1Tim stared across the table at Jackson, who now donned a few bruises. Tim inspected his work and nodded.
"Looks good. So... Detective Hagen tells me that you've decided to tell us where Marques is."
"Yeah. I don't know where he is but I have talked to him."
"And? What did he have to say?"
"A few days ago he called me, saying he needed a place to stay." Jackson said. "I said he could use my apartment for as long as he needs."
"Where's your apartment?"
"He's not there anymore."
Tim laughed and looked at John.
"He's not there anymore." he repeated.
John nodded, smirking. Tim turned back around and leaned across the table to Jackson. He instinctively leaned back in his chair and Tim grabbed him by his collar.
"I swear to God if you do not tell me where they are I'm going to kick your ass right now and will not feel remorseful."
John stopped smirking.
"Tim..."
"Shut up John..." he said in a very strained tone. "Jackson..."
"I don't know. I went by yesterday and they weren't there. Speedle I swear I do not know where they are. I'll help you though!"
"Yeah how?"
"He has my cell phone number. I told him if he needs anything to call."
Tim stood up straight.
"I want that cell phone and you're coming with me."
"Where?"
"To my A/V Lab. My lab tech will pinpoint Marques' location when he does call."
"That's not going to work." Jackson said. "He uses one of those throwaway phones and you won't be able to get a trace on it."
"Then how you do you plan on helping?"
S/C
Tim quietly shut the door behind him, not wanting Calleigh to know he was there. Of course she'd know he was there though. She had a sixth sense about her husband, always knowing where he was, what he was doing, if he was in trouble... Tim walked upstairs and glanced into Nicky's empty room. He felt anger pulsating through his veins and made a silent vow to get Nicky back. Tim walked further down the hall and stepped into Katie's room. She was sleeping, curled up in a ball at the top of the bed. Tim slowly sat down next to her sleeping form, smiling at the sight of her. Now if anything happened to Katie, to his little Katie, Tim would not forgive himself. He knew he said that about Nicky and Calleigh but with Katie it was different. He wouldn't forgive himself about Nicky or Calleigh either but Katie was his baby girl and... Tim sighed quietly, shaking his head at the thought of his daughter being harmed in any way.
He brushed a stray hair out of Katie's eyes and she frowned from the contact of her father's fingertips against her forehead. Her blue eyes flutter opened and she smiled sleepily.
"Daddy..."
"Hey Princess..." Tim smiled. Katie sat up, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. She clambered into Tim's lap and rested her head on his chest.
"I want Nicky."
"He's coming home soon." Tim tightened his hold on his daughter, kissing the top of her head. "You need to get back to sleep."
He felt Katie nod against him and he laid her back down.
"I love you Daddy."
Tim felt tears spring into his eyes and he pushed them away.
"I love you too Katie."
Calleigh leaned in the doorway, tears falling from her eyes. Tim kissed Katie's forehead as her eyes closed again. He sat there for a few seconds, watching her sleep. Finally he stood up and turned to the doorway, stopping when he saw Calleigh. Their eyes met and Tim felt himself being pulled towards her. He had made her cry too many times and he hated himself for that. Tim pulled Calleigh into his arms and she buried her head against his shoulder.
"I love you." he murmured into her ear and she lifted her head to look him in the eye.
"I want you to stay tonight." and she leaned up to press her lips against his. They met half way and Calleigh's arms went around Tim, her hands winding through his dark hair.
"I will." Tim lifted one hand and brushed Calleigh's tears away. He bent his head and kissed her softly, his hand still cradling her cheek. Calleigh pulled away from him and walked back into their bedroom, shutting the door behind her. Tim stared at the closed door and then slowly approached it, opening it slightly. "Baby?"
"Why don't you just leave now and spare me the heartache?"
"Because I thought about what you said."
"Really? There's a first." Calleigh spat angrily. Tim stared at her back and leaned against the door that he just closed.
"That's not true and you know it."
"I... I want you to go do whatever it is you have to do. Maybe then you'll come to your senses."
"What happened to you saying you wanted me to stay?"
"Because I kissed you and realized that you were going to be gone in the morning." Calleigh replied. "You're already putting me through enough."
"I don't know how many times I have to say it Calleigh." Tim said. "I'm doing this because of you."
"What is it going to take to make you realize that no matter how much you want to you cannot stop what's happening?" she asked, twisting to look at him.
"I've lost too many friends and family over this. I'm not losing the three people that mean the most to me."
"Then leave!" Calleigh exclaimed. "Leave and hide! Don't you think that they'll still be watching once you're gone? Don't you think that they'll take your departure as their advantage and now they can come in and hurt all of us without worrying about you waltzing in?"
Tim crossed the room and sat next to her on the bed.
"Tim, its not going to make a difference whether you leave or not."
"You're right. God Calleigh I'm so sorry."
"For what?"
"For putting you through all of this! You deserve so much better."
"Hey!" Calleigh snapped, grabbing Tim's face with her hands. "If I didn't think I deserve you I wouldn't have dated you all those years ago. I tried getting past you, believe me I did. I hated being alone for those five years but no one could fill your spot because only you fit there. Tim I would've pushed you away when you walked back into my life. I wouldn't be married to you right now and have two amazing children with you if I didn't think I deserve you. You are all I'll ever need and so much more. Yes our life isn't the easiest but I would not trade it for the world."
She dropped her hands and waited for him to say something.
"I think you're crazy." he finally said. "I really do."
"I am, about you." Calleigh smirked and Tim remembered that was the same line he used with her. Had it really only been yesterday that they were standing in Nicky's school, trying to find him? It seemed to be a lot longer that only 24 hours. Calleigh leaned over and kissed Tim. He tugged at the bottom of her tank top, eager to get it off her.
S/C
Calleigh rolled over, her hand hitting Tim's pillow. She had expected to hit him in the face but he was gone and she heard the crinkling of paper under her hand. Calleigh opened her eyes and read the note quickly. She recognized Tim's sloppy handwriting almost immediately, giving herself a minute to wake up.
'Hagen called. Got a lead. See ya at the lab. Last night amazing as always. Love ya, Tim.'
Calleigh yawned widely and noticed the P.S. at the bottom.
'Dropped Katie off at daycare.'
What time was it? Calleigh glanced at the alarm clock on Tim's night stand and let out a yelp. It was 11:21. How did she sleep so late? Calleigh tried to remember the last time she slept that late. Before Nicky was born maybe? And they said things changed after you had a kid.
