Tick Tock Part One - Hickory

The Third Child

The next three weeks continued just like that. The pattern was almost unsettling. A new routine was forming, one that Reed wasn't sure he liked. They'd do their stakeout, clock out, and then Nines would drive him home. He'd drive him home and just stay there. Any time he had a nightmare, he'd wake up with Nines' firm hands gripping his shoulders. Those hands would then press him back into the mattress with soft assurances. Sometimes he'd lie awake while Nines sat on the edge of his bed, neither of them speaking to break the silence until it was time for him to get up. At other times, when there was still a few hours left before his alarm, Nines would gently turn him over and massage his shoulders, lulling him into a dreamless sleep. He always made him breakfast before they returned to the precinct. Sometimes went into stasis for a while, recharging, organising and updating his files, something he couldn't do at Reed's apartment. While Nines was busy with that, Reed would drink his first coffee and have his first cigarette before either having his session with Dr Marr or getting to work on the other open cases. They'd break for lunch, talk over the case, liaise with Hank and Connor over the phone, and then take over the stakeout.

The lack of activity made him worry their instincts were wrong, that this wasn't one of their guys, but then Adams made his move. Nines drove at quite a distance, staying out of sight while instantly alerting patrol cars of their location to ensure they kept the streets clear of marked cars. They didn't want to spook their suspect. Adams drove around the same area, almost like he was looking for something. The pickup truck pulled over to the curb and Nines stopped too. Reed was worried that they'd been spotted at first. Nines had kept their headlights off in the dim evening light, but that didn't mean Adams couldn't have noticed. Reed tapped his arm and nodded towards the alley just across from the pickup. That's a YK600! He was sure of it. He could see a blue LED glowing in the darkness.

The small android was cautious as he crossed to the window, which must have wound down so they could talk. The android child seemed timid but relaxed, shy but at ease. Don't...don't you do it, kid. Reed watched warily as the small brunette reached out and opened the door, cursing quietly as he climbed inside and the door shut. The pickup pulled away moments later. Reed looked at Nines, his jaw tight. They couldn't just pull him over now, not if they wanted to catch all three. Nines nodded quietly, waiting a few seconds before pulling out and crawling after him. Adams circled the area a little longer before returning home. Nines parked a little further up the street and they watched as Adams climbed out. Reed couldn't help scooting lower in his seat as Adams looked around, obviously reluctant to be seen. Luckily, they were too far back to be noticeable.

"You recording this?" Reed checked in a hushed tone as he watched the passenger door open. Adams lifted the small android down to his feet and rested a hand on his upper back, caressing the thick puffy jacket he was wearing. The android smiled innocently, willingly going with him to the front door. What is he even thinking? Whatever happened to don't talk to strangers?

"Affirmative." Nines' silvery eyes remained unblinking as he zoomed in for closeups of Adams' hand touching the child's back. The boy was an identical model to the first victim, only this time his eyes were a gentle hazel shade rather than a shocking blue. They disappeared inside and the living room light turned on. Reed was anxious. It was always hard to decide when to move. If we catch this guy now, then the kid's safe, but if we don't catch the other two, then there's no guarantee that this sicko will talk...But what will he do to that kid in the meantime? He rubbed a hand over his face with a stressed sigh. He could share his thoughts with Nines, but he didn't really have the experience to make a call like this. Wanting to keep him in the loop, he messaged Hank to let him know what they'd seen, and that they were standing by for more activity or further instructions.