Tried to fulfill my goal of getting another chapter posted before Wednesday. Well I have two..

"I didn't do nothin'. You have the wrong guy!" the man complained once he was sitting down facing John, Finch, and Joss.

"Then why were you following Ms. Phillips?" Finch questioned.

"I was trying to speak with her. She knows me!"
"And who are you?" John asked.

"Will. Will Conner."

Carter's brow pinched. "Will." She repeated. John turned giving her a look that asked what was the significance of that name. "Clarisse has mentioned you."

"I would hope so, considering I almost married her." They remained quiet waiting for him to continue. "We were together three years ago. We were engaged. I…I did private work for the government for a time. I went out on assignment one night to help a colleague and was shot down in the process. I was mistaken for dead. And that's what they told Clarisse. I had lost my memory. About a year later I recovered, and had learned what they told Clarisse. I thought it was best maybe if I stayed dead. I didn't know if she had moved on and I didn't want to come in and disrupt her life. I had lived dangerously enough as it was when we were together. I didn't want to cause her more heartache."

Now, it all made sense to Joss. "So, why do you want the truth to come out now?" Finch asked reading Joss's mind. John continued to listen, but he began lightly pacing back and forth through the room.

"I found out she was engaged to the senator. Look I was with her when she was happy and I can see it in her face. She's not happy. I'm not saying she doesn't care abut this guy, but… I thought if there's a chance that she still loves me, maybe I should at least tell her the truth and see what happens. I don't know. It's crazy I get that. I guess I just want an opportunity to tell her I still love her, before she's taken from me for good. That's why I followed her this morning. After last night I knew I better tell her soon before something crazy happens."

"Last night?" John asked coming to a halt and peering down at Will. "During the shoot out?"

He nodded.

"You were the one driving the other car?" John concluded.

Again he nodded. "I had to do something. I couldn't let them take her out. Whatever that was about I know for a fact she had nothing to do with it. None of it was her fault."

"You're right about that," Joss muttered.

"Look, I have to see her. It's hard to get to her with all the paparazzi and bodyguards, but I have to get to her. Can you help me? Please! I need to see her."

Joss's heart went out to the man, but she knew what answer she had to give. "Look, Will-"

"We'll get you in to see her."

Both Joss and Finch leaned back, shock covering their faces as their eyes fell on John. Had he just said what they thought?

"We'll take you to her."

"Really? You will?"

"Yes."

Joss immediately wanted to protest, but hesitated with Will sitting in the room. Since when was John a matchmaker? By agreeing to get Will in to see Clarisse they would be doing far more than just protecting the young woman's life. On the contrary it would be getting personal. Doing this could result in Marshall and Clarisse breaking up. And that would not leave them sitting in a pretty spot. So why was John sold on this stranger getting a second chance? Joss knew more than most that John was far from heartless, but it was rare he got this personal over romantic issues. So what was his motive?

…..

"It's all clear Mr. Reese. Marshall has gone out on a meeting. I have Ms. Shaw following him. She'll report if he heads back to the house."

"Thanks Finch. We'll try to make this quick." John replied.

Joss stood by his side and moved to the entrance of the living room preparing to precede John and Will so that she could give Clarisse a heads up. However, John's voice stopped her. "Let me," he almost pleaded.

Her eyes widened briefly before she gave him a doubtful look. "John I think someone should break it to her gently. And I think it should be me. This is going to be hard enough-"

"Joss either way it's going to be a shock. Might as well let the chips fall where they may." Before Joss could stop him he burst through the entrance."

"Clarisse, we need to speak with you." At his abruptness Clarisse started.

"What's wrong Detect-" standing to her feet she stopped as John moved out of the way. "Will?"

The two locked eyes as Will moved towards her. "Claire." His voice was breathless, his eyes glossed. "I'm sorry. I've missed you."

Tears were already pouring down her face. "No. This can't be. T-they said you died. You're dead. This isn't real."

Boldly, needing to touch her, Will lay a hand against her cheek. "They thought I was. Until recently."

Clarisse sobbed. "Oh Will," she nearly collapsed into his arms clinging to him with the tightest grip she could muster up.

"I'm sorry you had to believe I was dead. Sorry to hurt you and abandon you. Clarisse, I love you. I always have. I've missed you so much." Joss's peered up at John. His eyes were glued to the young lost lovers. He was entranced. Why was he becoming so emotionally involved? As if he felt their pain. And why did this seem so familiar?

Abruptly Clarisse released her hold and pulled away forcing Will to drop his arms since she no longer filled them. She swiped at her eyes. "So, what now? Huh? You came here to tell me that and what do you expect? Us to just pick back up where we left off? I'm engaged! To a man who's been there for me over the past year. Who I really care for."

"I know. And I told you I'm sorry. But I know you. I can see you're not as happy as you could be-"

"Uh-uh. No. You don't get to do that. You can't just come here after all this time and tell me how I feel."

"Clarisse."

"No. Will. I think you should go." Her voice cracked. "I can't deal with this right now."

Will looked at Joss and John at a loss for what to do. Gently Carter touched the man's arm nodding towards John. Taking the hint he went to the door. Both he and John exited.

"If you don't mind," Clarisse said, refusing to look Joss's way as she continued to swipe at her eyes, "I would like to be alone for a little while."

"Okay," Joss replied stepping out of the room eager to join John.