Nowhere To Run
Chapter Seven
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I know the last chapter wasn't very exciting, but I had to use it to set up some story elements. Hopefully the next couple of chapters will make up for that. *wink*
Thanks again for the reviews. They are, as always, very deeply appreciated.
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Katherine had been but a few blocks away from her apartment when she spied Frank walking in her direction. Her first instinct had been to cross to the other side of the street, but the closer he came to her, the more rapid her heartbeat became. During the hours and days since she had left him on Saturday night, she had done nothing but think about him, dream about him and wish she had never met him. He had gotten to her. Pure and simple. He had gotten closer to her in the space of a few hours than anyone had ever been in 20 years or more. Bottom line……he was a danger to her, and danger was something she didn't need more of in her life right now. And yet…….she was captivated.
After she had decided not to dodge him, she realized that he seemed to be walking along the street oblivious to the world around him. His shoulders were slumped and he seemed to be paying more attention to what was on the ground than what was passing by him. He appeared almost……defeated. She frowned deeply at the thought. For a few seconds at least, she forgot her own concerns and began worrying about him. Granted in the big picture of things, she really knew little about him. But he didn't seem to be the type of person who would wallow in self-pity. When he was but a few feet away from her, she realized that he was going to pass her without even a glance. For a moment, a very brief moment, she considered letting him just pass by and disappear out of her life once more. But her very being screamed for that not to happen. So when he passed her and was no more than 3 feet away, she finally called his name.
"Frank?" It was more of a question than an acknowledgement. The one word asked a myriad of questions. Are you all right? Were you really going to walk right by without saying anything? Could you still want to talk to me after how I left you the other night?
She saw him pause and for a moment she thought he would continue on without even a hello. She stared at his back and began to wonder if he had indeed seen her and was hoping that she would simply let him go by her without even conceding that she existed. When he finally turned slowly to face her, she saw so many emotions cross his face in the space of a second. Joy. Confusion. Hurt. Sorrow. And maybe even anger. It was painful to watch. And when he finally replied and simply said her name, that single word was dripping with so much raw sadness that her heart almost wrenched out of her chest.
Frank stared at Katherine and seemed at a loss for words. He had wanted almost desperately to see her again but at the same time he wished that they had never met. Looking at her was an ever present reminder of how he had failed miserably at his job. He didn't know what to say or even where to begin. He watched her eyes as she continued to observe him. He saw such concern in those eyes and somehow knowing that she seemed to genuinely care about him, hurt more than he could have ever admitted. Even as he was swept away in the emotion of the moment, he knew that this time he would have to bring her in. He had failed once. It wouldn't happen again. But once more, there was a problem. Monica still had his weapon.
Katherine saw something in his face change. He seemed to have found a new resolve, and somehow the light in his eyes appeared to dim. Finally she broke the silence.
"Are you all right? You seem to be so preoccupied. Is everything OK?"
Finding his voice at last, Frank responded, "I'm fine. I've just had a lot on my mind the last couple of days. You know…..work related problems. I'm sure you've been in the same situation before."
"Of course," she replied, acknowledging the words but not really accepting his answer. She'd seen the way he had looked at her and knew that she somehow had caused some of the distress that was written all over his face.
"I'm sorry if I disturbed you. I can see you have a lot on your mind right now, so I guess I'll just let you go," she added.
"No!" he almost barked at her. She seemed almost startled by that, but he continued, "I'm actually glad that I ran into you. I've been thinking about you a lot since the other night and realized too late that I never got your phone number. Seems that fate has intervened. So what do you say we make the most of it?" The words left Frank's mouth but they seemed to leave a bitter taste behind. True….he had been thinking about her……almost relentlessly, but he'd forced himself to try to make a play for her. His hope was that she would consent to go back with him to his apartment. He had another gun there and while they were alone, he would have a better opportunity to do what he knew he must. Make an arrest.
She looked at him quizzically. Just seconds before he had seemed lost to the world, and now……. "What do you have in mind?" she ventured.
"Have you eaten yet?"
"Actually……no. In fact, I think I missed lunch too," she replied.
"In that case, I feel honor bound to make sure that you get the nutrition you need. How about we grab some Chinese take-out and maybe a video and head back to my place for a quiet evening?"
This was the moment of truth for Katherine. If she went with this man tonight, she knew that the line in the sand would be crossed. And for the life of her, she couldn't figure out exactly what she was hoping for in continuing this relationship. It would have to end. The only question was when.
"Only on one condition."
"What's that?"
"I buy," was Katherine's simple reply.
Frank eyed her for a second longer and finally said, "You got a deal."
With that they headed off down the street to the local video store. Once inside, they began wandering through the rows of tapes.
"What kind of movies do you like, Frank?"
"You pick out whatever you want. It doesn't make any difference to me," he answered truthfully. The movie was a ploy. Nothing else. He knew he would never see whatever she actually picked out.
"Oooh……you better watch what you say. You might end up watching a chick flick. Bridges of Madison county. Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood. Something like that."
She said with a twinkle in her eye and a smile on her lips.
Frank saw that smile and groaned inwardly. *You can do this, Frank. You can do this.*
After ten minutes or so, she finally decided on one of the recent releases. Not too violent. Not too sappy. With just a hint of good natured humor. A good date movie.
A fact that was not lost on Frank.
Soon they were on their way to get the food and after deciding on four or five items they finally headed back towards Frank's apartment building. The conversation was light and basically harmless. A news story one or the other had heard that day. The weather forecast for the upcoming week.
A short time later, they arrived at Frank's door. *No turning back now* he reminded himself as he put the key in the lock and opened the door.
Katherine stepped inside and immediately assessed the place. Clean. Neat. Devoid of any personal mementos. At least none that she could easily see. It reminded her of her own home. She suddenly felt apprehensive, but couldn't quite figure out why.
"Why don't you make yourself comfortable,' Frank suggested. "And I'll get us some drinks. What'll you have?"
"Anything. Whatever you're going to have is fine with me," she smiled at him. "Here let me help with something. Plates? Napkins? I hate being waited on."
Frank frowned when she joined him in the kitchen. He had planned to slip down the hallway so that he could retrieve the spare gun he kept locked in his bedroom. When he realized that she wasn't going to leave him alone, he resigned himself to the fact that he would at least have to spend dinner with her. The last supper.
After retrieving what was needed from the kitchen, both settled on the the couch and began sharing their feast.
"Here," she said, "let's start the movie while we finish dinner." She quickly found the tape and headed for the VCR. Soon she had the tape in and the movie started.
*Great!! Maybe I'll get to see the movie after all!* he thought sarcastically.
Soon he finished eating and began watching her out of the corner of his eye. She seemed genuinely intrigued by the film. He watched the play of emotions and expressions on her face and was completely mesmerized. She was so caught up in the movie that she didn't even notice him staring at her. He shook his head to clear his thoughts. He knew it was now or never.
Frank excused himself and she briefly glanced in his direction with a quick smile. She assumed he was going to the bathroom, so of course, she suspected nothing. In reality, he slipped into his bedroom and quickly unlocked the gun case. After making sure that the gun was properly loaded, he took a deep breath to calm his nerves and began to make his way back to the living room. He glanced briefly at the phone on his bedside table, and for a brief second thought of calling for backup. Jake or Alex would most likely still be in the area and could easily be there within minutes, but something stayed his hand. Maybe it was shame over the events of the morning that pushed him to take this risk. Or maybe he just didn't want to see their faces when he would have to explain why she was there in his apartment in the first place. No, he decided, he'd make the arrest alone and face the rest of his team when he brought Katherine in. With that thought, he made his way back down the hallway, gun drawn.
"Frank. Do you have any more………" Katherine stopped dead in her tracks. She was looking down the barrel of Frank's gun. She had been intently watching the movie when she decided she needed another beer. So she went in search of one. She heard him coming back down the hall, so decided to be polite and ask first. When she turned the corner, he was less than two feet away from her with his gun pointed in her direction.
"Frank?" she began nervously, "what are you doing?" Her voice was shaking and every nerve ending was firing.
He continued to just stare at her, giving her the patented Frank Donovan ice glare. It was taking everything he had to maintain his present control.
"Why are you doing this?" she continued. "What have I done?" Those final words were almost a plea.
"Why don't you tell me…………Katherine?"
Her eyes flew open wide. *HE KNEW!* All this time, she thought he was just an average guy off the street. And here he was, planning this all along! The thought sickened her. All the feelings that she had developed for this man in such a short time………all based on lies. Had he ever said a truthful word to her? Her blood ran cold and she could swear her heart had stopped beating. The thought that everything they had shared….everything she felt or thought she felt for him……all of it was gone in a single second. Tears welled up in her eyes as she continued to stare at him. She supposed the only real question at this point was…….who did he work for?
Frank watched the realization slam into her. He was prepared for whatever action she might take. He didn't doubt that she was armed. She might have an ankle holster on, so he watched for any movement down towards the floor. She also might have some other type of weapon on her as well so his senses were on full alert. What he wasn't prepared for was the look of utter helplessness and despair that seemed to wash over her. He saw the tears form in her green eyes and suddenly felt like he was drowning. She finally spoke one word.
"Why?"
He didn't know how to answer that. Was she asking how he could have lied to her, knowing who she really was all along? Did she want to know why now? There were so many answers he could give her, but none seemed adequate.
"Who are you?" she asked as her voice began to break. She knew it didn't really matter. All along she knew that she would get caught eventually, and when she did, she knew her days would would be numbered.
Frank summoned whatever strength he had left in order to answer. "I'm with the Justice Department," was all he could seem to manage.
She seemed to lose focus when he said that. Almost as if some internal battle were being waged and that it took all her energy to keep from going over the edge.
"The Justice Department?" she asked as the first tears spilled over her cheeks.
Frank could only nod, while his heart was waging a battle of it's own with what he knew his duty to be.
"Frank. Please…….you have to listen to me. I can only imagine what you've been told. Please………oh God please let me explain!"
He knew that if he listened to anything from her at this point, he might be lost, so he went about securing the situation as best as he could.
"Give me your hands," he simply said, turning her around so that he could handcuff her.
"Frank………I'm begging ……..please let me explain everything to you!!"
"I said give me your hands Katherine!" With that he roughly forced her hands behind her back and quickly slid the cuffs into place.
When he turned her around again to face him, the look of absolute anguish on her face nearly killed him.
"Oh God!! Frank……….please listen to me!!" she was begging him and it was tearing his heart out.
"I know what they've told you about me! Please…. You have to believe me when I tell you that they're lying. Please Frank…………..oh God please!" And with that she sank to her knees on the floor and began sobbing.
He watched her sink to the floor in horror. He had expected anything but this. And it was killing him to watch her. She continued to kneel in front of him with her head downcast and sobs racking her body.
He slowly knelt in front of her and reached out his hand to tilt her chin so that he could see her face.
When she felt his hand on her face she closed her eyes. She felt like her whole world had crumbled around her in a matter of seconds and she didn't want to look in his eyes. She couldn't bear to see the coldness they had possessed just mere seconds ago. But his touch was gentle and she soon felt his thumbs wiping away her tears.
She finally opened her eyes, and saw her own hurt and anguish reflected back in his own.
"Frank…..please……." she softly whispered, her voice broken with emotion.
"Shhhhh………" was all he said as he continued to wipe the tears from her face.
Her sobs slowly subsided and she silently searched his eyes. What was he thinking? He seemed lost in some deep thought. No doubt wrestling with his own demons.
Slowly…….ever so slowly……..he lowered his head and captured her lips with his own.
The kiss was undemanding and gentle, soft and yet passionate. He gently pulled back and searched her face.
He knew that he had reached a point of no return. He had fought desperately all night with his feelings for this woman. He couldn't deny it any longer. He was falling in love with her. He had one of two choices at this juncture. One……he had to bring her in….now, and forget whatever feelings he had for her. Or two…….he had to open himself up to the possibility that there was more to this woman's story and trust in the feelings that he felt as sure as his next breath.
Frank suddenly stood and gently helped Katherine to her feet. He turned her toward the front door. *He's going to turn me in* she thought in despair. And then she felt him take hold of her hands and release the hand cuffs.
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Next chapter: Katherine's real story and ……….let's see………..what else can you do with handcuffs?? ^_-
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Chapter Seven
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I know the last chapter wasn't very exciting, but I had to use it to set up some story elements. Hopefully the next couple of chapters will make up for that. *wink*
Thanks again for the reviews. They are, as always, very deeply appreciated.
/////////////////////////
Katherine had been but a few blocks away from her apartment when she spied Frank walking in her direction. Her first instinct had been to cross to the other side of the street, but the closer he came to her, the more rapid her heartbeat became. During the hours and days since she had left him on Saturday night, she had done nothing but think about him, dream about him and wish she had never met him. He had gotten to her. Pure and simple. He had gotten closer to her in the space of a few hours than anyone had ever been in 20 years or more. Bottom line……he was a danger to her, and danger was something she didn't need more of in her life right now. And yet…….she was captivated.
After she had decided not to dodge him, she realized that he seemed to be walking along the street oblivious to the world around him. His shoulders were slumped and he seemed to be paying more attention to what was on the ground than what was passing by him. He appeared almost……defeated. She frowned deeply at the thought. For a few seconds at least, she forgot her own concerns and began worrying about him. Granted in the big picture of things, she really knew little about him. But he didn't seem to be the type of person who would wallow in self-pity. When he was but a few feet away from her, she realized that he was going to pass her without even a glance. For a moment, a very brief moment, she considered letting him just pass by and disappear out of her life once more. But her very being screamed for that not to happen. So when he passed her and was no more than 3 feet away, she finally called his name.
"Frank?" It was more of a question than an acknowledgement. The one word asked a myriad of questions. Are you all right? Were you really going to walk right by without saying anything? Could you still want to talk to me after how I left you the other night?
She saw him pause and for a moment she thought he would continue on without even a hello. She stared at his back and began to wonder if he had indeed seen her and was hoping that she would simply let him go by her without even conceding that she existed. When he finally turned slowly to face her, she saw so many emotions cross his face in the space of a second. Joy. Confusion. Hurt. Sorrow. And maybe even anger. It was painful to watch. And when he finally replied and simply said her name, that single word was dripping with so much raw sadness that her heart almost wrenched out of her chest.
Frank stared at Katherine and seemed at a loss for words. He had wanted almost desperately to see her again but at the same time he wished that they had never met. Looking at her was an ever present reminder of how he had failed miserably at his job. He didn't know what to say or even where to begin. He watched her eyes as she continued to observe him. He saw such concern in those eyes and somehow knowing that she seemed to genuinely care about him, hurt more than he could have ever admitted. Even as he was swept away in the emotion of the moment, he knew that this time he would have to bring her in. He had failed once. It wouldn't happen again. But once more, there was a problem. Monica still had his weapon.
Katherine saw something in his face change. He seemed to have found a new resolve, and somehow the light in his eyes appeared to dim. Finally she broke the silence.
"Are you all right? You seem to be so preoccupied. Is everything OK?"
Finding his voice at last, Frank responded, "I'm fine. I've just had a lot on my mind the last couple of days. You know…..work related problems. I'm sure you've been in the same situation before."
"Of course," she replied, acknowledging the words but not really accepting his answer. She'd seen the way he had looked at her and knew that she somehow had caused some of the distress that was written all over his face.
"I'm sorry if I disturbed you. I can see you have a lot on your mind right now, so I guess I'll just let you go," she added.
"No!" he almost barked at her. She seemed almost startled by that, but he continued, "I'm actually glad that I ran into you. I've been thinking about you a lot since the other night and realized too late that I never got your phone number. Seems that fate has intervened. So what do you say we make the most of it?" The words left Frank's mouth but they seemed to leave a bitter taste behind. True….he had been thinking about her……almost relentlessly, but he'd forced himself to try to make a play for her. His hope was that she would consent to go back with him to his apartment. He had another gun there and while they were alone, he would have a better opportunity to do what he knew he must. Make an arrest.
She looked at him quizzically. Just seconds before he had seemed lost to the world, and now……. "What do you have in mind?" she ventured.
"Have you eaten yet?"
"Actually……no. In fact, I think I missed lunch too," she replied.
"In that case, I feel honor bound to make sure that you get the nutrition you need. How about we grab some Chinese take-out and maybe a video and head back to my place for a quiet evening?"
This was the moment of truth for Katherine. If she went with this man tonight, she knew that the line in the sand would be crossed. And for the life of her, she couldn't figure out exactly what she was hoping for in continuing this relationship. It would have to end. The only question was when.
"Only on one condition."
"What's that?"
"I buy," was Katherine's simple reply.
Frank eyed her for a second longer and finally said, "You got a deal."
With that they headed off down the street to the local video store. Once inside, they began wandering through the rows of tapes.
"What kind of movies do you like, Frank?"
"You pick out whatever you want. It doesn't make any difference to me," he answered truthfully. The movie was a ploy. Nothing else. He knew he would never see whatever she actually picked out.
"Oooh……you better watch what you say. You might end up watching a chick flick. Bridges of Madison county. Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood. Something like that."
She said with a twinkle in her eye and a smile on her lips.
Frank saw that smile and groaned inwardly. *You can do this, Frank. You can do this.*
After ten minutes or so, she finally decided on one of the recent releases. Not too violent. Not too sappy. With just a hint of good natured humor. A good date movie.
A fact that was not lost on Frank.
Soon they were on their way to get the food and after deciding on four or five items they finally headed back towards Frank's apartment building. The conversation was light and basically harmless. A news story one or the other had heard that day. The weather forecast for the upcoming week.
A short time later, they arrived at Frank's door. *No turning back now* he reminded himself as he put the key in the lock and opened the door.
Katherine stepped inside and immediately assessed the place. Clean. Neat. Devoid of any personal mementos. At least none that she could easily see. It reminded her of her own home. She suddenly felt apprehensive, but couldn't quite figure out why.
"Why don't you make yourself comfortable,' Frank suggested. "And I'll get us some drinks. What'll you have?"
"Anything. Whatever you're going to have is fine with me," she smiled at him. "Here let me help with something. Plates? Napkins? I hate being waited on."
Frank frowned when she joined him in the kitchen. He had planned to slip down the hallway so that he could retrieve the spare gun he kept locked in his bedroom. When he realized that she wasn't going to leave him alone, he resigned himself to the fact that he would at least have to spend dinner with her. The last supper.
After retrieving what was needed from the kitchen, both settled on the the couch and began sharing their feast.
"Here," she said, "let's start the movie while we finish dinner." She quickly found the tape and headed for the VCR. Soon she had the tape in and the movie started.
*Great!! Maybe I'll get to see the movie after all!* he thought sarcastically.
Soon he finished eating and began watching her out of the corner of his eye. She seemed genuinely intrigued by the film. He watched the play of emotions and expressions on her face and was completely mesmerized. She was so caught up in the movie that she didn't even notice him staring at her. He shook his head to clear his thoughts. He knew it was now or never.
Frank excused himself and she briefly glanced in his direction with a quick smile. She assumed he was going to the bathroom, so of course, she suspected nothing. In reality, he slipped into his bedroom and quickly unlocked the gun case. After making sure that the gun was properly loaded, he took a deep breath to calm his nerves and began to make his way back to the living room. He glanced briefly at the phone on his bedside table, and for a brief second thought of calling for backup. Jake or Alex would most likely still be in the area and could easily be there within minutes, but something stayed his hand. Maybe it was shame over the events of the morning that pushed him to take this risk. Or maybe he just didn't want to see their faces when he would have to explain why she was there in his apartment in the first place. No, he decided, he'd make the arrest alone and face the rest of his team when he brought Katherine in. With that thought, he made his way back down the hallway, gun drawn.
"Frank. Do you have any more………" Katherine stopped dead in her tracks. She was looking down the barrel of Frank's gun. She had been intently watching the movie when she decided she needed another beer. So she went in search of one. She heard him coming back down the hall, so decided to be polite and ask first. When she turned the corner, he was less than two feet away from her with his gun pointed in her direction.
"Frank?" she began nervously, "what are you doing?" Her voice was shaking and every nerve ending was firing.
He continued to just stare at her, giving her the patented Frank Donovan ice glare. It was taking everything he had to maintain his present control.
"Why are you doing this?" she continued. "What have I done?" Those final words were almost a plea.
"Why don't you tell me…………Katherine?"
Her eyes flew open wide. *HE KNEW!* All this time, she thought he was just an average guy off the street. And here he was, planning this all along! The thought sickened her. All the feelings that she had developed for this man in such a short time………all based on lies. Had he ever said a truthful word to her? Her blood ran cold and she could swear her heart had stopped beating. The thought that everything they had shared….everything she felt or thought she felt for him……all of it was gone in a single second. Tears welled up in her eyes as she continued to stare at him. She supposed the only real question at this point was…….who did he work for?
Frank watched the realization slam into her. He was prepared for whatever action she might take. He didn't doubt that she was armed. She might have an ankle holster on, so he watched for any movement down towards the floor. She also might have some other type of weapon on her as well so his senses were on full alert. What he wasn't prepared for was the look of utter helplessness and despair that seemed to wash over her. He saw the tears form in her green eyes and suddenly felt like he was drowning. She finally spoke one word.
"Why?"
He didn't know how to answer that. Was she asking how he could have lied to her, knowing who she really was all along? Did she want to know why now? There were so many answers he could give her, but none seemed adequate.
"Who are you?" she asked as her voice began to break. She knew it didn't really matter. All along she knew that she would get caught eventually, and when she did, she knew her days would would be numbered.
Frank summoned whatever strength he had left in order to answer. "I'm with the Justice Department," was all he could seem to manage.
She seemed to lose focus when he said that. Almost as if some internal battle were being waged and that it took all her energy to keep from going over the edge.
"The Justice Department?" she asked as the first tears spilled over her cheeks.
Frank could only nod, while his heart was waging a battle of it's own with what he knew his duty to be.
"Frank. Please…….you have to listen to me. I can only imagine what you've been told. Please………oh God please let me explain!"
He knew that if he listened to anything from her at this point, he might be lost, so he went about securing the situation as best as he could.
"Give me your hands," he simply said, turning her around so that he could handcuff her.
"Frank………I'm begging ……..please let me explain everything to you!!"
"I said give me your hands Katherine!" With that he roughly forced her hands behind her back and quickly slid the cuffs into place.
When he turned her around again to face him, the look of absolute anguish on her face nearly killed him.
"Oh God!! Frank……….please listen to me!!" she was begging him and it was tearing his heart out.
"I know what they've told you about me! Please…. You have to believe me when I tell you that they're lying. Please Frank…………..oh God please!" And with that she sank to her knees on the floor and began sobbing.
He watched her sink to the floor in horror. He had expected anything but this. And it was killing him to watch her. She continued to kneel in front of him with her head downcast and sobs racking her body.
He slowly knelt in front of her and reached out his hand to tilt her chin so that he could see her face.
When she felt his hand on her face she closed her eyes. She felt like her whole world had crumbled around her in a matter of seconds and she didn't want to look in his eyes. She couldn't bear to see the coldness they had possessed just mere seconds ago. But his touch was gentle and she soon felt his thumbs wiping away her tears.
She finally opened her eyes, and saw her own hurt and anguish reflected back in his own.
"Frank…..please……." she softly whispered, her voice broken with emotion.
"Shhhhh………" was all he said as he continued to wipe the tears from her face.
Her sobs slowly subsided and she silently searched his eyes. What was he thinking? He seemed lost in some deep thought. No doubt wrestling with his own demons.
Slowly…….ever so slowly……..he lowered his head and captured her lips with his own.
The kiss was undemanding and gentle, soft and yet passionate. He gently pulled back and searched her face.
He knew that he had reached a point of no return. He had fought desperately all night with his feelings for this woman. He couldn't deny it any longer. He was falling in love with her. He had one of two choices at this juncture. One……he had to bring her in….now, and forget whatever feelings he had for her. Or two…….he had to open himself up to the possibility that there was more to this woman's story and trust in the feelings that he felt as sure as his next breath.
Frank suddenly stood and gently helped Katherine to her feet. He turned her toward the front door. *He's going to turn me in* she thought in despair. And then she felt him take hold of her hands and release the hand cuffs.
************************
Next chapter: Katherine's real story and ……….let's see………..what else can you do with handcuffs?? ^_-
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