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"Who's the message from?" asked Renee.
"I have no idea - but it says the information is really important - something about my senses." Joshua answered, studying the message.
"Your senses? Maybe it's Sandoval about the NSI?"
"Maybe." Joshua didn't sound convinced.
"You're not actually considering going are you?"
"I think I should. Renee, what if this is someone who's found a way to remove the NSI? The message doesn't read like one that Sandoval would have written. It sounds more like a "regular" person, rather than the government jargon."
"You can't be serious."
"I have to know, Renee. If there's a way to safely get this thing out of my head, then I want it out." he said softly.
"You can't go without some kind of protection - what if Sandoval is trying to kidnap you again?"
"I never said I was going without protection. But I can't risk scaring this person off by having lots of bodyguards there and stuff. That's where you come in. You offered your help - and I need it now. Please, Renee, I need to know what this is about?"
She sighed and seeing the pleading look in his eyes, and the renewed hope, nodded. "So where are we supposed to meet this person?"
"Somewhere called Bayside Park. You know where that is?"
"No, but it shouldn't be that hard to find. We'd better go ahead and leave."
Joshua stood up, obviously expecting this to be a good meeting. Renee sighed and muttered, "Why do I have the feeling I'll regret this?"
***********************
"I'm going."
"No you aren't. Besides I thought Major Kincaid called and said he wanted to talk to you about some Protector stuff?"
"Sandburg! I'm not going to be a protector - so what's the point?"
"Oh come on Jim, humor the man. Hey, it might even give you some good reason to refuse."
"Such as?"
"I don't know - an allergy to aliens or something. Look man, I REALLY don't need you to come along. I mean, I don't wanna scare the guy or something. Tactful, I can be."
"That's what I'm afraid of." Jim said.
Blair rolled his eyes. "Look man, NOTHING is going to happen."
"Okay, look. I won't tag along on one condition - call me if you even THINK there might be a problem - AND you call me as soon as you get back here."
"Aw Jim!" Jim glared at him, "Okay fine. I'll call."
Jim looked somewhat appeased.
Blair changed the subject, "So when do you leave to meet with Kincaid?"
"About half an hour after you leave." Jim said pointedly.
"Jim, I already said I'd be careful. Nothing is going to happen, man."
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Joshua casually leaned back on a bench in the park. He could see Renee, just barely, standing in the distance. He anxiously scanned the park for a signed of anyone and checked his watch again nervously. This meeting could be the answer to his prayers - or it could be a trap.
***********************
Jim looked at his watch again. Blair should be arriving at the park any minute. He debated calling to check on him but decided not to - yet. No point in annoying the kid any more than he had to. He heard a light knock at the door - Blair had probably forgotten his keys - but no, the footsteps didn't sound right. He pulled open the door and found a gun pointed at his throat.
"Have a seat Detective."
Jim complied and coolly asked, "What is this about Agent? I've done absolutely nothing wrong, well, other than the obvious - totally pissing you off."
Agent Sandoval didn't answer, nor did he look away from Jim as several Volunteers entered, followed by a familiar face.
"You see Agent, I told you it would work."
"Brackett!" Jim exclaimed, "You're supposed to be in jail! What the hell is this about?"
"Detective Ellison, so nice to see you again. As for my prison sentence, well, Agent Sandoval was perfectly willing to give me my freedom in exchange for certain . . . information."
Understanding dawned on Jim. Brackett had told Sandoval about his Sentinel abilities in exchange for freedom.
Sandoval spoke in a low monotone, "Yes, Mr. Brackett had been most helpful. We've sent a team to pick up your friend as well. We'll need both of you."
"Need us? For what?" Jim didn't like the sound of this at all.
"All will be clear to you in time." With that Sandoval nodded to Brackett, who pulled out an obviously Taelon weapon, and fired, sending Jim into unconsciousness. Jim's last thought was a silent prayer that Blair was safe.
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