Title: Broken Angel 2/?
Pairing: Jared/Jensen
Word Count: ~4500
Rating/Warnings: NC-17 for violence, sexual situations, and references to non-con(but nothing graphic)
A/N: This story is based off a prompt by the amazing imogen_lily . Thank you so much for the gorgeous banner and for letting me play with this idea! I appreciate all the help sweetie!!!
Summary: Senator Fred Lehne has been brutally attacking, raping, and murdering young men for over a decade, but always evades arrest thanks to his money and power. He has everyone fooled, except one team of detectives headed by Captain Jeffrey Dean Morgan and his protege Jensen Ackles. When things become worse, Morgan goes to FBI agents Misha Collins and Jim Beaver for help. They offer it in the form of Jared Padalecki, hotshot profiler who also happens to be Jensen's boyfriend. But there is more Jared...he also happens to be the only surviving victim of Lehne's...
A fire sat ablaze in the oversized stone fireplace. The air was hot, too hot to have such a flame burning. But he didn’t care. He needed the fire. He poked at the blackened logs, making it flare up with more heat. He smiled as it hit his face.
He moved towards his desk and grabbed a paper bag from underneath it. He carefully pulled out the bloodied suit that sat inside of it. The white dress shirt was nearly red all over. The dark blue of the pants and jacket were also splattered with blood; it was just harder to see. It didn’t matter. He had to take care of it anyway. He couldn’t leave anything behind…not again.
He carried the clothes back over to the fireplace and dumped them into the flames. The flames rose up and consumed the material. He threw the paper bag in for good measure. A smile crept up onto his face as the remnants of the last victim slowly turned to ashes in front of his eyes.
He turned away and walked towards the liquor cabinet on the other side of the luxurious room. The cherry wood of the door was smooth under his fingers. The bottle of scotch was soon a welcome weight in his hand. He poured the amber liquid into a tumbler before moving away to sit behind the large desk. He sipped from the glass as he sat back and watched the fire burn.
Once it dwindled down some, he turned his attention towards his intercom and pressed down on one of the buttons.
“Yes sir, Senator?”
“Lauren, I need you to get me Pellegrino and Fuller.”
“I believe Mr. Fuller said he would leaving for California today so-“
“I don’t give a damn what he said…just make sure he comes!” He clicked off the intercom and settled back in his chair to wait.
It wasn’t long before Pellegrino was walking through the heavy door.
“Mark…so nice of you to hurry over like this.”
“My pleasure Senator Lehne,” Mark said as he stretched his hand out towards Lehne. The senator stood and grasped his hand. “Now, what can I do for you sir?”
Lehn sat back town and guided a newspaper towards Mark. “You seen this yet?”
Mark pulled the front page towards his face and scanned it. “I did. I was expecting your call.”
“Yes, well, things went a little faster than normal.”
“So,” Mark squirmed a slightly, “do you need me to start searching already?”
“Not yet. I need you to make sure all of this is taken care of for me.”
“Has the police contacted you already?”
“No…they won’t have anything new to tie me to it.”
“Your mark on him?”
“What do you think Mark?” Lehne snapped. “Of course it is! But those pathetic bastards can’t tie me to it and you know it!”
“Then what do you want me to do for you sir? It sounds like you’ve…like you’ve taken care of everything perfectly as always.” Mark Pellegrino had been working for Lehne for years, and he knew how to choose his words carefully. Lehne was powerful; he loved control and respect above all other things. Mark had learned this long ago.
“Just be prepared. I want to make sure we’re ready if they do concoct some half assed lead. Got it?”
“I’ll get it on it, sir. I’ll keep an eye on the frat boys; make sure none of them mention anything.”
A knock at the door interrupted the men. A taller, older one stepped inside, running a hand over his balding head.
“Kurt…so glad to have caught you before you flew out. Would hate for you to have had to fly all the way back.”
“Of course sir. I’m assuming this couldn’t have waited until I got back? My whole family is waiting on me to-“
“I would advice you to remember how you get the money to fund these family vacations Fuller,” Lehne barked.
“O-of course not sir,” Fuller responded. “I am very grateful to you for all that you have done as my client.”
“Good,” Lehne sighed. “Now, I know that the cops have nothing to go on, but you know that damn team has been after me for years. They’ll drudge up anything they can get their hands on.”
“It won’t stick,” Fuller interrupted. “I’ve always found ways around whatever they throw at us. This time won’t be any different.”
“I need to be sure!” Lehne slammed his fists down onto the desk, scattering papers and disrupting his glass.
“What do I need to do for that?”
“I want you both,” Lehne pointed to Fuller and Pellegrino, “to keep an eye on the police. Dig up all their dirty laundry. I don’t care. Just make sure they will never connect anything back to me!”
*********
Jared’s gaze traveled down the mirror. His eyes traced the scars that littered his form. His quickly closed them as the brutal memories attached to each one began to assault his brain.
“Hey,” a voice whispered soothingly in his ear as an arm snaked around his chest. Years ago, Jared would have jumped at the contact, but now, he leaned back into the broad chest of his boyfriend.
“Hey yourself,” Jared replied, his eyes still closed.
Jensen softly nuzzled Jared neck and gave a small kiss to his chin. “You ok?”
Jared turned so that his face was beside Jensen’s and nodded against it. “Yeah, just getting dressed.”
Jensen’s eyes trailed over to the pile of clothes on top of the chair beside the mirror. Long jeans lay stretched over the back while a button down and hooded sweater sat on the seat. Jensen sighed. “You know it is probably going to be a 100 degrees outside right?”
“It isn’t supposed to be that hot Jensen,” Jared replied as he stepped into his jeans. His bad leg caught on the fabric, making him stumble back into Jensen. His boyfriend was barely able to catch Jared and prevent them both from tumbling to the ground. “Thanks,” Jared mumbled, trying to unsuccessfully regain his balance.
“Don’t worry about it, Jay. That’s what I’m here for.” He gave Jared’s should a gently squeeze and helped him up on his feet. The younger man swayed a little before finally standing somewhat straight and sliding on the rest of his jeans. “Maybe you should call in today babe. I know you’re leg’s still killing you this morning. And it isn’t like you’ve used that many of your sick days. Maybe you-“
“I’m not calling in just because my damn leg’s actin’ up Jen. If I did that every time, I’d never get any work done and you know it.” Jared made quick work of the buttons on his plaid shirt. “I’ll be fine.” He leaned towards Jensen and gave him a soft kiss on the mouth.
Jensen returned it passionately. His hands went up to cup Jared’s freshly shaven face. Jared moved into the touch, but never let his mouth part from Jensen’s. He relished moments like this. He could get lost in them and forget the rest of the world. Forget the pain…
A sharp buzz of a cell phone broke the tender moment, causing both men to groan. Jared looked up first, noticing it was his making the offending noise.
“Hello,” he said, once he had grabbed the phone and put it to his ear.
“Hey kid,” the voice on the other end replied.
“Jim…hey…I’m not late am I? I didn’t think I had to be in ‘til 11 so-“
“You’re not late, Jay. I just needed to talk to you for a minute kiddo.”
“Ok, shoot.” Jared took a seat in the chair, moving his sweater to the side. Jensen shot his a curious look, but went back to getting himself ready for work.
“Misha got a call yesterday…Jeff Morgan needs some extra help on this case his team’s working on. Misha thinks you’d be perfect for the profiling work he wants. But I’m not so sure it’s that great an idea…”
“Come on Jim; you know I can take on another case. I’ve already wrapped up everything on the last one. Just have to finish some paperwork for the trials.”
“It’s not that I don’t think you can handle the workload. It’s more the case I’m worried about.”
“Ok…”
“Look, kid, I’m gonna give it to ya straight. It’s the case they’re tryin’ to build on Senator Lehne.”
A shiver involuntarily ran through Jared. He did his best to hide it from Jensen.
“Jared, all you have to do is say no. Misha shouldn’t have recommended you for it. I can get-“
“No,” Jared interrupted shakily. He cleared his throat, hoping to make his decision sound stronger. “No, I’ll take it. I can handle it, Jim.”
“You sure kid? I’m not forcing you to take it on. It’s your choice.”
“I appreciate it. But I’m taking it.”
“I’m not gonna be able to talk ya outta it?”
“No, you’re not. When do I need to meet up with the team and go over everything?”
“I’ll contact JD, but I think this afternoon. Take the morning off. I’ll meet you at the precinct at two. We can go over everything with the team.”
“I’ll see you then.”
“And Jay…talk to Jensen. Let him know what’s goin’ on.”
“Bye Jim,” Jared said quickly before hanging up the call. He then just sat there, a little shell-shocked.
“You alright?” Jensen asked, worry escaping into his voice. He moved over to the chair and knelt in front of his boyfriend. “Jare?”
Jared shook himself, trying to clear his head. “Yeah, I’m fine.” He knew he didn’t sound that convincing, but it was the best he could do at the time.
“You don’t look it buddy.” Jensen reached up and brushed a few stray hairs out of Jared’s eyes. He frowned when Jared flinched at the touch a little, something he hadn’t down in years. “Jared-“
“Sorry,” Jared mumbled. “Really I’m fine.” He started to push himself out of the chair, but Jensen stopped him. “What did Jim want?”
“Just filling me in on my new assignment.”
“You wanna tell me what it is? Because it’s definitely getting to you…”
“No it isn’t. I’m fine, Jen.”
“Then what’s the case?”
Jared bit at his lip. “Yours,” he finally muttered, barely above a whisper.
“Jay-“
“Don’t Jen.” Jared pushed away from Jensen and managed to get out of the chair on his own. He started to walk out of the room, but Jensen’s hand on his arm stopped him. “Jensen-“
“No, you’re not alright so stop the bullshit, Jay. I don’t think you should take it. It’s already getting to you. I can see that.”
“I’m taking the case,” Jared said strongly. “You’re not going to talk me out of it.” He shook Jensen’s hand off.
“At least think about it Jared! I don’t think this is a good idea!”
“Why? Because of what happened to me?!?”
Although a little shaken by the tone of Jared’s voice, Jensen continued. “Yes Jared! It hits a little close to home for you."
You have no idea…
“I don’t think you can-“
“I can handle things just fine Jen. I’m taking it.”
“Why do you want to do this to yourself?”
“Because I don’t want someone else to end up like me!” A blush crept onto Jared’s cheeks after the outburst. He cursed himself for letting his emotions get so carried away.
“Jared,” Jensen started.
“Don’t,” Jared whispered.
It didn’t stop Jensen from crossing the distance and drawing Jared into his arms. He stiffened at first, but soon laid his head onto Jensen’s shoulder for comfort.
“I have to do this,” he said into Jensen’s shirt before pushing away from the man he loved. He glanced at the wall clock. “I’ve gotta go…I promised Al and Chad I’d meet them for coffee this morning. I’ll…I’ll just see you at the precinct this afternoon.” Jared threw his sweater on over his head and turned to leave. Jensen’s hand quickly intertwined into the soft fabric before Jared could make it out of the room.
“Jay, I’m sorry I yelled, but I just don’t think this is a good idea. But…if you feel like you have to do this…then I’ll just be there if you need me. I don’t like this, but it is your choice.”
Jared gave Jensen a small grateful smile before kissing him once more. “Thank you,” he mumbled. He then grabbed his cane and headed out the door. He carefully made his way to his Escape and sunk into the leather of the seats. Now that he was away from Jensen, his mind was panicking. He shakily clicked his seatbelt into place and backed out of the drive, not even bothering to really check for oncoming cars.
“Hey!” The hateful yell was accompanied by the blaring of a car horn.
Jared slammed on the brakes and leaned his head against the steering wheel as he tried to calm himself.
“Shit,” he said to himself. “What the hell am I doing?”
*********
“What the hell are you doing?” Chad yelled, sending bits of half eaten muffin everywhere.
Jared couldn’t help but flinch at his best friend’s words.
“Chad,” Alona chastised as she smacked him on the arm. “Stop yelling and don’t be gross! God…” She brushed off the bits of muffin that had clung to her fitted t-shirt.
Chad quieted down as he glanced over at Jared’s barely concealed panicked expression. “Sorry dude.” He reach up and brushed a few crumbs out of Jared shaggy hair that Jared had been too preoccupied to notice. He counted it as a win when Jared didn’t flinch at his touch.
“It’s ok,” Jared said barely audibly.
“So,” Alona started softly, “you are taking on the case on Lehne?”
“Looks like it.” Jared took small sips from his coffee, knowing he would definitely need the caffeine to make it through the day.
“Are you sure you should be doing that?” Chad asked, trying to remain calm.
“Not really,” Jared finally admitted. “But I know I’m the most qualified…and not just ‘cause of my degree.” He cast a sad smile towards his friends.
Both Alona and Chad had seen Jared through everything. They had sat up with him while he cried from terror filled nightmares. They had driven him to therapy, both for his body and for his mind. They had been there to take those first steps, and had been there to catch him when things became too much. They were both worried that this would be one of those times…
“Jay, baby, aren’t you worried?” Alona tried to remain calm herself, not wanting to show her panic to Jared.
Jared scoffed. “Of course I am, Al. But I don’t have a choice.”
“Pass it off on some other poor bastard,” Chad interjected. “Call in sick…hell take a vacation!”
“Yeah, vacation sounds nice…I can be sitting on the beach while Lehne goes after his next victim. Awesome idea…”
“Dude, I didn’t mean it like that,” Chad said quickly. “I just-“
“I know.” Jared scrubbed a hand over his face. “Sorry…I’m just tired.” Alona scooted closer to him on the bench and gave him a one armed hug. He leaned into her, relishing in the small comfort it brought. “I want this to end. I’m tired of reading about these deaths in the paper on the front page, then turning to the next to read the press singing Lehne’s praises.”
“Jay,” Alona tried to sooth.
“And I’m tired of looking over my shoulder for the bastard.”
*********
“I don’t get why the hell Morgan is bringin’ is those damn feds! And that kid! He’s what? Barely out of college? And they think he’s gonna be able to bring down this bastard? Like hell…this is just bullshit!” Detective Ross was fuming as he made his way towards one of the conference rooms. He hated the idea that they were partnering up for this case. He rounded the corner and came face to face with Jensen, who didn’t look too happy.
“What exactly is bullshit there Ross?” Jensen barely concealed the anger that was coursing through his blood.
“I-“
“Because I think I just heard you say that it was bullshit that we’re bringing Jared in on this case…”
“Jensen I-“
“No…I know that’s what I heard, Ross.”
“Look, Jen, I know he’s your boyfriend and all…but he’s a damn kid!”
Jensen saw read at that and began to surge forward when he felt a hand grip his shoulder tightly.
“Well…this damn kid has closed more cases in the last three than your sorry ass has in the last twenty-three.” Jensen looked up to see Jared towering from over his shoulder. His voice was calm, not cocky like most.
“Jared-“ Ross started.
“Just go take your seat so we can get started,” Jared interrupted.
Ross kept his head down as he hurried towards the conference room once more. The door shut behind him with a slam.
“Well,” Jared said as he turned back to Jensen, “this is starting off on a high note.”
Jensen smiled at the sarcasm and let some of the anger go…but not all of it. “He shouldn’t have said that. The dick-“
“Was just saying what I’ve heard a hundred times before from veterans just like him, Jen.” Jared brushed his lips across Jensen’s cheek. “I don’t care what they think. As long as I get my job done, I don’t give a shit.” He tried to give Jensen a reassuring smile, but he was still feeling panicked and shaky about what he was about to do.
“You always get the job done Jay.” Jensen reached up and cupped the back of Jared neck. He started to pull Jared to him once again, but they were sadly interrupted.
“Ok, lovebirds,” JD said teasingly. “Break it up so we can get this show on the road.” JD ruffled Jared’s hair and gave Jensen a pat on the shoulder before he guided them towards the conference room.
The team sat around the table, as well as a few other detectives. Jim sat near JD’s empty seat. Chris and Danneel, who had been engaged in a conversation, pushed open chairs away from the table for Jared and Jensen to take. Ross for his part, kept his eyes to the table, but it was obviously he was still fuming.
“Good afternoon,” JD called into the room. “Let’s get things started.” He nodded towards Danneel who clicked the projectors on and brought up crime scene data and photos on the laptop. Jared’s eyes locked on the one’s of the Greg Hodge lying bloody in the field.
“Now, I want for those of you who don’t remember them, I would like to introduce Agent Jim Beaver and Dr. Jared Padalecki who have gratiously agreed to lend us a hand. Jim’s partner Misha Collins will also be assisting, but could not make it today.” He glanced around the table, noticing a few people scoff and grumble. He tapped down the urge to roll his eyes. “Now, Danneel, would you please go through the rest of those photos and data for us.”
“Of course Cap,” the red head replied. She quickly clicked through the various data slides she had prepared, rattling off about time of deaths and other important facts. It all swirled around Jared’s head. It wasn’t like he didn’t know all of it by heart anyway.
“Jared? Dr. Padalecki?” JD’s voice didn’t register with Jared who was too deep in thought.
Jensen gently nudged him back to attention.
“Huh?”
“Jared? You with us?”
“Of course, sorry…” Jared tried to calm his nerves. The irritated looks some of the veteran officers were sending him weren’t helping.
“It’s ok…was just seeing if you cared to lend your knowledge to the facts we have.”
“Sure thing, sir.” Jared carefully stood from his chair, being cautious of his still sore leg. “Danni, will you please bring the picture of the last vic up for me?”
“There you go, hun,” Danneel complied.
Jared nodded his thanks before turning back to the rest of the group. “As you already know, these deaths have been happening for nearly fifteen years. When the first one occurred, the police had witnesses backing that they had seen the boy being hit on by Senator Lehne at a function. Lehne of course denied everything, and by the time the police got back to the witnesses for more questioning, they had all changed their stories. Lehne comes from money, so paying off would be witnesses has never been a problem. He’s powerful, so he knows how to threaten and persuade until he gets his way. He’s always been that way.”
“How do you know that?” Ross questioned.
Although he could see Jensen shoot the detective a glare, he continued on with his explanation. “Fred Lehne is the son of Patrick and Lily Lehne, also better known as the founders of the Lehne Pharmaceuticals. Lily was the science of the operation while Patrick was the money and business side of the company. Neither ever planned on children, but they had Fred nonetheless. When interviewed throughout their careers, they often said they felt guilt over the fact that their jobs kept them away from their child. However, neither was willing to give up their lifestyle for their son. He was basically raised by nannies and had few friends. Patrick and Lily didn’t like kids in their house; always worried their research and documents would be destroyed.”
“That’s gotta screw you up,” Chris interjected.
“Yeah,” Jared sighed. “When I went through his school files and reports, his teachers often noted that he was extremely clever, but he would act out. There were various accounts of parent-teacher conferences listed. Misbehaving made his parents notice him. It was his way of showing that he was in control of something. He felt as if everything was out of his hands…his time with his parents, who he could played with, even who cared for him. They spoiled him with material things, but never gave him the things he truly desired.”
“So you believe this is all a way to show that he is still in control?” Morgan asked.
“Yes…acting out was the only way he felt as if he was in control and gaining attention. He still feels that way now. He’s never been married…maybe he feels as if this is the only way he’ll still get attention.”
“But he’s a senator, and has a nice following as one,” Danneel added.
“Yes, but no one knows the real him. They know the public him. The version of him that his parents molded for the public eye while he grew up.”
“Wait,” Jensen said, “you said his mom’s name was Lily? Does that have anything to do with why he carves that into his victims?”
“Partly. I think it has more to do with the fact that lilies are often present at funerals and associated with sympathy for the dead’s family. He’s twisted. He carves the flower at the end of his torturing, right before he gives the boy back to the family. He’s essentially giving a lily to the family.”
“Damn,” Jensen muttered.
“So how do you think we can stop all this?” Ross asked with skepticism obviously in his voice.
“Not sure exactly, but I know we have to find a way to throw him off his game. Take some of the control away from him. I don’t know how we can exactly do that, but there has to be a way. Dredging up the past about his family could shake him; he’s always very hesitant to bring up anything about them. He even sold off their industry following their deaths…wanted nothing to do with it. Having someone who fits the type pose as a reporter trying to write about the fall of such a great company could shake him, even make him lash out.”
“What exactly is his type?” Ross piped up once again.
Jared gulped, thankful no one noticed. “H-he likes young men, normally late teens to mid twenties…makes it more likely that they’ll still be a virgin. They have to be fairly tall, yet slender built. Loves talent and beauty, sees it as a reward…like it is especially for him to defile. And he makes contact with them prior to taking them. When hitting on them and trying to get them to be his doesn’t work, he takes them and makes them become his.”
“By torturing and raping?” Chris asked for clarification.
“That’s what he thinks makes the victim his. He grabs them off the street…he’s been known to drug his victims beforehand to make the kidnapping smoother. While in route to one of his many properties, he’ll pull over and start the torture. He makes sure to leave a lasting impression with that first round…typically digs a knife into their thigh so that running is out of the question.” Jared pointed to one of the picture on the screen that showed Greg Hodge’s thigh. “After that, he’ll move on to bigger things. Burns and cuts around their body. He gets off on it. Then…then he’ll…” Jared trailed off, not fully able to finish that sentence as his own memories threatened to make themselves present.
“Look, kid,” Ross spoke slightly annoyed.
“Ross, give Dr. Padalecki respect,” JD snapped.
“Sorry…but Dr. Padalecki, not sure I get all this. I mean, it all looks nice and neat on paper, but it looks like it is all just speculation. No one is tellin’ us anything; they’re all getting paid off. And we have thirty-two victims, all dead. And one more out there somewhere who ain’t talkin’.”
“I’m not sure how helpful the survivor would be, Ross,” JD interrupted, which Jared was more than grateful for. “I mean, if you’d been through all that…”
“Then why not come forward and try to stop others?!?” Ross bellowed in anger.
“He did!” Jim barked back. “The kid came forward at the time of the incident. We built up the case, but Lehne’s damn lawyer shut us down. The poor boy was threatened and God only knows what else.”
“That still leaves us with nothing to go on! And now we’ve got some smart assed kid trying to speak for them. What give you the right to act like you know what happened like that?”
“Ross!” JD warned. “Calm down or-“
“No! I don’t get why we’ve got some so called boy wonder in here tellin’ us all this psych mumbo jumbo when we’ve been working this for years!”
“I’d watch it if I was you,” Jensen fumed.
Ross ignored him and focused on Jared. “You are just some little shit out of college trying to claim that he knows what these poor kids went through when you really don’t have-“
“I know what they went through!” Jared finally snapped. His mouth was practically on autopilot, not at all working with his brain.
“Reading and research doesn’t make-“
“I know what they went through because I’ve been there!”
Next Chapter --> Masterpost A/N: Thank you all so much for the lovely response this has gotten so far! I really appreciate it :D