Fic: Numbers - Crosshairs, Chapter Eight/14

[aleo_70]

Title: Crosshairs
Author: ALEO aleo_70 
Genre: Gen
Characters: Don, David, Colby, Charlie
Rating: PG 13+
Warnings: violence
Spoilers: nil

Summary: One year on and Brad has not forgotten the FBI agent he blames for putting his father in prison.  When their paths cross he takes advantage of the opportunity.

Status: Chapter 8 of 14
Wordcount (this chapter): 3024
Wordcount (total): ~42,000

NB:  This is a sequel to a previous fic - Flight .  Crosshairs can still be read alone as I have provided some background explanation as we go along.

Disclaimer:  I don't own them, I just borrowed them.  Numb3rs and its characters are the property of those that created them.  No copyright infringement intended.  No financial reward gained.  All real places and organisations are used in a fictional sense.  Original characters and the storyline are mine however.

 

CHAPTER EIGHT

-100-1111-1110-

Once again the shock of the injury had forced Don to the ground, his body reacting instinctively.  Sitting back up he assessed himself, peering through the tear in his shirt to see the deep gouge torn through his upper left arm.  The wound was nearly three inches long, pinched and white but he knew it was going to be bleeding very messily within a few seconds.  Flicking the jacket off his head and shoulders he folded part of it into a pad and pressed it hard against his upper arm just as it started to throb.  He flexed his hand and arm and was able to satisfy himself that there had been no serious damage.  It had either been a damned good shot or a lucky shot.  Wincing slightly he twisted his wrist to check his watch.  When he saw the time he realised what had happened, Jack was getting impatient.  That meant there were going to be more shots now aimed directly at him and there was nothing he could do but take them.

David’s concerned call just confirmed it.  The good news was that he’d just heard from Colby that Nelson had landed and was on his way in from the airport.  Don had wanted to ask what David was planning but the other agent was obviously under a lot of pressure and had work to do.  Don hung up without voicing his question, he had no say in the matter anyway.

Tense now as the time frame diminished he maintained the pressure on his arm as he looked over in the general direction of where David had set up.  He couldn’t see the command centre but whatever was going to happen would come from that direction.  He resisted the urge to check his watch as time dragged on, that would only give the sniper the satisfaction of knowing his target was worried.

He couldn’t be sure how much time had passed before he heard sirens approaching then suddenly stop.  That had to mean Nelson had arrived on scene.  Things were finally about to happen. 

He figured that it was about ten minutes later when he saw the figure enter the square.  As the man approached Don couldn’t help but notice the small bottle he was carrying in one hand.  Forcing his attention away from the much needed water he recognised Nelson.  The man was thinner than he remembered and had new lines on his face but was still easily identifiable.  As the distance closed Don climbed unsteadily to his feet, his head spun but he managed to maintain his balance. 

“Agent Eppes.”  The likable felon said as he stopped a couple of feet away.  He held out the bottle, allowing the agent to take it.  “Agent Sinclair asked me to give this to you.”

It took a moment of fumbling with the cap, his fingers just didn’t seem to want to work right, before he could get it off.  The water was thankfully cool, not cold and was gone in seconds.  “Thank-you.” 

He then took half a step back in reflex as Nelson moved in.  He staggered slightly as another bout of dizziness passed over him.  A hand on his uninjured arm steadied him.

“Let me look.”  Nelson was reaching for his wounded arm, by taking the bottle of water Don had dropped the jacket subsequently exposing the wound.  He allowed the attention, it was not the first time that Nelson had taken care of his injuries.  “Looks like you stopped the bleeding.”

“It was just a scratch.”  Don stated, downplaying the injury even as the amount of drying red blood on his sleeve indicated otherwise.

“You were lucky.”

“I hope not.”  That would have meant the shot had been intended to hit him elsewhere and that was not a pleasant thought.  “So, what’s the deal?”

“I think that’s Jack now.”  Nelson offered as the agent’s cell started ringing.

Cutting out the middleman, himself, Don handed over his phone.

“Jack, what are you doing?”  Nelson started as he answered the call.  “I can see that, but this is not what I wanted. … Where’s Brad? …  With you?  He’s a part of this?  …  He did what?  No, no more, he could have seriously injured him.  I’m here now.  It’s time to let him go.  …  What?  That’s not-“

Don looked on with an increasing feeling of dread as Nelson paced away and dropped his voice.  He could only watch as Nelson appeared to argue with Jack before his shoulders dropped slightly indicating reluctant agreement.  The man listened a moment longer before dialling a number into the cell.  He then snapped the phone closed and pocketed it.

“I’m not going to like this, am I?”  Don asked as Nelson returned.

“No.  They want me to take you with me.”

“I thought that might be the case.  They pack this up and you drive away there is nothing to stop us going after you.”

“That’s what Jack said.  I need to take that.”  Nelson sounded apologetic as he made a quick gesture.

Don looked down, although he hadn’t needed to, he knew exactly what Nelson meant.  He sighed, they were going back to where they’d been a year ago.  He lifted his right arm away from his side and made no effort to resist as the Glock was taken from his holster and checked.  He was too weak to fight Nelson off anyway, even if he wasn’t concerned about the sniper.  Don turned slightly to his left where he could still see his SUV through the ornamental trees.  Now he understood the reason behind Jack’s early orders.  “My car?”

“Let’s go.”

Don couldn’t help but be a little hesitant as he started to walk, every other time he’d made a move he’d been shot at.  He knew it wasn’t going to happen now that Nelson had taken his gun but it still took a few steps before he relaxed.

“You’ve busted your leg again?”  Nelson suddenly asked.

His calf was stiff and sore causing him to limp slightly.  That and the effects of the heat were making walking a little difficult.  “Nah.  Stone chip from one of Jack’s pot-shots.”

“I’m sorry about all this, Agent Eppes.  I’m going to get you out but you’re going to have to bear with me.”  There was no response so he continued.  “I’ve made a deal with your people.”

“Oh?  What kind of deal?”

“I wear a tracker and help them catch Jack and my son.”

They’d reached the trees.  Don stopped, catching his balance on a tree and regarded the other man.  Last time he’d dealt with Nelson both his sons were on the run with Jack.  At the time Nelson had tried to make a deal that they would be allowed to go free in return for his surrender.  Now he was free he was going to turn his friend and son in?  “Why would you do that?”

Nelson made a slight lift of his hand holding the gun indicating that Don should keep moving.  “I don’t want them killed.  I’ve got to try to get them to hand themselves in before your people or the cops catch up with them.”

“What about the other two?”

“I don’t care about them.”

It didn’t really matter, if the other two men were with Jack and Brad and they were all talked into surrendering by Nelson then well and good.  If they just got Jack and Brad they would be able to sweat them for the identity of the other two and proceed from there.

They were just about at the SUV when he was suddenly grabbed from behind.  He gasped in pain and surprise as Nelson’s arm wrapped around his shoulders, compressing his wound.  Nelson’s right arm appeared in his peripheral vision, raised up to shoulder height with the Glock pointed slightly off to the right.  The agent looked over and recognised the man approaching them.

“Stay back.”  Nelson shouted.

“Drop the gun!”  Curtis ordered, still moving forward.

Nelson slowly started moving them sideways, closer to the SUV in an attempt to put it between them and the approaching agent.  “I don’t want to hurt anyone.”  Nelson said into his hostage’s ear.

Don understood.  Nelson had to get out of here if he was to have any chance at bringing in Jack or Brad.  He’d not been comfortable threatening the agent a year ago, just as he was not comfortable with doing it now.  But it was clear that he considered the loss of his comfort a small price to pay if he achieved his goal. 

“Curtis, stop!”  Don ordered, putting as much command into his voice as he could.

His order was sufficiently forceful but wasn’t what stopped the other agent, the bullet striking the asphalt inches in front of him achieved that.  Curtis dodged and that saved his life.  A second round hit a ground a few feet away after passing through the space Curtis had occupied an instant earlier.

“Get out of there!”  Don yelled desperately.

With no cover the junior agent had no choice.  He started running, spurred on by another shot that once again just missed.  Don was under no illusion that the shots were designed to miss, they weren’t.  The rounds only went wild because Curtis was moving quickly, ducking and weaving as he headed back the way he came.  He managed to reach the safety of the building and duck inside.  One last round followed the junior agent into the building, shattering the glass door before the shots stopped.

“We’d better get out of here before someone else tries that.”  Nelson suggested, pushing Don towards the driver’s door.

It was an effort but Don managed to climb up and take his spot in the driver’s seat.  Spurred on by self preservation he left his door open and after fumbling at the key started the engine, switching the air-conditioning to maximum.  He’d thought it hot in the square, the heat in the black SUV was unbelievable.  Only the threat of the sniper prevented Don from jumping back out.  He slumped back in his seat, he couldn’t handle any more heat, not now.  What little strength he’d regained from the water and the adrenalin hit moments before now drained out of him.

Nelson climbed into the passenger seat and after reaching for his door also left it open.  He looked over at his hostage in concern.  The agent’s skin was pale and clammy and he was panting shallowly, eyes closed.  “Agent, you alright?”

“Too hot.”

Nelson reached for window controls and lowered the rear windows to enable the heat to escape faster.  “Do you have any water in this thing?”

“Back seat.”  They’d been intending to join the stakeout after the meet with the informant this morning.  To that end Don had stocked the suburban with several bottles of water and some snacks to last them the day just in case they were unable to leave the car to purchase something.  Given the day’s forecast he’d even planned ahead and brought along a cooler and some ice into which he’d placed the water. 

The bottle that was placed into his hand a moment later was miraculously still cool, the lid already off.  It went the same way as the bottle Nelson had given him earlier.  Something cool and wet was pressed against his forehead.  He saw that it was the rag from the door pocket that Nelson must have soaked in the melted ice from the cooler.  He rubbed it over his face and neck, revelling in the comparative coolness.  It was taken back from him and returned a moment later, having been resoaked.  This time he pressed it against the back of his neck.  He hadn’t realised his cell had rung until Nelson started talking.

“We just need a minute.  He’s in bad shape and this car’s an oven.”  Nelson reported.  He listened a moment longer.  “Okay.  Here.”

Don opened his eyes briefly as Nelson’s hand brushed his arm.  Frowning he took the cell as Nelson reached into the back of the SUV again.  “Eppes.”

“Call Sinclair.  You’re going out through the roadblock next to him.  He lets you through or we start shooting.”

Don struggled to process the rapid fire words.  He forced his brain into gear, there was confirmation in what the sniper had just said to a comment Nelson had made earlier into the phone.  “We?”

“Yes, we.  We’ve got the entire square covered.  You might want to remind Sinclair that he’s in our sights.”

“You promised he wouldn’t be a target.”

“If he does what he’s told he won’t be.”  Jack responded harshly.  “Now get moving.”

A cool breath of air played across his face.  Opening his eyes again he saw that Nelson had adjusted the vents directing the air towards him.  The gas had cycled through the system and cold air was now being pumped into the vehicle.  Nelson tested the temperature of the air before closing his door and winding the SUV’s windows most of the way up.  He held up the item he’d just retrieved.  “You want some more?”

Don took the bottle and drank half of it before he suddenly felt bloated.  Replacing the cap he put it into the drink holder in front of him.  Pulling his own door closed he enjoyed the feeling of the cool air for a moment longer.  He could feel himself recovering slightly and his mind clearing. 

“Give me that rag.”  Nelson asked.  He re-wet it and handed it back before holding out his hand out for the phone.

“He wants me to call Agent Sinclair.”

“Then you’d better do it.”

The call was answered immediately.  “Sinclair.”

“David, Don.”

“Don, are you alright?  What’s going on there?”

“Curtis?”

“He’s fine, he wasn’t hit.”

He breathed a sigh of relief.  He didn’t think the agent had been hit but it was a relief to be sure.  “Good.  We’re coming through your cordon.  You have to clear a path.”

“Taking your gun and taking you with him wasn’t part of the deal.”  David protested.

“Jack’s orders.”  Don explained.  “Nelson’s told me he’s going to keep the bargain he made with you.”

“Wright’s not going to go for this.”

“No choice, David.  Jack’s making threats against you now.  Brad’s with him, who knows how far their sightlines extend?  It may be just as far as you and the officers at the inner barricade or they may go as far as the civilians at the outer cordon.”

“Okay.  I’ll clear it.”  David decided after the briefest hesitation.  “What about you, are you in any condition to do this?”

No, he wasn’t.  “No choice on that either, David.”

“Don, I could-“

“No way.”  He interrupted.  He wasn’t going to have David swap himself again.  He needed to curl up and rest in some nice cold, dark spot somewhere but he wasn’t going to have anyone else at risk just so he could feel better.  He had water and he had air-conditioning.  He could do this.  “We’re coming.”

Giving the cell back to Nelson Don straightened in the seat and stretched, judging the degree of control he had over his body.  His coordination seemed to have improved as he reached for his seatbelt and buckled himself in.  He put the SUV in gear and tentatively released the brake.  They moved forward slowly until they reached the edge of the roadway where he automatically braked in order to look for non-existent traffic.  That let him know his reflexes were working reasonably well.  With increased confidence he pulled out, turning right and rolling towards the dark blue Mobile Command Centre truck that he could see in the intersection ahead.  As he approached he indicated left, making his intentions more than clear.

As he started his slow turn movement at the rear of the truck made him glance to his right, peering around the weapon that was now raised high to point at his head.  Despite complaining to Nelson a year ago that he was being held at gunpoint this now was the first time that the older man had ever actually pointed a weapon at him.  He noted that the muzzle was shaking slightly, just as it had been whilst pointed at Curtis.  Nelson, slumped down in an effort to hide below window level, looked a little wide eyed at what he was doing.

 Don looked out the window and saw David standing in the open doorway of the truck staring back at him.  Don lifted one hand in a brief wave that had many layers of meaning.  David’s hand lifted in return, carrying just as much meaning, before he started talking urgently into his headset.

Don returned his attention to the path ahead and saw that it was already clear, officers standing near the barricades that had been pulled aside.  Weapons were drawn but no attempt was made to stop them.  An officer suddenly moved, he’d shifted and it looked like he tripped or lost his balance.  An instant later there was a shot as either Jack or Brad reacted, firing a bullet into the window of the building behind the officer.  The result was instant, officers ducking for cover as the SUV moved through.

Reaching the outer cordon the situation was the same, the shot had helped clear the usually reluctant bystanders, the barricades had been dragged aside and officers were taking shelter where they could.  Weapons tracked their movement but within seconds they were clear and into the heavy traffic caused by the detours around the blocked streets.

Nelson lowered the Glock, sitting back up to look around.  He picked up Don’s cell and scrolled through some menus before pressing a button.  Don remembered him entering some numbers earlier.  It seemed he was dialling it now.

“We’re clear.”  Nelson said when the call connected.  “No, I don’t know it but I’m sure he will.”

Don could do nothing but wait patiently as Nelson obviously received further instructions.  Having not yet received any orders himself he simply continued down West 5^th Street in pace with the surrounding traffic.

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