I don't own Scorpion or any of the CBS affiliates.

Author's Notes: I want to thank everyone for all the great reviews that I have received. It gives me great encouragement to continue writing which have become my biggest stress reliever.

Just so you know this may not be the best chapter since it has proven a little difficult to write but I have edited this thing until I have grown tired of reading it. If there are any major errors in there that I may have missed please point them out to me and I will try to correct them as soon as I can.

Now for my dilemma. I need everyone's help for those of you who are following Runaway Walter. I am stuck between two different ways this next chapter can go. Long story short, Paige runs into some bad guys and she is able to walk away unharmed but two of the three have other ideas. So this is where the fans come in:

First Choice: The surprise bad guy had left the location and Paige goes back to Louise and gets her and leaves the location unharmed or

Second Choice: The surprise bad guy had left the location and Paige had already gotten back to Louise and as they were trying to make their escape the other two bad guys shows up and kidnaps them.

So there are your choices, please help me pick because I have asked three people and one person couldn't really decide and one person picked choice one and the other person picked choice two. I would really like the fans opinion at this time and thank you in advance for your opinions.

Chapter 2: Damage Control

Walter lost track of how long he stood there holding Paige. The only thing he could think of doing was holding Paige in his arms and slowly rubbing his hands up and down her back trying to calm her down. Walter felt like he had to do something to ease the burden she must be feeling so he did the only thing he could think of, "Hey, lets go sit on the couch and tell me everything that happened at the school. Ok."

Nodding her head, she followed Walter over to the couch and sat down next to him, Paige sat there for a moment trying to get her thoughts together, "We got to the school and Ralph was waiting in the office area. Principal Pastureneck came out and greeted us and lead us into her office. There were already three people in there waiting on us, School Superintendent Dr. Pembrook, FBI Agent Marshall, and his teacher Mr. Caldwell. We were talking about what he was accused of which was hacking into two different schools, both Bilson Elementary and Billings High School. Agent Marshall was telling us that federal charges could be pressed if he is found guilty when Drew spoke up telling everyone in the room that Ralph was very capable of hacking into both schools as well as anywhere in the world. Not to mention, on top of everything else, he told them that Ralph is a genius. That was when Superintendent Pembrook made an executive decision and expelled Ralph from elementary school right then and there and then called Dean Young who is the dean at Cal-Tech and told him about Ralph's predicament. That was also when the college dean decided to expel Ralph from college as well since he was technically still in elementary school. Walter, you should have seen Ralph's face. He was devastated. You saw how angry he was when he came up here. I don't know what to do Walter. On top of everything else, Drew suggested that I give him custody of Ralph because of what happened today. Walter, he acted like he didn't do anything wrong."

"Well for starters,there is no way you are loosing Ralph to Drew. Also, I know I could find the hacker without a problem but I'm not going to help in that capacity."

"Why not Walter? I know you can help, so why won't you help me?" asked a hurt and frustrated Ralph.

Turning to look at Ralph, "Hey bud, come over and sit down." said Walter patting the seat in between him and his mother.

Before Walter could explain anything to Ralph, Drew appeared in the doorway of the loft. "Hey Buddy. Look, I know you're mad at me but how about we put that aside and come with me to meet your step-mother and step-brother face to face. They are both looking forward to meeting you so how about we go and meet them, ok. We can talk about all of this later when everyone has had some time to calm down from all of this. How does that sound?"

"My what?" asked an indignant Ralph.

"Oh, yea. I guess I haven't taken the time to tell you two. Tiffany and I got married yesterday morning. We are on our way to Hawaii for our honeymoon and we brought Tiffany's son, Brandon, with us hoping you, Paige, could possibly watch him for the two weeks while we are away. So, can you?"

Paige never looked more angrier at Drew than she did at that moment. Yelling, "You want me to what? Drew, I can't believe that you even ask me that after what you did today to your own son. What were you hoping to gain by all of this because as I see it you are just trying to find a way to take Ralph from me. You know that son you abandon at the age of two. The one you told you were going to go see a movie but never came back from. What kind of a father does that and now you got him kick out of school and for what purpose, huh. Why? Before you take MY son anywhere you are going to answer that question for me. As far as me watching your step-son, NO. You should have asked earlier, hell you should have told us about the wedding before this. Get out of here Drew. I don't want you here." Paige then got up and took Ralph by the hand and stormed out the loft.

Watching Paige storm off with Ralph, Walter turned to Drew and asked, "So, do you want me to show you out or do you remember the way? Because, personally, I don't want you here either."

Walking out onto the roof, Paige let go of Ralph's hand and walked over to the wall and looked out over the city. Sighing and trying to get her emotions in check, she turned around and looked at Ralph, "Honey, I'm sorry that you saw all of that. I know I have told the others in the past not to say anything negative about your father, but I just couldn't help but get mad and yell at him. So, for that I am sorry for acting that way in front of you."

"Its ok Mom. I'm mad at him too. I didn't know he was getting married to Tiffany nor did I know that he was planning on asking you to watch Brandon while they go on their honeymoon."

"I know, honey. I know."

Looking towards the door that just open, Walter walked out onto the roof and walked over to where Ralph and Paige was sitting. "You two ok?"

"Yea, I guess. I'm just upset about the added info on top of everything else from earlier today." said Paige.

"Walter, how come you said you couldn't help me? I don't understand because as I see it you are the only one that can help me."

Sitting down beside Ralph, "Ralph, as I was getting ready to explain before Drew walked in is that I can't help you because of the relationship I have with you. The school will look at my findings as being bias and I am sure that will hurt you just as much as Drew did if not more. Now, what I can do is ask for help. I have already talked to Deputy Director Cooper and explained to her the current circumstances that I am aware of. She is sending over someone who specializes in Cyber Crimes. This person does not know anyone here which will make his findings non-bias. Are you ok with the measures that I have taken so far on your behalf. If not, we need to come up with another solution to this problem without you getting into further trouble."

"Yes. I'm ok with the measures that has been taken. I just wish you were the one doing all of the work instead of someone I don't know."

"I know bud but at this point it would be better with not knowing who this person is and them not knowing who you are. This way their findings will be accepted with more of an open mind by the everyone who is involved at this point.

Now, this is a little off the subject but it is something to think about. My great grandmother's birthday is June 3rd and my parents are throwing her a birthday party and asked if I would make an appearance there. Since you are no longer obligated to attend school do you two want to come to Ireland with me? The change of scenery may do you both some good unless you are reconsidering watching Brandon while Drew and Tiffany are on their honeymoon"

"I want to go. It would be better than sitting here wondering if I am going to get arrested for something I didn't do or because my father incriminated me. Do you think they will let me go before this is resolved?"

"I don't know Bud, I just don't know. That is something we will have to ask about when we have our meeting but I am hoping you will get to go."

Leaving the garage, Drew could not believe that Paige told him no on watching Brandon. He thought that, her of all people, would want Ralph to get to know his step-brother. He's guessing at this point it is a good thing that he didn't tell Paige about the baby that is due in six months. He also couldn't believe both Paige and Ralph blamed him for Ralph getting expelled from school either. He doesn't seem to be having a good day and here he is suppose to be on his honeymoon not worrying about trying to find a sitter for an eleven year old. How is he going to explain this to Tiffany? She has been looking forward to this trip ever since they planned the honeymoon. Getting into his car, he left the garage trying to figure things out as he drove back to the hotel.

Arriving at the hotel, Drew walked up to his room and let himself in. Brandon was sitting on the small couch playing a video game and Tiffany was laying across the bed resting.

Walking over to the bed, "Hey, babe. Sorry to disturb you but we need to talk."

Sitting up in the bed, "Ok, what do we need to talk about. Is Paige going to watch after Brandon while we are gone?"

"No. She, well, actually both of them blame me for what happened at the school and when I did ask which was afterwards she flat out said no. I don't think there is anyway of changing her mind on the issue either. Sorry, but it looks like we either cancel our honeymoon or we take Brandon with us."

"What exactly happened at the school today?"

"Ralph was kicked out of school because he was accused of hacking the into two different schools. He said he didn't do it and I do believe him but I also know that he is capable of doing it too and I guess I opened my big mouth and said that he was capable of hacking into the schools let alone anywhere in the world. The Superintendent of the of schools then called the Dean to the college that Ralph attends and they both expelled him from both schools. Now they are both so mad at me over it and to the point that neither one of them wants me anywhere near them. So, again, I'm sorry for Paige not wanting to watch him."

"Well, I can't really blame her for not wanting to watch the son of the woman that her ex married and starting a new life with as well as having his baby. By the way, what did she say about the baby?"

"I never told her about the baby . Also, I sprung the news about our wedding on them after the school incident. That was when things went down hill. I never told them the we got married or was even thinking about getting married and I never asked Paige beforehand if she would consider watching Brandon until today. So, that is that."

"Drew Baker! No wonder she got mad at you. You never told her anything before today and after the school incident. I would be mad at you too and I would have done exactly what Paige did without a doubt. So, no I do not blame her for what she did or what she said. You deserve what you got. Do you want me to talk to her and see if she would reconsider?

"No, I'm going to let her cool down for a bit before I talk to her again."

"Ok, but if need be I can talk to her if you want."

"Ok. I love you."

"I love you too."

"Gross, if you want I can leave the room." said Brandon who happened to look over and saw his mom and step-dad kissing.

"No, that is ok. You can stay. Besides, we are a little hungry here so how about we go out and get something to eat." said Tiffany who was rubbing her baby bump that was beginning to show.

"I can eat." said Brandon.

Smirking, "Then lets go." said Drew.

Walking downstairs and noticing everyone looking at her, "Guys, I am not ready to discuss everything just yet but I will tell you this. Ralph got kicked out of school today, well both schools, and we are trying to fix things. He was accused of hacking into two schools and Scorpion is NOT going to get involved. Deputy Director Cooper is sending someone to look into the matter and the reason being is because of the relationship this team has with Ralph. We don't want anyone thinking that whatever is found was under bias circumstances and that is why Scorpion is sitting this one out. So, can we just leave it at that for now?" ask Paige.

"From what we saw and heard, taking Drew with you was a mistake to begin with and that Walter should have gone with you instead. Ralph storming through here proved that point loud and clear." said Toby.

"Toby stop psychoanalyzing me and stop eavesdropping on our conversations upstairs with the intercom."

"I will cop to the psychoanalyzing but not the eavesdropping. We heard you all the way down here when you started yelling at Drew and his body language said a lot when he came down here with out Ralph."

"Oh. I guess I didn't realized how loud I got when I got mad at Drew. Sorry you all had to hear that. Look, Ralph and I are going home as soon as he comes down here. We will see you guys in the morning and I hope tomorrow will be a better day than today has been."

"Oh, for what it is worth, we will try to sit this one out but no guarantees." said Happy.

"Noted and appreciated." stated Paige.

Not a minute later, Walter and Ralph came walking down the stairs together. Ralph just look as though his whole world was yanked out from under him in one swoop. Walter on the other hand looked a little more hopeful.

"Hey, Paige. Deputy Director Cooper is sending over a Matthew Peterson tomorrow morning around 9am. He wanted to talk to Ralph and you and Drew if necessary."

Kind of whining, Ralph asked, "Does he really have to be here? Seriously, I think he has done enough damage for one day. The next thing he may end up doing is having me handcuffed and taken off to who knows where."

"I know baby and I'm also worried about any further involvement he may have in this but if it's necessary then it's necessary." said Paige. Looking at Walter, "Hey, thanks for all of your help. Also, sorry, about interrupting your call with your parents considering your relationship with them."

"That's ok. I think Ralph rescued me from Mrs. Flanagan anyway."

Shaking her head at Walter, "Ralph, are you ready to go home. Its been a long day for the both of us."

"Yea, I'm ready."

Thanking Walter again both Paige and Ralph left the garage. Driving home, "Ralph, what do you want for dinner tonight. I'm thinking something quick and easy so we both can chill out and try to put this awful day behind us. How does that sound?"

"That sounds ok. How about pizza then tonight?"

"That sounds fairly reasonable given the circumstances that occurred today."

Stopping by Pizza Studio, Paige and Ralph got out of the car and went inside to order their pizza to go so they could go home and try to relax after such a long and horrible day.

Walking in the pizza place, "Mom?"

"Yes baby."

"Do you think it would be alright to invite Walter over tonight to have dinner with us and play video games?"

"That will be alright with me, why don't you go ahead and call and ask him?"

Smiling for the first time that day, "Ok, Mom. I can do that."

Paige walked up to the counter while Ralph pulled out his phone to call Walter. After placing her order, Paige heard someone call her name. She turned around and saw that it was Drew as well as who Paige assumed was Drew's wife and step-son with him. Paige was really not in the mood to see him right now much less meet his new family.

"Drew, I didn't expect to see you here."

"Yea, well we decided to go out for pizza and this place usually has really good pizza and I just thought we could come here and grab something to eat. Umm...where is Ralph?"

"He is over there on the phone."

"Oh, ok. Hey about earlier, I am really sorry about what happened. Getting Ralph kicked out of school was really not my intention. I was just trying to help is all."

Hitting a nerve with that last statement, "Well you didn't, you just made things worse. Now you see why I wanted to take Walter with me."

"Yes, I do now."

Ralph had walked back over to where is Mom was standing and then notice his father standing there along with who he assumes to be his dad's new family. "Dad." said Ralph who was not too happy to see them.

"Hey buddy. Look about earlier today, I am truly sorry about everything that happened. Ok. Can you forgive me?" asked Drew who was looking rather hopeful towards Ralph.

"Maybe but not right now."

Looking at the people standing behind Drew, Drew turned to see what Ralph was looking at and realized he had not introduced any one.

"I am so sorry. Let me introduce you to each other. Tiffany and Brandon this is my Ex, Paige Dineen and our son, Ralph Dineen. Paige and Ralph, this is my new bride, Tiffany and my step-son, Brandon. I have an idea, why don't you two have dinner with us. If that is ok with everyone, I mean?"

"No thank you, I just ordered a pizza to go and it should be ready any moment now." said Paige.

"Ok, maybe later then." said Drew.

"Maybe. Oh, by the way before, I forget, Walter made a phone call to Deputy Director Cooper and she is sending someone over to help with this catastrophe that you caused and that person may want to talk to you as well as Ralph and myself."

"Ok. Just let me know when and where."

"Tomorrow at the garage at 9am."

"Ok, I can be there. Our plane leaves at 3pm though."

"You should be done by then."

"Excuse me,ma'am but your order is ready."

Turning around and walking over to the counter, Paige picked her pizza up and thanked the cashier and walked back over to where Ralph and Brandon were playing a video game. Paige noticed that they seem to be getting along. "Umm, Ralph, its time to go."

"Ok, Mom." Ralph stopped playing and walked over to his mother and both of them walked out the door.

After arriving home, Paige found yet another note on her door. Now what, Paige thought. Walking into the apartment, Paige placed everything on the kitchen counter and began getting down paper plates to make clean up a little easier tonight.

"Ralph, is Walter coming over tonight?"

"Yes. He said if needed go ahead and start without him. He was talking to his parents on Skype. Are we going to go with him? I really would like to go with him if I could."

"I know baby and we will discuss it after we get through talking with Mr. Peterson tomorrow. Ok."

"Ok Mom."

Just then there was a knock on the door and Paige turned to answer it hoping it was Walter. Upon opening the door, sure enough Walter was standing on the other side of the door. Smiling what felt like the first time today, Paige stepped aside and invited him in.

"Hi Walter. We just got home so you're actually just in time."

"Great, at least I won't be having cold pizza tonight."

Walking back into the kitchen and getting the paper plates, "Walt, could you grab the pizza off the stove and bring it to the table and get Ralph for dinner please. I'll get the drinks."

"Yes. I can take care of that."

After everyone ate and cleaned up after dinner, Walter and Ralph exited to the living room where they began playing video games. Paige sat down on the couch next to Walter and tried to read one of her romance novels but couldn't quite get into the book. All she could think about was the day's events that took place. The more she thought about it the more angry she got. She then decided to get up and throw a load of laundry in the wash and started doing some household chores trying to get her mind off of things and get rid of her frustration by cleaning her bathroom. She figured if she scrubbed everything clean she could scrub away her frustration. About five minutes after she began, Walter found her scrubbing the bathroom.

"Are you ok? Do you need anything? Is there anything I can do that won't jeopardize Ralph's situation more than it already is? I'm here to help as best as I can Paige, just tell me what you need."

"Walter, I appreciate your concern but honestly, I don't know what to do in this situation. I'm just frustrated about everything. The case we had today, the woman who flirted with you the entire time we were there and the gall that she had when she came up to me and asked me if you were married or if you were seeing anyone and if not if I could possibly give you her number. By the way, I have that number in my purse if you're interested. If that wasn't enough, the whole school situation and Drew getting Ralph expelled from school on top of Drew asking me to watch his step-son so he and his lovely new bride can go on their honeymoon. And lets not forget that they are also expecting a baby. So, there it is, my whole long frustrating day."

Looking at Paige and listening to her vent, Walter realized he needed Toby's skills to help her and he just wasn't certain where to begin to help her in the first place. "Listening to you makes me wished I had Toby's skills to help you. By the way, how do you know Drew and his new wife are expecting a baby, he never mentioned it when he was at the garage?"

"They came into Pizza Studio while I was waiting for our pizza and he had Tiffany and Brandon with him and I know a pregnant walk from anywhere."

"Well, I guess the only thing I know for certain is that you can get rid of the woman's number." Walter said with a lopsided smile on his face.

Smiling back at Walter, "I'm sure I can manage that. I will definitely do that tomorrow. Walter, thanks for listening to me vent."

"Your welcome. I'll do anything and everything I can to help you get through this situation that the two of your are in. Like I said a moment ago, I'm here for you and Ralph. Whatever you need, just tell me. I'll do what I can. I'm a genius after all."

Smiling, Paige walked over and gave Walter a hug and kiss on the cheek. "Like I said earlier, thank you for everything. Why don't you go back and play with Ralph some more. He needs just as much cheering up as I do at this point."

Smiling and looking at the woman in his arms who he really did not want to let go of, "Ok. The games seem to have cheered him up a little." Reluctantly letting go of Paige, Walter walked back out into the living room to start playing with Ralph again.

"Is Mom ok?"

"Yea, she will be. She is getting rid some of her frustration by cleaning her bathroom."

"Ok. I just hope this doesn't turn into one of those cleaning sprees that won't stop until everything is clean. There won't be a speck of dirt left in the whole condo. She's going to put Sly to shame."

Laughing. "One more round and then it is bedtime since you need your rest for tomorrow's meeting at 9:00 in the morning."
"Ok Walter."

After a couple of more hours of playing games with Ralph, Walter put him to bed and talked to Paige for another hour before leaving for the night. Walking back into the garage, Walter started to lock up for the night when he had a surprise visitor knocking on the garage door.

"Who could that be at this time of night" said Walter as he went to open the door.

Opening the door, he was surprised to see you was on the other side.

"Hello Walter."