When things settled, AJ was on the ground in handcuffs. Dean brushed at a grass stain on the left knee of his jeans. Chris gently brushed some dirt and grass from Adam's backside. They were surrounded by law enforcement officers. There was just one problem. John Morrison was no where in sight. He'd vanished like a wisp of smoke.
Everyone grew still and quiet when Detective Sergeant Ken Miller's police radio "spoke". "I'm sorry, Sarge. He got away from us. I've never seen anyone run, jump and climb like that. We've got an APB out for him and roadblocks are going up. We've got officers going to the bus and train stations and the Dodge City Regional Airport. Don't worry, we will find him."
Sergeant Miller responded. "Ten-four. Make sure all the car rental services are covered as well. Get OSP and the Sheriff's on it. I want John Morrison behind bars… tonight." He spoke with absolute authority.
"Already on to OSP and the SD. Do you need an ambulance?" The officer on the radio sounded worried.
Miller nodded. "Good. No, no one was seriously hurt. The weapon discharged into the air. Keep me informed. Miller out." He hooked his radio on his belt. No need to be undercover.
Chris finished brushing the debris from his husband. "I'm sorry, baby. I didn't mean to plow you into the ground so hard." He felt terribly guilty. When AJ had pulled the gun, Chris had tackled Adam to the ground as if he were stopping the game winning touchdown at the Super Bowl.
Adam clung to Chris. "I'm fine. Thank you, my Lion. You can tackle me anytime when a gun is pointed at me. Dean? You alright?" He looked over at his student.
Dean was surrounded by Roman, Seth, Shawn and Officer Beth Phillips. "I'm fine, Adam. I'm sorry… I lost my head. My friends… no, my family was in trouble. I had to do it." Dean's head was down, he knew he'd be in trouble, maybe even arrested. He had really screwed up this time.
The moment Styles had reached for the gun, Dean charged. He knocked into AJ so hard, the storm chaser's left foot came out of its shoe. Dean also felt Styles nose break as his fist connected, or at least he thought so.
Officer Phillips laid a hand on Dean's shoulder. "You're not in trouble, son. Well, not much anyway. Just a good scolding. You took a huge risk, but, because of you, Styles' shot went into the air. You saved their lives. While it wasn't the smartest thing to do, you are a hero. His nose isn't broken. Are you alright? Your hand okay?" She sounded more like a worried mother hen than a cop.
Dean lifted his head to look at Officer Phillips. "You… you're not gonna cuff and stuff me?
Detective Sergeant Miller had joined Beth, Dean, Seth, Shawn and Roman. "Hell no, you're not going to be arrested. Actually, we could use someone like you on the force. Look, it might not have been the smartest thing to do, but I'm glad you did it. We were two steps too far away. You did a fine job, son. Now, is your hand okay?" He smiled at Dean and also spoke like a worried parent.
Dean nearly fainted with relief. He thought for sure he was about to be arrested for assault. "Yeah, my hand is okay. I couldn't let him hurt my family." He leaned against Roman.
Shawn looked at Dean's hand. "I'll put some ice on that later. Dean, I am so proud of you." He gave Dean a warm hug.
Dean let out an "oomph" when Adam hurled himself into Dean's arms. "Thank you, Dean. Thank you. You saved our lives. You're our hero." He hugged Dean so tight, Seth actually worried that Dean couldn't breathe, but he beamed with pride.
Dean managed to gently pull away from Adam as Chris and Hunter joined them. "I'm no hero. My family needed me. Where is that other bastard?" He didn't feel like a hero, but he was glad everyone was safe.
Sergeant Miller explained about Morrison. "… so, we have a net around Dodge City. I'm sure we'll have him in custody by nightfall. In the meantime, we will escort you back to the hotel. I am also going to post a guard, no arguments. Look, I shouldn't tell you this, but, you need to know. My brother sent me a message, it said to arrest Morrison at all costs. I haven't gotten any details yet, the report will be faxed to the station. I can only assume Morrison is a true criminal. I will inform you as soon as I know. I'm sorry to put an end to your day out, but let's get you all back to the Bel-Air." Miller was firm, but friendly.
Hunter spoke as the guardian of the storm chase group. "We will do what you want, no arguments. I want to make sure the ROW is well protected too."
"It will be, don't worry. Officer Phillips will go with you. I will come soon, but first, Mister Styles has a lot of questions to answer. How long till your next weather event? Can you stay in the area? Could you miss it if you had to?" Detective Miller knew the Jericho's work was important, but so was Morrison.
Chris spoke. "Tomorrow or perhaps Tuesday. I won't know for sure until I can make another forecast. Sergeant, I understand your problem, but we are already collecting data of a historic nature. We won't be leaving the Dodge City area. Look, I will break my own rule and allow you to send an officer with us, but we must chase. The lives of others depend on our data… or at least we try. I'm tired of these things killing people, like young Michael Parker." Chris was just as stern and firm. The chase had to go on.
Before Detective Miller could speak, Shawn briefly explained what happened in Wichita and to Mike Parker. "… so, Chris is right. We have to be able to do our work. Hunter and I will go buy another gun tonight." He too was firm.
Miller was stone faced as he spoke. "I will let you borrow one of our weapons. Buying a new gun will take five days. I know you have the proper training, so it isn't a problem. Unusual, but I will okay it with the Chief. As long as you agree to let an officer go with you, you're free to continue working." As they spoke, the group walked toward the parking lot.
"You know Sarge, Kenny Omega would be perfect for the job. I know he chases storms and he belongs to SkyWarn. He's a trained observer. He'd love a chance to be with Doctor Jericho and his team." Beth spoke with a grin. She knew Kenny would flip at the opportunity.
"That would be great. He would know to stay out of our way, yet be helpful. If this Officer Omega agrees, so will I. Just… I don't want him so lost in a storm he forgets why he's there. Also Sergeant, I want this to have a media block. At least as far Jericho Storm Chase Incorporated goes. The University would not be happy with this kind of publicity. Please Sergeant, our funding depends on it. Also, Officer Omega would need to sign a form that releases Jericho Storm Chase Incorporated and the University of Oklahoma from responsibility if something should happen during a chase." Chris was again firm voiced and stern faced. He not only had to protect his team, but the University as well.
The group arrived at the Jericho Range Rover. Detective Sergeant Miller nodded. "Don't worry, I will make sure he knows why he is there. The release form isn't a problem and I understand it, so will Kenny. I will also make sure to keep you names and the company name out of the media. I want Morrison's name and picture plastered in the media, but certain details will be left out. Beth, you stay with them for now. I will send relief when I can. Want me to call Nattie? I know how she can get." The Detective had been on the bad side of Beth's wife more than once. He respected her for it, it only showed how much she loved Beth.
Beth laughed. "Don't worry about it, Sarge. Nattie is in Calgary for a while. Her Uncle Bret had a stroke. She went to oversee his rehab. A perk for Bret his niece is a physiotherapist. Don't worry, I'm sure I can bunk down on the sofa bed, if I sleep. Sending in a K-9 for outside?" Beth asked as the others got into the Range Rover.
"Sorry to hear about Bret. He is a nice guy, give him my best. Yes, I'll send a K-9 unit..." Sergeant Miller then pulled officer Phillips away from the Ranger Rover.
Miller continued. "You know I hate to say this, but stay alert. This Morrison is very dangerous. He can move like a snake. I also can't guarantee he isn't further armed. I have a feeling he managed to con Styles. It will make Styles mad. Now he may try to seek revenge, but on who? Well, at least he will be locked up for a while. Just watch Ambrose. He is a good kid, but he will act before he thinks. I will be in touch as soon as I can. Don't let any of them out of your sight. You did a fantastic job today. You can be my wife any time. See you soon." He gave Beth a pat on the shoulder.
"Don't worry. I won't let you down. See you soon. And Sarge, thanks. Don't make yourself sick, it will be alright." Officer Beth Phillips smiled at her boss. She got in the passenger seat of the Range Rover.
In the Rover, Chris told Roman to drive. He wasn't done holding Adam close. Seth and Dean got in the smaller "jump seats" in the back of the Rover. Shawn and Hunter sat with the Jericho's on the back bench seat. They were jammed in, but it was only a ten minute drive back to the Bel-Air Motel.
When they arrived at the motel, Officer Phillips and Hunter carefully and thoroughly combed over all three hotel rooms to make sure Morrison wasn't lying in wait. When they were done, everyone met in the Jericho's room.
Seth sat on the floor between Roman and Dean. "Maybe we should all sleep in here. We could take the mattresses off the other two beds. It would be crowded but..." He let his words fade. Seth was afraid, but didn't want anyone to think he was being childish.
Officer Phillips spoke up. "Actually, I was just about to make the same suggestion. It would be for the best. I know this isn't easy. But, we have to make the best of it."
Hunter stood. "She's right. You all make the arrangements. Roman, let's go secure the ROW. I want to make sure all the alarms are set." He made no bones about checking his gun before they went outside.
Roman stood as well. "You'll be alright, baby. Dean is here. Be a good boy and help move the beds. I'll be back soon, I promise." He gave Seth and Dean a kiss as they too stood.
Before they left, Shawn whispered in Hunter's ear. Hunter nodded with a smile. The couple shared a brief, love filled kiss.
"I'm coming with you. The K-Nine unit won't be out there yet." Officer Phillips stood with a stone face.
Hunter wasn't about to argue with Beth. He had a feeling she could knock him flat. She looked more like a wrestler than a police officer.
When Hunter, Roman and Beth left, Shawn began to organize their sleeping arrangements. "Okay. Dean, Adam help me with the mattresses. Chris, Seth make room in here. The sooner we get this done, the sooner we can eat. I am sure you and Seth have forecasting to do. Alright, get along little doggies, let's make camp Jericho." He clapped his hands to get the others moving.
At the ROW, Hunter adjusted the alarms. Now they would only sound if a door opened or a window was tampered with. While Hunter and Roman were inside the Radar On Wheels, Officer Phillips patrolled outside. While she walked, the K-9 Unit arrived.
The officer was a tall, lanky man and his K-9 partner was a huge German Shepherd named Flash. "Hey Beth, the Sarge sent this. He wants you to stay tonight as planned. You will be relieved in the morning." The K-9 officer handed Beth a Dodge City Police Department gym bag with a smile.
Beth took the bag. "Thanks, Frank. Hunter Helmsley and Roman Reigns are inside the semi, they call it the ROW. Make sure you watch their vehicles closely. There is a couple of million dollars worth of equipment here. Any word on Morrison?"
Officer Frank Peters frowned as he held Flash's leash. "Okay. Eagle eyes on vehicles. No, nothing. He vanished like smoke. Sarge did say that Morrison is an expert at Parkour, and as small and skinny as he is… it won't be easy to find him. Sarge hasn't said much else. He's locked in his office with faxes from his brother in Guymon. He isn't happy."
Beth let out a soft sigh. "That explains how Morrison got away so quickly. What about Styles?" Her brow arched at her fellow officer.
Frank gave a wry chuckle. "Sarge is letting him chill in the cells till morning. He wants Styles to have a good taste of jail. Thinks it will make him more cooperative." He and officer Phillips began to walk around the ROW.
In the ROW, Hunter set the final alarm. "Roman, I have a message from Shawn. He said you would understand. He said, that Dean would love it. I hope you understand, because I sure don't. Well, that's part of being married to a preacher. Let's go set the alarms on Scout and Rover and we will be done."
Roman smiled brightly. "Oh yeah, I understand. You will too, soon. Hunter, do you think Morrison will try something again?" His smile was replaced by a frown of worry.
Hunter sighed as he locked the door of the ROW. "I honestly don't know. I don't think he is the type to let go of something. He's also very patient, which makes him even more dangerous. He's spent five years planning. Would you just give up..." Hunter froze. At the foot of the ROW steps was a huge, growling German Shepherd.
"Flash! Platz!" Officer Peter's voice spoke in a commanding tone. Flash immediately laid down at the foot of the steps.
Beth Phillips quickly introduced Hunter and Roman to Officer Frank Peters and Officer Flash. When the introductions were over, Flash relished in ear rubs from both Hunter and Roman. They then proceeded to set the alarms on Scout and Rover.
"I'd better let Flash meet the others. It's better that way." Officer Peters led Flash as they headed to the Jericho's hotel room.
Hunter and Roman chuckled. The room had indeed been turned into Camp Jericho. There had been just enough room to put the two mattresses on the floor, side by side. It was close quarters, but no one really minded. They could use the bathrooms of the other two rooms for a bit of privacy.
Flash quickly learned the sight and scent of the seven storm chasers. Officer Peters and Flash went back outside to make sure the chase armada remained safe and secure.
"Would anyone mind if I went to change? The Sarge sent things for me and I'd love to get comfy." Officer Phillips held up her gym bag, brow arched.
Shawn smiled warmly. "Not at all. Please use our bathroom. We are going to call for Chinese take away. What would you like Officer Phillips?"
"It's Beth, please. After all, we are going to be close for a while. Oh, order from East Wind, best food in town. Tell them I sent you, police discount. I would love beef and broccoli, fried rice and crab Rangoon, please. Thanks, I will be right back. Do not open the door." She hurried off to wash and change.
Seth smiled as he sat between Roman and Dean on their bed on the floor. "I like her. She kind of reminds me of my mom. Makes me feel even safer." He laid his head on Dean's shoulder.
Both Roman and Dean hugged their youngest. Roman spoke. "Yes, she does. Don't fret, baby. We are safe. D and I won't let anything happen to you." He gave both Seth and Dean sweet kisses.
Hunter and Shawn took everyone's order. Shawn then went to the boys hotel room to call it in. For all the days upset, it was a huge order. Shawn guessed it was mostly stress eating. He'd let it slide today, but after this, he would make sure they would eat a bit more healthy.
When Beth rejoined the others, she was dressed in black sweat pants and an over sized black tee shirt. Both articles of clothing had the words Dodge City Police emblazoned on them. She looked like she was ready for a slumber party, but Hunter knew Beth was well armed and alert.
Beth suddenly had a police radio in her hand. "Frank, we are expecting a delivery from East Wind within the hour. Got you some food too."
"Thanks. Will keep an eye out. All clear for now, but it sure is humid tonight. Peters out." Frank replied with a calm, happy tone of voice.
That perked both Chris and Seth's interest. It wasn't long before they sat on Chris' bed with their computers. Chris was soon lost in forecasting. Beth watched in fascination, but remained quiet.
"Padawan, we might as well see what we got today. After all, we did manage to shoot some cool pictures. Maybe we can develop again soon. Get our gear and I'll get the computers. We can sit on your bed." Adam gave Dean a smile. No point in just sitting there worrying.
Shawn smiled. He was glad to see that everyone settled in. He looked up when Roman softly cleared his throat. Roman pointed toward their room.
"I will be right back. Take care of the food if I'm not back. I will make coffee too." Shawn spoke to Hunter, who had sat down with a book to read.
Hunter smiled at his husband. "Alright, honey. Take your time. Everything will be alright." The couple softly kissed. Shawn then joined Roman in the other room.
Roman pulled Shawn into the bathroom and closed the door. "Dean would do it? He'd agree to a commitment ceremony? He actually said it?" The hope shone in his dark eyes.
Shawn's smile grew into a wide grin. "Well, he said he wished there was a way three people could marry. So, to me, that meant he would say yes. I didn't mention anything about a ceremony though." Shawn explained what Dean seemed to have wanted.
Roman smiled even brighter himself. "That's wonderful, Shawn. I was just never sure how he'd feel about it. Seth's birthday is on Saturday. I have some serious presents to get. I hope we will have some time." Roman felt like floating. Maybe there could be something good along with all the bad.
Shawn had to be careful not to any thing about Dean's plan for a surprise party. "I'm sure if nothing else, we can make time."
Roman helped Shawn make a pot of coffee. "Actually, my birthday is on Wednesday, but I'm not as fussed about it. Just another day, but I want to do something special for Seth. It will depend on where we are I suppose..." They were halted by a call from Dean that their food had arrived.
"Don't worry, we'll make something happen. Let's take this coffee and eat. I am hungry." Shawn grabbed the pot of finished coffee. He and Roman joined the others.
Shawn and Hunter organized the food. Officer Phillips took food and a cup of coffee out to Officer Peters. One good thing, with Flash on guard, Frank could take a moment to eat. When Beth went back inside, she was invited to join the others on the huge floor "bed".
"The cold front has stalled a bit over the Rockies. It looks to be building strength. That gives the warm air more room to breathe, so to speak. The dry line will be about thirty miles to the west of Dodge City. That's almost along the Gray and Ford county line. We are in Ford county. So, Tuesday will be our chase day. We may get a few preliminary popcorn storms tomorrow afternoon. Roman, you might get some lightening data. Unless something changes, tomorrow is an off day." Chris gave his report as they ate their delicious meal.
Adam laughed. Beth Phillips didn't get what was so funny. "What's funny about a day off?" She treasured her days off and would never find them funny.
Adam swallowed a sip of his root beer then spoke. "Because some of our most impressive data was gathered on an off day. During our second chase season together, Chris declared there would be no significant weather for a week. So we went home to Norman to refuel and rest. Two days later, we were in our own storm shelter. Tornado only missed our house by a mile. That's why, no matter how good your forecast is, nature can change her mind in the blink of an eye. We are actually do a bit of study on weather and the chaos theory." Adam explained as Beth listened intently.
Beth gave a wry look. "You can't seriously think the flap of a butterflies wing can cause a tornado… or do you?" She knew about the chaos theory, but not to any academic degree.
It was Hunter's turn to chuckle. "Yes, we do. Seriously though, there has to be some reason, why some thunderstorms produce tornadoes and others don't, even when everything in the atmosphere is the same. This causes the watch, warning crisis."
Beth was now extremely curious. Her next question launched a full scale lesson on the weather and what the Jericho Storm Chase team was trying to do. Even Dean chimed in to the conversation. Usually he kept quiet, but his new found self confidence allowed his smartness to show. Seth beamed with pride at Dean.
Chris wound up the mini lesson. "… so, eventually, we hope a warning will really mean there is a tornado. Slowly, people are starting to heed warnings, but, we want to speed that up. So see, maybe the flap of a butterflies wing really does matter."
"Wow. I truly had no idea how really deeply important your research is. I mean I know it is, but… it really is. Know what I mean?" Beth wasn't sure how to put into words, but the Jericho Storm Chase team worked and took risks to save the lives of others.
Chris smiled. "I know what you mean. Sorry if we got carried away, but it's important that people understand what we are trying to do."
Everyone jumped a bit when Officer Phillips' cell phone rang. They relaxed when they realized what the sound was. Beth went into the other room to take the call. While she was gone, the debris from their Chinese dinner was cleaned up. There was only a little fried rice and cashew chicken left. Adam claimed it for breakfast as he put the containers in the rooms mini fridge.
Beth returned. "The Sarge is on his way over. He wanted to call on the cell phone just in case Morrison has access to a scanner. No, they haven't found him yet. Dodge City is basically blocked off, but there are hundreds of roads coming in from the farms. The Sheriff's are doing all they can. They are posting his normal picture and the picture of him disguised as you, Adam. Sarge said to reassure you, your names are being kept out of it. Anyway, he will be here soon. We'd better make more coffee." She took a small peek out of the closed window drapes and scanned the area quickly.
Hunter spoke. "We know you are doing all you can. Trust me, we understand country roads and pig trails." He took Shawn by the hand and headed off to their room to make more coffee.
Adam sighed. "Yeah, Hunter even makes roads from time to time..." he then went on to explain about their near miss a couple of weeks ago.
"Goodness. I never really knew what storm chasing was truly like." Beth gained more and more respect for the Jericho Storm Chase team.
Adam, Roman and Dean put out some cookies and snack cakes for dessert. Chris and Seth shut down their computers. Shawn and Hunter had all three coffee pots filled. By the time everything was in order, Detective Sergeant Ken Miller had arrived. Greetings were exchanged and coffee poured. Five minutes later, everyone was settled and ready to listen.
Sergeant Miller spoke. "I guess Beth told you, Morrison is still on the loose. He won't be easy to catch. According to my brother's information, Morrison is a Grand Master of Parkour. But, we have a few Parkour Masters on the force..." He paused to sip his coffee. Miller's face hardened even more.
"Now, for what else my brother found out. Morrison is suspect in a few major drug smuggling cases in Los Angeles. Mister Morrison seems to be a very convincing liar and sadly, has the ability to use his looks to manipulate people. I am sure you know the type. Kyle also found out. before he became a model, Morrison was a stripper in a notorious L.A. nightclub and made several pornographic movies. He was caught in a drug raid, but got out of it because of an illicit affair with a city politician. After that, Morrison went to Florida. While there, he must have cleaned up his act. He never even got so much as a parking ticket. He met McIntyre and you know the rest. So, we are dealing with a very sly person. He is also patient, and that makes him unpredictable, and that makes him extremely dangerous. I'm sorry to have to say it, but you could be in for a long, hard road ahead. I hope we can catch him soon, for all our sakes." Miller ended his report and drained his coffee cup.
Chris pulled Adam closer at the same moment Hunter did the same with Shawn. Both Roman and Dean put an arm around Seth. The temperature in the room seemed to drop… to ten degrees… below zero.
Adam was the first to speak. "It's all my fault. Because of me, Drew came into the picture, and now Morrison. It really is all my fault. I… think it might be best if I leave. I can go back to Florida. At least all of you would be safer. I'll go tonight." Adam sounded and looked like a broken doll. He started to get up to pack.
Chris held tight to Adam's waist and pulled him back down on the bed. He gently held Adam's chin with his fingers and looked Adam in the eye.
"That is the stupidest thing you have ever said. You'd do that? Just get up and walk out on me? Thanks a lot. I love you Adam, or have you forgotten that? What about Shawn and Hunter? And Dean? You're gonna just quit on him? What happened is not your fault. McIntyre did what he did to himself. Adam, there is something I never told you… about that day. Something I should have told you, but I didn't want to see you hurt even more..." Chris paused with a sigh. He should have told Adam five years ago.
Chris continued, Adam's chin still held gently in his hand. "When I was trying to get him out of the Escalade, I told Drew he should get out because of you. That seeing him hurt would hurt you. McIntyre said that he never loved you and that he was just using you for promotion at work. That you were just a fuckin' bitch. After that, I gave up. I could see he'd fallen into madness. Drew tied himself to the car with the seat belt. Adam, he knew what would happen, he chose to end his own life. The last thing I heard him say was that he hated everyone and everything. So see, it's not your fault. He was completely insane. Morrison is after me, not you. You'd be leaving me to face him; alone. Kitten, you are my life, nothing means anything without you by my side… I love you so damn much." He gave Adam a kiss so hot, that the temperature in the room went from below freezing to boiling.
When the kiss broke, Adam fell into Chris' arms. "I'm sorry. I won't leave you, Chris, my Lion." Adam began to sob. The whole day seemed to crash in on him at once. Chris held his husband close.
Seth had tears in his eyes, as did Dean. Both Shawn and Hunter swiped their eyes. They never knew just how guilty Adam felt deep inside. Shawn was glad it finally came out. Now maybe Adam could heal a very old, very deep wound.
"It's alright, Kitten. I should have told you the whole story when it happened. I just didn't want to hurt you more. I can't get through this without you… hell, I can't even breathe without you." Chris held on to Adam like it was their last hour on earth.
Adam sniffed. "I love you. I can't live without you either. Drew was… a… monster… I don't… I'm not mad at you… for not telling me… Oh Chris, my Lion… I love you. I am… scared he will… take you from… me… we could both go… to Florida… be safe..." Adam's words broke as more tears fell from his eyes.
Sergeant Miller spoke softly. "Adam, the way Morrison is, nowhere is safe. It may sound harsh and cruel, but it is the truth. I will never lie to you. The best thing, is for all of you to stick together. Seven pairs of eyes are better. Adam, I may not know or understand the entire situation that happened between you and McIntyre five years ago, but what Chris said is true. McIntyre is responsible for his own actions. You are not to blame. You have nothing to feel guilty about."
Shawn went over to sit next to Chris and Adam. "Chris and Sargent Miller are right. It's not your fault. John Cena felt the same about Brock. That's what triggered his bulimia again. It took a lot of therapy and self discovery, but John finally realized that Brock would have caused problems no matter what. Guilt is a very cruel and controlling master. It is up to you to be a slave to it or not. We don't blame you and never have, same for John. You know, I think you should call John. He's the only one that can truly understand what you are feeling. He would love to talk to you. It's only eight o'clock in Boston..." He took his cell phone out of his pocket and held it out to Adam.
Adam looked at the phone, then at Chris. "I think… I need to talk to John." He looked at his husband with doubt filled eyes. Adam felt so confused.
Chris smiled softly and gently thumbed away Adam's tears. "I think that's a fine idea. Want me to go with you? Sit with you in support? I love you, and what ever you want, I will do." He kissed Adam lovingly.
Adam took Shawn's phone. "Thanks, Shawn. I think you're right. John is the only one that can understand. No, Lion. I love you, but I have to do this alone. I know you love me. I will be back, I'm going to the other room. I have to do this now. I just hope he is home." Adam kissed Chris then went to the Helmsley's room to call John Cena. Chris watched Adam go, and hoped the call would help.
Shawn laid a fatherly hand on Chris' shoulder. "He will be alright, son. John will set him straight. It's like someone else I know, harboring guilt." He gave Chris a friendly hug and a wink.
"Thanks, Shawn. I'm glad everything is finally out. I knew he felt guilty, but he always brushed it off when I tried to talk to him about it. Like I used to do. Shawn, he really would have left..." Chris' eyes filled with emotion. The day was crashing once again. Shawn held Chris and let the man cry.
Sergeant Miller and Officer Phillips exchanged a glance. For the moment, police matters had to wait. They filled their coffee cups again and sat quietly.
Shawn looked around the room. He saw the distress on the faces of the three college students. Hunter and the two law enforcement officers were at a loss. Chris was so upset he was pale.
"Alright everyone, buck up. Adam will be alright. Yes, we are in a difficult situation, and it is a bit frightening. However, as a team we will handle it, and as a family, we will get through it; together. We have a job to do. Are we going to let Morrison win? Keep us trapped like animals? We are all smart enough to keep our eyes and ears open. We can not let the University down. We can not let the people down. We can't let Mike Parker, Baby Steve, Michelle and Bobby down. We can't let ourselves down. Now, do we let Morrison win or do we stay the best team out there?" Shawn spoke firmly, but with love and great compassion. Enough was a enough.
Dean spoke up. "Not gonna let that little bastard keep me trapped like an animal." He spoke with fire. He wasn't about to just give up.
"Don't worry, Dean. We aren't going to give up. Shawn is exactly right. We owe it to the people to keep chasing and gathering data. Sargent, we still agree to have the officer with us. Now, I want to know what's going on with Styles." Chris looked hard at Sergeant Miller.
Miller was glad to have things back on track. "Officer Kenny Omega will be here in the morning. He will stay with you all the time. As for Styles, I'm letting him cool his heels in jail till tomorrow. I want him ready to talk and tell the truth. He is the type that will be scared straight, so to speak, by the thought of prison. To be honest, I think he fell under Morrison's… spell. He's not the criminal type. He's all mouth and no action. I'll know more for sure tomorrow. I'm glad you decided to keep working. I also hope things will be alright with Adam. Guilt can be a monster. I know, I face a lot of it in my job. Innocents wrongfully sent to jail… killers wrongly set free. My team is what keeps me sane, along with my family. You have that here. Lean on each other." He ended with a smile.
Chris chuckled. "You are right about Styles, he is all mouth and no action. The thing is, he'd be a damn good storm chaser if he'd put away his ego. I dunno maybe I should have tried to seriously talk to him. I was a bit like him at one time, ego wise." His chuckle turned into a frown, maybe he really could have helped AJ.
Shawn grinned at Chris. "Maybe you still can. It is never too late to try. Maybe the opportunity will arise some day." He gave Chris a pat on the back.
Detective Sergeant Miller said his goodbyes. He still had a lot of work to do. Would they ever catch John Morrison?