Thanks for all the reviews and to everyone reading this story. I've been distracted lately from writing, but I have not abandoned any of my works. Keep the reviews coming and thanks again

Title: Shattered

Author: Crimson Coin

Rating: M for language and sexual situations

Pairing: Sawyer/Juliet

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters or Lost. I make no profit on this story. My ideas are my own.

Summary: Post-Incident. Juliet detonated the bomb in order to save her friends, to save the man she loved. What if the detonation worked and sent everyone back to pivotal points in their lives? Sawyer and Juliet find themselves shattered, broken in the aftermath and without memories of the island. Will they find each other and remember the powerful love that once held them together, or will they wander lost to each other forever?

Note: I have received numerous requests to try my hand at a high rated story, and many reviews from Hydra of people wanting more heat. That is where this story comes in. It is rated M because there will be sex scenes, however, the scenes will not dominate the story. If I'm writing a sex scene, it's not just for smut sake. Just thought I'd give everyone a heads up. As always, I love reviews so send them my way.

Sawyer sat in the front seat of his car, fingers tapping on the steering wheel as he stared out at the pavement and parked cars of the parking garage. He parked on the lowest floor about an hour ago and remained in the car, lost in thought. Glancing to the passenger seat, he picked up the white pad of lined note paper and took the pen out of the console at the center of the dashboard.

He rested the pad against the steering wheel, bit the cap off the pen, and spit the cap to the floor of the passenger side amidst the fast food wrappers and soda cans.

December 2, 2001

Dear Juliet,

Well, I made it. I'm in DC. Can you fucking believe it? I actually made it. I'm sitting in the parking lot now, figuring out what the hell I'm going to say when I go up there.

The whole drive out, I kept trying, you know? Trying to find something to do, someone to hire me. It wasn't even the criminal record that bothered people the most, it was the reason for it. Even damn day labor, construction, you name it. Shows you where people's heads are though. They find out that I went to prison for stealing, conning, and I'm a damn leper. I'd have been better off if I murdered someone. Hell, one asshole even told me that.

They'd rather you kill someone then take money. Can you believe it? Guess I shouldn't be surprised. You know it's bad when a damn Dunkin Donuts won't hire you. What am I going to take the two hundred bucks in your register? Even if it is a couple grand, that's pocket change to what I was used to.

Last I wrote, I was in Tennessee. And nothing damn changed. I'm thinking maybe I shoulda stayed in California. Maybe tried to work on those migrant farms or something. Hell, those farmers don't care they're hiring illegals. Who my kidding, they'd rather hire them than somebody who stole money. Landscapers said that to me. Can't imagine farmers are different.

I was thinking of going to New York, but I know what would happen to me there. I got contacts there and I'd probably fall right back into everything. And likely, Hibbs told them everything I did and said. So it's probably a dead end anyway. I'm at my last resort now. Just gotta pray he gives me a chance. Or else, I'm out of damn ideas.

James Ford

Sawyer folded up the letter and pulled a blank envelope from the new box sitting on his back seat. Slipping the letter into the envelope, he scrawled the date on the outside then sealed the letter. Opening the glove compartment, he tossed the letter inside on top of the six other letters. He closed the glove compartment then sighed, staring out the windshield again.

Pulling down the driver visor, he looked at himself in the small mirror then checked his teeth. He raked a hand through his hair then slapped the mirror back up into position. Pulling the keys from the ignition, he stepped out of the car.

Sawyer walked into the building, swallowing any nerves as he willed confidence to exude from his manner and his expression. Inside, he leaned over the desk for the receptionist. When she looked up, he smiled brightly for her. "Hi. I'm here to see Ed Mars."

The receptionist glanced up with a calm and almost bored expression. "Is Agent Mars expecting you?"

"No, Ma'am. I'm an old friend. James Ford. I'd really appreciate speaking with him. Is he available? Please."

"I'll check, sir. Please take a seat over there." A long and perfectly manicured fingernail pointed him over to a grouping of chairs.

"Thanks," He said, politely and turned towards the chairs. He wanted to just barge up the stairs to find the man, but likely doing something like that through a Fed building surrounded by the FBI, US Marshalls, CIA and God knew who else, he'd be in prison for the rest of his life. No, he'd wait. He'd be patient and insistent. After all, it was his last chance.

Sawyer waited a half an hour, toes tapping on the floor in his slowly waning patience. Leaning forward, he rested his arms on his knees as he watched the receptionist. Did she even call Mars? He checked his temper, willing the rising frustrations to keep at bay. Within ten minutes, Mars stepped off the elevator and leaned over the receptionist's desk. The woman pointed towards Sawyer with a long manicured fingernail.

Mars glanced up, expression clouded a long moment as he met Sawyer's gaze. He pushed off the desk to walk to Sawyer. Sawyer swallowed any nerves and stood, holding his head high.

"Well well, what have we here," Mars said slyly as he stood before Sawyer. "I heard you got out. Never thought I'd see you again."

"Yeah, well it's your lucky day then I suppose." Sawyer retorted, eyes calm, confident and yet cautious.

Mars slid his hands into the pockets of his suit pants, rocking on his heels a moment. His white dress shirt starched and pressed, his tie tied perfectly – he looked every inch the Fed. "Can't say that it's every day the men I put in prison seek me out for a personal call."

"Yeah, well I ain't exactly happy to see you either."

Mars laughed. "Good that the feelings are mutual then." He crossed his arms, a cocky smirk on his face. "So I'm on lunch. You can either wait here. Or walk down the street to the burger joint. Cuz I'm hungry."

Sawyer nodded and followed Mars out of the building and down the busy street. He remained quiet, contemplating quickly as to the best approach.

Mars glanced to his side at Sawyer and then focused ahead to the destination three blocks away. "So, I'm dying to know. Why are you here looking for me?"

Sawyer clenched his teeth a moment then swallowed his pride when he responded. He masked any defeat or loss in his expression. "I need your help."

"My help." Mars shook his head. "I don't know exactly what you think I can do for you."

"I need a job."

Mars paused outside the small burger joint, hand on the handle for the door. He laughed. "What?"

Sawyer kept his head high and met Mars' gaze. "I said I need a job."

Mars smirked and walked into the restaurant. "And what exactly am I supposed to do about that?"

"You can get me one." Sawyer followed him inside.

"And why would I do that?"

"Because you need me."

Mars glanced to his side at Sawyer before looking at the woman behind the cash register. "Hi … uhm I'll have the bacon cheddar burger with fried onions and a side of fries."

The girl smiled politely and entered the order before looking to Sawyer. "And for you, sir?"

Sawyer glanced up at the menu board over the counter. "Uhm … chili dog. And a coke. Thanks."

"I'll have a coke too." Mars said.

The girl nodded. "We have Pepsi, is that alright?"

Both men nodded and Sawyer reached into his back pocket for his wallet, tossing a five dollar bill on the counter. Mars pushed the bill back towards Sawyer. "I got this."

"I don't need favors."

"Actually, I think you do." Mars held Sawyer's eyes. "Take the five."

Resistant, Sawyer searched Mars' eyes, challenging. Finally, he sighed and took the five, shoving it back into his pocket. They waited in silence for the order then walked to a table to sit and eat.

Mars ripped the paper wrapper from his straw and stuck it into the cup. He took a long drink then set the cup down. "Now. Why do I need you?"

Sawyer took a bite of his chili covered hot dog and chewed a long moment before addressing the question. "Because I'm one of the best and I can help you catch others like me."

Mars popped a few fries into his mouth before pointing at Sawyer with one. "In case you forgot, I did catch you."

"But after how long?" Sawyer taunted, as Mars took a big bite of his burger.

"Within months."

"Yeah, after someone came forward. And she knew everything about how to get me. But without her, I'd still have been out there and you'd have been none the wiser. I was doing this shit since I was sixteen. And it took ya twenty somethin' years to stop me. And not even cuz you found me. Cuz ya had help."

Mars wiped his mouth with a paper napkin. "That a confession?"

Sawyer smirked. "No. I ain't that stupid. But I'm tellin' you that I can help you. Because I know how they think."

Mars ran his tongue over his teeth in thought, watching Sawyer take another bite of his meal. Tapping his fingers on the table, he picked up his cup to drink. "What makes you think I can even offer you something like that?"

"Pssh, I ain't stupid. I know the government hires all the best crooks and criminals. Hackers, spies, forgers, you name it. And I know the Feds got a white collar division. I can help ya stop them. I can help ya catch 'em." He leaned forward slightly. "Please. Gimme a chance."

"Why?"

"Cuz I can't find anything else." Sawyer slouched back and shook his head, glancing passed Mars. "Christ, I can't flip frozen cow parts at fast food joints. Ya know, if I murdered six people they'da hired me but not when ya steal money. God for fucking bid ya steal money."

Mars smirked. "And you think that I can help you."

"I know that you can help me."

Mars nodded slowly, finishing the last bite of his burger then licked his fingers. "And why would I help you? What do you have to offer me?"

"When we catch these guys, you'll get the credit. You get the promotion, you get the money. You get the catch."

Mars leaned back in his chair, picking his cup off the table to take a slow drink in a blatant display of calm confidence. He knew he held all the cards and made sure Sawyer knew it as well. "And how do I know that you're not going to dick off on me."

Sawyer paused in reflection a moment then sighed and glanced up at Mars. "I guess ya don't. Cuz it ain't like my word means anything. But I ain't gonna dick ya over. I want this. It's why I came to ya."

Mars leaned forward, elbows resting on the table. "You do realize, I'd be putting my neck on the chopping block."

"I know. Ya ain't gonna lose yer head though. I promise that."

After another extended pause, Mars stood. "Ten A.M. Tomorrow morning. And this isn't a job offer. I want to see what you can do before I stick my neck out."

Sawyer watched Mars collect his trash and walk away from the table, tossing the garbage in the trash can on his way out the door. Sawyer grinned, picking up his cup to finish his drink.