The Perfect Team
Blair Sandburg was late. No earth shattering news there. Blair was late a lot. But today, he was really late.
First, his alarm hadn't gone off, and he'd slept in. Then the shower ran out of hot water right when he was rinsing out his hair. He'd managed to get the rest of the shampoo out under the tap in the kitchen, although his head was freezing afterward, and eat a hurried breakfast before grabbing his stuff and racing to his car.
But his Sandburgian luck had played true to form. Three blocks from the university his car had a flat. Ironically it was the spare he'd used a week before. And his cellphone (of course) was dead, which meant he couldn't call for a tow truck.
Resolutely, he'd shouldered his back pack, locked up the car and walked over to the university.
When Blair reached his office, he realized he was late for a meeting with a new transfer student from out of state.
Muttering a few curses he'd picked up from a linguist he'd once dated, Sandburg grabbed the appropriate files and headed for the classroom he'd arranged to meet the new student in. As he did, he knew there was something he was forgetting. In his rush, Blair failed to see a note that he'd scribbled and stuck on his laptop. A note meant to remind him of a important meeting.
Blair was so caught up in trying to remember what he was forgetting, that he wasn't paying any attention to where he was going, which meant (of course) he didn't see the young woman coming from the opposite direction. She was intently studying a small map, and didn't see Blair until it was too late.
"Oof!"
They collided in the center of the hallway and went down in a tangle of papers and limbs.
It was chaos for a few moments as they worked to extricate themselves.
Laughing and embarrassed, Blair finally managed to free himself. "I am so sorry. Are you all right? " He asked, looking up while simultaneously gathering as many of his papers as he could.
'Hello . . . ' He thought when he saw her face.
She was gorgeous. Curly dark brown hair and sparkling blue eyes made her looks striking, but it was her mirthful smile that truly made her beautiful.
She laughed and nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine. You?"
Blair nodded. "Yeah." He tucked his files under his arm and helped her to her feet. "I'm Blair Sandburg." He said offering his hand which she accepted.
"I'm Suzanne." She responded, shouldering her bag.
Blair smiled. "It's nice to meet you, Suzanne." He glanced at the map she'd retrieved from the floor. "I guess you're the one I'm supposed to meet."
Suzanne nodded. "I think so."
Blair's smile widened. His day was definitely starting to look up. "Why don't we start with a tour of the campus?"
Suzanne nodded again. "Sure."
Blair shifted the files under his arm. "I'll just drop these papers off in my office, we won't need them till later anyway, and we'll get going."
"Ok." Suzanne said, falling into step with him.
Simon was in the middle of a mountain of paperwork when his phone rang.
Before he answered, Simon shot a death glare at the phone, hoping it would melt into a puddle of plastic. No such luck.
"BANKS!" He barked in irritation.
"Well, Simon," A smooth British voice commented with a tinge of amusement. "That was a fine hello."
Simon chuckled. "Peter," He shook his head. "Peter Sinclair. How long's it been?"
"Around eight years I believe." Peter replied with a chuckle of his own.
"Yeah, I heard you went to work for some billionaire." Simon leaned back in his chair. "Private sector, Sinclair? I'm surprised."
"No more than I was." Peter said with a chuckle. "But the boss isn't just any billionaire . . . Alexander Addington is many things. But he's not just some billionaire."
That got Simon's attention. "You were the Scotland Yard Inspector Addington brought in on his wife's kidnaping?"
"Yes." Peter said seriously. "And that's part of the reason I'm calling."
"The kidnaping?" Simon frowned. "Aren't you eight years too late?"
Peter chuckled slightly. "No- Alexander. Or, more accurately, his daughter."
"His daughter?"
"Mmhmmm . . . She's in Cascade on business. Alex's considering a rather substantial donation to Rainier University. He sent Suzy over there to check it out."
"Why do I sense a but coming." Simon queried, leaning forward.
"But, ever since Suzy was kidnaped herself, a few years ago, Alex has been a bear about her security. Especially right now."
"Right now?" Simon frowned. "What's going on right now?"
"The Addington Group handles a lot of government contracts."
"Contracts? As in weapons development?" Simon's voice gave away what he thought of that idea.
"No!" Peter's tone was vehement. "Absolutely not! Alexander has no patience for that type of work. The contracts the Addington Group handles are more in the NASA arena of things."
"So, why would his daughter need protection?"
"Because Alexander uses the contacts those government contracts give him to do a lot of political work. Diplomatic things like international treaties and financial development plans."
Simon started to nod but remembered Peter couldn't see him. "Yeah, I remember his name coming up in connection with treaty talks a few years ago. Some ban on chemical weapons, I think?"
"That's one. Currently, however he's wading into the landmine debate."
Simon's eyebrows rose. "He's got a lot of guts."
Peter chuckled. "That's an understatement. At least when it comes to his own safety. But he refuses to play games with Suzy's life." Peter hesitated. "She doesn't know, but there have been threats . . . against her life."
Simon's posture went rigid. Peter was describing his worst nightmare. Someone threatening Daryl because of him, his work. "And you want me to put a bodyguard on her?"
"If you would. My people are covering Alexander but he won't be arriving in Cascade for another week, which means we can't protect Suzy until then. Alex asked me to contact the local law enforcement and arrange for protection. There is, however, one problem."
"Oh, no . . . "
"Suzy does not trust police officers." Peter sighed. "She blames your Canadian counterparts for her mother's disappearance."
"How's that work?"
"The RCMP didn't listen to my advice. And because of that, the kidnappers say they killed Mrs. Addington. No body was found and she never turned up alive. Suzy still holds them responsible."
"I don't blame her." Simon grunted. "I'd blame the cops too if I lost my mother because they screwed up." He tucked the receiver in on his shoulder as he turned to pour a cup of coffee. "So, she doesn't trust cops, huh? I think I've got just the team for her."
"Thank you, Simon." Peter sighed in relief. "I'll fax over some information on Suzy. Things your people will need to know."
"All right." Simon gave him the fax number then hung up. He sat back in his chair for a moment before standing and walking to the door. Opening it he looked around the bullpen until he spotted the detective he was looking for. "ELLISON! My office now!"
Jim reacted predictably.
"No." The Sentinel said flatly the moment Simon finished speaking. "Absolutely not. I am not playing baby sitter to some . . . "
"Spoiled princess?" Simon finished for him.
Jim instantly felt ashamed. "I wasn't going to say that."
"Maybe not, but I'll bet you were thinking it." Simon said with a raised eyebrow. "Look, Jim, I know Peter Sinclair. He's one of the good ones. He really cares about this girl. And if he does, you can bet she's one special young lady. Besides, someone's trying to use her to control her father."
"Control how?"
"In short? Pull your support on the landmine restrictions or we kill your daughter." Simon answered flatly. "These guys are serious, Jim. They don't mess around. Sinclair faxed over some info on Suzy and the threats." Simon passed the file to Ellison who flicked through it. "Take this one as a favor to me. Peter's an old friend."
Jim sighed. "All right. So, where is she?"
"Sinclair said she's in town to check out Rainier for her father. Addington is thinking about donating a large amount of money to the university. Suzanne is here checking the school out. Making sure its not a waste of money."
"So she's probably at the university." Jim grinned. "Blair's gonna love this one. Pretty young heiress . . . "
"Uh, oh." Simon chuckled. "Something tells me, I'm going to be Blair's favorite person for quite a while."
Suzanne laughed as Blair described the blustery attitude of one of his old professors. Her long hair blew away from her face slightly with the breeze that was rustling in the trees.
They were sitting on the lawn outside the main hall, eating sandwiches and drinking sodas.
"So he literally split his pants, he was so mad?" Suzanne asked with a wide smile.
Blair nodded, laughing. "Yeah. He was ranting about how none of us ever really paid attention to anything he did in class and he got so mad he threw a piece of chalk at the floor and rip!" He gestured with his hands.
Suzanne laughed. "What'd he do then?"
"Turned sixty shades of red." Blair grinned wickedly. "Stammered something about a book in his office and backed out of the theatre."
Suzanne shook her head and laughed before sipping her Pepsi. "So he just left?"
Blair nodded. "Course, the entire class erupted the second he was out of the room . . . "
The comical expression on his face was too much for Suzanne, she nearly fell over laughing. "You're priceless!" She managed between fits of laughter.
"Naturally." Blair returned smoothly.
Jim walked out of the main building with a frown.
The main office had no idea where Ms. Addington was. Only that she was supposed to find Blair Sandburg, who would give her a tour of the facilities.
But Blair wasn't in his office. Jim had gone there first. If there was a new, pretty girl on campus it was almost guaranteed that Blair would know where she was.
It was then Jim's Sentinel hearing picked up on laughter. Blair's laughter intermingled with a woman's. No news there.
Piggybacking his sight on his hearing, Jim found Blair sitting on the front lawn with a curly haired brunette.
Jim smiled wryly. Ten to one Sandburg had already found Ms. Addington.
Without waiting for Blair to spot him, Jim advanced across the pavement toward the lawn.
Blair was in the middle of another one of his stories when he looked up and spotted Ellison approaching. A huge smile nearly split his face. "Jim! Hey, Man! What are you doing here?" He called out standing.
Suzanne turned to look at the tall imposing man that was walking toward them. 'Cop' Her mind identified him instantly. Out of instinct she rose and stepped back, automatically distrusting him.
Jim saw the distrust in her eyes and adjusted his posture to look, hopefully, less cop-like. "I see you've met Ms. Addington." He said with a bemused smile.
"Addington?" Blair looked confused. "As in the Addington Group? Alexander Addington?" He turned to Suzanne. "You mean you're . . . "
"Suzanne Addington." Suzanne responded quietly. "Yes." She looked confused. "Didn't you know that?"
"I thought you were a transfer student I was supposed to meet."
Suzanne tried to hide a smile. "Oops. Sorry." The grin started to twitch around the edges of her mouth. She tried to fight it but a giggle escaped and before she could stop it, Suzanne was laughing.
Jim caught onto what she was laughing at and chuckled himself.
Sandburg stood between them looking confused. "Will someone please clue me in as to what is so funny?"
Jim grinned. "Chief, I don't think Ms. Addington is used to being mistaken for someone else."
"I'm sorry, Blair." Suzanne said when her laughter stopped. "It's just not something that happens often."
Blair had to smile at the genuine amusement in her blue eyes. "Well, I'm an unusual guy."
Jim snorted.
"Not one word, Ellison." Blair said, shooting a warning look at his best friend.
His movement only served to remind Suzanne of Jim's presence. Instantly her entire form stiffened up. "And who is this?" She asked almost formally.
Blair looked from Suzanne to Jim and back to Suzanne again. "Umm . . . Suzanne . . . this is my friend. Detective Jim Ellison. Jim, this is Suzanne Addington."
Suzanne smiled wryly. "So you're a cop, hmm?"
Jim nodded. "I work in Major Crime."
"Uh, Jim, any particular reason you're here?" Blair asked, noticing Suzanne's tense posture.
"I think I know." Suzanne spoke up at that. "Peter Sinclair called someone in your department. Most likely, your captain. And told him I'm in town then requested that I be assigned an officer for my protection right?"
Jim nodded, noticing that Suzanne had said nothing about the threats against her life. Either she didn't want to speak about them or she didn't know. Ellison had a sneaking suspicion it was the latter.
Suzanne frowned. "I can't believe Papa. He's been so over protective ever since I got kidnaped a few years ago."
"You were kidnaped?" Blair instantly empathized, he certainly understood the emotions that went with it. "Why?"
Suzanne smiled wryly. "Believe it or not it had nothing to do with my being Alexander Addington's daughter. A friend of mine discovered the pharmaceutical company he worked for was planning to sell unapproved drugs, drugs with dangerous side effects, to third world countries. He knew I was in town and he tried to get the information to me so I could take it to my father. He could do something to stop them. They found us as he was giving me the briefcase which contained the files. They killed him and I ran. They caught me."
Both Blair and Jim were listening intently but it was Blair who spoke. "Did they get the briefcase?"
"Nope. I'd hidden it in a subway station locker. They only caught me because a bag lady got in my way asking for change. I accidentally gave her the key to the locker along with my change." Suzanne smiled sarcastically. "I guess she thought I meant for her to have what was in the locker. The briefcase and my favourite red wrap . . . " She sighed. "They took me to try and convince me to tell them where the briefcase was. I lied and said it had been sent to my 'uncle' Peter Sinclair."
Jim grinned. "Smart move. Send them right to the authorities."
Suzanne laughed. "Addington resourcefulness. At least that's what my father says." She bent down to retrieve her shoulder bag. "Anyway, Peter got wise to what was going on and put a plan in motion to rescue me."
"Which obviously succeeded." Blair noted with a teasing smile.
Suzanne looked at him with a bemused grin. "It did? What gave you that idea? Yeah, they rescued me, but not before Peter was kidnaped as well. They found out who I was and nearly killed me."
Jim blinked. "Sounds like quite the adventure."
"One I'd've rather skipped." Suzanne said with a sigh. "So what now?"
"Resigned to your fate?" Blair joked.
Suzanne nodded then shot them a scrutinizing look. "Ok. Tell me something. How does an ex-military officer turned cop managed to become friends with a freewheeling anthropologist?"
Jim and Blair looked at each other then at Suzanne.
"How'd you know I was in the military?" Jim asked.
"A hunch." Suzanne returned serenely. "Now answer, please."
"Umm . . . I helped Jim out on a case a few years ago and ended up working as a consultant for the department." Blair explained after a moment.
Suzanne grinned. "Bet you made quite the impression on Major Crime."
Jim snickered. "That's an understatement."
Blair smacked his arm.
"So, what now?" Suzanne asked again, shouldering the strap of her bag.
Jim frowned slightly. "Well, I'd like to go back to where you're staying . . . "
Suzanne couldn't help but grin. "So soon? Detective, we just met!"
Jim grinned. "Cute. Where are you staying?"
Suzanne gave him the address of her hotel.
"Thank you. Now I'd like to go back there and check out the security of your room."
Suzanne nodded. "The usual, huh?"
Jim had to grin at her bone weary tone. Suzanne was definitely used to overly thorough security.
"Need a ride?" He offered.
Suzanne nodded. "I took a cab here."
"Ok. I parked the truck near here." Jim placed a guiding hand against her back and directed her toward the truck.
Blair waited a few moments until Suzanne and Jim were a few feet ahead of him then muttered. "Hey, Jim, remind me to get Simon a box of really expensive Cubans. This is my kind of case."
Fortunately, Suzanne didn't notice the wide grin that crossed Jim's face.
The well known Addington name had once again secured the hotel's penthouse suite, which Jim was glad to see. That meant both he and Sandburg could stay in the suite with her, and Suzanne would still have a modicum of privacy.
While Jim checked out the suite Blair and Suzanne sat on the couch with two cups of cappuccino. With his enhanced senses, Jim was naturally more thorough then most cops and took a little longer.
So, while Jim completed his security check, Suzanne and Blair continued the conversation they'd struck up while still at Rainier.
Suzanne tucked a strand of curly hair away from her face and sighed. "Someone once told my mother that I would end up a modern day Doris Duke. No one would ever see me, Suzanne. They'd only see the dollar signs of my inheritance."
"And do they?" Blair prompted gently.
Suzanne sighed. "A lot of the time, yeah. Thirty-five billion is a large sum of money."
Blair's eyes rose. "Thirty-five billion? Wow."
Suzanne smiled. "Well, a lot of that is assets and companies."
"But people still treat you differently." Blair commented.
"People still treat me differently." Suzanne agreed. "When I was a teenager, I was never really sure of who my friends were. Which ones actually cared about me and which ones just wanted to associate with the daughter of Alexander Addington. It was nerve wracking sometimes. So when I went to college, I got my father to convince the university to register me under a false last name. And for once when people met me they met Suzanne. Not Suzanne Addington, just Suzanne."
"Weren't they angry when they found out you'd lied about your name?" Blair asked as Jim walked past into the spacious bathroom.
"For the most part no, they were all pretty understanding. Some got angry, but they usually weren't the ones who were close to me."
Jim walked back into the room and stopped next to the couch. "Clean." He announced stealing a sip of Blair's cappuccino.
"Good." Suzanne said with a nod. "So, why don't we go get something to eat?"
Blair grinned at her. "Suzy, I have a feeling this is going to be a very pleasant assignment."
Suzanne laughed. "Ok, where to?"
Jim started to speak but Blair cut him off. "No, not Wonder Burger. I know just the place."
The place Blair was referring to was the same restaurant that Megan had taken he and Jim to when she'd first come to Cascade.
When they walked in Suzanne looked around and smiled. "This place looks great, Blair."
The anthropologist nodded. "Yeah, the food's great too." He grinned over at Jim. "Maybe this time we can get through the meal without half the city going dark."
Jim laughed. "Maybe, Chief. But with our luck the whole city'll probably blackout this time."
"Why do I have the feeling that there's a very interesting story behind that?" Suzanne asked with a chuckle.
"Because there is. C'mon, let's order then Jim and I'll tell you the whole sordid tale." Blair said as their waiter led them to their table.
By the time Jim and Blair were finished telling her about Scott Bruenell and his attempted robbery of the Cascade Mint, they were well into dessert. Of course, when Blair told her about chasing Bruenell, he conveniently left out the parts where Jim used his Sentinel senses.
Jim listened to Blair's 'obfuscations' about his senses with a small smile.
When it came to hiding Jim's senses, Sandburg could get pretty inventive. It was funny watching his Guide tap dancing around the Sentinel issue. Blair was telling more 'obfuscations' than a guy caught two-timing on his fiancee.
With almost an unconscious decision, Jim chose that moment to zero his senses in on Suzanne.
When she'd first seen him at the university her breathing and heart rate had gone sky high. Suzanne really didn't trust police officers.
But now, he could tell, she was starting to relax. And a lot of the credit for that, he believed, went to Sandburg. Blair's friendly attitude had brought Suzanne's guards down and got her to open up. Not only was she opening up to Blair, but she'd started to tease Jim a little more playfully than she had.
Ellison sat back and smiled slightly. The assignment was turning out to be more pleasant than he had expected. Suzanne certainly wasn't a spoiled princess. She was actually pretty funny.
He was reluctant to admit it, but he was starting to like Suzanne. She'd gone through hell in the last few years and she could still smile. That was something Jim respected.
Straightening up slightly, he extended his hearing and swept the room. They were in a public place but some criminals, especially terrorists, didn't care how many people died so long as they got their target.
Fortunately no one in the room was talking about Suzanne. Surreptitiously he glanced around the room. No one was looking their way either. Hopefully, no one had recognized her.
Looking back at the woman in question he was just in time to see her stifle a rather large yawn.
Blair'd spotted it too. "Jet lag?"
Suzanne looked guilty, but nodded. "Direct flight from France." She said by way of explanation, stifling another yawn. "The plane's pretty comfortable but I spent most of it reviewing what Papa wanted me to do in Cascade."
"At the university." Blair supplied.
Suzanne nodded. "That, and a few company things he wanted me to look into."
"Well, you must be exhausted." Jim said signaling for the check.
Suzanne yawned again. "Yep." She said closing her mouth.
"Chief, I picked up some clothes at the loft for you." Jim informed his partner.
"Thanks, Man."
Suzanne took the check out of the waiter's hand then grinned at Jim. "My treat. Its not like I can't afford it."
Jim started to object, but Suzanne held up a hand.
"Relax, Jim." Suzanne said with a smile. "You guys have to put up with me for the next few days, the least I can do is pay for dinner."
Blair grinned at Jim. "She's got a point."
"She does." Jim agreed.
Suzanne laughed at the mock wise expressions on their faces. Shaking her head she paid the bill then stood.
"You two are incorrigible," She decided, as they went to retrieve their coats.
Jim and Blair just smiled.
Because of her exhaustion, Suzanne went straight to bed once they reached the hotel.
She walked into the suite, dumped her coat and shoulder bag on the nearest chair, mumbled a very sleepy 'good night' and headed into her bedroom.
When Jim used his hearing to check in on her five minutes later, Suzanne's breathing was deep and even.
"She out?" Blair asked opening his laptop.
"Like a light." Jim reported, dropping down onto the couch. "You could set off a grenade under her bed and she wouldn't wake up."
"Well, duh," Blair said with a grin. "She'd be dead."
Jim groaned and tossed a cushion at the younger man.
Blair caught the cushion and set it aside. "Jim," he said, turning serious. "There's more to us protecting Suze than just her dad's security chief knowing Simon, isn't there?"
Jim nodded sombrely." Suzanne doesn't know, Chief, so keep this quiet."
Blair nodded knowing what his Sentinel was about to tell him was very bad.
"Well, you probably already know that her father, Alexander, is heavily involved in world affairs right?"
Again Blair nodded. "Yeah he's brokered a couple of important environmental laws."
"Exactly. Apparently Alexander's latest project is an international law that would greatly increase the restrictions the manufacture and sale of land mines. One with very stiff penalties for countries that sell them, not just the terrorist groups and criminals buy them illegally and use them." Jim hesitated then continued. "According to Peter Sinclair there are some people who 'don't like' the proposed penalties. They know that Alexander isn't afraid to be threatened, so they're threatening Suzanne."
"Threatening to kill her?" Blair's blue eyes were wide and angry.
Jim nodded once.
"Oh that really sucks, Man!" Blair burst out then remembered the sleeping woman in the next room and lowered his voice. "Suze's a great lady. She doesn't deserve that."
Jim grinned. "So, where are you taking her for dinner?" He inquired with a twinkle in his eye.
"Oh, come on, Jim." Blair complained.
"Some place really expensive, or a nice dinner at the loft?" Jim teased.
"You're horrible."
Jim just grinned.
Blair shook his head and dug in his backpack for his glasses' case,
"I'm thirsty." Jim announced standing. "Where's the fridge?"
"I dunno." Blair responded. "You're the one who checked this place over." This said, he returned his attention to his backpack.
"Yeah, yeah." Jim muttered with a grin. "You're a lot of help, Sandbag."
Blair chuckled at Ellison's good natured grumbling before pulling his glasses out of their case.
The penthouse had a small kitchen in it. Small but functional. The guests who normally stayed in the penthouse didn't do much cooking but Suzanne apparently did because the refrigerator was stocked full.
Jim noted with approval that the foods were all very healthy and made for a well-balanced diet. Good for Suzanne, but not for Jim. The Sentinel had to admit he was a self styled junk food junkie.
Grabbing a couple bottles of a Canadian carbonated water, he stood, grinning. There had to be something to the Sentinel thing that naturally made him notice things as basic as everyone else's diet.
Walking back into the main room, he tossed one to Blair then sat down and opened his own.
Suzanne's room was dark, but moonlight shining in through the balcony doors cut a wide swatch across the carpet next to the large bed. That light provided enough illumination for a normal person to see dimly.
But, that was irrelevant to the black clothed figure repelling silently down the side of the building. Irrelevant due to the night vision goggles he wore over his ski mask.
The man's stealthy movements bespoke a great familiarity with covert and criminal movements.
He landed on the balcony with a soft thud, then, removing the goggles, went to work on the lock.
Jim sat up suddenly with a frown and tilted his head to one side, listening.
"Jim?" Blair questioned, noticing the action. "What's wrong?"
Jim grabbed his gun, held a finger to his lips then rose and moved silently to the bedroom door. Inside he could still hear Suzanne's even breathing but he could hear something else as well. A faint scratching noise, followed in short order, by a click. The kind of click made by a lock that had just been picked.
Jim turned, and gestured for Sandburg to call in for back up.
Blair nodded, snagged his recharged cellphone from the coffee table and slipped into the kitchen to make the call.
Jim then turned back to the door and listened again. The balcony door had swung open.
Moving as quietly as the jaguar that was his spirit guide, he reached out and began to turn the doorknob.
Suzanne stirred, sensing instinctively that something wasn't right.
When her blue eyes flickered open she was horrified to see a man dressed entirely in black standing over her with a wicked looking knife in his hand.
Before she could open her mouth, he clamped a hand down over it. Suzanne froze in terror. She wanted to rail, to fight back, but she just couldn't seem to make her limbs respond.
Deciding she had one last option she filled her lungs and screamed as hard as she could against his hand.
The gloves he wore muffled it enough that any normal cop wouldn't have heard it through the door.
But Jim Ellison wasn't any normal cop.
His Sentinel ears heard Suzanne's cry for help loud and clear.
Caution forgotten, Jim threw the door open and leveled his gun at Suzanne's would-be killer. "Cascade police! Drop the knife!" He ordered, releasing the safety on the gun.
That was enough to make the attacker hesitate, and that was all Suzy needed.
She slammed a fist into her attacker's stomach, making him double over and release his hand.
Free, Suzanne scrambled from the bed and ran, terrified, to Jim.
Without taking his eyes from the intruder, Jim wrapped an arm around the trembling young woman. "You're ok." He soothed. "You're safe now. Blair!"
The anthropologist appeared at the door and Jim passed Suzanne to him.
Seeing Blair, Suzanne was more than willing to leave Jim. She dove into Blair's open arms and promptly began to cry.
Blair held her tightly for a moment, stroking her tousled curls and whispering soothingly into her ear, then he led her to the couch and sat down with her.
"Put down the knife!" Jim ordered in a deadly tone, his eyes flashing dangerously.
Seeing the intruder's eyes flicking toward the open balcony doors, Jim raised a mocking eyebrow. "Try it. I can promise you that you'll be on the floor before you can take a step."
The knife dropped onto the bed with a dull thump.
"Good boy." Jim said, pulling his handcuffs out. "Hands behind your head." He ordered, holstering his gun and walking over.
Roughly, he yanked the other man's hands down behind his back, cuffing them while reciting his rights.
Suzanne sat back and wiped ineffectually at her face. "Sorry." She apologized with an embarrassed smile.
"Hey, you don't need to apologize to me." Blair said pulling her hands away from her face. "You've got every right to be upset. Why don't you go into the bathroom and splash some water on your face. Major Crime is sending a couple of detectives to take that guy into custody. You'll probably have to go down to the station and give your statement."
"Then what?" Suzanne asked standing. "I can't come back here. Someone obviously wants me dead, and they know I'm staying here."
"Umm . . . well, we'll take you back to our loft." Blair decided. "I doubt they'd expect you to be staying at a cop's place. I'll go get your suitcase out of the bedroom and bring it to you. You can change in there."
Suzanne nodded. "Thanks, Blair."
The curly haired young man shrugged then smiled. "My pleasure."
Suzanne walked into the bathroom and Blair stood as Jim pushed the would-be assassin into the living room.
"Sit down!" Jim ordered, shoving him down into a chair. He then looked over at Blair. "Where's Suzanne?"
"In the bathroom." Blair answered before walking into the bedroom. He returned a minute later with Suzanne's suitcase in hand.
Ignoring the handcuffed man in the chair, Blair carried the suitcase up to the bathroom.
"Suzanne?" He called, knocking on the door. "Your suitcase is here by the door."
"Thanks, Blair." Suzanne called back, her voice still shaky.
"No problem." Blair returned, walking down to the living room. "So who's this guy?" He asked as he heard Suzanne open and close the bathroom door.
"Don't know yet." Jim said with a shrug. "Let's find out, shall we?" At that he yanked the ski mask off.
The man sitting before them could have been a student in one of Blair's classes. He was boyishly handsome with tousled blond hair and deep green eyes. He could have been, except for the fact he was a hitman.
"How about giving us your name?" Jim asked, almost in a conversational tone. His voice seemed friendly, but held the same deadly threat that it had when he'd ordered the intruder to drop the knife.
This time however, the intruder had the right to remain silent, and he used it.
Defiantly, he glared at Jim and remained silent.
There was a knock on the door and Rafe's voice called out. "Ellison?"
Jim didn't look away from the hitman's face. "You want to get that, Chief?"
"No problem, Man." Blair responded, walking over to open the door. "Hey, Rafe, Megan."
"Heya, Sandy," Megan said with a friendly smile. "Ms. Addington all right?"
"Yeah. Jim stopped the guy before he hurt her." Blair stepped back to let the two detectives pass.
"Hey, Jim." Rafe nodded at the other detective.
"Rafe." Jim greeted his friend. "Take this guy down to the station and book him. Run his prints through NCIC too. He won't say a word."
Megan shot a scornful glance at the blond man. "Took the right to remain silent literally, huh?"
"Pretty much." Blair agreed.
"We'll follow with Suzanne." Jim said as Rafe yanked the intruder to his feet.
Suzanne chose that moment to walk out of the bathroom. She looked calm and composed now, but her blue eyes were blazing. Suzanne's Addington temper had replaced her fear. She was pissed.
Rafe and Megan looked at her and Blair could see their postures change slightly.
"Ms. Addington." Rafe said with a pleasant smile.
Suzanne looked over at him and both Blair and Jim saw the noticeable change in her attitude. Her guards were back in place. "Detective . . . "
"Rafe." Blair supplied helpfully.
"Rafe." Suzanne nodded at the man. "Sorry to have to call out at this hour." She said politely.
"It's not a problem." Rafe shrugged. "Its our job."
"Speaking of our job." Megan interrupted. "We should get this guy down to the station." She nodded at Suzanne. "Ms. Addington, it was a pleasure."
Suzanne nodded back at her and watched as Rafe and Megan hustled the blond assassin from the room.
The second the door closed behind them, she exhaled loudly and dropped into a chair.
Blair was by her side instantly. "Suze? Are you ok?"
Suzanne smiled shakily at him. "Yeah, it was just . . . seeing his face . . . changed everything."
Jim nodded. "Putting a human face on a criminal like that changes how you see them."
Suzanne nodded. "He wasn't as terrifying as he was before . . . but at the same time he was scarier in a different way. I mean, how could a person make their living killing people?" She shuddered and tucked a loose curl behind her ear. "Let's go." She rose gracefully. "I want to be there when he's questioned." She walked to the door. "C'mon." Opening it, she slipped out.
Jim looked over at Blair. "I think I'm starting to like her."
Blair grinned. "I know I do."
Due to the late hour, Major Crime was quiet, but Simon was waiting, looking as if it were the middle of the afternoon.
"Ms. Addington," Simon smiled and shook her head. "It's a pleasure to meet you. Pity it wasn't under better circumstances."
Suzanne nodded. "Thank you, Captain Banks. Sorry to keep you up this late."
"Not a problem." Simon said with a shrug. "If it wasn't you, no doubt Sandburg and Ellison would probably get themselves into a mess much worse than this."
Suzanne couldn't help but laugh at the exasperated tone in the Captain's voice. "I take it Jim and Blair are trouble?" She inquired with a mischievous smile.
Simon's weary groan was her only answer.
After Simon offered Suzanne a cup of coffee, he escorted her to the interrogation room where Jim was questioning her would-be assassin.
Waiting outside, next to the one-way mirror, were Blair and Megan.
In Megan's hand was a file, a very thick file.
"We ran his prints." Megan said the minute Simon and Suzanne came to a stop next to them. "His name is Christopher Peters, aka Cutter Patricks, aka Calvin Patterson, aka a dozen other aliases. He's an international hitman, wanted in at least a dozen countries."
Suzanne leaned against the wall, feeling slightly weak. "All for murders?"
Megan nodded. "His weapon of choice is a hunting knife. Exactly like the one Jim caught him with." She handed the file to Simon, who began thumbing through it. "We're lucky Jim decided to check on Ms. Addington when he did. This guy is a professional. She'd have been dead if he'd waited even another minute."
Suzanne shuddered slightly then turned to look at Peters. "Professional, hmm? What kind of people hire him?"
"Very rich people," Simon commented looking up from the file. "Very rich and powerful people who want a message sent."
"People who would be enemies of my father." Suzanne said wearily. "Captain Banks, when Peter Sinclair called you, what did he say that convinced you I needed police protection?"
Simon hesitated but Suzanne's angry blue eyes stopped him from making an excuse. "Captain . . . " She stressed. "I do have a right to know."
Simon sighed. "Inspector, will you please go upstairs and get the Addington file on my desk?"
Megan nodded. "Of course, Sir."
When she left, Simon looked over at Suzanne. "You aren't going to like this."
"I don't like it now." Suzanne responded.
Alexander Addington sat at his desk, drinking the tea Bennett had brought him. His pen moved across paper as he signed several documents.
"Has Suzanne called yet this morning?" Bennett, Alexander's butler and all around right hand, asked carrying in a tray with Alexander's breakfast on it.
Alexander shook his head. "It's late in Cascade. She's probably in bed."
Bennett opened his mouth to say something but was cut off by the phone. He reached over and picked up the receiver.
"Alexander Addington's office? Yes . . . he is." Bennett paused for a moment. "Mmhmm . . . of course." He passed the phone to Alexander with a grave expression. "Oh, dear . . . " He said, quite seriously.
Alexander frowned slightly. "Hello?"
"Hello, Papa." Suzanne said, her voice calm.
"Suzanne!" Alexander was surprised. "Isn't it late over there?"
"Yes, it is." Suzanne responded. "But I'm not at the hotel. I'm in the Cascade PD's Major Crime Department."
"What the devil are you doing there?" Alexander snapped out, fear automatically sharpening his tone.
"Someone tried to kill me." Suzy responded shortly. "You lied to me, Papa."
Alexander closed his eyes. "I did not lie to you, Suzanne."
"You conveniently neglected to tell me that someone was threatening my life." Suzanne was angry. That came across the line loud and clear. "Not telling me is the same as lying. At least that's what you always said."
Alexander sighed wearily. "I'm sorry, Sweetheart. I didn't want to scare you."
Suzanne chuckled slightly. "You never do. But you forget, Father, I don't scare easy."
Alexander laughed. "No, you don't." He agreed. "You get that from your mother."
"And my father." Suzanne countered promptly. "And I'm still angry with you."
Alexander sighed. "You also get that stubborn streak from your mother."
"Which is why you'd better come up with a very good explanation." Suzanne said determinedly.
"I told you, Darling, I was trying to protect you." Alexander stated with a slight glare at Bennett, who was looking quite smug.
"Yes, you were. And I am grateful for that." Suzanne responded patiently. "Why didn't you tell me?"
Alexander exhaled heavily. "If I had, would you have allowed Captain Banks to assign officers to you?"
Suzanne sighed but did not speak.
"I thought as much." Alexander said, after a moment. "Now, listen to me, Suzanne. You're probably quite tired. Go get some rest and we'll talk about this when I reach Cascade."
"All right, Papa." Suzanne's tone was resigned. "Love you."
"Love you, too." Alexander responded, his tone warming.
"Bye." Suzanne said, softly. There was a click and the line went dead.
"I see you still have your head." Bennett noted with his usual sarcasm. "Suzanne must be feeling quite benevolent today."
"Not really." Alexander said with a sigh. "She was angry."
"I suspected she would be." Bennett picked up the cup and saucer and put them on the tray. "And you might have realized it too, had you stopped for a moment and thought it over."
"Now, what do you mean by that?"
"I mean, you knew how Suzanne would react when she found out about the threats. You should have told her the day you received the first lot of threats." Bennett responded archly.
"You know, Stone's right. You two do resemble an old married couple sometimes." Peter Sinclair stood in the doorway, a bemused smile on his face. "What's wrong now?"
"Someone tried to kill Suzanne!" Alexander said gruffly.
"Is she all right?" Peter's worry filled his voice.
"Oh, she's fine." Alexander assured him. "But she's also very angry with me for not telling her about the threats."
Peter smiled wryly. "Well, you can't say I didn't warn you. There's too much of you in her for her to not react to that."
"I've moving up my trip to Cascade." Alexander stated, reaching for his cane. "We're leaving as soon as possible." He decided, standing.
"Which will be when?" Peter asked with a thoughtful look.
"Bennett, get Ms. Previn in here." Alexander instructed, moving out around his desk. "I have several meetings scheduled for the next few days. When Helene gets here, I'll have her postpone as many as she can and move the rest up."
Peter nodded. "All right. I'll make sure everything is covered with security. Where is Suzanne now?" He accepted the cup of tea Bennett brought him. "I assume Simon won't let her go back to the hotel."
Alexander frowned. "I didn't ask. Suzanne was in no mood to play twenty questions with me."
Peter chuckled. "I suspect she's holding her real anger in until you get to Cascade. She always did prefer a face to face confrontation."
"Wonder where she gets that from." Bennett commented, just loud enough for the other two men to hear.
Deciding to be merciful, Alexander let the comment slide. Instead he turned his attention to Sinclair. "Make sure Ms. Germont and Mr. Stone are ready to leave in the next couple of days. Tomorrow at the earliest."
Peter nodded and turned to leave. "Alex?" He began, pausing on the first step.
"Hmm?"
"She's in good hands." Peter assured him. "Simon's got his best team watching her."
Alexander thought for a moment then spoke. "I sincerely hope so. She's all I have left and I have no intention of losing her . . . " The billionaire's eyes turned hard. "And if I do . . . your friend is going to be short one team."
Peter nodded simply then left.
Alexander watched him go then spoke again, his voice soft. "She's all I have."
Suzanne stared at the phone for a long moment, sorting through conflicting emotions.
"Suzy?" Blair's voice intruded into her reverie, making her jump.
Turning, she forced a smile to her face. "Hey, Blair."
The anthropologist frowned slightly. "What's wrong?" He asked in concern.
Suzanne tried to come up with a plausible excuse but the genuine caring in Blair's blue eyes brought down her barriers. "I just talked to my father."
"And?" Blair prompted, leaning against Simon's desk.
Suzanne ran a hand through her curly hair. "You know all about the threats, I assume?"
Looking guilty, Blair nodded. "Yeah, Jim told me tonight."
Suzanne smiled wryly. "Ironic isn't it?" She mused. "The one being threatened is the last one to know about it." She shook her head then turned hurt-filled eyes on Blair. "He lied to me." She stated softly. "My father lied to me for the first real time in my life."
Blair wrapped a supportive arm around her shoulders. "He was just trying to protect you."
Suzanne sniffled slightly. "Ever since mom . . . " She stumbled over her words. "Ever since mom disappeared, he's been all I have. I mean, I do have other family. A cousin and his family, but I barely know them. Papa and I, we've gotten really close. He's never lied to me like this before."
Blair heard the hurt in her voice and thought for a moment. "Last year, I ah . . . I met a woman, her name was Alex Barnes. I didn't tell Jim about her. Why, I can't say. Anyway, it turned out Alex was a thief. She stole some nerve gas in the time that I knew her, and Jim was assigned to the case. At the time I didn't know it was her, but when we figured out it was her, it came out that I knew her . . . Jim was really upset that I didn't tell him. Hurt and angry." Blair cleared his throat. "At first I did try telling Jim about her, the day I met her actually. But Jim didn't want to listen. Looking back, I see that I should've pushed harder, course, Jim should've listened. But knowing him like I do, I should've kept at it. After that, I thought that not telling Jim was better for him than just spilling everything. But when he did find out . . . I took one look at his face and realized how off that was. It was too late though, the damage was done."
"Well, you two obviously got over it." Suzanne commented, tucking a curl behind her ear.
Blair nodded. "Yeah, we did." He smiled wryly. "After Alex almost killed me, ran to Sierra Verde and tried to sell the nerve gas to a drug lord."
Suzanne blinked in disbelief. "And I complain about my life being stressful!"
Blair laughed.
"Chief? Suzanne?" Jim poked his head into the room.
The duo looked over at the detective, expectant looks on their faces.
"Did he talk?" Blair voiced the question he knew was running through Suzanne's mind.
Ellison shook his head. "No. He wants his lawyer. Simon thinks that once he talks to the lawyer he'll become quite cooperative." Jim grinned. "Once word gets out to the countries where he's wanted, there's gonna be one hell of a scramble. They'll all want him extradited to their country first."
Suzanne smiled grimly. "I think that's something that I'll want to see."
Jim nodded. "Yeah, I suspected that." He stepped farther into the room. "We'll question him again in the morning. Until then we might as well go get some sleep."
"Where?" Suzanne frowned slightly. "They know what hotel I was staying at. We can't go back there."
"We're not." Jim responded. "When Blair said we'd take you back to our loft, he meant it."
Blair nodded. "You'll be safe there."
Suzanne smiled at him gratefully. "You know, I actually believe that."
"Now, its probably not what you're used to . . . " Jim teased as he unlocked the loft's door.
Suzanne rolled her eyes at him.
Blair couldn't help smiling.
Suzanne had been pretty wary of Jim since meeting him, but she was definitely starting to warm up to him.
Jim opened the door and stepped back, indicating Suzanne go first.
She smiled at him and glided in through the door.
"Well?" Blair asked, watching as Suzanne turned in a slow circle, surveying the loft.
She turned back to Jim and Blair with a wide smile on her face. "Wow." She said simply.
Jim took Blair's coat and hung it up along with his. "Wow?" He repeated with a grin.
"Wow." Suzanne affirmed, handing her coat to him with a quick smile of thanks. "This place is great."
Blair grinned over at her. "Yeah, now. You should've seen it when I moved in." He mock-grimaced. "This place had no character, no style..."
Jim snorted and walked over to stand next to Suzanne. "Oh yeah. You brought character to the place all right." His voice took on a dry tone. "An ape named Larry."
"Larry?" Suzanne said, around a chuckle. "A monkey?"
"A Barbary ape." Blair countered, somewhat defensively.
Suzanne was laughing openly now. "Why on earth did you have a monkey?"
"Research." Blair explained. "And he was an ape."
"On what?" Suzanne managed.
Jim shrugged. "Something to do with television but all he did was trash the place."
Blair opened his mouth to begin one of his speeches, but a slight shake of Jim's head stopped him cold. Glancing over he saw Suzanne discretely smother a yawn. Nodding at Jim, Blair picked up Suzanne's bag and started toward his room. "You can take my room." He informed her with a smile.
"Oh, don't put yourself out on my account, the couch is perfectly fine for me."
Blair looked at her skeptically. "Are you sure?" He set the bag down. "It's no problem, really."
Suzanne smiled. "Thank you, Blair, but the couch'll do fine."
Blair looked over at Jim who shrugged. "Ok." He agreed with a nod.
Suzanne picked up her bag. "Uh...bathroom?"
Jim pointed in the general direction of the bathroom.
Suzanne smiled her thanks then walked into the bathroom.
The minute she was out of earshot Blair turned to Jim. "Isn't it a little dangerous to let her sleep out in the open?"
Jim shrugged. "That's what she wants, Chief." He said agreeably.
"Hello?" Blair waved a hand in front of his friend's face. "Jim? You in there?" He stretched up on his toes, trying to peer into one of the Sentinel's ears. "Someone is trying to kill her. Shouldn't she be sleeping somewhere a little safer than the couch, which is right in front of the balcony doors?"
Jim just grinned. "Relax, Chief." He placed a hand on his Guide's shoulder. "I've got an idea."
A low murmur of voices woke Suzanne the next morning.
She opened her eyes and frowned in confusion. The ceiling was much closer than it had been when she'd laid down.
Come to think of it, the voices were coming from below her.
Sitting up, she looked around.
'This is Detective Ellison's room.' She realized with a blush. 'How'd I get here?' Her blush deepened, realizing someone had to have carried her.
"Suzanne?" Blair stood on the stairs, looking over the railing at her.
She jumped slightly and half-smiled. "Blair, how did I get up here?"
The anthropologist looked sheepish. "Sleepwalking?"
Suzanne raised a slim eyebrow. "I don't sleepwalk." She responded smoothly.
Blair grinned at her. "You were safer up here." He justified.
"And who was the culprit?" Suzanne asked, relieved she'd worn sweat pants and a tank top instead of her usual nightgown. "You or Detective Ellison?"
In spite of himself Blair's eyes flicked toward the lower level and back at her. "Jim. If you're concerned that..." He trailed off and Suzanne shook her head.
"No, I wasn't concerned about that ." Suzanne smiled cheerfully. "You and Detective Ellison have been perfect gentlemen. No, I was just wondering how I got up here."
"Oh, well, Jim waited till he was sure you were asleep then carried you up here. You were safer up here. It'd be virtually impossible for anyone to get to you. The only entrance into this room was the window and its locked."
Suzanne smiled. "Thanks, Blair. But, next time you could just ask." She covered a yawn. "I may be rich, but I'm no brat. I promise not to throw a temper tantrum if I don't get my way."
Blair laughed. "Deal. So, want anything for breakfast?"
"Coffee and some toast please." Suzanne said politely.
"No problem."
"Thank you."
Blair smiled brilliantly at her before going back down the stairs.
Suzanne waited till Blair was out of sight before glancing around to see if they'd brought her bag up as well. She found it lying next to her bed.
Picking out some jeans and a t-shirt she went about the business of getting dressed.
"Wasn't as mad as I thought she'd be." Jim noted as Blair returned to the kitchen.
"Nope." Blair said, moving over to the coffee maker. "Kind of amused by the whole thing, actually."
Jim nodded. "I gathered that."
Blair finished fiddling with the coffee maker. "Jim, how dangerous are these guys?"
Ellison sighed heavily. "Deadly. They've decided to send a message to Mr. Addington by killing his daughter and I doubt they're going to stop until she's dead."
"Well, that's encouraging." Suzanne said, her tone dry.
Jim and Blair glanced up to see Suzanne looking down at them.
"We're not going to let them." Blair promised.
Suzanne smiled at him. "If only things depended on your convictions." She moved away from the railing and Jim extended his hearing slightly to track her progress across his room and down the stairs.
Moments later she reappeared at the corner.
"Unfortunately, they don't." She said, with a sad smile.
Her resigned tone brought a sharp look from Jim.
"You are not going to die." He said, sternly. "Not on my watch."
Suzanne's sad smile stayed firmly in place. "I know you honestly believe that, but the police assigned to my mother's case honestly believed they would bring her back alive. I doubt they thought they'd be responsible for her death."
Jim looked at Blair, frustration in his eyes.
"Suzy." The anthropologist stepped forward. "Jim isn't them, trust me. If he says he won't let something happen, it won't."
Suzanne looked from Blair to Jim, her blue eyes speculative. "I believe you. I'm not sure why, but I believe you."
They fell silent for a few moments but that silence was broken by the toast popping up, causing Blair and Suzanne to jump slightly.
They all laughed, then Blair pulled a couple plates out of the cupboard and set them down next to the toaster.
"Jam, butter or peanut butter?" He asked over his shoulder.
"Don't suppose you have any strawberry jam?" Suzanne asked, her tone hopeful.
Jim grinned. "I'll get it."
Suzanne smiled brightly at him then paused. "Blair," She looked over at him, a small smile on her face. "Whatever happened to that student you were supposed to meet?"
Blair slapped his forehead. "Oh, Man!!" He hustled to the phone. "I'm soooo dead." He moaned.
Suzanne and Jim both smothered chuckles at the antics of the anthropologist as he frantically called the university.
Blair paid them no heed, he was too busy wondering how hot was the water that he'd gotten himself into with the dean.
When they arrived at Major Crime, Jim left Suzanne and Blair at his desk and went straight into Simon's office.
"Well?" He demanded, planting himself in front of Simon's desk. "Has he talked yet?"
"Good morning to you, too, Detective." Simon said calmly. "And no, he hasn't."
Jim reined in a curse and strode to the window. "What is he doing?"
"Talking to his lawyer. They've been arguing back and forth ever since the lawyer arrived." Simon sighed and reached for his cigar case. "The top brass is all over me on this one." He muttered, his tone full of frustration. "They want me to move Ms. Addington into a safe house..."
Jim turned to look at him. "She won't do it." He noted, a wry smile on his face. "Trust me Sir, she'd probably sneak out the minute they turned their backs."
Simon grinned. "I know. That's why she's with you and Sandburg." His phone rang then and he snatched it up. "Banks." He listened for a moment then hung up. "Guess who just decided to cooperate?"
Jim matched the captain's grin with one of his own.
Suzanne and Blair were bickering over something on his computer screen when he walked up. "Peters wants to talk." He announced to the duo when they stopped talking and looked up at him.
Suzanne and Blair shared a smile.
"Where is he?" Suzanne asked as they stood.
Jim crooked a finger for them to follow him.
"Who hired you?" Simon asked of the sullen man sitting before him.
Peters said nothing, staring moodily at the floor.
Simon looked up at Jim, who was leaning against the wall behind Peters.
The detective stepped forward and bent down next to the hitman's ear.. "Either you answer him, or you'll be answering me." He said, his voice deadly.
Peters didn't have to think twice at that. "Ramon Santiago."
"Ramon Santiago, the arms dealer?" Banks questioned, surprised.
Peters nodded. "Addington's support of the laws against the land mines increases the chances they'll get passed. And if they get passed they'll seriously curtail Santiago's business."
"And Santiago thinks killing Suzanne will make Addington back off?" Jim prompted.
Peters nodded.
"It won't work." Suzanne announced, standing in the doorway. "Father would come after him with every resource he has!"
Thus said, she spun on her heel and raced away from the interrogation room.
Immediately Jim looked to Blair, who nodded and rushed after her.
Satisfied that Blair would take care of Suzanne, Ellison focused back on Peters.
"Where's Santiago?" He demanded.
Peters shrugged. "I have no idea."
"Like hell you don't." Jim snapped. "Santiago is hardly the type to sit back and wait for you to call, confirming Ms. Addington was dead. He's not that trusting."
Peters glared at him. "Do you have any idea what he'll do to me if I tell you?"
Jim shrugged. "Its nothing compared to what the Chinese'll do after that little incident in Hong Kong, or the Arabs after you killed that sheik." He noted, his tone almost conversational. "And then there's the U.S.. I'm told the Texas governor wants first crack at you. Something to do with the murder of a congressman?" Jim looked over at Simon. "They're pretty pissed about that one aren't they, Sir?"
The captain nodded gravely. "Uh huh. They're already debating about how to execute you. Old Sparky is the leading favourite right now."
Peters was getting more uncomfortable by the second. The thought of his own execution obviously didn't sit well with him. "All right! All right! He is in Cascade."
"Where?" Simon barked.
"I don't know." Peters said reluctantly. "I don't!" He protested at the disbelieving looks on their faces. "He wouldn't tell me."
"How were you going to let him know you'd completed the contract?" Simon asked, frowning.
"There's an answering service I was supposed to call." Peters admitted.
Jim and Simon shared a speculative look, an idea forming.
Jim stepped around the table as Simon stood. They stepped away from the table, quietly conferring.
After a minute Simon nodded and turned back to Peters and his lawyer.
"You're going to call that service." Simon ordered sternly. "And you're going to tell Mr. Santiago that Suzanne Addington is dead."
"What?" Peters' eyes flew to his lawyer, who looked back in confusion.
"Detective, explain things to Mr. Peters while I go contact Mr. Sinclair."
Jim nodded, walked over to the table and sat across from Peters.
Go to The Perfect Team - Part Two
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