Here is the next chapter! Hope you all enjoy! :) And here is the link to Madeline's outfit at the end.

www. polyvore dot com /cgi/ set?id=61575648

Disclaimer: I only own Madeline, Justin and Tyler.


Madeline stumbled down the stairs of Tyler's raised bedroom; she was given the bed while he slept on the couch. The smell of toast, sausage and eggs wafted through the flat causing Madeline to wake. She walked into the kitchen while stifling a yawn and rubbing her eyes.

"Morning sleepy head." Tyler said from the stove. He pulled open one of the cupboards and grabbed a bottle of aspirin. "Here you might want some of these."

"Nah, I'm good. Unlike someone I can actually hold my liquor." She smirked taking a seat at the two person table.

Tyler turned off the burner and scooped the scrambled eggs onto a platter along with the sausage as the toast was already on the table. Madeline was chewing on a piece of toast when Tyler brought the plate over. She dropped the toast onto her plate and gathered some food.

"Isn't it about time for you to go back?" Tyler asked in between bites of food. "It's been five days already."

"Trying to get rid of me are you?" Madeline teased.

"No, but someone called your phone last night."

Madeline paused in eating. She lowered the fork and stared at her plate before shifting her eyes to Tyler's. "Do you know who it was?"

"They didn't speak."

They slipped into silence, except for the sound of forks hitting the plate and cups of tea and coffee hitting the table. A knock at the door brought the two friends from their thoughts. Tyler looked toward the door with furrowed eyebrows. Madeline glanced over and slowly stood up.

"Are you expecting anyone?" she whispered. Tyler shook his head and stood up. They walked toward the door as the knocking continued. He looked out the peep hole and gasped. Madeline came up behind him.

"Who is it?"

"You need to get out of here."

"What?"

"Just do it. Gather your things and take the first plane back to New York."

"Tyler what the hell is going on?" she demanded.

"There's no time. Just go now!"

She took a few steps back before turning and running up the stairs. She quickly gathered her things and changed into jeans, red tank top, a black hoodie and a pair of old converse. Madeline swung the bag over her shoulder and turned to leave. She found Tyler still standing by the door when the knocking ceased. Madeline stopped on the last stair and watched as Tyler looked out the peep hole again.

"Oh God." Tyler said. Before Madeline could ask a gun fired as Tyler fell onto the floor, dead.

"No…" Madeline whispered. "Damn it, pull yourself together. You have to get out of here."

There was a bang at the door as someone tried to break it down. Madeline spotted her phone on the coffee table and ran over to grab it. She ran for the emergency exit and tossed the bag to the ground before climbing down the ladder. Once she reached the bottom, she grabbed the bag and began running for the airport. Madeline slowed down when she saw the airport in the distance. She caught her breath and pulled out her phone dialing John's number.

"Hey John, I know it's late, but I need to talk to you about something. Please call me back when you get this."

~J~

Finch stood in the library grabbing his coat when his phone beeped with a message. He pulled his phone from his pocket and checked the message. It was from Madeline. He read it and then placed his phone back in his pocket as John's voice came over the earbud.

"We're working Moretti's number, Finch. I need you at HQ."

"The numbers don't wait in line, Mr. Reese. Be in touch." Finch said leaving the Library.

Madeline walked into the busy New York airport. She looked amongst the bustling people while grabbing her luggage. She made her way to the airport entrance when her phone beeped.

Meet me at the library. We have a new number. – Finch.

"There's never a break is there?" she said with a shake of her head. She walked out the sliding glass doors and headed for her apartment.

The walk from the airport was long, but Madeline couldn't help feeling like she was being followed. She glanced over her shoulder every now and then but never say anything. She shrugged it off continued on her way when she saw a tan SUV pull up beside her with a familiar person sitting inside. The man with the scar smirked at her as he stopped by the curb.

"What do you want?" she glared.

"Elias sends his regards on your safe return from England. I see why the boss likes ya."

"Really? Why's that?" she asked curious. Madeline stepped back as he got out of the car and stood a little too close for comfort. She tried to take another step back but he grabbed her upper arm.

"You've got guts and you don't scare easily, like right now. Heh, I see what he meant about seeing a fire in your eyes."

"Then you should know not to play with fire."

"You'd make an excellent addition to the family. Who knows, Elias may even make you my second-in-command."

"I'd rather die than join Elias' so called 'family'." Madeline spat wrenching her arm out of his grip. She glared at him when the sound of footsteps reached her ears.

"Is everything alright over here?" Carter asked.

The man gave Madeline a smirk before turning to Carter and climbing into the SUV and speeding away. Madeline looked over at Carter and sighed in relief. "Thank you."

"No problem. I heard you left for England."

"Let me guess, a little bird told you." Madeline said.

"They're worried you were coming back." Carter told her as they walked down the sidewalk.

"Considering how abruptly I left, they had reason to. How's John been?" Madeline asked. Carter gave her a small smile and gestured to the Lyric Diner across the street. Madeline nodded and they made their way across the street and grabbed a booth near the front. They ordered some coffee and sat in silence.

"He's been acting different since you left. I don't know how to explain it. Oh, don't get me wrong he's been focused while working…if you can call it that, but something's just been off."

"I see." Madeline murmured taking a sip of the steaming hot coffee. She looked at Carter when she heard her phone beep.

"Sorry to cut this short." Carter said setting some money on the table.

"What happened?" Madeline asked.

"A baby's been kidnapped. They're putting out an AMBER alert as we speak. Take care." Carter said standing up.

"Hey Carter…thanks. It's nice to finally have another woman I can talk to." Madeline smiled.

"You're welcome." Carter smiled in return and left the diner.

~J~

The next morning Madeline sat on the island in her kitchen listening to the television and finishing her coffee. Her eyes shot up to the television when she heard the newscaster say something about an AMBER alert on a missing baby named Leila Smith. She hopped off the counter and walked toward the TV when they showed a picture of the man who was last seen with her. Madeline looked down at the floor and shook her head.

"You have got to be kidding me." She murmured grabbing her phone. Right as she picked it up it started ringing.

"The hell were you thinking kidnapping a baby?" she exclaimed.

"Thanks for reminding me. The reason I called is I need you to head to the Library. John is there with Leila, but I'd feel better if you were there."

"I can't believe you left her with John. Fine I'm on my way, but don't you dare call and tell him.

"As you wish."

The line beeped then disconnected. Madeline pocketed the phone and dumped the rest of her coffee in the sink before grabbing her keys and leaving.

~J~

Madeline walked up the stairs and pushed open the door to the main room. She walked down the hallway and heard cooing sounds and baby laughter. She entered the room and Leila surrounded by books and John making funny faces. He looked over with a smile that quickly dropped when his eyes landed on Madeline.

"Madeline…"

"Finch told me to come and check up on little Miss. Leila. Hi there sweetie." Madeline cooed squatting down. She smiled as Leila laughed and clapped her hands. John watched as Madeline played peek-a-boo with Leila causing her to laugh. Madeline smiled as Leila lifted her arms signaling she wanted to be held and picked her up. She position Leila on her right hip and turned to John.

"You never returned my call." She stated.

"I've been…busy." He said looking at her. Madeline rolled her eyes and walked around the room bouncing Leila as she went. John watched the two and saw the warm glow in Madeline's eyes as she talked to Leila. When Madeline turned around she stopped when she noticed John watching her. The door opening had Madeline tearing her eyes away from John and looking down the hallway.

"Seems like someone needs a diaper change. Have fun you two." Madeline said handing Leila over to John.

"Where are you going?" Finch asked.

"I get the sense that I shouldn't be here. If you need me you know how to reach me." She said closing the door behind her.

"What happened Mr. Reese?" Finch asked setting the bags down.

"Nothing."

Finch took Leila from John's arms and set her on the table as he grabbed a new diaper. "This flap here, that flap there. See? Neat and simple."

"I see your time at MIT wasn't wasted." John commented as Finch walked away when the computer beeped giving them the tax ID number from the anonymous donations.

~J~

Madeline stood with Carter waiting for John and Harold to show up. They both turned at the sound of women saying she was cute and if they could see her. Madeline sighed and hung her head.

"I told them not to bring her…" she muttered.

"They obviously don't listen." Carter said as they walked over to them. "You brought her with you? Every cop in the city is looking for that kid."

"I'm teaching her to go undercover. She's a natural." John said holding Leila's hand as his eyes traveled over to Madeline. Madeline looked away upon making eye contact with John.

"She's a little angel. If something happens to her John, so help me God…" Carter said looking away.

"We're trying to stop anything from happening. We know she was in a clinic funded by the Petrosian's and we know her mother used to work for the Petrosian's. So it's probable that the father is one of the Petrosian's."

"Why would mom end up dead?" Madeline asked.

"Probably agreed to put her up for adoption, but then changed her mind." Carter answered.

"Bump off mom, make the baby disappear. Problem solved."

"I'm going to talk to Claudia's parents. See if they know anything. In the meantime, I want you to follow Bradley Petrosian." Finch said looking at John. Carter walked away heading back to work and leaving the trio, plus one alone. Madeline clapped her hands together and spun on her heel heading in the opposite direction.

"Madeline, did something happen over there?" Finch asked.

"Why do you ask?"

"You just seem…disturbed."

"I'm all right, Harold. Thank you for your concern." Madeline said giving him a smile over her shoulder. "I'll keep the earbud in so you can reach me quicker. Have fun you two."

"Mr. Reese, I really think it wise for you to talk to her." Finch said once Madeline was out of earshot.

"We need to focus on Leila first." John said walking away with Leila while Finch went to Claudia's parents.

~J~

"How could you let her go?" John asked looking for Leila.

"I didn't. She knocked down the books and walked off." Finch said also looking for her.

"She can't walk, Finch."

"Oh, God. I'll never forgive myself."

John walked into another room and heard the sound of Leila cooing. He turned the corner and found Madeline holding Leila with one hand and a tear gas grenade in the other. She raised an eyebrow and tossed the grenade over to John who effortlessly caught it.

"You really shouldn't leave these at ground level. You never who will get to them." Madeline said.

"Have you got her?" Finch asked coming around the corner. He saw Madeline holding Leila and sighed in relief. "Thank God. I thought I told you to move your arsenal?"

"I was going to, Finch." John said rubbing a hand over his face.

"I think it would be better for Leila to stay with her grandparents."

"Wouldn't whoever went after Leila go after them too?" Madeline asked.

"Hence the reason why I have already sent them to a safe house." Finch said heading for the door with Leila.

Madeline stayed behind as John and Finch took Leila. She took a seat in Finch's chair and tapped her fingers against the wooden table. She reached out for the mouse when her phone's shrill ringing made her jump.

"What can I help you with now, Elias?" she said into the speaker.

"We need to talk. I'll send someone to collect you."

"What am I some prized possession?" Madeline said.

"Possibly, and leave all electronics at home." Elias said followed by the line cutting out. Madeline looked at her phone before setting it on the table. She walked out of the library and onto the sidewalk. She stood there for a few minutes before pulling her hoodie around her and walked away. Madeline made it a block away when a vehicle pulled up behind her.

"Took you long enough." She said turning around.

"Sorry to keep you waiting." Scarface said with a smirk.

"Let's just get this over with. I have things to do." Madeline replied and climbed into the passenger seat.

The drive seemed excruciatingly slow and her company wasn't one to talk. She stared out the window as they pulled up under a bridge where Elias was standing. They climbed out and walked over when two men made a move to grab her.

"She's alright." Scarface said telling them to stand down.

"Madeline, it's so nice to see you again. How was your trip?"

"It could have ended better. Why am I here?" Madeline said crossing her arms to shield her from the cold.

"I just wanted to ask you to join us, plus I heard of your feelings for our friend John. Is that true?" Elias asked.

Madeline remained silent but the widening of her eyes confirmed it. Elias scoffed and walked closer to her.

"I could use that to my advantage, but I won't. Not unless I'm given a reason to." Elias said as his phone rang. "Well would you look who it is." He said showing her the caller.

"Hello John." Elias answered as Scarface came up behind Madeline. He pressed the chloroform covered rag over her mouth and nose waiting for it to knock her out. Madeline fought against him but he was too strong. She felt her body start to fall only to be caught as the darkness took over.

~J~

"What have you done to the baby?"

"She's right here, John."

"We had an agreement."

"But then I realized there is something you can do for me. Tell me where Moretti is."

"I don't know."

Elias walked closer to the truck. "This is a refrigerated truck, John. It'll get very cold in there. You'll be able to hold off for a few hours I imagine. This little one, on the other hand…Oh I almost forgot. Bring her around boys."

John watched as a man came around the truck with Madeline slung over his shoulder. He noticed she was missing her hoodie from earlier this morning and was only wearing her tank top, jeans and boots. The man climbed into the truck and dropped Madeline onto the floor before climbing back out.

"Elias, what did you do to her?" John asked sending him a glare.

"Just shout if you change your mind."

"Don't do this." John said as Leila began to cry. "Elias. Elias!" John shouted. Elias didn't listen as the door was slid closed leaving the three to the cold. John glances down at Leila who was still crying and then over to Madeline. She was still knocked out, but was beginning to move. He grabbed the pole and started yanking on it to get it to release. He grunted as he pulled it, but it barely budged.

"John…" Madeline said finally awaking.

"Madeline, what did they do to you?" John asked leaning against the wall.

"I don't know. All I know is Elias wanted to talk to me and then you called. That's all I remember." She said rolling over. She heard Leila crying as John was able to get the pipe to release. He looked over at her and then at Leila.

"Take care of Leila. I'll be fine. I promise." She said trying not to shiver. John gathered Leila in his arms and cradled her to his chest while he looked over at Madeline. She was busy rubbing her chest to keep warm while curling into a ball. She looked up and gave John a sad smile as she started to shiver.

"Madeline. Madeline!" John shouted.

"I'm okay John just worry about Leila."

"I'm going to get both of you out of here." He reassured her. Madeline nodded and tucked her chin into her chest as she continued rubbing. She felt herself warm up a little but it wouldn't last. Madeline caught John's eye and saw a pained look in them. She looked away as her body was overcome with uncontrollable shivering.

"Elias. Elias." John called.

"Yes John?" Elias answered over the baby monitor.

"All right. You win."

"We both win, John. Where's Moretti?"

"What guarantee do I have?"

"You don't."

"Fourteen sixty-five Jefferson. Queens."

"Thank you John. You're right; I would never harm a child. But then I knew you wouldn't either. Goodbye, John."

"Elias! Elias!" John shouted. They heard an engine start followed by the pinging of a key being dropped into the truck. John stood up and handed Leila over to Madeline while he removed the handcuffs and hit the latch of the door with the pole. He was able to get the door open and grabbed Leila while helping Madeline out of the back and to the front. She climbed into the passenger seat and curled up while John started the truck and blasted the heat. He shed his coat and draped it over Madeline.

"Thank you." She whispered clutching it closer.

"Come on, cry. Cry." He said blowing on Leila's hand. John puts the truck in drive and pulls out of the lot. The truck comes to a sudden stop as Finch's car stopped in front of them. John handed Leila back to Madeline who wrapped her in the coat. She gave John a nod before he left.

"You're alright, Leila. Everything's fine now." Madeline cooed.

She looked over as Finch climbed into the truck and looked at them. She gave him a smile letting him know she was okay before they left.

"I never should have left, Finch."

"You had a perfectly good reason for leaving. Besides, I knew you would come back. You always do in the end." He answered looking over at her. "John knows how you feel about him."

"He does?" she asked in shock.

"I may have told him…"

"Harold." Madeline drawled.

"He needed to know. I'd hate to see you hurt again."

"Thank you, Finch. You're like an older brother to me and I'm thankful for that." She said.

~J~

John and Madeline stood across the street as Finch handed Leila over to her grandparent's.

"She's gonna be a cute kid when she grows up." Madeline commented as Finch walked over to them.

"It'd be nice to have a child. Children. Think that'll ever happen?" John said. "Probably not. Our line of work…" he finished.

"Trouble with children, you never know how they're gonna turn out." Finch added.

"Come on let's get out of here." Madeline said climbing into the back seat.

Madeline stood in her kitchen cleaning her plate and coffee cup from earlier. She heard the front door open and close. A shadow appeared in the doorway and narrowly dodged a knife being thrown at them.

"You really shouldn't throw knives." John said pulling the knife from the wall.

"Sorry, I forgot I left a key." Madeline replied turning away.

"You said you needed to talk. So here I am." John said walking to her side.

"Finch already told you. That's all I was going to tell you." she muttered. John gently grabbed her upper arm and spun her around to face him. She didn't look up or say anything as she just stared at his chest. John's hand remained around her arm as they stood in silence. Madeline shifted her weight from her left foot to her right as she placed her hand on John's.

"Listen just tell me that you don't feel the same way, and then we can move on. I don't want to go through this again…" she said only to be cut off. She stared wide eyed as John's lips crashed onto hers. He pulled away and cupped her face.

"Does that answer your question?" John smirked.

"It'll have to do." She smirked back.

"It's about time you two." Finch said from the doorway.

Madeline blushed and turned toward the sink to hide it. John removed his hand and took a seat at the table. "How much of that did you hear?"

"Not a lot." Finch replied walking into the kitchen and taking a seat. Madeline took the seat in between them knowing they were planning something.

"All right, what's eating at you two?" she asked.

"I read a news report of a man being murdered in England. It's the same day you came home. His name was Tyler Browe." Finch responded looking over at Madeline.

"He was Justin's cousin. When we were given leave for a few days, Justin introduced me to him. We became friends and when I was given time off I'd go and visit. I didn't exactly have any family."

"Do you know who shot him?" John asked.

"No. I got out of there before the door was breached. I didn't want to stick around."

Finch didn't say anything and looked at the table. John looked over at him and furrowed his brow at Finch's wide eyes. Madeline followed John's gaze and found Finch fiddling with his hands.

"There's something you're not telling us, Finch." John said. Finch didn't reply as he looked up. He turned toward Madeline and pulled a picture from inside his pocket. He set it on the table and pushed it over to Madeline. She grabbed the picture and turned it over, her eyes widening at the image.

"No…" she whispered dropping the picture onto the table.

"I'm sorry, Madeline. I thought it would sound better coming from me." Finch finally said.

"He's supposed to be dead." She whispered. John reached over and picked up the picture taking a closer look at it. His eyes narrowing at the man.

"Justin…" he said slowly. He watched as Madeline pushed away from the table and went over to the sink. She leaned against it and let out the breath she had been holding. A tear fell down her cheek as John approached her. He went to pull her into a hug but she spun around with a look of angry on her face.

"I need to speak to Snow, now." She said in a dark tone.


~J~

Phew! I can't believe this is 12 pages long. I want to thank everyone for reviewing ( I meant to put this is the past few chapters) and following. I hope you all enjoyed the little twist I added! :D Let me know what you thought!