Power of Will, a SAW Fanfiction

Ch. 19 Pre-Saw: A Date With Toni Rosello

Wilhelmina Maddox

Kerry helped her attach a thigh holster under her skirt, the velcro scratching her skin. She couldn't help her twitching fingers as she adjusted the straps to her dress. "I'm nervous," she admitted.

"I don't blame you," Ally pulled at the hem of her dress to help conceal the bulge of the weapon. "I'm not sure how thorough they'll be with their search. You sure you don't want to risk a wire? In case..."

In case things go wrong and there'll at least be some evidence as to what went down. "Yeah, I'm sure. Remember, I'm armed. We'll be in public. And there's Hoffman."

"Yeah." Ally tried to smile but couldn't quite get there. "Will," she took her wrist and gave her a squeeze. "Be careful out there."

Will nodded and left the locker room. Normally, during an undercover sting like this, the guys would whistle and throw some playful remarks, for irony's sake, at seeing one of their own in a ridiculous costume. She stepped out, hooker heels tall and her red dress tight. Everyone stood around with arms folded and stiff frowns painted on.

Tapp looked her up and down, nodding in begrudging approval. "You'll need a coat. It's cold out there."

Perez provided something long and warm, the thick black wool covering her calves.

Peter Strahm approached with his arms folded, eyebrows furrowed. "Remember. Appeal to his ego when he begins showing hostile behavior. But maintain a distance to keep him interested. And even though we won't have it on record, try to get as much intel as you can."

She nodded and he put a hand on her shoulder. "Stay on your toes."

Kerry drove her back to their apartment, now with the task force in separate vehicles and positioned at every corner of the block. She had been running on non stop adrenaline rushes since the day began, her knee bouncing as she sat in the car seat. The various tips of her colleagues echoed in her mind.

"Keep him in your view."

"Stay on his good side."

"Don't show fear."

Was this it? She tried not to think about it, but the harsh fact that she could die that night was like a terrible fog swallowing her up. It wasn't an ideal way to go, by any means. She wanted Rosello behind bars and many others like him before she finally kicked the bucket.

"We'll get him, Ally. I'm not sure about tonight. But I'll figure something out." Her friend didn't reply and instead, put on the radio. The traffic report droned on.

Once they reached their destination, she got out of the car. No sooner had she stepped out than the familiar black limo pulled up behind their car, the driver fast with patting her down and opening the back door for her. He let her keep her all weapons, from the guns attached to her thigh to the one in her purse. Even the mace was allowed to stay. Will waved a farewell to her roommate who nodded back with as much a brave face as she could muster.

She slid in, her partner on the driver's side of the bench seat. Mark looked straight ahead, barely acknowledging her entrance. They were immersed in a typically luxurious interior. Leather seats, a small television, and a minibar greeted her. The smell of car leather, cigar smoke, and cologne wafted through.

Sitting across from her, the great round blob of a creature, grinned back at her. "'Evening, Red." She couldn't tell when his pupils ended and his irises began. He either was high or just a soulless beast. She knew it was the latter.

She smiled back at the grease slicked hair and freshly shaven face. "Mr. Rosello."

"Please. Call me Toni when we're out here like this." His eyes glittered and invaded her space with hunger. "You look nice. Real nice."