Into The Belly of The Beast

"A black cat? That's the best you can come up with?" Shikamaru asked incredulously. The detective was obviously tired. The suite he wore was rumpled and stained, with the tie at half mast. He'd never seemed like the type to wear a tie in the first place but there it was. In all its christmas glory with reindeer and honest to god blinking lights. Someone should probably tell the poor guy that it was only midsummer.

"Yes a black cat." I repeated, knowing that my face betrayed me. Focusing my gaze on his hideous tie hadn't helped, undoubtably the bullshit meter was going off for every cop within ear shot. Although truthfully it hadn't been my fault. When asked how I found the bodies, Kakashi took it upon himself to answer for me. Idiot. Not that my lie would've been anymore believable.

The man -I felt was at fault for our current stand-off with Shikamaru and another detective named Hanzou- wrapped an arm around my shoulders and smiled.

"Yes detective though it was actually a kitten. You see while we were stuck in traffic our dear Sakura here saw a helpless black kitten darting between cars. Fearing for the kittens safety- Sakura has a soft spot for helpless things you see, she bravely jumped out of her seat and chased the kitten through a path of dangerous motorists. The poor kitten must have been frightened because it kept running and led Sakura straight to the abandon building and inside where she found the bodies."

Shikamaru flipped back a page in his notebook. The harsh lines of his expression softened but when he met my gaze I felt a pang of regret for having to lie to him because we both knew it was in fact a lie. "Three miles?"

"What?" I asked, shocked. Could they hear my heart jump?

"You ran three miles for a kitten?" Shikamaru had to know I had nothing to do with the deaths of those two women. I couldn't say for certain but the way he asked it was almost as if he wanted a better story. A better lie perhaps. Something more substantial than chasing some phantom stray cat. I couldn't really tell him about the ghost, not with Hanzou standing right there. I'd pull the over worked Shikamaru aside later and tell him the truth. Kakashi's bull shit story wouldn't hold water if closely picked at but the detective couldn't really write about a ghost dog in his report. I'd get committed. But curiously I wondered if Shikamaru really cared if I got in trouble or not? Frankly I thought he enjoyed arresting me the last time.

"Look detective," Kakashi's voice was still soft but there was an edge to it now, "unless we're under arrest I need to take Sakura home. Its not safe for her to be exposed for so long."

"I doubt anyone will be dumb enough to take a shot at her with half of the KPD surrounding her." He said tiredly, pocketing the small well used notepad. No argument from the detective but I think he silently agreed with Kakashi.

Hanzou, the other detective who'd been listening put his notebook up as well. His brown eyes focused on my face and I felt a blush try to creep across my cheeks. Hanzou was a handsome man and I found his soul patch to be cute rather than strange on the face of a man who had to be close to thirty. Still that was young by detective standards.

His full lips stretched into a smile, revealing a dimple on his left cheek. I smiled back but felt that mine was less genuine than his.

The smile faded to one of sympathy as he said, "I don't know if I should be concerned or grateful that you've been keeping us so busy these last few weeks."

I noted that there was flecks of amber in the depths of his brown orbs and that even though he was being polite he was giving me the full attention of a cop. I would've probably lost all respect for him as a detective if he hadn't found my involvement at least somewhat suspicious. But hopefully he wouldn't dig to much.

The cop stare was making me nervous so I tried to dispel the unwanted attention with an unsettling question that just decided to pop into my head. "What about the camera?"

Shikamaru had been observing the other detective as he spoke with me. His brow furrowed as he looked in my direction, "no good. It was a wireless feed and according to our tec guys the signal was bounced off several satellites and countries before we could even start tracking it, the signal went dead."

"Fantastic. Can I go home now?" I asked, sounding every bit as whiny as Naruto. Not the best habit to be picking up from the blond but I did enjoy the look of torment that crossed Sasuke's face whenever I mimicked the sound. It came in handy when arguing with the younger Uchiha.

Shikamaru met Kakashi's gaze just over my head. "Is she safe where she's staying?"

I gaped, "what?"

Kakashi placed his hands on my shoulders, "it doesn't get much safer but I undersatnd your concern."

I didn't.

Shikamaru nodded, "its doubtful he'll come after her. She doesn't fit the profile but killers are not always predictable."

"Wait, wait, wait." I waved my arms in the air. "Excuse me? Who's profile?"

"He saw your face Sakura." Shikamaru said.

"But he saw De- Kakashi's face to?" Actually Kakashi hadn't shown up until after we'd exited the building. Deidara and Itachi had to make themselves scares once I'd called the police. Wouldn't be wise to have Akatsuki members, even if the cops weren't aware they were members, near dead bodies. Deidara I knew was on their suspected Akatsuki member list. I wasn't to concerned that the cops would get ahold of the video feed but I'd worry about it later if they did and neither men had touched anything.

"Its just better to take precaution Sakura. This killer seems to have a preference and though your not his apparent type, he might be angry that you discovered his dump site which he enjoys reliving through the video feed. Its not accessible to him now. Though just incase," he looked back at Kakashi, "you should keep your eyes peeled to."

I swallowed thickly because my tongue wouldn't work. Two. I'd attracted the notice of two killers. Sasuke and Naruto were gonna lock me in a padded cell in the middle of some uncharted island.

With a hand on my shoulder, Kakashi led me towards the Branco. The safety of the condo sounded wonderful at the moment. Naruto was there and had been attempting to blow up my phone for the last two hours. Eventually I'd picked up and briskly told him I was fine and would be home as soon as possible and reassured him that I was not alone. Telling him I was at a death scene and was being questioned wouldn't have been a bright idea. Like Sasuke, I suspected the blond had his own means of tracking me and I didn't need him blowing up all over me while being questioned by the police.

Back at the car, I gingerly hoisted myself up into the tall vehicle, taking care not to drag the seatbelt over the fresh wound in my chest. Small scabs had rubbed off and the sutures had been pulled during the hectic events of the night, leaving the wounds sore and bleeding. The bleeding itself wasn't that bad but the sharp pinpricks of pain left me in a foul mood, well fouler anyway. I'd taken great care in hiding it from the police and the paramedics, not wanting a trip to the hospital or a complete stranger reapplying bandages when I could do it myself later. The dark fabric of my tank soaked up what little blood there actually was and I was glad that I'd opted for something black. Blood was a bitch to get out of any other color. However the white shorts may end up in the garbage if the washer couldn't remove the revolting amount of dirt and grime they'd somehow acquired. Hopefully none of it was decomp.

"How's the wound?" Kakashi asked mildly, his gaze intent on the road. Though nothing in his face showed it, the white knuckled grip he had on the steering wheel spoke volumes about how concerned or perhaps angry he was. Maybe both.

"Pulled a bit of the scabbing and the sutures," I shrugged, "no big deal."

"No big deal." He repeated carefully, tone flat.

I braced for impact.

"Sakura." Exasperation saturated his voice, making me wince. "You jumped out of the car in the middle of wall to wall traffic without any explanation. What's more you left without backup or a weapon. Have you forgotten that someone has put a hit out on you."

The question was rhetorical so I stayed silent.

"Deidara and Itachi weren't able to react swiftly enough and you run fast for a woman healing from a couple of bullet wounds. I knew they would eventually catch up with you but if the hitman was around he would've been able to take you out without interference. You could've been killed."

Bile rose in the back of my throat. When I'd taken off, I hadn't thought about my own life or the lives of my friends who were trying to protect me. I wasn't exactly making it easy. The guys were exposed running just as much as I was. There wasn't a hit on them as far as I knew but the killer could've taken them out if he thought he stood a good chance at taking me out to. I never asked for their protection but I knew they were probably the only thing standing between me and another bullet. Not many people would take the chance of stepping into Akatsuki territory or taking a shot at someone while being protected by the Akatsuki, unless they had a death wish. But the area of town we were in wasn't part of their territory. West Konoha was controlled by a different gang altogether. The Noh Mask Devils didn't have the same reach or power the Akatsuki had but they'd managed to secure a little piece of Konoha for themselves.

"Sakura," he touched my face, seeing my distress, "let us help protect you. It doesn't make you weak by any means. The bad old days are long behind you, now you have plenty of friends who love you and want to protect you." He squeezed my shoulder gently until I looked at him. "Let them."

I nodded, fighting back the stupid tears that sprung to my eyes. He rubbed my shoulder reassuringly before returning his attention to the road. For the next half hour we drove in blissful silence.

"Sakura chan!"

Arms like corded steel wound around me and pulled me into a fierce hug that left me gasping for air and wincing at the pain in my chest. The almost blistering heat of his body shocked me. It was hot outside but the events of the night had left me frozen to the core. The temptation to just remain in his embrace was almost over whelming. Almost.

I pushed against his chest and his arms tightened around me.

"Naruto," I wheezed.

He shifted. Instantly I missed the heat of his body. I leaned back because standing this close, I had to look up to see his face. His hands firmly grasped my shoulders as he surveyed my face with a keenness I rarely noticed in the depths of those blue orbs.

"Your bleeding," he said softly.

Naruto was normally a happy-go-lucky type of guy. The only time he was serious about anything was when he was on a job and when his friends were hurt or in danger. Loyalty and friendship meant more to him than to most people because Naruto I learned wasn't your average man. Cheating death had left me with the ability to see ghosts... and demons or at least their aura's. I wasn't sure if it was so much his aura that I sometimes saw but every so often a reddish glow wrapped itself around my blond roommate. Usually in times of stress or when his emotions ran high. He'd obviously been worried about me because there was a faint reddish cast around his face.

"I'm alright," I assured him. Closing the door behind me. Kakashi hadn't wanted to come up and visit knowing that the normally chipper blond would be in a less than pleasant mood. Not wanting the same thorough ass chewing I was in for, the P.I. had claimed he had other business to attend to. Except he'd smiled in a way that had me suspecting he was actually laughing at me. The jerk.

Naruto didn't look convinced in the least and led me straight towards the guest bathroom. Unfortunately I'd never allow company to use this bathroom since Naruto had made it his. I made an ick face at the dirty socks on the floor as he shoved me inside. A small squeak of protest escaped me as he suddenly lifted me and sat me on the counter like a child. Had it been anyone else I would've given them a swift kick in the balls.

He pulled up the bottom of my shirt, exposing my stomach. I smacked his hand, having enough of this over-baring-mother-hen crap. His eyes stayed fixed on mine as I pulled the top over my head, exposing the black bra and the blood stained bandage. Gently he peeled the tape off and discarded the soiled bandage in the small trash can by the toilet. The wound was mostly pink-puckered scar tissue but there was still minor scabbing and enough sutures to make me feel like the bride of frankenstein, all I needed was the crazy hair. It still hurt like a bitch though and the scabs were hanging by a hope and prayer. Blood oozed in small rivulets over my breast, soaking into the fabric of the bra. Fantastic. Not!

Naruto bent down and grabbed the first aid kit I'd stored under the sink. The blonds calm professionalism shocked the hell out of me. Any other time he'd caught me in a bra, he'd always make some sort of crude comment or joke about getting in the sack together. Judging by the way he was taking care not to meet my gaze I'd say it was the injury that sobered his mood. The tightness in his jaw and the intensity of his gaze was maddening. I'd take whining, bitching, obnoxious Naruto over this stranger any day.

"Say something?" I hedged, wincing as he gently pulled off the hanging scabs.

The tense silence stretched between us and I had to fight back the urge to shake him. Not now that the demons aura began to sluggishly ooze out of him, meaning he was a hell of a lot angrier than I originally thought. Luckily the Kyuubi, which was the Bijuu contained within him, hadn't reached his eyes as they flicked up to meet mine. A Jinchurikin is what he'd called himself when he could no longer hide it from me. As far as I knew there were ten Bijuu and because of carefully selected people like Naruto, the demons no longer plagued the earth. However despite how strong the tattoo thingy on his belly was, there were side effects of containing a demon. Heightened senses, unnatural strength and healing and a monstrous appetite just to name a few. But there was one major draw back to being a Jinchurikin and that was the constant battle to hold onto humanity. To not let the beast take over. Right now Naruto was doing just that, fighting for control because his anger had gotten the better of him.

I touched his face and nearly jerked back at the sweltering heat coming off his skin. If I flinched back that would only hurt him so I cupped his other cheek, holding his face captive between my hands. Naruto sometimes viewed himself as a monster and I was determined not to let him ever think I felt the same. Because he wasn't a monster. I'd met real monsters. Funny how none of them were demons but just regular -albeit evil humans.

"Naruto. I. Am. Fine." I said carefully. "You need to calm down."

He blinked slowly, exhaling the breath he'd been holding. The tension in his jaw relaxed beneath my fingers.

"Sorry." He straightened. My hands fell to my knees. Naruto stood a head taller than me but sitting on the counter gave him extra height. Still silent, he fixed a fresh bandage over the no longer bleeding wound and taped it down.

"I'll wait for you in the living room." Abruptly he exited the bathroom. But he didn't slam the door so that's a good sign right?

Exhausted I slipped the tank back over my head and went after my roommate. I found him in the living room, pacing back and forth, back and forth.

"Sasuke called you?" Because it was obvious someone had. Surely all this steam wasn't simply because he'd found out I was at a homicide scene.

"Sasuke called. As did Kakashi and let's not forget that Shikamaru found you in the den of a serial killer!"

I winced. Sounded worse out loud.

"How could you do something so stupid? Your suppose to be the smart one. The level-headed one."

Jumping out of car and chasing after a dog that no one could see was probably one of the more bone headed things I'd done but stupid? No it wasn't stupid. My gut told me to follow the dog so I did and I found two missing women. Granted they were dead but at least the families could find a little peace being able to bury a body instead of an empty coffin. I'd had just about enough of people yelling at me today.

I scowled at Naruto and that seemed to cut off his next rant so I dived right in before he could get a second wind.

"Naruto. I'm sorry I scared you but that doesn't give you or anyone else the right to berate me. I'm a doctor Naruto. Its in my nature to help people. You didn't see those girls. I did. I watched one of them relive her death right in front of me." I was shaking now, voice raised with anger and fear.

"You didn't see them Naruto. Even after death their killer gave them no peace. He left them out for display, watching their decaying corpses via a camera so he could revisit his sick fantasy. I apologized for worrying you but I will not apologize for helping those women. Even if all I managed to do was get their bodies returned to their families."

Damn it I was crying now. The sick horror replayed behind my eyelids and the smell... oh god the smell of decomp and trash still smelled as if it was in the same room. They'd suffered for so long. What was the point of seeing ghosts if I couldn't save anyone?

For the second time that night Naruto pulled me into the safety of his arms. The anger was gone from his face replaced with a gentle look of sympathy and concern. I hugged him close, taking in the scent of woodsy musk and the hint of ramen that always seemed to cling to him. Tears fell from my eyes only to be absorbed by Naruto's white shirt but he didn't mind. He rubbed soothing circles across my back, whispering words of comfort against my hair.

A few minutes later we ended up in my bedroom, Naruto left me to change clothes then returned and crawled into bed with me. There was nothing sexual in the way he held me. Like before he traced soothing circles on my back and quietly promised he'd always be there.

After the evening I had I didn't think I'd be able to sleep but surprisingly exhaustion tugged at my eyelids and I didn't fight it. Even better, I didn't have a single dream.

"It's tragic is what it is!" Haruhi whined.

"Tragic," I agreed in the hopes that it would end her rant. It didn't.

"I could've been the next J Lo!"

The knife I held as I cut up a few strawberries paused as I looked at the deceased fifteen year old. She'd been the first ghost I'd ever encountered but unlike all the rest who disappeared or went off to where ever ghosts go she'd stayed behind and often dropped in unannounced to bitch about her mother and her untimely end. Bitching about her mother was warranted since the woman had killed the up and coming pop star out of pure jealousy. I'd also been arrested by Shikamaru thanks to her. Not that I really blamed the detective when I basically solved a homicide case for him. Of course he was suspicious. I'd be suspicious to but that didn't mean I couldn't hold it against him.

J Lo though?

"More like JELL-O." I snickered, eying the kool aid aqua color of her hair. She'd probably dyed it just days before her murder. I'd been laid up in the hospital after being shot. The first time I saw her I thought the morphine dosage had been to high because a floating girl with aqua colored hair just wasn't a normal day to day occurrence. However it wasn't until a few days later when none of the nurses would shoo the obnoxious teenager out of my room that I realized she was dead and that I had bigger problems than just the two holes in my chest.

"JELL-O!" She shrieked. "Your one to talk cotton candy head."

I smiled and she scowled, because I didn't consider cotton candy head as an insult. I'd heard a lot more venomous words flung my way about my hair, many of which had actually hurt when I was young but most of it didn't bother me now. When you grow up with crayola pink hair you either grow a thick skin or dye it. Coloring my hair was out of the question and by the time I was old enough to drive to a store and by hair-dye myself I'd already acquired a thick skin.

"Whatever." She said exasperated, then disappeared.

I finished filling a cereal bowl full of fruit then headed for the table. Mid stride JELL-O popped back into the condo, right in front of my face. The dreamy expression that crossed her heart-shaped face had me considering backing up and running in the opposite direction.

"What are you up to know?" I asked cautiously.

"Who's the hotty?"

Naruto was in the other room asleep but she'd already seen the blond and had followed him around like a love struck teenager for weeks before moving onto Sasuke. I'd put a stop to that when she decided to share some of their going ons when I wasn't around. It felt wrong to listen to their private matters, especially since they had no chance of ever knowing a ghost was tailing them. If I told them she was, they would probably both be pissed at me.

"What guy?"

"The one heading for your door."

Setting down the bowl of chopped fruit on the kitchen island I made my way for the door. It was much to early for most of the people I knew to be awake and Sasuke would be gone for a few more days. The thought of Sasuke's warning had me walking back to the sink, grabbing the knife I'd just used before going for the door.

Paranoid? Who? Me? Nah...

Curious but not stupid, I held the knife behind my back as I slowly swung the door open. Hanzou who I did not expect in the least stood in front of me with a hand poised to knock. He smiled, showing off his dimple.

"Detective," I regarded him curiously, then I realized how insanely rude I was being. Its not like he was the serial killer. "Sorry," I stepped back, "come in if you want."

I suspected the detective had a few more questions and I didn't want to do it with the door open. He nodded then closed the door and followed me into the kitchen where he sat on a barstool and leaned his elbows against the island.

"Coffee?" I asked. Dropping the knife back in the sink. Thankfully I don't think the detective noticed.

"Please," he smiled and I was absolutely positive he was showing off that dimple.

Pretty flirtatious for a detective here on duty. Then I noticed his clothes. Black t-shirt, tight across the chest but loose enough to hide the gun at his waist and also a pair of black jeans that had seen better days. Civi clothes? I revised my assessment and decided he was probably off duty but then why had he come here?

Before I could ask Naruto bolted into the room, half-naked and with a gun in the band of his black and orange striped boxers.

"Who are you?" He asked, his tone bordering on hostel. Not even the least bit concerned that he was half-naked and looked like he stuck his fingers in an outlet. Then again his hair pretty much always looked like that.

Hanzou's eyes widened, regarded the gun then his expression changed. Cop eyes. I set the detectives coffee down with a loud clank then turned to glare at my roommate. Idiot. If the detective wanted to be an ass he could check for Naruto's carrier license. He had one but I doubted that particular gun was registered.

"For god sakes Naruto. Pants. Put on some damn pants!"

"Who's he?" The irritated blond asked instead.

"This is detective Hanzou. A cop. Not a serial murderer or a hitman. Now go put on some damn pants!"

Naruto frowned but turned and walked out of sight. Hopefully to put on some freaking pants and put away the gun. Though somehow I doubted he'd return unarmed. Maybe less obvious but not unarmed.

"Boyfriend?" Hanzou asked, his gaze slowly returning to mine.

"Good god no."

He smirked, seeming pleased by the answer though I couldn't fathom why that mattered. Noticing the coffee, he picked it up, took a sip and winced. "Got any sugar?"

I nodded in understanding. Sasuke always brought home the good coffee, the real stuff. The taste's varied but they were always black and hit you like a Mack truck. I'd gotten used to drinking it black just so I wouldn't have to endure Sasuke's bitching about how good coffee was wasted on people who turned it into a sugary-milky sludge.

"So," I set the sugar in front of him, "why are you here?"

A decidedly flirtatious smile crossed his lips. "Can't I just come say hello?"

I frowned, "we're not friends. Nor are we colleagues and other than last night we've never met before. There's no reason for you to drop by and just say 'hi'."

"Ouch. I thought we were at least friendly acquaintances?" He said, face pitched in mock hurt but there was laughter in his eyes.

My brow arched and I watched him from over the rim of my mug as I took a drink. The thick liquid tasted faintly earthy and rich. The bitterness was an acquired taste but I thought it went great with pancakes doused in syrup. Mmmm pancakes.

"-and I still had a few questions."

Crap I'd zoned out while he'd been talking.

"What?" I asked.

He pursed his lips, perhaps annoyed that I'd tuned him out. But dammit I was hungry and I didn't intend on cooking the detective breakfast. My bowl of fruit sat forgotten near Hanzou's elbow and I bit back a snarl as the detective took notice of it and began munching.

"I said Shikamaru assigned me to drive by every once in awhile. Just until we're sure the killer isn't going to come after you for discovering his treasure trove. Also I still had a few questions anyway so I decided to just stop in." He glanced around the room, apparently looking for something and when he didn't find it he met my gaze with a frown. "You have no security system in this place."

I shrugged, "no point really."

His frown deepened as questions formed in his eyes but Naruto chose that moment to return and answered the detective.

"We have our own security measures in place." The blond said, tone flat. He walked into the kitchen, thankfully wearing a pair of sweat pants but hadn't bothered to put a shirt on and I suspected he did it to intimidate Hanzou. Naruto was heavily muscled without an ounce of fat. Where Sasuke was lean and built more like a swimmer, Naruto was more like a body builder, with an impressive chest and biceps thick around as tree trunks. The security measures he'd hinted at was an arrangement of decorative mirrors, strategical placed so they could see into rooms, behind them and around corners without actually going around them. Then there was the military grade hardware the boys had hidden throughout the condo and a few other things in place that I knew were there but didn't know what they were.

Hanzou looked skeptical but wisely decided to drop it. Eyes guarded as he watched Naruto pour himself a cup of coffee and lean against the counter. Close enough that Naruto's broad shoulder and hip were touching me.

"Detective?" I prompted, smiling into my mug because it was obvious that the blond bothered him.

"Yes." He tore his eyes from the blond and settled on me. "Did you find the kitten?"

"Kitten?" My brow furrowed, then I remembered the lie Kakashi had spun. Shaking my head I said, "no. Surely you didn't come up here just to ask that?"

He set the mug down and the sharp intensity of his eyes startled me. "You said that you chased the cat all the way to the abandoned buildings correct?"

I nodded, stomach tightening.

"Well it's just... witnesses who saw you exit the vehicle and run through oncoming traffic didn't see a cat."

"Why would they when a pink haired woman is weaving through cars?" I retorted, doubting that there were as many witnesses as he was implying. On a Monday night, no one thought of anything other than getting home after a grueling day on the job. They hadn't cared that someone had been frantically running against the oncoming traffic. No they would've been more concerned about having to stop again and miss the light because some dumb ass was in the road.

"True but why that building?"

I scowled blackly at him. Oh come on. He was acting as if he suspected that I had something to do with the murder. Did I look like a sexual sadist?

"Cat's are territorial by nature. The kitten had probably been born there and because it was frightened it ran back to the place it felt safe." I set the coffee mug down because chucking it at him was just to damn tempting.

He nodded, apparently satisfied with the theory. Then why did it feel like he was still searching for something? Did he suspect something more was going on? Probably but there was no way in hell he'd ever figure out it was the ghost of a dead dog I'd been following. Not unless I told him. Yeah. Right. Because seeing ghosts was totally more believable and didn't sound crazy in the least.

"Is that all?" Naruto asked coldly, his chest flexing as he crossed his arms. The knuckle head really could be quite intimidating when he wanted to be.

A flicker of annoyance passed over the detectives face but it vanished as he turned back to me. The dimple peeked out as he smiled, suddenly looking very confident.

"Actually I had an ulterior motive for coming up to see you." He leaned against the island, no longer concerned with my roommates presents. "Since I'm gonna be spending a lot of time watching your place I thought it would be better to get to know you."

Naruto stiffened beside me and I was shocked at were the conversation was headed.

"Hanzou I'm sorry-"

"Iwashi. You can call me Iwashi and Sakura all I ask is that you let me take you out. Just once. If you decide I'm to much of a prick then I won't bring it up again." His eyes softened, going huge and puppy doggish. But wasn't this unprofessional? Or even against the rules?

Naruto snorted, "dude she's not inter-"

"Alright." I said, surprising myself and my roommate. The guy was ballsy I'd give him that. But did I accepted merely because Naruto had tried to answer for me? It was true that I hated it when my over protective roommates made decisions for me and truthfully it was slightly satisfying to see the look of shock on Naruto's face but still... the detective was basically a total stranger.

Hanzou smiled and my stomach clenched in a brief moment of regret. Truthfully I wasn't all that attracted to the rough around the edges detective but he was a better- no wait, a safer choice than a member of the Aktsuki right? Better to get over my silly little crush than make an idiot of myself. Besides maybe Hanzou would make a really good date. But even as I thought it unease settled like a lead weight inside my chest.

"Great," Hanzou stood, his back popping as he stretched. "How about tomorrow morning for coffee. Just coffee. No strings attached and you can even go in your jammies."

"Jammies?" I asked, smiling despite how ridiculous the offer sounded.

"No pressure is all I'm saying." He smiled and gave a flirtatious waggle of his brows. "Besides after a few minutes you'll fall for my natural charm because lets face it I'm adorable."

"Cha." Naruto snorted.

Hanzou paid no attention to the irritated blond. "Well I better get back to my job before Shikamaru tears me a new one for shirking my duties."

At the door he gave my shoulder a brief squeeze and again my guts tightened. "See you tomorrow Sakura."

I nodded, giving him a smile but when he left and I shut the door the smile faded to a frown of dismay. What the hell had I just done? As if hearing my thoughts Naruto started in.

"Sakura chan why did you say yes?"

"I don't know." I shrugged. "Maybe because he's not affiliated with a gang or some asshole who wants to see if the curtains match the carpet."

He winced at that. Yeah I'd dated some real losers in the past and pined after men who wouldn't ever look at me as anything other than annoying. The last few dates -and I do mean a few as in three or four in the last two years- didn't end well. Perhaps dating someone who didn't quite fit my preference would turn out to be a good thing. Though honestly I wasn't holding my breath.

My gaze raked over Naruto and his sinfully delicious golden tan skin and a body you just knew would leave you panting beneath the sheets. I knew Naruto had a thing for me but unfortunately I knew I'd never be able to take it further than sex. Besides there was someone else who was crazy about Naruto and I was holding my breath for the day the blond realized he also had a thing for this other person as well.

"Sasuke's not gonna like you dating a cop."

I gave a very un lady like snort. The potential to piss off the overbearing Uchiha was a nice bonus. "Sasuke can kiss my white ass. Who I date is none of his concern."

Naruto smirked, "please let me be there when you tell him that."

I scowled and gave him a withering look before proceeded to clean the mugs and ignore the blond completely. The morning had only degraded more when Deidara stopped by and Naruto informed him of my decision to date the detective. Sheesh it was just one date but the guys acted as if I was committing a mortal sin.

A few hours later I was sprawled out on the couch, hoping that if I played dead the two equally blond and equally annoying males would leave me alone. No such luck.

"Make room, ya." Deidara said, smacking my thigh. I glowered at him but sat up and moved over as he sat down next to me. Grabbing the remote he switched on the big flat screen and began flipping through channels.

"What are you looking for?"

"There's a zombie movie marathon coming on."

"No work today?"

He shook his head, scowling. "They closed down the set for today. The shoot had to be put on hold because of an accident."

"Is everyone alright?"

"Yeah even the idiot who fell asleep with a damn cigaret in his hand. The fire destroyed half the set and it has to be repaired." He shook his head. "Fucking dumb ass."

I nodded in agreement.

"Hey Naruto hurry up with the snacks, ya."

"Shut up." Naruto barked but with no real heat behind it.

I glanced at him from over my shoulder and grimaced at the pile of Nachos bigger than his head sitting on the island. The microwave dinged and he poured refried beans atop the molten cheese then a fist full of chicken chunks, globs of sour cream and finally hot sauce. Lots and lots of hot sauce. He stared lovingly at his creation before picking it up and heading for the living room.

The scent of spicy cheese and chicken had my mouth watering. The small mountain didn't look all that appetizing but it smelled fantastic and other than some fruit for breakfast I hadn't eaten all that much. With a silly flourish Naruto handed me a small plate and one of the beers he'd brought from the kitchen.

Glad I'm not a calorie counter. I thought as I scooped a small pile of nachos onto my own plate. Perhaps I should be more conscious about what I eat, especially being a doctor but I found it hard to care as the cheesy crunchy goodness hit my tongue. I'd run it off later.

For the next three hours we vegged out on the couch and watched the zombie movie marathon. Just as I was starting to get bored of the shambling and brain eating two ghosts suddenly appeared out of thin air.

My breath caught and I jumped, startled by their sudden appearance. Deidara absently patted my knee with his gaze fixed on a particularly gruesome scene of a man getting his head smashed open like a coconut. He'd thought I reacted to the movie which was fine with me.

Shuu, the boy who'd fearlessly told me what happened to him and Yui, now stared at me with a coldness that sent a jab of sadness and regret straight through my chest. Regret because I should've done more to help him. Sadness because even Yui looked at me with the same expression. Realistically I knew there wasn't much I could do. Right? I wasn't a cop and Shikamaru said he'd handle it.

'He's hunting again.' Shuu said coldly, the hostility making him much older in appearance than a mere seven year old.

Comprehension dawned and I sat rooted to the spot on the couch. He was hunting again. Shit. But wait did that mean the other boy was dead to? Anger and regret swirled in my gut.

"Is the other boy dead?" I asked out loud. Unconcerned by the attention it drew. I felt Deidara's gaze on my face but ignore him. There wasn't a third ghost in the room so just maybe the boy was alive.

Shuu shook his head.

I sighed in relief then felt nauseous when I remembered the boys situation and the hell he had to be enduring.

'He's hunting again.' Shuu repeated. Thankfully the hostility had somewhat drained from his face but it left him looking desperate and sad. It tugged at my heart strings to see him so dismayed. I wished I could ease his pain. Maybe help him- them both move onto the other-side not that I'd ever done that or knew if I even could. However I had a feeling that unless this man was stopped the boys would remain.

Vaguely I was aware that the tv had been turned off but my attention was focused solely on the two boys. I had to help.

No more taking a backseat Sakura.

"Where is he?" I'd started to stand but Yui suddenly moved in front of me. His small hand reached out, touched my chest and I felt my body go slack. Someone grabbed me, yelled my name but all of that was background noise as images burst behind my eyes in a shower of color and pain.

The Chiefs brother, Kawahara held a hammer in his hand. A strangled scream and the sound of bone shattering. Blood spattered his face and his eyes rolled back in what can only be described as ecstasy.

A boat. The moon loomed swollen and high in the sky above the water. Kawahara wrestled with Yui's tied up corpse. The sandbags tied to the boys feet were making things difficult for Kawahara. He cursed as he shoved the boy and the sandbags over the edge of the boat.

Shuu stared up from the mattress on the floor. His face red and dirty but there was a fierceness to his eyes. Determined not to go down without a fight.

Kawahara. His face an ugly shade of red as he watched the breaking news about a possible lead in the abduction case of three young boys. I didn't know his first name but he closely resembled his brother. Once the connection was made, even if the Chief knew nothing about his brothers evil doings, the Chief would probably have to resign. The two men looked that much a like. Tall, with swept-back brown hair and dark eyes, both men belonged in some GQ magazine but that's where the similarities stopped.

Another image formed. A boy on a swing, sitting alone. His feathery blond hair hid bright blue eyes. There was a sadness about him as he watched the other kids play on a different playground, a soccer field separating the two. Someone snatched him from behind, wrapping a hand around his mouth...

A parking lot... A sign with falling leaves decorating it...

When the world slammed back into place it left me reeling and gasping like a fish fighting for air on land. There was a roaring in my ears and I was dully aware that it was the pounding of my heart but the pounding in my head was much more insistent. Something with claws was trying to escape out of my skull. I groaned and cradled my head, hoping my brains wouldn't start leaking out. Naruto's face loomed over mine, his brow furrowed in worry.

"Sakura chan!" He said fiercely. Hands hovering but uncertainty flashed over his face.

Why was I on the floor? I stared up at the two blonds for several seconds, pondering that thought. And why the hell was my brain trying to escape out of my skull? Fuck it was the mother-load of all hangovers times ten.

Shuu's face appeared above mine and I shot up, going straight through the incorporeal boy, causing a chill to skitter over my skin. Yui sat on his knees beside me, looking somewhat worried as well.

"What the hell happened, ya?" Deidara growled, crouching beside Naruto.

"That was new." I said to no one in particular as the images floated in my head like a distant memory. Ghost's rarely spoke to me. Much less show me frame for frame the events that were about to take place. My eye's widened. Or had it?

"Does he already have the boy?" I asked Shuu and Yui.

Shuu shook his head. 'You don't have much time.'

"Naruto," I focused on him, willing the room to stop spinning. "Grab my car keys."

A look of puzzlement crossed his features. "Why?"

"For fucks sake woman you just had some type of seizure and now you wanna drive? No way, un."

I scowled blackly at them. I didn't have time for this. In my periphery the two young boys faded out of sight and I let loose a string of curses that sent both of the mens eyebrows into their hairline.

"I'm not driving," I snarled, using the couch to hoist me up. "One of you will drive my car. Where the hell is my phone? Bring your guns."

Both men stared at me perplexed as my eyes wandered around the room in search of my phone. I didn't see it.

I tried to move past them but I was having a hard time not teetering over and Naruto grasped my upper arm before I did a face plant right into the glass coffee table. Sasuke would not be amused. Not about my broken face but about the shattered table.

"Sakura," he held on tight, as if I might blow away, "slow down and tell us whats going on."

Taking a deep breath I anchored myself. Naruto was right. First time for everything. If I didn't slow down and get my head on straight I might be responsible for the death of another boy. The pictures were still vivid in my mind and I recalled the image of the sign I'd seen. I know I recognized it. Naruto kept his hold on me and I let him while I willed the memory to take form and expand.

Falling leaves... a soccer field...

My eyes snapped open, I knew where the boy was and whats more I knew where the killer was headed.

"We have to get to Turning Leaves Elementary School right now."

Both men frowned at me, looking equally puzzled.

''The elementary school? Why?" Naruto asked, releasing his hold as I pulled away.

I spoke as I moved about the condo. "The boys that went missing-"

"The one's you suspected the Chiefs brother abducted?" Naruto interjected as I passed.

"Yes." I replied, grabbing my car keys and tossing them to him. He caught them, raising an eyebrow.

My cell phone was on the kitchen table. I pocketed it then went for the laundry room.

"He's headed to Turning Leaves Elementary School where he's planning to take another boy." I shouted, digging through the laundry basket and found the Browning. I pulled the gun free of a pair of spongebob boxers and tucked it into the back of my jeans. I couldn't recall where I'd shoved the holster and didn't want to waste anymore time.

"How do you know that, un?" Deidara pried, his eyes intense as he watched me from the doorway. "I thought you weren't psychic?"

Silently I counted to ten so I wouldn't go crazy bitch on Deidara's ass. I was tired and scared and on a personal level I was freaking out about what had happened. A ghost just basically mind raped me or something close to that anyway. I'd never actually seen what happened to the dead much less what was going to happen. Sure sometimes they relived their deaths but I've never seen it in full HD. In my head. To fucking weird.

"Damn it Deidara I'm not psychic but I don't have time to explain it." I met his gaze, pleading with him. "I'll try my best later but for now there's a seven or eight year old boy who is about to get snatched."

He released a breath and moved out of the door. "Alright but shouldn't you be calling your detective friend?"

"We live only half a mile from the school. We'll get there long before he does. Besides my main objective is to save the boy."

"Then lets get going." Naruto said, holstering a gun just beneath his shirt and then sliding a knife into a spine sheath. I could just kiss the man. He always has my back.

"By the way why are we taking your car instead of Naruto's?" Deidara asked as I locked the door behind us.

"Its a Hummer Deidara. A big-burnt-orange Hummer that sounds like its competing with Naruto when it comes to who can be the loudest. We're trying to be inconspicuous not draw the eye of everyone there. The last thing we want is the guy to panic and you two-" I pointed at both of the equally intimidating males. "-would cause him to panic."

Deidara hopped in the backseat while Naruto drove. I checked to make sure I had a full clip. I did. Also remembering to check and make sure the safety was on. Wouldn't be good for anyone if I accidentally shot myself. Then I pulled out my cell phone and called Shikamaru. The phone rang and I cursed the detective when his answering machine picked up. I tried again but got the machine again and decided it was better to leave a message.

"Damn you Nara Shikamaru! The one time I need you to answer the damn phone..." The message spiraled badly from there but could you blame me? I made sure to mention the important bits.

Scared shitless. Who me? Nah...

We made it to the school playground in record time. I managed not to piss myself as Naruto weaved through the throngs of soccer mom vans and screaming parents at breakneck speed. We'd decided against calling the cops right off the bat. I'd never been shown the future before and couldn't be sure it would happen or -god forbid- already happened.

Naruto scowled and cursed the packed parking lot and ended up double parking behind a white suburban that could probably crush my little car if they decided to leave and not wait for the idiots who'd blocked them in.

I'd just pulled the safety belt off when two hands, one on each shoulder, simultaneously pressed me back down into the seat.

"Stay." Both males said in unison.

"But-"

"No Sakura its to dangerous. Naruto and I know what the Chief of Police's brother looks like and you gave us a good description of the boy, ya."

"No way! I wont be left behind. Finding this kid is-"

"It's important and dangerous Sakura. I've done search and rescue and have handled my share of bad guys. I would feel better if you stayed here." Naruto said, sounding more serious than I'd ever heard him before. Safe. That's what he wanted to say but probably realized I'd fight him more if he'd said it.

I stiffened at the feeling of being a burden but relaxed when I recognized the slight panic in his ocean blue orbs. The last few months must have really rattled him. I never really thought about how badly my being shot had affected him. Naruto was always protective and became twice as bad after the shooting but I never noticed how deeply it impacted him. It warmed my heart and made it hard to argue. If I got out and searched, Naruto might miss the boy because he was concerned that the shooter may be close by. Shikamaru was right. I attracted trouble like ants to sugar water.

"Alright," I agreed reluctantly. "If I spot him I'll call you and the police. Don't take out your guns unless he's in your sights."

Naruto gave me a grateful smile then morphed into that silent predator I so rarely witnessed. Truth be told I found Naruto a lot more frightening than Sasuke. The Uchiha was always brooding and ill tempered but Naruto... someone so spirited and painfully exuberant shouldn't have been able to shut down on command and become cold. It made me wonder, not for the first time, what his job truly entailed and what had been done to make him so dangerous. One day I may find out and I'm not so sure I would be able to handle the truth.

Both men jogged over to the playground that was chalk full of kids and parents picking up said kids. A woman with a clipboard and a badge hanging around her neck stood by one of the benches angled towards the playground. The no nonsense hair bun and god awful burgundy suit told me she was most likely the teacher in charge of watching the children. It had me taking another look at the surroundings. There sure was a lot of ground just for one person to be watching what looked like two dozen kids. It was a relatively nice neighborhood with a great deal of money poured into the landscaping and keeping the roads clean and pothole free. Why shouldn't the school feel safe leaving so many children in the care of just one person?

Foolish, I thought. It doesn't matter where you live. You should never underestimate the evil in people.

An old anger rose up and curled inside my chest. I clung to it. Held onto it for dear life as my eyes scanned the faces of any blond-haired boys. Where the hell was Kawahara? Or the boy for that matter. Were we to late? Or had I misunderstood the message I'd been given?

I frowned, noticing for the first time that something else wasn't right. The park looked brand new. I could've sworn the images of the park that Yui showed me were... older?

I looked passed the soccer field and sucked in a breath. Just beside the school building was a smaller and definitely older swing set with a shambled looking jungle-gym and slide. It was angled perfectly for someone sitting on the swings to be watching other children play on the new playground across the soccer field. But it was empty.

My heart beat picked up until I could hear the pulse in my ears. We'd missed them because I sent Naruto and Deidara to the wrong play area?!

Without thinking I opened the car door and stepped out. Balancing against the open door I stood on tiptoe and frantically searched the far side of the soccer field, following around where the bleachers stood near the parking lot.

I bit my lip until I tasted copper. There were just so many damn cars. I took another step away, then another then found I'd walked the length of several parked cars before I spotted movement. A red Ford pickup backed out of a space and drove past me with two kids staring at me and making faces but I paid them no mind as I recognized Kawahara. Unfortunately he saw me to and I made a grave error by glancing at the blond boy at his side. Standing only three cars away he definitely noticed the concern and anger battling across my face. I didn't try to hide what I knew, not when the boy he held with a firm grip on the back of the neck was silently crying.

"Kawahara," I placated softly, whilst reaching for my gun with one hand and the other out in a calming gesture. "Let the boy go."

The surprise left his face and he sneered, raising the gun I hadn't seen in his other hand.

I froze, the Browning was in my hand but I couldn't bring it from behind my back. Not without him shooting me first and I'd already reached my quota on bullet holes.

He waved the gun at me. "Whatever you've got behind your back drop it or I drop the kid."

Damn.

He emphasized by putting the muzzle of his weapon against the boys temple. The boy whimpered quietly, fat tears streaming over red cheeks. I didn't believe for a second he'd shoot the boy. More likely he'd shoot me first but at the same time I couldn't bet the boys life on it. Kawahara was starting to look a little desperate. He'd been caught and he knew it.

Frustrated I did as he said and dropped it. An expression crossed his face and he stared at me with a growing anger darkening his eyes. "Kick it away."

Grinding my teeth I spotted a drain only a few feet away and kicked the gun. It went into the drain. I wasn't stupid enough to give him another weapon and I didn't want a child picking it up and shooting him or herself by accident.

Great the one time I remember to carry the damn thing and it gets taken away. Smooth Sakura.

Sweat began to trickle down Kawahara's deceptively handsome face. He was starting to panic. Debating on shooting me right here. I couldn't let him shoot me. Not just because I didn't want to die but because he'd still have the boy. Who knew how long it would take before the police caught up with him. Not fast enough I could tell you that.

"Don't shoot me." I had to throw him off balance. "If you fire that gun the two cops I brought along will come running."

"Your lying!" He scanned the parking lot frantically.

"Am I?" I challenged, meeting his wild eyes.

"Fucking bitch. Alright here's whats gonna happen. Your gonna walk ahead of us to the silver Lexus four cars behind me. Make any moves I don't like and I'll shoot you right here and the boy."

Coming undone. That's what was happening. The police were close. Kawahara must be feeling the walls closing in around him. Which will: A) make him desperate enough to kill me and the boy outright and run, or B) he thinks he's untouchable and can still bend the situation in his favor.

I was betting on the latter. By the time we got to the silver Lexus his demeanor changed from panicky to cautious and he was looking at me in a way that raised my hackles. He really thought he was gonna get away with it.

I'm in deep shit.

He sat next to the boy in the backseat and wrapped the arm holding the gun around the boys shoulders.

"Get in," he said pleasantly, as if he wasn't holding us at gun point and wanted to go for a family drive. Kawahara was to damn calm and I knew without a shadow of a doubt this wasn't gonna end well.

Stiffly I sat in the drivers seat. Kawahara leaned forward, dropping the keys in my lap and whispered, "do as I say and no funny business. You shouldn't have gotten involved.'' He leaned back and watched me and I grimaced at the smile that spread across his face.

"Drive and keep both hands on the wheel."

I did, white knuckling the steering wheel as I drove. I searched for my boys and inwardly cursed as I spotted both of them on the far side of the playground, neither of which were looking in our direction. Slowing, I dragged our departure out of the parking lot as long as possible hoping to make eye contact with someone, anyone. A woman and her two girls looked our way. I tried meeting the woman's eyes but instead she smiled and waved. Waved! We're being held at gun point! I wanted to scream but didn't.

"Quit stalling." Kawahara growled.

With a shutter that I felt wrack my whole body I turned out of the parking lot and followed the directions that were supplied to me.

Twenty minutes into the drive and I was beginning to feel that I was truly on my own. And with every minute that passed Kawahara became more and more collected and even seemed pleased with himself.

"Should've minded your own damn business." He said without an ounce of sympathy. "Your a problem but I think at the same time you may have given me an out."

I glanced at him in the rearview. Puzzled. He ignored me and rubbed his cheek atop the boys head and inhaled, all the while looking at me. Watching me watch him.

"Don't touch him." I growled, hoping if I glared hard enough he'd melt into the puddle of slime he truly was.

"Your in no position to make demands. Seto is mine." He said threateningly, his arm tightening.

Mine. He'd said. Like the boy was a possession. Anger churned in my gut. This man disgusted me. I glanced at Seto, he felt my gaze and crystalline blue orbs met mine. Without being able to say anything, I hoped I could convey a message with my eyes. Praying that he understood I would do everything to help him. His eyes filled with fresh tears but whether it was due to his understanding my message or the way Kawahara was murmuring in his ear I didn't know. Maybe a bit of both.

Even if it means my life Seto. I will save you.

"How did you know who I was?" Kawahara asked suddenly, puzzlement crossing his features. "Your no cop. I know every cop on the force."

Would he believe FBI? I doubted it. When in doubt tell the truth. It made no difference if he thought I was crazy or not.

"I knew who you were via the television. I found out what you are from a ghost."

He stared, bewildered then burst out laughing. "Right. Fine don't tell me. It doesn't matter how you found out. However,'' he leveled a serious glare on me in the rearview, "who else knows?"

"No one," the lie rolled off my tongue smoothly and I mentally cheered at myself for it sounding true. "No one believes the woman who see's ghosts."

For some reason I didn't want him to know about Shikamaru. If Kawahra's older brother, the Chief of Police, was involved in this I didn't want him to know that Shikamaru knew. I didn't want to put the detective in unnecessary danger. Not when he was the only one who could probably save my butt. By now Naruto and Deidara knew something had happened and the detective would be the first one they turn to. If I hadn't called Shikamaru earlier and left a message they'd find other means of tracking us and I was positive Kawahara would meet an unfortunate accident of some kind. No if they went to Shika that would be best. There was to much riding on this case for them to play the super hero's this time. Or at least I hoped they were smart enough to come to that conclusion.

Unease spilled down my spine like a bucket of ice water. There you go again Sakura. Waiting for someone to rescue you. Look around. Your on your own. I can't go into this expecting someone to save me. Thinking like that might get us both killed. Think Sakura. Think! What would Naruto or Sasuke do in my position?

"Turn right up here-"

The cell phone in my pocket began to ring. Rihanna belted out 'Please don't stop the music' which was Deidara's ringtone.

I felt the cold metal of the barrel press against the back of my neck and swallowed. Automatically slowing the car so I didn't lose control.

"Take it out slowly and hand it to me."

I did with only the slightest tremble in my hand.

"Now turn right." He growled.

All alone, I thought, horror stricken as he rolled down the window and tossed the phone. I turned the car down an unmarked dirt road. We'd left the city behind about thirty miles back. The road went on and on until we came upon a run down... well shack was the word that came to mind. Though at one time or another it probably was a nice little home. Now it was over grown with shrubbery and weeds, with several hollowed out cars that were rusted and long forgotten. The shack looked like it was leaning dangerously to the left and one good storm would probably turn it to kindling.

"Stop the car."

I did.

"Set the keys in the passenger seat."

I did and felt my stomach drop as I felt him lean forward. Close enough that his breath caressed the shell of my ear. "Good girl."

In my periphery I saw the movement but had no time to react as the butt of the gun slammed into the side of my head. The burst of pain sent me crashing into the driver side window. Seto screamed but it sounded far away as my vision narrowed down to a pin hole then the darkness swallowed me.

Authors Note: WOW that was a long one to write. Sorry for the wait but typing on my phone is such a pain. Anyway hope everyone enjoyed it! I can't wait to post the next chapter.

P.S. Again sorry for mistakes but this chapter was long!

P.S.S. OI sorry for some confusion. Anyone who's already read this chapter don't worry I didn't change it just added a little around Sakura's chat with Shikamaru so there wouldn't be confusion.