guardian3

Tai shivers violently.

I just saw somebody get murdered.

Tai! are you okay? Matt's concern floods over the line.

I think so, but I saw who did it, and..... Tai trails off.

Matt asks dreading the rest of the sentence.

And he saw me.

Tai, where are you?

At a pay phone on 24th St and Boysen Ave.

I'll be right there Tai. Stay out of sight until you see me. Matt orders.

Hurry Matt.
********
Ken watches Matt's face pale, and his body tense. The minute he hangs up, Ken approaches him.

What's wrong Matt? You look scared. Ken asks gently.

Matt turns and stares at Ken with wide, scared blue eyes.

I have to go. Tai just saw... I'll tell you later.

Matt throws his truck in gear and slams on the gas. Luckily the streets of Odabia were almost empty. He had to get to Tai quickly, not even stopping at the red lights he encountered. Every second counted.

Tai sighed happily when Matt's black truck appeared on the street. Summoning his courage, Tai ran over, and threw himself in the passenger seat.

Get me out of here Matt! He nearly sobbed in fear and exhaustion.

Matt complied, driving down the street. He kept one eye on the review mirror constantly, on the look out for anyone following them. Tai sat silently beside him, his normal olive complexion was like chalk on white paper. Matt reaches over, and holds Tai's white and shaking hand.

Its going to be okay Tai.

He smiles at Matt shakily.

If you say so.

Tell me what happened.

I walked Sora home. After words, I wasn't ready to go back home, so I took a little walk. I saw these four guys in the alley beating another guy. Then the leader asked him who suspects. He laughed and told the others it doesn't matter does it. He pulled out a gun, and.....

Oh Tai.

I saw him. It was senator Ribbin.

Are you sure Tai? Matt's eyes grow even more alarmed.

Yes. I'll never forget the look in his eyes when he saw me.

Matt pulls out his phone and dials.

Who are you calling?





He's been trying to convict Senator Ribbin for months. But we can never keep any witnesses. He doesn't bother adding that the witnesses were killed, along with their

The following is Matt's side of the conversation with Ken:

Hi Ken. Listen, Tai just saw Senator Ribbin murder someone.

No, I'm with him.

Yeah, I'll protect him.

No, I don't think that the safe house is the way to go, especially after last time.

He can stay with me.

Okay, tomorrow afternoon. Bye.

Matt turns off the phone and sighes.



I want to testify Matt. I want to send him to jail. Tai states, his voice a former shade of his self confidence.

It's going to be dangerous. Matt cautioned.

Tai flashes Matt a grin. No more dangerous that taking on a Seadromon bare handed.

Matt blushes crimson. We'll hide out at my place until the arriagnment tommorow at 3:00.

What about my family? Tai asks.

Its better they don't know exactly where you are. Seeing Tai's expression, he explains, its safer for them, and for you.

But they'll be worried! His brown eyes plead with Matt.

I'll have Ken tell them that your safe.

Thank you Matt.

Matt presses the remote, and the garage door opened.



I take it Sora's never complained to you about my living quarters. Matt laughes bitterly.

But Matt, its so cool! Tai walks into the big open apartment. A large living room with black leather furniture greeted him. A golden frame with an oil painting showing a night landscape with a wolf hung over the fireplace. To the right, a pathway led to a dining area. Beyond that, Tai could see the darkened room of the kitchen. A set of stairs went upwords. Above his head, the vaulted ceiling loomed across the apartment.

Tai throws himself onto the couch. Man, what a day. He relishes the faint oder of Matt's cologne clinging to the couch. Although masculine, it spoke of quiet strength and determination.


He blushes when he sees Matt staring at him intently.

You've got great taste Matt.

Your the only one that would think so Tai. Matt's smile doesn't reach his eyes.

Tai sits up. Matt, how serious are you about Sora?