I suck at updating regularly don't I? Ok, well....crappy chap...again
I really am not proud of this story at all

Anyway, only a few chaps left....YAY!


Henry gripped the bag tighter. He was actually waiting to give money to a criminal. He used to be a cop for god's sake! What was he doing?

After what seemed like forever to Henry the kidnapper finally emerged from the shadows. Henry's breath caught in his throat. The guy was huge!" He didn't even want to think about what that giant could have done to his son and that little girl.

"You showed. I didn't think cops did ransom drops." Peter said.

Henry grit his teeth. The thing was he was right. "I'm not a cop anymore."

"Fair enough. Is it all there?"

Henry nodded. Peter grinned evilly and stepped closer.

"Wait, where are they?" Henry demanded.

Peter frowned. "Give me my money." He growled.

Henry was about to object but then he reluctantly handed the bag over.

"They're in a warehouse a few miles away. It's a small red one, you should be able to find it." He was satistfied when Henry's face turned red.

"Where are they exactly?"

Peter grinned and gave him a crumpled up piece of paper. "Directions. Better get there quickly. Time's running out for them."

Henry forgot the plan and went crazy. What did that bastard mean by that? That son of a bitch had kidnapped his son, and now he was teasing? No, Henry went Mama-Bear and attacked. Sure, it wasn't the brightest thing to do, but it was the only thing Henry could do really.

Peter was taken completely by surprise but then, still gripping the bag tightly, he started to fight back. He shoved Henry away like a doll. Henry stumbled but didn't fall. Then, Peter whipped out a gun.

Three shots rang out and Henry and Peter fell.

Lassiter ran up, gun still drawn. Karen quickly followed. Lassiter went over to Peter and quickly determined he was dead. One shot to the head, one to the gut. At least the extra time at the shooting range had helped. Lassiter felt a strange sense of pride knowing he'd killed this guy.

"Damnit Henry!" Karen scolded.

Henry grimanced. "I won't apologize. Well, I'm sorry I wasn't the one to kill him." He said, gripping his injured arm.

"Are you alright?" Karen asked, suddenly concerned.

"It just scratched me. Let's go find my son."

Karen knew it was pointless to argue. They were so close! But just why did Peter tell them to hurry?

Shawn tried to figure out what time it was and groaned. "It's gotta be close to midnight now, right?"

Riley looked around the windowless room. "No idea."

They sat in silence for awhile until Shawn sniffed the air. "Smoke?"

Riley raised her eyebrows and sniffed. "I think….but why?"

"Fire." Shawn answered.

Realization dawned on Riley. "He set it on fire. He's going to kill us!" Her bright eyes started to sparkle with unshed tears. Then, they both sprung into action. As fast as their injuries would allow them to they searched the room again for any possible exits.

By this time smoke was streaming in through tiny cracks in the room and both were coughing violently. Riley sunk to the ground, her breathing labored. Shawn dove for the water bottle. It was almost empty. Perfect. It always had to be empty at the time of need didn't it?

He poured the remaining water on a clean strip of cloth from his undershirt that he tore off. Then, he tore off another. Sadly, the second piece was deprieved of water. He gave the wet piece to Riley and then tied the cloth around his head so it covered his mouth and nose.

Riley took her piece and did the same with shaking hands. "Why do I-" She coughed.

"You're smaller." Shawn yelled over the now deafening roar of the fire.

Riley looked at him with worried eyes but accepted it. Now, all they could do was wait. Riley crawled into Shawn's lap, still avoiding his leg while doing so, and hugged him tightly.

He was the only one she really had, even if he wasn't really hers to have. And now Shawn realized that she was just a little girl. It was easy to forget, but at this moment it showed.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Henry gasped as the squad car pulled up to the small warehouse. It was completely engulfed in flames. The car wasn't even fully stopped by the time he jumped out.

"Henry, leave it to the professionals!" Karen yelled.

But, he of course ignored her.

The firefighters were already hard at work as he ran into the building. Following his gut the man went left and ran for the nearest door. Silence. But in the next on over he could hear loud coughing. Or was that just him? No, it wasn't him. Henry pounded at the door but it didn't budge.

"Move!"

Henry swung around to see Lassiter. Henry moved out of the way as the detective shot the locks on the door. Henry flung the door open and rushed in.

Shawn was sitting on the floor, holding an unconscious Riley close. He himself was barely conscious.

"Shawn!" Henry yelled over the roar.

"Dad?" Shawn coughed out violently.

Lassiter ran up and went to pick up Riley. Shawn pulled her away protectively.

"Shawn, let her go." Henry instructed.

Reluctantly he did and Lassiter scooped her up quickly before running out the door. Henry helped Shawn up and supported most of his weight as they shuffled out of the building.

When they were out Shawn finally gave in to the wonderful darkness that was edging along his vision.


Review please!!! *does the review dance*