Two Suspects
Lexa stopped talking as she saw Clarke standing in the middle of the room holding the photo with a betrayed expression. Clarke watched for a few moments as Lexa stood stock still with her mouth agape.
“Tell me, right now, what the hell is going on, Lexa.”
Lexa felt her words die in her mouth as Clarke continued to stare at her. This wasn’t supposed to happen this way. She was supposed to explain everything, but now the worst had happened. Clarke found the picture on her own and if her face was anything to go by she wasn’t exactly a happy camper at the moment.
“Clarke, I can explain. I was going to tell you about this when we got home later. I couldn’t exactly tell you in front of all out friends. They still don’t know about this yet,” Lexa hurriedly said.
“You could have pulled me aside, called me on the phone, done something. You should have told me about this the moment you found out, Lexa.”
“I know. Indra wanted Bellamy and I—,” Lexa began but was cut off.
“Bellamy and Indra already know about this?”
“Clarke, please, let me explain everything when we get home. I can’t risk the others over hearing about this. Indra is supposed to update them, hopefully tomorrow, about what’s been happening.”
Blue eyes searched her own emerald ones before Clarke grabbed her folded clothes and pushed them into her chest,“Fine. Let’s go.”
Lexa watched, stunned, as Clarke walked around her and out the office. She stood there for a few moments before quickly taking off towards Clarke who was already walking towards the front door.
“Wait. Shouldn’t we let the others know we’re leaving? And what about your sketch pad?”
“I’ll text Octavia and tell her we decided to go home and I’ll ask her to hold the sketch pad for me,” Clarke huffed.
Figuring she wasn’t going to get much more out of Clarke, Lexa continued to silently follow behind her and out of Octavia’s dojo. Clarke didn’t utter one little sound as she broke off from Lexa and made her way over to her own car before getting in, leaving her to stand and watch as Clarke drove off in the direction of their apartment. Lexa sighed deeply as she made her way over to her truck and hopped in while throwing her clothes on the passenger seat. Lexa turned the key in the ignition and listened as the truck roared to life all the while thinking about just how she was going to explain all of this to Clarke without causing her to worry.
Lexa snorted lightly at her thought. Clarke not worry? That’s impossible.
After arriving at their apartment complex and making her way up the stairs, bypassing her floor and going straight to Clarke’s, Lexa knocked gently against Clarke’s door and waited for an answer. Lexa felt a wave of relief wash over her as Clarke opened the door and stared at her for a few moments.
“I may be mad at you right now, but you don’t have to knock, Lexa,” Clarke said quietly.
Lexa walked into the apartment, noticing the brand new couch and love seat, before spinning around to face Clarke as she shut and locked the door.
“When did you get those?” Lexa asked as she threw a thumb over her shoulder towards the couches.
“This morning after you left. Don’t try to change the subject.”
“I’m not, Clarke. Let’s sit down and I’ll tell you everything I know.”
Lexa followed Clarke towards the couch and made herself comfortable against the smooth fabric. Lexa glanced down at her hands as she fiddled her fingers before looking back up into Clarke eyes.
“When we were at the beach house you weren’t seeing things. Someone was definitely there on the balcony when we were in the shower,” Lexa began.
“Obviously. I know there’s more to it than that. Why was that person, whoever it was, there in the first place?”
“Remember the warehouse that I went undercover to take down? Turns out it was apart of something bigger. Aaron, before being hauled off to jail, wanted to talk to me. He said and quote ‘he knows who you are now and won’t stop until you and everyone you love has paid for what you’ve done to his business’. I blew it off as him just trying to get into my head, but then I got weird texts and then Anya’s so called accident—,” Clarke quickly cut her off at that statement.
“Wait. Anya’s accident wasn’t really an accident?”
Lexa shook her head solemnly,“Her brakes were cut just enough that if she put just the right amount of pressure on them they would give out. We still haven’t been able to find out if it was Aaron that cut them but he seems to be the most likely suspect. I told Bellamy the next morning and made him promise not to bring it to Indra. I didn’t want to risk putting anyone else in harms way until I was able to try and at least get a good lead on who was behind this. I really had no choice in telling Bellamy. I could tell he was suspicious after getting the news about Anya’s brakes.”
“Have you found any leads since then?”
“Not many. Everything seems to go back to Aaron. After he broke into your apartment Bellamy and I decided to tell Indra everything. She wasn’t happy that we kept everything from her but she’s helping. After getting Aaron’s last known address and searching it we found some…disturbing things,” Lexa paused for a moment as she took in Clarke’s worried blue eyes.
“What disturbing things, Lexa?”
“Aaron had a room filled with photos of mainly you and I along with a few of everyone else. That’s where the photo you found in my blazer pocket came from.”
Clarke sucked in a shuttering breathe,“So Aaron was taking pictures of us the entire time?”
“He didn’t take all of them. Aaron was in jail during the time some of the pictures were taken, so we know for sure he’s working with someone else. We found a few pictures from the night at Grounders from when we were celebrating and from the way they’re angled they looked as if they were taken from the VIP area on the second floor. Bellamy and I more than likely will head over there tomorrow to see if we can’t get the security footage to look over it and see if we can find the person who took them.”
Lexa fell silent as she waited for Clarke to finish processing all the information she had just given her.
“That’s it? There’s no other leads besides the pictures?”
“None. Whoever is behind this knew how to keep themselves from being connected to the warehouse and Aaron. We’re hopping that Grounder’s security footage will give us just the right amount of information we need to put at least one if not a few suspects on our list,” Lexa explained.
Clarke nodded her head in understanding and stood up before making her way over to the door and opening it wide. Lexa eyebrows scrunched together in confusion as Clarke turned to look back her and gestured her hand from Lexa to the empty hallway.
“You’ve explained everything. So now you can leave,” Clarke said seriously.
“Clarke…,” Lexa trailed off.
“I’m still upset with you, Lexa. Just give me a little time to think this over tonight and I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?”
Lexa sighed in defeat as she stood from her spot on the couch and made her way over to Clarke. Hesitating slightly, Lexa leaned in to place a soft kiss to the corner of Clarke’s mouth before pulling away and walking out the door only to stop and face Clarke once more.
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner, Clarke. I thought keeping this from you was the best thing for you.”
“You should have let me think what was best for me. Goodnight, Lexa.”
It was then that Lexa noticed the setting sun barely shining through Clarke’s window.
“Goodnight, Clarke,” Lexa whispered as the blonde quietly closed the door.
Heart feeling heavy, Lexa began the trek down to her apartment. After reaching her door and pushing her way inside Lexa made her way towards her bathroom, ready for a long hot shower to wash away the stressful events of the day.
After her shower and donning herself in a pair of lace panties and an oversized white t-shirt Lexa silently climbed between the cold sheets of her bed. As Lexa laid her head down onto her pillow she couldn’t help but stare at the vacant spot next to her. It wasn’t until in this moment that she realized just how accustomed she had become to seeing the golden locks of Clarke splayed out over the pillow next to her. Lexa turned over onto her other side with a huff as she shut her eyes and tried to will sleep to come to her.
After two hours, and still no sleep, Lexa blinked her eyes open and begrudgingly sat up. Placing her elbows onto her raised knees and resting her head in her hands Lexa tried to calm her racing mind. How hard was it for her to fall asleep without Clarke by her side? She had no problem what so ever trouble falling asleep any other time Clarke wasn't in her bed.
“It’s because I know she’s still upset with me that I can’t sleep. That’s the only reason I can think of.”
Right before Lexa was about to lay back down and attempt sleep once more she heard a loud knock coming from her living room. Confused, Lexa threw the sheets off her body and made her way out of her room and down the hallway. As she entered the living room another loud knock sounded from her door. Quietly walking over Lexa peeked through her peep hole to see Clarke standing there, dressed in a tank top and sleeping shorts.
Quickly unlocking the door and throwing it open Lexa barley had time to ready herself as Clarke threw herself into her arms and wrapped her legs around Lexa’s slim waist. Lexa gasped as Clarke pulled her head forward in order to crash her lips to hers with bruising force. Heart soaring, Lexa flung the door shut and pushed Clarke up against it as she ran her hands down to knead the soft flesh of her ass through her shorts.
Lexa pulled back and rested her forehead against Clarke’s as they both desperately tried to catch their breath,“I thought you were still upset with me.”
“I am, but I can’t sleep anymore without you next to me, Lexa,” Clarke breathed out as her fingers tightened in Lexa’s hair.
Lexa hummed in agreement as she pulled Clarke’s lips back to hers. Without waisting any more time Lexa shifted Clarke slightly before making her way back to her room. Neither one got much sleep that night as they filled the night with soft moans and loving words.
Next day, 3 p.m.
Lexa pulled to a stop in front of Grounder’s and put her truck in park and sat back as she silently waited for Bellamy to arrive. Smiling to herself Lexa began to think back to the amazing night she had with Clarke. After many rounds of love making and apologizing they both fell asleep in the warm comfort of each other’s arms. When early morning came neither women wanted to face the work day ahead, but sadly Clarke was needed at the hospital at six.
Before leaving, Clarke promised to have a nice dinner and Netflix waiting for Lexa when she got back home later that day. Lexa had thanked her with a kiss before watching her strut out of her apartment with a little sway in her hips. Shortly after Clarke left Lexa began readying herself for work, even though she wasn’t needed until nine.
The beginning of Lexa’s work morning was one not to be forgotten. Indra had called a meeting with her, Bellamy, Lincoln, Anya, and Raven, and that’s when all hell broke loose. After Indra had explained everything that followed the warehouse bust the conference room erupted with hushed yells, mainly from Anya and Raven.
All three of their friends were more than upset at the fact that Lexa wanted to keep them from the truth about what was going on around them. After some disciplining words from Indra the team had finally quieted down and allowed Indra to finish bringing them up to par before dismissing them. After the meeting, Lexa was surprised by the amount of relief she felt at having her friends finally know the truth. Now she had more than enough minds to help her figure out just who was behind this.
Lexa jumped slightly as she heard knocking coming from her driver side window and turned her head to see Bellamy standing there with a smug smirk. Shutting off her truck Lexa opened the door and slid out to stand next to a still smirking Bellamy.
“Lately you seem to be getting more and more distracted, Lexa. This wouldn’t have anything do to with princess, would it?”
Lexa smiled softly at Bellamy’s nickname for Clarke,“Shut up, Bell. Let’s get this show on the road.”
Bellamy chuckled quietly as he followed Lexa towards the doors of Grounders before disappearing through them. As they walked out from the short hallway leading to the main area of the club they both looked around in search of someone who could help them.
“Sorry, we don’t open until—,” the voice trailed off as both detectives turned around, badges raised.
Lexa smiled lightly at sight of Gustus standing before them,“Lexa. Bellamy. Or should I say detectives? What can I help you with?”
“We need to speak with the owner about getting ahold of the security footage from a few days ago. It’s for an ongoing investigation,” Bellamy said.
“It’s just me here right now. Let me get him on the phone and see what I can do for you.”
Gustus pulled out his phone and scrolled through some things before lifting the phone to his ear and walking away. As they waited Lexa glanced up towards the open loft area of the second floor VIP area. Looking back to see Gustus still on the phone Lexa made her way towards the stairs and ascended them. After walking along the railing of the balcony facing the dance floor Lexa stopped and leaned her elbows against the cool metal and glancing around the club.
“What are you doing?” Bellamy asked as he came to stand next to her.
“This definitely looks like the angle the picture was taken from,” Lexa lifted her head towards the ceiling to see a camera a little ways off to the left pointing right in their direction and pointed towards it,“Let’s hope that whoever took those pictures wasn’t smart enough to see the other camera.”
Bellamy looked towards the camera and smiled gruffly at Lexa before making his way back to the stairs, Lexa following behind quickly. As they reached the bottom Gustus came walking up, shoving his phone back into his pocket.
“Okay, boss said you’re free to check the footage. He said if you need a copy we keep extra disks in his office.”
Lexa nodded in thanks,“We’ll take this disk. It’ll be easier to look this over back at the precinct and that way we won’t be in your hair.”
“That’s fine. And you both, along with all your friends, are welcome here anytime! You’ve never been a problem to me!” Gustus laughed.
After receiving the security footage disks from the large man both detectives waved goodbye as they made their way out the club and back to their respected vehicles. All Lexa was able to think of while driving back to the precinct were the disks that sat in their little plastic cases on her passenger seat.
Reaching the large brick building Lexa whipped her truck into the closet parking spot she cold find before hopping out, disks in hand. Blowing through the doors, Lexa rushed towards her desk before sitting down and starting up her computer. Just as Lexa was popping in the disk labeled ‘Second Floor VIP’ Anya came walking up to her.
“You got the disks already?”
“Yeah, now hush,” Lexa said.
Lexa pushed the fast forward button as Anya leaned over her shoulder to at a peek at the screen. Seeing the right time frame appear in the corner Lexa hit the play button and allowed her eyes to scan the footage. A few minutes passed before she saw a blonde man walk up to the railing, camera in hand, before leaning down and lifting the camera to his face and beginning to snap a few photos. As he pulled the camera away Lexa’s eyes narrowed in confusion as he man lifted his head and waved towards the security camera.
As Lexa took in the man’s face she quickly hit the pause button. That face. Where did she know it from? Lexa stopped short when flashbacks from the grocery store in Carlsbad raced through her mind.
“That guy. He ran into our cart at the grocery store in Carlsbad when Clarke and I stopped to get groceries. I knew there was something strange about him,” Lexa explained to Anya.
“Did you get a name?”
Lexa shook her head,“No, we didn’t talk to him long. Now I know why he gave me a creepy vibe.”
“Everyone gives you a bad vibe, Lexa.”
Lexa leaned back as she looked at the man once more,“It’s strange though. He’s waving to the camera almost as if he knew we’d be watching it sooner or later.”
Moving the curser over Lexa once again hit the play button and continued to watch as the man walked away from the railing and over to a door with an exit sign above it. Lexa scrunched her eyebrows in thought as she watched him disappear beyond the door.
“If that’s an exit then that door should lead to the alley way behind the club, right?” Lexa questioned as she looked back at Anya.
“Yeah, I think so.”
Lexa quickly removed the disk and searched through the many disks before finding one labeled ‘Back Alley’ and placing it into the disk drive. Fast forwarding through the footage once again Lexa watched on until she saw a black SUV and quickly hit the play button. Lexa could feel Anya lean down closer to her as she watched the same man taking the pictures get out of the drivers seat to open the back door of the SUV.
Lexa’s breathing stilled for a moment as a tall man with dark, shaggy, chin length hair step from the black vehicle. The men shared a few words before making their way into the back door of the club. Lexa looked back at Anya who looked at her with surprised eyes.
“Go get Indra.”
Those three words had Anya quickly walking away in search of Indra as Lexa looked back through the footage. Lexa hadn’t noticed the dark haired male with the blonde and hadn’t seen him sitting in the VIP area either. Lexa grabbed the remaining disks and shuffled them around before finding one labeled ‘Main Floor, Full View’.
Lexa placed the disk in the tray after removing the other one and began the process of once again fast forwarding through the footage. The camera gave a full view of the entire first floor of the club and as the footage raced through Lexa could see herself and Clarke dancing along on the dance floor. Tearing her eyes away from image of her and Clarke Lexa searched through the rest of the floor before her eyes came into contact with the dark haired male once more.
Lexa hit play and watched as the man leaned against the bar, head turned towards the dance floor as if waiting for someone. Out the corner of her eye Lexa noticed the unmistakable blonde hair of Clarke disappear down the hallway towards the bathroom and come back out a few minutes later and make her way over to the bar to order a drink. Lexa watched as the dark haired male moved from his spot on the opposite side of the bar and walked through the crowd of people to stand about a foot behind Clarke.
With worried eyes, Lexa watched as Clarke turned around only to stop as the man began speaking to her. Clarke exchanged words with him, almost as if she had met him before. Anger bubbled in Lexa’s chest as the man patted Clarke on the arm and continued to speak with her for a few more moments before both waved each other goodbye.
As Clarke walked away the man still stood in his spot watching the blonde disappear through the crowd. After a few more seconds the male turned around and made his way to the back of the club towards a backdoor only to stop and turn around to wave in the direction of the security camera just as the blonde had done. Lexa breathed heavily as she heard Anya and Indra jog up behind her and turned to look at them both.
“What did you find?” Indra questioned.
“Clarke knows someone who’s apart of this. They seemed to be friendly towards each other. The dark haired male in the footage waved just like the blonde did. They knew we’d be watching this one way or another. The guy that talked with Clarke targeted her. He waited for her to come to the bar alone so he could speak with her,” Lexa explained.
“Maybe you should call Clarke and get her down her so maybe she can give a possible name,” Anya suggested.
“That’s a good idea, Anya. Go ahead and call Clarke and let’s get her down here and see if she can give us a name for him. I’ll have Raven run him through facial recognition before she gets here and maybe that’ll help,” Indra ordered.
Lexa nodded silently as she pulled her phone out to call Clarke. Hitting the blonde’s name in her contacts Lexa put the phone to her ear and waited impatiently as it began ringing. Lexa’s heart fluttered lightly when the sound of Clarke’s voice washed through the speaker.
“Hey, Lexa. I was just about to start working on dinner. Are you off work already?”
“No, I’m not off yet. I actually need you to come down to the precinct for a little bit.”
“Why? Am I under arrest detective,” Clarke said sultry.
“We need you to identify someone that you were talking to in the footage from Grounders. We think he may be apart of everything that’s going on.”
“Oh, yeah, I’m on my way,” Clarke’s voice had dropped all playfulness.
Lexa whispered a goodbye to Clarke before hanging up and turning back to look at the computer screen that housed the security footage. A dark feeling began to settle in the pit of Lexa’s stomach and she wondered just how far these men were willing to go for revenge.