12:15 p.m.

As he quickly stepped into the grass to avoid the spray coming off the side of the semi, Richie couldn't help but regret not having checked the weather before heading out. Ducking into the covered bus stop for temporary shelter, he quickly pulled his faded Redskins cap out of his bag. A few minutes later, he resigned himself to the fact that this storm was far from over and stepped back into the downpour. If he was going to reach his destination by nightfall, he was going to have to step up the pace.

1:15 p.m.

"Really, I had no idea." The portly old coach seemed genuinely surprised by what Duncan told him. "I just assumed he had been reassigned after Karen died. He always showed up for school; excelled in classes. He was a real asset to the team. Only freshman on the Varsity Squad."

"You weren't worried when he didn't come back this fall?" Duncan prodded.

The question brought a frown to the man's face. "I just assumed he got transferred. Foster kids tend to move around a lot."

"I see." The Immortal simply nodded his head in resignation. Apparently, no one was very concerned about this particular teenager. "You wouldn't happen to know any of his friends, would you? Someone he might have gone to?"

"Have you talked to Jason?" The educator's expression darkened noticeably as he said the name.

Causing Duncan more anxiety. "Who's Jason? Richie's never mentioned him."

"Jason Charleston. Karen's boyfriend, on occasion at least. If Richie managed for a year after Karen's death, odds are Jason was helping him. He was around all the time, even after Karen died. The man had a real fondness for Richie." The coach explained.

Duncan studied his expression closely. "You don't seem to have the same fondness for this Jason."

"Hardly," The coach replied shortly. "Let's just say he isn't the best of role models. He really did look out for Richie though, treated him like a kid brother. Came to games, picked him up from practice. He really stepped out of character where Richie was concerned."

"He was in a gang?" Duncan was almost afraid to ask.

But the answer terrified him even more. "A guy like Jason would consider gang members amateurs."

"Where would I find this Jason Charleston?" Duncan questioned.

The older man frowned. "Take my word, Mr. MacLeod. You don't want to drop in on Jason without an invitation. "

"If he knows where Richie is, I'm going to see him. Please, do you have any idea where I should look?"

"He works at Stockholm Lumber, on the docks. I'm telling you though; they don't welcome uninvited visitors there. Especially ones they don't know." The coach once again warned.

But Duncan wasn't swayed. "Thanks for the tip."

"MacLeod." Duncan turned back to him briefly. "When you find Richie, you really ought to consider getting him to reenroll. We're still in the first quarter, and Richie's a smart one. He could probably stay on schedule."

"Thanks for the advice." At that the Immortal stepped out of the gymnasium, exited the school and headed for the waterfront.

1:20 p.m.

As Richie read the mileage on the roadside sign, he was far from reassured. He was a long way from his destination. A very long, very wet way from his destination. As he trudged around the corner, he was relieved to see a rest stop up ahead. He silently thanked the Washington state government for providing stops for it's weary highway travelers. Sure, they were meant for those tired of being cramped up in cars, but that didn't mean he wouldn't take full advantage of the benefit. After all, his feet were in need of as much rest as the worn rear-ends of those who rode inside those cushioned cars. A cup of coffee and a dry bench to sit on would be welcome relief.

3:10 p.m.

As Duncan stepped into the warehouse, every man there turned to look at him. He stated his business loudly and plainly, so everyone could hear. "I'm looking for a Jason Charleston. Anyone here know where I can find him?"

A couple of men stepped forward, advancing on him in a way Duncan had seen before. He didn't really care though. He was more than prepared for a fight.

"It's all right." A short, thin, far from intimidating young man appeared from behind a doorway.

Duncan was surprised by the response the man's words heeded. All three predators immediately stopped their advance on the Immortal and stepped aside so Duncan could have a better view of their leader. The frail speaker nodded his head in the direction of the office, which Duncan accepted as an invitation without question.

As he sat down on a leather couch, the young man closed the door behind himself, providing a level of privacy that Duncan had never expected. "What can I do for you, Mr. MacLeod?"

"You know me?" Now the Scotsman was almost certain he was talking to the man he was seeking.

The smaller man smiled slightly. "You and I have a mutual acquaintance. I'm correct in assuming that's why you've come, aren't I?"

"Have you seen him?" Duncan was in no mood for niceties. He simply wanted to find Richie and get them both out of there.

But the frown that darkened the man's face made it clear that that was not going to happen. "You don't know where he is?"

"He took off early this morning. He isn't here?" The Immortal pressed.

Causing the frown to grow. "No. I haven't seen him. Why did he leave?"

"Does it matter?" The Scotsman asked hotly.

But the fragile looking man was not one to be intimidated by a few sharp words. "It means the difference between my helping you and hurting you."

"He left a note, said he was leaving to 'discover who he is'. I just want to find him and bring him home, all right?" Duncan explained sharply.

Jason sighed. "Discover himself, huh? Damn that kid. He never was one to use his head when it counted. In school or a hyst, sure. But when it comes to his own well being, I swear he just doesn't think."

"Tell me about it." Duncan sympathized.

Jason gave him a startled look before breaking into a grin. "You've discovered that already? I guess he broke you in quick."

"I'm a fast study. How'd he break you in?" He was more than a little curious about this man's association with the boy.

Jason smiled again. "Forgot to eat, stupid as that sounds. We're climbing through a shop window and his stomach let's out a low growl. Not exactly professional."

"You had him steal for you?" Duncan questioned darkly.

Jason was not in an apologetic mood. "He was a street kid who needed to survive. I kept him in school and out of the drug scene, not exactly easy tasks around here."

"And you thought teaching him how to steal was the best thing for him?" The Immortal challenged.

Jason was quick to defend himself. "I thought letting him work for you was the best thing for him. What can I say? Apparently I don't always know what I'm doing."

Duncan was about to lash out when he realized the man was right. It was he that Richie lived with, not this man. Jason had nothing to do with Richie's leaving. Avenging the teen's past was going to have to wait. Right now all he wanted to do was find the boy and bring him home. The more he learned about Richie's history, the more determined he was that the boy needed him.

And whether he liked it or not, it looked as though he was going to need this man's help to find him. He would beg if he had to. "You're right, I'm not perfect. But right now the only thing that matters is finding Richie and bringing him home, where he'll be safe. Please, do you have any idea where he might be?"

"Discover himself, hum?" Jason questioned.

Causing a quick response from the Scotsman. "Something like that. Does it mean something to you?"

"Maybe." The man relented. "Have you checked the bridge?"