Code Black

(Edythe POV) 

 I waited for my words to register with the people in the room. "Also on the agenda will be an investigation into the lead Detective Nutter of the shooting and the first responder's actions. I have personally heard a firsthand account of the events from a survivor, and it leaves much to be uncovered." 

 "But why drag up old business that has no real effect on this company? If it's as you say, and Mr. Track's involvement will put him in a bad light. Then why not simply fire him and be done with it?" A man in his mid-30s stated in a bored tone of voice. 

 I turned my attention to him, "And you are?" 

 "Johnathan Franklin, Public Liaison Head." He shot me a humoring smile. 

 "So, you would be the one in charge of explaining to the public and shareholders how this company employed a man of such character that he sabotaged other victims in the mall shooting to ensure his own safety? Then, with no investigation into his claims of being a hero rescuing little old ladies, that was in fact him using her as a shield to protect his back from the attackers, we gave him a promotion and a significant raise. Not to mention, that there is evidence that he was responsible for Nancy Raizel's death, if only indirectly." 

 At the mention of Nancy's name, several people suddenly had an outraged look on their faces. 

"That seems to have struck a chord. Did anyone ask themselves why Mrs. Raizel died while her son was hospitalized, and Mr. Track, who was dating Mrs. Raizel at the time, was lauded as a hero, though he didn't emerge with those he went to the mall with?" 

 Mr. Peterson punched a button on the table's intercom. "Melanie, I need a Code Black on Mr. Track in security. All access stops immediately, he is to be searched, and all clothing removed and destroyed. Provide him the giftshop jumper and have him ejected from the building with prejudice. Don't bother replacing his shoes and forget to return anything in the pockets of his clothing."

Mr. Franklin's face turned white as Mr. Peterson ended his statement. "Surely we didn't have to go so far. Johnny has done good work for the company. This could have been a simple fire-and-forget situation."

 I made a noise to gather everyone's attention back to myself, "I don't think you quite understand. We are here in the role of Edythe and Alice Cullen. You WILL fire Johnny Track and hold any and all forms of pay for whatever reason you can come up with. Be it theft of stationery or falsely marking his timecard, I DON'T CARE. It will happen. Further, this company is now at war with lead Detective Nutter, and any member that can get him slapped down by his superiors or internal affairs will receive a bonus. Detective Randal will, however, get a helping hand when needed. Not to the point we hold his hand and pave his way, but to the point we help him realize his potential so long as he stays true to the expectations of his duties."

 Mr. Franklin quickly asked, "Who is Detective Randel?"

 "He was the first responder who saved multiple people by taking down one of the shooters and assisted in the takedown of two more of the three remaining gunmen. Doing all that on his third day on the job as a police officer. He was quick to make detective, but now he is facing the jealousy of his faster-than-normal rise."

The intercom buzzed, and Edythe pushed the speaker button. "Go ahead."

 "Umm, Mr. Peterson?"

 "I'm here, Melanie. Go ahead with your report."

 "Yes sir. It seems that Mr. Johnny Track took this week and next for vacation, he is not scheduled to return until April 8th according to HR."

 Mr. Peterson looked at me with a questioning glance, to which I nodded.

 "Okay, Melanie. Thanks for letting us know. But I still want him cut out of our system. Shut off his company phone and any company cards he may have. Also have a meeting set up in the security department to let everyone know his new status."

 I quickly wrote on a piece of paper and slid it to Mr. Peterson. [Leave his company phone on, but monitor his calls. I want everyone in the company who tries to contact him after his status is known to be watched and their work history evaluated.]

 After quickly reading the note, Mr. Peterson glanced around the table. "You know what, Melanie, give me a few moments and I will meet you in my office to go over the actions to be taken. Hold off on everything but locking Mr. Track out of the system until then. Also place his name on the blacklist for all companies we are in association with. Anyone who hires him gets our undivided attention."

 About 2 hours later I was parking the rental Ferrari at the Denver Mall parking lot near the entrance. I waited for Alice to finish her phone conversation to Jasper before getting out.

 "That's right, Jazz, Detective Randel at the 6th district is who you want. Take the evidence I sent you to him and let him know it's in regard to the Pedophile ring he has been looking into. With what's on there, he should be able to get Franklin to turn state's evidence on the rest of his… friends." 

 Moments later, she hung up with Jasper and looked at me, "We need to do some better screening with our hiring practices. H.R. really dropped the ball with things lately."

 As I opened my door to get out, I thought of a good idea, "Maybe we should have Edward do an update on the policy. He took Psychology a few years back, he should be able to come up with a good psyche evaluation questionnaire for pre-hires." I stopped and looked at the Mall, which was the place of nightmares for my love. I will be with you tomorrow, Thomas…

(Thomas POV Tuesday Morning.)

 I reached out and shut my alarm off. Sitting up, I rubbed my face and sighed. "Feels so weird, waking up alone now."

 Still, I told myself internally, she will be back tonight. I half expected the nightmares to be out of control this close to my birthday, but they don't seem as bad now. I walked into the bathroom and used it before going back to my room and getting dressed. The weather was getting better, so I wouldn't look too strange running in just my shorts and a shirt now.

 I quickly went about my morning routine and walked outside and started stretching my legs out. I changed up my route a little, just for something new to look at, but still entered the forest at the same spot. Once I got to the spot Jasper and I usually spar at, I stopped and stretched my legs and lower back until my heart rate slowed down a good bit.

 Though I didn't hear any noise, something pulled my attention to a spot in the forest just behind me. What I saw surprised me quite a bit. It looked just like the Fox that followed me around every once in a while, but it was much bigger. I would guess it was about two times bigger than the one I usually see.

 Thinking that maybe the one I had seen before was a child, I just shrugged it off. What I couldn't shrug off, however, was that this one was trying to sneak up on me. "If you're looking for your kid, I haven't seen it today."

 The Fox glared at me for a moment, then stood up from its crouched position and growled at me.

 "Don't growl at me, it's your kid. You lost it, so go find it, don't come harass me about it."

 I don't know If it was the tone of voice I used or if it was just being territorial, but the Fox seemed more angry by the second. It suddenly darted forward and took a snap at my right leg. Luckily, I was able to dodge to the side, and its teeth only got the bottom edge of my shorts. Unfortunately, it tore them nearly off me.

 Instantly pissed off and now having nothing but a ratty old workout shirt to worry about, I decided to teach this pint-sized throw rug not to mess with me. I shifted right in front of the little thing. As soon as I shifted, I let out a loud roar at the Fox, who froze for a second.

 The smell of urine suddenly hit my nose as the Fox gave out a loud, high-pitched scream-like yelp and sprinted off into the forest as if its tail was on fire. The occasional bark-like yelp became fainter as it increased the distance between us.