Where Snapdragons Lie

Secluded Switch.

"So whats the plan now?" I ask as I munch on a slice of pizza back in Pierce's kitchen. Delilah and I had been chatting for over an hour trying to get the details out of the way. Turns out one of our own half-assed the search and didn't pat Honen down after he passed the metal detector test. Even though we told him he was a high risk suspect. God fucking dammit. The pills were arsenic, not cyanide, according to the autopsy. 

"There's only a few things we can do, and that's interrogate each and every one of the kids we have in custody. I've got everyone taking as detailed notes as possible and giving us access to all of the tapes," She said, "With any luck, maybe, we can shut this operation down now that hes dead."

"That just leaves us to do what now? We cant destroy Blight 2.0 yet right? WE still need more information about it," I said. I hear her mumble in agreement. There's a high chance that lab techs are already working on breaking down how this thing came about. Maybe we can call Rae's Aunt Anita again. Just a thought. 

"Can I ask you something quick Madga? Its about your infusions."

"Yeah, what?"

"Have you had any issues lately? Shamar, Kenshey, and Ness have all had issues with wrong bags. Its completely out of character for the hospital staff."

I scratched my head and remembered my fainting spell from my last infusion.

"Fuck yeah, someone gave me the wrong back and I almost passed out. So that means there has been at least..." I counted in my head, "Four switches, including me. That messed up shit."

"I know," Delilah said enthusiastically. I took another bite of pizza and glanced over at Pierce. He was watching TV on the sofa. "Look, I have a theory. I think these switches may be linked to Swosh, but I can't tell for sure. We need more definitive proof. That's where we come in".

"Alright, whatever it is, I'm in." 

"I'm going with Ness to the emergency room. We need you to fake an injury and keep people occupied while she goes in to spy. Can you do that?"

I thought for a moment. As interesting as this sounds, we're still under the federal law and can't just go undercover when we feel like it. 

"Does Chief know?" I asked.

"He does, and if Shamar can find some more reported complaints about switched bags he will give us permission to follow through."

"Sounds good," I said smacking the table with vigor, "Keep me updated."

"We're aiming for tonight," She added before hanging up abruptly. 

Dammit Delilah! She knew I would have objected to that. Shit. I peered over at Pierce again. I guess I do need to go back to my place eventually. But being here with him is pretty spectacular. I gobble the rest of my pizza and rush over to jump directly on top of him. He lets out a grunt.

"Mind warning me before you do that?" he complained rubbing his thigh.

I kissed his forehead, "Sorry wanted to make a lasting impression. I have to get back to my apartment. "

"What for?" he said giving me puppy dog eyes.

"Work shit," I told him. "They're calling an emergency meeting." That wasn't too much of a lie. I am meeting Delilah and Ness. It is an emergency. I'm not really lying to him.

"Life of a detective never stops does it?" He asked me.

My phone buzzed. Delilah texted me.

We're in the clear. Meet you at the station in 30 min.

"Nope, never does" I wrap him in a tight hug.