Title: Shattered Soul
Author: Cindy Ryan

Matt spent the entire flight back to Los Angeles in silence. He spent most of it with his head back against the seat and his eyes shut tight.
It was the only way to keep the tears back.

He couldn't keep Kari's words out of his head. Matt didn't want to believe her, but what if she was right? What if this was all a con on Ellis's part? What if he'd grabbed Em, taken the pictures, and then killed her?

It'd fit his M.O.
Ransom money without the messiness of holding on to a hostage.

Matt made the familiar trek through the bullpen to Cheryl's office. As soon as they had gotten off the helicopter his pager and cellphone had gone off. He knew who it was without looking.
Knew what it meant.
Their official clock had run out.

Frank and Duff hung back as Matt entered Cheryl's office and closed the door behind him.

"They're here?"Matt asked his tone brisk and clipped as he stood in the corner of the office facing the desk.

Cheryl nodded as she sat down on the front edge of her desk. "Just landed. What happened with Kari?"

Matt shook his head. "Wouldn't help."

"Matt."Cheryl prompted picking up a vibe she didn't like.

Exhaustion coupled with the emotional stress finally caught up to Matt. His legs would no longer support him and he slid down the wall ending in a sitting position on the floor.

Worried, Cheryl closed the blinds in her office before dropping down next to him. She kneeled so she could place a comforting hand on Matt's left shoulder.

"Matt,talk to me."Cheryl urged. He couldn't keep all this bottled up.

Matt pulled his knees to his chest and wrapped his arms around them. He swallowed hard trying to get the lump of tears to break free.

"Kari…..she told me to plan a funeral. That Em was probably already dead…..that this was a con to Ellis…a way to get money."

Cheryl closed her eyes briefly. "She owes Ellis nothing. She probably said that to get a reaction out of you."

Matt laughed bitterly. "It worked."

"The techs are working on the photos Ellis sent to see if we can get something out of the background."

"Okay."Matt acknowledged as he ran a weary hand over his eyes.

Cheryl rocked back on her heels. "Matt, after you brief the D.C. agents I want you to go home and get a few hours sleep."

Matt stood shakily and leaned back against the wall. "No."

"Matt,"Cheryl replied as she stood. "You look like hell. Emily needs you to keep your strength up."

Matt shook his head. "I mean no I'm not briefing the D.C. guys."

"I need you to do this. You know the primaries…..you…."

Matt walked toward the door. "They can read the case file."

"I thought you wanted Emily back."

Matt whirled around. "Me briefing them won't bring her home any faster. They don't want me on this….I won't be."

"Matt….."

"I have a ton of vacation time….I think it's best if I take it."

Cheryl knew she was losing him. Knew he was going to do everything he could to bring Emily home. Even if it was illegal.

"Matt, this isn't the way to help her. When Ellis makes contact again he'll only contact you."

"I'll work with Lia on that. We'll figure something out. Cheryl, I can't be on the sidelines on this. I can't hand Emily's life over to these guys."Matt stated quietly. "Em's more than my partner….she's family, she's my best friend……she's part of my soul. I need to be out there looking. I can't do my job to save somebody else without knowing I did all I could to save her."

Cheryl nodded and watched as Matt turned and left the office. She hoped against anything that there was a positive and fast resolution to this.
She wanted her team back.
She needed her team back.