Nelson was indeed still barking the house down, though starting to sound a little hoarse, when Michael and his team made it to the Jardine residence.

"Shut that dog up will you Fraser," Michael ordered as he surveyed the damage that had been done to his home. The sight of a blood stain on the carpet was not reassuring.

Stuart edged towards the back door; he'd never see the normally placid dog so enraged before. Gingerly he opened the door; only to slam it shut again as he narrowly avoided being savaged.

"Uh, sir?" Stuart began uncertainly, "This might be one for you."

Michael looked up in irritation, but relented when he noted just how un-Nelson-like Nelson was behaving. He was still unable to suppress a long suffering sigh, however, as he made his way to the backdoor.

"Nelson," he began firmly, "Nelson, it's all right, it's me. You can stop barking now," he paused as Nelson began to settle at the familiar voice, "there's nothing you can do now."

Nelson stopped barking all together and looked up at Michael with big brown eyes. Sighing again Michael slipped out the door to further soothe the dog. Patting Nelson on the head Michael realised that the familiar gesture was soothing him as well.

"Michael, we've found something," Robbie's voice broke the moment. Giving Nelson one last pat, Michael re-entered the house.

"Over here," Robbie continued, leading Michael into the kitchen. Stuck on the fridge was note addressed to Michael:

"Dear Michael,

Your wife put up an admirable fight trying to protect your children, though it was quite unnecessary. Your family are all safe, but their continued well being rests with you. I'd say don't involve the police but that seems a trifle...trite. Instead I will say: no tricks. I mean it Michael, you have a charming family it would be such a shame if anything were to happen to them.

I will contact you with further instructions,

Culpepper"

Michael swore softly under his breath and glanced at Robbie who was watching him closely. "Well, Inspector, how would you like to proceed?"

Robbie looked confused, "Sir?"

"I'm taking myself off the case before I'm forced off and while I still can choose whom I would like to head the investigation," Michael informed him.

"But-"

Whatever Robbie was going to say was abruptly cut short as Michael grabbed him by the collar and slammed him into the fridge. "I'm only going to say this once, Robbie," Michael hissed, "this psycho has my wife and children. I'm counting on you to get them back in one piece; if you don't think you can I want to know now so that I can find someone who can."

"You can count on me," Robbie choked out, "could you put me down now?" he added. Michael loosened his hold on Robbie, lowering him to the floor, before he released him and took a step back.

"Never knew you had it in you," Robbie commented, righting his tie and moving his neck gingerly from side to side.

"You'd be surprised by what I'm capable of when those I love are in danger."

"I don't doubt it," Robbie replied as he followed Michael out of the room.