Overtime [Cameo]

[Artemis]

Brody was exhausted.

Technically, he was supposed to be off-duty and getting some sleep, but unfortunately this mess that Matthew had made wasn't going to clean itself up. To make up for the seemingly infinite amount of interference he was running to make sure nobody found out about the baby, he was working in his off-hours to make sure the Peacekeepers had everything they did need to know. He'd already taken statements from Matthew, the Ruze siblings and Eiten Ruze (well... sort of, for the latter), which left Recruit Pryce as the last person on his list.

Though he was as neatly groomed and dressed as always, Brody felt like hell. The case was tiring enough as it was, but Matthew's decision to leave the Academy and throw all of his time and effort back in Brody's face weighed on him heavily. The fact that he hadn't slept in two days certainly wasn't helping; he nearly nodded off a couple of times on the bus en route to the Pryce residence, shaking himself awake and putting yet another cup of coffee into his empty stomach. As much as it stung having to process Matthew, his friend, out of the Academy and dealing with the subsequent trespassing charge, he had a job to do.

He was dressed in civilian clothes for the sake of discretion, though as usual he had his badge tucked onto his belt hidden by his shirt, his sidearm strapped to the small of his back and a knife in his boot. Brody could probably be categorized as paranoid for the number of precautions he took just walking down the street, but when he had a job like interrogation, in his opinion there was no such thing as being too careful.

Brody slid on his dark sunglasses as the bus lurched to a halt at one of the stations on the outskirts of town; they were doing a poor job of hiding the lines under his eyes, but as soon as this thing was done he could go back to his barracks and get some well-deserved rest.

He trotted up the steps to the porch, double checking the address on the dossier; this was the place. Brody knocked on the door, waiting only for a moment before a blond woman --not Recruit Pryce-- answered the door.

"I'm looking for Vanity Pryce."

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Vy Pryce

After everything that happened, it was nice to be home. Usually that's never the case as long as Brittany occupies the place, but with Brooklyn here it makes up for that. Plus some peace and quiet is very much needed, which is why Vy automatically grabs her bundle of joy and goes off into their room. Best way to prevent the raft of her mother, is avoiding her all together. That's exactly what she plans on doing, no matter how deadly the stare she gets from the rude departure. Like Brittany can really expect anything more, she's the one that established the mother-daughter relationship that they have.

"Are you mad that I had you at a young age?" Vy questions to her two-year-old, that waddles around the bed like the active toddler she is. She does comprehend a lot for her age, but not to this extent. A confused chubby face is directed towards the older blonde, only evoking a smirk out of them both. Guess it doesn't matter, though with the news of Ky has her thinking far too much.

The little one is grabbed from jumping around the bed and pulled into a warm embrace. If it wasn't for Brooklyn who knows how Vy would be now, certainly not like this. All of it was extremely difficult, but just as much worth it. "Stop being so cute!" She demands as she laughs back to the giggles she's brought out. Then a distant knock interrupts her sensitive ears, and she stops the tickle-fest that Brooklyn is enjoying so much. "Who'd Nana invited over?" A question goes to the rugrat that only gives a shrug in return.

Knocks don't come to the door often, not unexpected ones that is. Usually it's someone leaving, since neither female likes to brag over who they live with. Nonetheless Brittany goes to the door to answer, a smile spreading across her cheeks as her eyes come across their visitor. It doesn't even fade when he share who he's looking for, no matter how disappointed she is that he's not here to visit her.

"Vanity? Sure come in." Brittany steps aside to let the stranger enter, not even needing more then that. Sounds like an Peacekeeper anyways, and an attractive man asking for her daughter is enough for her to invite him in. "Vanity get your ass over here!" She shouts rather sweetly to get across her dominance and pretend loving side. An innocent smile quickly coming across her features to retaliate when her gaze goes to the company.

From the bedroom nothing sounds good, and with a heavy sigh Vy scoops up Brooklyn so they can go see what's going on. She has no interest in any sort of interaction aside from her daughter, not after everything that's happened. But it's the familiar face of one of her higher ranks that greet her, and immediately she feels awkward holding the toddler on her hip. "Sir, is everything okay?" She questions while hiding away the tone that she hates his current presents. Not with Brittany here, who is already giving him a dirty look...and not in the fighting way.

[Artemis]

The face that answers the door is suspiciously happy to see him; it's not Recruit Pryce, but the resemblance is there. She's terribly young, but considering Pryce's only listed sibling is 2 years old, this has to be the mother. Brody's features remained serious and stoney; he really wasn't in the mood to juggle business and pleasure; the way she raked her eyes over his body left more than just a bad taste in his mouth.

He stepped inside as he invited, narrowing his eyes slightly as Mrs. Pryce (the recruit's file said her name was Brittany, if he remembered correctly) shouted for her daughter. Brody never would have pegged such a tomboyish woman to have such a disgustingly girly name as 'Vanity', but then even he still had the ability to be surprised. For whatever reason, the residents of Districts 1 and 2 chose the strangest names for their children... But he digressed. Recruit Pryce came out of her room, her baby sister balanced on her hip and looking concerned by his unannounced arrival. Brody studied the two of them for a moment, snapping himself out of his thoughts when she asked why he was here.

"Sir, is everything okay?"

Brody took the dossier out from under his arm, suppressing the urge to shudder feeling Brittany Pryce's predatory eyes on him. In any other scenario, he might have entertained the thought that she looked very good for a woman her age with two children; but this wasn't another scenario, and the way she summoned her daughter rubbed him the wrong way right off the bat.

"Getting statements from all parties involved in the incident at the Ruze residence." He replied, his language formal but his tone casual. "You're not in any trouble; I'm sure you remember how much the Academy stresses covering all bases."

Doubtful, since Pryce never struck him as the academic type, but it didn't take a genius to know why the Peacekeepers would want a statement from her. She had been listed as one of the Peacekeepers that Eiten Ruze had assaulted, the evidence still apparent on her face.

"We can go someplace more private for this, unless you don't mind giving your statement in front of them?"

ffffff - Brody
570091 - Vy
b800ff - Brittany

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Having a Peacekeeper at the door is never a good thing, even if he is in civilian clothes. For Vy it's just not a good sign, whether she knows O'Rourke or not. And for Brooklyn to be on her hip, and Brittany around? Cherry on top. As for the older Mother though, it's quite the opposite. An attractive man with a tittle is always an opportunity in her eyes, and in more ways then one. Someone to flirt with, or a reason to blame her daughter for anything. "What did you do Vanity?" Brittany remarks at the slightest pause, her voice not surprised but assuming. Quickly she's corrected though, a small grace.

"Yeah, figured you guys would come by at some point." Vy completely ignores her mother and focuses on addresses O'Rourle. Only feels natural to not add in more of those obsessive sirs since they're both out of uniform and at her house. "Go play with..mom." There's only a second of hesitation in her voice as she remembers what role to play, and she lets the little one down to run off. Of course she doesn't go to Brittany, but Vy can't blame her on that, she wouldn't either.

Now that she's obviously not in trouble, Brittany has nothing to work off of and her sharp tongue remains unsnapping. To no doubt she remains in the room though, leaning her shoulder against a doorframe far too seductively for Vy's taste. She's seen this game far too many times before. Apparently it's not only bluntly clear to her either, as O'Rourke questions if they should go somewhere more private.

In seconds Brittany's all-too suspicious glance burns holes into her daughter. "There's no such thing as privacy here." Vy jokes sarcastically, yet she is being serious. Her face doesn't share that though, only unconcerned and used to it, unpleased that someone she knows is here to witness Brittany. "It's fine." She assures with a shrug and a gesture to sit on the couch. No need of standing around awkwardly.

"Would you like anything to drink uhm..." Brittany trails off at her last word to imply her desire of wanting to know the fine young man's name. Nothing like fresh new blood.

[Artemis]

Recruit Pryce seemed completely nonplussed, both about the situation and her mother's insinuation that she had done something to merit his being there. Had she been in trouble before? She put her sister on the ground, shooing her over to go to... mom. Why the hesitation? Normally Brody might have stood their and mulled it over for a moment, but lack of sleep had greatly dulled his senses; the kid clung to her sister's leg, not looking too happy about the idea.

That explained a lot.

The mother, though, was taking perhaps too much of an interest in this statement; what exactly did she think she was going to gain by clinging onto this conversation like a leech? If she thought she was going to cozy up to a Peacekeeper (or, more likely, she probably thought he was another recruit), she would be sorely mistaken. Brody was here on business.

"There's no such thing as privacy here." Pryce replies with the faintest roll of her eyes. It was probably meant as a joke, but the sarcasm was lost on Brody in his sleep-deprived state. "It's fine."

He refused the offer to sit on the couch.

"I'll stand. Thanks." Brody probably wouldn't get up again if he sat down; the idea of being asleep with a woman like Pryce's mother around was more than enough motivation to stay firmly awake.

""Would you like anything to drink uhm..."

With his back turned to the mother, Brody could roll his eyes undetected. Persistent, wasn't she.

"O'Rourke." He was on business, and he certainly didn't want to hear his first name used in what was quickly becoming a very nerve-grating tone. "And some water would be lovely."

Brody did turn slightly to watch the mother go and get it, eyes watching the process like a hawk; he didn't entirely trust she wouldn't try to slip him something. It might be mistaken for attraction, but she could think what she wanted; once he'd taken care of this thing, Brody would be gone.

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

There's no desire within O'Rourke to take a seat, and with a slight shake of his head he verbally declines. Probably best since that means this shouldn't take to long. And with that constant glance from Brittany, it'd be a mistake anyways to get comfortable. She doesn't even have to say anything to get across her seductive tendencies and current interests. How Vy would just love to shove her mother into the other room and tell her off in the process, but that's not the best idea with one of her Higher Ranks around. Even if she does catch the smallest glimpse of his eyes rolling before he turns to the older woman.

Finally! Someone that can see past Brittany's crap. This guy was starting to not seem half bad, though Vy was beginning to gather that back when they had that training exercise. But now he's really making an impression; giving only his last name despite being out of uniform, then asking for a water which gets the oldest blonde out of the room, if only for a minute. Still a far too obvious smirk goes along with her into the kitchen, as if O'Rourke was going to follow her and a request for water meant a lot more. Least she's gone for a second.

"What do you need to know sir?" Vy questions as her arms instinctively cross from the lack of enjoying this situation. "I was studying with another Recruit when..." Far too soon Brittany's rejoining them with a filled glass in her hands.

"Studying?" She corrects with a load of assumptions. It's probably just a way to get under her daughter's skin, though she's uncomfortably right for a change. That doesn't mean Vy's face alters in the slightest though. Just taking it as another unnecessary comment from the one she's sadly been raised by. "Here's your water, Sir." Brittany steps a bit closer then needed to pass it over, an over the top flirtatious grin joining in.

"Yes, studying. I luckily didn't take after you." Vy openly implies the ridiculous act that Brittany's pulling. Sure she should be on better behavior with O'Rourke present, but she's ruining it for the both of them.

"I thought I raised her better then that." She remarks with a ton of sympathy, like her daughter insulted their guest and not her.

"Brittany...can you please just let us get this over with? I'm sure O'Rourke has somewhere else to be." Vy gives being nice a try. More often then not it doesn't work, but apparently having an Official here is making Brittany slightly decent. She backs off and takes a seat on the couch, patting the spot next to her as if O'Rourke's going to change his mind. "Like I was saying, we heard a commotion and decided to see what was going on. I came in, in the middle of it all. Kyanite's father was already attacking so I attempted to restrain him. He shoved us to the floor, and I'm guessing Ky tried to come help and that's when she got pushed." The general bits of what happened is given, and she has no interest in giving details. Sooner they finish, the more likely O'Rourke will get out unharmed by Brittany. "I got him under control, then his son and Matthew brought him outside."

[Artemis]

Brody had to fight to suppress the shudder that crawled down his back when the mother returned with a glass of water (thankfully he hadn't caught her trying to slip anything into it; Brody knew exactly what her intentions were, and he didn't like them), inviting herself well into his personal space. At this point, he was wishing for an excuse to exercise a little Peacekeeper authority.

You lay one hand on me, I will end you.

For a moment, he let his mind wander to how very differently this scene would be playing out if either one of his parents were here to witness this predatory woman's advances on him... Nuff said. He almost smiled at the thought.

Almost.

Recruit Pryce folded her arms, visibly uncomfortable with both his presence and her mother's behavior. He looked back at her sympathetically, but didn't say anything.

"What do you need to know sir? I was studying with another Recruit when--"

"Studying?"

God damn it, woman.

"Yes, studying." Recruit Pryce replied in a heavily-used deadpan, "I luckily didn't take after you."

Brody narrowed his eyes at the mother; with the rate she was interfering with his work at, it would be hours before he could get the information he needed so this case could be nipped in the bud.

"Brittany... can you please just let us get this over with? I'm sure O'Rourke has somewhere else to be." Recruit Pryce mercifully tries appealing to her mother.

Yeah, like at home. In bed. Sleeping. Or being anywhere but here and and doing anything but this.

Brody opened the dossier, taking a pen from his pocket to note down Pryce's explanation of the chain of events that had turned that night into such a disaster. Tired though he was, Brody hadn't been in such a rush to take Dunham Matthew outside that he'd failed to notice that Pryce had been there wearing only what looked like a man's shirt. He sincerely doubted she and whoever she was with (Jeran Ruze, probably, considering he'd been walking around bare-chested until Brody had pointed it out) were 'studying', but that wasn't any of his business.

"Like I was saying, we heard a commotion and decided to see what was going on. I came in, in the middle of it all. Kyanite's father was already attacking so I attempted to restrain him. He shoved us to the floor, and I'm guessing Ky tried to come help and that's when she got pushed. I got him under control, then his son and Matthew brought him outside."

He paused to look at his notes and frowned; that wasn't enough to write a full report on.

"I assume by 'Ky', you mean Kyanite Ruze." He started, "I don't suppose you know what started the fight, who threw the first punch...?"

ffffff - Brody
58007a - Vy
b800ff - Brittany

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Only one goal plays on Vy's mind, as rude as it is. She has to get O'Rourke out of here before Brittany pulls out anything else from her sleeve. Plus retelling what had happened at the Ruze household, is nothing better. Seems sort of ridiculous they'd be craving this sort of information at this time of night, but she's no one to question it. That'll just delay things further, which is the opposite of what she wants. She does manage to coverup what Jeran and her were really doing beforehand, and with a nonchalant face at that. Even a remark from Brittany doesn't ruin it as Vy's nonverbally told to continue. Looks like she's not the only one eager to get this over with.

The basics on what happened is given, and Vy completely leaves out anything that happened to her. There's no need to add in a slap that held no affect, and certainly Mr. Ruze will be criminalized for plenty as it is. Luckily none of that is addressed as O'Rourke only addressed the nickname of Ky. "Yes sir." She replies, simply trained into adding in that ending; though her voice does lack that spunky recruit tone...like she ever had it at the academy to begin with.

So is that it? She gave her side of the story, and now he can go. If only things ever turned out that easy though, as a question quickly arrives afterwards. Of course Vy knows the cause of all this, Ky's pregnancy, but she has no clue is that's been recorded and has no interest in being the one to admit it. "I'm assuming it was Mr. Ruze since I only heard one collision, and Matthew seemed to have a black eye. He didn't show any signs of being hurt though." She refers about Mr. Ruze with a shrug. Everything happened so fast it's hard to be certain.

"For why it started, I'm not sure." The first question is answered, and another shrug joins in though more subtly then the last. Anything else? Thankfully Brittany remains on the couch as she absorbs everything that's going on; waiting and planning for her next move.

[Artemis]

Brody didn't say much in response to Recruit Pryce confirming his statements, simply taking notes and grateful for the small reprieve from the mother's increasingly annoying voice and manner. Recruit Pryce seemed to be the one least pleased to see him; the littlest one had ventured out from behind her sister's leg and toddled over to him, her tiny hands fisted in the fabric of the leg of his trousers and looking up at him with huge eyes like she wasn't quite sure he belonged here. Maybe it was his age, maybe it was his job, but Brody didn't really think he had the knack for kids that his father had always had; he didn't do anything as the kid clung to his leg, but he didn't shrug her off either. He didn't care for kids much, but it wasn't really his nature to be an asshole to them.

"I'm assuming it was Mr. Ruze since I only heard one collision, and Matthew seemed to have a black eye. He didn't show any signs of being hurt though."

"I understand also that Mr. Ruze attacked you, during this altercation." Brody remarked, only glancing up from the dossier as he was scribbling in notes. "I'd like to know more about that, since he's facing two charges of Assaulting a Peacekeeper."

He caught the look Recruit Pryce was giving him (and unfortunately felt the one directed at him by her mother).

"I realize you're still a recruit, but under the law you're classified as a Peacekeeper. I need not remind you how seriously we take these kinds of charges."

Of course he didn't. It was one of what the Peacekeeper Corps referred to as The Big Three. Meaning, three of the most serious crimes a civilian could commit. Treason, of course, trumped all things; stealing was less of an issue in the higher districts, but the threat of death still wasn't enough to deter some in the lower districts from trying to steal something out from under the Capitol. Then, of course, the Peacekeepers; it was serious for obvious reasons, to attack a soldier and officer of the law was to attack a representative of Panem's military might. But what made it a particularly fearful crime, besides the threat of retribution for riots or rebellion, was the fact that Peacekeepers looked out for their own.

Ruze knew this now.

"For why it started, I'm not sure."

Brody knew exactly why it had started, but on paper it was being played as if Matthew had trespassed onto the Ruze property and had refused to leave when directed.

"I see." That still wasn't much to go on. "No theories, then? Recruit Ruze believes it was because his sister Kyanite brought Matthew onto the property against their father's wishes. Does that sound correct to you?"

ffffff - Brody
58007a - Vy
b800ff - Brittany

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Like many times before, Brooklyn's able to bring the smallest light to a bad situation. Despite the horrible tension spreading through the room, that angst to get this over with, she finds curiosity over the new arrival. As innocently as ever she decides to go investigate this guest, instead of playing with her own toys. Unlike her mother, she tends to be a sweet social butterfly. Never growing shy and hiding behind familiar legs, unless of course she can just tell something's wrong. Currently nothing is for her though...lucky her. And with no fear she's practically standing on his feet as she looks up at him with a wide grin and eyes.

It's difficult not to chuckle over the sight, which is actually what Vy does lightly, with a covered mouth. Probably the first time her face's grown light since O'Rourke arrived. The one who has yet to lose her grin, Brittany, doesn't find it as amusing though she does stick to her smirk. She loves the toddler to no end, but when it comes to the rugrat stealing away her attention from a man, not so much. Well she doesn't need to stick to this jealousy of a two year old, because the only purpose here is getting this all over with. Which Vy even refrains herself from commenting over the scene, especially since he doesn't seem to mind anyways. Onto the questions, though she only regrets what comes next.

The small slap meant nothing, truly. Nothing compared to what happened to Kyanite, and the emotional scar it left on her and Matthew. But for some reason O'Rourke wants to hear about it. A sigh escapes Vy. He shares how assaulting a Peacekeeper is great offense, and though she's only a recruit, she already falls under one. "Good to know." She muffles, intentionally resisting her urge to stare at Brittany. Not that she could ever arrest the ass hole, no matter how assaulting she can be herself. She's sadly her mother after all.

"Well, aside from making us both fall..." For some reason she just hates talking specifics when it's not her knuckles that made the impact. It's beyond uncomfortable. "Guess the technical term would be that he backhanded me." She finally gets out with yet another shrug. "Doesn't seem as important as Matthew's black eye, or sending Kyanite to the hospital." Well least she gave him the information he was asking for.

Onto something better, though that's probably the wrong term to use, it sort of is for Vy. The cause of all this, which she somehow has no involvement in. She knows why this really happened, and O'Rourke probably does to, but for Matthew's sake something else has been reported. Instead of making her guess, and potentially bring questioning to this incident, O'Rourke tells the reasoning that won't risk anything. "Yeah." She leaves it at that with no interest in adding in something that could effect another.

"I can't believe someone hit my poor baby and her friends." Oh god this act. Brittany was a lot more pleasant with her lips shut. "Are you going to get him Officer?" She questions with a load of concern. "Maybe you should stay the night, just incase he's looking for revenge."

"Brittany, he's already locked up." Vy cuts her off immediately.

In no time a cold glare is directed Vy's way, before lightening up and returning to O'Rourke. "Just incase..." She explains again with that same obvious smirk.

[Artemis]

This was probably the first time Brody had ever seen Recruit Pryce look anything but pissed off (or surprised, when she found out her instructor wasn't entirely heartless). Kids weren't really his thing, but he supposed the little one toddling up to him and holding onto his leg was sort of cute... as long as she didn't start crying, or whatever it was that toddlers did. Pryce covered her mouth as she laughed a little, but the mirth in her eyes was unmistakable.

The jealousy radiating off of the mother, however, spoiled what otherwise might have been a serene moment.

Brody raised an eyebrow at the recruit, prodding for an answer to his question.

"Well, aside from making us both fall... Guess the technical term would be that he backhanded me. Doesn't seem as important as Matthew's black eye, or sending Kyanite to the hospital."

"The precinct takes the severity of each charge into account." He replied offhandedly, making note of the details; the hospital hadn't made mention of any other injuries on Pryce, so the story corroborated itself. "And whether or not he knew that he was striking a Peacekeeper."

Of course he had. There had been more than one reason why Brody had insisted on dealing with Ruze personally.

"I can't believe someone hit my poor baby and her friends!"

Oh my god, you're talking again. Why are you talking again.

"Are you going to get him Officer? Maybe you should stay the night, just in case he's looking for revenge."

"Brittany. He's already locked up."

The mother started to speak again, but Brody cut her off with a glare that had shriveled the courage of many mightier and crazier than she was.

"If I wanted your input, Mrs. Pryce," He growled, "I would have asked for it."

He snapped the dossier shut. That was about as much detail as they would need, and far more than he could stand.

ffffff - Brody
58007a - Vy
b800ff - Brittany

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

For as long as Vy can remember Brittany has been playing this act. At first it was being extremely fake and nice to whom ever was around. Then when her daughter's friends became older, it altered drastically. The growing boys just found a load of curiosity for the young mother. Certainly it pissed off Vy to no end, but she learned to deal. Lately though it's changed again in someway, and she can't help but be annoyed by it. Then again, there's only so much she can say given their all adults...well for the exception of Brooklyn, who's now preoccupied with a different matter. Her toys. How nice it must be to be her.

The chance that Mr. Ruze would escape, and actually want to go after the Pryce's and not his own kids or Matthew, is ridiculous. Vy has to throw up her arms in defeat, her mother is just that pathetic. Luckily someone else can see past the old Blonde as much as her daughter does. Without sugar coating or hesitation O'Rourke practically tells Brittany to shut up. Of course in slightly professional wording, telling her that her input isn't needed. Still his tone says it all. And with a sour face her lips seal together, while Vy's grows into a tiny smirk.

"Guess I'll be seeing you at the academy, sir?" Vy questions since O'Rourke shuts what he was taking notes in, and looks more then ready to leave. Might as well try to part on a nice note, especially since they're apparently on the same page. "My apologizes for the rude host." She avoids shooting her mother a look. That'll only spark up something more, and she's just thankful her words weren't enough. Guess Brittany doesn't want to make a fool of herself anymore. There's no doubt she would of if it wasn't for O'Rourke. As awesome as it is to witness, Vy hopes it doesn't have to ever reoccur.