Post by qpq on Feb 27, 2012 0:25:08 GMT -5
Synopsis: Cassie arrives at the hospital and gets updated about her mother's condition and the assault that lead her to being placed there. Upon arriving she meets the surgeon who operated on her mother and Diana Prince, a federal agent, who along with Detective Spencer from the Metropolis police who offered to place Cassie in protective custody while they worked to ensure that she was no longer in any danger. Additionally they shared what they knew as this wasn't the first attack.
In the end they all learned that Cassie has been flagged by N.O.W.H.E.R.E with the arrival of one of it's operatives, Superboy who assures everyone that Cassie and her mothers condition are no longer their concern and it is a N.O.W.H.E.R.E matter.
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CASSIE: My fries and shake run completed, and apparently all the worries about getting caught walking in from an unendorsed outing intstead of doing my homework were unneeded. Mom still wasn't home. Not really like her. That is, the working late hours when something important was happening was normal. The not calling however, was not. I'd paced. I'd waited. I'd bench pressed the fridge, and even tried to do a little homework. When the phone finally rang, I'd also nearly jumped out of my skin, and then gone white as a sheet when the message that my mother was in the hospital was relayed.
With no fast way to get there, I'd waited for all of two seconds deliberating how to get to the big hospital, before tugging on a dark sweatshirt, pulling the hood up over my blonde hair to hide it and keep me from getting too mucha ttention and just flown there. You know what they say. Once you take that first hit, you just can't stop. I'd landed a little way off. Close enough that I could run the last bit, just not as fast as I really could. Skidding in through the doors of the emergency room, and barely keeping myself upright.
"Helena Sandsmark. My Mom. Someone said my Mom is here."
HOSPITAL STAFF: The nurse at the front desk looked up from her computer towards the woman who came in looking a bit disheveled, but it wasn't the first time that someone had came in much like the way that young Cassandra Sandsmark had and she doubted that it would be the last.
"Just a moment." She told her not to put her off to do anything else she began to check the system for the name that she was given.
"You're mother is just coming out of surgery, Ms. Sandsmark. She's being moved to the ICU." She stood up for a moment to see if there was anyone to could assist.
"Dennis." She motioned towards one of the nurses passing the desk catching his attention with a wave of her hand. Dennis came back around towards the desk glancing towards Cassie then towards the charge nurse.
"Dennis, this is the daughter of the woman that they brought in from the museum, Helena Sandsmark. Could you escort her to the ICU for me please?" The nurse would have done it herself, but she couldn't leave her post and she thought it would be best that someone escort Cassie there rather than give her various directions.
"Of course. If you'll follow me, Ms. Sandsmark, I can take you to your mother," he stated turning to head towards the elevators.
Reaching the elevators let her step in first then followed turning to press the appropriate floor. "They'll ask you once we reach the ICU, but is there anyone that we can call for you? Anyone else that might need to be here or your mother might want to be here or anyone that you might want to be here."
He wanted to make sure as when they opened the elevator they hallway was filled with various people many of which that were crowded around a desk as they had a string of emergencies that came in. Dennis didn't know what it was all about, but most of them were battery charges some that went extremely bad. Mostly girlfriends that had roughed up their boyfriends.
"Excuse us." He said making his way towards the desk to find out which bed Cassie's mother was in.
CASSIE: "Surgery? ICU? Someone tell me what the hell is going on! ...please."
I do have manners. I was raised on historical landmark sites, not in a barn. It just takes me a moment in my panic and worry to remember them completely. Fidgeting with my hoodie, and remembering to yank the hood itself off my head now that I'm not trying to be semi-covert, I look to the man coming my way, following hurriedly after him.
"Do you know what happened? She was fine this... morning."
I don't even know what's wrong. Car accident maybe. From the museum itself? She wouldn't have been driving. Why hadn't someone called me? Why hadn't she called me?
"Um. No. It's. It's just her and me."
We didn't have any relatives here, any family. Not even really very many friends since we'd just barely settled with any permanency in the city. And it was for her job at the Museum, rather than because we had any other attachement to Metropolis.
"Okay.."
Tucking my arms around myself, I hang back against the wall. Trying to balance between anxious hovering, and staying the hell out of their way.
HOSPITAL STAFF: "Just stand right here and I'll be right back. I'm going to find out which bed you're mother's in."
It was understandable for the young woman to be upset. When the medical professionals did not have the information readily available it could cause confusion and anger, but they also knew it was best not to speculate and provide too much information as anything could have happened in surgery. What they knew at the moment was that Helena Sandsmark had come out of surgery, but they would let the doctor explain what happened.
Making his way back to Cassie he had the information motioning for her to step forward before he walked beside her away from the crowd as they headed away from the desk towards the ICU. Opening the door he waited for Cassie to step in and then followed after her.
"She should arrived in moment. I've had the nurse page the doctor so he can speak with you. He can tell you what's happened and what's done. Are your sure there's no one I can call, Ms..." Dennis could barely get it all out as the doors opened slide open and Cassie's mother was wheeled in. She didn't look good at all. There were bandages around her head and around her left arm and right leg. She was bandaged around the middle of her body and her face. Her face was heavily bruised her eye swollen badly and it appeared that her lip had been split.
There were superficial scars as well, but the simple fact was that Helena Sandsmark had been beaten badly almost to the point of death. See was on a respirator, but her vitals were stable. The team that brought her in moved towards the bed lifting her up then over, transferring her to the bed that had made for it and it was at that time that Cassie would catch glimpses of man and woman in a police uniform walking past the entrance to the ICU towards a man who was in blue scrubs.
He held his hands up attempting to stave off their questions shaking his head.
"I'll speak with you soon enough I need to speak with Ms. Sandsmark's daughter." He informed them as he walked passed another woman who seemed to be out of place she wasn't hospital staff or part of the police. She didn't stop the doctor she simply peered into the ICU area looking towards Helena then towards Cassie before turning towards the police while the doctor walked inside.
Dennis moved from Cassie to the doctor whispering a bit and receiving a nod in return. Dennis walked back over standing at the foot of the bed.
"Miss Sandsmark this is Dr. Cooper. He was the surgeon that operated on your mother. He'll explained her current condition."
Patrick nodded letting Dennis get that out of the way before turning to Cassie. "Miss Sandsmark I know you have questions and I'll do my best to answer them. Right now what you need to know is that your mother is stable. She suffered an intense amount of trauma to her body including her brain due to the attack that occurred. There was some swelling, but we were able to get that under control but she has not regained consciousness since she was brought in. Her left arm and right leg were broke and she suffered three broken ribs. There was some internal bleeding but we were able to stop that. It was my decision to place her on a ventilator. I want to keep her on it for at least seventy-two hours before we consider taking her off. "
He paused for a moment before continuing. He wanted to make sure that she was following and that it was not too much information coming all at once.
"Right now I can assure you that she is no pain, but my biggest concern is that she has not regained consciousness. I would attribute this going into shock but at the moment I believe is her bodies way of dealing with the trauma it's been through."
CASSIE: "Cassie. Erm. Sandsmark."
Ms Sandsmark isn't something I think I've ever been called, and it only adds to the whole surreal situation that this has been so far. That my whole life has been. When I actual lay eyes on my Mom, I very nearly burst into tears. It's not a way I ever thought to see her look. Or anyone for that matter. I still can't figure what's happened. It could have been a car crash, but this little niggling feeling in my gut is shrieking at me otherwise. And the thought that someone could intentionally have done this my Mother starts a little white hot fury burning in that same stomach. Clenching my fingers up into fists, I resist taking a swing at the wall. That would cause more scene than is needed.
"How. How soon will we know if it's something else besides that?"
I'd listened attentively enough to her condition, to the specifics of her injuries. I have a whole lot of questions, but I suppose the hospital staff don't have anyway of knowing the specifics. No 'who' to point me at. This happened at the Museum? Where was everyone else? Where were her assistants? I can't believe one of them would have done this. They were very nice people. And that makes me feel suddenly that much worse.
"What...what about the rest of them? Did anyone else come in with her?"
DR. COOPER: Dr. Cooper was already lifting up the chart to make sure that everything was captured correctly. Thankfully they had a copy of her medical file on hand. Technology was a life saver in this case. There was no one here to tell them the things that might need to know, but as soon as they got her medical information they were able to bring up her file. Still it always paid to be careful. He was also keeping an eye on Cassie making sure that ll of this wasn't overwhelming her as it was a lot to take in.
"The next forty-eight hours are crucial. We've gotten the swelling of the brain under control, but there was some swelling. I'm hoping that the swelling will go down over the next forty-eight hours and that she regains consciousness. The fact that we were able to get into surgery as quickly as we did was a great help."
Walking over towards the IV he made sure that the drip was set where it needed to be. "After twenty-four hours we'll begin to adjust the medication to see if she if there is any change in her behavior. We want to do it gradually as to avoid shocking the system, but we also need to determine if she is able to regain consciousness on her own. If we keep the medication at the level it is right now she would have difficulty regaining consciousness."
Writing something into the chart he closed it and slipped into into the holder at the end of the bed.
"Right now all I can tell you is that we will need to monitor during this time and hope that her condition continues to approve. " He would say that he was cautiously optimistic, but he had to prevent the case as realistically as he could. it could be that it took longer than 48 hours or 72, but they had a plan of action so he presented that. It was all that he could do.
"The others." He shook his head ready to speak when he was cut off.
DIANA: "I'm sorry Miss Sandsmark, but your mother was the only survivor of this vicious attack. Her staff did not make it. Two were dead before they arrived and the third was dead on arrival. "
It was the same woman that Cassie had seen in the hall from before. At the moment she was standing behind Dr. Cooper who turned to look at her and she nodded. "I'm sorry for the intrusion, but there are a few questions that we would like to ask you. My name is Diana Prince and I'm working with the police on this case."
She looked over her shoulder and one of the officers stepped forward, but they did not step into the ICU. Turning her attention back to Cassie Diana looked towards Helena then back to Cassie.
"I'm sure there are some additional questions you may have for Dr. Cooper, but when that's finished and when you're ready there are a few questions that the police and I have for you, but please take your time, Miss Sandsmark. We'll do our best to tell you what we can, but it's important that you have all your questions answered first."
CASSIE: Raking a hand up through my hair, I close my eyes for a second and take a deep breath. And then another one. I'm finding it hard to feel too awful that the rest of them didn't survive when my Mom did. So. Far anyway. I had met them, marginally 'knew' her assistants from hanging out at the museum. But grief over them was kind of eclipsed in the moment by worry, and mostly a lot of anger over what had happened. Whatever it was. No car wreck. Someone had attacked my mother intentionally. Nearly killed her.
I can't help the very short mental jump to the fact that it's probably my fault. Somehow.
"I'm. Cassie."
I already said that I think. I'm not at my best right now. Stuffing my hands in the hoodie's pocket, I shake my head. I can wait to ask the Doctor. I'm probably going to have all night. I don't want to hold the police up when they could be investigating.
"No. I'm. I don't know how much help I'm going to be. I don't know why anyone would... do this."
Sure I do. But why my Mom and why there? It seems so much...bigger a scale thing than what I'd been fending off. Not very dedicated muggers, halfhearted bullies.. but maybe that's because I happen to have become pretty sturdy. While she's not.
DIANA: "Are you sure," she asked making sure. Diana was certain that the young woman was in shock, but there were questions nothing too out of the ordinary for her. It was unfortunate that any of this happened, but the fact that it did meant that Casandra had been found and they had been to late to stop any of this from happening.
"Ok. Let's speak outside then." Motioning for Cassie to walk ahead of her she followed stepping out of the unit where they were keeping her mother. She wouldn't drag her outside completely because one was never sure he was watching. She simply wanted to get an idea of what Cassie did or did not know.
"First, let me say that I'm sorry for what has happened to your mother and her colleagues. If you don't feel like talking right at this moment we can do this tomorrow, but that leads me to my first question. Is there some place that we can stay? If not we can take you into protective custody or a unit can be assigned to keep watch."
It was going to happen whether or not Cassie wanted it to, because the police had no leads on the assailants. Diana had given as much information that she could, but by the time the security guard had found her mother they people responsible had already fled the scene.
CASSIE: "Yeah. I mean. They said... I'm sure."
I'm sure they'll tell me if anything takes a sharp nosedive towards Hell in a hand basket. Until then there's nothing I can do. Because as far as I can tell, with all the other abilities I've gained since my sixteenth birthday, in spits and spurts until the recent level off, healing isn't one of them. Maybe someone else can... maybe it's worth asking. So I just follow the woman outside, hunching up my shoulders against the cold that I don't really actually feel that much anymore. Habit.
"Thanks wait...we? I am not going into... witness protection? I didn't see anything. I wasn't there. Our house is here in Metropolis. And I. I can look after myself."
Maybe a baseless argument, given that I'm a minor wiith no only no local relatives, but no relatives living at all that I know of. I'd like to see them make me though. Probably a willful and stupid thought, given that I'd tried my best to hide what I'd become. Flying headlong through a hospital wall might be a dead giveaway. And I wasn't going to leave my Mom like that.
DIANA: "Well, there's no doubt in my mind about that, Ms. Sandsmark, but your mother has been incapacitated. This was not due to an accident at the museum. Your mother was assaulted perhaps left for dead. " She paused for a moment not wanting to upset Cassie, but Cassie had to know that they were not going to simply let her go home alone.
"Protective custody is a little different from Witness Protection. No one's giving you a new name or dying you're hair. It just means that we want to make sure that nothing happens to you as we continue with the investigation. We mean to keep a close eye on your mother to ensure that no one is able to finish what they started." It was something that had to be said. The state that Cassie's mother was left in could easily be perceived as leaving for dead, but it was a message. It was a message to anyone that would come looking who knew what to look for.
"There is a strong possibility that the people who did this may attempt to finish what they began and if they cannot get to your mother then they will come for you." Diana remained facing Cassie looking into her eyes doing her best to read them, because the last thing that was needed at this point was for Cassie to do anything reckless.
"From what I know you just recently moved to Metropolis. You have no family here or anywhere. There's no one flying in to look after you. That represents an incredible risk that we cannot and will not take. To say that the people who attacked your mother are dangerous is an understatement. " Sighing she offered Cassie a sympathetic look knowing that the girl had showed incredible strength with the way she was handling herself.
"This isn't the first attack that's happened, Ms. Sandsmark, but it is the first one that occurred where there was a survivor."
CASSIE: "Wasn't there anything on the surveilence tapes? I know the museum has them. They have a lot of them."
I'd spent a lot of time there. And while the exhibits were fascinating, you spend enough time around them they get normal. At least to me. My fascination is not quite as great as my Mom's. So I'd spent some time scoping out the place. Not for anything bad, of course.
"Then they're going to have to come through me to touch her. So. Do that. Keep a close eye on me. Stake out my house. What, you have these serial attacks and no one has any idea at all who they are, or what they're after?"
Not that i want to stay here at the hospital particularly either.
DIANA: "Unfortunately, no not anything that can be used to help identify the suspects. It seems that we are step or two behind." There was a hint of frustration in her voice about it and before she could speak again one of the detectives approached Cassie and Diana.
"Detective Spencer."
"Agent Prince. I see you've been getting Ms. Sandsmark up to speed," he said his eyes crossing over towards Cassie then towards Diana.
"That's why I'm here. She has questions and I think we should be as honest and truthful as we can. I'm not here to hold anything back detective." There was a touch of tension between the Detective Spencer and Diana. Her sudden arrival had been a bit off putting, but she offered what she could, what she knew.
"Ms. Sandsmark was inquiring about the the surveillance tapes," Diana informed the detective letting him explain the situation as it was his case. "Cassie, this is Detective Spencer with the Metropolis Police. He and his partner were on the scene when I arrived." With introductions made Diana stood by silent.
"Well, " he began his voice bit raspy from years of smoking. "The problem there is the power went out and the back up generator didn't kick on the way that it should. There was a lot going on this evening Ms. Sandsmark. Crazy broads tying to kill their husbands and boyfriends some of them with caddies and everything. What we got doesn't help us. The assailants were cloaked in something. Some garb, if you ask me look like a damn animal, but they used it to conceal their identifies. There's also a possibility that there could have been someone on the inside that helped them. It's one of the reasons why we're cooperating with the federal agents here as they have a little more information that we do. Not much, but some." He sounded tired, but his eyes looked a little blood shot, but he as here and he was doing what he could.
"If we had a pattern then we would have been out sooner, Detective Spencer, but that doesn't help that young woman's mother now. What we need to focus on is that nothing else happens to her mother and nothing happens to her," Diana explained.
"I want to be wrong, Ms. Sandsmark, but I rather err on the side of caution. It's possible that your mother may remember something. She may be able to provide us with information that would help bring this together so we can find the people who've done this to her. We have some of our best people working on this, but before tonight where was nothing to indicate that your mother would be a target. It's possible that she was an indirect target. She is someone that deals with various antiquities and it could be an item that the museum had in their possession or that she had in her possession that they were after."
Again it was something else she could offer without veering to far away from the truth.
"It is the third attack that's happened in the last seven months. The only reason that I was in the area was because I was attempting to track down your mother about two colleagues of hers that worked with her some time ago. It was so long ago that no one had put the connection together and I'll admit there were some that dismissed. I'm here of my own volition. I wanted to speak with her as she worked with them during that time and I thought she might have some insight as to why someone might want do harm to them."
Spencer cleared his throat. "And you don't know if that's the case. It's possible that Helena Sandsmark knows something and it's possible that she doesn't. I'm all for theories and I know how this looks, but.."
Diana narrowed her eyes for a moment and in that moment there was something less gentile about her and far more dangerous. It was only for a moment and when the moment passed she softened just a touch but not so much that her annoyance had faded completely.
"What the detective is saying is that we are exploring all avenues at the moment. I apologize if this sounds callous as it's not meant to be, but this could be the break that we're looking for." There was no other way to put it. She did not want to shield Cassie from this as she needed to understand the gravity of the situation.
"Though I think this might be a time for you to consider what's happened over the last two to three weeks, Ms. Sandsmark."
CASSIE: 'I think we should be honest and truthful.' If anything is going to give you that 'dun dun dun' feeling in the pit of your stomach, it's a pair of law enforcement agents saying it to one another. Especially when they're not quite eyeing one another like trying to decide who's the bigger fish in the pond. I've learned this look all too well during my time at St. Mary's. Unfortunately.
"Of course it did. Did they steal anything?"
If I wasn't upset, and talking to police, my tone might actually have been a little bit sardonic. Just the luck. It could be not my fault, or connected to me of course. It's possible like they said that there was something these people were targeting in the artifacts. Maybe the new display just going in to the place, that had kept my Mother there working so late, lately.
I'm wracking my brain for anything to give them. Short of 'Hey, so. You know. Super powers? I've got them.' But the other shoe drops on the 'dundundun' with her last words. It's obviously directed at me. Did she mean... to me? My face probably goes white for a moment, or slightly paler, because I hadn't missed the expression. It put me on my guard.
"She. Got something in the mail a few weeks ago. I didn't see it. Unless you're meaning something with me.
I also hadn't looked either, though I'd been curious. There's only so many places to hide things in my house. It's not terribly big. I wonder... But I hadn't been as careful as I thought the last bit of time. Obviously at least a couple people had seen me using my powers, even if there was no face to put to the name.
CASSIE: It doesn't take much logic to figure out that a search not done by me is imminent. Of course, good luck to them and beating me to my own house, and finding something in it before I can manage to. I'm already thinking of all the spots she could possibly hide it. Or, even more, of who I might ask to find it for me if I can't. That's not the police.
"Because you were asking me some really directed questions. Which means either I've done something that makes you think I have something to do with it, or that you think I know something. Or the whole 'I don't know anything' answer at first would probably have ruled me out."
I'm not. Really meaning to be a brat. Not really. Shaking my head quickly.
"No, we haven't left the country since July. And it wasn't to London or Greece."
When I'd finally gotten my Mom to take me to Greece, after years and years of harassing, it had been longer ago than that. And I sure hadn't talked to anyone there since then.
"I want to go home. But. I have a couple friends I could call. If i really have to go somewhere else."
Friends that I'm pretty sure are more badass than me. Or at least know what they're doing. But I'm not going to throw them under the bus. Maybe most people would want to hang out here, and wait for an update. Honestly I do. Not as much as I think I need to hunt for whatever this package was, though.
DIANA: Diana had to hide the smile that wanted to dance on her lips at the moment. Spencer had put himself in that position, but she lead them there slightly. It just took some prodding but she didn't think he would actually suspect, Cassie, not like that, but it was done it was out there. She knew that she that it was not going to be a pleasant car ride home.
"Alright." Detective Spencer let it hang there letting words fill in the pause there. That's how she wanted to play it. "We'll get two uniform to take you home and a patrol car out there. It's what the agent believes is necessary." He believed it was necessary also but he was hoping that she would stay elsewhere.
Diana said nothing. She nodded letting Spencer play his hand. He wanted it, he could have it. Reaching for her purse she produced a card with a number on passing it to Cassie. "I can be reached at this number at all times. If there's anything you remember or if you need to talk call me." She offered looking towards Detective Spencer while he reached into pocket to retrieve his wallet.
"Yeah, same. If anything happens you call 9-1-1. Don't try to be a hero." Don't get yourself killed he wanted to tell her, but he left it unsaid. "I still think you should stay with someone. It's what you're mom would want." He told her.
"If there is someone that can come over we can get them on the phone and over to you. I'm pretty sure Agent Prince can pull a few strings get her people watching you too." There was a bit of a smirk there along with a sideways glance.
Diana offered nod. "Already done. First thing that I did actually. Making sure that there was no one at the home when Ms. Sandsmark left to come here and they've been sitting there making sure that nothing out of the ordinary happened. They're not going anywhere anytime soon. You can count of that."
With that she offered Cassie her hand an shook it when Cassie took her hand. "We're going to do everything we can to find the people who did that, Ms. Sandsmark. That is a promise, but Detective Spencer is correct. Avoid any unnecessary risks."
SUPERBOY: "Ahem."
Not quite the 'Flashy' entrance, but it'll do. What with hanging over the heads of those gathered, hovering really. Arms folded for dramatic effect, to perhaps add to the look of having red and glowing eyes, a tailored flashy glowing uniform. Oh, and Government Credentials.
Those Credentials, are offered on as I come to a landing next to Cassie and Prince, "I think that Mrs. Sandmark's daughter has quite enough people 'Watching' her right now."
Despite the clear case of being young, visibly younger than Cassandra in fact, the credentials identify me as a Field Operative under the head of N.O.W.H.E.R.E. A government sponsored task force, meant to very specifically deal with troubled meta-humans. Specifically those whom fall in the 'Under-Aged' criteria more often than not.
"If you have any further questions for her or her mother, please contact the Director. His number is on the card." A nod, simply given to Cassandra. "We'll be in touch shortly, Ms. Sandmark. To discuss updating your Profile from our last talk."
CASSANDRA: You've...already had people at my house? Okay. I'll let you guys know if I go anywhere. Obviously."
I bet I could get out the back door without them noticing. Maybe even the front door before they could actually catch me. But I don't think in front of a patrol car is the best time to start testing out what I can, and can't do. A normal, boring girl would of course cooperate with the police. Of course, a normal girl would likely be a whole lot more in panic mode than I am. What can I say. Mom didn't raise a wuss. The look that crosses my face when Detective Spencer tells me what my Mom wants is indignant, and I almost start to tell him he doesn't know a thing about what my Mother would want for me. But. I realize he's just trying to comfort me. Or prod me into something they want to make it easier to keep me safe. Hah. But if they saw me leave... I hope they didn't really. Not with the way I took off.
"Uh huh."
No heroics from me. Nosireebob. Right. Because every other time I'd been in trouble I'd sure stopped to phone for backup. Taking the card, and tucking it into my jeans, and then the offered hand which I shake. Gently.
"I'll call if I think of anything."
Best I think I can offer. I'd go try and figure it out myself but if what they've said is true, I'm not going to have anything to go off. They've got a pattern partially established and that hasn't helped them. I have nothing to go on. Except maybe what's in that box. The throat clearing from overhead makes me flinch and take a step backwards. And then sigh. God. I have got to start paying more attention.
"Conner."
I think I need to put a bell on him. Then he wouldn't keep sneaking up on me. Like it'd matter. He's probably faster than the speed of sound. So unfair.
"Um. Alright. I'll be at my house."
DIANA: Diana was ready to depart as there were people that needed to be briefed about her progress, but before she could make a quick exit her shifted towards the voice that came from above. Was there anything that needed to be said? No, not really. When she looked over the credentials it said it all. It said enough.
"Who the hell..." Detective Spencer started to ask, but a look from Diana cut him off. This was not the time. This was above her head and she knew it. It was also problematic as she was attempting to prevent Cassie from exposing herself, but from the way that N.O.W.H.E.R.E's operative was handling himself and addressing Cassie the two were acquainted. The situation had been assessed and it wasn't the place or time.
"Of course." She wanted to grit her teeth, but she didn't. Instead she offered a polite nod to Superboy or Conner as Cassie addressed him turning to Cassie second.
"Yes. They've only been watching to make sure there are no further incidents, but it seems that my precautions were unnecessary. It seems that N.O.W.H.E.R.E is keeping their eye on you. Can't get any better than that." She wanted to say more, but she had said enough. The situation had gone from bad to worse. Protocols were going to be in effect which meant that the next time she saw Cassie she would have to be a little more forthcoming in her reasons.
However for the moment Diana offered a polite smile and watch Cassie go.
"She's one of them isn't see," Detective Spencer got out once everyone was out of earshot.
"I'm sorry that's classified and above your pay grade."
SUPERBOY: "Prince, right? And Detective Spencer. I'll have one of the techs note your full cooperate in the Reports. " Reports. Those are the things that people who can't be in the field do, while people like me get wear flashy uniforms and act all important. When I could be at home watching Pamela Anderson Roast re-runs on Comedy Central. "Thanks again."
Turning just slightly to make sure that Cassie is on her way, unaccounted by the police or.. whatever Prince is, before flashing a trademark smile at Diana. "You know, for an older gal, you have a great set of ... glasses. Right. I'll be going."
Up up and away or something like that.
CASSIE: I expected some sort of pissing contest. Apparently just because I had never heard of this agency of his, it didn't mean everyone else hadn't. Guess I need to pull my head out. But. Apparently that is the end of it. Maybe I won't have as much surveilence, and a street full of police cars to make everyone wonder what was going. Maybe I'll get out of school for the rest of the week.. I don't want to deal with the other girls right now. Maybe Mom did raise a tiny bit of a wuss.
This is me, walking away and rolling my eyes at Superboy. I'll be irritated over all of this later. Right now I've got a package to find, and since he's just let my cat out of the bag... I don't wait for the police escort. I head off down the sidewalk at a run, and then get my butt home the same way I got it here. In the air.
In the end they all learned that Cassie has been flagged by N.O.W.H.E.R.E with the arrival of one of it's operatives, Superboy who assures everyone that Cassie and her mothers condition are no longer their concern and it is a N.O.W.H.E.R.E matter.
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CASSIE: My fries and shake run completed, and apparently all the worries about getting caught walking in from an unendorsed outing intstead of doing my homework were unneeded. Mom still wasn't home. Not really like her. That is, the working late hours when something important was happening was normal. The not calling however, was not. I'd paced. I'd waited. I'd bench pressed the fridge, and even tried to do a little homework. When the phone finally rang, I'd also nearly jumped out of my skin, and then gone white as a sheet when the message that my mother was in the hospital was relayed.
With no fast way to get there, I'd waited for all of two seconds deliberating how to get to the big hospital, before tugging on a dark sweatshirt, pulling the hood up over my blonde hair to hide it and keep me from getting too mucha ttention and just flown there. You know what they say. Once you take that first hit, you just can't stop. I'd landed a little way off. Close enough that I could run the last bit, just not as fast as I really could. Skidding in through the doors of the emergency room, and barely keeping myself upright.
"Helena Sandsmark. My Mom. Someone said my Mom is here."
HOSPITAL STAFF: The nurse at the front desk looked up from her computer towards the woman who came in looking a bit disheveled, but it wasn't the first time that someone had came in much like the way that young Cassandra Sandsmark had and she doubted that it would be the last.
"Just a moment." She told her not to put her off to do anything else she began to check the system for the name that she was given.
"You're mother is just coming out of surgery, Ms. Sandsmark. She's being moved to the ICU." She stood up for a moment to see if there was anyone to could assist.
"Dennis." She motioned towards one of the nurses passing the desk catching his attention with a wave of her hand. Dennis came back around towards the desk glancing towards Cassie then towards the charge nurse.
"Dennis, this is the daughter of the woman that they brought in from the museum, Helena Sandsmark. Could you escort her to the ICU for me please?" The nurse would have done it herself, but she couldn't leave her post and she thought it would be best that someone escort Cassie there rather than give her various directions.
"Of course. If you'll follow me, Ms. Sandsmark, I can take you to your mother," he stated turning to head towards the elevators.
Reaching the elevators let her step in first then followed turning to press the appropriate floor. "They'll ask you once we reach the ICU, but is there anyone that we can call for you? Anyone else that might need to be here or your mother might want to be here or anyone that you might want to be here."
He wanted to make sure as when they opened the elevator they hallway was filled with various people many of which that were crowded around a desk as they had a string of emergencies that came in. Dennis didn't know what it was all about, but most of them were battery charges some that went extremely bad. Mostly girlfriends that had roughed up their boyfriends.
"Excuse us." He said making his way towards the desk to find out which bed Cassie's mother was in.
CASSIE: "Surgery? ICU? Someone tell me what the hell is going on! ...please."
I do have manners. I was raised on historical landmark sites, not in a barn. It just takes me a moment in my panic and worry to remember them completely. Fidgeting with my hoodie, and remembering to yank the hood itself off my head now that I'm not trying to be semi-covert, I look to the man coming my way, following hurriedly after him.
"Do you know what happened? She was fine this... morning."
I don't even know what's wrong. Car accident maybe. From the museum itself? She wouldn't have been driving. Why hadn't someone called me? Why hadn't she called me?
"Um. No. It's. It's just her and me."
We didn't have any relatives here, any family. Not even really very many friends since we'd just barely settled with any permanency in the city. And it was for her job at the Museum, rather than because we had any other attachement to Metropolis.
"Okay.."
Tucking my arms around myself, I hang back against the wall. Trying to balance between anxious hovering, and staying the hell out of their way.
HOSPITAL STAFF: "Just stand right here and I'll be right back. I'm going to find out which bed you're mother's in."
It was understandable for the young woman to be upset. When the medical professionals did not have the information readily available it could cause confusion and anger, but they also knew it was best not to speculate and provide too much information as anything could have happened in surgery. What they knew at the moment was that Helena Sandsmark had come out of surgery, but they would let the doctor explain what happened.
Making his way back to Cassie he had the information motioning for her to step forward before he walked beside her away from the crowd as they headed away from the desk towards the ICU. Opening the door he waited for Cassie to step in and then followed after her.
"She should arrived in moment. I've had the nurse page the doctor so he can speak with you. He can tell you what's happened and what's done. Are your sure there's no one I can call, Ms..." Dennis could barely get it all out as the doors opened slide open and Cassie's mother was wheeled in. She didn't look good at all. There were bandages around her head and around her left arm and right leg. She was bandaged around the middle of her body and her face. Her face was heavily bruised her eye swollen badly and it appeared that her lip had been split.
There were superficial scars as well, but the simple fact was that Helena Sandsmark had been beaten badly almost to the point of death. See was on a respirator, but her vitals were stable. The team that brought her in moved towards the bed lifting her up then over, transferring her to the bed that had made for it and it was at that time that Cassie would catch glimpses of man and woman in a police uniform walking past the entrance to the ICU towards a man who was in blue scrubs.
He held his hands up attempting to stave off their questions shaking his head.
"I'll speak with you soon enough I need to speak with Ms. Sandsmark's daughter." He informed them as he walked passed another woman who seemed to be out of place she wasn't hospital staff or part of the police. She didn't stop the doctor she simply peered into the ICU area looking towards Helena then towards Cassie before turning towards the police while the doctor walked inside.
Dennis moved from Cassie to the doctor whispering a bit and receiving a nod in return. Dennis walked back over standing at the foot of the bed.
"Miss Sandsmark this is Dr. Cooper. He was the surgeon that operated on your mother. He'll explained her current condition."
Patrick nodded letting Dennis get that out of the way before turning to Cassie. "Miss Sandsmark I know you have questions and I'll do my best to answer them. Right now what you need to know is that your mother is stable. She suffered an intense amount of trauma to her body including her brain due to the attack that occurred. There was some swelling, but we were able to get that under control but she has not regained consciousness since she was brought in. Her left arm and right leg were broke and she suffered three broken ribs. There was some internal bleeding but we were able to stop that. It was my decision to place her on a ventilator. I want to keep her on it for at least seventy-two hours before we consider taking her off. "
He paused for a moment before continuing. He wanted to make sure that she was following and that it was not too much information coming all at once.
"Right now I can assure you that she is no pain, but my biggest concern is that she has not regained consciousness. I would attribute this going into shock but at the moment I believe is her bodies way of dealing with the trauma it's been through."
CASSIE: "Cassie. Erm. Sandsmark."
Ms Sandsmark isn't something I think I've ever been called, and it only adds to the whole surreal situation that this has been so far. That my whole life has been. When I actual lay eyes on my Mom, I very nearly burst into tears. It's not a way I ever thought to see her look. Or anyone for that matter. I still can't figure what's happened. It could have been a car crash, but this little niggling feeling in my gut is shrieking at me otherwise. And the thought that someone could intentionally have done this my Mother starts a little white hot fury burning in that same stomach. Clenching my fingers up into fists, I resist taking a swing at the wall. That would cause more scene than is needed.
"How. How soon will we know if it's something else besides that?"
I'd listened attentively enough to her condition, to the specifics of her injuries. I have a whole lot of questions, but I suppose the hospital staff don't have anyway of knowing the specifics. No 'who' to point me at. This happened at the Museum? Where was everyone else? Where were her assistants? I can't believe one of them would have done this. They were very nice people. And that makes me feel suddenly that much worse.
"What...what about the rest of them? Did anyone else come in with her?"
DR. COOPER: Dr. Cooper was already lifting up the chart to make sure that everything was captured correctly. Thankfully they had a copy of her medical file on hand. Technology was a life saver in this case. There was no one here to tell them the things that might need to know, but as soon as they got her medical information they were able to bring up her file. Still it always paid to be careful. He was also keeping an eye on Cassie making sure that ll of this wasn't overwhelming her as it was a lot to take in.
"The next forty-eight hours are crucial. We've gotten the swelling of the brain under control, but there was some swelling. I'm hoping that the swelling will go down over the next forty-eight hours and that she regains consciousness. The fact that we were able to get into surgery as quickly as we did was a great help."
Walking over towards the IV he made sure that the drip was set where it needed to be. "After twenty-four hours we'll begin to adjust the medication to see if she if there is any change in her behavior. We want to do it gradually as to avoid shocking the system, but we also need to determine if she is able to regain consciousness on her own. If we keep the medication at the level it is right now she would have difficulty regaining consciousness."
Writing something into the chart he closed it and slipped into into the holder at the end of the bed.
"Right now all I can tell you is that we will need to monitor during this time and hope that her condition continues to approve. " He would say that he was cautiously optimistic, but he had to prevent the case as realistically as he could. it could be that it took longer than 48 hours or 72, but they had a plan of action so he presented that. It was all that he could do.
"The others." He shook his head ready to speak when he was cut off.
DIANA: "I'm sorry Miss Sandsmark, but your mother was the only survivor of this vicious attack. Her staff did not make it. Two were dead before they arrived and the third was dead on arrival. "
It was the same woman that Cassie had seen in the hall from before. At the moment she was standing behind Dr. Cooper who turned to look at her and she nodded. "I'm sorry for the intrusion, but there are a few questions that we would like to ask you. My name is Diana Prince and I'm working with the police on this case."
She looked over her shoulder and one of the officers stepped forward, but they did not step into the ICU. Turning her attention back to Cassie Diana looked towards Helena then back to Cassie.
"I'm sure there are some additional questions you may have for Dr. Cooper, but when that's finished and when you're ready there are a few questions that the police and I have for you, but please take your time, Miss Sandsmark. We'll do our best to tell you what we can, but it's important that you have all your questions answered first."
CASSIE: Raking a hand up through my hair, I close my eyes for a second and take a deep breath. And then another one. I'm finding it hard to feel too awful that the rest of them didn't survive when my Mom did. So. Far anyway. I had met them, marginally 'knew' her assistants from hanging out at the museum. But grief over them was kind of eclipsed in the moment by worry, and mostly a lot of anger over what had happened. Whatever it was. No car wreck. Someone had attacked my mother intentionally. Nearly killed her.
I can't help the very short mental jump to the fact that it's probably my fault. Somehow.
"I'm. Cassie."
I already said that I think. I'm not at my best right now. Stuffing my hands in the hoodie's pocket, I shake my head. I can wait to ask the Doctor. I'm probably going to have all night. I don't want to hold the police up when they could be investigating.
"No. I'm. I don't know how much help I'm going to be. I don't know why anyone would... do this."
Sure I do. But why my Mom and why there? It seems so much...bigger a scale thing than what I'd been fending off. Not very dedicated muggers, halfhearted bullies.. but maybe that's because I happen to have become pretty sturdy. While she's not.
DIANA: "Are you sure," she asked making sure. Diana was certain that the young woman was in shock, but there were questions nothing too out of the ordinary for her. It was unfortunate that any of this happened, but the fact that it did meant that Casandra had been found and they had been to late to stop any of this from happening.
"Ok. Let's speak outside then." Motioning for Cassie to walk ahead of her she followed stepping out of the unit where they were keeping her mother. She wouldn't drag her outside completely because one was never sure he was watching. She simply wanted to get an idea of what Cassie did or did not know.
"First, let me say that I'm sorry for what has happened to your mother and her colleagues. If you don't feel like talking right at this moment we can do this tomorrow, but that leads me to my first question. Is there some place that we can stay? If not we can take you into protective custody or a unit can be assigned to keep watch."
It was going to happen whether or not Cassie wanted it to, because the police had no leads on the assailants. Diana had given as much information that she could, but by the time the security guard had found her mother they people responsible had already fled the scene.
CASSIE: "Yeah. I mean. They said... I'm sure."
I'm sure they'll tell me if anything takes a sharp nosedive towards Hell in a hand basket. Until then there's nothing I can do. Because as far as I can tell, with all the other abilities I've gained since my sixteenth birthday, in spits and spurts until the recent level off, healing isn't one of them. Maybe someone else can... maybe it's worth asking. So I just follow the woman outside, hunching up my shoulders against the cold that I don't really actually feel that much anymore. Habit.
"Thanks wait...we? I am not going into... witness protection? I didn't see anything. I wasn't there. Our house is here in Metropolis. And I. I can look after myself."
Maybe a baseless argument, given that I'm a minor wiith no only no local relatives, but no relatives living at all that I know of. I'd like to see them make me though. Probably a willful and stupid thought, given that I'd tried my best to hide what I'd become. Flying headlong through a hospital wall might be a dead giveaway. And I wasn't going to leave my Mom like that.
DIANA: "Well, there's no doubt in my mind about that, Ms. Sandsmark, but your mother has been incapacitated. This was not due to an accident at the museum. Your mother was assaulted perhaps left for dead. " She paused for a moment not wanting to upset Cassie, but Cassie had to know that they were not going to simply let her go home alone.
"Protective custody is a little different from Witness Protection. No one's giving you a new name or dying you're hair. It just means that we want to make sure that nothing happens to you as we continue with the investigation. We mean to keep a close eye on your mother to ensure that no one is able to finish what they started." It was something that had to be said. The state that Cassie's mother was left in could easily be perceived as leaving for dead, but it was a message. It was a message to anyone that would come looking who knew what to look for.
"There is a strong possibility that the people who did this may attempt to finish what they began and if they cannot get to your mother then they will come for you." Diana remained facing Cassie looking into her eyes doing her best to read them, because the last thing that was needed at this point was for Cassie to do anything reckless.
"From what I know you just recently moved to Metropolis. You have no family here or anywhere. There's no one flying in to look after you. That represents an incredible risk that we cannot and will not take. To say that the people who attacked your mother are dangerous is an understatement. " Sighing she offered Cassie a sympathetic look knowing that the girl had showed incredible strength with the way she was handling herself.
"This isn't the first attack that's happened, Ms. Sandsmark, but it is the first one that occurred where there was a survivor."
CASSIE: "Wasn't there anything on the surveilence tapes? I know the museum has them. They have a lot of them."
I'd spent a lot of time there. And while the exhibits were fascinating, you spend enough time around them they get normal. At least to me. My fascination is not quite as great as my Mom's. So I'd spent some time scoping out the place. Not for anything bad, of course.
"Then they're going to have to come through me to touch her. So. Do that. Keep a close eye on me. Stake out my house. What, you have these serial attacks and no one has any idea at all who they are, or what they're after?"
Not that i want to stay here at the hospital particularly either.
DIANA: "Unfortunately, no not anything that can be used to help identify the suspects. It seems that we are step or two behind." There was a hint of frustration in her voice about it and before she could speak again one of the detectives approached Cassie and Diana.
"Detective Spencer."
"Agent Prince. I see you've been getting Ms. Sandsmark up to speed," he said his eyes crossing over towards Cassie then towards Diana.
"That's why I'm here. She has questions and I think we should be as honest and truthful as we can. I'm not here to hold anything back detective." There was a touch of tension between the Detective Spencer and Diana. Her sudden arrival had been a bit off putting, but she offered what she could, what she knew.
"Ms. Sandsmark was inquiring about the the surveillance tapes," Diana informed the detective letting him explain the situation as it was his case. "Cassie, this is Detective Spencer with the Metropolis Police. He and his partner were on the scene when I arrived." With introductions made Diana stood by silent.
"Well, " he began his voice bit raspy from years of smoking. "The problem there is the power went out and the back up generator didn't kick on the way that it should. There was a lot going on this evening Ms. Sandsmark. Crazy broads tying to kill their husbands and boyfriends some of them with caddies and everything. What we got doesn't help us. The assailants were cloaked in something. Some garb, if you ask me look like a damn animal, but they used it to conceal their identifies. There's also a possibility that there could have been someone on the inside that helped them. It's one of the reasons why we're cooperating with the federal agents here as they have a little more information that we do. Not much, but some." He sounded tired, but his eyes looked a little blood shot, but he as here and he was doing what he could.
"If we had a pattern then we would have been out sooner, Detective Spencer, but that doesn't help that young woman's mother now. What we need to focus on is that nothing else happens to her mother and nothing happens to her," Diana explained.
"I want to be wrong, Ms. Sandsmark, but I rather err on the side of caution. It's possible that your mother may remember something. She may be able to provide us with information that would help bring this together so we can find the people who've done this to her. We have some of our best people working on this, but before tonight where was nothing to indicate that your mother would be a target. It's possible that she was an indirect target. She is someone that deals with various antiquities and it could be an item that the museum had in their possession or that she had in her possession that they were after."
Again it was something else she could offer without veering to far away from the truth.
"It is the third attack that's happened in the last seven months. The only reason that I was in the area was because I was attempting to track down your mother about two colleagues of hers that worked with her some time ago. It was so long ago that no one had put the connection together and I'll admit there were some that dismissed. I'm here of my own volition. I wanted to speak with her as she worked with them during that time and I thought she might have some insight as to why someone might want do harm to them."
Spencer cleared his throat. "And you don't know if that's the case. It's possible that Helena Sandsmark knows something and it's possible that she doesn't. I'm all for theories and I know how this looks, but.."
Diana narrowed her eyes for a moment and in that moment there was something less gentile about her and far more dangerous. It was only for a moment and when the moment passed she softened just a touch but not so much that her annoyance had faded completely.
"What the detective is saying is that we are exploring all avenues at the moment. I apologize if this sounds callous as it's not meant to be, but this could be the break that we're looking for." There was no other way to put it. She did not want to shield Cassie from this as she needed to understand the gravity of the situation.
"Though I think this might be a time for you to consider what's happened over the last two to three weeks, Ms. Sandsmark."
CASSIE: 'I think we should be honest and truthful.' If anything is going to give you that 'dun dun dun' feeling in the pit of your stomach, it's a pair of law enforcement agents saying it to one another. Especially when they're not quite eyeing one another like trying to decide who's the bigger fish in the pond. I've learned this look all too well during my time at St. Mary's. Unfortunately.
"Of course it did. Did they steal anything?"
If I wasn't upset, and talking to police, my tone might actually have been a little bit sardonic. Just the luck. It could be not my fault, or connected to me of course. It's possible like they said that there was something these people were targeting in the artifacts. Maybe the new display just going in to the place, that had kept my Mother there working so late, lately.
I'm wracking my brain for anything to give them. Short of 'Hey, so. You know. Super powers? I've got them.' But the other shoe drops on the 'dundundun' with her last words. It's obviously directed at me. Did she mean... to me? My face probably goes white for a moment, or slightly paler, because I hadn't missed the expression. It put me on my guard.
"She. Got something in the mail a few weeks ago. I didn't see it. Unless you're meaning something with me.
I also hadn't looked either, though I'd been curious. There's only so many places to hide things in my house. It's not terribly big. I wonder... But I hadn't been as careful as I thought the last bit of time. Obviously at least a couple people had seen me using my powers, even if there was no face to put to the name.
CASSIE: It doesn't take much logic to figure out that a search not done by me is imminent. Of course, good luck to them and beating me to my own house, and finding something in it before I can manage to. I'm already thinking of all the spots she could possibly hide it. Or, even more, of who I might ask to find it for me if I can't. That's not the police.
"Because you were asking me some really directed questions. Which means either I've done something that makes you think I have something to do with it, or that you think I know something. Or the whole 'I don't know anything' answer at first would probably have ruled me out."
I'm not. Really meaning to be a brat. Not really. Shaking my head quickly.
"No, we haven't left the country since July. And it wasn't to London or Greece."
When I'd finally gotten my Mom to take me to Greece, after years and years of harassing, it had been longer ago than that. And I sure hadn't talked to anyone there since then.
"I want to go home. But. I have a couple friends I could call. If i really have to go somewhere else."
Friends that I'm pretty sure are more badass than me. Or at least know what they're doing. But I'm not going to throw them under the bus. Maybe most people would want to hang out here, and wait for an update. Honestly I do. Not as much as I think I need to hunt for whatever this package was, though.
DIANA: Diana had to hide the smile that wanted to dance on her lips at the moment. Spencer had put himself in that position, but she lead them there slightly. It just took some prodding but she didn't think he would actually suspect, Cassie, not like that, but it was done it was out there. She knew that she that it was not going to be a pleasant car ride home.
"Alright." Detective Spencer let it hang there letting words fill in the pause there. That's how she wanted to play it. "We'll get two uniform to take you home and a patrol car out there. It's what the agent believes is necessary." He believed it was necessary also but he was hoping that she would stay elsewhere.
Diana said nothing. She nodded letting Spencer play his hand. He wanted it, he could have it. Reaching for her purse she produced a card with a number on passing it to Cassie. "I can be reached at this number at all times. If there's anything you remember or if you need to talk call me." She offered looking towards Detective Spencer while he reached into pocket to retrieve his wallet.
"Yeah, same. If anything happens you call 9-1-1. Don't try to be a hero." Don't get yourself killed he wanted to tell her, but he left it unsaid. "I still think you should stay with someone. It's what you're mom would want." He told her.
"If there is someone that can come over we can get them on the phone and over to you. I'm pretty sure Agent Prince can pull a few strings get her people watching you too." There was a bit of a smirk there along with a sideways glance.
Diana offered nod. "Already done. First thing that I did actually. Making sure that there was no one at the home when Ms. Sandsmark left to come here and they've been sitting there making sure that nothing out of the ordinary happened. They're not going anywhere anytime soon. You can count of that."
With that she offered Cassie her hand an shook it when Cassie took her hand. "We're going to do everything we can to find the people who did that, Ms. Sandsmark. That is a promise, but Detective Spencer is correct. Avoid any unnecessary risks."
SUPERBOY: "Ahem."
Not quite the 'Flashy' entrance, but it'll do. What with hanging over the heads of those gathered, hovering really. Arms folded for dramatic effect, to perhaps add to the look of having red and glowing eyes, a tailored flashy glowing uniform. Oh, and Government Credentials.
Those Credentials, are offered on as I come to a landing next to Cassie and Prince, "I think that Mrs. Sandmark's daughter has quite enough people 'Watching' her right now."
Despite the clear case of being young, visibly younger than Cassandra in fact, the credentials identify me as a Field Operative under the head of N.O.W.H.E.R.E. A government sponsored task force, meant to very specifically deal with troubled meta-humans. Specifically those whom fall in the 'Under-Aged' criteria more often than not.
"If you have any further questions for her or her mother, please contact the Director. His number is on the card." A nod, simply given to Cassandra. "We'll be in touch shortly, Ms. Sandmark. To discuss updating your Profile from our last talk."
CASSANDRA: You've...already had people at my house? Okay. I'll let you guys know if I go anywhere. Obviously."
I bet I could get out the back door without them noticing. Maybe even the front door before they could actually catch me. But I don't think in front of a patrol car is the best time to start testing out what I can, and can't do. A normal, boring girl would of course cooperate with the police. Of course, a normal girl would likely be a whole lot more in panic mode than I am. What can I say. Mom didn't raise a wuss. The look that crosses my face when Detective Spencer tells me what my Mom wants is indignant, and I almost start to tell him he doesn't know a thing about what my Mother would want for me. But. I realize he's just trying to comfort me. Or prod me into something they want to make it easier to keep me safe. Hah. But if they saw me leave... I hope they didn't really. Not with the way I took off.
"Uh huh."
No heroics from me. Nosireebob. Right. Because every other time I'd been in trouble I'd sure stopped to phone for backup. Taking the card, and tucking it into my jeans, and then the offered hand which I shake. Gently.
"I'll call if I think of anything."
Best I think I can offer. I'd go try and figure it out myself but if what they've said is true, I'm not going to have anything to go off. They've got a pattern partially established and that hasn't helped them. I have nothing to go on. Except maybe what's in that box. The throat clearing from overhead makes me flinch and take a step backwards. And then sigh. God. I have got to start paying more attention.
"Conner."
I think I need to put a bell on him. Then he wouldn't keep sneaking up on me. Like it'd matter. He's probably faster than the speed of sound. So unfair.
"Um. Alright. I'll be at my house."
DIANA: Diana was ready to depart as there were people that needed to be briefed about her progress, but before she could make a quick exit her shifted towards the voice that came from above. Was there anything that needed to be said? No, not really. When she looked over the credentials it said it all. It said enough.
"Who the hell..." Detective Spencer started to ask, but a look from Diana cut him off. This was not the time. This was above her head and she knew it. It was also problematic as she was attempting to prevent Cassie from exposing herself, but from the way that N.O.W.H.E.R.E's operative was handling himself and addressing Cassie the two were acquainted. The situation had been assessed and it wasn't the place or time.
"Of course." She wanted to grit her teeth, but she didn't. Instead she offered a polite nod to Superboy or Conner as Cassie addressed him turning to Cassie second.
"Yes. They've only been watching to make sure there are no further incidents, but it seems that my precautions were unnecessary. It seems that N.O.W.H.E.R.E is keeping their eye on you. Can't get any better than that." She wanted to say more, but she had said enough. The situation had gone from bad to worse. Protocols were going to be in effect which meant that the next time she saw Cassie she would have to be a little more forthcoming in her reasons.
However for the moment Diana offered a polite smile and watch Cassie go.
"She's one of them isn't see," Detective Spencer got out once everyone was out of earshot.
"I'm sorry that's classified and above your pay grade."
SUPERBOY: "Prince, right? And Detective Spencer. I'll have one of the techs note your full cooperate in the Reports. " Reports. Those are the things that people who can't be in the field do, while people like me get wear flashy uniforms and act all important. When I could be at home watching Pamela Anderson Roast re-runs on Comedy Central. "Thanks again."
Turning just slightly to make sure that Cassie is on her way, unaccounted by the police or.. whatever Prince is, before flashing a trademark smile at Diana. "You know, for an older gal, you have a great set of ... glasses. Right. I'll be going."
Up up and away or something like that.
CASSIE: I expected some sort of pissing contest. Apparently just because I had never heard of this agency of his, it didn't mean everyone else hadn't. Guess I need to pull my head out. But. Apparently that is the end of it. Maybe I won't have as much surveilence, and a street full of police cars to make everyone wonder what was going. Maybe I'll get out of school for the rest of the week.. I don't want to deal with the other girls right now. Maybe Mom did raise a tiny bit of a wuss.
This is me, walking away and rolling my eyes at Superboy. I'll be irritated over all of this later. Right now I've got a package to find, and since he's just let my cat out of the bag... I don't wait for the police escort. I head off down the sidewalk at a run, and then get my butt home the same way I got it here. In the air.