Halo And Horns

Chapter 13: Bluff then Despair

When Sam had told his wife, what had happened to their daughter, she had gone white and passed out. Now he stood outside the room, watching through the glass window as the nurses treated her. He didn't know what to do or think but he was sure of one thing; he would bring Nick to justice even if it's the last thing he did. He wouldn't rest until he was sentenced to death. Until the world cheered as the Joker was laid to rest.

"Sam," said a familiar voice from behind.

He turned to see Charles along with the captain of their precinct, Captain Cory Bounds, who looked particularly sympathetic. Captain Bounds was known to give moral support whenever a fellow officer dealt with the loss of a loved one and this time, unlike most other times, was different as he felt it was his fault too for not being able to catch Nick before it had happened.

"It's not something you should blame yourself about, sir," Sam said, without looking at him. "Beth... She isn't the only person to die because of Nick, and if we're to blame you, sir, we're to blame every single cop, in every town and city he's been to. Blaming gets us nowhere."

Captain Bounds' shoulders relaxed and he let out a deep and long sigh to which Charles looked at him, curiously. "Sam, you should stay with your wife. We will find Nick and take him in. You're in no condition to carry out your duties right now and your family needs you."

"No," Sam refused sharply. "My family needs that man behind bars and I will be the one to do it."

Bounds put a gentle hand on Sam's shoulder and looked at him with kind green eyes. "I understand how you must be feeling but you can't let your emotions take you over and at a time like this, that is impossible. I promise you, Sam, that we will bring him in. So please, just take a leave of absence, stay with your wife and son."

Sam glared sharply into Bounds' eyes which made even Charles tense up. "I refuse. I will pursue this case. I will be the one to bring Nick in. I have to do this."

"If we let his victims take charge of his case, we'd no longer need the cops."

"No, but I am a cop. It's different in my case."

The Captain let out another, defeated, sigh and said, "Fine. But if you let your emotions take over your mind, if you even take a step outside the walls of the law, we will have to pull you out. We will have to suspend you."

"I know," Sam avowed then turned without so much as a glance at his partner's direction and walked away.

After escaping the wrath of Sam, Nick fled back to his place. He hurried inside, and saw Vivian laying on the couch, fast asleep with the Television turned on loudly to a game of soccer. Nick turned the volume down and then turned it off before bringing a blanket from Vivian's room and tucking her with it.

Nick stayed for a brief moment, looking at her face as she slept. She looked vulnerable but he would never touch a hair on her head. She looked younger when she slept and like always, looked kind. She was a kind woman, reminded Nick a little about Susan, which is why the old lady had grown on him. Which is why he must move out. He wouldn't want her getting caught up in all this. She was innocent, so at least that assured him that no one who follows the law would dare harm her.

Nick went to his room and started packing up. He opened the bag he had brought with him when he first moved in and packed in what little clothes he had with him then carefully, placed Clary's Necklace into a smaller hidden pocket inside of it.

"Why have you made yourself known?" the devil's familiar voice spoke and Nick understood that it was now standing behind him, watching as he packed.