start. Maybe get a neighbor or friend to pick you up, I don't know. But let this be a sign of good will between us. No more arguing, because we are on the same side of this. Roland's dead, and I'm going to pursue the leads Thalia gives us when she confesses. Any hideouts they have, any names she gives away? Arrests will begin immediately. She's going to be a huge help, you know. All because she only wanted to talk if you get released."

--

Laughing along with Jon's playful pokes and touching, Charlie could now open up as freely as he desired, now back in the welcoming arms of someone he trusted. Someone he might've been afraid of in the beginning, but eventually grew to be a parental figure for the boy. If there was anyone who could get him to talk about his innermost thoughts and fears, it was Jon.

"The police came... and I thought they found you and Mommy. But they told me they didn't. I didn't think you would leave the house without telling me and Thalia. But... when they were coming, Thalia told me to hide under the bed, and then..." He gulped, stopping himself before he could go further into that part of his little adventure. He was afraid of reliving that memory which further enhanced his fear of guns into his brain. "I didn't think you and Mommy would leave without us. Where did you guys go? I thought the police... that they did the same thing to you that they did to my sister. But when I asked Mister Goodman, he told me he couldn't find you. But I guess he did after all. I almost didn't believe it... I missed you all, and I thought the police arrested you all. But... what did we do wrong? I know Thalia did bad things, but Mommy didn't do anything. But you kept her safe.... Thank you, Jon."

He threw himself into the man's arms for another hug. Both were becoming rather emotional in the midst of their reunion, with Charlie's eyes leaking a few tears as well. He almost didn't think he'd ever find Jon or his mother again at this rate, after the night went by and his mother wasn't close by to kiss him good-night. "I had pancakes for breakfast. Really good ones, too. And I also learned how to launch an arrow from a bow with Mister Goodman's daughter, Faye. It's really fun. I want to ask my mommy if she can get one for me to try. I'll promise her I won't hurt anyone with it. You think you could convince her to do it? But other than that... Mister Goodman was really nice. I had a nightmare last night, and he helped me out. He showed me his plans to find you and Mommy ever since you left Philadelphia. He has an entire map showing where we went to get to California. It's really cool, just like you see in movies.... but he said he was the kind of guy that finds missing people. And he found you."

Charlie's eyes wandered off of Jon for a moment back to Andrew. His smile hadn't changed one bit since he'd seen and confirmed Jon was back in his line of sight. "Thank you, Mister Goodman. You found Jon, and he says he knows where my mommy is. Do you think you can keep us all safe now before the bad people find us again?"

The question of safety fell back on what would happen between Jon and Andrew. What would become of the two men with a history? Would Charlie be allowed to leave with his fatherly figure, just like that? What kind of blowout would that have for Andrew when people wonder where a child from the scene of the crime vanished off to. Much like the older Griffin child was a media spectacle, the younger one would become one, too. It was only a matter of time before someone put two and two together, that Charlie was at the mansion in Encino, and never seen again.
 
The chief looked at her, "It really depends, Thalia. The jury takes everything into consideration unless the judge tells them to remove it from the record. That only happens if, say..." He shrugged. "Let's say you have a witness up on the stand that's being questioned. That witness suffers a heart attack or a stroke while being questioned, or something like that. They'd be taken away, and in such an event, anything they said wouldn't be allowed to be considered by the jury as evidence or anything towards the case. So, if something happens that disrupts something, then things like that would get stricken. That only answers part of your question, though - If there are people who can get on the stand and say that you were indeed forced into joining Al-Asheera, then that would be a solid piece of evidence right there, and it would be at the top of every juror's list." He explained. "At the same time, if the opposing party can provide enough evidence to say that you did indeed intend to join a violent gang, and did carry out crimes willingly, then the jury will also consider that." He shrugged.

"I won't lie when I say you're going to need a very good attorney. Try and get one without the state appointing one. If they have to appoint one, that means the attorney won't have a choice in representing you. You need to find someone who wants to represent you, otherwise, they can throw you under the bus in a discreet way. No good having an attorney that hates you, you know what I mean?" He said. "One thing at a time, though. You have a lot of time to worry about any court proceeedings."


--

"Good." She said, as soon as she learned he was dead. "That bastard didn't deserve another chance at life. His wife and son will be better off without him, better off that the truth of what he did died with him. In no way do I feel sympathy for Roland, but like I said to you before, his son? He's the same age as my brother. If he found out that his father was a gangster and a pedophile, it'd ruin his life. He'd never get over it. At least he'll be able to find comfort in the fact that his father died painlessly. I'm sure James wouldn't mind helping them out, because from what I can remember, Roland was a big source of the family income. They haven't done anything wrong, especially not the kid. His wife may have known some things, but, his son was probably left in the dark. If I could, I'd make sure that he's at least okay until he's older. He doesn't deserve to have his life turned upside down." She said.

Yes, maybe she was passionate about all that - being pregnant only amplified it. Why did Roland's son have to suffer because of Roland's own disgusting actions?

"He threatened your family?" She asked. She thought for a minute more - and she couldn't bear the thought of Richie getting his sons' heads mailed in a box to him. Even though Roland had no real way of communicating the desire to have the family killed to anyone, and there was no member of Al-Asheera that would have been able to visit him without being caught, it still was a risk just leaving it brewing. "We can't take chances." She said, taking his phone from him. "If he made that threat there and then, it's not worth assuming that it's over. I know it's almost impossible that he actually told someone else about that, but, with these guys I've learned one thing - Expect the unexpected." She said.

"If anyone else does plan on harming your family, we're one step ahead of them, right? They're all under a lot of pressure. If Reeves shows his face anywhere, the cops will be called. No one will trust him if he knocks at their door, and most of all, your wife probably knows damn well the ins and outs of the investigation you've been part of. She'd be smarter than to let some random stranger into the house, wouldn't she?" She asked.

She thought for a moment more, but first she punched in a number to Richie's phone and sent a text.

'It's Karin. I'm texting from Richard Hart's phone - He helped me get cleared today, so don't panic. This isn't a trap and you can even do some checks if you don't believe me. I'll be at my house later on. Come meet with me? I've got some news for you, and I think Richard's going to need a couple of favors. He deserves them.'

She handed the phone back to him.

"I've got an idea." She said. "If I got a cab to where my car's parked, I can drive to your place and pick your family up. You've got some questioning to do in the hospital, I know, but, if you wanted to come along so they trust me, then you can - I mean, you want them to be safe, right? They can stay at my house. Your boys would have to share a room, but your names wouldn't be on any hotel records and there's no CCTV covering my house. At least you know they'd be safe there." She said.

--

"Oh, don't you start crying, too." He let out a sad laugh and used his thumbs to gently wipe the tears from Charlie's cheeks. He sniffled and pulled him back into a hug. "It killed me, having to leave you and Thalia." He said. "I didn't want to, Charlie, but you see... When something like that happens, because of what your sister's done, we would have got in a lot of trouble if the police found us living with them. Make sense? Because the police were looking for her, they could turn to us and say that we were trying to hide her instead of telling the police where she was, meaning me, your mommy, and everyone else would have gotten in a lot of trouble if they'd found us. We didn't want to leave you, believe me. Me and your mom were really upset that we couldn't go back and get you straight away. There wasn't a minute that went by when we weren't worried, trust me." He sniffled and rubbed the boy's back.

"Don't you worry about what happened. All of that's over with now, and the police aren't going to do any of that to anyone. Not me, not mom... They've got what they wanted." He gulped. It almost hurt to say that - he wanted to get Thalia back, but with how tight security was getting? It was going to be a challenge. Maybe there really was no way out of it. Would Thalia really want to run for the rest of her life? He doubted it. He knew he wouldn't want to do it. Sometimes facing your fears is the only way you'll ever move forward, as sad as that sounds. Jon got what he wanted, though - he found Charlie.Things were going to get much better.

His eyes met with Andrew's when Charlie spoke of them following him all the way from Philadelphia. Andrew just looked at him and slowly shook his head. There was no need to continue the wild goose chase. It wouldn't take much to say 'Jon Parker's in the clear' from an agent of his rank.

"I'm sure we can convince mom to let you have a bow and some arrows for practice, buddy. We just need to find a good beginner one, right?" He smiled.

"Martin Jaguar Elite Recurve." Andrew said, suddenly. "Same one I got Faye when she started. It's a light bow, easy draw-back. Should be just fine for him."

"Thanks, Andrew."

Andrew looked at Charlie, "I'll definitely keep an eye out for you guys, but... I think it's about time you got home and saw your mommy again, isn't it?" He said, smiling.

Jon looked at Andrew and mouthed 'thank you'.

"We won't hang around for too long, then." Jon said, patting Charlie on the head. "Your mom's looking forward to seeing you again - She's really excited." He smiled. "Why don't you go thank Andrew? Shake his hand or whatever, then go and say bye to Faye, too?" He asked. "No rush. It's just a bit of a long drive, that's all." He smiled. "Plus, we're taking a quick detour. There's something I wanna' show you." He said.
 
Thalia's head rested back in the hospital bed. This all hinged on witnesses and a good lawyer that would actually want to defend her. And honestly? She had neither. No solid witness to prove that she was forced into it, and no lawyer would want to touch her side of this case with a 10-foot barge pole. Quite a pickle, unless James had contacts for the lawyer part. And a testimony from a best friend and her mother would never be convincing to a jury. She sighed at the chief's words. "I wish it were that easy for me. The only people who saw me go into Al-Asheera were the members of it themselves. And none of them would ever take the stand, given they're still alive. The man that forced me into it is dead now. And even if he weren't, he'd never say anything more than a few curse words on the stand. All I have to back myself up are the nice words of the friends I met in LA who understand I never wanted any of this. And a lawyer? Huh, you're kidding," she scoffed. "You'd be an idiot to defend me. I was caught red-handed. All a lawyer's gonna do is make me plead guilty. But... thanks for the legal consultation. Probably needed to hear that."

She was staying polite with the Chief. She didn't want to look for trouble or an argument like she'd started with Isaac earlier that morning. After all, this older gentleman had earned her trust after seeing him sign a paper for Karin's freedom. Thinking of her friend did bring a thought to her mind: if only Karin had gone to law school and become a lawyer, like she'd wanted from the beginning. Thalia would appoint her as her lawyer in a heartbeat, and odds are, Karin might've accepted. Who knows? It might've had some grounds to it. At least she got to walk free, go back home to her family, one she'd start very soon.

Which brought her to continue venting to the Chief.

"You've seen that medical assessment they did on me in surgery?" she continued, "Al-Asheera did more than a few scars and sprains. Thanks to those bastards, I lost a chance at starting a family, and after that, I can never start a family ever again." Her eyes shut for a moment, then flickered to the ceiling, trying not to make eye contact. "I'm not trying to guilt you into anything, but since that moment, I've always worried that the reality of my condition might not be as it seems. But it turns out, it is. I wish I'd just run away when I realized I was deeper into the pregnancy. The kid would never know his father, and I'd rid myself of their influence. But I was scared. It happened when I was 17, so I don't know if you get what I was thinking at the time. Maybe I was just... scared, holding the child of a self-proclaimed god among men, and if I ran away with his flesh and blood, he wouldn't let me keep the baby. Because part of him would've still been mine.... God, I'm just rambling now. I'm sorry." She adjusted her seating to sit up properly. "I'm ready to go on record when you are. About whatever it is you have to ask."

--

Karin, once again, went on discussing potential favors for the detective. Ones he knew would cost more than springing some hacker's girlfriend. His heart sunk in place, feeling torn between protecting his family through shady means at a potentially steep price, or ignoring and risking his family's safety.

"Miss Held," he sighed as he pocketed his phone. "You already know that if Fritzy is going to ask me for compensation, I can't pay up. I'm effectively broke, and whatever your boyfriend may have in mind, I probably can't do as he wishes. I'm not becoming his little informant in the LAPD or anything risky like that. And I can't cough up the millions he might as for to prepare shelter for my family. Do you expect me to believe that springing you is going to be worth all of this? I can call up a protective detail on my family if need be. I'll discuss it with the captain. You just make sure Fritzy knows what I'm capable of, and what is simply out of my hands. Negotiating immunity for you is one thing. Turning the department upside down for his own gain, or getting him some form of payment that I don't have is a completely different matter."

There was the offer of a home. Karin's, a small place, but a safe one that would have no connection to him. It was tempting, if anything, at least for a short time. Just so that nobody walks up to her front door, forces their way in, and wipes them out in a heartbeat.

"My wife has known of my work since day one. She knew I was hunting Al-Asheera, and I keep a spare gun in a portrait next to the front door. Only she knows it's there, and it's in case she feels extremely threatened. The kids are also in on my work in one way or another. If something goes wrong and I'm not home, they call 911 first, then me right after. No details, but an emergency list each keep in their rooms. So yes, my family is aware of the danger surrounding my job. They admire my work, but I'll be damned if they get dragged into it. Their safety is paramount. So, as long as I don't have to pay you some absurd amount for it.... I can make a call to my wife, tell her to expect you, since I don't think I can escape the captain after promising I'd ask the questions, and that it's all a precautionary measure. But only with your word that there are no strings attached. I helped get you out of lockup, and I made sure Roland Simmons would no longer be a problem. There isn't much more I can do apart from use Thalia's statement to shut down whatever else Al-Asheera has here in LA. My resources are limited, as you know. I'm just a detective, and barely an active one at this rate."

The secrecy of his actions kept Richie looked at the stairway up, and the door next to them. Yes, this was a secluded location, but people might just take it, randomly for the hell of it. In which case, he'd be busted. He couldn't risk that. The captain forgave him for breaching the terms of his medical leave. Would he forgive him again for conspiring with the criminal they'd just released?

--

Finally, Charlie was hearing the very words he wanted to hear ever since the invasion of the mansion a day ago: he was going home to his mother again. Finally, something to put his mind at ease after a day beyond stressful for his young mind. He had proof his sister was alive and well, and now the man in his life had been found, unharmed, and was here to take him home. All that was left to do was to say good-bye to this new friend, thank him for the help. If it weren't for Andrew, odds are, Charlie wouldn't be in a comfortable, quiet house in a peaceful area outside the city. Rather, he'd be in witness protection for the time being, until he's ready to be taken to child services... or worse, Al-Asheera would catch up to him with their nefarious plan to make him their new leader. He was still unaware of this outcome, but who knows when it would reach his ears that he's, in one way or another, a chosen one?

He nodded to Jon about saying his good-byes. Even without him asking, the boy would've done it all the same. He stepped forward to Andrew, his smile hadn't changed one bit since he'd recognized Jon and realized he wasn't dreaming. Yet his happiness extended to the federal agent who'd kept him safe all this time. And rather than just stand there and give his thanks... Charlie got even closer to Jon and gave him a hug. Unexpected... but it was his way of showing gratitude.

"Thank you, Mister Goodman," he said from the embrace. "Thank you for letting me stay here and finding Jon. And for making sure the bad people didn't hurt my sister. You really do find people... thank you for finding me. I hope you catch the bad people my sister worked for, too. She told me... she didn't like working for them, and that she was trying to stop them. So, maybe you can while she's hurt."

He still had to thank Faye for the archery lessons, too. He'd do that on the door before they go. She did get him into this new hobby, after all.

Charlie stayed in the hug for a few more seconds, just for comfort's sake, before letting go and redirecting his attention to Jon. Looks like they were going home, and even in for another surprise. The boy had plenty of questions about where they were going, and why, but for now, he simply approached his guardian and took his larger hand into his own. Looks like it was time to go. "Where is this place we have to go? Are we going back to the mansion?"
 
"I think you're assuming things too quickly - no offense. As much as I hate to put a label on you, if you can convince an attorney that your case is winnable, they'd be quick to take it. It'd be one of the biggest cases of the past twenty years - which means whoever wins it, or gets a good outcome from it, would take a huge leap in their career. Remember, the world runs on money. If people see an opportunity to make more? They'll take it. Sometimes even when the odds are against them. Keep that in mind when it comes to your search - I'll have some people get in touch with you, and they can help find someone that'll hopefully be willing to represent. I'm not promising we'll find anyone with a high success rate, but, even if we can find a lawyer that was successful in the past, that would be better than finding someone who hates you, don't you think?" He asked.

He sat back and listened, though, bowing his head to the floor. She had a tragic story, that much no one could doubt.

"I did see your assessment, yes. I'm terribly sorry." He said. "I can't say I know the feeling, being in that position. And I'm afraid there's no real comfort I can offer you in that respect - I don't have any proper advice, and I feel coming from a man with five children... My advice wouldn't really mean much." He sighed. "I suppose the one thing you can be thankful for is that you won't be forced to watch the same TV show 60 times a week." He let out a tiny laugh. A little joke, just to try and lighten the mood a slight bit. "No need to worry about the rambling." He shook his head, then nodded to someone else that was just outside the door. They came in and they put a recorder down, and hit 'record', of course.

"Well, Miss Griffin... As the detective is going to be the one who conducts the majority of this interview, I'll take the liberty of getting us started off for now." He said. "Just to make things simple, why don't you start off by giving us a rundown of how things all started with Al-Asheera? What people did you meet? How did you fall into business with them?" He asked. "Any names of associates you can remember would be excellent."

--

"No, forget James for a minute." She shook her head, "This offer isn't on him - You've helped spring me from the lockup, for god's sake. He's not going to ask you for anything." She said. "The offer I'm giving you is me and me entirely - I may be associated with some particularly dangerous people, but you can't forget I've spent the past five years raising a kid. I'm not a cold-hearted woman, and I can only imagine how dreadful I'd feel if I got a similar threat about my brother." She explained, "Please, this offer's me entirely. In terms of protection, I'll get something sorted out - but this is my kindness, not anyone else's. That house is in my name. James can't do anything to stop me from giving your family a place to stay." She shrugged. "It's not like I'm going to be at the house myself, after all, so there'll be plenty of room for you, your wife, and your two kids. I think I said they'd have to share a room, but what difference does that make for a few days until things blow over?" She asked.

"The only strings attached to this whole thing are ones that benefit you and your family. Nothing more, nothing less. I promise." She said. "I'd have a fist fight with James if he tried to say otherwise, alright? Plus, I know for a fact that James doesn't forget who his friends are. You've helped him, he'll help you - You scratch his back, he'll scratch yours. You see where I'm going with all this? There's no losing if you agree to do this - consider this offer... My own form of repayment for helping me out. Even if you didn't help me out I'd make the same offer, anyway." She said. "Just hit me up with your address, tell your wife to expect me and have a bag ready for her and the kids. I'll be there and get her to my place, no questions asked, no strings attached. I'll hang around there until James can come get me, alright?" She said.

"Then all you have to do is sit back - the rest will work itself out. Just don't get yourself killed, or something."

--

The hug was unexpected, but, Andrew was more than happy. He lowered himself a little and wrapped an arm around him, too, then gently ruffled his hair. "You're welcome, kiddo. It's been nice having you here." He said. "I'm sure I'll see you again, as soon as things settle. Me and Jon..." He laughed a little and looked at Jon for a second, then looked back to Charlie. "We go way back. Further than you could imagine. It's been a long time since we've seen each other - I didn't mention that to you just because I didn't want to get your hopes up of finding him too much, but, here he is. Maybe we'll end up being friends again, right?" He smiled again.

"We'll work on finding the bad people your sister worked with, don't worry. I'm pretty sure the FBI are all over that as we speak, so, you try not to worry, okay? You go home, see your mommy, maybe get the archery practice going again, yes?" He gently nudged his shoulder. "You take care now, son. In fact..." He reached up and peeled the sheet of paper from the wall, the one that detailed what to do if he had a panic attack. "Even though this is specific to while you're here..." He handed it to him. "Fold it up, keep hold of it - You might not be able to come to me or Faye if you get panicked again, but, no doubt there'll be someone trustworthy close by. Even if you don't need it, this is a little memory of the time you spent here, eh?" He gave him a pat on the shoulder.

Jon waited for him to be done, but gladly took his hand in a gentle grasp when he came over. "Not the mansion, no, but somewhere nice." He smiled. "It's a few hours to get there, though. I'll stop by a drive-thru on the way there to get you some lunch, alright?" He rose up from the bed. "Come on, big guy. Let's go say bye to Faye, then we'll hop in the car and hit the road." He said. He lead him from the room and went downstairs to the front door, but, obviously he stopped so he could wait for the aforementioned Faye to show up. Andrew went and fetched her from outside, and she came into the house and went through to the hallway. She seemed a little startled by Jon, but quickly settled when she saw Charlie holding his hand and everything.

"Going home, are you?" She asked, the softest of smiles on her face. She recognized Jon from the pictures in her dad's office - but it didn't take much to put 2 and 2 together. It was clear he meant a lot to Charlie. Otherwise, why would the boy be holding his hand and looking so overjoyed?

Jon released his hand, "Go ahead and say your goodbyes. I'll wait." He winked.
 
Was her case even close to winnable? That would've made the difference. If some lawyer were to take this victory, he sure would get his name out there. Instant fame to the man who got the mystery redhead acquitted. Or would he become a hated man among the masses for giving an obviously-guilty woman her undeserved freedom. Who knows? It was so strange: why was the chief so... peaceful? She would've expected hateful treatment and resentment like the SWAT team had shown her at the mansion. Maybe not a shot in the arm from the older man... but he wouldn't be this peaceful. But Thalia preferred the lack of hostility. It would help her open up about her past to know she wouldn't be judged. That's how she grew to trust Richie, knowing he wasn't going to squeeze her for information then throw her to the wolves. Maybe the police genuinely wanted to help her out and know the mystery redhead beyond the rumors and news reports. Finally, someone who would listen. It was all a damaged woman like herself could ask for. It was a shame that people like Karin and James came first to hear her story when the police might've resolved it peacefully with her. Even to the point that they would understand her traumatic past and take it into consideration.

Then came the recording device, and the questions. Richie wasn't here yet, but at least the Chief seemed like a decent, well humored man to open up with. It seemed like Karin might be having a word with the detective, and thus detaining him. So, it seemed like there was no time to lose. Time to get talking. Her eyes wandered to her lap, where she watched her fingers fiddle amongst themselves, as she spoke:

"People who are familiar with the buzz back in Philadelphia know I ran away sometime in January of '08. I was a troubled kid. I was bullied and teased, a lot. Part of that was being the teacher's daughter. Part of it was openly coming out as bisexual in a Christian school.... but whatever. I figured, enough was enough, and I up and left home one night. Climbed out of my window by my bedsheets - gotta thank scouts for teaching me to tie the sheets to each other - and I just... took to the streets with nothing more than a few changes of clothes and my allowance. You can guess how that turned out. Shitty. I burned through my savings fast, and I was without a home or anyone to care for me. I was practically starving, begging for quarters from passersby. I almost wanted to go home, seeing how I couldn't find a new one." She looked up to the Chief. "Then I was found by some... older guy. He dressed funny, kind of like an Arabian king of sorts. Or, sultan, whatever the hell they're called. He was dripping in gold rings and medallions, really tan, long hair, though a terrible bald spot over the top of his head. He... found me, asked what my business was on 'his property'... I told him I was looking for a new home. And he offered it up. I was probably the dumbest kid alive to go with him. Because that man would come to be the one who destroyed my life."

She gulped, now about to bring up the harsh words she had to say about her abusive fiance. "His real name was Rami Younes, but nobody ever called him that in Al-Asheera. He had a title: Al-Ra's. The Head, in Arabic. His heritage explains why the gang's name is in Arabic. Why their cards and threats they leave behind are in both Arabic and English. The fucker spoke with an accent. I think his family's from Egypt or something. But I don't think he ever loved his family. He's sick. He murdered his parents in cold blood at the age of 12, called the cops to confess to his achievement, got put in an asylum for a few years, got adopted by another family, then killed those parents. From there, he ran off, started his cruel organization that we know as Al-Asheera with a couple of his buddies. To my knowledge, the police found him washed up on a beach yesterday? It's about time. Like I said, he ruined my life, and not just for keeping me from my family. He promised me a new life among his crowd of thieves. He treated me... special. Different from other girls there were in Al-Asheera. Sure, he taught me to fight, steal, and speak his mother tongue just like anyone else. I was like, 13, but he wanted to groom me into his..." She hesitated for a moment before going on. Would the Chief believe her? "He wanted to make me his bride. At 13. But he wanted me to wait until I was 21. Now, basically. He would treat me like a queen, but behind closed doors? He was as abusive as they come. He'd beat me, force me to do sexual favors with hardly any choice in the matter, make me into a slave of sorts... all under the pretense that he loved me. And scarily enough?" She scoffed, shaking her head and rubbing her forehead. "I believed it for a while. I believed he loved me for a year or so. Then I woke up. Smelled the flowers. I was his... his whore. And he even used to call me that to keep me around, followed by constant beatings from him. It's that same leader that I was to have a child with. Until he stabbed me, because he believed he was a god, and he shouldn't have an heir. And that's not all he's taken. He took a close friend away while I was under their rule.... like, a week ago, he shot up my father's church in Philly. And apparently, he was coming after my mom and brother, too. If anyone asks me, it's a gift to mankind that he's not among us anymore. He was the start of a cancer called Al-Asheera, and one that is still spreading with a new leader out there..."

Her words about Ra's were extreme, very emotionally charged. Maybe she should tone it down with the rest. "That's how I got in. I was too afraid to leave the entire time, out of fear Ra's would kill my family. I could never let that happen to my mom and dad. And especially not my little brother. A brother I didn't meet until two days ago. If there's any regret I have about leaving home, it's never being there for him. Now, if he ever wants to see me again.... well, you know."

"You want other names? Most were insignificant, apart from Ra's' inner circle. He called us The Ten. I was one of them. One of them was that cop that shot himself in the bathroom a week ago... I don't remember his name. Sullivan? Beats me. He was new when we came to LA. But there's another cop that's one of us. Jordan Reeves. I only pieced that name together yesterday, because before that, he was an undercover operative that we only knew as The Hidden. One of Ra's' friends who helped form Al-Asheera, but put together a convincing act to blend in with normal people. He's running the show now, and he's as dangerous as they come. He's already beheaded the father of another cop to keep him from coming after him, and sent it in a box for him to see with a DVD of his execution. That's how sick one of your men is. I'm surprised your people haven't found him yet. The other important man left is right here in your hospital. Roland Simmons. But from what I'm told, and what I know... he's pretty much braindead at this point. Your best bet at dismantling Al-Asheera is getting rid of the last living and capable member of the inner circle, and that's this Reeves guy. The hypnotized underlings won't keep going after losing two god-kings in a week. They'll realize it's pointless."

She paused. "I know the other names of The Ten - coaches, art designers, doctors, they were a mixed bunch all with twisted, perverted minds beyond repair - but they're all not that because every single one of them is dead now. Either they offed themselves, or they were killed in action... some of which, I had a hand in out of self defense, but that's another story. But yeah. That's how I got in bed with them. You have two big names to pursue. Much like you... I'd like to see Roland Simmons and Jordan Reeves see justice."

There was so much to tell, people who needed recognition in the midst of tragedy. But only if she were asked.

--

Karin seemed serious about getting his family the right protection, even if it's just a simple change of location. It would be more than enough to throw off the scent, too. If he really was a target, how would Al-Asheera know whose house the family decided to stay in? Unless they were going to go breaking down every door in the neighborhood, they wouldn't try. A dead end. And nothing in return was almost too good to be true. From the kindness of her heart, and Richie had barely just met her. As he said, getting her out of jail was one thing. This time, it was his family's safety in the balance. He kept looking back and forth, a bit nervous of getting caught for obvious reasons. But no sign of any intruders. They had a bit more time before someone inevitably decides to use the stairs. He had to make a quick call. His gaze returned to her, finally coming to a decision.

"2789 Hollow Drive," [Completely made-up address, just so you know] he uttered quietly, but enough for Karin to hear. "North Burbank. It's the one with the red windows in that part of town. You can't miss it. Once you go, I'll give my wife a call. Her name's Miranda, and you know my boys' names - Nathan and Jonas. I don't think they'll mind sharing a room too much, but just try to maintain peace. No need to start a panic in the family or anything, you know? I'd come with for it to be more reassuring, but I can't have the chief on my ass after this. I've already been the cause of some strange stares at the department."

As he began to walk back towards the stairs up, he turned back to Karin to remind her, "Thank you. Hope you stay safe out there. I've got a hunch that after Miss Griffin talks, we're gonna be in the midst of a gang war on the streets. You, your brother, and Fritzy better strap in. And... if you see my partner, Tony Walsh?" Richie wasn't oblivious to all the rumors about what'd become of Tony. But it wasn't a threat he had in mind. "Tell him Richie says hi. And that he's back in business."

It came along with a confident smile as he took to the stairs and inched his way up, step by step on his walking stick. The race was on. He was putting a lot of trust in Karin, when she might just offer his family up for the slaughter. He tried to ignore the slim chance of disaster and pushed forward. He had a call to make, and an interview to conduct. Maybe the captain and chief would understand his condition and blame his lengthy absence on him taking it easy.

--

For a moment, Charlie almost forgot about the paper with emergency instructions in case he had a panic attack. For the longest time since he'd woken up, he'd been rather calm. After getting some breakfast down, checking Andrew's progress on the hunt, and getting some fresh air outside while learning how to shoot a bow and arrow really settled his nerves. There was no doubt he'd remember the kind favors from this stranger, and now he had the list of notes to help him keep that in mind. Not to mention it would help him if he ever panics like this again. He grinned as he looked up to Andrew and thanked him again. "That's really nice of you, Mister Goodman. I'll keep this with me if I ever freak out again."

It was almost time to hit the road, with just one more goodbye left in store to the federal agent's daughter. Oddly enough, Charlie saw a lot of his sister in the teenage girl, maybe because of the closeness in age. Maybe because he pictured himself, one day outside and playing with Thalia, maybe her teaching him some sort of athletic skill like archery. Was it a sign of good times to come? Maybe if Thalia gets off with a slap on the wrist and is released before Charlie's childhood comes to an end. But his sister's prison sentence wasn't on his mind at the moment. Much like Andrew, Charlie approached Faye similarly and gave her a farewell hug.

"You're really nice, Faye," he said, "And a good shooter. Maybe one day I'll be just as good as you are. But my mommy's waiting for me at home. I'm going to go tell her about how much fun we had." He his head turned over to Jon, waiting for him not far away. "That's Jon, the guy I was telling you about earlier. He's a really cool driver, and a friend of your daddy's..." His words faded into whispers for a few moments, looking up as high as he could to the girl. "And he's a spy, but I shouldn't tell anyone." He chuckled a bit, then raised his voice to normal volume again. "Thank you for teaching me how to use the bow. Maybe you and my sister could hang out sometime. She does cool things like shoot arrows, too. I hope we see each other again soon."

He stepped away from her, giving her one last smile, and returned to his fatherly guardian, taking his hand once again. He didn't say much, but instead just looked up with that smile of his. Finally, time to go home.
 
"2789 Hollow Drive, North Burbank." She recited it. "I'll be there in about thirty minutes, so, give the call as soon as you can." She said. "I have no idea if I'll see Tony again. Since I got arrested, I don't know who's still there and who isn't. It's a scary thought, really, the fact that I could go back and see that... Maybe not everyone's there anymore is a worrying thought, but with a bit of luck, everyone is still safe and all's well. We just need to wait on James more than anything - I'll keep your family company until he comes, of course. 14340 Lanark Street's my address. It's in West Burbank, a quiet neighborhood. It's sort of tucked away from everything else and there are not many businesses surrounding the housing area, so, it's not exactly a prime target for crime, y'know? It should be fine for them." She smiled.

"Anyway... I'll be seeing you, Richie." She looked back up at the doorway. "Good luck, I guess. Hopefully, I'll see you again. And hopefully it'll be under better circumstances." She gently set a hand on his shoulder and smiled, mainly out of gratitude. After that. she turned and continued to walk from the building. She just wanted out of there. She first got the receptionist of the hospital to call a cab for her, and as soon as that arrived, she was straight out the door and back to the mansion. Her car was parked there, after all, so that's where she needed to go. She asked the driver to park down the street from there, though.

She had nothing to fear. As long as she didn't set foot inside the mansion again, she was just going to look like some random woman getting her car from a quiet street. Al-Asheera knew nothing of her anymore, and the police were the only ones who knew her involvement. And Bradan, but that's a different story for a different time. She walked to her car, kept a casual look about her, and hopped inside. When she had the chance she looked off towards the mansion - it was all sealed off, of course. The police had come back and put yellow tape up. It was indeed a crime scene - they'd questioned the butler, but he'd served no help at all. He didn't even speak English. With nothing to prosecute him on, he was released and returned. Karin could see him wandering around inside, unable to do what he was originally employed for.

It was a sad sight. She thought he was a lonely man initially. How must he have felt now?

She started the car's engine and took off. No need to hang around here.

Without anything else to do, she started driving to the address that Richie gave her. The house with the red windows.

Some Time Later

Surely enough, she found the house Richard had spoken about. She wasn't too worried for their safety, but she wasn't going to be able to take chances with them. She wasn't going to gamble with innocent lives. Al-Asheera were smarter than to just kick down the door of a home in a busy area like Burbank, one which was mainly residential - especially one where there was probably several guns inside and a woman that knew how to use them, plus a teenage boy who was into sports and easily had enough strength behind him to knock someone to the floor. It was a pointless raid. With the heat that Al-Asheera and Reeves had now, raiding a guppy's family was almost pointless. After all, it wasn't Richard Hart's family that was telling the police the ins and outs of Al-Asheera like Thalia was.

Karin could only hope that Richard had made the call. She'd taken about half an hour in total to get here, after all, so that gave him plenty of time. She pulled up out front of the home, then she walked to the front door and took a deep breath to ready herself. The moment of truth. Karin may not have been the biggest contributor in this whole thing, but, she still had the power to do what was right.

She knocked on the door, waiting for someone to open it. She didn't know if she could expect his wife or one of his kids, but she needed to make herself look as non-threatening as possible. Getting their trust and not freaking them out was important. Richie didn't want them dragged into everything, after all.

--

Faye hugged him back, of course.

She looked at Jon when he pointed him out, and she simply smiled. "I had fun, Charlie." She said. "I'm glad you're finally getting to go back to your mom. I know you missed her a lot - and Jon, too. At least you'll all be back together. That's what's important." She said. "You picked up on the archery really quickly. I'm impressed. Reminds me of me when I was younger." She said. "Tell you what... If things settle down more, and you end up living nearby us again, I'd be happy to give you some more lessons, or something." She offered, innocent as ever. She'd enjoyed having some company, of course. It wasn't often her and her dad got visitors out here in the woods, after all.

She simply laughed when Charlie mentioned Jon being a spy. "That sounds very cool. You take care out there, okay? I'm sure we'll hear from each other soon." She gently ran a hand over his head and smiled, then rose back up to her feet.

Jon looked back down at him when he took his hand, and used his free one to shake Andrew's. "Thank you, Andrew."

"Take care, Jon. I would tell you to keep an eye on the little man, but, I think you've got that covered."

"Definitely." He nodded, simply. "Right, Charlie... Let's roll." He grinned, and off out the door he went, giving one last wave to Andrew and Faye as he walked him to the car. He helped him up into the front, then went to the driver's seat and hopped inside himself. Once they were all buckled in, he started the engine, and off they went. They were on the road in no time, but Jon had plans of his own before they went straight home. It was nothing sinister, and nothing to do with 'conquering fears' - it was something nice. A thing for the future. Something that would set things in stone and hopefully give Charlie the reassurance that one thing in their lives was going to be permanent. A rock, an anchor for all of them.

"Like I said, buddy... A little detour to take. There's something I want to show you. I obviously drove through the city on my way here, and I spotted something on the way that I want your opinion on. After that, we'll grab you some lunch, then we'll head off and find mom, alright?" He reached over with one hand while he was driving and gently patted his head.
 
Richie didn't hesitate for one second upon parting ways with Karin to give his wife a call at home and give her a warning that a woman would show up very soon and tell her she needed to pack up for the children and leave for their own safety. At least the heads-up in advance would speed things up. Maybe they'd be done and ready to go once Karin arrives. But knowing his wife, he knew there'd be a slew of questions in the mix. Was her husband okay? What kind of danger did his job bring him into this time? A career-ending injury was enough to give her the scare of her life and drown her in debts in the course of less than a month. Now, he's back in action against doctor's orders, and his family is in direct danger? He'd already briefed his family on the worst case scenario - in which Al-Asheera threatens his family and acts on the threat - and gone over what to do in an emergency. He even trained his wife to weird a firearm and kept one behind a frame by the door in case she was ever in a situation like this one and her husband wasn't home. It also helped to know one of his sons was an athlete in the making, so he could protect his brother to a degree. Sure, he had a security blanket at home... but that still wasn't stopping Al-Asheera from driving up in a pickup and drive-by shooting his home, then raiding it with the intention of wiping his family out. At least sending Karin off the books was going to maintain some secrecy. The captain didn't need to know about this.

After getting off the phone, he arrived back at the hospital room. The enhanced security in the midst of the situation was warranted - an official confession was being given, and a key suspect had died in police custody. But as a detective and a familiar face, Richie was let in with no issues and allowed to return to the room. The recording device was set up, and it seemed like Thalia was elaborating on the beginning, a story that Richie had already heard on his unofficial chat with her. Now was time to set it all in stone. Asking details that the chief probably didn't know too much about.

"The public used to refer to you as the 'mystery redhead', before they knew your real name, Miss Griffin," he began, taking a seat by her hospital bed and resting his cane by the chair. He was getting comfortable, yes, but also getting down to business. "Among Al-Asheera, how did you address your peers? You seem to know real names, after all."

Seeing Richie again made Thalia more comfortable about opening up, and even gave him a faint resemblance of a smile. Her eyes darted to the recording device, then back at the detective. "I was known as Al-Jameela. It's Arabic for The Beautiful One. Everyone had an Arabic moniker among us. Ra's used to call it a resurrection process, as loony as it sounds. Your old self is no more, and only your new one remains. To him, Thalia Griffin was dead the day he picked me up off the street. He hated calling his underlings by real names. He didn't believe it was righteous, or something."

"I see. But you did catch some real names."

Thalia nodded. "Yes. But it's not like that's how they introduced themselves. I had to do a bit of digging for that. Well... I had some assistance in that regard. Some of them, I was there for their initiations, and caught their names. Others.... most of them, I had to do some research."

Richie arched an eyebrow. "Research?"

Time for the fallen hero to make her appearance in an official record. "Ra's recruited a hacker around my time. S-She was... very talented. Quite a brilliant mind on a computer. She helped me look into the details of the inner circle. Real names, backgrounds... that stuff."

"Mhm... another insider working to bring down Al-Asheera?"

Thalia gulped, staring right in front of her at the recollection of this friend's fate. It still didn't stick well to know she'd been killed that way. "She didn't want to be there. Like me, she was picked up while in a bad position. But unlike me, she didn't run away. Her family kicked her out and refused to take her back in."

"You keep referring to her as a 'she'... did she have a name? A real one that you know of?"

Thalia didn't even nod. She just gave the name of her past lover. "Vanessa Scott. D-Don't even try to find her, or try to negotiate immunity for her... She was killed a few years ago."

Richie noticed how Thalia's tone of voice seemed to die down and her color faded at her own story. It must've been far more personal than meets the eye. "Miss Scott was killed for her betrayal?"

He already knew the answer, roughly, but Thalia spoke of it for the sake of her confession. It might've sounded like Richie was trying to make her open up to get a pity story out of her, even if the story was touchy. It might help her case. "No. She was killed because... I betrayed Ra's with her."

The detective nodded. "You were involved with Miss Scott?"

The word 'involved' unnerved her, forcing a head shake from side to side. And her voice went from dull to defensive. "I loved her with all my heart. And Ra's took her from me because he couldn't see me happy with someone else. And he hid behind his god status and that I wasn't allowed to love another woman as his justification for torturing her and cutting her head off in front of all of Al-Asheera back in Philly. So yes. I was 'involved' with her. Her death was a tragedy, and she had no family that would care. Her body was cremated, and her head is rotting in some disgusting closet with the other heads of people that Ra's has executed, keeping them like fucking trophies..."

In a calm voice in contrast to Thalia's aggressive one, Richie sighed and tried to introduce some reason. "Please, Miss Griffin, let's try to calm down. You don't have to show such aggression, and your objectivity would be greatly appreciated."

She stopped. Were her feelings about a friend meaningless in the eyes of the law? Then why was she being asked about her? It was just his job, after all. With a displeased sigh, she spoke, "Fine. But if it's what answers your question? I might've held the information that brought Al-Asheera's inner circle to the ground, but I would've never had as much as I gathered if it weren't for her."

"Fair enough. We're going to need a complete list of the inner circle, you know. To confirm what you're telling us. A list of them, and how you, as you said, put them in the ground."

She nodded, her eyes wandering to the notepad and pen left for her at the bedside since the morning. "I can do it now."

...

--

In a situation of emergency, as instructed by the man of the house, the Harts knew that their only choice at this point was to follow Richard's orders. He was sending someone to pick them up - most importantly, not a cop, but a woman with a distinct appearance - and they had to prepare to leave as soon as possible. It shouldn't take long for the woman to arrive, obviously, and fortunately, the children and mother were all at home and not out and about. In their situation - financially broke and barely keeping a roof over their heads - how could they? His kids were taken out of activities, and the wife - Miranda - was actively looking for a job after she'd quit her job as an accountant with the birth of her firstborn. Their lives were falling apart at the hands of Al-Asheera, specifically Tony's cousin. Miranda even advised Richie to not go back to the department if he ever meets the physical qualifications for detective work again.

His injury could've left him to never walk again. Fortunately, he was braving the storm, because he didn't want his sons to have to suffer watching their father in such a weak position, or his wife to have to support the family alone. The most he could do to keep spirits up is finish what he and his partner started so long ago: bringing down Al-Asheera.

But now, the family was threatened. Unlike Tony and Frank one week ago, Richie received no such threat in his mailbox, being considered on leave and unable to pursue the gang. No, his warning shot was the literal one that almost blew his spine into pieces. For Sam, that was all it took for a family man like Richie to stand down. Tony, unmarried and with nothing more than a long-term girlfriend and a sick father at the time, was a different story, one that The Banker took care of. But was Tony's former partner really inactive in the eyes of Al-Asheera? Not quite. It wouldn't take long for the police to realize that a detective was temporarily reinstated. Word would get out, especially after the news goes about that Thalia Griffin gave a full confession to sell out Al-Asheera. There was now a debt to pay, as Roland had warned. Getting Miranda, Nathan, and Jonas Hart protection as soon as possible was a smart move.

Karin's knocks on the door, to her surprise caught the attention of, not the woman of the house, but a young boy, probably in his early teens. His curly light brown hair looked like it was getting long and hanging down his head and over his forehead. He looked fit for a young teen, definitely had the body of an athlete in the making, even rather tall for his age, and his love for soccer showed in the themed striped t-shirt he wore. His eyes, skin color, and facial structure, would've reminded Karin of the boy's father, who she'd spoken to not long ago for this agreement. He looked rather scared, keeping his distance from the door as he opened it. He, like his mother, knew where the gun was by the front door. He didn't know how to use it efficiently - and certainly didn't have a licence - but, in situations like this, he recalled what his father told him about being the man of the house. It only kicked in to full gear knowing his father wasn't in his full health, and worse, was not home. He was, understandably, guarded, and using the door to hide half of his body. His mother did tell him to answer the door and expect a girl matching Karin's description, but seeing her in person was a bit more intimidating than he'd expected. As strong as he could be, he was only 14 and only so strong for his age. This must be the soccer player, the older son, Nathan, that Richie had brought up. No sign of the mother or younger brother through the crack in the door, but what did show is the abandoned wheelchair that the detective had left behind. Not much else was seen, mainly because Nathan was trying to be protective of his own.

"Y-You're the girl we're expecting?" He shivered. She did match the description: blue eyes, hair dyed white, young woman in her early-mid 20's. His eyes looked from side to side, just staring at the frame hiding the firearm that he would use if this were a trap. Was she really a threat, as scary as she did look? Maybe not... how could Al-Asheera impersonate someone like that, and this quickly? It was a lot to take in, especially since, half an hour ago, they'd been warned to pack up and prepare to leave. No point in asking for a badge or ID either, seeing she wasn't a cop. "You're not coming to hurt my mom or my brother, right? Dad... he's not here, so that makes me the man of the house. Are you the girl he talked to?"

Fortunately, Karin wasn't a news spectacle like Thalia had become, so any crimes that might be on her back weren't public knowledge. Nathan hadn't a clue that she was even arrested. But he didn't want to take a chance. Not yet.
 
Karin was expecting the woman of the house more than anything else, but instead, she got a teenage boy. So this was his eldest son? He certainly resembled his father in many ways. She greeted him with a smile - understandably the boy was nervous to her presence. He'd probably seen more than he should have at his age - he had to deal with his dad nearly dying on the force, too. No kid should have to go through that, especially not a boy who was in his teenage years, which was arguably the time when a kid most needed his father to be around. It was all a part of growing up and having someone to turn to. She could only imagine that he was terrified something else would happen to his dad now that he was out chasing action again. It wasn't hard to figure out that something had gone sour if Karin was now here and offering to take them somewhere, but, she wanted to protect them.

They'd failed to help Tony's girlfriend or his father - She hoped she could at least do her part by protecting Richie's family from the evil of the world. For all she knew, Al-Asheera had a crosshair settled right on her back as they spoke, but, it was a risk she was willing to take. Why would they risk themselves to get to Richie's family? It's not as if Richie was an active danger until literally a couple of hours ago. Still, when she thought about how Richie was the one receiving Thalia's confession, if that word got out, he'd immediately be a target. She had to get them out of here and to her place, make sure they weren't followed, and maybe have James hire someone to keep watch.

His first worry was that she was here to lay harm on his mother and brother. Very selfless. It wasn't himself that was worried about. That was something Karin respected - He was a brave kid, for his age.

"You must be Nathan." She said, simply. "Yeah, I'm who you guys are expecting, don't worry... I'm not here to try to hurt anyone, I promise." She said, holding her hands up a little. "I just saw your dad half an hour ago, over at the hospital? Don't worry, he's not hurt - he's just doing something to do with work." She said. "I met him through Tony, his partner? You've probably seen him a couple of times, I'm sure." She paused and looked over her shoulder, having a look around. She just wanted to make sure they were completely in the clear - if she was followed by anyone, she was going to panic. But then again, who would be following her? Hopefully, there wasn't anyone who could have. She got a taxi to the mansion and got into a different car right after, so, trailing her through all of that would have been a challenge.

"You don't need to be scared of me. I'm on your side." She said, "I know you're probably worried about your dad, but, he helped me out. He was worried about you guys, too, so I figured I could return the favor and lend you guys a hand. "It's very... Noble of you, to put your mom and brother before yourself. Brave." She said. "Sorry, my name... I'm Karin. Just like your dad, I got caught up in a bit of a mess to do with his work, which is more to do with how we came to know each other. I have a little brother, probably around the same age as yours, so, I know how it feels to be worried for their safety." She nodded once, and looked over the top of Nathan to look inside the house. No real movement anywhere.

"How about we... I don't know, have some coffee, and I'll explain to you what exactly's gonna' happen?" She suggested. "I think it would be safer for all of us if I came inside, though, just in case." She said, "I mean..." She slowly rotated herself around in a full circle. "I'm not armed or anything, you can see." She said. Her clothes were fitted, so, if she had a gun - or anything other than a cell phone in a pocket of hers, it would have stood out straight away. If he had a glance over her, it was clear she had nothing dangerous on her person. "I'm guessing your mom's getting everything packed. Like you said, you want to keep them safe - We have that in common, so, think you can take a chance and hear me out?" She smiled a little bit again. She wanted to gain his trust, even if it was only somewhat, so she could have the chance she needed to explain the situation to him. She had a feeling that Nathan was going to be the toughest nut to crack out of all of them. He was old enough to understand what his dad had been through and what he was involved in - any kid who'd seen and understood it all would have trust issues of some kind.
 
What kid deserved to be in Nathan's place? Fearing for his life, his family's? His father somewhere else - a hospital, according to Karin - risking his already fragile life once again, all to chase this case. It even took a toll on his young heart at every stranger that came up to his door, even if they had nothing to do with his father's injury. His fear would certainly be enhanced once he hears that Richie was the target in the pursuit of Sam's vendetta towards his cousin. The fears and incoming reality that they were in immediate danger were enough to make Nathan almost dash for the back door and try to run away from it all. Fortunately, he stuck around to face this woman firsthand and face his fears, even if, at the present time, there wasn't any immediate threat.

Even with the chills running through his body, Nathan considered the possibility that maybe Karin was telling the truth and was here with the best of intentions in mind. He still had no idea where they'd be going, who exactly his father was working with (given the fact Karin clearly wasn't a cop), or the extent of the danger they were currently in, but despite the initial scare, especially after hearing that Karin already knew his name, the door slowly crept open, further revealing the teenage boy behind and the rest of the house. Still no sign of the younger boy or the mother in the foyer or the staircase upstairs. Both were still upstairs packing, clearly but the ring of the doorbell had to have caught the attention of the mother. Nathan gestured for her to come inside, now a bit more trusting in her intentions. After all, if she were a suspicious criminal, she'd have a shady looking van out on the street, not a used car. "Come in," he instructed her, shutting the door behind him and locking it from the knob once they were both inside.

Next step: a 14 year old boy probably wasn't in a position to negotiate or ask the detailed questions regarding each step of the way. Once the door was secured shut, he hopped onto the first step of the stairway, facing the upstairs level, "Mom! It's the lady that Dad sent for us!"

Not only did a woman's voice come calling back, but so did the mother herself, gripping the rails of the stairs and scurrying down, her dark brown hair tied back into a bun and her clothing - a loose t-shirt and sweatpants - looking like she was cleaning around the house. Clearly, when Richie called, it wasn't quite a good time, and had her in a rush. Her priority? Help the kids pack before getting herself ready, and that included getting dressed.

"I'm here, Nate," she panted, reaching the bottom of the stairs, her eyes glancing at the newcomer for a moment and giving her a nod, along side a quick, "Hello, I'll be with you in a minute." First came her words towards her son. "Are you done packing, young man?"

Nathan nodded. "I just need to zip the bag, and I'll be ready."

"Did you pack some clothing? Enough for a few days? Underwear and all?"

He nodded. "Yeah."

"Toothbrush? Hair brush? Anything else from your bathroom?"

"Yeah, Mom. I got it all. Don't worry."

Nathan seemed hasty, and so was Miranda. She took his word for it, for now, and nodded. "Good. You asked to pack your things by yourself, and I'm allowing it. I'm trusting you here because you're getting older. Now, you go help your brother get ready, too. I still need to get changed and pack for myself."

"Okay, Mom." He turned his head over to Karin, still a bit overwhelmed by her appearance, and, oddly, her request for a cup of coffee with him. He wanted to feel like a grown up, but he couldn't get used to the taste of coffee and simply hated it. He did act politely around her, though. "I'll see you, Karin," he waved to her before dashing upstairs, skipping a step with each stride. He might need a bit more talking-to to become comfortable with the situation, but Miranda wanted him away from the situation for now while she discussed the rather unpleasant details.

Now alone, the mother took a sigh of relief and stepped forward toward the white-haired girl. "Karin, I presume?" she extended a hand forward for a handshake. "Miranda Hart. Richard told me to expect you. I would've preferred if I'd reached the door first, but... Nathan, the one who answered for you. He's been trying to assert himself around the house ever since his father's injury, and he even beats me to answer the door sometimes. I worry about him, when this will all come crashing down on his poor head. The poor boy." She shook her head in disapproval, waving her hand to signal for Karin to walk by her side as they entered the family room, a bit more distant from the stairs to the boys' bedrooms. "Richard's injury changed this family drastically, in so many ways, and now he's charging back into action against doctor's orders, and he's telling us that there might be danger ahead? I shouldn't have let him go to the station today. He said he wanted to confirm the identity of a woman in the morgue we knew, Melissa Kane. Foolish as I was, I allowed it. But after that call I got half an hour ago, it appears that there's more to it. The captain is letting him run point, and he's face to face with the mystery redhead. But as for details, that's all I know."

Rather than sit, Miranda remained standing, facing Karin eye to eye. "Karin, woman to woman. If you have someone in your life you care about so dearly, you would understand what I fear. I don't know, but I do ask of one thing: honesty. Is my husband okay? Does he look... weak? Is he limping? Is he trying to be a hero and not use his cane? His meds, too. He didn't specify if he was taking those. The man can barely walk for a solid hour, and now he's back on duty. I know, he's trying to protect his family, but it sounds like, from the phone call, that we're not quite safe. So tell me this, too: are me and the children in any sort of danger? Is that gang, Al-Asheera, coming after us?" She let out a sigh of worry. "It makes sense. They went after Richard's partner. Rumor has it that he's rogue now after Al-Asheera killed his girlfriend. I just.... I want to avoid that same path."

Miranda was practically radiating worry and concern. Her family was in danger, after all. But how much did Karin have in the way of answers?
 
"See you soon, Nate." She simply smiled and nodded to him, watching him vanish back upstairs. It had all happened so quick - now she was face-to-face with his mom and dealing with her. Not that she was particularly unpleasant, of course. She seemed much more welcoming than her teen son, that was for sure - Karin couldn't blame Nathan for being reluctant, though. She'd be spending a bit of time with them before she saw James again, so, hopefully she could get more insight into what things were like for the family. She knew she'd have no trouble convincing James to lend a helping hand. She shook Miranda's hand all the same, also giving her a soft smile.

"He seems like a good kid. It's no problem." She shrugged, "He was a little reluctant, but, I understand that. I assure you it's in my best interest to change the way things are for you. I'll explain a little more in a moment." She said, and with that, she was lead through to the family room.

Did she have someone she cared about? Of course. She had a couple of people now.

"Miranda... I lost both my parents when I was eighteen, and I was the only person left who could care for my little brother. He was five when they died - I had to drop Law School so I could stay home and raise him. A sacrifice, maybe, but a worthwhile one. Before a week ago I've never been one to engage danger, that much I'll admit, and the idea of my brother being hurt?" She shook her head, "He's ten, he's diabetic, and right now it's been a couple of days since I've seen him. I have no idea where he is, but, I know he's safe with someone I hold dear to me. To top it all off, my 'partner in love' is also heavily involved in all of this, much like your husband, and right now? I'm carrying that man's child. So yes, there are people I hold close to me, and I know what pain feels like." She sighed.

"Your husband seemed fine to me, and he wasn't going around without his cane. He didn't mention anything about any medication, but, I can promise you, he's thinking of all you guys here. You're the first thing on his mind, so, if that's the case, I'm sure he's going to take good care of himself. Right now he's in a hospital with a lot of armed police officers, the chief himself, and Captain Bradshaw. Security will be tighter than a drum in there. He's perfectly safe and should be back with you by this evening, I'd imagine." She nodded. "This next part may be hard to believe, but, the Mystery Redhead isn't your enemy, and Tony Walsh didn't go rogue." She said, then took a seat and gently ran a hand over the top of her head. "The Mystery Redhead, Thalia Griffin, has been trying to give the fight back to Al-Asheera for some time now. I know her well. Now, don't jump to conclusions - I'm in no way associated with Al-Asheera. It was blind luck that I ran into Thalia. She robbed the place I worked, believe it or not." She gave a faint half-smile. "I knew her story before too long, and I was one of the people that helped convince Tony Walsh and his newer partner, Frank Hale, that things weren't as they seem. Thalia wants out - she's willing to serve time just to see Al-Asheera fall."

"All I can say is... This all runs much deeper than you and Richard might know. I've explained all this to him, too, but... Y'know, it's a long story. As for you and your boys, well, at the minute it's hard to say what Al-Asheera have planned, which is exactly why I'm here." She said. "Roland Simmons, one of the front men of Al-Asheera, breathed his last dying words to Richard. Now, he did threaten you, but... We don't know if that's an empty threat. As far as we know, there was no visitor from Al-Asheera, as everyone thought he was dead after a shootout at the docks the other day. Plus, he was severely brain damaged. Whatever the case, where you're going with me is somewhere they don't know about." She nodded. "I'm just like you and your family - I'm caught up heavily in this mess and I don't pose as any real threat to, well, anyone." She said.

"Now, one other thing that I told your husband... I think you deserve to know, too. My partner, or boyfriend - whatever you prefer - is... Let's say very well connected." She said. "He's running the show on making sure Al-Asheera cease to exist, to say the very least. At first we tried to get rid of them with money, but, that didn't quite work out. Your husband's been a big help to me and Thalia, you see, and it won't go unnoticed. I'm going to make sure he lends a helping hand and keeps you all safe - on top of that, once this is over, I've already promised Richard that his healthcare will be covered. He'll receive better physio, a private medical expert, all of that. And your kids, Nathan and... Jonas, was it? They're gonna' get to take part in their sports and the summer camp. Take my word for it, okay?" She offered a small but warm smile.

"I know this is probably terrifying - believe me, it sometimes takes me by surprise, even now - but all of this will have a happy ending. I didn't want to take Richard around the world and abandon him at the airport, so to speak. He helped me, and I want to help him - not just because I owe him a favor, but, because I want to. I've seen too many people be hurt by all of this, and... I don't want to see it again." She said. "The place I'm gonna' take you is in a suburb, tucked away from major businesses, a quiet area, neighborhood watch, all sorts of things. There's enough room for all of you there." She said. "I still haven't met your youngest - I wouldn't want to startle him by just dragging you all out the door, so, please, take your time to get whatever you need, then once me and him have met, we can head out if that's good with you?"

--

Jon

They were on the road again, but not for long. Jon was thrilled just to have Charlie back, in the car with him and heading home. On the way to his next destination, he was chatting to him and obviously finding out everything he could about his time with Andrew. What things were like, and whatnot. From what he could gather, Andrew hadn't changed much. No doubt, the story of Andrew's injury really coming from a cop was a likely topic to come up. It certainly explained Andrew's hate for the LAPD. Jon still found it odd how it all came together - so many people from so many different corners of the USA, all there together. Even the FBI agent who was once one of his childhood friends. What were the chances? He could only hope Andrew would do him a favor and clear his name as much as he could manage. He was done with the old life. He'd only jump back into it if it meant keeping Charlie and Nicole safe.

Anyway, destination two was probably slightly different to what Charlie was expecting. It wasn't a place to go for lunch, that was for sure. They pulled in through the gate of a fairly big house - at first, his assumption may have been that this was where his mom was, but, once they actually got in through the gate, it was clear to see that the house was pristine and unoccupied, with no movement there whatsover. He brought the car to a halt and switched the engine off, smiling. At least he was smiling - this place was nothing too serious.

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"Hop out, buddy." He said, simply, and he climbed out the car himself and locked it up once Charlie was out, too. He went to Charlie's side and took him by the hand. "I just wanted to bring you here to show you something. Have a little look around." He said, simply. He lead him towards the gate that lead into the back yard, and of course, went right through it. The best part about this place was it was in the heart of Encino, not far from where James' mansion was. A ten-minute walk, maybe.

Once they got through to the back, they got a look at what exactly awaited them. The whole place was some sort of modern paradise - perfectly clean, unoccupied, and there was so much to see. Even out back, there were enough features to keep someone busy for hours on end. A little built-in barbecue, high-end. A pool. A mini court with a basketball hoop.

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"Pretty nice place, huh?" He asked, walking further in. "You've got the pool, a jacuzzi, a barbecue over there..." He pointed. "And then there's the grand gem - a little basketball court." He motioned off to it, then walked over to the back doors of the house and went close to the glass, allowing them both to peek inside. They couldn't see much, but it was all modern, bright, and new. Whatever this place was, it was something special. Jon always had tricks up his sleeve, though. He turned away from there and instead faced the pool again, this time dropping down to one knee and putting an arm around Charlie's shoulders.

"So, kiddo..." He took a deep breath. "You like this place?" He asked. "Pretty cool, right? I hear there's even a home cinema inside, just like in James' place." He smiled. There was also a pool/summer house just behind the pool, too, complete with leather seats and a mini bar. "Maybe you can tell me something, actually. You know your mom's taste probably a lot better than I do." He said, "You think she'd enjoy spending time in a place like this?" He asked.

Maybe his intentions were unclear. Maybe Charlie could figure it out. Or maybe it was downright confusing. Whatever the case, it'd become clear soon enough.
 
"So, Thalia..." Richie continued, after extensive chatter about Thalia's past life in Philadelphia. Now was time to get, on record, the events leading up to Al-Asheera's arrival in California. "If you don't mind me calling you that now. Your inside men were compromised in Al-Asheera, placed in maximum security in a penitentiary that you don't recall the name of."

Thalia nodded, her eyes tending to wander around the hospital room at the spectators and the walls around her. It was a peaceful distraction from the fact that she was giving a confession that would land her in prison for a long time with a state that wanted her to go down for everything Ra's had ever done. "Most of the conversation about going after the insiders, finding out where they were incarcerated... Ra's didn't discuss it in front of me. Again, I was a woman, so there was a lot of authority-level privilege he deprived me of. The only reason I was a member of The Ten is because I was his fucktoy."

"Mhm..." His nod and hum of acknowledgement was subtle, and he let her foul language slide towards the end, despite how he'd reminded her to stay objective. "The names you gave of these men were later found dead in their cells a week ago. They tried to make it look like suicide, but upon a second glance, I'd say it looks rather staged."

"Because it was. I may not've been there when Ra's gave the order, but I'm sure he ordered their deaths. Those guys on the inside... they were weak. They wouldn't shoot their own brains out for Ra's. Not easily. Maybe they were just scared."

"You're not wrong about suicide being a scary idea to ponder."

It was in that moment that Thalia tried to turn the tables on Richard, taking advantage of the discussion of suicide. "Did you ever hate yourself, Detective Hart?"

Richie froze, unsure of how to proceed with the suspect asking a question back, and on the record, obviously irrelevant. He leaned forward in his place and returned fire, "Excuse me?"

She smirked at his shock. "You heard me. Did you ever have a point in your life where you just wake up, see how miserable your life is, then just wonder if it'd be better off without you?"

Although completely inappropriate for the interrogation and caught on recording, Richie turned to the chief in confusion at where this'd come from, his face growing pale. She obviously had something to relate to when he brought up suicide. Did he ever think such thoughts? Maybe a few times after his injury, but there's no way he'd voice that. He returned his gaze to the girl in the hospital bed, recovering from the mental blow. "No, Miss Griffin. I've never had such thoughts. Now please, stay on topic."

"Bullshit. It's very related, because that fear you talked about? It's the only reason I'm alive. It's the only reason why many people in Al-Asheera who didn't want in are still alive. Because they were afraid of death. Too afraid to take their own lives, and too afraid to rebel against Ra's and get beheaded as punishment. But now?" A confident smile came over her face, realizing the gravity of her own actions. "Now, I'm not afraid. I already told you, if you don't find Reeves, he will send someone to kill me, then disappear. And at this point, I don't fear death, however it comes. Because now, I've overcome a fear that many of Al-Asheera never could." Her eyes drifted to the device capturing their conversation. "And make sure that was caught on recording. Because it's the reason nobody has ever found Al-Asheera for 20 years. Because Ra's thrived off people fearing him, be it the civilians or his underlings. For some, it was fear with reverence. For others, it was to keep their head attached to their shoulders. So get that, and believe that. Because you've got your first lifeline to end this, and all you have to do is find that sergeant of yours, who seems to be so elusive, and you haven't even sent a man to his house yet?"

Groaning at her tirade, Richie answered, "Miss Griffin, we are doing everything we can, which is none of your concern. Now, calm down and answer my questions as they are with no diversion, or this interrogation is over, and I will personal rip up Miss Held's immunity agreement and send people to pick her up and bring her back here."

Immediately, Thalia gave the detective one last glare of disgust, almost tempted to throw something at him for threatening Karin's safety. But she remained calm. She didn't care for special treatment or a good word from the department so long as Karin walks. She sighed and looked in the direction of the window again, avoiding eye contact. "Go on."

And so he did... "After conviction and sentencing of the insiders, Al-Asheera left Philadephia. Completely abandoned its known locations and just left the city. How was this done? A bunch of older men in tattoos obviously didn't just take the next commercial flight with all their riches and weapons. Especially not a suspicious man with appearances like Rami Younes waltzing into the airport in the year 2016."

She shook her head. "Obviously not. We stole cars, got out of Philly, torched them, dunno where. But we had our belongings in a larger plane, the core members of Al-Asheera boarded the cargo deck, and I guess... we just took off."

Richie arched an eyebrow, crossing his arms in front of his chest. It bothered him that Thalia wasn't doing so well in the way of names for locations, but this was doable for now. "Do you know where you landed?"

Thalia smirked, finally remembering something as a location. "If I told you LAX...."

His heart sank. "What? I hope we're not talking about THE LAX."

She returned her gaze to his, noticing how shaken he was at the sound of that. "It wasn't THAT simple."

"You flew a plane full of thieves and terrorists into an international airport, and got away with it? This'd better be a good fairy tale."

"I wish it were fake. Your inside guy. Reeves? He headed up an operation a week before our confirmed arrival to search a plane full of innocent people? Something about an annonymous tip that a commercial airplane might have a bomb inside?"

Richie turned over to the chief in the heat of the moment. "We'd better confirm that Reeves was involved in that operation."

"Double check all you want. You'll find out I'm not lying. The cargo was searched by a SWAT team of guys paid off by Ra's and Reeves to let us slip by before the FBI showed up. We got out of the airfield by bus, keeping our heads down, and we were driving a few miles away from the airport. And from there, it all began."

"There's no way it was that simple."

"Well, you're asking the wrong person. Again, Ra's kept me in the dark, so there's probably a fair bit that I was out of the loop for. All I know is what I saw: we got into the cargo deck, we took off, we landed, we got in a bus under the guidance of a guy in a cop's uniform, and we were taken a fair distance away before we were on our own."

Richie sighed, glaring at the ground, still trying to piece this together, and how exactly Reeves pulled this stunt off and nobody was the wiser. If only Thalia were just a bit more useful in that regard. "We're going to look into your allegations, Miss Griffin. But for now, go on. After you landed, where were you dropped off? What was the area like?"

...

--

Being far away from her husband meant Miranda couldn't assert her caring hand and keep Richie in check from a health standpoint. Was he going to keep using his cane to hold him up, even when he feels he doesn't need it? Was he going to remember to take his medication on time as the doctor prescribed, as she'd been making sure of for the past few weeks? Most importantly, would he come back alive? Karin's words, though, did offer a blanket of reassurance, for now. Knowing that he was using the cane at the very least, and that the hospital had a heavy security detail surrounding it, even the captain and chief not far away, were both thoughts to keep in mind to help Miranda cop and possibly have hope that her husband was in good hands.

Not to mention, it seemed like she wasn't the only one caught in this web of a situation.

"I'm sorry you and your lover were also entangled in this," she sighed, as a start. "You, particularly with your past, involving your parents, and your lives changing so drastically? I don't even know what my boys would do if something happened to their father alone. Our lives have already been turned upside down by Richard almost dying. Jonas, the younger boy, has become very reserved, always afraid, and has been having nightmares for weeks. He's always coming into our room to sleep from how afraid he's become. And Nathan? He's trying so hard to assert himself that, at this point, I'm afraid he might just fly too close to the sun, get himself stuck in a situation he doesn't want to fall into. Perhaps a fight from getting too overly-protective as the 'man of the house'? This family could all just fall apart, just because of what almost happened. It's why I'm urging him not to go back after he recovers. Get a fancy recommendation from the department and another job, something that doesn't involve him dodging bullets. It may be wishful thinking, but I hope he listens to reason and doesn't charge back into action like he is now."

Miranda had heard stories about Richie's work,, about the mystery redhead... but she wasn't working against the police, but rather with them?

"That's quite contrary to how Richard spoke of her. How the media speaks of her. They all seem to paint her as a monster, and now a terrorist? Some sweetheart Christian girl turned into a villain and working as a frontwoman for Al-Asheera and making waves across the city. And yet, she's trying to do the exact opposite of help her organization? You just said she robbed your workplace, now she's trying to throw herself to the wolves so the rest of her colleagues go down?" Her facial expression most definitely showed confusion and uncertainty. She looked back in the direction of the stairway. Her boys weren't done packing yet, so that gave her more time to speak to Karin. "The news is buzzing about her arrest, as well. There isn't a news outlet that hasn't spoken about it yet. Perhaps she's given up now that she has no escape? I haven't a clue, but when Richard saw that report, he knew he couldn't stay put. He only wished that Tony Walsh could show his face so the two could make this takedown together, as a team, like they always intended. Yet, you keep going on about this being... deeper. And unless your partner is a cop, which I highly doubt he is, judging by how you speak of him... I can only suspect that this is something the department doesn't know." She groaned, bowing her head into her palm. "Richard doesn't need dishonorable discharge along with medical leave on his plate. There's no way he accepted to just... throw himself off the edge in some frantic attempt to do the right thing."

It was all too good to be true, and all too scary to take in. Especially after hearing what Roland's dying words were. She stepped back, her heartrate racing, and her eyes flickering back to the stairs. Her family was now a target. "If there is a genuine threat, then why isn't..." She almost asked why the police hadn't shown up to take her to somewhere safe, but then she remembered... Richie was working for someone who was probably operating under a less-than-legal basis. "I find it hard to believe that he accepted to take favors from.... someone who might be a criminal. Even if it was to save us. He would've gone to the police first. N-Not like this."

Did she want to believe Karin that her family would receive benefits for his help? Partially, but it all seemed too good to be true. She turned away from Karin, stepping towards a nearby table, placing her palms down against it and looking to the ground. "'Terrifying' is an understatement. You want to pay for Richard's medical expenses? Give him a better physio program? Help my sons have fun with their lives again? And I'm expected to trust a woman that my husband sent blindly? Who seems to be promising so much that it's unbelievable? If I may ask, I want to know... who exactly is your lover for him to be able to promise so much? To have these 'connections' you speak of? This family has endured enough, you know. My boys are packing their bags to go through more. How does my husband know it'll all be over after this?"

Throwing the promises of good fortune frightened Miranda more than put her at ease. It was an offer too good to believe, after all. Clearly, she wasn't going to stop the boys from packing, and at this rate, she had no choice but to go with Karin wherever she chooses to take them. Almost like a metaphorical gun to her head. But before she touches her belongings, she needed to be sure that this wasn't a trap. That, if anyone was going to get shot first in this family, it'd be her, and not Nathan or Jonas.

--

Although getting lunch was enjoyable, being with Jon is what made it special for Charlie. He'd just spent a night far away from his family, closest of friends, and anything he knew as familiar. He even had another nightmare and a nervous breakdown as a result. At least the breath of fresh air from being able to, in one way or another, go home in the company of someone he knew and trusted, helped calm him down and made him so much less tense than before. He could eat without having to worry too much, and even talk about his experience without feeling forced to hide anything. He trusted Jon like a second father, after all, and even voiced that love for him to Andrew. This reunion, and being let go, was necessary for Charlie to truly be at peace. It did leave questions like, where did the 8-year-old boy at the crime scene go? But those would come up later. Especially when Thalia asks for proof that Charlie is okay later.

What Charlie didn't see coming on his way home was the detour. He was told they were making a stop, but did he expect it to be a mansion? Definitely not. A very fancy one, too. It wasn't this sort of high-society life that he was used to. Being the son of a humble man like Reverend Jacob, the Griffins lived a simple life with everything they needed and not desiring more. The boy grew used to it, and having all of these luxuries that James had to offer was quite a change. Enough to spoil a boy if he hadn't been raised the way Nicole had brought him up. A way to be thankful for what he has, not to be envious, and to wait for the right time for what he truly wanted. Did he ever want a huge house? Not particularly, but what was inside was the most appealing. A pool? A nice room for himself? A big yard? And the best part that left a priceless smile from ear to ear on his face: the basketball court, something he never had one of his own in his lifetime. He would always practice at school or the public grounds. A court of his own? It was a dream come true as he immediately dashed onto the court, still unable to believe it.

Yet, even if it seemed tailored for him, Charlie would've never guessed that his place was for the family. He did have his dreams of himself, his mom, Jon, and Thalia living together as a family, but this soon? After all of the tragedies surrounding them?

"I love it," Charlie nodded, still grinning as he returned to Jon by the pool. "It's amazing. It reminds me of James' mansion." Charlie wasn't able to tell that they were back in Encino, as he was unfamiliar with the city layout in California. So, to him, this was just another nice house. "Is this where everyone is going to come back? Joseph and Jordan? Karin, and James? And Mommy, too? Are they going to come live here after what happened in the other mansion?"

Indeed, Charlie had the wrong idea about the intention of his house. It was quite soon to envision this as their own place. It did seem tempting to think it would be their own when Jon asked what his mother might like, but the boy kept that excited thought to himself.

"Mommy? She likes simple things," he replied. "She always tells me to be happy with what I have and not be jealous. We didn't live like this back in Philadelphia. It was much quieter." He looked down, now feeling slightly bad that he wanted this more than his old life. Guilty that this might not be his mother's wishes. "She never wanted anything fancy, and neither did Daddy. We were fine with money, but we weren't rich. And we didn't buy a lot of fancy things, either. She always used to say we measure our worth in our actions, not in what we have. So, I really can't say what she likes when it comes to buying things. She seemed happy in James' mansion, even though she spends a lot of the time doing housework. She doesn't take many breaks with that stuff. Maybe you could ask her what she likes. Because when I tried to on Mother's Day, all she told me was that she wanted to see me happy, and that's all she could ever enjoy."

Perhaps Charlie's happiness in this new environment would, indirectly, be Nicole's happiness, too.
 
"I'm sorry how all of this has impacted you. It can't be nice." She said. "I'm sure Jonas is a great kid. Richard spoke highly of all of you - Things will work out okay." She nodded. But of course, there was the doubt. She'd come in and made promises - how was this woman to know if she'd deliver? Karin understood that it may have all seemed too good to be true, but, she had to prove that she meant what she said. That would mean revealing who her boyfriend was - his alias she was sure she'd get away with. As soon as the name was muttered, with Richard being a cop, she had a feeling that Miranda would know it well enough. After all, Fritzy dropped LA's power grid some time back. And he'd been on the news as a hacker who was exposing all variety of scum - Gang members, murderers, child molesters - there was all sorts of people that he'd outed and turned over to the good side of the law.

In that respect, he was both a man to be trusted, and a man to be feared.

"Fritzy." She said with a gentle sigh. "My boyfriend, and the father of my child, is Fritzy. Richard knows the name so I'm gonna' presume you know him, too." She said. "Now I know this may seem too crazy to believe - It might almost sound like something right out of a fantasy book, but, I need you to trust me." She said. "I'm not in this for myself. As far as Al-Asheera are concerned, I don't even exist. I may be caught up in it, but, I'm one of the lucky few who hasn't been in the limelight. I don't have people following my every move, and I haven't received any threats or anything." She explained. "It's why I want to pass on some of that good luck to you and your boys - No one can hurt you if they don't know where to find you. They could search the houses of every name they have on their list - I'm not on it, simple as that." She said. "So my house won't even be a second thought, hence why it's such a good spot for you guys."

"Look, I know me coming in here and making these promises may seem unfair. To you it might even seem like I'm giving you false hope to try and get you to come with me, but I promise that's not the case." She said. "And the deal with Fritzy might seem scary, too. But he's not a bad man. He's one of the few responsible for the downfall of the inner circle of Al-Asheera. On top of that, he saved Thalia's mother and kid brother from certain death, to put things bluntly. He wouldn't play any cards against you - the media makes him out to be some sort of... Techno-terrorist. He's nothing of the sort, as you may have seen on some news reports. It's like with Thalia - the CCTV shows she had nothing to do with the bomb that was found at a mall the other day. Yet she's still being labeled as a terrorist who somehow managed to be in two places at the same time." She shrugged.

"You don't have to believe what I'm telling you - You can meet Fritzy later on. James, his name is. He'll be coming to see me, obviously - You can ask him yourself if he'll do what I've said he'd do." She offered a faint smile again. "Once this is all put to bed, you can be sure that Richard won't be in any more danger. That's because by the time we're done, there won't be an Al-Asheera to cause any more damage. Take my word for it. The people dealing with it won't stop until it's all over. I want nothing more than for all of you to be safe. Richard knows what I said about helping you guys out - financially as well as physically right now. There's no strings attached." She said. "Take it from a woman who spent five years trying to raise a child alone, with next to nothing to her name. When you go through all of that..." She shook her head and looked towards the doorway with a sigh.

"When you go through that, you tend to lose the ability to play with people's trust. When you're on the receiving end of it, you really learn a thing or two." She said. "Whaddya' say, Miranda?" She asked, softly. "Will you take a chance on me?" She asked.

--

The house seemed well-received for the most part, which was great, and it came down to them talking about what Nicole would like. Charlie was unsure - she was the humble type. Grateful for whatever they could get. Even if life was simple and barebones, Nicole was definitely the sort of woman who would see the good in all of it, and appreciate it even if there was no more than a loaf of bread on the table for dinner. How she was so positive about things, Jon simply didn't know. Maybe, after all she'd been through her outlook on things would change. It seemed they'd brought Charlie up on a lot of morals, though, which Jon could appreciate. But even people with morals were allowed nice things - You didn't have to be bound to the minimum to have something nice to your name. So, when Charlie looked down, Jon simply pulled him closer to his side and smiled.

"You're very genuine, you know that?" He chuckled a tiny bit. "Look... This sort of thing?" He motioned off around the yard, and off to the house, too. "This sort of thing isn't just something that... Certain people are allowed to have. In this neighborhood, you could go around to all the biggest houses, and I guarantee inside you'd find people just like you and mommy. People that are grateful for everything they've got - people that have a lot, but, don't expect to have everything. You see, there's a lot of types of people in this world - When I was your age, you already know, my dad was a soldier, so he wasn't home much. We didn't have much money, either. Hardly any, for that matter. But we were happy with what we had." He smiled. "And now, now that I've worked and made a life for myself, made money and got myself nice things - I haven't changed the way I see it. I might have more money than I did when I was younger, but, I don't think of it any differently. I still feel grateful that I got the chance to have the life I've had." He shrugged.

"Your mom may like simple things, but, she's far from a simple person, is she?" He smiled. "Some people... They don't see true value in materialistic things. Like houses, or cars, or... Fancy watches and diamond earrings. A lot of people measure how much they have through the things money can't by. Family. Friends. Love. Happiness." He said. "You've probably heard it before, but, one thing that'll never escape my mind is an old saying - You make a living out of what you get, but you make a life out of what you give. You could be a man with all the money in the world - but chances are you still aren't happy." He said. "The money won't ever give you a shoulder to cry on, won't ever hug you and say thanks for what you've done - it's just... A thing. And millions of dollars are printed every single day." He looked back to the house and took a deep breath. "You asked me if this is where everyone else will be coming... Not quite, kid." He hugged him to his side again.

"I said that you make a life out of what you give. I want to give you and your mom something that... Well, something that you might not have ever had before." He said. "I wanna' give you both a chance for a fresh start. Away from all the drama. Away from all the fear and the upset we've had this past while." He motioned a hand off to the house. "What I'm asking, Charlie... Would you like for us all to... Maybe make that fresh start together?" He asked. "Me, you, mom, Thalia... Right here?" He said. "And just in case you still don't get what I'm saying... I'm saying I'd like for us to move in here. I think if you like it here, your mom will, too." He said, and that was it, said outright.
 
As open as Miranda wanted to be about the situation, it still seemed like a chance too risky to take. Sure, she'd received a call from her husband specifying that this woman would be coming by to pick them up, but it wasn't the pickup that was as suspicious. Richie mentioned nothing of Fritzy on the phone, and nothing of particular financial and medical benefits later. It felt too good to be true, a needy family suddenly receiving help from a shady beneficiary that she knew of from news reports and her husband's word of mouth? How was Richie trusting him? Did he have a choice? Was this an 'I scratched your back, now scratch mine' case? How desperate was her husband for treatment to get back to his work? And would they even let him back in if this ever gets exposed? Richie, unlike his partner Tony, was the last person to negotiate with an unknown party. So, what's changed?

"I know of Fritzy," she replied. "Richard spoke of him frequently whenever the department would get anonymous tips. Some cyber-vigilante/terrorist as my husband would describe. Odd, right? First you tell me he's working with the mystery redhead, now Fritzy? I know my husband better than that. He doesn't negotiate with terrorists. He's not the type, and he's loyal to that half of him. Look, Karin, I won't judge you for being romantically involved with him, and it's great that you're as distance from this mess as possible, but I just don't think my husband would work alongside criminals. Not unless he were desperate. Now, I know the mystery redhead was arrested, so I can guess he's interrogating her. But Fritzy? What could he possibly want to do with a large-scale criminal like that? Even if he is participating in your ploy to stop Al-Asheera.... it doesn't sound like him to take a leap of faith like that."

It wasn't quite the promises of benefits - which sounded like loosely promised bribes - that were going to convince Miranda, but rather Karin's backstory. Who was this woman coming to pick them up, apart from a friend of Thalia Griffin, Fritzy's girlfriend, and a woman caught up in world of trouble? A woman who lost her family and had to brave a storm all by herself. Although Miranda couldn't relate to the story of her parents, she could relate to Karin's struggle to raise a young boy. She believed childcare was the hardest job a woman could take up. Now, Karin had a little brother in need of guidance, and, apparently, a child of her own coming in nine months. She knows the pain of being betrayed... did that give her a craving to betray someone of her own? Or, rather, a lack of acceptance for it, and therefore, never betraying another on her own? She peeked over her shoulder at the white-haired girl again after hearing her pleas to take a chance. A chance that she still didn't have a good feeling about, even with the promise of a conversation with James later. How would she know this wasn't an execution to eliminate witnesses?

"It's not like you're giving me a choice, anyway," she sighed. "You're already here, the boys are packing. And I bet if I say we're staying, you're going to drag us all out of here. I still don't believe that there's no strings attached to this deal. I have a bad feeling in my gut that you're going to bribe Richard for all he's got to sell LAPD secrets or have me and our children executed for him to see. I'm sorry, but for a man with a profile like that, and how little I know of him, it's all I can think of happening. Just know... if you want anyone to use as a bargaining chip, use me. Not Nathan and Jonas. They've done nothing wrong and don't deserve this."

It wasn't a traditional way of acceptance, but more like Miranda giving up because she didn't feel like arguing, and was now scared for the safety of her family. At least going with Karin would guarantee some temporary safety. That was, until the sound of the doorbell cut their discussion short. Without a word to her guest, she marched past her and approached the door. In a rush, she pulled the door open for this other visitor. A face she could actually recognize, and, as far as she could tell, fully trust.

"Sergeant Reeves?"

With a chuckle slipping by, the African-American sergeant shook his head in a light-hearted manner. "Oh, no, Miranda, how many times do I have to tell you? Call me Jordan."

Miranda smiled back, though the tension was clear in her voice. "Very well, Jordan. What's going on in the city with Al-Asheera and those terror threats? And the mystery redhead finally caught?"

"Well, that's what I'm here for," Reeves went on, waving his hand behind his larger frame behind him towards a black Range Rover with the windows tinted black. "Your husband is back on duty, and there was recently a threat made by Thalia Griffin on his life, and yours. Did he not send you the message of an escort coming to get you somewhere safe?"

Unsure of how to reply, Miranda shrugged. "Well, yeah, but he didn't say he was sending you. He told me he was sending a woman."

"Well..." he sighed, "I talked him out of it, because I didn't think her location was entirely secure. She can come along if she so chooses, but we're on a tight schedule. You need to get your boys ready to leave, ASAP. We don't know how long it is before Al-Asheera comes here and.... my God, I don't want to imagine what they'd do to you."

The fake horrified expression on Reeves' face made Miranda's jaw drop, and her mind in conflict. Part of her wanted to say Karin was already here... but there was that half of her that didn't trust a strange woman and would rather trust a man that she'd known for years. Not to mention that she had no idea about his true identity. She was inclined to come along with him. Who knows? Maybe Karin was no better a criminal scum than the rest. At least, given her bizarre claims, it sure seemed that way. Covering her mouth in shock, she nodded. "I will, Jordan. The boys are still packing, and I'm about to get started."

Reeves smiled. Success. "Perfect. I'll be in the car with my driver. You just come out when you're ready. Time is of the essence."

Miranda nodded again in approval as she let the door shut... then returned her gaze to the stranger she'd let in her house not long ago. Who was she? Could she even be trusted? She stepped forward, now worried for her own safety, her stance covering the immediate path to the stairs so Karin couldn't make a dash upstairs to grab one of her boys. If she wanted that, she'd have to go through their mom first. Her expression showed no other than betrayal and anger... how could she let a potential threat in under her roof?

"Who the hell are you, and what does Fritzy want with me? Why did my husband think it was a good idea to send a complete stranger who is also friends with criminals when I could just go with a trusted police officer?"

Trusted.... but not for long.

--

Charlie took a look around the exterior of the house, just imagining what kind of people used to live here, and the kind of people that were to come. Jon was right; these houses aren't restricted to certain people, but never in Charlie's wildest dreams did he ever particularly crave such a luxurious lifestyle. It might've been a different case for high-rise criminals like Jon or James, and maybe even Thalia to a degree, but to an eight year old boy who's known nothing more than his parents' simplicity, this was never something he'd ask for and never expected to be offered. He would've been fine with just a smaller house in the suburbs, and that's what he was expecting his mother to find. Which brings another element into the equation: would Nicole ever accept a gift this huge from Jon? He's done so much, but is this where she'd draw the line?

When he heard Jon describe his mother, the boy nodded along with him. "Yeah, that's her. She doesn't care about money or anything like that. Neither did Daddy. They said they were always like that and didn't need to live any better than they were. Because this was all we needed. There wasn't anything missing, either, which was why I wondered why my sister ran away so long ago. Mommy may not be simple, but she never asks for more than she has. The only thing I ever hear her want is for me to be happy. I guess I never asked her about more, because her family in Paris is also very simple." He shrugged. "They don't have much. A small house that doesn't even look nice, and my mommy is just a school teacher. So... I guess she doesn't need fancy things. I don't even think she sat down to take a break when we were with James. She didn't want to enjoy the luxury and just wanted to help. Do housework. I dunno..."

You make a living out of what you get, but a life out of what you give, indeed, it applied to the Griffins. They didn't work any sort of high-rise jobs, but they did give a lot to their religious community and to the school Charlie and Thalia attended. It gave Nicole more self-worth than any money ever could. It's why she didn't continue on for a master's degree in her studies, because it wasn't a high-society life she craved. She did practice elegance and proper ladylike behavior, sure, but that didn't necessarily imply being rich. But would her story change with this proposition Jon had to offer?

...It surely was starting to change for Charlie once Jon popped the question if he wanted them to live together. He stepped around in a full circle to admire the entire yard, just imagining that one day, this could be his, and all he had to do was accept Jon's request for a fresh start. His jaw was dropped in the form of an ear-to-ear grin as he returned to the taller man and instantly threw himself in for a deep, meaningful hug. The answer from Charlie couldn't be more obvious.

"Yes!" he cheered. "Yes, yes, yes! I want you to come live with us, Jon! Come live with me and Mommy; I bet she'd really like that! She's always so happy around you, and I want her to be happy, too!" His mother's happiness was obviously a priority to the loving son, and a fresh start away from the bad people that took his father away was all he could ask for. Why wouldn't he take this opportunity to change his life for the better? But then it occurred to Charlie that Jon also mentioned Thalia, even after she'd been arrested. He came to terms with that realization and parted from the hug for a moment, looking up to Jon and asking, "But what about Thalia? Didn't the police take her away yesterday? She did... bad things. Does that mean she's never coming back? She told me that if she were ever caught, she might not... well...." Thalia's uncensored words about the reality of her situation still stuck with Charlie. Maybe not a wise move on her part for being brutally honest, but it was worth thinking of on Jon's part: what would become of Thalia? Would she ever join her mom and brother in their new lifestyle, even if she gave a confession with the only condition being Karin's freedom? Unless there was a breakout plan still in play...
 
Sergeant Reeves? Oh shit. Karin froze in place and didn't say a word until Miranda came and spoke to her. She really didn't know? Was it really going to be this much more difficult because Richard hadn't patched her in? It just got worse with every minute around here. She'd finally managed to somewhat win her over, and now the man that wanted to murder her and her children had come here and somehow got her trust himself. This wouldn't do. She could only hope that she could convince her to come with her, and that Reeves was actually the bad guy. Where did she start? She was being confronted already. Why shouldn't Miranda go with a trusted police officer instead? She couldn't believe what she was hearing, and the look she gave her said exactly that.

"You mean you don't know?" She asked, her face showing nothing but pure disbelief. "Oh, this is typical. This really is." She laughed - but it was more of a hysterical laugh than anything else. "People are getting killed left, right, and center, and Richard didn't even tell you about Reeves? Oh, Jesus Christ." She said. "Don't be so quick to jump to conclusions. Have you not been watching the news? Reeves is the new leader of Al-Asheera, for fuck's sake. Who do you think killed Tony Walsh's father?" She asked. "I don't believe this, I really don't. Reeves has been all over the news, plastered as a terrorist - they found a bomb in his office, an armed one, ready to bring the whole building down. Did you see how they put bombs all over the damn city? It was an anonymous tip-off that saved everyone's ass." She said.

"Miranda." She held up her hands. "Look at me, for Christ's sake. Just look at me. If there was someone who wanted to hurt you, you really think they'd send a skinny just-pregnant chick? What in the hell can I do to you that won't result in me getting my ass kicked, or my baby getting killed? Don't do this. Think about it. Isn't it convenient how Reeves somehow knows that people are targetting you? Roland is dead! Who could have given it away that someone was after you and your family? The last person to see Roland alive was your husband. I was there. On top of that, what kinda' Sergeant has his own private driver?!" She asked.

She was just in pure disbelief.

"Come on, Miranda. You're married to a detective. You're smarter than this. I know you are. Just go on your phone and search Sergeant Reeves, LA. Or go and read yesterday's newspaper. Do anything like that. But whatever you do, you're not getting in that car with him. Even if I have to block the door you're not going out there until you've verified my claims. If you get in that car with him, by midnight tonight he would have beheaded all three of you and sent a tape to Richard. You don't want that. Don't do this." She said.

--

Of course Charlie was up for it. There was no other response to expect. He hugged him tight and laughed - he was happy to move in with him. And they both knew that Nicole would be happy, too. Jon was thrilled. Finally, a second chance at life - sure, that second chance had been introduced long ago now, but, this was it set in stone. He'd come here with them and things would be normal. They'd be happy. It would be a chance to give Charlie a good life, Thalia a second chance (as long as she didn't spend the rest of her life in prison), and Nicole the security that she needed to get on with life and not be scared of something happening to her or her children. Things would be okay here.

"Okay, buddy." He laughed, "Just remember that this is our little secret until I find a good time to tell mom, okay?" He smiled. "So that means no telling." He gently poked his side in a ticklish way, then continued hugging him There was the question about Thalia that came up, though, and that just made him sigh. Charlie obviously knew far too much about it all, but, he wasn't going to lie about it. It was a complicated system that Thalia was in - it was a complicated spot for all of them to be involved in, really, but he had to give Charlie the truth. Jon had thought long and hard about the break-out plan, and he was wondering now if it'd really be worth doing, or if it'd land her in more trouble. Would she get a smaller sentence if... He just left her there? He didn't know. He wanted to at least talk to her first. If she wanted to stay and take her chances, then so be it.

If not? Well, he'd have to bust her out of there, though he wasn't sure if that would be too much of a good idea. He didn't know about the confession, about the terms they'd given her. If she broke out, would they just go and put Karin on a wanted list again?

"Look, buddy, about Thalia..." He paused. "It's a little complicated at the minute. I don't know much about it myself, but, I'm going to find out more. Yes, the police took her away, but, if she can show the police that she's not responsible for a lot of the things they think she's done, things might work out okay for her. Make sense?" He asked. "Obviously, if she does prove to them that she didn't do a lot of these things, chances are she's still gonna' have to go away for a while. But not forever. Right now we just have to wait and see how things are going to play out, alright? Because I don't really know too much about what's been going on. If by some chance she does have to stay with the cops for some time, me and you can fix up a bedroom for her and plan out a bit of a Welcome Home party for when she gets back, okay? Until then, we just have to play it by ear and hope things work out alright. I promise, I'll let you know if I hear anything back about her."

--

James and Damian, LA

They had a van, and James had a quirky mailman uniform on at this point in time. He didn't exactly like it - he was the world's most buff mailman, it seemed. The muscles and all that hardly fit in, and he looked more like a guy from a everyday life-themed adult movie, but this would have to do. He'd have to take that chance, and if all else failed, use his charm on the babysitter to get her to fall for the act. With a bit of luck she'd just be happy enough to accept the massive parcel in the back of the van. A new bed, or something. It wouldn't fit in the hallway of the house, so she'd have no choice but to let him help her get it down to the basement. All he had to do was pull out his phone and say 'delivery instructions are to make sure it's left in the basement...' and that would be it. She wouldn't be any wiser to it.

She certainly wouldn't believe he was some sort of assassin. He hoped not, anyway. What sort of assassin used the disguise of a mailman to kill someone when they were supervising a kid? That sort of thing only happened in video games and movies. Real assassins waited and took people's heads off from 500 yards away with a silenced rifle. There was no risk in it like there was with this. They were just going to have to play it smooth - and obviously, he was going to have to stop down the street and make Damian climb into the back where he couldn't be seen. Where they got the van was a bit of a different story. A used-car lot where the owner was asleep at the desk. It would be a while before he noticed that this had been stolen, surely to god. But that didn't mean they didn't have to act quick.

"Okay, so, I'm gonna' stop not far from your house and make you get in the back of the van, just so she doesn't see you." He said. "From there, same plan as before - I walk in with the bed in hand, tell her that you requested it to go to the basement where there's room for it, and as soon as she's at the bottom of the stairs, bang bang." He said, simply enough. "I've already stuffed the gun in the box, so, it's just a matter of reaching in and getting it once the time is right." He thought for a moment more and picked up the little cap from the dashboard, placing it down on his head. Ugh.

"If I'm not out of there within five minutes, come and look for me." He said. "If all goes well, I'll come back to my van as if nothing happened, then you can take over and go and see your sister. You wait there, I'll go back and get the car we came in, and by then you'll probably have another sitter figured out to come and pick her up. If not, you can both come with me and I'll take her some place safe. Last resort, I know, but it's all for the best." He said. "Any special instructions for me? It's your house, pal, so if there's anything you don't want blood on or something, just let me know."
 
"...and here we are now. You and your brutes showed up at Fritzy's doorstep. I don't know where the others were, but clearly, they've all vanished by the hands of Fritzy." Thalia was coming to the end of her confession, now with the events she was describing leading up to the present time. Here, in the hospital, under arrest and confessing to her crimes.

Richie nodded along, taking a look at the recording device once again. They'd been going for a while. Thalia had quite the story to tell. Hell, he wouldn't mind requesting for it to be disclosed for the public to hear, or for some hotshot director to make a documentary surrounding the legacy of the mystery redhead. Perhaps a follow-up/continuation for Nicole Griffin's documentary surrounding the disappearance of her daughter. Of course, after she's convicted and charged, but it was a tempting thought. Thalia went into many intimate details of her past that the world deserves to know - the mystery redhead was more than meets the eye. She was a person, just like anyone else.

Jordan Reeves, Roland Simmons, and Rami Younes? They're another story, human beings completely desensitized and transformed into savages consumed by a god complex. But Thalia Griffin? Nothing like them. She was just a girl trying to survive.

He spoke, "Only your younger brother, Charles Griffin, your friend, Karin Held, and an elderly foreign man who barely speaks a word of English, who we've only gathered as being a man named Marco, were found at the Encino mansion. You've claimed that your mother, Nicole Griffin, Jordan Redgrave, Joseph Held, Frank Hale, Tony Walsh, Jon Parker, and Fritzy - who you still have no name for - were also present in that house."

She sighed and scratched the back of her hand gently. "Like I said, I haven't a clue where they are." Thalia wasn't going to reveal the location or way to get into the bunker in an effort to protect her family. True, if she does, Charlie and her mother might be reunited, but James, Jon, Tony, and, most notably, Frank, would be arrested, which she wasn't going to let happen just like that. That was, on the slim chance that James didn't have an escape route inside the bunker. She was willing to bet on that. "You know... you still haven't told me where my brother is. If you can confirm it for me."

Honestly? Richie had no clue where Charlie was at the moment. But it seemed like Thalia had an idea, considering her usage of the word 'confirm'. Time for another test: "Well... where do you think he is?"

Thalia realized that this was on the record, and by revealing the name of Andrew Goodman, she might jeopardize Charlie's safety. It was better for Richie to do some digging. "Probably in some shitty foster home, because you cops don't care enough for an eight year old boy's life."

Given the confession was about to come to a close, Richie didn't scold her for slandering the department and letting her foul language slip. Instead... he sympathized for the eight year old boy, and gave a genuine nod. "Once we have a precise location, I will make sure the information is passed on to you. Wherever you are. But do you have any idea where the aforementioned individuals might be now? At least a potential location? Even if it's nothing certain."

The redhead bowed her head in disappointment, then shook her head slightly. "Not a clue. Fritzy bragged about having a lot of options in case of exposure, but wouldn't let me in on the loop."

"Did his girlfriend, Miss Held, get in on this 'loop'?"

"No. It was for our own safety that we didn't know." Maybe Karin did know, but she didn't want her to get hauled back in here for questioning."

Richie nodded. "Very well. And it was to me, after you regained consciousness, that you disclosed that Jordan Reeves was the new leader of Al-Asheera?"

"Yes."

"How did you put that together?"

"Fritzy found video footage of Reeves using a false name to take an elderly man suffering from Alzheimer's... Patrick Walsh, I think? He took him out of his nursing home. From there... I can't say for certain where the man was taken. What I can say is that there was video footage of Reeves being involved in the poor man's execution. Beheading. Sickening, right? Sounds like textbook Al-Asheera to me. He sent the box with the man's head to our doorstep with a threatening card with the Al-Asheera signature on it. Is that enough for confirmation?"

"How did Reeves know the location of your hideaway?"

Thalia froze. It brought her back to when James was yelling at everyone for their misfortunes, at how the group had been burned. And there was a good reason to be afraid. But the girl could only shake her head again. Yet another question she couldn't answer. "I don't know. Nobody is sure. Maybe we were followed on one occasion? I can't be sure."

The lack of a concrete response didn't bother Richie, as they'd gathered enough information as is. "Very well, Miss Griffin. You will be discharged tomorrow morning and taken to a temporary lockup location so we can ensure that nobody shows up to kill you. You will receive treatment for your injuries, and you'll stay there until your trial begins. On another note, we already have Reeves' face out there, and we are committing all of our resources to tracking him down before he can assemble another attack on the city."

"He won't," she cut him off. "The only attack he wants now is me dead. Or at least miserable and having nothing left to live for. He's not gonna attempt another stunt like the bomb threats."

"Hmph... Whatever you say, but we're not taking any chances. On topic, however, after we get a full transcript of your testimony, you will be asked to sign it, and it will be brought up and questioned on the day of your trial. Are you 100% sure that your story is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?"

It didn't take her long to nod and restate her current status, probably depicted more miserably than it should be. "I just want peace with my sins, Detective. Slowly but surely, I'm losing everything I love. My brother just watched me get shot after hearing I was a heartless thief in Philly. My mother probably won't want to look me in the eye ever again. A guy.... that I really liked, will never be mine. And I'll never have children in my life. All because I chose to join Al-Asheera. No duress or any of that shit. I joined by my own free will, and I'm ready to face the consequences for it. No more running or lying. Is that too hard to believe?"

It was tempting for Richie to refute it by replying Well, you are the mystery redhead, a notorious thief and swindler. Why the hell should we believe you? But no, he found her words to be nothing short of the truth. "Maybe not, Thalia. Maybe not." His head rotated back in the direction of the chief, sitting by the recording device. "Turn it off. We've got everything we need."

--

Who would've thought the one day Miranda keeps her distance from the news would be the one day that calamity shows up at her doorstep in the form of a convincing way out? Simply put? She hadn't read today's paper, nor did she tune in to the news to catch any reports, or even the mention of Sergeant Reeves on the news. It was a way for her to cope with her husband dashing back into action. Instead, the fact slipped Richard's mind, as he assumed she'd already known, or was at least keeping up with the news. She wasn't, and Miranda didn't even bother to check the peep hole to see who's at the door. But wasn't 'there was a threat on your life from a psychopathic criminal' enough of a reason to be careful? There's never been such a direct threat on Richie - he didn't even receive a menacing card in the mail like Frank and Tony had a week ago. Finally, what Karin was saying started to make sense. She covered her mouth in shame and disappointment, now that the truth about Reeves was confirmed. But why? Why would a police officer she'd known for years just... do that? Arm bombs around the city, behead a sick, elderly man, and even more given his connections to Al-Asheera?

She had to apologize to Karin for ever doubting her, but she was simply too shocked to compile a response...

But Miranda didn't even get a chance to speak in the midst of what'd come next. That older son of hers returned, running down the stairs in a state of panic, panting as he reached the final steps and swung around to reach his mother in the family room. He looked like he'd seen a ghost of sorts. Or possibly worse.

"Mom?" the boy's voice resonated concern, even fear, which greatly contradicted his braver side he'd exhibited for Karin. "Why is that corrupt cop from the news outside our house?"

At least Nathan was up to date with the news, but it shocked Miranda of all things. Her jaw dropped in astonishment at his words, the wording he'd used to describe Reeves, even though the sergeant had met their children on a few occasions. "Nate, didn't I tell you not to watch the news?"

"How can I not?" he retorted, almost annoyed that his mother could even ask that of him, after he'd been trying to show he was growing up. "It's all over the internet. Why is he outside? Is this about Dad?"

The mother was left at a loss for words. Karin might've been right after all. She didn't need more confirmation than that, but it was all too tempting to pick up her cell phone and confirm. But it seemed like Nathan had another form of confirmation. A perhaps more deadly one as he stepped closer to the window of the house to show the front yard. He parted the curtain slightly to take a look at the new vehicle outside, only opening it enough for himself to see. He didn't want to take the chance that there was a sniper outside that wanted to shoot his mom, happily ready to take the bullet first. His mom noticed this behavior as she was tapping away at her phone, eyes bugging out and nearly about to tear up. She shouted to her child, "Nathan, what are you doing? There is no sniper. You don't have to keep doing that."

She knew her son's behavior well enough, but unfortunately, it was something more threatening that caught Nathan's attention, and not a sniper. He quickly shut the curtains to avoid being spotted, then turned around to Karin and Miranda once again, this time, running in their direction, but this time, screaming, "GET DOWN!"

And there was a good reason for the sudden reaction, despite how confused Miranda was. She didn't even get a chance to speak, because Nathan had already tackled both women, one in each of his longer arms, and dropped them both to the ground, covering them as best as he could, and in the nick of time... because once the three hit the ground, the sound of heavy automatic gunfire began to spread across the entire neighborhood, along with broken glass shattering from that window that Nathan was just looking through. Bullets were flying into the house through the windows, some penetrating walls, and shattering whatever was in their way. The shots were spread all across the first floor of the house, and had Miranda and Karin still been standing, they would've been shredded by the shots. Fortunately getting down low got them out of the crossfires. Seems like Reeves didn't expect a 14 year old boy to be the hero in this case, saving his mother's life, along with another woman he'd just met.

Whimpering, Miranda tried to speak, frightened, over the sounds of the gunshots, mustering a few words between her temptation to scream. "W-What's happening?"

"That cop!" Nathan yelled over the noise. "He and his buddy have big guns! Automatic weapons, machine guns! He's trying to kill us!"

"Y-Your brother..."

"I told Jonas to hide under the bed! He should be safe there! We shouldn't be talking in case the shots stop so he thinks we're dead!"

Miranda was surprised at the vast knowledge of a worst case scenario from Nathan, and this true exhibit of bravery he'd just put on: getting his brother out of danger, then saving his mother and a total stranger? He was definitely years beyond his age, all because of the tragedy his father was involved in. The mother obeyed and remained silent, biting her lower lip to avoid anything more than a slight whimper coming out.

The shots continued for a solid minute. The magazines they had must've been massive to go on for that long. Had they not seen this coming, there's a good chance they'd all be dead. Poor Jonas, upstairs worried to death that his mom and brother weren't okay. Now was critical: they were done shooting, and all the Harts and Karin had to do was stay quiet so Reeves thinks he's exterminated Richie's family.

...

Indeed, Nathan's observation was on the nose: Reeves and this private driver of his - no more than an Al-Asheera operative - did have massive machine guns at hand, and extensively opened fire on a residential home. It wouldn't be long until someone in the neighborhood calls 911, so they had to act quick. A minute of showering the house should've been enough to wipe them out. Once his magazine was out, he lowered his weapon from his iron sights and let it hang over his body by the strap around his chest. He was doing precisely what Nathan anticipated: listening into see if there were still screams from a survivor to finish the job. He came for one thing: kill a detective's family in broad daylight.

And that's what it looked like. Not a single noise came from the house. Not from the two women inside, nor the brothers. Mission accomplished, it seems? He turned to his driver, nodding. "It is done. His Majesty in the heavens would be pleased."

The grin across the driver seemed maniacal and sinister more than anything else. "He would be, blessed be his name."

Time to return to business then: "Is the body of Jacob Griffin ready to broadcast?"

He nodded. "We've brought it to a new location and we are prepared to stream it across all television outlets. We shall call upon the true heir of Al-Ra's to take his rightful place. As a prince. A king, someday. Then, a god among men."

"That's the plan.... load up your weapon in the trunk. We need to make haste for the broadcast."

...

Nathan was attentively listening to any sort of sound to show that it was safe outside, keeping Karin and Miranda's heads down into the rug beneath them. His head was slightly lifted to keep a listen outside. He was still surprised at his own strength to keep the two women down like that. Perhaps that would be a true showing of his strength. Maybe his mother would take him seriously, for once. But for now, his focus was paying attention to noises outside. The distant voices he could not discern. The clicking of a weapon's safety going back on. A trunk door being thrown open, then shut. Then two front doors opening, then closing. An engine turning on, and the sounds of a car, getting louder at first, then slowly becoming distant, until it was gone. That vehicle he'd seen outside that he ran downstairs to check: it must be gone. Now was a time to risk it: standing up.

"Stay here," he whispered as he took to his feet once again, springing into action, keeping crouched, and stepping closer to the curtain, now riddled with holes, the glass completely shattered. Fortunately, not much glass of the broken window or shredded objects around the house fell on the three of them. They were safe from any shrapnel, but the house was covered in bullet holes and a good bunch of their belongings in the kitchen, foyer, and family room were eviscerated by the attack. It frightened Miranda to watch Nathan get close to that window, in case a man lingered behind. But he parted the remains of the curtain all the same, took a look outside in a similar, sneaky manner, then returned his gaze to his mother and their guest, giving them a nod and speaking in a normal voice:

"It's safe."

Indeed. A 14 year old trying to be a hero like his father had just saved the lives of two defenseless adults.

--

The lie Damien had given to save his own skin was coming closer and closer to being eliminated. Seemed easy enough, right? Kill Vicky, she doesn't go crying to Al-Asheera about him. They'll assume it's business as usual, unless they text or call to catch up on how things are going. If everything is okay. That was a risk Damien was willing to take, because his backup babysitter preferred it if Angie stayed with her. It would be something as simple as a phone call to make seem convincing, and boom. Angie is out of the house, and if Al-Asheera comes by to try to kill her, they will have no clue where she'd gone. All of this hinging on if Vicky doesn't get wise and see through James' facade and kills him first. But how likely was that? He may look rather out of place in that delivery suit, but it's reality. Somethings out of place are just more normal than they seem. He was, after all. He was a normal person among Al-Asheera, after all.

Running down the plan, most of it seemed normal. Almost in and out, but Damien, as expected, had his concerns. Ones he was prepared to address simply to keep Angie as far away from this as possible. He didn't want her to accidentally go downstairs and see her babysitter licking the carpet. Or see the disposal of the body. Which provoked his first question:

"How do you plan on making sure that body doesn't get left there?" he asked. "I swear, if Angie even sees her babysitter dead in the comfort of her own home, whether it was an accident or not, she'll be horrified. And I said before, I'll say again: she doesn't get involved. I don't want a bunch of cops coming in here, asking her questions, especially not ones about me, or a mailman who showed up and shot her babysitter in the basement. She might notice, you know. So I hope you had disposal of the body thought out."

That was item one on the list. Another thing came up from James' words towards the end. He shook his head. "I said Angie doesn't get involved. That means we don't take her anywhere she doesn't know of already, and she doesn't see any dead bodies. Most importantly, she doesn't see or hear from me unless it's to tell her that her new babysitter is coming because Vicky had a family emergency and had to leave in a pinch. So no, I'm not coming down there to go pick her up and bring her to some safehouse and have her sit in a panic circle with those other kids you have tangled up in this. She doesn't deserve to have that happen because of me, and it's one less mouth for you to feed. My condition was keep her out of this, and that's a must. Business as usual for her. She thinks I'm in Sacramento, so I'm not teleporting to her out of nowhere to make things look off. And then there's the obvious: No death, no tragedy. She lost her mother, could lose her father. Have you no mercy?"

Was there more to say other than to let the plan roll out as he said? All he was worried about was Angie seeing something she shouldn't. It might've been a chance he had to take and hope she doesn't leave her bedroom. But there was his stretch of the truth: Vicky didn't have Al-Asheera tattoos, but she must be armed and well-trained. She could get suspicious at the early drop-off and draw her weapon, making things get far messier than they should be. Or she could take this lightly and know Damien isn't involved. After all, he wasn't even going to show his face, as he'd specified. Once again, chances. All he did now was nod to James, giving him the okay to go inside. "Best of luck in there. Five minutes, and I'll take a look. But I don't think you'll need that long. Remember: Angie doesn't see anything more than a buff delivery man dropping off her father's bed to the basement. Okay?"
 
"You've asked for how you want this to work, Damien. Now I'm politely going to tell you to watch your tone." He said, simply. It could go as far as he wanted - but to say that he'd dragged other kids into this, almost on purpose, and that he may not have had a heart beating in his chest? Maybe it was a little too close to home to chance saying to a man that was willing to fold the car in half at over a hundred miles an hour. "Things will be fine. Sometimes you need to make room for error, and that's just the way it is. I'm not saying I'm going to go out of my way to make your sister see everything that happens, but, all I'm saying is that if she does, it's either that, or her getting killed by this bitch that's sat in there with her. What would you rather? See the bigger picture like I am. Young kids forget all about this sort of thing if it's traumatic enough. Suppressed memories, and all that." He waved a hand.

"It'll be fine. Go off without a hitch, and before you know it, this little problem will be well and truly out of your hair, once and for all. And before too long? Al-Asheera themselves will be completely obliterated. It's simple as that, you see?" He smiled and winked at him. "I'll be seeing you, Damien. I'll send my regards when the time comes down to it." He patted his shoulder. "I'll take care of the body. You worry about Angie." He said.

And with that, he hopped out the van and walked to the back, pulling the back doors open and eventually pulling out a massive fucking box. It was heavy as shit, but he didn't care. He was going to have to drag it all the way to the front door, though, which is just what he did. Safe to say, he broke a sweat while doing it. He got to the front door of the house eventually, though, and he reached out and gave a few sharp knocks on the door. He brought the box around so that it was in a position suitable to him, and one where whoever opened the door was going to have to help move the box up the steps. He doubted he could manage that himself, anyway.

At least James was an unfamiliar face. She wasn't going to recognize him from anywhere, so hopefully that would gain some subliminal trust from her almost instantly. As far as she was concerned, no one knew about the little deal she'd offered Damien - and technically, they still didn't - so would this really seem all that out of character?

James could only stand back and hope that that wasn't going to be the case. If it was, he'd have the hidden gun in the box to cap her ass immediately, if she tried anything. Sure, that would result in Angie eventually seeing something if the sitter had to be gunned down at the front door, but, that was the worst case scenario. Things would go off just fine.

--

Karin certainly wasn't expecting it. Nathan came downstairs and confirmed everything, but on top of that? He saved her life, and his mom's, and his own, and probably his brother's, too. He saved everyone in that heat-of-the-moment move. Karin was impressed, but at the same time terrified by the gunfire that riddled the house. Bullets passed over their head, but, they were in a blind spot. They weren't going to be hit from where they were sat, and that was the best thing about what Nathan had done. Things would be okay. She just laid back and let it happen, refusing to do as much as make a sound. Her hands went to her stomach - the baby would be fine. She hadn't landed face down - it was an uncomfortable slam down on her hip, but she was a woman in good health. She'd get over it.

As soon as it all stopped and the sound of a car driving away was heard, Nathan was, of course, up on his feet and checking yet again - he filled the role of man of the house quite well, she thought. Hopefully he'd grow into a great man one day, just like his father. She just hoped he wouldn't choose the cop career - she was stressed enough by it, and she didn't even have a loved one that was a cop, for god's sake. Even so, right now, there was no time for apologies. She wanted one, definitely - a scrawny white woman sent in to kidnap and kill three people? What a joke. But she wasn't going to hang onto it. She'd let it go. For now. Now the most important thing was getting them out of here.

When Nathan returned and gave them the all-clear, she got up and grabbed his shoulders, letting out a tiny laugh of pure disbelief. She'd never been shot at before. She hugged him. She hugged him like there was no tomorrow. "Nathan. Thank you." She coughed. "Oh my god." She patted his back a few times. "I didn't... I'm glad you saw that coming. You've, um..." She pulled away. "You saved more than just me and your mom." She rested a hand against the surface of her stomach and offered Nathan another tiny smile. "Really. Thank you." She said. "Look, we need to get out of here." She whispered. "That's why I came here in the first place, to get you guys somewhere safe. Looks like I was a few minutes too late, almost, but, we're gonna' be just fine." She said

"Go get your brother, okay? The less time we stay here, the better."

She turned to Miranda and held a hand out to her, offering her some assistance in getting up off the floor.

"You okay?" She asked, quietly.
 
At this point, Damien had no choice but to sit back and shut up. He was in no place to be making many demands, unless it was something urgent James needed to know regarding safety. But to James' knowledge? All the babysitter had in mind was to call the police. What normal babysitter would be an immediate threat, probably carrying a weapon, too? A cell phone wasn't going to be that menacing of a threat to a man like James, so there wasn't much Damien could reveal besides the obvious to keep Angie as far away from this as possible. Now, all he could hope for was that the kill happens in the basement, where it could be cleaned up rather easily.

Besides looking a tad out of place, James was pulling off a convincing show of dragging the box along. Heavy, as it should be for a 'bed'. Damien watched for as long as he could up until he pulled himself into the back of the van, now in a position where he'd barely be able to see what was going on at his front door. Enough to catch James standing their and knock on the door. Moment of truth... hoping that Angie was in her room, music in her ears, unable to even hear the knock, and Vicky answering the door without a rousing suspicion. How could she? This was just an innocent mail delivery, complete down to every letter. So long as Damien didn't show his face, which he didn't and wouldn't, this had no potential for failure. And if it did? Angie was his priority. He'd dash in there, blowing his cover about being in Sacramento, and keep her safe. Acting like the hero she always wanted, keeping his promise to keep her safe after the parental figures in her life became absent in the course of a year. Poor girl, quite honestly. And with Damien living under the fear of Al-Asheera finding him and harming her? That made it worse. A fear now fulfilled with the rat inside his house right now.

Seconds passed, nothing...

...Until the front door cracked open, and rather than a grown woman picking up... it was the very black-haired 11-year-old girl who'd accompanied Damien at the restaurant yesterday, slowly opening the door to reveal herself - holding an iPad in her arms, a red headband in her hair to match her shirt, and an innocent look in her eyes to show that she was no threat. She glared up at James in confusion at the new face, and Damien watched over from a distance. That was what he was fighting for: her safety and betterment. So that Al-Asheera never abduct her and do to her what they'd done to Al-Jameela. Ra's might be gone, but that didn't mean that Reeves wasn't sick enough to pull off the same sins and Roland Simmons - lust over a young girl while he was married with children just for some sick satisfaction. He'd give his own life so that Angie would never be that object of pleasure for a sick madman like that. It did disappoint the ex-clansman that Angie was right in the crosshairs, but he could safely hope she'd go back to her room, headphones on, and zone out once again. She did have the tablet in her arms. She might've simply been closer to get the door.

Angie noticed the large box by the door. She was tall for an 11-year-old, but the box looked massive all the same. She could take a good guess as to what's inside; it was a moment she'd been waiting for for so long. Part of a smile appeared on her face as she turned her head to the inside and called, "Vicky! The delivery man for Daddy's bed is here!"

A distant female voice called out, "Be right there!"

The girl turned back around to James to speak to him in the meantime. "I'm sorry... my brother told me that we'd be getting the bed soon, but he's not in town. He did tell me that you should put it in the basement. I'm..." she hesitated for a moment to get a look at the massive box again. "That box looks kinda big to hold for me. I wish my brother were here to hold that. He was always really strong. Taller than me. But he's in Sacramento for a tryout to get into a movie. Pretty cool, right?"

Typical Angie. Damien could tell she'd become talkative to the stranger, who she didn't seem to identify as intimidating, thankfully. He couldn't make out her words, but at least there was no harm done to her since that threatening call earlier. Now he was just hoping that babysitter shows her face soon, and his sister goes back to her room. Her being present was a complication that the two didn't need.

--

That minute of terror hiding under a shower of bullets was probably the longest Nathan and Miranda had endured in their life. They've never been under direct fire from an assailant before; Richie had done a great job at shielding his family from the harsher side of his work. What he didn't anticipate was Roland Simmons' threat actually being serious, and one carried out so quickly. How did he communicate his cry for help? Was it before he even faced the man who would be his killer? It must've been, unless the right-hand man could communicate from the dead. At least the source of Tony's dirty little secret was forever gone at the hands of death. What was fortunately not taken by those very hands was a pair of young boys and their mother, all thanks to the instincts of a 14 year old boy who assumed the role of the man of the house, then took it upon himself to save the lives of people he cares about, and even a woman he'd just met. Did he consider being a cop after having that accomplishment on his belt? For a short moment... but it still bothered him about where being a cop had lead his father. He didn't want to be potentially immobile and need assistance forever. But if a situation like this presented itself? No matter what his mother says or forbids, he will act, which he did when he tackled the two women and told them to duck and cover.

Once the three had all stood up, a hug from Karin was the last thing Nathan would've expected, and even didn't react all that much in the beginning besides a light wrap of his arms around her to show a response. She thanked him accordingly, admired his heroism, and even emphasized that she had a child on the way that he'd saved as well. Once again, this boosted his morale and made him feel even further accomplished. When it came to helping kids, he really only had his brother to do that for. Now? He saved a child that wasn't even conceived a week ago. For that, he managed to crack a smile as well right back at her.

The shocked mother watched over the two, her arms around her stomach in absolute shock and disbelief. Nathan had just saved her life in some frantic effort that she would've never seen coming. She had to ask, her voice shaking as she tried ignore the walls covered in holes around her and the pictures of the family now shattered and damaged, "W-Where did you learn to do that, Nathan?"

He turned to his mother, clearly shaking off whatever feelings of distress he had in favor of a primal instinct for survival. "TV. I've watched a lot of action movies with Dad this summer. And I've... learned a thing or two."

She gasped. "Life is not a TV show or a movie, young man."

"I know," he sighed. "But I was... scared. I thought they were going to shoot at us, and it turns out I was right. They're gone now, so we can leave now. But fast. They're not in sight, so I don't think they're following us."

"Is this more that you've learned from your action movies?" she groaned, perhaps a bit annoyed at that excuse.

Hesitantly, Nathan nodded. "I'm sorry, Mom."

But unlike other apologies... this one was unnecessary. The next thing she did was step closer and embrace her son, holding his face close to her body. "Dear, you saved our lives, and even your brother's. That's not something to be sorry for." She let out a sigh of exhaustion as she parted from her son, despite how he was gripping to her so close. They'd almost lost each other, had he not peeked out the window. "Now... go. Check on your brother, and bring your bags down. You said we can't stay here, right?"

He nodded as he stepped back in the direction of the stairs. "Yeah. I'll do that."

With that, the teenager darted off, swinging around the rails of the stairs to go check on the little brother he'd told to hide under the bed. Fortunately, Jonas was okay as well, as the gunfire was concentrated on the first floor, and not so much the second. No doubt the younger son was terrified at the loud booming sounds from downstairs, and was probably curled up beneath his bed covering his ears in a fetal position to protect himself and trying not to scream, another order Nathan had given him. Fortunately, both Hart boys and their mother were safe and sound. All they needed to do was get out of there was soon as possible.

Now it was just Karin and Miranda again, the mother looking back to the mother-to-be, still in shock at what she'd just witnessed, how she nearly died just minutes ago.

"I'm alright," she said, "And I apologize. I wasn't aware that the sergeant was the new leader of Al-Asheera, but clearly, my son was more aware of the issue than I was. He came at the right time, and saved our lives. Including your child's..." Miranda winced at the thought of all of them dying, had her son not been paying attention at just the right time. Maybe watching all of those action movies came in handy for once. A young hero among them. Thalia would've related very closely, seeing how she'd been trained under Ra's to fight like a professional right about at Nathan's age. What was the older woman thinking... a woman like Karin, here to wipe them out? If so, it would've been unprofessional at best, a failure at worst. "I made a bad call by not trusting you. At least about the immediate danger to our lives. At this point, it doesn't matter if we get these benefits you speak of or not. Now, the safety of my family is on the line. And if you're offering somewhere safe that we can stay for the time being, we will come. Nathan is going to get his brother and bring their bags. I don't need much myself. But we will come with you. I'm sure Nathan won't have any questions about it. Jonas? He might be scared, but with his brother, I'm sure he'll be okay."

The change of attitude might've come too late, but at least it wasn't the point of no return. All four of them survived the shooting, and Reeves was long gone now. They had a window that they had to take, and fast, before the corrupt sergeant or one of his underlings returns and discovers the job was unfinished.
 
Much to his displeasure, a young girl was the one who opened the door and looked at him - and even started to speak to him. Better yet, though? She knew of the bed, and by calling out that she knew of it, she only helped seal the fate of the babysitter. After all, James was no man to not trust. His face was in no papers, and anywhere he'd been? His face hadn't been seen, mainly because there were no survivors to see it. But here he was, posing as a fucking mailman and hoping that things would work out okay. It was only a matter of time before he pulled the trigger again.

He promised himself, once this Al-Asheera business was done, he'd put the guns away and never take them out for a job like this again. Maybe teaching Joseph how to shoot, or for home defense, but that was it. No more funny business, no more hush money. No more innocent lives lost. The young girl, Angie, was talkative - but he had his excuses ready.

"A movie tryout, huh? Now that's pretty awesome." He said. "I would let you help, but, my company won't allow it. If you got hurt helping me move something like this, I could get in a lot of trouble. Lose my job and everything." He said. "So, if there's an adult in the house, that'd be great. But hey, tell your brother that the mail-guy wishes him good luck with his audition." He gave a faux but believable smile and a thumbs up to the young girl. He knew the babysitter was in here somewhere.

Now it was just a matter of getting it down to the basement and hoping that Angie would piss off back upstairs.

He hoped that the thing about a kid not being allowed to help him (or accept a parcel of such weight overall) would fly with her and give her the hint to go back to whatever she was doing before she came to open the door. James had a silenced weapon, so all she really needed to do was put some headphones on and she'd be none the wiser to what was about to happen.

--

"It's okay, seriously." Karin waved a hand. "I get why you didn't trust me - but like you said, now the most important thing is making sure you and the kids are safe, so, that's what we're going to do. Don't worry about Jonas - I'll put his mind at ease. If you and his brother both openly show you trust me, too..." He paused. "To make things easier, you could introduce me as a friend of yours. Hopefully I won't freak him out too much that way." She smiled. "My house, like I said, is nice and tucked away - my name isn't on any lists, either. All I would have looked like to Reeves is an innocent bystander." He said.

She looked over her shoulder, "While you and the kids get ready, I'm going to sneak out the back and go around to the front again - I'll turn the car around and pull up out front. You just need to run out and jump in as quick as you can. I'll leave the trunk a little open so you can throw all your stuff in there quickly." She explained. "I'll see you in a minute. I'll keep an eye out for anyone who might be coming the other way. If you get outside and you see I've got my head down, just hide and wait for the all clear. I doubt they'll come back so soon, though - police are on their way, so we need to move quick before they get here, otherwise they're just going to hold us up." She said.

There were sirens in the distance. They didn't have long to act, so she ran through the house and out the back door, where she looked around and went over the street to get her car. She hopped in, spun it around, and immediately pulled up out front of the house, with half the car parked up on the sidewalk.

Hurry, Miranda, she thought to herself.

Part of her was looking forward to meeting Jonas - he was a similar age to Joseph, after all, and she did have quite the soft spot for younger kids. She was sure that he'd have something to look forward to. Joseph had his Xbox at the old house which he didn't really play all that much in the first place - so that would at least be something for Jonas to do.
 
A fake mailman with a fake, but all the more convincing, attitude, was enough to put a smile on the face of a preteen who had spent the past week of her summer bored out of her mind. Games and electronics died hard for her, and her current babysitter was also forcing herself to be close, which had only pushed Angie away further. So, the company of a total stranger, even if it was just the man bringing in a simple bed, was entertaining enough. Even if that company was spent hearing him give her simple pity remarks about her brother's alleged 'audition', and giggling and smiling to him as she waits for her babysitter to come from wherever she was. Judging by the distance and the sound of her voice, Angie could guess it was nothing more than a stop at the bathroom. Nothing suspicious about that. It's not like an 11-year-old needed eyes on her 24/7.

Steps were heard from not far after a few seconds, and the little girl turned around, calling out, "Oh, here she is." Angie took a step to her left to give way to the older woman stepping into the foyer. Not too old, probably no older than Thalia or Karin by appearances alone. Her hair looked to be a significantly lighter shade of red than that of the mystery redhead herself, tied back into a ponytail. She looked rather slim, not bulky unlike other Al-Asheera brutes. It didn't look like she were a fighter, though, but rather a woman who takes care of her appearances. Her eyes were light blue a thick lining of makeup on the outside. Her outfit was an innocent as it could be for a young Cali woman: tank top, skinny jeans, and sandals. No visible tattoos to give away that she's Al-Asheera, either. Reeves clearly had sleepers at the ready for a situation like this: people hidden so deep under with no indication of their allegiance, just to pop up at the right hour. And this woman, Vicky Morris, was one of them, and closer than The Hidden could've ever guessed to perfect.

Much like Angie, the babysitter saw nothing suspicious in James upon a first glance. Just a mailman, nothing more or less. Who would've thought a change of outfit would go so far? She nodded to him and told him, "Hello, just a minute," before directing her attention to Angie, kneeling before her with her hands over the girl's shoulders. "Hey, what do you say we watch a movie together after I deal with this? One of those old ones that your brother has kept in his room?"

"You mean the ones he says I'm not supposed to watch?" Angie grew a quick grin over her face. Damien had promised to let her watch a classical film for ages, only for him to be busy in his Al-Asheera hunt. So, this came as a surprise.

Vicky nodded. "You get to pick which one. I'm sure Damien won't mind while he's in Sacramento... I mean, if we don't tell him." She quick placed a finger over the little girl's lips and gave her a "Shhh" noise to symbolize that they would keep this a secret...

But in that extension of an arm, it exposed an unusual lump in the back of Vicky's top, something stuffed into the back of her jeans, out of Angie's sight. It could easily be seen as a weapon, concealed in case of a worst case scenario, especially after she'd given Damien his ultimatum. She had a weapon at the ready, a sign to be concerned. Why would a woman who's merely threatening to call the police be carrying a weapon? No visible Al-Asheera tattoos, but if her back were to be revealed, it would show one similar to Thalia's hand tattoo, except at the tip of her spinal cord. Out of sight, out of mind, Reeves believed. Having tattoos out in the open as Ra's liked was far too obvious. This new leader wanted to be inconspicuous, and that, with the new recruits and his appointed sleepers, they were.

Angie giggled at the idea of secrecy and nodded. "It's our little secret. I'll go pick one. Thanks, Vicky!" She cheered before she turned away from the delivery and dashed off to her brothers room. With the little girl out of the way, the babysitter stood up from her place and faced the fake delivery man. Still, no suspicion from her.

"I suppose you're looking for Damien Romanos. He's not here, unfortunately, out of town on some movie audition. I'm responsible for the house in the meantime, and I believe he gave me permission to accept the parcel?"

She seemed ready to carry the heavy box with bed parts, and was acting polite to the total stranger. Things would change the second he pulls a weapon on her.

--

Sirens were blaring from the distance, and that prompted the Harts to get their belongings and leave. It went against everything Richie had told his family to do in a worst case scenario, but in reality? What were they going to do to explain this? The man of the house wasn't supposed to be on duty, and then his house gets eviscerated in a brutal drive-by? What would a stay-at-home mother and two boys be able to say about that? It was a miracle they were even alive. Had Karin not shown up, and had Nathan not seen Reeves from his brother's window, they would've probably been together having lunch downstairs, and would've eaten a good amount of bullets, unfortunately. Luck was on their side, and Miranda wasn't going to push hers. Would she rather stick around and explain the story to the police, and let her sons be honest as well? Obviously. But just minutes ago, she witnessed a cop that she trusted, along with a buddy of his, pull out two heavy machine guns and rain hell on their humble abode. It's experiences like that that make a person distrust the police, and now? The only cop this woman was trusting was her husband, wherever he was now.

The boys were packed up and ready, and Miranda was going to pack light. As Karin waited around in her car, parked closer and ready for the pickup, the nearly shattered door to the home finally cracked open, and out emerged the older boy, Nathan, along with his little brother, a shorter boy that resembled his brother with neatly combed hair hanging down halfway to his forehead, dressed simply in a pair of jeans shorts and a t-shirt, unfortunately, keeping his glance to the ground, clearly uneasy. Poor Jonas had spent a solid minute hiding under his bed, obeying his brother's request not to scream in something bad happens. He still hadn't seen Karin yet, and all he knew so far was that someone tried to hurt him and his family. Not quite something to tell a 10 year old boy, but after he was quite literally shot at, there was no way to really sugarcoat it. Nathan emphasized they had to get out, and fast. Miranda followed behind the boys, both of their suitcases in each hand, and a large backpack on her back carrying her belongings. Nathan would've helped, but he opted to give his brother moral support. Part of being the man of the family meant supporting his own, just as it was being the muscle, which he'd shown earlier.

"Hey, Jo, it's gonna be okay, hm? The bad people are gone. They think they got what they wanted, but guess what? We tricked them?" Nathan was trying his best to give Jonas the encouragement he needed, but sadly, not getting very far.

"Did they want Daddy?" he whimpered, rotating his head to Nathan as they got closer to the car.

Nathan sighed and shook his head. "I don't know. But whatever they came for, they didn't get it. Now, we met a lady who's going to get us away from this. I mean... our house was shot up, so we can't stay."

"But... the police? Daddy said we should wait for them if something like this happens."

"I know. But it was..." Nathan almost revealed that it was a police officer that shot the house to pieces. But that would scare him further. With their father as a detective, and Tony Walsh as a close family friend, how would Jonas trust anyone? "It was a bad person who might've betrayed the police. We can't trust he's listening in to us. Like those movies I showed you about the person turning his back on the police and always knowing their next move?"

Jonas nodded as he watched his brother open the car door for him.

"Yeah. So we can't let them know we were here, or the bad guy who shot our house will know he didn't get what he wanted. That's why we're going to stay somewhere else for a short time."

"Doesn't that make us more suspicious if we're out of the house for a while?"

He did bring up a good point. Nathan could only shake his head as he pulled himself and his brother inside. "Yes. Yes, it does. But we just need to get out of here..." He placed a few fingers under Jonas' chin to direct his attention to the driver. "This is the woman that's going to drive us somewhere else for a bit. It's like we're living in the movies where we have to stay somewhere safe. Okay?"

With one look at Karin, Jonas immediately let out a soft whimper and a wince. He found the strange looking woman scary and didn't want to make eye contact with her. While Nathan went on about bad people, Jonas couldn't help but interpret her as one as he buried his face in his brother's lap. He didn't trust Karin, and for a good reason. He was just shot at, after all. How could he trust anyone besides the brother of his that'd saved his life?

Meanwhile, as the boys conversed, Miranda was busy loading up the trunk of Karin's vehicle with their belongings. Although she looked like a packmule carrying them, and did take a while to stack them inside to make the car ride lower than it should, she managed to hold her own and hurried into the seat beside Karin. Slamming the door, she quickly turned her head to the back to see her boys as she strapped her seatbelt on.

"Seatbelts, boys," she reminded them. "We'll be home soon. I promise you that."

It wasn't quite a promise she could keep. Nathan already knew it wasn't something that could be done 'soon'. Whether or not Jonas could tell the difference was uncertain with his face against his brother's lap. The mother could see the distress in the boy, and seeing an edgy figure like Karin wasn't going to help him stay calm. She'd have to give the younger boy a talk later, all while hoping Nathan doesn't collapse under the pressure of his man-of-the-house mentality. Once she had finished her words, she nodded to Karin, giving her an indirect signal that they were ready to move.
 
And there she was. The woman that James had been waiting to see this whole time. Vicky. She seemed simple enough - friendly enough, too. Better yet, she didn't seem to suspect him in the slightest. To her, he was just another mailman that was here to drop off a package, and that was all. This was the woman threatening to call the police, huh? He would have fully believed that... If he didn't see the weapon she had tucked away. The first question he had to ask was why the fuck was a babysitter, looking after an 11-year-old girl, carrying a gun around like that? What was the point? If she was going to leave the police to deal with trouble, then why would she need such a thing? It's not like she'd just shoot Damien, is it?

Or would she shoot Angie, instead?

He wasn't sure, but there were two possibilities - Damien hadn't been completely straight with him about who this person was, or... Well, she was hiding what sort of person she was all together. But today. Now. Why the gun? Why even have it out like that? What if Angie saw it? It'd cause a mass panic, no doubt, but James knew he couldn't get caught up on that.

Angie was a sweet kid - she didn't need to be dragged into all of this. And she certainly didn't need to be with someone who was harboring a dark secret of some sort, for all he knew. She needed to be somewhere far safer - with someone trustworthy. He could only hope Damien knew someone that wasn't a liar, or wasn't hiding something, or wouldn't do anyone any harm or wouldn't call the police. There were a lot of boxes to tick, it seemed.

Before he knew it, she was talking to him.

"Hm? Yeah, you can accept the parcel. Doesn't need signing for seeing as it's just a bed." He said, smiling. "Delivery note, though... Damien wants it in the basement, I believe? The little one who answered the door said the same thing. It's pretty heavy, so, I'm happy to give you a hand." He said.

And wtih that, down to the basement they went. It was a lot fo work, and Vicky had to be the first one to start going down the stairs, but that didn't matter. He helped her with the heavy-lifting. When he thought about it, if he dropped the bed on her, she'd hit the basement floor like a sack of shit, and that alone would probably break her ribs and crush some internal organs, but he knew that would be far too noisy. He brushed the basement door shut behind him using his shoulder and carried on helping her down.

He could shoot her in the back. Or he could shoot her through the box and put her on the floor there and then.

Trying to shoot her in the back imposed too much risk. She'd be in his blind spot for too long - the safest thing was to shoot her head-on, take away any risk before there was a chance to act on it. Of course.

He put the box down, supposedly, and nodded to her. "Alright, let's just slide it over to that wall there and that should be just fine, I think." He smiled, nodding to the wall behind her, and in the split-second she may have been looking over there, his hand wrapped around the gun that he had inside the box - in one quick movement he angled it exactly where he wanted it to be and pulled the trigger.

The muffled shot was only further muffled as any and all sound was trapped in the cardboard box. A bullet tore through the cardboard and struck Vicky in the stomach. Exactly what he wanted. Fatal, but not instantly. And on top of that, getting shot in the stomach was like taking a knee to the chest - all the wind left your body. You couldn't scream, couldn't holler for help. It was all going to be a silent process.

Even if she screamed... Chances are it wouldn't be heard.

As soon as she hit the floor, he shunted the box forward, and subsequently dropped the box on top of her, pinning her to the floor with its sheer weight. Ouch, he thought.

He moved around the side and pressed the silenced pistol again her forehead.

"I know you're armed. Don't try it." He whispered. "If you try to scream I double-tap you without a second thought. I wouldn't test it." He said. "Now... Who the fuck are you?" He asked. "What sort of babysitter carries a gun?" He asked, quietly.

--

It was almost time to go. They were on their way to the car. Jonas looked scared, understandably, and Karin knew she was going to have to say something to soothe whatever fears he was having. He just went through something dreadfully traumatic, so, it was going to take some time to wear down the walls he'd put up. But she'd dealt with a kid his age for... Well, for a while now, considering her brother was just about the same age. Jonas looked innocent enough, and she had to keep in mind that Joseph was probably significantly tougher. After all, he'd been having injections two or three times a day since he was five, and also learned how to do them himself and mainly did them on his own now. It took balls to be able to stab yourself with a needle before every meal you ate. Even though that didn't compare to getting shot at... It was still one of those things that would make your nerve a little harder to bend.

But here they were, all in the car. Karin turned into the back and looked at the two boys, but first, she decided it was best to drive instead of talk. They were on the move. Immediately after, there were cop cars coming onto the street. But they luckily just blended in with your standard traffic, so they weren't stopped. They were safe to continue their journey.

It didn't take long, either. In less than half an hour they'd made it across to where Karin lived in Encino, in the comfortable little suburb with quiet life and pretty simple things going on, like kids, young and old, playing soccer out in the streets. It was a friendly enough place, and soon they arrived at the house with the red door and no car in the driveway. She pulled up in there, and finally, the engine went off. Relax. They were fine now, nothing to worry about. But Jonas? Was he still scared? Karin had to reassure him somehow, now that they were in the clear from the cops.

She looked into the back again.

"Hey, Jonas?" She said. "Look, honey, I know you're probably pretty scared right now - Hear me out, okay?" She said, softly. She was going to have to tell a little white lie here just to get him to trust her that little bit more, but, it was worthwhile. "I work with your dad. I'm one of the undercover people he's got helping out on the case he's working on. He was actually doing an interview at the hospital before I came to get you - He's not hurt, though, don't worry." She said. "I offered to come and pick you guys up and bring you somewhere safe. This is just my house, though. Nothing too scary, right?" She laughed a tiny bit. "I actually have a little brother that's about your age. He's not here right now - he's staying with my boyfriend at the minute, but, he won't mind if you have his room for a little while." She explained.

"Your dad's gonna' know exactly where you are, so there's nothing to worry about there. It's just a matter of making sure you're somewhere extra-safe. What happened, back at your house? That won't happen here, I promise." She said. Time to sweeten the deal just a tiny bit, "My brother, he has an Xbox, a PlayStation, in his room. He's got a stack of games for them that he doesn't really play. Like, at all." She laughed, "So, I'm sure he wouldn't mind if you wanted to play either of those once you're all settled in. Your brother can have a room right next to yours, too, and your mom will be just across the hallway, so, all your family's gonna' be close by. It's not a big house, after all." She explained.

"How about we go inside? I'll show you and your brother around so you can both get a feel for the place." She said.
 
The Jackal's Mansion

An unlikely scenario for Tony, at this point, was any sort of connection or interaction with the Griffin family, or at least whatever was left of it that wasn't dead, arrested, or probably with child services. Especially with the guilt and blood on his hands. His actions served as the catalyst to the suffering of many - Thalia getting arrested, Charlie frightened by a SWAT team, Jenny killed by his own hand, and Nicole separated from her children for what was approaching a whole day - for a woman whose daughter was missing for eight years, she wasn't taking the loss of them both very well emotionally. And that internal breakdown is what started her advancement towards the seasoned ex-detective. She seemed nervous, as any distressed mother would be. The motherly qualities Nicole had exhibited to others were ones Tony had never seen nor experienced. The closest he'd ever come to a mother's love was Sam's mother, who was killed in a brutal beheading in her home in Philadelphia so long ago. The gruesome details about the reality of this, now clear to Tony, were still unnerving, even moreso that Sam really was working for Al-Asheera, and had to be put down. Despicable, but necessary. Like him, Nicole's family had been turned upside down at the hands of the gang of thieves, her daughter inducted, her husband murdered, and her son the true heir to the throne. Much like many others, Tony didn't want to see young Charlie standing in the shoes that Ra's had in 15 years time. And at such a young age, he could be easily brainwashed to be just like the rest of The Ten in no time. Now that he was safely in Jon's hands, that possibility was now less likely. A relief for his mother.

But it wasn't Charlie that she sought counsel for. It was her firstborn, whose sins were already written and recognized by the law. Some proven, some nothing more than fabrications. And it was these crimes that Nicole had come forward to discuss.

"Detective Walsh?"

She had a habit of referring to strangers by their family names rather than first. She had no connection or relationship to Tony before this point. She merely knew him as a detective who found himself in the same web as her daughter, and was losing his family in the process. She was unaware of Tony and Thalia's unusual relationship, one that included everything from strings of abuse to saving each other's lives. Best she not hear of the former. After having stared out a window of the mansion to the pastures beyond for quite some time, the female voice attracted Tony's attention and had him spinning on his heels to face the older woman. "Mrs. Griffin?"

Likewise, Tony maintained his formality, much like he'd do if Nicole were a witness to a crime that he'd been interviewing. Except there was no note-taking or interrogating. This time, it was the detective who'd be answering questions. Worried about Nicole already knowing about how Tony had treated her daughter prior to her arrival, he tried to remain calm and suppress his worried side. The school teacher took a better look at the detective's facial structures and saw a resemblance to an image she still couldn't eject from her thoughts. She froze in place as they stood face to face as she equated the similarities to one conclusion: the elderly man's head that had shown up in a box just yesterday? He was related to Tony. She gasped, covering her mouth with a single hand. "Mon dieu..." She didn't let the shock distract her entirely. "P-Pardon me, Detective. I..." The mighty and condescending Nicole Griffin stuttering? That would've been a sight for her class of 5th graders to see. She was always so composed and ready to argue back with any rebellious child in the class. But seeing a severed head in a box, then seeing the man's son? How else could she handle this without becoming informal? "My sincerest condolences for your father. That poor man... Nobody deserves to spend their final moments in such agony."

Tony was well aware that Nicole was the first to see his father's head in the package. She must be battling an army of demons in her head to be able to construct a proper sentence coherently. And she seemed to do fine, up until now. He let out a sigh in response, bowing his head slightly. He was still hurting, aching over the fact that a friend of his had the nerve to do this, then further swindle him into thinking he wasn't dirty. The scary circumstances of being knocked out, then dropped off at the mansion doorstep with blood painted on his and Frank's back still worried Tony. That's not the worst Al-Asheera could do, surely. What had him nervous was the potential for the worst. For example, what was in store for Charlie. A fate worse than death. "Thank you, Mrs. Griffin. Fortunately, I know who did that to my father, and we are devising a plan to have him apprehended. I can tell you with complete certainty that it wasn't your daughter, thought. Rest assured."

She nodded. "I'm aware it wasn't Thalia. It wouldn't make any sense if it were. It's actually my daughter that I came to speak to you about."

He arched an eyebrow, when in his mind, his heart was racing at the potential of her asking about when he beat her to submission in Karin's living room. "Yes?"

"I understand that she's committed many crimes in the past eight years. Possession of a deadly weapon, theft, aggravated assault, most probably... she hasn't mentioned if she's ever killed, though."

Would Nicole want to hear that Thalia butchered a man in the garage of the past mansion? Hell no. Why would Tony deliberately break a woman's heart like that? And now that he had confirmation that Thalia didn't shoot Richie those weeks ago, he could safely say that Thalia was telling the truth: she's no killer. At least not when she's in a normal state of mind. "I can assure you that, rumors aside? She's never ended a man's life. She told me it's a line she could never cross, no matter how much her past leader pressed her."

Nicole let out a breath of relief. "But it's what she didn't commit that I'm so worried about. Those explosives in public places. The news is blaming her for it all. She couldn't have done it, correct?"

Tony shook his head. "There's CCTV footage confirming that she was nowhere near those explosives today. Once that gets admitted into evidence, it'll prove beyond reasonable doubt that she had anything to do with the acts of terrorism associated to Al-Asheera."

"Yes, I understand. But what I came to ask you is in the larger scope of things...." Her fingertips brushed along her forearm as she thought over her next words. "She has many crimes on her record. Confirmed ones, as the mystery redhead. And both women are one in the same. I just want to know, in your professional experience of dealing with criminals..." she gulped as the kicker came across her tongue. "How long would you estimate her sentence?"

What a relief. Nicole still had no clue about the abusive relationship that he had with her daughter. Best it stays that way. Instead, she asked a question more directed for a jury than a measly detective. Nonetheless, he'd give his input by experience. It must be that reason that she came to him first, and not Frank. His eyelids shut briefly as he spoke, "Mrs. Griffin... I'm afraid I can't give you any specific numbers. It really depends on the jury when her trial comes up. Different jurors will have different opinions. At best, we'll have a bunch of people advocating the innocence of Thalia Griffin, the girl who ran away from home in Philly eight years ago. At worst, she'll be stacked against a group of people who want the mystery redhead to get the electric chair."

The latter case was enough for Nicole's heart to sink. Her precious daughter that she'd just now found, being killed, and the law allowing for it? She'd never stand for it. But Tony had more to say:

"But it's not all entirely on the jury. Thalia will need a pretty smart lawyer to argue her case, and not settle for a dumb plea right off the bat. I'm sure James has his resources..."

"As do I," she pitched in. "I have a friend, one I went to high school with in Paris. She traveled to the States, I believe here in California, to continue her studies. I can attempt to contact her. I'm familiar with her capabilities as a lawyer, and I'm sure that once she knows that it's my daughter in the balance, she'd happily take up this job. In which case, I wouldn't have to worry about repaying James..."

Tony smirked at the thought that Nicole was still actively working to return James' acts of kindness. "Mrs. Griffin, James isn't looking for any sort of repayment. I'm sure he'd happily do this for Thalia. Together, they took down the leader of Al-Asheera, after all. So I doubt someone like James would sit out the final stretch, especially with Thalia in such a bad position now. He's probably going to pull every last string he has to not let a member of his team get left behind. Meaning, Thalia won't rot in prison for as long as you think."

It still didn't give her the closure she expected. "Give me a number, Detective. A best case and worst case. How long will my baby girl have to serve in prison?"

She was making this difficult, but Tony would oblige. He could only give rough guesses given Thalia's past. "Best case? Couple of years, minimal security, if they're willing to look past all the false claims, her juvenile crimes, and have good hearts. Worst case? Well...." he gulped. "I believe I mentioned the worst case."

So it could go anywhere from a few years to certain death. The worst case was not one Thalia wanted to picture, but, unfortunately, it could happen. And she'd have to brace for it. What more was there to discuss with Tony? She already felt guilt for disturbing him in such a peaceful state, especially if he were mourning. Maintaining composure and not reacting to the thought of the electric chair again, she gave a faint nod, then spoke, "Thank you, Detective. I'll... be on my way."

With her hands folded before her, she turned away and wandered the mansion once again. Not being allowed to help much for the Jackal pained her. It gave her so little purpose. Top that off with her children being missing, it didn't help. She still hadn't heard back from Jon about Charlie, and it kept poking at the back of her mind: what if Jon had run into a trap? What if he was gone, too? In which case, what more did this woman have to live for? She'd left everything behind in Philadelphia with nothing more than a scrapbook of memories to look back at to help her recall a simpler time. A husband whose body was declared missing back home, a church riddled in bullet holes, a home ransacked by Al-Asheera goons who'd lingered around in Philly, a daughter who could land her way on death row, and a son who'd forever be lost in the system because his mother vanished on him. Top that off with a new man in the picture who'd also gone missing?

As much as Nicole detested the idea of suicide, in such an instance, she could understand where Thalia was coming from when she attempted it so long ago. Thalia's case was bullying. Nicole? Losing everything. James could give her all the money in the world... but how could it ever fill the void in her heart?

--

A simple enough job presented itself for the babysitter, all while Angie was preoccupied in Damien's room, digging through his movie collection. It wasn't the ideal situation that Damien had described - Angie in her room listening to music and unaware of what was happening in the basement - but she would still be a fair distance away from the scene, and probably wouldn't hear any sort of muffled noise just from how far away she was from the source. And with the door closed? Not a chance. She was completely in the dark as she dug through boxes and shelves in her brother's room to find the tape she wanted. Not like Vicky thought she'd need the alone time with James. She saw nothing suspicious about him from the start. He looked convincing enough, that is. And she'd have no time to reach for her firearm as she pivoted to the wall in which James had pointed to, only catch an out-of-nowhere bullet to the stomach.

Upon feeling the shot enter her, her instinct told her to instantly grab over the location of the bullet, gasping for air and looking forward at James. What the hell just happened? Did he just get the drop on her? Unfortunately, she'd fallen to the ground on her back before she could reach for her own weapon and fire back. To top it off? She found that heavy box she'd struggled to lug along on top of her body. Ouch, indeed. The pain stopped her from saying much in the way of even screams of pain. Just rapid gasps for air, staring directly at the ceiling. At first, she didn't think this was anything more than a robbery gone wrong. But upon further thought, the case of this being an associate of Damien's came to mind. No other thieves roamed these streets with Al-Asheera around, anyway. Too intimidated to challenge the new opponent. No, this had to be Damien. She knew what would have to happen next, even at the cost of Angie's innocence and livelihood. The barrel of the suppressor touched her forehead as she was asked about what kind of babysitter she was.

Slowly, her ability to speak came back to her as she choked on her own blood and spewed it from her lip, crossing her eyebrows and glaring at James. Screaming was still difficult for her as is, and why do it now? Of course, why do it now when she could mess with James' head. Her look of pain shifted to one of a snicker, even through the agony, as she uttered the typical catchphrase of an Al-Asheera operative:

"F-Fuck yourself."

That spoke a thousand words on its own. Not only did Damien hire the worst of babysitters, but he also lied to James. Why would an Al-Asheera member call the police to turn another one in? That didn't fit their MO. What DID fit it, though? Killing everyone he cares about. His father was incapacitated as is. What was the closest thing left? Angie. And who better to get close to an 11 year old girl than her babysitter? Fortunately, she was still nowhere near the door to the basement. Even if Vicky screams, as faint as it may be, Angie might not even catch it clearly enough to think something is wrong. Now, all she had to do was ensure that Al-Asheera gets wind of what's going on and grabs Angie before James takes her somewhere else. Or at least follow him.

Either way, Damien had a lot coming for him when James finishes. And plenty more.

--

Nathan and Jonas, besides the age gap, had different interpretations of Karin's role in all of this. Nathan was beyond innocent, and seemed more than aware of what was happening. He recognized Reeves from the news outside, saw him with a heavy machine gun outside, and got his mom and a total stranger to duck and cover, saving their lives. What normal 14 year old does that? Not many. But one petrified by his father's demise and worried now that he was back in action? Nathan was a hero in his own right. It did put thoughts in his head about going into law enforcement, but, he had plenty of time to think that over. For now, his primary concern was comforting his brother. Jonas, on the other hand, was a symbol of typical youthful ignorance. The details for him would be a tad more blurry than ones given to Miranda or Nathan. Unlike Nathan, Jonas was under the impression Karin was a cop, and would probably stay that way. He was also unaware of Reeves' identity or the existence of Al-Asheera. Why would a 10 year old want to be caught up in that? Joseph already was, true, but probably not by choice. With everything going on around him, how can he not be involved? While Nathan was brave, Jonas was scared and clinging to his brother throughout the entire ride, a shiver coming here and there. And all Nathan knew how to do was hold him and whisper that he'd be okay in the longrun. Or, so he hoped. The older brother would happily take on of those flying bullets before his younger one gets even close. Quite brave, after all.

Upon arrival, Karin began to speak to the two, Jonas pulling his face out of his brother's shoulder and giving her a glance from the corner of his eye. Yes, he was scared, and very shaky. Nathan could feel it throughout the ride. He hoped his brother could get a bit of sleep on the ride, but unfortunately, that didn't happen. It was good to hear that Richie was okay - probably uneasy once he gets the news that his house was shot at, but still okay. It didn't trigger anything more than a blank face, accompanied by mild tears. Everyone was hoping that the shooting they'd just witnessed wouldn't happen again, honestly. Fortunately, without being tailed, they were in the clear. Al-Asheera had no idea about Karin's involvement, so there's no way Reeves would be back for more in this new location. Nathan understood this, while Jonas blindly nodded to show his approval. Inside, there was some video games he could play to ease his troubled mind. His brother would play along, surely, just so he wouldn't be alone. Odds are, Nathan wasn't leaving his brother's side, being the most vulnerable in the house. A good sign for things to come.

"Come on, Jo," Nathan urged him as he helped his brother sit up properly. "Let's go check it out, hm?"

Jonas nodded, still not saying much, just gazing back at Karin. He at least felt slightly comfortable knowing she had a brother his age. It didn't ease his nerves entirely, but he did approve of the direction of this trip, and it's all he needed. With the assistance of his brother, Jonas exited from his side of the car, Miranda dismounting to get the bags, letting her brothers enter empty handed and peacefully. She could only watch over at the innocence of two brothers not leaving each others' sides, no matter how old they were. They could be 24 and 20 and still find this so heart-warming. And Karin was doing a fine job at warming them up to the idea, too. As she collected the bags, she gave Karin a nod as well, then mouthed something:

Thank you.

Without Karin, the family would be shredded to pieces at the hands of Reeves. The thanking was certainly in place, and with her doubts, Miranda could only hope she accepts as the family approached the vibrantly colored front door.
 
James wanted to ask more questions - of course he did, but he knew he wasn't likely to get anything more than the Fuck Yourself treatment from her the moment he opened his mouth again. She was Al-Asheera. Damien had lied, but for what reason. Why was she communicating with him? Why was she threatening him with the police and all of that? To put things simply, it couldn't have been the police. It couldn't have been. It must have been something else. He thought more about it and how they loved to target family and just about everything else between. Is that what this was? Some bitch from Al-Asheera here to threaten his family, maybe. But what did she want in return for that? What did she gain from threatening Angie? From threatening a man who had left Al-Asheera behind? James wasn't sure, but...

What if she wanted something more than that? Damien knew Thalia. He'd met her. What if Al-Asheera had seen such a thing happen? That could only mean one thing - she wanted them. It was their goal now, to find Thalia and her family and use them to make her suffer. Is that what the real threat was? That if he didn't hand them over Angie would suffer? Have her head chopped off and left waiting in a box for him to return? Maybe his father, too? Poison him while he laid sick and immobilized? Slice his head off and leave it on the mantle? He wasn't sure, but the fact that Damien had lied to him changed everything. It started a whole new ballgame that he didn't necessarily want to be part of, but, here they were. They were part of it and there was no avoiding that now.

"So, Damien lied." He whispered, pressing the barrel of the gun against the box again, firing yet another round into her stomach. No screaming, only blood, only a slow and painful death. "You're not leaving this basement alive, so you may as well make the most of it and help me make my own revenge on Damien sweet." He said. "He lied to me. He told me you were calling the cops on him. Clearly that's not the case, so, why don't you tell me what he was really scared of?" He asked.

He went quiet for just a second.

"Come on, sweetheart. What have you got to lose?" He asked. "Your liver and your stomach are probably in pieces by now, so, you're going to be bleeding out on me pretty quick. Take the last chance you have to make things right. It won't go unappreciated - I hate liars even more than I hate scum like you. I don't put my ass on the line for liars, usually, but here we are." He said, pressing the gun back against her head. "Come on. Give this to me." He whispered. "Speak now or forever hold your tongue."

--

She nodded back to Miranda and smiled. It was no big deal. She helped her out with the bags and walked up to the front door with them, unlocking it. She let them all inside. It still smelled fresh in here. Clean. Surprising for a house that was shared with a young boy, right? Even so, this was the place, and all seemed well. Everything was right as she'd left it a week ago, more or less. It felt strange to be back, and it even made her a tad bit emotional. A week ago things were tough, but normal. Things were going to be okay, she was pretty sure. She was going to see Joe again - she just had to tell herself that. James would have mentioned if something had happened to him... Right?

She could only hope, it seemed.

"Well, this is us." She chirped, happily enough. She looked at the two boys and smiled. "Why don't you guys follow me? I'll give you the first tour and show you the rooms you can stay in." She said. "Well, obviously, you can see from here we've got the living room, kitchen, and dining room... All in close range of each other, so, that's easy enough to find. A lot of the stuff in the fridge probably needs throwing away, but, there's plenty of snacks in the cupboard and some stuff in the fridge that's still good. I'll get my boyfriend to grab you all some food on his way over here." She said, simply enough. "As for where you guys can sleep... Follow me." She said, and she lead them down the hallway and stopped at the first room, opening the door up. It was a boy's room, very clearly, with a decent little TV and an Xbox with some games.

"This is my brother's room." She said, looking at Jonas for a second. She definitely wasn't lying - this had 'boy' written all over it, practically. Blue walls,. blue-themed bedding, a stack of games that were a mix between age appropriate but also violent ones, like Mortal Kombat. Yup. Definitely a room of a ten-year-old. She looked around for a moment, and her eyes welled with tears, but she quickly wiped them away and sighed. "Sorry." She said, clearing her throat. "It's just been a little while since I've seen him. I got separated from him because of the work I've been doing with your dad. I haven't heard from him for a couple of days, but, he's with my boyfriend. He's safe." She nodded. "Still, Jonas..." She gently set a hand down on his head and ruffled his hair a tiny bit. "I'm sure he won't mind if you take this room." She said.

"And next door up..." She pushed that one open, "Bathroom. There's more toilet paper under the kitchen sink if you guys run out." She said. "And Nathan, you can have this room just here..." She went to the next room up and opened it. A plain room, the guest bedroom that Thalia had stayed in not all that long ago. "This room's perfectly clean as it's rarely used. You've got a TV, but, that's about it, so you and your bro might have to share the Xbox." She smiled. "Jonas, you give me a while, I'll change all the bedding on the bed in your room, just so you've got a clean spread." She nodded. "And the next room will be for your mom." She said.

"How's that for you two, then?" She asked, softly, as she turned to them. "Anything you wanna' ask or need to know? Oh, by the way... It's perfectly safe here, so don't worry about that. It's always quiet in this neighborhood and my address hasn't been put on any case files that'll link to... Well, what happened at your house, so you guys can kick it back here." She said. She looked at Jonas, "Plus, you've got your brother with you - and he's been quite the hero today. Certainly saved my life. I'm sure that he'll look after you, regardless." She said. She figured it was just a little something to add to comforting him - what kid doesn't like being told that their older sibling's a hero, right?
 
Vicky didn't doubt for one second that Damien had the capacity to lie to the masses. Ex-Al-Asheera or current, most of their men had a thing for spreading nasty lies that compromise the livelihood of others and break friendships. So the actor-to-be was no exception, and here this babysitter was - staring at the man pulling Al-Jameela's strings, but she would never live to report back to Reeves. The memory and record of his face would die with her. Unlike the cockier members of The Ten, Vicky was prepared to not be so talkative. There wasn't much to say, anyway, as the mere revealing of her association to Al-Asheera must've busted anything Damien might've said previously. James was smart, and had already begun to put the pieces of the puzzle together. Damien was less than truthful on his joy ride at over 100 miles per hour, all to protect his sister. It was the only reason he had to do so. But would James take that into consideration?

At least Vicky didn't believe so. It seemed as though Damien would face death by this fake mailman very soon. It wouldn't be as satisfying as leaving his sister's head dismembered at his doorstep for him to come back to, but at least he would never know of the poor girl's fate. It gave the turned woman a reason to grow a maniacal grin through her final moments. She ignored the fact that her internal organs were shredded by the bullets that had entered her and the puddle of blood forming beneath her, and the bits she, herself, was choking on. Even if she wanted to confess to anything, it'd be difficult in her condition. Silence was her best weapon to wield.

Stalling, too. The longer she hung around like that, the longer James would be down there, and the more likely it would be that Angie gets worried and comes downstairs to see the mess. Would this mystery mailman kill an 11-year-old girl like that? She had no idea, but if he would? It was a bonus for her. He'd beat Al-Asheera to the punch and accomplish what she'd been paid to do. But she couldn't help but blame herself. She had her weapon for a reason: to be ready to shoot Angie if anyone suspicious had ever shown up. This? It was a tad off, sure, but she fell for it. Her lord and savior Ra's would be disappointed in her foolishness, but at least she believed she'd have a place in heaven for participating in his plans.

She choked, and let out her final words amidst her pain: "And forever hold my tongue I shall... fuck yourself."

Seconds of silence passed as she let out a last cackle before dropping her head back and staring at the ceiling, a position she would remain in until someone changed that for her. She wasn't giving anything up. But she could hope that the events following her death would be worth it, in a sense that Damien would suffer in the longrun.

Or possibly the shortrun, too. Because that basement door behind James cracked open, but not from a threat. It was the unsuspecting eyes of Damien's 11-year-old sister, holding three different old-school tapes in her shorter arms, excitement showing on her face, but still not looking in front of her to see the murder in action. Poor thing, expecting a movie night with her favorite babysitter, but instead, walking into her deathbed with that strange mailman, her killer. Her words in the beginning didn't reflect her seeing anything dangerous, initially.

"Vicky, I found three of them that we can choose from. You said you're a fan of these old movies, right - "

When she finally looked up from the top of the stairs, her first instinct was to drop all three tapes to the ground and drop her jaw. What did she see? That heavy box with, presumably, her father's bed, collapsed on top of her babysitter, a puddle of blood beneath, and the mailman standing idly by. Fortunately, the murder weapon wasn't in her sights, but it didn't look very good from her perspective. Did she think murder? Not at first. But one glimpse of the gun might send Angie running. Her heart was already racing, frightened at what she was looking at. But she remained calm, a tactic her brother had taught her in extreme circumstances.

"V-Vicky...?" she whimpered, taking steps back in the direction of the door. If this was anything dangerous, she'd make a dash out the door, take the home phone, and call 911, stat. Even if this were an accident, which it appeared to be in her eyes, she'd definitely do that. But if this mailman was here to kill her? She'd have to be quick. "W-What happened? Did the box fall on her?"

--

As Miranda worked to bring their belongings into their temporary home, the boys tagged along with Karin to get the tour of the place. They began with the obvious, clearly, which didn't need much explaining, and worked their way to the bedrooms. The brothers were always a tight-knit bunch, sticking together, Nathan as the leader, Jonas closely trailing behind. Now in their hour of need, that didn't seem to change. Jonas used Nathan as a shield in this moment of discomfort as his older stood by Karin as she toured them about. Nathan, on the other hand, exhibited no fear. After all, he, not long ago, jumped in the way of speeding bullets to save two unsuspecting women. That, in itself, was impressive for a young teen, and it did solidify how Jonas viewed his brother: as a hero. Karin was on the nose about that, and Jonas nodded when she brought that up.

The brothers each got their own rooms, reassuring the comfort of their privacy, but also ensuring their closeness. Not something they needed to be reminded of, but it was motivating all the same. Jonas, admittedly, got the more boy-ish room of the bunch. Thalia accepted the young girl style of a room with open arms a week ago, mainly because she missed that life so long ago. Nathan, on the other hand, did feel a tad of discomfort sleeping in a brighter room suited for a teenage girl so long ago, but he wasn't going to complain. He was in a fight or flight mindset now, and nothing was going to stop that at this point. He'd suck it up and sit around in the guest bedroom, nodding in compliance. At least there were video games to calm him down, which he'd play along with his brother as they relaxed in the safety of this new hideaway.

What bothered Nathan so much is how confident Karin was in her anonymity. He didn't buy it, not for a second. If they were targeted so easily just by Reeves walking up to their front door, who's to say he didn't tail them as they drove off? Who's to say he won't bust every door in Burbank down until he finds them? He'd read up about Al-Asheera and wouldn't put such behavior past them. Simply put, he didn't believe in luck. He didn't trust any sort of system. Even if he was told to relax, it wouldn't stop him from peeking out the window every hour on the hour to ensure nobody was watching them. It was his duty as the man of the house, in his mind.

But both boys nodded all the same. Jonas remained quiet, still not saying much to Karin. Nathan did voice his confirmation. "We'll be okay. Don't worry..." He turned his head in the direction of his brother, placing a hand on his shoulder. "We've got each others' backs."

Jonas cracked a smile at the direct eye contact from his brother, hesitating for a moment before stepping closer into his arms. A brotherly hug in full view of Karin. They'd be okay, and hopefully safe, too.
 
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