A/N: My attempt at trying to explore Reese's thoughts when he was so close to freedom.
So Close Yet So Far
"Your DNA didn't match whoever they are looking for. We will be processing you out momentarily."
One step, two steps, three steps. His steps were sure and while not quick, they were long and moderate.
With each step, Reese's level of relief rose. He screwed up and he knew it. He jeopardized the mission unnecessarily. He should have been caught because of his sloppiness, even his bit of arrogance but here he was walking toward his freedom.
He was steady as he walked through the barred door and then his steps faltered ever so slightly.
Carter. She was here.
His heart jumped and a feeling of what could only be described as joy washed over him. For a split second he was surprised at her presence and then he realized that he should not have been surprised at all.
She was standing here.. standing so close... waiting for me.
Their eyes locked and his next step was determined, determined to get to freedom, determined to get to her.
"Stop right there" Donnelly commanded.
Reese's eyes shifted from his goal line to the lawman intent on capturing him.
"These men have all been classified as unlawful combatants by the AMUF."
Reese cut his eyes back to Carter and read the what the hell look on her face.
"Until we can establish they are not a threat to national security, they're not going anywhere" Donnelly informed the warden. "Put 'em back!"
Carter squeezed her eyes shut and let out a silent breath of frustration.
So close... so damn close...
"Just the person I wanted to see" Donnelly declared after turning from the warden and finding Carter standing there.
"What... what's going on? I thought the evidence cleared these guys" Carter said, not realizing there was an edge in her voice.
"The DNA, the fingerprints, it's all too neat. I've been burned too many times trying to bring this man to justice. There's only one person I know I can trust anymore. You. You've been chasing him from the beginning. And we've only got one shot left at him Detective. If he walks out of there we've never going to see him again. I know you were a senior interrogator in Iraq. It's time to put those military skills to use. I want you to interrogate every last one of these men. Find out who they are, what they know. Start with him" Donnelly pointed to Reese.
Reese heard every word. Donnelly trusted her and he wanted her to get to the truth.
What the hell have you done?
Reese kept his eyes on Carter as he was being handcuffed.
There are things you can't do Detective and this is one of them. I'm suppose to take the hard risks not you. What the hell have you done? If something happens to you because of this... because of me... What the hell have I done? Damn it Detective! It wasn't suppose to be like this.
Turning to walk back through the barred door, Reese's mind began to race. How was he going to handle the interrogation and protect Carter?
He was so close... so close to her, so close to freedom... but now, with each step, he was so far away... so far away from freedom, so far away from her.