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Vaughn was slowly starting to regain consciousness. He looked around and noticed that his arms and legs were strapped securely to an operating table. He tried helplessly to break free, but quickly realized it was hopeless. Vaughn remained there lying on his back. He then quickly took notice of the two men watching him through an observation window. Nerhu walked in, while Jim observed them both through the window. Nerhu walked to Vaughn's side and stared at him for a moment.

"Feeling better, are we?"

Vaughn's head was pounding. The pain felt like a seizure of some sort. Vaughn remained silent, however.

"You're just like your father, Mr. Vaughn."

Vaughn's forehead creased. A million questions popped into his mind. Did his father ever investigate this man? How did he know his dad?

"What are you talking about?"

"Never mind that, Mr. Vaughn," Nerhu paused for a moment before speaking to him. "It's amazing, you look just like him. Well, enough about this. I have an offer for you, Mr. Vaughn. One that will make you very rich if you choose to accept it."

Vaughn didn't have to think, he knew his answer, "NO."

"But you haven't even heard my offer, Mr. Vaughn," he said, grinning.

"Whatever it is, it's still a no."

Nerhu laughed at Vaughn's boldness. He had so much of his father in him. If anything Nerhu knew Vaughn was too much of a patriot to accept, although he always loved a challenge.

"Listen to me, Michael. You and I are not that different."

Vaughn cut him off. "Really, and why the hell is that?"

"Because you and I are doing what we choose to do. You chose the path of a hero," he said snickering. "And well…I chose the path of a criminal. But you see, Mr. Vaughn, without me you'd just be another worthless face."

"I think I'll survive."

Nerhu sighed heavily, "You know what's the worst part about being a hero is, Michael?"

"I don't know. What?"

"Being dispensable. You see, heros are born everyday. Once you screw up, you'll be easily replaced. And let me tell you something Michael, what people love the most is to see someone fail. Despite all the things that you've done for them, they will hate you. It makes them feel better about their worthless existence." Nerhu watched Vaughn. He could tell that Vaughn was starting to think things over. "I'll leave you to rethink your decision," he said, leaving Vaughn alone.

Vaughn watched him leave without saying a word. That would never happen to him. Nerhu had to be wrong. Or was he?

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Jack's men paced the room, while Jeff and Christine sat in a corner. Jeff sat wondering where he had kept the money. Think Jeff, think, he thought to himself.

*Flash Back*

Jeff had awakened to find himself and Christine lying together. He briefly caressed her skin, causing her to wake.

She woke to find Jeff looking down at her.

"Who are you?"

"It's me, Christine…Jeff."

"Jeff…Jeff!" she said, finally coming to a realization. "What happened?"

"I don't know. Here, let me help you up," he said, offering her his hand. As he picked Christine up from the floor he kicked the briefcase to the side, not realizing the content of it.

*End Flash Back*

"The West Wing!"

Christine and the others turned to face him. "What did you say Jeff?" she asked. Jeff ignored her and moved to where the two men stood.

"Is there something wrong, Mr. Richards?"

"Yes, I have to go to the West Wing. It's imperative that you take me there now."

"I'm sorry, but we aren't authorized to do that. Our instructions from Agent Bristow were to keep you safe. We aren't allowed to leave unless we have direct confirmation from one of our commanding officers."

Jeff was starting to lose it. He and Christine didn't need them anymore. They could just get out of there themselves.

"Is that so?"

"Yes, sir."

Jeff pounded his hand against the table. He then realized that there was sulfuric acid by his hand. He quickly opened two bottles and tapped both agents on the shoulder. As they turned he emptied the entire bottles on the unsuspecting agents. The acid quickly burned through the skin and seeped into their eye sockets. Both agents dropped to their knees, while Jeff removed their weapons. Christine watched in horror. Jeff then shot the two men and headed toward her.

"Christine, let's go," he said, giving her his hand.

Christine backed herself into a corner. She was utterly afraid of Jeff. This wasn't like him at all. What had he just done? How could he have so easily murdered those two men?

"Christine," he said impatiently.

She shook her head no.

"Is that right, huh? So…so, what? You're just gonna stay, here is that it?"

Christine said nothing.

"Fine, that's just fine with me," he said, turning away from her and heading out the door. Jeff stopped halfway out. He just wasn't going to let Christine go that easily. He walked back up to her with a gun in one hand.

"Listen to me, Christine. You and I can get out of here together. We can start a new life….a great life. I have four-hundred and fifty thousand dollars waiting for us…if you'd just come with me…"

"No."

Jeff was outraged by her answer. He was twice the man that William ever was. Why couldn't she love him?

"Fine, if I can't have you then no one will."

Christine closed her eyes tightly as Jeff pointed a gun at her. The sound of a gunshot was heard, but it hadn't come from Jeff's gun. It had come from Jack's. Jeff dropped to the ground clutching his throat. He had been shot from close range. But he never even heard Jack coming. Blood splashed on Christine, and she began to scream. Jack quickly dropped down to her.

"Are you all right?"

Through her sobs she managed to utter, "I'm fine."

"Good, let's get out of here then," he said, smiling at her. This time it was a real smile.

Thanks for everyone's kind words. I really appreciate the positive feedback. Next chap will have more ActionVaughn.