Northwestern Hospital

"Before you go in there Frank, it's not pretty." Tom said handing him the case file.

"I know," he replied, "but it's something I have to do."

"We're waiting for the DNA test to come back." Tom replied.

"Ciara," Donovan whispered, raking his hand through his hair, "Jake, I want you to stay out here."

"Are you sure?" Jake questioned. He wanted to be there for his boss, but he knew this was something that had to be done in private. He watched Donovan walk into the room.

"Don't feel bad," Tom said, "Donovan has a hard time with emotion."

"If you don't mind my asking, who was this woman?" Jake asked.

"A good agent," Tom stated, leaning against the wall, "and a good friend."


The viewing room was cold. Through the glass Donovan could see the outline of Ciara's body under the white sheet. Or what they all thought was Ciara's body. He never thought it would end up like this. He closed his eyes, remembering her red curly hair and bright smile and infectious laughter.

He opened the file and read through it. Date of death was listed as September 24, 2000. Cause of death was listed as a single gunshot to the back of the head. DNA testing was needed due to from her chest up was burned beyond recognition. Other identifying marks listed as a butterfly tattoo on the hip. Donovan yelled for Tom to join him in the room.

"What's wrong?" Tom asked, coming through the door.

"That's not Ciara." Donovan stated, relieved at the thought.

"How do you know?" Tom asked.

"The Coroner's report states a butter fly tattoo on the hip." Donovan said, pointing to the report.

"A tattoo?" Tom questioned, "Frank, are you sure? You could be grasping at straws here."

"He's right Donovan, " Jake stepped in, "and maybe she decided to make some changes in her life."

"No, she would never get a tattoo." Donovan repeated.

"Are you sure?" Jake asked.

"Yes," he stressed, "Ciara was afraid of needles."

"Well, she could've been drunk." Jake said, not meeting the icy stare he received from Donovan.

"Ciara is also allergic to the red ink used for tattoos." Donovan stated, "That's not her."





"Are you positive?" Jake asked, he didn't like the idea of Donovan keeping hope alive if the chance wasn't there.

"Yes," Donovan hissed, "I know that's not her."

"Alright," Tom said, he knew enough to trust Donovan's instincts, "let's go back to your office and I'll make some calls. We'll wait for the DNA results."


An hour later they were back at The Nest. Jake walked over to the rest of the team and watched Donovan and Tom walk into his office. Jake sat down shaking his head.

"How is he?" Alex asked.

"Not good," Jake explained, "he thinks she's still alive."

"What makes him think she's still alive?" Monica asked.

"The body has a tattoo on its hip, Donovan swears she would never have that done." Jake said, feeling sorry for Donovan.

"But," Cody said.

"But, Tom showed Donovan some surveillance photos that were taken a couple days ago." Jake answered.

"He's in denial," Monica diagnosed, "he's been under a lot of pressure lately."

They looked up when they saw Tom and Donovan walk out of the office.

"I'll call you with all the flight information to Ireland." Tom said going towards the door.

"What's up?" Alex asked, "Going on a trip?"

"Then we're going with you." Jake responded.

"No, " Donovan responded, "I'm going alone."

"Well, then don't be surprised if you see me there getting another stamp in my passport." Jake replied, sitting down.

"I could always bug your stuff to find you." Cody chipped in.

"I could work on my accent right about now." Alex smiled.

"And I could always have you relieved of duty citing emotional distress." Monica threatened.

Tom couldn't help but laugh, "It's a good thing they're on our side Donovan. You better listen to them. You'll need all the help you can get. "

"So, where are we going boss?" Jake smiled, putting his feet up on the desk and hands behind his head, pleased with himself.

"Ireland." he smiled, "You have one hour to get what you need and met back here or I'll leave without you. Pack warm."


"By the way, you're welcome," Jake tossed over his shoulder, heading out the door.

"Thank you." Donovan replied after they left.


A few hours later

"I think I could get used to life of a 'Company man'." Cody smirked, relaxing into the private jet.

"Don't get too comfy, we have work to do." Monica said, smacking his feet off her seat.

"Does anyone have any clue to what we are going to do or what's going on?" Alex asked, twirling a cigarette in her fingers. Donovan was eyeing it and glared at her. "Don't worry, I'm not going to smoke it."

"Yea, are you going to fill us in?" Jake asked gripping the arm of the seat as turbulence hit the plane.

Alex laughed as Jake's knuckles turned white from his grip.

"What?" Jake glared at Cody, "I'm not an easy flyer. Want to make something of it?"

"I didn't say anything." Cody smirked, "Wuss."

"Do any of you know anything about the Real IRA?" Donovan asked.

"Irish Republican Army." Alex replied.

"No." Donovan stated.

"The Real IRA is a group of fanatics that branched out from the IRA after the peace talks." Monica answered.

"What else do you know about them?" Donovan asked her.

"They'll do what they need to do to promote their cause." Monica continued, "The IRA targets only the military. The Real IRA would target anyone, man, woman and child. The Real IRA will not negotiate for anything, while the IRA will. Funny thing is, the Real IRA is on the terrorist watch list, but the IRA isn't."

"Are you serious?" Cody asked.

"Blame the State Department on that one." Monica replied, "Am I correct?"

"Yes," Donovan replied, "why don't you get some rest. We have a couple more hours to go. An hour before we land, I'll brief you on what we're going to do."

"There's something else he's not telling us about this." Jake whispered to Alex.

"I think he'll tell us when he's ready." she replied closing her eyes.