As they drove to the NYPD, Cat took her phone to check the news. She expected it but was still shocked as the whole world talked about the recent terrorist attacks in New York. Four, to be precise. One for every victim of sexual assault that was scheduled to testify today. To her dismay, three of such attacks were successful in eliminating the witness. She could only imagine how much work the reaper had on their hands.
“What a mess,” she lamented with a heavy heart.
“Not your fault,” Jack repeated over and over. “You didn’t pull a trigger. Focus, Catherine. You’re doing the right thing. Trust me. You can’t, even for one second, blame yourself for what the enemy did. I’ve seen more than one soldier despairing because they didn’t see the IED buried in the road. It was the fault of the enemy that buried it there unless the soldier wasn’t doing his job.
“What I want to say is, you did your job. You hired us...”
“Oliver did,” Cat rebutted ruefully.
“No. You hired Oliver to help you, and Oliver hired us. You can’t do everything on your own. That’s why you got a team. The poor girls that were killed today were victims just like you. Now, you need to steel yourself and do the right thing for their sake. See it through, Catherine. We need you to be strong.”
Cat softened up, “Thanks, Jack. I needed it.”
“Stand tall, Catherine. We soldiers may fight with guns but we can’t use the weapons you have.”
She raised an eyebrow and put an arm over her chest. “Nope,” she joked.
The other bodyguards at the front laughed. Jack blushed just a little. “I didn’t mean it like that you sickos!”
Cat let out a peal of laughter. “I’m joking. I got it. Now, let me see what they are accusing me of.”
Back on her phone, she found out she was tagged by several media outlets. Some blurred photos of her surrounded by the security guards amidst what could only be described as a war scene circulated on the web. Her followers asked her about what happened. She didn’t know what to answer with, so she called Agatha.
“Catherine! I’m so sorry! Are you okay?” The social media expert and junior lawyer worried on the other side of the line.
“I’m fine, Agatha. I didn’t get hurt. Oliver was shot, though. He had surgery and is in the ICU.”
The other girl sniffled, “Will he be okay?”
“The doctors said he will. One of his partners is there with him now. He’s in good hands.”
Cat explained her problem and asked for Agatha’s advice. The lawyer told her to talk only about her situation and reassure her followers she was okay.
Regarding the incidents, she was supposed to tell them she couldn’t issue any statement because it was related to an ongoing investigation but she was going to fully collaborate with the authorities. She could state she was disgusted with the attacks and display solidarity towards the other victims. She should in no way assume any blame, even as a mere social cue, for the attacks and repudiate them. They texted the messages drafts back and forth, solidifying their public speech into something that wouldn’t come back to bite her. Cat also bounced some ideas off of Jack, getting the former army ranger’s perspective on the subject. Jack approved of their plan and Cat published the ones Agatha approved on Twitter.
By the time they were finished, the car was already parked next to the police station. Protesters were partially blocking the street, demanding justice. After one of the security guards talked to the cops, Catherine left the vehicle and was escorted into the station by Jack and the cops. The other two guards remained with the vehicle. She kept her head low but some paparazzi snapped a few sneak pictures. According to Agatha, she shouldn’t stop and talk to them.
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At the lobby, Jake went to a discreet counter to check his firearms. He provided his security guard license and other documents as requested, then unloaded his weapons after getting the okay from the officer on duty. Cat was surprised to learn he had three handguns and a “Rambo knife” on him. After getting a slip listing the weapons and ammo he checked in, they went to the metal detector. Cat was glad she had all the implants removed. After getting cleared by security and receiving visitor badges, they were led to a meeting room where detective Martinez and the FBI agents waited for her.
“Welcome, Catherine. I’m so happy you are safe,” Martinez greeted.
“Thank you. It’s all due to Jack with Grendel Security here,” she returned a business smile and pointed to the bodyguard.
“Sir, we need you to wait outside,” agent Ashford told Jack.
“I’ll stay with my client if you don’t mind,” the former ranger replied with a confrontational tone. “And I’m also a witness in the case you are investigating,” he grinned.
“We do mind,” Ashford said adamantly. “Miss Wallenstein is both a victim and a witness, sir.”
The FBI agent clearly knew of Jack’s military background. However, Jack had no intention of leaving her alone. He took his phone and dialed. “Miss Stewart, come to the station. Catherine needs you,” he said and hung up. “Agent Ashford, everyone in this room is on the same side and our goals are the same. However, our methods are a bit different. Miss Wallenstein, I’ll be by the door waiting for you. Don’t say anything until Agatha arrives.”
Ignoring the FBI agent, Cat smirked and nodded, “Understood, Jack.”
“She doesn’t need a lawyer,” Ashford protested.
Jack walked out of the room without another word. Cat sat across the table from the law enforcement personnel. She exchanged a sympathetic glance with detective Martinez but refused to make eye contact with the FBI. Twenty minutes later, Agatha entered the room.
“Greetings, agents, detective. I’m Agatha Stewart from Sullivan & Rothman, Miss Wallenstein’s attorney.”
Ashford groaned, “Good, can we start?”
They asked about the bridge incident and the events leading up to it. Cat answered everything honestly, refusing when Agatha signaled her not to. The FBI agents threw a few loaded questions into the mix to probe her but the junior lawyer deftly made them reword the questions. Her interrogation went on for the best part of an hour and was only adjourned because Cat was already dozing off from sheer emotional exhaustion.
Agatha would later explain that the FBI needed someone to “hang in public square” and despite what they said they weren’t shy to throw Catherine under the bus if that meant keeping the people from taking torches and pitchforks.
If there’s one thing the average New Yorker hated more than terrorism, none of them could tell.
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It was a nasty problem the FBI faced. They had no suspects under custody and the people were crying for blood on social media. The attackers on the bridge committed suicide and they weren’t identified despite all the XXI century forensic technology. On the other three attacks that didn’t last as long as the one on the bridge, they just vanished as if by magic.
The FBI agents left the room, leaving the three women alone. “Well, now I think it is my turn,” Martinez joked. “Catherine, can we talk?”
Cat sighed. “I think I need to freshen up. Can I go to the restroom?”
“Sure. Go left once you leave the room, there’s a sign next to the door.”
She left the meeting room, exchanged some words with Jack, and found the restroom.
Cat rolled her eyes and went inside and was surprised to find the biggest dog she'd ever seen. Were it not for the friendly goofy face plastered on and the service vest it wore, she’d think it was a prehistoric wolf.
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The giant husky-like wolf-dog looked at her but didn’t move from where it was. It just stared at her with a lolling tongue. Cat was sure the critter weighed more than her. While she was busy deciding if she should scream and run, stand still, or do her business, she heard a stall flushing and a girl came out of it.
“Aura, stop trying to scare the girl,” she scolded the critter. The wolf-dog whimpered and lowered its head. “Don’t worry, she’s very smart and a sweetheart. Nice to meet you, I’m Alice.”
“Catherine,” Cat replied and shook the offered hand.
Alice seemed to be the same age as Catherine but she had a strange air about her. Her choice of clothes was halfway between a hippie and a ren-fair cosplayer. She had a large messenger bag made of rough leather.
“Alice, are you a cop?”
The girl giggled, “No, although I help detective Martinez from time to time. And you?”
“Not a cop either. I only asked because of your dog. It is strange for it to be in a police station.”
“Aura is a service dog, she and her packmates help me help Martinez on some cases,” she showed her badge.
It read ‘collaborator’ instead of ‘visitor’ like Cat’s. The latter felt a bit of envy.
“Are you helping detective Martinez now?” Cat asked, a bit wary.
“Yes. She asked my help to talk with a sexual assault victim,” Alice replied, apparently unaware of whom she was supposed to talk to.
Cat bit her lower lip, “I think that’s me,” she confessed.
“Oh, my dear. I’m so sorry,” Alice apologized. “It’s my fault for not getting informed beforehand. I didn’t look at your file,” she confessed.
“Don’t worry. If you’re here to help me, I’m glad to have your help,” Cat answered, looking at the giant dog.
“It’s okay pet her if you want,” Alice kindly offered. “Aura, heel.”
The dog came to stand next to Alice. Cat patted the scruffy fur while the canine preened.
“If you can wait, I’ll just freshen up and return to the meeting room where Martinez is waiting for me,” Cat offered.
“Sure, I’d love to,” Alice beamed.
After doing her business and wiping the cold sweat off her body, Cat returned to the meeting room with Alice, Aura trailing the two close behind. The cops didn’t seem fazed by the pony-sized doggo.
“Welcome back, Catherine. I see Alice found you,” Martinez said, causing Cat to raise an eyebrow
“Yes, she found me,” Cat glanced at the wolf-tamer. They entered the room and took their seats on opposite sides. “Well, I’m feeling better now. Sorry, I had to take my emergency anxiety medication at the bridge, I was kind of spacing out until it wore off. I wouldn’t have made it here without it.”
“Don’t worry, Catherine,” Martinez waved her worry off. “I’m just glad you survived. I’m sorry about Mr. McNamara and I hope he bounces back. It is hard to find an honest lawyer in New York and he’s among the most candid ones I’ve met so far.”
“He’ll be pleased to hear that once he gets discharged,” Agatha replied. “On behalf of Sullivan & Rothman, we appreciate your sentiment, detective.”
“Great!” The detective clapped her hands. “Alice here helps me with certain cases, her wolves are really handy.”
“As you know, Mrs. Hargitay used my help to research her TV character, Olivia Benson. What you don’t know is that I also work on cases related to another show’s protagonist. Dana Scully,” Martinez grinned at Cat, then nudged an eyebrow toward Agatha. “Do you wish to continue?”
“Wait,” Cat raised a hand. “Agatha, would you mind leaving us alone?”
“Are you sure, Catherine?”
“Absolutely, Agatha.”
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Despite the protests of the curious lawyer, Catherine had her leave the room and wait with Jack so she could talk with Martinez and the mysterious wolf-charmer girl. Fearing her secret would be revealed, Cat joked, “Okay, now you can continue, detective Olivia Scully.”
Martinez chuckled, “Don’t worry. You’re among friends here. Alice, is she...”
“I don’t know, Martha,” Alice replied. “She has something supernatural about her, but I can’t say for sure. The System didn’t react to her.”
“I beg your pardon?” Cat tittered. “What are you talking about?”
“Catherine, have you been in another world?”
“No?” She replied with a question. Did the disembodied state count? She looked at the door before continuing, “Why?”
“Did you read the news about attacks on Japanese schools or strange accidents involving trucks?” The detective asked seriously.
She did but only briefly. With all the news of violence circulating on the internet, it was easy to dismiss this or that case.
Cat fidgeted with her hands until she assumed the Gendo Ikari pose. “Straight to the point, please. I’m getting uncomfortable with the direction this conversation is taking.”
“Catherine, do you believe in magic?” Alice asked. “The supernatural?”
Wary, Cat replied with another question, “Do you mean witches, angels, demons, wizards, heroes monsters, and weird dogs the size of ponies?”
Alice squealed, “Exactly! All of those! Do you?”
Cat stood up, “I’m out of here in one minute. Speak now or forever hold your peace.”
Alice waved her hand and a ball of light appeared, floating around her hand in circles. “Magic is real,” she augured. “And I think you have something magical in you.”
“Don’t we all?” Cat snided.
Martinez explained, “We believe that when you attempted to kill yourself, either Mr. Cooper or you went to another world. Alice felt a magical pulse that day, originating where you were found.”
“No, we didn’t,” Cat had a Freudian slip.
“We?” The detective caught up.
“I can’t say much but I’m positive neither Catherine nor William traveled to another world. I’m absolutely certain of it.”
Martinez opened her mouth to say something but Alice grabbed her hand. She snapped her finger and the ball of light vanished. “Okay, thank you, Catherine. Sorry, I couldn’t help but notice you didn’t deny the magical event.”
She dragged her chair back a few inches. “What do you want?”
“Help you. I promise,” Alice said, extending both hands with her palms up on the table. “We didn’t tell the FBI but there’s something supernatural in these attacks today. We believe you’re being targeted by some evil entity.”
Cat pressed on both temples. The situation was too surreal for her, even after her out-of-body experience. “What do you mean?”
“Do you have any reason to believe the powers of evil would be after you?” Martinez asked seriously.
Catherine dreaded.
Cat didn’t answer. She wanted to talk to Catherine but with both the detective and the Pokemon trainer wannabe watching, she didn’t dare to subvocalize. Instead, she fidgeted. Alice stood up and went around the table. She knelt next to Cat and hug her.
“It’s fine, Catherine. I know what it means to be afraid in face of sheer evil. Would you hear my story? Maybe it will put your mind at ease.”
“Okay.”
For some unknown reason, Alice went to another world when she was just a newborn baby. A fantasy medieval world where humanity was almost extinct. There she grew up as an orphan, without any knowledge of her origins on Earth. Things were dire and they were besieged by monsters. People died almost every day and her village was almost being abandoned. She was taken as an apprentice of the local apothecary/alchemist/healer, where she learned her trade.
Her town was visited by a hero that hailed from another world. This world. This hero saved their town from an orc horde, of all things, and took over the place. He helped the town prosper and grow, and also helped Alice grow in power. She had some adventures with the hero and others from her town when one day she was lost in a primeval forest and met her wolves. She learned how to be a tamer and befriended the monsters. Yes, monsters. These were no ordinary wolves but intelligent monsters with magical powers. They could even speak “monster language”, whatever that meant.
One day, she was called by the goddess of that world and given a task. She needed to go back to Earth, to protect an important person that could change the fate of her doomed adoptive world. Upon her return to Earth, she met detective Martinez, who helped her get settled and get her documents in order. Since then, she has adapted to the modern world and helped Martinez with these supernatural cases.
Most of these cases had to do with the “returners”, people who went to another world and found their way back. Most of them kept some of their supernatural powers, like Alice’s magic and her wolves.
“Not all of us, however, uses their powers for good,” Alice lamented. “We needed to make sure on which side you stood.”
“Look, I can’t do anything,” Cat protested. “I can’t summon pokemon, toss lightning bolts, shoot laser out of my arse, fly, or anything of that sort. I never left Earth either. Neither did Mr. Cooper. You can be sure of that but I won’t explain any further.”
“Just the fast-healing then?” Still hugging the girl, Alice fished.
“Yes. Just that,” she fell for it. “Damn!”