After Grace went back to the safehouse that night, the next morning she got a text from Ingrid that she, Grace and Jack should be at the Bureau's headquarters as soon as possible. Grace got up and tried to carefully tip toe around the room so she wouldn't wake Carmen (who was sleeping in a twin bed on the opposite side of the room).

Once she was dressed, she came out to the living room to find her jacket only to see--

"Oh...hey, kiddos." Gretta and Elliot are on the couch. Elliot's sat cross-legged eating cereal for breakfast. Gretta sits next to him, her chin tucked under one of her legs. Gretta glances up from her phone to wave.

"Hey mom."

"You two are up early." She observes.

"I couldn't sleep." Gretta explains.

"I was going to go over to the headquarters." Elliot says, almost speaking over her.

Grace's raises eyebrows shot up.

"You two have been...rather in sync lately."

"It's just a coincidence." Gretta replies dryly, side-eyeing Elliot.

"Okay then." Grace murmurs, quickly changing the subject. "Do you want to ride with me to the office Elliot since you said you were going there anyway?"

"No, it's fine. I'll go by myself." He dismisses. Grace nods, finds her jacket on a bar stool by the kitchen and leaves.

Gretta releases the tension that was seeping from her shoulders with a sigh of relief as Elliot gets up to clean his breakfast and put his bowl and spoon in the dishwasher.

"You're going to have to tell her." He points out.

"I know...just...not now. Not when we..." Gretta trails off, hesitant to reveal the truth of her statement.

"I know...sorry. It's just...your mum is a detective--a really capable one at that. She's going to find out eventually."

"I know. Don't worry, I'll tell her--soon. But for now, I have to get ready." Gretta explains, finalizing their conversation, leaving a kiss on Elliot's cheek before she returns to their shared room to get dressed and ready for the day.

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"Now with one killer jailed, you can concentrate on finding the Chief's! They're still out there!"

"Don't worry, Ingrid! Grace and I will bring them to justice!" Jack reassures her.

Ingrid turns to Grace and says,

"Grace, you must investigate all leads possible! I suggest you start by interrogating Christy. She heard about the Chief's murder and copied it, but that doesn't explain how she got the same kind of dart."

There's a knock on the conference room door and Ingrid rolls her eyes, mumbling something under her breath.

"Yes? Who is it?" Marina comes in and closes the door behind her.

"Excuse me, Grace. I hope you don't mind me interrupting." Marina says, side-eyeing Ingrid who gestures for her to proceed with an annoyed air. "I know you're busy, but I'd like to request we investigate one of your suspects further. Jonah Karam's psychological profile caught my attention...negatively. I think we need to keep a close eye on him. I'd like to interrogate him."

"Very well," Ingrid gives her permission. "It's time to get to work. We're counting on you, Grace! Find the Chief's killer!"

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Grace and Jack went to chat with Christy first.

"You're back for more, Detective Grace? It was difficult enough the first time. What more could you want?"

"I'm sorry, Christy. But we need to ask you a few more questions." Grace apologizes.

"Ms. Mathis, we need to know where you obtained the blow darts. They're not that easy to find...unless you know where to look." Christy shrugs helplessly at Jack's interrogation.

"Honestly, they just appeared. I came home from class one afternoon and found a package in my bag. I opened it, and found a pipe and a dart inside. I didn't have them when I left campus. All I can think is that they were dropped in my bag while I was at the souk shopping."

"You want us to believe that they just appeared in your bag...like that?" Christy glares at Jack.

"What do I have to gain from lying, detective? I'm already in jail." She snaps before continuing. "There was a note inside the package, it said: 'What kills a chief, kills an ex, and no one will be the wiser.' Unfortunately, I threw it out."

"And you've got no proof of any of this?! Grace, our best bet is to search the souk again. Let's go!"

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"I'm back." Grace says, making Jack stand straighter from where he was leaning against one of stalls in the souk. Then, as he peered down on what she had in her arms, confusion set in.

"Grace, you inspected this entire souk and all you found was a spice crate? There are at least a hundred spice vendors here!"

"Come on. We've been working together for a while, now. Have I ever steered you wrong?"

"You're right, Grace. When you've got a hunch, it's best to run with it! Let's look inside!"

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"Told you!" Grace says, smirking smugly as she holds up a ripped package.

"Grace, I was right to let you search through the spice create at the souk! You found another clue and not just any clue. It's a package of poisoned darts and pipes! Could these be the same type of darts that were used on the Chief and Adam? They have the orange-feathered tail, so they must be! Grace, a good dusting might give us an address on this package. I'll get your kit ready!"

In a few minutes, Grace was done.

"Well, I didn't find an address but there are a ton of fingerprints!"

"Great, let's get these prints over to Elliot and Gretta."

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Grace met back up with Marina and together they went to interrogate Jonah together.

"Mr. Karam, we're keeping you as a suspect in our larger investigation due to your violent history and questionable connections. How does that make you feel?"

"You're just doing your job." Jonah says, not willing to budge.

"Doesn't it upset you to be scrutinized and distrusted by authoritative figures?"

"I was in the military. I showered in scrutiny and distrust." Jonah retorts with a smug smirk.

"Yes, and you left. Shows that you do have a problem with it."

"I don't know what you're trying to get at, lady, but if you want to know something, why don't you just ask?"

"Fine," Marina snaps. "Why are you still here in the Middle East, Mr. Karam, if your time in the military is over?"

"I'm just here to eat, drink and enjoy the architecture. Now if you're done, I've got to get back to my relaxation time." Jonah replies, lazily sitting back in his chair.

Grace suppresses the urge to roll her eyes at his arrogance before the two women leave the room.

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"Grace, I apologize for failing Jonah's interrogation. He's difficult to read."

"He talked about architecture. Could that be a clue?" Grace guesses, trying to be helpful.

"Interesting...he did mention liking the architecture here. Could he be implying something?"

"...the riad!" Grace realizes.

"You're right, Grace! The riad you visited earlier is quite the architectural splendor. Maybe that's what Jonah was referring to. If you want to go investigate again, I'll go with you!"

"Great--let's go."

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"Grace, you weren't exaggerating. This place is indeed elegant for a professor. Seems suspicious to me. Oh, you're found an answering machine? I didn't know they were still in use anywhere outside of Siberia. But you'll have to unlock it, to see if it's any use!"

"Yep. Just give me a moment." Grace says, setting it down and tinkering with the passcode.

"Done." Marina looks impressed.

"Grace, well done unlocking this answering machine so quickly. Perhaps we can take this back to my office and analyze it there?"

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"Hey, Grace, I can't believe you found an entire package of poisoned darts in a spice crate. That's kind of cool." Elliot says, looking very happy about this discovery. Grace sees Gretta stifle a laugh out of the corner of her eye.

"We don't have much time to chit-chat. Can you two tell us who these fingerprints belong to?" Jack asks.

"I don't call what we do chit-chatting, Archer. And yeah, we can tell you about the fingerprints."

"Well, what are we waiting for? Don't keep us in suspense!" Grace replies.

"And you call me impatient." Gretta comments, rolling her eyes and grabbing Elliot's computer.

"The fingerprints belong to a man called Rafid Habadi." Elliot explains as Gretta brings up his file. "His file says he's a spice vendor at the souk. I got his stall number for you."

"Wow. You two were busy." Grace murmurs.

"Someone else to drag into this investigation? Guess we can add spice vendor to our list of suspects. Let's go talk to this Rafid guy, Grace!"

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"Rafid Habadi? I'm Agent Jack Archer...this is Detective Grace. We're from the Bureau. We need to know why you've been illegally trafficking poisoned darts to your customers."

"What? I don't know what you're talking about. I'm just a humble spice seller. Please, have some food!" Rafid replies, looking nervous as he shoves a plate towards Grace, who takes a step back.

"Uh...no thanks, Mr. Habadi. Are you sure you don't know what you are talking about. You seem nervous?"

"Cut the act, Mr. Habadi. We found your fingerprints all over a package of poisoned darts." Jack says, glaring at the man.

"Please...I have a family to protect. If they were to find out, they would have us all killed!"

"Who's 'they', Mr. Habadi? Are you working for someone?" The man hesitates but then relents, seeing as the two detectives seemed unwilling to budge from their questioning (let alone move from his stall).

"They are called 'The Sword'. I've never met them. I just hold the packages until they come for them."

"'The Sword'...sounds like one sharp codename. And all you do is hold their poisoned dart packages?"

"Normally, yes, but recently they paid me to drop a dart in the bag of an American girl. I have a family to provide for!"

"Grace, this is big news! We've got the codename to the Chief's killer!"

"Please, you mustn't tell anyone I've talked! Uh...take this clothing! It's a gift! You say nothing, yes?"

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"Grace, there's a message on the answering machine we found at the riad. It's actually a conversation between Omar and Jonah."

"Really? What happened?"

"Jonah was leaving a message, but Omar picked up halfway through, so their conversation was recorded...fortunately for us. The tone of it is argumentative and cold. Jonah was trying to obtain something from Omar, but Omar wasn't acquiescing. Jonah's demeanor was threatening, but that's not unusual given his profile. Interestingly enough, Omar didn't seem the least bit fazed by it, proof he's no stranger to menace."

"So I should talk to Omar next then?"

"Grace, you're correct again! A brief conversation with Mr. Bahir would be very wise indeed!"

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"Welcome back, Detective Grace! I see that you're not with the gentleman agent. I must confess, your new partner is far more attractive." Grace smiles politely and tries to act like the professor doesn't make her skin crawl.

"Mr. Bahir, flattery may get you far, but not with me." Marina retorts. "We're here to discuss a recent conversation you had with Jonah Karam."

"Ah, yes, Mr. Karam. We briefly spoke a few days ago. Nothing of interest, I'm afraid."

"Really? That's not what your answering machine told us. The conversation you had was very heated."

"There is talk of a rebellion between the feuding tribes. Mr. Karam knows I have ties to certain tribal leaders and wanted me to make some introductions. I don't appreciate his methods and I certainly don't trust ex-military, so I refused. Needless to say, he was quite angry."

"Is that all, Mr. Bahir? I have the feeling you have more to say, but you're holding back. You know you can trust Detective Grace and I."

"Of course I can," Omar readily agrees. "I don't know much more other than Jonah was at the docks when we spoke. Maybe you should investigate there? But enough about that. It's lunchtime. I prefer to dine than talk. Grace, allow me to prepare you some of my famous hamburgers. They're exquisite."

"No." Grace states bluntly as she stands up. "But thank you, Mr. Bahir, we appreciate your cooperativeness."

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As soon as the two were out of Omar's earshot, they discussed what just happened.

"The conversation with Omar didn't give us much except for the fact that Jonah was at the docks when they spoke."

"It looks like we'll have to go back to where it all began."

"I agree, Grace. We must return to the docks for further investigation!"

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"Grace, you were inspired to return to the docks...and you've found another clue! Could Jonah have taken this torn photo? We'll know more when you've restored it!"

"Agreed. Could you pass me some tape? Thanks."

"...oh dear." Grace grimaces as she's looks over the photo, with the words 'Watch your Back!' underneath. Marina comes over to look at it as well.

"Grace, the torn photo you restored is a surveillance photo. Adam is standing next to what looks like the limousine of the US President. We can't see who's inside, but the person is handing over an envelope of money in exchange for a file. There's also a message written on it: 'Watch your back!' Why would Adam be making a secret deal with the President? And how is this linked to Jonah? It's all a bit murky."

"Let's go back to the embassy. They might be able to help us."

"Good thinking, Grace! Maybe Ambassador Stern can clear things up!"

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"Detective Grace, I apologize for my behavior. You've spared us a major political catastrophe. I'm impressed. In thanks, I'd like to offer you this reward money!"

"Ambassador Stern, we can't accept monetary compensation. It would be seen as a bribe." Marina intercepts. "Speaking of, we found a photo of Adam exchanging secrets for money. Would you know anything about that?"

"That photo was a warning. It's how I found out Adam's plan to steal my job!"

"How did you get this photo? Was it from Jonah Karam?"

"I have many field operatives. Sometimes I hire them for special assignments. Jonah's one of the best out there. Now, if you'll excuse me, Detective Grace. I'm taking my son to his mommy-and-me Arabic class. Don't forget the money! It's on my desk!"

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Jack greeted Grace when she returned.

"Grace, you did good today! Let's go over our--"

"Hey, Grace, look what I did! A mummified orange!" Grace jumped as Lars suddenly appeared behind her.

It suddenly felt very claustrophobic despite the three of them being in a long hallway.

"Bro! That's...actually kind of strange even for you."

"Gentleman! Act like the adults you're supposed to be! We've got our Chief's murder to solve!" Ingrid shouts at them as she comes over.

"Okay, everyone please stop! I need space!" Grace demands, putting her arms between Jack and Lars while moving past Ingrid.

"Ingrid, we finally know who killed the Chief! They're operating under the codename: The Sword. The orange-feathered poisoned dart is their MO!" Jack explains. "We just don't know why The Sword would help Christy. The two murders seem unrelated, and yet we've got proof The Sword gave the dart package to Christy."

"I'm afraid, I wasn't as successful." Marina explains, coming over to the group. "We know Jonah's trying to contact rebel tribes, but we don't know why. Let me try once more. I know I can make him talk." Grace sighed.

"Alright, fine. Anything to get this investigation over with!"

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"Mr. Karam, Detective Grace and I KNOW you're involved with the rebels. It's time to talk!"

"Fine. I've been investigating someone called The Sword. I've been trying to infiltrate rebel camps to get more information. It was working until you came along. Just found out The Sword knows you're onto them! They just fled into the desert!"

"Why should we trust you?"

"Because it's the only lead you've got!"

"He has a point." Grace pipes up from where she is standing by the door. Marina sighs, clearly frustrated, and lets Jonah leave.

"Grace, what should we do?"

"We need to follow the lead--our only lead. It's a long shot, but we're going to have to take a risk."

"You're right! This may be our only shot! Grace, we're heading to the desert!"

Author's Notes

I was going to prewrite chapters but that will honestly take too long, especially right now since I'm still in school.

I might think about doing it over the summer though since I'll have a lot of free time on my hands and will be able to write things faster, I think.

I just had to add a scene with Gretta and Elliot in the beginning! Speaking of those two, I have a filler chapter featuring the two of them that I hope you all will enjoy it. Unfortunately, I was not able to finish it for Valentine's Day so fingers crossed I will publish it tomorrow.

BatgirlGeek❤️