Part 6 Scene 20
Peter entered the 101st Precinct for the second time that day. Only this time, he suspected, the trip would be much more difficult. Before he cleared the top of the stairs, Jody's voice stopped him. "Peter, thank God! Where have you been? We've been looking all over Chinatown for you." Before he could answer, she rushed forward and brought him into a quick hug. Peter bit his lip at the pain in his ribs from the woman's contact. He hoped she hadn't noticed the quick intake of air. Releasing him quickly at the sound, she pulled him under better lighting and examined his face. "Are you okay?"
Peter smiled at the woman's concern. Holding her hands in his, he clasped them in front of him. "I'm okay, Jody."
She extricated her right hand from his and brought it to his cheek, letting her fingers brush against it lightly. She could see pain in his hazel eyes. "You're sure?"
Peter nodded. She shook her head sadly. "We heard about Donny."
Peter closed his eyes and nodded. Lying to Jody, to any of his friends, was not going to be easy. "It's tragic."
"What happened?"
Peter edged his way past the woman, hoping to avoid having to answer. "I need to see Kermit and file a report with Simms, then we can talk."
"Oh, Kermit's with the Captain. They've been behind closed doors since early this evening," Jody said. Before she could finish, Peter made a beeline for the Captain's office. He had almost met with success when Mary Margaret grabbed him by the arm.
"Partner, you're okay?"
Peter smiled at the dark haired woman and repeated silently, 'Patience, Peter.' To the woman, he responded, "I'm fine."
"You scared us."
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to."
"Were you with Donny when. . .?" Her voice trailed off.
Peter gently pushed his way past her, ignoring the inquiry as he had with Jody. "I need to see Captain Simms and tell her what happened."
Mary Margaret followed, now with Jody close behind. "Do you know who did this?"
Peter shook his head and proceeded to the office. Before he could knock on the door it opened, allowing him entry. "We wondered when you would get here," Kermit said as he held the door open for his friend and Peter quickly stepped into the opening.
Kermit gave a quick shrug to the women detectives following close behind and shut the door in their faces.
Once inside, Peter took a deep breath and leaned against the file cabinets. "Glad you could join us, Detective," Captain Simms said, leaning back in her chair. "It appears you have had a very busy day."
Peter shot a wary glance at Kermit. "I told her," the ex-mercenary answered.
Peter gave the woman a crooked grin. "It's been interesting, to say the least."
"Where's Donny?"
"I left him with the Ancient."
Karen nodded her approval. "How badly has he been hurt?"
"Lo Si's been treating him. He was up and around when I left."
"How has he taken the news of his death?" Kermit interjected.
"Not well," Peter answered. "How did Lula take it?"
"About the same. I left her in the care of neighbors."
"I hate doing this to her," Peter muttered.
"It has to be done. And lest you doubt the significance of this, Lula's place was being watched. I'm certain that whoever tried to kill Donny now knows of his untimely death. That should put Lula in the clear." Kermit sat down heavily in the chair against the wall.
Peter nodded. "Good. At least some good can come out of this."
"Am I detecting second thoughts about this plan?" Karen asked as she came around the desk to stand next to her former detective.
Peter shook his head. "I'm sorry. It's just that some things have happened today which are making this plan a little difficult to swallow."
Kermit's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "What things?"
"Nothing I want to talk about. It has nothing to do with what's going on."
"So who's the dirty cop?" Karen asked, getting to the heart of the problem.
"Don't know. Donny has seen him before but doesn't know his name. I get a feeling that he doesn't work out of the 101," Peter concluded.
Karen nodded her agreement. "Okay, so what does he know about a hit on the delegates?"
Peter nodded, "Not a lot. A man approached him at the Shot Glass trying to solicit his help."
"And?"
"And he turned them down. But then he followed the guy to a meeting he was having with his associates, figuring he could get more information to help us."
"And they discovered him," Kermit finished.
Peter continued. "He recognized one of the other men as a cop. He didn't recognize the others."
Karen frowned at the information. "And the explosion was their attempt to take him out of the picture."
"Hand grenades dropped down on us from my father's loft."
Karen's concern was evident in her eyes. "You were caught in it too? Are you hurt?"
Peter shook his head. "I'm a little banged up, but I'm okay."
"So you're telling me we have a terrorist group after the delegates who have a dirty cop on their payroll?" Karen clarified.
Peter nodded. "That about sums it up."
Karen collapsed in her chair. "Great. That's all we need." She paused and then looked at Peter once again. "Are you certain Donny is safe with the Ancient?"
Peter nodded, "He has pledged to protect him."
"You make it sound so formal."
Peter swallowed deeply. "When Lo Si has made a promise to protect someone. . ." Peter paused for a moment remembering the past. "Nothing stands in his way."
"All right. I want to have Kermit work with Donny on identifying our traitor and getting a composite of the man and his associates."
"I'm going to check out the Shot Glass and see if I can get a lead on these men. They wanted Donny to help them for a reason. My guess is that since Donny turned them down they went after someone else."
Kermit brought his fingers to a peak and rested his chin on top. "Why would they need Donny?"
Peter shook his head. "I've been trying to figure that one out myself."
Kermit gave a grim smile. "I can take a guess."
"What?" Karen frowned, curious.
"If they are going to hit the trade delegation they just might want to have someone around to put the blame on. Who better than a low-life snitch?"
Peter agreed. "It works for me."
"If that's the case then whoever they have on their payroll now is going to have a very short life-span," Karen concluded.
"Oh yeah," Kermit agreed in his own way.
"Very well. Find that person, Peter." The two men rose from their chairs and headed for the door. Karen continued, "I want you two to be careful. We don't have a clue who is after Donny. That's going to make you vulnerable while tracking them down."
The two men nodded and left the office.
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Part 6 Scene 21
Kermit readjusted the strap of the laptop computer bag as he slung it over his shoulder. He glanced up and down the street making sure, one last time, that he hadn't been followed. Although he was certain he had not picked up a tail from the station, one could never be too careful. He silently climbed the stairs to the Ancient's apartment. Before he could knock on the door, it swung open, revealing the elderly man. "Ah, I knew you would be here soon."
"How did. . .?" Kermit began to ask then shook his head. "Never mind."
Lo Si smiled and motioned for the man to enter. "He is in here."
Kermit followed the shuffling steps of the old man into the living room. Donny was lying on the couch. The sound of footsteps roused him. "Pete?"
"No, it's me, Donny," Kermit said as he opened the computer case and began to unload its contents.
Donny pushed himself up on the couch and looked at Kermit with caution. "May I inquire as to the nature of this visit?"
"I need you to give me a description of the men who tried to hire you."
"How's Lula?" Donny seemed to ignore the explanation.
Kermit didn't answer. Donny reached out and grabbed the man's arm. "Pete told me that you went to see her. . .told her that I was dead."
Kermit looked at the hand which had a grip on his arm and then back into the eyes of the injured man. Donny, suddenly realizing his mistake, quickly released his hold and smoothed out the material. "Sorry. I just wanna know about Lula."
"She's upset, Donny. I took her to your neighbor's place."
Donny tried to push himself up from the couch. "I have to go to her."
"You can't. She's being watched. The men who are after you think you're dead and have no reason to move in on her. If you go and try to see her now, they'll know you are alive and try to take you out. Even if you get away, they'll use her to get to you. Not a smart move at this stage in the game."
Donny sighed in defeat. "This I know. I just can't help worrying. I'm lying to her. She hates that."
"I think she'll get over it when she finds out why you did it," Kermit grumbled.
"I'm not so sure," Donny said doubtfully. "She really hates lying."
"Tell me, Donny, wouldn't she hate you dying more?"
"I suppose."
Kermit flipped open the laptop computer and turned it on.
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Part 6 Scene 22
Peter entered the smoky bar, having to fight the urge to hold his breath. He couldn't help but remember all of the times that his pursuit of criminals had led through this bar. He sometimes wondered if the city could do more to fight crime just by shutting down the establishment.
He approached the bartender, whom he recognized from past visits. Apparently the bartender also recognized him because he frowned when he saw the ex-cop and made his way to the opposite side of the bar trying to avoid the questions he knew were coming.
The Shaolin leaned against the counter and motioned for the man to approach. The bartender sighed, realizing he was not going to avoid the dark-haired man. "Heard you quit, Caine," he finally muttered.
Peter smiled. "Yep. But I still need some information."
"Don't think I have anything to say to you."
Peter shook his head. "What's the matter with everyone today? No one wants to cooperate."
"Maybe it's your personality."
The bartender walked away. Peter followed him to the other side, taking stock of the customers. "Gee, I seem to recognize a couple of customers who just might mean trouble for you, Bert. I think you have a couple underage and. . .what's that? A couple of wanted felons, too? Boy, this could be a bad day for you if the cops were to walk in right now."
"Ain't no one here who's gonna cause trouble 'cept for you."
"No, I'm not here to cause trouble. I just need some questions answered. And if you don't want me calling for a raid, then you'll answer the questions and I'll be on my way."
The man looked around the room. He, too, recognized trouble. "Okay, what do you want?"
"Well, first, I'll take a beer." Peter dug into his pocket and pulled out a bill, tossing it on the counter.
"A beer? Heard you were a priest or somethin,'" the man said as he reached for a bottle and removed the lid. Setting the bottle down he snatched the bill and tossed it in the cash register.
Peter ignored the comment and took a long drink. "I heard Donny was in here a couple of nights ago."
The man stared into Peter's hazel eyes. "I heard Donny was dead."
The ex-detective nodded, "That's the word."
"Heard you were there."
Peter said nothing. The man smiled. "So you screwed up."
Peter shook his head. "Answer the question. Was Donny here the other night?"
"He was here almost every night."
"But was he here two nights ago?"
The bartender picked up a glass and started to dry it with a towel. "Why?"
Peter debated on answering and then decided there was nothing to lose. "It'll help me find who did this to Donny."
Bert stopped his movement. "Donny was a good man."
"I know."
The barman thought for a moment. "Yeah, he was here a couple of nights ago."
"Was he with someone?"
"Yeah, an out-of-towner. I think the guy was looking for local talent."
"Donny?"
"Nope. Donny turned him down."
"Did he go after anyone else?"
The man thought for a moment. "Yeah, I think so. He talked to a couple of other guys. Mannie went with him."
"Mannie?"
Bert looked around the bar. He squinted to peer through the smoke. "There, in the corner."
Peter followed the man's gaze and saw a large man sitting in a booth in the corner, a scantily clad woman dancing in front of him.
"Thanks, Bert."
The bartender said nothing as the young Shaolin walked away. He had only made it half way to the table when the large man looked up and saw the ex-cop approach. His eyes turned wide with fear and he scooted his large form from the booth, pushing the dancer out of the way and ran toward the back of the bar. Peter kicked his legs into high gear, chasing after the man.
Mannie pushed a door open and ran down a dark hallway. The door slammed shut behind him, cutting Peter off. Peter pushed the door open and followed. The hall was empty. Peter ran faster, knowing that Mannie was the best lead he had to finding the men after Donny and the delegates. He felt a burst of cold air on his skin, indicating that Mannie had just exited the back of the building. Peter saw the door in front of him and pushed his way through it, rushing into a darker, colder alley.
Large flakes of snow dropped onto his face, temporarily blinding him. Before he could get his bearings, an unknown object struck him hard between the shoulder blades, knocking him off his feet and forcing the breath from his lungs. He impacted with the ground, face first, a grunt escaping his lips. His vision grew dark and then the shadows lifted. Peter tried to rise, but a large hand forced his face into the asphalt, the rough surface scratching his cheeks. "You're following me" was the growl.
Peter brought his arms forward, preparing to force his body up from the ground. Mannie's hand squeezed the back of his neck tighter, paralyzing him, while his other large hand grabbed Peter's right wrist and twisted it behind his back. Peter couldn't help the gasp of pain.
"Stay away from me," the man threatened. Before Peter could react, the behemoth lifted him up by his neck and then slammed him back into the ground. The helpless man's head snapped forward and impacted with the street. Stars flooded his vision and then there was nothing.
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Part 6 Scene 23
The cold ground seeped through his clothes, causing him to shiver. The darkness started to fade. Peter fought to force his eyes open. "Peter?"
The woman's voice was familiar but Peter's fuzzy brain was having trouble placing it. "Come on, open your eyes all ready. We don't have all night." It was not a request. It was an order. It was an order that only one person could deliver.
"Lula?" Peter blinked away the haze and looked into the woman's eyes. "How did you. . .?" Peter started to ask. Peter realized that he was no longer face down in the street, but lying on his back.
Lula was already working to pull the young man to his feet. "Come on. We gotta get outta here."
Peter pushed himself off the ground and then gasped when he put weight on his wrist. Lula frowned. "Is it broken?"
Peter shook his head. "No. . .not sure." He struggled to his feet and then had to fight the dizziness that assaulted his mind. His left hand touched his forehead, his fingers making contact with a sticky wetness.
"You're bleedin'." Lula grimaced. "It looks kinda bad."
Peter ignored her comments and straightened his body. The ribs, which he had injured earlier, reminded him that they did not appreciate the rough treatment he had received.
Lula pulled the unsteady man toward the alley entrance. "Did Mannie do this to you?"
Peter looked at the woman and frowned. "How did you know?"
"I saw you take out after him."
Peter stopped the woman. "What are you doing here?"
"Looking for the assholes who killed my husband."
Peter felt a rock land in his stomach. "Did you see where Mannie went?"
"He ran past me when I came into the alley. I couldn't stop him."
"I'm glad. He could have hurt you."
"Is he the one who killed my Donny?"
"No. But I think he knows who did."
"Come on. Let's get you cleaned up," Lula said as she guided the Shaolin out of the alley and to her car.
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Part 6 Scene 24
Kermit examined the completed sketches. He entered the computer drawings into the NCIC database and e-mailed copies to the 101st. He thought the drawing of the cop was familiar, but was unable to put a name with a face. Hopefully one of his coworkers would have better luck.
Donny had gone back to sleep. Kermit suspected that Lo Si had given him some kind of Shaolin sedative. Now the old man was sorting through his herbs and cleaning his workbench.
Lo Si spoke without turning around. "You have a question?"
Kermit tilted his head and smiled. "How did you know?"
"That is not the question you were going to ask."
Kermit chuckled and then became serious. "Is there something wrong with Peter?"
"Why do you ask?"
Kermit thought for a moment. "He's not acting like his normal loveable self."
"Perhaps he has changed."
"Because he has quit the force?" Kermit shook his head. "No, it's something else. Something involving you."
"You are very perceptive." Lo Si nodded and turned back to his work.
"So what's happened?"
"You will have to ask Peter."
"I did. He wouldn't talk."
"Then I shall not, either." The old man said nothing more.
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Part 6 Scene 25
Lula came from the kitchen, ice pack in hand. "Here, put this on your head."
Peter took the cold bag and held it against his forehead, wincing. "Thanks."
"Let me look," Lula said as she stood in front of the injured man, moving a small lamp over to the edge of the table for additional light. She lifted the pack and pushed the blood soaked hair out of the way to reveal a large welt, decorated with a small cut. The bleeding had all but stopped. She put the bag back on top of the lump, then moved to the back, pulling Peter's shirt collar away from his neck. The sides of the man's neck showed signs of bruising already. Very distinct impressions of fingers could be seen in the soft skin. "You're lucky," she muttered.
"What were you doing there?" Peter asked.
Lula's sad eyes met his hazel. She whispered words that he could not hear.
"What?" Peter responded. Lula turned away from the young man. Peter set the ice pack on the table, then rose gingerly and followed. He placed a strong, comforting hand on her shoulder, turning her toward him. "Lula?"
"I told you. I wanted the bastards that killed my Donny." Her voice rose suddenly, filled with rage.
The emotion with which the words were said struck Peter as hard as he had been hit in the alley. He felt his face blanche. Guiltily, he realized he had forgotten the impact of Donny's faked death on the woman. "Lula, I'm so sorry." It was not a lie. He tried to bring her into an embrace but she pushed away, roughly.
"Don't! I don't want no sympathy. I want the men who did this."
Peter shook his head, not sure what to say to the woman. He remembered feeling the same things two decades ago when Ping Hi. . .Lo Si told him his father was dead. All the younger Caine wanted was revenge on the men who had murdered Kwai Chang Caine. Remembering the past anger caused the memories of Lo Si's confession to rise again. Peter fought to push them out of his mind. "I know this is hard, Lula. . ."
"Damn it, you told me that you'd help him! You promised," she screamed, as her fist connected with his chest, causing the young Shaolin to grimace in pain.
Lula was too angry to notice. Peter couldn't blame her. He avoided her eyes and allowed his gaze to fall to the floor. "I'm sorry."
"Sorry's not good enough, Peter. You owe Donny more than that."
Peter nodded and turned away. Lula, suddenly realizing what she had done, circled the man so as to stand in front of him once again. He felt her hands on his cheeks, lifting his face so that his eyes met hers. "I wanna know what happened."
Peter felt the heat rise and his heart rate increase. Now would be the real test. Now it was time for his lie to do the damage.
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To Part 7