Chapter 5 - The Plan

*non proofread*

20th March

Ash POV

I woke up at 5.30am in the morning and went for a run around my neighborhood as usual. Back home around 6.30am and went to take shower. Once I am out from the shower, I walked into the closet and wear my sports bra, boxer pants, a pair of skinny jeans with a button long sleeve shirt. After combing my sort hair, I clipped my gun holster at the back of the waistband of my pants and walked out from the bedroom then put my phone and wallet into my backpack then went into the kitchen to prepare my breakfast. I took out a cereal box from the top shelves and pour some out into the cereal bowl. I then open the fridge and grab a bottle or fresh milk and pour into the bowl and start enjoying my breakfast while sending text messages to Mark and informed him to meet me at a small cafe near his house at 7.30am.

I knew he normally goes over to pick up Sophia and Abby around 8.15am and reached Christina condo around 9.30am. After sending him the text message, I went back into the kitchen to wash the cereal bowl then put it back at the counter. I grabbed my backpack then walked out of my apartment then locked it. Once I am out from my unit, I walked towards the elevator hall and take the next elevator down to the lobby. Once reached the lobby I walked towards the main entrance and exit the building. I walked across the street, walked few blocks towards the subway to Mark's house. Once I reached the designated station, I walked towards the exit and start my way to the cafe Mark mentioned which is just another 5 minutes walk. Once I am in the cafe, Mark spotted me and waved me over to his table.

Mark:"Good Morning Ms. Bishop" he greeted.

Ash:"Good Morning and please call me Ash as Bishop is too formal for my liking" I told him. "So, any specialty you would like to recommend? I asked him.

Mark:"You can try their big breakfast and Americano coffee. Their cakes and blueberry muffin also not bad" he recommended.

Ash:"Well, I think I will try the blueberry muffin which looks freshly baked" I pointed at the display counter where cakes and muffin are on display.

Mark then signals the waiter over to make order and once the waiter confirmed our orders, he walked back to the kitchen counter and submits in our order. The waiter then brought our drink over after 10 minutes. Mark is having the famous Americano coffee while I just had a bottle of fresh orange juice.

Mark:"So, what do you need me to assist you in your plan?" he asked while sipping on his coffee.

Ash:"Here. Take this bracelet and pass to Christina and make sure she wears it every day including during she sleeps. Make sure she doesn't take it out unless I ordered. I had specifically informed our Tech Team to install a mini tracking device on it so we know where is her whereabouts and easier for us to find her when she is in danger. It is well designed and is our latest technology so it is well blended nicely into the bracelet and no one will notice that there is something inside. I had already informed Sophia about this and she will tells Christina that this is one of the gift given by one of her fans" I informed while passing him the velvet box with the bracelet in it. He nodded and put the box into his coat.

Mark:"Can I ask you a personal question?" he looked and me and asked.

Ash:"Sure. Shoot me" I said jokingly.

Mark:"Do you like Christina, as in wish like to date her?" he asked with a smirked on his face.

Ash:"Is it that obvious?" he nodded and I face palmed myself. "Well, since you guys already know and I don't intend to deny it. I am actually in love with her at first sight and I can't really get her off my mind especially after yesterday's incident" I said and sighed. "But I guess there is no way she will be with someone like me or even wants to be with me since she seems 101% straight" I said with some sadness in my voice.

Mark:"Well, I can tells you that-" *buzz buzz* "Yes and Good Morning Sophia. Ok noted and I am on my way now. See you guys in ten" he then ended the phone call. "Sorry Ash, I got to go as Abby needs to get coffee for Christina and the cafe near her house are closed today. So we will need to drive further to another cafe to get the coffee. Well, you know how moody a woman goes without her favorite coffee, right?" he laughed and stands up trying to walk over to the counter to pay but I stopped him by showing my watch telling him is late. He hugged and thanks me then walked out of the cafe.

After I make payment for my table, I walked towards the subway and take the next train to the station. I reached the station around 8.30am and walked straight up to the office and to my desk after greeting Penny and Jenny. I then took out my notebook and called Jonathan, Jeremy, Fiona, Sandy, Peter and Anderson into the meeting room.

Ash:"Good Morning everyone. I think Jonathan have already informed you about the plan we have on catching the culprit behind the harassment of Ms. Christina Wolfe" everyone nodded. "Jeremy, can I have the blueprint of the city hall please?" he then passed me the big piece of white sheets with drawings on it. "Well, this is the Nothing Hill Community Hall. It has four exits; two in-front, one at the back and one on the right side. It has two levels and the control room is on the first floor. I need Fiona to standby in there and monitor all the CCTV inside and outside of the compound. Jeremy, I need you to get a Tech Guy following you inside a minivan and parked near this area" I circled and showed him. "You guys will need to gain access to all CCTV around the radius of the Community Hall including buildings, alley and back doors nearby. I am sure you will not disappoint me since I read through your files saying you graduated from MIT and then decided to join the force but since there is no vacancy in the Tech Team, you remain in this Team" his jaw dropped after hearing what I said. "I read through most of you guy's files and checked the background yesterday. I have to know each and every one of your strength and weaknesses in order for me to work with you guys and also to let you guys excel in your area. I prefer learning from each other and also team work. Not everyone can major in everything that is why we need mixtures of talented people like you guys to assist me in this plan" I smiled and explained to them. All of them nodded.

"I need Peter and Sandy to disguise as couple and join the rest of the fans in queuing up for the meet and greet session with the cast" both of them nodded. As for Anderson, I need you to disguise as an ice-cream seller in ice cream van and parked near this area" I circled and showed him. "As for Jonathan and myself, we will waiting in this area where I think he/she might use it as a getaway route when something happens" I circled the area near the riverbank which is behind the Community Hall. "There might be boats parked nearby so we need to check through the owner of these boats and make sure none of it is allowed to operate during that day. We need to get Chief to give us the authorized on stopping the boats operation and I will personally look for the Chief later to get the letter" I said and everyone gave me a concerned look as they knew it is not easy to request the Chief to release out such letter and such short notice. "Not to worry as I have my own way. Don't forget I graduated from Psychology and major in Human Behavior" I smiled and explained to them. "So, now you guys please start to do what you need to prepare for tomorrow and a day after. So let's get going now" I smiled and gestured them to start working on their part.

Jonathan:"Good luck in persuading the Chief" he smirked at me.

Ash:"Wanna bet?" I asked him and he nodded. "If I win, you will have to supply me one week of nachos. If I lose, I supply you two weeks of your favorite Lays chips" he showed his thumbs up and walked out the meeting room. "He we go" I said to myself.

I walked over to the Chief office and knocked on it. Once I heard he say "Come in" I turned the door knob, open the door and walked in. I greeted Chief Lennon and he gestured met to take a seat. I starts to tell him what is my Team doing and about my plan. After 30 minutes of talking, yelling and explanations, I walked out from the Chief's room. I then walked back to my desk with my head looking down. My entire Team member looked concerned and once I reached my desk and turned over and gave all of them a grinned. I then raised my hand and showed them the letter I got from the Chief. Everyone was in shocked and surprised that I managed to get what supposed to me impossible and made it possible. I smirked at Jonathan and he shakes his head and shows me both his thumbs up. We all continue in our work and I continue to search around for any more places where the culprit can hide or runaway beside the river route while Jonathan starts to call up those boats operator for appointment so we can meet up with them. Once done, Jonathan and I walked out the station and get into his car then drove to the office of those boat operators.

After three hours of touring around Nothing Hill, we finally finished meeting up all the boat operators and shows them the letter as proof that they are not allow to operate their boat on the day of the Carnival until the Police cleared up the area and confirmed it is safe for them to resume operations near the river banks. We then went for tea at nearby cafe. Once we finished, we drove back and passed by a waste transfer station nearby the Community Hall.

Ash:"It seems we need the operation schedule of this waste transfer station as it can be another getaway route where no one will be aware of it since is within walking distance from the Community Hall and is way at the back for anyone to notice it" I explained.

Jonathan parked his car in-front of the waste transfer station and we walked out and walked into the building to look for the person in charge.

Tall man:"Hi. I am Thomas and can I help you?" he asked looking at Jonathan.

Jonathan:"We are from the Police Department. Can we have a look at your operation schedule?" he showed him our badge then the guy gestured us to follow him into his office.

Thomas:"This is the operation schedule for this month. Our schedule changes every month depends volume of waste for each month especially during holidays. We will work extra time for the coming Carnival" he mentioned then showed us the schedule.

Ash:"Can we have the name list of your staffs and their home address?" I asked then he sit back at his computer and starts typing then prints out two pages of employee name and their addresses. "If you don't mind, can I join you guys work tomorrow?" I asked and both Jonathan and the man looked and me with a shocked on their face.

Thomas:"Why would you want to work here? Aren't you guys supposed to go out, catch thieves and solve crimes?" he mocked at my request.

Ash:"Well, I have a project and studies on how to improve wastage control operations so private business owner can minimize the overhead cost and maximize the number of waste its station can process and disposed properly. By knowing each and every process this stations goes through, I can know where its limitations and write out and submit to the Administrative office for the improvement" I explained and he seems interested on my idea.

Thomas:"Well since you can suggest how we can improve in our daily operations, I don't mind you to come and work with us tomorrow" he grinned at me.

Ash:"Sure but can you keep a secret between you and me as I don't wish anyone to know the purpose I am here and disguise as one of your staff. You know, is not always a good opportunity to have someone like me to be here or other wastage station to observe how things works right?" I tried to make him believe what I said so he can keep his mouth shut. I know mostly business owners wants profit and benefit especially it comes to money. So I guess Thomas is not excluded as well.

Thomas:"Sure sure. We starts work at 7am and ends at 7pm but since tomorrow is when the Carnival will be starting, our operations extend until 11pm for coming two days. You sure you can make it to work tomorrow?" he questioned.

Ash:"No worries. I am 100% confirmed I will be here by 7am" I smiled at him.

He then went over to his computer and type something then a tag is printed out with my name on it.

Thomas:"Okay, so this is your tag. Please wear it when you come in to work tomorrow" and he handed me the company employee tag.

Ash:"Thanks and see you tomorrow Thomas" I smiled and waved him goodbye.

Jonathan and I walked back into his car then he drive back to the station.

Jonathan:"Are you crazy? Why do you want to work there instead of monitoring around the Community Hall? Who is supposed to monitor and guard the river route?" he questioned me.

Ash:"Well, you will be monitoring and guard the river route while I guard the other getaway route which is the wastage transfer station" I replied him while looking at the scenery outside. "We need to make sure we covered the whole area especially routes that can be used to getaway and since we are shorthanded, I don't mind to pretend to work there while I can monitor and guard that place as well. No one will notice that an Inspector will work in such place, right? I replied him calmly.

Jonathan:"I really don't understand what you trying to do but I respect your decisions and also support on what you said. I just hope everything runs smoothly as plan tomorrow so we call can have some nice day off after this case" he said while parking his car in the parallel parking spot inside the station.

Christina POV

I woke up around 7.30am and grinned as I remembered about last night text message conversation between me and Ash. I then walked into the bathroom to take shower. After finished my shower, I wrapped myself with a towel then walked into the closet to get dress. Today I have an appointment for a photo shoot for Elle Magazine at 11am. After getting dress, I grabbed my phone then put it into my handbag and walked down to the kitchen to take my breakfast. I take our a cereal bar from the top shelf and unwrapped it then put into my mouth and start chewing it while I walked towards the living hall, seating on the couch and check on social media. I saw my publicist posted something about a Carnival at Nothing Hill which starts tomorrow and me and my filming crew and cast will be there for meet and greet in their Community Hall. I was surprised and wonder why Sophia want to plan such during this period and I am sure there will be hundreds and thousands of people there so it will be difficult for Mark to protect me. "Is this what Ash and he team is planning? I think I should call her and ask about this" I exclaimed.

*ding dong*

I walked over to the peephole and checked who it is. I then saw Abby with a coffee cup on her hand. I then grabbed my handbag and wear my heels then walked towards the door and opened it.

Abby:"Good Morning sweetheart. Did you sleep well yesterday?" she smirked at me while passing me the cup of coffee.

Christina:"Good Morning dear and thank you for the coffee. Yes I had a wonderful sleep yesterday" I grinned and locked my unit's door then grabbed Abby arm and walked towards the elevator hall with my cup of coffee on the other hand, sipping on it.

Both of us walked out of the elevator once it reaches the lobby then walked out to the entrance. We then walked over to the car then sit inside and I greeted Mark and Sophia.

Sophia:"Christina, as you know that I had informed Angeline to publish a post about the meet and greet for tomorrow's Carnival at Nothing Hill. I had spoken to the movie producer and they also agree on this and it will be the best publicity for you on your upcoming movie which will also get more people to watch the movie. By the way, this is a gift from one of your fans. It suits you so please wear it especially tomorrow and after because she might be there for the meet and greet and she will definitely be very happy so see that you are wearing the gift she gave" she smiled while giving me the red velvet box.

I opened up the box and it reviews a nice silver bracelet with some tiny pink stone carved around and one of the stones are emerald blue in color.

Christina:"I love this. Abby can you help me to wear it on for me? I asked Abby.

Abby:"Sure dear. There you go and it looks wonderful on you" she smiled while looking at the bracelet.

**skipped the photo shoot**

Abby:"I am starving. Can we go for lunch? she whined.

Christina:"Sure my little baby. Let's look around and look for any cafe nearby so we can grab lunch" I suggested then walked towards a building holding Abby's arm.

Sophia:"That looks like a cafe. Should we go in and check it out?" she pointed at a small shop around the corner.

Abby:"Yay! It seems to be something. Come on walk faster" she rushed while pulling me to walk faster.

Christina:"I am sure one fine day I will fall on the ground IF you keep dragging and pulling me to walk faster" I whined.

Both Sophia and Mark shakes their head while looking at how childish both me an Abby. Once we reached the cafe, Sophia pushes the door and walked into the cafe.

Waitress:"Hi! Welcome to Cafe Montana. How many of you?" the girl asked while smiling at Sophia.

Sophia:"We have 4 people" she said.

Waitress:"Sure. Come with me please" she gestured us to follow her to a table for four. "Here are the menus and do signal us if you are ready to order" she informed.

Abby:"Hmm, should I take their chef recommended steak or chicken..." said Abby while struggling to think of what she wants.

Sophia:"If you can't decide, you can get both IF you can finish them" she said while smirking at Abby.

Christina:"Maybe I can share with you then you can try both but I don't take beef so I will get there marmalade grilled chicken so you can take their chef recommended steak" I suggested and Abby grinned from ear to ear.

Abby:"That is why I wove youuu" she replied using baby talk.

Three of us laughed as how childish and funny Abby was. She is the funniest person I had met and I think my life will not be as colorful as now without her. As for Sophia, my life will be a messed and won't be as systematic and organized as now with my busy work life. I am really blessed with them appear in my life. Sophia then signal the waitress over to take our order. After finished up our food, Sophia went to pay then we all walked out from the cafe towards the parking lot and into the car.

Christina:"Sophia, did Ash or Jonathan called and inform you about their plan because I am sure there will be a lot of people attending the Carnival tomorrow and are they sure is safe for me to be out there?" I asked with a concerned look.

Sophia:"Not really but I am sure they will have a plan on such activities like this. Not to worry. We have Mark here taking care of you, right Mark?" she said while smiled and Mark.

Mark:"Yes and you won't get rid of me that easy, kiddo" he said.

Abby:"Since is still early and you don't have any more schedule, should we go for a drink?" she asked.

Christina:"I think I should go home and rest early for tomorrow's big day. I am sure, Marcus will try to do something so I need to be 101% awake and clear to avoid his dirty hands and mind" I said and others nodded in agreement.

After 30 minutes, Mark dropped me back to my condo then I walked into my unit, unlocked it and walked in then close the door and locked it properly. I went to the kitchen and get a bottle of water from the fridge then drank it. After that I went up to my room and walked into the bathroom to get a shower. After shower I wrapped myself in a towel then walked towards the closet and changed into a pair of sweatpants and oversize t-shirt. I lie down onto my perfectly soft mattress and pull over the cover. I looked at the time it shows 8pm. "Should I call her and ask about tomorrow's event? Is it a good time to call her since I am sure she and her team will be busy right now...." I asked myself. "Well why am I being such a pussy. They should tell me since I am the victim here and they should tells me how are they going to make me safe, right?" I exclaimed. I then took out my phone and start to dial the number behind her name card. *Hi. This is Ash and I am busy at the moment. Please leave a message and I will return your call when I am free*. "Well I guess I don't have the luck to ask her today. Maybe I just call her tomorrow then" I then put my phone on the night stand to charge then cuddled my pillow and sleep.

Ash POV

I looked at the clock and is 8pm. Everyone had left and I am still at my desk checking the name listing of each individual staff of the waste transfer station. Jonathan said is a waste of time for me to memorize their names in such a short notice but to me everyone single details and names is very important in each cases. Not everyone are in depth into such details because most of them think that action speaks louder than words but you won't know when these info can help you to crack a case. Is my usual things do when handling cases or projects during my time at the academy which is doing researched and checking on case study for similar case happened at other country or states. When I took out my phone to check for messages, I realized is dead. "Well I guess is my cue to go home" I then put all the files into my backpack. I left my notebook in the station because I won't be using it tomorrow and I had all necessary info I need emailed to my own email where I can accessed them from my phone. I turned off the lights, walked out of the office and down towards the entrance. As usual I waved bye to the security officer at the front gate then walked across the street toward the subway and wait for my train to arrive.

Once I reached my destination, I walked out of the train and towards the subway exit. I felt someone is following me. So I just walked faster towards my apartment blocked. Before I managed to enter the compound, someone tackled me to the ground while I tried to cross the street and punched me at my jaw and then another punched on the face. The guy keeping asking me for a KEY. I tried to kick and fight back but failed because this guy is huge and really strong. Before I got the chance to react, two black figure came out of nowhere and tackled that guy then when I managed to stand up, three of them are gone; just disappeared in thin air. I took my backpack then walked over to my apartment compound and straight up to my unit so that I can cleanup myself as I can taste mercury around my lips. Once I am inside my apartment, I locked the door properly and dropped my backpack on the dining chair and rushed into the bathroom and took out the first aid kid so I can cleaned up those blood on my face. I took out my gun holster and put it on the night stand along with my phone then went to take shower and wore a pair of sweatpants and a plain t-shirt's. I took a out a bottle of liquid medicine from the first aid kid and applied onto the bruises on my face and jaw and put a plaster near my right eyebrows. Once done, I keep the first aid kid back to its original place then walked into my bedroom. I plugged my phone to charge at the night stand then dozed off immediately once my body touched soft bed.

p/s: Please comment and vote if you like my story and sorry for all the spelling and grammar mistake .. :) xxx