KasperXIII
Sworn To A Great Divide
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.
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.