I give some background on Mark in this one. Just so you all can know him better. I'm planning something major so watch out. Story takes a serious left turn in the next chapter. As always, please review.

Chapter 7

The morning brought a nasty storm system in from up north. The sky was very overcast, threatening a nasty cold rain later in the day. Annie was jolted awake by her cell phone. It was seven in the morning. She checked the caller ID. Parker.

"Yes, Sam," said Annie, answering.

"Good morning, sunshine. Did you kick ass last night?" Annie smiled and sat up in bed.

"I did. He's grounded until January."

"You go girl. Can I rough him up just for the hell of it?"

"No, Sam. So what's up?"

"I got lead in the Hart case. Has to do with that kidnapped boy's school. Seems he knows one of the PTA members there. I need you to help me with questioning. I'll meet you at the station."

"See you then." Annie hung up and got out of bed. She could hear the TV on in the living room. Annie quickly got dressed and went to make a quick breakfast. Casey was sitting on the couch, eating a bowl of cheerios.

"Morning, Mom," said Casey.

"Hi, sweetie. Is your brother still sleeping?"

"Yep. Since when does he wake up before noon?" Annie smiled and headed towards Kyle's room.

"He's waking up today," said Annie. She opened the door to Kyle's room and was met by a wave of body odor and pot smoke.

"Woah," exclaimed Annie.

"Eeeww," whined Casey.

"Close the door," mumbled Kyle from his bed.

"I've got to go. You need to get up and watch Casey."

"She'll be fine."

"Kyle, get up now. You need to look after your sister."

"She'll be fine, Mom. It's not like she'll burn down the apartment, exclaimed Kyle, looking up at Annie.

"Kyle, so help me, I'll ground you until the summer if you don't get up," snapped Annie. Kyle moaned and got out of bed.

"Good. I've got to go, I'll be home late. Do not leave this apartment," said Annie as Kyle walked past her.

"Whatever," mumbled as he headed towards the bathroom.

"I mean it, Kyle. Don't push me," snapped Annie.

"Alright, already," exclaimed Kyle as he closed the bathroom door. Annie fought back the urge to start screaming. Casey was shaking her head as she continued to watch cartoons.

"If he leaves call me," said Annie, as she put her coat on.

"Gotcha," replied Casey.

"Have a good day, sweetie. Don't let Kyle push you around," said Annie as she left. Casey nodded, not once taking her eyes off the screen. She could care less about what her brother did. One day he would push their mom too far. That would be lesson enough to whip him into shape.

…….

Cody was jolted awake by the door opening. He had passed out on the couch. Mr. Moseby was wheeling in a room service cart.

"Good morning, Cody. I brought breakfast," said Moseby. He nodded to the FBI tech who had fallen asleep at the kitchen table.

"Breakfast? Why?" asked Cody, coughing a little.

'It's the least I could do. I'm so sorry this is happening. Oh, it's a nightmare," said Moseby. The smell of the food was filling up the room. The FBI tech raised an eyebrow.

"What is that?" asked the tech.

"Caviar omelet. Eggs benedict. Some French toast, waffles, and pancakes. Help yourself," offered Moseby. The tech didn't hesitate. He grabbed a plate of eggs benedict. Carey came out from the bathroom at that moment.

"Mr. Moseby? What brings you here?" asked Carey, walking over.

"I brought you some breakfast. I felt I had to do something. I'm so sorry about Zack," said Moseby, hugging Carey.

"Thank you, Moseby. But I'm confident that as soon as the money is transferred, we'll get Zack back. Agent Carter says we have to remain positive," said Carey. Moseby nodded.

"Cody, how are you feeling?" asked Carey, as she felt Cody's forehead. Cody coughed a little

"I feel a little better. I couldn't stop thinking about Zack last night. I can't get that image of him all tied up out of head." Cody sniffled a little. Carey pulled him into a hug. Moseby's beeper went off. He sighed.

"I have to go. If you need anything else, Carey, you let me know." Carey smiled and nodded.

"Thank you, Moseby," said Carey.

"Yeah, thank you," added the tech, who had just finished his breakfast. Moseby nodded and left. Carey sat down with Cody in her arms and took comfort in at least having one of her boys with her.

……….

Mark woke up after a restless sleep. He had gotten home at around midnight. The video of Zack had sent a chill down everyone's spine. The email couldn't be traced. Nor could the most recent call. If a miracle didn't happen soon, they would have no choice but to pay. Mark groaned as he got out of bed. He slowly made his way to the bathroom. He took a quick shower and got dressed. Even though he had managed to get a somewhat good night sleep, he still felt exhausted. If the kidnapping dragged on, Mark would maybe get two hours of sleep a night. Mark yawned as he headed towards the kitchen. He swore as he stubbed his toe on the backpack that had been left in the doorway of the kitchen. Mark muttered under his breath as he picked up the backpack and put on a living room chair. He stumbled into the kitchen. Although he sometimes struggled, Mark still managed to keep him and his twelve-year-old son, Trace, living in the two-story house that had been their home for two years. Mark's wife, Mary Ann, a Southern belle from Tennessee, had died in a tragic car accident two years earlier. That same year Mark got a job offer from the field office in Boston. He had been working in the Memphis field office before that. Unable to stay in his old house, he and Trace packed their bags and headed to Boston. Mary Ann's parents followed a month later. Trace was their only grandson and they intended to help Mark raise him. Mark couldn't help but think about Trace every time he thought about Zack Martin. Trace went to the same school. What if it had been him? Mark jumped as the kitchen phone rang.

"Carter," said Mark, answering.

"It's Ripley at the Martin suite. You need to get down here. The kidnapper just called. He's changing the rules."

"What are you talking about?"

"He wants ten million instead. And he wants to arrange a drop instead of just transferring the money. And we only have four hours to make all this happen."