Cruelty Is Bitter Bane Log 3

[x-dominion.livejournal.com]

Julian and Kane meet with the family



The DeMattis home was better referred to as a mansion; a sprawling affair on the outskirts of the city. Walter DeMattis had made his money in industrial plastics and foam originally, before branching off into a dozen different construction related industries. He'd made close to a half billion before a heart attack forced him to sell his majority shares. But for the last twenty years, he sat on dozens of boards, including several with the senior Keller, which had turned into a distant but consistent friendship. With the kidnapping of Devon, Walter had initially worked with the police but once a note had been received from the kidnapper, he'd stopped, obviously warned off that any help would be taken out on his son.

Which was why he'd called Julian in. It wasn't just the connection through his father or having a powerful telekinetic asset. Julian had grown up as a part of their entitled society. He spoke 'rich' in a way that Kane never could. He was gambling that might make Walter share some details.

"So, do we knock or..."

Julian repressed the urge to smirk at Garrison's question, they'd already been let in the front gate and had made an appointment- a moment later, a well dressed man opened the door for them. Stepping inside, Julian adjusted his tie slightly, ensuring it was straight, "We're here to see Walter, please take us to him."

After a brief moment, which Julian suspected was the hired help taking in the measure of the strangers (Julian had never been to the DeMattis Estate), the servant nodded and gestured for them to follow as he led them down the corridors. "I've never been to Devon's place before- we've only seen each other at various fundraisers...though we did sneak away from that charity ball in Chicago and convinced some college girls that- ah...to be continued." They rounded the corner into a well appointed sun-room; the DeMattis' were waiting for them, a platter of finger foods and a tray of cocktails were laid out on a nearby table.

"Walter, Kate," his face became a mask of concern as he crossed the room and hugged Devon's mother, and shook the hand of his friend's father. "I am so, so sorry."

"Julian. It's so good to see you. How did you-"

"Mister Keller contacted us regarding your son's kidnapping after it was leaked to the media, Mrs. DeMattis. He asked if he could help in any way. We thought that maybe talking to someone who knew Devon... well."

"I couldn't just stay in the city, I insisted on coming along," Julian took a drink from a tray on a nearby table. "I apologize for the subterfuge, I know you thought this was a business meeting. Keeping up appearances then?"

Devon's father had paled slightly, he kept glancing at the agent, then back to Julian, "We...we were told not to contact the police...if the kidnappers find out that you're here...."

"Mister DeMattis, I'm an agent with the FBI and I am here unofficially. There is no way for anyone to tell that we've spoken." Kane said, placating the man. The last thing he wanted was them feeling tricked.

Kate wiped her eyes, swollen with tears. "We just want Devon to be safe. I don't care about the money. He can have it as long as he brings back my son."

Walter put an arm around his wife, pulling her close, "They haven't even given us a dollar amount yet...they just said to wait and that they'd be in touch shortly."

Julian put a hand on Kate's shoulder, "Agent Kane is the absolute best at this sort of thing- he has some questions for you, I think...right?" The young scion took another sip of his drink while he waited for the team leader to respond.

"Look, Mister and Mrs. DeMattis, it is your right to refuse to cooperate with police regarding the kidnapping. All that we're asking is for a few answers regarding your son and when the kidnapper contacts you, the details regarding the demands. I promise we won't interfere past that."

It took a long moment, but they finally nodded.

"Thank you. Now, your son Devon... was his mutation obvious?"

Taking a seat on a nearby couch, Walter let out a long sigh, "No, Devon's prob...um, his mutation, wasn't obvious. We encouraged him to keep things quiet, but, he slipped up sometimes."

Julian took a seat on a chair near them, trying not to roll his eyes. "He kept it quiet enough; I didn't know he was a mutant- what was his gift?"

"Gift..." Kate made a disgusted noise. "When he got mad, he could make things shake. Not dangerously, but it was noticeable. Knock things off shelves, turn over a chair, that sort of thing. He was playing in a house league basketball game on the campus a couple of months ago, got fouled without getting the call and... well, no one was hurt but his secret was out. That's why he was transferring to UCLA this fall, to get away from the looks and the whispers."

"So your son had been outed. Which is likely why he was targeted. Can you tell us anything about how he was taken?"

"The police found his car parked in front of a gas station convenience store. The clerk said he came in, bought a Red Bull and gum, and hung around the front of the store talking to an older man with light hair. Then he lost track of them both."

"Since his ability became public knowledge," Julian shifted slightly. "Had anyone new come into your son's life- someone who maybe matched that description the clerk gave?"

Walter shook his head, "He moved back, but was never really here. I don't know where he was...I wish I'd asked him, but we were both so mad at each other."

"You can't blame yourselves, Mr DeMattis. These things have nothing to do with your relationship with your son. Someone saw him as a target to make money off of, period." Kane didn't want to mention the other possibility. In the United States, kidnapping for money was a rare crime, in part because the FBI normally came down with every resource and tactic that they'd learned in 90 years. It was like the failure of the Lindburgh baby case had branded something deep into the institutional thinking of the Bureau. Most kidnappings these days were predatory in nature; normally sexual and unless found without 48 hours, typically ended with the death of the victim.

"You've made the decision to deal with the kidnapper. I am not going to try and dissuade you." Especially since it wasn't his case. "But I'd like you to carry a spare phone with an open line to me. We won't do anything to interfere with their instructions. It's just that... kidnappings have a way to evolve. It's not like a business transaction and they may decide that taking you or taking your wife at the drop off is a way to make more money. We can help protect you against that."

"And..." Walter shifted slightly, "you really think you can help?"

Julian nodded, "Agent Kane is the best, if anyone can find him, his team can." He was only boasting a little- he'd seen what Professor Logan could do with his nose. "You're in good hands."