Endgame Chapter 3 Rating: PG-13

Back at the police station, in their shift briefing room. . .

"Ok. Kaidlyn, I think you know everyone here. For the rest of you, this here is Woody Hoyt, detective with the Boston P.D. and our liaison. And this is Max Cavanaugh, some of you met him this morning going over his house. Things have changed a little as you're about to hear, but for at least today we're going to need that coverage. Just to be safe. These are Agents Smith, Michaels, Brown, and MacAulay. They're going to be handling most of the surveillance we do throughout this thing. Under my supervision."

Kaidlyn. . . Oh my God, this is really happening. I can't believe it. I mean I know I've been trained and all, but. . . Seeing that girl on the slab in the morgue really got to me. Ok, gotta focus now.

"Now, as you all know, there has been an increasingly frequent pattern of disappearances, rapes and beatings going on out of Summit View. The government wants to close the place down, but they have no place else to put the people there and they don't want to have them out on the streets. And with the girls not talking, they really don't have evidence to do anything without questions being raised. That's why they brought us in. To see if we can find out who's doing it and why. Ms. Johnston may give us some help in the direction of finding out who's doing this, but I'm afraid not enough. This guy's too good."

"Haley? The papers have given only sketchy information about something going on up there ~ I guess since the girls aren't talking we know why. But is this confined to a specific area?"

"Good question, Max. So far, everything seems to be centered in one particular section. The wing where the self-mutilation therapy takes place. They keep the girls ~ one or two guys from what I understand, but mainly girls ~ in one wing so as to better keep an eye on them. Now, we don't know why it's centered in that area. We have our suspicions, but since the girls aren't talking, we haven't had a lot to go on. Every staff member checks out ~ they're all surprisingly clean. That's where Kaidlyn comes in."

"Uncle Max? It's ok. I mean, yeah, I'm scared, but it's going to be ok." He looks so concerned. So worried.

"I know sweetheart. I've seen your records from training. I've watched you working out in the gym. I know you can take care of yourself. It's just that. . ."

Aunt Emily ~ it must be something to do with her. "Uncle Max? I'm sorry. I wish there was something I could do."

"Kaidlyn, baby, just do your job. And stay safe. Don't worry about me."

"I don't mean to interrupt, but we really need to focus here."

"Right Agent Haley. I'm sorry."

"It's ok. So like I was saying, this is where Kaidlyn comes in. Kaid, you're going in. We've moved some things up, so guys, I need you to listen and be on top of your game."

"Yes sir, Agent Haley," the agents replied, almost in unison.

"To get you in there, I'm going to be your father, and I'm going to take you to be admitted to their self-mutilation therapy program. I've talked with the hospital administrator to make sure he's aware of what's going on ~ and to make sure that we'll be able to get you out of there without a problem. You will be allowed to keep your cell phone, but nothing else. There's no way we can wire you because of the supervision you'll have inside. I want you checking in with us every two hours. You got that?"

"Yes. I've got it. So I'm going to be a decoy? Try to draw out the guy who's doing this?"

"Something like that. The second you sense something, I want you on the phone. To me. Immediately. Do whatever you have to do to call me. Ok?"

"Ok."

"You guys know what you're doing?"

"Yes sir. We're to keep a watch for any unusual activity and be prepared to call in the police if anything out of the ordinary happens."

"And be prepared to go in if you need to. Remember, until last night, he ~ yes, we know it's a male, there was dried semen found on the girl's body ~ hadn't killed anyone."

"And he still hasn't, Agent Haley." Garret Macy had entered the room quickly.

"Dr. Macy? What do you mean?"

"Well, technically, it was exposure to the elements that killed her. It's cold out there right now and in a flimsy bit of clothing, no one's going to last long. But you're right in the sense that he did somehow get her out of the hospital."

"Ok. Thanks. Anything else?"

"Nope. Well, we pulled some DNA and ran it through the computer, but no matches came up. I just wanted to let you know about what killed Ms. Johnston. Now I need to get back and sit on one M.E. who's prone to explore things a little too much."

"Alright. Thanks for keeping us in the loop. So, boys, any other questions?"

"No sir."

"Good. You can go and finish setting up what you need to. The plan is for me to take Kaidlyn at about 11:30 tonight ~ like I found her in her room cutting herself."

Why does Uncle Max flinch every time Drew mentions cutting? "Ok, so I have to cut myself and. . ."

"Kaid, you don't actually have to. We can use make up you know."

"But I can't take it with me. One day I've got cuts and the next day they're gone? Or else they never heal? That would be a little suspicious, don't you think?"

"Good point. Ok, but under supervision. Now Detective Hoyt."

"You can call me Woody."

"Right. I forgot. I'm sorry. You are working with us because we need to know how to get where he goes. The last girl was found over near some abandoned houses. Broad Street, I believe, according to the report."

"Broad Street?" I knew had a bad feeling about this. From the time I heard Summit View I was nervous but I attributed that to Emily and everything that happened. But now Broad Street too? What had I opened up when I went looking to finish. . . "Agent Haley? I think I might know how to find the man without endangering anyone in the process."

"Max, I know you want to protect your niece, but."

"Have you looked at a list of the hospital, and specifically the wing employees?"

"Yes sir. Like I said, that was the first thing we did. And all of them have clean background checks."

"May I see the list?"

"Well, under ordinary circumstances I wouldn't allow it, but considering your background and the fact that Kaidlyn's staying with you until we start then I don't see why not. I don't know what good it will do, but here. . ."

Ok, let me see. No one under Horton. Or anything else that would make sense. And no James' either. Ok, so either I'm wrong and it's just a spooky coincidence, or else he's using another name. But since they all have background checks then maybe I'm just overreacting. "Thank you for letting me see it. I. . .well, I thought I had something that would help, but nothing on the list matches."

"It's ok, Max. I've learned about the history with your family and that particular hospital. About your wife. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to stir up anything, though I know it does."

"Is that why I'm the one on this case?"

"Not to begin with Kaid. But partly. Yes it's convenient that you have family here ~ and more so now that there's a connection with the hospital ~ but the bottom line is you earned your place on this assignment. They've never assigned someone as young or as new as you to something like this. You are one of the most talented agents I've ever seen come out, and the fact that you're exactly right for this ~ and yes, here I'm talking about how young you are and how young you look ~ well, everything just added up that you are the perfect agent for this. Almost too perfect."

"But doesn't the family angle create a conflict of interest."

"No. Since what we're investigating has nothing to do with that, there's really not a problem. The family angle does make it tough, I'm not going to lie to you, but frankly I don't see a conflict. The Bureau wanted to assign someone else to the case. I told them that based on the profile we were getting of the victims and the profile I was coming up with for the perp, it had to be you. That's why I've been pushing you harder that we usually push people. You're going in there alone. You have to keep your wits about you. We cannot afford to ~ you cannot afford to fail. I'm not going to lose you. You hear me?"

"Yes sir. I can focus when I need to."

"I know, Kaidlyn. I know. It's just that as I've gotten to know you, you really have become like a daughter to me and it scares me to have to let you go. But I have to. I've done what I can to prepare you, and now I've got to let you fly solo. And Max, I know it's hard, but you've got to trust me ~ and trust Kaid on this. She knows what she's doing. I wouldn't have picked her if I didn't know she could do this."

"Right. Ok. Well, should we go home so you can get some rest Kaidlyn?"

"That sounds like a good idea. Oh, and Kaid?"

"Yeah?"

"I know you're excited about being here and seeing your cousin, but I've worked with her on a case and I know how she can be. Obsessive. You cannot talk with her about this. Not until it's over."

"Ok. I think she's got other plans for the night anyway." Sorry Woody, couldn't resist. Oh look. I made him blush.

"Alright. I'm going to come by your house later this evening, to get her."

"Why don't you just come over for dinner Agent Haley? About 7?"

"Alright. See you then. In the meantime, Kaid? Rest. Please."

"Yes sir. See you later. Come on Uncle Max. Can we go home?"

"Sure. Woody, care to walk out with us?"

"No problem. If it's ok with. . ."

"Go ahead. We'll go over maps tomorrow."

"Alright. So, take it you're not going to the pub tonight, Max?"

"No, I called them and they've got it taken care of. And I spoke with Jordan about coming over for dinner too. Both of you. So we'll see you later, ok?"

"Ok. Sounds good. It'll be nice to relax before all this starts." We'll just have to figure out a way to keep Jordan from figuring things out.

later on at Max's house. . .

"Jordan, I thought Woody was coming over with you."

"He was Dad, but something got complicated in setting up whatever they needed to set up. He said he'd be here a little later. Need any help with dinner?"

"Nah. Thanks though. I think I heard Kaid moving around upstairs a few minutes ago. Why don't you go talk with her."

"Ok. Let us know if you need anything." Ok, this could be interesting. The last time I spent any time with her she was three ~ and I was ten. Oh well. . . "Kaid? How's it going?"

"Hi Jordan. It's ok. I was trying to sleep a little, but it wasn't working too well."

"Worried about your assignment?"

"A little. Well, a lot. I was nervous before, but now that the girl was found dead I'm scared."

"It'll be ok. I've worked with your wat-. . .with Agent Haley before."

"What did you start to call him? My 'watcher?' God, you do hang around Woody a lot."

"What do you mean?"

"He's slipped and called me 'Buffy' a few times ~ I think he has a problem that I'm so young or something. It's not the first time I've heard things like that. The whole time I was in training it was. . .bad. That's probably why I kept doing things as well as I did ~ I felt like I had to prove myself all the time."

"Actually in some ways I know exactly what you mean. But don't worry about Woody. Now that he's gotten to know you, it's become more or a term of endearment. If you want, I'll talk with him though."

"Nah. I'll live. I hope."

"Ok, back to what I was saying. I've worked with Haley on a case before and I know that he will do whatever it takes to make sure you're safe. Personal experience there."

"Oh."

"Not that way. I mean, I can't deny there was an attraction, but it would never work."

"Because of Woody?"

"Now because of Woody, yes. But then, I think it was more that we both had too many issues."

"Oh. Ok. Jordan?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm sorry about your mom. I mean, I know I was only three, but I sort of remember her. I'm sorry you had to go through that ~ still have to I guess."

"Thanks sweetie. I have my moments."

"So how long have you and Woody. . .?"

"Been together? Well, I've known him for a couple of years now. He moved here from Wisconsin and, well, at first he just made me laugh. But then it gradually became a deeper and deeper friendship. Then a lot of stuff happened ~ I won't go into details, but it wasn't pretty ~ and he ended up doing some stuff that only reinforced in my mind how much he cared about me. And we kissed. But that was it for a while. I, well, I was my usual self ~ which meant I kept him at arms length. Then I guess he got tired of waiting for me to get "unscared" and he decided to take an offer he had for a special division thing in Los Angeles."

"Oh. Wow. So what happened with that?"

"Well, after he left I moped around for awhile without even realizing it. Finally some of my friends ~ Garret, who you met today, and our grief counselor Lily and some others ~ confronted me and gave me a plane ticket to California to go see him and talk with him about how I felt. That was terrifying. But as it turns out, things weren't working out so well there for him, he missed Boston ~ missed me ~ and decided to come back. And things have just gone from there."

"That's good. He seems nice enough. And you seem happy."

"I am. I'm really happy. I'm not sure how Dad feels about it all ~ especially with us living together ~ but. . ."

"Jordan? I think he's just happy you're happy. But I don't know a lot about fathers, so I could be wrong. What's so funny?"

"Oh Kaid, come here." I had to pull her into a big hug. In some ways we really are mirrors of each other. I didn't have a mother, she hasn't had a father. "It's just how, well, how we seem to mirror each other in some ways."

"Kaidlyn? Jordan? Come on down for dinner. Haley and Woody are here."

"Come on sweetie. Let's go see what Dad's fixed for dinner."

Jordan. . . Ok. This is, um interesting. There were a few minutes of obvious male insecurity and competition going on there at first. Honestly ~ after all the time it took and everything we've been through, I'd think that Woody would realize that I'm not just in this thing casually. But oh well. We'll talk about that later. Kaidlyn really is so sweet. I'm sorry she didn't live closer ~ that would have been really nice to have family to go to rather than going to Dad's office or Kim's all the time. I wish I knew more about this case she's on ~ but, well, I guess there's a good reason for them keeping things quiet. Garret told me very little about the girl we were autopsying. I was basically just doing trace collection. I hate these "it's for your own good" things. . .

"So, Bu ~ Kaidlyn, are you ready for this?"

"Woody? Must you insist on calling me Buffy?"

"I'm sorry Kaidlyn. It started before I knew who you were ~ when we'd watch you and Agent Haley working out in the training room. I've got to tell you, all the guys at the station were impressed. It's just because you seem so young. It's a compliment. Trust me on that."

"Ok. But can you. . .?"

"I'll stop. I promise. So are you ready for this?"

"I guess. Not a lot I can do about it now."

"You could eat some more, Kaid."

"Oh shut up Drew. I'm not really hungry right now."

"Good girl. Getting into the role early."

"Ha ha. Very funny. So, it's about 8:00 now. When should I, um, get ready?"

"I think you've got a couple of hours. We need to make sure it looks authentic."

"Ok."

"Should I leave now? I know I'm not supposed to know about what's going on."

"No Jordan. It's ok. We were just talking timeline."

"Ok. Thanks"

"But Jordan?"

"Yeah Dad?"

"I ~ uh, we ~ don't. . . You don't need to be around when things start happening."

"Ok, ok. I know. I don't want to put Kaid ~ or anyone else ~ in danger. I'll make myself scarce when the time comes. Who's phone is that?"

"Mine. One minute. . . Haley. What? Yes. You're kid-. . .! What? Now? Yeah, I think it would be the time to go. We'll see you in 30 minutes." Damn, I did not mean for things to get moved up this quickly, but we don't have a choice. Another girl's turned up missing. "Kaid? Something's happened. We're going to have to. . ."

"Yeah. I'll go get ready. Bye Jordan! I love you!"

"I love you too, Kaid. And I'll see you when this is over. Promise!"

"Ok." Alright Kaid, breathe. Now, where did the art set go? Oh, right. Under the bed. Ok. Where's that knife? How am I going to do this? Ok. Don't look ~ upper arm. That's the place ~ usually covered up. "Ouch!"

"Kaid? You ok?"

"Yeah Haley. Maybe make up would have been better."

"Let's see. Good ~ not too deep. Just a few more and you'll be good to go."

"Ow. Ok. Anything else?"

"Nope ~ I've got some stuff in a duffel bag for you. Let's just wrap those arms and we'll be off."

"Ok. Let's go. Uncle Max? I'm going to be ok. I promise."

"I know Kaid, I know. Stay safe and I'll see you on the other side of this."

"Bye."

to be continued. . .