Disclaimer: I don't own it.

A/n: an alternate version of IAIAAC, minus the annoying Phil, who really reminds me of my brother. Enough said.

I've been dying to write an s1 fic but I really don't have time to do two stories at once, and I didn't want to disappoint all the wonderful people following my s2 story TSB. This is an experiment written in a free period, so be kind.

Sim's First Law: More reviews mean more updates.

Blood and Money

Chapter 1: Elevation.

Max parked her motorcycle next to Logan's Aztec and headed for the elevator of Fogle Towers. She was alone on the journey up to the penthouse, and her thoughts quickly turned to its owner. As much as she hated to admit it, she was worried about him. He hadn't paged her for a week, practically a record for him.

Logan's been off with me lately. Ever since that thing with Ben he's been distant, businesslike. I'm was starting to think he's guessed what had happened to Ben, as if there's guilt was written on my forehead like the barcode on my neck.

Maybe he's just on one of his Eyes Only kicks again. I hope to God he isn't falling into depression like he did after Vertes died. It's kinda hard to keep an eye on him when he's continually pushing me away, not returning my calls or just inviting me over for dinner so I can kick his ass at chess.

What is his problem anyway? Is it with me? Does my perfect body make him feel even more ashamed of having to live his life in the chair? He's never seemed to mind before, he knows the catches of being a genetically enhanced killing machine; he's taken care of me when my seizures are bad often enough.

Maybe Cape Haven is still affecting him. Hard as he is to figure out, I think Logan's a gentle person at heart who hates the idea of killing even in self defence. It's my fault he had to take lives to protect me, that he had had no choice in it like I didn't when I first killed at Manticore. It's like the predator I try so hard to hide is leaking out, infecting him. That thought just scares me so much, the idea that I'm corrupting the best person I've ever known. Maybe I should listen to Zack and run, leave him before I make him even more like me.

Then again, Logan's the best influence I've ever had. Does that mean that hanging around him will make me more human? Do I protect him or does he protect me? Logan makes me feel… safe, like no one else. Like nothing can hurt me when he's there, my guardian angel smiling up at me. He's so dependable, always there for me when I'm in trouble.

That's it, she thought. I'm gonna make him tell me what's up. I need him to have my back. I can't believe I just thought that. I'm Max, I don't need anyone to look after me. I don't need anyone, period.

But if that's true, why am I here? Why do I feel like I have to check on him, make sure he's ok? Why can't I imagine a whole week going by without hearing his voice, seeing him smile, just dropping in at 4am and watching him sleep on his computer keyboard? Why do I worry about his health, ride the elevator with Bling to pump him for information on Logan's condition?

As always, Max could find no solution to the complex tangle of questions and emotions filling her brain. She gave up when the elevator doors opened. I'm definitely gonna ask him what's wrong. Logan Cale, you are going to give me some answers or I am gonna kick your ass.

Max went to pick the lock, but found that the door was already open.

Logan! Logan, you home? Suddenly Max felt uneasy. Logan rarely left the apartment without his car, but she could sense that he wasn't there.

She swiftly checked all the rooms. Nothing seemed to be out of place; no sign of a struggle or a robbery. With an increasing sense of dread, she checked the office last.

The computers were switched off, but everything appeared to be there. Everything except the one person who could make Max this scared.

She picked up the phone and called Logan's cell. The irritating electronic chirp of the phone could be clearly heard from the next room. Logan never, ever left the apartment without his cell phone. Max called Bling to tell him the bad news.

Logan was missing.

Sim's First Law: More reviews mean more updates.

Do you think I got Max's voice right?

I'll probably continue this if I don't spend too much time on Blitz. If you want me to, that is.

These chapters are gonna be fairly short though.