Venn {I pinched the bridge of my nose while pacing the suite I was staying and argued with myself. My plan had been to lay low for a few months. The cops were getting closer and I could practically feel them breathing down the back of my neck. It was that threat though that had me dialing the number for the job I’d been contacted about. There were few things that could fire me up and they couldn’t run more opposite of the spectrum and yet still be so similar. Control. Freedom. Danger. Desire. I’d not had a playmate for several months so this would have to sate my need for that thrill. Maybe after this last job, then I’d find a club or something to blow off steam while I was laying low. Maybe the detective would think I’d blown the country or got taken out by a pissed off target. Then when I popped up later down the line, I’d turn his world on end. By the time the other party answered, I’d had my plan in place. This job would cover several months, which really just added to the padding I had in place, but one could never be too careful, expenses popped up and well, they had to be covered. I jotted down the notes and hung up the phone after setting up a meet later on. I hated cold meets, but I’d worked with this contact a few times now and while I didn’t exactly trust him, I knew too much about him for him to fuck me over. I’d underestimated the pay too, it would add nearly 5 or 6 months into the fund. No way I could turn it down, no matter the risk of the target. Art was always a risk, but ooh the danger was fanfuckintastic. The plan was already coming together and after looking up a few things, I had a better idea of what I needed. First though, I needed to get ready for the meet. I’d explain my plan, if they agreed, they’d pay a retainer and I’d be on my way. }
Zeke: I paced through the less than impressive hotel room that I had been given for the night. I had insisted I could stay in my normal digs, but that wasn’t an option in case the name I was under cover as got checked out. They needed me to be in a shitty hotel, keeping myself under the radar. And of course I couldn’t just book the place and not stay here, I might be being watched. I stopped arguing at that point and just decided I’d stop bothering. I stopped in front of the mirror and checked over how I looked. I’d dressed smartly, but with enough not quite on point to look like I was trying just a little too hard. My tattoos showed around the clothes, since more didn’t associate them with any kind of law enforcement. I just had to hope that Venn felt the same way as most. My team were already situated in the meet place. While we chose a hotel that was always pretty busy, it had enough corners where you could hide away and talk business. I had on me the money that I would use to pay for the initial transaction, as well as the info on what I wanted found. It was a piece that wasn’t the most expensive piece I could picked, but with what I knew on the thief, it would pull his interest. And now I was fairly certain it had done the job, since the man I had been in contact with wasn’t coming. He was sending the man himself. I’d seen blurry photos of Venn, even seen the odd one where I could make out some kind of detail. But at no point had I ever seen a clear shot of his face. And I’d been chasing him for years. Slowly getting closer and closer with each new lead. Now I was close enough to actually get him in cuffs and put in a cell. I’d noted a few patterns in his work, but those were things I shouldn’t know if I hadn’t studied him. But I had put enough in the bid that I hoped even if the money hadn’t, the fact that I was “getting the art back to it’s rightful owner” might be enough to pull him in. Thankfully it had. With one last look over my appearance to check I didn’t scream. “I’m going to arrest you” and then I was ready. The hotel was a short walk, and I figured I had time. I pulled on a beaten up leather jacket and stuffed my wallet and phone in my pockets. I needed this to go smoothly and I really, really, didn’t want to have to try and find the fucker if he caught on and disappeared again. That would suck ass. I tapped my earpiece as the door clicked shut behind me and smiled when it beeped, “Ok, I’m on the way to the hotel. We all set up?”
Venn: {I ran through the shower quick, then tugged on a pair of loose fitting jeans and a tee shirt, following it with socks and my boots before tugging on my leather jacket. It wasn’t high end, it wasn’t low end, it was right in the middle of the road, no second glances my way kind of dress I’d learned. Look average, boring, like you could belong anywhere. I ran the comb through my hair one last time, then tucked my wallet and hotel key into my pocket before leaving the suite. The hotel wasn’t far from where I was staying but I knew the walk would do wonders to calm the slight unease that was trying to creep from my gut. I was too on edge and desperately needed to blow town for a bit, in my line of work, I couldn’t afford to get sloppy. One last job and then I was out for a while. I gave myself a mental nod as I walked the street to the meet, eyes darting around out of habit as I tried to remain unnoticed. I reached the hotel long before my unease faded so I paused and took a deep calming breath before I opened the door and entered. I just needed to get this show on the road. I looked around the entry and noticed a few people lingering which sent my alerts to high as I walked to the hostess stand and asked for the table that was reserved under my initial contact’s alias. She frowned and ran her finger down the list before finally finding Barry Reasure’s name and smiling up at me, “Your other party hasn’t arrived yet, I’ll lead them to you when they do though, Sir.” She kept her smile in place as she grabbed a small drink menu and then led me to a dark secluded table in the corner. I sat facing the entry way with my back to the wall since there was nothing worse than feeling like I was a sitting target and waited. Barry hadn’t told me much about the guy I was meeting, only that the job was something I’d be interested in. I hoped he was right, but if not, I would simply turn it down and get the fuck out of town as I planned.}
Zeke: The walk to the hotel where we were meeting wasn’t all that far, and I talked quietly for most the trip, “Ok, so you’ve got the set up in there. Reception, at the doors and wait staff. That works……………….I don’t give a shit who it is, you know I trust your judgement. Lets just get in there and get this started. I hope you’re camera has enough memory in it for this, Rich, I know it might take a minute to get him talking.” I snorted at the understatement. Venn tended to be a little overcautious and it could take a while to get him talking. Thankfully, I’d been following him a long ass time, and I knew pretty much everything there was to know about him. So I was hoping that I could get him talking faster than most, and get this deal done. The painting hit all his triggers from past jobs, but with just enough to ensure it wasn’t too good to be true. I didn’t want it obvious it was a set up, I needed the exchange of money to happen so I could take him in and start to figure out what else he knew. I was sure the thief could give me information on a whole host of other rings of differing criminal activity. I needed this to work out, and I needed to get the man in a cell so my boss could actually see I hadn’t been sitting on my ass doing nothing for the last 3 years. “Ok, I’m almost there. Let me know if anything twigs that I should know about, and otherwise I’ll keep my mouth shut.” I nodded to the doorman and pulled my jacket off as I got to the desk, giving the name of the table I was due to meet at. I arched a brow when I was told that my company was already here before me. That I hadn’t expected. I smiled anyway and nodded, waiting while the gentleman came out from behind the podium and started leading the way. I recognised the male I was here to meet almost instantly, though I hoped the recognition didn’t register on my face. Instead I looked around the restaurant with slight interest until I was stopped at a table, “I’ll just bring over some menus if you’re not expecting anyone else?” I took a minute to smile at Venn before turning my attention back to the waiter, “Just the two of us. Menus would be good, please. And could we have a jug of water for the table while we decide?” I nodded and tipped my head towards Venn, “Did you want anything at all?”
Venn: {I sat back and tried to calm the unease in my gut as I waited, my gaze trained on the door to see if I could identify the person I was waiting for. I’d not been told anything about him but when I saw the tattooed male at the podium, my breath faltered for a moment. Each movement showed a confidence in his ability, he had a purpose and for a moment I forgot about looking for anyone else. There was nothing wrong with appreciating beauty even if I was here for someone else. Besides the guy I was meeting with…..my brain stuttered as the hot tattooed dude kept drawing closer and the host was leading him right to my table. This is who wanted to hire me to do a job? Didn’t that just fucking figure. I had a strict policy about getting involved with clients. Not even for a quick roll in the sack. It was too messy and I liked to keep my life as neat as I could. But still, he was hot as hell and there was nothing wrong with enjoying the view while we chatted business. I was thankful to already be seated though, he’d be none the wiser about my momentary interest in him. I let out slow breath as he sat down and forced my brain to shift to professional mode. I shook my head at the question, biting back the answer to what I really wanted and simply playing it safe} Water will be fine for now, thank you.
{My gut was still twisted up, something really felt off and I couldn’t put my finger on what it was. His proximity did little to help either. Instead it only amplified the nerves and I began to truly believe I just needed to get laid. That would explain why his nearness caused that extra stutter to my heartbeat. That unease about taking on a new job, putting the thrill of the chase before taking care of my own needs once more. I waited until the man was settled and the waiter stepped back before sitting back and resting my hands on the table, my appearance hopefully more relaxed than I felt inside} I’m not big on wasting time, so let’s say we just get down to business, shall we….sorry I’m not quite sure what to call you, Barry didn’t give me a name to go by.
Zeke: I watched Venn as he moved in his seat, the way his eyes tracked me and the change in his voice. I’d been following him for years, and I knew each twitch of his muscles, every tell he had. He was uncomfortable and he was trying to hide it. That almost made me smile, though I also needed him to be in on this deal, I needed to make him feel like it was a normal meet and exchange of information. I didn’t want him to get spooked. Once he was, I’d have lost him and I’d never capture the male. He looked even better in person than he had on the videos I had. They didn’t do him justice and they certainly didn’t give me the jolt of awareness that I got sitting this close to him. I was just glad that I was meant to be studying him, or I might have made him uncomfortable. I reached across the table and held out my hand so that he could shake my hand, or not, “I’m Z. It’s good to meet you. Even if it’s only for a short time. I’ve heard you’re the best, and I need the best.” I nodded and smiled. It was genuine, I liked the guy, to a point. He’d been known to partake in things that were less than legit. But while I was tasked with bringing him in, I couldn’t be altogether upset with whom he stole from and where his pieces then turned up. I was sure he made a small fortune from many things, but he was also a bit of a Robin Hood when it came to returning things to less fortunate owners. It made me even more interested in the guy, and had me pushing ahead with my investigations even when the trail appeared to have gone cold numerous times. I was sure this was my last chance before my boss took me off the case entirely and stuck my ass behind a desk. Or sent me out in the field to be shot. I wasn’t sure which one he’d go at this point. Instead of saying more I met the man’s gaze and smiled again, my fingers curling around the paperwork for this particular job and the things I needed and why. “I’m not sure how much you’ve been told. But I have brought the paperwork with me that you’ll need to see what I have in mind. Then I’ll rely on your expertise to tell me if it’s possible or not.” I gave a quick glance around us to ensure we weren’t overlooked and then I slid the envelope of plans and pictures over the top of the table, “Tell me what you think of what’s in there. I think you’ll be interested. The price I’m willing to pay for this to be completed successfully and discretely is on the bottom of the final page.” I had bumped the figure up to a point where I was sure he couldn’t say no, without it being suspicious. I figured he might even barter with me, and I was willing to up it if needs be. Though I wasn’t about to let on. I kept my gaze steady and nodded to the waiter when water was brought to the table. Allowing the glass to be filled before bringing it to my lips for a drink.
Venn: {I gave a slight nod at the name and took his hand in mine for a firm shake. You could tell a lot about someone by the way the presented themselves. He was….there was something about him that set off warning bells, but I wasn’t sure what it was. The handshake was firm, dry, confident, warm, soft…wait back up to the important bits. That was the only way to describe his grip, which was reassuring. It was something in his eyes though, something that conflicted with his outward appearance and I didn’t like that I couldn’t figure out what that meant. My eyes darted around the room before coming back to meet his, a small smile on my lips as I tried to shake away the nerves} Nice to meet you too, Z. I am the best so you can be confident that if I take the job, it’ll get done right.
{I knew it sounded cocky but you didn’t get the reputation easily, I was the best in my field and I worked my ass off to get that way. I dropped my hand to the envelope and slid it closer before I opened it and pulled out the paperwork. I listened to him talk finances and such while I gave the paperwork a proper look. Seeing for the first time the details send that thrill racing along my spine, the adrenaline already spiking at the prospects to come. I’d eyed this piece before but never had a reason to go after it. I never stole for my own pleasure, I got that simply from the thrill of it all.} So far it all looks in order and something I could easily accomplish in a few days, providing I had all I needed. Which means a ten percent up front of my fee…
{I flipped through the pages, carefully reading as much as I could without taking too much time. I didn’t want to rush and miss something, a loophole or anything that would ensure I didn’t get paid or some shit like that. It had happened once and I’d be dammed if it happened again. I took a sip of the water as I flipped to the final page and arched a brow at the man. This was a good deal more than I’d been told it would be by my guy. Normally clients tried to get me to go lower on my fees, not present me with a higher number out of the gate. I pushed the papers to the side and sat up straighter, steepling my fingers in front of me as I leaned against the table. My voice calm and cool} Is this a con, Z?
Zeke: I watched as the man flipped through the pages. My smile growing at the reply to my question on whether the job would be done correctly. I knew it would be and I wasn’t about to disagree with him. I knew his reputation and I knew it was well deserved. As I talked over a few things, I kept my eyes flicking between Venn and anyone who might be coming in too close to see what we were doing. I didn’t want to be over looked and I didn’t want anyone suspicious of what we were doing. I even took a moment to shake my head at the waiter as he came closer to take our order. I would be dammed if I drew this out longer than it needed to be.
When Venn’s position changed, I found myself mirroring him. It was a tactic I knew well, but equally one I didn’t always do without thought. I knew that question would send most into some kind of panic. They’d start shouting and trying to make it out to be anything but. Instead I raised an eyebrow and exhaled as if the question was one I expected, “If this were a con, I’d hardly have gone to the lengths I have in order to ensure you have all you need from my side to get me what I want. Nor would I have brought ten percent of that fee with me should you say yes. I’m very motivated to make this deal work for us both.” I shrugged a shoulder and then took another drink from my water glass. Giving Venn a minute to see the envelope of cash in my jacket before I leaned forward and placed my palms on the table, meeting his gaze with something close to disappointment, “But if you feel this isn’t something that you can do, I’ll have to find someone else. Though with you being the best, so I’m told, that might lower my chances of getting it in the condition it currently is in. Which would be a real shame.” I gave a half smile and scratched absently at my jaw, before standing so my chair scraped almost silently on the carpet under foot. I then stood to wait for Venn to either give me back the papers that were spread out on the table, or show enough interest in the piece and the money in my coat to have me sit back down and get this exchange under way. Thankfully I was well practiced in ignoring the yelling that was going on in my ear. Every single one of my team was up in arms that I was going to just walk away if he let me.
Venn: {I watched him carefully after I let the question fall from my lips. He was just as calm and cool in his response and I wasn’t sure if that reassured me or not. My alarm bells were still going off and that didn’t sit well with me at all. I raised a brow and watched the subtle flash of the cash as he spoke before my gaze once more locked onto his. I was surprised I didn’t growl at the challenge I heard in his voice. I was being baited and damned if I didn’t rise up to meet that shit head on.} I am the best you’ll ever find, if this is legit and you go through someone else, I guarantee it’ll be a fucked up waste of time.
{I nodded back to the seat as he stood, an amused smile on my face. He was playing with me, I would put money on it, but what he was going for I had no idea and damned if I wasn’t curious. I swept my gaze over him once more, taking in every nuance as I tried to dissect him to make him fit into my normal clientele. He had the money, the confidence, and an arrogance to him that I seldom encountered.} Now Z, I didn’t expect you to give up so easily. What does that say about you and this piece you’re after? You could go elsewhere, pay less and end up getting fucked or you can sit your ass down and let me see that little envelope again.
{I kept my eyes on his as I waited, my tongue dragging over my bottom lip quickly to wet it} If I take that envelop, I expect you to hand over the rest the moment I hand that piece over, none of this ‘check in the mail’ bullshit.
{I couldn’t lie, despite the apprehension I was feeling, I was damn interested in the job, in this particular piece, and if I was being totally honest with myself, I wanted to see him again…and wasn’t that a kick in the damn teeth} So, do we have a deal?
Zeke:: I smiled slowly at Venn and nodded. Why was I uneasy about this all of a sudden? The man was confident and he knew his stuff. I had no doubt that if I let him go, he’d do this job and then I’d see him again when he was able to hand over the goods. But then I’d have to hope that he did actually do just that. And there was no way my boss would allow me to do that. Especially not this late into the game. If I had thought of it before, maybe. But right now, I had to stick to the plan or I was going to be murdered the minute I stepped out the place. Instead I slowly sat back down again, my smile widening at the male across from me, “There won't be a cheque in the mail. I deal in cash only. Once I have the item for confirmation that it’s actually the deal deal.” I nodded and reached out to tap at a couple of the pages. “I know that there’s a lot of information here, and I would prefer you to take your time looking over it if that’s what you would like to do. Otherwise, I assume you’ll want your money so you can get on with organising how to get this job done within the time scale I’ve outlined there?” I wasn’t sure if he’d stay for dinner, and I sort of hoped he wouldn’t. There was a limit to what I could talk about without giving myself away. I needed him to make a decision and then ask for the money, my team would then get photographs of the exchange and then I could arrest him. And wasn't that going to be fun. I wasn’t sure how that would go down, or in fact if he’d even speak to me again afterwards. And I really did need him to speak to me afterwards. Instead of worrying about what might happen I took a slow drink from my water glass and the placed the empty on the table, “We have a deal. You happy with the price, and therefore the payment up front?”
Venn: {After he sat back down, I let out a slow breath and tried to let his smile calm my insides, but that had the total opposite effect. I could almost feel the hairs on the back of my neck standing on end and sweat beading. It was my imagination, I was certain, but I just couldn’t shake the feeling. I nodded at him and then took the pages to review what he was showing me} I’ll send you a picture before we set up a meet to make the exchange then, easy as pie. I will only hand it over to you, as you’re now the one responsible for fulfilling the other end of this deal, got it?
{I perused the pages thoroughly and found myself impressed at the level of detail and understanding he’d put into it. I couldn’t help the snort that slipped out as he mentioned needing time to organize things, I could do this part in my sleep, plus I already had a slight familiarity with the location. I raised a brow and looked at the time scale again, this time letting out a full chuckle as I folded the paperwork back into the envelope} I think you might be underestimating me a little, Z. You’ll have product in hand well before that deadline, I can guarantee it. But if you don’t mind, I’d rather get started on it now rather than fussing around much longer. I have a nice long vaca planned after this one
{I flashed a smile and moved to stand, getting closer as I snatched up the envelop with the plans and then discreetly waiting for the other one in his pocket, the one that I needed to get my ass moving} The price is adequate for the risk involved and as long as you have the entire upfront fee, we’re good.
Zeke: I watched the reaction flashing through Venn, I was almost positive he was on edge. I would be disappointed if he wasn’t. I didn’t scream law enforcement by any stretch of the imagination, but I equally didn’t give off the vibes of your local shady businessman. No matter how much I tried. I could be as polite as I wanted, it wasn’t going to change the fact I was just me. I wasn’t an actor in any way. I got the job done and that was that. I snorted when he spoke about the deadline, my head nodding before he’d finished, “My contact information is on the paperwork for you. A photograph and a meet point and time will work very well. Discretion is something that is paramount as I am sure you can imagine.” I pushed to my feet as Venn stood, my eyes tracking his movements as he picked up the paperwork and pocketed it. My attention briefly being taken by the way his fingers moved, the fluid and confident way he worked. I blinked myself out of it and tipped my head, appreciating the man in front of me even as I knew I was walking into a danger zone. This was not a pick up in that sense of the word, I was here to arrest the man. Giving him a once over and imaging what he might be like without all those nicely fitted clothes covering his body. He was well built, but I figured he’d have to be in order to scale some of the things he did. I wasn’t sure of the exact ins and outs of what he did, but I was certainly interested in finding out. I cleared my throat and then met his gaze again, stepping in closer in order to pass over the envelope out of my pocket. I did it slowly enough to get photographs, but fast enough not to raise suspicion. I almost instantly got the confirmation that the evidence had been captured. I allowed Venn to take the envelope before whispering a quiet sorry, “Move in.” I reached to grip the man’s wrist and pulled it around behind him as my team surrounded us both at the table, they were ready to take him down if he made a wrong move and I winced at the feeling of guilt that settled in my stomach. I tried to ignore it as I folded the man over the table and pulled his other hand behind his back, “Please don’t struggle. It’ll only make it worse.”
Venn: {I grinned as he again emphasized discretion….if I didn’t have that I’d not be in the position I was in. That’s partly why I was the best. Didn’t mean I didn’t want to get this shit over with though. I needed to shake the feeling I had growing in my gut. My fingers closed around the envelop and I heard that soft whisper, eyes growing wide as he grabbed my wrist.} You motherfucker….
{I debated on fighting, I could take him but by the way the rest closed in I knew I was fucked six ways from Sunday. This is what you get for not listening to your damn gut, Venn. I mentally cursed myself while glaring daggers into the male I had met with. That guilty look on his face didn’t give me the satisfaction I wanted though, and when he pressed me against the table, I tried not to think of reversing this situation for another damn reason. Fucker would pay though. I should have left, hell I never should have shown. Now I had to figure out a way out of this mess, dip into my savings for bond, shit.} Like you give a fuck if I make it worse. Just know I’ll be out before you know it and you’ll never make the charges stick, I’ll make sure of that one if it takes every damn dime I have.
{My cheek my have been on the table and my arms may have been braced behind me, but nothing was gonna stop my mouth from going}
Zeke: I lifted my eyes to the ceiling when I heard everything coming out of the man’s mouth. My colleagues were all laughing, one of them had read him his rights, though I wasn’t sure if they’d actually gone in. But none of them had bothered to really check. I pulled him upright again once the cuffs were in place and kept my hand curled around the cuffs until I was sure that they were properly secure. I smiled and nodded at the men surrounding us, “We got the transport outside ready for him? I’m going to ride with him and get the paperwork all started back at the station. You guys can sort this out with the manager of the hotel and start getting the evidence collected from the scene and the photographs and tape processed for when I need it.” I gave a little tug to Venn’s wrists and then curled my fingers around his bicep. I enjoyed the play of muscle under my fingers a little more than I should have, but I wasn’t about to let go. While I didn’t think he’d run, I wasn’t about to chance it and have to shoot him in the back. Well, probably the leg. I needed him alive and I’d take him down anyway I could. I was fairly certain he knew that. I tugged and pulled until I was able to yank open the truck and help Venn inside. Settling him and slowly moving around him to secure him to the bench in case anything should happen. I tried to ignore how up close and personal I had to get in order to do that. Which normally made little to no difference to me, but for some reason this fucking man got under my skin. I’d have growled if I wasn’t so intent on not showing anything at all where possible. Which wasn’t exactly going to plan. Instead of dwelling on it I sat across from him and settled my elbows on my knees, “Look, I know you’re not a big fish in terms of murderers or whatever. What you do, it’s specific. I’ve been studying you a while. And while I am sure you’ll use all you have to get off, you won’t. I have more than enough evidence to keep you locked up for a long, long time. So feel free to continue to fight me, or you could think of other angles that might allow us to both get something out of this.” I left it at that and just watched the male in silence. The rumble of the van jerking us both around as we moved through the quiet streets.
Venn: {I didn’t give any of the assholes laughing the satisfaction of a response, not even a glance in their direction, all my anger and energy was focused on the man behind me. I flexed my arms instinctually when he gripped my bicep and curled his fingers around the cuff to get me moving. I could still run, I’d likely take a bullet before getting too far, but they may think the risk of hitting an innocent was to great to chance it. Hit up the fencer and get the cuffs off, then hunt down Zeke and figure out how to make him pay. Or I could play along, not raise a fuss, then when they had to let me go without having cause, then I could fuck with him an innocent and free man. That sounded like a much better plan and one that’d not raise chances of me getting a bullet plugged into me. I bit my cheek and kept quiet as he led me from the restaurant, certain the news would hit the circuit in no time flat which meant I’d be doing damage control for a month afterwards. Fucking cops and their bullshit. I stepped up into the back of the van and tried not to pay attention as the arresting captain asshole locked me into place. I certainly didn’t take note of his scent or the way his muscles tensed and shifted under his clothing. And I positively didn’t picture this situation in reverse, because in no way did I want to see him in cuffs and at my mercy. Nope. When he settled across from me, I lifted my gaze to his and ignored the jolt that shot through me. Instead, I tried to keep my face impassive as I stared at him. He’d been studying me, gathering evidence, and he thought that would scare me?} You might need to brush up on your studying then, Z. I never give up without a fight. You can’t possibly have any evidence stacked up waiting, or you’d not need the whole dog and pony show in there. Though I have to give you kudos on the bait. That piece deserves to be returned to where it belongs. As for helping each other, I doubt you have anything I want and vice versus.
{My voice was cold when I spoke and probably had an extra level of snark in it that I probably didn’t need but my mind was already going two forty with what was going on and what this was going to cost me, in terms of every-fucking-thing I had worked for.}
Zeke: I snorted and rolled my eyes. I knew what I had and I was confident that we had more than enough evidence. I just needed the man himself in order to really be the icing on the cake. I couldn’t very well turn up to a trial hearing minus the actual person on trial. I wasn’t going to answer, but for some reason I wanted to speak with him. I wanted to hear his voice, even if all I got was sarcasm and anger. I could understand it. He’d been evading the law for a long time. It was months of work to get to a place where the right people had trusted me enough to even agree to speak to me, months more before I was allowed a meet with him. So instead of settling back in my seat as I normally did while transporting someone, I tipped my head and spoke clearly, “The dog and pony show, as it were, was to ensure I had you here. I didn’t need the evidence we got from this meet. Though I can’t tell you how helpful it will be with backing up everything else I have. The attraction of today was you.” I shrugged a shoulder and then slowly settled back in my seat. I watched Venn as I left my words to sink in, almost feeling sorry for him. He could fight all he wanted. Use all everything he’s saved over the years. But no judge in their right mind would give him bail, and the evidence was as good as it got. He’d be behind bars a long time. Which I could have told you when I started studying him, wouldn’t be a good place for him. I’d noted more than once, both in writing, and in person to my supervisors that he wasn’t a bad person. I never once saw him go after something that was just a flight of fancy. They all had a story, they all had a purpose and were looked after. Even the seemingly impossible was done with a kind of careful enthusiasm. He wanted to preserve whatever it was he was after, while thoroughly enjoying the thrill of the chase. It was something to witness the odd time I had managed to catch anything. In person he was even more impressive. And I found I couldn’t stop watching him, even as he bounced slightly with each bump in the road. My brain was ticking something over, but it wasn’t spitting out anything concrete. It was both frustrating and amusing to try and work out why meeting Venn had made such an impact. And thankfully I could mull that over to myself while he seethed. As we jerked around a particularly tight bend I used the opportunity to speak again, “We’re almost there. I’d get used to those cuffs for the foreseeable future. You’ll be seeing a lot of them.”
Venn: {My lip twitched as Z watched me, I wasn’t all that worried and I couldn’t explain why. This was my first run-in with the law so maybe that was it, all I had to go on was hear-say and the fact I had a great lawyer on hand in case. As much as I tried to behave during meets, now my smart ass nature was coming to a head.} Oh Detective, if you wanted me, all you had to do was ask. I mean, I know I’m a good looking man and all that, but to go to this extreme…
{I gave the van a once over before turning my attention back to the detective across from me. I wobbled with the bumps and turns but my focus was solely on him. I knew something felt off, but I put it off to a sexual attraction, shame about that. I’d have rather gone back to my suite with what ifs than what I was about to face. Then again who wouldn’t rather go home alone with regret than be carted off to jail. I wasn’t going to plead my innocence or any of that stereotypical shit. I was confident whatever he thought he had wouldn’t hold up in court. I was always careful, double and triple checking shit, never hitting the same place twice. Hell, I didn’t even stay at the same place twice if I could avoid it. I tried to work out the details in my head but then Z’s final comment had my lips curving up again as my thoughts were pushed from how I got caught to the detective once more. My grin grew wicked and I leaned as far as I could despite the cuffs, dropping my voice just enough so only he could hear me} I’m quite familiar with cuffs, Detective, though I would much prefer if you were the one wearing them while I managed to enjoy the view.
{I sat back again and waited until we arrived, knowing this was only the beginning of things to come} #CatAndMouse #BondedTales
Zeke: I paced through the less than impressive hotel room that I had been given for the night. I had insisted I could stay in my normal digs, but that wasn’t an option in case the name I was under cover as got checked out. They needed me to be in a shitty hotel, keeping myself under the radar. And of course I couldn’t just book the place and not stay here, I might be being watched. I stopped arguing at that point and just decided I’d stop bothering. I stopped in front of the mirror and checked over how I looked. I’d dressed smartly, but with enough not quite on point to look like I was trying just a little too hard. My tattoos showed around the clothes, since more didn’t associate them with any kind of law enforcement. I just had to hope that Venn felt the same way as most. My team were already situated in the meet place. While we chose a hotel that was always pretty busy, it had enough corners where you could hide away and talk business. I had on me the money that I would use to pay for the initial transaction, as well as the info on what I wanted found. It was a piece that wasn’t the most expensive piece I could picked, but with what I knew on the thief, it would pull his interest. And now I was fairly certain it had done the job, since the man I had been in contact with wasn’t coming. He was sending the man himself. I’d seen blurry photos of Venn, even seen the odd one where I could make out some kind of detail. But at no point had I ever seen a clear shot of his face. And I’d been chasing him for years. Slowly getting closer and closer with each new lead. Now I was close enough to actually get him in cuffs and put in a cell. I’d noted a few patterns in his work, but those were things I shouldn’t know if I hadn’t studied him. But I had put enough in the bid that I hoped even if the money hadn’t, the fact that I was “getting the art back to it’s rightful owner” might be enough to pull him in. Thankfully it had. With one last look over my appearance to check I didn’t scream. “I’m going to arrest you” and then I was ready. The hotel was a short walk, and I figured I had time. I pulled on a beaten up leather jacket and stuffed my wallet and phone in my pockets. I needed this to go smoothly and I really, really, didn’t want to have to try and find the fucker if he caught on and disappeared again. That would suck ass. I tapped my earpiece as the door clicked shut behind me and smiled when it beeped, “Ok, I’m on the way to the hotel. We all set up?”
Venn: {I ran through the shower quick, then tugged on a pair of loose fitting jeans and a tee shirt, following it with socks and my boots before tugging on my leather jacket. It wasn’t high end, it wasn’t low end, it was right in the middle of the road, no second glances my way kind of dress I’d learned. Look average, boring, like you could belong anywhere. I ran the comb through my hair one last time, then tucked my wallet and hotel key into my pocket before leaving the suite. The hotel wasn’t far from where I was staying but I knew the walk would do wonders to calm the slight unease that was trying to creep from my gut. I was too on edge and desperately needed to blow town for a bit, in my line of work, I couldn’t afford to get sloppy. One last job and then I was out for a while. I gave myself a mental nod as I walked the street to the meet, eyes darting around out of habit as I tried to remain unnoticed. I reached the hotel long before my unease faded so I paused and took a deep calming breath before I opened the door and entered. I just needed to get this show on the road. I looked around the entry and noticed a few people lingering which sent my alerts to high as I walked to the hostess stand and asked for the table that was reserved under my initial contact’s alias. She frowned and ran her finger down the list before finally finding Barry Reasure’s name and smiling up at me, “Your other party hasn’t arrived yet, I’ll lead them to you when they do though, Sir.” She kept her smile in place as she grabbed a small drink menu and then led me to a dark secluded table in the corner. I sat facing the entry way with my back to the wall since there was nothing worse than feeling like I was a sitting target and waited. Barry hadn’t told me much about the guy I was meeting, only that the job was something I’d be interested in. I hoped he was right, but if not, I would simply turn it down and get the fuck out of town as I planned.}
Zeke: The walk to the hotel where we were meeting wasn’t all that far, and I talked quietly for most the trip, “Ok, so you’ve got the set up in there. Reception, at the doors and wait staff. That works……………….I don’t give a shit who it is, you know I trust your judgement. Lets just get in there and get this started. I hope you’re camera has enough memory in it for this, Rich, I know it might take a minute to get him talking.” I snorted at the understatement. Venn tended to be a little overcautious and it could take a while to get him talking. Thankfully, I’d been following him a long ass time, and I knew pretty much everything there was to know about him. So I was hoping that I could get him talking faster than most, and get this deal done. The painting hit all his triggers from past jobs, but with just enough to ensure it wasn’t too good to be true. I didn’t want it obvious it was a set up, I needed the exchange of money to happen so I could take him in and start to figure out what else he knew. I was sure the thief could give me information on a whole host of other rings of differing criminal activity. I needed this to work out, and I needed to get the man in a cell so my boss could actually see I hadn’t been sitting on my ass doing nothing for the last 3 years. “Ok, I’m almost there. Let me know if anything twigs that I should know about, and otherwise I’ll keep my mouth shut.” I nodded to the doorman and pulled my jacket off as I got to the desk, giving the name of the table I was due to meet at. I arched a brow when I was told that my company was already here before me. That I hadn’t expected. I smiled anyway and nodded, waiting while the gentleman came out from behind the podium and started leading the way. I recognised the male I was here to meet almost instantly, though I hoped the recognition didn’t register on my face. Instead I looked around the restaurant with slight interest until I was stopped at a table, “I’ll just bring over some menus if you’re not expecting anyone else?” I took a minute to smile at Venn before turning my attention back to the waiter, “Just the two of us. Menus would be good, please. And could we have a jug of water for the table while we decide?” I nodded and tipped my head towards Venn, “Did you want anything at all?”
Venn: {I sat back and tried to calm the unease in my gut as I waited, my gaze trained on the door to see if I could identify the person I was waiting for. I’d not been told anything about him but when I saw the tattooed male at the podium, my breath faltered for a moment. Each movement showed a confidence in his ability, he had a purpose and for a moment I forgot about looking for anyone else. There was nothing wrong with appreciating beauty even if I was here for someone else. Besides the guy I was meeting with…..my brain stuttered as the hot tattooed dude kept drawing closer and the host was leading him right to my table. This is who wanted to hire me to do a job? Didn’t that just fucking figure. I had a strict policy about getting involved with clients. Not even for a quick roll in the sack. It was too messy and I liked to keep my life as neat as I could. But still, he was hot as hell and there was nothing wrong with enjoying the view while we chatted business. I was thankful to already be seated though, he’d be none the wiser about my momentary interest in him. I let out slow breath as he sat down and forced my brain to shift to professional mode. I shook my head at the question, biting back the answer to what I really wanted and simply playing it safe} Water will be fine for now, thank you.
{My gut was still twisted up, something really felt off and I couldn’t put my finger on what it was. His proximity did little to help either. Instead it only amplified the nerves and I began to truly believe I just needed to get laid. That would explain why his nearness caused that extra stutter to my heartbeat. That unease about taking on a new job, putting the thrill of the chase before taking care of my own needs once more. I waited until the man was settled and the waiter stepped back before sitting back and resting my hands on the table, my appearance hopefully more relaxed than I felt inside} I’m not big on wasting time, so let’s say we just get down to business, shall we….sorry I’m not quite sure what to call you, Barry didn’t give me a name to go by.
Zeke: I watched Venn as he moved in his seat, the way his eyes tracked me and the change in his voice. I’d been following him for years, and I knew each twitch of his muscles, every tell he had. He was uncomfortable and he was trying to hide it. That almost made me smile, though I also needed him to be in on this deal, I needed to make him feel like it was a normal meet and exchange of information. I didn’t want him to get spooked. Once he was, I’d have lost him and I’d never capture the male. He looked even better in person than he had on the videos I had. They didn’t do him justice and they certainly didn’t give me the jolt of awareness that I got sitting this close to him. I was just glad that I was meant to be studying him, or I might have made him uncomfortable. I reached across the table and held out my hand so that he could shake my hand, or not, “I’m Z. It’s good to meet you. Even if it’s only for a short time. I’ve heard you’re the best, and I need the best.” I nodded and smiled. It was genuine, I liked the guy, to a point. He’d been known to partake in things that were less than legit. But while I was tasked with bringing him in, I couldn’t be altogether upset with whom he stole from and where his pieces then turned up. I was sure he made a small fortune from many things, but he was also a bit of a Robin Hood when it came to returning things to less fortunate owners. It made me even more interested in the guy, and had me pushing ahead with my investigations even when the trail appeared to have gone cold numerous times. I was sure this was my last chance before my boss took me off the case entirely and stuck my ass behind a desk. Or sent me out in the field to be shot. I wasn’t sure which one he’d go at this point. Instead of saying more I met the man’s gaze and smiled again, my fingers curling around the paperwork for this particular job and the things I needed and why. “I’m not sure how much you’ve been told. But I have brought the paperwork with me that you’ll need to see what I have in mind. Then I’ll rely on your expertise to tell me if it’s possible or not.” I gave a quick glance around us to ensure we weren’t overlooked and then I slid the envelope of plans and pictures over the top of the table, “Tell me what you think of what’s in there. I think you’ll be interested. The price I’m willing to pay for this to be completed successfully and discretely is on the bottom of the final page.” I had bumped the figure up to a point where I was sure he couldn’t say no, without it being suspicious. I figured he might even barter with me, and I was willing to up it if needs be. Though I wasn’t about to let on. I kept my gaze steady and nodded to the waiter when water was brought to the table. Allowing the glass to be filled before bringing it to my lips for a drink.
Venn: {I gave a slight nod at the name and took his hand in mine for a firm shake. You could tell a lot about someone by the way the presented themselves. He was….there was something about him that set off warning bells, but I wasn’t sure what it was. The handshake was firm, dry, confident, warm, soft…wait back up to the important bits. That was the only way to describe his grip, which was reassuring. It was something in his eyes though, something that conflicted with his outward appearance and I didn’t like that I couldn’t figure out what that meant. My eyes darted around the room before coming back to meet his, a small smile on my lips as I tried to shake away the nerves} Nice to meet you too, Z. I am the best so you can be confident that if I take the job, it’ll get done right.
{I knew it sounded cocky but you didn’t get the reputation easily, I was the best in my field and I worked my ass off to get that way. I dropped my hand to the envelope and slid it closer before I opened it and pulled out the paperwork. I listened to him talk finances and such while I gave the paperwork a proper look. Seeing for the first time the details send that thrill racing along my spine, the adrenaline already spiking at the prospects to come. I’d eyed this piece before but never had a reason to go after it. I never stole for my own pleasure, I got that simply from the thrill of it all.} So far it all looks in order and something I could easily accomplish in a few days, providing I had all I needed. Which means a ten percent up front of my fee…
{I flipped through the pages, carefully reading as much as I could without taking too much time. I didn’t want to rush and miss something, a loophole or anything that would ensure I didn’t get paid or some shit like that. It had happened once and I’d be dammed if it happened again. I took a sip of the water as I flipped to the final page and arched a brow at the man. This was a good deal more than I’d been told it would be by my guy. Normally clients tried to get me to go lower on my fees, not present me with a higher number out of the gate. I pushed the papers to the side and sat up straighter, steepling my fingers in front of me as I leaned against the table. My voice calm and cool} Is this a con, Z?
Zeke: I watched as the man flipped through the pages. My smile growing at the reply to my question on whether the job would be done correctly. I knew it would be and I wasn’t about to disagree with him. I knew his reputation and I knew it was well deserved. As I talked over a few things, I kept my eyes flicking between Venn and anyone who might be coming in too close to see what we were doing. I didn’t want to be over looked and I didn’t want anyone suspicious of what we were doing. I even took a moment to shake my head at the waiter as he came closer to take our order. I would be dammed if I drew this out longer than it needed to be.
When Venn’s position changed, I found myself mirroring him. It was a tactic I knew well, but equally one I didn’t always do without thought. I knew that question would send most into some kind of panic. They’d start shouting and trying to make it out to be anything but. Instead I raised an eyebrow and exhaled as if the question was one I expected, “If this were a con, I’d hardly have gone to the lengths I have in order to ensure you have all you need from my side to get me what I want. Nor would I have brought ten percent of that fee with me should you say yes. I’m very motivated to make this deal work for us both.” I shrugged a shoulder and then took another drink from my water glass. Giving Venn a minute to see the envelope of cash in my jacket before I leaned forward and placed my palms on the table, meeting his gaze with something close to disappointment, “But if you feel this isn’t something that you can do, I’ll have to find someone else. Though with you being the best, so I’m told, that might lower my chances of getting it in the condition it currently is in. Which would be a real shame.” I gave a half smile and scratched absently at my jaw, before standing so my chair scraped almost silently on the carpet under foot. I then stood to wait for Venn to either give me back the papers that were spread out on the table, or show enough interest in the piece and the money in my coat to have me sit back down and get this exchange under way. Thankfully I was well practiced in ignoring the yelling that was going on in my ear. Every single one of my team was up in arms that I was going to just walk away if he let me.
Venn: {I watched him carefully after I let the question fall from my lips. He was just as calm and cool in his response and I wasn’t sure if that reassured me or not. My alarm bells were still going off and that didn’t sit well with me at all. I raised a brow and watched the subtle flash of the cash as he spoke before my gaze once more locked onto his. I was surprised I didn’t growl at the challenge I heard in his voice. I was being baited and damned if I didn’t rise up to meet that shit head on.} I am the best you’ll ever find, if this is legit and you go through someone else, I guarantee it’ll be a fucked up waste of time.
{I nodded back to the seat as he stood, an amused smile on my face. He was playing with me, I would put money on it, but what he was going for I had no idea and damned if I wasn’t curious. I swept my gaze over him once more, taking in every nuance as I tried to dissect him to make him fit into my normal clientele. He had the money, the confidence, and an arrogance to him that I seldom encountered.} Now Z, I didn’t expect you to give up so easily. What does that say about you and this piece you’re after? You could go elsewhere, pay less and end up getting fucked or you can sit your ass down and let me see that little envelope again.
{I kept my eyes on his as I waited, my tongue dragging over my bottom lip quickly to wet it} If I take that envelop, I expect you to hand over the rest the moment I hand that piece over, none of this ‘check in the mail’ bullshit.
{I couldn’t lie, despite the apprehension I was feeling, I was damn interested in the job, in this particular piece, and if I was being totally honest with myself, I wanted to see him again…and wasn’t that a kick in the damn teeth} So, do we have a deal?
Zeke:: I smiled slowly at Venn and nodded. Why was I uneasy about this all of a sudden? The man was confident and he knew his stuff. I had no doubt that if I let him go, he’d do this job and then I’d see him again when he was able to hand over the goods. But then I’d have to hope that he did actually do just that. And there was no way my boss would allow me to do that. Especially not this late into the game. If I had thought of it before, maybe. But right now, I had to stick to the plan or I was going to be murdered the minute I stepped out the place. Instead I slowly sat back down again, my smile widening at the male across from me, “There won't be a cheque in the mail. I deal in cash only. Once I have the item for confirmation that it’s actually the deal deal.” I nodded and reached out to tap at a couple of the pages. “I know that there’s a lot of information here, and I would prefer you to take your time looking over it if that’s what you would like to do. Otherwise, I assume you’ll want your money so you can get on with organising how to get this job done within the time scale I’ve outlined there?” I wasn’t sure if he’d stay for dinner, and I sort of hoped he wouldn’t. There was a limit to what I could talk about without giving myself away. I needed him to make a decision and then ask for the money, my team would then get photographs of the exchange and then I could arrest him. And wasn't that going to be fun. I wasn’t sure how that would go down, or in fact if he’d even speak to me again afterwards. And I really did need him to speak to me afterwards. Instead of worrying about what might happen I took a slow drink from my water glass and the placed the empty on the table, “We have a deal. You happy with the price, and therefore the payment up front?”
Venn: {After he sat back down, I let out a slow breath and tried to let his smile calm my insides, but that had the total opposite effect. I could almost feel the hairs on the back of my neck standing on end and sweat beading. It was my imagination, I was certain, but I just couldn’t shake the feeling. I nodded at him and then took the pages to review what he was showing me} I’ll send you a picture before we set up a meet to make the exchange then, easy as pie. I will only hand it over to you, as you’re now the one responsible for fulfilling the other end of this deal, got it?
{I perused the pages thoroughly and found myself impressed at the level of detail and understanding he’d put into it. I couldn’t help the snort that slipped out as he mentioned needing time to organize things, I could do this part in my sleep, plus I already had a slight familiarity with the location. I raised a brow and looked at the time scale again, this time letting out a full chuckle as I folded the paperwork back into the envelope} I think you might be underestimating me a little, Z. You’ll have product in hand well before that deadline, I can guarantee it. But if you don’t mind, I’d rather get started on it now rather than fussing around much longer. I have a nice long vaca planned after this one
{I flashed a smile and moved to stand, getting closer as I snatched up the envelop with the plans and then discreetly waiting for the other one in his pocket, the one that I needed to get my ass moving} The price is adequate for the risk involved and as long as you have the entire upfront fee, we’re good.
Zeke: I watched the reaction flashing through Venn, I was almost positive he was on edge. I would be disappointed if he wasn’t. I didn’t scream law enforcement by any stretch of the imagination, but I equally didn’t give off the vibes of your local shady businessman. No matter how much I tried. I could be as polite as I wanted, it wasn’t going to change the fact I was just me. I wasn’t an actor in any way. I got the job done and that was that. I snorted when he spoke about the deadline, my head nodding before he’d finished, “My contact information is on the paperwork for you. A photograph and a meet point and time will work very well. Discretion is something that is paramount as I am sure you can imagine.” I pushed to my feet as Venn stood, my eyes tracking his movements as he picked up the paperwork and pocketed it. My attention briefly being taken by the way his fingers moved, the fluid and confident way he worked. I blinked myself out of it and tipped my head, appreciating the man in front of me even as I knew I was walking into a danger zone. This was not a pick up in that sense of the word, I was here to arrest the man. Giving him a once over and imaging what he might be like without all those nicely fitted clothes covering his body. He was well built, but I figured he’d have to be in order to scale some of the things he did. I wasn’t sure of the exact ins and outs of what he did, but I was certainly interested in finding out. I cleared my throat and then met his gaze again, stepping in closer in order to pass over the envelope out of my pocket. I did it slowly enough to get photographs, but fast enough not to raise suspicion. I almost instantly got the confirmation that the evidence had been captured. I allowed Venn to take the envelope before whispering a quiet sorry, “Move in.” I reached to grip the man’s wrist and pulled it around behind him as my team surrounded us both at the table, they were ready to take him down if he made a wrong move and I winced at the feeling of guilt that settled in my stomach. I tried to ignore it as I folded the man over the table and pulled his other hand behind his back, “Please don’t struggle. It’ll only make it worse.”
Venn: {I grinned as he again emphasized discretion….if I didn’t have that I’d not be in the position I was in. That’s partly why I was the best. Didn’t mean I didn’t want to get this shit over with though. I needed to shake the feeling I had growing in my gut. My fingers closed around the envelop and I heard that soft whisper, eyes growing wide as he grabbed my wrist.} You motherfucker….
{I debated on fighting, I could take him but by the way the rest closed in I knew I was fucked six ways from Sunday. This is what you get for not listening to your damn gut, Venn. I mentally cursed myself while glaring daggers into the male I had met with. That guilty look on his face didn’t give me the satisfaction I wanted though, and when he pressed me against the table, I tried not to think of reversing this situation for another damn reason. Fucker would pay though. I should have left, hell I never should have shown. Now I had to figure out a way out of this mess, dip into my savings for bond, shit.} Like you give a fuck if I make it worse. Just know I’ll be out before you know it and you’ll never make the charges stick, I’ll make sure of that one if it takes every damn dime I have.
{My cheek my have been on the table and my arms may have been braced behind me, but nothing was gonna stop my mouth from going}
Zeke: I lifted my eyes to the ceiling when I heard everything coming out of the man’s mouth. My colleagues were all laughing, one of them had read him his rights, though I wasn’t sure if they’d actually gone in. But none of them had bothered to really check. I pulled him upright again once the cuffs were in place and kept my hand curled around the cuffs until I was sure that they were properly secure. I smiled and nodded at the men surrounding us, “We got the transport outside ready for him? I’m going to ride with him and get the paperwork all started back at the station. You guys can sort this out with the manager of the hotel and start getting the evidence collected from the scene and the photographs and tape processed for when I need it.” I gave a little tug to Venn’s wrists and then curled my fingers around his bicep. I enjoyed the play of muscle under my fingers a little more than I should have, but I wasn’t about to let go. While I didn’t think he’d run, I wasn’t about to chance it and have to shoot him in the back. Well, probably the leg. I needed him alive and I’d take him down anyway I could. I was fairly certain he knew that. I tugged and pulled until I was able to yank open the truck and help Venn inside. Settling him and slowly moving around him to secure him to the bench in case anything should happen. I tried to ignore how up close and personal I had to get in order to do that. Which normally made little to no difference to me, but for some reason this fucking man got under my skin. I’d have growled if I wasn’t so intent on not showing anything at all where possible. Which wasn’t exactly going to plan. Instead of dwelling on it I sat across from him and settled my elbows on my knees, “Look, I know you’re not a big fish in terms of murderers or whatever. What you do, it’s specific. I’ve been studying you a while. And while I am sure you’ll use all you have to get off, you won’t. I have more than enough evidence to keep you locked up for a long, long time. So feel free to continue to fight me, or you could think of other angles that might allow us to both get something out of this.” I left it at that and just watched the male in silence. The rumble of the van jerking us both around as we moved through the quiet streets.
Venn: {I didn’t give any of the assholes laughing the satisfaction of a response, not even a glance in their direction, all my anger and energy was focused on the man behind me. I flexed my arms instinctually when he gripped my bicep and curled his fingers around the cuff to get me moving. I could still run, I’d likely take a bullet before getting too far, but they may think the risk of hitting an innocent was to great to chance it. Hit up the fencer and get the cuffs off, then hunt down Zeke and figure out how to make him pay. Or I could play along, not raise a fuss, then when they had to let me go without having cause, then I could fuck with him an innocent and free man. That sounded like a much better plan and one that’d not raise chances of me getting a bullet plugged into me. I bit my cheek and kept quiet as he led me from the restaurant, certain the news would hit the circuit in no time flat which meant I’d be doing damage control for a month afterwards. Fucking cops and their bullshit. I stepped up into the back of the van and tried not to pay attention as the arresting captain asshole locked me into place. I certainly didn’t take note of his scent or the way his muscles tensed and shifted under his clothing. And I positively didn’t picture this situation in reverse, because in no way did I want to see him in cuffs and at my mercy. Nope. When he settled across from me, I lifted my gaze to his and ignored the jolt that shot through me. Instead, I tried to keep my face impassive as I stared at him. He’d been studying me, gathering evidence, and he thought that would scare me?} You might need to brush up on your studying then, Z. I never give up without a fight. You can’t possibly have any evidence stacked up waiting, or you’d not need the whole dog and pony show in there. Though I have to give you kudos on the bait. That piece deserves to be returned to where it belongs. As for helping each other, I doubt you have anything I want and vice versus.
{My voice was cold when I spoke and probably had an extra level of snark in it that I probably didn’t need but my mind was already going two forty with what was going on and what this was going to cost me, in terms of every-fucking-thing I had worked for.}
Zeke: I snorted and rolled my eyes. I knew what I had and I was confident that we had more than enough evidence. I just needed the man himself in order to really be the icing on the cake. I couldn’t very well turn up to a trial hearing minus the actual person on trial. I wasn’t going to answer, but for some reason I wanted to speak with him. I wanted to hear his voice, even if all I got was sarcasm and anger. I could understand it. He’d been evading the law for a long time. It was months of work to get to a place where the right people had trusted me enough to even agree to speak to me, months more before I was allowed a meet with him. So instead of settling back in my seat as I normally did while transporting someone, I tipped my head and spoke clearly, “The dog and pony show, as it were, was to ensure I had you here. I didn’t need the evidence we got from this meet. Though I can’t tell you how helpful it will be with backing up everything else I have. The attraction of today was you.” I shrugged a shoulder and then slowly settled back in my seat. I watched Venn as I left my words to sink in, almost feeling sorry for him. He could fight all he wanted. Use all everything he’s saved over the years. But no judge in their right mind would give him bail, and the evidence was as good as it got. He’d be behind bars a long time. Which I could have told you when I started studying him, wouldn’t be a good place for him. I’d noted more than once, both in writing, and in person to my supervisors that he wasn’t a bad person. I never once saw him go after something that was just a flight of fancy. They all had a story, they all had a purpose and were looked after. Even the seemingly impossible was done with a kind of careful enthusiasm. He wanted to preserve whatever it was he was after, while thoroughly enjoying the thrill of the chase. It was something to witness the odd time I had managed to catch anything. In person he was even more impressive. And I found I couldn’t stop watching him, even as he bounced slightly with each bump in the road. My brain was ticking something over, but it wasn’t spitting out anything concrete. It was both frustrating and amusing to try and work out why meeting Venn had made such an impact. And thankfully I could mull that over to myself while he seethed. As we jerked around a particularly tight bend I used the opportunity to speak again, “We’re almost there. I’d get used to those cuffs for the foreseeable future. You’ll be seeing a lot of them.”
Venn: {My lip twitched as Z watched me, I wasn’t all that worried and I couldn’t explain why. This was my first run-in with the law so maybe that was it, all I had to go on was hear-say and the fact I had a great lawyer on hand in case. As much as I tried to behave during meets, now my smart ass nature was coming to a head.} Oh Detective, if you wanted me, all you had to do was ask. I mean, I know I’m a good looking man and all that, but to go to this extreme…
{I gave the van a once over before turning my attention back to the detective across from me. I wobbled with the bumps and turns but my focus was solely on him. I knew something felt off, but I put it off to a sexual attraction, shame about that. I’d have rather gone back to my suite with what ifs than what I was about to face. Then again who wouldn’t rather go home alone with regret than be carted off to jail. I wasn’t going to plead my innocence or any of that stereotypical shit. I was confident whatever he thought he had wouldn’t hold up in court. I was always careful, double and triple checking shit, never hitting the same place twice. Hell, I didn’t even stay at the same place twice if I could avoid it. I tried to work out the details in my head but then Z’s final comment had my lips curving up again as my thoughts were pushed from how I got caught to the detective once more. My grin grew wicked and I leaned as far as I could despite the cuffs, dropping my voice just enough so only he could hear me} I’m quite familiar with cuffs, Detective, though I would much prefer if you were the one wearing them while I managed to enjoy the view.
{I sat back again and waited until we arrived, knowing this was only the beginning of things to come} #CatAndMouse #BondedTales