Inside the third floor of the GLE building, Mark is sitting at his desk, going through some files as they routinely start their work days; either having a proper meeting or independently filling themselves in new cases or existing ones. Actually, he and Ropert have both been stuck with paperworks since morning, after-dealing cases of their own and of others who were still on the field. Their group of five used every members time and effort to deal cases as fast as possible, to hand them over to next groups such as their (CIDs) prosecutor department. Meaning everything's done without delay. So when one doesn't have anything major he has always time to deal the after shits.
The very case Mark is outreading right now is Milos drug deaths case. Since Milo, as a freelancer, is the one who found about it and bring it up to Mark, insistently asking CID to take over it and naming him in charge, even when technically Don Palenne is Milos main superior, Mark was bound to do the official part in the end no matter what. Sometimes Mark think they were too liberal when it comes to their freelancers under Don coming and going, for example letting them choose their own cases like this. But since the final results were usually very good, exemplary even, this new generation being both fast and productive with a relatively minor expenses, man can't but acknowledge them. Especially Milo has proven to be talented, an illustrious young name in their field.
Well, ever since their youngest member of the seventh unit arrived, constantly bringing some new methods others to amaze, nothing's been the same. Mark doesn't really want to admit it, but Don, even while being antisocial, very stubborn and greedy, is simple good of what he does. When a job meets a perfect worker and statistics speak for themselves, there is no reason to doubt them professionally. Brilliant mind gathers other brilliant minds.
But what Mark is concerned about is the fact that guy is on the field right now, using his sick leave to get closer his case he's been working on since last year, kind of acting out of protocol. CIDs seventh unit primarily work around drug and gang related cases. Mark himself is old school, using very standard working methods, being the very person usually sitting behind the desk when his three-membered team cooperate with the local traffic police and other moving police groups to do the actual investigation in the field. Because of his connections they could fastly give their support and take part of cases where multiple responders in were needed. Or simple go lightly and use CGB to set some surveillance cameras around a rough neighborhood for sake of catching a group of kids wanted for several robberies, like The Ghosts. However, they always do things by the book.
Don in the field himself usually anticipate problems. Mark could write a list about what all have went wrong when that guy's personally involved. One time there was a missing police car. In an intentional manner fleeing eyewitnesses. Many complaints about rude and unprofessional customer service. Not to mention mans connections with different gang members and even having his own walk free deal inside some gang areas. Two guards die last year. Last but not least Don himself was hurt during a chase, leaving him bedridden days. Even when Don this time justified his presence as 'just helping a little' when his men were doing the official cover investigation, Mark could feel in his bones something was off.
For their own safety, especially when dealing with risky individuals like their unit usually does, they should never act recklessly, or experimentally. Don was like that. Trying boundaries. His and others. Still, at the same time he was very calculating, that Mark acknowledges. Don rarely need help from others, but he has always kept others updated too what was going on. Their whole unit is strong and succeed because of this combo. Like Don once said; 'Everyone has their own role. Everyone goes alone. But works together'. Hearing something like this from over ten years younger man was hard to deal, but Don compressed their simple ideology nicely. That is why Don is respected albait his young age.
The fact Mark doesn't have really a clue about the very content of others mysterious case wasn't so strange at this point of the case, but it still bothers him in some level. Maybe because it simple was wrong in so many levels let that injured selfish man do as he wants heedless of is he even ready to work. Physically or mentally. Younger man might be smart but sometimes he act very immaturely. And just showing a green light when ever he does something stupid just feeds that act.
A figure walks next to Mark, interrupting his deep thoughts. When man looks up and suddenly sees the very person he was just thinking about standing right in front of him, looking abnormally tired compared to his usual profile, older is instantly lost in words. So is Ropert behind his own desk as well, just eyeing their youngests tired appearance.
"Can I borrow you?" Don asks, speaking with a voice deeper from his normal.
"You look shit, man..," Mark then finally states out. "What happened? Are you seriously okay?"
If something is as it should be is Dons fast impassive reaction to others concerns. "Just fucking tired. Please, ignore it. I would like to give my report. Record it too. Need you in."
"Sure.."
After the approval Don turns and starts heading toward the meeting rooms. Before following him Mark glances Ropert, with asking look. Ropert waves his hand. He has no idea what was going on, leaving the checking to Mark.
Inside the room where their meeting is hold Kiho is already eyeing the file Don printed for them, ignoring their arrival. Other man with longer hair turns his eyes on comers, politely greeting Mark with a nod. "Nice to see you again, Mark. It's been a while."
It's been definitely a while, at least four years. When it comes to people working purely under Don, as so called Shadow Employees, this man rarely show his face here. This might be actually the second time totally they meet, Mark and Shakaali. To describe him better, he was an artist. Because his features made him look younger his age and his actual ID is not in any register under their database, there was no way telling how old he really is, but just guess he's around thirty. Marks first impression from him wasn't that good, man being one of the first Don introduced as his main source of information under the table. But he fastly prove to be useful as he knows his way when it comes to digging into the details, being a master of disguise.
"Shakaali?" Mark sighs, shaking hands. "Haven't seen you around. Four, five years, maybe?"
"I've been busy," Shakaali smiles, asnwering shortly, leaving it there. He is the very one working as the bartender, in the pub where Sakari visits regularly. Dons deal isn't his only job at the moment, but it surely is the one taking most of his time.
"I appreciate if you can take the case after the arrest," Don notes and sits down. To him these greetings were meaningless. He was in the mood to not care other but the case. Sure, Don usually is coldly nice, but he could be heartless when his mood is so. Something what Mark has never really totally used to see.
Wait.. The arrest? "You are ready to take your suspect in?"
"Just need his confession on tape and we can interrogate him. I have everything else. Please, take your time read the files. We'll start when everyone's ready."
Oldest turns his look from Don to files. Opens the folder. Feeling very curious about what exactly is gong on. "You have the right man?"
"I made him talk already. Told me everything."
When Mark realizes what kind of case Don has been investigating he looks at him again with confused look. "This is what you guys have been investigating? This is where you went under? Wait, he told you everything?!"
Don calmly hums back, showing a proud smile for a second. Then he sets the recording on the table on and leans his back to his chair. "Those in presence can share their thoughts as they wish. I will open the case now and call the arrest plan after. Let's start." Don wasn't that keen to act too official around these people, but inside this building he always play his part like a professional. Recording this meeting is both part of their procedure and it benefits him later if anything goes wrong during the arrest. This was all done for the permission to proceed. Marks positive word is crucial.
"We were investigating some disappearances around this newgo group we are calling Riders. During at least two years they smuggle items, including drugs and money, over the border, so it's international. We are not the only ones investigating this group; people come and go in there. But it's still active.
What got my interest happened about eighteen months ago. Two bodies were found around the wharfs inside the area Riders are known to use. There was a short investigation done by our third unit, the cause of death TBI with a strong internal bleeding. No eye witnesses. It was sized as an accident because they fall. Owner got a formal violation of safety note. Our later investigation brought out the possibility of homicide. It's liable victims were first injured, manage to escaped, but get killed before getting out. Probably by their owns, according the other building owners in the area. It's a private area and people working under this legal warehouse company called Marino Storage were rumoured to be some sort of gang members. The victims were one of them. They had no change to get rid of the bodies because an outsider called cops. Of course, so far, it was all based on hearsay.
This is where I step in. Victims were boringly arrested for smuggling earlier. Alcohol and tobacco. Didn't pay taxes. Nothing big. They were bailed out. Awaiting their trial. The next day they were dead. It all could have been just a random incidence but because this very group was involved, out of curiosity, I began search similar cases. Instead of more fatal accidents there were some missing persons cases during last ten years. Four former employees. One former business partner.. Some of the employees were immigrants, said to run from ICE. In this one case there was a puny trading what end up a shot and run, two of Marino Storages storage workers involved. They were fired. And before their trials they vanished. That was five years ago.
That's already five missing person too many linked to Riders. What if they weren't just missing but killed? Riders were killing ones bringing troubles. Systematically. If so, how they get rid of the bodies in the middle of the city? I played with that thought. This time we concentrate on getting to know Riders more closely. Every employee of the company. People connected with them.. We found this one man. An older man. In his fifties. A stock broker in different company. Nothing to do with Riders and their business but he was seen spending time with their head at least once a month. Nothing too suspicious. Just weird connection.
Eventually we found these two guys who drop the final clue we need. Both charged with threatening and fleeing, one charged with attempted murder of a CID officer. But that mishap made him talk, to less his sentence. According his words, indeed, Riders use this 'Executioner' in. Someone who makes people vanish. Just like that.
Sakari Ihan. Our stock broker. After watching him and learning his routines we moved forward. One keeps an eye on him in his regular pub," now Don points Shakaali, then himself. "One goes under, gets to know the guy better. My accident delay our plans but it turn out good in the end."
Mark is quietly looking Don who once again moves his hand back down. Kiho doesn't raise his look from the papers at any point, not even once. But Shakaali turn his eyes on Mark in one point. Like noting him. To get prepared. It gets worse.
And so Don continues. "I used my own name, my status as a detective and play this role of a divorcing cop. While chatting with him I went with the flow. If he is a killer, I plan to act so too. I gave him hints of me being violent and unnormal, I 'talk' way too much when drunk and told him I have these side jobs I do. I'm 'doing' the same as him. He took my decoy. When I went back to make sure I 'didn't talk too much', didn't show 'my real me', he drop the bomb. Told me he knows what I 'am'. My 'secret' would stay with him. And then he told me he kills people for fun. And for money."
After that this chilling silence falls among them. Mark remains speechless as he's only now really understanding why Dons appearance look so tired and broken. Man has put himself on the situation of no return. Looking like he wasn't his usual self anymore at all. Screaming red flags.
Because Mark doesn't speak, but only keeps staring at Don, younger explains the rest. When Mark will finally get to the bottom of it, the confrontation is unavoidable. "I met him yesterday. Went to his working place. Roll my role and made him confess everything. He thinks he is my mentor, like. That we share the same ideology. That's where we are now. I will go back. Record his confession in time. And I'm done," Don says then, still looking Mark with glassy stare, but feeling quite releaved after finally telling other everything as they really were.
Mark breathes out deeply and drops the papers on the table. Then holds his head. Trys to think. "Exactly what you have been talking with him?"
"Please don't make me say it all out loud," Don answers immediately, smiling.
That answer only made Mark more upset. He closes the recording and stands up, angry eyes locked on Don. "Why for God's sake you went this far?! Can you even handle something like that?!"
There it comes. The dramatic output. "It just happened. I couldn't back off when I was already in."
"Look at yourself! This affects you way too much! Would affect anyone!" Mark yells. "Playing like that-! Are you out your fucking mind?! You are not a professional in that field!"
"I didn't think you would be this dramatic," Don smiles back, trying to show with his own calmness other was acting excessively. Nothing bad has happened and so far they have been nothing but very successful. "For now my plan has worked. I haven't done anything out of the character here. I know what I'm doing. And am plan to do. Don't give me this now. For you to know Lilian will take me in after this all is done, as it's standardly done, by the book. I have Daniels blessing."
Mark sits back down. Sighs. Giving these other two guys in the room a deadly glance. "How you guys approved with this?"
"It's my job," Shakaali smiles. Doesn't have any other reason really. To him this was all business.
Kiho doesn't say anything. And to not drag Kiho down with him Don trys to turn that silence to their advantage. If Don were pulled off the case, Kiho will be next to lead their men in. His role was to be the reliable peacemaker. "Kiho was against my plan. But he knows to trust me."
"Trust you my ass..," Mark knows exactly what polite bullshit he was fed here. This time he doesn't let other wheedle his way out of this. But what is done is done. "It's pointless to ask you back off now. Know I don't like how you made this happen, but if your plan worked and he has already confessed then it should be enough for me. Do what you do. In the reasonably limits." Then he spits out what was his second concern. An intended payback. "But have you ever considered how this affects Free? You do not live alone anymore."
"I have told him what is going on," Don responds, not hiding his irritability caused by Marks sly move to drag his ward in this when young man has nothing to do with this. But he gets others point.
"How long you think this will take still?"
"Two weeks top. I can't push Sakari talk about the subject again just like that. Slowly getting him trusting me more is what I will do next."
"You sure made him trust and talk to you fast already. Makes me just wonder how you did it. I can just hope you didn't damage your head," Mark tsihs. But is satisfied with Dons straight report. Now he has a reason to demand something back. "I have one request. As long as you plan to stay in there, I want Free away near you. And after your case is over you will meet Lilian weekly. No. Fucking daily. Is that clear?"
Now Dons eyes stir. His look got mad, but he closes his eyes and holds his hand against his forehead, showing honestly his inner anxiety out. It was a miragle Mark took this this lightly. If Don wants his plan to work maybe it was better to agree with Mark right away.
Of course something like this would be harmful to a young man to witness. Even when he will be a professional one day. But he was still a kid, underage. Under their protection. That was how Mark sees it.
Don doesn't see it like that. Aki does definitely not see it like that. But it was not considered normal. They both know it. Indeed this very morning Don did feel worried and was mad at himself. Because he was close to start hiding things from other. To not make other worry. Or to actually just deal it easier. When this case really has nothing to do with Aki Don should keep him away. Distance himself from him. For Aki. "You are right. It might be better him stay somewhere else." That way he could totally focus on his case and wouldn't worry about Aki. "Let me talk to him."
- - - -
"It was your first time witnessing an interrogation? Other than yours?" Milo sures to ask in this point before going further. After opening up some details about their case they have come to the point when it was time to process what happened during the interrogations. Since Milo wants to make the best of this new experience, he made sure to deal everything while Frees memories were still fresh in his mind.
Free wasn't first that sure how to get mentally back to face the case when he took his lovely time totally off from it, even trying to forget it all for now. But when he sat down at this wooden table inside the familiar coffee place he's visited from time to time with Don, the very place where Maron work in, he realized the conversation atmosphere wasn't that hard as he first assumed it to be and he could relax a little.
The location Milo chose for their meeting wasn't a coincidence. If he would have sit them inside the station it might have been too distracting. A cosy atmosphere after a hectic mission like that is something what at least he himself needs. Also, this very place is run by people Milo get along well so they were exclusively using the private area on the back to have their detailed chat about an official topic he doesn't want and can't let other customers hear. Even when this cafés serving area is relatively small, having only thirty customer seats, red brick decoration walls with light colored furnitures make it look more larger than it actually was. The back area where they sit right now was separated from the main area with only some decorative folding screens, but they were good enough to block most of the voices and still making it look surprisingly roomy; a perfect place to have a meeting.
While drinking from his latte cup he's been tightly holding from the start, like using it as a protective charm, Free first answers with a nod. "You said something about some technique. They commonly use in cases like this."
"It's not just about asking questions and answering 'em. A good interrogator keeps an eye on their suspects body lanquage and the way they speak. The very first thing you need is get the picture of what happened. Confirm as many facts before even speaking to suspects so if they lie you catch them and can use that later. If they act strange or by the book, they probably lie and you need to face them," Milo generally notes, but gets soon back toward the real point. "Of course, every case is different. There are different techniques, we will get to that some other time. But I think, because they were all young and first-timers, Lector made sure to act nice from the beginning as long as they did so too. And because basically they all spoke out straight when they get to that point, we get the whole picture quite fast." Since Free was just mostly keeping this role of a good listener rather than acting eager to learn more as Milo had hope him to do, Milo start to think it might be better to take things slowly this time. It was others first case. Yeah, talk about light treatment.. "You saw how Benjamin act there. Have any questions?"
"No. I get it," younger sniffs while trying to act cool. But just remembering seeing that guy in the screen was like watching someone he hasn't even met before. Like Free was totally distancing himself from him. "He.. Well he didn't want to get caught and of course he act like he doesn't know anything. Anyone would. But he was stupid and get caught."
"Lying and pretending doesn't make him stupid. He just came down wrong when he think he was in control and his friends wouldn't talk," older clears out. "Without evidences we have nothing. Then if no one talks we have nothing. But him acting big without actually knowing his shit makes him stupid. When Lector confront him with evidences and what others have said, he was smart and didn't deny but only belittle his own share. This point he knew they were caught but now it was time to defend himself. Make others take bigger role. Blaming his dead friends when they can not defend themselfs anymore is a good plan. Once again, if we didn't already have others word against his, his lies could have safe him. But this is exactly why we don't only analyse what they say. But how they act. Get what I mean? When you watch him in that room, was there a moment you thought something he said or did didn't make sense to you?"
"I'm not sure.."
Free was naturally alert, paying close attention. He was just a little rusty right now. "Give me something."
Free sighs. And finally answers hesitantly. "I thought.. He was more colder I expect him to be. I mean.. He really really didn't give a damn about his dead friends.."
"Okay. That's a good point. What does that tell you?"
"He's heartless?"
Good guess. But wrong. "Indeed he was acting pretty cold. But that doesn't necessary mean anything." Milo takes out some photos, spreading them on the table other to see. These were arrest photos of all their suspects. First Milo points Benjamin. "Benjamin might act unmoved by the fact his friends died because of the distressing situation when he needs to focus on building believable story, it's the only way deal his guilt or he simple can't care of them. My guess is as good as yours, really. I am not psychologist. But I base my doubt on experience. Remember how he react when Lector ask him to show his chat history?"
That moment other just broke down. "He start crying.."
Milo hums. "From the beginning he was sitting arms crossed. Talking shortly. Acting arrogant. Avoiding long eye contact. A full set to describe a person who is highly defensive. To him his friends deads were not his fault. And he might actually believe so. The fact he is part of the reason isn't him actually killing them. But what they did to those girls was something Benjamin couldn't deny from himself. He thought he was sitting there dealing the drug charge, focusing on that. Being anxious. Trying to hold his role. Already knowing it was bad but he wouldn't drop his pride. No, Benjamin is a king in his own world. His life was great. Everyone like him." Man puts a file next to Benjamins photo. Tapping it with his fingers. "The moment he realized police know about their other secret, his focus broke. I think Lector chose to brought it up that very moment on purpose. They have a history. All that build up and Benjamin couldn't take it anymore. He feels guilt. And embarrassed by what he's done. So he wasn't that heartless after all, right?"
That's a lot to take note as an investigator.. When Free really thought he was quite good of reading people, Milo explaining his vision very detailedly made younger feel very newbie. This felt like a wake-up call. He has so so much to learn still. "No, he is just an idiot," now Free nods, actually smiling a little. Letting go of the cup he was holding and leaning back. "A normal idiot."
"See. You were right all along," Milo snorts, glad other was finally showing signs of getting his usual spirit back. "The moment Benjamin sat down in that chair and act disrespectful everyone could tell he had something he's hiding. Personally I think even if Benjamin would been the first one coming in, after asking his side of everything, Lector probably plan to face him last with the whole truth. Because he knew the same you too saw in him. His act he was desperately holding. When you don't think too much but just act naturally, trust your gut.. That is what we look from you." Like knowing other still has his doubts about his performance, Milo wants to seal that for good. "You are not an investigator. You are a SE. You go in, do your thing and get out alive. That is all we expect from you. We are a team, not soloists. And I couldn't be more happier having you in my team. You did great."
That praise might have been too much. Free is instantly feeling so happy he just turns his blushing face away, slightly covering it while leaning to his hand. "Yeah, I get it.."
Now that cute kid Milo remembers meeting five months ago. Glad he still hasn't changed that much. "That was all about Benjamin. Aster Evans was so straight it was boring. Kenner Addyman was part of the chat group but apparently has nothing to do with our drug case. Pete Ross too. He was with them spreading drugs but there is no proof he knew anything about the drug mix. Blaire Palma is from the chat group. At least one video was connected to him..," while moving back to the serious topic Milo keeps a short break before mentioning the next name. "But I would like to talk about Noel Borthwick.."
Really, when Free first time heard about Benjamin and Noel, bit by bit learning more, building his nice theory about what happened, he honestly believed Benjamin was the one holding the reins while others just follow him, Noel included. When it became clear Noel wasn't that innocent but actually feeling guilt from giving his brother the fateful drugs, Free still see him in good light. It was a horrible accident. But when Aster told him about Noels true personality which was quite visible during all that time Free spend with him, let alone the whole chat group thing, the reality what hit Free was pretty merciless. Forcing Free question himself. But in a way, now he could see it as a good lesson. Just like Milo said, Noels personality had something what Free personally felt comfortable. In different place and time they might have become friends. As simple as that. "He asked me how I can deal it.. The guilt for killing my brother.. I honestly think he feels sorry."
Of course there was no way those kids wouldn't regret after what they did. "He does. Non of them want that to happen. Like Benjamin, Noel too act no big deal first. But when Asters story came out he snapped. I heard he was send to forensic psychiatric hospital for the time being because of a high suicidal risk," Milo clarifys. Doesn't save his words. "But crying after doesn't change what they did. You reap what you sow."
Hearing that doesn't help Free get rid of the feeling how sorry he feels. Even after all they have done. But that is life. In streets Free would have never looked twice someone like that. There everyone were numb like that. "It's sad how they screw up just because they were idiots," he says then. "Their life is over."
Milo couldn't but agree with that. During the years working as a freelancer under CID, there has been a few cases he end up remembering mainly because of the outcome felt somehow sad or unreal. Young adults trying to act big inside their own social circle just to prop their ego will be one of those sad stories he will remember for a while. "About mixing their drugs, was it that different what you have done? One stupid mistake and you might have done the same."
Free tsihs back. Taking that very personally. "One stupid mistake will cost me my life. Can't afford that. If you wanna be successful like me you need to know your shit."
Older laughs. "Talking like a pro drug dealer."
"I am a pro. The best reseller this city has ever known. Gonna get back in that if this side doesn't work for me," Free smiles then. His inner streeter was, like Benjamin, very proud of his fame in his own street. The difference is he knows to play safely. At least he thinks he does.
"Yeah. No doubt," Milo nods, starting to gather the papers. It was time to end the official part. "But it's a good lesson. You could have become like one of them. Sitting now in prison too. Don sure do miracles." Or drop papers where they fit perfectly to allow him clear kids crime history. "B&E, car theft, drug possession, dealing, prostitution.. Hope you have told Don how grateful you are, him going that far for you."
"Really, do they have a file about me you learn all this stuff? Does everyone know all about me?" Free snorts. Because no one outside the seventh unit seem to know anything about him than Don just finding him somewhere, he always assumed he was clean. But Milo constantly mentioned things what Free's done out of nowhere. Did Don talk with him about it all?
"No. But there are people around you who can find out anything about anyone. Even if and when Don trys to stop them," man gives a smile, doesn't really want to say more about that when it was not others business. There is clearly a lot Don still hasn't talk clear about with his ward. "Well, you will meet more of them. People like you was. More pro or less. We are here to break what they do for living. You are with us, that is your job. So you can't wave between sides. Can't go back."
"I was kidding before.. Where ever Don wants me to be I will..," Free calmly points out, looking Milo. If it's about going back to streets do his job he knows exactly how he should act. Those streets he breathes. And he has only one side.
That was probably Frees ultimate reason to do this all. Follow their Boss. Because he doesn't know better. Just like the rest of them. "Streeters like you have learned skills we others do not have. You can jump between without bad conscience. Guess Palenne saw it in you and wanted to pick you up."
"Don didn't pick me up," younger gives an annoyed look. "I pick him."
If so it would explain a lot. Before this kid show up Don never let anyone walk over him, treating everyone basically the same. But the interaction between these two was something very unique. Making Milo awfully curious. "Yeah, what are you two anyway?" he smirks, demanding an answer. "I can see how he.. is around you. Really lovers? Dirty benefits? You were totally flirting before when we pick you up from your training."
"Flirting?" Free rests his arms and head on the table, closing his eyes, smiling, acting suddenly very worn out. Clueless. "I don't do flirting if it's not for work.."
Milo bet it wasn't Don but this obviously ill-bred, immoral youngster who wrap man around his finger. By how it remains still a mystery and Milo doesn't dare get to details. At least not with this one. Their Boss however he will grill later. Of course Milo has no reason to judge anyone here. But he also can't believe the isolated Don he knows would even bother to let someone this close. Free is pretty amazing to be able to shake that cold-heart. "There is still a lot me to do until the case is officially over. But your part is done. Thank you. You have earned your rest. Until your next case."
Now Free straightens his back and nods, meeting with Milos eyes, sighing. It really was all over now. "I learnt a lot. Thank you."
"Just remember your role and play it safe," Milo reminds. When Frees phone rings, man keeps the educational part of his words short, eyeing how younger searchs his phone and shows a widest smile ever, accidentally clarifying who indeed was giving him a call. "Knowledge comes from experience."
Since it was Don calling, Free only hums back to Milo, already ignoring the official part here when he rushes to answer the call. "Hello."
"Got a minute?" Dons calm voice speaks out, making Free feel instantly more happy. Like when ever he is with Don or could just hear his voice, everything become more lighten and simple good.
"Sure. Our meeting is over. Kinda."
"Good. I had a talk with Mark today," older starts. And gets quickly to the point. It was better spill it out straight than let parts untell and shed conflicts. Getting in an argument with Aki was something he doesn't want. "Under some circumstances I had to agree what he ask. It's better tell you right away; he wants you out. Live somewhere else until my case is over." Don leans against the kitchen table behind him, ready to receive others counterargument, no matter how enraged it would be.
But Free doesn't attack as other was expecting. Nor raise his voice. Hearing something like that this suddenly made Free immediately feel angry, but he manages to rein his words in. After he breathes in and out, thinking, keeping his silence while doing so, he finally speaks back. But with a damn snarky tone in his voice. "Out? If it's my bosses order I can't complain?"
"You can't," Don confirms. Without delay. "When you get home let's talk about this."
"Sure," Free notes and ends the call. Looking suddenly so mad Milo has never seen him like that. Younger was definitely holding all the rage in at the moment.
"Now that is an angry face I'm seeing," Milo points out, smirking. "Lovers fight?" He couldn't help and not tease him a little.
"That was my Boss..," Free clicks his tongue and puts his phone away.
- - - -
When Free opens their apartment door and rushs in, kicking his shoes away while already searching Don under his angry glance, man standing on the kitchen turns immediately looking at him too. Keeping his calm while observing others mood Don watches as Free walks slowly toward him. Either there will be an explosion what Don needs to deal with extreme care or they could solve this calmly. But kids face foreshadow his first presumption is closer to be right.
"Sorry I hang up. That call pissed me off a little," Free states out loud, stopping his steps in front of Don, clearly not so calmed still, but fine and dandily keeping his mood under control. "You'd not have said yes if you didn't think it was the best call." Don doesn't say anything yet. He's closely observing others mood as young man is eyeing back, still having this angry look on his face. Those blue eyes were piercing through Don, making his feelings very clear. "Not liking it," Free adds, knowing how charged other must be. "But if Mark thinks it's best for me then we will do this. I kinda understand his point too anyway. But he still pisses me off.."
How mature way to take it. Once again others fresh collected act surprises him. "Think it as a vacation," Don then smiles, puts his hand on Frees head. "This won't take long. A week or so."
"My vacation would be a week or so with you, alone, here, inside this fucking apartment. Where am I going?" younger points up snidely, just wondering where this guy plan to throw him. Free knew very well he was acting now totally immature, but he wasn't planning to hide his feelings. Not in front of this man.
"I have this duo in mind. Haven't ask them yet, but.."
That actually doesn't sound so bad, lightening Frees mood in an instant. "When I have to leave?" he takes his phone, searching Marons number.
Don lows his hand on Frees face and raises young mans look back up. "I'm pretty sure the last time I saw you this angry at me was the day you came with your chair next to my car, ask my name and told me to fuck off.."
That nostalgic memory from the day they met makes Free drop his mood totally. While smiling he slowly leans his face against Dons chest, closing his eyes. "That was a long time ago.." So long Free now couldn't even imagine his life without this guy in it. Back then he still saw Don as an enemy. Someone who would stay play for a while and be gone not long after. Back then nothing was permanent. But everything from those days is now so different.
"You have all the right be angry. And talk back, stay here. This is your home," Don reminds the other about his rights. If Free wants to, he will stay here. Don would make it happen. No matter what. Just a word.
"No. That will just prop Marks opinion I'm too kid to deal shits. I will never get my voice heard later," Free snorts while meeting eyes with Dons again, not letting others straight proposition change his mind. "I know my place. When I have to leave?" This is exactly like when Free was just about to start his training. The situation makes him move. First Don says it's unavoidable. Then he wouldn't mind to tell the world to fuck off and keep Free here. Dons mind was always waving when it comes to Free. So the reasoning one here should be Free and listen Marks point. The best outcome is what they all want in the end.
Fair enough. If younger is fine with it all, Don either has no complaints. "Tomorrow evening?" he thinks.
Free search the name from his phone and calls. "Does Taro know? About your case?" he suddenly asks then.
Don would have like to ask how this is relevant. But knowing Taro others question was very proper to take note. "No.."
Taro wasn't that bad when you get used to his coldness. But if he acts as defiant in front of Don as he did with Free, Taro will definitely question Don out loud. Speak out what Free himself has let unsaid simple because he doesn't want to talk about it. Doesn't want to think it when it was only enough to silently know. How afraid Free truly feels about Don playing with that fire.. "It might be better him not know. He would stop you..," Free silently clears out, just before the call gets answered.
Was Aki thinking that far just to avoid more troubles later? For Don? Older actually plan to ask him not to mention about his case in front of Taro, to be saved from Taros scolding that ruthless young man is fast to give anyone he thinks is acting immorally or 'wrong' by his own book. Taro being one who knows way more than Don ever need him to know has become a threat when it comes to holding Dons professional status. One wrong move and that kid will drag him down, no matter the cause or reason because of his extremely high moral standards. To think Aki too has realized that and is already ahead of him by acting independently both surprise and amaze Don.
"Free! It's been a while," Maron answers to Frees call, sounding as happy as ever.
"Hi. Yeah, it's been a while. I have a little situation here. Need help. Are you two around?"
"What ever you need. We are at home. Nothing big in mind. You got into trouble?"
"No. Just need a place to be. A week or so," Free explains, now turning his look back on Don. "'Daddy' won't be at home for a while. I don't wanna stay alone so, here I am, calling you."
"Of course you'll come here! Taro! Free will be moving in!" Maron calls out, noting other. When Maron wants this casually something Taro won't speak back. "When you are coming?"
"Tomorrow, if that's not too sudden."
"Okay. Want me to pick you up?"
"No. Don will drop me. I will call you later. Thanks."
"No problemo! Looking forward to it."
"See you," Free hums and ends the call. "Done."
"You can lie to him just like that?" Don asks, wondering was it okay just let other lie when he really has no real reason to do so. It might effect their relationship later.
"It was just a small lie. Means of it are more important than me being friends with him," Free sighs defensively. "Don't play ignorant. I do that all the time. Lie. It's my job, you know."
That answer makes Don smile. "What a cocky, bad behaving kid I'm raising here. Yeah, you have had that in you from the start. But be sure to respect those who helps you. Lying to them is wrong."
Unlike Don himself does all the freaking time? Young man puts his phone on the table and leans closer to Don. "You are the only one I don't lie to," he then says smiling and moves his lips closer to Dons. "'Cause I can trust you."
"That is true.."
"But really you are so heartless," Free continues. Showing an upset look when touching Dons face. Reaching closer. "Even after four months gone, two weeks in and you are already chasing me away.."
"Aki..," older guy sighs. Other knows very well that is not the case. But he just had to point out the nonsense out loud.
"For that I want my payment. Now," Free leans even closer, this time touching Dons front. And not that lightly. "Let's try that 'make love' again. Do it hard. If I can't be with you again.. Gonna charge my batteries full."
More of this nonsense act? Don turns Free to lean back against the table, getting a strong hold of his hips. "In the middle of the day again?" he tsihs and takes a gently hold of others chin, moving his finger against the lower lip. "Like this we end up doing it all the time."
Like Free would be against that. "I don't mind..," he points out. Sucking that finger.
"You don't mind..," Don smiles. Knows to doubt those words but gives up on letting other run after stating so, wanting to prove other wrong and make him cry until he begs him to stop.