Either Castiel ran as slow as a turtle or he didn't want to give me a first-class piggyback ride.

"We've lost the man. I didn't pay you for this slow ride! Can't you go faster?" I sighed with exasperation.

"I wish I could but you w-"

"Don't you dare insult my weight," I hissed, my hands going around his neck as a warning.

He remained silent. Good choice.

He guided us to a meeting room where I assumed Raphael already ran in to. I got off my ride and followed him in. Raphael was sitting beside Cooky, with his head facing down to hide his smile.

I smiled as well, walking around to sit right in front of him. When he looked up, I did the throat-slitting gesture to him with a serious face and kicked his legs from under the table. I ignored his pained expression and looked at the others.

"So, what are we discussing? Did they reveal anything important?" I asked.

"Yes and no. They did answer some questions but refused to answer the deeper questions," one of the interrogators, Ferdinand said.

"Firstly, what did they plead guilty to?" I asked, readying my other questions mentally.

"Abducting and murdering Argan Gregore, since that was the only case we have them in detention for. The recording of your conversation does not hint at further cases. All men said they did it because Argus made a deal with them. Dr Sullivan claimed he was threatened by the gang in doing it," Ferdinand summarised.

"Hmm, that sounds like a load of crap," Raphael mused, raising an eyebrow.

"Right. That abandoned building had more than one dead body. So it's not only because of Argus' deal. And Dr Sullivan definitely was not threatened. In fact, he seemed to have taken the role of the leader among them," I noted.

"But wait, why did Argus file a case against the hospital if he was the one behind his brother's disappearance?" I asked, frowning. It didn't make sense.

"He was afraid that if an investigation was to be carried out, he would be suspected since there is enough proof of animosity between the brothers and his engagement in gangs. He thought the case will be dropped easily, soon after the death of his brother would be discovered. The result right now is half true. The case has actually been dropped today but with him being the suspect," Ferdinand said, shrugging.

I had a little sympathy for him because of his past. However, the past could be used as an excuse for future actions. He chose the wrong path.

"What type of gangs was Argus involved in?" Castiel asked.

"When I interrogated him, his explanations were vague. He said that he did make friends from gangs back in Italy. So the deal must have been done there. It was perhaps not some small gangs though since they had contacts here to get it done, I believe through the suspects we just arrested. Our suspects here do not seem to have enough power or reason to commit multiple murders. Someone with more influence must have instructed them with what to do," Ferdinand expressed.

Hmm, in the end, Dr Sullivan and company were no big players in the game.

"But even so, it's not a random killing that they are doing, I presume," I said, looking at the others for confirmation. What reason could there exist for random murders? There was no pattern following each case as well. None of the victims were related. Even the people committing the murders were not related.

"Until we do further interrogations, we can't be certain of our theories," Shooky inserted.

"But we did get word from other teams, even outside England, of similar operations. Small groups of people are put together to carry out those crimes, so even if arrested, there won't be a risk to the main group pulling the strings. This increases the power of the group, without any major loss or secrets spilling," Raphael said.

"When I had overheard them at the warehouse, they did mention a boss," I commented.

"I asked about it to everyone. They said they never met that boss they mentioned before. If that 'boss' does not want to risk exposure, then they may be telling the truth," Ferdinand replied.

"We'll get more answers if we know with whom Argus made the deal in Italy," Raphael said, sighing as he crossed his arms in thought.

Right then, a knock interrupted the discussion, followed by the entrance of Mr Ford.

He didn't sit down. Instead, he marched towards the middle as our attention span on him.

"I just had a few discussions and I'll reveal some details with you all tomorrow. For now, I have news for you," he said. Everyone's attention perked up.

"You all will be going to Italy tomorrow evening, of course with the exception of Miss Carter here. Come back in the morning for a brief over. For now, nothing additional has to be discussed." Oh...that was nice.

Everyone nodded. They must be used to such random demands of going here and there since they did not look surprised. We all stood up, said our greetings and started heading out one by one.

The ride back was a bit quieter. I believed it was because the exhaustion was catching upon us. Even Raphael did not talk much.

As we reached our respective doors, Raphael turned to me and hugged me. Castiel rolled his eyes at him.

"I'll miss you sooo much!" he fake cried.

I rolled my eyes and patted his back. A bit harshly.

"Ouch. Thanks for the love," he said, letting go, glaring at me.

"Anytime," I grinned.

"Anyway, don't forget to see us before we leave. It may take weeks before we will return back," Raphael said, returning to his normal self.

"Hmm, I'm not sure. I am returning to my apartment tonight since those who were hunting me are now caught and tomorrow I got work. I'll see if I could pop by," I said, shrugging.

"I better get a goodbye from you," Raphael said firmly then walked away to his apartment.

My gaze switched from him back to Castiel. I raised an eyebrow at him. He raised an eyebrow back at me.

"Later," I said with a shrug and entered Judy's apartment.

Our goodbyes were as awkward as our hellos. What should I have said? Good riddance?

☆☆☆

I put down the box which had my things in the living room, back at my apartment. I was surprised to see that my apartment was clean and back to its original state. I remembered clearly that I left it in a disorder.

Just then, I heard a ting, notifying me of a message. I took out my phone. It was a text from my Dad. A smile instantly formed on my face.

Dad 10:05

You must have already arrived back at your place. I had come back a few days after the second break-in to see if any of those goons were still around. I also fixed a camera at your door. And I didn't want you to come back to such a mess so I cleaned it up. I'm quite busy these days so I'll visit you later. Love you.

I chuckled to myself and analysed my apartment. It looked quite polished and shiny. My Dad was such a clean freak, not that I ever complained. I should be the one to visit him, I thought. It was hard for him to find time to travel back and forth from Cambridge to London, due to his hectic schedule.

I sent him a message back, thanking him for everything. I went into my office, putting my bag on the table. It was not really an office but I liked to call it so. When I bought the apartment, it had two rooms so I converted one into an office, with half of it being filled with bookshelves. I checked around to make sure all my files were there. I needed to start locking it every day now.

I looked at the time. 10:15. I usually went to sleep later but today's incidents made me a bit tired. I decided to go to sleep. It would do me some good before going back to normal tomorrow.

☆☆☆

"Here, a cappuccino for you," I said, putting it on Eliyah's desk.

"Where were you yesterday?" Eli shot at me as soon as I sat down.

"We are at work right now," I commented.

"Have you looked at the time? There are still five minutes till work officially starts. Spill," Eliyah said drily.

I looked left and right and back to Eliyah. "First, bring your chair next to mine," I whispered.

Eliyah eagerly jumped onto my side, with the cappuccino.

I scanned my surroundings again then spilled everything that happened yesterday, leaving out most details of the case though. I tried to sum it up as best as I could.

I took a deep breath after finishing. Eliyah remained silent for a while and her gaze even fell on my neck to get a glimpse of the injury.

"So...you're telling me you jumped into the lion's den willingly, asking to get killed?" Eliyah gave me her interpretation of the matter.

"I used myself as bait to capture all criminals at once," I rephrased her sentence and remarked, "And they are no lions, more like petty and annoying hyenas."

"You act too carelessly. Thank God, Castiel and his team arrived at the right moment. He saved your life once more," Eliyah sighed, shaking her head.

"Pfft, you always hold him in too high esteem," I scoffed, "Anyways, you up for a sleepover today?"

"Duh! It's been a while since we spent time together outside work. You were always with Castiel," Eli smirked.

"Correction," I held out one finger, "I was with my new friend, Raphael. But Castiel always tagged along. You should meet him one day. Raphael is like the male version of you," I said with a chuckle.

"If I could please interrupt your conversation, ladies," I heard an approaching voice.

Both Eliyah and I turned around to see Mr Wallace, one of the lawyers we work under.

"Oh shit! I forgot that I need to go to court with him," Eliyah whispered and groaned.

"There are some files you need to take from Attorney Kim. Fetch them and wait by my car. Meanwhile, I'll take care of a pressing matter and come," Mr Wallace said, as he passed by quickly towards his office.

Eliyah looked at him hurrying away and stood up with a sigh.

"Seems like we have to reschedule our conversation to tonight," I snickered.

Just in time, Attorney Kim passed by.

"Wait in my office," he said to Eliyah.

"Later," she waved at me, and scurried away, with her cappuccino.

"You have the report I asked you to prepare?" He asked right away.

"Right here, Boss," I said, patting the pile of files on my table.

"Good. The meeting has been rescheduled. Instead of tomorrow, it's to be held at 1 pm. Make sure the necessary files are there," he nodded at me and walked away.

I turned back to my table, going through the files, checking them once more. I noticed that there were some papers that I needed to make copied of. I headed to the printer and put the papers in. Leaning against the printer, I waited for the copies to be done.

Right then, I heard a ting, signalling a text came in. I unlocked my phone to check. My eyebrows furrowed in confusion. Hmm, weird. This was an unknown number. I clicked on it.

9:10

I have important info about the men you recently arrested. Meet me alone at Boulevard Street in 15 minutes.

I scrutinised the message closely. Who could it be? How did that person know who was arrested? What important information could he have? I replied back, asking who they were. I heard a ting instantly.

9:12

Don't waste time. I may be in danger by revealing my identity. This is your last chance. Do not reply again. If you want answers, let's meet up.

I huffed, considering what I should do. I looked at my phone intensely, then I clicked on Castiel's name. I waited. He didn't pick up. I clicked on Raphael's name; he was not picking up as well. Damn it, they must be in the morning meeting.

I took the copies and rushed to my table. I placed the papers down and ran to Attorney Kim's office. I knocked and entered.

"Boss, I have finished the report preparation. Can I be excused from work for a few minutes?" I asked.

He sat still, staring blankly at me.

"It's urgent!" I added.

"How many minutes?" He finally asked.

"Thirty minutes...maybe," I offered, with an awkward chuckle.

"Go, be quick!"

"Yes, Sir!"

I ran out of the office, down to the parking lot. I saw Eliyah waiting by Mr Wallace's car. Shit! What do I tell her?

As I passed by her, she looked startled. "What are you doing here?"

"Oh, er...I am going to see Castiel and Raphael! You know they are going to Italy later. I will be busy with work then. Now I'm not so I'm going, you see, right? Yes, so I better hurry!" I rambled and rushed to my car before she could question me.

I got in my car and waved at Eliyah, who was giving me a weird look as I drove by.

I hurried past the streets, while I continued glancing at my phone, in case of another text. What if it was a prank? But it couldn't be, no one knew who was investigating the case and who got arrested.

I searched for Boulevard street by following the directions since I never passed through that street before. It was a small street, with only houses around.

Not knowing where to stop, I parked my car at an empty ground, near a garage. I stepped out, looking everywhere in suspicion. Whoever it was, I'm sure they would not meet me in public like that.

I continued walking on the sidewalk, looking around. I tried to call the number that texted me but I couldn't. Did they block my number?

As I went further, I noticed that there were fewer houses around, but more closed off buildings, which were quiet and seemed empty. Alleys of garbage and abandoned furniture filled in between, giving off a weird smell.

I thought of asking for help but seeing the way people were looking at me, I decided against the idea. Some people passing by gave me weird looks like they were wondering what I was doing in this part of the town. I did hear cases of theft were common here, but I only had my phone with me.

Some people passed by me, without giving a glance. Some were behind me and I felt as if they were scrutinising me. I tried to look as confident as possible and walked at a slow pace.

Right then, I felt a hand on my shoulder.

That's when I dashed off, letting out a shrill, bloodcurdling scream, without looking back.

I ran frantically for some minutes, though I heard no one running after me. In the end, I took a turn and hid in an alley to catch my breath.

I glanced around and saw no one. This seemed like a spooky town. Empty silence, except for some metals clinking here and there, a cat meowing and a crashing sound of bottles a bit far away.

I should not have come this far. Panicked, I reached out for my phone with a shaking hand and searched for Eliyah's name. I called and waited, taking deep breaths to calm my loud heartbeats.

As I waited, I felt a hand on my shoulder once again. This time, I could not run off. The person pushed me by the shoulder and slammed me against the wall. I felt a sting in my neck. I dropped my phone on the ground and soon, my body followed. And all light dissolved into darkness.

☆☆☆

*Castiel's perspective*

After two hours of discussion and briefing, everyone got out of the meeting room with an exhausted face. I still needed to hurry home to pack since I was to leave in a few hours.

"Hey, wait up!" I heard from behind. I rolled my eyes and continued walking.

A hand flashed in front of me. I pushed the hand aside, scowling at the owner. "What?" I grunted.

"Haelyn called me during the meeting!" Raphael beamed, then he looked confused, "But I called her again and again right now. She isn't picking up."

"Why did she need to call again? I thought you already said your goodbyes yesterday," I huffed and walked away.

Raphael ran after me and climbed in the passenger seat of my car. I switched on my phone as I went in and was going to put it back in my pocket when I saw a missed call.

Wait, she called me too?

Raphael glanced at what I was looking. "Ooh, look! You were grumbling about it but you were the one she called first," he quipped.

"Shut up," I mumbled and clicked on another message I received.

Eliyah 9:15

Hey, giving you a heads up. Haelyn will be passing by. ;)

I replied, asking when. I put my phone down and was about to start my car when my phone started ringing. Eliyah's name popped up. Why was she calling instead of texting?

I picked up.

"Haelyn didn't pass by?" was what I heard, right away.

"Obviously by my message, you must have understood that no, she didn't pass by," I replied.

"But she left almost two hours ago saying that she was going to visit you to say goodbye," I heard her confused voice.

"She didn't come at the office," I mumbled, a bit puzzled. She had no reason to come say goodbye. Especially to me.

"Attorney Kim called me, saying that she has not returned yet. She called me around an hour ago, but when I called her again, she didn't pick up," Eliyah said, sounding worried now.

"She definitely used me as an excuse to go somewhere else, Eliyah. But if she comes to the office or my apartment, I'll inform you. Bye."

I ran my hand across my hair, annoyed as I cut the call.

That girl always seemed to attract trouble. I hoped she was alright.

☆☆☆

A/N:

Pheww! This chapter took me five days to write, due to my procrastination. But when I did write it, it became the longest chapter I've written out of all the previous ones. Enjoy!

Also, forgive me if I suck at writing from other perspectives. It's my first attempt!

~Celestia