Chapter Text
“Remember, we need unshakeable proof, they need to confess, we can’t do anything else until we get a confession.” Etho reminded them for the umpteenth time.
Gem rolled her eyes, activating her comm by pressing a button that had been disguised as a bead on her necklace, “we know Etho.”
She could practically hear his eye roll from the other end of the line, “just making sure,” he huffed, “and don’t fiddle too much with the earring, okay, it’s fragile.”
Her right earring was actually the disguised earpiece they were using for communication, Etho had poured a lot of time and effort into making them.
“I’ll only play with my left one,” Gem promised.
“Good,” Etho hummed, voice slightly crackly through the comm, “Grian?”
“Now hypothetically…” Grian asked, both in her ear and also next to him, there was a slight dissonance but Gem had long since learned to ignore it.
She looked over to her partner and caught the shit-eating grin on his face.
“Grian don’t you fucking dare.” Etho warned.
Grian let out a soft laugh, “I’m just messin’, Etho, I won’t touch it, promise.”
“You better not.”
“Okay,” Gem said, getting both their attention, “is everything ready?”
Etho was silent for a moment, she glanced over to the unassuming van he was currently sitting in, probably double checking that all their gear was working properly.
He would stay in the van unless things went south, then he’d be close enough to give them back up or get them out of there asap.
“Comms all seem to be working, you’ve got your weapons on you?”
Gem shifted her skirt, lifting it up just enough to see the dagger strapped securely onto her knee.
She glanced over at Grian who was in the process of putting one of his six bracelet knives back on (he wore three silver bracelets on each hand, each one concealed a throwing knife.)
He then unzipped his leather vest, revealing the dagger hidden on the inside of it.
“I’m good,” he said over his comm, fiddling with the silver chain around his neck as he spoke before tucking it back under his shirt.
Gem checked her rings, she had five, three on one hand and two on the other, each with various large colorful rhinestones on them.
Each rhinestone was a small bomb of some sort, the color indicating the type of bomb.
Three purple smoke bombs, one yellow glitter bomb, and one green explosive bomb.
She twisted each bomb off individually, before replacing them on the rings again, “I’m good too.”
“Okay, weapons are good, comms are good…what else?” Etho murmured, probably talking more to himself than them.
“Cameras?” Grian asked, “we should test the cameras quickly before we head in.”
“Right, good call,” Etho agreed, “I’ve got my laptop set up already, it should connect the moment you turn the camera on. Gem, try yours first.”
Gem reached up to a bead on the other side of her necklace, this one had a small, almost invisible black dot in it. She twisted it once, stopping when she heard the click, indicating that the bead was now held in place, camera permanently facing forward.
“It’s activated,” she informed Etho, “I’m aiming it on Grian.”
She turned to face the other man who smiled and waved at the camera.
“I know you can’t see it, but I waved back to you, Grian.” Etho hummed, “yours is working Gem, now let’s try Grian’s.”
Grian had a chain necklace, not beads, so Etho had attached the camera to his vest. Grian brought a hand to the pocket on his chest, as if he was going to open it, instead he twisted the button, until Gem heard another click just like hers
It was a silver button with an engraved pattern on it. Within one of the grooves, Gem could make out a small dark spot, invisible if you didn’t know where to look.
“Activated,” Grian called, moving so he was face to face with her, “aimed at Gem.”
“I see her,” Etho replied, “can you wave for me? Or do some sort of movement to make sure it gets picked up?”
Gem waved at the camera.
“Perfect.” Etho said, and Gem could hear a faint sound of him clapping his hands together, “I think that’s everything.”
“Great,” Gem replied, “and everyone knows the plan right?”
“You do the talking, I keep an eye out for anything suspicious, Etho handles cameras and informs us of anything we might not see.” Grian said, easily.
“You can talk too, Grian.” Gem huffed, partially joking, partially making sure Grian didn’t think he was just supposed to be silent.
Grian shot her an easy smile, “of course,” he agreed, “you just do most of it because sexist bastards will see you as less of a threat.”
“And because she’s the better liar,” Etho added.
“And because you’re the better liar.” Grian hummed.
“I will also be trying to find records or documents that might give us more proof,” Etho muttered, and Gem could hear the soft tapping of his fingers on a keyboard, “so far I’ve come up blank though, so the confession seems like our best bet right now.”
Gem smiled, “loud and clear, Etho.”
“We good to go in now?” Grian asked, turning toward the bar across the street from where they were.
“Yes. Remember, don’t drink anything—you both have your fake glasses, right?”
Gem pulled two glasses from her purse, they both looked like they had a liquid inside, in reality it was completely solid. “Filled and ready to go,” she replied.
“Perfect, I think you’re good to head inside then. Be careful.”
Grian snorted as they made their way across the street, “you drive a hard bargain, Slab, but I’ll do my best.”
In her ear Gem heard Etho let out an incredibly laboured sigh, as if he wasn’t just as bad. She usually called him out for it but now they were standing in front of the door, meaning the mission was in progress.
Of course Grian got the last word too, he was definitely smug about that.
She looked over at Grian, who offered her a quick smile in return. She felt immediately more relaxed, taking a deep breath and reminding herself that her friends would always have her back.
She stared at the door for a moment longer, taking in the building.
A simple brick building that was finally starting to witness the effects of old age. With crumbling bricks and a faded black awning. The neon sign up above was barely working, only the ‘O’ on the word Drop was still glowing. On the door, there was a slightly folded for hire sign.
Funny how such a simple building was the scene of one of the greatest crime labs in the city.
She pulled the two glasses from her purse, handing one to Grian. With a final nod, Gem pushed the door open.
Immediately, her ears filled with the sound of light chatter and sloshing drinks.
Some soft, ambient music played in the background, barely audible below the noisy chatter of the bar customers.
It was very crowded, Gem couldn’t see a single open table, people were standing about, some moving around, stumbling, and some still able to walk.
She scrunched her nose as the smell of alcohol and sweaty bodies assaulted her senses, resisting the urge to gag as some drunk person bumped into her before staggering in the other direction.
Slipping in unnoticed was incredibly easy with the overwhelming amount of people in the bar, the low lighting also helped with their cover, though Gem found that it was not easy on her eyes.
The lights were dim and colored, making everything very difficult to see. Coupled with a bunch of drunk and actively drinking people…Gem wasn’t surprised they’d gotten away with their work for this long.
She’d lost Grian almost instantly when they’d entered, it made her a little nervous not knowing where he was, but she knew they would be fine.
They always were.
She began pushing her way through the various patrons, slowly making her way to the bar stand at the front.
As she walked, she caught a whiff of vomit somewhere near the wall and once again had to force herself not to gag. Swallowing hard she set her jaw, eyes locked onto the now visible bar stand.
She had a job to do and some stupid person’s throw up was not going to stop her.
It was probably a good thing, considering that the drinks were almost definitely spiked
As she got closer, she forced her shoulders to relax, settling into a more casual mindset.
She was just another bar patron, here for a drink like everyone else.
She shifted her hold on her fake glass so that it looked more realistic and plopped down on one of the few empty seats left by the stand.
The bartender spotted her immediately, she saw his eyebrows raise slightly before he made his way over to her.
“We forgot to check if the cameras picked up sound,” Etho’s voice suddenly played in her ear.
Gem breathed sharply at the realization, her hand clenching a little tighter around her glass. In a split second decision she fumbled with her necklace, fiddling with the beads to find the one that activated her comm.
She felt her shoulders relax as her finger slipped over the button, pressing it quickly.
This way Etho would still get some audio feedback, even if the cameras didn’t work.
“That’s a pretty necklace you got there,” the bartender observed as he stopped in front of her.
Gem offered him a practiced, slightly lopsided smile, she batted her eyes a little, playing into the dumb but pretty stereotype, “thank you.”
He offered a charming smile back, Gem noticed that it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I don’t believe I saw you come in, little lady.”
Little lady ? the nerve of this man, Gem had never wanted to punch someone more, that would show him how ‘little’ she was.
“Don’t let it affect you, Gem. You’re better than that.” Etho’s placating voice sounded, “I know you are.”
She took an inaudible deep breath, reminding herself of the stakes at hand.
She had to stay in character.
She shrugged, frowning slightly to show her confusion, “it’s pretty crowded, maybe you missed me.”
“Maybe,” the bartender agreed, though his tone suggested he didn’t believe that. She saw his eyes dart to the glass in her hand, “I served you?”
Gem gave him a goofy smile, playing up her laugh a little, “well duh, Mister, I wouldn’t have a drink otherwise.”
He smiled back at her, it still didn’t reach his eyes, “of course,” he agreed, scrutinizing her. “though I’m sure I would’ve remembered a pretty face like yours.”
Gem widened her smile, leaning in a little to swat at him, “well aren’t you a charmer!” She hummed.
“Well,” he said, that fake, practiced smile appearing on his face again, “I can't help myself with such a lovely thing like you. Why don’t I get you another drink, I’ll remember your face this time.”
Gem fought down the panic that suddenly spiked in her gut, the only outward indication of it being the quick inhale she’d spent years making quiet, and the slightest clenching of her hand on her glass.
“Do I need to come over?” Grian asked, “call the safe word and I’m there.”
“We’ve got your back, Gem.” Etho reminded her, and she could hear some quiet fiddling in the background. Then he let out a sudden, “yes! The camera audio works.”
She heard Grian whisper a quiet, “yes!” And suddenly everything felt more manageable again.
She didn’t need to use the safe word, she could get herself out of this.
“No thank you,” Gem hummed, leaning in a little closer, and batting her eyelashes, she hated doing this, “I’m ah, not exactly here for drinks.” At the end of her statement, she let out a soft, high pitched giggle.
“Ohhhh you’re pulling that card.” Etho realized.
“Yeah! Seduce that bitch, Gem.” Grian encouraged, his voice a barely audible whisper through the comm.
He was whispering so that people wouldn’t get suspicious, it would be better if he didn’t talk at all but—Gem appreciated his support, they all had each others’ backs.
The bartender's eyebrows raised slightly, and he leaned in as well, Gem discreetly pushed her glass further away.
“Is that so?” He inquired, and this time his smile was different, it wasn’t the practiced one he put on for show, it was hungry and intrigued.
It reached his eyes.
Got ya
“Do tell me, little lady, what are you here for?”
“There’s a door, hidden behind the far left shelf in the stand.” Grian’s voice filtered softly through her ear, “I don’t know if you can see it through the video cameras Etho, but there’s a small lock on the side of it, requires a code.”
Gem fought down the urge to look for the door, that would be suspicious, right now she had to focus on gaining this man’s trust.
She reached out a hand, laying it carefully on the bartender's chest, “well their bartender’s a really good looking guy,” she said sweetly.
“Remember that time Pearl kissed you?” Etho asked suddenly, causing a bright pink blush to coat her cheeks as she recalled the memory. “See, now you’re blushing.” Etho hummed, a grin evident in his voice, “makes you more legit.”
She glanced up at the bartender, before glancing away, feigning nervousness.
“Well,” he said quickly, clearing his throat. And Gem felt his hand wrap around hers on his chest, “I’m sure he’s flattered to have caught the eye of such a pretty thing like you.”
When she looked up again he was fully leaning against the bar, their faces far too close for Gem’s liking, but she didn’t recoil.
It’s for the mission.
“Perhaps he’d even be willing to go out for dinner with you.” He mused, winking at her.
She let out that bright high pitched giggle again.
“What did Pearl’s hands on your jaw feel like?” Etho murmured in her ear, “darken that blush a little.”
“I think I’d have to get a couple more drinks to have the confidence for that.”
And then, for just a second, his smile dropped, eyes flashing with panic. The hand holding hers loosened and she saw the other one drum lightly against the bar.
Hook, line, and sinker
In her ear, Etho let out a low whistle, impressed.
“Could you get me another, Mister…?”
He put the smile back on his face, and Gem had to give him credit, from one actor to another, he was pretty good.
Not better than her though.
“Where are my manners?” He chuckled, “Silas Hart, and yours, darling?”
Oh he was doing petnames now, Gem was so going to throw up when she was done here.
She plastered a small, giddy smile on her face, flashing it back at him, “Taylor Grace.” She said, the code name rolling off her tongue as naturally as her actual one. “Now how about another drink?”
Silas’ smile faltered slightly before he caught himself and fixed it, “ah, perhaps it would be best if you refrained from drinking, darling.”
Gem pouted, leaning in close and looking up at him through her lashes, “why not.”
He hesitated, clearly starting to grow uncomfortable.
So Gem pushed harder, “do you think I can’t handle it?”
His eyes widened a fraction, clearly panicked, and he stammered, trying and failing to form a response.
Gem let out an offended gasp, “you don’t think I can take it?! How dare you!”
Silas’ eyes widened a little more and he hastily grabbed her hands, leaning in as he whispered, “nonono—of course you can take it darling, it’s just—”
“What? It’s just what?” She demanded.
His eyes darted around nervously before he perused his lips and leaned in even closer, “can you keep a secret for me, love?”
“Of course,” Gem replied, softening her features to appear kind and gentle.
“This entire bar is a facade, the drinks are spiked, darling.”
“We need a little more” Etho said, and Gem could hear the excitement in his voice, they were close, it encouraged her.
She stared at Silas, pretending to be confused, before breaking into a smile and letting out another high pitched laugh, "You're so funny, Silas,” she giggled, “I get it now, you were joking.”
The way Silas’ expression dropped almost made the entire exchange worth it.
“No, darling, no I’m not joking—there’s a whole lab beneath us, I make drugs that I test on the patrons. I’m not joking, you can’t have a drink, please—”
“Got it!” Etho cheered through the comms. “The mission can end when you call the word now.”
Gem smiled, they’d done what they’d set out to do, but she wasn’t done yet.
“So you’re telling me,” Gem said, leaning in conspiratorially, “there’s an underground lab beneath this bar?”
“Yes.” Silas said, “and they’ve spiked all the drinks love so you can’t have any.”
“Right.” Gem scoffed, “so when does this joke end?”
The desperate look in his eyes was everything, “darling I’m being serious—look,” he turned and pointed to the far left shelf, “that’s a door, it’s behind there.”
Gem squinted at the shelf, now that she was properly looking at it, she could see the lock Grian was talking about.
She put a frown on her face, turning back to Silas, “I don’t believe you.”
“What can I do to make you believe me?” Silas asked, desperation clear in his voice.
If Gem didn’t know any better she’d find it sweet.
“Show me.” Gem said softly, “so that I know you care and that you don’t just think I can’t handle it.”
“Oh my gosh, Gem.” Etho whispered, sounding awed, “you absolute genius.”
Silas was completely panicking now, caught between wanting to keep his business safe and wanting to get the girl.
Men were weak
“I would darling, but there’s no one else here to run the bar.” He said quickly, “ if you stay until closing I will show you I promise. Just don’t drink anything before then.”
Gem was more than willing to wait that long.
“Fine.” She pouted.
Suddenly, she felt a body brush past her, red jumper and a leather vest with messy dirty blond hair, “hello!” Grian said brightly, catching Silas (and Gem) off guard.
She gave him a confused look, he mouthed ‘trust me’ back to her, she gave a slight nod.
“Hello?” Silas replied, confused, “how may I help you?”
Grian offered him a nervous smile, really playing up that anxious young adult vibe, “I saw your for hire sign outside, I’m here to be hired.” He explained.
Gem grinned, a wide shit-eating grin spreading across her face.
Grian was a fucking genius.
She schooled her expression quickly, reaching out to hold Silas’ hand and get his attention, leaning in close she whispered, “you could hire him and take a break,” then she pulled back and winked.
Silas hesitated for a second, so Gem put on the best puppy dog eyes she could muster.
He sighed and turned back to Grian, who gave him another awkward smile, his hands clasped behind his back as he rocked on his heels.
Gem was the better actor, but Grian knew his stuff. That was why they worked so well together.
“Okay, I’m going to step out for just a moment, you are going to run the bar, if you can handle it, I’ll hire you.”
Grian nodded vigorously, smile widening, “of course, I won’t let you down sir.”
“Right, now just come back here.” Silas muttered, opening a small gate on the side to let Grian behind the stand, Gem easily followed suit, flashing Silas another charming smile and leaning against him.
He relaxed and wrapped an arm around her almost instantly.
So weak.
Gem saw him turn to survey the other bar patrons for just a moment, before he pressed a hidden button on the inside of the counter that made a curtain fall down around the bar, hiding it from view.
“Now here are some quick ground rules for you, boy.” He said, “we always start with the stuff on the right first, the left shelf is a last resort, don’t touch it unless you can’t find what you need anywhere else, understood?”
“Yes sir.” Grian said, nodding quickly.
“Great.” Silas said. From her position at his side, Gem could feel him take a step back, moving closer to the left shelf.
“Okay, you see that button under the counter?” He asked.
Grian turned, and Gem knew he spotted it immediately, but he pretended to look for a few seconds before straightening and saying, “yes!”
“The button moves the curtains,” Silas explained, “remember that.”
“I will never forget.” Grian promised.
“Okay, and finally, let me tell you a little secret, lad.”
He leaned it a little, beckoning for Grian to come closer.
Grian rushed over, playing the character of a slightly starry-eyed young adult a little too well.
“A good bartender is always facing his patrons,” Silas said gravely, “they never look away, not unless they absolutely have to, you understand.”
“Yeah,” Grian said quickly, vigorously nodding his head once again.
“Good. So where should you be?” Silas prompted.
Grian’s eyes widened and he straightened suddenly, “right!”
The moment his back was turned, Silas turned around to type in the code and unlock the door, the left shelf sliding open silently. Revealing a staircase into darkness.
He wrapped an arm around her and they walked inside together.
“1-9-8-6,” Etho said, “your camera caught him entering the code, Gem.”
“The year he was born? Really?” Grian huffed, “amateur.”
“Two years after, actually.” Etho corrected, “at least according to his file. You gonna follow, Grian?”
“Old man,” Grian murmured, “yeah, in a sec.”
Gem couldn’t help but feel a little relieved. She was holding her own just fine, but she was kind of getting tired of pretending to like Silas.
“Gem, I’m not sure how big the lab will be, but I’m sure your bomb will be able to do some damage,” Etho muttered thoughtfully, “once we get the pictures of course.”
“Let me know when she’s in the lab, Etho, then I’ll follow.” Grian hummed.
They were still walking down stairs, it was a long staircase, the lab was far down.
Finally, after what felt like eternity, the darkness opened into light, revealing a small lab room.
Bright white walls assaulted her vision, coupled with the acrid smell of chemicals. Loud air from the half working air vent circulated the room, causing her to shiver slightly, bright yellow fluorescent lights flickered overhead, hurting her eyes and making her head pound.
“She’s in the lab, Grian.” Etho informed.
“Great, heading down now.”
Gem pretended to be surprised, walking forward slowly until she stood in the middle of the room, taking care not to bump into any tables or shelves.
She did a slow turn, making sure that both she and also her camera could take everything in.
“Huh,” Etho hummed, “I expected it to be bigger, but they’ve done a great job with storage. Kind of impressive honestly.”
“See,” Silas spoke up, gesturing with his hands, “I’d never lie to you, darling.”
“Wow,” Gem whispered, “so you’re like a—mad scientist or something?” She fixed him with a sultry look, batting her eyelashes again.
He smiled back at her, puffing his chest out, “you could say that,” he agreed.
“So you must be really smart, huh?” She hummed, leaning against his chest and looking up at him.
“Ah well, if you say so,” he grinned. “Shall we go back now?”
“Grian’s almost down, stall him a bit longer.” Etho said quickly.
“Thank goodness,” Grian huffed, “I thought the stairs would never end.”
Gem looked up at Silas and pouted, “you’re not gonna show me around?”
She could see small beads of sweat starting to form on his brow, he was so clearly out of his depth.
Amatuer.
“I suppose showing you a few things couldn’t hurt.” He replied, and Gem could hear the slightest tremor in his voice.
“Come let’s see…this powder here is a special concoction that alters neurons.” He explained gesturing to various containers of a fine white powder.
“That’s so cool,” Gem grinned, pretending to be starry-eyed, “you’re so smart.”
“Why thank you,” Silas said, grinning proudly, “I figured it out all by myself.” He leaned in a little closer, “and…the authorities are none the wiser.”
“Is that so?” Etho joked, “You can break his heart now Gem.”
Gem smirked, the first real smile she flashed in what had felt like hours, “you had a good run, Silas Hart.”
Pulling away from him she produced the badge hidden under her sleeve, brandishing it to him, “you’re under arrest for unethical experimentation and drug use.”
Silas’ face dropped, eyes going wide as sheer panic took over his expression. He turned, attempting to bolt toward the stairs.
Unfortunately for him, Grian appeared in the hallway, blocking off his only exit. His own badge sat easily on his vest, glinting under the lights.
“Going somewhere?” He taunted, flashing a cocky smile.
“Back up is on their way, detaining him should be enough.” Etho informed them.
Silas’ eyes darted between the two of them, fear and desperation evident in his expression.
Grian produced two sets of handcuffs from his pocket, tossing one to her with a flick of his wrist, Gem caught it easily, slowly stocking toward Silas.
He’d called her a ‘little lady’ Gem was going to give him what he deserved.
At the last second his expression changed, a crazed smile taking over his face as he flung something at her.
Grian let out a shout, rushing forward as Gem was hit by a sticky, powdery, pinkish substance, she felt a little on her lips, and a slightest taste on her tongue, it was kind of sweet honestly.
But she didn’t let the addicting taste entice her, backing away as she immediately began spitting profusely.
She would not ingest anything this man gave her.
Despite her best efforts, Gem could feel her head starting to go fuzzy, the feeling in her body slowly disappearing.
“Gem!” Grian’s voice sounded loud in her ears, too loud, and the flickering lights seemed too bright, blinding her, the smell was overwhelming, only serving to make the fuzzy feeling worse.
It had spread from her fingertips up her hands now, and her legs were starting to feel weaker with every passing second.
Her head was—it somehow felt too heavy and almost as if it wasn’t there at all, just this fuzziness.
Was it replacing her body? Did she have a body? It definitely didn’t feel like a body.
The lights were still too bright, the noise was still too loud, the smell too prominent.
There was talking, right in her ear, it was loud and she desperately wanted to reach up and plug her ears but she didn’t know if she had hands anymore.
Grian’s sleeves, red sleeves, too red, covered her whole vision as then there was a clang of metal, loud and ringing and Gem couldn’t do anything to block out the sound.
“Gemini Tay.” It wasn’t in her ear this time, it was still loud, still piercing, but it wasn’t directly in her ear.
Someone had said her full name, that got her to focus, pushing all the overwhelming feelings to the background as she focused only on the voice that had uttered her full name.
She couldn’t see the person who’d said her name, could only hear it somewhere off to the side of her. She couldn’t move her head (if she still had a head) to see them.
The voice was familiar though, Etho’s voice, but not in her ear.
Etho was here.
When had that happened?
“Gem.” Etho said, his voice soft and calm, it was still loud to her, but quiet enough to be bearable, “you’re going to be okay.” He said firmly, “I promise.”
And then he leaned forward and Gem was stuck in place with a body she couldn’t move (maybe no body at all?) so all she could do was watch as he produced a syringe and shot her with it.
She didn’t feel a thing as the world went dark.