Chapter 2

They split the driving, stopping about halfway to take a break. Harrison was driving the last half, since he knew where they were going. Caitlin stared out the window as they drove along a road that paralleled a beautiful beach. About a block from a massive resort hotel, Harrison parked and they got out. As Harrison got out of the van, Caitlin stared at their surroundings. While it was clearly a tourist stop, there were obvious efforts established to maintain some of the beach tranquility. There was only the single resort hotel. There didn't appear to be any other hotels. There were no structures on the beach at all.

"Are we staying there?" Caitlin asked as she followed Harrison towards the resort. Instead of speaking he just nodded. Looking at his face, Caitlin realized he was wrestling with his emotions. Rather than offer him empty platitudes, she let her hand rest on his shoulder as a reminder she was there.

They entered the hotel, looking around at the extravagant lobby. Before they could approach the desk to check in, a man dressed in a suit wearing a name badge approached with an angry look on his face. He placed himself firmly between the two scientists and the check in desk.

"You can just turn right around," the man said firmly.

"I'm sorry?" Harrison wasn't certain what was going on at the moment.

"When I saw your reservation I cancelled it. You and your fellow murderers are not welcome here." The man pointed towards the door. Harrison and Caitlin exchanged looks.

While Harrison was used to being treated poorly in Central City, he hadn't realized it would follow him here. With a sigh, he motioned at Caitlin. "Would you at least allow my colleague, Dr. Caitlin Snow, to stay?"

The man shook his head. "No. We're totally booked up for the competition tomorrow. I will not rent a room to Harrison Wells or anybody with him. Now leave."

"My apologies. Dr. Snow, it seems I've ruined our trip," Harrison began, turning his chair, looking up at his companion. "Hopefully we can find a room elsewhere." Feeling utterly spent and dejected, while he'd healed mostly from his injury he still tired easily, he headed for the door.

"Do you get that often Dr. Wells?" Caitlin asked. Since he'd used her formal name, she thought it would be best to follow suit.

"I'm used to it in Central City. I wasn't expecting it here." They were almost to the door when a man blocked their path. The man was wearing a suit and earpiece. Harrison immediately identified the man as security. A resort like this would have some serious security at hand.

"Your car keys please," the man said, holding out a large powerful looking hand.

"Look, we didn't mean to cause any trouble. We're leaving," Harrison said, hoping to escape with some dignity.

"Your car keys please," the man repeated. He stared at Caitlin and Harrison with impassive blue eyes which were impossible to read.

With a sigh, Harrison reached into his pocket, pulling out the keys. "Why do you want them?" He didn't know what was going on or what to think.

"I've been instructed to relocate your vehicle to a more convenient location," the man droned. He took the keys easily from Harrison's grasp and pushed a card at the man. Taking it, Harrison was a little shocked to realize he'd been handed a claim ticket for the valet parking.

"Okay," Harrison said, the word reflecting his confusion. To add to the confusion, a valet, who had apparently been waiting nearby, took the keys and scampered out of the hotel.

"Now if you'll follow me please." The big man turned and started heading for an elevator. Briefly Harrison considered going the other way but realized there was another security man watching them. With a sigh, Harrison toggled the joystick on his wheelchair so he could follow the other man. Following only a step behind, Caitlin kept her hand on Harrison's shoulder.

At the elevator, the big man motioned for Harrison and Caitlin to get inside, pressing a button for the top floor. Instead of going up with them, however, the big man stepped out, speaking as he did, "do not attempt to exit the elevator on any other floor. You are being watched." He motioned at a mirrored camera.

Caitlin and Harrison rode in silence for a minute before Harrison spoke up, "Dr. Snow, I apologize for whatever happens."

"Dr. Wells, I agreed to accompany you today because I trust you. I've worked alongside you long enough to know that the accelerator explosion was an accident. An accident which you payed dearly for and which you are still paying for," Caitlin lectured him.

The elevator dinged and exchanging looks, they both then looked to the door, a little terrified of what they were about to face. The elevator let out into a foyer where another security man waited. There were three doors and the security man motioned them at the one on the far left. As they approached, the man knocked on the door and it was swung open almost instantly.

Maintaining her grip on Harrison's shoulder, Caitlin tried to stay calm as they entered the room.