Title: You Can Never Escape Your Past
Spoiler: This story is a continuation of Viva Las Vegas.
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer I have nothing to do with The Agency and receive no
compensation

Since Stiles and Terri are now secretly married. I've changed some of the scenes to have it play out a little different. This part is after Our Man in Washington.

Chapter 19

"So, umm Terri is sleeping. The doctors say she needs lots of rest. Can I get you something?"

"No, thank you." Quinn was trying to feel Stiles out, did he know the whole story or not. "Have you heard from Mr. Nankin?"

"Why in the world would he call me? He is a traitor. He kidnapped my wife. Almost got her and my unborn baby killed." Quinn noticed the anger and rage in Stiles' eyes.

"He did help you find her didn't he?" Quinn wondered exactly what Joshua told him.

Stiles turned his back to Quinn, "Joshua may have been trying to ease his guilty conscience, but I have no interest in anything he has to say, and neither does Terri." Stiles tried to get something out of him. "Why do you care?"

"The man betrayed his country and this agency, I had sworn to get the mole and I will."

"Are you afraid of Nankin?" Quinn began to squirm. Even though he was enjoying it, Stiles needed to let him off the hook. "Look Mr. Quinn, we both know Joshua probably has the goods on you. I really don't care what happens to him. I have no loyalty to him. Do you want me to go after him?"

"You?"

"Yes me. My loyalty is to the agency and my country. You gave me this job. If not for this job, I would have never found Terri. Look, when you brought me in, you said I was going to be your man. Your go to guy. I'll find Joshua for you." Quinn was surprised by this. He was beginning to believe that Joshua and Jackson didn't say anything. He always liked and trusted Stiles. "On one condition."

"Which is?"

"You tell me the truth about why you want Nankin so bad."

Quinn was careful in what he said. "Several years ago Joshua's ex-wife was involved in a failed mission. I suspect she was involved with the North Koreans and pulled in Joshua. If this is how it happened we need to find out and stop him. That was almost 12 years ago. Joshua and his ex have been selling out this agency for 12 years. It started under my watch. I don't like betrayal by my staff. I hired Joshua."

"What happened to his ex?"

"I don't know. Joshua might be protecting her."

"Sir, let me know if you find anything out about Joshua. I'm going to take care of Terri tonight and first thing tomorrow I'll get on finding Joshua."

"Good Mr. Stiles. I'm glad that I could count on you." Stiles and Quinn shook hands. Quinn still wasn't positive he could trust Stiles, but knew that he would be able to use Stiles' love for Terri, just as he used Joshua's love for his ex-wife. Stiles would do whatever he wanted in order to protect Terri and Quinn knew it.

When Quinn walked out, Stiles went upstairs. "Hey Gorgeous." Terri smiled at him. "Gloria, thank you for being here."

"Your welcome Stiles. Do you think Quinn believed you?"

"I hope so." The doorbell rang, "That must be Carl." Stiles went downstairs to open the door.

Gloria took Terri's hand. "Talk to Stiles about what happened. It will make the two of you stronger." Terri smiled and nodded at her.

Carl walked into the bedroom. "Terri, its good to see you home."

"I'm so glad to be home."

"Carl we should get going, we don't want to wear Terri out." Gloria smiled at Terri and both said good bye.

Stiles brought Terri up some dinner. "Stiles I'm not hungry. I want to talk."

"What about?"

"Montreal." Stiles put his head down, he was ashamed about the way he acted. "Stiles, why were you so upset about Brian? What were you thinking? You know I love you. You know I would never hurt you."

Stiles didn't want to talk about it. "Terri I was being stupid. It was all my fault. If I wasn't being stubborn..." Stiles paused. "I would have been with you. They wouldn't have been able to grab you."

Terri put her hand over his mouth. "Shh. Stiles not about after we got back. I'm asking about Brian. Something made you feel insecure about him. I need to know what that was."

"On the plane when we were flying to Montreal. You said you were sorry you broke up with Brian." Stiles looked at Terri. He was hurt by this, and Terri knew it.

"I said I never should have broken up with him for Jeff. I love you. Brian was in the past." Terri suddenly realized. "You were trying to see my reaction. That's why."

"Why what."

"Why you said that maybe I should sleep with him. I never should have answered you like I did. I would never sleep with anyone else." She put both her hands on his face. "I love you. I only want to be with you." Stiles felt ashamed that he even thought that way. "Look, we both have pasts. I broke up with Brian. What about you and Dacia?"

"What about Dacia?"

"Stiles I don't want to fight about it. I should have been more understanding about the way you felt in Montreal because of the way I felt in Hopetown."

"Terri, Dacia and I would have never worked out. I didn't really love her. I'm a real jerk."

"No you're not."

"I can't believe I made you feel that way."

Stiles put his arms around Terri. "I love you Stiles. We need to put the past behind us. We are here and together now. What happened before, it doesn't matter."

"I love you too. Do you really think we can just forget our pasts?"

"No but we can try to leave it there in the past where it belongs." He smiled at her. "Look we don't have time to worry about the past. Before you know it we are going to be running after this little one."

"I can't wait." Stiles rested his hand on her stomach. They both laughed. They continued to talk about the future for a while until Terri fell asleep in his arms.

The next morning Stiles woke up first, he just laid there watching Terri sleep. He couldn't believe he almost lost her. He couldn't believe she didn't blame him, it was all his fault. How could he think that Terri would ever hurt him like that? His mind drifted back even further to the message from Jeff. He actually let two weeks go by without her. She could have died and he realized everything they could have done together during those two weeks. Then he thought back to all the stupid things he had done since the day he met her. He was so caught up in these thoughts he didn't even notice Terri was awake. She could tell something was bothering him. "Stiles are you okay?"

"I was just thinking."

"About?"

"How I don't deserve you. I've been such a jerk, since day one. Why are you still here with me?"

Terri smiled at him, "We both made mistakes. I love you, and even with all the mistakes I've always felt loved by you." Terri kissed him.

"I'm sorry." Stiles held Terri close. "I love you so much. I'm going to make it up to you."

"You already have." Terri took his hand and put it on her stomach and smiled at him.

Stiles got ready and went into the office. He walked into Quinn's office. "Any word from Joshua?"

"No."

"I saw him leave with Jin Kim. Do you think they have him in North Korea?"

"Its possible, but my reports don't show Kim leaving the country."

"Sir. Terri's life could be in danger if he is still around."

"I don't think they would risk going after her again." Quinn wanted to be sure Stiles thought he was concerned about Terri. Well actually he was, but not on a personal level, she was one of the best artists in OTS. "You didn't leave her alone?"

"No her Mom was there. Also Maddox is guarding the house."

"Good. We can't let anything happen to Mrs. Stiles."

Stiles left Quinn's office as Gage was walking in. "Stiles I'm glad you're back. How's Terri doing?"

"She's doing good. Resting. Her mom is with her. My mom was going to stop by later on."

"I'm glad. Give her my best."

"I will. Thank you." Stiles walked away he wanted to be sick. Just the sight of Gage and Quinn made him mad.

Gage walked into Quinn's office. "Robert, where the hell is Nankin?"

"I don't know. I'm still trying to find out about Kim."

"Do you think Stiles suspects about Joshua?"

"I don't think so. He is mad at him for almost killing his wife."

"It wasn't Joshua that almost killed Terri. It was us. More to the point you. Robert how could you know where she was and not rescue her?"

"Tom, I'm surprised at your stupidity. We need Joshua in good with Kim, and we need Kim. We are going to get control of Korean intelligence. Don't you know what that is worth?"

"Not Terri's life. I don't know how I ever let you convince me to go along with this."

"You want the same things I do Tom. Don't play Mr. Goody two shoes with me. Your hands are just as dirty as mine."

Tom walked out of the office he was disgusted with all that happened . He sat down in his office and wrote out his resignation. He realized he had become exactly what he swore he never would. He was hurting the people he cared most about, and he was hurting the agency. When he was done with his letter of resignation he wrote letters to, Kay, Dave, Carl and Stiles. He gave them all the information on Quinn. Quinn would pay for what he did. Tom stood up and walked out of his office for the last time. He got in his car and drove away.

Lex, Jackson and Carl were listening to the bug. They heard Tom on the phone. "Kay, it's me. I'm so sorry for everything that you are about to find out about me. I have always loved you. Please don't think too badly of me. I'm sorry."

Lex asked. "What's going on?"

"I don't know" Jackson answered. There questions were answered as the heard the gunshot. The three men looked at each other horrified at what they knew happened. Carl picked up the phone to call Stiles.

Stiles was in shock as he hung up the phone. He couldn't believe what Carl had just told him. He slowly walked into Tom's office. Most of the anger and fear he had felt for his uncle was fading. He was trying to remember how great he was to him growing up. Stiles walked up to the desk and saw the notes. He picked up all of the envelopes. He saw the one with his name on it. Stiles wasn't sure if he really wanted to know what it said. He sighed as he opened it.

Dear A. B.

I have always loved you like one of my own, since the first time Dave brought you around. You were just a little squirt then. Kay and I both fell in love with you and your mother that day. We were so happy that Dave would have the family he had always dreamed of having.

He always told me what a great son you were to him. You truly are his son, my nephew. I no longer have the right to call you that anymore. I know how much I hurt you. I saw the disappointment in your eyes when you got back from Mexico, but you have always had good instincts, I think you began to realize and lose respect for me even before that.

I only wish that I had followed your instincts, instead of mine.

I have no explanation other than I got greedy. You were right that night in the hospital it was all my fault. I let Quinn convince me that Joshua as a double agent was a good thing. I even did nothing in December when Quinn killed my friend. He was trying to help and I just did nothing. I didn't know he killed him until after, but I didn't do anything once I knew. I should have stopped him then.

When Holland was getting close to finding out about Joshua in December, Quinn told me the whole story. At first I couldn't believe it. Quinn convinced me that I would look like a fool that this was going on behind my back this past year. Then he told me that I could probably become the President one day if I actually pulled this off under my watch here.

I didn't know that the mole had told them about the Iraq mission until December. You could have been killed and right then and there I should have pulled the plug, by that time Quinn had too much on me. I had no choice but to go along with him.

I do promise you I didn't know where Terri was, and didn't know that Quinn knew until after the fact. I hope you and Terri can find it in your hearts to forgive me for all the pain I caused the two of you. Please take care of each other.

I do love you both and wish you all the happiness in the world.

Uncle Tom.

Stiles put his head in his hands and started to cry. He let go of the anger, and all that was left was pity. He felt sorry for Kay and the kids. He felt sorry for Dave, and he felt sorry for Tom. He hated that everyone was going to find out what he did. He was disappointed that Tom couldn't face up to this, that he had to take the easy way out. Why couldn't Tom realize that if he had just told Stiles this, Stiles would have stood by him whatever happened?

Stiles first instinct was to strangle Quinn. He was just about to go to Quinn's office when Terri walked in the office. Stiles wiped his eyes. "Terri what are you doing here?"

"Gloria and Carl brought me." she walked up to him and put her arms around him "Are you okay?" Stiles shook his head no. "I'm sorry about Tom." Stiles nodded and handed her the letter. Terri read it. Carl and Gloria walked in they wanted to give them a minute.

Carl put his hand on Stiles shoulder. Stiles handed him his letter. "Uncle Tom left this for you."

Carl sat down and opened the letter.

Carl,

I'm sorry for everything that I have done. I pushed you out and let Quinn move in. That was one of my biggest mistakes. In your file cabinet in the second drawer from the top is everything you need to rid the agency of Quinn for good. In my letter of resignation I explained why I thought you should be the new Director. I hope that is the direction the president chooses and I hope you agree to accept it.

Good luck. I'm sorry that you have to clean up my mess. I'm sorry that I let you down.

Tom

Carl and Gloria went to his office and opened the filing cabinet. Terri and Stiles followed him.

Carl couldn't believe what he saw in the file. All of them were in shock. Gloria shook her head in disbelief. She knew she needed to call her boss, she took out her cell phone. "Avery, its Gloria. Remember when you told me to keep an eye on Quinn. Well we've got him. Come to Carl's office at Langley right away."

Carl smiled. "Its over. Quinn is going to pay for everything." Carl's cell phone rang it was Jackson, when he hung up he told them. "They found Gage in his car. The police are going over to tell his wife."

Terri took Stiles' hand. "Stiles, no matter what Tom did, we need to be there for Kay, the kids, and Dave." Stiles nodded he knew that she was right.

Carl knew that Stiles wanted to see this through. Quinn almost killed his wife and baby. "I'll call you as soon as we finish here."

Terri and Stiles thanked them again and left for Kay's house.

Avery arrived at Carl's office and they began going through the records. Avery was surprised at all of the proof Carl had. "Carl, where did you get this?"

"Tom left it for us." Carl remembered that Avery had worked with Tom when he was in the Senate. "Avery, I'm sorry. It looks like Tom killed himself. He went along with Quinn, almost got Terri Stiles killed."

Avery couldn't believe it. Tom killed himself. "Who is Terri Stiles?"

Gloria told her. "So much has happened I guess you don't know. Stiles and Terri have been married since New Year's Eve."

"Stiles hasn't killed Quinn yet?" Avery asked shocked.

"There's more to that." Carl added. "Tom was Stiles step-uncle."

"Dave's son." Carl nodded.

After reading through everything they decided this needed to go directly to the president. Carl and Avery drove to the White House.

Terri and Stiles knew that there place was with Tom's family. When they arrived Stiles immediately walked over to Dave and gave him the letter. Dave and Stiles went into the study where Dave read the letter.

Tom explained everything. Including how he was responsible for almost getting Stiles killed and Terri's kidnapping. Everything was going to be coming out soon. He asked for his forgiveness for almost taking away his son and daughter-in-law, and especially his first grandchild.

"Stiles you worked for Tom?" Stiles nodded. "I don't understand."

"It is going to all come out soon enough. He allowed the continued operation in which someone was acting as a double agent."

"Not you, was it?"

"No. This man compromised a mission I was on. Terri figured out he was the mole, she confronted him. Then the North Koreans kidnapped her." Dave put his hand on Stiles' shoulder. He knew how hard this must be for him. "Dave, you can't tell anyone, even Ma. This story will come out without any names."

Dave nodded, he hugged his stepson, "I'm so sorry for everything Tom did to you."

"It doesn't matter."

Dave was furious, "He went out and recruited you!"

"No. He was surprised that I was there. I was recruited by the liaison for Homeland Security, Robert Quinn."

"Quinn, Tom always talked about how despicable he is. Tom was going along with Quinn's plans."

"He left enough information to put Quinn away for a long time."

"I still can't believe he killed himself. I guess I wish he was brave enough to face the consequences of his actions."

"Me too."

Terri knocked on the door. "Stiles its me."

"Come in." Dave answered. When Terri walked in Dave gave her a hug. "I'm so sorry for everything my brother did to you. To both of you." Terri knew that Stiles was going to tell Dave everything but it still surprised her hearing it.

"The police just showed up."

All three of them walked out. Stiles had his arm around Terri. Dave walked in front to talk to the detectives. "I'm Dave Gage, Tom's brother." Terri and Stiles saw Kay sitting there crying. She couldn't believe Tom killed himself.

"Mr. Gage, your brother did not commit suicide. There was no residue on his hand. The wound was inflicted from two feet away. He obviously couldn't hold the gun that far away. This is now a murder investigation."

Stiles and Terri just looked at each other. They both knew that Robert Quinn had something to do with this.

Carl and Avery were waiting outside the Oval Office. President Bush was expecting them. They were finally called into his office. Carl spoke first. "Mr. President, we have a very serious situation at the CIA."

"I know. I just heard that Tom Gage was murdered." Avery and Carl looked at each other shocked. "That's not what this is about?"

"No Sir. Director Gage left this for you." Carl handed him the letter of resignation.

President Bush read it and was in shock. "Mr. Reese, is this true Robert Quinn has been risking the lives of our agents."

"Yes Sir. I have all the proof right here."

"How many Americans died at his hands?"

"Sir we had two agents who were brothers Eric Callan died about two years ago and his brother Matt was killed just last May. Both operations were compromised by the mole."

"Which was started while Quinn was the director?"

"Yes Sir. Twelve years ago. As Director Gage explained, he went along with it when he found out about it in December."

"I can't believe this of Tom. Robert, well. We all know Robert, but even this surprises me about him."

"One of our officers Ms. Lowell, was kidnapped when she figured out who the mole was. Quinn knew where she was. He did nothing to try to rescue her, even when he learned they were going to take her to North Korea."

"Is she ok?"

"Yes Sir, her husband who is also one of our officers Mr. Stiles."

"Stiles, isn't he the one who helped my brother last November."

"Yes Sir, Mr. Stiles and Mr. Nankin, the double agent came up with a plan to rescue her. She was shot during the attempt, but she is fine now. Sir, we have Mr. Nankin and Jin Kim from North Korea in custody at a safe house until this matter is resolved."

"It seems Mr. Reese that you have the situation under the control I'm impressed with the way you handled this. I would like to speak to Mr. Stiles and Miss Lowell."

"Well actually Sir it is Mrs. Stiles. I'm sure that is what she will be going by now that their marriage and that she is expecting is public knowledge."

Carl called Stiles on his cell phone. Stiles and Terri headed straight for the White House. They couldn't believe the President wanted to see them. When they arrived they were escorted in. President Bush shook hands with both of them. "Mr. Reese, Miss Pohl could you excuse us for a few minutes." Carl and Avery got up to walk out. "Mr. Stiles, I understand you were a Major for the Marines before being recruited for the CIA."

"Yes Sir."

"Your military record is unbelievable. I'm proud to meet a man that is willing to give so much for his country." Stiles nodded a silent thank you.. "It must really hurt to feel that you were betrayed by that country."

"Sir?"

"What Mr. Quinn,. Mr. Gage, and Mr. Nankin did to both you and your wife, you must feel like you were betrayed."

"Sir I was not betrayed by my country, just by bad men. I think Mr. Nankin was dragged into something and once Mr. Quinn had him there, he couldn't do anything. Director Gage had some options to stop Mr. Quinn, he just got greedy."

"We all agree that Mr. Quinn will pay for his betrayal. Betraying you and our other agents was definitely a betrayal of our country." He looked at Terri and smiled. "Mrs. Stiles, I'm glad that you and your child will be fine."

Terri smiled back "Thank you Sir."

"In Mr. Gage's letter he suggests Mr. Reese as his replacement. The two of you were hurt the most by what happened at the CIA. I want to know what your impression is of Mr. Reese."

Stiles stood up. "Sir. Mr. Reese was one of the very few people I knew I could trust while I was trying to find Terri." Terri nodded in agreement.

"That was all I needed to know." he pressed the intercom. "Could you please send Mr. Reese and Miss Pohl back in? Thank you." Carl and Avery walked back in and sat down next to Stiles and Terri. "Mr. Reese I'm convinced you are the type of man I want running the CIA. Are you interested?"

"Of course. Thank you Sir." President Bush shook hands with Carl.

"Good now we need to decide exactly what to do with everyone involved. Quinn is easy. Miss Pohl I want you to arrest him for the murder of the two Callan brothers."

"What?" Terri looked at them shocked.

Carl answered her. "Both of those missions were compromised by the mole."

The President continued. "As well as the attempted murders of Agent Stiles and the other two agents in Iraq, kidnapping and attempted murder of Agent Lowell-Stiles. Espionage against the United States and any other charges you can think of on your way to Langley. Don't forget I also want him questioned for the murder of Tom Gage."

Avery stood up. "Yes Sir. I'll get over there immediately." As Avery left she called Gloria and arranged for back up to meet her at Langley to arrest Quinn.

"Now we need to discuss Jin Kim."

"Sir." Carl began. "I think we have enough on him to get him to cooperate with us. If he makes one false move, we have the proof that for the past twelve years he was a puppet for the CIA. I don't think he would want his superiors to know that. He is next in line for the head of intelligence in North Korea. In a position of power maybe he can help us prevent a war with North Korea."

"Ok. I can go along with that. What about Mr. Nankin?"

Terri looked at everyone as betrayed as she felt by what Joshua did, she couldn't forget how important he was to her. If it wasn't for him, Stiles would have never known where she was. Stiles could see how Terri was conflicted so he made a suggestion . "Sir that is a difficult one. He was acting on orders, right or wrong. In the end, he wouldn't allow Quinn to let Terri be taken to North Korea."

Carl added. "I know how terrible he feels about everything, but Mr. Stiles is right he was following orders."

"Give him a strong reprimand and suspension. If you think you can trust him, that's good enough for me. Now we need to talk about one more thing you need an Assistant Director to take your job."

Carl looked at Terri. "Mrs. Stiles how would you like to be my assistant?"

Terri looked at Stiles who smiled and nodded yes to her. "Yes Mr. Reese, I would very much like that."

"Ok." President Bush stood up and congratulated Terri and Carl on their new positions. "Let's all get back to work."

Carl, Terri and Stiles walked out of the oval office. They went straight to the safe house were for the first time since Stiles rescued her she would come face to face with Joshua and Jin Kim. She was a little nervous but knew it would be okay, because Stiles was standing by her side.

A/n Please review and let me know what you think. Only one more chapter for this one then I'll start posting the last part of the trilogy The Past Comes Round Again