"Nick?" Derek said coming down the stairs. "What did you find out about the part for the helicopter?"
"That helicopter parts are hard to find." Nick replied looking up from the desk. "Why won't the Luna foundation get us a newer model?"
Derek chuckled. "Because they know you can find anything."
"Yeah, right." Nick said acidly. "You should tell them to try dealing with the French manufacturer who doesn't have the part in stock and see how quickly they change their minds."
"Did you try the German ones?" Derek shot back.
"Ha ha.." Nick retorted.
Just then the intercom buzzed cutting off their conversation. Derek looked at Nick. "Are you expecting someone?"
"No," Nick answered looking confused.
Derek pressed the button. "May I help you?" He asked.
"Derek, it's Phillip." Phillip's thick Irish accent crackled over the speaker.
"Phillip?" Nick said. "I thought he was in Ireland."
"I did too." Derek agreed.
"I'll go down and get him; I need a break from the search for a new fuse box. It's making my eyes bleed." Nick offered.
Derek smiled at him, "drive carefully please, I'd like Phillip here in one piece."
"I'll do my best." Nick answered grinning at him.
Nick revved the engine of his car, he loved the deep rumble of the motor and the way the car shook from the sheer power that lived under the hood. This car was definitely his baby, he'd spent hundreds of hours tweaking and re tweaking the engine. The tires squealed as he let the clutch off sending a spray of dust and debris into the air. The car felt as if it were a living breathing extension of his body.
The short ride to the gate took less than three minutes. He slammed on the brakes skidding to a stop just before the ornate Iron Gate; he jumped out of the car and jogged over to the control panel punching in his pass code to allow Phillip to come in.
"I thought you were in Ireland?" He asked offering Phillip his hand.
"I was," Phillip replied.
"So are you here on business or pleasure?" Nick said directing Phillip to his Camaro.
"Business, it's about Annie." Phillip replied.
Nick stopped short. "Annie?" He asked. "I thought that she was in Scotland in that monastery."
"She was," Phillip replied gravely. "It was attacked; she was injured while she was escaping."
"Where is she now?" Nick asked, a new intensity coming into his voice.
"She's at the hospital in San Francisco. We're having her transported here." Phillip explained. "I've got all the information for Derek."
Nick climbed back into his car, it roared to life. "Go to the house; tell Derek I'm on my way to the hospital."
"Nick, Rachel's already looking after her." Phillip offered.
"I'm not leaving her alone in a strange place." Nick said flatly. "Derek knows you're here, tell him where I went."
Phillip sighed and gave a slight nod watching Nick's car tear out onto the dirt road leading to the pier.
Phillip wasn't surprised to find Derek waiting for him at the front door of the Legacy House. The guard from the shack had given him a ride after seeing Nick's car pull onto the ferry.
"Phillip," He said offering him his hand. "To what do we owe the pleasure?"
"Derek," He answered solemnly. "It's Annie."
"Where's Nick?" Derek asked as his smile faded.
"He's gone to the hospital," Phillip answered.
"I think we have much to discuss." Derek said gesturing him into the house.