A/N: I'm back! This one took a little longer than I expected. Just to warn you: ignore the preview in the previous chapter. I changed some things around. At the behest of my lovely, hormonal niece, I sped the plot up a little bit. Apparently, "it isn't attractive to beat a dead horse." Heh, who knew?

So, again, thank you everybody for your support. I love reading what you all think. Also, one love to the folks that have this story (and me) on their alert list. Glad you all are enjoying this.

Little People: Yup, the Krista/Casey situation ain't goin' nowhere. And as for Charlie and Robin & Charlie and Casey well…that's a horse of another color. Thanks for reading! I love your reviews!

futureforensic: You updated? Well…leave it to me to stick my foot in my mouth. While I'm getting it out, I'll indulge my Carly love and read your update. And of course, thanks for putting out my mistakes. I'm editing the previous chapters and I'll replace them as soon as I can. Thanks again for the help in the beta-ing department. And don't hate on Krista. She'll come in handy sooner or later. Thanks for reading. Really glad you like it!

Hope06: Krista isn't so bad once you get to know her :-). Gotta love the Novak temper. I love writing it. Thanks for reading and I'm glad you're enjoying this.

protego-totalum88: Emotions aren't always logical. In fact, they're pesky little boogers that make for really great drama. ;-) Thanks for reading!

TVCrazed: Oh, it's gonna go down. Trust me. And Robin's Caseyness is kind of cute. I adore smart ass children. And look…I updated fast fast for me anyway ;-) So happy you're enjoying this.

CNovak929: Thanks! I really like writing, helps me avoid finals. :-) Don't hate Charlie! He's not so bad, honestly. Glad you're still reading this!

CocaCola1052: What a little Desert Eagle the little Novak is, isn't she? And Olivia is always awesome. And Casey can be an 'itch. But that's what makes her uber awesome sometimes. And as for the tragedy: nope, you didn't miss it. Thanks for reading!

Jamrock: Why thank you, Niece. You got most of your thanks in person so you don't get anymore! Love ya!

Chapter 12: Run

As she listened to the little blonde paragon of virtue yammer on about the multitude of reasons as to why she should stay away from Charles Katsaros, Casey found herself wondering what would happen if she mixed her pain meds with a Cosmo. It was too risky, she decided as she polished off the glass of water Robin had poured earlier. In all likelihood she would die and that would leave Robin to be raised by a schizophrenic and a Stepford. The cane and the bruises were supposed to draw in rays of sympathy, but lately all she'd been getting were hours of diatribes and overly busy fingers.

"Do you honestly think you're a good match for Charlie?"

Casey rolled her eyes. Watching a jealous housewife in a lavender cardigan circle her like a vulture would carrion wasn't numero uno on her to-do list. "Which answer is going to get us back to why you're here?"

"I didn't come here looking for a fight, if that's what you're thinking."

"I've never been known as a profit of doom, but when somebody barges into my house threatening me with bodily harm, I expect there to be some sort of verbal or physical conflict."

Krista smiled, but it was slow and irresolute, as she leaned further into the room. She pulled back one of the lime green dining chairs muddled in front of the table, turned it to face Casey, and sank into it. "I only want what's best for Charlie."

"And I want what's best for Robin."

Krista licked her lips. "Is this really about Robin's needs or your fear?"

"Excuse me?"

"I heard the latest and honestly, I'm not here to make any excuses or listen to any. Charlie had a lapse in judgment and his actions were reprehensible. Yet the fact of the matter is, you and I both know he wouldn't even hurt your feelings, let alone do anything far more serious. He told me how willing you were in the beginning. He told me that you wanted him too."

"I never pretended that my hands were clean. Yeah, I opened the door and when I closed it, he should've left it alone."

"And Robin…"

"Isn't up for discussion, or debate, though you and every other Katsaros seem set on both."

Krista recoiled at the acidy in the other woman's voice. Her jaw was set, her eyes narrowed, her lips pressed tight against each other. "Then it seems we have a problem, Ms. Novak. Charlie is Robin's father and on some level, you and I both know that little girl needs him just as much as he needs her."

"I want them to have some sort of relationship, but not at the expense of her wellbeing. He's already proven that he can't control himself…"

"No, he's proven that you can't control him. Face it, Casey. Charlie is not and will never be your patsy. You can't blame the big bad schizo for all of your trials and tribulations anymore. My husband is a healthy, strong, and courageous man and an even better father. If you can't recognize that, I am absolutely certain a family court judge will."

"You can sing Charlie's praises until the record breaks or goes platinum, but don't shape your over glossed lips to threaten to take my daughter!"

"It's not a threat, Ms. Novak," Krista smiled sweetly, smoothing a few unseen wrinkles from her khaki skirt. "The fact of the matter is Charlie has more than a five year long track record of being a responsible, attentive, and loving parent. He takes medication for his illness and sees a therapist twice a week."

"And the Loon of the Year Award goes to…"

"I have several psychologists that would be more than willing to testify at a custody hearing. You on the other hand seem to have a problem with handling your responsibilities as Robin's custodial parent. For a lawyer, you sure do leave a very informative paper trail. Years of Robin being late to school, missed doctors appointments, arriving home and going to bed at inappropriate hours. Your work schedule coincides with Robin's and more often than not, she's left on the sidelines while you go off to play Wonder Woman. And that's just the paper. What do you think Robin will say, hmm? She'll be under oath so she can't lie. Will she talk about how she cries herself to sleep when you don't come? Or maybe she'll tell the judge how she feels like she's second best? Maybe she'll tell everyone that her own mother loves her job and puissance more than her."

Casey didn't realize she was crying until she saw her reflection in the picture frame above Krista's head. It was Robin's kindergarten picture. Robin had been so excited. She laid her clothes out and packed her lunch the night before. Casey had promised to take her to school, but one of her key witnesses had gotten cold feet and declined to testify. It was either a guilty verdict for a man that had made his millions by pilfering from his workers' pensions or a few minutes with her daughter on one of the most important days of her life. Naturally, she won the case. However in doing so, she established a pattern that would operate in the background of the relationship she had with her only child for years to come.

Krista rose from her chair, pulled a Kleenex from her purse, and crossed the room. With a quick, tight, shake of her head, Mrs. Katsaros dangled the thin cloth in front of the other woman. "I know you love your daughter, but so does Charlie. Don't you get it? Charlie's recovery was predicated on his having a healthy relationship with that little girl. I will not sit idly by and watch you ruin everything he's worked for."

Casey Novak was breaking when life threw her a bone. The gravelly voice, while rich in sarcasm, was mellifluous and smooth. It belonged to a godsend.

"Don't you people ever sleep?" Robin rolled her eyes at her stepmother. Luckily for everyone, she hadn't noticed her mother's watery eyes. "Did Charlie send you over to bug my mom?"

Krista closed her eyes and sighed before replying, plastering on a gracious smile. "Hi there, Robin. I just came over to check on your mother, see if everything was all right."

"It is. Bye."

She frowned a little, but started for the door nonetheless. "It was good to see you, Robin. Thank you for hearing me out, Ms. Novak."

"Thank you for hearing me out Ms. Novak," Robin mocked when the front door shut, She flopped onto the couch next to her mother. "What did she want?"

"Aren't you supposed to be in your room?"

"Aren't you supposed to be on bed rest?"

"You're too smart for your own good," Casey opened up her arms, which Robin immediately snuggled into. "I guess that's what happens when kids have to raise themselves…"

"Huh?" Robin wrinkled her nose in confusion. "I have a mom."

"Not a particularly good one, I'm afraid."

"I was really mad about the baseball team and all those things Brandon said. I didn't mean to make you think you're a bad mom 'cause you're not."

"I let you down all the time," Casey replied, dolefully. She rested her chin on her little girl's head. "I'm hardly ever around because I work all the time. And since I got hurt and your dad came back, I have been pretty scarce…"

"You're not perfect. Nobody is, Mommy. You're the only mommy I got. I mean, yeah, I hate it when you promise to come to my games and you don't. Or when I stay up all night 'cause you promised you'd pick me up at a certain time, but then you don't show up until way later. I'm used to it though 'cause I know you're doing your very best. For a lady that has to be two parents, you sure do a good job."

"Well, now that Charlie's back…"

"He can visit, but you're my mom and I'm not going with anybody else."

"Have I told you how much love you?"

"All you did was yell at me and lock me in my room all day."

"Well, I love you and I always will."

"I love you, too."

"All right, Champ," Casey planted a kiss on her daughter's forehead before easing the both of them from the couch. "It's back to confinement for you."

"I thought we were gonna spend time together…"

"You've got forty eight hours until your release. After that the 'Mommy and Me' time will commence."

"Can I at least watch TV? It's educational."

"Yeah? What show?"

"Shakespeare For Kids. It's all the plays made into cartoons. It's on PBS."

"I don't know…"

"Nobody is too young to reap the benefits of classic literature."

Casey blinked. "How old are you?"

"See! Even the commercial's educational."

"Fine," Casey laughed. "One hour and then it goes off."

"Deal!"

Friday afternoon found Casey Novak sitting in a vacant sulk, nursing an iced tea and picking at an Asparagus Bistro Salad. Olivia had suggested they go to the brasserie after Casey called practically seething about the loss of Nina's case.

"Tracey has no idea how to handle this case. She has no experience dealing with live victims…"

"As I recall, neither did you…"

"That's beside the point," Casey declared waving her fork like a magic wand. A few speckles of salad dressing splattered onto Olivia's cheek, which went unnoticed to the impassioned ADA. "Nina's already been traumatized by our legal system…the very last thing she needs is a lawyer that doesn't understand what she's going through."

"Like you," Olivia dabbed at her face with her napkin.

Casey let out a tepid groan. "Spare me the lecture…"

"Wasn't planning on giving one." Olivia shook her head as she sawed at her roasted swordfish. "Listen, Kibre has to learn how to handle live victims too…"

"Yeah, well, not at Nina's expense."

"This isn't all about Nina, is it?"

"Excuse me? I can relate to her because of what I've been through…"

"Exactly. I never thought this would come out of my mouth, but I agree with Branch. You have a huge emotional investment in this case. Let's say you didn't win…"

"That's not an option…"

"No, it's an outcome. Albeit with all the evidence in our corner, a slim one, but the possibility is still out there. Think of what it'll do to you. I'm not saying you don't care about Nina and that you can't prosecute her case, but if you let your own needs overshadow your work, you're writing a check that your ass can't cash."

"Yeah, I guess some of your points are valid ones." Casey flipped open her cell phone and looked at the time. "I gotta run. Nina's grand jury testimony is in an hour."

"I'll give you a lift over to the court house."

"Thanks."

I'll sing it one last time for you

Then we really have to go

You've been the only thing that's right

In all I've done

"I'm not going to forgive you, Jason. You might as well stop asking," Robin put her hands on her hips and scowled impatiently at her former best friend. "I have to go now. Lulu and I are going to Yiayia's and you know how worried she gets when I'm late."

"I know," he mumbled. He stared down at his shoes for a while. Big, dirt splattered, black Vans. His favorite. "I got into the baseball camp. You know, the one up near Niagara Falls? You still going?"

"I don't know," she shrugged, dragging her feet through the damp grass as they walked. "Lots of things are happening right now with my family. Don't know if we have time."

He nodded and stuffed his hands in the pockets of his jeans. "Do you think we're going to be friends again?"

"Do you think we can stop playing twenty questions?"

"You can't stay mad forever! I made a mistake. Everybody does that."

Robin stared at him awhile, shook her head, and walked off in search of Lulu.

When she reached the front gate, Charlie was leaned against his car, fiddling with his lower lip. Robin smiled to herself. She did that when she was afraid, too. Slinging her bag over her shoulder, she pushed deftly through the horde of children and parents, eager to find out why he was there and what had him so nervous.

"I though you were in California packing up the rest of your house."

"Hey Champ," he smiled, but there was a reserve in his tone that she didn't understand. "I just got back and I thought, 'it's a nice day. Why not take a road trip?'"

"I don't think Mommy would like that," Robin frowned as the breeze ripped her curls around, causing a few of them to hit her in the face. Pulling her hair into a ponytail with one hand, she pulled the scrunchie from her wrist and began twisting in around her hair. At least she tried to. "This stupid thing…"

"I thought baseball players were supposed to be coordinated," Charlie laughed and eased the elastic band out of her hands. As he pulled the last strand of her hair through, the sting of the broken hair tie shocked them both. "I used to be good at this."

"Well maybe if your hands weren't shaking...why are you so nervous, anyways?"

The playfulness faded from his face. "We really have to go," he said briskly.

"What about my friend Lulu? She's supposed to come with me to Yiayia's and Pappou's."

"We don't have time for this, okay?" he growled, grabbing the lapels of Robin's windbreaker. "I know I haven't done very much to earn your trust and I'm sorry. If I had more time I would explain everything to you, but that's not possible right now. So, please, throw your stuff in the back and get in."

"What about Mommy and Lulu?"

"They'll have to wait," he was already opening the passenger door.

"You're scaring me," she was crying, despite herself, as she threw her things in the back and buckled her seatbelt. "What's happening?"

"Nothing I can't fix," Charlie stared blankly ahead. Offering her another solemn smile, he turned on the engine and sped toward wherever they were going.

And I can barely look at you

But every single time I do

I know we'll make it anywhere

Away from here

Robin sat silently as the car zoomed past the landmarks of her grandparent's neighborhood. From time to time Charlie would point out places where he'd spent his childhood, but Robin was oblivious to the whole thing. Her mind was on figuring the whole thing out—whatever it was.

"Penny for your thoughts," Charlie said.

"You don't have enough money," Robin wiggled in her seat and turned to look out the window.

"Are you going to tell me why you're so quiet?"

She sighed deeply, fogging up a small corner of the window. She ran the pads of her fingers over it, drawing a smiley face. "No."

"No? Is it because I yelled at you?"

"Crazy people yell all the time. What makes you special?"

Charlie turned to her. "You think I'm turning back into my old self."

"I'm not a baby. I know you have Schizophrenia. You don't have to talk like a Dr. Seuss book. I know people with Schizophrenia think they see things and that people are after them. Do you think somebody's after us?"

Charlie was quiet for a moment. "We can't talk about this right now."

"But…"

"Robin!"

"You have to tell me something!"

"I said drop it! I mean it Robin! I have to concentrate and more time I waste bothering with your incessant questions, the less I have to figure a way out of this mess."

"What mess?!"

"What did I just say?"

Robin raised her hands in mock surrender. "Okay! Okay! Sorry." She'd barely let it drop a moment before starting up again. "Maybe we should call Mommy. She'll be worried. She might be able to help. And what about Yiayia? People will notice if I'm gone, you know."

"I'm not kidnapping you Robin," he shook his head and gave away a small laugh. "And your mother, as big a super hero as she is, can't help. Now let it go."

"I can't. I'm really, really scared. I don't like not knowing things and I don't like keeping secrets from Mommy, especially about you. She already doesn't like you, why would you wanna mess everything up by taking me without asking?"

"I shouldn't have to ask to protect you, Robin."

"Protect me from what?"

"You should be an investigative reporter when you grow up."

"And you should be more honest when you grow up."

"Has anybody told you that you're just like your mother?"

"All the time. It gets kind of annoying after the first time," she paused for a moment to fiddle with her shoe. She looked up at him, hesitantly. "Do you think I'm anything like you?"

"Sure!" he grinned, grateful for the change of subject. "You flick your bottom lip when you're in thought, like me. When you love somebody you'll do anything to protect them, like me. And I heard you like lots of sour cream on your tacos, which I might add, is also like me."

"Yiayia says I have your ears."

Reaching over, he pushed her hair away from her face. "Well I'll be…looks like she knows how to spot those Katsaros genetic curses. Maybe if you're lucky, you'll get through elementary school without the kids calling you Dumbo."

"They probably do already, but they know if they do it to my face I'll pound their heads in."

"And that is where your mother steps up to the plate."

"We should call her, you know."

Charlie slowly shook his head. "If you're anything, you're persistent. I think you got that from both of us."

Robin turned back to the window.

"I know you're scared, but I promise, I'll have you home really soon."

Without turning back, Robin groaned. "How soon is 'really soon'?"

Charlie said nothing.

Robin persisted. "Charlie? Daddy, how soon 'til I can go home?"

Charlie closed his eyes and learned closer to the wheel. "I don't know, Champ. I really don't know."

An hour later they pulled into a gas station somewhere with lots of dry grass. Yiayia had finally called, already in a panic. Of course she'd blamed Casey, but when Charlie let on that he had Robin and that everything was fine, Yiayia was more than willing to by them some time. As she watched Charlie walk into the small convenience store, Robin couldn't decide if that was a good thing.

Suddenly, Robin noticed her father's cell phone on his seat. Grinning with victory, she reached for it and flipped open the cover. She didn't get past the third digit when she felt the sting of Charlie's hand across her head.

"What did I tell you? What the hell did I tell you? You really don't get it, do you?"

"You're not allowed to hit me! Mommy doesn't even hit me."

"I'm just trying to help you! Please try to get that through your stubborn little head!"

"I wanna go home and I wanna go now!"

Charlie was back in the car and speeding away by the time he spoke again. "I'm sorry I hit you. You're very right; I'm not allowed to hit you. Nobody is, ever."

Robin was silent. She stared him like the child that she was: terrified, hurt, and confused. She opened her mouth, but before she could, the back window shattered and a bullet pierced the middle of the windshield.

"Daddy! Daddy what's happening?"

Charlie gripped the wheel and smashed on the gas. "Get down on the floor and stay there!"

He twisted around, threw his arms on the back of his seat, and looked out of the non-existent back window. "Shit!"

"What's happening?" Robin repeated.

He twisted forward again and leaned over the wheel to focus on the road ahead.

"Daddy I'm scared," Robin cried out. "What's going on?"

"I know, Champ! Just sit tight, okay? We'll be out of this real soon."

Charlie was almost surprised to find himself crying along with her. His rage was a frightening thing. "Those sons of bitches!" he shouted, pounding the wheel as he drove. "Those sons of bitches."

Sweat broke over Charlie's brow as the bullets continued to fly. He floored the gas pedal, but as he saw the black SUV swerve toward them, Charlie cursed himself for letting things get out of hand.

"Daddy…what are you do—?" She didn't have time to finish her sentence. The SUV clipped the rear end of the car and the Mustang did what Charlie feared it would. Three shuddering flaps and then everything came to a screeching halt. Out of the corner of his eye, Charlie saw the SUV move away from them fast, its work completed.

The sound of crashing metal and breaking glass shattered his hopes of making everything right with a deathly silence.

He could no longer hear anything and he thought he was dead. For some unfair reason, he was alive. He'd lost consciousness and regained it twice. He had no idea what time it was. He could hear the wind flickering through the tall grass as he tried to move. Gasping and shaking with agony, he managed to disengage himself from the car and pull away from the wreckage.

Robin. He had to find Robin.

She was unconscious, no doubt from the impact of hitting the cold, hard earth. He pulled her head into his lap and when he did, he felt the stickiness of her blood as it pooled into his hands.

What had he done? What on Earth had he done?

"Robin! Robin you need to wake up! Robin! I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."

Light up, light up

As if you have a choice

Even if you cannot hear my voice

I'll be right beside you dear

A/N: Thank you for reading folks. The lyrics are from Snow Patrol's "Run".

Next: Casey is notified of the accident. Robin is rushed to the hospital. Tempers flare, but many questions don't get answered.