Zeke: I pulled Venn into the interrogation room and sat him down without much finesse. I didn’t want to hurt him, but I equally had to make it look like I meant business. He still seemed pretty cocky, like he was sure he was going to be walked straight back out again any minute. As if I were going to say I was sorry, we’d made a mistake, I had no proof and he could go. I saw a few like this, but he was the first where I found myself wishing that I could give him what he wanted. But that was not to happen. I clicked the cuffs into their place to keep his hands up on the table and smiled as I watched the male, “I’m just going to get you some water and fetch my partner. I’ll be back shortly. You might want to think through your story while you’re there.” I shrugged a shoulder and took a step to the door when Aiden shouldered through, almost catching me between the door and the wall behind me. The handle caught my hip and I cursed loudly before turning to my partner, “A, you could try knocking. What’s the fucking rush?” I frowned as he leaned in and whispered in my ear that he wanted to be here to ensure things weren’t held up. Knowing how long I’d been changing the guy currently sitting at the table no more than three feet away from me. I nodded and patted the man on the shoulder, “Sure thing, A. I’m about to go and grab him a glass of water. I was also going to grab the files while I was fetching you. Seems to me I can just grab the files while you sit with him. Don’t start without me, ok?” I waited until I had an affirmative from him before turning to Venn, “Should I phone for your lawyer while I’m out there, or do you want to speak with us without one first?” I kept the door ajar, absently rubbing at the bruise forming on my hip as I held the man’s gaze. Really hoping he chose the lack of a lawyer so I might have more chance of getting some information out of him before he saw just how much evidence I had against him.
Venn: I kept my lips sealed as Detective tightpants lead me from the van to the interrogation room and cuffed my hands to the table before. I was relaxed and held my head up, knowing I wasn’t going to be locked here for too long. My confidence is how I managed to avoid being caught for so long and while this was a minor set back, it wasn’t anything I couldn’t handle. After I was seated, I raised a brow at the detective} You’re gonna spoil me with that kindness, Detective.
{My words were laced with sarcasm that I was quite certain even the most clueless could pick up. My lip quirked when the door hit him, but only because I liked seeing him jump and let loose that calm demeanor. When I heard him speaking to the partner, I leaned forward to hear better and mentally rolled my eyes. Tightpants must be good cop while Rushjob was the bad cop. This was going to be loads of fun. I shrugged a shoulder and kept my gaze locked on Detective Z’s face, all but ignoring the new detective as he was forcing himself into the room. He’d not said a word to me and already he made my skin crawl.} I’m certain my lawyer is already on his way to get me released, but we can talk all you’d like. I’ve got nothing to hide. You go get what you need while I get acquainted with this Detective here
{I flashed the new detective a wide smile and a wink, which earned me a glare and a growl as his fingers tightened against his sides before he took a seat. Yep, this was definitely going to be all kinds of fun. I was a good thief, great at sticking under people’s radars, but if I wanted to make myself known, wanted to push buttons, I could definitely do that.} Hopefully we’ll still have a chance to talk when you get back before I’m sprung from here.
Zeke: I rolled my eyes as Venn made his snarky comments. Aiden was on the same page, but the comments seemed to piss him off rather than just roll off his shoulders. I frowned as I figured on my partner for a moment before turning my attention to Venn, “We’ll take our chances. I’ll just let the boss know we’re here with you and grab the paperwork. Try not to piss off my partner any more while I’m gone. A, I’ll grab you a coffee, we might be in here a while.” I nodded at my partner to check it was ok and then stepped out of the room. Pulling the door shut behind me so I could do as I’d said as quickly as possible. I weaved my way through the maze of corridors that lead to my desk. I greeted numerous people on the way there, all of them smiling and nodding at me. While I worked all sorts of things, they seemed to still recognise my face. I wasn’t sure if that was a good or a bad thing. I dropped into my chair as soon as I hit my desk and took a moment to just revel in the fact we’d managed to catch the man I’d been chasing for the better part of 2 years. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity and we couldn’t fuck this up. Lawyer or not, I needed to ensure we had the evidence to keep him where I currently had him. If he got bail, he’d disappear and we’d never see him again. I took one deep breath, then I got to work. I collected all the documents and lists of things we had, pictures and stills of various rolls of tape. All of which showed what we had. And it was all incriminating. I’d keep it all under the radar, so at no point would it have got back to anyone that these things even existed. So I was sure it was going to be a shock when he saw exact what we had. I smiled to myself, I actually had a few ideas in my head, ones that were forming as I moved towards the office of the man who probably wanted to shoot me 6 days out of 7. “Hey boss, just wanted to drop in and say we have Venn in custody. I’m going to question him now, and get as much as I can on record before his lawyer arrives. He’s said that is ok, but I’ll verify again once the tape is rolling. I have put a report on your desk with something I hoped you’d consider. It’s not exactly the norm, but I think in this case, it might just work. If my assessment of the male is good.” I nodded and then smacked my hand into the door frame happily when I got the go ahead I needed. I tipped my head in thanks before starting to make my way back to the interrogation. Making a small detour on the way to ensure I grabbed the water and coffee I’d promised.
Venn: {I rolled my eyes at Detective Tightpants and then waited until he closed the door to really give the new guy a thorough look over. His lips curled into a sneer as he sat back, all cocky and confident. “You can give up the notion you’ll be getting outta here anytime soon, Son. Bringing you in singlehandely is the tip in my favor that I needed to make lead detective. Gonna kill Zeke though when he sees the changes, but that’s how the chips fall, now isn’t it. So why don’t you just go ahead and start confessing while it’s just the two of us and we can both get this over with quickly.” My brow shot up as I listened, the sliminess oozed from his words like a slick used car salesman. He continued on. All the evidence pointed to my guilt, though of course I needed to fill in some of the blanks that were conveniently to have gone missing. Shoddy organization on his partners part of course. If I confessed, he’d help me get a good deal one he got what he wanted. My lips stayed sealed and I was even more convinced they had nothing the longer he went on. At least thats what I told myself because this was one hell of a bad cop show. The disdain he claimed for his partner was disturbing, especially when he slipped how Zeke was going to be set up to take the fall for this case when it fell apart in court. That was my bargain apparently, confess and go to trial then he’d make everything disappear. Zeke would be blamed and Asshat would look like the hero once he figured it all out. I knew the evidence would still be in his possession and I’d a feeling it would miraculously turn up so he could come at me again. His dizzying double talk made my head spin and I longed for Detective Tightpants to return at a quicker pace to get this nightmare over with. I eyed the clock on the wall and groaned slightly, I missed my check in. I really should have just fucking left town. I let out a low breath and shook my head, my gaze locked on the detective as he went on. “So, Son, it’s in your best interest….” } I’m not your son, and now I’ve decided I would like to wait for my lawyer, plus I think I’m owed a call so why don’t you get on that before I start complaining about my treatment, Detective. Wouldn’t want me tarnishing your reputation, would you?
{My head snapped to the side as he backhanded me with this ham-sized hand. “I’ll have no issues taking you both down, Son…you just made yourself one hell of a mistake” I grinned at him and licked my lip} Don’t be too sure of yourself
Zeke: I quickly made up the coffee, two of them, and then placed them in a holder, the bottle of water tucking into my side as I tried to juggle that and the files. I’d not taken all of them, leaving a few things out at my desk, and a few others elsewhere. I had backups of everything. Not because I didn’t trust anyone. But should something happen, a fire or water damage, even just badly stored, all the hard work would be lost. So I kept back ups where I knew they were safe from most things. That way I could keep an eye on them at all times, which wasn’t in any way driven by my desire to be in control at all times. As I used my shoulder and elbow to push into the room I heard a commotion and looked up sharply, hearing those words from Venn without really understanding where they’d come from. I looked between the two men and frowned as I made my way into the room, the coffee shoved down as I rested a hand on Aiden’s shoulder, “What the fuck is going on in here? I was only gone a few minutes.” I looked at Venn for a moment before sitting down and focusing on my partner, listening as he spoke “Nothing, Zeke. I was just telling Venn here that we had some pretty compelling evidence here for him and he’d do well to realise how much work you’d put into this case. You were good at what you did and he should start thinking of ways to confess rather than mess the two of us around.” The man nodded and I glanced over at Venn, my nod slow. When I spoke, it was directed across the table, “I’ve got you some water, and I have a few things for you to look over. Take your time.” I nodded and spread out stills from security cameras with details pictures of his face. Phone conversations transcribed into pages and pages of text. As well as bank transactions and one partial fingerprint that had recently matched his when we brought him into the station. I laid it all out in front of the male. “I have these on tape should you be thinking I’ve fabricated them. And I have lots more of these wonderful mug shots of you at places. See, I know you pretty well, managed to make some pretty spot on guesses and bypassed security to keep things running that would have otherwise miraculously malfunctioned.” I shrugged a shoulder and slid over the bottle of water that I’d grabbed for the man. Just as I opened my mouth to speak again Aiden leaned in close, “Zeke, did you put sugar in this?” I blinked as my train of thought went out the window, “No, sorry. I’ll get it for you in a…….” The frown from my partner pulled me up short and I shook my head as I stood again, “I’ll grab it now. Give Venn a chance to look over this and know there’s more where that came from.” I smiled slightly, though I was annoyed at being sent out again, I had promised coffee, and he didn’t drink it without the normal 55 sugars. “I’ll be back in a minute. A, you can pause the camera while I’m out the room. No one wants to see 5 minutes of silence while I’m gone.” I grabbed up the coffee and pulled the door open again, the rabbit warren like second nature to me after so long.
Venn:{My head shot up when the door opened and I saw Detective Tightpants fumbling with stacks of papers along with the drinks. Before I could even blink, Asshole was talking and files were being spread before me. Holy fuck me. He hadn’t been kidding when he said he’d been watching me for a while. That would explain all those times the hairs on my neck stood up and I felt extra cautious. He was the reason this was gonna be my last job for a while. My eyes narrowed at files, but I refused to give Asshole a second glance when he started spouting off again. Nope, instead when I raised my head, it was Detective Cabot who had my full damn attention. I don’t know why it bothered me so much the way his partner dismissed him, maybe it was because he seemed to have no idea he was being pushed around, which made that earlier admission from Asshole all the more credible. He’d all but admitted Zeke had done all the work, which meant he was the far better detective. The partner nodded at Zeke’s request, “We’ll just start the camera when you get back, no worries.” As soon as the door clicked shut though, he was back glaring at me. “Don’t be getting any ideas, Son. If you so much as breath funny during this, your momma, the one up in the home you send your cash towards…” My heart lurched and my head snapped up so fast I was surprised it didn’t crack, “Yeah, we know about her too, she might have herself a little accident if you don’t cooperate. Trust me, my way is gonna be much easier if you just go along with it.” He had to be bluffing, taking a lucky guess as to why I chose this life…fuck. I needed to make a call. “Shame her minds gone, we likely could have gotten you much sooner, clever of you to set it up as you did. Payments made from an anonymous account, different names, never keeping her in the same home for long. Did you know they fingerprint residents now? It helps them keep track of them. I let out a low groan and shook my head, my shoulders slumping in false resignation. I couldn’t do jack shit while I was locked up, but if I played the game, I could get out. My only confusion at the moment was how Detective Cabot played into it. He jumped when his partner said jump and I could only wonder how far the loyalty went. Not that I’d have a chance to talk to him…not that it would do any good. But, if my instincts were right, he didn’t deserve the impending shitshow that was about to take place. “Good, we’ll wait until he gets back and then get your confession all down on paper.” I simply nodded and then watched the door, waiting to seal my fate.}
Zeke: I grumbled to myself the entire time I walked, barely making eye contact with anyone until I got to the coffee station. I was entirely and focused on working through in my head what I wanted to say to Venn. I needed him to understand how severe this was and that his options were limited. But I needed for him to take whatever option would give him the best chance to get out in a few years. I would offer up the one solution I wanted him to take, but in the end. It would be up to him to choose what he wanted to do. I thew sugar haphazardly in the mug and gave it a stir before moving back towards the interrogation room. I waited outside an extra minute just to take a deep breath so my irritation didn’t show when I faced the two men inside. The smile on my face wasn’t an easy going one when I pushed open the door, but it was good enough to food my partner as I placed the cup down in front of him. “There you go. Sugar as requested. Now can we get down to business?” I stepped up to the small camera and clicked it to start it recording and then settled into my chair. I introduced us all officially and then went through the evidence that I’d laid out for Venn, my smile trying to keep him comfortable more than anything else at this point. I read through the charges and then settled back in my chair, “So I’m happy to ask you some questions, if you’d like me to. But I think you can see that it’s within your best interest to just agree with me that this is you on the video and it is your voice on my recordings and all the numbers and bank accounts and whatever else I have here trace back to you. Whether you used an alias or not, the pictures will all match on the licences you used. Paid in cash and I have those on camera or eye witnesses. I accept that some of it your lawyer will manage to get thrown out, but not it all.” I shrugged a shoulder and folded my arms over my chest. Taking a deep breath as I let Aiden speak, going over what I’d just said in a little more details so that Venn really got the idea. I checked a couple of times that the camera was still running before I leaned forward again, my forearms settling on the table as I linked my fingers, “We have a few options for you. But before we go into that, I just have to double check that you’re happy to hear this without your lawyer present. Aiden here can go and call him should you want one, but I think you said he should be on his way. Let us know the name and we’ll get him pulled through as soon as he gets here.” I nodded. I wasn’t normally quite as accommodating for those in this room, but I wasn’t about to let this investigation slip down the shitter because I’d fucked up at some point. I was curious to know Venn’s thoughts on all that I’d managed to collect over the years. I had guessed a couple of times that he was feeling off kilter, and I’d backed off. Now that gut feeling had paid off, and I wasn’t going to fuck all that up by rushing things.
Venn: {My gaze landed on Tightpants when he came back into the room with Asshole’s coffee, studying him with an appraising eye. I was trying to determine how truthful his partner was being and how much push he really had over Detective Cabot. I didn’t want to say he was clueless, because it was obvious he knew his shit. How else would he, and something told me it was all him, get all that fucking evidence. It was damning how much he had on me. Though I knew if I threw enough money at the lawyer I could get out of most…well, I could if Asshole wasn’t in the picture. His plan put a damper on anything I might try unless I was able to flip the cards on him first. Not necessarily call his bluff, but out fucking maneuver him. This is where my patience would come in handy. My only issue was the threat to the woman I did all this for. I needed to buy some time. And…..something in me wanted to let Zeke know what he was up against because this was gonna flip his world on end too. Why that thought bothered me, I couldn’t pinpoint. Maybe I just didn’t wanna see a legit cop go down because of his dickhead partner. Or maybe I wanted to be the one to toss him for a loop. Perhaps if I could get him to believe me, it might earn some wiggle room with these charges. I just had to play my cards right. When Zeke stopped talking and asshole started, it took all my power not to contradict him with what he’d said moments ago. But my attention quickly drifted back to Det. Cabot when he leaned forward. I toyed with my water, leaning in with my cuffed hands to tilt the bottle slightly so I could get a sip as I listened before I righted it once more and nodded. I took the pen that had been set by the legal pad and saw Asshole smirking.} You could ask whatever you’d like, Detective, but as you said, there’s really no need.
{As I was talking, I was scratching down on the paper the name and number of my lawyer, I flashed a wry grin at Asshole as I turned the paper towards him.} I won’t be talking without my lawyer, not to confess or make any bargains.
{My eyes stayed trained on the other partner as he glared and mumbled out a few colorful curses before he caught himself, then pushed back from the table. “I need some fresh air after dealing with this prick anyway, so I’ll call the lawyer and until he shows up, maybe we need to put pretty boy in lock up for a bit. That’ll get his lips flapping.” I couldn’t stop myself, I wanted to push him so I smiled genuinely} Aww, you think I’m pretty?
{His knuckles turned white and I swore I saw a tremor, but I kept my eyes locked on his. His gaze flickered to the camera and he spun on his heels and stormed from the room, leaving me alone with Detective Tightpants}
Zeke: I blinked slowly and then snapped my mouth shut. What the fuck had happened when I was out the room that had caused him to want his lawyer? This guy was cocky, there was no way that he’d call his lawyer before at least trying to give me an out on some of them. Possibly not all, but certainly some on the table could be wiggled out of. And I knew he was good enough at what he did to know that too. I was about to speak when Aiden piped up. My head snapped to my left and I glared at my partner. His temper was normally far more controlled. What had Venn done while I was out to wind him up to this extend. I tried to place a hand on his shoulder, hoping to calm him. But this seemed to have the total opposite effect as he stood and insulted Venn. I stood alongside him and moved towards the door. I had to quickly step forward so the door hit me in the hip again to stop it from slapping shut. I cursed with a huff and watched as he stormed up the corridor. When I turned to look at Venn again I then slowly dropped my attention to the paper with the lawyer's number on it. “Shit! He forgot the one thing I needed him to do.” I sighed and moved back into the room. I quickly wrapped up the conversation for the camera, explaining a lawyer would be called and gave the time and date again before switching it off. “I’m sorry about Aiden, while we’re not exactly friendly to people in here, I do try to treat people with respect. I have to say, I’ve been following you a while, so I sort of feel I know you better than a lot of those who turn up in this room. And he’s not normally that much of a dickhead.” I shrugged a shoulder as I tried to apologise for my partner. I wasn’t sure if Venn would take it, or why I was saying sorry for the grumpy asshole, but I wanted this to go smoothly. Having Venn pissed off wasn’t good. He could easily call in someone about the hit he’d taken while I was out the room. The camera hadn’t been running, but I’d witnessed it, and I’d not lie if asked directly. My first instinct was to protect Aiden, but he knew what was acceptable, and smacking a suspect who hadn’t been proven guilty yet was just stupid. And bad form. I sat back in the seat opposite Venn and started to pull the evidence back into a neat pile again, “I’ll go and call your lawyer for you, should they not be on their way, they will be shortly. Can I get you anything while you wait, more water or a coffee or something?” I lifted my arm to check my watch and hummed. Almost time for food, something Venn would have to wait for. We’d feed him later once he was safely in one of the cells. For now, he was stuck until his lawyer got to him and he could speak to someone. “I can leave him as your phone call if you’d like? Or you can call someone else? I’ll get that sorted for you as well. Anything else you need before I take you back to the cell. I’ll bring the drink to you there.” I pushed to my feet and curled my fingers around the file as I waited on Venn to speak.
Venn: {I kept my eyes on the partner as he stormed from the room, though my focus never truly left Detective Cabot. Why did he keep putting himself in harms way like that? Was he a glutton for the pain or was he simply trying to keep peace with his partner. When he started to speak, I waited until the camera was off before I nodded} You should watch your back with him, Detective. I’ve a feeling even if I’d not requested a lawyer and I had gone along with his plans, our lives would have been hell, now I’d put money on it happening.
{I shook my head at the offer of anything to drink. It wasn’t that I didn’t trust this detective, but with his partner being so volatile I didn’t want to give him any more cause to start something. I eyed the stack of paper work as he rearranged it, almost like he needed something to do and let out a soft sigh.} You did good, Detective. I’ll give you that. Better than anyone else who’s tried. Coulda had me too, if you weren’t being set up. As I said earlier, it’s more than likely my lawyer is already on the way, so if I only get one call, I’d like to make it a personal one.
{I paused then frowned. I couldn’t do that, even if Dickhead said he knew where she was, I didn’t want to leave a trace from here. I couldn’t trust either of them not to use her as a bargaining chip to get me to cooperate, despite the not so veiled threat I’d already received. Hell, even saying the little I did to Detective Tightpants might have been too much. Fuck. What if they really were working together and it was one hell of a con job on me to see if I’d take the bait. My eyes narrowed and I watched the detective carefully. Despite the obvious lie to nail my ass at the hotel, I had a feeling he was legit. I could only hope my instincts weren’t totally off the mark right now} Actually, forget the call, but maybe you can do something else for me. If I give you the name and number, can you discretely, as in do not let your partner know what you are doing, make a call for me, check that someone is where they are supposed to be and no one else is there? You do that and I’ll talk to you, and only you until my lawyer arrives.
Zeke: I shook my head initially when Venn mentioned watching my back with Aiden. The man had a temper on occasion, and he’d sometimes gotten into trouble when we were out because of that. But for the most part, day to day, he was level headed and did what I asked. He would rather do nothing if he had a choice, but if he was asked, he’d do whatever it was that was needed. “Aiden, he’ll do what is needed to convict. He’s been working with me for most of this investigation. But a personal call can be arranged.” I nodded and started to work on the camera, ensuring that the thing was turned off and set back to what it needed to be for the next interview. I tugged out the tape, wishing the things would be updated so they could just go straight to a computer and save me time, and stuffed it in my pocket. I was about to start uncuffing Venn in order to transfer him when he spoke again. My eyes narrowed as I settled my hands on the table either side of where his were connected to the bar. I took a minute to just study him, he didn’t blink or look away. He wasn’t shitting me. He would speak to me, and only me if I did what he needed of me. I had an idea of what he might want me to do, but why would he reveal that part of himself to me, he had no idea we had all that kind of information. I frowned and then took a seat again, taking a minute to ensure all the pages in my file were as neat as possible while I tried to work out how I could play this. He obviously hadn’t gelled with Aiden, and that was something in itself. But for some reason, he was trusting me with his uncertainty. And while I might not believe that Aiden didn’t have my back, I was willing to keep something from him if it meant I got to talk to the man about everything. I nodded and reached over to uncuff Venn, trying to show that I trusted him to do what he should rather than push anything, “Write down who you want me to phone, and if you want, I can go next door and do it right now. Then it’ll be done, you’ll be reassured and we can talk once I find out how much longer it’ll be until your lawyer gets here? If he gets here before I manage to finish the conversation, I’m expecting that you don’t go silent on me. Lawyer or not, I get whatever information you’d be willing to give me without him here.” I spun around a pad and pen, offering up both so that Venn could decide if my terms matched up with what he was willing to do. I needed, no, I wanted that information. I knew I had him, and no lawyer was going to change that. But I wanted him to know that he was stuck and from that I wanted to know what he was willing to do in order to allow as much leeway as possible with continuing to look after the only attachment he had in his life.
Venn: {I chewed the corner of my lip, already wondering if I made a mistake in trying to trust the detective or not. When he uncuffed my wrists, I immediately massaged my fingers over the skin and murmured out a thank you. My gaze locked on his and I paused for a moment as I thought about his conditions. He only said I had to talk, not confess….so that was a start. Detective Tightpants didn’t make me feel like the walls were closing in on me. Though he did tilt my axis a bit. For this single phone call, I would take that leap and hold on to that thread of trust. I kept my eyes locked on his and nodded slightly. I kept the cockiness at bay but my confidence was returning. I wanted to take down Asshole and I would need to behave to do so.:: You make that call and I’ll talk. I’ll say this now, if you’re playing good cop to the threats your partner made, even if I can’t understand why he’d include the taking you down bits in there…..but if this is all a game, I will use my dying breath to make you regret it. Right now, I have no reason to trust you but I do believe you’re not quite the dick your partner is.
{I wrote the number of the home and the name of the nurse on her case. I turned the notebook around and slid it across the table, but kept my fingers on it as my eyes once again returned to Zeke’s face.} Show me I have something to gain by trusting you, Detective. Otherwise my lips will seal tight and my lawyer will get the charges dropped thanks to your partner’s big ass hand. Especially if he did hide the evidence he said he did.
Zeke: I watched as Venn slowly tried to work around to speaking to me. I knew it wasn’t something he’d be thrilled at, but I figured that he might take me up on the offer. If nothing else, to buy himself some time. I was certain my evidence had been a wake up call, that he’d not realised I’d managed to get quite so much that wasn’t able to be manipulated. I blinked slightly at the bad cop/good cop thing. Threats? I leaned forward again, “I’m not sure what threats you’re talking about, but I’ll go and make this phone call and then I’ll come back and you can enlighten me.” I left no room for negotiation. I pulled the pad closer and looked at the number, it sparked my brain. I recognised it, I’d even phoned it a few times to get information in a roundabout way. I snapped my attention back to the male across from me, “You want me to phone the home your mum is in, the one you’re paying for? We’ve not touched her, she’s none the wiser that we’re watching you, and no one has hurt her. That I can promise.” I nodded and pulled my mobile out of my pocket, quickly dialing the number and dropping it to the table, not yet hitting the dial button, “When they answer you can check in, ensure for yourself that she’s fine. Yes, we know about it and the bank accounts and practically everything else. But I want you to be assured she’s fine so we can get on with the questions. My phone isn’t checked, but even if it was, phoning the facility can be written off as incentive should they ask. It’s not like it’s the first time I’ve phoned that number.” I shrugged a shoulder and took a seat, reaching out to unhook one of the handcuffs so I could once again attach Venn to the table before I pressed the button to call the home. Clicking it to speaker and keeping it within my reach, but close enough that Venn wouldn't have to raise his voice in order to speak to whoever would normally answer the number. It took a moment to connect, then the room was filled with the metallic ring that seemed to echo off the walls, “Once this is done, you talk. About it all. Hiding evidence, why he hit you, and what you mean by threats. Even if he did hit you, the lawyer could go through him, it wouldn’t effect my evidence or my ability to put you in prison, probably with a few of the people you’ve stolen from over time. I want to help you, to a point. But this is my investigation, and I am confident in what I’ve found over the last few years, and you will be seeing the inside of a jail cell no matter what.” My last words were hushed as the phone connected and I lifted my eyes to watch Venn, wanting to see what his reaction were when speaking about someone he really cared about.
Venn: {I gave a slight nod of confirmation when the detective verified who I wanted him to call, it proved the Asshole wasn’t fucking around when he said they knew where and who she was. My stomach roiled but I hoped like hell I’d managed to keep that off my face as I eyed the detective. I let out a soft sigh as he dialed the phone at his promise} You better hope that’s true, Detective. You’re partner implied otherwise.
{I barely paid attention when my cuffs were again fidgeted with, instead my focus was on that tinny ring of the phone opposite me. I gave another slight nod to show I had been listening to the detective and his confidence, though that wasn’t where my concern was. Not right now. Judges could be bought, so could cops for that matter, not that I played that game. Those who I stole from could try to testify, but they’d have to convince anyone they were the rightful owner to begin with. I’d have just as many witnesses on my side for sure. The ringing stopped and a soft voice came over the air, repeating the standard greeting of the facility. I put a smile on my face that I hoped helped me sound relaxed} Hi, Jen. Is Julie there today…great, thank you, yes, I’ll hold.
{The phone clicked and waiting room music filled the air, all the while my eyes remained on the captivating detective. He was putting me off my game and I wasn’t thrilled with that. I also wasn’t thrilled with the cuffs, certain they’d look better around his wrists than mine, dammit. A few moments later, my mother’s nurse picked up the phone. We went through the standard questions and I listened to each answer carefully, catching her mentioning a new visitor that had tried to stop in. I had things in check for that so no one was allowed to see her unless they knew the code. I told the nurse, discretely as possible with another one of our systems, to move my mother and double security. There would be enough in the fund for that for a while anyway. Julie assured me all would be handled, then we said our goodbyes and hung up, my full attention returning to the detective before me} Where would you like me to start? I think we both have some talking to do, Detective.
Zeke: I listened to the phrases and words used when Venn spoke to the lady on the phone, Jen. I’d spoken to a few people at the facility before I’d found who I wanted. But I’d had no intention of hurting anyone, or even stopping him from paying into the account that was used for that purpose. I just had to tie up loose ends. I wanted to connect certain accounts and numbers to Venn to ensure my case. In doing that, I’d come across his mum and where she was kept. Being looked after with 24 hour care. It had to be expensive, and it gave me yet another insight into the man sitting in front of me. I nodded when he clicked off the phone and pulled it back towards me. I was glad that Aiden hadn’t come in halfway through. There was something there, something he’d done to provoke Venn and in turn had caused Venn to strike out at Aiden verbally. And it would seem that Venn had the upper hand, since he was currently sporting the bruised face to prove it. I didn’t poke at that, just yet though. Instead I slid a photo of him across the table. It was grainy, from a CCTV cam, but it was obviously him, “This was the very first footage I got of you. It was just over 2 years ago now. You’d been on the radar before that, but we’d never had a name or even a pattern to follow. I managed to piece together things from previous robberies and it lead me to here, which allowed me to grab this. I then had to wait a few months before I got another sighting of you, but I was able to pick up contacts and phone numbers while I waited. I want to know how you pick your targets, and what drives you to go after the pieces you do. They’re not the easy ones. They’re generally the ones that no one else wants to go after. The almost impossible ones. I get you can charge a higher price and that you will get a better name for yourself. But surely there is more to it?” I pulled out a clean sheet of paper and tapped my pen against me, my mouth working well before my brain kicked in a second time, “And after that, you can enlighten me as to why my partner decided to hit you moments before I walked in.” I nodded and then focused my gaze on the man across from me, absently doodling on the top of the page as I waited on his explaining the things to me that I wanted answered.
Venn: {I kicked my feet out and got as comfortable as I could, my free hand toying with the photo the detective slid my way. A slow smile formed on my face, I remembered that job, the bust was nondescript, pricey but nothing unique, however the panel beneath it had held family ring worth millions. My smile grew as I remembered handing that particular item over. Even if it hadn’t have been millions, the sentimental value it held was priceless. I earned a pretty paycheck too, which is always a bonus. I listened to what he wanted, a low growl at the mention of the asshole partner, but sure, I’d give him that first bit. Not like he’d believe me, and any judge would likely laugh at the story but hey, it is what it is. I shrugged a shoulder} I don’t pick targets, Detective. If you think about it, I’m not even a thief, not really…not the way most would describe it. What I am is …..retriever. The items you’ve accused me of stealing, they’ve already been stolen by top notch assholes, police can’t seem to get the shit back, so I take care of it. I get the thrill of the hunt, the knowledge that I outsmarted some of the best, and it doesn’t hurt I get paid nicely for my services. I’m certain if you go through the records, the initial stolen property reports will say those items went missing when I was no where near. You have video and photo’s of me entering other places and coming out with items, but…was anything reported stolen at those times?
{I raised a brow as I watched him take his notes and process what I told him. It wasn’t a confession as much as a simple statement. Hell, I likely turned down more jobs than not because of that one simple principle, I wasn’t a traditional thief. I let out a sigh as I remembered the second part of his request. Leaning forward slightly, my gaze darted to the door as I kept my voice low} You’re partner…he’s sabotaging you. He’s gonna fuck with the evidence to get my case tossed and then you tossed right after. As for why he hit me, I decided I wasn’t interested in playing his game. Especially when he threatened my mother’s safety.
Zeke: I watched closely as Venn reacted to my words. Each physical reaction as well as the verbal answers were recorded. I had a fucking good memory, but I liked to work out where I’d managed to hit a nerve so I could use it again later. Whether that was good or bad, I could ascertain at the time. I saw the smile grow and realised that whatever job he had been on in this specific photo was a good memory. I found myself smiling when he started talking about it. Giving me information I already knew and had worked out for myself. The exact same information that I’d taken to my chief without my partner being involved. Purely due to him being off on leave at the time. But the fact he had no idea currently seemed like a good thing, it might gain me for favours with the man. I was about to start speaking when he grew more serious and then when the tone changed I found myself growling softly. My initial reaction was to have Aiden’s back. I felt he’d have mine if the roles were reversed. Even if he didn’t that wasn’t the kind of detective I was. But I’d seen the reaction he’d had to Venn, and I knew it wasn’t like him. Or hadn’t been until the last year or so. I’d noticed changes in him and I’d put it down to his homelife and over doing things at work. Instead of hitting the roof I settled back in my chair and swallowed hard. My eyes seeking out the ceiling in order to take a minute to process. I’d have been pissed off enough to lash out if someone had ever threatened my family, and while there was no way for Venn to do that physically, a verbal attack would explain the backhand and the anger on my partners part when he’d stormed out. I nodded and then slowly met Venn’s gaze, “I want to stick up for Aiden, but I will look into this. Discreetly and without your name coming up. He’s got no way to push this through, or have it thrown out, even if he wanted to. So what you do is up to you, but your mother is safe. She was never a factor, just someone I had to verify in order to have dates, times, number and whatever else to strengthen my case. On the rest, I had worked out what you just explained. I had looked at past reports, or lack of them in some cases. I have also looked at the history of the pieces that you appear to have taken in the cases where I was able to work that out. Which is why I have an offer for you. I can leave it with you to look at overnight while you’re in the cell. And you’re welcome to talk it over with your lawyer. I’m also happy to answer questions that you have about it. I’ll allow you to avoid jail time, but it will mean that you’ll be monitored constantly. It’ll be mostly being held in one place at first, but play your cards right, and I might have scope to make it a little more, um, flexible. It’ll still have to go through to a trial, but I’ll have a trump card, and I would expect that when you’re found guilty of all this, I can offer my suggestion as an alternative. It’s got my bosses agreement, and so the rest would be up to you.” I pushed a file across the table to the man and then nodded. “Read over it. You have all night to think it over, but once you’ve decided, that’s it. You’ll have to sign as such and you’ll be held to it. No matter what happens.” I smiled and then stood, waiting only for the man to react to the file before I fully intended on leaving so he could be taken to holding for the night.
Venn: {Shrugging a shoulder at the detectives defense of his partner, I gave the detective an impassive look. It wasn’t my fault he couldn’t see his partner was out to sabotage him. I’d warned him and that was all I could do about that. He seemed decent enough that he deserved that much at least. But now I had to figure out what was best for me. My mom was moving facilities and hopefully they’d not be following her so she’d be safe. Once I was free, I was looking into moving her out of the country, somewhere safe, no matter the fucking cost.} Look, I’m just telling you what he said, you can do what you want with it. He sounded pretty damn sure of himself is all I’m saying.
{My brow raised at the mention of an offer and avoiding jail time. That would be ideal, plus if I was out I could not only work on getting the charges dropped but ensure everything else continued on as it was meant to.I didn’t mind the mention of monitoring as I knew ways to get around that if need be. I took the file and flipped through it, skimming over the details I’d read more about later. My gaze again drifted to the detective as he stood. I’m sure my lawyer would hone out the details of the agreement and such which I’d talk to him about shortly. He’d likely encourage me to take it if he thought there was a chance I would be found guilty, or if he knew that I’d not want a long drawn out trial of shit when I had things needing done, things I wouldn’t trust to another.} If I sign this, I’m free until the trial at least? Then, if the judge agrees, I essentially become your little bitch until you’re satisfied, is that what I’m gathering, Detective? And I’ll be working with you and not your dick of a partner? Because if he’s involved, we’re both as good as done.
{I gave a slight nod. The more I thought about it, the more I worried about what that partner was capable of. He seemed unstable and that was not a fun factor when it came to making decisions about my freedom}
Zeke: I was sure that Venn was positive of what he was telling me. There was no reason for him to lie. But I wasn’t about to just take his word for it. I was happy to look into it, and it would explain a few things, but I wasn’t about to let him know that. He was under my protection, but also in my custody. I wasn’t about to go ahead and just believe him off the bat. Especially about someone who had been at my back for the last X amount of years. Instead I nodded and smiled slightly, “Thank you for telling me. I am sure that his reaction came from somewhere, and while I believe that what you are telling me is how you see it. You’ll understand why I have to take it with a grain of salt. He’s been my partner a while, and if I can’t trust him with my life, I have a much harder time doing my job. Which in some cases can mean the difference between me getting home in one piece.” I nodded and then shrugged a shoulder. Then I chuckled and shook my head with a sigh, “There is no way they’d let you go free before the trial. You’re a risk. It’s taken me 2 years of gathering evidence, and half of that I got through all working all night to try and work out where you were going and how your mind might work. It took me months to set up the meet, there is no way they’ll let you disappear in a puff of smoke again.” I shook my head and tapped the paper in front of the man, “My boss has agreed this plan on the basis that you’ll be on a monitor and under police watch until the trial, then you’ll be under my watch and on a monitor after that. You fuck up, I have no illusions that you’ll have also fucked up my chance of keeping my job. Not that that will sway your decision. But you’ll have some element of freedom in terms of not being in jail and having a place that you can stay that’s private. We’ll monitor other things that you do, online and such, but otherwise you’ll have your own time and space to do as you please, so long as you are free, willing and cooperative when I want you.” I nodded and then frowned as I cocked my head, “Aiden would have been a part of this case, but he’s not the main agent involved, I am. So you might have to work with us both on occasion, but for the most part you’d be working with me one on one. There might be other officers you’ll come into contact with now and again. But again, you’d be introduced and they’d only want your knowledge on things, and it would be related to whatever you and I were working on at the time. As I said, think it over. Read the paperwork enclosed and check that you’d be happy with it. Or happier with it than you would be in jail.” I nodded and clicked my phone, my other hand settling on the door handle, “Your lawyer is here. I’ll leave you to speak with him and go over everything before you’re taken back to where you’ll sleep tonight. I’ll come see you again in the morning so you can give me your answer.” I met the man’s gaze and then dropped it to the table before I pulled the door open to leave, the lawyer making his way in as I was on the way out.
Venn: {I kept my eyes locked on the detective as he spoke. He believed what he was saying, he believed I’d be spending time here before the trial. I knew different though. Yes, I would face charges and be brought to trial unless I managed to convince him otherwise, set his sights on others, but he had enough to bring me to trial for certain. If I was convicted well, that would be a whole other issue and since he was talking deals I’d hold on to that though rather than jail time for now. My lawyer could get those details. I was more concerned with the here and now. I was more concerned about that damn partner of his. I knew he wouldn’t believe me, not unless he had some damn proof but I wasn’t going to stick my damn neck out for him. I didn’t trust easily and certainly didn’t trust people after they threatened me. Not only that, but I already saw the bastard wasn’t loyal, so why the hell would I trust him for anything? If he was so damn willing to throw his partner under the bus, there was no telling what he’d do to me once my usefulness had worn out. If he took me out, my mother, hell even if he took out Detective Tightpants, things would go a whole level of fucking wrong. If he didn’t get his way, I had no doubts he’d sell me out to the highest bidder along with Tightpants. I needed to make him see and I also needed to stop thinking of how tight his damn pants were since I needed to focus on somehow securing my freedom at whatever cost. My need for control grew stronger and gods how I wished I could get this fucking cuffs off of me and on to another. This time, I didn’t stop my gaze from raking over the man before me. I could definitely see myself spending more time in his presence providing I wasn’t enclosed in these damn walls. I shook my head and tried to pus that thought away, saving the vision of that moment for when I could tend to other matters. I lifted my gaze to the detective once I was certain he’d not read anymore more in my gaze than my sincerity.} If I promise to play nicely, you could get them to release me to your care,Detective. I’d be far more willing to help if I weren’t locked up in here where I’m a sitting damn duck. You’re not the only one who’s been after my ass. Put whatever monitor you’re planning on putting on me early because I’m no use to you if I’m dead. I promise you though, your partner will make me disappear if he’s given the chance.
{I would agree to just about anything to avoid another night in jail. I wouldn’t run, just to prove him and his fucking partner wrong. I’d stay and face my charges and the accusations. Deals were always up in the air. I could work with this. This was the first time I was actually worried about what could happen. The walls were already closing in. I gave a slight nod when he mentioned the lawyer and locked my eyes on his} I’ll let you know, Detective.
{My lawyer came in, his face flushed with anger as he dropped his briefcase on the table. He waited about two seconds for the detective to leave before he started in on me. I showed him the deal and the papers, then let him do his frothing at the mouth while he worked shit out. I had the money, as much as I loathed to touch it, but I would do what I had to ensure I was leaving here tonight.} #EndOfTheLine
Venn: I kept my lips sealed as Detective tightpants lead me from the van to the interrogation room and cuffed my hands to the table before. I was relaxed and held my head up, knowing I wasn’t going to be locked here for too long. My confidence is how I managed to avoid being caught for so long and while this was a minor set back, it wasn’t anything I couldn’t handle. After I was seated, I raised a brow at the detective} You’re gonna spoil me with that kindness, Detective.
{My words were laced with sarcasm that I was quite certain even the most clueless could pick up. My lip quirked when the door hit him, but only because I liked seeing him jump and let loose that calm demeanor. When I heard him speaking to the partner, I leaned forward to hear better and mentally rolled my eyes. Tightpants must be good cop while Rushjob was the bad cop. This was going to be loads of fun. I shrugged a shoulder and kept my gaze locked on Detective Z’s face, all but ignoring the new detective as he was forcing himself into the room. He’d not said a word to me and already he made my skin crawl.} I’m certain my lawyer is already on his way to get me released, but we can talk all you’d like. I’ve got nothing to hide. You go get what you need while I get acquainted with this Detective here
{I flashed the new detective a wide smile and a wink, which earned me a glare and a growl as his fingers tightened against his sides before he took a seat. Yep, this was definitely going to be all kinds of fun. I was a good thief, great at sticking under people’s radars, but if I wanted to make myself known, wanted to push buttons, I could definitely do that.} Hopefully we’ll still have a chance to talk when you get back before I’m sprung from here.
Zeke: I rolled my eyes as Venn made his snarky comments. Aiden was on the same page, but the comments seemed to piss him off rather than just roll off his shoulders. I frowned as I figured on my partner for a moment before turning my attention to Venn, “We’ll take our chances. I’ll just let the boss know we’re here with you and grab the paperwork. Try not to piss off my partner any more while I’m gone. A, I’ll grab you a coffee, we might be in here a while.” I nodded at my partner to check it was ok and then stepped out of the room. Pulling the door shut behind me so I could do as I’d said as quickly as possible. I weaved my way through the maze of corridors that lead to my desk. I greeted numerous people on the way there, all of them smiling and nodding at me. While I worked all sorts of things, they seemed to still recognise my face. I wasn’t sure if that was a good or a bad thing. I dropped into my chair as soon as I hit my desk and took a moment to just revel in the fact we’d managed to catch the man I’d been chasing for the better part of 2 years. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity and we couldn’t fuck this up. Lawyer or not, I needed to ensure we had the evidence to keep him where I currently had him. If he got bail, he’d disappear and we’d never see him again. I took one deep breath, then I got to work. I collected all the documents and lists of things we had, pictures and stills of various rolls of tape. All of which showed what we had. And it was all incriminating. I’d keep it all under the radar, so at no point would it have got back to anyone that these things even existed. So I was sure it was going to be a shock when he saw exact what we had. I smiled to myself, I actually had a few ideas in my head, ones that were forming as I moved towards the office of the man who probably wanted to shoot me 6 days out of 7. “Hey boss, just wanted to drop in and say we have Venn in custody. I’m going to question him now, and get as much as I can on record before his lawyer arrives. He’s said that is ok, but I’ll verify again once the tape is rolling. I have put a report on your desk with something I hoped you’d consider. It’s not exactly the norm, but I think in this case, it might just work. If my assessment of the male is good.” I nodded and then smacked my hand into the door frame happily when I got the go ahead I needed. I tipped my head in thanks before starting to make my way back to the interrogation. Making a small detour on the way to ensure I grabbed the water and coffee I’d promised.
Venn: {I rolled my eyes at Detective Tightpants and then waited until he closed the door to really give the new guy a thorough look over. His lips curled into a sneer as he sat back, all cocky and confident. “You can give up the notion you’ll be getting outta here anytime soon, Son. Bringing you in singlehandely is the tip in my favor that I needed to make lead detective. Gonna kill Zeke though when he sees the changes, but that’s how the chips fall, now isn’t it. So why don’t you just go ahead and start confessing while it’s just the two of us and we can both get this over with quickly.” My brow shot up as I listened, the sliminess oozed from his words like a slick used car salesman. He continued on. All the evidence pointed to my guilt, though of course I needed to fill in some of the blanks that were conveniently to have gone missing. Shoddy organization on his partners part of course. If I confessed, he’d help me get a good deal one he got what he wanted. My lips stayed sealed and I was even more convinced they had nothing the longer he went on. At least thats what I told myself because this was one hell of a bad cop show. The disdain he claimed for his partner was disturbing, especially when he slipped how Zeke was going to be set up to take the fall for this case when it fell apart in court. That was my bargain apparently, confess and go to trial then he’d make everything disappear. Zeke would be blamed and Asshat would look like the hero once he figured it all out. I knew the evidence would still be in his possession and I’d a feeling it would miraculously turn up so he could come at me again. His dizzying double talk made my head spin and I longed for Detective Tightpants to return at a quicker pace to get this nightmare over with. I eyed the clock on the wall and groaned slightly, I missed my check in. I really should have just fucking left town. I let out a low breath and shook my head, my gaze locked on the detective as he went on. “So, Son, it’s in your best interest….” } I’m not your son, and now I’ve decided I would like to wait for my lawyer, plus I think I’m owed a call so why don’t you get on that before I start complaining about my treatment, Detective. Wouldn’t want me tarnishing your reputation, would you?
{My head snapped to the side as he backhanded me with this ham-sized hand. “I’ll have no issues taking you both down, Son…you just made yourself one hell of a mistake” I grinned at him and licked my lip} Don’t be too sure of yourself
Zeke: I quickly made up the coffee, two of them, and then placed them in a holder, the bottle of water tucking into my side as I tried to juggle that and the files. I’d not taken all of them, leaving a few things out at my desk, and a few others elsewhere. I had backups of everything. Not because I didn’t trust anyone. But should something happen, a fire or water damage, even just badly stored, all the hard work would be lost. So I kept back ups where I knew they were safe from most things. That way I could keep an eye on them at all times, which wasn’t in any way driven by my desire to be in control at all times. As I used my shoulder and elbow to push into the room I heard a commotion and looked up sharply, hearing those words from Venn without really understanding where they’d come from. I looked between the two men and frowned as I made my way into the room, the coffee shoved down as I rested a hand on Aiden’s shoulder, “What the fuck is going on in here? I was only gone a few minutes.” I looked at Venn for a moment before sitting down and focusing on my partner, listening as he spoke “Nothing, Zeke. I was just telling Venn here that we had some pretty compelling evidence here for him and he’d do well to realise how much work you’d put into this case. You were good at what you did and he should start thinking of ways to confess rather than mess the two of us around.” The man nodded and I glanced over at Venn, my nod slow. When I spoke, it was directed across the table, “I’ve got you some water, and I have a few things for you to look over. Take your time.” I nodded and spread out stills from security cameras with details pictures of his face. Phone conversations transcribed into pages and pages of text. As well as bank transactions and one partial fingerprint that had recently matched his when we brought him into the station. I laid it all out in front of the male. “I have these on tape should you be thinking I’ve fabricated them. And I have lots more of these wonderful mug shots of you at places. See, I know you pretty well, managed to make some pretty spot on guesses and bypassed security to keep things running that would have otherwise miraculously malfunctioned.” I shrugged a shoulder and slid over the bottle of water that I’d grabbed for the man. Just as I opened my mouth to speak again Aiden leaned in close, “Zeke, did you put sugar in this?” I blinked as my train of thought went out the window, “No, sorry. I’ll get it for you in a…….” The frown from my partner pulled me up short and I shook my head as I stood again, “I’ll grab it now. Give Venn a chance to look over this and know there’s more where that came from.” I smiled slightly, though I was annoyed at being sent out again, I had promised coffee, and he didn’t drink it without the normal 55 sugars. “I’ll be back in a minute. A, you can pause the camera while I’m out the room. No one wants to see 5 minutes of silence while I’m gone.” I grabbed up the coffee and pulled the door open again, the rabbit warren like second nature to me after so long.
Venn:{My head shot up when the door opened and I saw Detective Tightpants fumbling with stacks of papers along with the drinks. Before I could even blink, Asshole was talking and files were being spread before me. Holy fuck me. He hadn’t been kidding when he said he’d been watching me for a while. That would explain all those times the hairs on my neck stood up and I felt extra cautious. He was the reason this was gonna be my last job for a while. My eyes narrowed at files, but I refused to give Asshole a second glance when he started spouting off again. Nope, instead when I raised my head, it was Detective Cabot who had my full damn attention. I don’t know why it bothered me so much the way his partner dismissed him, maybe it was because he seemed to have no idea he was being pushed around, which made that earlier admission from Asshole all the more credible. He’d all but admitted Zeke had done all the work, which meant he was the far better detective. The partner nodded at Zeke’s request, “We’ll just start the camera when you get back, no worries.” As soon as the door clicked shut though, he was back glaring at me. “Don’t be getting any ideas, Son. If you so much as breath funny during this, your momma, the one up in the home you send your cash towards…” My heart lurched and my head snapped up so fast I was surprised it didn’t crack, “Yeah, we know about her too, she might have herself a little accident if you don’t cooperate. Trust me, my way is gonna be much easier if you just go along with it.” He had to be bluffing, taking a lucky guess as to why I chose this life…fuck. I needed to make a call. “Shame her minds gone, we likely could have gotten you much sooner, clever of you to set it up as you did. Payments made from an anonymous account, different names, never keeping her in the same home for long. Did you know they fingerprint residents now? It helps them keep track of them. I let out a low groan and shook my head, my shoulders slumping in false resignation. I couldn’t do jack shit while I was locked up, but if I played the game, I could get out. My only confusion at the moment was how Detective Cabot played into it. He jumped when his partner said jump and I could only wonder how far the loyalty went. Not that I’d have a chance to talk to him…not that it would do any good. But, if my instincts were right, he didn’t deserve the impending shitshow that was about to take place. “Good, we’ll wait until he gets back and then get your confession all down on paper.” I simply nodded and then watched the door, waiting to seal my fate.}
Zeke: I grumbled to myself the entire time I walked, barely making eye contact with anyone until I got to the coffee station. I was entirely and focused on working through in my head what I wanted to say to Venn. I needed him to understand how severe this was and that his options were limited. But I needed for him to take whatever option would give him the best chance to get out in a few years. I would offer up the one solution I wanted him to take, but in the end. It would be up to him to choose what he wanted to do. I thew sugar haphazardly in the mug and gave it a stir before moving back towards the interrogation room. I waited outside an extra minute just to take a deep breath so my irritation didn’t show when I faced the two men inside. The smile on my face wasn’t an easy going one when I pushed open the door, but it was good enough to food my partner as I placed the cup down in front of him. “There you go. Sugar as requested. Now can we get down to business?” I stepped up to the small camera and clicked it to start it recording and then settled into my chair. I introduced us all officially and then went through the evidence that I’d laid out for Venn, my smile trying to keep him comfortable more than anything else at this point. I read through the charges and then settled back in my chair, “So I’m happy to ask you some questions, if you’d like me to. But I think you can see that it’s within your best interest to just agree with me that this is you on the video and it is your voice on my recordings and all the numbers and bank accounts and whatever else I have here trace back to you. Whether you used an alias or not, the pictures will all match on the licences you used. Paid in cash and I have those on camera or eye witnesses. I accept that some of it your lawyer will manage to get thrown out, but not it all.” I shrugged a shoulder and folded my arms over my chest. Taking a deep breath as I let Aiden speak, going over what I’d just said in a little more details so that Venn really got the idea. I checked a couple of times that the camera was still running before I leaned forward again, my forearms settling on the table as I linked my fingers, “We have a few options for you. But before we go into that, I just have to double check that you’re happy to hear this without your lawyer present. Aiden here can go and call him should you want one, but I think you said he should be on his way. Let us know the name and we’ll get him pulled through as soon as he gets here.” I nodded. I wasn’t normally quite as accommodating for those in this room, but I wasn’t about to let this investigation slip down the shitter because I’d fucked up at some point. I was curious to know Venn’s thoughts on all that I’d managed to collect over the years. I had guessed a couple of times that he was feeling off kilter, and I’d backed off. Now that gut feeling had paid off, and I wasn’t going to fuck all that up by rushing things.
Venn: {My gaze landed on Tightpants when he came back into the room with Asshole’s coffee, studying him with an appraising eye. I was trying to determine how truthful his partner was being and how much push he really had over Detective Cabot. I didn’t want to say he was clueless, because it was obvious he knew his shit. How else would he, and something told me it was all him, get all that fucking evidence. It was damning how much he had on me. Though I knew if I threw enough money at the lawyer I could get out of most…well, I could if Asshole wasn’t in the picture. His plan put a damper on anything I might try unless I was able to flip the cards on him first. Not necessarily call his bluff, but out fucking maneuver him. This is where my patience would come in handy. My only issue was the threat to the woman I did all this for. I needed to buy some time. And…..something in me wanted to let Zeke know what he was up against because this was gonna flip his world on end too. Why that thought bothered me, I couldn’t pinpoint. Maybe I just didn’t wanna see a legit cop go down because of his dickhead partner. Or maybe I wanted to be the one to toss him for a loop. Perhaps if I could get him to believe me, it might earn some wiggle room with these charges. I just had to play my cards right. When Zeke stopped talking and asshole started, it took all my power not to contradict him with what he’d said moments ago. But my attention quickly drifted back to Det. Cabot when he leaned forward. I toyed with my water, leaning in with my cuffed hands to tilt the bottle slightly so I could get a sip as I listened before I righted it once more and nodded. I took the pen that had been set by the legal pad and saw Asshole smirking.} You could ask whatever you’d like, Detective, but as you said, there’s really no need.
{As I was talking, I was scratching down on the paper the name and number of my lawyer, I flashed a wry grin at Asshole as I turned the paper towards him.} I won’t be talking without my lawyer, not to confess or make any bargains.
{My eyes stayed trained on the other partner as he glared and mumbled out a few colorful curses before he caught himself, then pushed back from the table. “I need some fresh air after dealing with this prick anyway, so I’ll call the lawyer and until he shows up, maybe we need to put pretty boy in lock up for a bit. That’ll get his lips flapping.” I couldn’t stop myself, I wanted to push him so I smiled genuinely} Aww, you think I’m pretty?
{His knuckles turned white and I swore I saw a tremor, but I kept my eyes locked on his. His gaze flickered to the camera and he spun on his heels and stormed from the room, leaving me alone with Detective Tightpants}
Zeke: I blinked slowly and then snapped my mouth shut. What the fuck had happened when I was out the room that had caused him to want his lawyer? This guy was cocky, there was no way that he’d call his lawyer before at least trying to give me an out on some of them. Possibly not all, but certainly some on the table could be wiggled out of. And I knew he was good enough at what he did to know that too. I was about to speak when Aiden piped up. My head snapped to my left and I glared at my partner. His temper was normally far more controlled. What had Venn done while I was out to wind him up to this extend. I tried to place a hand on his shoulder, hoping to calm him. But this seemed to have the total opposite effect as he stood and insulted Venn. I stood alongside him and moved towards the door. I had to quickly step forward so the door hit me in the hip again to stop it from slapping shut. I cursed with a huff and watched as he stormed up the corridor. When I turned to look at Venn again I then slowly dropped my attention to the paper with the lawyer's number on it. “Shit! He forgot the one thing I needed him to do.” I sighed and moved back into the room. I quickly wrapped up the conversation for the camera, explaining a lawyer would be called and gave the time and date again before switching it off. “I’m sorry about Aiden, while we’re not exactly friendly to people in here, I do try to treat people with respect. I have to say, I’ve been following you a while, so I sort of feel I know you better than a lot of those who turn up in this room. And he’s not normally that much of a dickhead.” I shrugged a shoulder as I tried to apologise for my partner. I wasn’t sure if Venn would take it, or why I was saying sorry for the grumpy asshole, but I wanted this to go smoothly. Having Venn pissed off wasn’t good. He could easily call in someone about the hit he’d taken while I was out the room. The camera hadn’t been running, but I’d witnessed it, and I’d not lie if asked directly. My first instinct was to protect Aiden, but he knew what was acceptable, and smacking a suspect who hadn’t been proven guilty yet was just stupid. And bad form. I sat back in the seat opposite Venn and started to pull the evidence back into a neat pile again, “I’ll go and call your lawyer for you, should they not be on their way, they will be shortly. Can I get you anything while you wait, more water or a coffee or something?” I lifted my arm to check my watch and hummed. Almost time for food, something Venn would have to wait for. We’d feed him later once he was safely in one of the cells. For now, he was stuck until his lawyer got to him and he could speak to someone. “I can leave him as your phone call if you’d like? Or you can call someone else? I’ll get that sorted for you as well. Anything else you need before I take you back to the cell. I’ll bring the drink to you there.” I pushed to my feet and curled my fingers around the file as I waited on Venn to speak.
Venn: {I kept my eyes on the partner as he stormed from the room, though my focus never truly left Detective Cabot. Why did he keep putting himself in harms way like that? Was he a glutton for the pain or was he simply trying to keep peace with his partner. When he started to speak, I waited until the camera was off before I nodded} You should watch your back with him, Detective. I’ve a feeling even if I’d not requested a lawyer and I had gone along with his plans, our lives would have been hell, now I’d put money on it happening.
{I shook my head at the offer of anything to drink. It wasn’t that I didn’t trust this detective, but with his partner being so volatile I didn’t want to give him any more cause to start something. I eyed the stack of paper work as he rearranged it, almost like he needed something to do and let out a soft sigh.} You did good, Detective. I’ll give you that. Better than anyone else who’s tried. Coulda had me too, if you weren’t being set up. As I said earlier, it’s more than likely my lawyer is already on the way, so if I only get one call, I’d like to make it a personal one.
{I paused then frowned. I couldn’t do that, even if Dickhead said he knew where she was, I didn’t want to leave a trace from here. I couldn’t trust either of them not to use her as a bargaining chip to get me to cooperate, despite the not so veiled threat I’d already received. Hell, even saying the little I did to Detective Tightpants might have been too much. Fuck. What if they really were working together and it was one hell of a con job on me to see if I’d take the bait. My eyes narrowed and I watched the detective carefully. Despite the obvious lie to nail my ass at the hotel, I had a feeling he was legit. I could only hope my instincts weren’t totally off the mark right now} Actually, forget the call, but maybe you can do something else for me. If I give you the name and number, can you discretely, as in do not let your partner know what you are doing, make a call for me, check that someone is where they are supposed to be and no one else is there? You do that and I’ll talk to you, and only you until my lawyer arrives.
Zeke: I shook my head initially when Venn mentioned watching my back with Aiden. The man had a temper on occasion, and he’d sometimes gotten into trouble when we were out because of that. But for the most part, day to day, he was level headed and did what I asked. He would rather do nothing if he had a choice, but if he was asked, he’d do whatever it was that was needed. “Aiden, he’ll do what is needed to convict. He’s been working with me for most of this investigation. But a personal call can be arranged.” I nodded and started to work on the camera, ensuring that the thing was turned off and set back to what it needed to be for the next interview. I tugged out the tape, wishing the things would be updated so they could just go straight to a computer and save me time, and stuffed it in my pocket. I was about to start uncuffing Venn in order to transfer him when he spoke again. My eyes narrowed as I settled my hands on the table either side of where his were connected to the bar. I took a minute to just study him, he didn’t blink or look away. He wasn’t shitting me. He would speak to me, and only me if I did what he needed of me. I had an idea of what he might want me to do, but why would he reveal that part of himself to me, he had no idea we had all that kind of information. I frowned and then took a seat again, taking a minute to ensure all the pages in my file were as neat as possible while I tried to work out how I could play this. He obviously hadn’t gelled with Aiden, and that was something in itself. But for some reason, he was trusting me with his uncertainty. And while I might not believe that Aiden didn’t have my back, I was willing to keep something from him if it meant I got to talk to the man about everything. I nodded and reached over to uncuff Venn, trying to show that I trusted him to do what he should rather than push anything, “Write down who you want me to phone, and if you want, I can go next door and do it right now. Then it’ll be done, you’ll be reassured and we can talk once I find out how much longer it’ll be until your lawyer gets here? If he gets here before I manage to finish the conversation, I’m expecting that you don’t go silent on me. Lawyer or not, I get whatever information you’d be willing to give me without him here.” I spun around a pad and pen, offering up both so that Venn could decide if my terms matched up with what he was willing to do. I needed, no, I wanted that information. I knew I had him, and no lawyer was going to change that. But I wanted him to know that he was stuck and from that I wanted to know what he was willing to do in order to allow as much leeway as possible with continuing to look after the only attachment he had in his life.
Venn: {I chewed the corner of my lip, already wondering if I made a mistake in trying to trust the detective or not. When he uncuffed my wrists, I immediately massaged my fingers over the skin and murmured out a thank you. My gaze locked on his and I paused for a moment as I thought about his conditions. He only said I had to talk, not confess….so that was a start. Detective Tightpants didn’t make me feel like the walls were closing in on me. Though he did tilt my axis a bit. For this single phone call, I would take that leap and hold on to that thread of trust. I kept my eyes locked on his and nodded slightly. I kept the cockiness at bay but my confidence was returning. I wanted to take down Asshole and I would need to behave to do so.:: You make that call and I’ll talk. I’ll say this now, if you’re playing good cop to the threats your partner made, even if I can’t understand why he’d include the taking you down bits in there…..but if this is all a game, I will use my dying breath to make you regret it. Right now, I have no reason to trust you but I do believe you’re not quite the dick your partner is.
{I wrote the number of the home and the name of the nurse on her case. I turned the notebook around and slid it across the table, but kept my fingers on it as my eyes once again returned to Zeke’s face.} Show me I have something to gain by trusting you, Detective. Otherwise my lips will seal tight and my lawyer will get the charges dropped thanks to your partner’s big ass hand. Especially if he did hide the evidence he said he did.
Zeke: I watched as Venn slowly tried to work around to speaking to me. I knew it wasn’t something he’d be thrilled at, but I figured that he might take me up on the offer. If nothing else, to buy himself some time. I was certain my evidence had been a wake up call, that he’d not realised I’d managed to get quite so much that wasn’t able to be manipulated. I blinked slightly at the bad cop/good cop thing. Threats? I leaned forward again, “I’m not sure what threats you’re talking about, but I’ll go and make this phone call and then I’ll come back and you can enlighten me.” I left no room for negotiation. I pulled the pad closer and looked at the number, it sparked my brain. I recognised it, I’d even phoned it a few times to get information in a roundabout way. I snapped my attention back to the male across from me, “You want me to phone the home your mum is in, the one you’re paying for? We’ve not touched her, she’s none the wiser that we’re watching you, and no one has hurt her. That I can promise.” I nodded and pulled my mobile out of my pocket, quickly dialing the number and dropping it to the table, not yet hitting the dial button, “When they answer you can check in, ensure for yourself that she’s fine. Yes, we know about it and the bank accounts and practically everything else. But I want you to be assured she’s fine so we can get on with the questions. My phone isn’t checked, but even if it was, phoning the facility can be written off as incentive should they ask. It’s not like it’s the first time I’ve phoned that number.” I shrugged a shoulder and took a seat, reaching out to unhook one of the handcuffs so I could once again attach Venn to the table before I pressed the button to call the home. Clicking it to speaker and keeping it within my reach, but close enough that Venn wouldn't have to raise his voice in order to speak to whoever would normally answer the number. It took a moment to connect, then the room was filled with the metallic ring that seemed to echo off the walls, “Once this is done, you talk. About it all. Hiding evidence, why he hit you, and what you mean by threats. Even if he did hit you, the lawyer could go through him, it wouldn’t effect my evidence or my ability to put you in prison, probably with a few of the people you’ve stolen from over time. I want to help you, to a point. But this is my investigation, and I am confident in what I’ve found over the last few years, and you will be seeing the inside of a jail cell no matter what.” My last words were hushed as the phone connected and I lifted my eyes to watch Venn, wanting to see what his reaction were when speaking about someone he really cared about.
Venn: {I gave a slight nod of confirmation when the detective verified who I wanted him to call, it proved the Asshole wasn’t fucking around when he said they knew where and who she was. My stomach roiled but I hoped like hell I’d managed to keep that off my face as I eyed the detective. I let out a soft sigh as he dialed the phone at his promise} You better hope that’s true, Detective. You’re partner implied otherwise.
{I barely paid attention when my cuffs were again fidgeted with, instead my focus was on that tinny ring of the phone opposite me. I gave another slight nod to show I had been listening to the detective and his confidence, though that wasn’t where my concern was. Not right now. Judges could be bought, so could cops for that matter, not that I played that game. Those who I stole from could try to testify, but they’d have to convince anyone they were the rightful owner to begin with. I’d have just as many witnesses on my side for sure. The ringing stopped and a soft voice came over the air, repeating the standard greeting of the facility. I put a smile on my face that I hoped helped me sound relaxed} Hi, Jen. Is Julie there today…great, thank you, yes, I’ll hold.
{The phone clicked and waiting room music filled the air, all the while my eyes remained on the captivating detective. He was putting me off my game and I wasn’t thrilled with that. I also wasn’t thrilled with the cuffs, certain they’d look better around his wrists than mine, dammit. A few moments later, my mother’s nurse picked up the phone. We went through the standard questions and I listened to each answer carefully, catching her mentioning a new visitor that had tried to stop in. I had things in check for that so no one was allowed to see her unless they knew the code. I told the nurse, discretely as possible with another one of our systems, to move my mother and double security. There would be enough in the fund for that for a while anyway. Julie assured me all would be handled, then we said our goodbyes and hung up, my full attention returning to the detective before me} Where would you like me to start? I think we both have some talking to do, Detective.
Zeke: I listened to the phrases and words used when Venn spoke to the lady on the phone, Jen. I’d spoken to a few people at the facility before I’d found who I wanted. But I’d had no intention of hurting anyone, or even stopping him from paying into the account that was used for that purpose. I just had to tie up loose ends. I wanted to connect certain accounts and numbers to Venn to ensure my case. In doing that, I’d come across his mum and where she was kept. Being looked after with 24 hour care. It had to be expensive, and it gave me yet another insight into the man sitting in front of me. I nodded when he clicked off the phone and pulled it back towards me. I was glad that Aiden hadn’t come in halfway through. There was something there, something he’d done to provoke Venn and in turn had caused Venn to strike out at Aiden verbally. And it would seem that Venn had the upper hand, since he was currently sporting the bruised face to prove it. I didn’t poke at that, just yet though. Instead I slid a photo of him across the table. It was grainy, from a CCTV cam, but it was obviously him, “This was the very first footage I got of you. It was just over 2 years ago now. You’d been on the radar before that, but we’d never had a name or even a pattern to follow. I managed to piece together things from previous robberies and it lead me to here, which allowed me to grab this. I then had to wait a few months before I got another sighting of you, but I was able to pick up contacts and phone numbers while I waited. I want to know how you pick your targets, and what drives you to go after the pieces you do. They’re not the easy ones. They’re generally the ones that no one else wants to go after. The almost impossible ones. I get you can charge a higher price and that you will get a better name for yourself. But surely there is more to it?” I pulled out a clean sheet of paper and tapped my pen against me, my mouth working well before my brain kicked in a second time, “And after that, you can enlighten me as to why my partner decided to hit you moments before I walked in.” I nodded and then focused my gaze on the man across from me, absently doodling on the top of the page as I waited on his explaining the things to me that I wanted answered.
Venn: {I kicked my feet out and got as comfortable as I could, my free hand toying with the photo the detective slid my way. A slow smile formed on my face, I remembered that job, the bust was nondescript, pricey but nothing unique, however the panel beneath it had held family ring worth millions. My smile grew as I remembered handing that particular item over. Even if it hadn’t have been millions, the sentimental value it held was priceless. I earned a pretty paycheck too, which is always a bonus. I listened to what he wanted, a low growl at the mention of the asshole partner, but sure, I’d give him that first bit. Not like he’d believe me, and any judge would likely laugh at the story but hey, it is what it is. I shrugged a shoulder} I don’t pick targets, Detective. If you think about it, I’m not even a thief, not really…not the way most would describe it. What I am is …..retriever. The items you’ve accused me of stealing, they’ve already been stolen by top notch assholes, police can’t seem to get the shit back, so I take care of it. I get the thrill of the hunt, the knowledge that I outsmarted some of the best, and it doesn’t hurt I get paid nicely for my services. I’m certain if you go through the records, the initial stolen property reports will say those items went missing when I was no where near. You have video and photo’s of me entering other places and coming out with items, but…was anything reported stolen at those times?
{I raised a brow as I watched him take his notes and process what I told him. It wasn’t a confession as much as a simple statement. Hell, I likely turned down more jobs than not because of that one simple principle, I wasn’t a traditional thief. I let out a sigh as I remembered the second part of his request. Leaning forward slightly, my gaze darted to the door as I kept my voice low} You’re partner…he’s sabotaging you. He’s gonna fuck with the evidence to get my case tossed and then you tossed right after. As for why he hit me, I decided I wasn’t interested in playing his game. Especially when he threatened my mother’s safety.
Zeke: I watched closely as Venn reacted to my words. Each physical reaction as well as the verbal answers were recorded. I had a fucking good memory, but I liked to work out where I’d managed to hit a nerve so I could use it again later. Whether that was good or bad, I could ascertain at the time. I saw the smile grow and realised that whatever job he had been on in this specific photo was a good memory. I found myself smiling when he started talking about it. Giving me information I already knew and had worked out for myself. The exact same information that I’d taken to my chief without my partner being involved. Purely due to him being off on leave at the time. But the fact he had no idea currently seemed like a good thing, it might gain me for favours with the man. I was about to start speaking when he grew more serious and then when the tone changed I found myself growling softly. My initial reaction was to have Aiden’s back. I felt he’d have mine if the roles were reversed. Even if he didn’t that wasn’t the kind of detective I was. But I’d seen the reaction he’d had to Venn, and I knew it wasn’t like him. Or hadn’t been until the last year or so. I’d noticed changes in him and I’d put it down to his homelife and over doing things at work. Instead of hitting the roof I settled back in my chair and swallowed hard. My eyes seeking out the ceiling in order to take a minute to process. I’d have been pissed off enough to lash out if someone had ever threatened my family, and while there was no way for Venn to do that physically, a verbal attack would explain the backhand and the anger on my partners part when he’d stormed out. I nodded and then slowly met Venn’s gaze, “I want to stick up for Aiden, but I will look into this. Discreetly and without your name coming up. He’s got no way to push this through, or have it thrown out, even if he wanted to. So what you do is up to you, but your mother is safe. She was never a factor, just someone I had to verify in order to have dates, times, number and whatever else to strengthen my case. On the rest, I had worked out what you just explained. I had looked at past reports, or lack of them in some cases. I have also looked at the history of the pieces that you appear to have taken in the cases where I was able to work that out. Which is why I have an offer for you. I can leave it with you to look at overnight while you’re in the cell. And you’re welcome to talk it over with your lawyer. I’m also happy to answer questions that you have about it. I’ll allow you to avoid jail time, but it will mean that you’ll be monitored constantly. It’ll be mostly being held in one place at first, but play your cards right, and I might have scope to make it a little more, um, flexible. It’ll still have to go through to a trial, but I’ll have a trump card, and I would expect that when you’re found guilty of all this, I can offer my suggestion as an alternative. It’s got my bosses agreement, and so the rest would be up to you.” I pushed a file across the table to the man and then nodded. “Read over it. You have all night to think it over, but once you’ve decided, that’s it. You’ll have to sign as such and you’ll be held to it. No matter what happens.” I smiled and then stood, waiting only for the man to react to the file before I fully intended on leaving so he could be taken to holding for the night.
Venn: {Shrugging a shoulder at the detectives defense of his partner, I gave the detective an impassive look. It wasn’t my fault he couldn’t see his partner was out to sabotage him. I’d warned him and that was all I could do about that. He seemed decent enough that he deserved that much at least. But now I had to figure out what was best for me. My mom was moving facilities and hopefully they’d not be following her so she’d be safe. Once I was free, I was looking into moving her out of the country, somewhere safe, no matter the fucking cost.} Look, I’m just telling you what he said, you can do what you want with it. He sounded pretty damn sure of himself is all I’m saying.
{My brow raised at the mention of an offer and avoiding jail time. That would be ideal, plus if I was out I could not only work on getting the charges dropped but ensure everything else continued on as it was meant to.I didn’t mind the mention of monitoring as I knew ways to get around that if need be. I took the file and flipped through it, skimming over the details I’d read more about later. My gaze again drifted to the detective as he stood. I’m sure my lawyer would hone out the details of the agreement and such which I’d talk to him about shortly. He’d likely encourage me to take it if he thought there was a chance I would be found guilty, or if he knew that I’d not want a long drawn out trial of shit when I had things needing done, things I wouldn’t trust to another.} If I sign this, I’m free until the trial at least? Then, if the judge agrees, I essentially become your little bitch until you’re satisfied, is that what I’m gathering, Detective? And I’ll be working with you and not your dick of a partner? Because if he’s involved, we’re both as good as done.
{I gave a slight nod. The more I thought about it, the more I worried about what that partner was capable of. He seemed unstable and that was not a fun factor when it came to making decisions about my freedom}
Zeke: I was sure that Venn was positive of what he was telling me. There was no reason for him to lie. But I wasn’t about to just take his word for it. I was happy to look into it, and it would explain a few things, but I wasn’t about to let him know that. He was under my protection, but also in my custody. I wasn’t about to go ahead and just believe him off the bat. Especially about someone who had been at my back for the last X amount of years. Instead I nodded and smiled slightly, “Thank you for telling me. I am sure that his reaction came from somewhere, and while I believe that what you are telling me is how you see it. You’ll understand why I have to take it with a grain of salt. He’s been my partner a while, and if I can’t trust him with my life, I have a much harder time doing my job. Which in some cases can mean the difference between me getting home in one piece.” I nodded and then shrugged a shoulder. Then I chuckled and shook my head with a sigh, “There is no way they’d let you go free before the trial. You’re a risk. It’s taken me 2 years of gathering evidence, and half of that I got through all working all night to try and work out where you were going and how your mind might work. It took me months to set up the meet, there is no way they’ll let you disappear in a puff of smoke again.” I shook my head and tapped the paper in front of the man, “My boss has agreed this plan on the basis that you’ll be on a monitor and under police watch until the trial, then you’ll be under my watch and on a monitor after that. You fuck up, I have no illusions that you’ll have also fucked up my chance of keeping my job. Not that that will sway your decision. But you’ll have some element of freedom in terms of not being in jail and having a place that you can stay that’s private. We’ll monitor other things that you do, online and such, but otherwise you’ll have your own time and space to do as you please, so long as you are free, willing and cooperative when I want you.” I nodded and then frowned as I cocked my head, “Aiden would have been a part of this case, but he’s not the main agent involved, I am. So you might have to work with us both on occasion, but for the most part you’d be working with me one on one. There might be other officers you’ll come into contact with now and again. But again, you’d be introduced and they’d only want your knowledge on things, and it would be related to whatever you and I were working on at the time. As I said, think it over. Read the paperwork enclosed and check that you’d be happy with it. Or happier with it than you would be in jail.” I nodded and clicked my phone, my other hand settling on the door handle, “Your lawyer is here. I’ll leave you to speak with him and go over everything before you’re taken back to where you’ll sleep tonight. I’ll come see you again in the morning so you can give me your answer.” I met the man’s gaze and then dropped it to the table before I pulled the door open to leave, the lawyer making his way in as I was on the way out.
Venn: {I kept my eyes locked on the detective as he spoke. He believed what he was saying, he believed I’d be spending time here before the trial. I knew different though. Yes, I would face charges and be brought to trial unless I managed to convince him otherwise, set his sights on others, but he had enough to bring me to trial for certain. If I was convicted well, that would be a whole other issue and since he was talking deals I’d hold on to that though rather than jail time for now. My lawyer could get those details. I was more concerned with the here and now. I was more concerned about that damn partner of his. I knew he wouldn’t believe me, not unless he had some damn proof but I wasn’t going to stick my damn neck out for him. I didn’t trust easily and certainly didn’t trust people after they threatened me. Not only that, but I already saw the bastard wasn’t loyal, so why the hell would I trust him for anything? If he was so damn willing to throw his partner under the bus, there was no telling what he’d do to me once my usefulness had worn out. If he took me out, my mother, hell even if he took out Detective Tightpants, things would go a whole level of fucking wrong. If he didn’t get his way, I had no doubts he’d sell me out to the highest bidder along with Tightpants. I needed to make him see and I also needed to stop thinking of how tight his damn pants were since I needed to focus on somehow securing my freedom at whatever cost. My need for control grew stronger and gods how I wished I could get this fucking cuffs off of me and on to another. This time, I didn’t stop my gaze from raking over the man before me. I could definitely see myself spending more time in his presence providing I wasn’t enclosed in these damn walls. I shook my head and tried to pus that thought away, saving the vision of that moment for when I could tend to other matters. I lifted my gaze to the detective once I was certain he’d not read anymore more in my gaze than my sincerity.} If I promise to play nicely, you could get them to release me to your care,Detective. I’d be far more willing to help if I weren’t locked up in here where I’m a sitting damn duck. You’re not the only one who’s been after my ass. Put whatever monitor you’re planning on putting on me early because I’m no use to you if I’m dead. I promise you though, your partner will make me disappear if he’s given the chance.
{I would agree to just about anything to avoid another night in jail. I wouldn’t run, just to prove him and his fucking partner wrong. I’d stay and face my charges and the accusations. Deals were always up in the air. I could work with this. This was the first time I was actually worried about what could happen. The walls were already closing in. I gave a slight nod when he mentioned the lawyer and locked my eyes on his} I’ll let you know, Detective.
{My lawyer came in, his face flushed with anger as he dropped his briefcase on the table. He waited about two seconds for the detective to leave before he started in on me. I showed him the deal and the papers, then let him do his frothing at the mouth while he worked shit out. I had the money, as much as I loathed to touch it, but I would do what I had to ensure I was leaving here tonight.} #EndOfTheLine