From the Corner of his Eye
Pairing: Sean Bean/ David Wenham
Rating: R
Warnings: AU, violence, disability (blindness)
Summary: David Wenham was the perfect suspect. But even though he definitely had the opportunity, Sean just couldn't come up with motive and means.
Beta: moanahine *hugs 'n squishes*
Chapter 10
Sean yawned broadly, nuzzling into the pillow. He was warm and comfortable. And his headache had vanished. Fortunately. Even after two aspirin Sean had been half-mad with pain and irritated eyond belief. And David's claim of actually seeing through the murderers eyes from time to time had not exactly served to make things better. Or his head hurt less. It had, in fact, had quite the opposite effect.
He sighed contentedly , opened his eyes and waited till his eyes had got used to the gloom. A soft smile crossed his lips. He was watching David again. For some reason he thought that David-watching could actually become his new favourite past-time. Damn. He yawned again. Or maybe not. He preferred hobbies that did not require him to stay awake after hours. Although.... He cocked his head at David, smiling softly. Perhaps he could change his preferences.
He turned onto his stomach, dragging his pillow closer and stuffing it half-way under his chest. He shivered, grimacing and sniffing audibly. There were some things even love could not cure. Things like olfactory perception. Cold sweat was disgusting, plain and simple. The additional heat was a small price to pay, though. At least if it was the price for David's continued presence in his bed. Which he really wanted to continue.
~***~
David moaned helplessly, writhing in his sleep. Gods. He really had been right. Silent tears ran down his cheeks. They had been too slow, too disinterested, too whatever. Even though he had heard Sean call it in. He was awake enough to know that he did not want to dream but now awake enough to force himself to wake up completely. “Oh gods, no...”
He moved silently through the night, easily side-stepping the bright spots of the streetlights. This was not exactly the best part of the town, but neither was it the worst. People might actually notice him. He smirked. Still, enough students lived here to de-sensitize most of the neighbours.
He grinned up at the run-down, semi-detached house. He had his way already mapped out, knew exactly where he was going to enter.
It was almost too easy. Soon he stood in front of the right door, lovingly stroking the hunting knife in his pocket. He shuddered. This was going to be so good. And it would hopefully distract him from.
Opening the door with his credit card was laughably easy. He shook his head as he chcked for chains and additional security measures. None.
He moved, nothing but a silent shadow, through the corridor, careful not to stumble over any of the shoes or water bottles. He pushed the first door open, frowning. Bathroom.
The next room was better. The knife was heavy in his hand as he approached the bed. The young woman was sleeping peacefully, covers kicked off and dark hair fanning out on the pillow. She was beautiful. He smiled softly. But then he had already known that. She did not even wake as his shadow fell onto her and he plunged down the knife.
~***~
Sean tried to swallow the painful lump in his throat, his eyes wide and burning with tears. Unortunately the damned thing refused to dissolve. It was stuck, lodged firmly on his throat and threatening to cut of his air. A choked sob fought its was out of him. This could not be. He shook his head, groaning as he let himself fall back into the pillows. At least David had not woken up. Yet. God. David.
He blinked furiously. Fuck. What David had just moaned and whispered had been his worst nightmare. A blow-by-blow description of a double homicide. Comitted after a pattern he knew only too well.
“What the fuck am I supposed to do now?” He asked the dim gloom that shadowed the room, shivering violently. It had been too warm for him earlier, but now he was chilled to the bone in spite of the thick blankets and David’s warmth beside him. Why had he not woken David when the other man had started to talk in his sleep? He really should have. He would have been so much happier not knowing. Never knowing. It seemed as though David really had some strange and inexplicable connection to the murderer.
Pain flashed through his head as he hit his forehead a few times, sighing with relief. At least the pain kept him from thinking. Not that he knew what he was thinking anyway. Too much. It was just too much to take in.
He jerked, almost falling out of his bed as a shrill sound pierced the nightly quiet. “Please…” He croaked, dreading to look at the glowing display. “Don’t let it be…” Fuck. It was Viggo. And there was only one reason for Viggo to call him at this time of the night. He gulped, accepting the call.
“Bean. Yes… I’m coming.” He listened intenly for a few more minutes, willing the bile that was rising in his throat away. This was getting worse and worse by the minute. Well. At least they had a survivor this time. Not that that was going to help her flatmate. It had already been too late for her when the police had finally arrived. “Yes, as soon as I can.”
He shook his heas again, lingering in bed for another moment. He wanted to stay in bed, to hide from the world. Sighing, he got up, taking care not to wake David. He had to go. Maybe the survivor had seen the murderer. It was almost the last straw he could grasp at. Unless he wanted to spend at least another three days going through employment rolls and records.
~***~
Sean stared undecidedly at his door and then down at the key in his hands. He hated locking Dave in. And the fact that he could not leave the other man a message, that he had no way of letting David know what was happening without waking the other man. Reluctantly he turned the key and locked the door. He really hated locking David in.
His reluctant footsteps echoed forlornly off the walls. He had to inspect the crime scene, had to identify and arrest the murderer, if he wanted to keep David safe. And yet he had the feeling that leaving David alone right now was a mistake. A big one. Very big. The door to the house closed behind him with a final click. A shudder ran down his spine as he headed for his car. Somehow he could not help feeling that he was nothing but a puppet in someone else’s play. And he had no idea what this someone intended for him to do next.
~***~
Sean had not even been at the crime scene for more than five minutes before he was incredibly happy that his last meal had been quite some time ago. The rooms of both victims were a bloody mess and for some reason the surviving girl was the one who looked worse. A lot worse. Strange.
He popped another breath mint into his mouth. The strong, fresh taste distracted him just enough to bear the metallic tang of dried blood that permeated the air.
“Sorry.” He mumbled something under his breath, stepping back onto the corridor as Ian and the scene of crime officers gave him irritated glares. He had already seen enough to get a rough picture of what had happened, there was no reason to annoy the coroner any further. He ran a nervous hand through his hair. Unfortunately everything he had seen on the crime scene fit in perfectly with what David had mumbled in his sleep.
~***~
“Hey.” Sean said softly, sitting down on the edge of the stretcher. The young woman loked at him with wide, frightened eyes. She was even paler than the proverbial wall. And the grey blanket someone had pulled over her only emphasized that fact.
“I’m Chief Inspector Bean with the Metropolitan Police.” He paused, frowning as he tried to assess her state of mind. “Do you feel up to answering some questions?”
He smiled encouragingly as she gave the paramedic anquestioning glance. The man did not seem too happy, but left without comment. After giving Sean a glare that spoke volumes. Finally the girl nodded reluctantly.
“Were you able to see your attacker?”
The girl shook her head, tears flooding her eyes. “No.”
“May I ask you a personal question?” Sean’s face already hurt from the false smile he kept plastered on. She nodded again, staring at the wall above his head.
“Were you and your sister,” he frowned, hesitating briefly, “Attacked in any way within the last few weeks or months?”
Her flinch said everything. Damn. Sean sighed. She had shut down, was avoiding all eye-conatact even more studiously than before.
“I understand that this has to be painful for you.” Sean said quietly, gently taking her shaking fingers into his own. “And I know that no punishment could ever be bad enough for the guy who did this to you, but I need your help. I can’t catch him without you.”
“I’m tired.”
He had to strain his hearing to even hear her sobbed whisper, but when he did, it almost broke his heart. She sounded so lost, so forlorn. As if there was nothing left in the world for her. He winced. And she was probably right. According to Viggo, her sister had been her only living relative.
“I understand.” Sean rubbed the back of her hand, grateful that she had not pulled away yet. “Did you report the attack?”
“We had to.” She whispered, gulping audibly. “But he said we could keep it confidential, that no one would have to know. That’s why he called him.”
“Who called whom?” Sean frowned. He had to know. And there defenitely was one he to many in her sentence. “And who said that no one else would have to know?”
“Sargeant Mortensen.” The girl’s whisper was a bit stronger, a bit more confident now. “The guy from the hospital said we should call him.”
Sean froze, but somehow managed to regain his composure. “You did great.” He told the girl, putting his fake smile back on. “And I promise you that I’ll do everything in my power to catch the guy who did this to you. And to your sister.”
Without another word he turned, jumping out of the van and running a few steps.
Fuck, fuck, fuck and fuck again. He stopped, taking a shaky breath. The cold night air was burning his lungs, forcing tears into his eyes again. He ha had no idea that Viggo had been working any cases on his own. Heck, Viggo was not supposed to work cases on his own. Unless Sean assigned them to him.
He nodded automatically as Ian came out, telling him to expect the autopsy report sometime in the afternoon. Too much. And he was too tired. He needed to get home. He frowned, jerking into motion. Where the fuck was Viggo? He should not have left the crime scene yet. Somehow he managed to swallow his hysterical laughter. Neither should he.
“Right.” He muttered, slowly walking back towards his car. “Home. Now.”
~***~
David huddled back into the corner of the closet, forcing himself to take even, shallow breaths. He had to keep on breathing. If he held his breath, he would have to gasp at some point and that would be loud. Too loud. Or at least louder than breathing. He whimpered as the footsteps started again, searched the living room methodically.
He had woken, sweaty and alone and with the images of the killer’s newest victims still fresh in his mind. It had been the worst one so far. He shuddered. And the first time that the killer had taken two victims in the same night.
He had barely managed to catch his breath after waking with a scream still on his lips when he had heard the key turn. And he had known immediately that it was not Sean. He had not lost connection with the killer. And he immediately recognized the building he was seeing flashes of. The killer was here, was coming for him.
~***~
“Fuck.” Sean held his breath as his worst fears came true. The door was open. The fucking door to his appartment was open. Viggo. Had to be. There was no other explanation for this. How could he have missed it all this time? All these years they had worked together and he had not suspected anything. Not a single thing.
Slowly, he reached out, pushing the door completely open. It cracked ominiously. Someone was moving inside. David? With his weapon drawn he took a few cautious steps inside, listening intently. Someone was breathing nearby. He just could not make out where exactly.
~***~
“Fuck!” Sean fought for his balance as a punch sent both him and the gun tumbling to the floor. The door slammed shut. He shielded his eyes as the lights flared on. “No…” He mouthed silenly, staring at the man in front of him and the bloody knife in his hands. No. Not Viggo. He shook his head, eyes widening. The door to his bedroom was open. And the bed was empty.
~***~
“Hello, Sean.” Viggo said darkly, grinning broadly as he kicked the gun away. It clattered somewhere under the sofa. “You just couldn’t let it be, could you?” He yelled, pointing the knife at Sean. “Nothing to say? You’ve usually always something to say, boss. Cat got your tongue this time? What’s so different?” He cocked his head at his stunned superior, heaving a sigh. He really had expected Sean to put up a fight. At least a little one. “No, wait.” He laughed loudly as Sean’s eyes widened. So sweet, so intoxicating. “I’ll get your tongue.” His grin broadened. “In the end.”
The way in which Sean’s eyes followed the knife’s every movement, were glued to the shimmering blade, was hilarious. Funny just would not cut it. “You’ll never get too close again, Sean.”
“Viggo…”
“No.” Viggo shook his head, interrupting Sean. “Just no, Sean. I don’t want to do this, didn’t want it to come to this, but you’re not giving me a choice. Why, Sean?” He stalked the other man as Sean started to crawl backwards. “Why are you forcing me to do this?”
“Viggo, please…”
Viggo shook his head at Sean. No way. He knew that tone of voice. And he knew that it was not going to work on him. He may not be calm right now, but he was anything but certifiable.
“Not gonna work on me, boss.” He grinned as Sean’s back hit the wall. Nowhere to go now. “I know what you’re trying to do and it won’t work. No talking me down.”
He squatted down in front of Sean, searching his colleague’s gaze. Nothing but panic, agression and grim determination there. “Besides.” His jaw was beginning to hurt from grinning. “I know I’m crazy.” He laughed, but it sounded more like an aggravated bark. “So I can’t be crazy, right?”
“No one’s forcing you to do anything.”
Viggo frowned. How could Sean dare to ignore what he had just said?
“Why don’t you just put down the knife?”
“Sean, Sean, Sean.” Viggo sighed, shaking his head. “You really should know me better than that. I have absolutely no reason to put down the knife. Especially since I do not want to spend the rest of my life in prison. Although…” he cocked his head at the other man, “Maybe we can work something out.”
“Like what?” The flicker of hope in Sean’s eyes was pathetic. Absolutely pathetic.
“Let me go.” Viggo said, shaking his head again. Sean’s expression made it more than obvious what the other man thought of that. “Really, Sean. I would make things much easier for you. You can’t stop me anyway.”
“Okay.” Sean’s Adam ’s apple bobbed visibly. “Put the knife down and we can talk about that.”
“Sorry, no can do. No talking without the knife.” Viggo pointed at the open bedroom door, putting just enough pressure onto the knife to slice one of the buttons of Sean’s shirt off. “Your little watcher friend in there had the same problem. Always wanted to talk.” He shook his head. “You can’t help people by talking to them, Sean. They don’t want to listen. You can only help them by doing something about their problems.” He could not help but smile at the renewed panic in Sean’s eyes. “That’s what I do, Sean. I help.”
~***~
Sean did not really listen to what Viggo was babbling anymore. He barely managed to keep track of the knife. What he did do, however , was stare at the open bedroom door. Or rather at what was behind Viggo. Open door. Empty bed. No David. He swallowed heavily, forcing his eyes back to Viggo once more. Viggo still had the knife. Not good. And he had stopped babbling and was quirling an inquisitive eyebrow at him.
“Where is David” He demanded, eyeing the knife wearily. Maybe if he got Viggo agitated enough. All he needed was one opening, one weakness in the other man’s stance. Just one. “What did you do to him?”
“Nu-uh.” Viggo gave him that damned grin again. He was seriously beginning to hate it. Really. “I haven’t done anyting with him. At least nothing that should interest you. Didn’t really get there yet.” Viggo added, frowning at the open door.
There! The opening he had been waiting for. Sean took the chance, jerking the knife from Viggo’s hand and tackling the other man to the floor.
“Fuck.” A fist impacted heavily with his stomach.He fought desperately to get a hold on the other man. When had Viggo become so damn strong?
“Sean?” A timid voice interrupted them. The brief distraction was exactly what Sean needed to get a hold on Viggo. Panting, chest heaving, he sat on the other man’s chest, pinning his arms to the ground.
“David.” He grinned, not caring that he had to look like a loon. Dave was safe. “Shut up.” He snarled at Viggo as the other man bucked up, tried to throw him off with an unexpected string of profanities.
“I’ll get you.” Viggo hissed, gasping for breath as he tried to buck up again. “ Just you wait.”
“David.” Sean turned again, keeping most of his attention on Viggo. “Call the station. Now.”
~***~
Sean wearily eyed the scene of crime officers, who were currently swarming through his living room, were dusting for prints and photographing broken nick-nacks with the diligence and industriousness of super-sized, white ants. He flinched everytime they touched something, longing to take it from them and put it back into its rightful place. Which did not make any sense at all.
Sighing he shook his head, reassuring himself once more that Daid was safe and sound , even if somewhat shaken.
David had barely said a word after calling the police. Sean was torn between protecting what was left of his living room and making sure that no one upset Dave any further. The other man looked more than just a little lost, with his shoulders slumped down and Sean’s woollen blanket once more draped around them
Viggo had been almost eerily quiet when the officers had arrived to take them away. Except for a few well-placed and rather explicit threats and insults towards David and Sean and the rest of the world in general. Still, even with all the police personnel buzzing through it, his apartment seemed unnaturately quiet. Or maybe just filled with the wrong kind of sounds. The hum of activity and the hushed voices could not break the spell of unexpected silence that had fallen with Viggo’s departure. It was as though something vital had been taken away, as though a part of his life had just vanished without really leaving a trace. And in a way, it had.
Viggo had been his partner, had been a part of his life for years and now, within just a few crazy hours, all of that was gone. Completely. He had no idea how much of Viggo’s work with him had been real. Had he just joined the police force to keep himself hidden, or had he had any real interest in the work they did? And how the hell had he managed to get through the regular psych evaluations without raising any suspicions? And why for fuck’s sake had he been unable to see through Viggo?
He was a chief inspector, damnit. He was supposed to to recognize murderers when he saw them. Let alone, worked with them. Where the hell had he gone wrong, where had he allowed himself to be blinded? And by what?
~***~
John stood in front of Sean’s house, his grim gaze firmly trained on the man his officers were just pushing into the black and white car. He had been right. Unfortunately.
And it had almost cost him the life of one of his men. And it was even worse that the murderer was one of their own. He knew that the repercussions would stick around to haunt his station for a very long time. Hell, some police stations never recovered from a blow like this. The members of the precincts tended to think of each other as family and stuck together just as close. And they took every kind of betrayal hard. Very hard. Especially if they had to accept the fact that they had sheltered one of the very people they were supposed to protect society from.
Well. He sighed. At least both Sean and David were relatively unharmed. They had already given a preliminary statement and even though Sean had insisted to go to the station and give a complete statement, he had refused to let his detective do that. Sean and David needed some quiet to sort things out and wap their heads around what had happened. If it could be done that quickly.
He frowned as the car - and Viggo with it - sped out of sight. There would be enough time to talk to Sean and David tomorrow. After a good night’s sleep.
Chapter 11
Rating: R
Warnings: AU, violence, disability (blindness)
Summary: David Wenham was the perfect suspect. But even though he definitely had the opportunity, Sean just couldn't come up with motive and means.
Beta: moanahine *hugs 'n squishes*
Chapter 10
Sean yawned broadly, nuzzling into the pillow. He was warm and comfortable. And his headache had vanished. Fortunately. Even after two aspirin Sean had been half-mad with pain and irritated eyond belief. And David's claim of actually seeing through the murderers eyes from time to time had not exactly served to make things better. Or his head hurt less. It had, in fact, had quite the opposite effect.
He sighed contentedly , opened his eyes and waited till his eyes had got used to the gloom. A soft smile crossed his lips. He was watching David again. For some reason he thought that David-watching could actually become his new favourite past-time. Damn. He yawned again. Or maybe not. He preferred hobbies that did not require him to stay awake after hours. Although.... He cocked his head at David, smiling softly. Perhaps he could change his preferences.
He turned onto his stomach, dragging his pillow closer and stuffing it half-way under his chest. He shivered, grimacing and sniffing audibly. There were some things even love could not cure. Things like olfactory perception. Cold sweat was disgusting, plain and simple. The additional heat was a small price to pay, though. At least if it was the price for David's continued presence in his bed. Which he really wanted to continue.
~***~
David moaned helplessly, writhing in his sleep. Gods. He really had been right. Silent tears ran down his cheeks. They had been too slow, too disinterested, too whatever. Even though he had heard Sean call it in. He was awake enough to know that he did not want to dream but now awake enough to force himself to wake up completely. “Oh gods, no...”
He moved silently through the night, easily side-stepping the bright spots of the streetlights. This was not exactly the best part of the town, but neither was it the worst. People might actually notice him. He smirked. Still, enough students lived here to de-sensitize most of the neighbours.
He grinned up at the run-down, semi-detached house. He had his way already mapped out, knew exactly where he was going to enter.
It was almost too easy. Soon he stood in front of the right door, lovingly stroking the hunting knife in his pocket. He shuddered. This was going to be so good. And it would hopefully distract him from.
Opening the door with his credit card was laughably easy. He shook his head as he chcked for chains and additional security measures. None.
He moved, nothing but a silent shadow, through the corridor, careful not to stumble over any of the shoes or water bottles. He pushed the first door open, frowning. Bathroom.
The next room was better. The knife was heavy in his hand as he approached the bed. The young woman was sleeping peacefully, covers kicked off and dark hair fanning out on the pillow. She was beautiful. He smiled softly. But then he had already known that. She did not even wake as his shadow fell onto her and he plunged down the knife.
~***~
Sean tried to swallow the painful lump in his throat, his eyes wide and burning with tears. Unortunately the damned thing refused to dissolve. It was stuck, lodged firmly on his throat and threatening to cut of his air. A choked sob fought its was out of him. This could not be. He shook his head, groaning as he let himself fall back into the pillows. At least David had not woken up. Yet. God. David.
He blinked furiously. Fuck. What David had just moaned and whispered had been his worst nightmare. A blow-by-blow description of a double homicide. Comitted after a pattern he knew only too well.
“What the fuck am I supposed to do now?” He asked the dim gloom that shadowed the room, shivering violently. It had been too warm for him earlier, but now he was chilled to the bone in spite of the thick blankets and David’s warmth beside him. Why had he not woken David when the other man had started to talk in his sleep? He really should have. He would have been so much happier not knowing. Never knowing. It seemed as though David really had some strange and inexplicable connection to the murderer.
Pain flashed through his head as he hit his forehead a few times, sighing with relief. At least the pain kept him from thinking. Not that he knew what he was thinking anyway. Too much. It was just too much to take in.
He jerked, almost falling out of his bed as a shrill sound pierced the nightly quiet. “Please…” He croaked, dreading to look at the glowing display. “Don’t let it be…” Fuck. It was Viggo. And there was only one reason for Viggo to call him at this time of the night. He gulped, accepting the call.
“Bean. Yes… I’m coming.” He listened intenly for a few more minutes, willing the bile that was rising in his throat away. This was getting worse and worse by the minute. Well. At least they had a survivor this time. Not that that was going to help her flatmate. It had already been too late for her when the police had finally arrived. “Yes, as soon as I can.”
He shook his heas again, lingering in bed for another moment. He wanted to stay in bed, to hide from the world. Sighing, he got up, taking care not to wake David. He had to go. Maybe the survivor had seen the murderer. It was almost the last straw he could grasp at. Unless he wanted to spend at least another three days going through employment rolls and records.
~***~
Sean stared undecidedly at his door and then down at the key in his hands. He hated locking Dave in. And the fact that he could not leave the other man a message, that he had no way of letting David know what was happening without waking the other man. Reluctantly he turned the key and locked the door. He really hated locking David in.
His reluctant footsteps echoed forlornly off the walls. He had to inspect the crime scene, had to identify and arrest the murderer, if he wanted to keep David safe. And yet he had the feeling that leaving David alone right now was a mistake. A big one. Very big. The door to the house closed behind him with a final click. A shudder ran down his spine as he headed for his car. Somehow he could not help feeling that he was nothing but a puppet in someone else’s play. And he had no idea what this someone intended for him to do next.
~***~
Sean had not even been at the crime scene for more than five minutes before he was incredibly happy that his last meal had been quite some time ago. The rooms of both victims were a bloody mess and for some reason the surviving girl was the one who looked worse. A lot worse. Strange.
He popped another breath mint into his mouth. The strong, fresh taste distracted him just enough to bear the metallic tang of dried blood that permeated the air.
“Sorry.” He mumbled something under his breath, stepping back onto the corridor as Ian and the scene of crime officers gave him irritated glares. He had already seen enough to get a rough picture of what had happened, there was no reason to annoy the coroner any further. He ran a nervous hand through his hair. Unfortunately everything he had seen on the crime scene fit in perfectly with what David had mumbled in his sleep.
~***~
“Hey.” Sean said softly, sitting down on the edge of the stretcher. The young woman loked at him with wide, frightened eyes. She was even paler than the proverbial wall. And the grey blanket someone had pulled over her only emphasized that fact.
“I’m Chief Inspector Bean with the Metropolitan Police.” He paused, frowning as he tried to assess her state of mind. “Do you feel up to answering some questions?”
He smiled encouragingly as she gave the paramedic anquestioning glance. The man did not seem too happy, but left without comment. After giving Sean a glare that spoke volumes. Finally the girl nodded reluctantly.
“Were you able to see your attacker?”
The girl shook her head, tears flooding her eyes. “No.”
“May I ask you a personal question?” Sean’s face already hurt from the false smile he kept plastered on. She nodded again, staring at the wall above his head.
“Were you and your sister,” he frowned, hesitating briefly, “Attacked in any way within the last few weeks or months?”
Her flinch said everything. Damn. Sean sighed. She had shut down, was avoiding all eye-conatact even more studiously than before.
“I understand that this has to be painful for you.” Sean said quietly, gently taking her shaking fingers into his own. “And I know that no punishment could ever be bad enough for the guy who did this to you, but I need your help. I can’t catch him without you.”
“I’m tired.”
He had to strain his hearing to even hear her sobbed whisper, but when he did, it almost broke his heart. She sounded so lost, so forlorn. As if there was nothing left in the world for her. He winced. And she was probably right. According to Viggo, her sister had been her only living relative.
“I understand.” Sean rubbed the back of her hand, grateful that she had not pulled away yet. “Did you report the attack?”
“We had to.” She whispered, gulping audibly. “But he said we could keep it confidential, that no one would have to know. That’s why he called him.”
“Who called whom?” Sean frowned. He had to know. And there defenitely was one he to many in her sentence. “And who said that no one else would have to know?”
“Sargeant Mortensen.” The girl’s whisper was a bit stronger, a bit more confident now. “The guy from the hospital said we should call him.”
Sean froze, but somehow managed to regain his composure. “You did great.” He told the girl, putting his fake smile back on. “And I promise you that I’ll do everything in my power to catch the guy who did this to you. And to your sister.”
Without another word he turned, jumping out of the van and running a few steps.
Fuck, fuck, fuck and fuck again. He stopped, taking a shaky breath. The cold night air was burning his lungs, forcing tears into his eyes again. He ha had no idea that Viggo had been working any cases on his own. Heck, Viggo was not supposed to work cases on his own. Unless Sean assigned them to him.
He nodded automatically as Ian came out, telling him to expect the autopsy report sometime in the afternoon. Too much. And he was too tired. He needed to get home. He frowned, jerking into motion. Where the fuck was Viggo? He should not have left the crime scene yet. Somehow he managed to swallow his hysterical laughter. Neither should he.
“Right.” He muttered, slowly walking back towards his car. “Home. Now.”
~***~
David huddled back into the corner of the closet, forcing himself to take even, shallow breaths. He had to keep on breathing. If he held his breath, he would have to gasp at some point and that would be loud. Too loud. Or at least louder than breathing. He whimpered as the footsteps started again, searched the living room methodically.
He had woken, sweaty and alone and with the images of the killer’s newest victims still fresh in his mind. It had been the worst one so far. He shuddered. And the first time that the killer had taken two victims in the same night.
He had barely managed to catch his breath after waking with a scream still on his lips when he had heard the key turn. And he had known immediately that it was not Sean. He had not lost connection with the killer. And he immediately recognized the building he was seeing flashes of. The killer was here, was coming for him.
~***~
“Fuck.” Sean held his breath as his worst fears came true. The door was open. The fucking door to his appartment was open. Viggo. Had to be. There was no other explanation for this. How could he have missed it all this time? All these years they had worked together and he had not suspected anything. Not a single thing.
Slowly, he reached out, pushing the door completely open. It cracked ominiously. Someone was moving inside. David? With his weapon drawn he took a few cautious steps inside, listening intently. Someone was breathing nearby. He just could not make out where exactly.
~***~
“Fuck!” Sean fought for his balance as a punch sent both him and the gun tumbling to the floor. The door slammed shut. He shielded his eyes as the lights flared on. “No…” He mouthed silenly, staring at the man in front of him and the bloody knife in his hands. No. Not Viggo. He shook his head, eyes widening. The door to his bedroom was open. And the bed was empty.
~***~
“Hello, Sean.” Viggo said darkly, grinning broadly as he kicked the gun away. It clattered somewhere under the sofa. “You just couldn’t let it be, could you?” He yelled, pointing the knife at Sean. “Nothing to say? You’ve usually always something to say, boss. Cat got your tongue this time? What’s so different?” He cocked his head at his stunned superior, heaving a sigh. He really had expected Sean to put up a fight. At least a little one. “No, wait.” He laughed loudly as Sean’s eyes widened. So sweet, so intoxicating. “I’ll get your tongue.” His grin broadened. “In the end.”
The way in which Sean’s eyes followed the knife’s every movement, were glued to the shimmering blade, was hilarious. Funny just would not cut it. “You’ll never get too close again, Sean.”
“Viggo…”
“No.” Viggo shook his head, interrupting Sean. “Just no, Sean. I don’t want to do this, didn’t want it to come to this, but you’re not giving me a choice. Why, Sean?” He stalked the other man as Sean started to crawl backwards. “Why are you forcing me to do this?”
“Viggo, please…”
Viggo shook his head at Sean. No way. He knew that tone of voice. And he knew that it was not going to work on him. He may not be calm right now, but he was anything but certifiable.
“Not gonna work on me, boss.” He grinned as Sean’s back hit the wall. Nowhere to go now. “I know what you’re trying to do and it won’t work. No talking me down.”
He squatted down in front of Sean, searching his colleague’s gaze. Nothing but panic, agression and grim determination there. “Besides.” His jaw was beginning to hurt from grinning. “I know I’m crazy.” He laughed, but it sounded more like an aggravated bark. “So I can’t be crazy, right?”
“No one’s forcing you to do anything.”
Viggo frowned. How could Sean dare to ignore what he had just said?
“Why don’t you just put down the knife?”
“Sean, Sean, Sean.” Viggo sighed, shaking his head. “You really should know me better than that. I have absolutely no reason to put down the knife. Especially since I do not want to spend the rest of my life in prison. Although…” he cocked his head at the other man, “Maybe we can work something out.”
“Like what?” The flicker of hope in Sean’s eyes was pathetic. Absolutely pathetic.
“Let me go.” Viggo said, shaking his head again. Sean’s expression made it more than obvious what the other man thought of that. “Really, Sean. I would make things much easier for you. You can’t stop me anyway.”
“Okay.” Sean’s Adam ’s apple bobbed visibly. “Put the knife down and we can talk about that.”
“Sorry, no can do. No talking without the knife.” Viggo pointed at the open bedroom door, putting just enough pressure onto the knife to slice one of the buttons of Sean’s shirt off. “Your little watcher friend in there had the same problem. Always wanted to talk.” He shook his head. “You can’t help people by talking to them, Sean. They don’t want to listen. You can only help them by doing something about their problems.” He could not help but smile at the renewed panic in Sean’s eyes. “That’s what I do, Sean. I help.”
~***~
Sean did not really listen to what Viggo was babbling anymore. He barely managed to keep track of the knife. What he did do, however , was stare at the open bedroom door. Or rather at what was behind Viggo. Open door. Empty bed. No David. He swallowed heavily, forcing his eyes back to Viggo once more. Viggo still had the knife. Not good. And he had stopped babbling and was quirling an inquisitive eyebrow at him.
“Where is David” He demanded, eyeing the knife wearily. Maybe if he got Viggo agitated enough. All he needed was one opening, one weakness in the other man’s stance. Just one. “What did you do to him?”
“Nu-uh.” Viggo gave him that damned grin again. He was seriously beginning to hate it. Really. “I haven’t done anyting with him. At least nothing that should interest you. Didn’t really get there yet.” Viggo added, frowning at the open door.
There! The opening he had been waiting for. Sean took the chance, jerking the knife from Viggo’s hand and tackling the other man to the floor.
“Fuck.” A fist impacted heavily with his stomach.He fought desperately to get a hold on the other man. When had Viggo become so damn strong?
“Sean?” A timid voice interrupted them. The brief distraction was exactly what Sean needed to get a hold on Viggo. Panting, chest heaving, he sat on the other man’s chest, pinning his arms to the ground.
“David.” He grinned, not caring that he had to look like a loon. Dave was safe. “Shut up.” He snarled at Viggo as the other man bucked up, tried to throw him off with an unexpected string of profanities.
“I’ll get you.” Viggo hissed, gasping for breath as he tried to buck up again. “ Just you wait.”
“David.” Sean turned again, keeping most of his attention on Viggo. “Call the station. Now.”
~***~
Sean wearily eyed the scene of crime officers, who were currently swarming through his living room, were dusting for prints and photographing broken nick-nacks with the diligence and industriousness of super-sized, white ants. He flinched everytime they touched something, longing to take it from them and put it back into its rightful place. Which did not make any sense at all.
Sighing he shook his head, reassuring himself once more that Daid was safe and sound , even if somewhat shaken.
David had barely said a word after calling the police. Sean was torn between protecting what was left of his living room and making sure that no one upset Dave any further. The other man looked more than just a little lost, with his shoulders slumped down and Sean’s woollen blanket once more draped around them
Viggo had been almost eerily quiet when the officers had arrived to take them away. Except for a few well-placed and rather explicit threats and insults towards David and Sean and the rest of the world in general. Still, even with all the police personnel buzzing through it, his apartment seemed unnaturately quiet. Or maybe just filled with the wrong kind of sounds. The hum of activity and the hushed voices could not break the spell of unexpected silence that had fallen with Viggo’s departure. It was as though something vital had been taken away, as though a part of his life had just vanished without really leaving a trace. And in a way, it had.
Viggo had been his partner, had been a part of his life for years and now, within just a few crazy hours, all of that was gone. Completely. He had no idea how much of Viggo’s work with him had been real. Had he just joined the police force to keep himself hidden, or had he had any real interest in the work they did? And how the hell had he managed to get through the regular psych evaluations without raising any suspicions? And why for fuck’s sake had he been unable to see through Viggo?
He was a chief inspector, damnit. He was supposed to to recognize murderers when he saw them. Let alone, worked with them. Where the hell had he gone wrong, where had he allowed himself to be blinded? And by what?
~***~
John stood in front of Sean’s house, his grim gaze firmly trained on the man his officers were just pushing into the black and white car. He had been right. Unfortunately.
And it had almost cost him the life of one of his men. And it was even worse that the murderer was one of their own. He knew that the repercussions would stick around to haunt his station for a very long time. Hell, some police stations never recovered from a blow like this. The members of the precincts tended to think of each other as family and stuck together just as close. And they took every kind of betrayal hard. Very hard. Especially if they had to accept the fact that they had sheltered one of the very people they were supposed to protect society from.
Well. He sighed. At least both Sean and David were relatively unharmed. They had already given a preliminary statement and even though Sean had insisted to go to the station and give a complete statement, he had refused to let his detective do that. Sean and David needed some quiet to sort things out and wap their heads around what had happened. If it could be done that quickly.
He frowned as the car - and Viggo with it - sped out of sight. There would be enough time to talk to Sean and David tomorrow. After a good night’s sleep.
Chapter 11