15 minutes earlier as Cabe parked his SUV:

Cabe's phone rang and he frowned as he pulled it.

"Florence? Wonder what she wants." Cabe said to Ralph sitting next to him. "Florence?" Cabe answered the phone. Ralph climbed out and closed his door as he saw Allie walking up.

"Hey Cabe. What's going on? I came over to the Garage and Walter is nowhere to be found and there are a bunch of containers from Kelvosky's full of partially eaten dinners." Florence told him.

"Oh, sorry. Yeah I should have cleaned those up. And I should have called. Uh, we found out the evening before last that someone has been using AI software to make it seem like Paige is running an adult website. Walter was in the middle of tracking down the people responsible when he had to be rushed to the ER." Cabe told her.

"Oh no!" Florence really started to freak out.

"He'll be fine, kid." Cabe tried to calm her.

"Oh, yes, of course he will. Okay, I'll clean this up and I'll wait to hear from you. Bye." Florence told him before hanging up without waiting for him to reply.

"Weird. She didn't want to know what hospital he's in?" Cabe said before he put his phone away to join Allie and Ralph.

Paige came out of the restroom to find Cabe, Allie and Ralph there crowded around Walter. Allie stepped over with Paige's old go-bag from Scorpion.

"I thought you might like a change of clothes so I swung by the Garage before coming to the hospital. Cabe had thought you left this there." Allie smiled.

Paige hugged her tightly.

"Thank you both so much Allie. This is a big help." Paige smiled. "The way you said that I'm assuming you drove separately from Cabe?"

"I did, I've an appointment after lunch so I need my car with me." Allie smiled.

"Would you mind taking Ralph to school for me? Walter has something important to talk to me and Cabe about." Paige whispered.

"I don't mind at all. I can pick him up too since I'll be off the rest of the day." Allie said as she looked at her watch. "Hey Ralph, I need to get going, let me give you a lift to school."

Ralph sighed but nodded.

"I'll see you later buddy. It is so good seeing you again." Walter told him as he reached out and held the back of Ralph's neck.

"I'll see you later Dad, I'm so glad you are awake now." Ralph smiled before he hugged his Mom and bumped fists with Cabe.

"Thanks for coming, Allie." Walter said as she turned to leave.

"I'll see you later Walter, glad you are still with us." Allie smiled and left.

Cabe looked from Walter to Paige and then back at Walter.

"What's going on?" Cabe's instincts were on fire.

Walter smiled as he pointed to the chair next to Paige and waited until Cabe sat.

"Just before Happy and I got into our argument I had just discovered that the pictures and video of this woman were made using my 3d layering software." Walter told them.

Both of them frowned.

"How did they get a hold of it?" Cabe asked first.

"That is a very interesting story." Walter smiled and then related what he had found out through their private chat on Discord.

"That bitch." Paige swore. "After all we did for her. So was she saying she had feelings for you, was it part of this scheme?"

"That I can't answer with any certainty. Perhaps she did it on her own not knowing what they were doing? Or maybe she had actually developed feelings for me. But I find it hard to believe that in less than two weeks she went from not having any interest in me to having feelings." Walter told them.

"Well now I know why you didn't want Ralphy here. As pissed as he was at Happy, he'd have gone nuclear knowing she had done all of this." Paige stood as she paced for a minute.

"Well, this explains the call I just had with Florence before we came up here. I thought she was just upset that you were hurt. But she didn't ask what hospital you were in. When I tried to reassure her you would be okay, her response was odd. More like she was thinking of something else." Cabe said a bit angrier.

Walter nodded as he watched Paige pace.

"Are you okay love?" Walter asked warily.

"What? Oh yes, I'm going to take a shower and change clothes." Paige said before she stepped over and kissed Walter.

Cabe waited until Paige started running water in the shower.

"So, what is our play kid? How are we handling this?" Cabe asked.

"Well, part of my response has been to write code that will render this guy's AI program inert. It will also watch for any reinstallation and fowl it up too. But he won't know it unless he watches the videos or looks at pictures after it saves any more of them. On screen it will look like the video or pictures have had the face swapped with Paige's. I also destroyed all the altered files and replaced them with the original data on his system." Walter explained. "Because of how he set the website up it makes this part easier. I've attached a worm so that anyone who has already downloaded any of these files will get notified of a new free video. It will be downloading and replacing every file they've received with the unaltered version in the background, even before they go to the site for the new video."

"Sounds like a good start. But won't the different looking woman tip them off to something strange?" Cabe asked.

"No, it will be listed as her hot friend having sex with Paige's boyfriend. At six pm tonight the unaltered pictures and videos go live on the website. I wanted to be sure to have as many files fixed before the swap. Next was the hard part. I've got a worm crawling the web right now pretending to be from Google. It is looking for files by name and by attributes. It will seek out and destroy every copy of the altered images and videos." Walter explained.

Cabe nodded.

"I kept a complete record of everything though. In case somehow this gets to authorities that might question Paige's fitness as a Mother." Walter told Cabe.

"That was definitely smart. I'm going to need to brief Katherine about this. Tim doesn't have anything to do with Homeland anymore but with ties to it, with them doing this to a contractor of Homeland, it might cause problems." Cabe rubbed his chin. "Are you sure this woman is innocent?"

"As sure as I can be. There were no messages of any kind with her that suggested she knows what they are doing. Everything was merely letting her know how the website was doing, traffic, money. Coordinating to have her come over to Clyde's and pose for photos or videos, solo and with Tim. Or Clyde and Tim going over to her place. I gather where they do it at Clyde's is where they got it setup to use the images from around the Garage. All the incriminating evidence is in a chat server she never entered." Walter explained.

"Walt, I understand and I'm so sorry. I really don't remember it. But I've seen the video, I feel the pain in my hand. I don't know why that bothered me so much, hearing you say it now doesn't trigger anything." Paige heard Happy saying as she opened the door after getting dressed following her shower.

"I understand Happy and I am prepared to forgive a lot, but you've got to admit, you've done an incredible amount of things recently against me to forgive." Walter replied.

Paige paused and waited.

"Does that mean you are or you aren't willing to try and work through this with me?" Happy asked.

"I haven't called the police…yet." Walter told her.

"Well I know all of us want to apologize for what we did Walt." Toby said. "Maybe we've let things go too long and they festered even as we thought we were letting them go. So when everything came crashing down that day it just all came out." Toby said in a surprisingly civil tone and not his normal snark. "I know we have a few jobs we have already contracted we have to finish, but like I'm sure Paige has already broached the subject of coming back to Scorpion, the three of us want to as well."

Walter's hand passed wearily across his face and as it came down his eyes looked back and saw Paige standing there quietly. His hand stopped over his mouth as his other hand twitched towards her. Paige nodded and walked past everyone and took his hand in hers.

"Walter, whatever you feel you need for this. The one thing I know for sure is, I only succeeded with you and Scorpion because of you. You took so much of the load it made the job seem so much easier. So much so, I thought I could do it on my own. But in reality the last two weeks getting CP up and running and corralling these yahoos has been grueling and I'm not cut out for it without you." Paige told him before she raised his hand up and kissed it.

"That's how I feel Walter." Sylvester said. "I thought I was getting better, I think I am, but it isn't as much as I thought. Everything still terrifies me. I got through it, with you, or because and for you. The only way I get through things now is trying to convince myself I hate you when I don't. And it is a thousand times more stressful. When I worked for you, you were like a bulwark, guiding, protecting me. Giving me room to improve but keeping me safe. And I owe you a big thank you for that." Sylvester said as he wiped a tear from his eye. "Instead I lashed out at you. I pushed you in anger over something you had no control over."

Walter sighed as he thought.

"Well, you need to finish your contracts, you need to shut down CP. I'll have to get some jobs lined up because right now I don't have any money to pay you to come back." Walter told him as he blushed in embarrassment. "I was barely able to save the company from them taking it over the loan."

"Well the financial aspect is our fault, you tried to help us and then we bailed and stole those two jobs you wanted. So, if you don't mind us coming back and working in the Garage to finish off our contacts, I'd appreciate it." Happy said while softly adding. "I always feel better working around you."

"Have you told them what you found out about Tim and his accomplices?" Paige asked.

"Not yet." Walter smiled.

"Okay, look, you fill them in. Cabe and I are going to pay this Paige Murphy a visit. I want to talk to her." Paige told him.

Walter nodded before Paige bent over and kissed him.

"Thanks for getting me the sandwich and coffee." Paige smiled at Happy and Toby as they handed her the items.

Walter watched Paige leave with Cabe before they continued talking about coming back together as a team.

Cabe looked at Paige after they got into his SUV.

"What are you thinking kid?" Cabe asked.

"The more I know, the less I care about this other than I'm worried for this woman they are using. And I'm concerned for Tim's girlfriend. I want to make them see what is going on so they can make an informed decision." Paige told him.

"Okay, do you have the addresses?" Cabe asked.

Paige nodded as she pulled up her phone and punched the address into his GPS.

"I really want to kick Tim's ass over this. I can't believe he did this." Cabe said as he turned south to head to Long Beach.

"I don't get it myself Cabe. It isn't like we were that heavily involved. Sure we had gone out a lot but I never let him get that close. And he never came out and said it bothered him while we were going out. I know I told him that one time there was nothing here holding me back, but he told me when we were breaking up he knew I was lying. So I mean, I guess I do get it. I was pretty crappy to him. Leading him on knowing I wasn't really interested in him." Paige sighed. "Sometimes I hate self reflection." Paige grinned.

"Maybe so, but his response was completely wrong. And you are right about self reflection, but we have got to do it kid. It is the only way to grow." Cabe smiled.

Paige began eating her sandwich as they drove.

1 hour later:

"Looks like she is doing a little gardening." Paige said as they pulled up in front of the small apartment building. There were six apartments, three upstairs and three down. The downstairs units had their own lawn space.

Paige and Cabe got out of his SUV and walked towards the fence.

"Excuse me, I'm agent Cabe Gallo with Homeland." Cabe announced and showed his credentials.

The young woman looked up while blocking a bit of sun glare.

"Good morning agent Gallo. How can I help you?" She asked.

"Are you Paige Murphy?" Cabe asked.

"I am." Paige Murphy told him as she stood up and walked the short distance to the fence.

"Paige Dineen, she's with a contractor that works with Homeland." Cabe gestured to Paige.

"Always nice to meet another Paige." Paige Murphy smiled as she held out her hand.

Paige smiled and nodded as they shook hands.

"Is this business or pleasure?" Paige Murphy asked while looking at Paige.

Paige blushed as Cabe chuckled while they shook hands.

"More towards business than anything I'm afraid." Cabe answered.

"Do I need an attorney?" Paige Murphy asked.

"No, but it is sensitive and we really need to talk to you." Paige told her.

"Come on in, just know if this goes anywhere I don't like I'll have to defer this to an attorney." Paige Murphy nodded and gestured.

"That isn't a problem Ms Murphy." Cabe told her.

"Can I get you anything? Tea, water? I don't drink coffee." Paige Murphy asked as she took her hat off once she was inside with them.

"No, thank you though." Cabe told her.

"Have a seat." Paige Murphy told them as she gestured to her living room.

The three of them walked in and sat down.

"I'm not sure how to approach this." Cabe looked from Paige to Paige.

"Does this have something to do with how I make a living? I mean, everything is legal." Paige Murphy asked.

"It does and it is sort of legal." Paige smiled weakly.

"What does that mean? Don't tell me Clyde is doing something illegal with the website. All I do is log into his computer, reply to messages and put on shows twice a day. I have no knowledge beyond that and the photo shoots." Paige Murphy explained.

"Actually therein lies the problem." Paige told her. "Two days ago I was approached by one of your fans, a man named Daryl." Paige started.

"Wait, that was you he approached?" Paige Murphy asked.

Paige nodded.

"How could he ever confuse us? I mean, we're very different looking, and while you are probably ten years older, you are prettier than I am." Paige Murphy questioned.

"Well apparently Tim Armstrong complained about our break up to Clyde about six months ago. Clyde came up with an idea for revenge. Since meeting you and you agreeing to perform for a living, Clyde has used pictures of me and special software to make it look like you are me on the website." Paige told her. "Have you never looked at the website?"

Paige Murphy frowned as she shook her head.

"All of that computer stuff is mostly beyond me. Clyde set it all up, even gave me the computer and camera for the live sessions. I log into his computer and do my thing and it is all handled. If what you are saying is true, I am really sorry Paige. I honestly had no idea." Paige Murphy told her.

Paige nodded.

"My boyfriend and I, along with Cabe here, believe you are an innocent victim in this too. Along with Tim's fiancé." Paige told her.

"Wait, Tim has a fiancé? He said he wasn't seeing anyone. I mean, I have no interest in him or anything, but I don't sleep with other women's men. What an asshole." Paige Murphy swore.

Paige pulled up her website on her phone and showed her the pictures, facially they didn't look like her.

"That son of a bitch. Paige, I am so sorry. And all these clips are supposed to be done in fantasy-like places. Castles, and stuff." She got up and grabbed the laptop off her desk and brought it over with her. "He showed me all these really cool set pictures he had that would be put into the pics and videos. Not some industrial slum." Paige Murphy complained of the Loft and Garage settings as she showed Paige and Cabe what the footage was supposed to look like.

Cabe chuckled.

"Yeah, that isn't a bad description of Walter's place." Cabe continued laughing.

Paige bumped his shoulder even as she smiled.

"You're talking about my home away from home you know." Paige teased as Cabe nodded.

"So what do we do?" Paige Murphy said. "I just made enough for next year's tuition. Gawd, what a mistake this was."

Greetings! I hope this finds you all well! Well Saturday turned out to be a bit of a nightmare for me. My scooter malfunctioned on the way to the VA. I was a bit more than a mile from home. Took me 2 hours to get to about 4 blocks from home when it died completely. Had to call for help, and now I'm stranded at home waiting for a tech. lol But I am safe so, that is the best part. I was in such a rush Saturday I forgot to move the top of this chapter to the bottom of last so that is why it is disjointed. Sorry.

Railman - Does seem convenient doesn't it? Yeah, Ralph didn't tell me all he did, but the look on his face. There are indeed a lot of crimes involved in this. Why Tim thought he could get away with this is beyond me, he knows how good at computers they are. Surely he saw this coming...right?

JerBR23 - Thank you! I keep hoping this "slump" I'm in will right itself. I've written so very little in the last 2 months. It has been the worst dry spell bar none. Looks like Walter is at least open to the possibility of the others, if reluctant.

RiseofDespair - Indeed there are 2 Paiges! lol But apparently she's been duped as well.

2LawDog - Thank you! It has been a fun ride and seatbelts were needed from time to time I believe. lol Scorpion Gone Wild! LOL I think that was Happy Secrets...LOL Yes, I do have a soft spot for Sly. Yeah, I can't image how bad that would be, having someone come up and tell you they are a platinum club member of your website. LOL Sorry Paige. Toby pulled it off pretty good I think. Well as you can see the VA was a no go. I'm been trying to recoup all weekend. Still not back to normal. She is 20 and Tim and Clyde have made some bad decisions...Tim more than Clyde, he knows who he is messing with, Clyde has no clue but he's about to find out.

Lucy - Right? Who is this Toby? And now you know more about what Paige Murphy is up to! lol hehe Well he found out a lot! lol And he did a lot in the process. Never underestimate a genius!

Margaret - Thank you! Yep, Walter seems to be surviving just fine, again. He must have a serious guardian angel! lol Nope you didn't miss anything. It was meant to be ambiguous. She is Paige Murphy, the actual woman of the website. Yep, Walter showed us once again what a 197 IQ is able to do! hehe Maybe a bit too much. lol Yeah, the VA trip, would have been fine. Just had to go and pick up some shoes they ordered. But couldn't get there.

MareeAnne - I'm so glad you are enjoying it! As a character I liked Tim, it is a shame they only brought him in as a foil for Waige. They had a full cast as it was, adding him as a real character couldn't last long. If you haven't read my "Uncivil War" storyline, if you want Tim as a villain...he's a real villain there. lol I'm hoping to keep him as a good guy more or less for the "I Only State Facts" storyline.

Marie Mac - Thank you! Yes I am a touch typist! lol I took typing in high school. I'm almost 98% positive the moment my fingers touch the keyboard if they are in the right position or not. Makes it hard typing in bed because the keyboard doesn't always sit right and it will throw me off. Then I have to move it around to make sure it isn't too much to the left or right, or slanted. lol

Guest - I'm so glad you are enjoying it! I like seeing the character being a bit more embracive. Thank you!

SkunkeeFunk - Thank you! I'm so glad so many of you have enjoyed them and that you guys take the time to remind me from time to time. Feedback is a wonderful thing! I always loved telling stories, I just wished when I was in school I had known how much companies and what not really want people having a lot of English studies for writing. Life would have been a lot different trying to write for a living. hehe But I am glad to be here and sharing with you guys.

LouBe - Camping! Nice, haven't been camping in a long time. Closest to it was in 2003 when the wife and I drove across country with our pups and stayed at KOA campgrounds. Amazing places they were too. Yep, lot is going on! lol Glad you are back to civilization! lol

To the Adventure! -Tim