“Cassie, haven’t you ever played in the snow at all before?”
“What do you mean? All it does is melt. How can you play with snow?” she asked me as if I’d gone insane.
WHAT?!? I could understand the brownies, and even the video games and movies a little, but snow? She doesn’t know how to play in the snow? Did she grow up in the desert or something?
“Here, look.”
I stopped and scooped up some snow, pressing it into a ball. It took a bit, but I made a miniature snowman complete with twig arms from a nearby tree. Cassie smiled and – with a little effort – made a smaller one next to it.
“It’s like us now. One big and one little, but both the same.” She smiled great big at her accomplishment.
“There’s another way to play in the snow. Watch me.”
I laid down in the snow and moved my arms and legs making a snow-angel. Cassie’s eyes went wide when I showed her what I did. Naturally she had to try it. She made three snow-angels before I finally told her we had to leave. We ran into Ren back at the entrance.
“I thought you two left already. What were you doing?” she asked suspiciously.
“I made snow-angels!” Cassie giggled.
“Snow-angels? Don’t you think that was a little unprofessional at a crime scene?” Ren growled at me through her clenched teeth as she looked around for anyone that may have heard us.
“No one saw us Ren, but I’m sorry. She’d never got to play in the snow before. I wasn’t thinking.”
Ren sighed, “At least you didn’t have a snowball fight. I’ll see you at the station.”
Cassie and I returned to the McClaren. I turned the heater up in the car for Cassie. I wasn’t cold, but she was still shivering a little.
The sports car drives great on the plowed streets, but I’ll need something with more clearance if it keeps snowing like this. I wonder what I own with four wheel drive?
We reached the police station before Ren and the others, since they were still gathering up the werewolves when we’d left. The visitors parking lot was almost empty as we pulled in at the late hour. We had been silent since leaving Ren. Nothing to say I guess. Just as we were leaving the parking lot on foot, Cassie broke the silence.
“Big Sister, what’s a snowball fight?”
“You grab a handful of snow and press it into a ball. Then you throw the ball at someone.”
“Why?” she was asking me like I was crazy, again.
“Well, it can be a fun game. Trying to hit one another without getting hit yourself. But you need to make sure that they want to play before you throw a snowball at someone. Otherwise it is very rude, and you could hurt someone if they’re not paying attention.”
“Oh, can we play sometime?”
“Sure, we’ll find a time to play.”
I kept walking towards the station. Cassie started to fall behind. She must be looking at the snow covering the trees next to the station. It is a pretty sight. I started to turn to tell her to catch up.
BAM! The snowball exploded against the shields on my back. I spun full around to see Cassie with another snowball in her hand, laughing and pointing at me with the other. Well I did say sometime we would play didn’t I?
“Why you little– I’ll get you for that!”
Cassie let out a yelp and ran for the trees as I grabbed a handful of snow and chased after her. I tossed the snowball at her, it hit the tree next to her instead. She threw at me hitting me square in the chest. Back and forth we went. I would throw and miss, then she would hit me dead on.
No fair that an amateur could be better at this then me! I was great at snowball fights when I was her age! At least I think I was. Wasn’t I?
After ten minutes of losing I made a last ditch effort. I rushed her, lightly tackling her into the snow. When she was down I started to tickle her. She screamed and giggled as I tickled her. Kicking and gasping for air, she finally gave up.
Clapping came from the street drawing my attention. We had gathered a crowd. They all clapped and laughed at us. Well, this is embarrassing. Cassie was still laughing as I helped her up. We brushed her off a little then headed in.
Her first snowball fight, and I had to cheat to win.
* * *
The snow had melted, drenching Cassie clear through. Ren gave her a towel from the closet in her office to dry off a little. Word of our little snowball fight had already spread throughout the station. We’d been caught red-handed. Ren was more than a little embarrassed to even be seen with us after that. I was using the towel to dry Cassie’s hair when Ren got the call that the first group was ready for questioning.
“What are you going to do with her?” Ren asked pointing at Cassie.
“What do you mean?”
“Well, you can’t really bring her in to the interrogation room with us.”
“Why not? She’s an officer just like me, and she’s my partner. Why can’t she come with us?”
“The Chief will never allow it. He said, ‘Kids shouldn’t be doing police work’.”
I stopped drying Cassie’s hair and handed her the towel as I stood to face Ren. “What’s the problem? Don’t be like this with me Ren. Cassie is a GCP officer. She earned her position just like the rest of us did. Don’t put her down just because of her age.”
“I’m sorry, but I just can’t have her with us when we question anyone. I have orders.”
Why is she being difficult about it all the sudden? This isn’t like her.
“Fine, we’ll both leave then. And first thing in the morning I’ll report to the GCP Council that the St. Carver Police Department will no longer cooperate with us on OUR investigation.”
“What?! You wouldn’t would you? We could all get fired, or even arrested then! You would do that just because of her?”
“I am an officer,” Cassie muttered, putting the towel on the couch like she was upset to even touch it anymore. She had a pout on her face.
“She’s right Ren. Either respect her and her position, or I will report this. Too many people have already questioned her. I will not have anyone treating my partner like a second-rate citizen anymore. Even you.”
“She’s just a kid!”
“Yes, thank you for pointing that out to us again. I’m sure no one will ever let us forget that fact. . . . I thought you were my friend Ren.”
“I am your friend but, I’m sorry, like I said, I have my orders. Cassie is no longer allowed any involvement in police matters. There is nothing I can do. I’ll get fired. I’m sorry.” Ren ducked her head and turned her back to us.
“Cassie, wait for me in the lobby downstairs.”
She never questioned, just got up quietly and left the room. I didn’t want to do anything against Ren, she was my best friend, but this was getting absurd.
“Detective Michaels, I demand an explanation.” The anger was thick in my voice.
“Kieran–”
“Officer Grey will be fine.”
“Shit! Don’t be like this. The Chief called me on the way back from the Park. Other officers complained to him about Cassie. He’s the one that ordered me to keep her out of it. Honestly, I have no problem with her working the case. Hell, she’s better at her job then most of the cops here. I would prefer to have her as backup to go through a door with than most of the uniforms.”
Well, as far as cops go, I think that was a compliment.
“Then why?”
“I told you. I’ll get fired if I allow her to work on cases. That came from the Chief himself. Kieran, I really like Cassie. I think she’s a little young to be exposed to police work, but she’s already seen more action than I have, if what you’ve said is true. That girl is obviously a better shot then either of us, and, her work ethic is impeccable. I’ve never known anyone with such devotion and discipline. If she were older I’d try to recruit her. The Chief made the call. It’s out of my hands. I’m sorry.”
“Where is the Chief?”
“What are you goi
ng to do?”
“Remind him of his place.”
“He is in debriefing with SWAT right now. You’ll have to wait until he is done with that.”
I started for the door. “I don’t have to wait for anything. Warn him I’m on my way if you wish.”
I left the room slamming the door behind me. I was so pissed right then. Not really mad at Ren, but pissed at the Chief and the bullshit he was putting us through.
How dare he!
It only took me a few minutes to reach the SWAT rooms. The door was locked with a sign that said MEETING hanging on the doorknob. I took a few deep breaths calming myself slightly, then I knocked on the door. I waited a moment and knocked again. Still no answer. Putting on my glasses with the intention of calling the Chief’s office I had an idea. I used the x-ray mode to look through the door. Five members of the SWAT team were forming a human shield around the Police Chief. They were all armed, guns pointing at the door, waiting for me.
Enough of this shit!
I put the glasses up and drew my pulse gun. My other hand on the door helped me focus my shields. I shoved the door off the hinges, blowing it into the room. Stepping in right behind it, I opened fire on the SWAT members. One shot apiece, and they all dropped to the floor. They never got a shot off. It only took me two seconds. Then the Chief and I were the only ones still standing. I was impressed, even if no one else was.
“Let’s talk.” I stepped up in front of him.
He was a good foot taller than me even with my heeled boots on. He stood up straighter trying to intimidate me with his size. It may have worked if he hadn’t pissed me off so much already. Glaring at me, he had a tremble in his jaw that ruined the intimidating look on his face. Sweat trickled down from his temples.
Was it from anger or fear?
“You have no right coming in here like this! I’ll have you arrested for assaulting my men!” he barked at me.
“Put a sock in it! You and I both know full well that you can’t do a damn thing to me. You are interfering with an official GCP investigation. I could kill everyone in this building and no one who matters will ever say anything against it. For some time now your department has treated me and the other GCP officers like shit. Don’t think I haven’t heard the stories from others. We are trying to help you. If you are too pigheaded to see that, then maybe you should find a different job.”
“Are you threatening me?” He raised up pushing out his chest at me.
I kicked his feet out from under him. When he hit the ground, I pulled a Walther from my back and pressed its barrel to his head hard enough to bruise. “NOW, I’m threatening you.”
Fear flushed over his face. “You would kill me in cold blood?”
“You are in direct violation of Global Law with the way you and yours have treated the GCP officers. I can hold you personally responsible and kill you for their actions. Did you forget that rookie that fired his weapon at me a while back? For that alone I could have your head. . . . But, I won’t.” I put all my guns away and sat down on the bench next to the Chief. He never moved, but to watch my every move with his eyes. “Tell me why you ordered Detective Michaels to refuse access to GCP Officer Cassandra Grey.”
“S-s-she . . . she’s just a kid. Children have no place in police matters.”
“I will only say this once again. She is a GCP Hunter Class Field Officer. Like all the rest of us, she has trained and suffered to gain her position. She gave up her childhood to become an officer. That kid has spent her entire life since birth training to work in the field. She is a psionic and well trained. Hell, if not for her inexperience she would probably outrank me. Are you scared of her? Are you threatened by her? Is that the problem?”
“Yes,” he whispered in defeat a few moments later, dropping his gaze.
“I see. Well, what do you want to do now? We can forget this ever happened and move on with the investigation. Or, you can stick to your earlier issued orders. If you do, I will have you arrested under Global Law for interfering with an official GCP investigation, and I will have the entire police department placed under federal review. I am not trying to take over for you. I don’t want your job. I have no desire to control the police. But, I have a job to do, just as you do. And part of your job is to assist me and the GCP as a whole. Right now you are not doing your job, and you’re also keeping me from doing mine. Would it be so bad to work together? Jacob is a problem for all of us. Help me, to help you get rid of that problem.”
He sat there quietly for five full minutes. I looked up at the doorway, it was filled with officers in full riot gear with their assault rifles pointed at me waiting for orders.
I guess I made an impression. One more time.
“We will allow full access along with the respect deserved for all the GCP officers including the ki– I mean Officer Cassandra Grey. I apologize for the inconveniences that we have caused.” He sighed and dropped his head. That apology took a lot out of him.
“Thank you. Now if you will excuse me, I have work to do.”
I got up and left him on the floor.
This is not going to improve my relations with the police anytime soon. So much for controlling my temper with the cops. I’ll send them some doughnuts and a nice note later.
* * *
We interviewed the teenagers one at a time. With each one I had Cassie clean her guns and knives at the table while we asked our questions. Every one of them never took their eyes from her. The teenagers confessed to a number of things we didn’t care about like; still wetting the bed, the pack of gum they’d pinched back in the fourth grade, using cribnotes to cheat on tests. They were just bullies hanging out in the park scaring the couples. Cassie kept to herself, but her unnerving presence made each of the teenagers more than willing to answer our questions.
Only one of them had a lawyer with him, the rest of them waived right to counsel. The attorney made a number of frivolous protests until I offered to arrest him for interfering with my investigation. I placed my badge on the table in front of him along with my silver-reinforced handcuffs when I did. The attorney just sat back in his chair and never spoke again.
The only one we never got to question was the kid whose girlfriend was the latest victim. The poor guy was so scared he went into a coma-like shock, his eyes were open, but no one was home. He was under-age, so Ren was waiting for permission from his parents for her to use her clairvoyance on him. We needed to know what he saw, but nothing we found out we could use without permission if we really wanted the case to stick. I had every intention of killing Jacob when we found him, but for the sake of Ren’s career, we waited.
The werewolves were still unconscious as well. We would have to wait to question them. It was well after midnight when we finished at the station. Ren walked us back to my car. The snow was still falling just as hard as ever.
“No hard feelings about earlier? I’m really sorry the Chief put you through that.” Ren was being careful as she talked.
“No problem. Lots of adults are scared of me. I’m used to it,” Cassie said while skipping along in the snow.
“I’m sorry too Ren. I got upset and was out of line. Let’s forget it, okay? You still coming over on Christmas?” I asked, trying to lighten the mood.
“Sure. I don’t have any other family, and I think it’ll be fun. As long as Jacob doesn’t find a way to ruin it.”
“Don’t worry Ren. We will stop him.”
“I know. Say, did you two really have a snowball fight here outside the station?”
“Yep! I lost though. Big Sister cheated and tickled me until I gave up.” Cassie was ahead of us now jumping from track to track in the snow.
“You cheated against your new little sister? That’s low.”
“Ren, I was losing bad. I had to do something.” We passed another couple on the sidewalk. Ren fell behind me to give them room to pass.
“Sure you did,” Ren said behind me. Cassie turned to look at us. Her eyes went wide, then she du
cked covering her head. “Cheater!” Ren yelled just before the snowball hit me from behind.
I spun around just in time to get hit in the chest by another snowball. Ren scooped up more snow and dove for the cover of the trees. BAM! I got hit from behind again. Cassie stood there with another snowball in her hands giggling. I was being attacked from both sides.
“No fair!” I yelled scrambling for cover.
Why’d they have to gang up on me? What’d I do? I didn’t really cheat– Well, maybe just a little.
Chapter 14
Cassie fell asleep on the way home. For all her strength, she allows herself to get wore out too easily. I need to find a way to help her with that. The valet held the car door for me as I scooped up Cassie and carried her inside. Charles met us with a huge dryer-fresh towel in his hands.
We dried Cassie’s hair the best we could in the elevator on the way up. Mary met us at the door in her robe and pajamas. Little bunny slippers on her feet. Cassie never stirred as I got her in bed.
She’s so vulnerable when she gets exhausted like this. Just like I am.
With Cassie in bed, Mary took me into the laundry room. She had set up a room for the kittens in there. They were sleeping in little balls, using each other as a pillow inside a fluffy bed from some expensive pet store.
“I waited to name them. I thought that Cassie should name at least one of them.”
“Thanks Mary that’s sweet of you. You’re spoiling them a little though.”
“Yeah. I always wanted to have a cat. The orphanage had a strict no pets policy though. Thanks for letting us keep them.”
“Of course. I like cats. And we certainly have the space for them.”
The door chimed. Mary looked at the clock and then shot a questioning glance at me. “It’s after one in the morning. Who in the world could that be?”
“I’ll get it. It’s probably for me anyway,” I grumbled to myself on the way.
With an annoyed groan to myself at the late hour, I looked through the peephole and saw Vicki was at the door.
I told Charles to give her access and I know she has a key, so why is she always ringing the damn doorbell?
Revenge's Web (Kieran Grey Psionic Hunter) Page 12