FIC: Brotherhood & Duty: Solicitous Introductions, Ch 31/38
Title: Brotherhood and Duty: Solicitous Introductions, Chapter 31/38
Authors: Aaryn/docs_girl16 & Andrea/silentflux
Rating: NC-17 in some chapters
Claimer: This is our universe, our characters. Period.
Warnings: Slash, het, violence which is in some chapters extreme and may squick you.
A/N: Thanks to barefoot_starz for re-beta'ing everything for me. I appreciate it greatly.
Cast List: where Aaron and I cast our actors for these rolls :)
~Previous parts in MEMORIES or TAGS.
~ * ~ * ~
Chapter 31
Terry and Ryan were talking intensely while Lottie redid Grace’s braid into a tighter, herringbone style. Grace was listening to the conversation intently, obviously displeased.
Dave stepped into the room, lifting his eyebrow once he caught his partner’s eye, asking the question.
Terry shook his head grimly at something Ryan was saying. Grace interrupted, “And you trust her? For all you know she could be playing you.”
Ryan looked up, a flash of something dangerous in his eyes. “She’s not lying.” The tone was flat and unforgiving.
“Fuck, Ryan...Are you really that naive? This information's too good. Catrina has to know about this,” Grace snapped. Her hands clenched into fist. “It’s a trap. I can fuckin’ smell Lexi all over this.”
Greg snapped his head around to look at her for a moment. “Could be a trap, but it’s good. She said that’s what she knew. And she knows a fucking lot about the operations they run.”
“Ryan, she’s fuckin’ one of them,” Grace enunciated slowly like he was stupid. “All you are is a means to an end. Sure, she’ll string you along for a little while. Then swish,” she pantomimed slitting her throat, “end game.”
Greg flashed her a grim smile. “Not this kid,” he told her. “If she’s got bad info, that means that he has bad info. Which is fucking unlikely seeing as he’s second.”
Grace went white. “What did you give them Ryan? You had to give them something. What was it?”
Ryan tilted his head and didn’t answer. He watched the emotions and ideas flash through her eyes. Good thing she didn’t want to hide anything from him. Not that she really could. Grace couldn’t hide a true emotion to save her life.
“God, Capt’n, you have to tell me,” she demanded. “This could get very bad.” Unaware of it one of her legs began to bounce with nervous energy.
“It was just some dry info about another cell,” Greg murmured. “He likes to be up to date on certain things.”
“That’s not what I meant,” she waved her hand. “Did she ask any...polite questions? Make small talk?”
“Some,” Ryan told her, his patience wearing thin. “We normally do, though. We go for coffee and talk about family.”
Grace bit her lip, “Did you say anything about any of us?”
Ryan shook his head, biting back the sharp retort. “No. It doesn’t involve her. I kept it to topics we normally talk about. My family, hers, hobbies. Nothing more. Ever.”
Breathing a deep sigh of relief, Grace leaned back. “You have to be absolutely sure. All it would take is one reference, even vague, and we’d be screwed.”
“No,” Greg stated flatly. “Not one. I’m careful, Grace. Always. I have been doing this for a long time, you know. Especially with her.”
“Then why,” Grace gestured at the paper, “does this feel like a set up. Look, you don’t store a biological weapon in a place that doesn’t have temperature and atmospheric controls. An individual unit could have its own system sure. But a larger scale threat would imply a lab. A lab which her info makes no mention of.”
“You sure they developed it themselves? Could be they got it from someone,” Terry contributed after watching Grace and Ryan... talk.
“But they’d need a delivery system,” she countered. “The virus in raw form is basically useless, despite being effective. They’d need to develop an aerosol for it to be truly worth the effort.”
The men paused to stare at her. Grace gave a crooked grin. “Terrorism 101. Also known as hey let’s send a fifteen year old out to the Middle East to learn how to kill people. Bio warfare was one of the things we covered.”
“Okay,” Greg nodded. “But I still don’t think that the info is bad. We’ve had too long of a... relationship for that.”
“Ryan,” Grace crooked her finger, “come here.”
“What?” he asked. He knew he was being as contrary as Dave, but he couldn’t help it.
Smiling she moved towards him. “You know, I’d say we’ve had a pretty good relationship. You’re the best captain I’ve ever worked under. Right.” She stepped right up beside him.
“Sure,” he agreed quietly. And having known her previous superiors, he wasn’t really flattering himself that much in his opinion.
“You’re dead,” she said flatly, touching his side out of his view. Making the universal symbol for a gun she turned and mimed shooting Dave. “You next. Then Terry, then Lot.” Turning once more she faced him. “One in your head to be sure.” While the others gaped at her she snapped, “That’s exactly it. None of you would have reacted in time. That’s who these people are Capt’n. That’s what we do.”
“And you think I don’t know this?” Greg asked quietly. “I know, Grace. And I know that this info seems off. I can’t help that. She’s never crossed me before. Never. It’s more beneficial this way.”
“And you trusted me. I’ve never done anything to you. We’ve been ‘beneficial’ to each other.” She sighed. “Less than fifteen seconds and I would be the only one living in this room. I know I can do it too. Never, ever trust anything they give you. All they’re waiting for is an opportunity like the one I just had.” Clenching her jaw she said, “I’ll do this. But God help us if I’m right.”
Greg nodded tightly at her, knowing that the ambush idea may not be too far off. God, when he’d heard the information Claire had given him, he’d damn near choked on his coffee. But she hadn’t done anything to change that yet, so he’d trust it. Hopefully, it was the right move.
Still obviously pissed Grace walked out of the room, presumably to cool off. Frowning Lot spoke up. “I’m with Grace on this one. It feels funny. Nothing concrete just...off.”
“Yeah, Lottie,” Ryan sighed. “But I’d rather do this than let her go back in.”
Eyes dark with worry Lot asked quietly, “So instead we hand Mikhael everything he needs to break her on a silver platter. Her boyfriend, her CO, her LT, me. Should we get the dogs while were at it, just to be sure?” There was a hard note of sarcasm in his voice that was unusual for the gentle man.
Greg’s lips twitched as he studied the youngest member of his squad before answering. “And do you really think I’m going to make it easy for them?”
“Go easy, go hard, it’s all the same when it’s a 9 mm slug in your skull,” the younger man replied so softly they strained to hear him. Shrugging he followed Grace.
Sighing, Greg rubbed the back of his neck, rolling the big fucking problem around in his head. “Jason’s taking care of Alex and the body. She hasn’t been infected, thank God. Now...”
Dave winced. “No. I’m not drawing the short straw this time. Terry can go talk to them. You and I can go find something else to do. Like getting a vehicle and the gear we’ll need.”
Terry sighed dramatically as he left the room and left the boys to go find their toys as he went off to certain death... at Grace’s hands.
~ * ~
Lot watched his mother figure pace restlessly back and forth in the confines of the room. He was leaning up against one of the walls close enough they brushed against each other as she passed.
“You know, Grace,” he said reasonably. “Might be that Ryan’s right. Or it might be that you have to trust us to stay alive.”
She snorted. “I do trust you. It’s Ryan’s source who’s fucking us over.” Her lips pursed. “I know you feel it too. There’s something wrong.” Lottie nodded, inclining his head toward her.
“Fuck. Ryan’ll make it an order. I have to go. You,” she paused and looked squarely at him. “I’d rather you stay with Becky.”
“I don’t fucking think so, Grace,” he responded vehemently. “I’m going. I’m backing all of you up. And possibly, we’ll live through it.”
Not expecting any less of her boy, the woman nodded with resigned pride. “Fine. But if they catch you, you swear up and down you’re my son. It still might be worth something.”
He smiled at her and then turned when he heard a shuffle at the door. “Terry,” he gave his lover a warm smile, stepping forward hopefully.
Grace laid a restraining hand on his shoulder and tugged him against her chest. “LT, you know this is suicide right?”
“Grace,” Terry sighed. “It may be. But it’s what Greg’s decided. He knows it’s probably not a good idea.”
“It’s my baby you’re killing, lieutenant. I think I have the right to be upset,” Grace said mutinously.
Terry nodded. “But we need to take care of this, Grace. And we will.”
Grace grimaced. “I’d never thought I’d see the day when I was taking my son down with me at the orders of some officer. Fuck. We’ll both do this. No questions.”
Terry cocked his head to the side and studied them. Both so different and yet the same. Mirror images of each other. He nodded again as he met her eyes.
Shoving Lot forward, she gave them a smile that was fraying around the edges. “We need to gear up then. Dave better have one of those shell style vests ‘cause my ribs are not up to our usual pillows.”
“I’m sure he’ll have everything. He and Ryan are headed out to get the stuff,” Terry told her. “I’m sure you could catch ‘em if you want to tag along.”
“I think the capt’n and I should probably stay away from each other for a little bit,” she responded neutrally. “I’m gonna go bug Beck.”
Kissing Lottie on the forehead she left to talk to the computer tech. Terry stood a little uncertainly in front of the younger man, waiting for him to make whatever move was next.
“She’s my mother, Terry,” Lot explained awkwardly. “I had to choose a side, so I went with her instincts. My instincts. I’m sorry.” His arms came up protectively across his chest.
“It’s nothing to be sorry about, Lottie,” he said quietly. “You don’t have to agree with me. And if that’s your instincts, then that’s what you should have done.”
Shuddering Lot muttered, “You can’t tell me that this doesn’t give you the creeps. Even Dave’s jumpy and it takes a lot to shake him up.”
Terry inclined his head and told him, “Even if it is an ambush, Greg thinks that we’ll come out of it. I know Grace’s demonstration was... dramatic. And I understand that. But with us and a couple of well-placed volunteers, we’ll be fine.”
“Feels wrong,” Lot said softly. “And Grace is never wrong about who’s gonna die. She can always tell. Used to creep out the guys in patrol.” His lips quirked into a small smile. “Guess it was a good thing she didn’t come right out and say any names. Huh. A few of us might even live through this.”
~ * ~
“Greggie,” Jeremiah Jefferson was big. Just all around big with skin black enough it had purple highlights. Ryan's lankier frame was engulfed in his bear hug as the two men pounded each other’s backs. Grace, still less than amused, leaned up against the wall behind Lottie's chair.
“Good to see ya, Jeff,” Greg said. “Thanks for coming.”
A deep, rumbling laugh came from the giant man's belly. “Anything for you, you know that. I brought some friends to the party. Hope you don't mind.”
“Course not,” Greg responded automatically, knowing any company Jeff brought along would be able and willing.
“Let me introduce you to my team, Jeff,” Greg turned, gesturing to his squad. “This is Terry, my lieutenant, Grace Simmons, Dave Provenza, and Lot Melinte.”
Nodding, Jeff called, “Come on in boys and meet the team.” Two men came in with bags slung over their shoulders. The oldest had the craggy face of an experienced soldier. His dark hair was graying at the temples but his eyes shown bright in clear. The other was a young, slim Hispanic man with close-cropped hair. Proudly, Jeff slung a huge, meaty arm over each of their shoulders. “Jack Kelley and Jose Blackfeather. Like you to meet my buddy Greg and his team. Terry's his second. The kid's Lot. Other guy's Dave. And that pretty lady is Grace.”
The men nodded their greeting. “Good to meet you,” Jack ventured, his voice low and gravelly.
Terry nodded back. “Thanks for coming to help. We appreciate it.”
“Always happy to help a friend,” Jose eyed Grace appreciatively. She gave him one of her too sweet smiles.
Dave leaned back and smirked. That kid had no idea what he was looking at. Obviously. The younger of the two strangers mistook her smile for an invitation. Setting his bag to the side he grasped Grace's hand and brought it to his lips. The next moment he was up against the wall with that same hand around his throat.
“Fuck off.” The woman's angry hiss could be clearly heard. “I'm taken.” She released him and moved to the other side of the room, projecting her foul mood in her wake.
The kid looked stunned and a little pissed. Terry glanced over from his discussion with Jeff and Greg to see Dave pull away from the wall and place himself between Jose and Grace.
Jack laid a hand on his partner's shoulder. “Leave off, Sese. The lady's obviously not interested.”
He tipped his head to the side and eyed Grace with a new respect. “Too bad.”
Dave's eyes shone as Grace growled lightly and he stepped back, still warily watching the younger man. Grace may kick his ass for stepping in, but damn it... no way was he just going to stand there when she was still not feeling her best.
“Listen, assholes,” she barked. “I'm having a really, really fuckin' bad day. So, let me make this perfectly clear. You want some stress relief, look into fuckin' each other because I'll just shoot you.”
To emphasize her point she laid her hand on the butt of her Glock. Jack's lips twitched as he replied, “That a promise, Simmons?”
In a flash her gun was out pointing at his forehead. “What do you think dickhead?”
Jack automatically smoothed his face, but he couldn't dim the twisted mirth in his eyes. “Nice to know some people keep their promises.” He tilted his head in acquiescence, cautiously watching her movements.
Terry's sharp order cut through the air, “Holster you weapon, Grace. Now.” It wasn't loud but it had the full force of his authority behind it. Still glaring, the woman obediently put her gun away and crossed her arms over her chest.
Dave's hand itched to touch her, but he knew that she wouldn't appreciate the gesture. He resigned himself to standing a bit too close as he turned to Terry and cocked his head. “So, Ter. What's next?”
“Next we wait for the rest of our back up. Who's late actually.” Terry frowned as Jose mouthed something that made Grace reach for her gun. “Officer, don't make me disarm you.”
“Well, somebody likes being in charge,” came the teasing tone as a man Terry's age leaned in the doorway. He was tall and lean, with sparkling hazel eyes. Three men were waiting behind him, patiently at attention, waiting for his orders.
Sighing Terry turned and said aggrieved, “You know, Hunt, you're usually supposed to show up when you say you will.”
“Sorry, hon. Did the dinner burn?” His voice dropped a level from teasing into husky. “Need me to make it up to you?”
With a roll of his eyes Terry said, “Tell me you at least brought what I asked.” Lot had stiffened slightly at Hunt's address of his lover, but remained seated on the far side of the room.
“Yeah, Ter,” the other man responded. “Did you have any doubt? I always come when you call and ask for shiny toys.”
“I see your pick up lines haven't improved,” Terry muttered. “Fine. If you’re so desperate.” He stepped forward and planted a chaste kiss square on the other man's mouth. “Happy now?”
Hunter grabbed Terry's hips and pulled him flush against him. “I'd be happier if we had a couple of hours.” Pausing, Hunter tilted his head to the side, his eyes searching Terry's as he asked, “You been eating at all, Ter?”
“Get you're fuckin' hands off the, LT.” Grace, edgy from Jose's appearance, was now livid. “Terry, you've got exactly ten seconds...Fuck. Lottie, babe...” Cursing she took off after the taller man.
Ryan sighed deeply. “Jeff, I hope you brought restraints 'cause I have a feeling we're gonna need them.”
Terry tugged himself away from Hunter. “Hunt, hands off, okay?” His voice was low and he glanced nervously over at Lottie.
Grace had caught up with him and she was speaking rapidly. The kid had no color in his face and his eyes looked like 'deer in the headlights.' When the woman glanced over Terry winced at the fury in her eyes. As if things weren't bad enough.
“What, babe? You're not allowed to play anymore?” Hunter continued to tease as he followed Terry's gaze. “Ah. I see. Still...”
“Don't even say it, Hunt,” Terry warned as he pulled himself away and walked toward Lot and Grace. Lot flinched at his approach, stepping slightly behind the woman.
“I’m sorry, Lottie,” Terry said quietly, trying to catch his gaze. “Hunt's just.... extremely hands on. He'll back off, okay?”
Lot was looking anywhere but him. His fingers slid through Grace's belt, grasping it like he would with Terry when he was nervous. “S’okay. Just threw me is all.”
“No, I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to warn you, babe,” Terry told him. “Hunt's just a little... we got some history and he tends to be...” Terry was at a loss. He couldn't really seem to think of an explanation for Hunt. Hunt was just... Hunt. Had always been that way, ever since he'd known him.
Grace ran a hand over Lottie's arm. “S’okay, kiddo. Jus' stick with me. Terry, do something before I shoot that TexMex fucker.” Her lethal look was aimed at Jose.
Terry turned to see the slight leer of the other man. “Blackfeather! Stop giving any member of my team the eyeball if you plan to keep 'em! Dave!”
At Terry's word, Dave stepped up, a cold smile and dead eyes greeting the other man. “Back off,” he growled quietly.
“Really,” Jose said, matching his smile.
“Fuck it,” Grace muttered. Lot trailing behind her she stepped forward, put her arms and one leg around Dave, and stuck her tongue in his mouth.
Startled, Dave took a moment to react, and his eyes closed as his hands fell to her ass and pulled her as close as possible. Terry hid a smirk as Lot looked traumatized.
Nipping at Dave's lips Grace came away breathing hard. She glared at Jack and Jose. “I'm taken, he's taken. Any questions?” Lot hesitantly reached out. She took his hand while still leaning against Dave.
Terry's eyes shifted to Hunter and he saw the other man opening his mouth. “Hunter.” The warning was clear. “Don't.” Rolling his eyes, Hunter's jaw snapped shut.
Terry turned back to study Lottie. The younger man was attached to Grace and refusing to look at him. He needed to fix this before they could go anywhere. Shit.
Ryan and Jeff finished talking as Grace stared down every non-squad man in the room. Sighing, the captain resigned himself to helping Terry clean up his own mess. That would involve unhooking Grace and Lot. “Grace, I need you and Dave to go check the ammo.”
Dave's hand on the small of her back the woman moved to obey. Lot remained her shadow nearly following her out the door before Greg called him back.
“Lottie,” Greg said quietly, looking at the younger man as he paused. Ryan tilted his head at Terry and let his lieutenant take it from there.
Wary, Lot stood in the deceptively relaxed pose that meant he could spring to the side or take off in a dead sprint in under half a heartbeat. His eyes tracked everyone in the room with the same resigned fear that Terry remembered from the beginning.
“Lottie, c'mon,” he asked quietly, heading out and passing by Hunter and his boys, shooting the man a warning look. As Lot passed, Hunter reached out and trailed a light hand down his spine with an appreciative leer. The kid froze stiff at the touch, letting Hunter step closer.
“Hunter, back the fuck off,” Terry growled, reaching out and pulling Lottie with him. “Do not touch him.”
Something changed in Lot's face like the flick of a switch. Shoving Terry away he spun and knocked Hunter's feet out from under him. As the man fell the young cop brought his other leg up in a straight kick and slammed the flat of his boot into the man's stomach. Grabbing and handful of the short hair, he yanked the hazel eyes up to meet his green ones. “Don't fuck with me,” he said softly, then released his hold and walked out of the room, leaving Terry behind.
A dispassionate look at Hunter, Terry turned to follow in Lottie's wake. He wasn't sure what he could do to fix this, but he would.
Lot was loading a shotgun. Each shell was popped expertly in as he focused totally on the task at hand. Only the sideways glance suggested he was even aware of Terry at all. He checked the safety and chambered a round before repeating the process with a handgun.
“Lottie,” Terry said, his tone asking permission as he walked closer. “I'm sorry. I didn't mean...” He paused, unsure of what to say.
“Fuck off, LT,” Lot replied coolly. “We're nearly loaded up and the mercs haven't been briefed. Capt'n won't do it so you'll have to.”
“And I fucking will,” Terry responded, stopping near enough to his lover to feel the heat from his body. “After we talk.”
Flinching Lot took a step back. He turned and shoved the pistol in his shoulder holster before picking up the shotgun. “We've got a sting coming up. Personal issues will hold.”
“No,” Terry murmured quietly. “This won't hold.” As he talked he kept moving forward as Lot kept moving away, eventually ending up backed against the wall.
Jaw clenched, Lot snapped, “I don't want to hurt you, LT. But right now I just might. You need to back up.”
“So hit me, Lottie,” Terry told him, totally willing to stand there and take whatever the kid needed to dish out. He slowly reached out to rest his hand against Lot's chest to feel the pounding of his heart.
A slim hand clamped down on his wrist hard enough to bruise and shoved the hand down to his side. “Gracie'll be loading up. I'm gonna help her,” Lot said quietly, shouldering past Terry.
“Lottie, fucking listen to me for a second, ok?” Terry's voice broke as he said it and waited for the younger man's response.
“I'm not leaving, lieutenant,” Lot replied looking straight ahead. “But don't expect me to get on my knees for you either.”
“I'm not asking you to, babe,” Terry said quietly. He took a shaky breath before continuing. “I'm sorry about Hunter. I didn't get a chance to warn you about him. I'd forgotten how... forward he can be when he's in the mood. And how far he pushes it.” Terry stared at Lot's profile as the man refused to turn and face him. “I haven't seen him in a long time. Mostly cuz I would need to arrest him if I did... it was a long time ago, Lottie. When we were teenagers.”
“LT,” Lot sighed. “I guess I will have to spell it out for you. I don't give a fuck who you sleep with. It's not my problem. Just don't expect it to be me anytime soon.” His smile was bitter. “I'm a cop not a whore.”
Something tightened and threatened to break in Terry's chest. “You planning on forgetting the past week, Lottie? You don't want what we had an hour ago?” His voice was weak and panicky. What the hell? He'd known Lottie'd be hurt, but to completely turn around...
“Melinte, LT. My name is Melinte,” the younger man corrected. “Now do you need something or can I go help my partner before she manages to break a rib rather than crack 'em.”
Terry stared at him. Did he need anything? A hysterical, humorless laugh escaped the tightness in his chest. Shrugging, Lot said, “Lieutenant, is that a yes or am I dismissed?”
“Fine, Lottie,” Terry whispered as he fell back against the wall. “Tell Dave I need to talk to him when you see Grace.”
“Yessir.” Holding the shotgun in one hand Lot strode out of the room with the rolling gate of a beat cop on the hunt.
Terry blinked hard, and took a deep breath. He could do this. He could always do this. It was his job. Just... he needed to talk to Dave first.
~ * ~
Chapter 32
A/N: Jeff is cast as Dennis Haysbert and Hunt is cast as Christian Bale.
Authors: Aaryn/docs_girl16 & Andrea/silentflux
Rating: NC-17 in some chapters
Claimer: This is our universe, our characters. Period.
Warnings: Slash, het, violence which is in some chapters extreme and may squick you.
A/N: Thanks to barefoot_starz for re-beta'ing everything for me. I appreciate it greatly.
Cast List: where Aaron and I cast our actors for these rolls :)
~Previous parts in MEMORIES or TAGS.
~ * ~ * ~
Chapter 31
Terry and Ryan were talking intensely while Lottie redid Grace’s braid into a tighter, herringbone style. Grace was listening to the conversation intently, obviously displeased.
Dave stepped into the room, lifting his eyebrow once he caught his partner’s eye, asking the question.
Terry shook his head grimly at something Ryan was saying. Grace interrupted, “And you trust her? For all you know she could be playing you.”
Ryan looked up, a flash of something dangerous in his eyes. “She’s not lying.” The tone was flat and unforgiving.
“Fuck, Ryan...Are you really that naive? This information's too good. Catrina has to know about this,” Grace snapped. Her hands clenched into fist. “It’s a trap. I can fuckin’ smell Lexi all over this.”
Greg snapped his head around to look at her for a moment. “Could be a trap, but it’s good. She said that’s what she knew. And she knows a fucking lot about the operations they run.”
“Ryan, she’s fuckin’ one of them,” Grace enunciated slowly like he was stupid. “All you are is a means to an end. Sure, she’ll string you along for a little while. Then swish,” she pantomimed slitting her throat, “end game.”
Greg flashed her a grim smile. “Not this kid,” he told her. “If she’s got bad info, that means that he has bad info. Which is fucking unlikely seeing as he’s second.”
Grace went white. “What did you give them Ryan? You had to give them something. What was it?”
Ryan tilted his head and didn’t answer. He watched the emotions and ideas flash through her eyes. Good thing she didn’t want to hide anything from him. Not that she really could. Grace couldn’t hide a true emotion to save her life.
“God, Capt’n, you have to tell me,” she demanded. “This could get very bad.” Unaware of it one of her legs began to bounce with nervous energy.
“It was just some dry info about another cell,” Greg murmured. “He likes to be up to date on certain things.”
“That’s not what I meant,” she waved her hand. “Did she ask any...polite questions? Make small talk?”
“Some,” Ryan told her, his patience wearing thin. “We normally do, though. We go for coffee and talk about family.”
Grace bit her lip, “Did you say anything about any of us?”
Ryan shook his head, biting back the sharp retort. “No. It doesn’t involve her. I kept it to topics we normally talk about. My family, hers, hobbies. Nothing more. Ever.”
Breathing a deep sigh of relief, Grace leaned back. “You have to be absolutely sure. All it would take is one reference, even vague, and we’d be screwed.”
“No,” Greg stated flatly. “Not one. I’m careful, Grace. Always. I have been doing this for a long time, you know. Especially with her.”
“Then why,” Grace gestured at the paper, “does this feel like a set up. Look, you don’t store a biological weapon in a place that doesn’t have temperature and atmospheric controls. An individual unit could have its own system sure. But a larger scale threat would imply a lab. A lab which her info makes no mention of.”
“You sure they developed it themselves? Could be they got it from someone,” Terry contributed after watching Grace and Ryan... talk.
“But they’d need a delivery system,” she countered. “The virus in raw form is basically useless, despite being effective. They’d need to develop an aerosol for it to be truly worth the effort.”
The men paused to stare at her. Grace gave a crooked grin. “Terrorism 101. Also known as hey let’s send a fifteen year old out to the Middle East to learn how to kill people. Bio warfare was one of the things we covered.”
“Okay,” Greg nodded. “But I still don’t think that the info is bad. We’ve had too long of a... relationship for that.”
“Ryan,” Grace crooked her finger, “come here.”
“What?” he asked. He knew he was being as contrary as Dave, but he couldn’t help it.
Smiling she moved towards him. “You know, I’d say we’ve had a pretty good relationship. You’re the best captain I’ve ever worked under. Right.” She stepped right up beside him.
“Sure,” he agreed quietly. And having known her previous superiors, he wasn’t really flattering himself that much in his opinion.
“You’re dead,” she said flatly, touching his side out of his view. Making the universal symbol for a gun she turned and mimed shooting Dave. “You next. Then Terry, then Lot.” Turning once more she faced him. “One in your head to be sure.” While the others gaped at her she snapped, “That’s exactly it. None of you would have reacted in time. That’s who these people are Capt’n. That’s what we do.”
“And you think I don’t know this?” Greg asked quietly. “I know, Grace. And I know that this info seems off. I can’t help that. She’s never crossed me before. Never. It’s more beneficial this way.”
“And you trusted me. I’ve never done anything to you. We’ve been ‘beneficial’ to each other.” She sighed. “Less than fifteen seconds and I would be the only one living in this room. I know I can do it too. Never, ever trust anything they give you. All they’re waiting for is an opportunity like the one I just had.” Clenching her jaw she said, “I’ll do this. But God help us if I’m right.”
Greg nodded tightly at her, knowing that the ambush idea may not be too far off. God, when he’d heard the information Claire had given him, he’d damn near choked on his coffee. But she hadn’t done anything to change that yet, so he’d trust it. Hopefully, it was the right move.
Still obviously pissed Grace walked out of the room, presumably to cool off. Frowning Lot spoke up. “I’m with Grace on this one. It feels funny. Nothing concrete just...off.”
“Yeah, Lottie,” Ryan sighed. “But I’d rather do this than let her go back in.”
Eyes dark with worry Lot asked quietly, “So instead we hand Mikhael everything he needs to break her on a silver platter. Her boyfriend, her CO, her LT, me. Should we get the dogs while were at it, just to be sure?” There was a hard note of sarcasm in his voice that was unusual for the gentle man.
Greg’s lips twitched as he studied the youngest member of his squad before answering. “And do you really think I’m going to make it easy for them?”
“Go easy, go hard, it’s all the same when it’s a 9 mm slug in your skull,” the younger man replied so softly they strained to hear him. Shrugging he followed Grace.
Sighing, Greg rubbed the back of his neck, rolling the big fucking problem around in his head. “Jason’s taking care of Alex and the body. She hasn’t been infected, thank God. Now...”
Dave winced. “No. I’m not drawing the short straw this time. Terry can go talk to them. You and I can go find something else to do. Like getting a vehicle and the gear we’ll need.”
Terry sighed dramatically as he left the room and left the boys to go find their toys as he went off to certain death... at Grace’s hands.
~ * ~
Lot watched his mother figure pace restlessly back and forth in the confines of the room. He was leaning up against one of the walls close enough they brushed against each other as she passed.
“You know, Grace,” he said reasonably. “Might be that Ryan’s right. Or it might be that you have to trust us to stay alive.”
She snorted. “I do trust you. It’s Ryan’s source who’s fucking us over.” Her lips pursed. “I know you feel it too. There’s something wrong.” Lottie nodded, inclining his head toward her.
“Fuck. Ryan’ll make it an order. I have to go. You,” she paused and looked squarely at him. “I’d rather you stay with Becky.”
“I don’t fucking think so, Grace,” he responded vehemently. “I’m going. I’m backing all of you up. And possibly, we’ll live through it.”
Not expecting any less of her boy, the woman nodded with resigned pride. “Fine. But if they catch you, you swear up and down you’re my son. It still might be worth something.”
He smiled at her and then turned when he heard a shuffle at the door. “Terry,” he gave his lover a warm smile, stepping forward hopefully.
Grace laid a restraining hand on his shoulder and tugged him against her chest. “LT, you know this is suicide right?”
“Grace,” Terry sighed. “It may be. But it’s what Greg’s decided. He knows it’s probably not a good idea.”
“It’s my baby you’re killing, lieutenant. I think I have the right to be upset,” Grace said mutinously.
Terry nodded. “But we need to take care of this, Grace. And we will.”
Grace grimaced. “I’d never thought I’d see the day when I was taking my son down with me at the orders of some officer. Fuck. We’ll both do this. No questions.”
Terry cocked his head to the side and studied them. Both so different and yet the same. Mirror images of each other. He nodded again as he met her eyes.
Shoving Lot forward, she gave them a smile that was fraying around the edges. “We need to gear up then. Dave better have one of those shell style vests ‘cause my ribs are not up to our usual pillows.”
“I’m sure he’ll have everything. He and Ryan are headed out to get the stuff,” Terry told her. “I’m sure you could catch ‘em if you want to tag along.”
“I think the capt’n and I should probably stay away from each other for a little bit,” she responded neutrally. “I’m gonna go bug Beck.”
Kissing Lottie on the forehead she left to talk to the computer tech. Terry stood a little uncertainly in front of the younger man, waiting for him to make whatever move was next.
“She’s my mother, Terry,” Lot explained awkwardly. “I had to choose a side, so I went with her instincts. My instincts. I’m sorry.” His arms came up protectively across his chest.
“It’s nothing to be sorry about, Lottie,” he said quietly. “You don’t have to agree with me. And if that’s your instincts, then that’s what you should have done.”
Shuddering Lot muttered, “You can’t tell me that this doesn’t give you the creeps. Even Dave’s jumpy and it takes a lot to shake him up.”
Terry inclined his head and told him, “Even if it is an ambush, Greg thinks that we’ll come out of it. I know Grace’s demonstration was... dramatic. And I understand that. But with us and a couple of well-placed volunteers, we’ll be fine.”
“Feels wrong,” Lot said softly. “And Grace is never wrong about who’s gonna die. She can always tell. Used to creep out the guys in patrol.” His lips quirked into a small smile. “Guess it was a good thing she didn’t come right out and say any names. Huh. A few of us might even live through this.”
~ * ~
“Greggie,” Jeremiah Jefferson was big. Just all around big with skin black enough it had purple highlights. Ryan's lankier frame was engulfed in his bear hug as the two men pounded each other’s backs. Grace, still less than amused, leaned up against the wall behind Lottie's chair.
“Good to see ya, Jeff,” Greg said. “Thanks for coming.”
A deep, rumbling laugh came from the giant man's belly. “Anything for you, you know that. I brought some friends to the party. Hope you don't mind.”
“Course not,” Greg responded automatically, knowing any company Jeff brought along would be able and willing.
“Let me introduce you to my team, Jeff,” Greg turned, gesturing to his squad. “This is Terry, my lieutenant, Grace Simmons, Dave Provenza, and Lot Melinte.”
Nodding, Jeff called, “Come on in boys and meet the team.” Two men came in with bags slung over their shoulders. The oldest had the craggy face of an experienced soldier. His dark hair was graying at the temples but his eyes shown bright in clear. The other was a young, slim Hispanic man with close-cropped hair. Proudly, Jeff slung a huge, meaty arm over each of their shoulders. “Jack Kelley and Jose Blackfeather. Like you to meet my buddy Greg and his team. Terry's his second. The kid's Lot. Other guy's Dave. And that pretty lady is Grace.”
The men nodded their greeting. “Good to meet you,” Jack ventured, his voice low and gravelly.
Terry nodded back. “Thanks for coming to help. We appreciate it.”
“Always happy to help a friend,” Jose eyed Grace appreciatively. She gave him one of her too sweet smiles.
Dave leaned back and smirked. That kid had no idea what he was looking at. Obviously. The younger of the two strangers mistook her smile for an invitation. Setting his bag to the side he grasped Grace's hand and brought it to his lips. The next moment he was up against the wall with that same hand around his throat.
“Fuck off.” The woman's angry hiss could be clearly heard. “I'm taken.” She released him and moved to the other side of the room, projecting her foul mood in her wake.
The kid looked stunned and a little pissed. Terry glanced over from his discussion with Jeff and Greg to see Dave pull away from the wall and place himself between Jose and Grace.
Jack laid a hand on his partner's shoulder. “Leave off, Sese. The lady's obviously not interested.”
He tipped his head to the side and eyed Grace with a new respect. “Too bad.”
Dave's eyes shone as Grace growled lightly and he stepped back, still warily watching the younger man. Grace may kick his ass for stepping in, but damn it... no way was he just going to stand there when she was still not feeling her best.
“Listen, assholes,” she barked. “I'm having a really, really fuckin' bad day. So, let me make this perfectly clear. You want some stress relief, look into fuckin' each other because I'll just shoot you.”
To emphasize her point she laid her hand on the butt of her Glock. Jack's lips twitched as he replied, “That a promise, Simmons?”
In a flash her gun was out pointing at his forehead. “What do you think dickhead?”
Jack automatically smoothed his face, but he couldn't dim the twisted mirth in his eyes. “Nice to know some people keep their promises.” He tilted his head in acquiescence, cautiously watching her movements.
Terry's sharp order cut through the air, “Holster you weapon, Grace. Now.” It wasn't loud but it had the full force of his authority behind it. Still glaring, the woman obediently put her gun away and crossed her arms over her chest.
Dave's hand itched to touch her, but he knew that she wouldn't appreciate the gesture. He resigned himself to standing a bit too close as he turned to Terry and cocked his head. “So, Ter. What's next?”
“Next we wait for the rest of our back up. Who's late actually.” Terry frowned as Jose mouthed something that made Grace reach for her gun. “Officer, don't make me disarm you.”
“Well, somebody likes being in charge,” came the teasing tone as a man Terry's age leaned in the doorway. He was tall and lean, with sparkling hazel eyes. Three men were waiting behind him, patiently at attention, waiting for his orders.
Sighing Terry turned and said aggrieved, “You know, Hunt, you're usually supposed to show up when you say you will.”
“Sorry, hon. Did the dinner burn?” His voice dropped a level from teasing into husky. “Need me to make it up to you?”
With a roll of his eyes Terry said, “Tell me you at least brought what I asked.” Lot had stiffened slightly at Hunt's address of his lover, but remained seated on the far side of the room.
“Yeah, Ter,” the other man responded. “Did you have any doubt? I always come when you call and ask for shiny toys.”
“I see your pick up lines haven't improved,” Terry muttered. “Fine. If you’re so desperate.” He stepped forward and planted a chaste kiss square on the other man's mouth. “Happy now?”
Hunter grabbed Terry's hips and pulled him flush against him. “I'd be happier if we had a couple of hours.” Pausing, Hunter tilted his head to the side, his eyes searching Terry's as he asked, “You been eating at all, Ter?”
“Get you're fuckin' hands off the, LT.” Grace, edgy from Jose's appearance, was now livid. “Terry, you've got exactly ten seconds...Fuck. Lottie, babe...” Cursing she took off after the taller man.
Ryan sighed deeply. “Jeff, I hope you brought restraints 'cause I have a feeling we're gonna need them.”
Terry tugged himself away from Hunter. “Hunt, hands off, okay?” His voice was low and he glanced nervously over at Lottie.
Grace had caught up with him and she was speaking rapidly. The kid had no color in his face and his eyes looked like 'deer in the headlights.' When the woman glanced over Terry winced at the fury in her eyes. As if things weren't bad enough.
“What, babe? You're not allowed to play anymore?” Hunter continued to tease as he followed Terry's gaze. “Ah. I see. Still...”
“Don't even say it, Hunt,” Terry warned as he pulled himself away and walked toward Lot and Grace. Lot flinched at his approach, stepping slightly behind the woman.
“I’m sorry, Lottie,” Terry said quietly, trying to catch his gaze. “Hunt's just.... extremely hands on. He'll back off, okay?”
Lot was looking anywhere but him. His fingers slid through Grace's belt, grasping it like he would with Terry when he was nervous. “S’okay. Just threw me is all.”
“No, I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to warn you, babe,” Terry told him. “Hunt's just a little... we got some history and he tends to be...” Terry was at a loss. He couldn't really seem to think of an explanation for Hunt. Hunt was just... Hunt. Had always been that way, ever since he'd known him.
Grace ran a hand over Lottie's arm. “S’okay, kiddo. Jus' stick with me. Terry, do something before I shoot that TexMex fucker.” Her lethal look was aimed at Jose.
Terry turned to see the slight leer of the other man. “Blackfeather! Stop giving any member of my team the eyeball if you plan to keep 'em! Dave!”
At Terry's word, Dave stepped up, a cold smile and dead eyes greeting the other man. “Back off,” he growled quietly.
“Really,” Jose said, matching his smile.
“Fuck it,” Grace muttered. Lot trailing behind her she stepped forward, put her arms and one leg around Dave, and stuck her tongue in his mouth.
Startled, Dave took a moment to react, and his eyes closed as his hands fell to her ass and pulled her as close as possible. Terry hid a smirk as Lot looked traumatized.
Nipping at Dave's lips Grace came away breathing hard. She glared at Jack and Jose. “I'm taken, he's taken. Any questions?” Lot hesitantly reached out. She took his hand while still leaning against Dave.
Terry's eyes shifted to Hunter and he saw the other man opening his mouth. “Hunter.” The warning was clear. “Don't.” Rolling his eyes, Hunter's jaw snapped shut.
Terry turned back to study Lottie. The younger man was attached to Grace and refusing to look at him. He needed to fix this before they could go anywhere. Shit.
Ryan and Jeff finished talking as Grace stared down every non-squad man in the room. Sighing, the captain resigned himself to helping Terry clean up his own mess. That would involve unhooking Grace and Lot. “Grace, I need you and Dave to go check the ammo.”
Dave's hand on the small of her back the woman moved to obey. Lot remained her shadow nearly following her out the door before Greg called him back.
“Lottie,” Greg said quietly, looking at the younger man as he paused. Ryan tilted his head at Terry and let his lieutenant take it from there.
Wary, Lot stood in the deceptively relaxed pose that meant he could spring to the side or take off in a dead sprint in under half a heartbeat. His eyes tracked everyone in the room with the same resigned fear that Terry remembered from the beginning.
“Lottie, c'mon,” he asked quietly, heading out and passing by Hunter and his boys, shooting the man a warning look. As Lot passed, Hunter reached out and trailed a light hand down his spine with an appreciative leer. The kid froze stiff at the touch, letting Hunter step closer.
“Hunter, back the fuck off,” Terry growled, reaching out and pulling Lottie with him. “Do not touch him.”
Something changed in Lot's face like the flick of a switch. Shoving Terry away he spun and knocked Hunter's feet out from under him. As the man fell the young cop brought his other leg up in a straight kick and slammed the flat of his boot into the man's stomach. Grabbing and handful of the short hair, he yanked the hazel eyes up to meet his green ones. “Don't fuck with me,” he said softly, then released his hold and walked out of the room, leaving Terry behind.
A dispassionate look at Hunter, Terry turned to follow in Lottie's wake. He wasn't sure what he could do to fix this, but he would.
Lot was loading a shotgun. Each shell was popped expertly in as he focused totally on the task at hand. Only the sideways glance suggested he was even aware of Terry at all. He checked the safety and chambered a round before repeating the process with a handgun.
“Lottie,” Terry said, his tone asking permission as he walked closer. “I'm sorry. I didn't mean...” He paused, unsure of what to say.
“Fuck off, LT,” Lot replied coolly. “We're nearly loaded up and the mercs haven't been briefed. Capt'n won't do it so you'll have to.”
“And I fucking will,” Terry responded, stopping near enough to his lover to feel the heat from his body. “After we talk.”
Flinching Lot took a step back. He turned and shoved the pistol in his shoulder holster before picking up the shotgun. “We've got a sting coming up. Personal issues will hold.”
“No,” Terry murmured quietly. “This won't hold.” As he talked he kept moving forward as Lot kept moving away, eventually ending up backed against the wall.
Jaw clenched, Lot snapped, “I don't want to hurt you, LT. But right now I just might. You need to back up.”
“So hit me, Lottie,” Terry told him, totally willing to stand there and take whatever the kid needed to dish out. He slowly reached out to rest his hand against Lot's chest to feel the pounding of his heart.
A slim hand clamped down on his wrist hard enough to bruise and shoved the hand down to his side. “Gracie'll be loading up. I'm gonna help her,” Lot said quietly, shouldering past Terry.
“Lottie, fucking listen to me for a second, ok?” Terry's voice broke as he said it and waited for the younger man's response.
“I'm not leaving, lieutenant,” Lot replied looking straight ahead. “But don't expect me to get on my knees for you either.”
“I'm not asking you to, babe,” Terry said quietly. He took a shaky breath before continuing. “I'm sorry about Hunter. I didn't get a chance to warn you about him. I'd forgotten how... forward he can be when he's in the mood. And how far he pushes it.” Terry stared at Lot's profile as the man refused to turn and face him. “I haven't seen him in a long time. Mostly cuz I would need to arrest him if I did... it was a long time ago, Lottie. When we were teenagers.”
“LT,” Lot sighed. “I guess I will have to spell it out for you. I don't give a fuck who you sleep with. It's not my problem. Just don't expect it to be me anytime soon.” His smile was bitter. “I'm a cop not a whore.”
Something tightened and threatened to break in Terry's chest. “You planning on forgetting the past week, Lottie? You don't want what we had an hour ago?” His voice was weak and panicky. What the hell? He'd known Lottie'd be hurt, but to completely turn around...
“Melinte, LT. My name is Melinte,” the younger man corrected. “Now do you need something or can I go help my partner before she manages to break a rib rather than crack 'em.”
Terry stared at him. Did he need anything? A hysterical, humorless laugh escaped the tightness in his chest. Shrugging, Lot said, “Lieutenant, is that a yes or am I dismissed?”
“Fine, Lottie,” Terry whispered as he fell back against the wall. “Tell Dave I need to talk to him when you see Grace.”
“Yessir.” Holding the shotgun in one hand Lot strode out of the room with the rolling gate of a beat cop on the hunt.
Terry blinked hard, and took a deep breath. He could do this. He could always do this. It was his job. Just... he needed to talk to Dave first.
~ * ~
Chapter 32
A/N: Jeff is cast as Dennis Haysbert and Hunt is cast as Christian Bale.