Chapter 12


It's been a week since that night Clara broke down finally emancipating herself from the past. As Hawke returned to the cabin he thought about how much she's changed since that night. Fresh and bright as a warm summer's day, there was a certain serenity in her eyes, no more lingering nightmares haunting her. She wasn't afraid to be alone anymore, normally she would accompany him whenever he went fishing or wait by the dock. Her treehouse gave her comfort of being close to the cabin, still near his protection.

He returned to find Clara sitting on the floor in front of the fireplace holding the pictures of her mother. "Clara, what are you doing?"

"I don't want them anymore,"

"Are you sure?" He asked as he sat down next to her.

Clara nodding in agreement said. "When I look at them it makes me mad. I don't want to be like that anymore,"

"Ok, but we'll do it together after dinner. We'll get rid of them all, including the ones from my album," Hawke said as he pulled her against him

"What was mommy like before she became mean?"

"Your mother was very kind and loving, she had a beautiful smile. She loved to go swimming in the lake and sit and gaze at the stars. Just like you. She was gentle and a little shy, that's why I liked her. I wish to god I knew what happened to change her, but that's all in the past now. You and I are going to move on with our life now to better things," Hawke said.

After dinner Hawke and Clara once again sitting in front of the fireplace with all the pictures of Sarah. Clara wanted no reminders of her mother, in her eyes she never was a mother to her. Clara could see that overtime Sarah became concerned only for herself, each time she was torturted Sarah showed less concern for her well being. Always trying to stop her father from trying to protect her.

"Are you ready?" Hawke asked.

"Yeah, can I go first?"

"Yeah, you can,"

Clara took one of the pictures that was originally framed in her room and tossed it into the flames. Hawke took a deep breath as he watched the image of the woman who thought to be the love of his life, burn away along with the last remaining feeling of love for her. One by one they burned until Clara picked up a particular one.

"No, not this," Hawke stopped her.

"Why?"

"Because you're in the picture and they're not many pictures of you as a baby. Let me keep those,"

After the last of the pictures were gone they relaxed on the couch looking through some albums that Hawke kept separate from the others. Those albums contained the pictures most precious to him, having not touch them in years and now he finally regained the strength to revisit.

"Why is your hair long?" Clara asked.

"Oh, those were my "wild days" as Grandpa thought before I joined the army,"

"You were bad to Grandpa?"

"No, I was just trying something different. Trying new things. We all do, even you will when you get older. It's part of growing up,"

"I promise, I won't be wild,"

"I know you won't, you're too good to be. Now, it's off to bed. Tomorrow we are going to look at the school Rudy found for you," Hawke said.

"When do I start going?"

"The end of next month so we have a lot of things to do before you go,"

"Ok, but I still want to stay here,"

"I know you do, but you need to put that brilliant mind of your's to work. It needs more than I give you here at home, It's getting harder to keep up with you,"

"I can slow down,"

"No, you can't and you shouldn't. Your little brain is craving to learn new things once you start school you'll like it," Hawke said picking her up carrying her off to bed.

"Ok, I'll try it,"

"Good, now go to sleep. Love you, lamb,"

"Goodnight Daddy, I love you too," She said.


The next day...

Clara sat quietly watching out the window of the SUV contemplating the next phase of her new life. Keeping to herself the conflicting feelings of curiosity and excitement to fear and nervousness. They arrive to an imposing black gate, immediately giving Clara the feeling of imprisonment. The voice through the intercom opened the gates letting her father through to park.

"We're here, and it's only a ten minute ride from the hanger. That's a good thing in case you need me or grandpa,"

Clara gave a weak smile trying to keep a calm exterior but her father could sense her unease. "Clara, don't be scared it's nothing like before. Rudy said it's a great place for you. Nobody will put you in a harmful place like that again,"

Hawke climbed out and unleashed Clara lifting her out of the truck. Clutched to her father's hand scanning the surroundings around them. They entered a flower covered pergola to another black imposing gate. On the other side with two people waiting to greet them.

"Hello Mr. Hawke, welcome to the Vassar school. My name is Jane Lang head school administrator and this is Thomas Fischer lead teacher of the lower school,"

"Nice to meet you both,"

"Clara, it's very nice to meet you. I understand you are a little hesitant and that's normal of every child when starting school," Ms. Lang said.

"Yes, she is but that is also due to extunating circumstances," Hawke said.

"Yes, Doctor Wells informed of us and it is very understanble," Mr. Fischer said.

"Let's begin our tour," Ms. Lang said.

"Our students are all very smart. Yet within this category up to an IQ of 180, there are children who have deep, narrow interests and those who have a myriad of broad interests. The school is designed to teach them all. It feeds their intellect and imaginations. There are young Einsteins who seem older than their years, leaving for college earlier than their peers. But, mostly there are kids who need a curriculum designed for their giftedness. There are kids who are stronger in one subject than others, for example math. There are kids who need tutors to get through classes. Just like any school, there are a wide range of individuals, except here they share one thing in common: high IQs." Ms. Lang said.

"Clara, is extremely intelligent in math and science and recently finding out, very creative in arts," Hawke said.

"There are no grade levels. The school is based on student's ages five to fourteen. Children work in classes called "Rooms" rather than grade levels. The Lower School curriculum is the equivalent to grades first through fifth in other schools. The Upper School is comparable to grades sixth to ninth . This way allows fluidity for children to move between rooms, depending on the level she is working at. For example, she might learn math with kids who are ten and eleven years old, but work with her own age group for other subjects. In the Lower School children are taught by their homeroom teacher and specialists for languages, art, music and P.E. Students receive individual instruction and work in small and large groups, based on ability and interests," Mr. Fischer said.

"We are working to broaden the focus of the school and opportunities for students by enhancing sports, arts and community. This school will always offer children the chance to explore complex academic issues, but I believe that music, arts, sports and a sense of community should also be central to the school's mission. The school's strong, sometimes intense, intellectual atmosphere, I believe, is enhanced by a broader program. The focus will always be on the students first and foremost. It is expected that our students will go on to excel in high school, college and in their chosen fields," Ms. Lang said.

"What do you think?" Mr. Fischer asked.

"It sounds great and I like that she will be able to socialize with kids of different ages. Because she is at times like an adult and I think being around both will give her stability, since she's caught between both phases," Hawke said.

"We understand, Doctor Wells impressed upon us without going into details. Her situation before the beginning of the year," Ms. Lang said.

"Yes, unfortunately those details are classified,"

"Understand and it will not be shared with anyone. Mr. Fischer and I will be the only one's in confidence,"

"Now with you're permission, Mr. Hawke. We would like to test Clara ourselves, it's standard procedure. We test all potential students," Mr. Fischer said.

Clara looked up to her father with a raised brow and scowl.

"Yes, that's absolutely fine. I gotta warn you though, she gave Doctor Wells a run for his money," Hawke said smiling down at Clara.

"Well, I love a good challenge. We should be done within two hours,"

"Yes, in the meanwhile we can go over the registration," Mrs. Lang said

"Ok, I just want to speak with her before she goes," Hawke said.

They stepped away allowing them privacy. "Clara, what I'm about to say to you is very important. I do not want you to hide and give wrong answers on purpose. I will know if you do and I will not be happy about it. Understand?"

Clara looking down at her feet slowly shaked her head in agree.

"I want you to be yourself and not to be afraid of your full potential. They don't want you to either. They're going to help you and others your age learn new things. So, don't be afraid. Now go with Mr. Fischer. I'm not leaving here, don't worry," Hawke said squeezing her a hug and a small lingering kiss to her forehead.

"Alright Clara, follow me," Mr Fischer said. Hawke watched Clara follow until they disappeared down the path.

"Mrs. Lang, before we start there are somethings I need you to know. Clara's life up until now has been very complicated, and due to those complications comes somewhat extreme necessities, "

"How extreme are we talking about?" Mrs. Lang asked.

"A protection detail. She doesn't know about it and I would like to keep it that way," Hawke said.

"Security? That might upset the children," Mrs. Lang said a nervous tone appearing through.

"They won't even know they're here, just like all this time we've been here now,"

"What? All this time since you've arrived?"

"Yes, actually some were here before we've arrived. I hope this doesn't reject her from the school, she can't anymore rejection and hurt,"

"No, it will not. The security is in no way imposing and causing distraction, it is acceptable,"

"Thank you, and there is one more thing. Clara's mother is an extremely delicate subject and needs to be avoided. Under any circumstance she is not to talked about around her,"

"Ok, I understand and will let Mr. Fischer know. She will be assigned to him only for academics. If there is any assignment or subject that involves anything to do with motherhood, we will remove her,"

"I wish I could tell you the why's but due to the circumstances involved. I can't,"

"Mr. Hawke, our goal here is to provide her with a proper education and to grow socially. The rest is none of our business,"

"Thanks, now that is all cleared we can get her registration done," Hawke said.


Two hours later...

"Mr. Hawke, please have a seat," Mr. Fischer said.

"How did she do?" Hawke asked.

"I don't know any other way to tell you, so I'm going to get right to the point," Mr. Fischer said.

"Did she give you trouble?" Hawke asked.

"No, she was great. She cooperated perfectly, no trouble at all," Mr. Fischer said with a bit of excited energy.

"What are you're findings, Mr. Fischer?" Mrs. Lang asked getting impatient.

"Two fourteen." Mr. Fischer said.

Hawkes face slacked, mouth slightly open, body unmoving, color draining from his face as he stared wide-eyed.

"Are you sure? Doctor Wells tested her above one seventy, why the big difference?" Mrs. Lang asked.

"Because she held back during his testing. She was giving the wrong answers on purpose," Hawke said.

"Mr. Fischer, are you absolutely sure?" Mrs. Lang asked

"Yes. She answered them quick and easy, no hesitation at all. It's unbelievable. All five primary index scores. Verbal Comprehension, Visual Spatial, Fluid Reasoning, Working Memory, and Processing Speed. To be honest it wasn't a challenge to her at all, even with highly gifted children there are some questions that are a little difficult to answer. But not with her. We never had a child score this high before. At her current Academic level, she's at high school Junior level,"

"So what do I do? If you can't teach her, where do I go?"

"We can teach her, but for how long we can keep her occupied is up to her. We'll put her in the Upper School for the academics and the Lower School for socialization," Mr. Fischer said.

"Mr. Fischer, will be her primary teacher," Mrs. Lang said.

"That sounds great. When it comes to the time that she is beyond the teachings here, what happens?" Hawke asked.

"She'll be going on to her Master's degree. Mr. Hawke, Clara will be done with schooling including college by ten years old. This is how it is with these children, their childhoods do not last very long," Mr. Fischer said.

"Thank you, very much. I better get started with this list here of supplies. What happened to the days of all you had to supply was a pen and a notebook?" Hawke chuckled.

"The kids got smarter that's why," Mr. Fischer laughed.

"I'll see you in a couple of weeks," Hawke said.

Hawke walked in the room to Clara sitting patiently waiting for his return. Hawke picked her up hugging her tight, whispering into her ear. "Thank you, Lamb,"


The Cabin...

Hawke was readying dinner while Clara was out to play in her tree house. Following the events of the past two weeks, Hawke and Clara felt a sense of anew. The past no longer hanging above them all the obstacles have been cleared to truly start a new life. He only had Bogard left tend to, but in his mind the past was in the past. Clara was different since she revealed her true potential and no longer trying to make herself believe that her mother loved and protected her. Exorcising those past demons into the fireplace, but she felt that one day she would have a mother. Sensing that it would be sooner than later.

"Daddy, Grandpa's here," Clara announced through the open window along with Tet giving his bark.

"I just told him, Tet!" Clara exasperated at her loyal friend.

"Thank you, both for the heads up," Hawke chuckled.

A few minutes later Dominic reaches Clara's treehouse finding her on the swing playing fetch with Tet. "Hey baby girl, how did it go today at school? Did you like the school?"

"Yes, but I have to wear a uniform," Clara said.

"Well, that will make it a world lot easier on you're father. So what's you're father cooking up for us tonight? I'm almost afraid to ask,"

"Lasagna."

"Really?! Hey it's about time, we're not eating like you're woodland friends here." Dominic said as they headed inside the cabin.

Hawke was in the kitchen finalizing the meal as Clara and Dominic began their ritual bickering starting with the bread.

"Ok guys, dinner is ready," Hawke said as he walked over with the hot covered dish.

Dominic and Clara stopped and watched with excitement as Hawke placed the dish on the table. Clara already with fork and knife ready in hand squirmed with excitement as Dominic lifted the cover off to reveal something that did not resemble a traditional lasagna. Dominic's brow furrowed and Clara scowled.

"String, what is this?"

"Lasagna,"

"Where's the red sauce and cheese. You know what a real lasagna is made of?"

"You said Lasagna! That is not it! You don't put nuts on it!" Clara said as she sat up on her knees peering into the dish.

"I did say I was making Lasagna, but I didn't say with what,"

"What is it?" Dominic asked.

"Gruyere, Bechamel cheese over the lasagna noodles and squash. The Kale perfectly balances the sweet squash, and crunchy, toasted pecans on top,"

Clara hung her head down and tapped her forehead on the table. "Ugh! I hate squash! and Kale!"

"Clara, you never had Kale before," Hawke said.

"Doesn't matter! it sounds green!"

"String! this is blasphemous to Italian cooking!"

"While you two whine, I'm going to get the rest of dinner," Hawke said as he got up and headed for the kitchen.

Returning with another covered hot plate, Clara and Dominic looked at Hawke with contempt. Uncovering the dish he revealed a traditional lasagna.

"YAY!" Clara and Dominic shouted in unison.

"String! don't ever do that again!"

"Why did you do that?!" Clara asked.

"I couldn't help it, I'm sorry Lamb," Hawke said.

"Ok, forgiven this time. But only once! got it?"

"Yeah, I get it," Hawke said trying not to laugh.

After dinner was finished and the dinnerware put away, Clara went to her room for the rest of the last of the evening. Leaving Hawke and Dominic to have a final nightcap and talk, especially for Hawke.

"So how did it go today at the school?"

"I wanted to talk to you about that. Today went surprisingly better than I thought," Hawke said.

"You mean she likes it?"

"Kind of but that's not it," Hawke said.

"Then what is it? You're chewing on something, what are you not telling me?"

"Remember when Doctor Wells tested her IQ and it was above one seventy?"

"Of course how could I forget that! Got a little genius here,"

"Well, they retested her today and they got a completely different score..."

"String, don't tell me they don't think she's smart enough?!"

"No, it's the opposite. She scored at two fourteen,"

"What?! You mean she's..."

"Way ahead of Einstein? Yeah she is,"

"Can they even school her? I mean is she too smart for them?"

"Technically yes, but they said they can put her in with the older kids for academics and with the kids her age for the socialization. I think being able to interact with the other kids just like her will keep her busy. They said right now they can place her at a high school level senior level,"

"And what happen's when she progresses beyond their teaching?"

"She'll have her Master's degree by the time she's ten years old. She can't even have normal schooling, she'll miss out on so much and I think she knows. She still held back on purpose during Doctor's Wells exam because she knows if she showed her true potential, she would not have that either. Trying to hold onto some piece of normalcy,"

"String, I think you're wrong. She knows that she can't hold back on her smarts, just to fit in with the other kids. Maybe she understands that being with kids just like her she'll be able to open up and challenge each other,"

"Yeah, maybe you're right. I'll see you in the morning Dom,"

"Goodnight, kid,"

After Dominic left Hawke tucked Clara in for the night. "Clara, I need to ask you. Did you feel pressured by me about the test?"

"No, you were right. I do feel better that I don't have to hide anymore, they really like that I'm smart,"

"I'm glad and I think you're going to have a lot of fun there,"

"Do I have to take a school bus?"

"No, I have the honor of dropping and picking you up,"

Clara smiled and hugged her Lamb as Hawke gave his ritual goodnight kisses. "Goodnight, Lamb,"


The next day at the hanger...

Hawke was coming out of the office as Archangel white stretch limo parks in front of the hanger.

"Let me guess, you're here because you heard about Clara's test yesterday," Hawke said.

"No, that's not why. Where is Clara?" Marella asked.

"I'm here to tell you the committee approved your request. You can go right now if you like," Archangel said.

"Same setup as last time?" Hawke asked.

"Yes," Marella said.

"Ok, I'll be there. Unfortunately I have to bring Clara, Dom is at the studio for the day,"

"We can leave her with Rudy, he's just got something that will definitely keep her occupied," Marella said.

"Alright, I'll be there within the hour," Hawke said.

Archangel and Marella left heading back to Knightsbridge. "I don't think I'll be able to stomach what he'll do to Bogard. The last time was I can't even describe. Have the cleaning crew on standby and expect overtime, they'll earn their pay after Stringfellow Hawke delivers his revenge,"

"Clara, we have to leave. Uncle Michael needs me at his office," Hawke said as he entered the office.

"He's sending you away again?" Clara asked getting sad.

"I'm not sure, but let's not get ahead of ourselves. Come on, let's go so we can get back because I have a surprise for you later,"

"Really?! Wha..wait I'm not gonna ask, you're hopeless," Clara said.

"Good, now let's go," Hawke chuckled.


Knightsbridge, One hour later...

Hawke and Clara arrived at Doctor's Wells office, Hawke still being unsure if it was a good idea to have her there. She was finally at a good place and did not want to jeapordiz their achievement. Michael placed two security men outside the office giving Clara some extra comfort. "Clara, are you sure your ok staying here?" Hawke asked.

"Yes, I miss Rudy. I'll be ok,"

"Alright, I'll be back as soon as I can. Love you," Hawke said.

"Love you too," Clara said.

"Thanks again, Doctor Wells."

"You're welcome, besides I just got something that'll keep Clara occupied for hours. You may even have a hard time taking her home later," Doctor Wells said.

"Great, she could use the distraction," Hawke said as headed out the door to Archangel's office.

"What is it?!" Clara asked excited.

"Come on, in the back. You better leave your Lamb with Rose, I don't want it to get torn apart,"

"What?!" Clara exclaimed as Rose took her precious stuffed animal placing it in her drawer for safe keeping.


Archangel's office...

"Hawke, are you sure you want to go through with this?" Archangel asked.

"I want him dead and I want him to suffer. Just like he did to Clara, there is no way he's getting the easy way out. Not by sitting in some country club prison," Hawke said.

"Alright, just making sure. The committee has put no restrictions and has given you some extra items, to use at your disposal," Archangel said.

"It's all set up. Whenever you're ready, we'll take you," Marella said.

"I've been ready," Hawke said as he headed for the door.


Hawke followed Archangel and Marella down the same path to the interrogation room. This time Hawke was going to take his time and slowly torture and physically take him apart piece by piece. His rage driven vengeance propelled him to plan in his mind the most heinous and evil way to punish him. Finding out from Archangel that Bogard was still being unapologetic for everything evil he has done to Clara and her stepfather, made him more driven.

"Here, inject these into him. It's a nerve stimulant it intensifies the pain three times greater. Courtesy of the committee," Marella said as she handed him four needles.

"I hate to say this but take all the time you need," Archangel said.

"He's shackled to the chair, you're in full control. Courtesy of me," Marella said.

"There is another item in there, it's taped to the underneath of the desk," Archangel said.

"Thanks," Hawke said.

Taking a deep breath before slowly opening the door, Hawke turned to look at Archangel and Marella with an apologetic look. Indicating what was to be left after purging his rage driven vengeance.

Hawke entered the room his eyes locking onto Bogard, tightly restrained to the chair. Still wearing his sinister grin as if it was all a joke, and to him it was. He was so full of himself still believing that he was going to go free after the indescribable harm he has inflicted. In Hawke's mind he was the epitome of evil.

"It's time to pay your due's," Hawke said.

"Really, How? Going to rough me up? Throw in a few punches and take out some teeth? Go ahead, get it out of your system. It's not going to scare me in the slightest,"

"Why?" Hawke asked. Standing frozen.

"Why not? All that power to control everything was music to my ears, when they shut the machine down I knew it was the wrong thing to do. So as usual I had to take matter's into my own hands,"

"What about Horn? How did you two team up?"

"Our partnership was two sided, he wanted his own little pile of land to control. The machine was the only way to achieve both of our goals, I supplied the Doctor's and part of the funding. He supplied the base and the small army,"

"Why did you have to bring Clara and almost destroy her?"

"Because that idiot couldn't realize that those two, well just the father really kept stalling, that's where your daughter came in. They needed motivation to finish and she was the key,"

"What about her mother? You said..."

"Yes, she did toe the line. It did not take her long at all to realize the full scope of what the machine could do. She wanted to start her life over away from her husband and daughter. She told me about all the mistakes she felt she made, her husband who had no carnal desires. Driving her into the arms of another only to be left behind and pregnant. As time went on after the girl was born, Sarah realized she was a mistake and was going to hold her back. Also she didn't want the reminder of the person who left her. It wasn't me that changed her. It was you, Stringfellow Hawke,"

Hawke raised his hand looking at the four syringes.

Bogard's tough exterior came crumbling upon seeing the instruments in Hawke's hand.

Bogard completely cracked looking into Hawke's eye's seeing the flare of a hurricane of vengeance and rage. He started to yell as loud as he could. Starting to buck the chair trying to free himself.

"That will do you, no good," Hawke said and jabbed one the needles into his cheek. He depressed the plunger and Bogard could feel a cold sensation creeping up his jaw. He repeated the injection on the other cheek. His jaw and neck began to go slack. He struggled to close his mouth and could not. Simply refused to respond. But he could still feel, though, and he knew he would. All of it.

"I hope you didn't have plans, because we're gonna be here for quite a long time. How's that saying go from that Bette Davis movie? Better buckle up, it's gonna be a bumpy ride," Hawke said as he gave the second injection. Bogards face began to burn.

"Nerve stimulants," Touching Bogards cheek with a fingernail, suddenly raked it down his cheek. Bogard gasped and would scream if he could, but too many parts were offline. It felt like a knife slash.

"You'll feel it all, but three times as much," He slapped his face, his own visage twisting into a mask of fury. Bogard's head rolled back letting out a thick groan. The slap felt like a waffle iron pressed to the side of the face. "And you deserve it," Hawke said.

Hawke began to repeatedly pound into Bogard's face. His ability to scream returned with a vengeance, so blood curdling as the small pieces of skin scrape off like a peeled apple. Hawke was relishing in the sounds of his pain. Driving him to more brutal measures.

Hawke stopped and pulled out from underneath the table a small black case. Opening to find several different size scalpels.

"Are you ready?" Hawke asked. "This is gonna hurt,"

Hawke pushed Bogard's very limp head over. With a flourish Hawke lowered the scalpel to Bogard's face. Pressing it into the side of his jaw, below his ear where his jawbone curved up into his skull proper. The scalpel felt like a line of fire. He could feel the blood begin immediately from the cut. A low, desperate, choked moan came from his throat.

"Yes, it does hurt. Doesn't it? This is what happens to men who prey on children. Unfortunately for you. You picked the wrong child. Because her father is just getting started. That was just the prelude of what's to come," Hawke said.


"It's been over an hour. Do you think he's almost done?" Marella wondered.

"No, he's only just begun. Never make the papa bear mad, especially when it's Stringfellow Hawke," Archangel said.


Slowly Hawke advanced the scalpel up tracing along Bogard's hairline. Stopping at the top middle of his forehead, skin rippling loose. Hawke put the scalpel down, picking up another more suited for his next means torture. He takes the scalpel unrelentingly and slowly starts to slashed into Bogard's flesh off each finger, until his hands were transformed into fingerless stumps. Bogard continued to scream with the little life he had left.

Then Hawke sliced open Bogard's orange prison shirt ripping it open. Then he cut and ripped open the crotch of his pants and it was at that precise moment that the terrifying realization of what was about to happen to him set in. Bogard began to scream again for all he was worth, but was quickly silenced when Hawke shoved the blade into his gaping mouth and heartlessly cut out his tongue. As blood poured down his throat, Bogard could only make the gurgling sounds of a dying man.

When Hawke reached into the pants, Bogard prayed for oblivion to take him quickly. "It doesn't end there, Bogard. I'm making you slowly suffer, just like you did to my daughter. You helped rob her of her innocence, which she can never get back. You brutalized her. Had her stripped naked and caged, thrown into a hole. How could you do that?" Hawke yelled as he ripped the remaining skin off his face.

In his unchecked rage Hawke sliced open Bogard's stomach disemboweling him. Leaving his entrails on display.

Bogard was dead. Hawke exacted his revenge. They can now move on to the next part of their life.

Emerging from the room looking like a crazed serial killer stepped out from a movie. Hawke's face, hands, shirt saturated in blood. Archangel and Marella stand agape at the sight before them.

"I hope you have empty stomachs," Hawke said.

"Shower and change of clothes are down the hall. I learned after the last time to be prepared," Archangel said.

"Yeah, good thinking," Hawke said as he turned and headed down the corridor.

"Do we dare we look?" Marella asked.

"I'll go, I need to see for the record. I'll be the witness," Archangel said.

Slowly making his way to the doorway, stopped cold at the entrance. "OH GOD!" He dropped his cane, his disbelieving eyes surveyed the grisly scene before him. Very quick, the nauseating upsurge of bile and vomit started to rise to his throat. Immediately grabbing for his handkerchief to contain his dry heaving, upon his first glimpse of the carnage. Marella rushing over to help him screaming at the sight.

"OH MY GOD!" She screamed unable to suppress the overpowering urge to expel the contents of her stomach.


Three hours later...

"Daddy! come and see what Rudy got!" Clara said. "Wait, why do you have different clothes on?" Clara asked as Hawke entered the office.

"Oh, Uncle Michael was showing me something new and it made a mess on me. He broke it,"

"What was it?" She asked.

"It was just a part for a helicopter that no one ever knew about," Hawke said. "Now, show me what Rudy has that's got you all excited,"

Clara grabbed his hand leading him into the lab to immediately met by a Capuchin monkey jumping on to Clara's shoulder.

"I named him Boo. Because he loves to play peek a boo!" Clara said as the monkey brushed her hair with it's hands.

"Wow, and not surprised you both became instant friends. But we cannot come here everyday Clara, to visit," Hawke said.

"I know," she said. Looking sad.

"But how does three times a week sound? If it's ok with Rudy," Hawke said.

"That's absolutely fine, and you can come anytime," Rudy said.

"Yes! Thank you!" Clara said hugging both her father and Doctor Wells.

"Now, let's get you're Lamb and get back to the hanger. Grandpa will be waiting with no doubt a hungry stomach," Hawke said.

"And then the surprise?!" Clara asked excited.

"Yes, then the surprise. I didn't forget," Hawke said. "You want a hint don't you? I know you can't help yourself,"

"Ok, what is it?" Clara asked.

"It's loud and really exciting. Especially for you," Hawke said.

"Ugg! why do you torture me like that!? It's not fair!"

"If I gave you good hints, you wouldn't be surprised. Silly," Hawke said.

"Ok, kiddo say goodbye to your friend, we gotta let Rudy get back to work," Hawke said.

"Bye Boo. I'll be back," Clara said hugging the tiny monkey.

The monkey becoming sad as he watched her leave with her father. "Don't worry Boo, she'll be back." Rudy said as he picked him up.

Hawke and Clara leave the office hand in hand down the hall. "Look's like your new friend Boo, is going to be very attached to you,"

"Yeah, can we ta..." Clara froze dead in her tracks just standing there as a statue, like a monument frozen for eternity. Her stuffed Lamb dropped to the ground.

Hawke could feel her hand turn ice cold. Looking down at her he saw the color drain from face and body. A single solitary tear streaming down her cheek.

"Clara, what's wrong?" Hawke asked bending down to her level.

She was paralyzed.


"Get her!"

His accomplice complied and began shooting at her.

"She'll be no problem now, I got her," he replied confident that he succeeded in eliminating her.

"Good, now go get the body," The other man ordered. "We don't want any loose ends,"

"Won't have to," he replied. "There's a mountain lion approaching, he'll do the job for us,"


Hawke turned his head to see a man walking out of the doorway of an office directly in front of them. He was wearing a grey suit, just like the man in the store that day. The man looked up and saw Clara standing there in recognition. He stopped in his tracks. He looked at her as if she were a ghost. Disbelief crossed his face, he started to look around and bolted down the next hall.

"HEY!" Hawke yelled as he ran after him. Hawke chased him down the hall, his pursuit cut short with the man apprehended by security. "Who are you?!" Hawke yelled.

"I'm the guy who shot your daughter that night in the woods," The man said looking at Hawke straight into his eye's.

Hawke's nostrils flare and eyes became enraged threw his already battered knuckled hand into the man's face. "HAWKE! ENOUGH!" Archangel yelled as he approached the scene.

"Take him to interrogation," Archangel said.

"Michael, I want him..."

"Hawke, no. I can't have you piling up bodies around here," Archangel said. "You've spilled more than enough blood in her name,"

"I need to talk to him," Hawke said calming down his emotions.

"I can allow that, and I'am going to need Clara to identify him. Unfortunately, I need an official identification from her,"

"Yeah, just give me a bit,"

"Take your time, he's not going anywhere. I promise," Archangel said putting a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"Thanks," Hawke said with a big sigh.

Hawke reached Doctor Wells office. "Where is she?"

"She's in the lab, hiding under a table," Rose said.

Hawke entered the lab searching until he found her pressed into a corner trembling, tears cascading down her porcelain cheeks, clutching to her Lamb for dear life. The capuchin monkey, Boo sitting with her for comfort.

"Clara, you can come out. You're safe now, I got him and Uncle Michael is making sure he will never harm you again," Hawke said. "It's alright, come to me,"

For a moment Clara hesitated before reaching her hand out to her father. Helping her crawl out, he picked her up giving her a tight reassuring hug. "He's not going to hurt you anymore,"

Clara clung to him her head resting on his shoulder. Believing she was finally free of her tortured past, after Bogard was captured, but her sense of freedom became once again short lived. The man that forced her to fight her way through the storm that fateful night, returning before her very eye's out of thin air. She wondered if it would end or was she destined to live in this torture for the rest of her life.

"When will it stop?" Clara began to cry.

"It is over, Clara. I got everyone that ever hurt you and they will never harm you again. Uncle Michael put everyone away for good, they'll never be free again,"

"Even the General man?"

"Yes, even him. I personally made sure he would never come back to hurt you again. He never will Clara, believe me,"

Clara looked at him with a sudden realization of how he made sure. "Is that why you changed your clothes?" She asked looking straight into his eyes.

Hawke looked at her and realized he could not lie. "Yes," he simply said.

She placed her head back on his shoulder, indicating she was comforted and relieved.

"Clara, Uncle Michael needs you to recognize the man for him. Do you think you can that?" Hawke asked. "Don't worry, he won't be able to see you,"

Wiping her tears Clara nodded in agreement.

They reach the room filled with more officials startling both Hawke and Clara. "Michael, can't she do this with just you?" Hawke asked. "Too many people here, she's getting scared," Hawke said as he could feel her tiny fingers almost breaking into his flesh.

"I need to have an additional two witnesses, it's protocol. The rest can wait outside, I just need two members from the committee," Archangel said.

The crowd left escorted by security to wait outside. "Clara, I want you to take your time," Archangel said.

Seven men walked into the room all wearing the same grey suit. Clara watched as soon as the fifth man turned around she began to become hysterical with fear. Her crying turned into sobs of grief and torment. Turning away her head away starting to visually tremble, leaving absolute no doubt that was the man.

"I think we're done here," Archangel said.

The two other committee members acknowledged in agreement with Archangel. "Clara, it's over. We're going to send him far away so he can't hurt you anymore,"

"It's alright Clara, we're leaving now," Hawke said. "We're going home,"

"Do you still want to talk to him?" Archangel asked.

"No, it's better if I stay away," Hawke said. "I need you to ask about how he knew about the old service road at the mountain. It wasn't just a coincidence that they ended there,"

"We will, don't worry we'll find out everything. Just go home and get rest," Archangel said.


Later that evening...

Hawke had just finished putting Clara to bed, falling asleep quicker than he anticipated. The sound of a incoming helicopter approaching caught his ears, knowing it was Archangel. Hawke was finally going to get the final piece of the puzzle of Clara's past life. Minutes later Archangel and Marella stroll through the door.

"Your going to need to sit down," Michael said.

"Just tell me, Michael,"

"He worked for Bogard, he wasn't privy to the details of the machine. That night he and his accomplice were told by Bogard to dispose of them, Sarah thought she was going to be spared,"

"She thought because of her cooperation, she would be in the clear," Hawke said.

"Bogard wanted no loose ends, that's why he included Clara in the execution," Marella said.

"So, Sarah out of sudden guilt decides to try to save Clara. She sent them to the road," Hawke said.

"No, it was Daniel," Archangel said.

"Daniel? How would he know?" Hawke wondered.

"He was a brilliant man, Hawke. He found her the way back to you," Archangel said.

"Sarah, did have a change of heart when they saw where they were. If that's any comfort," Archangel said. "He didn't aim at Clara, he didn't want to kill her,"

Hawke let out a breath he felt he has been holding in since the day he found her. Now, it was truly over. The mystery surrounding the little girl he found outside his cabin six months ago was solved. Learning that Daniel was her savior and not her mother, gave Hawke new found respect for the man. In Hawke's mind and heart, Sarah was lucky to be dead than to face him. His daughter was now free from the chains of her past and he as well. Saviors to each other.