Clever Copycat (Carbon Copy)

    

Macy had many sides to her and could portray many more, but never showed a vulnerable one as her abilities kept her confident.

     For once she wished she could play 'victim' to the nice servers in establishments she frequented to gain sympathy and assistance from the constant undesirable men that constantly stared, leered or tried to approach her. Rather than pester the workers of places she simply handled the matters herself, but when she tired of it she envied the damsels in distress that always had the help of a nice person.

Then she remembered Specially Hired and the jobs the elite soldiers did to help those in need…she had joined them and now she had even more power on her side. Playing ‘victim’ just wasn’t her and never would be. Macy relied on her own abilities to handle things, so she was about to trip the tall, skinny man that constantly passed her table to go outside for a smoke when her cell phone rang.

At this hour in the morning before her part time job, it could only be one person and she read the display ‘Raul Ortega’ showed up and she flipped her phone open to answer it.

"Macy, before you get upset with me for calling you at this time you need to hear me out...it's important." Raul said swiftly as he went on, "I know you're scheduled for your part time morning work, but before you made plans for afterwards I need you to come meet with me. Chris told me you're not taking anymore Fight Zone matches and just training now with us. You're current expertise and abilities are absolutely all we have for this and once you hear it I know you'll want in...it's about the recent violent crimes against women."

Macy had heard the recent news and trusted Raul's judgment. It was also true her Fight Zone matches had ended for now; she'd put enough money aside and sent Curtis more than enough to get him set. Aside from her training for Specially Hired she had only her part time work at Sports Club a now Joe Shmoe job she kept for street appearances. The underworld couldn't know she had income from Specially Hired.

"You could have done me the favor of seeing me here." Macy replied watching as the skinny man paced outside her window with a cigarette, "In fact, there's still time. Bring a fire extinguisher with you and maybe a recording device."

Guessing someone was annoying her there he suggested, "Why don't you walk up here and meet me now then? I can give you a ride to work or get Chris or Vic to if you want."

It was a good idea and Macy was curious enough to find out what was up. Starting to pack up to go she replied, "I'll be in to torture you in a little while."

Disconnecting, Macy moved to leave crashing abruptly into the skinny smoker; her coffee soaking him. Pushing the empty cup into him she wise cracked, "Looks like the coffee is on you this morning." Elbowing him hard to get the surprised jerk out of her way she continued outside figuring she wouldn't be using the Tim's the next few morning's anyway if she had potential work to do. If not she could afford the other coffee vendors in the area now.

Walking to Specially Hired Headquarters wasn't difficult or far for her and she liked being able to think while she did. At her petite size she was likely a good target for the recent attacks on women in the city. Always underestimated and over looked she was sure Raul had some kind of sting set to capture the attacker.

As usual the news coverage was bias by each media mogul and hold back from the authorities pretty much gave the actual truth from being learned. The word on the streets weren't closer to the truth as most people exaggerated or beefed up the stories twisting it into something else. Macy always went with facts and those that got them were her main sources. One round through big drug dealers she knew and she could find out more.

Some news agencies stated it was the work of various attackers. Others said it was one and another claimed a rash of copycat's had utilized the situation to get away with the various crimes. Assaults of various manners were the most of reports, but Macy was intelligent enough to see that several of the most brutal attacks had a similarity of some kind.

Between Specially Hired and the street word she could easily find out the truth, but what she was assigned to actually do was still a mystery.

Sauntering into the headquarters Macy heard typing at a keyboard and knew it was Owen. Looking in at him she was surprised to see he wasn't alone. A tall lanky brown hared man sat on the empty desk space next to him drawing in a sketch book. They both looked up as she came in and she noticed they both had the same gray colored eyes. If Owen's dark blonde hair was darker she could be tricked into thinking they were twins.

"Hey 'Electronics' who's your brother?’Bionics'?" Macy asked watching as the sketcher flipped to a fresh page and started drawing and quickly added, "Who might need a new bionic arm if that's of me."

He abruptly stopped drawing and Owen quipped quickly, "I know! I'll look up bionics for you."

Macy had to grin and the doodler looked at Owen laughing, "You'll only find Sean's bionic mouth on there."

Owen motioned with a hand to him saying, "He's Danny Lancaster our Specially Hired Artist. If you want to know anything about art he'll give you a bionic earful." Looking at Danny he added, "In case you haven't figured it out, she's Macy."

"Some of the so called art I've seen is a crime." Macy remarked before asking, "Are you any good 'Doodle'?"

"It's Danny," Danny replied as he added, "Everyone seems to like my work."

"That's what I said 'Doodle'." Macy replied as she watched him flip through his sketch book showing his sketches, "Until I get all your names straight you're called by what you do and if you don't like it then I'll be confusing you with the toilet cleaners when I rename you."

"Doodle is great," Danny said quickly, "you'll get Sean in that confusion though."

Macy was beginning to wonder about the infamous Sean as she asked to be sure, "The one with the evil grin?"

"Yeah," Owen said first and asked, "have you met him?"

"No." Macy answered smoothly before looking at Danny and requested, "Doodle, if you draw me a good picture of Hulk flexing and growling all in green I'll promise to try and remember your name first."

Danny looked at Owen asking, "Hulk is Chris?" Owen retorted, "Who else? Vic?"

Danny grinned and started working, "Easy enough Macy, see me before you go."

Owen asked curiously, "If I do a computer generated version will you remember my name too?"

"Sure Owen, if both you and Danny add monster energy drinks to my request I'll even consider actually using your names."

She turned and headed to Raul's office and stepped inside quietly receiving a surprised look. Taking up a seat in front of his desk Macy asked, "Why do you look so surprised?"

Raul answered honestly, "I thought your arrival would've been a commotion of some kind without Chris."

Macy didn't let on about winding up Danny and Owen and informed quietly, "Well I don't need Hulk to dump coffee on people it seems to be coming naturally to me these days. This morning's accuracy has really improved, but if I can practice here, I think nobody will disagree that Sean would make the ideal practice dummy."

"Some will agree that you have the 'dummy' part right, but no, I don't want you to practice here. In fact you'll need to practice being a target with vulnerability. Someone that will attract our suspect."

Macy had just been thinking that this morning and suddenly it was a new role. She didn't think she was capable of not chasing the suspect first before he tried to attack her. It was opposite her nature and she wasn't so sure that there was more than one suspect.

"In no way is anyone saying you're weak Macy." Raul said quickly, "You unfortunately fit the target description and I know you're more than capable of handling the suspect on your own. I only insist back up so we can monitor the sting."

Macy didn't know if this was a role she could pull off and she didn't want to jeopardize the sting Raul wanted to set up. Raul looked like he expected a verbal assault from her and added gingerly, "I've been monitoring your training sessions Macy; even without them I know you can handle this guy. You just need to look like you're an easy target to him. You can even choose the hot zone if you're worried about your street credibility, but I assumed you'd be able to square it away with the underworld people."

Macy was still considering how she could 'look' the part. The rest was fine, but she couldn't pull off a 'victim' role. It just seemed too against her nature and she had no available answer for Raul.

He was waiting for something and asked exasperated, "Will you yell or scream at me or something? This torture you promised is torture!"

"I don't want to yell or scream." Macy replied teasing, "Owen and Danny will think all sorts of things."

Raul realized she'd encountered them and ran a hand through his hair nearly yanking on it as he muttered, "I am so going to get more 'going bald' jokes with you working here now."

Macy eyed his full head of dark hair musing, "I don't know Raul; I'd have gone for going completely white hared first. In fact I thought I saw some white hairs appearing just now."

He gave her a stony look and she said seriously, "I don't know if I'm capable of playing victim Raul. It's so opposite my nature that I might screw it up."

Realizing this was her dilemma he relaxed and held up a hand asking, "Is that all or is there other reasons for your hesitation?"

Macy replied seriously, "That's it for now Raul. I want to help because I don't like people like this guy, but not if he's going to catch on I am not afraid and run on us. I also am not sure if there's more than one suspect and I don't scare off all of them. The important thing is to get the main one."

Raul agreed, "That's all very true and I appreciate your honesty and careful deliberation, but now I want to give it to you from my perspective. Since you fit a physical necessity for the role and are excellent at keeping your attentiveness under the radar all you'd really need to do is walk the hot zone."

"You mean look around?" Macy inquired; that she could do, "You don't necessarily need me to act nervous or jumpy?"

"You know your ability and if you think it comes off weak then do what you can." Raul answered, "Just for the start until you get a feel for things. Then I figured you'd be able to pass off your suspicion as concern for yourself."

Macy could do that and mused quietly, "If you're playing it like that I can give it a try. I know I can square my status away and keep from giving the game away. With a little prior surveillance of the hot zone and information about past victims I might be able to pull it off. As long as I don't have to clutch at a purse and look frightened out there I'll give it my best."

Raul appeared relieved as he agreed, "With your street credibility I can only go it how you can work it within reason. I'm not insisting you carry a purse since you're capable of loading it with a brick and swinging it at me."

Macy grinned at that; she'd carried anything she needed in a small backpack or waist pouch; purses were for occasional use.

Raul went through his file in front of him continuing, "The victims vary and as you said about more than one perpetrator you'll want to check that first before deciding on the hot zone and looking at the victims."

"I was just going through this organizing it for you." Raul went on as he assembled the file, "Starting with the worst of attacks and information on those cases going down in priority these are cross sectioned by areas and I took the liberty of indexing each by the zones you're known in. My accuracy on them might not be great, but I figured it would help you."

Finishing with the file he handed it over and Macy took it asking curiously, "Do you always go to all this trouble for your soldiers?"

"Sometimes." Raul answered with a grin, "Depending on the individual. This being your first briefing I figured I should put in the effort, but considering the variation of information and being new to your range on the streets I knew it would be worth the effort. Later on when we get accustomed to things we won't need so much detail."

Macy flipped through the file checking out the basics before closing it and giving Raul a grin, "I hope you're not expecting me to grade this because you'll need to add a paperclip and a hundred dollar bill to attach to it."

Raul's eyebrows shot upward as he asked, "A hundred? I'm glad I don't want a grade; I'd be afraid to get that back."

Macy nearly laughed as she answered, "Factor the inflation since you last turned in a paper Raul and if you really want to be afraid you'd have to add some more bills before we get into some serious attachments on this. You'd be surprised to learn how much a good wig will run for these days."

The stony gaze came again and Macy returned it with an innocent one. She got a different expression than expected as Raul grinned he advised, "Work on that look; it's perfect for the assignment."

Macy narrowed her eyes watching as he gleefully rubbed his hands together asking, "Now where can I drop you? I'm itching to get out of here for a while."

Macy would've given him directions to the loony bin her half sister was in if she wasn't so eager to get to work on the assignment and answered, "I wanted a visual on the hot zones before I head in to work. Watch how you annoy me or I'll insist on getting a gray hared wig to make myself appear feeble."

Raul grabbed his jacket saying, "Hot zones it is; no annoying. Let's go."

Macy got up toting the file watching Raul with a curious expression as she joined him leaving the office. Sensing a purpose for his eagerness she let it go for a moment as she motioned to the computer room ahead asking, "Do you mind stopping for a moment, Danny asked me to stop back before I left. Before you look worried don't; you'll be on hand to supervise."

Raul tried not to look worried, but his suspicion prevented him from it and he replied, "No, go ahead."

When they appeared in the doorway Danny and Owen looked at them with surprise. Owen spoke first, "Hey boss, what's up?"

"His hair as it turns gray." Macy answered swiftly, "He isn't here for you; I am."

She looked at Danny who was busy doodling and judging by the reflection off the window's and blank computer screens behind him she guessed it was of her. Macy looked at Raul suddenly adding, "You'll need to confiscate Doodle's sketch book as evidence for after I give his arm a new elbow."

Danny suddenly ripped out the drawing and crumpled it up with a grin as he reached for the prepared sketch of Chris sitting next to him, "I got what you wanted right here Macy."

Raul appeared perplexed as Owen covered himself reaching for a paper in the printer, "Just so you know; I don't do anything of you unless requested."

Snatching Danny's sketch from him he added as he gave him a warning glance, "I'm not that dumb and daring."

Moving to deliver the drawings he gave Macy a proud grin, "Mine's in color and with your permission I'd like to send Chris a copy."

Macy admired the colored computer rendition of Chris while Raul watched from over her shoulder. Looking at Danny's sketch next she listened as he said, "I could put color in with more time. In fact I can do another for you; it was fun doing that one."

Macy looked at him and then Owen who asked curiously, "Are you going to call me 'Electronics' and Danny 'Doodle' now?"

Grinning Macy answered, "Not if you don't like it. These are good, but for the record, Chris doesn't mind being called Hulk. You can send yours if you like Owen."

Owen grinned and head back to his computer and Danny asked, "What about another sketch?"

"You don't have to if you don't want to...Danny." Macy replied before looking at Raul saying, "All done; let's go Raul."

She started off with Raul following still perplexed as he asked, "Are you intending on treating all my staff here like this?"

"Sean's getting my special treatment. He ranks in Dennis's category from the sound of things and your 'Silent Raven' is on the fence in my books. Until I know what to make of him or he does something else; I'll simply keep my distance. I get the feeling he's well respected."

"He is," Raul replied carefully as they moved along to the parking area, "but in light of this I'll do my best to keep you from interference until you're settled in with us. Jack's actually not in the city right now so you won't be running into him. Dennis has been warned on many occasions, but he's an ex-spy and it's in his nature to be snoopy."

"You mean annoying, but I know you can only do so much." Macy pointed out before adding, "Unless you'd like to take my suggestion of putting him in my role for the assignment and dressing him like a woman. His snooping could easily be mistaken for caution."

Raul glanced at her and she noticed the eagerness had returned as he replied, "That's not likely to happen; now I'm parked right over there and I figured before complete daylight we should go through the areas you're most known."

Macy followed his gaze to the midnight metallic blue four door Pontiac Grand Prix with curious amusement...it was obvious he loved his wheels. His eagerness and grin grew as they stopped at it and he unlocked the door for her.

The interior was as immaculate as the exterior and Macy got in carefully wondering if he'd freak when her fingerprints remained on the seat belt buckle. She nearly cracked up laughing when Raul got in and put on matching driving gloves. He was too absorbed with his pride and joy to notice and she watched as he started the car and eased out of the spot.

"We should hit the car accessory shops afterwards." Macy commented as she studied Raul who agreed, "Definitely."

A moment later he realized he'd been teased and glanced at her defending himself, "So I like my wheels. That's no reason to tease; besides I do need some things from the accessory shops."

Macy glanced around the car asking, "Sure, how many bottles of polish and cleaners do you go through?"

Raul glanced at her answering, "I won't divulge that information to you if you're mocking me."

"I can see why you're single." Macy went on as she took in the street they were on, "Any girl would be jealous of your car. You buy your car gifts and take her out."

"Cool it Macy." Raul warned, "I can easily fire you or make your working life with me miserable."

Ignoring the threat Macy went on, "She keeps you warm and gives you a comfortable ride-."

"You're pushing for a permanent partnership with Dennis, Macy." Raul warned cutting her off, "It's not like I joke about your spikes and throwing knives."

"You'd do that to Dennis?" She suddenly inquired, "I didn't peg you for the cruel type Raul, unless Dennis did something to deserve it."

Raul realized the potential of teaming them up and suddenly wished he could retract the threat as it would cause him ten times more grief. He sighed, "Don't upset me in my favorite place Macy, or I'll return the favor."

Macy left the matter alone and got back on track with the assignment asking, "Who's on the assignment as my back up on the sting?"

Glad to be back on subject again Raul answered, "You work well with Chris and Vic so I thought they'd be ideal. There's our law enforcement liaison Jim who will likely be around on this since the escalation in attacks."

Macy had been deliberating on her role and remembering her first taste of blood. She decided Raul should hear it, but wanted to be positive it would be just between them.

"There's something I should tell you, but I need to be sure you won't repeat it. It's something you should take into consideration."

Raul glanced at her replying honestly, "I know a lot of secrets about my soldiers Macy. Things only I need to hear pertaining to assignments and past history. I guarantee it goes no further than here, but your hesitation has me thinking and I get the sense it's about a past incident that you're reflecting on."

Macy had to give him credit for his intelligence, not that she hadn't before. She knew these people weren't idiots and Raul wouldn't be where he was if he was one. Although there were things they could learn, they knew the drill well.

"If you know the city you'd know it would be next to impossible pointing out a female that hasn't encountered some piece of shit trying to do something to them, so you're right in your sensing that's what I'm considering. I also should warn you that trust is earned and once broken with me it's nonnegotiable in the future. I don't talk to anyone opening their mouth about my business unless I say it's okay. The other thing is if you know I have told someone and discuss it because that's how things get out and stories are made up. I'll tell you the truthful facts and you consider it with the assignment. You discuss it with me alone in private and don't pose a hypothetical situation of what I tell you to anyone."

Raul was listening carefully and replied quietly, "In my position Macy, I can't divulge information to people without worrying over the consequences. Unless you don't care about who knows your business like Sean, my lips are sealed. Even hypothetical like you said; it's only creating trouble. With that said, if you keep on my good side I'll go so far as to quash any gossip, talking, rumors or whatever about you from the others. My good side means no cracks about my car or gray hair."

Macy gave him a suddenly nice smile asking, "Someone is making cracks like that? I'll fix them, tell me who it is."

Raul grinned as he said, "You don't need to go that far and I don't expect you to keep from slipping in one or two remarks. I just don't like a lot of them and especially during stressful assignments."

Macy would remember that and promised, "I will be as civil as possible; we have a deal. I'm not worried about legal ramifications from what I'm about to tell you since I was 14 when it occurred. I didn't look 14 at the time either; being small I probably looked 12 and obviously an easier target."

"You're right about the law, at 14 you're charged as a minor and you're an adult now, but I wouldn't consider anything you did illegally anyway as long as you're straight with me now."

Macy couldn't afford to mix up with anything illegally at this point in her life now anyway. She was trying to keep clear of trouble now and went on with her story, "I was headed to my friends place when this crack pot stopped his car and told me to get in. I'll skip the minor and obvious details as you know my reaction. He thought I was just a sassy mouthed brat and tried to grab me and drag me into his car. So I smashed his head into the edge of the open car door and knocked him out. He'd pissed me off so much that I proceeded to do a number on him and he wound up a vegetable. The police thought it was a gang beating."

Raul thought quietly about this; he definitely could picture the incident and understood her deliberation. Curiously he asked, "You're not worried you'll do the same thing are you? Like you're effort to stop on Les Blancher?"

"A lot of women want their day in court with this asshole and yes they'd be behind me swinging too, but no Raul; I can stop on this one if I have to."

Raul had considered this and mused thoughtfully, "I have faith in you about that, but needed your word for assurance. I suppose when I try to put myself in your position I can see your concerns of not getting it right. Some of these attacks have been in that type of manner and I expect you to react. What I recommend is waiting and watching before deciding anything Macy...we really don't know how our perpetrator will react to you. If there's more than one and they are copying then we have to let your sting team watch for them."

For a moment Macy thought of Curtis and although Raul was much younger than her step father his words of wisdom was respected, but she had to be sure and asked, "So if someone else does witness me flipping the other creep onto his ass and freaks out doing a runner you aren't going to be pulling-."

Macy paused before quickly finishing, "Sean's hair out?"

Raul gave her a grin for her effort and answered, "I will be stressed over it, but we've had many a mission go FUBAR. Look at how Blancher screwed Jack on the last one. We might lose one and maybe it might be the least vicious one. I do expect one thing of you though Macy...I expect you to take it personally and go on a mission tracking them down."

Macy looked at him suddenly and he grinned, "Don't look so surprised you should've figured out by now I'm quick to pick up on people who work for me. I need to be quick to know if they're up for assignments; you don't know how that responsibility can play on me if I think I've made a bad choice. I need to know I'm not sending you guys out to slaughter. I have to prepare ahead for unexpected things like that and if you do make it a personal seek and destroy mission with anyone escaping us I only ask that you let me in on it and lessen the destroy part."

Macy could do that and agreed, "It's a deal Raul; so for now it's look through the areas I'm most familiar in and then I'll look through what you gave me. If we have time we should stop for coffee on you and I don't mean that literally."

Raul was focused on his driving as he inquired, "You do realize dumping coffee on people isn't covered by me don't you?"

"I do and it's better to be coffee than me dumping elbows all over these annoying jerks. Besides this last one was a delightful legitimate accident. He noticed me getting ready to leave and hurried in from his smoke break outside."

Raul wisely didn't comment as he got back to business informing, "I know you're familiar with this park just up here on the right, it's near the school that young girl was assaulted in. The description isn't the same, but this area is well noted for the lowest of scum. The razor blades and needles in the playground and poisoned food left to harm people and pets. This woman was walking her dog on leash here when our first perpetrator struck using the leash to subdue the woman. Not long later our vicious attacker did the same thing here only early morning and our victim was nearly strangled to death if not for her dog."

Macy did know the area and muttered, "People think too little of danger and with dogs they really underestimate it. A leash is the first thing I would consider using as a weapon on someone." She glanced at Raul suddenly asking, "I don't have to walk a dog do I? Also I heard the second attack was just an escalated version from the same person."

"No, you don't need to walk a dog and yes that's a confirmed story from the media. The cases are almost exactly similar only more violent." Raul explained as he slowed for the drive by, "If you analyze the data it's quite a sick resemblance to various notorious crimes in and around our city. Several are identical to the Scarborough rapist and others duplicated from scorned killers or attackers. It's as if our vicious perpetrator is getting off on mimicking the crimes and attempting to get the original guys for it. Only some of the originals are incarcerated so it's more the copying he seems to be thrilled with. Evidence is the only link to several and the rest is suspect on our part. I've been expecting your street input on it, but take it you don't have a handle on it yet."

"A couple of people have mentioned they are being vigilant." Macy informed as she surveyed the park and surrounding area, "One guy told me he hoped the asshole ran into me and got the beating he deserves. This guy's got a niece he's worried about because she passes a place where an attack occurred. I should have a chat with her; she likely knows more."

Macy was also positive her friend Mila would know more too. Mila Saline had a son Trevor just after her 18th birthday and had a better perspective on assholes like their perpetrator than anyone she ever knew. Macy had no intentions of speaking to anyone about that perspective, but she could talk to Mila about her assignment in an underground type of manner. It wouldn't be difficult to make it look like a vigilante type of job.

Raul broke the silence informing easily, "I don't want your contacts Macy. Just whatever it takes to bust this guy. Whatever your street people know or do is their business. Just be sure you always keep in mind how the law works with underground people and we'll be fine. If we need to keep an informant under wraps then we get the same goals a different way."

Macy was very aware of the way things worked, she had limits too. Nobody could know she worked as an elite soldier taking out the most worst and disgusting of criminals. Macy had her limits of criminal activities; like herself, always believed people had deserved a chance. Men like Benny 'Hammer' Marrow that dealt drugs and committed criminal acts had standards that made her cool with being friends with him. He didn't like the same disgusting assholes she hated and she knew a dirtier drug dealer could take over from him if she eliminated him. Respect was another issue and the police had that with him too. He owned legitimate businesses and kept track of where his merchandise went. If intervention was needed Benny was there.

"There are some people I don't care if you knew of. Guys that aren't well liked or dangerous sorts that should be brought in." Macy said in reply, "But other guys like Benny are on a no hit list unless they cross the wrong line. Mostly they're cool though and more useful than you'd think. I was considering on going vigilante in the underground and using that cover as a way for information. This will determine who's really dirty and who isn't. Guy's like Benny will put me in with the good people to talk to."

"What about the ones that we need eliminated?" Raul asked curiously, "Assignment types that is sanctioned and necessary to remove? If I give you good enough reason for it will you reconsider?"

"Not if it's Benny or one of the others Raul." She replied honestly, "These people protect my friends out here and if they go there's a good chance a rotten jerk takes their place."

"Fair enough." Raul replied quietly, "We'll have to cross that bridge when we get to it."

Macy would forge underneath it, but never let on. She forgot about that for now as there was no point worrying over it. Instead she continued thinking ahead, "If I do the vigilante thing there might be some people watching my back from the underground. Unless I do it quietly, but either way whoever is in the sting should be prepared unless I can get them worked in as my undercover back up. Chris would be ideal as he's been well noticed around me already and so has Vic. I don't have cover for anyone else."

"In other words, Dennis and knowing him he'll spy anyway since he's a creature of habit."

"You got the creature part right." Macy muttered before shrugging, "Don't say I didn't warn you."

Raul let the matter go and stayed on track as he made a tour of all the hot zones and discussed various attacks.

Following that there was time for coffee near her part time work and they took seats at the back around the corner where Macy looked through the file. They couldn't discuss much due to the other patrons, but before they separated Macy indicated the zones in the file that she would check on before contacting Chris.

 

After work at her part time job, Macy caught up to Mila. It was best to go to the person with most knowledge first and Mila was expecting it as she knew Macy.

They were in the bowling alley at their usual table and Mila looked more uneasy and pained than usual, "I know what this is about."

"I'm not going to make it difficult Mila. You know me better than that. I'll tell you what you probably already guessed and then you tell me what I should know and expect."

Mila asked in guess, "You're going after this asshole? The really dirty one? I'd guess the others, but I do know you and it's usually the most nastiest piece of trash you're after."

Macy nodded as a sign of acknowledgement indicating Mila could do the same as she'd set the tone. She wasn't going to lose her friend for information and hurt her in the process. Mila shrugged uncomfortably, "I don't like he's out there and it's you inquiring. You know I can't say no to you, but knowing what you're attempting I will worry."

Macy inquired with ease, "Since when do you worry about me? I'm sure you remember that crack pot."

"This is different Macy." Mila said shifting uncomfortably, "I was wondering if you'd ask so I prepared to warn you. This bad one is much different...like Bernardo wicked with much more planning."

For Mila to mention a name like that indicated that it was indeed different. Macy instructed, "Skip the details and explain the planning part. I'm more interested in this whack job's like than what he's done."

Mila nodded with expectation replying, "He doesn't watch potential areas or women. He's making note of other attackers and copying them. He can modify them and perfect them; he won't be easy to find Macy...he's really good at observing and waiting while he plans."

"He functions like a regular human Mila." Macy pointed out, "He sleeps, eats and finds money somehow to survive. Aside from being an asshole he isn't much different."

Mila toyed with the napkin dispenser while she shrugged. Macy lightened up; Mila would always see sexual predators as monsters. Switching gears she asked, "What rocks should I be looking under?"

Mila wearily replied, "If you want to catch him off his stalking then you'd look in areas he'd need cheap supplies or where his type goes for cheap thrills. He covers his tracks so you could check nearby dump places. If you hope to catch him in attack you should do what he does and follow other attackers."

"I wanted to use myself as bait Mila." Macy informed quietly, "To get him off our streets; so if I'm drawing him to me what would I do?"

Mila met her gaze and answered, "Do what the others were doing and wait, but you might get one of the others while he's watching and he'll know what you're doing. I can't say what he would do, run or try a different tactic."

"He'll be pissed with me that I'm taking away his game and stick around. That much I know for sure, but what actions do I make in what areas?"

The concern grew on Mila's face, but she replied quietly, "Our turf has been well watched and the nearest attack was the park up by Pape and Danforth. I heard this morning there was something that happened up at that plaza off Laird near Eglinton. Both were blonde hared joggers and early morning; everyone talking about it earlier said it sounded like the same attacker."

Macy had been with Raul on a circuit that morning and hadn't passed the plaza. Curiously she asked, "Is that the first in that plaza? I haven't heard anything out that way."

"It happened in front of the La Senza Girl. Everyone said they thought the store had some kind of kick for the attacker. It is the first there, but from what I heard she looped around up there at Wicksteed and jogged back down Laird towards Millwood. It sounds like this guy though because of the attack."

Macy held up a hand palm out indicating she could stop. She could get details from Raul or others if need be.

"I don't intend to jog because I could be running for hours and I don't have nor want to walk a dog." Macy informed as she asked, "Aside from walking, what should I be looking like I'm doing?"

Mila shrugged, "Anytime it's dark and you're walking you're asking for more chances of being attacked. Even in daylight, but waiting at bus stops, posting mail or going to cars are some things you could try. You need to appear unaware of your surroundings too. Don't look like you're full of energy and quicker than you are. Most of these assholes pick women who look weary and easy to subdue. The joggers extend their energy and are easy to lay in wait and blindside. Walking you have time to look and prepare, but most attackers want someone who will be scared and over powered easily. This deadly one might be different though; he might like the challenge."

Macy nodded; she'd guessed much of that already, but Mila had confirmed it. She needed to get moving and asked, "Is there anything else I should know?"

Mila shook her head, "Nothing that you can't hear elsewhere, but I'll be paying closer attention to what's happening and definitely keep in contact. Just be more cautious than usual Macy."

They stood and Mila hugged her as if she didn't expect to see her again. When they parted Macy thought of Mila's son Trevor and her friends past...this assignment would be justice for them.

 

Outside Benny's club, Moose stood waving at someone who drove past beeping at him. Macy joked asking, "Was that your mommy Moose?"

"Hell no!" Moose laughed, "She's Angela, always paying big bucks to get in when the club is packed."

Macy stopped next to him asking, "What would you do if it was packed and I wanted in?"

Moose replied as he moved and opened the door for her, "Do this!"

Macy grinned as she stepped in laughing, "Wow, here I am thinking you'd call out Tony and Nicky."

She headed on in spotting Tony at his post outside Benny's office door and the second he spotted her he said, "Before you ask Sammy is doing much better now; he said to tell you he would deliver your get well wishes to Les Blancher, but figured someone would keep him there."

Macy knew Blancher was currently recuperating in an infirmary medical ward awaiting physical ability to appear in court. She punched Tony on the arm teasing, "So you deliver it for me."

"Are you still off fighting?" Tony suddenly asked, "I got a few prospects for you."

Macy shook her head, "No Tony, I'm on a new hunt at the moment, but when the dust settles I'll take one or two until my next hunt."

Tony nodded and opened the office door calling in, "Hammer, you got a special visitor."

Macy looked in and saw Benny looked up at her grinning as he called and waved her in, "Macy! Come in!"

Macy went in and closed the door behind her addressing Nicky to her left in his usual corner, "Nicky; got any new knuckles?"

She glanced at the big man's hands adding, "Did yours grow or are you wearing skin colored ones?"

Nicky laughed and held up a fist and she rapped knuckles with him as he said, "They're the same Mace and I don't have any new ones."

Macy turned to Benny joking, "Moose should be taking bribes of knuckles from Angela instead of money."

 Benny laughed and Nicky chuckled. She waited as she sat in the empty chair and watched as Benny waved a finger at her, "I know you're not here for a chat, so just get on with whatever you're up to."

"Hammering directions at me is quite refreshing Benny." Macy said before informing, "You have a daughter and Nicky has a sister, so I know you've been following the latest attacks. I thought I'd do something about it and try to lure the attacker to put him out of business."

"Permanently?" Benny and Nicky asked together in unison.

Looking between them Macy asked curiously, "Does anyone else know you two practice harmonizing? If this gets out they'll be joking Nicky's knuckles can double as a tuning fork."

They looked at each other and Benny ordered, "Forget the fucking harmony, tell me you're not serious about luring this fucking prick. The guy's a lunatic Macy; he hunts other predators and copies them. Then he modifies the attack and destroys his next victim."

Macy's expression remained the same as she asked, "What else can you tell me?"

Nicky gaped at Benny, "She isn't joking Hammer!"

Macy glanced at him teasing, "You look like you're about to pass a set of knuckles Nicky. What's wrong? Are you near crapping yourself for a purpose?"

"This guy's a whack job Macy, he's nuts. You can't fight someone with nothing to lose."

Benny waved a hand at Nicky, "Chill Nicky, if Macy is going to do something nobody is going to stop her. We just go with her and wait for the dust to settle."

Macy looked at him asking, "Don't you want your daughter to be safe? Or do you think I'm biting off more than I can chew?"

"You said it," Benny replied, "not me. Nicky is right though, this guy just needs a bullet through the head and that's a job for one of our hitters."

Macy knew the hitters were underground killers hired for the ultimate scum, but this was her assignment and she had a reason for completing it. She glanced at Nicky before saying to Benny, "I'm doing it for your family and others out there. I expect backers from the streets; so skip the worry and tell me what I need to know to get the job done."

Benny nodded and then sighed, "He just struck again this morning Macy and he's getting confident. I know the cops are freaking out because he's duplicating attacks making it difficult for them to pin point the right guy. This one chases other rapist's; gets off on watching and copies them."

"Got any ideas on where to go?" She asked guessing he didn't or he would've said so from the start.

Hammer glanced at Nicky before he replied, "If you're just walking around out there he'll find you. Looking for him is pointless, we've already tried that. I bet he just watched us and made notes of where we were to avoid us. I'll put the word out that you're on the hunt if you want. That way any known perverts will lay low out of your way."

Macy shrugged indifferently she didn't care and asked, "What about a description?"

Benny rubbed his jaw, "That's another thing; there isn't much of one. A guy about 5'11 with dark hair around average size. Nothing else, but the cops act like they got more."

Macy knew they didn't or it would've been her file. She didn't let on as she asked, "Does he have a favorite asshole he likes to watch and copy?"

Benny held out a hand and marked his fingers as he said, "One guy out in Mississauga he copied twice in that area, the same in our area and North York with guys from that area. This latest marks three copies in the Leaside area and the report on Scarborough is still out. There are rumors that he did some Scarborough rapist copycat work and a few that he's done replicas of incarcerated guys. That I don't get, the cops wouldn't think any recent assault was done by the original if he's banged up."

"Practice," Macy explained, "to see how good he can do it and what the reaction is. Plus his thrill is in re-enactment."

Benny studied her quietly for a moment before musing softly, "Just when I figure I got you pegged I see something different. I know you grew up learning the street, but this Macy."

When he didn't finish, Macy spoke, "You didn't think I would discriminate on what I learned off the street did you? Maybe some people cannot stomach it and choose to ignore it, but not me Hammer. The second I ignore something; I learn on my own the harder way. It's better to observe than to be involved in dirty lessons. With that said you know I've seen plenty and this isn't much different. I don't need to be spared from any disgusting detail so you can give it to me straight."

Hammer glanced at Nicky and then said, "I never said you couldn't handle it, I'm just surprised you know what you do. Anyway there isn't much more than that, but I'll put sniffers out for whatever you're going to do and see what comes back."

Macy knew he would inform her of every detail he knew and she looked at Nicky who informed, "Everyone is keeping a vigil for him Macy, but knowing you're going after him I won't keep any knowledge to myself, but a lot of people want him in box so don't be surprised if he's dead before you get to him."

Macy believed him and said quietly, "Your sister, Hammer's daughter, somebody's niece or cousin. There's a woman out there that all of us don't want that happening to and no matter if it's someone we know or not the next one could be so I have to do my part. I live in this city; I want the worst of the Evil here eliminated just like you guys."

Nicky nodded quietly and Macy looked at Benny again who agreed with a nod too, "We're cool, especially since it's not a personal war for us. So before you go bust his balls just say the word on what you need."

"For now there's nothing aside from information." Macy said, "After that it's the sniffers. Any crumb of knowledge on this you get, text me or call. Get it to me immediately by any means necessary; the faster I get it the faster this asshole is eliminated."

She stood and Benny did too saying, "You got it Macy and anyone else hunting will know you're out there. I'll keep things together on that; just keep the eyes in the back of your head wide open."

They shook hands and then Macy looked at Nicky who reached for the door for her instructing, "Nail him one from us."

Macy simply grinned, they knew she definitely would and she continued on rounds of various people for more information before her first sting at dusk.

 

Raul knew his elite soldiers well and learning about them seemed to give him the camaraderie that they had out on assignments. Macy's history about the crack pot had been left in his trust. So he immediately went to work protecting her and knew just who to see first. He was concerned when Dennis didn't show up and knew the ex-spy hadn't called in for a good reason.

Leaving his office, Raul went to the computer lab knowing Owen would be there. He was pleased to find him alone and when he closed the door to the room behind him Owen swore lightly, "Oh shit!"

He looked like he expected to get chewed out for something, but Raul wasn't interested in whatever Owen had been playing on the computer. He took a seat on the empty table top that Danny usually occupied and said, "I want you to answer me and I don't want anyone to know what this is about."

Owen watched him quietly and Raul inquired, "What has Dennis asked you to look into for him?"

Surprised Owen asked, "That? How did you know?"

"He hasn't shown up and I suspect he's got his nose in where it shouldn't be. All Hell will break loose if I don't stop him. So tell me what he had you check. Better yet, just give to me what you gave him."

Owen turned to his computer and opened a file named 'Homer' and brought up the information saying, "He told me a vigilante from a past attack might be coming into play and asked me to hack into the past records and get him this."

Raul watched as the screen changed to a police file on a man named Herman Maslow that had been previously charged for assault was a victim of a severe attack that had left him in a permanent care facility. The case was open, but hadn't been looked at in years. Several gangs and suspects had been investigated, but nothing prominent.

"He said some of these suspects might be a key to our assignment and that it was a hunch so I shouldn't waste time telling you." Owen said as he burned a copy of the file onto a blank disk for Raul, "If I knew it wasn't supposed to be done you know I'd never do it."

Raul was scanning the report of the beating Herman Maslow sustained and felt a knot tighten in his stomach. Shit! Dennis is snooping into the case of the crack pot Macy beat up.

Tempted to yank at his hair he steeled himself as he said, "Never mind, just remember what I said about nobody learning about this."

Owen looked at him and thought about the information before asking, "What does this have to do with anything requiring silence?"

Raul answered, "If you're anywhere near as intelligent as I suspect you are you'll forget you asked, forget you saw this, and forget any of it existed."

Owen wasn't sure he wanted to figure it out for himself now, but agreed, "No problem boss, but what if Dennis asks for something else related to it?"

The disk finished and he ejected it as Raul replied, "Tell him you'll check it out and get back to him and then tell me. We'll decide then what to do."

"So Dennis isn't even to know about this?" Owen asked as he handed the disk over and Raul took it instructing, "Nobody is to know and delete that information immediately so there's no chance anyone else sees it."

Owen turned to do that saying, "Nobody was here when Dennis asked and I got this. I don't know if Dennis has been talking to anyone else though. You better find out in case he's blabbing about it."

Raul was already moving to do just that. He had a bad feeling Macy would soon be reigning down a shit storm on Dennis if he didn't stop him.

 

After her rounds Macy learned that the victims were indeed joggers or women going to their cars completely blindsided by the attackers. With the amount of guns and knives on the streets today Macy was surprised women weren't more careful, but it didn't mean they deserved being attacked. A few she had more compassion for because they had been going or coming from work using the local transit at better hours and couldn't help the lack of daylight. She didn't routinely jog and always weighed her times on the daylight. Her random day time jogging had likely kept her from an attack.

Having learned more about the blonde pony tailed jogger attacked by the most sought man, Macy could see exactly how easy a target she'd been. Petite like herself; wearing skin tight black pants it wasn't difficult to get a good look at his target. Her usual circuit of the mall around the shops ending the loop back by the La Senza Girl she would be half exhausted in the jogging and thinking about her halfway mark rather than someone jumping out from behind the l-shaped pillar in front the store. The woman was the latest and indeed the worst fighting for her life in the ICU. Macy had spoken to three on scene guys that had called for help likely saving the woman's life. She didn't ask what the three were doing out there at five in the morning. Nothing in the area was open and unless they were a night shift group from the Home Depot their activity was questionable.

Of all the victims she'd learned about one hadn't come forward and Macy known the reason. It had been a woman close to her apartment that rented a house. Every morning she got up and had her home made coffee on her front porch. Macy had seen her in passing about five in the morning drinking with a jacket around her shoulders. It was obvious her attacker saw target written all over her and struck. Her screen door had recently been broken and replaced so Macy was quite sure this was an accurate story...she hadn't seen the woman outside for a while now too.

The area by Withrow Park earned her attention the most as it was constantly over run by predators of all kinds. It was where she intended to start and she decided to get some accessories to fit the bill of target. One thing she needed was some kind of frilly type of hair holder as hers were all regular colored ones. The local Shoppers Drug mart had plenty and she found one suitable. By the time she was ready it was time to meet Chris and Vic for the first sting.

Chris desperately tried not to react to the change of her appearance, but shot Vic a chuckle, "I am so going to get a shot in the arm for this."

Vic was containing a surprised grin of his own, "With all that muscle buffering the pain your arm should be fine."

Macy stopped and looked between them growing impatient with them withholding a burst of laughing. She stomped on Vic's foot as he was closest and as he flinched she instructed, "Give that to Hulk for me and if he keeps snickering, back over him with your car."

Both sobered up and Macy got down to business, "I intend to do the Pape and Danforth vicinity. That area needs a lot of cleaning up, but I'll be walking and making it appear like I'm not aware of anything while I post some things and look in shop window's while continuing up the street. I could either make it look like I'm waiting for a bus or pretend to call for a cab and wait near the park. I'll play it as it goes and might use a pay phone or something. You two just need to watch my back and snicker at my bait appearance."

Vic attempted to keep serious as he informed, "I figured on keeping ahead of you and watch for potential suspects you could head near."

"And how were you intending of informing me of where to go? Telepathically? You need to have a mind in order to do that."

Chris couldn't help laughing and Macy couldn't help elbow him in the gut warning, "Watch it Hulk or I'll stand in the feminine product aisle of a 24 hour Shoppers Drug Mart."

Vic desperately tried to stay focused his voice quavering between amusement and laughter, "We have a headset for you for the communication."

"First it's too obvious on the street unless you can wire it to look like mp3 headphones." Macy replied, "Second you'd be distracting me yapping in my ears about moron drivers and third you have to work on your communication skills first for it to work."

Chris rubbed his stomach agreeing, "We do, I didn't know Shoppers was 24 hours now."

She turned on him with a warning glare and he quickly added, "But we'll discuss that and work on our skills while you're hard at work."

Vic was able to keep serious as he asked, "How are we going to keep on the same page Macy? If you see something or we do what's the signal?"

"There can't be one." Macy answered seriously, "Our main guy watches everything and other predators so he'll see signals and communication. You'll have to read my actions to know; I'll go by your directions and for the record I'll likely get one of the others first since the one we want struck last. I intend to make it look like I'm simply protecting myself and wait for you two to move in. I don't want to make it look like I got some lucky shots in because it'll deter the others. We're going to have to fall back after each one because our guy is going to catch on and look for you. Quite honestly if I didn't need you to bring these assholes in I'd rather work alone."

"I was just joking about Shoppers Macy," Chris mused quietly, "and we always laugh at different appearances of each other. You should've seen these guys when I had to wear a suit."

"Was it green?" Macy asked curiously ignoring Vic laughing, "Did you get pictures?"

Chris shook his head, "No on both counts, but my point is we didn't mean to get you disgusted with working with us already."

"The point is on your head Hulk. I'm not disgusted with you guys; it's a matter of losing this guy since he's going to catch onto you. He's a clever attacker that hunts thoroughly and watches other attackers before making his move. He will likely know you're around, but like I said...someone has to be around to bring in the ones I encounter."

Chris and Vic exchanged curious and serious glances before Vic mused quietly, "We'll have to be really alert watching then." Chris nodded, but Macy sensed it wouldn't be enough, "He's probably lying low and watching further out of the way so it won't make a difference."

Chris looked at Vic before informing, "It's your call Macy; we can stay clear if you want."

Macy shook her head, "No and when we're done here we move to the other target areas. Hopefully by then we'll have a better read on the situation. I also have street people out so don't go nuts on everyone you see watching. Now I intend on walking over from here since it isn't far and I need to work on my character."

Vic and Chris agreed, but wisely remained quiet and a moment later they were off.

 

Macy had enough of practice and couldn't think of anything more to attract anyone off the street. Aside from going right through the park she'd been in the area long enough. She was about to scrub this sting and move onto another area when something told her to head back to the park.

It was more someone rather than something...her biological father was alerting her from beyond the grave. She'd picked up a suspect on her trail and was leading him to the park for a confrontation. Now if only you could give me the location of our biggest target and perhaps the future lotto numbers dad.

She was answered with a sense that the guy they were after was indeed around and to be careful handling the capture of her current tail. She deliberated it as she made the approach on the park; if he was watching the park area it had to be from a good spot far back. He'd use some kind of scope and be at a sniper type of position. Trees would block the view, but the best location was deeper into the park.

Thinking quickly she knew what she had to do, but needed to be in character. What reason could she have for going into the park? One suddenly came and she started searching her pockets as she slowed her pace. She searched the ground and then head into the park pretending to be looking for a dropped item.

From in his car, Vic watched with surprise as he heard Chris ask over his headset, "Is she heading deep into the park?" Vic watched his driving as he casually head around the park to get close in front of Macy as he possibly could, "Yeah, park somewhere because I think she's luring him in. She looks headed near the set of trees and still looking like she's dropped something."

"If I get out here everyone watching will be onto me." Chris replied as he parked to watch, "I'll cover both of you and hang back. Radio if you need me and maybe I'll spot our guy."

Vic had parked and watched as Macy continued deep into the growth of trees. It dawned on him she was luring the man following her into an area the other one wouldn't be able to see into so easy. He radioed back with his opinion and Chris replied he deemed it a good idea since the guy following her didn't look wise like the copycat.

 

The copycat was dismayed that the predator had been enticed out of his view point. Although he couldn't see them, he watched anyway. If it was one thing Clive Pentzer knew from an early lesson it was to watch and learn. Years of watching and learning accompanied by copying had brought him tremendous success in his abilities to strike women at random. The one he watched walking in the park searching for something had been someone he'd choose, but this one following her had beat him to it.

Clive wasn't disappointed he'd lost the opportunity; he knew better offers came along sooner or later and patience was his strong suit. Having been careful and patient over the years had proven to be fruitful and Clive knew better than to simply chase anything that came along.

It was a quick way to get caught or underestimate the situation acting on impulsive opportunities. He'd seen many a misfortune and heard plenty of others. He understood the haste, but had also known the dangers of acting rashly. As easy as some women appeared to be others could be tougher. It was night and day with them; the jogger so easy to watch and pick the easiest place to strike. Mid stride he'd got her down and into the corner in front of the La Senza girl. Her head had bounced off the ground first completely subduing her.

As easy as it had been, there had been the opposite like the one his old friend had tried to get. He didn't know what happened, but Clive made a habit of visiting him every month and talked to him.

Clive packed up to go; there was no point in hanging around if someone attacked here. A vigil would quickly go up and he wasn't in any position to watch and learn anything. There were other potential areas to watch from and if nothing panned out in that he had potential victims to observe for their habits and plan the next attack.

 

Macy was so quiet in her pretend search that the attacker's approach sounded like an elephant trampling through behind her. Knowing it wasn't Chris even if it sounded like him, she was ready for whatever he had planned.

Purposely she stopped under a tree with a low branch in the deepest of cover. Knowing he'd attack the second she stopped she leaped for the branch and acrobatically hoisted herself up narrowly missing his sudden lunge. She saw the visible knife edge in his left hand and wasn't worried about handling a South paw. She simply used her left foot to kick his forearm as hard as she could; watching the knife fall.

She heard a car door slam and knew Vic was on his way, but she had an attacker to subdue. He was looking for her and his knife, but only saw her right foot at the last second as she swung a kick at his face.

"Uh...HELP!" She suddenly remembered to yell as she dropped back to the ground and nearly sounded lame doing it. She saw Vic running on a streak for her and kept an eye on her downed opponent. For emphasis she called in a more realistic tone, "Hurry before he gets up."

Macy didn't think he was getting up because he was busy spitting blood from his mouth on the ground. When he attempted to get up she put a foot on the back of his neck sending him down warning in a hiss, "Stay down asshole or I'll turn one of your arms into a necklace."

"Quick! He's trying to get away!" She called to Vic wanting to add that a snail could move faster.

Vic approach with a set of plastic riot cuffs in his hands asking, "Are you okay Miss?"

The question sounded as lame as her calling and she deemed it important to work on that in case some one was listening. She practiced her role replying, "Yes, I was just startled."

Vic had the cuffs on and it appeared he was listening to Chris. He was still in position keeping watch for their copycat. He also couldn't refrain from remarking about listening to some lame acting.

"I can call my friend to come pick me up." Macy informed indicating she'd call Chris for a lift to their destination for a sting. She'd have to wait until Vic was able to join them again.

They started back out of the park towards Vic's car and he must've sensed they needed to practice because he asked, "What were you doing out here at this time?"

"I dropped my bus pass somewhere and was looking for it. Those things cost a fortune to replace." Macy answered and it sounded more believable.

Chris was listening and fed Vic a line through his headset, "Better to lose a bus pass than a life Miss. Next time wait for daylight to search for it and get some friends to help."

Vic nearly told Chris he couldn't say that, but had to keep up his role and repeated it hoping Macy wouldn't slug him later for it.

Macy was going with the role and didn't care as she replied smoothly, "That's true mister, but then you knights in shining armor wouldn't have a job rescuing people like me. I'll be careful though and I'll have to give you a reward for your valiant help. At the very least I should make a contribution to the charity of your choice."

"You don't have to," Vic replied more naturally, "but I give to the Humane Society."

Macy wasn't sure if that was the actual truth, but played along, "I definitely will; it's a wonderful cause."

Their captive seemed to be their only observer, but they went on with the role until Macy left them at Vic's car and went up the street on her own. A moment later she pulled out her cell phone which suddenly rang displaying 'Hulk'.

"Do I get a donation too?" Chris asked when she stuck the phone to her ear, "The Chris Foundation is a worthy cause."

"The only cause it has is to annoy me." She replied unable to look at him since they had to keep cover, "A better cause would be to the research scientists trying to figure out why you're oversized."

Chris chuckled before asking, "Where do you want to meet and wait for Vic?"

"If you're nice there's a coffee shop up the street." Macy replied before finishing coolly, "If you're a gigantic pain I'll hang out in Shoppers down a previously mentioned aisle."

"No problem, "I'll browse the aspirin aisle." Chris answered calmly and thought to add, "I'll need it considering I'm sure to be on the receiving end of a punch."

"Not just a punch." Macy informed before hanging up. Slipping her phone away she remained in role as she continued up the street.

 

Well...this is interesting. Clive Pentzer thought as he watched the familiar dark hared woman. I wonder what happened back at the park? He was wishing he'd stayed to watch, but watching now was promising. She was doing the same as before, walking along as a target. She had to be working with the law, baiting herself for the attackers. There was no way she could miss an attack and then mindlessly wander in a different area. He could see a lot of the attackers he'd observed fall for it and get caught, but not him.

He was about to leave and head out of the city for a quick easy attack to throw them off, but he watched  her as she adjusted the little pink hair holder keeping her hair back and continued observing. Knowing his enemy would be good experience and she was out to stop him.  Who was here working with her? Did they honestly think they could capture him like this?

Clive could sit back and watch them operate for days and find out everything about them while he planned his next move. At the moment things would have to be quiet and careful if he didn't want to get caught.

Clive continued observing deciding he should follow her everywhere. Finding out how they were working would be knowledge for his next attack. Since they were making stings all over the city he'd have to go elsewhere to continue his thrills, but first he needed to learn all he could about this.

 

Raul had yet to see Dennis and it had been days. The ex-spy hadn't answered his phone and the most Raul had learned was that Dennis had paid a visit to Herman Maslow. The crack pot was incapable of communication, but it meant that Dennis hadn't heeded his message to stop all activity and come in. Macy had yet to hear about any of it and until Raul had a lock on Dennis he sat on the information.

On the assignment front, Macy had pulled in numerous attackers over the city, but the clever copycat had obviously learned of it and virtually disappeared. He was pleased that Macy was getting along with Chris and Vic well. It was one area he could rest at ease about.

Owen glanced quickly into his office and then disappeared again; Raul ordered, "Get in here!"

Owen appeared again and came in asking gingerly, "Is this a good time?"

"Not for peek-a- boo." Raul griped, "So get on with it. You never leave your computer aside from human function or information. Since I am only here for the latter spit it out."

Owen didn't sit as he informed, "I just heard Dennis is ducking everyone. That's it and it came from Sean who seemed strangely miffed it included him."

"Those two are thick as thieves at times. I'm not surprised, but keep this quiet while you keep observing."

"That's it?" Owen asked eager to go and watched as Raul waved a hand of dismissal, "Yes unless you have something on our copycat."

Owen informed, "Nothing important; Macy has me tracking down surveillance equipment supply shops in the city to look into. Things someone would need to observe attackers in the city."

"You heard from her recently?" Raul asked curiously wondering why she hadn't reported this to him.

"She requested it through Chris who called." Owen informed, "He told me between stings this was what they were looking into. Macy got a tip from someone underground to look into supply if the copycat was underground."

Raul was curious to know who tipped her off, but was more interested in capturing the copycat. Quiet now or not the copycat needed to be taken in. Two of his victims had been pulled from machines in the hospital and it appeared the blonde jogger was going to be next on that front.

"I'll just get back to my computer." Owen said as he moved to leave. Raul nodded silently still lost in thought.

Macy was working hard to do her job and Dennis was secretly working equally as hard to destroy her. He didn't like the way things were playing out and had to do something about it.

 

Clive was always careful when he visited his old friend and today it proved to be a good practice because he discovered that someone else had visited his friend. The snoop had made many inquiries and Clive suspected he worked with the same people working the sting. Since the snoop had inquired about Herman possibly have been attacked by a vigilante for attempting an attack Clive knew that he was on the right trail and would suspect him if he wasn't careful on his visit. Clive had heard from his friend on the day he'd been attacked and knew that his friend had spotted a nice victim he'd intended to go after. Clive had an age limit as he preferred women who had a matured physical form...his friend had been closer to pedophilia preferring young girls near maturity.

The snoop was inquiring about this and had pointed out the rash attack on teens had ceased since his friends arrival. Clive knew the snoop couldn't take his friend through a trial and jail even if he found evidence; his friend wasn't capable of taking the stand in his own defense. Or so everyone seemed to believe.

Staring at him lying quietly staring glazed at the newspaper Clive read to him, he was sure his friend had more capabilities than he showed. Clive wasn't sure if the snoop had bugged the room or was watching from somewhere so he waited until it was time for their walk.

"I'll show you my wheels today." Clive told him as he pushed the wheel chair. He wasn't allowed to take him off the facility grounds for medical reasons, but Clive needed a nice quiet place to continue his attempts of getting through to his friend and he knew he held a key to the recovery. Whenever he mentioned a victim his friend appeared to seem responsive...more intent. He'd learned this when his friend twitched at the mention of their conversation prior to his incident. He'd always twitched when he was thinking about the younger girls. So it seemed that this was what got through to him.

Stopping at his car he said, "I have something to show you in here." He opened his car door and reached for his locked case under the seat continuing, "I know you like the younger girl's, but this one is special."

His previous attempts for reactions with photos of teens had varied. This particular photo was one he'd taken of the woman he'd been watching make stings.

"She's been setting up us poor guys. Luring us to attack her and leading them off to jail. So many of us have been caught, but not me...I've been watching her and know better."

He was busy unlocking the case as he continued quietly, "One of her fellow snoops was here and I don't know if it'll be safe for me to come see you. I wanted to help you get well and I think you know that. The very least I can do is show you the reason I might have to cool off visiting you. I'll think of you though...every time I'm enjoying myself."

Opening the case he reached inside for the envelope containing the photo. Clive had decided not to get involved in the sting and head onto a new area to attack until the city had finished their sting. He would return when it was safe, but until then he saw no need to risk going to jail.

Pulling out the photo he looked at it taking note of the pink hair holder. Off duty she had worn a simple dark one. He looked at his friend about to hold the photo for him to see it, but his friend was already looking at the photo and his expression had completely changed.

 

It was rare that Raul went out in the field to do a reconnaissance, but he knew he had to or get a severe case of hair loss. Not from his own actions, but from Macy pulling each strand out one by one when she found out Dennis was spying on her.

The ex-spy had been living elsewhere and using other facilities that were unknown to the other soldiers because Raul had checked them all. Dennis had covered all his tracks from being found by anyone, but Raul had known things about all his elite soldiers...Dennis was no different.

Hours ago he'd put out a word about a secret eye witness in the Herman Maslow attack. It was sure to get Dennis to bight and he did. Raul was waiting for him to show up and read the message left at the selected meeting spot. It directed him to go to where he currently was ensuring that he wouldn't be seen first. There was no back up in case Dennis got nervous and left. Raul was confident Dennis was too eager to hear from a potential eye witness to notice.

He saw when Dennis pulled up and was waiting for him. The building was a seized drug lab Raul had borrowed. Only one exit was unlocked and just inside of it was instructions on a table. He was to approach the opened office door and call out to alert his presence then keep his hands visible and empty.

Dennis was alert, but did as instructed while Raul moved from the shadows near the exit behind him. Dennis whirled to look at him as he reached the exit and locked it.

Dennis seemed more disappointed there wasn't really an eye witness than worried Raul had finally caught him. Raul intended to make him very worried.

"The chase is over; get in the office. We have some things to discuss." Raul ordered as he moved toward him. Dennis was prepared to face the music and went willingly. If he knew what was about to happen he would've been running.

 

Macy had heard about Jim many times since the start of her assignment, but was surprised when he suddenly appeared with Vic after their last sting a while ago.

"This is Jim Williams our police liaison that I've been taking our apprehended suspects to." Vic introduced as they joined her and Chris at the table. Looking at Jim, Vic quickly finished the introduction a tone of serious alarm in his voice, "Jim, this is Macy. You can explain everything and for the record I tried reaching Raul and Raul's off the radar."

"This is about Raul being missing?" Chris asked curiously, "If he's anywhere near his car he's fine."

Macy would've agreed, but she remained silent to hear what was going on. As it was she held her tongue about Jim showing up unexpected and risking being seen with her.

"I don't know what's up with Raul." Jim said quickly, "But there's some serious shit going down and we need to pull a plug on the stings. Something nasty is going down because our guy just went nuts and we've got three women down. Two are in body bags the other isn't expected to make it. The blonde jogger on life support just had a vicious re-encounter with our suspect and he's leaving a message."

Reaching into his jacket he produced a clear evidence bag with an identical pink hair band to Macy's inside. While they looked at it with surprise Jim said, "This is on loan for transfer between jurisdictions. I need to drop it off in a while, but we're sure more will follow."

Macy narrowed her eyes at the bagged hair band listening as Jim went on quietly, "This one was found with the deceased woman found in the park at the first sting site. Another was found at a different one; likely because he was probably suspecting we're watching all the other spots you got someone. There were so many everyone is running around trying to cover them all."

Macy was digesting the information while Chris asked, "If he's pissed, why not just come for Macy?"

"To teach us a lesson." Macy answered, "Like killing a hostage when a demand isn't met. Only he can take anyone and he'll take a woman for each asshole we've  brought in."

"That is what we're looking at." Jim agreed as he glanced between them all, "But there's some detectives working on these cases that think otherwise. One of them wants to talk to Macy as part of a profile building for the case."

Macy hesitated, "I don't know Jim, that's risky. Plus time consuming and I'm needed now."

"He's been watching you and will continue to do so to gauge your reaction Macy." Jim pointed out and Macy gave him credit for having some brains.

She was thinking about this while Vic looked at Chris asking, "How do we play this out without Raul? That's why I tried to get him."

Chris shrugged answering, "All I can say is he's a threat that needs eliminating immediately and Macy is the best weapon we have against him. We just need to figure out how to do it."

"Was that a weird compliment Hulk?" Macy asked, "Because I can think of plenty about you I could return."

Chris looked at her answering, "It was the truth. Raul isn't here to officially say what we do so you're elected by me as the best candidate to remedy the situation."

"I think I need to say something." Jim started to say, but Vic cut him off, "You get the final decision because you're with the authorities...we know, but before it gets to that we need to decide what can or can't be done."

He looked at Macy adding, "Plus there's the underground world we need to factor in. I think the first thing Raul would ask is if you think it's jeopardized?"

Jim remained quiet to hear the answer, but Chris commented to Vic, "Run a hand through your hair and look worried while you ask if you're playing Raul."

Vic gave him a serious glance before looking at Macy again and she shrugged, "I don't know until I do some rounds, but this guy associates with the worst of the scum. Not the people I know or those worse."

"In other words you might be able to cover yourself if the copycat told anyone anything." Vic more or less stated before looking at Jim asking, "Is there any suggestion as to why the copycat went nuts now?"

"Good question Vic, but I don't have an answer. Just ideas that everyone has thrown around. There's a slim possibility the copycat just learned about the stings. I jumped on the band wagon that thinks we brought in one of his buddies. We've been checking them all out and interrogating them, but nothing has come up."

Macy suddenly thought of the crack pot, but it wasn't something she was prepared to discuss. She would need to speak to Raul, but stated her opinion of their next move, "I need to reply to his message and call him out. We need one more sting and I need to grill our asshole and then release him to reply. He needs to be a target of our own. One that isn't too potential a threat that we can pick up later if need be."

"A pervert patsy?" Chris asked with curious surprise, "Why sting him? Why not just pick him up and give him your message?"

"I get why; it's because he needs to see Macy get him." Jim cut in and then looked at her asking, "But what's your message?"

"That he's wasting his time trying to worry me over his victims." Macy answered, "That he's not a man to go straight to me and deal with it. I'm going to deliver him one of my regular hair holders and call him out."

"So we need to lure an attacker that we can trust to deliver the message. If not I have a problem with it because I don't want any captured jerks off in our city running loose." Vic said before looking at Jim adding, "I doubt you'd like it or allow it. We need a suspected offender or someone we stomach being allowed to deliver the message to the copycat."

Macy glanced at Chris saying, "I think we'd all agree on that point. I also believe Jim is the official here to decide who since Raul isn't here. Get me the dirty messenger and his stomping grounds. I'll make my rounds and see how things are while I send a message through the underground that I'm sure will reach the copycat. He'll be watching when I get to whoever you set up. As for the detectives I don't want to snub them, but this is the only way to get the copycat off innocent victims quickly and confront me."

"Some might disagree with you Macy." Jim pointed out before he added smoothly, "I don't know where I stand on this, but I do know from Raul that you know the streets well and he respects your judgment on that. I also know you're tough and don't want to get on your bad side, but I have to be honest...there's a chance this might not go through officially."

Chris and Vic remained silent waiting to see Macy's reaction and she asked, "What would Raul tell you?"

"To find a way to put it through for sanction." Jim answered quietly, "I most definitely will do my utmost to get it set, but to be fair I'll tell you what I tell Raul up front if it doesn't go through. You'll have to sneak in under the wire."

Macy nodded and looked between Chris and Vic who nodded silently as signs of agreement. Macy agreed, "Fair enough Jim. We'll take what we can, but go through as planned. Regardless we're getting this deadly copycat off the streets. I just have one question for you guys...does Raul always disappear like this or is Raul doing this to avoid me?"

Chris and Vic exchanged surprised grins, but Jim shrugged and Macy liked his honesty, "This is a first for us, but I don't think it's for avoiding you. If anything I think he's  hunting down Dennis."

Macy suspected that was accurate and remained quiet as she thought it over. She was beginning to piece together the entire situation on her own, but kept it to herself.

Jim was ready to get going and asked, "So while I run this past everyone officially you'll hold off the stings and make some rounds?" Macy nodded and glanced at Chris who offered, "I'll give her a lift and do some back up in case the copycat is around."

Jim got up saying, "The second I have anything I'll call you. I recommend Vic head in and let anyone there know the plan."

Vic nodded and got up to prompting Macy to get up too announcing, "Last one to get up gets the bill."

Chris stood laughing; at the establishment they were in he'd paid first before sitting down. He had a feeling if he mentioned that Macy would simply insist he paid for the next stop. He also had a feeling he'd need to drop her at home to change before heading off to check all her contacts. It was strange, but after knowing Macy for so long he already had the feeling of obligation to back her like he did for the others. In this case he didn't like the copycat playing with his teammate and wouldn't rest until he was caught.

 

Sitting in McDonalds enjoying lunch as he admired all the youngsters in the play land and the teens hanging out around him it was a triple delight to him. A rather portly man it wasn't easy to attract women, not that he wanted too. He'd been married and had children, but that had been years ago when he had to hide his true addictions...to younger girls. He enjoyed their naïve manners and his ability to teach them many wicked things. The age where manipulation was simple and he could get to them was far quicker than trying for women at his age.

McDonalds drove teens and children to their establishments with varieties of every kind. It was like the internet where luring was easy and simple, to him a dating site held more eye candy of young women than he could absorb. Some posted photos of their kids and while the authorities hunted cyber predators through child porn and naughty sites, he could browse these from chat cafés free without concerns of capture.

Then there was the massive child friendly web sites he could browse as well as the hidden ones predators had set up to attract them. Facebook, EBay, and YouTube were also a breeding ground for people like him.

It was easy hiding behind other people's computers, but easier to get into the lives of young girls through many activities and even with his portly stature he was able to pick up volunteer jobs in soccer equipment and such.

He looked at the newspaper again while he ate his lunch. Another attacker had been caught, but he was reading about the news of a vicious assault on another woman. With these crimes happening; it would make things riskier for him. When in a desperate dry spell he'd struck on the campuses around the city. He always looked for easy young prey, but this had him worried.

Always careful not to attract the authorities onto him, he'd dressed and kept an average dad like appearance. He never let his chin hair grow scraggly or long...the same with his hair. As light as it was most rarely noticed the blonde hairs covering his chin. Whenever he struck he'd been sure to cover it so he wouldn't be identified.

He even was careful watching the young girl's milling about in case someone noticed. Mostly he listened to what they discussed and remembered that in between glances around. Sometimes he looked for others like him, but he kept to himself so he wouldn't appear guilty by association. Perhaps this had kept him free from prison for all his bad deeds, but he had a feeling a new day was dawning and he better had be very careful.

 

Clive had yet to see the woman again, but since his friend Herman recognized her photo and went berserk Clive had found he'd been suddenly engorged with violent revenge. She had been the woman Herman had gone to attack and gotten the beating instead. She had been causing the stings of others and she was soon going to be his victim after he finished delivering his deadly messages.

One after the other he left each victim twisted and broken in various parts of the city. Each bloody trail he left was a perfectly copied crime with authorities scrambling to keep up. Each one had one distinct mark indicating it was him...the pink hair band.

He spotted the snoop leaving a building, but caught sight of a familiar face. The light blonde chin hair reminded him of who he was. The one who liked admiring young girls like Herman did. He recalled hearing that he covered the chin hair during attack so it wouldn't be identified.

Clive disappeared as did his familiar friend, but the snoop didn't seem to notice. He looked afraid of something and concerned about his welfare so Clive left him. He would deal with him later for visiting and snooping around Herman.

Clive hoped his familiar friend would keep cool for a while until his storm rode out. It would be another raging revenge if he was picked up too. It would be more blood shed on her hands though...she would pay.

 

At the bowling alley parking lot, Chris held the passenger door open for Macy informing quickly, "Chris Dellar at your service. Please make haste, Jim's got something hot."

Macy glanced at him as she got in swiftly inquiring, "Dellar? That's an alias of Banner right?"

Chris grinned and shut the door behind her before moving to get in. Macy slid her seat belt on addressing Vic in the back, "You can tell me, did he have it legally changed?"

Vic replied, "That's his legal name, as legal as mine is Vincent Cheong."

He waited until Chris got in before adding, "You'd know if Chris had it changed because it would be bigger."

Chris nodded as he started driving away once he was in, "That's right, I'd give it a dose of radiation and change it to Mr. Chris Bigmuscledguywithcoolclothes."

Macy laughed at that and Vic grinned as he observed from the back while Chris went on, "It would fit too because my birth certificate can get a dose too."

Macy watched outside as he headed to meet Jim, but asked Vic, "If your name is Vincent how is it you're going by Vic?"

"I use it for the street." Vic replied, "Short for Victor, but Vic stuck with me at work so I use it."

Macy refrained from making a vector-Victor joke and looked at Chris asking, "What does Jim have that's hot? A messenger our copycat knows?"

"A messenger for sure." Chris replied, "But I don't know if it's someone the copycat knows. He just called and said move before he slips off."

Macy glanced at Vic who shrugged to indicate he knew about the same and nothing more. Curiously she asked, "Is Raul still M.I.A.?"

Knowing her talent for acrostics Vic studied her for a moment answering carefully, "If you meant missing in action, then yes Raul is."

Macy retorted in a crack, "Of course I meant missing in action, what did you think I meant? Missing in America?"

Chris chuckled and Vic replied honestly, "I never know with you. I expected 'moaning in agony'."

Macy grinned at him and looked at Chris, "That's a good one, write it down for me Hulk."

Chris negotiated traffic before glancing at her with his best sucking up act, "Sure Macy, but I thought yours was better."

Macy shook her head and looked outside muttering, "I need a barf bag your size."

Vic contained a chuckle and Chris grinned. He focused on driving and thought about Jim's urgent message. They would soon be there to find out what was going on.

Jim was waiting at their designated meeting place outside of Macy's territory. Her status had been fine and they didn't want to make waves meeting in known areas. This Tim's wasn't frequented by any of them and when they joined him at the table nobody paid much attention.

Jim kept his voice low as he explained quickly, "Our first choice is M.I.A. He's a volunteer soccer equipment, dad type who was once married with kids."

Macy looked at Vic and then Chris who started to suck up, "Is that missing in America-?"

Receiving a kick to the shin from Macy he flinched and Vic shifted far out of harm before musing, "Now that's moaning in agony."

Flicking Jim's coffee lid across the table at Vic with a finger, Macy warned, "One more out of you two and I tape pictures of Sean's evil grin to the inside of your eye lids and promptly punch them shut."

She looked at Jim who watched with surprise before looking at her with respect, "Thanks, now back to business; our second choice is handy since our first one went under. It's Damien Crawford and he's a suspected voyeur as well as attacker. He's currently not far from here in a mall. He likes hanging out there near the washroom entrance where he can look in. We actually thought he'd set up a recording device he was receiving from at the table he hangs out at, but there's nothing set up."

Glancing at Chris and Vic he noticed they were listening intently and went on, "Damien is our second choice and we don't have a third so I want to get Macy on him at the mall in case he vanishes too. It could be our copycat warning them or setting off warning bells to lay low. Either way we need to move now."

Macy stood and watched Jim as he stood, "Let's go then, you can tell us the rest along the way."

She motioned with a hand to Vic and Chris, "Up guys if we miss Demon both of you will be responsible for locating him again."

As they left, Jim glanced at Macy informing quietly, "Um it's Damien."

"That's what I said," Macy retorted as they head outside for Chris's car, "Demon Craw. It suits him nicely and I bet he looks like his name."

Jim glanced at Vic and then Chris who advised, "Just call him that and don't ask."

They got in and Jim informed, "It's clear to take him and give the message. We have the last known attack by the copycat and can take Damien-."

He looked at Macy who watched from the front passenger seat and waved a hand, "Go on, I don't care what name you use as long as there's no great respect attached to it."

Jim nodded and glanced at Vic next to him as he continued, "We take him there because it's the last known place our copycat was. Hopefully he'll be watching the scene for reaction and see the message Macy delivers. If not Damien will have the hair band and will likely tell someone Macy is calling him out."

"These sudden disappearances wouldn't have to do with Raul,  would it?" Macy inquired curiously, "Would he have a reason to go off and do something?"

"Not that I'm aware of." Vic answered first as he looked at Jim who shrugged, "I've never heard of him having a problem with attackers or rapists before."

Chris agreed while he pulled into the mall's parking lot, "Either have I; unless this prick whacked off on Raul's car I can't see him doing anything rash."

Macy could agree there and again thought of the crack pot. Would Raul react to that? She wasn't going to ask, but ordered, "If anyone hears from Raul tell him I want a meeting with  him even if he's just sick in his bathroom at home with a stomach flu. This business with the copycat is about to bust wide open and Demon Craw isn't going to deliver my message to the copycat unless I deliver a good threat. This will fall back on us and we need Raul to pull hair and gripe for us."

Chris was grinning as he nodded and looked at Vic in the rear view mirror as he informed Jim, "Demon Craw is Damien Crawford and agree to tell Raul, but if he is sick in his can at home you can deliver the message by phone."

Jim agreed with a nod and looked at Macy before getting out of the car, "That's no problem, so we're settled."

When they were all out, Jim said, "We'll use headsets to communicate inside and make it look like we're using cell phones. I'm hanging back away from you, but I recommend Macy does the grab solo while you two wait back a bit for transport. I'll keep back for surveillance while you go ahead."

Macy agreed and looked between Chris and Vic, "Both of you have statuses as a friend of mine underground and things are cool. So we're going to play it out vigilante style. All one of you need to do is text me or send a picture of Demon so I know I got the right guy. The last thing you want in there is for me to grab everyone who looks like a jerk...which to me is pretty much everyone."

Jim checked his notebook informing, "He was last seen inside with a white T-shirt and jeans. The guys inside sitting on him will keep back as they are. They'll contact me if anything changes."

When he looked up at Macy she was listening with a trace of amusement in her expression, but she didn't speak. Eager to get on with it, they moved off separating before the entrance.

They all appeared in separate places at the food court and Macy pretended she was searching for an open table near the washroom entrance. Several men wore white T-shirts and jeans, but one stood out because he was eyeing a teenage girl.

Searching for the others she spotted Vic in a line at a juice stand. He was busy searching his pockets while looking around. Macy looked for Chris while she reminded herself to annoy Vic about his choice for back up position.

Chris was at the map of the mall kiosk studying it. Two kids with their mom at a nearby bench were staring at him. Macy continued looking around trying to spot Jim next wishing she had an extra moment to observe Chris's young fans. They probably thought he was a wrestler or football player.

Jim was sitting at a table occupied by someone that Macy had pegged as a detective right off. She guessed Jim had decided to simply join someone already there watching so he wouldn't look out of place.

Her cell phone buzzed and she plucked it from her waist pack reading the display. There was a new text from Vic's number and she ensured she could see her suspect while she opened it.

Vic informed her that the T-shirt had a scene from Niagara Falls on it. Macy hastily text back 'Is that what made you thirsty?'. Slipping her phone away she moved purposely for the nearest establishment to her suspect and read the display above. In the plastic reflection she scanned the images finding the one she wanted in a white T-shirt. Searching other areas of reflection she found enough evidence it was Damien Crawford.

Turning away from the establishment she looked directly at him, but he was busy watching a woman emerge from the washroom. His T-shirt did have a view of the falls on it and in a moment he would be wishing he was going over it.

She reached with a hand behind him for a grasp on his belt at his spine as he finally turned to look at her, "Hey what are you-."

The sudden upward yank cut him off or she'd put pressure on something that had him speaking higher than soprano. Regardless he wasn't in position to argue his case and she used a nerve hold on his neck and shoulder with the other hand ordered, "Walk while you still can or things will be more painful."

She shoved in the direction he was to take and he moved wincing, "Hey I'm game for whatever fun you're intending, there's no need for-."

Yanking upward hard she ignored his goofy dance as she commanded, "Shut up. I didn't say you could talk and if you continue to disobey my orders I'll find out if whatever undergarment you got on can be used as a sling shot and ensure whatever jewels you have are in it."

Damien Crawford sensed the danger he was now in and did his best to comply. He made the mistake of abruptly stopping at the appearance of Chris. The most laid back guy was intimidating to look at, but Macy was the one to be weary of.

She yanked hard enough to lift him off his feet momentarily and Macy credited her strength training to the ability. She dug her other fingers into the nerves and watched him wearily squirm, "Since you don't know the meaning of the word 'stop' I'll teach it to you."

Chris took Damien's other arm as he instructed, "Pay close attention because you won't want another lesson."

Macy yanked again this time keeping the pressure on ordering, "You say stop, and I'll show you what it means."

Damien muttered quickly, "Stop, please; I get it."

Macy let up musing, "I don't know, you stopped a second ago without being told to. I'm not sure you got it."

Damien glanced at her asking in exasperation, "Who are you? What's this about?"

Macy yanked again informing coldly, "Let me teach you what 'continue' means. It's not your standard thing you see; I just continue when I'm annoyed. Disobedience annoys me and so does irrelevant questions."

She shoved again ordering, "Now keep going while you think about what would annoy me more causing you more pain."

Damien kept going and didn't balk at Vic's appearance. He seemed genuinely relieved that Macy and Chris were occupying the front seat leaving him with Vic. Rather awkwardly and uncomfortably he got in.

Macy got in the front passenger seat ordering, "Keep still and quiet back there because I can make it painful for you from up here. If you don't believe me then before you disobey me consider the many uses for a seat belt. Even the name belt should indicate a good usage."

Wisely he remained silent and it was quiet while Chris drove to the location of the last known attack. It wasn't far from there and luckily in the entrance to the ravine. Most were secluded and some steps out of the ravine weren't even known. The Don River went through the ravine and branched through various parts of it. Macy knew most of it and the off trails using it frequently and discovering short cuts through it had been a favorite past time. There were others that trail blazed through and Macy knew to a foreigner that it could be a large intimidating maze. She would've let Damien get totally lost deep in the bush of the ravine if she hadn't been working for Specially Hired.

They got out at the ravine entrance and Vic took the look out position while Chris reclaimed his position on Damien's other side. His expression held confusion at the location, but Macy didn't care as long as he moved quietly. Around the corner out of the view of the street she stopped him at a bench shoving him onto it.

Her eyes and ears told her that they were momentarily alone. She was certain that this was the exact place of their copycat's latest attack; he wouldn't go far from the entrance and this was ideal.

Where he had observed from was a different question; nowhere in the vicinity had sniper positions. Aside from the path it was all trees and bush, but since they were surrounded in it there was no way of telling if he was there watching.

From the street there was several places she could see him observing the entrance from. Unless he moved closer to find out what was going on; he wouldn't see much from there. Regardless of if the copycat was observing she still had a message to deliver and she stalled for a moment at first just in case the copycat did indeed try to get closer for a look.

It created a great entrance to the message as she looked at Chris asking, "Give me one good reason why we can't just kill him? Don't say the cops either because we'd be doing them a favor getting this scum off our turf."

"We need him alive to deliver our message." Chris played along smoothly, "We want the other guy that did the attack here, not this asshole."

Damien looked around curiously as he observed the transaction wisely keeping quiet.

Macy waved a middle finger at Damien as she snapped, "You know as well as I that on the street a dead body is a message on its own. Tell me why we shouldn't waste this piece of shit and attach my message around his neck?"

"This will turn into gang killing, that's why." Chris protested as he smoothly went on, "He'll go kill someone else to send a message back. We just need to call him out not start a war making hit for hit."

Macy glared at Damien who was about to barter for his life, but Macy looked at Chris pointing out, "This copycat has already killed; I don't see the harm in making one pervert send a dead message."

"How about the respect from the street as another reason?" Chris asked curiously, "What would it do for our credibility wasting a little piece of shit like him? He's not even on the food chain and we would be giving someone else a chance to give him a better deserved punishment. You know his victims’ family and friends have more right to revenge than us."

Macy looked at Damien nodding reluctantly, "True, but I'm sure they'd be as happy as the cops if I did it now."

Damien looked like he was about to barter, but Chris asked him, "You got a lot of victims who'd prefer to skin your ass than let us do it, right?"

Damien looked at him suddenly and begged, "I'll get your message to this guy and tell him you mean business."

Macy blindsided him with a shin to the side of his head sending him flying to the ground ordering coldly, "Answer the fucking question pervert."

Chris helped him back up onto the bench as he warned, "You better know people that want to beat your ass up or you'll be expendable."

Damien rubbed his head replying uncomfortably, "Sure I do, but I'd rather the cops beat a confession out of me."

Macy looked at Chris who tried not to grin as he said to her, "See? He knows he's in deep shit with people. You could have fun later and tell all his victims where to find him."

Macy agreed, "Good thinking Hulk. Okay, he gets to keep his pathetic life and deliver the message."

Damien looked relieved he was spared, but Macy turned on him making the fear return as she suddenly stomped on his foot snarling, "Alive is one matter, what condition you're in is another."

Wincing Damien begged, "There's no need for violence; I'll do what you ask. I can't handle whatever the two of you do to me."

Chris wasn't much of the violent type since one look at him had swift obedience; it was Macy he should be most worried about. She watched as Chris stuck a hand over Damien's mouth informing, "She only needs your big mouth working to deliver the message and I am not about to stop her from causing you pain."

"This is unfortunate since I’d prefer to start on his mouth first. I thought it would be a neat experience to try some dentistry skills." Macy cut in swiftly before she gave Damien an evil grin that she bet made Sean's look nice, "However it's not as unfortunate as it is for your situation because part of the message to the copycat is that he's not man enough to simply come straight to me."

Getting the meaning he instinctively covered his crotch prompting her to snort, "I can break your hands on the first shot, but I'm considering all your victims who would love to take revenge on you which would require you remaining intact. I'll give you a chance to be free of ever facing me again as long as you stay clean and stay off my turf."

Damien glanced at Chris who released his mouth and waited with Macy for his answer. Looking at Macy again wearily he said nervously, "I'll find him and give him your message and then disappear. You've scared me straight I don't ever want to see you again."

Macy informed coldly, "All you have to do is get the message straight. Your first challenge is to repeat what you know of the message so far."

"You mean the part about him not being man enough to go straight to you?" Damien asked promptly receiving an elbow to his nose as Macy retorted, "No the part about aliens coming down here and pissing in your beer. What did you think I meant?"

She looked at Chris who wore a surprised and amused expression and asked, "This turd doesn't have two brain cells to form a decent thought much less deliver a simple message. Let's just write it on his ass and stick him up in the nearest tree."

Damien protested before Chris could reply, "No wait, I was just checking to be sure. I got it and can tell him."

Macy looked at him retorting, "Checking to be sure is for important matters like ensuring the power is off before rewiring something. In this matter I get to have fun telling you when you're wrong."

Chris agreed quietly with a nod before grinning as Macy sighed loudly, "Man! A part of me wants to lengthen the message just to have more reason to beat his ass."

"Keep it simple as planned." Chris advised, "This dummy has to be able to repeat it correctly."

Macy looked at Damien who flinched expecting something, but Macy accused, "You're a waste of time, just like the other part of the message. This asshole is wasting time going after other victims. The only point he's making is the ugly one on his head look bigger. I could care less who he goes after; it doesn't worry me at all."

Damien could see this and nodded repeating carefully, "He's wasting his time going after other women and you don't care. I got the message clear and can tell him."

Macy didn't doubt that and watched Damien asking, "Aren't you forgetting something?"

Damien thought quickly as Macy drew back her fist for encouragement and he sputtered quickly, "Right he isn't man enough to face you!" He flinched suddenly covering himself again wearily expecting a punch from her drawn back fist. She simply kept her hand back as she stomped on his other foot.

"Jeeze!" He exclaimed in pain wincing and Macy warned, "Watch it before I give you something else to moan about."

Damien fell quiet and Macy reached into her waist pack for the black hair band. Using it like an elastic band she shot it at Damien catching him in the chin, "You give that to him when you deliver your message and make sure he gets it. If he continues to make attacks and ignore my message I'll have to see you again to deliver another message."

"No!" Damien exclaimed in a fright before continuing a little calmer, "No, I'll find him and tell him."

Macy watched as he fumbled with the hair band nervously and she was tempted to beat on him some more, but Chris was observing in his laid back manner that seemed to spread to her and cool her heels.

"I recommend that you wait here after we depart and have a look around for this copycat. I'm sure he's observing from somewhere nearby and you'll be able to find him easily."

She looked at Chris adding, "We aren't sticking around because we don't want to prevent him from getting the message, but by the end of this week we better get a response."

She gave Damien a cold glance and he pleaded, "I'll make sure he knows he has to reply and tell him what you said if he continues. I definitely don't want to be delivering another message."

"If you think we like delivering messages to you I'd be more than happy to prove you wrong." Macy retorted in disgust, "Just be happy it was delivered in less than 30 minutes and free because you couldn't afford the price otherwise."

She looked at Chris giving him a nod they could go. Before he turned to leave he surprised both of them slamming a fist into Damien's gut informing, "This is for not being able to bust one of your knee caps."

Macy watched with interest, but Chris was ready to go and as they left Macy asked, "Are your surprises always hulk sized or were you about to turn green?"

Chris shrugged in his usual laid back manner replying, "It's for my image; you understand. Besides if the copycat is watching I should've did more just now for image, but the way you were handling him I didn't want to in case you decided to break something on him."

Macy grinned as she glanced at Vic who saw them coming and went to get the door, "In that case we need to let Vic have a turn."

Chris glanced too and seeing Vic open the passenger door for Macy he chuckled, "His image is fine since he can show off his martial arts all the time. Me, I just look big and act menacing; it's like you looking like a target."

Suddenly realizing they indeed had a similarity she quickly punched him in his massive arm, "This is for not telling me sooner."

Chris flinched in pain and rubbed at his arm complaining, "I didn't figure that out until recently and by then the copycat went nuts."

Macy drew back her fist watching as Chris moved as she apologized, "Sorry, my mistake for reacting too quickly. Allow me to take that shot back."

He moved to the driver's door swiftly replying, "No thanks, just keep it for the next time I deserve a shot."

Macy turned to Vic who watched from the passenger door looking like a chauffeur. Had he not been so courteous she would have joked about that. Instead she said politely, "Thank you Vic; it's very nice of you to get the door."

After she was in she waited until Vic had taken his spot in the back, "Did you find any beverage retailers around here while we were gone?"

Vic grinned as he answered, "No, but I did take a call from someone claiming to be Raul. Since he was missing for a while I wasn't sure if someone abducted him and sent us a duplicate spy instead. With all these copycat attacks you can never be too sure."

“Did you give him my message?” Macy asked as she looked at him knowing Chris would head in next, "What did he say about our current course of action?"

"He requested we come in for a briefing and I told him you wanted to talk to him." Vic informed, "Jim's staying back for surveillance while we go. Raul said it was fine and that we could have the show down with the copycat after we meet. He said if anything went down we'd know at headquarters. He didn't say why he disappeared and what he was doing."

Chris drove quietly as he listened and gave Macy a shrug when she looked at him. Rather than guess what was going on they were quiet during the rest of the ride in.

 

Raul glared at Sean as he got out of his chair and caught him by the shirt before the specialist could retreat, "Not so fast Sean, I'm not finished with you yet."

Sean was about to give him his patented grin, but Raul took a hold of his arm and yanked it up behind Sean's back hard, "The next time I inquire about an operative here and I'm this serious you better come clean with everything you know."

Wrenching on Sean's arm harder causing him incredible pain as the shoulder nearly separated Raul warned, "You really don't want me twisting your arm like this to get it out of you. If you don't believe me then you can have a heart to heart with Dennis. Got it?"

"Yeah chill boss I got it." Sean replied painfully as he waited for Raul to let go.

Slapping him on the shoulder as he shoved, Raul snapped, "Now get out of here and don't even think about giving me your grin. If I see your face again before next week I'll strap you to the punching bag in the gym and let everyone take shots at you and you know how many people will line up for that."

Sean didn't look back as he left. He continued out to the garage noticing Chris pulling in and slowed his pace to his car to watch as he rotated his arm and shoulder.

Macy got out studying him for a moment before asking Vic who suddenly appeared next to her, "Does he think he's in water?"

"That's Sean." Vic informed quietly before asking, "Do you think you could keep from annoying him? He's a pain when we get on him."

Macy looked at him noticing his pleading expression and he noticed he was asking a lot of her. Chris joined them asking quietly, "If you're plotting something for him can I get in on it?"

Looking at him Macy jibed, "Sure, you're wheel man. Just get in and run him down while we watch him."

Having had enough waiting Sean addressed them, "The boss is in a foul mood so watch what you do."

Chris pocketed his car keys asking, "You gave him one grin too many, didn't you?"

Sean obliged by giving him one and Macy asked curiously, "Does he know he looks like that Gremlin, Stripe when he does that?"

Sean's grin turned onto her with a snort, "I know who you are and if I were you I'd watch what I said to Raul. He's looking for someone else to dump off for a week without pay."

Macy replied stonily, "I know who you are and I apparently don't need to watch what I say because it appears Raul's been listening if he's dumping his least like people like I told him."

She had Vic and Chris fooled, but Sean she couldn't yet read. He got into his car and tore off in what seemed like a snit. It made Chris laugh, but Vic asked curiously, "You didn't tell Raul-."

"Of course I didn't Vic," She cut him off promptly as she started in; "if so I would've told him to give us a raise and you'd know."

Shooting Chris a grin she held out her palm for him to slap and he did complimenting, "Nice work."

As they continued inside they noticed that Owen wasn't in front of his computer and Vic exchanged a curious glance with Chris. Both grew at the sound of a filing cabinet slamming shut in Raul's office prompting Macy to muse, "Maybe it's a duplicate spy with a temper."

Raul was getting into his chair again as they entered. He studied them for a moment watching as Macy calmly took a seat in front of his desk while Chris took the other and Vic wearily stood back waiting.

Still watching the trio he asked in a cold tone, "Did you see Sean on your way in?"

Vic glanced at Macy before looking at Chris hoping he'd answer first, but Macy did, "Yeah and is he ever weird. He was doing this crazy swimming stroke with his arm like he thought the garage was a pool. Then I had to talk Chris out of running him down with his car, but it was tough because Sean said you were a fowl, or in a foul mood. Either way I thought it was disrespectful. So Chris asked if he gave you this grin of his and Sean gave him one. I inquired if he knew he looked like Stripe and Sean said he knew who I was and that you were looking for someone to take a dump on without pay."

Chris started to contain a laugh as he glanced at Vic who watched Macy continue with a perplexed expression, "Then he warned me to watch what I said because he thinks I told you who to dump on. After that he peeled out of the garage like a mad man. Would you like me to tell you what I think of him now?"

Raul ignored Chris's un-contained chuckling and Vic's perplexed expression guessing Macy had stretched the story. He shook his head as he watched her, "No thank you, your entertaining rendition of your meeting is fine. I need you to stay back a moment after this briefing. The last I heard you were delivering a message to Damien Crawford, how did that go?"

Macy nodded replying, "Very nicely; Hulk here enlightened me about how tough it was to maintain a tough appearance and let Damien have one in the gut. Vic got left out though so I'm in favor of letting him get the next one in."

Raul looked at Vic who remained quiet and then turned his gaze to Chris who managed to keep from laughing as he grinned, "He got the message boss and Jim's still back there awaiting the outcome."

Raul instructed firmly, "Okay, I want Vic on the street doing the same watch as Jim only from that angle. Chris, you're job is to do the same only around Macy in case we get a surprise visit from the copycat, but tonight I want the team at the first location we hit. That park is where we're calling him out."

Looking at Vic he instructed, "Off you go and keep us posted if the copycat is lurking in one of his own attack zones waiting for us."

Turning to Chris he instructed, "While you're waiting for Macy, go find out where Owen is hiding. Dig him out from whatever furniture he's hiding under and ensure he knows I'm not looking for him to take a dump on him."

He gave Macy a glance and she grinned watching as Chris stood asking, "Is that for real or a ploy?"

Raul looked at him warning, "You don't want to stick around to find out. Close the door when you go and we'll meet you in the computer room."

Macy glanced at Chris and added swiftly, "Let the door hit your ass on the way out too."

She looked at Raul and seeing his stern expression asked, "What? It was what you were thinking so it should be fine."

Raul glanced at Chris as he disappeared closing the door behind him before he looked at Macy again and dropped his voice, "In a few minutes you're going to be pissed off worse than me and not finding anything funny."

Macy asked curiously, "And you'll be joking instead of me?"

His stony stare made her remark, "You'd think you were the one being hauled around by the back of your pants instead of Demon Craw. What's pulled your shorts up around your ears?"

"In a word, Dennis." Raul started in, "That name alone should indicate how pissed you should be-."

"Is this about him going off and investigating the crack pot I took down years ago?" Macy interrupted asking as she watched Raul's dark eyebrows shoot skyward in surprise, "The very one that our copycat knows and that set him off against me? Because if that's all it is then you're wasting your irritable mood on me."

"How did you know? Did one of your contacts tell you? Why aren't you the slightest bit upset?" Raul asked with such perplex he'd forgotten his anger.

"I said you're wasting your mood, I didn't say I wasn't upset, but right now there's nothing I can do about it. In case you forgot I just issued a challenge to the copycat that I will soon need to answer to when he shows."

"I didn't know he knew that crackpot. I just knew Dennis saw him and looked into the investigation. Not long later he went berserk at the facility; his name is Herman Maslow." Raul informed with surprise as he wondered how Macy had learned more, "If you know Herman Maslow and our copycat were friends then you know who he is."

"No I don't know who he is." Macy replied coolly, "I put it together on my own, but if I get a chance I'll e-mail Kreskin for you and find out his name if you're that curious."

Quietly Raul got up and took a seat in the empty chair next to her prompting her to inquire, "You're not contemplating taking Hulk's job now are you? You'll need to bulk up if so."

He shook his head answering, "No Macy I'm contemplating my recent work and my job. We made a pact that nobody would learn about that crack pot Herman Maslow and Dennis snooped into it and found out. Owen brought up the file on him, but doesn't know about your involvement. It isn't tough for him to figure it out, but I came down on him like one of Chris's 500 pound weights."

"He lifts 500?" Macy asked curiously, "I always thought he lifted his car instead of weights; you know Hulk style."

Raul didn't trust her mood and still expected her to lose it he informed quietly, "I enforced a leave without pay after I gave Dennis a good warning. Sean's on one too for assisting and playing like he didn't know anything. I plan to go over both of their files very carefully before allowing them back on assignments because this could've blown up on us."

Macy grinned as she mused, "No wonder Sean left like that. Winding him up like that was nearly accurate aside from me not advising you. Are we getting a raise?"

Raul replied bluntly, "If it means you won't tear a strip off Dennis then I'd personally put one through. I have to tell you I expected more than a mouthful from you and I'm worried you're using humor to throw me off whatever blast you're planning on making."

"The humor is a new technique I'm trying out Raul." Macy answered honestly, "I am very pissed off, but like I said I need to be focused on this copycat because it's priority. As much as I'd love to pound Dennis into the ground right now I can't afford to leave myself open to this copycat. That and humor is keeping me from taking you by the ears to introduce me to Dennis right now."

Raul watched her with curious interest as he mused quietly, "A new technique; it appears to work, but doesn't solve the problem and I want you to know in lieu of Dennis digging about Herman Maslow I feel it's my responsibility to deal with him. As much as you'd like to switch his head with his asshole this is a professional organization that I am responsible for."

"Switching his head with his asshole wouldn't make a difference. They'd still be the same, but for the record I respect what you're saying and have never deemed you responsible for Dennis snooping. I put credit where it belongs before I decide what to do about it. "

Raul looked concerned now as he said rather slowly, "Dennis is my operative in my organization and I take responsibility for what each of you does. Whatever you want to consider about Dennis I need to take instead. I'd do the same for anyone else here including you. So before you do anything I want you to consider being in the same position and it's someone like Jack you've pissed off. This organization works together; not against each other because if we do...we're losing."

Again Macy thought about Curtis and studied Raul as she took a brief trip back on her past. She had come from a path of destruction onto a stable one with the assistance of people like Curtis and Raul. Her friendship with Chris and Vic had been stable and a good influence on her life; it had all been a positive experience and she owed them courtesy for being genuinely kind.

"I won't decide what I want to do until the assignment is over." Macy informed honestly, "You can relax until then and know that I'll be considering it over plenty of time so it won't be rash."

Raul didn't have much choice, but to wait and he nodded relieved to have this out of the way, "A courtesy heads up would be appreciated and with that said there's no more to say on the subject."

Macy gave him a punch on the arm, "Deal Hulk, I mean Raul." She extended her hand to him adding, "That's what you get for sitting there."

He took her offered hand shaking, "Deal and for future reference I sit here when I don't want to talk to you as a boss. I leave that to the desk chair and before you get ideas don't sit in it and make demands."

"What about impersonations?" Macy inquired as they shook hands, "Vic seems to like that kind of thing since he thinks you're an imposter."

Raul sensed this was some sort of joke between them and moved to stand saying, "Let's go meet with Chris now; you can ask him about his weight lifting habits."

They head to the computer room where Chris was busy posing for Danny and Owen. While Owen worked his computer, Danny was sketching. Macy cracked up laughing at them while Raul stared in surprise at them.

Owen glanced up at them, "Hey Macy, boss. You should check this out; we're having a contest to see who can draw the quickest."

Macy looked at Raul with a grin, "It's a good thing it's not to see who won't laugh first. I have a feeling you're going to be a judge and I can't see you keeping a straight face."

Danny held up his pencil exclaiming, "Done!" Looking at Owen he added, "Hands up."

Owen grinned as he motioned with a palm to his monitor and Chris suddenly blocked everyone's view moving to look as he mused, "Awesome Owen, that's a cool program."

Danny looked and then held up his sketch saying, "This is a Lancaster authentic and not computer generated so consider that when you judge."

“I’d prefer if you’d have contests at the shooting range on drawing faster guys.” Raul stated flatly, “So if you’re not doing anything important I want you to do something constructive.”

He glanced at Danny’s sketch and then pushed through to see Owen’s computer screen making a comparison as Owen informed, “That’s what started the contest boss, to see who could draw faster. Anyway this is a new cartoon creator program and I wanted to test it out.”

Raul looked at him ordering, “Test it on your own time and officially Danny’s is better. Chris is no longer available for your amusement; he needs to get Macy home. Our big show down is at the park tonight and I need you all focusing on that.”

He gave Macy a smile that indicated he didn’t include her on that last instruction and she remained quiet as she watched Chris nod as he replied, “That’s no problem Raul, but shouldn’t I stick around just in case?”

Raul looked between them hoping Macy wouldn’t take that the wrong way, “I’ll leave that between you, but I’d prefer if someone was in the vicinity of her home area in case our copy cat is around watching-.”

Raul’s cell phone went off and he looked at the display informing, “It’s Jim, hang on a minute longer before you go.” He answered it as he moved aside to take the call.

Macy watched him for a moment before she looked at Chris who said quietly, “I was thinking about the same thing. Our guy might be hanging around watching you and I could be your back up.”

“Stick around for an hour.” Macy instructed, “After that go home and get some rest or a few doses of gamma radiation or something. If he doesn’t show up before then he likely won’t until it’s dark. Besides, after an hour of lurking around in your car people will start to suspect you’re him.”

Chris nodded and they looked at Raul who returned ending his call, “Jim says Damien dropped off the radar and we’re positive it’s to meet with the copycat. Everyone is looking for him so we’ll get something soon; once we do we’ll pick him up for questioning and find out if he’s delivered any messages on an official level. We intend to hold him if we’re right in suspecting he’s delivering the message so you don’t need to worry about him. Just expect the reaction to the message at any time soon.”

Chris looked at his watch, his face showed concern that an hour of back up surveillance wouldn’t be long enough, but Macy said firmly, “One hour of back up Chris and after that I want you to go home and rest for tonight. This guy works in the cover of darkness so there’s no point.”

Raul looked between them letting them settle it as he instructed, “As soon as I get anything more from anyone I’ll update you. Macy can take care of herself so I’m not worried if you do leave her Chris.”

Chris nodded and looked at Macy who was ready to go, heading to the door Macy said, “Do me a favor and break Danny’s hand for me Raul. That will definitely stop him from drawing me.” She heard Danny rip off the page he was freshly doodling on and as they left the room Chris asked curiously, “How’d you know he was doing a drawing of you?”

“I used my telepathic abilities to find out, now let’s go.” Macy answered as she elbowed him, “That’s for your last thoughts and watch what you think around me.”

Chris was grinning as he guessed she was only having a go at him. While he dropped her off he focused on the big confrontation that was sure to come tonight. He didn’t doubt Macy could handle herself, but he still didn’t like leaving her after only an hour. He decided he should drop back after an hour and keep a distant watch for at least an hour more. Macy had become a friend as well as a colleague and like Vic or anyone else he always provided a distant security regardless if they needed it or not. He never considered anyone doing the same for himself, but he always hoped that his courtesy would be returned some day when he needed it.

 

Macy didn’t want to consider what she’d do to Dennis when she finally met him. She did know that over the time to consider it she would find the ultimate rebuttal to his actions. The one thing she had to consider was how to keep Raul from taking the heat from his two specially hired operatives going at it. Here, she definitely had the advantage because she knew people from all over Toronto that could assist her. Dennis would get his payback from somewhere outside of work and he wouldn’t expect that.

Things had been quiet since Chris had dropped her off and she looked for him after an hour had passed. She didn’t want him wasting time hanging around when he could rest or do something else important.

Heading outside she looked for him as she went to the bowling alley near by. Mila would likely be there and she needed to talk to her again, but she had to be careful she wasn’t luring the copycat near someone close to her. She decided on using the alleyway from behind the apartments where she wouldn’t be seen as easily and continued to the bowling alley.

She expected the copycat would have a good opportunity to strike her there, but she made it to the bowling alley without confrontation.

The only person observing her was Chris who was following along from a distance ensuring she wasn’t going to get jumped by the copycat. He had to be sure she didn’t spot him or he was sure to get a good reaming out for not listening to her and going home.

Hanging back he watched as she went into the bowling alley and considered just how close to get. He knew she had plenty of contacts inside and knew the owner. Chris didn’t want to pry and find out just who she knew that could inform her about the copycat, but he was sure whoever she was talking to would know something. His curiosity got the better of him and he moved on to have a closer look.

 

Clive watched as the bulky man left and grinned as he continued into the apartment complex. While the cat’s away, the mice will play. Grinning as he climbed the stairs towards the apartment he knew this was the best opportunity to get her back. You’ll pay for your message now; you’ll find out what brass I have.

Picking the lock to her apartment he decided he would attempt to see his old friend Herman Maslow when he was done with her. He intended to look around her place for a souvenir of his most rewarding attack. Something that would suit the revenge he was taking for his friend and something he could give Damien for his troubles.

Positive Damien wasn’t seen meeting with him, he didn’t think she would return to cause him more harm by keeping the meeting secret. He knew the second he saw her drag him into the entrance of the ravine that she was calling him out. Hopefully Damien would be okay laying low now after he’d found out what it was all about.

Invading her private space with glee, Clive was eager to do damage back to her. He was sure she wouldn’t like him being there much less going through her things. The collection of martial arts gear intrigued him and he set the black hair band Damien had given him down onto a table near the door as he looked around.

It wasn’t a large room, but obviously one she used to meditate and practice some kind of martial art in. He was curiously wondering which one she knew as he took in a shelf with books about various arts. This appeared to be her ultimate sanctuary and he collected a throwing knife from another shelf.

There was a target board set up in one corner of the room marked with various weapons. Along with the throwing knives she had spikes and stars as well as other various martial arts equipment.

The other side of the room contained her work out gear, gloves, shin guards, and various clothes. It suddenly reminded him of his search for a souvenir for his friends and he moved on to find her bedroom. A personal undergarment would be perfect for both of them, but he intended to keep the throwing knife for himself.

 

Chris was nearly spotted as Macy emerged from the bowling alley with Mila and he ducked back out of sight. He’d seen her around before and knew she was a close friend of Macy’s. He overheard Macy telling her to stay in tonight and be vigilant, that it would be over soon.

Macy returned to her apartment the same way she’d left and Chris watched as he kept an eye out for the clever copycat. He knew Mila would be a good target for revenge on Macy and he decided to stick around and keep watch just in case that had been the killer’s intentions.

When Macy paused at her apartment building and retrieved her keys, Chris wondered if she knew he was there. She appeared momentarily contemplating calling someone on her cell phone before shaking her head and heading into the building.

 

Macy climbed the stairs heading up to her apartment sliding her phone away. She was positive Chris had hung around, but she intended to catch him on it later when they were headed to the park. For now she was considering what she had discussed with Mila. Since she knew about the crackpot, Mila understood that the copycat killer had indeed been pissed off by her.

Mila told her that he would indeed respond to her message, but likely in a very deadly manner. She didn’t expect him to show up at the park though and figured Macy should be careful before and after going there. Macy saw the sense to this; the clever copycat wouldn’t show up for a huge sting at the park. He would definitely try something with her somewhere else and now she needed to go in and meditate on the matter.

By the time she reached her apartment door she had a feeling come over her to be very careful going inside. Remaining calm and quiet, she opened the door stepping up her vigilance. Closing the door quietly behind her she was now sure someone had invaded her space. This feeling wasn’t like the one she got when she sensed her father was around.

A sudden premonition of her meditation room came into her mind and she looked in that direction heading there first. Reaching the door she noticed the hair band on the table and picked it up. Having meditated in the room, she was able to pick up the trace of his path and followed it to the throwing knives next noticing one was missing. When she turned to her work out gear she knew he was in the bedroom.

Surprisingly she didn’t charge toward the room to kill him for being in it. She focused on how clever he was and guessed he might be laying in wait for her. As it was, he hadn’t had time to prepare just that and suddenly returned to the meditation room to reclaim the forgotten hair band.

Surprised he hadn’t heard her come in, or didn’t notice her still standing by her gear, she watched as he looked at the table in surprise the hair band was gone.

“Looking for this?” Macy asked as she held the hair band out watching him whirl in surprise to look at her, “Or were you looking for me?”

His expression held contempt for her, but also anger at being foiled before he could get set up properly. She decided to let him make his first move, she could easily beat him like she did the crack pot and get away with it. After all he’d come after her and she could play her self defense role if need be. All she needed was for him to make the move and she knew he still had the throwing knife.

“What’s the matter?” She taunted in question, “Did you cut your tongue on my throwing knife?”

It suddenly appeared in his hand as he lunged for her in rage, but Macy held a bigger advantage knowing the room and practicing in it. She moved out of the way and caught his knife arm by the wrist as he passed her. Swinging him around by the arm she attempted to throw him into the shelving on the wall next to her. He shifted his momentum to avoid it and Macy held onto him allowing the motion to change. The back of his head was perfectly aimed for the window beside the shelf and she used her free hand to elbow him under the chin to flip his head back.

The window shattered and from down below where Chris was watching he saw shards falling. Knowing there was something going on he raced into the building to help.

Inside things were starting to resemble Macy’s first attack after she’d subdued the crackpot Herman Maslow by striking his head into the car door. The clever copycat was subdued by the bleeding from his skull where his head had hit the window, but he had the presence of mind to swing with his knife arm at her as he sputtered, “You bitch!”

 It only enraged her to be ducking her own throwing knife, and she let go of the arm as she used an inside kick to his leg sending him to the ground snarling, “You went down faster than your crackpot friend, you’re pathetic.”

A second later she kicked the arm holding the knife knocking it free, but he scrambled to get it back. She nearly put the boots to him about to crack his rib cage with one when she remembered Raul feeling responsible for Dennis learning about Herman Maslow. A repeat now would surely cause the entire thing to blow open and she couldn’t afford that.

The copycat was nearing the knife and she could have easily allowed him to get it and attack again so she could simply turn it back on himself. As easy as it would be to kill him like she had the opportunity with Les Blancher, she remembered Steve Evans and Curtis believing in her.

Macy saw the seconds ticking away while she decided and ultimately it was the reminder of her father back in the ring with Les Blancher that swayed her back again. As the copycat’s hand grasped the knife Macy stomped on his hand crunching bone underneath her foot. A howl escaped the copycat which was suddenly drowned out by a loud crash coming from elsewhere in the apartment.

Macy didn’t think that the copycat had brought a friend to join him, but she needed to address the new intruder. She used her foot to kick the copycat in the head putting him out before turning to face who was coming.

“Mace!” She heard Chris call out and she relaxed as she saw him charging into the room. He surveyed the scene and the concern faded from his face before he suddenly looked around awkwardly, “Uh, nice place you got here.”

 

It was a scene with Jim and his crew there for the wrap up while Chris took ribbing from Macy about the destruction of her apartment door. Meanwhile the copycat came around and Jim had his identity proceeding with the arrest, “Clive Pentzer, you’re under arrest for breaking and entering and attempted assault. You’re also going to be charged for murder and several other assaults.”

Macy looked at Chris making a face asking, “Our big clever copycat’s name is Putz?” Chris shrugged and Macy shook her head remarking, “That’s almost as dumb as believing your one knock destroyed my apartment door just now.”

The copycat looked around for her ignoring Jim rattling off his rights and the anger returned as he sneered at her, “You bitch, this all started with you. All of it was because of you.”

Chris moved to take him by the injured arm retorting, “Nobody is taking responsibility for your actions but you, so use your right to remain silent.”

Clive glared at him, but Macy warned, “Don’t make him angry Mr. Putz. You won’t like it when he’s angry; he gets me to deliver messages.”

Chris shot her a grin as he helped escort their clever copycat out to a waiting squad car. Once Jim had the scene wrapped up they were able to head in and meet with Raul. Macy continued to use her humor to keep from losing her cool ribbing Chris’s entrance. As they entered Raul’s office she said, “I bet if I got a doorbell you’d beat that up too, just like how you’d knock out my door knocker if I put one up.”

Raul watched as they sat in their usual chairs and informed, “All expenses for the damage will be covered; so you don’t have to worry about the cost.”

“In that case, Chris stepped on my tickets for my vacation in Thailand. I’ll need them replaced pronto, oh and he also knocked over an ancient vase I had.”

Chris chuckled and Raul remarked, “Gosh he’s been clumsy, but I think your paychecks can cover those.” He promptly handed them over and Macy took hers looking it over before looking at Raul who said, “The assignment’s over, you’ll be pleased to know that Damien Crawford has been apprehended and our copycat Clive Pentzer has been officially charged with many counts of assaults as well as all the other things we have him on.”

Looking between them he added, “You’ll be able to use your pay to enjoy your down time. I’m sure we’ll be able to help assist you in getting your apartment back in shape, but that’s it on this assignment.”

Chris looked at Macy informing, “I’m glad he’s caught, but I do owe you some time to help you clean up. All kidding aside you’re right; I could’ve knocked first before charging the door.”

Macy looked at him replying, “I intend to utilize all that massive strength of yours and for the record I’m removing all red objects from my premises incase you charge again.”

She looked at Raul who grinned, and then waved off Chris, “Okay, off you go to pose for Danny and Owen while I speak to Macy for a moment. Don’t let the door hit your ass on the way out because you’ll break it.”

Macy grinned and watched as Chris got up to leave chuckling as he left. When he closed the door behind him, she said to Raul, “He’s alright, but I intend to keep bugging him. Only because he’s so laid back it won’t matter.”

Raul agreed with a nod, “Very true, but he does feel bad for acting so rash and busting your door in. I can send him off with Dennis and Sean if you like?”

She shook her head, “No, it’s okay, but thanks for the offer. I take it this bit is about the crack pot.”

Raul nodded informing, “It is, Jim has that covered under my orders. He likely suspects it has to do with you, but like Owen he won’t say anything. Clive Pentzer has tried to claim you’re the one that beat up Herman Maslow, but unfortunately since he’s gone nuts attacking people at the facility, he’s been placed in a ward in an infirmary. I took over where Danny was investigating him and connected him to past unsolved crimes and handed that over to Jim as well. It’ll be a while before they’ll have time to even consider you and by then you’ll be covered by me anyway. So that truly is it for this one with no worries. Aside from Jim’s first choice of messenger who smelled a rat and ran like one-.”

While Raul paused to look at his notes in the file, Macy grinned at the expression listening as Raul read, “A Charles Saline, wanted for suspected assaults. Jim and his team don’t need our help with it though so we’re done.”

Macy was glad he wasn’t looking as he read the name and closed up the file as he finished. She tried to remain calm and natural as he stood saying, “Let’s go see what Danny and Owen have done of Chris. I hear they’re starting a comic of him and I bet the next scene is going to be about your apartment door.”

Macy followed him managing a nod that drew his curious glance. She covered by informing, “I was considering using some free time to finish up the training here. I might take a few fights in Fight Zone for some appearances. There are a few people who might start calling me out.”

Raul nodded and they continued to the computer room. It took a lot of focus to keep from reacting to the name Raul had read. Charles Saline…all she could think about was her friend Mila and her son Trevor.

Copyright © 2005 by Dèsirée Doucette

MACY and all related characters, names, and indicia are trademarks of Dèsirée Doucette © Copyright Dèsirée Doucette