Chapter 10 Searching

Nick POV: The alarm went off too soon, but Nick was alert almost instantly. Gray light was filtering around the room darkening drapes. Taking a discrete glance out from the side, the sky looked the monochromatic white-gray that signaled snow. It was time to go, he thought. Turning on the weather channel for an indication as to the path of the snowstorm, he gathered everything.

Diana awoke with his activity. "Morning, little one," he said with a smile. Diana's slow smile made him feel they were already fast friends. "It's time to go. I'll get some food while we drive." After Diana used the "potty" as she called it, they were on the road.

When he asked if she wanted McDonald's, she asked, "What'z dat?" Nick was pretty sure most kids her age we're crazy for their fries and probably the chicken nuggets as well. It's was rather sad how abnormal her life must have been up till now. Deciding, Nick thought it was time to change all that and pulled through the first golden arches he saw.

"So, Diana, what do you think about calling me daddy?" he asked. On the run, it would avoid a lot of suspicion and ultimately Nick hoped to have that kind of relationship with her.

"Otay," she returned with a big smile. Uh oh, another cute little blond that had him wrapped around her finger, Nick thought knowing he would do anything for this little lady. What was wrong with Renard? He was missing something precious. Sure Diana could potentially be very dangerous, but Nick's own mother had seen what needed to happen. Diana needed normalcy, love, and a good mother and father, just like any child needed to become a good person. Nick was going to make sure Diana was never without those things ever again.

Adalind POV: "What do you mean Trubel?" Adalind knew she had been worried for a reason.

"When Nick took Diana, he only wounded her guardians. You know Nick is too merciful at times. Well, those guardians got to the organization immediately after Nick left. They heard a conversation he had with your daughter and deduced who he was. They've been tracking his rental car's GPS," Trubel paused in her explanation as if there might be worse news. "Adalind, they deployed Eve to bring Diana back with whatever means necessary," she finished with a scowl.

"But Meisner would never..."

Adalind was cut off by Trubel saying, "No he wouldn't, but Meisner wasn't consulted. He would never have let Eve anywhere near Diana." Glaring at Adalind, "You couldn't let things be, could you. Had to bat your eyes and get Nick to do whatever you wanted," Trubel finished somewhat spitefully. Dread filled Adalind at Trubel's revelation. No wonder she was so upset, Eve would not stop.

"I never asked him to go after Diana. Nick owes me nothing," Adalind stated in a small voice. "Since I woke up in the hospital, Nick has been dedicated to finding Diana."

After glancing at Adalind's sling, Trubel softened a bit. "So he must be doing this out of gratitude," Trubel explained as if working it out for herself. Adalind felt as if someone had sucked all the air out of her lungs. Was that why Nick had gone? Nick wouldn't feel right owing Adalind his life without doing the same for her. Her heart sank at the thought but the danger they were in took priority over her own disappointed feelings.

Somewhere in the background she saw Rosalee's concern and heard her start out saying to Trubel, "No, Trubel, I think that's wrong," but Adalind didn't follow the rest while she considered how she could possibly lose them both if Eve became her automatic and dangerous self. Okay, if there was a God, she could use His help right now, Adalind thought.

Trubel shook her shoulders snapping her out of her trance. "Adalind, do you hear me?" Adalind blinked twice and took a breath.

"I just can't lose both of them. Not both," she stammered shaking her head. Meeting Trubel's eyes, Adalind saw that Trubel comprehended.

Shaking her head as well, Trubel softened further. "I didn't know you really loved him," she continued. "Listen, Meisner and I are trying to prevent a disaster here. Did Nick tell you where he would go next?"

"He thought it was best if I didn't know," Adalind continued in the small voice.

"Is there anything he said that could tell us where they are or how to reach him?" Trubel asked desperately.

Gathering her thoughts a bit, Adalind remembered something. "He was worried about all the snow in Montana and didn't think it would be safe driving this time of year. If he had another choice, I don't think he'd go that way" she explained.

Trubel whipped out a phone and dialed Meisner. "He's probably on the southern route. Adalind said he wanted to avoid driving through Montana," she finished then paused. "Okay, on my way."

Looking at Adalind she said, "Meisner and I are going to do everything possible to bring them both back alive. Meisner thinks of your daughter like his own and I won't let anything happen to Nick. We'll call you," and with that she was off.

Rosalee walked over and put an arm around Adalind saying, "They're going to be okay."