The Answer

Chapter 17

Gerard wasn't used to having a desk at the precinct, so when he wandered the floor and found a vacant spot piled high with files he didn't think much of it. On closer inspection, he found his name placard almost buried under the files.

His face got hot with embarrassment. Since when was he so negligent? He'd been so busy processing this alone he almost forgot he was also a detective on this entire case; he was to help deliver justice not only for him but everyone else who helplessly waited for law enforcement to give them some closure.

He sat down at his desk and sifted through the many folders. It was easy to sort out most of them as a vast majority of them were the initial list of suspects that he's asked for on his first day. Since he already knew it was the Doctor, Gerard simply picked out the people he felt would work with a psycho like him.

David was looking at him, a combination of fear and relief on his face as he watched Gerard finally assume his duty in full swing. Gerard decided to focus on the task at hand. Once he handed the larger pile of useless files to a scurrying file boy, he began to go through the witness testimonies from the bomb blast.

He noticed a lot of the witnesses were protesters who were at the Golden Gate Bridge protesting the quarrying of the Northern part of the Golden Gate Recreational area. Gerard knew that Carol and Max often took that particular bus route, but on that day it had taken a detour towards the Golden Gate Bridge. He couldn't help but think the Doctor has something to do with the protests.

According to the testimonies, the plan was to protest at all the outgoing bridges in San Francisco to force people to take a detour towards the Golden Gate Bridge and witness the eye sour which was the approved quarrying work in the recreational area. Gerard knew the Doctor had a vendetta against him, but he also very well knew the Doctor was far more strategic to just plant one random bomb in an attempt to ruin his life.

Once he'd taken what was necessary from the witness testimonies and given back the rest, his desk looked unrecognisably clean. Gerard's life may have fallen apart, but this was the first time he felt like things were getting better. He felt optimistic after such a long time and the only thing he really wanted to do was tell Carol.

A pit fell in his stomach when he realised he won't be able to do that anymore. He'd hoped both Carol and Max had somehow survived the bomb blast, so he'd held a private funeral for them and quietly had them buried in the cemetery. He didn't want to believe it was true, so he didn't call and tell any of their family members. Despite how far he'd come, in that moment he felt like he hadn't moved at all.

Tears welled in his eyes as he thought of how he'd failed them all; he knew Carol's mom would never forgive him. The dreadfully familiar tingling returned to his limbs and he wanted nothing more than to drink until he was numb again. He frowned as dark thoughts crossed his mind, it was time he put them aside and made the most of his time to atone for his selfishness.

"Jack, could you please get me background checks on all the protesters we know of on the day of the explosion." Gerard asked, as the young cop walked by.

There was visible surprise and confusion of his face, probably because Gerard had never actually spoken to anyone at the precinct- let alone nicely.

"Su-sure thing, sir." Jack scurried away, taking the post it of details that Gerard handed to him. He bolted past David, who was a little shocked by how fast a man with something to prove could move. David then proceeded to Gerard desk, nodding in approval.

Gerard waved him off, David's silent praise were lost to Gerard's compounding problems and it showed. "It never gets easier, does it?" He muttered miserably.

"The case? Not until it's solved no." David sighed, sitting down beside Gerard, "Life? I'm not sure anymore."

Gerard turned to look at David; he was surprised to see the optimist turn melancholy. "You look like shit, what's on your mind?" He asked David.

"Let's just say we don't have as much time as we hoped," David replied, "and our current situation has been used to complicate things further."

Gerard nodded, "In that case, let's go grab some lunch. I'm in the mood for a grilled cheese and tomato soup."

"God, you and I both hate tourist food." David complained.

"Let's consider it our penance and strategise." Gerard replied, getting up and slipping on his leather jacket.

David groaned, miserably trying to decide if telling Gerard the entire truth was the best idea. He'd just started to trust Travis and David again, this information could once again shatter whatever they had built out of this whole experience. David was also more largely concerned about how Gerard might take it- considering how he'd been doing so much better since the day of the incident, David was worried he'd put Gerard into an emotional setback.

David's various worries were valid, but time was not on their side. Travis and his brother were already in trouble and the call just confirmed and put a timer on their heads. It was going to be painful, but David was going to have to dish out the truth and perhaps even some tough love.

They made their way to the little cafe around the corner and ordered the dreaded delicacy for two. David tooled his eyes, taking a large swig of his water. "Come on, you loved this stuff when we were first assigned." Gerard smiled.

"I suppose my palette has changed." David replied, sighing.

"You got a call, didn't you?" Gerard asked seriously.

David was surprised by the question, but nodded slowly.

"How long do we have?"

"Thirteen hours, approximately."

Gerard nodded, fishing his phone out of his jacket pocket and opening the app he used to track Travis. "I'm going to take a wager with you, David."

David sat up uncertainly, "What do you mean?"

"I'll tell you where Max is. You take them there and while they're busy with the extraction, I'll bust out Travis and his brother."

"I can't do that." Dravid's eyes widened, whispering in horror.

Gerard smiled, "I have a plan, just hear me out first."

David sat back in his seat, trying to process Gerard's plan. When he looked at it broadly, he couldn't help but notice the plan was much like Swiss cheese- riddled with holes of all sizes.

"We need to improve on this plan, or someone is going to get hurt." David finally said.

"What else is this lunch break for?" Gerard gestured, "I do need you on this one David, more than you know."

David nodded knowingly, thinking of all the possible ways the plan could fall apart and making a mental list of them.

"This is going to take a while, but let's get this done." David said, flagging down a waitress, "Ma'am, please get us each one more of your best grilled cheeses."

She quickly scribbled their order in her little notepad, disappearing like the wind and leaving a 'coming right up!' as she receded back into the café. Gerard looked at David with surprise; this entire situation really was bringing out everyone's younger self.