Dickory

A Difficult Admission

A few days later found Nines sitting at his desk, LED spinning yellow as he regarded Reed's empty seat. He hadn't spoken about it since that day. He'd refused to speak about it, changing the subject each time Nines gently broached it. He wouldn't even give him a straight answer on how he felt, perhaps because he didn't know himself. The only small comfort Nines had was the gentle assurances from Dr Marr that he had spoken about it, albeit reluctantly, under the condition that he wasn't referred to as a victim. Conditions she had respected. Since meetings were confidential, she couldn't give him any further details, but she did give him some advice.

Keep to his current wellbeing schedule. Don't let him slip. No extra coffee or cigarettes as a coping mechanism. Regular healthy meals as often as possible, with the occasional treat of course. Physical activity was important, so Nines had arranged with Connor to make sure Reed had plenty of opportunities to use the gymnasium. He insisted a minimum of four times a week, and both of them offered multiple times a day. Reed would often take them up on it, finding himself with excess energy that he needed to get out, especially with the unexpected direction their case had taken.

On the second of January, Connor had received the unwelcome news from Colin and Perkins. The bullet used to shoot the PC200 had an ornate G engraved in the casing. It had been delicate work, partially destroyed with the warping of the bullet, but still clearly visible to Colin's eyes. The gun model had been a standard Glock. Mass produced, difficult to trace, likely unregistered. The model's handle matched the shape of the bruising on Reed's temple, suggesting the shooter had incapacitated him after saving him. Nines had attempted to put off Colin and Perkins' attempts to set up an interview with Reed. He had stated on numerous occasions that Reed had been under the influence of Rohypnol and had no memory of the attack or later events. He didn't even remember him taking him home afterwards.

"Detective Reed." Nines' head snapped up the moment he saw Perkins approaching the barriers and Reed just returning from therapy. Nines' LED was spinning red as he pushed himself to his feet, intimidation protocols activating as he stalked across the bullpen. He was already aware of his brother's approach. Colin's hand on his arm didn't even slow him down as his towering form marched right over to Perkins and placed he himself directly between the two humans. Reed had barely given a surprised greeting himself before Nines was in front of him like a steel wall, hands clenched behind his back as he likely glared down at Perkins. "Detective Nines," Perkins greeted politely, apparently unperturbed.

"My apologies, I was unable to prevent his intervention," Colin apologised somewhat timidly, unsure which side he really wanted to be on at this point. He agreed with Perkins that they needed to speak to Reed and at least attempt to get some details, but he also quietly agreed with Nines. Humans were fragile, Detective Reed included. The situation needed to be handled delicately, and Reed's mental stability should be put above the case. Perkins reluctantly disagreed with that last part. The Hickory Killer was actively killing people. Detective Reed's peace of mind was of less importance than the continued loss of life. Colin knew Richard Perkins better now, and he could tell the words had left a bitter taste in his mouth, even as he'd said them the day before.

"It's alright. The detective's concern is...understandable," Perkins relented as he waved a dismissive hand in Colin's direction. Nines remained firm as he shielded Reed from view, his silvery gaze almost menacing as he stared down at Perkins. His concern may have been understandable, but it hardly mattered now that Reed had come face to face with him. Nines had no doubt that Reed would voluntarily speak to the agents despite whatever reservations he had. It was why Perkins had timed his entrance to coincide with the end of Reed's therapy session. He'd likely hoped to catch Reed somewhere away from his desk before he could stop him. "However, I'm sure that he understands that this is an active serial killer case and any information could be invaluable." Perkins was clearly trying to lure Reed in while making Nines feel bad. It was a dirty move. Nines did not feel bad. His LED blipped red again before settling on yellow.