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Jan-20-2007 21:03

The New York Times
All the news that's fit to print

by Breit Katherine Pfeiffer Adams

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Police investigators believe they have discovered the whereabouts of missing detective, Barry Grant. Grant was reported missing three days about by a friend of his, Rebecca Franks. "I was supposed to meet him at Big Lucy's that night but he never showed."

Grant, Global Sleuth Syndicate Ambassador from Shanghai, had been working at the Blue Pagoda Agency on a Good Will mission at the time of his disappearance. "He was becoming a much relied upon detective." Lady jasNmushu, a Director at Blue Pagoda Agency, said of the missing detective.

Police have reason to believe that Grant was abducted by operatives from HYDRA while on his way to Big Lucy's. "I was meeting him at the corner of Eleventh Avenue and 42nd Street that night." recounted a teary-eyed divorcee Mrs. Franks. "He never showed."

Chief Inspector James Mulligan was able to determine the last place Grant was seen. "Cyrus Tibby recalls serving Mr. Grant a Tom Collins around 7 pm that night. After that, Mr. Grant left the premises and that was the last anyone had seen of him."

This reporter secured an interview with the elusive Larry the Toe. "I don't know anything about that." was his response to all my questions.

There was a break in the investigation when a shady character finally stepped forward to reveal he saw a tall man with a hat being forced into a car. This shady character, who prefers to remain anonymous, was unable to make out the license plate number but he recognized the car and the man doing the abducting. "I've seen that happen before. Same guy. Same car."

Policed will not disclose any more details for fear it could put Mr. Grant's life in jeopardy. Chief Inspector Mulligan's final word: "We don't want to lose any more detectives to that fiendish group."

Jan-30-2007 19:54

Breit came back into Barry's room, pulling out a pair of gloves from her skirt pocket as she came in. Andrea turned around from Barry's bedside as she entered, giving her a searching look. Breit smiled gently at her, "I just called in the exterminators. They'll be here shortly to take care of our pest control problem in the air vents. Now, let's have a look at your presents here."

She picked up the bottle, looking closely for fingerprints, and spotted several smudges, and a couple of complete prints, on the neck of the bottle. The label was Italian, and appeared to be limited-vintage and a good year. Not something one would pick up at the corner shop.

Next, she examined the button. It appeared to be made of jet, with the fleur de lys, eagle, and X all detailed in gold. Breit studied the insignia carefully, then looked up at Andrea and Barry. "This is the emblem of L.H.I.," she exclaimed, "How the hell did one of their people get in here?"

L.H.I.?" Andrea asked, confused, "Who's that?" She came over to study the button too.

"It stands for LIONS Head International. It's a cover for an international law-enforcement information clearinghouse known as the LIONS. They're based just outside of Paris, and the name means the aLliance International pOur la Neutralisation des Saboteurs et criminals. Basically, they assist governments around the world with distributing information about known illegal activity, and work to coordinate efforts to stop it and apprehend felons between the various countries. Apparently, our burglar is one of their guys."

Breit stuck her head out the door again, and spoke to another guard, "Get word to the Admiral that I need to see him. I'll be over in fifteen minutes. Thank you." She stepped back inside the room again.

She had a quick look at the violets, then picked up the bottle and pocketed the button. "Sorry, Barry, but I'm gonna need to borrow these for a bit. I need to go talk to some people about your visitors."

Jan-30-2007 20:01

She smiled at Andrea, "I'll be back in a bit. Feel free to stick around if you like. Dave or Pete will be up in a while to check on your progress, Barry. You two be good now." She winked at the two of them as she closed the door quietly behind her.

Jan-30-2007 20:25

Amanda replied, "How do you know my name? Whats yours? And I'm sorry, but I havn't seen someone named Jake... Wait, was he at the paddock in Shanghai?"

Jan-30-2007 20:42

Grins, "Yes that is the person I was talking about. Very nice, knew you were a good detective. Most of the people around town call me Ran. You can find me over in the Closers most times but I do move a bit. If you find anything about him please let myself or one of my associates know. "

He shook her hand and stepped into his waiting car, Yang looking around for anyone attempting to follow them.

As he closed the door he looked at her, "as to how I knew your name? I like to think I am an decent detective my self" he said with a wink.

"Home Yang"

Jan-30-2007 22:05

Terra gasped in horror as Non dropped on the sidewalk. She knelt down and checked for a pulse. That's when she saw the blood. Someone had "retired" Non.

Maybe she was asking too many questions or maybe she knew something about this Barry Grant business. After all, she *had* just left the hospital where he was.

Terra hurried away from the body, pushing the baby buggy in front of her, She did not want to be around when the police showed up. They tended to be a little "cuff happy" when it came to murder. Usually anyone at the scene was taken in. And she had the baby with her. No need for Angie to be put through that stress.

Terra made a mental note to visit Barry when she got the chance. Or at least send him flowers. He was always such a gentleman to her and the kids. It's the least she could do.

Jan-31-2007 04:59

Meanwhile, back in Barry's room...

Barry was glad he was finally alone with Andrea even if she was mad at him. "Andrea, security will handle it. Come. Sit by me." he said tapping the side of his bed.

Andrea was just stood there glaring at him. A mix of anger, fear, and something else was on her face. Barry couldn't put his finger on it. He stopped tapping. "I know you feel Amber should have been more careful, but she was young and in love. I'm sure you know what that feels like." He stared straight into her eyes. "Please come here and tell me how YOU have been. Enough about me. How are your new hunting duties? Are you enjoying it?"

Jan-31-2007 13:09

Amanda turned and started down the side walk. She stopped. A few feet away was someone. or someone's body, laying there. She hurried forward, and tried to wake the person up. Fresh blood drenched her hand. The wound apeared to have been caused by a dart. Silent and deadly. Whoever fired the dart might still be around. Amanda quickaly moved behind one of the street lamps and surveyed the surounding area.

Across the street was the hospital. From one of the windows there would be a clear shot to where the body was, and where Amanda was standing. Amanda hurried towards the hospital.

Jan-31-2007 21:57

Andrea finally gave in and sat next to Barry's bed. He reached for her hand, finding it cool to the touch.

"Please dont be mad, Andrea. You know.." He was cut of by a soft knock on the door.

Andrea turns..stands. Walks calmly over to the door and peers out. A nervous nurse is standing there. "OH.. umm.. I am sorry to disturb you Miss. But this was just sent over for Mr. Grant. The delivery boy said it was to go directly to Mr. Grant." Holding the package out, Andrea gingerly takes it. Closes the door.

"Well arent you mister popular, Barry. To bad your friends didnt see the need to take action earlier." she huffs. Placing the package on the side of his bed for him to open.

Barry being the sensible man decides to open the package instead of commenting on Andrea's statement. When the box opens, Andrea gasps. Inside was the most exquiste necklace she had ever seen. The artistry of it was magnificant.. there were jewels all over it.. but in the middle was the most perfect Diamond. She couldnt help but touch it. "who could have sent this." Andrea exclaimed.

Picking up the short note inside..Barry read..

Mr. Grant,
Seems like you will be layed up for a while. The informantion you have given is quite useful.. With reguards.
W.W.

Feb-1-2007 04:51

Barry's brow knitted. He had no idea who W.W. was. He couldn't even remember what information he was being thanked for. Maybe it was the "kernwaffe" thing. He didn't care. It finally seemed like there might be a moment alone with Andrea.

Barry closed the box and placed it on the nightstand and said, "I have no idea who sent it. Maybe the information they're thanking me for is that word I heard, 'kernwaffe'? I wonder what it means."

Barry and Andrea sat there in silence for a moment pondering his question. Realizing that they were alone again, Barry reached for her hand and said, "Now, where were we? Oh yes, I was asking how YOU are."

Feb-1-2007 04:58

"Wait just one minute Barry" - she said

Andrea walked to the door and spoke quietly to the guards.

"I will need a few moments alone with Mr. Grant, please" - she asked - "No one, and I mean NO ONE, comes in here until I tell you. Is that understood?"

The guards noded. Andrea walked back into the room, locked the door, and placed a chair under the doorknob for good measure.

Sitting on the bed, she took his hand and stared right into eyes.

"Now that I know you will be fine, I am fine too." - she told him - "I have no idea what is going on back at Hitchhikers, darling, because I have been here watching over YOU, remember?"

Barry smiled and said: "Of course. And am I ever so glad..."

"They tell me you asked for me Barry" - she said - "Was there anything you needed to tell me?"