AN: It has been exactly 1 month since I uploaded a chapter. Writer's block got me hard but I got through it! And once I did I had a blast writing this chapter! I think this might be the funniest one yet. I know I couldn't stop laughing as I was writing it so hopefully you'll have fun too. Also, this chapter puts us over 25k words! Yay! :)

Saul Greeniaus sighed with relief as he stepped out of the dinghy motel shower. His shower hadn't exactly been pleasant, but it had been necessary. After their excursion in the GenoMe building Saul had been quite unsanitary and he had felt unsanitary too. That was why he had been pretty excited to wash off.

Key word was had been. Once Prosper had informed him that there wasn't a single drop of hot water in the shower his excitement had evaporated. After all, who looked forward to a cold shower?

Besides, Saul had a good feeling Prosper had been lying to him. He had a feeling that there had been hot water and Prosper had just used it all up. The psychologist would never have spent almost an hour in a cold shower. He was too uppity for that.

Still, Saul couldn't deny that he felt good after his shower and after he shaved, brushed his teeth, and completed his three-step skin care routine he emerged from the bathroom feeling refreshed.

Saul found Prosper hanging out in the motel room. He was sitting on the couch, a newspaper in hand. On the other side of the room the television had been turned to a black and white movie Saul didn't recognize.

Luckily Prosper spoke before things could get awkward. "So…" he began without turning to look at the detective. "you're out of the shower at last."

"Yup. At last," Saul deadpanned. He sure is one to talk, he thought.

"Well, your clothes are in there," the psychologist said, jabbing one bony thumb at a plastic bag that sat on the bed closest to Saul. Saul opened it and examined its contents. Inside was a basic gray parka, some matching sweatpants, men's underwear with socks and a pair of scuffed up sneakers. A full outfit, in other words.

"Just a warning. Some of it may be a bit big for you," Prosper said. He was still looking at his newspaper. "We tried our best with what we had but…"

"Where did all this come from?" Saul asked.

"From the donation box down the street."

Saul narrowed his eyes, and it was almost as if the psychologist could sense Saul's suspicion. For the first time he turned to look at the detective.

Now that he had removed his contacts his eyes were back to their original piercing black. A piercing black Saul hadn't seen in years. This, coupled with the psychologist's thick, hastily graying hair (the dye had washed off in the shower) had a curious effect. They made his heart quicken with fear and anger, made his body tense and his mouth dry. They rooted him to the spot because he felt that if he dared to move, to make a mistake in Prosper's game, he'd be paying with his life.

But then he remembered that forlorn look in his eyes when he had spoken of Cadel. But that couldn't possibly have been real? There was no way he could have actually been mourning his son? There was no way Prosper actually cared about someone other than himself. Right?

"Of course, you're free to doubt me," Prosper said coolly. "but I suggest you let go of any hang ups you may have about shoplifting or stealing if that's what you're worried about. After all, it's not as if you have anything else to wear."

Saul sighed. Prosper was right, of course. They didn't have anything else to wear. All three men (The third being Dr. Vee who had rented the room with them) had agreed that the outfits they had been worn in the GenoMe building were beyond saving. "There's no washing the smell of raw sewage out of any piece of clothing," had been Prosper's exact words.

So, their old outfits had been discarded and disposed of and the Virus, who had been the first to take his shower, had gone out to find new ones. Prosper English was now wearing a white button up shirt, black slacks, and simple white socks. A pair of loafers sat by the door.

And though, the Virus couldn't be trusted entirely, Saul had pretty much no other options. Unless he wanted to wear the grubby robe, the motel provided. But that didn't come with underwear. And he didn't want to go commando in an outfit that hundreds had probably worn before him.

That was why Saul decided it was pointless to argue and reluctantly donned the parka and sweatpants. In the bathroom of course. After all, there was no reason for Prosper to see his naked body.

When he finished, he asked the psychologist a question.

"Where's the Virus?"

"He went to get breakfast. And computer equipment. He shouldn't be gone for much longer now."

"Ah, I see."

Prosper had done a good job of avoiding it before, but now that there was truly nothing to talk about a suffocating awkwardness descended over the small motel room. How were you supposed to make conversation with your arch-nemesis? Saul didn't have a good answer and it seemed that Prosper didn't have one either.

So, Saul sat on the bed and said nothing. He looked towards the television which had gone to commercials. Right now, they were advertising toothpaste. He looked to the clock which read 7:28 a.m. Cadel was believed to have gone missing between 9am and noon yesterday.

Just one and a half hours and his son would be considered missing for a full two days.

Being a detective, Saul Greeniaus knew enough about missing childrens' cases to know that the chances of a child being found severely decreased after 48 hours.

While lost in his dark thoughts, Saul caught Prosper gazing at him with his coal-colored eyes. "What?" the detective snapped.

"No need to be so hostile," Prosper said. The psychologist hadn't even tried to deny he'd been interested. "I was just going to say… about that whole GenoMe episode. And everything last night… you weren't as useless as I thought you'd be."

"Thanks," Saul said, narrowing his eyes. He didn't understand. Was Prosper subtly trying to get under his skin? Or was this his version of a compliment?

"Now, don't get me wrong I still think you're absolutely insufferable and nothing but a weight on Cadel's shoulders but…" Prosper paused. He seemed to be searching for the right words. "…I can see why he'd be interested in spending time with you, since you seem to have the rare spark of brilliance."

"Thanks," Saul said again, rather stupidly. He was still very confused, but he was pretty sure that Prosper had been at least trying to compliment him. Unfortunately, before he could ask the psychologist to elaborate, Dr. Vee burst through the motel door, making Saul jump.

"Have you turned on the news yet!?"

"What!?" Saul shouted.

"Where's our breakfast?" Prosper asked. As usual he focused only on the most important things.

"I was going to get it but something far more important came up!" The Virus shouted. "You guys are wanted criminals!"

"We're what!?" The two men chorused.

The Virus dived for the remote. "Here, just watch," he said. He flicked the station to ABC News which was just coming back from commercial break. A blonde reporter sat at the desk with a serious expression as she began to rattle off the latest news.

"Breaking News. We've received reports that criminal mastermind extraordinaire, Prosper English, is not only back from the dead, but also at large here in Sydney! And this time he has an accomplice. A Mr. Saul Greeniaus!" A picture of both men flashed on screen. Prosper and Saul gasped.

"You're right, Vee, we really are on the news!" Prosper shouted. "At least they had the sense to call me extraordinary."

"What the heck, Prosper!?" Saul shouted. "I thought you promised me we wouldn't get caught!"

Prosper huffed. "You of all people should know by now that my promises hold absolutely no weight!"

"But we had a deal!"

"You're right, we did have a deal," Prosper snapped. "And I never went back on it! You think I want my face plastered all over national news!? How am I supposed to find Cadel if I'm in jail, Mr. Greeniaus!?"

"Oh, I don't know. You had no problem doing it during his stint at Clearview House."

"That's because I knew where Cadel was the whole time!" Prosper huffed exasperated. "I could track him through the police system and the foster care system! This time he's been abducted! This is why we're looking for him, Mr. Greeniaus!"

Prosper must have realized he was losing his cool because he took a deep breath to calm himself. When he spoke again his voice had lowered considerably.

"I can give credit where it's due, detective, but I'm beginning to think your admittedly helpful guidance in the GenoMe building was more of a one-time fluke instead of an occasional spark. After all, a broken clock still is right twice a day. But I'm not an idiot like you. I know who in here would have been the most likely to blab about all this."

Saul gasped. "How on Earth could I be behind this!? We had a deal, and I kept my end of it! Why would I want my face on tv!? I have nothing to gain from it?"

"Perhaps the guilt got to be much for your law-loving heart," Prosper argued.

"Well, if that was the case I would have gone straight to the authorities! I wouldn't have played around with news reports and motel rooms, or…" Saul made erratic gestures. "well, whatever this is?"

"Perhaps you wanted to take us by surprise?"

"I'm telling you," Saul said through gritted teeth. "It wasn't me."

From there a tense staring contest ensued, where both men tried to determine what lies the other wasn't telling them. It was clear that, even though they had braved some dangerous challenges together, the two men still didn't trust each other one bit.

Finally, though, the Virus was forced to break up the tense silence.

"You guys…" he said. "I know we're all attempting to sort out our trust issues, but you guys know there are people looking for you as we speak, right?"

"Of course, I know," Prosper snapped. "You act like this is my first rodeo."

"But how on Earth are we going to get out of here?" Saul asked. "We can hardly walk out."

"I know a way," Prosper supplied but Saul shook his head vigorously.

"No, no, no. I am done with you. I'm not letting you take me anywhere else."

"So, where are you going to go then?" Prosper asked. "You're not a criminal. What would you know about evading the law?"

"I'm a detective! I know all about criminal tactics!"

"All the criminal tactics that result in people getting caught," Prosper retorted. "I know more discreet methods."

Saul had to admit, Prosper did have a point there. The psychologist knew a lot more about the criminal underworld then he did. If he was officially a wanted man, it'd help to have someone who knew about being on the lam.

The only problem was that he just didn't trust Prosper at all. Saul glanced toward the Virus to see if he could communicate any advice, but all he did was shrug. Saul cast his eyes toward heaven. "I can't believe this is happening," he moaned.

With a sigh, Saul returned his gaze to Prosper. "How do I know you won't shoot me or throw me to the dogs the first chance you get?"

"Because it's part of our deal," Prosper said.

"Eh, I'm still not assured."

Prosper sighed an exasperated sigh. "Fine, Mr. Greeniaus. What if I promised not to shoot you or throw you to the dogs the first chance I get?"

"I thought you said you didn't do promises," Saul deadpanned.

"Fine. What about pinky promises?" Prosper said, clearly at the end of his rope. He thrust a pinky at the detective who recoiled as if he'd been shocked.

"No way, I'm taking that. It's practically worthless!"

"Well, it's better than nothing, don't you think."

Saul looked pensively at the pinky for a moment. Then he said to the Virus, "Does he have his fingers crossed behind his back."

"No," Prosper said, answering for the hacker. He held up his hand for all to see, making peace signs and fists, and counting up to five. Pretty much every hand gesture except crossing his fingers. "As you can see my fingers aren't crossed. Now please take the pinky Mr. Greeniaus."

"I don't know…" Saul began.

"Oh, come on!" Prosper shouted. "Just take the pinky Mr. Greeniaus!"

"Oh, alright," Saul said. They crossed their pinkies and did a pinky promise. "I feel like a schoolboy," Saul muttered under his breath.

"So now that that's settled," The Virus said. "Just how are you two going to get out of this motel room?"

Prosper said, "We'll go through the window of course. And then it's only a matter of walking…"

"The wrong side of the tracks" is a common expression in the English language meaning the old, dirty side of town where all the poor people live. The place where Saul had previously been staying could certainly have been described as such. Although the old motel had made him feel a little icky, he couldn't deny its proximity and easy accessibility to the railroad didn't provide a good escape route.

Roughly ten minutes after their faces had been plastered all over the news, Saul Greeniaus and Prosper English were crouched amongst a thin forest of trees. Discarded soda cans and cigarette butts were scattered all around the knee-length grass. Trees, hardly taller than a house and barely thicker than a fire hydrant reached up to touch the clear, early morning sky. In a narrow clearing, metal rails split the forest like a zipper in a green jacket.

Speaking of jackets, Saul pulled his tighter around himself as he crouched and waited in the chilly morning air. A last-minute steal from the motel's lost and found, the jacket was brown, a little too small and smelled slightly of peanut butter but it, along with the sunglasses, had made him a little less identifiable and right now that was all that mattered.

"How long are we going to crouch out here in the cold amongst this garbage infested grass?" Saul finally asked after a long silence. Prosper sighed an exasperated sigh.

"I told you it wouldn't be long. Just have some patience Mr. Greeniaus and we'll be on the road in a few short minutes. Or on the rails, I should say," a small smirk appeared on Prosper's lips. He was wearing a blue jacket. It had a missing zipper and was a tad too large for his lanky body. Like, Saul he had attempted to disguise himself but only just enough to get out of the motel unnoticed.

It was a good thing most people were off to work this time of day, or they might not have been so lucky.

"It just seems so Hollywood to me," Saul rejoined. "Jumping onto a train like this."

"It's not Hollywood," Prosper sneered. "It's a respected way of discreetly escaping from a bad situation. I mean, did you expect us to walk or rent a car somehow?"

"Well, no but-"

"Well, then I suggest you keep your mouth shut and let me handle it. Unlike you, I actually know what I'm doing."

"Yes, you said so already," Saul commented with an exasperated voice. He still felt uneasy about their plan. After about a minute he asked, "Have you ever even done this before?"

"Of course, I have!" Prosper shouted.

"How many times."

"Enough times. Now be quiet or we might miss our chance. This isn't The Defiant Ones! If you can't get on the train, I'm not jumping off with you! I'm leaving you behind!"

"The Defiant Ones?" Saul said. "What an obscure pop culture reference."

Prosper shrugged. "They played it on tv in the middle of the night back in the day. I'd catch it sometimes when I couldn't sleep."

"Oh, I see," Saul said. One again the two men fell silent. The detective watched as a small bird perched on one of the spindly trees, sticks in its beak. It was probably building a nest.

"Prosper?" Saul asked.

Prosper sighed. "What, Mr. Greeniaus?"

"How exactly do you jump on a train?"

"Hm…" Prosper hummed as his face morphed into a pensive expression. "I suppose it's just like jumping onto any other moving object."

"But trains move so fast."

Prosper dismissed this concern with a wave of his hand. "Oh, you'll be fine. It's really not that hard. You don't need to be an Olympian to do it."

"If you say so…" Saul said. More awkward silence.

"But I really don't-" But before he could finish Prosper raised his hand.

"Wait. I think I hear it."

"Here what?" Saul asked, but even as he did so, Saul could hear it too. The low rumble of wheels against steel tracks, the whistle of the engine. There was no doubt about it now. Their ride was here.

Prosper stood, dusting off his old jacket. "It's been so long since I've done this," he mused, rubbing his hands and Saul noticed he was smiling. "I just hope I've still got it."

Prosper took on a ready position. Saul copied him to the best of his ability, though he suspected he probably looked like a fool next to the psychologist. He couldn't deny that he was getting really nervous now. Even though it was probably as simple as Prosper made it sound, he had a feeling he'd mess it up somehow.

The train came into view. It was a freight train, carrying colorful boxcars full of crates. Prosper pointed to it and said, "As soon as I say so, we're going to jump onto that train, alright!"

Saul could only manage a nod. He thought he could feel himself shaking.

"Okay," Prosper said, "Ready… set… NOW!"

Saul jumped the best jump he had ever jumped in his life. Miraculously, he landed on the hard wooden planks of a freight cart. He turned over on his back and gasped.

"I did it!" he panted. "I'm just like the movie stars!" When he heard nothing but the sound of the train clack-clack-clacking forward he got on all fours and scrambled to the doors only to find poor Prosper English running with all his might beside the train.

Saul burst into laughter.

"It's not funny!" Prosper shouted as he struggled to catch up to him.

"Ha! You missed!" Saul retorted. "How does it feel not to be the smartest at everything!?"

By now, Prosper was close enough that the two could speak in lowered voices. "This is just another fluke of yours!" he shouted. "Help me up, now!"

"But Prosper," Saul said smugly. "This isn't The Defiant Ones. I'm not going to help you if you get left behind." Saul could've mistaken Prosper for a tomato, his face was so red.

"That's it!" He shouted. "Let me on!"

Prosper dived for Saul which caused him to slide halfway off the train. Holding on for dear life he shouted, "What are you, CRAZY!?"

"You wouldn't be on this train at all of it weren't for me!" The two men's movements were so erratic that it threatened to send them tumbling off the train. Fortunately, before that could happen, a great weight pulled them back on and the two rolled over gasping and panting.

"Great," Saul spat sarcastically at the psychologist. "You almost ruined everything."

"But I didn't," Prosper said. "And besides, you didn't have to laugh at me."

"Why not?" Saul asked. "Did it hurt your feelings?"

Prosper opened his mouth to fire another biting retort but before he could another voice chimed in saying, "Well, that's got to be the most garbled train escape I've ever seen."

Sitting up, both men found themselves looking up at another man with gray eyes, gray hair, and all-around average features. Despite the fact that he didn't have many distinctive features there was no way Saul or Prosper could have mistaken him anywhere.

"Alias!?"

Alias is here!? Wonder how he'll play into the story. Guess we'll just have to wait until next time to see.

Thanks so much for reading! :)