Max hugged Ella to her, her heart aching for Kenny to come back. Knowing his overprotective streak was kicking in, she took a long drink of her coffee, as she looked around the Brock kitchen. We can't stay here. It isn't safe for them. We should vanish again, keep Ella and our baby safe.
"Max?"
She looked up from her daughter. "Sorry."
Jill sat down across from her young friend. "Jimmy called. They're on their way back."
"Another one?" Max asked, not wanting Ella to overhear. "Why is this happening again?"
"The FBI is being called in. They'll catch him."
Karen smiled to herself, as she looked at the package on the seat. Kenny will love me now, and Max won't know what happened. Ella will love me more than she ever did her mother. I feel badly for what is going to happen to the baby, but he'll give her another one, after she agrees to stay with him.
"She's down," Kenny said, lying down next to his wife in the Brock guestroom. "You awake, Babe?"
Max rolled over on her side, and looked at her sweet husband. "I don't think I can ever sleep again."
He pulled her close, nuzzling her neck a bit, before resting his hands on her stomach. "You got to rest for the baby."
"How do we bring a baby into this?"
"We'll keep our baby and Ella safe. Max," he started, hating the fear he saw on her face. "The FBI doesn't want you to go into hiding again, even though your pregnant. They want you on the front lines."
"What does he want with us?"
You, Kenny thought, thinking back to the messages in the body. "You and Ella need to go. You can come back when it's safe and after you give birth."
Max sat up and stared at him. "I am not leaving without you."
"We need to think about Ella and the baby."
"He wants something from me. He won't stop until he gets it."
"He's not getting you. You, Ella and our baby are my life. I'm keeping you safe this time. That other maniac kidnapped and tortured you while you were pregnant with Ella. Never again."
"You still don't think I can take care of myself? Or our daughter?"
He pulled her close again. "I love you. I know you can. Just let me for once in our lives without pushing me away."
She nodded, as they lay back down together. Kenny, Ella, the baby, Max thought, my family needs me. "I love you too."
Kenny looked around the crime scene, very grateful that Max was back at the Brocks with morning sickness and Ella. She doesn't have to see this and I don't have to tell her the FBI's plan for her yet.
"It's just so terrible," Karen said, laying his hand on his arm. "I don't know what to do anymore."
Kenny stepped back at her touch. "There looks like there is a trail over there. Why don't you check in out?"
"Why don't you come with me?"
"Kenny," Jimmy called, waving him over, saving him from the conversation he didn't want to have.
Karen smiled, as she slipped the pen out of her pocket. Insurance, she thought, before I make him mine.
