"Alright, I'll handle the interrogation. It's not like he can deny it. We caught the fucker red handed!" Reed scoffed as he stood with Nines and Miller in the observation room watching their latest suspect stew beyond the glass. They'd known about his AAL status for a while and suspected he was linked to some of the dead androids they'd found over the past few weeks. They'd been relatively lucky in tracking him down. An informant had tipped Reed off about where the guy was staying, and while checking out the area for good surveillance spots, they'd found him in the process of beating an AX400 to death. Nines had stepped in just in time to save her power core from a fatal stab wound with a sharp piece of metal piping.

Gavin Reed had decided a long time ago that there was nothing hotter than his partner single-handedly taking out a suspect, and that belief had been fully reaffirmed. Nines had blocked the pipe with one arm before tearing it from the man's hands and tossing it so hard it stuck in the brickwork like a javelin. When the suspect took a shot at Nines with his fist, he'd taken the hit like it was nothing, an eyebrow raising almost questioningly as the human cradled his freshly fractured knuckles. After lifting him by his throat and stating calmly all the different ways he could break his neck, the guy had come quietly and allowed Reed to cuff him.

Now came the really simple part of letting him know that his victim was most definitely pressing charges. They'd also be comparing her injuries and the weapon to their other victims so that Nines could preconstruct the likelihood that he was the assailant in some of their other cases, too. Technically, they couldn't press charges on that, but if he happened to confess to any of them, Reed wasn't about to complain. He hadn't lawyered up yet either, which meant they had a chance of making him slip up. He didn't seem overly intelligent.

"Indeed. I believe your more human touch may be required in this instance." It was unlikely the human would speak to him voluntarily. As an android hater, he was more likely to remain silent out of some form of misguided defiance. It was far easier to allow the humans to interrogate him while he remained in the observation room to provide support, if required. With that decided, Reed took the file they had on their suspect and left the small room. Nines remained standing at Miller's shoulder as he reappeared inside.

"Brandon Taylor...Registered member of the AAL, three counts of property damage, and ten minor charges for android assault...You're making quite a name for yourself." Reed sat calmly and flipped the file open, not raising his green eyes as he let out a series of chiding tsks. Brandon, who was about the same age, huffed and sat back as far as he could. He'd been cuffed to the table despite his bandaged hand, as was standard for dangerous suspects. "So, when did you escalate to actually killing androids? This AX400 wasn't your first, right? We have a whole pile of cases that match your most recent attempt. That's a nice, sharp pipe you left us." He watched as Brandon's lips curled almost maliciously. He was a little cocky as he let out a snort of laughter.

"That's rich, coming from you! I used to see you at meetups all the time. What happened? You went soft? Oh, I get it...The tall one, right? I bet you let him bend you over real good." Brandon's mocked observation caught him a little off guard. Reed took another look at him, trying to place his face. He certainly didn't feel like he recognised the guy. His head was shaved, as was his face. He had slightly crinkled blue eyes with the lines likely caused by stress and drug use. From the size of him, Reed was pretty sure he was on some sort of steroid, if not something stronger. "That's it, isn't it? You forget what a real man feels like?" Brandon goaded again, chuckling as he noted the tightness of Reed's jawline. Nines wondered if perhaps he should call him out for a moment before things escalated, however his thought process was cut off as he received an alert from Connor.

His LED span yellow, brow furrowing as the ping came through. It was a simple location. Nothing more, nothing less. That is...unusual...Nines felt anxious as he tried to call his brother, tensing as the line remained closed. His connection to Connor wasn't quite the same as a telephone, so he knew it wasn't a case of dialling the wrong number. If Connor is unable to connect, he is inactive. He would not voluntarily become inactive in such a place. He also wouldn't send a ping like that without reason. His location was likely the only thing he'd had time to send before shutting down. Nines pressed the intercom to request Reed's presence.

"I am unable to reach Connor, and it is my belief that he requires assistance," Nines reported as he returned with a confused frown. He was just getting into the swing of his interrogation. Both humans looked shocked at the announcement. Reed looked through the glass at their suspect anxiously. They couldn't just bounce right in the middle of an interrogation. The guy could lawyer up at any minute, and he was sure he could trick him into confessing something soon. At the same time, this was Connor. If Connor's in trouble then Nines is probably the only android out there who can help.

"Alright...We can't just drop this interrogation, so you go on ahead and call Hank. Have him meet you on the way and I'll finish up here, just...keep in touch, yeah?" He tried not to let too much show on his face. At any other time, he'd probably drop everything in an instant and rush out at Nines' side, but now that he was a sergeant, he had responsibilities. He needed to set a good example for other officers, and that meant not running away with his feelings and getting the job done. Nines and Hank could handle Connor. He had to handle this. Nines nodded his understanding and thanks.

"I'll let you know the details once I've contacted Lieutenant Anderson." Reed nodded along and followed Nines as far as the bullpen, parting with a light tap on his shoulder. They'd need someone else to fill Nines' spot in the observation room. Luckily, Pearson was sitting at his desk at a loose end and had no problem with keeping Miller company for a bit. Just as he predicted, it was easy to prod Brandon into making a slipup. His contempt for him actually worked in his favour. It was like he wanted to prove how much of a man he was by bragging about all the shit he'd pulled, and Reed was more than okay with letting him do that. He'd been read his rights. He knew anything he said would be recorded. That he'd gotten carried away and confessed was his problem.

When he was done, he let Miller walk Brandon back to his cell. He wouldn't be going anywhere for a while. They'd have his arraignment within a few days and book him properly after that. What with him being a confessed murderer, he was unlikely to make bail. Reed thanked Pearson before returning to his desk and grabbing his phone. It hadn't been too long, but maybe Nines had sent him an update about his call with Hank. He didn't even bother sitting down as he unlocked the screen to find two messages. One was from Nines. It seemed something had definitely happened to Connor. Niles had called Hank from an unknown number in tears. Luckily, it seemed a human family had been there during the incident and were taking care of him until he and Hank arrived. The second message was a picture file from an unknown number. Reed frowned as he opened it and almost dropped his phone.

It was a picture of Connor, apparently unconscious. His LED was spinning yellow as if he was suffering some sort of error or update. His eyes were closed and silver tape had been slapped over his mouth. He was wearing his Cyberlife uniform, as always. Reed felt his insides freeze as he took it in, heart kicking into overdrive as he saw the text beneath it. Hello, Sergeant Reed. Congratulations on your promotion! As a gift, I'll give you the chance to save your friend. Come to the clock tower, and come alone. I'd hate for anything to happen to your friend without you here to see it. Reed cursed under his breath as he looked around the bullpen. The message had been sent recently. Within the past fifteen minutes. He probably still had time to get there before that sicko did anything to Connor, but he couldn't just fucking go by himself. He looked down at his phone again as it buzzed. Come now, Gavin. You know I don't lie. If you tell anyone, it's your friend who pays the price. Tick-tock, Sergeant. Tick-tock.

Reed cursed under his breath as he looked around the pen. It was almost like the fucker was watching him. What if he is watching me? They'd seen more than once that he was good with technology. He could have somehow hacked into the DPD cameras. He looked up almost anxiously, unable to shake the cold dread that seeped into his bones. Alright, I can't tell anyone, but I have to leave Nines a phcking clue at least! Or...He shifted his gaze to Tina's desk. It was empty, so she was probably out on patrol with Collins. Looking at the clock, he guessed she'd be back sometime within the hour. That's better than waiting on Nines...Alright, I'm coming. Just don't hurt Connor. His fingers trembled slightly at the thought. He barely had to wait a minute for the response.

You have my word. Reed took a breath as he grabbed his keys and made his way across the pen. On his way out, he deliberately walked by Tina's desk, trying to act casual. He wouldn't know if he'd gotten away with it until he reached the clock tower. He left his phone unlocked with the messages open. On the approach to Tina's desk, he edged his phone towards his jacket pocket, letting it slip at the last minute and clatter on the carpet as close to her desk as he could get it. There was the risk of someone else seeing it and helpfully picking it up, but it seemed no one had noticed. Unfortunately, he couldn't look back without giving himself away. He'd wanted to make it seem like a total accident in the event someone was watching. It would make total sense, right? Someone anxiously trying to hurry out to save their friend would surely make a mistake like that.

Vulnerability swelled in his stomach as he got down to the parking lot and found his car gone. Phck! Of course, Nines took the car! He sighed as he hurried out front and looked up and down the street for a taxi. It rarely took too long for one to drive by, and as he stuck his arm out, one of the automated taxis slowly rolled its way over. He barked where he wanted to go and fidgeted anxiously in the backseat. He had his wallet at least, so he'd be able to make a card payment. His leg was bouncing the whole way as he tugged his hair and fisted his hands. This was the one place he'd hoped not to go back to. The place Jack had died. He didn't want to add Connor to that list. How the phck did he even get hold of him in the first place? He's getting bolder...Kidnapping random androids and kids from buses was one thing, but going after a detective? One who wasn't actively looking for him? It was fucking insanity! Does that mean he's getting bored? He barely waited for the taxi to acknowledge his payment before rushing into the tower.

"Connor!" he cried as he burst through the heavy wooden door. It should probably have been locked, but the killer had already messaged him from the inside. Knowing he was coming, he'd left it open as a courtesy. His heart raced as he looked up and searched the rafters, particles of dust still fluttering down from above. His cry echoed up the stone walls, the flapping of wings and indignant hoots telling him he'd disturbed the birds nesting above. "Connor?" His feet stalled as he spied two figures up at the edge of the bell tower platform.

"It's good of you to join us, and with no uninvited guests, too. Good, Sergeant. I like it when you're obedient." Gavin's insides coiled in disgust at the mocking sound of Aaron's voice. I only did as you asked to protect Connor, you sick phck! He didn't have the stomach to say it out loud. Not as the Hickory Killer pushed Connor closer to the edge and held him over it. Why the phck isn't Connor fighting back? Did he do something to his motor functions? He was just letting the psycho hold him over the edge! His motor functions were still active. He wouldn't have been stumbling on his feet like that otherwise. Is he too scared to make a move? That wasn't like him. So what the phck did he do to him?

"Alright, I came..." Gavin opened his arms, unsure where to go from there. He had no choice but to play along with this sicko if he wanted any chance of him pulling Connor back from the edge. The tower was four or five storeys tall. Taller than a lot of the old buildings on this side of town, but nowhere near as high as the skyscrapers further in the city. That meant he was close enough to pick up the fear in Connor's tearful hazel eyes. He looked neat and fairly unruffled, besides the fact his jacket was open and his hands had been tied behind his back somehow. A small whimper escaped him before the black-clad figure struck his shoulder with the butt of a pistol.

"You did. You came when I called...and I said we'd play a game," the Hickory Killer agreed, sounding more than a little pleased with himself. Connor stumbled a little as he was edged even further forward, whining in objection as he shook his head. Gavin took a subconscious step forward, as if to catch him if he fell. Phck, if he falls from there, I don't even know if I could catch him without getting hurt myself! That didn't mean he wouldn't try. Connor was durable, but he'd never seen an android fall from such a height. Could an RK800 take an impact on the ground like that? The floor beneath his feet was stone, and the tower was still pretty high.

"Alright! Just...pull him back a little!" Gavin compromised, holding up his hands in a placating manner. The sound of Aaron's chuckle sent a creeping shiver down his spine. This really was the fucking worst. He didn't even know if he could think of Aaron without remembering the Hickory Killer at this point. Maybe that's the point of this shit. Despite his apparent amusement, he did pull Connor back a couple of paces, though the gun remained resting on his quivering shoulder and pointing at his head. "So? What's the game?" He hoped it was a puzzle he'd be able to solve.

"It's simple really...You have to tell me the serial number of this android. The complete serial number." What the phck? How is that a fair game? I'm not Connor's partner! Why would I know that? I mean, shit! I know most of it...but as for the final two..."Tick-tock, Sergeant." Connor visibly shrank as the Hickory Killer pressed the barrel against his temple, hazel eyes squeezing shut at the contact. Shit! There was really nothing for it. He'd have to guess. He closed his eyes with a nervous huff as he thought back. I'm pretty sure he was fifty-one at some point, but when was that? And how many times has he been replaced? Hank's the only one who'd know for sure! I know it happened at least once, but...

"Alright-alright! Three-one-three, two-four-eight, three-one-seven..." His heart pounded against his ribcage. Connor's life literally depended on him knowing those last two numbers, and he just didn't. He fucking didn't! Phck! And he knows I don't! It was clear in the way the fucker was chuckling along so smugly as he looked down. Connor was suddenly desperate, humming and whining, as if he were desperately trying to convey something as he shook his head. He's depending on me, and I don't phcking know! I'm going to orphan another kid because I don't phcking know! Hank's going to turn back into an alcoholic because I don't phcking know! Nines is going to phcking hate me! Phck! Connor, I-"Five..." He swallowed hard, hesitating over the last digit as the Hickory Killer waited, not giving anything away. "Three." He felt defeated. He just knew the Hickory Killer was about to pull some shit.

"Oh, Sergeant...what a shame." Gavin's stomach dropped as he watched the man tear Connor's shirt open. Connor was struggling like crazy now, crying and shrieking in objection against the silver tape across his mouth. Gavin yelled his name as he watched the Hickory Killer's fingers claw the synthetic skin over his power core. Thirium poured as he twisted and pulled the small cylinder free, simply releasing his body over the edge and watching it fall. "If you want him to have any sort of chance, you'll need this." The Hickory Killer leaned down and placed the shining cylinder right at the edge of the floor.

"Phck!" Gavin cursed tearfully as he took off up the stairs like an obedient dog. He tried to ignore the slapping clatter as Connor's body hit the ground. That was something he couldn't fix right now, and it wouldn't matter if he didn't get that fucking power core! How long did he even have? Isn't it two minutes? Phck! Can I even make it back down in time? He wasn't even sure he'd make it to the top. He was throwing himself around each turn, ignoring the burn in his thighs and lungs as he ran. His heart was thudding loudly as he realised what he was doing. knowingly running up towards a cold-hard killer. He could toss me off the edge of good measure and be done with it, but he didn't think he would. He'd have something much worse planned for him. It was a small mercy that the door had been left open. He barely looked as he raced to the edge and leaned down to grab the core.

"Hello, Gavin...What'll it be? Save your friend, or come after me?" Aaron's silken tone drawled from somewhere behind. Gavin looked around, but didn't see anyone until he looked up. The Hickory Killer had climbed up to the roof using a rope and a hole in the tiles. He'd probably made it himself. Gavin's blood boiled. The fucker was taunting him! He knew exactly what he'd choose. And later he'll goad me with it, saying I let him go because I wanted to, phck!

"You don't even have to ask!" Gavin bolted back towards the staircase, bile rising in his throat as cackled laughter followed him. He jumped a bunch of steps at a time. How long did he have left? A few seconds? He cursed and almost fell to one knee as he made a bad landing. His ankle had twisted, maybe even sprained. He didn't have time to fucking think about it. Connor was lying down there on the stone, bleeding out! He'd definitely deactivate if he didn't get the core back in time. He looked down in dread to see the little glass vial flickering. No! No-no-no-no-no! Come on! Hold on! Just a few more seconds! "Connor!" He staggered down the final steps. The crumpled figure was unmoving on the stone, though having been tossed from so high without his core, it didn't surprise him.

Gavin threw himself down beside Connor and rolled him over, still gasping for breath as he shoved the stained shirt aside. Connor's eyes were closed, LED flickering a weak and faded red. Gavin fumbled as he settled the body down and shakily slotted the grey core into place. He twisted it, expecting a sudden jerk, but there was nothing. No, come on! Come on, Connor! Don't do this, come on! Gavin choked on a sob as the android remained motionless. The red had blipped out to grey. Gavin retched and closed his eyes before opening them. This isn't it-this isn't how it phcking ends! You puppy eyed phcking phck!

"Come-on!" he choked as he pulled the core out, thirium already staining his hands and arms. "Useless phcking! Open-your-phcking-eyes, damnit!" Gavin ordered, yelling at the non-responsive shell in his arms. He plunged the core in once more and twisted. He knew androids weren't like cars. He knew he wouldn't just rev up with a few more turns. Connor...Come-on...He tried again anyway, silently pleading. There was thirium pooling on the stone, not just from the open hole where his core slotted, but from a crack on the back of his plastic skull casing where he'd hit the ground. Gavin could feel the plastic where his hair and skin had retreated around the damage. "Come on, come-on, you know Eli could fix you if-you-just-turn-on!" He twisted the core again. Pulled it up. Slotted it. Twist. Twist. Pull. Slot. Twist. Twist. Pull. Slot. Twist.

He couldn't see through the tears he kept blinking away. Phcking androids! Phcking-plastic-phck! Stupid phcking Tin Can! His chest heaved as he continued working the core in the socket. He was probably going to break it if he didn't stop. Androids probably weren't designed to have their parts constantly jerked around like this. He couldn't think. He couldn't see. He could barely even breathe. All he could do was twist and turn the core. His fingers were slipping and sliding on the edges, covered in thirium. The texture and the smell were pressing in on him. It was just like being back in the clock shop when he'd fallen in Aaron's blood. He couldn't see. He couldn't breathe. His oily fingers were slipping. He couldn't get a grip on the core! It was stuck! He couldn't pull it out! I can't phcking breathe!

"Gavin! Gavin! Look-at-me. Look at me! Look! At! Me!" The voice was familiar. Soft and warm. It wasn't Nines. Gavin coughed and choked as a hand struck his cheek. He was struck on the other side, head snapping to the left with the inhuman strength of it. Hands shook his shoulders as the voice called to him again. Hazel eyes...He blinked. It was an RK800. He looked worried, hands finally resting on his sore reddened cheeks to make him focus. He was wearing the Cyberlife shirt and tie with a long black coat over the top. Connor?

"C-Con?" The lithe android sighed in relief as he nodded. Gavin didn't have to ask or even move. Connor pulled him into a tight embrace and held him there, burying his tear-stained face in his smaller shoulder as he sobbed. Connor hushed quietly as he held him, one hand reaching up to stroke through his thick locks. "Y-you-C-Con-h-he!" He couldn't form a single coherent thought besides the fact that Connor was alive. His body relaxed as a large hand closed over his neck and squeezed. He didn't have to look to know that Nines had arrived. A sigh escaped as the hand squeezed again.

"It wasn't me." Gavin froze as he realised there was more to it. I-if it's not Connor then...There was only one other active RK800 that he knew of. It can't be...He couldn't...How would even get his hands on...Gavin pushed himself back, tears still streaming down his cheeks as he noticed Connor's saline tears and red LED. He jerked his head down to look at the inactive android. "It's alright...The three of us are all connected to the Cloud through Cyberlife." Connor's hand on his cheek turned him away from the peaceful face.

"C-Colin?" Gavin gagged as Connor nodded his agreement. Phck! That phcking-phck! He cheated! He retched, sobbing bitterly as Connor's hand rubbed his back in firm circles while he and Nines conversed quietly. They were both worried about Gavin and were already arranging a pickup for Colin's body with Elijah in the hopes that he could be repaired. They had, at least, managed to confirm that Colin had made an upload within the past two days so he could be revived. Gavin was still reeling from the shock. The more he thought about it, the more he realised he'd been played. He sobbed pathetically as Connor wiped his lips clean, murmuring gentle assurances.

How could he not have noticed? It made perfect fucking sense! Of course, he'd been set up! The attack on Connor had taken Nines from his side, leaving him alone and impressionable. That Connor had been attacked and Nines didn't know the situation had made it perfectly believable that he'd been kidnapped. The photo was of an android wearing a Cyberlife uniform. Connor always wore that stupid uniform, while Colin always chose smart suits. They looked identical, because of course they did! They were both RK800 models. Phck! I should have realised! I should have phcking known! The Hickory Killer had never confirmed it was Connor. He'd promised not to harm Connor, so he hadn't even broken his word. The behaviour matched up, too. The whimpers, the fear, the tears. Connor would have been stronger. He'd been in bad situations before. He knew what to do and how to bide his time. Colin was still new to this shit. He'd been fucking terrified! I didn't even realise it was him! That just made him feel even shittier.

"Gavin...It's alright. Just breathe...Colin will be fine once his body has been repaired," Nines insisted in a calming tone as he crouched beside him and gripped his neck. Gavin's bloodshot eyes closed as Nines squeezed again. He looked dazed and unfocused as he turned his head. He didn't speak. He just slumped into Nines' chest like he'd fainted. He was still awake, just utterly numb. "I'm here...I've got you..." Nines assured softly as he gathered him in his arms and cradled him close. Gavin closed his eyes, letting himself fall as he listened to the dulcet tones of Nines' voice and the steady thud of his thirium pump.