Alexander (Grimm) - Crossover AU

Chapter 23

"When is the last time you saw your son Mrs. Jansen?"

The older woman had a napkin clenched in her hand. Her eyes were slightly puffing. Given the situation you can understand why. So far Nick has questioned both siblings of Ellis Phills and managed to speak with two of Jessie Clements' war buddies. Finding relatives or friends for Anthony Fledger is proving to be a bit difficult, but Wu is still working on it, so you know it'll just be a matter of time.

"I spoke to him two weeks ago. He was so excited. He was finally moving on after the divorce."

"And that's the divorce with Hayley Jansen."

She nodded.

"Hayley isn't a bad person. My son just hit a rough patch after he came back from the war. He wasn't the same. It was hard for them, but he was finally getting his life together. I know it. He was four years sober. He was going to talk with Hayley, make peace." She sobbed, then started crying again and Nick reached over, offering her another napkin as he turned towards the glass. You sighed.

Another dead end. With how deep her grief was, there's no way she's responsible for what happened. Hank has already talked to Hayley and she wasn't in much better shape. This case was driving you crazy.

A few minutes later Nick steps out, guiding Mrs. Jansen out as he passes her his card. When he moves to you, there's a slight look of defeat.

"She's too broken to even lay a hand on him. Records confirm what she said. He's been attending an Alcohol Anonymous meeting for the last three years after he was discharged."

Your eyes shift between the board and Nick.

"Wait.."

You grab a marker, heading to the board. When you start scribbling, Hank looks over from his seat and Nick steps closer.

"Jansen was in the military. Jessie was a navy officer. Anthony was a medic with a seal team. Was Ellis also a soldier?"

Hank nods.

"Ten years with the air force." He confirmed.

"That's the connection. Whoever this is, they're gathering soldiers, but for what?"

Nick doesn't have an answer to that question. It feels like you all have been staring at the pictures and names for days, when in actuality it's been less than twenty-four hours.

"We need a break to come back fresh. I can't think, much less solve this right now. How about we all call it a day."

You'd like to say you aren't tired, but you're honestly a little exhausted and a lot aggravated. The deeper you get into this the more questions pop up.

"You guys can call it, I'm going to stay for another hour, just to double check some things." Nick intends to persuade you otherwise, but you're already walking away with the stack of files.

"We should probably keep an eye on her. She has that look in her eyes." Hank warns.

Nick was thinking the same. He knows that serial killers are an area that you tend to take more personally. It's obvious why. They are all aware of your father's past with his own demon. Nick just hopes that your obsession doesn't cloud your judgment or reasoning.

"I'll look after her."

It's all he can really do at the moment.

~

The following day, Nick walks in, he doesn't expect to see you already working. He's usually the first one in. When he left yesterday you assured him that you would at least take a break. When he sees your attire, one thing is clear.

"Did you sleep here last night?"

"Yes."

You're wearing a hoodie and sweats with the police department logo on it. It's obvious that you'd showered in the locker room.

"(Y/N), you can't keep going like this. You need to get some actual sleep."

Not a nap on your couch.

"We have to stop this woman."

"Woman?"

You nod, sliding out a sheet of paper that you'd been scribbling theories on.

"These people were killed with a poison of some kind. It's textbook. Men are more impulsive, messy. Women tend to be more specific, calculated. Given the fact that three of the victims were men, it would be difficult for them to be subdued easily, especially given their background. These deaths were some kind of experiment, I just don't know for what. I'm still trying to place the wesen type too. We should go to the trailer and run through the books."

You turn, and Nick looks at the slight dark circles under your eyes. Your exhaustion is starting to show.

"You're starting to worry me (Y/N)."

"Why, because I want to catch a killer?" You sound defensive.

"No, because you're acting like you're obsessed."

You scoff, pulling back your sheet.

"You don't understand. This woman is dangerous. She could have her next victims right now while we're here playing detectives on each other. We need to stop her. We have to. I need to make sure she doesn't hurt anyone else. "

"Like Thomas McAllister."

The name makes you freeze.

He hadn't meant to stoop that low, but he needs you to understand.

"I know you feel like it's your duty to stop every bad thing out there, but if you're weak, tired, then you can't help us. You can't help them."

Your eyes drift to the victims.

He's right, you know that, but it's hard to walk away. From the second there was mention of a serial killer and you saw the patterns, it's like something in your brain just clicked into overdrive with one goal.

In a lot of ways, you're just like your dad in that instance. When you feel Nick's hand on your shoulder, you turn. The look he sends you makes you partially deflate. You hadn't meant to become so combative, especially with Nick. He's just trying to look out for you.

"I'm sorry.."

He shakes his head.

"You have nothing to apologize for. Go home and get some sleep and get your butt back in here tomorrow. We have a killer to catch."

You smile at him with a nod.