FSE

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By Saturday the city had mostly dug itself out of the accumulated snow from the storm. Jeremy went to his regular training session with Alex. For the first half hour the red panda focused on Jeremy's talent before switching to his self defense training. At the end of the two hour session Alex advised that Jeremy begin exercising his talent only for short periods, to start testing the true extent of his ability. He made it clear that he take it slow and not overtax his reserves but even slightly pushing himself would likely expand his capacity.

Jeremy made his way home avoiding the remaining slush from the storm. There were a few stores and businesses closed but many others as well as The Floor had been back in business. Jeremy's schedule was now filled with two to three clients a night. Jenna seemed to feel he was ready after his performance during the rush ahead of the storm. He could always do Bureau work from his tablet from anywhere.

The next Monday, Allen Alversten surprised him by calling and asking to meet and share a meal. Jeremy agreed to meet him for lunch the next day. The cat refused to say what he wanted to meet for over the phone. He sounded worried. Jeremy felt bad about not contacting him earlier, either as himself or Dominic.

Jeremy arrived at the small diner first and took a table. He watched through the windows and spotted the cheetah walking toward the door. As he passed the windows he saw Jeremy sitting and smiled to him. Allen came in and slid into the seat across from him and stared.

"Shit, you're huge."

Jeremy smiled. The cheetah had to look up at him from across the table. "Well, you knew I'm a dominant. We tend to be a bit larger than normal."

"Yeah, I know, but seeing it with someone I know, its really, I don't know. Its just amazing." Allen said looking Jeremy over.

They chatted and ordered. Jeremy remembered the cheetah's habits enough to know he'd have to patiently wait until the food arrived before Allen would finally come to the point of the meeting.

True to form after taking three mouthfuls from his meal Allen said "The rat that that I told you about, he struck again."

"What do you mean?" Jeremy said wondering if the fox had survived long enough to be rescued.

"The cops are looking for him in connection to the disappearance of five people from the subway."

Jeremy shook his head "How do they know he had anything to do with their disappearance?"

"From what I hear he was caught on camera luring the five missing people out of the subway."

Jeremy ate a few mouthfuls while waiting for the cheetah to say anything more. Finally he asked "How do you know this anyway?"

"The cops have been hassling rats everywhere. Usually they don't care too much when people go missing, but it seems he took out a dominant this time."

Jeremy stopped eating at the mention and stared at the cheetah. "Who?"

"Some Jackal by the name of Jerimus Green. He actually had a reputation even before this. He's been suspected in several other disappearances." The cat looked up at Jeremy and added "I guess karma was on duty that night."

"So, this rat took on five people and won."

The cheetah nodded as he slurped up a mouthful of noodle. Once he swallowed he remarked "Yeah, and one of them a dominant." He looked at Jeremy closely. "There's more too."

"Oh?" Jeremy said.

Leaning forward over his bowl the cheetah leaned close. "This rat, Dominic, he can change people to ferals." Allen whispered.

Jeremy lowered his head and rubbed his eyes with a paw. "Really, Allen?" He guessed his act didn't need to be too convincing.

"No, really. I have proof." He said as he started digging in his pocket.

Jeremy watched as he pulled out his phone. Allen tinkered with it for a few seconds and turned it so Jeremy could watch.

Allen had recorded a video of the crow Dominic had giving him to care for. He could hear Allen's voice ask the bird his name. The phone tracked the movement of the bird as he slowly picked up scrabble tiles and placed them out in a line to spell his name.

"Its just a trick." Jeremy said, guessing that as the typical reaction of someone who'd not know the truth.

"No, watch."

Allen's paw reached into the frame and scattered the tiles. He asked the same question and the bird reset the tiles in the same name. Again Allen scattered the tiles and asked the bird who had changed him. He spelled out 'RAT'.

Allen stopped the video and sat back as he pocketed his phone. "I have more at home on my computer. Hours of them. I have the whole story pieced together. Its just that, this rat, he shrank me too. I can't risk going to the cops. I'll end up like him, or worse."

Jeremy sat looking at Allen and employed his talent.

As unexpected as it was Allen's coming forward worked right into his plans. Instead of a bunch of rats protesting and making things worse with civil disobedience Dominic could gain credibility from the authorities. He'd recently reconsidered how Dominic would use the threat of his power through PATOMES as a disincentive to the predators in the city.

If Allen had that much proof he played right into Jeremy's recent plans with the Dominic situation. The cheetah had possession of the crow long enough, it was likely that he had the predator's whole story and could pass it on to the police. If word got out, even leaked rumors then Dominic's creatures in the park might also be spotted and seen for what they were.

The cat was terrified of Dominic, however. That much was clear. He also wanted to go to the police but his fear held him back. Jeremy guessed the cheetah was coming to him for help. He remembered the two officers that had treated him well after the fight at the academy. He could get in touch with them and arrange for Allen to meet with them.

He had always wondered what the police really thought of the recent disappearances. There would have been no way he could ask without arousing at least some suspicion. Now that Allen had provided a plausible reason for contacting the police he could arrange to stay involved. As a dominant, he could reasonably be expected to keep in touch with the investigation by way of helping out a friend.

Jeremy eased back to normal perspective. He'd spent several subjective minutes thinking the situation over in the blink of an eye.

"I know of a pair of detectives. They might be able help. I could see if they'd treat you like, what is it they call it? Confidential informant. No one would know who you are but them."

"Could you? I just want to turn everything over. Thats all."

"I'll get in touch with them and get back to you."

The cheetah sat back in his seat obviously relieved. "That would be great. I've been at my wits end with this Dominic situation."

"How is he able to do such a thing?"

"Fuck if I know." Allen said lowing his voice and leaning forward. "Magic, voodoo, whatever it is he does, its real."

Jeremy hummed.

"You know, as smart as you are, maybe you can figure out what it is he does. Maybe even put a stop to him."

"I don't know. Seems like the cops are going to catch up to him eventually." Jeremy said.

"Someone like that, as dangerous as he is, the only way he'll ever be stopped is by a bullet." Allen replied.

Jeremy stared at the cheetah. He hadn't thought out that far, but he was right. "He's just as likely to feel the heat and disappear never to be seen again."

"Oh, thats great. Just what I'd need." Allen practically moaned.

"Not to worry. I doubt he'd risk coming back if that eventuality happens."

Allen brightened. "Yeah, he's smart. Only stupid criminals risk getting caught by retuning to the scene of the crime."

"Is that what you learned in the academy?"

Allen laughed. "No, from television."

"Thats good." Jeremy commented smiling back at the cheetah. "Finish your soba, these are too good to let go to waste."

The cheetah was happy to let the subject drop and slowly got back into his meal. Jeremy watched the cat finish his meal and after paying said his farewells. Back at his apartment he started trying to contact the two detectives. After finding his number Jeremy called Detective Jensen.

The ferret answered with what sounded a formulaic greeting.

"Sir, this is Jeremy Dawn. You may remember me from a few years ago. We met while I was being treated after a fight at Takahashi Academy."

"Sir, yes, I do remember you. How can I help, sir?" Jeremy could hear a good deal of background noise. The detective was clearly in an open office setting.

"Well, I had a friend come to me for help in approaching someone on the force. He has information on someone he said goes by the name Dominic. He's more than a little afraid of him though. He asked for a meeting so that he could provide what he has while his involvement remains confidential."

"Just what kind of information does he have?" The ferret asked.

"He's shown me a video where one of Dominic's victims gave his name as Will Jenkins."

"Just a moment." The detective said.

Jeremy could hear faint tapping sounds, likely from a computer keyboard.

"He happens to be listed as missing." Jenkins said almost to himself. "That still not enough verification that Dominic was involved."

"Well, this is going to sound unbelievable but the video I saw was of a bird using scrabble tiles to communicate." Jeremy said and listened to silence for several seconds. "Are you still there?" He asked.

"Certainly. Under such circumstances we meet in a motel room so that they wouldn't be seen entering the station. Is he comfortable enough giving me his phone number to arrange such a meeting?"

"I could give him your number to speed things along, if that's appropriate?"

"That's fine. I'll await his call. Thanks for your help Mister Dawn. Its also good to hear from you despite the circumstances."

"Thank you sir." Jeremy replied. "I'll give him your number."

They disconnected and Jeremy dialed Allen.

"Jeremy?" The cheetah asked as he answered the call.

"Yes, I just talked with Detective Jensen. He's expecting a call from you. He's willing to meet at a hotel so you don't have to go in to the police station to talk with him."

"Okay. Thats a good idea."

"Here's his number. Ready?" Jeremy said and waited for the feline to give the go ahead. He recited the ferret's number waiting again for Allen to acknowledge receiving it.

"Got it. Um, if its not too much to ask, could you be there too?"

"What? Me? Why?" Jeremy asked, doing his best to act surprised at the request. He'd been hoping to find some way to stay involved and Allen had just insured that.

"I, well, I'm a little uncomfortable going by myself. I hate to admit this but I only feel safe with you around."

"Allen, you're a carnivore, a cheetah. There's hardly any reason for you to be afraid." Jeremy said.

"I know but, Dominic took out my friends. You know, those guys that tried to prey on you. The crow I showed you in the video was one of them."

"Fuck." Jeremy said trying to put as much feigned surprise and empathy in his voice he could. "Okay," He continued "I can make the time." Allen had brought him into the situation just as he'd hoped.

"Thanks. You have no idea how relieved that makes me feel."

"Okay, let me know when you set up the meeting. I can adjust my schedule."

"Thanks Jeremy. I will." Allen said his voice still full of emotion.

Jeremy said his farewells and ended the call. He tried to get back to the Bureau work but his mind kept returning to Dominic. Giving the police information about Dominic was a double edged sword. Some of it was likely to get out through leaks and press statements. On the other hand there would be a lot more pressure brought to bear in finding Dominic. Considering he only had to be that persona when he needed to be brought a smile to Jeremy's face.

Jeremy got a return call from Allen in less than half an hour. The meeting was scheduled for that night at eleven. Allen gave him the hotel and address. Jeremy was able to promise to be there. His last appointment for the night was at eight.

He was able to get most of the Bureau work done before it was time to head to The Floor. His night went almost as usual. He instead pushed to satisfy his last client sooner than normal while being careful in not seeming to rush them out the door. He was finished turning his studio well before half past ten giving him plenty of time to make the appointment with Allen and Detective Jenkins.

* * * *

South of Virginia is Carolina. The borders are somewhat the same as we know as North Carolina from the Atlantic all the way west until Charlotte. The city is split by the border with Appalachia to the east and also to the south. This leaves Carolina as one of the smallest nations in the east.

It is also one of the weakest. Carolina was never an economic powerhouse at any time in its recent history.

At the time the Virginian governors began their long term plan to gain power Carolina started a series of wars with Appalachia to the south. At first they saw some success in raiding to the south and grew to encroach well to the south. After a number of years their enemies to the south gained the upper hand and not only regained lost territory but pushed north. Carolina eventually managed to halt Appalachia's advance and forced a stalemate. The southern border with Appalachia shifted to the north and south for several generations but time was not on Carolina's side.

Carolina eventually found itself between two enemies that were both outgrowing them in strength and population. In the end they chose to become a vassal state to Virginia in a bid to stave off falling to their long term enemy, Appalachia.

Carolina never recovered even after regaining their freedom after the Continental Wars.