Author’s Note: This is the last chapter for this particular Afternoon Fic. There is a Coda to it which will be posted on Friday. *cackles* *coughs* *cackles*
2nd Author’s Note: Bios have been updated and Lt. Dan’s has been added to the wiki.
He could tell Danny was pissed.
“I couldn’t find him.” He paced the kitchen area, while Mac fixed them a light dinner. “No matter what I did, I couldn’t focus on what was not there.”
“What did Blade say?”
“Need to train more.” He rolled his eyes, tossing his arms in the air. “I’m a New Yorker, born and bred here. I know the sounds, the smells, everything about it. Time Square was typical every day Time Square how the hell would I find a void in that.”
“Maybe that’s the key.” Mac took his hand, and led him to the table, setting food in front of him. “If you know it that well, maybe you need to figure out what isn’t right. Don’t look for what’s not there, but what’s not supposed to be there.”
“I can see that.” Danny nodded, diving into the amazing pasta dish. “Use what I know to catalog out the different noises to find the one that doesn’t fit.”
“Think like a void in the blood splatter, once you figure out what the void is…” Mac sat across from him smiling as he saw the wheels clicking in his Mate’s brain.
“You can find the item that made the void. I see where you’re going with this. Think I’ll do some meditation exercises when I run, learn the sounds around me to find the odd ones out, then learn to listen for the one that is supposed to be there but it’s not.” Danny grinned in between bites. “Weirdly the exercise could help with crime scenes.”
“The two are not far removed from the other.” Mac pointed out, he paused when his cell phone rang, it was a number he recognized but not sure from where. “Detective Taylor.”
‘It’s Nico.’ There were voices behind him, that he couldn’t quite make out.
“What can I do for you?” He glanced over to Danny, who looked worried and weirdly excited.
‘You’re Clan is in need of you. A hurricane is bearing down on New Orleans and we need all hands on deck. You and Danny could be helpful with evacuations, and making sure Rogues don’t think this is a good time annoy me.’
“Use a natural disaster to cover up crimes, not like we haven’t seen that before.”
The laughter was genuine. ‘House is working to get supplies prepared and shipped out, book the next flight out, you will likely need to fly into Memphis or Houston, as Louis Armstrong will likely be closed.’
“We’ll pack and let you know when we leave and where we’ll land.” Mac saw Danny stand and start washing up the dishes. “We might just need a place to go to…”
‘Sylum Manor. Vacherie, Louisiana Jefferson Parish – can’t miss it. At least Horatio fixed the big hole, and put up some nice gates.’ Nico chuckled lightly. ‘I know this isn’t life and death, but New Orleans is our home and has been apart of Sylum since both were founded.’
“We’re on our way, General.” He had a feeling it was the right thing to say.
‘So much like your Uncle.’ There was a slight pause. ‘Next time you see him, let him know he’s not fooling anyone, Clan Leaders are gossiping hens, and I know all about his adventures in Japan.’
Mac hung up the phone and laughed, everything everyone had told him about Nico was true. He glanced at Danny. “He wants in New Orleans there’s a hurricane coming, and all hands on deck.”
“I’ve been watching that, they say it could be Category Five by the time she hits land. It’s going to be bad.” Danny nodded, as they both moved for the stairs to pack their gear. “How are we going to get time off…”
Mac’s phone buzzed again, this time he recognized his bosses boss’ number. “Detective Taylor.”
‘Mac, you and Messer have been assigned to New Orleans PD at the moment to help with evacuations, and any clean up or investigation that might arise. As we know criminals love to hide in natural disasters.’
“Yes sir.” He glanced at Danny, it should be scary how far Nico’s connections went.
‘Good.’ There was a pause. ‘Do me a favor Mac, put a flower by Lennie’s tombstone. He was a good man, a fine cop, and my family misses him dearly.’
“I will.”
‘We’ll have lunch sometime in the next few months, it’s time you and Messer meet those you can trust.’
With that he hung up.
Mac looked at his Mate. “I think we’ve just seen the tip of the iceberg of the influence and connections one Roman General has.”
“Fuck ya. But damn Mac can’t you feel it, being part of something so big. He’s calling in those who can help not just the Clan’s home, but the surrounding area. This is bigger than anything I’ve been part of, I’m guessing it’s like being in the Marines.”
“In a way, but I have a feeling this is something even more than that. Let’s pack, I’ll contact Stella, that we’ll be gone.”
“See if Hannibal is staying behind…” Though he had a feeling not everyone was being called, this was likely a test as much as they were needed. They still needed Hunters in New York to keep an eye on things, not everyone could get into New Orleans.
Mac could sense some of what his Mate was thinking and feeling. “I’m sure it’s not meant to be a test, but at the same time he gets to see us in action.”
“Then we do what we do best.” Danny pulled him down into a quick kiss. “Help those who need us.”
I know this is set during Katrina but I love the fact it intersects with the one that just landed in New Orleans.