Chapter Text
Sometimes her brother was just weird. Between his natural awkwardness, intellect, and trauma, he’d always been out-of-step with his own peers and, once she was old enough, her friends. Sure, he was charming when he wanted to be… most of her friends had drunkenly attempted to flirt with him at least once when he visited her at college; but, in general, he moved to his own beat and she admired that. Then, he’d have a day like this one…
Ainsley took a sip of coffee as they walked around the park. It’s not his PTSD, but he’s not ok. She watched as he fiddled with his jacket sleeves, eyes scanning the horizon constantly as they walked. He looked like he was about to jump out of his own skin. His face was animated, cheery, as he spoke, but pale with dark rings under his eyes. All of this was normal when his PTSD was on high alert and anxiety flooding his veins. She cocked her head slightly as he spoke, his hands gesturing.
Ainsley’s journalistic instincts were screaming. Paired with a lifetime’s experience with her brother’s eccentricities, she looked past his normal mannerisms, trying to identify what was bothering her.
“Wait, you’re looking for someone in particular,” Ainsley stopped in her tracks, cutting her brother off.
Malcolm scrunched his shoulders up guiltily, eyes widening. Amusement tickled down her spine as he tried to stutter a denial. He’s such a goober sometimes.
“Mal, give it up,” She gently poked him on the arm, “I caught you fair and square. You suggested coffee and a walk, being all specific about the time. You’ve been setting the pace, direction, everything. We’re here for a reason.” She smiled brightly, anticipation coiling in her chest, “Give. It. Up.”
Blue eyes swept over her demeaner. Something in him seemed to shift as his energy perked up and he leaned forward conspiratorially, reminding Ainsley of when they used to play tricks on their nanny, “Homicide reached out to Gil and requested Dani on an undercover assignment. The Homicide Chief found out about my FBI track record and blocked me from consulting.”
Ainsley felt true annoyance prickle her skin. It must have showed because Malcolm hurried to continue, “Gil didn’t take over the case like he normally would have because there’s something personal about it. I don’t know anything specific. Gil and JT are helping but being really tight lipped.”
Ainsley rolled her eyes affectionately, “And you’re busting your way in?”
Malcolm grinned, dimples showing, even as he continued scanning the horizon. Ainsley considered him for a second, “That doesn’t explain why you’re so nervous.” Angering Gil wouldn’t make him this edgy.
Malcolm looked over at her startled. He seemed surprised she picked up on it. Ainsley squinted her eyes at him, traces of exasperation coloring her voice, “I’m both your sister and good at my job. There is more to the story. Dish.”
He sighed and began walking again, purpose in his movements, “She’s undercover. They won’t let me help.”
Ainsley scanned him up and down, thinking it through. He provided no new information but his voice seemed heavier this time, layered with meaning and frustration.
She took another sip of coffee, letting the burning sensation and bitterness ground her thoughts. She studied his tension. Maybe he’s nervous for her? Nothing he’d said previously alluded to the idea that Detective Powell wasn’t capable in her job. Granted, he always seemed a little guarded when she came up.
Maybe he --
A small gasp escaped her lips as she stumbled sideways to avoid her brother. Curiosity turned into distracted annoyance as some of her coffee sloshed out and onto her hand. Flicking her wrist, she glared at her brother.
Malcolm stood silently, staring across the street, muscles tight and stiff. Ainsley followed his line of sight, looking for a member of Gil’s team. Nothing jumping out at her, and, anxious she might miss the action, she put a hand on his arm, about to ask where they were when she saw it.
It took a moment to recognize her.
Across the street, Detective Powell stood smiling. Her energy practically radiated a come-hither aura that naturally drew some interested looks from a few passing men and women.
The thrill of intrigue swept over her. Ainsley lifted a single eyebrow, eyes darting from her brother to the detective.
She felt her brother jerk back slightly as Detective Powell, clad in the latest yoga gear, laid her hand suggestively against a man’s chest.
I wonder if he’s part of the case or she’s off duty?
About to ask, a shocked giggle erupted as her brother took off, walking directly for his teammate.
Adrenaline spiked as Ainsley caught up quickly, determined to help. They only had minutes before they’d be in earshot. If she’s here because of the case, she has to have backup right? Ainsley scanned around them as they approached the street. An old city works truck at the other end of the block caught her eye. She’d seen others like it doing research for stories.
Ten to one that’s the back up. Oh my god, this is great. “Mal, what’s the plan here?”
“Absolutely no clue.”
Her brother voice was firm, darker than she anticipated. She bit her lip. This is going to be epic.
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It smells bad. I mean, a twelve-foot tent of sweating guys in the middle of Iraq smells worse, but this sucks. JT hated van work. He’d had to pull van duty a lot when he was a junior detective. Once Gil grabbed him, he’d hoped this part of the job was done. And, swear to god, if Jim doesn’t stop tapping his pen… JT let the thought trail off as he leveled his most menacing glare at the homicide detective next to him, eyes meaningfully darting to the offending pen where Jim was tapping it against one of the many surveillance monitors.
Gil sighed behind him, somehow warning him and offering solidarity all at once. JT ran a hand over his head and down his face. Boss said get along.
He was trying hard to be supportive. The homicide chief was a good friend to Gil, had been for years. Made a point to watch out for him when Jackie had died. Now Gil was returning the favor. The best friend to the Chief’s daughter was dead. Gil made sure they were involved from the beginning. Even tolerating the condition that Bright be off the case, which usually he had no time for. Boss wants to help, and Dani is perfect for this.
Something wasn’t settling right though. JT scanned the monitors. They had eyes on every room, entry way, and exit, but something just… didn’t feel right. The hairs on the back of his neck hadn’t stopped standing since he’d seen the suspect. Not used to such an immediate reaction, JT leaned forward a bit, arms resting on his knees, hands clasped pensively, searching hard for what his gut had realized but his mind had not.
Dani’s in the lion’s den. Find it.
JT watched as the women moved into their final poses. Dani had been coming once a day for three weeks now and JT was learning rhythm of the yoga poses by sight, even if he had no idea what the names were. Tally loved yoga, and JT was begrudgingly starting to see its appeal. His eyes tracked Carl, the teacher and suspect, as he moved across the room, correcting poses, hands lingering longer than need be. Jackass. I hope Tally’s instructor doesn’t do this - practically sexual harassment.
JT instinctually looked at Gil. Thoroughly unamused. Righteous satisfaction coursed in his veins as he looked over at Jim to finalize the group’s judgement of Carl. JT’s hands tightened to fists as Jim stared at the women, a small smirk on his face. Feeling JT’s eyes on him, Jim looked over to share his enjoyment.
Mother fucker... Anger melted to smug satisfaction as Jim startled slightly, face paling. Clearing his throat quietly, Jim started flipping through the cameras, bringing the ones on the studio’s entrances and exits onto the larger, central monitor and moving the focus off the women.
Check for threats complete, the monitor flicked back to the class as everyone began rolling up their yoga mats. Tension swept the van as Carl approached Dani.
“Turn up audio,” Gil commanded.
Jim reached over, turning up the dial. The staticky voice of the suspect echoed around the confines of the small space, “Kora, your form is…” Carl’ eyes swept over Dani’s body “impeccable.”
JT rolled his eyes. Subtle.
Annoyance turned to amusement when Dani, as Kora, replied, “And your teaching is…” She lowered her eyes to peer at Carl through her eyelashes, “something else.” JT smirked as Jim snorted beside him.
Dani sighed a bit, not quite dramatically but just enough to spark an inquiry. Sure enough, the perp moved closer, hand gently clasping her shoulder, “Everything ok?”
A phrase his pops used to say laughed across JT’s mind. Playing you like a fiddle, fool.
Dani smiled genuinely but sadly, “Just some work issues. Nothing to be concerned about.”
At that, JT watched Carl’s stance shift, his weight bouncing subtly from foot to foot as he moved even closer to Dani and fully into her space. It forced her to look up to keep eye contact, and only the top of his head was visible to the camera they had threaded through the vent of the studio.
Either a subtle power move or… he’s gonna try and kiss her? Half of JT’s lip rose in a confused grimace. On one hand, standing in a suspect’s space so they have to look up is a pretty good interrogation tactic. Made the suspect feel like a child looking up at an adult. On the other hand…
Don’t kiss her man. Dani had full permission to use self-defense if Carl touched her and she felt threatened, but JT also knew Dani would try and play it off before resorting to blowing her cover. Much like when Carl had adjusted Dani’s pose earlier in the hour, leaning in for full body contact when he had, JT felt disgusted at Dani being put in that position.
JT glanced at Gil again looking for his read.
Gil’s face was calm, a blank slate. But his eyes were hard, never wavering from the monitor tracking Dani. Satisfaction settled in his gut. He had a good boss and he knew it. JT went back to watching the monitor, embracing his repulsion as a small token of solidarity for his partner.
Carl, voice laced with concern, offered comfortingly, “You’re a stylist, right? Upper East Side sort of clients?” He continued on, speaking over her response, “They can be frustrating to work with. Unappreciative of people like us. If you ever want to get coffee and tell me about them…” Carl lifted his hands like he was surrendering something, “No pressure and fully confidential of course.”
Gil sat up straight as the three men glanced at each other excited. All the potential vics showed credit card payments at the studio and the coffee shop next door. Security camera from a bank across the street showed them walking in with Carl. The only connection they could find so far, JT felt the excitement of a breakthrough hovering just out of reach.
“You wouldn’t have time now, would you?” Dani asked, hesitancy in her voice adding an air of vulnerability.
“Sure. The coffee next store is great.”
Dani smiled, a fond hand reaching out to squeeze Carl’s arm, “Wonderful.” She turned with him following, moving quickly out of frame.
“Keep eyes on her,” Gil warned as JT and Jim adjusted switches and dials, searching for an angle that would show the pair.
Finding them as they walked the hallway to the studio’s exit, Jim nodded, completely focused on the task at hand, “Got her. Switching now.”
Jim switched to the cameras on the coffee shop. One grabbed the external view of the entrance at a wide angle, giving them a good read of the surrounding street so they could spot any potential partners Carl might have. The other was in the shop, giving them a clear view of the floor.
“Has she activated the watch?” Gil asked.
Jim shook his head, “No. Probably waiting till they actually get coffee. I warned her the recording time was limited and sensitive to ambient noises. Won’t work on the street. She needs to sit next to him and keep her hands on top of the table.”
They knew this; it was the third time Jim had explained it. The triple questioning about the device was the only sign Gil was giving off he was nervous.
“Boss?”
“Something doesn’t feel right.”
JT hummed his agreement, leaning forward again in his chair, as though the act would allow him some sort of new perspective. JT’s spine straightened abruptly as Carl came to a stop right in front of the coffee shop.
Jim waved a hand towards the monitor frustrated, “He’s hesitating. What spooked him?”
Gil shook his head, “Give her a second to adjust.” Sure enough, they watched as Dani seemed to calm his nerves. JT raised an eyebrow when she touched his chest. Wonder what she’s saying?
“Oh god.”
JT and Jim swirled to face Gil at the whispered expletive. His eyes were trained on the monitors, a hand reaching up to stroke his goatee in nervousness.
JT’s hand went to his holster and he noticed Jim’s do the same, “Gil?” Hard and clipped, JT tried to snap him out of it, “What do you see?”
Gil closed his eyes, shaking his head. Waving his hands for them to stand down, Gil simply muttered an utterly exasperated, “Kid.”
Immediately, JT scanned the monitors, ignoring Jim’s demands for an explanation. Bright and his sister where huddled behind the minivan right next to Dani and Carl watching.
At once morbidly curious and horrified, JT could feel the blood drain from his face, “What’s he doing?”
Jim, who had met Bright once, finally spotted the profiler, “What’s your consultant doing here? I thought he was told he wasn’t on the case?”
Gil shifted in his seat, a mix of anger and surprise written across his face, “Absolutely no clue.”
Son of a…
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Whatever Detective Powell was saying seemed to be working. Name’s…Dani?
Ainsley tried hard not to laugh as her brother continued to stalk forward, fluid and hard in his movements all at once. He was radiating even more of that darker energy the closer they got instead of the gloomier or manic countenances she would have anticipated. She felt an odd giddiness grow in response. Ainsley studied the detective’s face as they neared. Her eyes kept subtly shifting towards the coffee shop. She wants them inside.
Ainsley’s hand reached out quickly, grabbing her brother’s wrist. He looked at her in surprise, reluctantly allowing her to pull him behind a car only 30 feet away. “Let them go inside,” at his furrowed brow she rolled her eyes, “Get over yourself and actually look already.”
Her brother did as she asked, his eyes sweeping over the chatting couple, drinking in details he’d ignored. They simultaneously ducked a little further down when the man’s gaze swept the street. Her instincts pricked again, and she did the same. He’s looking for something? Someone? She finished her scan of the environment on her brother’s face. His jaw was set and shoulders stiff. He was also sweeping the street, eyes lingering on the maintenance van she had seen earlier. He’s really upset. Unsure if it was about the case or the couple, Ainsley shifted her focus back to Dani.
Whatever she said worked, and the two yogis moved into the coffee shop, chatting comfortably as they waited in line. Ainsley felt her brother brush by her as he turned to follow. Quickly trying to catch up while looking nonchalant, Ainsley’s teeth ground down. He’s going to blow the scoop.
“Malcolm!” An angry whisper tore from her lips as he opened to door to the shop. This time her hand squeezed hard on his wrist, her nails digging into the shirt. The small prick of pain seemed to jolt him out of his single-minded desire to get to his teammate. “I’m all for the fun of drama, but there’s a story here.”
Her brother shot her a look, even and considered. She faltered slightly, a small whisper of tension going down her spine. She wasn’t afraid; she’d never been afraid of her brother a day in her life. The darker energy radiating from him increased even more. With a small jolt, Ainsley realized she’d felt this weird force from him before – when Malcolm found out a guy spiked her drink in college. She’d been fine; a friend spotted it and grabbed her drink before she could take a sip. When Malcolm found out though...
This isn’t about being left out of the case. He’s really not ok with this.
Ainsley felt determination flood every cell in her body. He needs me. She jerked her head slightly in agreement, the two turning in unison towards the coffee counter.
Malcolm’s body shifted suddenly, relaxed and casual. He reached over, grabbing the coffee from earlier this morning from her hands, and simply threw it the garbage next to the door. Placing his hands in his pockets, a cheery smile took over his face, “Let me buy you coffee, Ains.”
“Non-fat mocha latte,” Ainsley smiled, equally at ease.
They approached the counter just as Dani turned, coffee in hand. Laughter bubbled inside Ainsley as her brother stilled and the detective’s eyes widened, quickly turning calculating as she quickly tried to assess the best course of action.
Ainsley ignored the silent conversation that seemed to be happening between Dani and her brother, focusing instead on the very attractive man in front of her. He was speaking to the yoga clad detective earnestly, grabbing his own coffee from the barista. Ainsley could tell the exact moment the man realized Dani was only partially listening to him.
A flicker of true anger crossed his face. Her brother’s silent growl told her he’d seen the same. Distaste swept through her as the man grabbed Dani by her arm, squeezing hard. The detective grimaced slightly before quickly falling back into more neutral lines.
Malcolm surged forward just as Dani tripped, her coffee spilling down the front of Malcolm’s suit.
The entire coffee shop seemed to pause for a second in reaction.
“Oh my gosh, Sir! I am so, so, so sorry!” Dani turned to the coffee counter grabbing a handful of napkins, “Oh my gosh, I am such a klutz.”
Malcolm blinked a little in shock, before rushing to play along, “I, uh, it’s ok. Shoot. I don’t think this is coming out.”
Dani looked up, properly horrified as she patted the napkins against Malcolm’s chest. Her brown eyes seemed wider, slightly misty, “Did I get any on you?” She waited for Ainsley’s choked no before continuing on, “My name is Kora. Kora Blake. I am happy to pay for dry cleaning or something.”
Malcolm visibly shook off his surprise, and let his gaze sweep over the detective smoothly. Ainsley fought down a snort when Dani’s hands paused for a second, a small blush filling her face. She seemed a little taken aback by the look her brother was giving her.
Drawing on years of etiquette training, Ainsley smiled, gracious and understanding, “Kora, accidents happen. My brother doesn’t mean to be rude,” She leveled a small reproach at Malcolm, “His name is Malcolm. I’m Ainsley. And you are?” She turned towards the man who was still clutching Dani’s arm tightly. Ainsley stuck out her hand, forcing him to choose to let go or be rude. He let go.
“Carl Philips,” he replied, shaking her hand.
“Pleased to meet you both,” Ainsley replied, angling her body slightly so Carl had to take a small step away from Dani in order to maintain a comfortable distance between them all. Delight welled up when he did exactly what she wanted.
“Ms. Blake, please don’t concern yourself,” Malcolm’s voice dropped slightly, soothing like honey, “It’s practically my fault. I almost walked right into you. Of course,” his blue eyes shone, gem-like, “I have no idea how I missed you.”
Ainsley hid her smirk. While the words were a little too obvious for her tastes, Malcolm somehow managed to make it sound sweet and earnest rather than sleezy, his manner screaming trustworthiness.
Blue eyes twinkled enticingly, “Please, let me buy you another cup of coffee.”
At that, Carl’s spine straightened, the hand not holding the cup of coffee flexed. Her brother ignored him completely, all his attention focused on Dani.
Ainsley considered his behavior, a little surprised he wasn’t using the opportunity to talk to Carl. He’s doing this on purpose. Why? She rushed to try and think through what Malcolm’s end game was when Dani’s eyes narrowed slightly and a small smile lifted her lips for a second. Impressed she picked up the plan so fast, Ainsley’s watched carefully so she could be a part of whatever happened next.
Dani face erupted in a full blush, her breath stuttering slightly. She began talking with her hands, like she’d been pushed off center by the offer, “Oh, thank you… Malcolm?” Her brother nodded in kind encouragement as she continued, “But I’m here with my friend, eh…” Dani took a deep breath, eyes widening slightly as though she’d forgotten his name. She looked at her companion, “Uh, Carl. I’m here with Carl.” She smiled prettily at both men.
Carl’s face tightened with rage. Ainsley watched as his eyes darted over the details of wealth both her and Malcolm’s outfits showed. He blanched, then smirked at Malcolm’s ruined outfit. He’s competitive. He’s making Carl think he has competition.
A movement caught Ainsley’s eye as a man, vaguely familiar, slid into a table in the far back. Wanting Malcolm to see him she turned towards her brother, “Malcolm, we need to run soon anyway. Perhaps you can make it up to Kora later?” She gestured towards the back restrooms, “And clean yourself up a little now?”
Malcolm smiled genially, an air of promise around him, as he glanced to where she gestured. Only a slight tightening around his eyes acknowledged he’d seen the man. “Excellent idea Ains,” he turned back to ‘Kora’ smoothly, “I insist on making this up to you.” He reached in his wallet making sure Carl saw the American Express Centurion Credit Card that he almost never used and pulled out a business card. Passing it to Kora, he let his fingers brush against hers, lingering slightly. He turned to Carl, “Nice to meet you as well Kevin.”
With that, both Ainsley and Malcolm turned towards the restrooms in the back of the coffee shop, allowing Ainsley to get a good look at the man trying to not-so-subtly glare her brother into an early grave. The lack of coffee, air of intensity, and overly large coat - likely hiding the fact he was carrying - named him another of Gil’s team.
Malcolm darted into the hallway leading to the bathrooms. Feeling like a kid on Christmas, Ainsley peeked over his shoulder and around the corner as they watched Dani and Carl move towards the barista for another coffee.
Carl veered at the last minute, catching her by surprise, “Kora, I forgot I have an appointment. Perhaps we can have dinner sometime together instead?”
Dani charmingly looked taken aback, “I’d love that.”
Ainsley smiled in triumph. It worked! Glancing to revel in the victory with her brother, Malcolm’s demeanor caught her off guard. His countenance more reminiscent of having eaten something sour, he turned to Ainsley, “Let’s head out the back.”
Leaving from the exit at the end of the hallway, Ainsley blinked at the sunlight suddenly streaming directly in her face.
Malcolm tensed, grabbing her arm to stop her, his face sheepish.
A man stood, framed by a graffitied stained alleyway wall, arms crossed. Wrapped in sun, it took her a second to make out his face.
Ainsley swore she could hear her brother’s gulp as she pursed her lips and smirked, “Hi Lieutenant Arroyo.”