Open Case File [COMPLETED]

The Write Service (Part 2)

She looked at the window, assessing where would be best place when something cold wrapped around her wrist. She looked down to see Donovan locking one end of a handcuff to her wrist. He took the other end and attached it to the handle by the window.

"A precaution Miss Mackenzie," he said, giving her a look that told her he knew exactly what she had been planning.

"You can't do this," she argued. "I haven't done anything wrong."

"Impersonating a federal agent. Accessing secure police and agency databases."

He tossed them out like they were just the beginning of a long list. He grabbed his large assault rifle and climbed out of the van. He shut the door, Cece already forgotten as he went to join Carter and the SWAT team.

Cece let out an annoyed growl. This wasn't fair. She had worked six months for this moment and now they were stealing it from her. She refused to sit on the bench. With her free hand, she reached into her jacket pocket and pulled out her phone. She clicked on Elliot's name and prayed silently that Elliot wasn't already asleep. The phone rang several times before Elliot picked up.

"Unless you are in handcuffs getting dragged to jail, call Tristan," Elliot said.

"Funny story," Cece laughed. "About the handcuffs..."

"I'm serious Cece," Elliot said. "I just settled into the most perfect spot on the couch and I don't plan on moving until our movie is over."

"What if I was handcuffed in the back of an FBI van while a SWAT team prepared to raid our neighbors house?" Cece asked.

"Is this the plot to your next novel?" Elliot said through a yawn.

"I like it," Beck offered. "What are you thinking for love interest?"

"Who says there is going to be a love interest?" Elliot shot back.

"Why wouldn't there be a love interest?" Beck countered. "A female handcuffed in the back of an FBI van and your telling me there isn't one good-looking agent who hasn't caught her attention and her heart."

"Guys!" Cece yelled. "While I appreciate you figuring out the plot for my next novel, that is not what I am concerned with right now."

"Really?" Elliot said. "Because your agent called me four times today asking if you were writing."

"Stop!" Cece said. She could see the SWAT team at the edge of the alley preparing to move and she needed Elliot and Beck's help now. "Beck, go to the front window and tell me if you see a Painter's van across the street."

"I see it," Beck said after a moment.

Cece reached up to the overhead lights and flicked them on and off a few times. "Did you see that flickering? That's me."

"Cece...?" Beck said.

"What flickering?" Elliot asked.

Cece turned the lights on and off again.

"Cece, what are you doing in that van?" Elliot asked.

"It would take too long to answer," Cece said. "I need you to listen closely. In about a minute you will see a SWAT team cross the road to the Wainwrights house."

"Freddy and Penelope's house?" Elliot asked.

"It's a long story," Cece said again. "I need your help, so listen closely."

A minute later, Cece hung up the phone and watched as the SWAT team crept out from the alley and moved across the street, Carter and Donovan bringing up the rear. The team spread out, moving to all sides of the Wainwrights house they could access, but Cece's gaze was fixed on the other end of the street. She held her breath as she waited and finally, two figures appeared from around the wall of the corner store.