crack_van | Vigilante Terrorist, by ALEO (T)

Fandom: NUMB3RS
Pairing: none
Length: 56,503 words
Author on LJ: unknown
Author Website: ALEO on FF.net
Why this must be read:

Don is a control freak. So when a mysterious man maneuvers him into giving up control over and over, even over his own life, it shakes him to the core.

'Vigilante Terrorist' is the central story in a set of three. At first I couldn't quite buy into the difference between the bad guys' convictions and their actions, but by the end I was convinced. And even if a lingering doubt or two remain, the intricate plots, psychological insights, and taut storytelling is well worth a little suspension of disbelief.

Take the Controls

"Get it over with. I won't resist." Don said softly. He looked out at the passing crowd, unknowingly hostages to his cooperation. "Just don't hurt anyone else."

Don focused his gaze back at Telford to find the other looking at him appraisingly. There was a sudden ‘click' followed by a sharp stinging sensation under his ribs causing him to inhale sharply. Don looked down and saw the blade of a wicked looking spring-blade knife. The tip was out of sight, pressing into his bare flesh having already sliced cleanly through his sweater and shirt. The blade was long enough and angled the right way to reach his heart. He'd automatically tensed but immediately forced himself to relax. He had meant what he said, he would not resist. He waited for Telford to press the blade home.

"You truly would let me kill you, agent?"

Don didn't answer, he couldn't. Suddenly he was back at the warehouse, hearing the safety on Boots's gun clicking off behind his head. He was back in his SUV, the chloroform pad over his face, consciousness fading. Both times he had known he was going to die. His breathing became ragged as he stared at the blade, fighting against his survival instincts. Would it hurt? He wondered as his hands clenched and unclenched. It took all of his control but Don didn't move.

Failure
Vigilante Terrorist
Disarmed