I know some people will be like "How'd that happen?" but I've got answers! Don't worry. I have actually thought about it. Thank you once more for the reviews. Well done for those who got the finger thing (doesn't sound right huh?) I just thought that scene was great in the Gift, like family bickering. I also tried to inject some more McKay humour into chapter 7 and in this one. As you may have seen I have changed the genre to romance/mystery because it fitted better.

dark faith5: You may see an idea of yours during the Holden/Weir part! Thanks for suggesting it. (It was several chapters ago when you reviewed but it shows I remember them!)

Sorry, this chapter is a bit wordy as I try to explain the whole Holden/Sumner thing.

Chapter 8

"I don't understand! How did we not know about this? Not even us, you, how did you not know about this?" John Sheppard almost shrieked at the startling news about Holden and Sumner.

Elizabeth sighed and rolled her eyes as he accused her, like Rodney, of not knowing this very important detail.

"First of all, there was nothing in Colonel Sumner's file about family. You saw that yourself" John nodded in agreement. "Plus the pentagon assigned him to this mission, not me. So I didn't know him. Second of all, Holden came on the Daedalus. Before today I have not been allowed to see military files because I am no longer leader of the expedition, files which included his. The only reason I got access was due to Rodney's hacking."

John made a mock gasp sound and looked accusingly at McKay who shot him a defensive glare. "I only have to when I need to!" he claimed but saw Sheppard was joking and actually gave Rodney a grateful smile. He shrugged in response. "Don't mention it."

Focussing his attention back to Elizabeth, John folded his arms. "So his full name is Mark Holden Sumner?" She nodded in response. "Why not use his real name?"

Elizabeth shrugged. "Who knows. There could be a number of reasons."

"So what made you think of Holden as a possible suspect?"

Elizabeth moved closer to the cell door letting John continue his interrogation. "I was just running the past few days in my head when I remembered it was he who found you with Bates. He didn't even ask questions just called for back up. But when Everett ordered him to take you away he seemed hesitant. He then gave me the same look earlier on today."

John frowned. "When did you see him today?"

Elizabeth mentally kicked herself realising she was now going to have to tell John about Everett threatening her. "Well, I sort of had words with Colonel Everett and…"

"Did he hurt you?" John demanded and came right up to the shield. When she looked away he clenched his fists in anger. "Elizabeth? What did he do?"

"Yeah, what did he do?" Rodney asked beginning to get and sound as angry as John.

"He just…he pushed me over and I hurt my back that's all. I swear." She hurriedly said. Seeing the disbelief on Sheppard and McKay's faces she went on. "I think he was planning to go further but Lt. Holden turned up so he just left. He turned up at 5 AM, which is pretty early to be out and about. Before they left Holden gave me a look that, at the time, I couldn't work out. But now I think he…"

"Wanted to tell you." John finished off for her. Seeing the confused expression on Rodney's face he explained, "I've worked with Holden a couple of times and, despite being quiet, he's actually an okay guy. And he never showed any anger towards me." At his own last remark John's eyes glazed over and Elizabeth knew that hearing Sumner had a son only made his guilt about killing him worse.

"Well, I think Everett convinced him to help frame you." Elizabeth concluded and John looked at her in amazement. "What?"

John shook his head. "I knew you'd figure it out just not so soon." He told her and she blushed at his compliment. "So, how are we going to get him to confess?" he enquired allowing some hope in his voice.

Elizabeth gave both men a hesitant look. "I'm going to talk to Holden." She told them and waited for the angry responses.

Five minutes later she was still listening to both John and McKay rant about how much of a bad idea it was and Elizabeth was beginning to worry that the two marines, who had agreed to wait outside again, would come rushing in. She crossed her arms and tapped her foot. Finally it occurred to John and Rodney that they were speaking at the same time and stopped to glare at each other.

"You done?" Elizabeth asked and held up her hand to stop them from speaking again. "I have to and you know it." She said pointedly at John.

Gazing at John she saw him recognise the phrase and he gave her a worried look. "He's dangerous Elizabeth. I hate not being able to protect you from him and Everett." He told her quietly.

Elizabeth felt her stomach flutter at hearing his concern for her and gave him a smile. "I know. I'll have Rodney and Ford wait outside, okay? Holden won't know they're there. But I have to speak to him John. He can clear your name."

After a minute of pondering the idea John gave a nod of approval.

"So, you going to use a tape recorder?" John heard a "Tut!" come from Rodney. Giving him an annoyed glance he asked, "What?"

"Tape recorder? Please! Colonel we are in the 21st century you know!" Rodney drawled. "We'll use a digital microphone which is about the size of a nail. Just pin it to Elizabeth's top and I'll be able to record what Holden says."

John rolled his eyes. "Yes Rodney I do know such bugs exists, I have used them before. I just thought a tape recorder would be faster and easier."

Elizabeth bit back a grin and cleared her throat. Preparing herself for the next uproar she announced, "Then I'll talk to Everett."

Standing down the hall from Holden's quarters Elizabeth tried to keep calm by taking deep breaths. She watched as Rodney fiddled with the tiny microphone and Ford held the laptop that they would use to record the conversation. It had taken a while to convince John that Elizabeth had to talk to Everett too. But eventually, after she threatened to walk out of the cell unless he listened to reason, he came around. Then again maybe Holden's confession will be enough for Caldwell. She wondered and then noticed a pair of fingers snapping in her face. They belonged to Rodney and she gave him an annoyed look.

"Yes. Thank you Rodney, I can see you." She snapped then mentally scolded herself when she saw his worried face. "Sorry. I'm just…a little nervous."

"You don't have to do this Ma'am." Ford told her. "I could give it a try."

Elizabeth gave both men a grateful smile and shook her head. "Thanks for your concern but I need to do this." Seeing the two men's determined faces she added. "It could get emotional."

The strong faces disappeared and the nervous ones returned. "Well, good luck Ma'am."

"Thank you Ford. You'll be right out here, won't you?" she asked.

"Yup. Ford and I will be just here so holler if you have to." Rodney said ignoring Ford's snigger as he said, "holler". "Now, let's get the microphone attached…there! You're all set."

Elizabeth blew out and gave them a nervous grin. "Let's hope this works."

Turning she began to make her way to Holden's quarters at a brisk pace. The sooner I get this over the better she thought and knocked on the door when she reached it. They knew he was there, Rodney had checked the life signs detector and someone was definitely in. Elizabeth could just make out the sound of footsteps approaching the door and stood up straight as it slid to the side.

"Dr Weir!" Holden exclaimed the shock of her visit clearly visible on his face.

"Lt. Holden." Elizabeth greeted in a calm voice. "I hope I'm not disturbing you." She was surprised at how professional she sounded considering her stomach was in noughts.

Holden frantically shook his head "No Ma'am. I'm just reading." He really did seem nervous which made Elizabeth even more certain he was involved in the conspiracy against John. "Would you like to come in?" Holden asked seeing she was here to talk to him.

"Thank you." Elizabeth said and stepped by him into his quarters trying to hide her discomfort at being there with him. She scanned the room for anything out of the ordinary but, with great dismay, saw there was nothing. Turning to face Mark, Elizabeth gave him a sad smile. "Mark, we need to talk."

Holden frowned when she used his first name and looked away from her. "What about Dr Weir?" he asked but Elizabeth had heard the slightly higher pitch in his voice. He knew exactly why she was here.

"I know Colonel Marshall Sumner was your father."

Instead of looking stunned by her statement Mark sighed and sat down on his bed. He rubbed his hands together and looked unsure of what to do. After a couple of minutes he spoke. "Yes, he was. I didn't want to use his name, I wanted to gain respect without it."

Despite hating him for what he had done to John, Elizabeth felt a wave of sympathy for the young marine as she saw the pain on his face. Sitting on the chair next to the bed Elizabeth also sighed.

"I didn't know him very well Mark but, he was one of the bravest men I've ever met." She told him sincerely and he gave her a small smile.

"Thank you." He said quietly. Elizabeth never said anything else and he knew he had to explain. "I never meant for Bates to get hurt. It's not what I wanted."

Elizabeth hadn't realised he would launch into an explanation so soon but changed her sitting position so she was leaning forward using her elbows on her knees for support. "I'm sure you didn't."

"I saw the video Colonel Sheppard sent. And, I was angry at first, but, he looked genuinely sorry for what happened and I see that he feels guilty about it." Holden told her. "Now that I've worked with him and after what he was going to do for Atlantis during the Wraith attack, I can tell he's not a bad man. If anything, he reminds me of my dad."

Elizabeth heard him choke out the last part and moved onto the bed beside him. As if she were his mother she placed a hand on his arm. "Was it Colonel Everett who suggested getting revenge?" she gently asked not wanting to provoke him.

Holden nodded and gave her an apologetic look. "I'm so sorry. When he saw the video message Matthew went mad and started ranting about how we had to avenge my dad. At first he was just talking about getting to Atlantis and then making Sheppard's life difficult. It wasn't long after the Wraith attack when he suggested using violence. I think his encounter with those life-sucking aliens changed him. He's a different man now."

That thought hadn't occurred to Elizabeth. Although she would never forgive the man for his actions, she believed that what Everett went through with the Wraith might have affected him psychologically. She pursed her lips and wondered whether she should tell Mark she was recording this conversation. Her head was screaming not to but her heart believed the boy just missed his father and wanted all this to be over. She, more often than not, followed her heart.

"Mark, there's something you should know." Elizabeth began but then Holden jumped in.

"You're recording me, aren't you?" He asked keeping his eyes downcast. When she never answered he looked at her. "It's okay, it's what I would have done. John Sheppard is innocent. I'll tell Colonel Caldwell right now."

Elizabeth felt relieved that this would all finally be over and stood up as Mark did. He was only in his mid twenties but she knew he would have had a great career in the marines. Damn you Everett! How many more lives will you wreck? She wondered angrily. Just as Holden was about to open the door Elizabeth called out to him.

"Mark!" When he turned around she could see he was ashamed and she knew it was because of what he had done. "Thank you, for confessing. Everett will be charged as well. You're father would be very proud of you for doing the right thing."

The young man nodded and tried to hold back the tears in his eyes. "Thank you Ma'am."

John Sheppard almost jumped out of the brig but stopped himself as Elizabeth Weir was there and he wanted remain cool and calm. Walking up to her he gave the woman a grin and held out his hands.

"Thank you!"

He was rewarded with brilliant smile and, much to his and the two marines with them surprise, a hug. All of John's cool exterior melted and he wrapped his arms tightly around her waist pulling her close.

"Thank you." He whispered into her ear.

"Mmmmmm." John moaned as he shoved more of his turkey sandwich in his mouth.

Ford and Teyla grinned while Rodney made a disgusted face. "Please Colonel. Some of us are still eating."

Everyone else rolled their eyes but John's were then drawn to the doorway. Elizabeth had just walked into the mess hall and looked worried. Waving to her John stood to greet her.

"Hey! What's up?" he asked concerned.

"It's Colonel Everett. We can't find him." She explained unable to keep the fear from her voice.

John dumped the rest of his sandwich and turned back to the table. "Let's go get him. Ford, Teyla, gear up. For all we know he's planned something else."

Both nodded and shot off to their quarters. "Let's get to the control room and have a talk with Caldwell."

Once in the control room Elizabeth saw that Holden was still sitting with Caldwell in his office. He had explained everything, even how they'd orchestrated the attack on Bates. Caldwell had immediately ordered Sheppard's release and kept Holden for further questioning. He also sent a security team to apprehend Everett but couldn't find him in the immediate vicinity. Now Elizabeth was scared knowing he was roaming Atlantis, probably aware of Holden's confession. She could tell John was nervous too and so had instructed Rodney to stay with her no matter what. If Everett knew it was her who figured it all out, he would be even more pissed than he was before.

Caldwell noticed their arrival and came out of the office.

"Colonel Sheppard. I apologise for the false accusations against you." He said impressing John for admitting his mistake.

"Thank you sir. I'm more worried about Everett now."

"I agree Colonel. Set up three security teams to search Atlantis and tell them to use whatever force necessary to stop him." Caldwell ordered.

John nodded and turned to leave. Elizabeth grabbed his arm.

"John!" she said. "Be careful."

John's heart skipped a beat at hearing her concern for him. Giving her a reassuring smile he told her "I will be."

She squeezed his arm and then reluctantly released him and watched John bound down to the gateroom where both marines and air force officers had assembled. Glancing at Rodney they both gave a nervous sigh and sat down on two seats over looking the Stargate.

Once John had organised the three teams he then sent teams 2 and 3 off with Teyla and Ford in charge. Before leading team 1, John gave Elizabeth a final, determined look and set off. Elizabeth felt a little relieved as he did, knowing that John would catch Everett.

Author's note: Wow! That was long. Think I'll have some whompin for y'all in next chapter. I'm nearly finished.