Cait drove straight back to Santini Air from the lair. She badly needed to see Dom.

"Ev, did Dom make it to work today?" asked Cait as the Santini Air mechanic appeared from behind the chopper he was working on.

"He sure did Cait, he's in the office….but beware, he's grumpy." said Ev.

Cait didn't reply but set off towards the offices.

"Say Cait, is everything OK?" Ev shouted after her.

"Yeah, sure Ev…. I'm just tired that's all."

Ev shrugged his shoulders and went back to work.

Cait pushed open the office door to find Dom on the phone.

"Look, we agreed two days at the same rate as last time and I'm not doing it for any less you hear?"…..Well OK then, I knew you would see sense. I'll book the job in….OK then…..yes…bye for now."

Dom hung up and turned to see Cait standing in the doorway. He was about to ask how it went but seeing the look on Cait's face stopped him.

"Cait, is something the matter? Where's String?"

Cait stepped into the office and closed the door.

"Dom, String is missing."

"Missing, what do you mean missing?"

Cait filled Dom in on all the details about what happened on the mission and everything that had been discussed with Michael.

"So, I've got to meet Michael in his office tomorrow at 8am to see what he needs me to do, and I was hoping you would come with me?"

"Cait, I don't like it, I don't like it one little bit, but of course I'll come with you." said Dom.

"Oh sorry, I forgot to ask, how's your back?" asked Cait

"Ahhh, it's OK, no worse anyway. Cait you look exhausted. Go home and get some rest will ya."

"I'll try Dom."

Dom struggled to his feet slowly and walked towards Cait. He took her into an embrace and held her tight. "It'll be OK sweetheart, String's strong and we'll find him."

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Cait got in her car and headed home. She was exhausted but wasn't sure she would get much sleep. No sooner had she walked into the kitchen and flicked the kettle on that there was a knock at the door. Reluctant to see anyone she peered through the peep hole to discover her next-door neighbour standing there with a bouquet of flowers. Cait opened the door.

"Hey Caitlin, these came for you and I took them in as there was no answer." said Bert

"Thank you, that's really kind of you" replied Cait.

Well, I've had them stood in water all day dear, so they should be dandy." smiled Bert before turning and heading back to his own apartment.

Cait took out the card. The flowers were from Ben. Ben. Cait realised that since String had disappeared Ben hadn't entered her head, not once. But now she found herself smiling at the note and taking in the beautiful aroma of the roses. Cait knew that she should call Ben and tell him she was going out of town for a bit, but what would she say? She would have to lie to him, she had once already and he didn't deserve that. She had already dropped him to go running to Hawke and now she was doing it again, but then it would be worst to just disappear without a word wouldn't it? How had she managed to get into this mess? Just when things were looking up for her. Cait dropped onto the couch and grabbed a cushion, hugging it to her tightly. Where are you Hawke? Please be OK. Then the tears started to flow. She must've cried herself to sleep or was finally overcome with exhaustion as it was nearly midnight when she next opened her eyes. Groggily, she picked up the phone and dialled Ben's number.

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String opened his eyes, everything was out of focus. He tried to sit up but a sharp pain in his head stopped him. He could sense he wasn't alone.

"Cait?"

A voice he didn't recognise replied.

"Take your time, it wears off eventually."

String managed to prop himself up on his elbow and he was better able to focus on his surroundings. He was lying on a mattress on the floor of a poorly lit room. Across the room on another mattress sat a woman who was watching him.

"Where am I?" asked String

"I wish I knew the answer to that" replied the female voice.

"Who are you?"

"Susan….Suzi and you are?"

"Hawke, Stringfellow Hawke" replied String finally managing to pull himself up into a sitting position and lean against the wall.

"How did I end up here?"

"I've no idea, they just dragged you in here and dumped you on that mattress." replied Suzi "They must've drugged you. You've been out of it for hours."

"How did you get here?" asked String, feeling the bump and dried blood on the back of his head.

"I was kidnapped, I think 4 days ago."

"Why?"

"I'm guessing for the same reason you have been. I work for the FIRM." said Suzi

String looked at her more closely as his vision continued to clear. She had a black eye and a swollen split lip.

"They hurt you?"

"One of them tried to grope me, so I kneed him in the groin and got a good beating for my trouble. But I'm OK, they haven't touched me since."

"Do you know who 'they' are?" asked String

"KGB" replied Suzi

"Great" signed String.

"Were you looking for me?" asked Suzi

"No. We were sent to the dead drop location and that's the last I remember before waking up just now."

"We?" You weren't alone?" asked Suzi

"No" replied String. "Have they questioned you?"

"No, not yet. They shove food and drink through the door, never speak. I must admit, whilst I would wish this on no one, I am pleased to have someone to talk too."

String pulled himself slowly to his feet. There wasn't a window in the room, just 2 doors. String walked across to the closest and opened it. There was a basic toilet and sink, but again no window.

"And you really have no idea where we are?" asked String "nothing, no clues at all?"

"No, sorry, I don't remember getting here either."

String started to feel a bit wobbly and swayed on his feet. Suzi jumped up and assisted String back to his mattress, where he was grateful to lie down again. He closed his eyes. The only image he had in his head was Cait smiling. It was the last thing he remembered before sleep claimed him again.