time is running out

SSA BODE JAMES. 41. FBI. WILMINGTON [RP ACCOUNT]

[emberleon]

ember inhaled a deep breath. she couldn't help but wonder if this whole thing was ever going to be solved or if her kidnapper was just going to continue roaming around wilmington as though they'd done nothing wrong. "what connections? i mean, kimberly makes sense because she works with irza but benji?" she had no idea why they'd snatched him up but she was curious to know what they were thinking. "i mean, i've been working for the parks department since i got out of college so, i've worked with other mayors. none as close as irza but i've still worked with them."

[bodexjames]

"We're still figuring out Mr. Cho's situation and reason behind his being taken, but I can't exactly share them Ms. Leon." Bode explained with a shake of his head. He had multiple theories, one or two of them involved that Benji was simply at the wrong place, at the wrong time. "Multiple administrations, okay. Have you felt safe recently or is there anything that we can do to make it better?"

[nikhilxkohli]

Nikhil listened as the other told him about what got him into the career he had now. Personally he loved hearing everyone’s individual stories because he knew everyone had their own personal reasons and it was always a great insight to figure out why people did the things they did. As Bode explained what made him choose this life, Nik found himself nodding along with him. “That’s really..inspiring, but um--how's your mom doing now?” he asked before giving the other a smile. “So you almost fell into this particular career but you’re still helping people so that works,” he smiled at the other man before chuckling at his words and nodding. “I am very free from now until April so you let me know when and we’ll make it happen.” 

[bodexjames]

Bode shrugged slightly. He couldn't lie and say his mother was just fine, truthfully, he felt like she'd never really been. But Nikhil didn't have to get all the details and how messed up his childhood had been. "She was institutionalized when I was a teenager, sadly has been there since then." Bode explained, his words coming out almost rehearsed. "Oh, do y'all not play during the cold seasons? Smart, but that means you have quite the short season, right?"

[nicolemcrtin]

“Just a tiny bit.” Her index finger and thumb were held up in a small gesture as she whispered playfully. She couldn't help feeling like there was something lingering there under the surface. Something more than just the circumstances of this impromptu reunion that had him at her door. Perhaps it had nothing to do with her and everything to do with the fact they’d run into each other at the hospital and considering she were one of few people who could understand his father’s condition.. that was probably why he was here. “Well luckily I’m not busy. It’s just you and I. Unfortunately, there’s no dinner, though. Speaking of, have you eaten? Do you want anything?” She pulled one of the kitchen stools to sit, letting her gaze draft over him while he moved through the kitchen as if it were his own house. It all felt too familiar. Like a moment of deja vu–just like old times. That feeling only increased with the admission that his brain brought him here. "You know you're always welcome here." That was why she had given him a key, after all. "Do you want to tell me about it?" The smile on her lips was soft, as she intently listened to Bode explain. "I know it's hard living away from family, friends, everyone you love. You're stuck missing people and a place, meanwhile, their life is still going."

[bodexjames]

"Guess now that you said that I'll have to change my entire personality." Bode teased, rolling his eyes at himself. It was so easy to fall back into something with Nicole. It had nothing to do with Bode's situation and everything to do with who she was in his world and life. He'd never really stopped thinking about her which would explain why and how they'd ended up together not once but twice in their lifetime. Be it as his friend or as his partner, Bode would always think of her as a huge part of his life. Probably one of the few people that new him inside out. He poured the wine into two glasses and turned around to hand her one of them. "I honestly can't remember the last time that I ate. If you're hungry we could order something." Bode offered as he moved to sit next to her, only adding to that sense of familiarity he had when he was at her place. His eyes fell on her before he took a sip of wine, trying to find the right words. "Well, you said it yourself, some things have changed since...I was here." He replied and then sighed, nodding his head. "There's been 0 changes regarding the biggest case in town, it's frustrating because I feel like I have seen this type of behavior before and I can't put my finger on it. I have this other case that I need a consultant for, I've been doing research, it's a pretty rough one so I've almost hit a dead end. And then obviously, it's the holidays, so I know I have to visit my mother soon. I don't know why time only makes it harder to see her but it feels like that. And now that I've unloaded my existential crisis on you, you should know dinner is definitely on me."

[maliaxwoodard]

Malia giggled until her whole body shake. She lost it at glitter rules - this guy was way cooler than she expected. “At least you know how to set rules. My place looks like a craft store went wild and threw up everywhere.” She pictured Leilani in the most ridiculous combo - tiny space suit plus pink tutu. Hilarious. When he dropped the FBI bomb, she totally didn’t see that coming. Zero bragging, zero showing off - what a refreshing change. “That FBI thing is seriously cool.” He was like a walking episode of Criminal Minds but without the ego trip. She wondered if he could tell how hard she was trying to play it cool - because inside she was totally geeking out like a true crime podcast junkie. His take on ladders and electricity got her good. “For real though … it’s like pick your poison, death by falling or death by zap. Good thing you’re basically a human ladder.” She watched him hunt for those lightbulbs, super grateful he turned out to be such a normal dude. Being five-foot-two usually made her feel like a total shrimp, but this guy? Sweetheart vibes.

[bodexjames]

"I mean, you do have a child. I am a man that lives by himself and works some really dumb hours. Most days I'll be lucky if I go home and don't have to spend the night at the office. Home rules are easy to follow like that." Bode reminded her with a small shrug. He'd never really dreamed of what most people considered everyone's dream; to own a house, a family with kids, a 9 to 5 job. Bode had always been more eclectic in that sense, where his happiness was more tied to the people that he loved than his dreams. "Thanks, I really love it. I mean, some of the things I see can be a lot but I like helping." Bode admitted with an easy shrug. He had always embraced his career as something he loved to do and to be a part of rather than his job, honestly. It helped to through the tougher times. Laughing lightly at her words, Bode looked up at some of the lightbulbs hanging over them. "I feel like that's very funny because I know people that are taller than me. But while we're here, do you need me to get you any of these?"

[bodexjames]

closed stater for @siennachavcz

location: ordinary tea shop

Being back in town sometimes felt like nostalgia never ended for Bode. He loved visiting, but this was the longest he had been in Wilmington in two years and reconnecting with people could be strange and difficult, even for someone like him, who had strong communication skills. He hadn't seen Sienna in a while, despite the text here and there to check on each other. So as he sat opposite her, a warm lavender green tea and his laptop on the table, Bode eyed her playfully. "You can't access my laptop from that side of the table, can you?" he teased lightly, grinning. "When I said we should go get some coffee, I meant coffee, not working, you know that right?"

[bodexjames]

"Thanks, Chief. I do appreciate your trust and I will do my best" He offered her a warm smile, thinking about her next words. Bode was officially curious. Whoever was behind the Tattler account had never really been portrayed as someone with morals or principles, so them taking such a stand from an announcement that would only drive more people to their website seemed very outside of the profile that Bode had in mind for them. "Credibility, morals, questions. I wouldn't think these were things that would matter to whoever is behind the Tattler."

Bode nodded slowly, maybe the Mayor should be one of his first visits. By the sound of this, he and the people around him were a target. Two very close victims. "Have you talked to him about this yet?"

[gwendolynwcde-archived]

Without a doubt, she trusted Bode’s capabilities and expected nothing less. She could only hope that with his work, it would be the breakthrough she needed. “It’s odd, but perhaps they do not want to face a life sentence of their own.” Nodding in response, Gwendolyn replied with, “I have, but he’s completely lost and confused on why this is happening. He hasn't been a direct target, instead it's the people that have been around him." Feeling her phone vibrate, she noticed the notification on her phone was from her staff advising her to head back for a meeting. Glancing back up at Bode, Gwendolyn handed her business card to him and said, "Duty calls, thanks again for the drink...Let's set up time so that I can onboard you in and you can start your own investigation." Pausing, she then pointed a finger at him and said, "But first, sort out the stuff with your family and then come to me, alright?" With that being said, she bid her goodbyes to Bode and headed back to work.

[ END. ]

[nikhilxkohli]

"Oh yeah? I think it's that does actually make me feel better," he told the other with a grin as he wondered what got the man into the career he was in now. He seemed like he had the body type for a strong athlete for sure. "I've gotta ask though--what made you choose the career you have now then? Was it the bookworm side of you?" He liked knowing what had people choosing their careers only because his had felt destined since a young age so he'd never really had to experience that dilemma so many people had to go through. "I mean I don't practice as much as a few warm up rounds on the treadmill. In my sport we do need a little bit of running of course but it's not the priority with my training." Truly his long legs made it easy for him to do the running between wickets when he needed to. A smile was on his face as the other admitted to not knowing cricket was big in America. He wasn't wrong of course. "It's not--that's why I'm here to help it get it's importance on this side of the world," he grinned before nodding in eagerness. "I'd love to try and teach you man, I love sharing the love for the sport whenever I get a chance."

[bodexjames]

Bode thought about his question for a moment, trying to come up with the right words. "My mom was really sick when I was growing up and when we realized that she needed way more help than any of us could give it to her, I decided that I wanted to know everything I could to help her so I got my Psychology major first. Then I decided I wanted to help people and teaching did that. The FBI was just luck, honestly. I helped them with a case, a very important case and the rest is history." Bode hadn't thought about why he'd chose the career had until just now. And really, it had been a series of things that had led him to where he was now. Not just his decision. He smiled at the other man, nodding. "Well, I'm curious about it so that's one less person that doesn't know what cricket is now around here. Let me know when you're free and we can try it?"

[nicolemcrtin]

This was a moment where Nicole wished she could read his mind for an inkling of what this visit was about. Was it just to thank her or to maintain a friendship–for old times sake–or did he feel as pulled to her as she did to him? Her gaze remained fixed on him as he stepped inside, only shifting to the wine bottle when it was mentioned. "You didn't have to, but thank you. You know I'm used to stubborn patients. As well as stubborn James men." She murmured with a soft smile, watching as his eyes wandered to take in the house. "Some stuff has changed..since you've been here last." Her smile grew slowly as he continued on. She could have almost laughed at how different they were now, as if neither of them knew what to say or do anymore with their changing dynamic. "I'm not busy." The response came quickly, but her tone was steady with reassurance. Even if she had been busy, she'd have made the time. She figured he at least knew that much. "You know where the wine glasses are, those are still in the same place.” Her head nodded towards the kitchen as she started to lead him further inside.

[bodexjames]

"I'm stubborn? Wow." Bode smiled almost shyly as his eyes moved away from his surroundings and back to her. He tried not to let his eyes take her in like they normally would as she mentioned the last time that she was at her place, but he failed. It was strange; to feel like he knew so much about her, but so little at the same time. Bode resisted the urge to ask if things had changed just in her house or if they'd changed for her, too. Everything had changed for them, that was a fact that they were both aware of and whatever they were right now was a mystery that Bode wasn't sure how to solve. "I like the changes. I should have called though. What if you were having dinner with someone or something? We haven't really talked in a while." Bode shook his head as he smiled, following her into the kitchen. "I think I just had a really long day and my brain just brought me here honestly." He admitted as he turned away, opening the cabinet and working on getting the bottle of wine opened to avoid saying it had brought him to her, like it always seemed to do. "It's the one thing that sucks about my job, you know? Realizing how much things can change when I'm not around here. Distance isn't easy."

[ltjames]

"Until then... what?" He asked out loud, "What do we do? Because I honestly don't know, man." This was apart of life, he knew that. He had to respect that, but something in him just simply wouldn't. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't. "What if he just wants to die? Do we just -- would the respectable thing be to just let him?" He asked, his voice barely a whisper. Sighing, he sat up, "Man, this is so fucked." He glanced at his brother, his eyes taking in the man who had become his hero. Apart of him was relieved to hear him say that, but the other part still had its doubts. "That's good. We've missed you around here." He stated, forcing s small smile at his older brother. The forced smile fell from his face completely at the response about their mother. "Yeah -- yeah, of course. She'll be glad to see you."

[bodexjames]

Bode thought about it for a few seconds, nodding. "Until then, we are there for each other and when one of us needs a break, the other one takes care of it, bro." They were both lost, in a lot of ways, Bode felt like they always had been. Their family had never had it easy, it was hard to remain optimistic after witnessing some of the things that the James' brothers had at such a young age, but giving up wasn't an option, no matter how much their father wanted to do just that. "I don't know, I think he's just in pain, and we just have to be patient and hear him out and be there for him." Bode smiled softly at LT's words and then nodded, looking away. It was never easy to see their mother, Bode actually saw her less when he was younger, as an adult he had the excuse of not being in town. "Look, you're always around and I'm not, I'm gonna take some of the weight off you, okay? And things suck right now, I get it. But you have me, bro."

[maliaxwoodard]

“Oh my gosh, you’re literally the nicest bulldozer I’ve ever met,” she said, her petite frame shaking with laughter. Looking up at him, she felt relieved by his gentle nature despite his imposing stature. “And thank you for the glitter warning - I should’ve led with that, right? It’s like my daughter discovered a glitter factory and decided our house needed a makeover.” Malia swept the broken bulb aside with her feet, thinking of Leilani’s space art on the fridge. “That’s seriously cool about your degrees though. I’ll tell Leilani she’s in good company with her big dreams. Maybe I should start planning for astronaut-ballerina-vet school tuition now,” she joked. “I’m betting you were that kid who had their whole life mapped out by kindergarten.” Unlike her, who spent most of her childhood escaping into books and dreaming of anywhere but home, this guy probably had his five-year plan laminated and color-coded. “Yeah, I’d love some help with those lights. My ladder-climbing skills are questionable at best.”

[bodexjames]

Despite constantly towering over people, Bode often heard people talk about him like Malia had just described him. He was gentle and kind, something that wasn't easy to see from afar. His job had hardened him the past few years, but he was used to hearing people be surprised by his demeanor. "Oh no. You're a great mother because I would simply never allow any glitter in my house, ever." He joked as he shook his head. "I mean, if she's that committed, she needs to get all the scholarships, you know? It'll be easy for a genius like her." Bode chuckled at her next words, scratching the back of his neck. "Not exactly. I wanted to be a professor and that's what I did. Then I, somehow, helped the FBI with a very important local case and they offered me a job. So that's where I am now." He admitted as he looked back at her and then looked away to try to find the lightbulbs he had been looking for. "Ladders suck though, I'll give you that and so does working with electricity in general."

[gwendolynwcde-archived]

“I’m open to new ideas.” Gwendolyn mused with a smile. Most knew her as Chief of Police and it’s only after where they come to find that she was once part of the Bureau. However, doing it head on and having an active agent do the digging might be a good change and makes it easier to get the work done. “I see what you mean, I feel like you’ll make more progress that’s for sure. Your skills and expertise are valued in my eyes and so I don’t expect anything less.” 

The questions Bode asked were not only valid, but unanswerable unless they were able to decipher who the Tattler has been. “I can only assume that their credibility matters more to them than remaining a mystery or moving in silence…They had to speak up.” At his next question, Gwendolyn nodded in response and said, “I do, but only during my tenure here. We developed a friendship overtime. He’s different from most of his past predecessors since he prioritizes and puts our community first…His assistant was one of two that were recently kidnapped during the Mayoral Ball and his girlfriend, was also a part of an attempted failed kidnapping...Instead of him becoming a casualty, it's the people around him."

[bodexjames]

"Thanks, Chief. I do appreciate your trust and I will do my best" He offered her a warm smile, thinking about her next words. Bode was officially curious. Whoever was behind the Tattler account had never really been portrayed as someone with morals or principles, so them taking such a stand from an announcement that would only drive more people to their website seemed very outside of the profile that Bode had in mind for them. "Credibility, morals, questions. I wouldn't think these were things that would matter to whoever is behind the Tattler."

Bode nodded slowly, maybe the Mayor should be one of his first visits. By the sound of this, he and the people around him were a target. Two very close victims. "Have you talked to him about this yet?"

[nikhilxkohli]

"It's definitely a bit too much for me," he admitted knowing that as an athlete if he had to incorporate it in his daily routine, he'd be able to--he just chose not to. "Yeah yeah, show off," Nik said with a laugh before shrugging, "I don't mean it like that--I just meant for my personal routine why they're more necessary," he said with a shrug before nodding, trying not to let it show how disappointed he was that his sport wasn't one people remembered. He'd tried hard to put it out there as often as he could but the truth was on this side of the world--football, soccer, baseball and basketball were more important. "Yeah no problem, I play cricket, it's a little bit like baseball, but um--not that similar either."

[bodexjames]

Bode chuckled, slowing down and working on getting his breath even again. "If it makes you feel better, I have always kind of enjoyed working out? Became more of a bookworm growing up but sports were definitely something I enjoyed growing up." He admitted easily. He was one of those natural born athletes in a way, Bode had ultimately chose academics for his life and eventually his career though. "So you don't do a lot of cardio?" He prodded, always being more curious than he needed to be, really. What made him so good at his job. "Cricket? Interesting. I didn't know that was a big sport here. Sounds like fun. Would you ever try to teach me?"

[bodexjames]

"With more family curses and supernatural things." Bode joked, not really meaning his words. Honestly, his life was more boring than anything these days, outside of his job at least. His dad was sick and Bode had moved back home where the ghosts of his past still brought feelings back to him and he kept trying to keep them at bay. Bode offered her an easy smile, nodding his head. "I appreciate it. But, uh, anyway, I'll get out of your way. I was just going to get some coffee when I ran into you. I hope you have a good rest of your day." He mumbled gently, not entirely sure of why she was at the hospital but also not wanting to ask and come off as rude. "It was nice to meet you, Elena."

[elenaxthompson]

“Ooh look at you, mixing the crime shows with the supernatural ones, I’m intrigued,” she said with a laugh, genuinely happy to have run into Bode. His sense of humour seemed like a rare thing with his career but she was actually amused by it. “Sounds good, enjoy your coffee.” Elena said with a smile as she gathered her documents slightly closer to herself, reminding herself of what had caused their interaction in the first place. “it was nice to meet you as well Bode, thanks for the help earlier.” She said before moving along and heading towards the elevators to head back to her place and go over the information she’d gotten. 

FIN.

[nicolemcrtin]

When the doorbell had rung, she had assumed it was a delivery. Or a neighbor. The last person she had expected to come face to face with when the door swung open was Bode. Still, a smile was quick to take over her lips. Had it been a few years ago, this encounter would usually have been extremely familiar. But instead of the way she would have immediately pulled him in for an embrace, she just stood there now. As if she were attempting to figure out how to interact with him after everything, like her brain was playing catch up with her delayed movements. "Hi," she finally breathed out, stepping aside from the doorway to make room for him to enter. "Come in."

[bodexjames]

"Hey," Bode smiled as soon as she opened the door and simply let him in. She didn't even ask why he was standing in front of her door, or if something was wrong. And that right there was part of why he always wondered if things would ever be really over between them, because it seemed surreal that two people that seemed to understand each other so well, wouldn't find their way back to each other. In any possible way. "Thanks. I-uh, brought you something. For trying with my dad. I know he's not the easiest to, you know, convince to do anything." He said as his eyes went everywhere around the house until they landed on her once again. He hated to admit how different it felt to be around her now, like he wasn't sure of who he could be with her yet this time around. "Sorry I didn't call, by the way. You're not busy, right? If you're busy I'll just drop off the bottle of wine and leave you to it. I kind of....I guess old habits die hard." By the time he finished his sentence, his voice was almost a whisper.

[elenaxthompson]

“So basically you’re saying it’s a little like Quantico, just not entirely…that’s probably a good thing,” she commented with a smile before nodding at his words. Perhaps it was a good thing he didn’t remember those theories that people came up with. Hearing them could only hinder the progress she’d made at trying to move past that tragic life event and she didn’t need that. Coming back to Wilmington was in itself a big step back in her eyes and if she focused too much on that aspect of her childhood—she didn’t think it would go too well for her. “Nah—that’s okay,” she commented before looking back at the direction he’d come from. “I’m sorry to hear about your father, I hope—he improves,” she nodded always a little socially awkward when it came to topics like these. She didn’t know if it was because of her own parental issues or something else but she tried her best to be compassionate even if it didn’t always show.

[bodexjames]

"With more family curses and supernatural things." Bode joked, not really meaning his words. Honestly, his life was more boring than anything these days, outside of his job at least. His dad was sick and Bode had moved back home where the ghosts of his past still brought feelings back to him and he kept trying to keep them at bay. Bode offered her an easy smile, nodding his head. "I appreciate it. But, uh, anyway, I'll get out of your way. I was just going to get some coffee when I ran into you. I hope you have a good rest of your day." He mumbled gently, not entirely sure of why she was at the hospital but also not wanting to ask and come off as rude. "It was nice to meet you, Elena."

[emberleon]

ember wasn't trying to be insensitive because she knew that others were actually kidnapped but she was trying to move on from the whole ordeal and forget that it ever even happened. that felt impossible though, even with the help she was seeking. all she could do was learn to cope with it. sighing once more, she nodded. "okay." she agreed. "what do you want to know about my job? i do the budgeting for the parks department, planning of events when it comes to government facilities and parks, help with other projects that may want to be done. i mean, nothing i do harms anyone..."

[bodexjames]

Nobody ever liked being asked questions, especially hard questions that came with memories of importance and that, more often than not, came with a lot of baggage. Bode tried to be tactful and not in people's faces, but sometimes it could be tough. "Criminals don't very often base their actions around morals or if you cause damage or not, even if they did, the person or people that tried to kidnap you don't fit that profile." He explained with a tilt of his head. "There's an obvious connection between you and the two other hostages, but that's very surface level, we're trying to redirect and exhaust all clues. Did you work closely with any other mayor?"

[gwendolynwcde-archived]

“I’ll be honest, I didn’t want it to come to that.” To have a mole inside their own justice system, let alone political one, was not only an annoyance, but it would put them in a situation where the reputational risk and the damage that came with it would be a problem. “That’s a good angle to look at, especially if they are the type to blend and be in the shadows.” Frowning slightly, Gwendolyn knew this would need to be looked into to confirm their suspicions and she could only hope that it led somewhere. 

“Appreciate your cooperation as always Bode.” This fresh set of eyes on the case was probably needed given the lack of progress her department has made on these investigations. “You know me and my take on the media, the majority of them are all pests and propaganda.” Shaking her head to his question, she then asked, “Aside from him being a Lawson and owner of Finishing touches—No, not really. Do you?” 

[bodexjames]

Bode nodded as he listened to her. He had to agree; he hated to think that their system was so broken that now someone with access to clues, information and people could be behind all this. "I know it's not ideal, but I will be looking into it more. Maybe if the FBI agent is asking the tough questions, instead of local law enforcement, people won't think too much about it." He offered without much of a second thought. After working so many high-profiles cases and being questioned for the decisions the team made, very few things could put off Bode from doing what he thought was the right thing to do.

"The Tattler is a big question regarding all of this though. Like, why deny something like this when no one knows who they are? And what are they looking for in general?" The words were more to himself than to Gwendolyn, his thoughts coming out before he could stop himself. "I don't know him, he's a few years younger than me. We have common friends though, probably. What about the Mayor? Do you know him well?"