The Right to Love - Part 7
Title: The Right to Love
Spoilers: Takes place after ep 101 (8x09) after Pepa and Silvia have become engaged. This is a sequel to my previous PepSi fanfic, In Love's Defense. My fic follows LHDP up to ep 101 but departs from the show at that point - ep 104 never has and never will exist in this version of Pepa and Silvia’s world.
Rating: R for language. Plus, Pepa’s really pissed off in this chapter! ;p
Pairing: Pepa/Silvia
Summary: As Pepa and Silvia deal with the aftermath of their encounter with El Gordo, a new case comes forward that challenges their rights as well as their lives.
A/N/Disclaimer: The characters of LHDP aren’t mine. Sorry that this chapter took longer than I intended to post. I had to do a little research, so I hope I didn’t completely frak up the details. Muchas gracias for any feedback or comments.
[ Part 1] [ Part 2] [ Part 3] [ Part 4] [ Part 5] [ Part 6]
The briefing room was reverberating with the sound of overlapping conversations, comments and an occasional ribald joke thrown in. Montoya and Don Lorenzo were the last to arrive, firmly closing the door behind them. The commissioner stepped to the small podium at the front of the room, pausing to arrange his files in front of him, before clearing his throat.
“Vale, chicos…” Don Lorenzo raised a dark eyebrow in mild irritation as he observed Povedilla still eagerly showing off his ordination certificate. “Señoras y señores…”
The older man waited another moment longer, his annoyance rising exponentially by the minute, as he pointedly drummed his fingers on the wooden surface in front of him.
“Wait and see!” Kike snorted in a fit of laughter. “We have to keep Pove in line, otherwise he’s going to be all coked up again when he’s performing Pepa and Silvia’s ceremony!” The ill-timed quip was greeted by a frowning Povedilla as Aitor, Nelson and several others hooted and catcalled raucously.
“Atención, coño!” Don Lorenzo’s voice thundered throughout the small room. The flat of his hand slapped the podium with tremendous force, sounding like a gunshot. “We’re here to work, for fuck’s sake! And Kike…” he said, jabbing a finger in the direction of a now nervous, gulping redhead. “I’m still in charge and will put my foot up your ass if you don’t shut up!”
Dios, Papa’s really on a rampage about something today. No wonder I always have to keep an eye on his blood pressure! Silvia mused as she flicked her eyes to the serious expression on Pepa’s face. Her partner was now all business, leaning forward intently to listen to her superior.
“Now, if we’re done being the fucking circus of San Antonio -” The commissioner rumbled, visibly straightening his shoulders, the anger slowly dissipating from his frame. “We’ve been assigned a maximum priority case from Central. They’ve just informed us that Senator Ramon Duarte died a few hours ago under what is being called suspicious circumstances.”
A low, apprehensive mummer went throughout the room at the mention of the name of a prominent politician. Pepa was attuned to the sudden tenseness in the body next to hers. She reached out, briefly rubbing Silvia’s arm in wordless comfort.
“Qué? What’s the big deal?” Mariano shrugged, taking in a few incredulous looks cast his way. “It’s just another damn loudspeaker in a suit, right?”
“Hey, even I know who that guy is.” Aitor chuckled as he lobbed a wadded up ball of paper in the larger agent’s direction, which was exasperatedly batted away. “Don’t you watch the news?”
“I’ll fill you in, Mariano.” Silvia smoothly interjected. “Senator Ramon Duarte’s in the Socialist party, elected in 2004. He’s been one of the most vocal supporters of the same-sex marriage law in Spain from the beginning of the movement. And he’s also the most highly-elected, openly gay politician.”
“But isn’t the gay marriage fight for equality almost a moot point by now?” Paco asked. “It was legalized here a few years ago. So why’s Duarte been all over the news lately?”
“Because one of his biggest opponents, Senator Vicente Lozano, has just introduced legislation that would reverse the same-sex marriage law.” Pepa added, her voice taking on a hard edge at the implication of her words.
Silvia sighed. “This is a huge setback for supporters of equal rights. The bill’s due to be voted on in a few weeks, with the polls showing support for either side at a dead heat. With Duarte gone, who knows what will happen on the political scene.”
“Dios! I had no idea. I only watch fútbol on TV.” Mariano blinked, taking in the information. “Wait a minute! So if this Lozano guy gets his way, we won’t have a wedding?”
“Oh, we will have a wedding, regardless. I owe mi pelirroja that.” The brunette smiled briefly before sobering again. “But in the eyes of the law, it wouldn’t be recognized if Lozano’s bill passes. Or it might be nullified, even if we got married today when it’s still legal.”
“And we might not be able to legally adopt any children.” Silvia whispered in a voice so low that only Pepa heard her. She gave her fiancé a tremulous smile as she felt her hand squeezed tightly.
Pepa turned her attention to Don Lorenzo. “Can’t we start by questioning Senator Lozano?”
“Now, hold on everyone!” The commissioner spread his hands in a placating gesture to quiet the mutters of agreement. “We’re not jumping to conclusions or making up wild conspiracy theories.”
“Agent Miranda, we have no proof that despite the Senator’s high ranking position, that this was politically motivated. Or even technically a murder, since they autopsy hasn’t been done. All we know is that he was greeting supporters at a fundraiser when he collapsed and was pronounced dead at the scene within minutes.”
“Sounds fucking suspicious enough to me.” Pepa glowered, crossing her arms, her eyes becoming dark with anger.
“As far as I’ve been told, the Senator didn’t have any preexisting health conditions or risk factors. Duarte both lived in and represented our jurisdiction, so we have this case.” Don Lorenzo shook a strong finger in warning. “Even if this is proved to be a natural death, but especially if there are indications of foul play, Central is going to be keeping a very close eye on us to make sure we do this right. Salgado from CNI will lend us any help we need. And I’m told that due to the nature of this case, Internal Affairs will probably have a hand in this investigation as well.”
A chorus of groans and rolled eyes greeted the last statement. Despite his usual gruff attitude, the older man smirked in agreement. “Sí, I’m not too thrilled about that last part either.” Don Lorenzo gestured to his second in command. “Montoya, do you have the case assignments?”
“Sí.” The handsome agent consulted his own file. “Duarte’s body is being transported here as we speak. Silvia, get us your preliminary report as soon as your autopsy’s done. Paco and Mariano will interview Duarte’s staff and get their statements. Rita and I will look at the Senator’s security team and his mail to see if he’s had any kind of threats against him. The rest of us are following up on the paper trail, campaign contributions and any substantial donors to see if anything unusual comes up. We have to cover all the bases on this one.”
“Vale?” Don Lorenzo nodded to his officers. “As you were, señores. Get to work.”
The San Antonio agents made their way out of the room, their conversations more subdued then when they entered, their minds on the task at hand. The commissioner stayed at the podium, intent on scribbling notes in his file. He was not surprised to hear familiar steps approach and come to a halt directly in front of him.
“Comisario?” Don Lorenzo looked up to see Pepa in a formal, determined stance, her feet shoulder width apart, her hands folded behind her back. “Did I miss something with the case assignments? Shouldn’t I have a more specific assignment than more desk duty?”
The older man sighed softly as he laid his pen down, directly meeting his agent’s earnest expression. He was not looking forward to this. “Agent Miranda, I have to talk to you about that. I’ve been ordered by higher authorities, that you are not to be involved with this case in any way. They feel the need to keep what they term ‘a volatile and unpredictable agent’ from any situation where the case could be compromised.”
“Qué?!” Pepa thought she had misheard her superior, since the blood pounding in her ears was so deafening. “What the hell do you mean? I’m off the case before it begins because some idiot at Central doesn’t know his head from his ass?”
“Agent Miranda, if Duarte’s passing is more than a case of natural death, this is a very delicate tightrope we have to walk. We have to be ready for any possible political fallout-”
“Cómo? What the hell does that mean?!” Pepa raged, her voice now raised to a shout. Livid, she paced the length of the room, her fist swinging out to strike at an invisible target. “It doesn’t matter how Duarte died! This is me and Silvia’s lives these god damn right-wing politicians are fucking with! What should be our God given right to marry anyone we want, whether a man or woman, or…or a fucking hedgehog!”
“Miranda!” Don Lorenzo roared just as loudly. “Don’t forget that you’re talking to your superior officer!” He regretted the words as soon as the words were out of his mouth, watching Pepa’s shoulders sag as her expression of fury morphed into one of pleading disbelief.
The commissioner moved to grasp his agent’s arms, feeling the residual anger vibrating through her long frame. “Pepa…” Don Lorenzo intentionally gentled his tone, addressing her as a daughter instead of an officer. “I know, hija, I know. This case, this fight, affects you and Silvia most of all.” His chest tightened in sympathy as the brunette irritatedly swiped at tears that were building in her eyes.
“Believe me, I tried to fight Central on this god damn order when I got it. I don’t agree with them at all. But, hija…look at me, por favor.” He tipped the tall woman’s chin so that the moist eyes met his own.
“You’re a smart cop, one of the best I’ve ever known. So keep your ear to the ground when you’re out on patrol. I have no doubt you’ll end up being invaluable to this case, no matter what anyone else says.”
Pepa managed to form a semblance of a smile. “Gracias, Don Lorenzo.”
“Two of San Antonio’s most stubborn on the case. We’ll have it solved in no time.” Silvia smiled softly at her father and fiancé, having slipped back into the briefing room unnoticed. She stepped to her lover’s side to take her in a comforting embrace, her fingers running the length of Pepa’s back, soothing the taller woman’s turbulent emotions.
“I guess you heard me, huh?”
Silvia smirked knowingly. “Are you kidding? The whole precinct did.” She palmed the smoothness of Pepa’s cheek as brown eyes regarded her with equal parts love and gratitude.
“It’ll be okay, Pepa. We’ll figure out a way to solve this.”
“Ahem.” Both women turned, slightly embarrassed as they were reminded of Don Lorenzo’s presence. “Pepa, don’t worry. I’ll keep you in the loop. I promise.”
“No, Don Lorenzo. Don’t.” The dark head shook negatively. “You can’t go against orders for me.”
“Wouldn’t be the first time.” The commissioner wryly chuckled. “After all, paperwork is delayed or misplaced all the time. So what if a certain case report happens to end up on your desk? We always need a fresh pair of eyes to look at the evidence.” He gave Pepa one last pat on the shoulder before leaving the room.
Silvia felt her fiancé sigh heavily, her fingertips sensing the heartbeat opposite hers slowing down to a more normal rhythm.
“Lo siento, Silvia. Everyone must have thought I was crazy, shouting like that -”
Her protests were silenced by a soft finger on his lips. “No apologies. Your feelings are perfectly understandable. They’re just a little on the loud side.”
Pepa laughed briefly. “Sí!” She took the smaller hands in her own, clasping them tightly against her chest.
“I just get so angry at the thought -” Her throat tightened up, cutting off her speech as she blinked a stray tear away. “That some people hate us so much, just for loving each other. I’d die before I’d let anyone take away that right from us.”
“I know, cariño.” Silvia whispered as she pulled Pepa to her, hugging her once more to convey every ounce of her strength, warmth and love. “Just keep holding onto me, vale?”
The brunette’s lips reverently kissed the red strands. “Siempre, mi amor.”
___
With a forceful slap, Pepa reloaded her gun with a full clip before sighting her target and squeezing off a series of perfect shots. She exhaled heavily as she pulled off her earmuffs. The agent was peeved that an afternoon of patrolling had not only been excruciatingly boring, but had come up with nothing relevant to the Duarte case. Now that she was back at the precinct, she felt even more useless than ever. Unable to work the Senator’s case and reluctant to do more paperwork, she found herself back in the shooting gallery, trying to find an occupation for her restless energy.
The brunette turned as the door opened behind her, her eyes narrowing at a very unwelcome visitor.
“Hola, Agent Miranda.” Officer Trujillo from Internal Affairs greeted her, his voice slick with false cordiality. “What a pleasure to see you again.” He looked the epitome of professionalism in his dark suit, but his insincere eyes and receding hairline did little to enhance his appearance.
Pepa shrugged, trying to feign indifference. “I can’t say I say the same.”
Trujillo scoffed arrogantly. “And you’re charming, as always.”
The brunette turned her back to him, checking her weapon before loading it again. “Something I can help you with, or did you just want me to have the pleasure of your company?”
“Oh no, no, no.” A chuckle accompanied the words as the officer stepped into the adjoining stall. He smoothly unholstered his weapon, a Ruger P89 9mm, before pausing to don a pair of earmuffs and glasses. “Just joining you for some target practice.”
He flicked a cursory glance in her direction. “Hm. I see you’re still using a .22. A firearm for weaklings and beginners - not for experienced officers.”
The corded muscles on Pepa’s forearms stood out starkly as she stood in her shooting stance, squeezing the grip of her gun tightly as she ground her teeth. Don’t let him get to you. He’s just trying to provoke you.
The two weapons fired simultaneously, riddling the paper targets with a series of holes precisely in the center. Pepa frowned as she lowered her gun, studying Trujillo’s target. He’s an asshole, but an excellent shot. The observation irked her even more, heightening her bad mood.
“Let’s get to the point.” The brunette reloaded and holstered her firearm before removing her protective gear. She turned to face Trujillo directly, sternly crossing her arms. “You’re not here so we can trade war stories. So talk.”
The IA officer’s fingers reached inside his coat pocket to extract an envelope, which he blatantly slapped against Pepa’s chest. “Special delivery, agent. Courtesy of IA.”
Pepa snatched the envelope and tore it open, her eyes scanning the paper in disbelief. “IA is formally putting a reprimand on my record for my actions in the El Gordo case?”
“That’s right.” Trujillo smiled contemptuously. He jabbed an accusing finger at the brunette. “You violated several forms of protocol when you took off on your own after El Gordo, trying to be a fucking hero. Your duty was to notify Central, Interpol, and any other superiors at once after receiving that tip on your cell phone.”
“That wasn’t a tip, it was a god damn threat!” Pepa hissed out through clenched teeth. “El Gordo and his mafioso threatened to kill my fiancé! I did what any sane person would have done, in order to keep her safe.”
The agent shook his head disapprovingly as he stepped into her personal space. “No, you did what any impulsive, idiotic fool would have done and then some! You’re lucky you haven’t been brought up on charges and suspended for impeding an investigation!”
Trujillo paused as he rocked back on his heels, grinning again, despite Pepa’s hostile glare. “But, no thanks to that shiny medal you received, plus the personal endorsement of Comisario Principal Vargas, that action was overruled. So, I have to be content that you only got a slap on the wrist. Still…” His smile took on a predatory look. “I’d love to know how much ass you had to shake to get the Comisario to take your side.”
Despite her hands balling into fists, Pepa won her struggle to keep her breath under control. “You know Trujillo, you sure are hung up on sex. Not that you’d know anything about it since rumor has it you pop pills for erectile dysfunction like candy.”
The agent knew she’d touched a nerve seeing the smile opposite hers drop abruptly. Trujillo recovered quickly as he threw his earmuffs and glasses down. He holstered his gun and straightened his suit jacket while stepping to the door.
“Well Miranda, I think you must have learned from the best when it comes to not following protocol. If Inspectora Castro had called in for backup that night she was stupid enough to go alone against Uriarte's men, she wouldn’t have lost her baby now, would she?”
Before he knew it, the IA officer was spun around and shoved against the wall so hard, it rattled with the bone jarring impact of his body.
“Hijo de puta!” Pepa yelled, spraying Trujillo’s face with spittle. Her fingers dug into his lapels, having lost the control she’d had such a tenuous grip on. “Say what you will about me, but I warned you that if you dare insult Silvia -”
“You’ll what?!” The officer spat back. “Oh, I know. Cut my cojones off, was that it? Go ahead and hit me, agent! Go ahead! I’ll have your god damn badge and thrown in prison for assaulting a superior officer before you know it.”
The shorter man’s smile returned as he felt the brunette slowly release her grip on him, breathing heavily. Angrily shouldering her away, he ignored the murderous look Pepa was giving him before he smoothed down his jacket and tie again. Opening the door, he paused before getting in one last shot.
“Oh, and just to let you know, I’ll be setting up an office in one of the interrogation rooms.” He pointed in the direction of Pepa’s desk. “…right over there. I’m assigned to the Duarte case, as well as to keep an eye on you. And the latter, I’m doing for free. It’s a personal project of mine.”
Shaking from the after-effects of Trujillo’s presence, Pepa closed her eyes and let out a slow breath, trying to let the rage drain from her system. Joder! I can’t believe I let that son of a bitch get to me like that!
Her eyes popped open as she focused on the door that the agent had just left through, as a slow smile came to her lips. “Oh, I’m going to be involved in this case whether you like it not, Trujillo.” She muttered out loud. “When this is done, I’ll know how to push all your buttons.”
Her face set in a mask of determination, Pepa opened the door and headed quickly in the direction of the lab.
___
“Dios! On days like this, I wish I had a bigger lab.” Silvia idly commented, seeing the small crowd that had gathered around Senator Duarte’s body, awaiting her analysis.
Don Lorenzo cleared his throat. “Silvia, I know you’ve just completed your autopsy, but tell us what you know.”
“For starters, I was able to obtain a copy of Senator Duarte’s medical records.” The forensic scientist referred to a folder she held. “You were right, Papa. He had no preexisting medical conditions. No heart conditions or any other risk factors. Not even hypertension. On paper, he was the healthiest 62-year old man I’ve ever seen.”
“That’s also true according to his staff.” Paco added, consulting his own file with notes from his interviews. “He worked out regularly, ate well. He put everyone on his staff to shame when it came to a healthy lifestyle, despite the stress of politics.”
The little good it did him in the end. Silvia sadly reflected, glancing down at the Senator’s body, where the y-incision was now neatly sewed up by her own hand. He was trim and fit for his age, his hair and mustache having turned a dignified looking silver.
“So what’s the COD?” Don Lorenzo asked.
Silvia sighed, frustrated by what she had to report. “Despite his excellent health, Duarte died from cardiac arrest. Something prevented the cells in his body from using oxygen, which immediately affected his heart and caused a sudden collapse.”
“You’re right, Inspectora.” Montoya chimed in. “His security team said he was greeting a few campaign supporters at a breakfast meeting which was also a fundraiser. Within seconds, Duarte got short of breath and collapsed with a severe seizure. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the paramedics.”
“And no one was reported as suspicious or out of place?” Salgado asked incredulously, crossing her arms. As a CNI Commander, she was known as a severe taskmaster, who expected results quickly and accurately.
“No. That’s what was so odd. Security reported no red flags or alerts the entire day or in the pre planning of the event.” Montoya reported, meeting her direct gaze. “The Senator’s security team has questioned everyone in the area, which we’re also working on. We’ve got lists of who was attending the fundraiser, as well as hotel employees from where the event was taking place. It’s a lot of ground to cover, but right now, nothing’s come up.”
“Something that killed Duarte this suddenly points to signs of a poisoning.” Silvia surmised. “But right now it’s just a theory.”
“A poison?” Salgado’s voice raised, alarmed. “Is this a sign of a biological weapon meant to spread across the area, or was the Senator targeted specifically?”
“I’d say the latter.” Silvia ran a hand through her hair, distressed at the turn the case was taking. “If it had been airborne, more people would have gotten sick or showed symptoms. But I’ve gone over Duarte’s body millimeter by millimeter. No injection sites or needle holes. No prints, defensive wounds or scrapings under the fingernails.”
“If it was a poison, whoever administered it knew what they were doing.” Don Lorenzo commented, his voice grave.
“More than you know, Papa. I ran Duarte’s preliminary blood work and every chemical test I could think of. All his toxicity screens came back negative. Whatever killed him is undetectable and has been wiped out of his system already.”
“So what the hell killed him?” The commissioner asked, bewildered.
Silvia sighed as she looked down at Duarte’s body. “Papa, I can only tell you two things with any certainty. One, Duarte’s death was not an accident. Someone murdered him in a very purposeful, agonizing way. However brief his last moments were, the killer intended for him to suffer in his last seconds. And two - I have no idea how they did it.”