Ulterior Motives (CLOSED)

[krazykyotee]

The fog rolled in on the beach tonight, hanging low and crawling into the streets and avenues. Jeffery
Thomasson sat in his truck, parked in the lot just up from the beach, staring out into the darkness.
He came here often after shift at the precinct, to listen to the foghorns and the surf, as a relief from
the stress of working all those robbery cases. After five years of working in the SFPD, he was about
ready to quit. Day in and day out of seeing the worst side of people had him debating how much
good he was doing, anyway.

Glancing down at his stereo clock, he reached for his keys to crank over the engine. One last look
out over the waves and Jeff was ready to head home. What was that, down by the edge of the surf?
Christ, it looks like a body! Grabbing his flashlight from inside, he bolted out of the truck and down
twoards the shore. Panting as he got closer to the body, he stumbled and landed in the wet sand.

Clicking on the light, he swept it over...her, he could tell now. Mid twenties, caucasian, and pale.
Reaching a hand down to her neck, he felt for and was surprised to find a pulse. Lucky to be alive in
that water, he thought, it must be in the mid 60's. His head to her chest heard the sounds of stable,
if a bit shallow breathing.

Taking his jacket off, he wrapped her with it and picked her up, starting twoards his vehicle. Have
my walkie talkie in the car, got to get this lady to a hospital and warmed up fast, Jeff thought.
Puffing and panting, he reached the passenger door and onehanded opened it, easing her sitting
inside. As he did so the jacket slid down a bit, revealing her right shoulderblade. There was a tattoo
on it, and Jeff clicked the dome light to get a better look.

A three point star, in black, with a stylised fist holding a sickle in red over it. He had seen that
symbol only once before, in a database of criminal organizations. There was rough patches on her
wrists and ankles, sure signs of being bound. Also light brown bruises reached across her back.
What in the hell was a nude woman with the tattoo of the Ural Russian Mafia doing half dead on the
beach here in San Francisco? Shutting the truck door, Jeff went around and got into the passenger
seat. He was about to click on his talkie and get some help when she started to come to....

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

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[krazykyotee]

Jeff jumped back a bit as the woman went into a coughing spasm, dropping his walke talkie in the progress. When it subsided, he rearranged the jacket that had fallen off and tried to get a look at her eyes as she was hunched over.

"You ok? Here, let me turn up the heat in the truck here...what's your name?

"Niccy....Nicola..."

Geez, shes scared out of her mind, thought Jeff. Guess I would be too if i ended up where she is right now. "Don't worry, Nicola, we'll get you to a hospital and checked out in a..."

Only then did Jeff see the black sport utility vehicle pull up in a parking slot a few spaces away. He opened the door to his truck and got out, thinking to get some assistance from the stranger.

Two men got out, big bulky guys who probably ate barbells for breakfast, wearing dark colored suits. One shivered in the cold and said something in a language Jeff couldnt recognize, which the other laughed and spouted off something in return. They then noticed Jeff standing by his car and started walking over.

"Eh, you guy, you see anything weird tonight?", one of them asked.

Jeff replied, "Me? Nope, cant say that i have. What you looking for?" he slowly backed into the truck door in an attempt to close it.

"Eh, nothing, ju know, maybe a pretty girl, maybe..." his sentence trailed off as he got closer to the truck and could start to peer inside. Jeff could almost hear wimpering, maybe sobbing coming from inside the truck.

Slowly bringing his hands behind him, his left hand reached for his wallet while the right took hold of his Colt 1911 pistol in his back belt holster. Swinging his left hand deliberatly to gain attention, he flipped the wallet open to expose his SFPD
badge.

"Guys, really, i think you two need to get back into your vehicle."

The two guys glanced at each other then immediately started reaching into holsters under their suit jackets. but Jeff was a bit quicker on the draw and leveled his pistol at them. Thier hands still under their coats, they froze, but never left their eyes off Jeff's gun.

"Come now, tovarish, we dont want trouble! Give us the girl, there be some money in it for you, eh?

Jeff paused for a second, then replied, "No, i think ill be going now. You two fellas better stay here, unless you want me to ruin those nice suits of yours."

Throwing his wallet into the truck, he got into the drivers seat, always keeping the 1911 leveled at the two mens' chests.
Gunning the engine, Jeff threw the truck into reverse, spinning the truck around the opposite direction. Needing both hands to steer, he threw his pistol on the dashboard, and pointed the truck into the entrance of the city park nearby. Glancing back in the rearview mirror saw the two men jumping into their car and wheeling it around to give chase, with a squeal of tires.

"Should be able to lose them in Golden Gate Park...I hope.," speaking half to himself, Jeff asked, "Man, lady, what is the deal?
I saw the marks on those goons hands, same Russian Mafia mark like on your back! What have you gotten me into?"

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

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[krazykyotee]

Jeff flicked on this high beams as they entered the park. He kept this eyes on the rear view mirror more than the road ahead. Jeff had grown up here in SF, explored and roamed around this park for years. That knowledge should give him the edge he needed to get out of this mess.

She picked up his badge and ran a thumb over it, studying it.

"You're a cop..." she whispered.

Jeff just nodded, as he drove on.

....as far away as possible.."

He finally recognized her accent. British, by the sounds of it. Dont hear that often in this city, but he thought he'd heard a simular one recently. Brushing the thought aside, he took more interest as she picked his Colt off the dashboard. He was about to disagree, but she calmly and methodically worked the slide and took the safety off. Handled it with a professional ability..that was interesting...

"or we're both history.." she concluded.

That being punctuated by a slamming action to the rear bumper of the truck, nearly making Jeff lose control. Gritting his teeth, he stated, " Lose them, right....lets see how well their airbags work."

Jarring the truck into a left ninety degree turn, he pointed the truck down a small dirt access road. The suspention took a beating as the truck bounced down the road, more a path than anything else. Taking one more glance in the rear view mirror, he switched the headlights off. Noting the gasp of shock come from her with the pitch blackness, "Don't worry, I know what im doing..i suggest buckling up. though." Jeff stated.

After a few seconds, Jeff sharply pulled the wheel to the right, applying the handbrake to slew the rear end into a tight turn. Intstantly releasing the brake, he sped forward, then slowed. A grin grew on his face as a terrible crashing and grinding sound burst from behind them. Turning the headlights back on, Jeff turned in his seat to look back at the results. A line of concrete stands rand across the path they were just on, preventing cars from driving on the path from the opposite way. The SUV in pusuit
now lay crushed against them, the passenger half way thru the windshield and no signs of movement from the driver.

"Well, so much for the bad guys, for now. let the Park police clean up that mess." Jeff put the truck back in gear and easily pulled back onto the regular road. A few minutes later had them outside the park in one of the residental neighborhoods. Pulling up to a stoplight, Jeff left the truck in idle.

"So where to, lady? Obviously dont want to go to the authorities, and I take it the hospital is the same case? Not going to get far with just a jacket on." Letting out a sigh, "Look, we'll go back to my place, you can get cleaned and warmed up, and figure out what to do from there. And, uh, keep ahold of my gun if your still unsure of my intentions."

Fifteen minutes later had them parked in front of a 4 story building halfway downtown. Getting out of his side, Jeff waited on the curb as she got out, still very weak legged from her ordeal. Opening the gates and front doors, he led her upstairs to the second floor, to a door at the end of a tiny hallway. Opening the three locks on the door, he noted her glance at it and said, "Work Robbery cases for three years teaches you to have a bit more security."

Letting her enter first, he shut the door behind him. The studio apartment was small, but comfortable enough for someone single. Signs of a single guy living there were aparent, clothes here and there, a few unwashed dishes, magazines and CD's sprewn about. The entertainment center was top of the line though, as well as the leather couch. Other signs of good taste showed here and there.

"Uh, bathroom is right thru that door there, should be everything you need in there or under the sink. There's some clothes my ex left in the hall closet here, should fit you ok. Ill grab some blankets and order some delivery while you do that. Any suggestions? Once we eat can figure out a way out of
this mess." Jeff finsihed, picking up the cordless phone.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

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[krazykyotee]

Dialing the number to a nearby Italian resturant, he ordered 2 meals while she went into the bathroom. How long had it been since he'd order for two? A long time, but with the grind of policework he'd really not been in the mood for the dating and bars again. Finishing the order, he hung up and locked the
door again. As he was setting out some folded blankets on the couch he thought he heard...crying?..

Sigh, cant even imagine what she'd been thru the last few days, Jeff thought. This has got to be a pretty traumatic time for her, have to be careful with her. Especially since he let her keep ahold of the pistol. The professional side of him stated the idiotcy of doing that, but the compassionate side realized the strength having that weapon would give her at a time like this.

Looking around, Jeff made a vain attempt to pick up the studio, and mulled over the situation some more. Lost in his thoughts, he almost didnt notice her creep out the closet to pick out some clothes.

"Niccy...?"

She must have jumped at least a foot upon hearing that. jeff was instantly a bit regretful for spooking her. She started glancing about, almost wildly, and Jeff couldnt understand why, except for being scared, of course.

".what I need.."

"Ah, oh, well, if you can't find anything particular you need there, let me know, ok?" Jeff replied.

"..very kind. "

"Well, dinner should be here by the time your done."

She seems to accept that, and re-entered the bathroom with her choices. Getting the delivery at the door, he put the styrofoam boxes on the coffee table and waited. When she walked out of the bathroom and took a cautious seat at the end of the couch, he noticed that the cleaning up seemed to have boosted her spirits a bit. She still had his Colt within quick reach though.

"Well, go ahead and dig in if you like. I have the blankets here (patting the stack inbetween the two on the couch) if you want to warm up some more. If you want somethign to drink, think i have some water, some juice, and a bit of Absolut, in the freezer."

"So why dont you start from the beginning, and start filling me in on whats going on?" Reaching his right hand slowly over the blankets, Jeff ended with, "Oh, and my name is Jeff, Jeff Thomasson."

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

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[krazykyotee]

Jeff took her hand and shook it. A cautious, but firm handshake. he took note of that as well as her placing the pistol on the coffee table. A good starting sign of trust, which they both needed.

He didnt speak as she talked, taking in what she said with detective analyical skill. London, that explains the accent. The diamonds peaked his interests...not much call for the diamonds market here in this city. The hesistation on calling herself a commodity unnerved her. Lost in thought, it took him a second for the request to sink in.

"Oh, yeah, sure, one second..." Reaching the kitchen, he cursed quietly on not having a clean glass and rinsed one out. Filling it with bottled water and a bit of ice, he walked back out to the living room but stopped short.

Now, after the addrenaline of the rescue and the chase was over, he actually took a good look at her.Even thru all that happened to her, she looked pretty good. Brunette, athletic, carried herself well..had this been a totally differnet situation he'd might have made a pass at her. Cripes what are you thinking, Jeff thought, this lady might get you killed...stay focused on the mess at hand!

"Here ya go, please, continue....how did the Russians get involved?"

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

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[krazykyotee]

"Of course I'll help you, I'm in this for the duration anyway you see it....the russain mafia might not be as big here as in Europe, but its still a presence, and theres no way they'll sit by after I've ruined one of their schemes."

Jeff got up and started sorting thru a stack of magazines and newspapers he'd hastily piled together. "The way I see it, even if you flee here, those goons will still be after you. Probably to try and still sell you to that asshole here in town. You need to confront him, maybe stick the business end of a gun in his face and relay the idea the deal's off and your nobody's property. The Russians are only interested in money, like any of the other big organizations, and once theres no deal on you, they'll leave you alone. Maybe we can bring down the Russians a notch while we're at it."

Jeff kept going with his train of thought. "Theres been rumors on the street of this big class business man downtown who supposedly is into the slave trade. He has offices downtown in the TransAmerica building. There was a picture of him somewhere....here it is."

He flopped the newspaper in front of Nicola. "Recognize him, or any of the guys in that picture? Supposedly his executive staff, but SFPD had files on a few of them."

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

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[krazykyotee]

and I’m not in a hurry to end up as some rich Mafia guy’s play thing … “

Jeff sat back down, a sigh escaping as he leaned back into the leather. "Well, whatever you want to do, thats what we'll do. I dont want to pressure you into anything. If you want to leave the city, we'll have to look into getting you a passport for travel. Not much we can do now this late in the evening anyway, so lets grab some sleep and work out the details in the morning."

He got up and gestured twoards the couch. "You can sleep either here or the bedroom, and ill take the other. I have to make a call and check in with my division, maybe find out if they found those folks in the park. Gives me something to do while im on the can."

Picking up the cordless phone, Jeff stepped into the bathroom and shut the door. Taking a seat in the customary spot, he dialed the number of his office. After a few rings there was an answer.

"Detective Andrews, Robbery."

"Steve, its me, Jeff." He answered.

"Whats up, Jeff? Hows your days off been so far? Still two days for me."

Jeff replied, "Uh, you know, the usual, empty house and channel surfing. Hey, can you do me a favor?

"Well, i guess...you still owe me for the last favor i did for you. But, shoot, what you need?

"..And i promise to get you back for that.." Jeff's voice was laden with innuendo.

"Anyway, check a name for me. Put it thru local, federal, and Interpol. Last name martin, first name Nicola, N I C O L A. Beep my private pager when you have something.

Steve continued on the line. " O L A, got it. Make sure to get back with me on that other thing, bud, have some other things tied up until thats worked out." And with that he hung up.

Jeff raked a hand thru his hair and exhaled. Damn, the deal, thats right. Was supposed to do that before this whole thing happened.
Punching in another number into the phone he waited for a pickup.

"Yo, this is K Dawg. Talk." was the quick responce. Heavy hip hop music blared in the background.

"D, its me, can you talk?" Jeff tried not to raise his voice.

"Ah, shit bro i always gots time for my favorite pig on the side. YO BITCH, turn that shit down! Cool, thats betta. What you need?"

Jeff turned his tone aggresive. "What i need is my part of the deal. I got you the 411 on those bloods who jacked your ride. I want my finders fee, and a favor. Maybe I should have Robbery check out your hood for stereos, cloned cell phones..."

K Dawg becaume instantly sincere. "Whoa, whoa bro, youll get your money. You came thru for me, and ill come thru for you. Stop by anytime and its yours. But whats this favor you need?"

Jeff took a breath, then replied. "I might need a passport, British, or I might need some weapons. I'm not sure yet. Ill know when I get there. Can you line those up?"

"Guns, i gots your back on that. Man, i gots so many guns i cant count em. Passport, that'll take a while. Got a brother who knows his skills on a Mac, he can do that. Get back to me tomorrow mornin. Lates"

Jeff clicked the end button on the cordless and sat back. He knew he could trust both those guys, Andrews since back from police academy and into as many on the side deals as he was. Jeff and K Dawg had worked out deals before, switching information back and forth, he made money and power, and Jeff got busts and cash on the side. Jeff always knew his limits, how far to push things and not get busted. This situation with Nicola was unlike any of that, and that got Jeff nervous.

Wondering if he'd kept his voice down, he cleaned up and took a shower. The hot water felt good against his skin, and started working the kinks out. Jeff cursed a bit that he hadnt been hitting the gym as much as he would have liked, but he kept in decent shape. He gave himself a few strokes to his manhood, then thought against it. Best to keep thoughts like that aside for the time being, he thought.

Wrapping his favorite robe around himself, Jeff stepped out of the shower and stood at the door.

"So, uh, which did you want?"

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

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[krazykyotee]

Jeff eyed Nicola up and down as she spoke.

"...don't mind.."

"Oh, uh, yeah sure." He averted his eyes a bit, and hoped the towel he had on wouldnt give away the natural reaction her standing there was having on him.

He simply nodded as she spoke.

"..again, Jeff..."

He coudl see some of the strength he had gained start to bleed away as she remembered whatever had happened to her. Reaching over on a endtable, he carefully placed a box of tissues on the coffee table.

"They wont hurt you again Niccy, not if I have anything to do about it."

And with that he turned and went into his bedroom, leaving the door open. Shucking off his towel, he got into bed and placed another pillow under his head. Locking his fingers under his head, he lay there and stared up at the ceiling, mulling over the nights events until sleep took him.


Meanwhile...

The building was silent as a tomb, with the only sound the single moving elevator moving upwards. The two men standing in the car stood ramrod straight. The elevator stopped on the 45th floor, and the man in front took a passcard from his suit coat, inserting it into the controls. A muted beep, and it moved up one more floor. The two stepped out of the lift into darkness.

This floor was unlike the other office floors of the building. A short hallway lined with expensive marble and subdued lighting let to a single stout polished wooden door. Walking the distance, the second man kept two steps behind and eyes set ahead. Reaching the door, the front man knocked twice

A few minutes passed. Opening the door was a man in his early 50s, who even in a sleeping robe and slippers radiated power and authority. His hair was slighty graying, but in perfect style. He scowled at the sight of the two men in suits and pulled the door around.

"What is it, Sergei, that you come to my suite at this hour? Have you found my purchase?"

The man in front replied in a thick accent. "Yes, and no. She was picked up on the beach by a off duty policeman."

Concern flashed across the older mans face. "Were your men able to retrieve her before the officer took her in to the emergency services?"

Shaking his head, Sergei said, "No, he took custody of her. My men chased them into Golden Gate Park before the policeman eluded them. They died in a resulting crash."

"So what are you going to do now? With her probably in a police station now..."

"Nyet, no, she is not in custody. I have information that he took her to his home. They have not left there since. I have two of my best watching the building now."

The older man stepped forward, putting his face next to the bigger man's face. "Then what are you doing here? Get me what I've paid for now! If the cop has touched her, our deal is forfeit." And with that, the older man stepped back inside the door and closed it.

Turning on his heel, Sergei started walking back to the elevator. his accomplice fell in step and started talking in Russian in a rough voice.

"Why do you take that shit from that spoiled American fool? And why are we not simply ordering our men to go into that house and kill those two! They killed Ivan and Andreyovich!"

Sergei did not reply as he reached the elevator and activated it yet again with the pass card. Only after the doors closed did he quickly and roughly slam the other man into the elevator wall with a broad muscled arm.

"Because I am the one who makes the orders here! That old man has power and money, and we will use him to fund our own goals. Keep him in slaves for his pleasure and he is like a child at Christmas morning. And things are different here, Josef. We simply can not storm into houses and do what we please, like our days in the KGB in Kiev. At our chosing, we will take our vengence upon the man who kiled our brothers. And put that wench where she should be." With that, he lowered his arm and straightened his suit.

Josef grimanced as he was lectured, but dutifully took his place behind Sergei.

Sergei spoke straight ahead of him, "And I have not forgetten is was your idea to use this woman in such a matter. The man upstairs was content with the teenagers we were giving him."

The rest of the ride down was silent, and the elevator opened onto the underground parking lot. A stretch Mercedes limo waited with door open, driver at hand.

"Take me home, driver, back to the club i assume, Josef?"

Josef said nothing as they got into the back of the vehicle.

Far above him, the older man removed his robe and slippers. He stood naked, crossing the room and looking down. On the huge flat bed, a young blond woman lay helplessly, tied down with thick
leather straps on the wrists and ankles. Numerous tools of bondage lay spread out around her. The look in her eyes was of fear and terror.

"Now, where was I?"

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

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[krazykyotee]

His dreams reflected his confusion and anxiousness. images of his wife leaving him once again, tired of always wanting more and him not being able to give what she wanted, no matter how many
deals he had going. Standing in front of the review board, answering for the deeds he'd done. Being shot in the back by K Dawg as they finished a transaction, with his wife, his supervisor, and everyone he thought he let down laughing as he fell to the pavement..

The only restful dreams he had was of her. Watching Nicola come into the bedroom, blanket draped around her nude form. Discarding what she held, she slid under the covers and into his embrace. Exploring each others bodies, sighs of pleasure and visions of her face distorted in the throes of orgasm faded into the darkness of deep slumber.

It took at least 4 buzzes of the nightstand clock to get Jeff to open his eyes. Sunlight beamed into the room. Switching off the buzzer, he lay there, mulling over quickly fading images of dreams. Rubbing his eyes, Jeff swung his legs over the side of the bed and picked up his pager. Noting no pages, he started selecting what to wear and gathering up his assessories. Well worn blue jeans, a slightly darker blue demin shirt, and boxer shorts started a pile at the end of the bed. Dark sunglasses, his
pager and cell phone, a swiss army knife, and a small pad of paper with stub of pencil were placed on top of it. Glanced around, he cursed at leaving his wallet in the truck. Reaching up into the top of his closet, he pulled down a worn, aged leather back holster. Flipping the snap open, he drew out the snub nosed revolver. He hadnt touched this piece in ages, Jeff thought. Ever since his father had given him it after being accepted into the police academy. This gun had gotten his father thru many
tough times as a homicide detective himself, maybe it could protect the next generation of Thomassons,as well. Spinning the cylinder, he slid the gun back into the holster and tossed it with the rest of his items.

Putting on his robe, he quietly stepped out of the room, moving into the kitchen, unsure of her state of wakedness. Starting up the coffee machine, he started making a light breakfast of eggs and muffins, a grin forming at the small irony of making English muffins this morning.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

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[krazykyotee]

"Oh, ahem, I slept alright. As well as could be expected." replied Jeff, a hazy thought of the dream of her flashed in his mind.

"You can go ahead and hit the shower first, once your done. Dont forget to keep that with you." he pointed at the pistol. "There should be an extra magazine on the end table there. Take that too."

Getting up in his robe, he cleared up the dishes. Walking into the kitchen and tossing them in the sink, he heard her enter the bathroom. With nothing to do as he waited his turn, he strolled over to the tall semi circular front windows, pulling back a drapery to glance outside.

The early morning commuters downtown kept the street a busy place, ordinary people going about thier lives. How nice it must be to go day by day carelessly, unaware of all the dark deeds being done. Of course, that was the role of the police, of him, to deal with those deeds so John Q Public could go unmolested. He resigned himself right there, he was quitting the force.

The other side of the street had its weekly street sweeper day today, requiring everyone to keep their cars off the curbs, least they get a hefty parking fine. The whoel street's curb was empty, save..A black sport utility vehicle. With two people sitting inside it.

Scurrying around the living room, he pushed and tossed thigns aside till he found what he wanted. A small pair of binoculars he usually used during stakeouts. Takign his palce back at the curtains, he peeked at the car using them.

Another two men in simular off the rack suits. And their eyes never left the front of Jeff's house.

Tossing the glasses on a table, he hurried down to the bathroom door and knocked. "Hurry up, I think we have company outside." Proceeding to the bedroom, he started throwing on his clothes and stashing the items aside into pockets. How could they have found this place? Did one of those goons from last night live thru the cash... or did one of his "friends" betray him?

Zipping up his fly, he felt the pager go off. Checking the number, it was his downtown office.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

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[krazykyotee]

Jeff only half paid attention to her talking as he dressed, catching the last sentence clearly.

"..going to do?" The apprehension was back in her voice.

he put a supportive hand on her arm. "listen, we're ok. If theyd really have wanted us they would have broken in by now. We need to get to my contact and that passport. Follow me, I have a way out of here."

Walking back downstairs, they went the opposite way from the front doors to a sidedoor, which opened into a garage. Two cars, washers and dryers, and assorted packed away items crammed the space. jeff led her to the very back, with a worn back door locked there. beside it was a large green plastic tarp, covering something.

That something turned out to be a motorcycle, a non fancy japanese touring model with a two person seat. Reaching onto a shelf, he pulled down two helmets.

"Haven't driven this thing since Bet...er my ex left me. Hope it still turns over."

Unlocking the back door, Jeff pushed the cycle out onto a tiny backalley, barely big enough for the cycle and him. Trash and trashcans were sprewn all over. he gestured to the backseat.

"Hold on tight, this might get real intersting, fast."

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

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[krazykyotee]

The first few blocks flew by in a flash, Jeff only concerned about putting more distance between them and the men in the dark SUV. Every moment, he expected to see the front end of that car right on them, chasing them mercilesly. but it never showed itself. Slowing down to a regular pace, they wandered the downtown area, sometimes backtracking, in an effort to throw off any possible pursuers further. Satisfied, he pulled to the curb nest to a cable car turnaround and pulled out his cellular phone. One press of speed dial and the number he wanted starting ringing.

"Robbery Division, Andrews."

"Steve, its me." jeff answered.

He heard the phone muffled, a few seconds passed before Steve spoke. "Christ, where are you? Homicide just came in. They're saying there was a fatal crash in the park, and your blue truck was seen leaving the scene! They're about to call you."

"I can't talk much now Steve, what abut that other thing?"

"Uh, yeah, i got the fax from Interpol. Nicola Martin, 26, from Aylesbury, England. Looks like her file is classified, under internal review. Something about investigations over the death of another
Interpol agent. What is here looks like she's a professional undercover agent. Thats it." Steve ended.

Jeff mulled over it for a second before replying.

"Ok, thanks. Good work."

Steve's voice became tense. "What do I tell Homicide? And what about our deal?"

"Yeah, uh, tonight. Meet me where we solved our first case, around 8." Jeff clicked the off button.

Jeff looked over his shoulder, at her eyes as she stared thru the helmet's tinted windscreen, her eyes a mix of curiosity and apprehension. Bringing the phone up, he broke the stare to punch in another number. This time it was quite a few rings before the other end picked up.

"Yo, whoever this is, this betta be fucking good to be callin at this hour." came the sleepy voice of K-Dawg.

Jeff 's voice took its authoritive tones. "Yeah, its me. Bring what I asked for the Coit Tower parking lot tonight, at 8 pm."

"Yo, shit thats you cop? I hear you in some serious shit with your own cops now. But I gots your back. I'll be there. But we're done once this is done. No more deals, no more holding shit over my
head."

"Done. No more deals. Fuck me over on this and you and your boys see jail bars for a long time."

With that Jeff folded the phone closed and replaced it on his hip. Bringing up the kickstand, he started revving the engine.
"Everything is set. By this time tomorrow you'll be wherever you want. We need to check someplace out first."
With that he put the cycle into gear and turned the motorcycle up the street, heading north. After a short time, passing thru the Chinatown district, they reached thier destination. A short section of the curb was set aside for motorcycle parking, and he backed into a spot nect to a rental scooter.

Climbing off, he took off his helmet and looked around, as she got off the bike. Fisherman's Wharf was bustling with activity this late morning, with tourists in theme sweatshirts and light jackets to stave off the cold and light wind off the Bay. Seagull cries and sea lion barks could be heard over the din of the attraction's speakers. They had parked near the front of Pier 39, now more of a mini mall of tourist shops than any sort of pier. To the west, more of Fisherman's Wharf's attactions and resturants lay along one long street. Reaching his left crooked elbow out, he placed his right hand in his jeans pocket loose, mindful of the revolver underneath his shirt behind him. he saw her hesitation, almost the same look she had when he first found her. And her hand out of sight under her jumper...

"Look, we're just going for a walk down there, ok? We need to talk...we have a lot of time before we meet who we need to meet to get passport you wanted to leave. We cant drive around; with
out my badge and my police radio in the truck, if a patrol unit stopped us who knows what would happen. Take a look down there, on one would bother us in that commotion."

He pointed with his left hand down this piers boardwalk, with its storefronts and masses of tourists strolling back and forth, shopping and snapping pictures. Watching her mull it over a minute, she hesitantly put her hand thru his arm and let him lead them down the pier. Dismissing the sidewalk vendors hawk their wares, they walked down a ways until a round courtyard appeared, its center open and filled with various sidewalk performers doing tricks and stunts. Around these people were placed iron park bench seats, with wooden slats worn with
use. Jeff steered them to a an empty seat and sat down. For a minute he simply watched the show, placing his hands in his lap.

Not turning his head, he spoke. "Ok, its time to come clean on this matter. I need to know everything now, Nicola. I know your an Interpol agent, had something to do with another agent's death. Have the Russian Mafia chasing you. I'm not going another foot forward till i know the truth. As it is I am already under charges for the death of those two men. I could lose my badge, or worse. Not to mention what the Russians will do to me should they catch me. If there ever was a time you need to trust me completely, this is it."

And with that, he sighed and turned his head back to the shows, watching but not paying attention.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Withdrawn

 

[krazykyotee]

Jeff turned his head towards Nicola as she started mentioning the details of her sting operation. Half of him couldnt believe he was involved in something like this, the other coldly analytical side took the details down word for word. When she shivered, he placed a hand over hers, holding hers in his.

He could tell she had been thru a lot, but needed to know everything he could. Jef looked her straight in the eyes as he spoke. Those beautiful eyes, almost on the verge of tears.He didnt want to ask, but forced the question out, regretting it as soon as it left his lips.

"What about the other agent, Niccy? Why is your superiors saying you killed a man?"