Part 51

September 2002- Pine Valley Beach

Maureen stepped forward. She remained silent as the wind began to blow once again. "Maureen?" Tad said, approaching, but standing slightly behind her. "Do you remember what David did to you?"

Maureen shook her head, folding her arms around herself. "It's nothing."

"You said you had memories of David. It made an impression." Maureen took a deep breath. "If you remember what he did to you, Maureen, you need to tell Anna... or Jackson."

"I don't remember, Tad." Maureen said. "I don't remember what he did to me."

Tad stepped closer to Maureen. "Then what?" He paused. "You remember back to Johns Hopkins, don't you? You're remembering you and David."

Maureen snapped her head to the side looking at Tad. What do you know about that?"

"Then it's true." Tad said.

"I don't know," Maureen said. "I'm just remembering bits and pieces... Why am I telling you this?"

"I want to help you, Maureen." Tad said.

"I'm sorry, Tad." Maureen said. "But there's only one person who can help me."

September 2002- David Hayward's Cabin

The vials and flasks sat out in the open on a tray in front of David. He took his measurements carefully, making absolutely sure to mix the liquids in exact proportions. David stood, walking back to his computer, staring at the blank screen for a moment in thought, and then returned to his work. The glassware was aligned carefully. None were labeled, but David knew exactly what each one was for.

Pausing for a moment, David leaned back in his chair, running his fingers through his hair and taking a deep breath. He stood once again, taking the cart and wheeling it beside the computer desk. He turned and started towards the kitchen when there was a knock at the door. David stopped, walking to the door and swinging it open.

"Hey, bro," Leo said, stepping inside. "I was in the neighborhood."

David smirked. "Don't you look surprisingly happy."

"Well that's because I am surprisingly happy."

"Greenlee?" David said. Leo plopped himself down in a chair by the fireplace with a smile. "Well I don't want to know the details."

"How about this much." Leo said. "Greenlee and I are going to Paris... the end of next month."

"Well it's about time." David said. "She's been waiting long enough."

"If it weren't for you, David, we wouldn't be going. You talked me into it."

"You wouldn't have heard the end of it from Greenlee if you blew this off."

"True," Leo said. "But it was your push that did it, David. And I wanted you to be the first to know."

David smiled. "Good for you, Leo," he said. "You two have got to be the smartest ones in this town. You've got enough sense to get out."

"That doesn't mean we can't come back." Leo said. "We've still got Christmas and stuff."

"We do," David said. "Well congratulations, Leo."

"Thanks, bro." Leo paused. "How goes the crusade? Have you seen Anna?" David shook his head. "Are you going to see her?" David was silent. "How about I talk to her?"

"I'm not dragging you into this, Leo."

Leo smiled. "All I'm gonna do is talk to Anna. It's not like that's gonna keep me from going to Paris. At least let me help you out before we leave." Leo paused. "Look, if me talking to Anna is going to keep you from losing your mind, then I'm going to do it, David." he smiled. "There's no stopping me."