Chapter Text
Nikki glanced up from where she was sat beside Clarissa, the two women banding together to mess with Jack, who currently had his head in his hands and was obviously wondering just why he’d ever introduced them to each other. Both of them enjoyed winding him up separately, but together they were a force to be reckoned with. “Think we’ve done enough?” Nikki asked with a smirk as Clarissa shook her head.
“Nope, not nearly enough. I was promised Michelin stars, not Chez Jack. This is the least of what he deserves.” Clarissa glared at the forensic scientist for good measure. “Now, did I ever tell you about the time Jack ended up in a tutu?”
Nikki burst into giggles as Jack groaned. “No. Please tell me you have pictures.”
“What do you take me for? Of course I do.” Clarissa’s hand had just touched her mouse when Thomas appeared from his office, focused awkwardly on a sheaf of papers in his hand. All three in the main office looked up at the boss as he paused in front of them. “Thomas?” Clarissa prompted curiously.
Thomas glanced up, worry and curiosity covering his features. “We’ve been asked to take on a case.”
“Where?” Jack asked, already up and out of his seat to collect his kit. It had been a long couple of days since the last case had been wrapped up and he was bored. Plus it got him away from the two women ganging up on him. Nikki fought the urge to roll her eyes at him, something Clarissa didn’t bother to hide.
“Budapest.” Nikki’s eyes widened and her heart sank with Thomas’ announcement. She slumped into her seat even as Jack’s excitement increased.
“I can’t.” She murmured, gripping the armrests of her chair tightly. Memories of the last time she’d gone to Budapest threatened to overwhelm her, the despair, the horror, the relief, the terror. All crashing down at once. She couldn’t go back there. She just couldn’t. It wasn’t even solely because of the memories she had either. The authorities in Hungary had strongly ‘advised’ that she, Harry and Leo were to never set foot back in Budapest without one hell of an excuse. None of them had argued because at that point, none of them wanted to be in that country any longer than they had to. The authorities certainly wouldn’t take kindly to her return to Hungary for some run of the mill crime scene or case. Particularly as she’d been the one to lie to the police’s face, to falsify forensic evidence. Hardly inspiring confidence that she wouldn’t do it all over again. They’d probably arrest her as soon as she stepped off the plane just so they knew where she was the entire time.
“Sorry?” Thomas’ tone was hard, unyielding. She knew he didn’t take well to being challenged for no good reason. “They want us all out there.”
“I can’t.” Nikki repeated, her voice a little stronger. “I’m not allowed back in Budapest without express permission.”
“What did you do?” Jack asked her in awe. “Kill a guy?”
“Hindered a police investigation, lied to the authorities, harboured a fugitive, falsified forensic evidence.” Nikki ticked each one off on her fingers as though she was reciting a shopping list.
“Jesus Nikki.” Clarissa breathed out. “How the hell did all that happen? It sounds nothing like you.”
Nikki shrugged. “Blame Harry. He was accused of killing his girlfriend, went on the run and faked his own death to find the real killer. The Budapest authorities are still a little pissed off with both of us.”
“Shit.” Jack summed it up neatly. “Sometimes I wonder how everyone thinks you’re so rule abiding.”
“It’s the pretty face.” Nikki smirked at him before turning back to Thomas solemnly. “Sorry Thomas, but I really won’t be able to go there with you.”
“Any other countries you’re blacklisted from?” Thomas queried wearily.
Nikki shook her head. “No. Just Hungary. Like I said, blame Harry.”