Gone After the Wind

Chapter 29: Defy

Cara was too dumbstruck to even speak as she watched, wide-eyed, the agent gobbled up the contents of her now fifth bottle of beer. Bottom's up. Her face didn't even flinch, and her body had no distinct reaction, at all, as though the bitter fluid being pumped through was already familiar, all it could do was to welcome it. Gulping the beer to the last drop, she slammed the bottle on the table, and wiped the remnants on her upper lip using the hem of her jacket. She turned to Cara, smiling proudly, one eyebrow raised in confusion.

"What? Never seen an agent drink up before?" she asked playfully, c*****g her head to the left.

Blinking away the astonishment in her eyes, Cara chuckled and shook her head. "Sorry. I just didn't expect you still have the energy left... after what we've gone through all day."

Agent Rose's head fell back with laughter, her cheeks glowing with soft pink blush. She was smiling a little wider than usual, a sign that her unruly consuming of alcohol had begun to take effect. "And that's surprising? Oh, Detective, you'd be horrified once you learned how we worked back in Quantico. This is nothing, and maybe even weak, if I were to compare my experiences over there. Beer wasn't something we ingest to help us sleep after a long day. It's more on the opposite side."

"Like coffee, you mean?"

"Exactly. To keep us awake and prevent our frail bodies to give in to the temptation. If that makes sense." Agent Rose crossed her arms. "Rest wasn't always included our option, you know. It's the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Quantico. Once you devoured it, it will be damn hard to stop."

"Were the cases you handled always required you to work non-stop?" Cara said, sipping through her beer. Unlike the agent, she had only two for tonight. The one she was drinking was the third. Despite the big difference, she could already feel her tolerance and resistance against the alcohol succumbing to the heat.

Agent Rose took off her jacket and flopped it on the table. She crossed one leg to another, the lower part of her trousers creasing from the movement. "Not all of them. Some don't demand such level of attention and work. It depends on how big and complicated the case in every angle we look. It's not that different here, you know. Same procedures and same amount of workload. Only, the process are a bit... fast and reliable." She flinced at the last word.

"And less intolerable bosses, I bet," Cara continued, raising her bottle to take a sip.

"That, too."

They laughed in unison, both having the same thoughts about the messed up hierarchy of authority in the town. Well, not the entire individuals making up that ladder. Only two of them was infuriating enough to be constituted in an inside joke.

Agent Rose suddenly groaned, her face crunching up in recognition. Again. "Oh, God. Now that you bring that back, I'm reminded again why I'm hella pissed off an hour ago. Damn that supervisor of yours. I never thought he could be that insufferable. He's an egomaniac. How can someone like him reached that rank? Did they even evaluated how he acted around his subordinates?"

Cara couldn't help but to laugh at her quirkiness. And here she thought they were done discussing that part. She had moved on from, actually, without clinging to hard feelings, because why would she waste time and effort figuring out things that are completely normal? Her depressing exchange with Faucalt may be something to be concerned about, in retrospect, but the current status of the case was more alarming than that.

Though, the whirlwind results of the events today wasn't that bad and frustrating, Cara still felt unsatisfied by how it all ended. With Tyrone Sykes being eliminated as the potential suspect, the case has come back to square one. They had already put out an APB for the green truck and the address in its plate number, but it was doubtful that they could get immediate results as the culprit wasn't the only living person in the whole state of Albreska that owned it.

In terms of the logging companies, Eric and his team had contacted several but none had willingly responded so far. That lead was a long shot but still, with the unrelenting determination of everyone in the force, it was treated like the best option they have.

The autopsy wouldn't be done until tomorrow so as of the moment, they have nothing else to busied themselves into other than waiting idly for the from Maryland PD while drowning her liver with this addicting poison.

"I don't think that's a question anymore. Or a thing because..." Cara popped a peanut in her mouth. "Meredith has him on a leash."

Agent Rose scoffed. "Yeah, right. The guy has firm clutches on his owner that he'd do anything the dear senator pleases. How long has that been going on, anyway?"

Shrugging, Cara chugged the remaining beer in her bottle. "Their uncanny connection probably goes back as far as time could tell. Their unified ambition to throw me off, however, started only four years ago when I provided the ticket for Meredith's brother life to jail."

"Wait, that was you?" Agent Rose's mouth gaped in shock that caught Cara off-guard. She was even chuckling as though her ears had picked up the most bizarre news she ever encountered. "...who led that investigation?"

"I... was. What about it?" Cara returned the look cautiously.

"Are you kidding me?" She faced her directly, excitement dancing along the rhythm of her voice. Her eyes glistened with astonishment. "That was the biggest talk of the state that time! I had fun watching that being covered by numerous channels, by the way. With Meredith being caught covering the crimes of his brother, many used that opportunity to dig up some of skeletons in his closet. It hadn't been difficult to find something to pin on him. Meredith's erratic hostility towards almost anything that could hurt his ego was an open secret, after all. You'd be suprised how many had rejoiced while he was being tortured by the spotlight. Because finally, someone from the state stood up to criticize and oppose him. The evidence you provided was so powerful, that even the DA and the fanatics couldn't do anything than watch the prosecutor burn his brother at the trial." She started laughing hysterically. "I can't believe that it was you! Now I understand why his underlings are so determined to put you down."

Cara blinked, losing her natural focus for a second. For the years that she carried the aftermath of that case four years ago, she never learned the actual magnitude of its exposure in the whole state of Albreska.

What she only knew was Meredith had lost a considerable percent of loyal supporters and voters, and his name was associated with foul words since then. The case had been extremely political, reason why she declined to reveal herself as the one who pushed and brought the biggest evidence on the court because threasts would rain fall hard once the loyalist discovered her identity.

But never once did she thought that Meredith's setback had caused an entertainment for some people. Not certainly in the field of respectable agents.

"And here I thought, your rift with Meredith was only a childish disagreement. It didn't cross my mind that there was more than that," she added with a smile. She shook her head as though disappointed she failed to deduce it easily. "You really are something, aren't you?"

Cara chuckled evilly, shrugging one shoulder. "I was just doing my job."

"And you did well. If the agents I know would be in your shoes, they would never dare to upset the man. Not in a light year. But you, you stood up against him. You went for pure justice, and ignored all the things that were at stake. That's really impressive, you know. People like you are so rare these days."

"But he got me suspended after years so... I guess, we're even. We both lived in total shame now."

Agent Rose sighed, the delight on the air slowly deflating. "Unjustly so. You've only made a mistake once—a very understandable one—and yet they had punished you like you were worse than a heartless criminal."

It was still a small mystery. How and why Agent Rose looked up to her so honorably as though she was never an asshole in her career. Truth is, she had done some deeds that would certainly earn a frown or even a disgusting look when revealed. She wasn't near the goody good shoes detective that Agent Rose was implying her to be, atleast on the surface. She has yet to unravel the purest version of Cara Black, and has yet disappoint herself along the way.

But hey, it was still a good feeling that she proved herself as her ally. Even after the short story telling that Cara did about the full version of the tragedy two months ago, her appraisal never change.

"Have you consulted a therapist after all those awful things that happened?"

"I've considered doing it but time forbid me to—"

An irksome chirp from Agent Rose's pocket intervened her sentence, and she locked her lips together, watching as the agent fished it out with an annoyed look.

Her eyes lit up when she saw the name. "Maryland," she whispered before answering it hastily. "Hello? Yeah, it's me." Angling herself away from the forming crowd on their left, she placed one palm on her right ear, covering it as a group of men entered the bar rather noisy.

Cara peered over her shoulder, taking advantage of the short time to absorb the surroundings, one thing that she forgot to do earlier. The bar they had settled wasn't that high-end, and was known as the open sanctuary for cops, but its interior structure was strikingly good and consoling, albeit much smaller than the numerous bars that Cara had patronized before. Not to mention that the bartender was also congenial, and talkative. It didn't take long for Cara to warm up with the place, and found it suitable for her taste.

In addition to the jazz music playing on the speaker, the bar gets louder and louder as newcomers bustled every corner, filling up the then empty tables and spaces. The sudden pour of the customers indicated that midnight was closing in.

"Mm-hmm, alright. Sure thing. We understand. Thank you, Detective. You've been very helpful," Agent Rose said, concluding the call with a frown. "That was Detective Roarke from Maryland PD. They've got a hit on the car, but they can't release the information to us without placing some calls. They need to wait for the confirmation from the transportation office, if the car was indeed owned from the person they contacted with. Until then, we wouldn't be able to use what they have. Damn, it sucks, isn't it? We waited here for nothing."

"Can't we pull up the confirmation instead? It would be very convenient for them, and a favor to us, also."

"We can, of course. But the question is: are they willing to pass that responsibility? It's a question on their authority so no, they'd be offended if we offer to take it up," Agent Rose said, her shoulders slumping forward. She raised her hand, calling the bartender.

Cara squirmed in her seat, and glanced anxiously to the dollar bill that she had dispensed on the counter. Panic rose in her system as she thought of concluding the night without doing anything functional, and letting it sit for hours. "There's really nothing we can do about it?"

"I'm afraid, yes." Sighing, Agent Rose settled the bill and grabbed the jacket as she dismounted from the high chair. "As much as I share your frustration, we have no choice but to end this night. Sorry, Cara, I really like to stay long here, but we would be hella busy tomorrow so we need to save it up."

"It's okay. It has been a long day, after all." Unwillingly as she was to leave and return home, Cara still stood up and followed Agent Rose out of the bar, unenthusiastic and almost grumpy.

Agent Rose was smirking when Cara joined her in the parking lot, her eyes were sparkling with amusement, and a faint tinge of fatigue. "Hey, cheer up, it's not game over for us. Aren't you glad that we can sleep soundly tonight? We've done enough for today, and we can take back the lost hours tomorrow, if that's what you're worried about. We deserve some rest. We've been running around all day, after all." She yawned.

Even though that made total sense, Cara was still pissed by almost everything. By how she wasted three hours hanging out in a bar, doing nothing. By how one of her wishful thinking didn't come true, and by how Agent Rose was taking it lightly.

Rest? I don't think if I can ever do that tonight. Or the next nights. Until I have completely nothing to go on with the case.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Detective. Make sure to have some sleep. You need it. Not just for that wonderful brain of yours but for your head, too. Goodnight," Agent Rose said as she hopped onto the cab, waving her hand weakly.

Following her leave, Cara approached the same police car that drove them here, and knocked on its window, waking up the snoring Ramirez sitting comfortably on the drive seat. She climbed on the back seat, and off they went. Only less than fifteen minutes and they were already out in Cara's house. Kudos to the grumpy driver Ramirez.

"Hey, tell your buddies that they can end their shift for tonight. You're all free to go home," Cara informed, leaning forward to the driver's seat.

Ramirez frowned. "We can't do that. Chief's orders were absolute—"

"I'll replace you. Don't worry, I'm armed so there would be no burglaries tonight. Besides, aren't you all tired from staying here all day?"

"And what? Leave so we could be suspended for abandoning our duty?"

"Abandoning? That's too harsh. You're just taking a break, that's all. You've been here since last night, Ramirez. Cut that bullshit because I know you've been waiting for this chance. Go home, and get some sleep. Return at anytime you want."

Ramirez didn't speak, obviously considering his options. He finally sighed, and nodded.

"Great. Just come back tomorrow so Chief won't suspect anything," Cara reminded, and tapped the roof of the car before turning around. But she hasn't even made five steps away when Ramirez called her again.

"Hey, I forgot to mention to you about something. Your son had a visitor this morning. We're not sure if it was a man or a group of friends because they didn't get out of the car. It was a black Toyota Avalon. We've seen that car for almost three consecutive times today, hanging around your house. We didn't check them because your son prohibited us from doing so. Thought you should know," Ramirez informed. He pressed the horn, and without bothering to wait for Cara's reaction, he sped off to join his team.

Eyebrows furrowing, Cara resumed walking, feeling light headed as she processed that piece of seemingly harmless detail. She was too occupied with all the occurrences from last night and today, that she forgot to check on Alex. Were those his newfound friends? Since when did he obtain some? And what were they purpose of coming here for more than once?

"Oh, how delightful that you're finally home!" Nana Ryla exclaimed, slithering from the door to the miniature stairs connected to the porch.

Drawn by the strings of those tangled thoughts, Cara was late to notice the old woman. She halted from walking, lifting her eyes curiously as Nana ambushed her like an unruly fire truck.

"It's about Alex. He's still not here!"

Cara's heart thumped agressively against her chest. All the panic buttons got instantly activated. "What are you talking about—"

To complete her inquiry was futile because the very same car that Ramirez admitted seeing parked chaotically on the sidewalk. The passenger's door bolted open, and there Alex came out. Smiling and in delight as though everything was in great place.

"Yeah, see 'ya on Monday," he said thereafter, kicking the door close. He swung his backpack, and wore it, several books hung on his thin arms. The car rattled and it scurried away. His small bubble of delight soon popped when he saw what was looming before him.

"Mom," he called, gulping. "What are you doing here? You're supposed to be in the hospital."

Glancing back to the spot where the car had parked, Cara looked at him blankly. "How about you? Aren't you supposed to be in bed by now?"

"I... uh..." Shutting his eyes close, he shook his head, and slumped his shoulders as though the conversation was already tiring. "Look, Mom, I just went out with some friends—"

"Last time I checked, you had none, and you have no plans on collecting some. Bit fast to change our minds, aren't we?" Cara dug her palm on her waist, anger flooding her chest unexpectedly. This irresponsible child. "Who are those people, Alex? Why are they with you in this time of hour? Haven't I made it extremely clear last night? That you're temporarily ban from leaving because of the dangers lurking around house! Why did you have to disobey me again?"

She was making it worse, she knew. Their last conversation had been a bruise on their relationship, and it wouldn't be impossible that their encounter tonight would turn out as one, too. Her quarrelsome anger was getting overwhelming, it was blocking out her rightful sympathy and compassion for him. She didn't know why both was nowhere to be felt. She was just so damn pissed.

No words could ever account the frustration she was feeling right now.

Alex groaned, spreading his arms dramatically. "Please, Mom, can we table this for tonight? I'm really, really tired. I can't absorb anything that you will say. It's been so—"

"Well, it wouldn't be the case if you only heeded to what was being ordered here!" Cara snapped.

"Cara, let's bring this inside—" Nana Ryla tried to console them but the tension was already built up high, Cara nor Alex wished to back down from it.

"Can you really blame me if I got bored?!" Alex fired back, walking swiftly past her. "Am I really not allowed to have some fun now?!"

"You don't turn your back on me while I'm talking!" Cara shouted.

"Oh, yeah, go ahead. Pull that card now, Mom. I'm really scared."

Cara grabbed his arm and pulled him back before he could get away, her head felt exploding at any minute. "Use that tone on me again, and you won't be able to see any of your beloved friends again."

Alex's eyes widened and his mouth gaped open. "Are you for real?"

"I believe I didn't stutter, sweetie," Cara replied venomously. "So tell me what I needed to know. Right now. Or so God help me."

"Fine!" Alex bellowed, wriggling against her hold. "We came out to eat and practice, that's all! Mr. Rivera asked us to take a practice again because time is running out, Mom, and the spelling bee would be happening soon so we're doing our best to make the most out of the chances!"

"Why didn't you tell me, then?!"

"Should you really be asking that question? You can't even prioritize your health and safety! What more if I pressed you to be involved with what's happening to me? You hated burdens, Mom. And I just did you a great favor of avoiding one!"

Her grip tightened, her eyes blinking rapidly against the tears. "When did I make you feel you're a burden?! You're not, do you hear me?! And this is not about that! This is about you, being reckless by putting yourself in danger! Don't question my way of handling things because you knew you're always at the top of my priority!"

He finally broke free from her grip. "Really, Mom? Since when?" With that, he sprinted away, determined to get far as possible.

"You little—" Cara was about to follow him but a hand grip on her arm made her stop.

"It's best if you postpone this discussion for a while," Nana Ryla insisted, smiling weakly. "Let him be. He'll come around soon. I know it's difficult but you have to understand his side, too. Talk again once you both calm down, okay?"

"But he won't listen to me."

"He will. Just give him time. I'll talk to him, too, okay? Come on, let's go inside."

Despite the urges to prove a point, it never occurred to Cara to press the matter more. She silently obliged, and settled on her room, passing by Alex's room as if everything was fine. At the sight of his door, she suddenly want to barge and reconcile. The guilt was there, devouring her last bit of resolve. She knew she was being immature for snapping up like that. But the rationality of what she did still won.

Though many had advised her to get some rest, she never did in the whole night. Not an ounce of sleepyness had visited her. She was wide awake when midnight came, and still was after it passed. The assault last night had made her body defensive in almost everything. Reacting to even slightest of noises, and flinching everytime the memory of the assault replayed. It was why when morning descended, she was groggy and feeling sick.

But her anticipation to actually achieve something today and Agent Rose's urgent message had washed all those signs of declination. She retired from her room, and went downstairs, bumping into Nana Ryla who had just woken up.

"I might be gone all day. Again. But I'll be home early. Can you drive Alex to school and fetch him, too, once classes are over?" she said. "I'm following your advice. I think it's time to give him space. You were right. I have been too tight on him. I've decided to make it up to him. Help me, would you?"

Her eyes blinked. "Of course! I would... love to do that!"

"I'm thinking if we could go out tonight. Have dinner at his favorite restaurant, and do the things he likes. I want to surprise him, so no word about it should come out."

"Alright, you can count on me!"

Cara nodded. "I'll text you the details about it. So keep your phone with you, okay?"

Another grumble of agreement and she rushed out of the door, smiling at the thought of her solution to their problem. Tonight, she'd be ending their dispute. She'd apologize, and admit to her mistake. Whatever response he'd give, she'll accept it.

Just as she started the car, her phone beeped again. Still Agent Rose. But this time, her text message was different and much more appalling than the first one.

Her smile faded. The sky seemed falling on her in an instant.

Agent Rose (FBI):

Oh, and Senator Meredith is here. Paying the station an unlikely visit. And... he wants to speak with you.