FYI: Much of this story will be told in "flashbacks" based on Caitlin's memories. All flashback scenes will be represented in italicized print.

Chapter 2

Dom knew it was a long shot that there would be any communication from String and Saint John at Santini Air. Still, he had hoped he would be able to find something on their whereabouts when he got there. Finding the place the same as when they left it that evening, he sat down and began to make phone calls to people they knew. "They are all going to love me for calling them this early in the morning," he thought to himself sarcastically.

Getting nowhere with his calls, Dom waited patiently for Doc. He was happy when Doc came in an hour earlier than planned. Dom filled him in on what he knew of the event of the evening and explained that Caitlin was found on the side of the road with no memory of what had happened.

"Was Caitlin hurt in any way?" asked Doc.

Dom knew what he was referring to. "No, they didn't harm her except it does appear that she may have either jumped or was pushed from a vehicle," he said. "She has some minor cuts and bruises on her arms and legs."

"That's good to hear;" replied Doc. "Whatever happened must have been pretty traumatic."

Dom sighed. "Yeah, that's what I'm afraid of," he said sadly. "The only thing I can think of that would be that traumatic to her besides being harmed herself would be if…" His voice trailed off. He couldn't bring himself to say the words.

"If she saw String die," Doc said softly.

"Yeah," replied Dom. "I can't think of anything else. His blood was all over her hands and on her clothes. It had to have been bad."

"We don't know for sure he's dead though," said Doc.

"No, we don't," said Dom. "But we are left with so many questions like if he's dead, where is the body? If someone had taken them, how did Caitlin get away? If it was some kind of accident, where are they?"

The two quickly headed up to the clinic to talk with Michael and check on Caitlin. Michael greeted them and immediately began to fill them in on what his men were able to find out.

"Anything new Michael?" asked Dom.

"Caitlin's car was still up at the bar," said Michael. "It doesn't appear they ever got in it. Dom, did they leave the same time as you?"

"No," sighed Dom. "I wasn't feeling well so I left early and took a cab."

"Well, the bartender said that they closed the place with another pilot name Sampson," replied Michael. "He said they all left together."

"Anything else?" asked Doc. "Dom said you were searching the area where Caitlin was picked up."

"Yes," replied Michael. "We found traces of blood about a half mile from where Cait was found. There are a several sets of tire tracks in that area. Apparently teenagers like to hang out and race out there. We're still searching for additional clues."

"How is Caitlin doing?" asked Dom.

"Physically, she's fine," replied Michael. "She wants to get out and help look for them. I figured she can go with the two of you. She should be dressed and out here in a few minutes."

Doc and Dom waited for Caitlin to be released from the clinic. When she came out of the room she'd been in, she immediately hugged the two men. "I'm so glad you're here Doc," she said.

"Me too," he replied. "I just with it was under better circumstances. String and I were going to do a little fishing."

Doc could see that Caitlin was trying hard to hold back the tears. He could tell that the past evening had taken a major toll on the pretty red head. He put his arm around her waist to comfort her. "It's going to be okay," he said softly. "We'll find them no matter how long it takes."

"But how?" asked Caitlin. "For some reason I can't seem to remember what happened out there."

"We'll take it one step at a time," replied Doc. "Normally I'd say we back track your steps but since you can't recall them, we'll start at the beginning. I say we drive out to the bar. Maybe being there will help to jog your memory."

Caitlin felt herself subconsciously tense up. Doc tightened his grip on her. He knew this wasn't going to be an easy task and that he and Dom would have to be there to support her.

"I guess we have no other choice," replied Caitlin. "Let's go."

The two escorted her to Santini's jeep and they headed out to the bar. None of them spoke on the way there as each seemed to be deep in thought over their missing friends.

Once they got to the bar, Dom helped Caitlin out of the jeep and they walked up to the front door. Doc watched as Caitlin suddenly stopped and turned towards the parking lot. Dom was about to ask her what was wrong but Doc put his finger on his lips to stop him from speaking and disrupting her thoughts.

Caitlin felt her mind flash back to the moment they left the bar.

"I think you two should come and stay out my place tonight," said Saint John. "You're in no condition to fly all the way up to the cabin."

Caitlin smiled. "What are you talking about?" she said. "You're the one who had over a half dozen beers. I only had one drink."

"Oh, yeah," said Saint John. "Well, take me home then."

Caitlin laughed. "I am," she replied while wrapping her arm around String's waist. "I think staying would be a good idea though. String here looks like he's about to pass out."

"I'm fine," String objected. "What about you Sampson? You need a ride?"

"I think that just might be a good idea," said Sampson. "If you don't mind."

"No, we don't mind at all," replied Caitlin as the four headed to car in the back of the parking lot.

Caitlin turned back around and faced Dom and Doc. "I remember leaving here last night," she said. "We asked Sampson if he wanted a ride too. He had almost as many drinks as Saint John did."

"How much do you recall?" asked Doc.

"So far, I can only remember walking out to the car," she replied. "We had parked way out in the back because we got there late and the place was crowded. The guys had a bit too much to drink so I was the designated driver."

"Let's walk back there," said Doc as Caitlin froze. "It's okay Cait. I know this isn't easy."

"I'm okay," she replied. "Let's go out there and look."