Broots was so into the Kid Rock CD he was listening to on his diskman that he didn't even hear the squeaking tires of a portable oxygen tank.  He gasped and fell off his chair after Mr. Raines tapped him impatiently on the shoulder.

"Mr. Raines," Broots cried, composing himself.  "Uh, can I help you with something?"

"Yes," the old man wheezed.  "Word has it that Jarod was recently seen near the Toluca Mountains in Oregon."

"Toluca Mountains?" Broots repeated.  "Oh, I remember that place!  That's where Jarod rescued that Simpkins kid five years ago."

"Exactly.  He was last seen at the house of that woman ranger he'd been paired up with.  I need you to find out anything you can on her," Raines demanded.

"Sure.  Sure, Mr. Raines," Broots complied.  Raines turned and left, oxygen tank squeaking behind him.

*~*~*~*

Broots nervously held the folder of Nia's information in his hand as he headed towards Raines' office.  While researching her profile, he found out that she had bore a child—nine months after she met Jarod.  Broots put two and two together, despite the "fact" that records indicated that she had already been married at the time.  Eduardo Gonzalez, Nia's husband, was listed as the child's father.  Broots was no dummy—Jarod had managed to alter all her records.  Broots decided not to volunteer any more information than was necessary.  In fact, this was an explosive bit of information that he couldn't even tell Miss Parker or Sydney.  Be cool, he encouraged himself.  Don't blow it, don't let on that you know anything!  He approached Raines' office and tapped on the door.

"Come in," Raines rasped.  Broots opened the door and entered.

"I got all the information you wanted," Broots said.  He put the folder on Raines' desk.  Raines glanced at it, then looked at him.

"What did you find out?"

"Uh, well not much, really.  She's been married for six years and has a kid.  That's it," Broots said, as casually as he could.

"Who is the child's father?"

"Um, it's Eduardo Gonzalez," Broots lied.  He could feel his palms sweating.  "That's her husband.  It's all in there."

"Mmm…" Raines grunted.  "Not worth my time."  He picked up the folder and handed it back to Broots.  Broots slowly took it back, careful to keep his hands from shaking.  "That'll be all, Broots."

"Yes, sir," Broots said quickly and walked out.  Making sure no one was watching, he ran towards the elevator.  Destination:  Incinerator Room.

THE END