Transformers Prime AU (Book 1) (Wattys 2017)

Chapter Forty Four

Chief Burns got back to the station and furrowed his brow. He was trying not to think the worst case scenario, but was worried about his son. It was getting dark and he had told the other children to get home. He sighed forcefully and ignored the greetings he got. He had to find Chase and Barricade.

"Chief Burns... are you alright?" Chase asked as he walked towards him. He was talking to Optimus and Ultra Magnus about Ironhide. He'd disappeared mysteriously and they were talking about searching for him.

"What? Oh yes... actually no." The Chief said as he rubbed his face tiredly. "Chase did you happen to pick up Cody from school today? I know you do sometimes." He muttered.

"No I did not... was I supposed to?" The officer asked. The other man shook his head slowly and looked at the wall. Optimus recognized that look, he'd had it several times.

"Is everything alright?" Optimus asked quietly as he narrowed his eyes slightly.

"No..." he admitted. "I can't find Cody anywhere. He isn't at school and one of the teachers said he was picked up by an officer. The number of the car is yours and Barricades." He said seriously as he looked at Chase. They all looked at him and he furrowed his brow in confusion.

"I promise I didn't take him anywhere." He said seriously and narrowed his eyes.

"Where is Barricade?" Ultra Magnus asked as he accused the officer. They all gave the young cop a serious look.

"I... honestly don't know.... he went on his lunch break and didn't come back." He said. "Since we were both at the office I didn't really think much of it..." he mumbled and glared as he realized something.

"And you didn't report this?" Magnus glared and folded his arms.

"I did... Chief Burns you have to believe that I would never harm Cody." He said seriously. "Barricade!" He yelled angrily. They all turned to look at the said cop.

"Relax Chase." He said as he smiled slightly. "I'm just taking a shift." He muttered and walked over. "What's going on?" He asked.

"Codys missing and the teachers said they saw your squad car there picking him up." Ultra Magnus said as he narrowed his eyes. Barricade stared at them blankly and got an idea. Blame everything on Chase.

"I was at the hospital. Someone in my family got hurt and I left a message with Jim to say I stepped out." He said seriously and gestured to the man.

"Jim?" Ultra Magnus asked as he raised an eyebrow. The officer walked over and handed him the note.

"I saw Chase leave and he was gone for a few hours." The man said and glared at the cop.

"I went on patrol with Jazz and Bumblebee. They asked for some advice and I gladly accepted." He said as he looked at them.

"But they're on patrol now." Barricade pointed out. "So... where's the boy? Why did you kidnap him?" He asked.

"I didn't." He said firmly and narrowed his eyes. "Everyone of you know that I would never hurt anyone." He said seriously.

"Chase. I'm afraid we're going to have to question you further." Magnus said seriously and led him away. Optimus furrowed his brow and glanced at Chief Burns. This wasn't adding up. Barricade kept a blank expression and walked away with Magnus. He was going to be questioned as well.

"Chief Burns. Will you accompany me down to the school?" Optimus asked and the man nodded once. He was a little out of it as he worried about his son.

They called the principal and had him gather the teachers back at the school. Once they got there Optimus and Chief Burns asked more questions and showed pictures of the two officers. They were there for about two hours before they found someone that actually saw the officer.