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Golden Shields ( Katy1008 & CrimsonMaster )

Tom turned slightly when he heard Evie ask whether Simon had used her gun. He shook his head then Tom placed an arm around Evie's waist. " I don't know.....We can't be sure until the others have had time to look into the deaths. " Tom said hoping that his words could comfort Evie, even a little. Losing her weapon was bad enough for Evie, but knowing that it was in the hands of a man like Simon Randell was worse. There would be long hours of waiting when the bodies started to pile up, before any word would come in on how the person died. Tom knew that it would be very hard on Evie if anyone died from her Glock.

Tom kept his arm around Evie's waist while they walked through the building. Once they reached the street in front of the Central Station, Tom removed his arm and opened the passenger side door of his car. Last night, Tom had Evie's car towed to the police garage where it would set until Evie was ready to use it. After Evie was inside, Tom jogged around then jumped in. Moments later, the two detectives were heading down to South Central L.A. Tom asked if Evie was hungry? He knew that hospital food wasn't fit for dogs too eat. Tom added that he would buy if Evie wanted anything special. A short time later, Tom pulled his car over in front of a bar called the Black Star. He explained that he and his snitch had a special agreement. Which was that no one could ever find out who Tom's snitch was. " Now when we go in there I'll be looking for a guy called T-Bone.....The people inside will try and protect him.......But as soon as T-Bone sees me.....He'll run out the back door......We'll chase him until we're out of sight.....Then we can do business with him. " T-Bone & Tom always worked this way, if anyone found out that T-Bone was working fro the police...he end up dead.

Tom exited from the car, he went around and helped Evie step out. The pair then went inside of the Black Star and it became clear that they weren't welcome. Tom & Evie were the only white people in the is bar and as they came through the door, every eye was on them. A large man turned around on his stool then stood up. " You ain't welcome in here pig!........Your little piglet can stay and party with us.......But you gotta go!......Oh and don't worry........We'll show her a real good time and make her squeal just like a little pig. " The man said while Tom started to shake his head. He looked at Evie smiling and chuckling about people having no respect for the law. Tom then threw an elbow into the man's stomach which bent him over. The man was then nailed as Tom lifted his knee up into the man's face knocking him backward into the bar. Tom was on the man pressing his forearm into the large black man's throat. " I'm here looking for T-Bone smart ass.......Where is he! " Tom growled out as the man pointed towards the restrooms. T-Bone appeared from the restroom pulling up the zipper on his low hanging black jeans.

T-Bone's jeans hung down around his ass, he was wearing a black tank top and had a black baseball cap which he was wearing backwards. He looked with a big smile on his face until he spotted Tom holding a man against the bar. " OH SHIT! " T-Bone yelled out as he turned and ran for the backdoor. " Come on! " Tom said to Evie as he let the other man go and started after T-Bone. The backdoor was already wide open and T-Bone made sure that Tom would know where he went. A few garbage cans were knocked over as a guide for Tom to follow. Tom ran down the alley with Evie following just behind him. The pair then turned into another alley where T-Bone was waiting. " What's up my brother from another mother. " T-Bone said as he welcomed Tom with a hand shake. Tom just laughed then he introduced T-Bone to Evie. " What's happenin Momma. " T-Bone said as he started to check out Evie's body. " Mm.....mm....mm......I do like me some white meat......Any chance of us hookin up later? " Tom gave Evie the chance to answer this inquiry for a date, then he pulled some cash from his pants pockets. " What can I do for you today big blue? " T-Bone asked as Tom pealed off 3 $20 dollar bills. " Simon Randell....I'm looking for him. " Tom said as T-Bone started shaking his head. It was clear that Simon's name was even well known down in this part of town. " Man......That is one messed up white mother fucker!........Since he broke out.......Even the street gangs are worried about what that crazy dude will do next. " Tom handed the 3 $20's over to T-Bone while saying that any information will help to take Simon down. He then told T-Bone to put the word out on the streets. Anyone who had information that leads to Simon and his people being caught or killed gets a reward. This reward hadn't been put up by the city and Evie knew this. Tom's offer of a reward meant that he would pay out of his own pocket for the info.

T-Bone agreed then told Evie too look him up. Tom & Evie started walking down the alley towards the street where their car was parked. T-Bone leaned against a wall slipping the money into his pocket while admiring Evie's fine looking ass. " I could do some nasty shit to that white girl. " T-Bone said then he slipped away down towards the other end of the alley. Tom & Evie reached the street in time too hear dispatch calling them. Tom opened the passenger side door so that Evie could get in and answer the call. The dispatcher told them that they were too meet 1 William 59 at the Last Hope Mission. This was Steve's car and radio number, Evie's two brothers were partners on this case. Evie rogered the call as Tom pulled out into the street. 25 minutes later, they pulled up acrossed the street from the mission. Patrol Officers had the area sealed off, Steve and James were waiting in the rear area of the old building for Tom & Evie.
 
Evie climbed into the passenger seat and sighed. Losing your weapon was one of the worst things a cop could do and it was just about the only thing she regretted from the previous day. She had taken the lectures from Steve and her Dad and said very little, certainly compared to what she was feeling, but neither of them had mentioned the fact that she'd lost her Glock. She knew that they would know how bad she would feel about it and they really didn't want to make it worse...on that point anyway. She could feel its absence at her side and even though she wouldn't have been able to wear the holster at the moment anyway, she missed it, if for no other reason than it reminded her of its loss. And that she had almost certainly lost it to Randall. If anyone was going to take pleasure from using a police issue weapon as one of his tools, it was going to be him. When Reed asked her about food, Evie broke out of her own thoughts, looked at him and shook her head.

"Let's see your friend first and maybe get something on the way back."

Reed agreed and a few minutes later pulled the car to a stop. Evie listened to what Reed told her and the followed him out of the car and into the dimly lit bar. She had never even in the Black Star before, but she'd been in plenty just like it. It took a few moments for their eyes to accustom to the lack of light. The bar was quite quiet at this time of day, but there were a handful of patrons already there, all of whom seemed to be staring straight at them. Evie's attention was quickly drawn to the big man as he started to turn and then stand up. This was a big man! As he suggested that Reed disappear and leave her with them, she was in no doubt that they would have fun with her. And she had no doubt that they would almost tear her apart in the pursuit of that fun. But she said nothing, and when Reed looked at her and smiled, she simply smiled back. It wasn't anything she hadn't heard before. Then everything appended quickly; the fight...if you could call it that, the appearance of T-Bone and then his disappearance. Evie quickly sprang into the run behind Reed, pushing through doors, jumping of garbage cans and garbage turning left then right then left again and then coming to the stop quickly in the alleyway. Breathing a little harder than usual, hands on her waist, Evie watched as Reed and T-Bone shook hands. She nodded a hello and then watched as he checked her out. Again, this wasn't the first time she was subjected to this. She shook her head.

"Really? Well... I'm afraid this particular white meat isn't on the menu right now. Maybe some other time"

Reed and T-Bone then had their conversation and Evie watched as the money changed hands but even then Evie was aware of T-Bone periodically checking her out. Even when they were walking away, she was sure he was still watching. And then she heard the radio. Evie acknowledged the call and agreed to meet Detective Sergeant Taylor at the Mission.

When they arrived, Reed pulled up behind Steve's Camero, and then Evie and Reed headed inside.
 
The mission was pretty much empty expect for the uniformed police officers who were standing guard in different places around the building. Those who lived there, mostly homeless people had been ushered outside to keep the crime scene area clear. Steve & James were standing in a rear room where Father Drew lived. His body was just now being picked up by the coroner's office. Tom & Evie entered the room and just as if it had been planned, James walked over taking Evie aside and started to tell her about the missing late 90's model black ford van. He told her about the crosses which were painted on the sides, then he handed her a piece of paper with the license plate number. It had been planned that James would take Evie aside. It was busy work and the brothers hoped that it would keep Evie's mind off what the facts could show.

While James was busy with Evie, Steve & Tom moved away so they could talk more freely. Steve said that Father Drew was killed by a gun shot wound to the head. He said that it was too early to tell, but it did appear that Father Drew was killed by Evie's missing weapon. Steven held up a small baggy which held a single spent shell casing cal .40 S&W, the same type of round Evie's pistol used. Tom turned just slightly towards Evie who seemed to be distracted by James. Hearing the news that a stolen weapon was used in a crime to commit murder, broke many good cops over the years. They always said it felt like part of them had killed an innocent. This was true since all police officers like of their weapons as an extension of their body's. It was part of who you were and losing it was like losing an arm or a leg. Cops always say that when they don't have their weapons, they feel naked.

Tom & Steve continued to talk about Evie. They were both worried how she would take the news once it was confirmed. No one wanted too see Evie leave the department and throw her career away, but they all knew that was possible. Tom's cell phone started to ring, he reached into his pocket pulling it out and answering it. It wasn't clear what was being said to Tom over the phone, but from the look on his face....it wasn't good news. " We'll let the crime scene techs finish up here.......Steve......James......Evie......Lets go. " Tom said as he was tucking his phone back into his coat. Steve asked where they were going? Tom replied, to the Santa Monica Freeway which was just south from where they were at now. The CHP was calling to inform Tom of a body which had been found crucified to a road sign. The CHP officer didn't give anymore details since he could find the words to describe something so horrible. Interstate 10, or better known to those in California as the Santa Monica Freeway. Stretches from interstate 95 in Jacksonville, Florida to State Route 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) in Santa Monica, California. The part where the body was found is well within the city limits, but patrolled by the CHP.

A shocking sight was there to greet the arriving L.A. detectives. A man's body had been hung from a sign at the off ramp which leads from the I-10 down to Maple Avenue of the city. The body had been hung the same way as Evie's mothers body had been hung in the warehouse, expect this body was missing it's skin. Every inch of skin had been removed from the body, pealed like it was a piece of fruit. The fire department was trying it's best to bring the body down, while the CHP was trying to keep the reporters away. Tom & Evie arrived first with Steve and James just behind them. As the four detectives exited from their cars, they saw a second sign which read " Welcome to Hell " painted in blood and staked out below the other sign. One of the CHP Sergeants came up and asked who was in charge? Tom spoke up that he was and the CHP Sergeant handed him a plastic bag. In the bag was a bloody ID card with the name Hugo Morris on it. Tom looked at the ID shaking his head. Simon was out for revenge, how long would it be before he came after Tom? " We're hunting a monster. " Tom said as he handed the bag to Evie. " We had better stop him soon......Or we'll be seeing more of this. " Tom said as he looked around, tv camera's were on top of buildings and near by houses shooting this gruesome scene. It was no doubt being seen all over the city at this very moment.
 
Evie had no idea what Reed and Steve were talking about and she didn't appreciate that anything was being hidden from her. As far as she was aware, James was breifing her on information that she would probably have to manage. Being confined to a desk ultimately was probably going to mean that she would be the one responsible for logging and managing all the various pieces of information which came in; doing all of the desk-based research. She knew the priest had been shot. She knew that there was a possibility that it was with her gun. But that wasn't something that she realized because Reed and Steve were having a conversation. That was just a fact in relation to any GSW in the City right now.

When Reed's phone rang, James and Evie stopped their discussion and waited. When Reed explained, they headed back to their own cars and travelled out to I-10. When they were taken to the scene, all four of them stopped and just stared wide eyed.

"God Almighty..." Evie whispered softly under her breath. "Reed.... Reed. " He hadn't seemed to have heard her initially, as he looked around surveying the wider scene. He finallly turned and looked at her. "If Randall is taking out the people that put him away, then you and Dad need some kind of protection. We should be taking precautions"
 
Tom agreed with Evie about her father needing protection. Jack had just been released from the hospital that day. He had suffered a broken arm & collar bone and a concussion which would keep him off work for a while. Jack was even now resting at home in his bed. " Call the station.....Get a 24 hour guard placed on Jack's house......Inside and out. " Tom said to Evie. " What about you? " James asked to which Tom replied that he didn't need protection. Tom knew that Simon wanted him and Simon would either find Tom or contact him. Tom told the others that he would be the bait to catch Simon. He then told Steve that if something happened too him, Steve was to take command of the task force.

Meanwhile......acrossed the street from Jack Taylor's house. A dark green 1998 ford van was parked out front. This green van had been black just hours before. Inside sat Simon and his new family, they had been keeping a close eye on Jack's home since they followed him home. Mary wanted to rush in and take Jack out once and for all, but Simon said.....no. Jack could wait for a little while. Tom who had spoiled all the fun yesterday by bring the police to the warehouse was next on the list. Simon was sure that he had a way to trap Tom and he had Father Drew to thank for it. It seemed that Father Drew was a big movie fan. The van that they had taken from Father Drew had a movie magazine laying on the dash board. This magazine had a story about Hollywood's newest superstar. She had only made 5 files, but each one was a smash hit. She was already earning over $20 million dollars a picture and she was only 23 years old. She was 5'8", 125 lbs, blonde hair and blue eyes. She had a smile that lit up the darkest room and her name was Tori Summers. " Vincent.....Drive.......We are going to pay a visit to Miss Tori Summers. " Vincent did as his brother had said. The van pulled out leaving Jack's house behind them. The family's next target was Tori Summers, she would in turn trap Tom who would come to rescue her.

During the drive back to the station, Evie protested the fact that Tom planned on using himself as bait. But Tom finally stopped her protests by telling Evie that Jack was too important to lose. Tom said that he could never use Jack as bait, so that left only him as the only choice. Jack & Tom were the best of friends and Tom would do anything to protect his former partner. Tom, Evie, Steve and James returned to the station and found that the other members of the task force had also returned. Each team told the same story about the murder victims they were sent to check out. All were friends of Hugo Morris and all were now dead just like Hugo. One was beaten to death with a claw hammer. Another was hung up by his feet and his throat had been slit open. Still another had a crowbar sticking out of the back of his skull. The last was hacked into pieces with a hatch which was found at the scene. Each of those people had been tortured before they were killed, but none had been shot.

Malibu.....an hour later......The beach house of Tori Summers.

Tori had been relaxing by her pool most of the afternoon. Once the newest star in Hollywood had enough sun, she decided to come in doors for a cold drink. Tori had just spent the last few weeks filming her newest movie. She was taking a much deserved break, but that break wouldn't last long. Tori didn't know it, but there was a dark green van parked in her driveway. A gently tapping sound came at the large sliding glass doors which lead out too Tori's pool. Tori turned too see a woman standing there smiling and waving at her. After letting out a deep sigh, Tori placed the tall glass of lemonade down on the kitchen table then she started moving towards the doors. She was cursing herself for not putting in that security system like her manager wanted her too. Tori felt that this woman was just another star struck fan who just couldn't help herself. This however was far from the truth since the woman was Mary Cash. Tori opened the sliding doors and asked if she could help this woman? Mary just smiled at Tori, then she pulled the taser from behind her back. The darts flew out hitting Tori in the upper chest area of her body. Tori soon found herself laying on the floor of her home twitching. She then found herself looking up at this woman and four men who surrounded her. " Hello Miss Summers.......I'm Simon Randell........Your biggest fan. " Simon said with an evil smile on his face. He was holding in his right hand, Evie's glock and tapping it off his his leg.
 
"I'm not suggesting that my Dad should be the bait. It's not an either or. I don't think we need to put anyone out there as bait. Put you and Dad in a hotel. Surround you with cops and US Marshals and let everyone else do their job."

But Reed wasn't listening. And it was clear that nothing she could say was going to change things and so for the last bit of the journey back to the station, they sat in silence. By the time they had made it back to the squad room however, they were talking as if nothing had happened. As Evie listened to the reports from everyone else she was relieved that there was only one GSW death... So far; that was assuming Randall hadn't gone for some complete unknowns.
 
It wasn't that Tom didn't hear what Evie was saying, he heard each and every word that she said. Tom felt that Evie was speaking from the heart and not her head. Jack Taylor & Tom Reed weren't the type of men who ran from danger. If they were, they wouldn't have taken the Simon Randell case all those years ago. Jack wouldn't be happy with the police protection that he had now. But there was little Jack could do about it since he was laid up. Not even Evie could make her father leave his home and go to a hotel. Jack would sooner stay at his home and fight it out with Simon if he showed up.

Day turned into afternoon, then it changed into night. It was already after 8pm in the task force squad room. Most everyone had already gone home for the night. The only ones left were Tom, Evie, Steve and James who were sitting around eating pizza and drinking cokes. The four detectives were trying their best to unwind after a very stressful day. They were laughing and joking around with each other. This was nothing new for old friends and family who work together. The phone on James's desk rang, he picked it then looked at Tom. " Communications Tom. " James said as he handed the phone over. Evie and her brothers continued their normal playful banter while Tom answered the call. Tom's face quickly lost all expression as he told the woman in communications to put the call through. He quickly pressed the speaker button on James's phone so everyone could hear. " This is Sergeant Reed. " Tom said then he waited for the voice on the other end. " Made Sergeant huh Tommy Boy?.........I sure did miss a lot while I was locked up........But now that I'm out......I'm looking forward too settling some old scores. " The voice of Simon Randell spoke loud and clear over the phone. " Sadly it seems that I've missed dear old Jack........I stopped by his house after following him home from the hospital........I was going to say hello.......But I had something more important to do. " Simon finished up with a bone chilling laugh. " Simon.....I know that you want me........And I'm willing to make a deal.......Tell me where you're at and I'll willingly give myself up too you.......In exchange for me.......You agree not too hurt anyone else including Jack Taylor and his family. " Tom stopped for a moment after seeing the looks that he was getting from Evie and her brothers. There was silence for a long moment before Simon returned. " I have a better idea Tommy Boy..........Play my game and I'll free the person who I'm holding hostage. " Now there was silence coming from the other end while Simon waited. " Okay Simon.......I'll play your game. " Tom said as he waited for what was coming next. Simon's game was simple, it was Simon Says and that's just what you did. " Simon Says.........Go to the place where you can see all the stars........There you'll find another clue that leads too me. " The phone went dead, Tom hung it up as he stood up. He grabbed his coat and looked at Evie and her brothers. " You three.......Go home.......And that's an order. " Tom left the room quickly as James looked to Steven then to Evie. " To hell with that......I'm in on this game......How about you two? " James asked his question, but it was one that really didn't need to be asked. He felt that Evie and Steve would be ready to play along. He even knew how they could track Tom without being seen. They would hack into the LAPD database and track Tom's car with the GPS device in it.
 
As the time ticked by, Evie managed to get five minutes to step outside and call Rick's to leave a message saying that she didnt think she was going to make it. She left an apology and added that she had been looking forward to it very much.

"Tell Mr. Reed... tell him I'll make it up to him...no... he'll know who the message is from."

She didnt think any of the guys had noticed her absence and even if they had she was sure they would have just assumed she had gone to the bathroom.

A few hours later, they were eating pizza when the phone on James desk rang. As soon as Evie heard the first few words of the voice on the phone, she knew who it was. Her memory immediately took her back those 48 hours or so and she could almost feel his breath on her cheek and neck as she heard him speaking to her just before he shot her. She stared wide-eyed at the speaker. It wasn't until Tom offered himself... in exchange for her family, that she lifte her gaze and stood up. James and Steve were on their feet at that too. None of them were going to support that deal and they all - including Reed - knew that Jack certainly wouldn't.

When Tom ordered the three of them home, they were all too stunned to say anything and so both Steve and Evie met James' suggestion with a unanimous 'agreed'.

"See all the stars... Griffith Observatory... the Chinese Theatre?" Evie asked. "Where else could he mean?"
 
In the back of Tom's mind, he knew that no one in the Taylor family would turn tail and run. It didn't matter whether they had been given an order to do so or not. Tom's order was just an attempt to keep them out of harm's way. James reached down and picked up a small black case which was sitting under his desk. He laid the case on the desk then opened it. Inside was James's laptop computer. He used it to get into the LAPD Database, then to find and start tracking Tom's unmarked car. All official LAPD police vehicles were equipped with a GPS tracking device. Privately owned vehicles used by the police, like the ones that Evie and her brothers used did not have a GPS, unless it was there when they bought the car. James was able to pick up the movement of Tom's unmarked police car. " I got him. " James said as he pulled out his cell phone. He was transferring the data from his laptop to his phone so they could follow Tom in Steve's car. James watched Tom's car moving along the streets away from the station. " Lets go!.....He's going to Griffith Park! " James closed his laptop once the information transfer to his phone was finished.

It was after 9 pm when Tom reached Griffith Observatory. Tom knew form his dealings in the past with Simon how his mind worked. Simon Randell hated Hollywood and it's so called stars. He never used the term stars when talking about celebrates. There was only one place were one could see all the stars in Los Angeles, at the observatory.
 
James had always been the real tech geek as far as the family were concerned - although maybe not by comparison to most. As a kid he had been the one with all of the electronic gadgets and he had been the one who had gotten hooked on one computer game after another. He didn't go far without his laptop somewhere nearby. As Steve and Evie watched him, they all knew that what he was doing wasn't strictly allowed... hacking into the department computor systems wasn't generally seen as a good thing. Had either of them said anything of course, James would have reminded them that he wasn't hacking... he had a password... it just wasn't his. It was Finn's which James had happened to come across a while ago and Finn never seemed to change his password fortunately.

The three siblings climbed into Steve's car, as usual Evie getting the back seat. As teenagers, it was always a source of argument which infuriated their father. Now, Evie didn't even bother; already resigned to the inevitable. She sat in the middle of the rear seat... sitting forward, one forearm resting on the back off each o the front seats. The Observatory was at the top of Mount Hollywood.

Griffith Park was in Los Feliz and it was a big place which many locals referred to as the Central Park of LA. The Obervatory was at the top of Mount Hollywood and over the years it had been the location for quite a lot of movies and TV programmes.
 
Tom pulled his car into the parking lot of the observatory and got out. He looked around then started walking towards the front doors. Once inside the building, Tom slowly looked around. The observatory was still open, there didn't seem to be many people around. It was always busier during the day since the observatory has a commands a view of the Los Angeles Basin, including Downtown Los Angeles to the southeast, Hollywood to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the southwest. Tom moved around slowly looking around at the few people who were inside with him. Just outside, Steve pulled his car into the parking lot well away from where Tom parked. He knew that it was best to keep out of sight since they were tailing Tom against his orders.

Tom was passing by a bulletin board where he noticed a map with his name written on it. His name was written out in red marker which made it stand out since the map was mostly white. Tom pulled the map down from the bulletin Board. It was one of those maps to the stars that you can by on the street corners. It showed where celebrities lived in and around Los Angeles. Tom opened it and started to look it over, there was one part circled in red marker. It was Tori Summers beach home in Malibu, this is where Tom would be heading next. Tom ran out of the observatory and headed for his car. While getting in, the wind kicked up a little and took the map out of Tom's hand. He no longer needed the map, he jumped into his car then took off out of the lot. The map ended up blowing acrossed the parking lot and stopped just out side of Steve's Camaro.
 
Evie was barely out of the car before Steve pointed out Tom returbing to the car. In a harsh whisper, he told them to get back in to the camero.

"Quick stop. Obviously he's found the next clue."

Evie got back into the car quickly but as James was about to follow, his eye caught a piece of paper lying a few feet a way from him... just on the verge of blowing away. He saw Tom's name in red. Quickly he picked it up.

"James?" Steve asked from the driver's seat

James climbed in. "Lucky or what?" Evie looked over his shoulder. She looked puzzled for a moment. "It...it does say 'Simon says'"
 
Malibu is an affluent beachfront city in northwestern Los Angeles County, California. Malibu consists of a 21-mile strip of prime Pacific coastline. Nicknamed "the 'Bu" by surfers and locals, the community is famous for its warm, sandy beaches, and for being the home of many Hollywood movie stars and others associated with the entertainment industry. Tori Summers beach house sat dark as Tom pulled into the driveway. Malibu was well outside of the Los Angeles City limits, which meant that Tom was out of his jurisdiction. This area was patrolled by the Los Angele County Sheriff's Department, Tom had passed a deputy sheriff's car a few blocks ago. Tom pulled his weapon as he approached the front door. He knocked keeping well clear of the door in case anyone who was hiding inside may shoot. There was no noise coming from inside the house. Tom slowly opened to the darkened house, then stepped inside. He moved quietly through the home finding no signs that anyone was there. Tom moved into the kitchen area where he could see that the patio door was left open. There was a piece of paper taped on the sliding doors. Tom flicked on the kitchen light then grabbed the paper. It read, " I've taken Hollywood's newest whore. Continue on with the game and I may let the slut live." Tom shook his head but continued too read on. " Simon Says, Find the 13th garbage can outside the place where the bats come alive. You're next clue is there, but you need to hurry before the garbage is picked up." Tom thought for a moment, the only place in L.A. where bats come alive is Dodger Stadium. They had a day time game and sure enough they would be cleaning the place now and removing the garbage from the cans. Tom dashed from Tori's home leaving the note laying on the floor. He also left the kitchen light on as he jumped into his car then backed into the street. Tom's car roared off into the night, his red light flashing as he was speeding back to Los Angeles. He had to beat the garbage men or the clue would be lost and the game would be over.
 
Steve pulled the car up at the side of the road just in time to see Reed disappearing into the multimillion dollar residence. James and Steve claimed out of the Camero but this time Steve closed the door behind him instead of waiting for Evie to climb out. Then he leaned down.

"Stay here."

"What! What the... Steve. Let me out of the damn..."

"Evie! I said stay here. In case you've forgotten, you don't have a weapon."

Evie opened her mouth to argue bak but Steve had gone and james was stood waiting near the hood. She leaned back against the back of the seat clearly pissed at the whole thing but certainly at her oldest brother. She didn't have to wait long. This time though, James came back on his own first.

"Tom's just left. Steve is checking out the place... Here he comes now." a minute later Steve climbed in. "Pretty sure Tom knows we're following him. He conveniently left this behind?" James took the note from him, read it and then looked at his brother. Both men together chimed "Dodger Stadium" a minute later the car was in gear and they were moving again
 
The red light on Tom's car was lighting up the night as he drove on into the city. Once he passed the city limits sign, he kicked on the car's siren. The tires on Tom's car squealed out each time he turned a corner. Tom was diving in and out between cars and even passing on the sidewalks when he could. Although some people had to jump out of his way. This couldn't be helped since Tom was fighting a losing battle against time. The guys who picked the garbage from the cans around the stadium finally reached the cans outside. They always started inside and worked their way out. Two men were talking while leaning on trash can number 13. They were smoking cigarettes and talking about a trade the Dodgers just made. It was then that they heard a police siren and it was getting closer. The two men started too look around wondering what was going on when Tom's unmarked car appeared. Tom wheeled the car hard into the parking lot and brought it to a screeching halt.

Tom jumped out of his car while pulling out his badge. " POLICE!!...GET BACK FROM THAT CAN!! " Tom yelled out as he ran towards these dumbfounded men. The two men backed away, not looking for trouble. Tom kicked the garbage can over which made the top pop off. It was the type that had two swinging opens on either side where people could drop trash in. Tom knelt down and reached into the top of the can and just as hoped, a note was inside. He yanked the note out then opened it. It read, " This city is full of garbage, so knocking some trash around won't hurt it. Simon Says, the Westin has a clue for you. 1234, just look behind the door."
 
Steve didn't put the siren on; even if Reed knew that they were in fact behind him. There was no need for everyone to know. And Steve even took a different route for some of the journey. From one place to the next the Taylors were not far behind. Now... The Westin hotel... Room 1234.
 
Tom crumpled up the note and tossed it down. He didn't need to keep any of these clues. Nor did he believe that anyone let only Evie and her brothers were following him. Tom started back to his car leaving the two garbage men still dumbfounded. They couldn't understand what had just happened and they wondered if this cop was on something. Tom got back into his car then put it into gear. He started out of the parking lot and headed for the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. Tom became lost in thoughts of the past. Dodger Stadium was the site where the first victim of Simon and his evil brood was found. The Bonaventure Hotel was where the second victim worked and where she was found....in room 1234. It seemed that Simon was taking Tom through each of the crime scenes. Tori's house and the observatory were just Simon's way of say that he took Tori Summers. Tom could easily skip to the end, where the final victim was found, but then he could miss something. The end may be somewhere different then where the last victim as found.
 
Steve was getting tired of the game and both Evie and James could see his frustration growing. At the Dodgers stadium he had gotten out, leaving James and Evie in the car. On coming across the two men emptying garbage can, he'd shown his badge, asked if theyd seen anyone and had then gotten the story of the strange cop. They'd even given Steve the crumpled note which Reed had thrown away. Steve had thanked thm but that seemed to have annoyed him more than anything. When he got bak in the car and made it clear that he was done. He put the car in gear and left rubber on the Tarmac as he pulled away.

"I'm tired of this. We can do this better if we work together and Tom Reed needs to understand he cant do this as some lone dirty Harry."

James and Evie knew enough not to interrupt or question. In the end and thanks to a heavy foot, Steve arrived at the hotel just as Reed was walking out.

"Okay Tom. Enough. We can do this better if we work together. And don't try and pull rank on me.... You can't."

Evie and James just leaned on the car nd waited.

"Should have brought popcorn." James said.
 
Tom pulled up in front of the Bonaventure Hotel, he didn't bother to park since he wasn't staying. He flashed his badge to the parking lot attendant and warned him not too touch the car. The doorman was next too see Tom's badge, he opened the door quickly. Tom whizzed past the man standing at the front desk. " Sir can I help you?........Sir!?.......SIR!? " The man said as he took of after Tom catching him at the elevators. The man once again asked if he could help Tom? Tom just showed his badge then told the desk man to get out of his way. The elevator doors opened and Tom stepped inside, moments later the doors opened again on the 12 floor. Tom quickly found the room marked 1234, he slowly opened the door. He looked around then stepped into the room. Tom stopped for a second remembering what the note had said. He moved the door just enough too look behind it and sure enough, there was another note.

Tom grabbed the note from the wall and opened it. It read, " The people of Los Angeles are corrupt, they even worship false idols. These idols can be found in many places, one of these is run by a madame. Simon Says, go to the whore house where the graven images are worshiped like false gods, another clue awaits there." Tom looked around after reading the note, he stashed it in the right hand outside pocket of his coat. He was out of the room and down the stairs quicker then the elevator could go. As Tom left the hotel he was greeted by Steve, James and Evie. Tom listened as Steve was the one who stepped forward. While it was true that they were both Sergeants, Tom was a senior sergeant with 4 strips and a star in the middle. Steve had only 3 strips, but what he said about working together made sense. Tom hadn't noticed before, but the way Steve was now is the way Jack use to be. Steve was perhaps a mirror image of the way Jack use to work when he was on the streets.


This lone wolf idea that Tom let take over his thoughts was running pretty thin. Tom would have liked to have said that he was shocked when he saw the Taylor's, but he knew this family too well. Tom nodded his head while giving a chuckle. He reached into his coat pocket and handed Steve the note that he just took from room 1234. " Alright Steve......Here you go. " Tom said as Steve took the note the opened it.
 
Steve was relieved that Tom hadn't argued. He smiled as he visibly relaxed, taking the piece of paper from him and reading it.

"'A whorehouse frequented by the Hollywood A list? Do you know where this place is?" Steve looked at Tom as he laid out what he was thinking and as the two of the headed back to their cars. As they got to Reed's, Steve looked across at where James and Evie were stood. He smiled.

"Do you want to keep going like this or do you want to take your partner back? If you know where the clues are going, we can split up."
 
Tom agreed to let Evie ride with him, he also told Steve that he got the clue wrong. " You see.....Simon has a deep hatred for Hollywood and it's celebrities.....Your father and I found writings that Simon did where he calls celebrities whores. " Tom began to explain to the others. " So ask yourselves........What place in Hollywood has graven images?......Is run by a Madame?.......And people go there too look at false idols? " Tom asked then he waited too see if Evie, Steve or James could come up with the answer. There was only one place in L.A. that was run by a madame, but he also knew that she had many places around the world. The first of these places started in London in 1835.
 
"It's that place in Hollywood... Orange Drive. The wax dummies of the famous and infamous." Evie said, holding her hand up and clicking her fingers as she was trying to remember the name.

"Tucson's" James chipped in.

"Toussaud's... Madam Toussauds." Evie said.

"Near enough!" James said. All three of the others looked at James somewhat incredulously but no-one said anything.

"Okay. So is that where we are all going?" Steve asked Tom.
 
Although James had butchered the name in his usual manner, Evie was able to nail it. She was right, the answer was Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum. A former employee had been a victim of Simon Randell and was found among the figures of villains. Tom walked around to the trunk of his car then opened it while Steve asked if they were all going. " You and James will follow us there.......You two wait outside with the engine running.....Once we find the clue to the next location Evie will call you on her cell......Then you two can head out after that one.....We'll follow and wait too hear what you find. " Tom reached down into the trunk of his car while he spoke. He opened a large black metal box, then reached in and pulled out a 12 gauge pump shotgun & a box of shells. " When we reach the end of this game......You may need this. " Tom said as he tossed the gun and box of shells to James.

" Now if you boys need help with any clues......Just call us. " Tom said very sarcastically as he closed the metal box then the trunk of his car. Tom walked around then jumped into his car firing it up. Once Evie climbed in, Tom reached down under his seat. He pulled out his Glock and hips holster which served as his back up weapon. " If you're tagging along......You need a weapon. " Tom placed the pistol and holster on too Evie's lap. Tom placed the car into drive, he pulled out into the street then headed for the wax museum. It was a little after 11 pm when they arrived, Steve & James pulled in behind Tom's car. They watched as Tom & Evie got out then went inside. Lucky for everyone this place kept late hours, it didn't close until midnight.

These wax figures were very lifelike and it was kind of creepy since most of them stared and smiled all the time. " Look around carefully Evie......That note could be anywhere. " Tom said as he started to move through museum.
 
Evie said a silent 'bye' to her bothers by a simple touch on their arm r shoulder as she walked passed them and climbed into the passenger seat.

"Tagging along? TAGGING along. You make it sound like I shouldn't be here. It's a minor shoulder wound. That's it. But thanks for this."

She slipped the gun out of the holster and got the feel of it, felt the balance, the weight in her hand. She wasn't going to put the holster on but instead slipped it into her jacket pocket.

"So why don't we just jump to the end. Because you do know the end of this don't you! The scene of the last crime. Which was where you and dad caught him. So why not take him by surprise and go there now? Let Steve and James pick up the clues in between?"
 
" I'm just worried about you. " Tom replied before they went inside. He then leaned down and gave Evie a quick kiss on her cheek once they were inside. " We're not jumping to the end because I don't know where his end is....Yet. " Tom said as he continued too look around. " His last crime scene and where we caught him are two different places. " Tom then explained about how he and Jack along with members of the CHP and the L.A. County Sheriff's Department surrounded an old farm house juts outside of Thousands Oaks. He told about the gun battle which broke out and how Simon and some of his family escaped. Tom & Jack chased Simon and a couple of his people back into the city where another gun battle started on the docks. That is where they stopped Simon, but his last crime scene was the Hollywood sign. Tom told Evie about how Simon and his people kidnapped a group of tourist, then killed each one. After they were dead, their bodies were hung upside down on the letters of the sign. " We have no choice but to play along with his game.......He's leading us too him right now......We just have to be patient......Remember.......We have the edge since he thinks I'm alone. " Just as Tom finished speaking he saw a piece of paper which had been slipped inside the coat of.....Jack the Ripper.

Tom opened the note and read out loud. " Jack was a dear old soul, but he wasn't a roman. The old saying goes, when in Rome, do as the Romans. Simon Says, you're getting closer too me, now go to the one place in L.A. where a Roman would feel at home. Section 6, Under 243. " Tom nodded his head then handed the note to Evie. He could tell by the look on her face, she knew it the answer just as he did.
 
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