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All he could remember was being strapped to a table, clinging to his father. Slowly he opens his eyes he's laying on a much softer surface. Glancing around taking in all the unusual taxidermy he guesses he's somewhere north. Attempting to move his chest still painful. Malcolm decides not to try and sit up but attempt to shimmy up the pillows.
The door leading outside creaks open the intruder trying to be quiet. Looking around he sees malcom in a half seated position on the bed. "My boy, you must not stress yourself" martin announces closing the door an going to the bed. "I brought you some food" he offers shaking a bag of doughnuts.
"Where are we?" Malcolm asks a bit dazed. "Oh You got coffee too" he grins popping a cup from the drink carrier.
Martin smiles "well after all that kidnapping mess from Vivian, she attempted to kill you. There was a distraction I saved you an here we are in Vermont, there's only one down side" he says glancing to the side to examine one of odd taxidermy.
"What?" Malcolm responds his eyes going from looking in the bag to his dad.
"She's playing the victim, we're wanted men." He says meeting his sons concerned look.
"Oh" Malcolm sates flatly. Only now realizing his fathers appearance. "What are you wearing?" He holds in a laugh.
Martin is sitting next to Malcolm on the bed wearing a grey hoodie and greyish tan cargo pants.
"What? I think I look good" he smiles "plus I'm trying to blend in with the locals" Martin stands putting one hand in his hoodie pocket. "We gotta go shopping for you my boy, you stick out like a sore thumb" he says gesturing with his other hand holding a jelly doughnut.
Malcolm frowns "but I like my clothing" he says to himself. "So wait why are we in Vermont?" Finally grabbing a glazed from the bag and taking a bite.
"I want to help you solve your hardest case ever" Martin says between bites, his beard getting dusted with sugar. He sits back down on the bed.
Malcolm looks deep in thought then finally says "the woodsman!" His eyes go wide. "I've been stuck on that case since I was in the FBI, but how?" He asks.
The grin that spreads on Martin's face "I made a note to follow that case" his smile fades slightly "I tried calling but you were refusing all contact from me"
"I'm sorry I was so stupid, I've come to terms with us. So please help me solve this case then we can disappear" he smiles leaning forward to touch his fathers arm. Martin's stomach growls an they both laugh.
"Lets go get some real food, you feeling up to it?" Martin asks.
Malcolm nods "yeah sounds good and I think I'll get a outfit to blend in too"
"Know what would be good right now?" Martin asks helping Malcolm to his feet.
"No what?" Malcolm asks as they walk to the door.
Martin smiles leaning in to whisper into Malcolm's ear. "Pancakes" he breaths out.
They leave the hotel and head into town, stopping at a big box store to pick out a new look for Malcolm. He walks out wearing a beanie cap black tshirt with a blue flannel and a pair of black skinny jeans. Martin hands him a pair of fake black rimmed glasses to complete the look. Opting to keep his shoes for now he bags up his old stuff.
"Always wanted to try a hipster look" Malcolm laughs.
His father looks him up and down approvingly. "Looks really good on you my boy" he nudges him as they continue walking.
They get to the quaint little diner one particular waitress staring at Martin as they enter. "This table is mine" she says to the others. Walking over she hears Martin mention he wants pancakes an she grins. "Morning boy's my names Pancakes what can I get you?" She says trying to hold in a laugh.
Martin blinks "guess I'm having you then" he smiles a devilish smile. "Just so long as you don't mind my partner here watching or joining in" he closes his menu with a soft laugh.
"Oh! Oh my goodness I'm so sorry I didn't realize you two were together" she apologizes profusely. "It was only a joke"
"Don't mind Clair he doesn't get out much" Malcolm says. "I allow him a small flirt every now and then"
Martin sits with his shit eating grin plastered on his face. "Can't be helped" he shrugs. "Cameron can't take me anywhere, now back to the topic of food." He glances to Malcolm then up to the waitress.
"Oh yes sorry, well my name is really Sam now what can I get for you boys?" She smiles brushing off the awkwardness.
"Well Sam, I will take these strawberry shortcake pancakes, with a hot tea" Martin says handing over his menu.
"I'll take two eggs sunnyside up and a side of bacon tea as well please." Malcolm says with a soft smile handing over his menu as well.
Sam jots down the order and nods " I'll get this in and be back with your tea's" she walks away only a little embarrassed.
Malcolm looks out the window "so about the woodsman case" he says " we've got one day to find that missing girl"
Martin nods pulling the papers from his pockets. "Got a copy of the letters that were sent too, nice penmanship horrible person" he says.
"You're one to talk" Malcolm says flatly.
"Hey don't start that, at least I didn't torture mine like this, and I'm not a misogynist like our man here comes off as" he pokes Malcolm with his fork.
Malcolm turns "yeah I guess as killers go you were at least quick about it, but lets not focus on that" Malcolm says looking back at his dad. He takes the letters and reads over them as the food comes to the table.
Martin starts eating away at his pancakes damn near drowning them in maple syrup. Letting out deep almost sexual moan as he chews. "Good lord this maple syrup is so good" he tries so hard not to draw attention to himself.
Malcolm just hides his face taking a sip of his tea. "Really?" He finally asks.
"Nothing better then maple syrup" Martin says with food in his mouth. "And you best eat your food my boy we've got a killer to catch" he takes a sip from his tea.
"Yes da..sir" he corrects himself sticking his fork into his eggs. What does this town have to do with the killings?" He asks before putting his food in his mouth.
Martin wipes his mouth with his napkin. "This town is within a few miles of each town where a murder took place, our killer wanted to be closer to home" he says finishing his tea.
"Judging by the wording of these letters he's in law enforcement or is related to someone on the force" Malcolm nibbles his bacon re-reading the letters. "Clair, you go back to the hotel and I'll check out the police station"
"Aww, you get all the fun" Martin fake pouts. "Be careful" he says slightly worried.
They finish up their breakfast and walk twords the hotel. Malcolm splits off partway back to head to the police station. He changes back into his rich boy clothing just for this mission.
Things go smoothly at the station, Malcolm narrowing it down to three possible suspect's. Going over case photos and other information when one of the officers says his lieutenant was on the phone. Martin warns him of what's now being aired on the TV and tells him to get back to the hotel.
He books it back to the hotel and sees Martin waiting for him out front. "Did you steal this truck?" He asks as Martin packs what little things inside.
"Of course not Gary lent it to me" Martin states. "Do you have any woodsman leads?" He asks "cause if not we have to leave now"
Malcolm stairs at him "yes I've narrowed it down to three, one that was at four of the crime scenes. The police chief and her husband were sketchy too"
"So we're doing a stakeout? Good thing I brought chips" Martin smiles getting into the truck, Malcolm following.
They sit outside the police station just after dark. Only two cars still in the lot Crutchfiled's and the chief's. Malcolm is lost in thought thinking back on his father.
"What'cha thinkin bout?" Martin asks in a sing song voice.
Malcolm smiles looking up at his father. "You, always you" he lets out a soft sigh.
"I was thinking about peeing" he laughs
Malcolm hands him an empty bottle. "You are not leaving this truck"
Martin huffs not wanting to bicker with his son. "Look out the window" he says.
Malcolm looks out the window as the sound fills the truck's cab. He hears the window creek down and a thudding noise. Martin tossed his now filled bottle into the bed of the truck.
Malcolm wants to make a comment but they catch the chief exiting the building. They slide down low in their seats as to not be seen. She's acting panicked as she enters her car and takes off twords out of town.
"Follow her" Malcolm urges.
Martin wastes no time in heading after her. Maintaining a bit of distance to not be spotted. She turns down a dirt road about three miles out of town. Malcolm and Martin stop an pull over to side. Shutting the truck off and continuing on foot. It's not that far before they come across a cabin.
"We should camp out till morning when we can see what's going on" Malcolm says quietly staying down.
"Agreed, they know these woods better then we do" Martin states looking around.
The two wonder through the woods a short ways away. They find a small clearing to make camp. Laying back looking at the stars. Malcolm moves to lay next to his father. Martin does the same so they can share body heat.
"Reminds me of our old camping trips" Malcolm breaks the silence. "When this is over we should go camping somewhere nice"
"I know of some nice places out west" Martin smiles as he pats his sons chest.
They lay and talk about the stars making plans for tomorrow. They come up with a few scenarios. Martin pulling out some hidden juice boxes making sure to keep one aside.
They doze off Martin next to Malcolm. It's the most peaceful night sleep he's had ever. No nightmares no thrashing just peace. They both awaken when the sun hits their faces.
Groaning Martin rolls to his back after accidentally spooning Malcolm in the night. "Morning my boy, shall we finish this case" he says getting to his feet.
Malcolm whines at the loss of warmth. "Yeah lets save a life" he says as Martin offers his hand to help him up. Accepting the hand he gets to his feet.
They carefully track back to the cabin. Stopping just outside and can hear someone inside. Peaking through the window confirms Malcolm's suspicions.
"The chief's husband" he whispers to Martin.
"We need to get the upper hand, you go around the back and I'll go through the front." Martin says he goes to sneak off to the front when Malcolm grabs him.
Tears forming in his eyes. "Please be safe dad" he squeezes his fathers arm.
Martin just nods "you too my boy"
Their plan works almost, Malcolm gets the upper hand. Martin gets slammed to the ground. In Malcolm's rage he over powers the woodsman pinning him to the ground grabbing a knife from the floor.
"Tell me where the girl is" he growls "I will end you" he spits.
Martin is slowly waking up taking notice of his boy, knife in hand. "My boy no! Don't do it" he yells "give me the knife, I'll take care of it" he walks over slowly.
The woodsman is babbling and begs for his life. He tells Malcolm where the girl is located. Malcolm looks up at his father rage still burning in his ice blue eyes.
"Dad you take care of the woodsman I'm going after the girl" he says as he switches places with Martin.
"Go save her my boy!" Martin cheers.
As Malcolm runs out the door a loud scream can be heard. He smiles as he continues looking for the trap door in the woods. He stomps around finally finding the wooden door. Quickly he unlocks it freeing the girl from inside.
"Come with me" he says grabbing her hand taking her back to the cabin. Once there they wait outside.
Martin emerges a twisted look on his face. Blinking a few times he shakes the look. "My boy! You found her" he exclaims
"Yes, is he?" He asks
"No, not dead but he's wishing he was." He looks at the girl having her sit so he can give her a once over. He reaches into his pocket handing her a protein bar and a juice box.
Malcolm flips open his phone he pauses. "Mam we're going to call the police but we can't stay, will you be ok?" Malcolm asks.
She nods "as long as he's tied up"
"Oh he is" Martin says with his charming smile.
Malcolm makes the call "yes I'd like to report that I found the missing girl and captured the woodsman" he pauses listing to the operator "my name is Birch" he lies not wanting to use the name his father came up with. He finishes giving the information handing his phone to the girl. She thanks them as the boys take off into the woods.