Mate Undercovers

When Animals Attack

Abby’s POV

I place the evidence folder down on the table and clasp my hands on top of it as Ben looks back at me.

I take a second to examine him close up, the loose, navy jogging suit does well to hide most of the blood splattered across his body, but I can still see clearly the tiny bright red droplets that speckle over his neck and chest.

“You didn’t get a good enough look at me the other night? I suppose we got disturbed before we got to the really fun stuff….” he grins, tilting his head slightly as he stares back at me.

“Do you know why you are here, Ben?” I ask him, looking directly into his eyes.

He leans forward again clasping his hands to mirror my own.

“I mean, I’m not entirely sure. I heard the other cops saying something about an animal attack? I guess you guys should really get on that.” he says. "Are there bears in Central Park? Wildcats? It's a scandal really."

The sarcastic undercurrent in his tone of voice is as plain as the nose on his face.

“This isn’t a joke, Ben.” I state firmly in reply.“I’m here to ask you some questions. Are you willing to comply with me?”

He smiles a little and lifts his chained hand to scratch his stubbled chin just a little.

“Sure why not… let’s do it, Abby.”

We look into each other’s eyes for a short moment.

“Good… Now what-“

“As long as I get to ask you questions too. You know, like a one-for-one kinda deal.” he shrugs nonchalantly.

I clench my jaw together tightly and take a deep breath.

“I’m not the one cuffed to the table, Ben.” I reply.

He laughs and raises his eyebrows in amusement.

“You’ve got me there, Abby, but come on… let’s do it my way. Humour me… You can ask me whatever you like…”

I look into his eyes as he makes me the proposition and decide that if this is the only way I can get him to talk then so be it.

“Fine.” I answer finally, opening up the file to take out a selection of the evidence inside.

I lay out a few pictures of the victim, purposely turning them around and sliding them towards Ben directly.

He doesn’t even bother to look down. He just continues to look at me with that cocky smile etched on his face.

“Do you know this man?” I ask, keeping my expression completely serious and cold.

It’s then that he tears his eyes away from mine to glance down at the photographs on the table.

“Oh, that would be the dead guy. The one from the park.” he answers casually. “So tell me Abby, how long have you been a cop?”

“Do you know his name, Ben?”

He holds up his hand jokingly.

“We had an agreement, detective.”

We stare at each other again for a long second and I can tell that there is no way he will back down.

“Fourteen years in total. Three years as a detective.” I answer honestly.

He raises his eyebrows and nods as though he is thoroughly impressed by my credentials.

“Do you know this man’s name, Ben?”

He glances at the photograph again and nods.

“It’s Nico Sidorov.”

“So you knew him… how?” I ask determinedly.

“Because he’s a bad guy.” he whispers jokingly, before he shrugs once again. “Or should I say was a bad guy… hey, did you always want to be a cop, Abby?”

“Yes.” I answer bluntly. “Now tell me how you came to know this man.”

“Uhh, I think we met at a convention for "bad guys" back in twenty-fifteen, but I can’t be sure, those things always get messy.” he answers flippantly.

I ignore his assholery complete as I stare him down intently.

He begins to chuckle in response.

“Wow… you know, I’d like to chat to Abby from the bar again. She actually laughed at my jokes-“

“Like I said Ben, this is not a joke.” I interrupt plainly.

“Okay fine… I think it’s my question now anyway.”

“You didn’t answer mine, so no Ben, it’s not.” I snap firmly.

He smirks as he leans back in his chair, lifting this hands in mock surrender.

“You run a tight ship, detective. Fire away…”

“You were found tonight standing over the body of this man. What were you doing there?”

He looks up towards the ceiling animatedly as though he is pondering his reply.

“I was out for a walk.”

“Naked?”

He smiles widely at me again.

“I guess so… do you wish you had been there? Because, I have to tell you Abby, you had your chance the other night and you blew it.” he winks.

His words make my insides twist as I’m hit with flashbacks of our kiss in my apartment. At the time I actually labelled it as probably one of the hottest experiences of my life and now here I am… sat staring at the guy as I accuse him of murder. How the f**k did this happen to me?

“Oh I’m glad I wasn’t there. Believe me.” I say, narrowing my eyes at him.

He scrunches his face playfully.

“You wound me, detective.”

“So you say you were out for a walk… naked… I’ll bite… what happened next? You just happened to stumble across the dead body of a man you happened to know? Is that what happened?”

“Uhh yes… exactly like that. Abby, do you prefer Sushi or Italian? I know great places for both.” he asks, shrugging his large shoulders. “I just need to know for our next date.”

“Date? Ben, you have been arrested on suspicion of murder. We have probable cause. We have evidence… we will find more and you will go to jail for the rest of your life.”

“So… Italian?”

“Ben…”

“Okay, listen the jail thing might make things trickier, but not impossible.”

I decide to lean into his attempts to rile me up.

“And you listen to me… there is not a single chance in this lifetime that I will date you. Do you understand me?”

“Little harsh.” he shrugs with a grin before he raises an eyebrow and leans in closely.

“Is this because your ex-husband is watching?” he whispers, nodding his head towards the mirrored glass behind me. “Because hey, I get it… it’s an awkward situation all round, but I’ll soldier through it if you’re game…”

I let out a deep breath and sit back in my chair.

“If you are going to continue on this way… then there is nothing more for us to talk about.” I shrug, gathering up the pictures to stuff them back inside the folder.

I push my chair back and begin to stand up.

“Abby, Abby, Abby… sit down. I’m just messing.” he says adamantly, gesturing for me to sit back down again. “Go ahead… ask me the money question.”

I sit down and hold his gaze.

“Fine… did you kill Nico Sidorov?”

“Yes I did.” he answers plainly, causing my heart to thud inside my chest.

I mean the evidence against him was already overwhelming, but to hear the words come from his lips. It makes me feel sick to my stomach.

“Now let’s get back to some other conversation because frankly, this subject is a little boring. I think we could do better-“

“How did you kill him?” I press, determined to squeeze more out of him in the time I have left.

“With great difficulty actually.” he answers, chuckling a little whilst rotating his shoulder joint. “Asshole really f****d up my shoulder.”

I swallow hard as I stare back at him. The ease with which he answers these questions leaves me with a disturbing thought.

“You talk about this crime like it’s nothing, Ben. Have you killed before?”

The room falls into silence.

He looks pensive for half a second before replacing his mask of indifference and foolery.

“Yeah. You could say that.”

“How many times?” I ask carefully, my eyes widening in horror.

“What… like this year?” he asks, flicking up his fingers one at a time as he begins counting.

Despite his jokey attitude, I know in my gut that he isn’t lying about this. This man has killed multiple times and he has just admitted it to me on the record.

“Why did you kill Nico Sidorov, Ben?”

Just then, the door of the interview room opens and Calvin steps inside. I glare at him in irritation as he drags a chair from the corner over to sit by my side. I knew it was only a matter of time before this asshole would manage to talk his way into the room.

He looks Ben up and down slowly with his best intimidating stare, but his efforts seem to have failed completely as Ben watches him in mild amusement.

“Do you know who I am?” Calvin asks pompously.

Ben leans in towards him.

“Why? Do you not know who you are?”

I watch as Calvin’s jaw tightens inadvertently.

“We met a couple of nights ago. My name is detective Calvin Forbes and I’m in charge of an investigation connected to Nico Sidorov and the organisation he works for.” he states officially.

Ben nods sarcastically feigning interest.

“Good for you Callum…”

“It’s Calvin.”

“Whatever. Oh and you're welcome, by the way.” he winks, pointing his head towards the bundled photographs.

“I didn’t say thank you-“

“You know, I think I’m done now… I mean, three’s a crowd.” Ben shrugs nonchalantly. “Well sometimes… there was this one time I remember… myself and two ballerinas from the New York Ballet-“ he begins before waving his hand dismissively in his cuffs.”You know what, never mind… story for another time, Cal.”

Calvin narrows his eyes angrily. “Actually, I was going to ask-“

“I said I’m done.” Ben interjects, his voice and facial expression completely serious and devoid of any humour.

The tone in his voice immediately sends a tremble through my body and I swear for a brief second I see a hint of fear pass across Calvin’s determined eyes.

The room falls into silence and Ben’s eyes stay locked on Calvin in silent warning.

“Let’s terminate the interview here at 6.05am.” Calvin says with a small tinge of nerves in his voice.

He swallows loudly before he stands up to adjust his suit jacket.

I follow his lead, gathering the evidence folder in my hands.

Ben looks up into my eyes and his expression softens just a little.

“Until next time, Abby.” he says calmly, nodding his head.

Calvin turns to walk out of the room and I follow on behind, glancing over my shoulder briefly to see Ben looking down at his blood stained hands.

***

“Are you alright? You’ve barely said a word since this morning.” Jane says worriedly, placing a cup of coffee down beside me.

“Huh? Yeah, I’m fine, Jane. Really, don’t worry about me.” I say determinedly.

I lift the cup to my lips and scan around the office cautiously. I instantly catch at least four people looking my way before they cast their eyes elsewhere in an effort to disguise their judgemental stares.

Can I blame them?

Nope.

If it had been any other detective who unwittingly almost bedded a psychotic serial killer, you bet your ass I’d be staring at them too.

“Don’t pay any attention to those nosey assholes.” Jane says supportively as she begins eating her sandwich. “You want some?”

I shake my head before taking another drink of coffee.

“They have every reason to stare.” I say quietly, placing the cup down to pinch the bridge of my nose. “God, I’ve never felt so f*****g stupid in all my life…”

“Really?… big words considering you married Cal?” Jane interjects, attempting to cheer me up.

I can’t help but scoff a little in return.

“Wow… you’re right I’m on a roll, huh? I really know how to pick them.”

She shrugs as she chomps on her sub once again.

“Don’t worry. Landon isn’t an asshole and he certainly isn’t a serial killer.” she quips. “I’d know.”

I smile and shake my head at her before returning my attention to the computer screen in front of me.

It’s a transcript of my interview with Ben and I’ve read it over at least five times now.

“He’s a bad guy…”

That’s what he said about Nico Sidorov. How did he know he was a bad guy? Does Ben work for Yuri too? Or for a rival criminal organisation maybe?

God, there are still so many questions left to be answered but it seems like he’s done playing ball… for now anyway.

“Sullivan… can I see you a moment?” Captain Moss calls out to me from the doorway of his office before stepping back inside.

I swallow nervously and stand up, acutely aware of the eyes that are now firmly upon me as I make my way across the precinct.

I do my best to ignore them and hold my head high as I step inside Captain Moss’ office and close the door behind me.

I turn to find him sitting behind his desk with Calvin sitting in a chair across from him.

Oh goodie…

“Yes Captain?” I ask dutifully.

He gestures to the seat beside Calvin.

I sit down and look between them both questioningly.

“That was good work this morning, Sullivan.” Moss says carefully. “Although, the day is not over yet. I was just telling Calvin that the suspect is being transported to appear in front of a judge in the next half hour. I want you both on the transport detail. If this Ben has information on Yuri Pavel, we can’t take any chances. You two know this case inside out, so I need you both on this.”

“It’s not a problem, Captain.” I confirm confidently.

Despite my calm outer demeanour, I already feel slightly nervous at the prospect of seeing Ben again.

I don’t know what the hell it is about him that makes me so… uneasy… I’ve stared multiple killers in the face and have managed to do so completely un-fazed, but with him… something just doesn’t add up.

I know in that moment that I need to get to the bottom of it… all of it.

***

“If he says anything to you or tries to joke around… don’t engage.” Calvin says to me quietly as we walk towards Ben’s cell.

I look at him sideways and shake my head in irritation.

“I’m a professional, Cal. I know what to do when transporting a suspect.” I snap back defensively.

“I know you do.” he answers apologetically for a change. “It’s just… I’ve seen the way this guy looks at you. I’m just looking out for you. That’s all.”

I furrow my brows as we come to a stop outside the cell.

Strangely enough, despite all the disturbing s**t I’ve heard this morning, I don’t feel afraid of Ben. I feel uneasy, sure, but not scared.

The cell is opened and Ben looks towards us from where he sits on the small concrete chair.

His eyes find mine instantly as he is ordered to stand up and put his hands together to be cuffed.

As he is led out of the room, his arm brushes against mine momentarily and the action causes me to pull back nervously. He smiles just a little before looking straight ahead down the long corridor. I can’t help but notice as we make our way through the precinct, just how tall and built Ben is compared with everyone around him. Calvin prides himself on his well-maintained, fit appearance and image, yet next to Ben, he looks pretty second rate…

I quickly shake the thought out of my head and concentrate on scanning our surroundings as we head out the back door and into the armoured van. Ben is placed inside first, before Cal and I shuffle in to take a seat on the opposite side from him. Ben looks at me silently as the doors are closed and locked securely behind us. The silence continues as the drivers take their places in the front of the van.

“Switch with me…” Calvin whispers quietly, his eyes looking at Ben in both disgust and hatred.

“I’m fine.” I answer, looking at him seriously.

I'm f*****g tired of him ordering me around and I’m certainly not about to jump at his command.

It’s then that Ben lets out a breath of air and leans back against the wall of the van.

“I won’t hurt her. You don’t have to worry.” he shrugs, looking at Calvin as though he’s f*****g stupid.

Calvin narrows his eyes.

“Well, I can see that. Your f*****g hands are cuffed together. Now why don’t you look elsewhere.”

Ben smirks at him in amusement.

“Does your wife know?” he asks casually, eying Calvin up at down again.

“Know what?” Calvin snaps in return.

“That you still have feelings for your ex-wife.” Ben asks, staring at him directly.

Just then, the engine roars to life and I have to admit, I’m f*****g ecstatic for the distraction.

We begin driving down the street in silence, our bodies swaying slightly as we move along the busy streets of New York.

“Abby…”

I glance up to see Ben looking at me.

“Do you have the time?” he asks, nodding his head to the watch on my right wrist.

I furrow my brows a little before lifting my hand to look.

“It’s 1.30pm.” I reply.

He nods his head carefully.

“Huh... Exactly 1.30pm?”

I look back at my watch again.

“1.28” I answer looking towards Calvin who is glaring at Ben suspiciously.

“Ahh, makes sense.” Ben answers, before leaning over to rest his elbows on his knees.

“Why do you need to know the time? Trust me, time is not your friend anymore.” Calvin states matter of factly.

Ben only smiles at him in return before his eyes look back to me.

“Hold on to something.” he says casually, looking into my eyes.

“What?” I ask in confusion.

“Hold on to something… you should do it now.” Ben urges, sitting back up in his seat.

I turn my head to look at Cal and suddenly the van is jolted with an incredible force that throws me forwards into the f*****g air.

I land with a thud against Ben’s hard body and he lifts me up with his chained arms to place my back against his chest as I try to get my bearings.

What the f**k just happened!?

I scan the van quickly to see Calvin lying on the floor, attempting to pull himself up.

I reach for my gun, but before I can grab it Ben gets to it first, pulling it from my waist and holding it under my chin.

“Don’t move.” he whispers in my ear quietly. His soft breath travels across the back of my neck.

I grit my teeth together in anger and struggle against his iron grip, watching as a discombobulated Calvin makes it back upright again. He grabs his gun and points it directly towards Ben and I.

“Don’t do it.” Ben says with deadly calmness.

His tone is completely different from the playful one he has adopted thus far.

Calvin blinks furiously, a drop of blood trickling down his cheek from the gash on his forehead.

“Give her the keys to the cuffs”

Calvin looks into my eyes for a moment before reaching for the keys and putting out his hand towards me.

“Take the keys, Abby.” Ben orders sternly.

“No… go f**k yourself.” I mutter angrily.

I quickly try to asses the situation, looking up ahead to see the drivers of the van slumped against the glass.

Fuck, this does not look good.

“Abby… do you really have to make this harder than it needs to be?” Ben asks me quietly. “Just undo the damn cuffs.”

My chest heaves rapidly as he holds me in his tight grip against his chest.

“Do as he says, Abby.” Calvin puffs out worriedly.

I take the keys from his hand.

“You’ll have to let me go.” I snap at Ben as his light breath hits against the back of my neck again, sending shivers down my spine.

“Okay… just don’t try anything. Let’s keep that fire of yours locked up for now…” he answers, releasing me from his hold.

I turn to face him and he immediately points his gun down at Calvin who is sitting on the floor with his hands up.

Ben’s eyes connect with mine as I grab his wrist aggressively, poking the key inside the lock on his shackles.

“Are you as turned on as I am?” he grins playfully as I whip the silver from his wrists.

“Not in the slightest.” I hit back defensively.

“Fair enough.” he winks, holding my gaze for a few seconds before the doors of the van are thrown open.

I snap my head to the side in shock to see a woman and man standing looking back at me.

They both examine Ben and I quickly and look back at each other in amusement.

“Ready to go?” the woman with pink hair asks Ben in a chirpy voice.

“Give me a sec.” he says to them both, causing them to laugh gently and take a step away from the van.

Ben looks back at me and a smile stretches across his face.

“Now when I get out of this van… don’t do anything rash, Abby. The drivers are fine by the way. Temporarily knocked out, but they should be awake any minute.” he states, standing up to back out of the van and jump down onto the ground.

I stay seated staring back at him in anger and frustration.

The nerve of this f*****g asshole!

“What can I say… it’s been fun. Maybe I’ll be seeing you around.” he says hopefully.

“Oh, you’ll be seeing me, Ben. I won’t stop until I f*****g find you.”

He smiles at me again.

“I hope that’s a promise.”

“It is.” I snap back angrily.

He nods his head as he looks into my eyes.

“Good.”

I watch as he takes a step backwards into the quiet side-street, quickly unloading the gun and tossing it to the ground before taking off into a run.

I jump out of the van as quickly as I can and snatch the gun up from the ground to quickly reload it and point it down the street, but by the time I do, he’s gone.