A/N: Aw, you absolutely lucky dogs!! This was NOT going to happen today! And would you look at that... :)
Nate stood quickly when Michael, Sam and Samantha walked through Maddy's front door. His eyes flicked over each of them before he spoke. "We got something?"
"Dad bought five pieces of property in the area, we're going to check them out," Michael told him, nodding. He turned his attention to Maddy who was puffing away on a cigarette, not acknowledging the visitors in her house. "Ma, Agent Jason Bly is helping us out with this. He's staying at the Epic if you need him for some reason. You can trust him."
Maddy nodded barely to let Michael know she had heard and understood him, but stayed silent and distant. Michael sighed sadly, turning back to Nate.
"We need to get moving."
Nate glanced at Maddy, biting his lip. "I think... I think I'll stay with Ma. That okay?"
Michael's eyes widened in relief, feeling a slight weight lift from his shoulders. "That'd be great, Nate, thank you."
Nate nodded, eyes fixing on Maddy. "Yeah, no problem, bro. Just... just find Ruth, okay? Make sure she's all right."
Michael placed a strong hand on Nate's shoulder. "I'll try."
XxXxX
"So... what's going on?" Fi asked, coming out to the kitchen table. Nate glanced up jerkily.
"Apparently Dad bought some properties in the area," he replied after recognizing Fi. "They're going to go check them out for any leads."
Fi frowned, sitting down in the chair next to him. "How'd they get this information?"
Nate shrugged. "I'd guess from the Agent Bly guy Michael was talking about."
Fi's eyebrows shot up. "Bly?" she repeated. Nate nodded.
"Yeah, apparently he's staying at the Epic, helping out with... Where are you going?"
Fi was on her feet, heading for the door. "I'm going to help them, Nate."
Now Maddy was looking up. "You just almost died, Fi," she pointed out. Fi pursed her lips.
"I'm fine. And I'd like to see you two try and stop me."
XxXxX
The first property the trio had checked held nothing of interest. In fact, it was an acreage with practically nothing on it: no trees, no shrubbery, even the grass was sickly. Frank had probably bought it for cheap. When the trio stepped out of the Charger at the second property, however, they found a large concrete building there. All three of them pulled out their guns, ready. Suddenly a bellow rang out and Michael whirled to see Sam falling to the ground. Samantha was immediately searching the area, a shooting match beginning between her and Frank's men.
Michael crouched down to Sam, examining the wound. Luckily, the bullet had just grazed Sam's side but blood was still steadily seeping from him, staining his shirt. Sam gritted his teeth as Michael pulled the fabric away from the wound.
"I'll be fine, Mike," he hissed. Michael looked up to meet his eyes, which still held bitterness. Michael paused before nodding and standing up to help Samantha.
Fortunately, Frank didn't have many men guarding the place. It wasn't too long before Samantha and Michael had won out. Michael glanced back to Sam.
"We'll check out the building and be right back," he told him. Sam didn't respond as Samantha and Michael walked away. He'd live, of course, but it stinkin' hurt. He wasn't even too worried about Samantha and Michael going into a deserted building alone... together. They were adults. Well. Technically.
Sam jumped slightly when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Forgetting his wound temporarily, he looked up to see Fi crouching down by him.
"What happened?" she asked, inspecting the wound. Sam winced as her fingers brushed it.
"Mike's dad had men waiting. What the hell are you doing here, Fi?"
"I wasn't about to let you guys do this on your own," Fi answered without looking up. "Funny. I didn't see anyone." Finally she looked up, glancing around the area. "So did Michael and Samantha... wait, where are they?"
"They went to check out the building," Sam replied, frowning. "Have you already checked it out? How did Frank's guys not see you?"
"I went in a different way," Fi said hurriedly, her eyes wide. "Michael and Samantha are inside the building?"
"Yes..." Sam said slowly, pulling himself up slightly. "Why?"
"I set the place to blow!" Fi exclaimed. "Figured it would mean less for Michael's dad to work with! Dammit, Sam, I put it on a timer!"
"Fi!"
"I have to warn them, Sam!" Fi continued, not paying attention to him and standing up quickly. Sam grabbed her by the elbow, yanking her back.
"No, you don't! Michael still thinks you're dead and I intend to keep it that way!"
"And kill him in the process?" Fi yelled back. "You can't very well warn him yourself!" She jerked her arm out of Sam's grasp, bolting away.
"Fi!" Sam shouted. "Fi!!"
But she wouldn't listen.
A/N: I love reviewers and live for constructive criticism!