Here is chapter four. I hope you enjoy it.

Larry and Laurel got into her car and drove off. Larry stared out the window. His mind drifted back to the hospital waiting room. Charlie hadn't looked like a twenty-nine-year-old man. He had looked more like the fifteen-year-old boy that Larry had met years ago.

Laurel spoke up, interrupting his thoughts.

"Do you want to get your car now?" She asked.

Larry shook his head. The idea of riding in his car alone in the dark sent a wave of panic through him.

"C-can we wait until tomorrow?" he asked.

Laurel smiled. She understood. "Okay. How about I stay with you tonight? That way I won't have to drive all the way back to your house the next day."

Larry smiled. He had wanted to ask her to stay but had been afraid she'd say no. When they got to his house Larry went into the bathroom. He gave a start when he caught his reflection in the mirror. His throat was badly burised where the Phantom had squeezed it. It looked like someone had painted a giant hand print on his throat. Larry shuddered and went into the living room.

Laurel was sitting on the couch brushing her hair. When Larry sat down next to her she set her brush aside and gently hugged him.

"You're very brave." She whispered, stroking his hair.

Larry sure didn't feel brave. A lump rose in his throat.

"When-" he began. He swallowed, tried again. "When that gun was pointed at my head, do you know what I was thinking?" Laurel shook her head. "I was thinking, 'please God, don't let him find Charles' and then Charles runs in, right into the path of the gun. Laurel he wasn't worried about his own safety. He was pleading for my life."

Larry stopped, unable to go on. Laurel gently brushed the tears from his cheecks. Larry countinued.

"He blames himself for this Laurel. I've tried to tell him that it's not his fault, but I don't think he believes me."

Laurel smiled. "You'll just have to try harder tomorrow. I know you can get through to him Larry. Don't give up."

Larry smiled and put his head on her shoulder. Laurel reahec out to turn off the light. Larry's heart raced with fear. "Please, don't." he said grabbing her hand. He blushed, embarassed by his reaction. Laurel just smiled and kissed his fingers. "It's all right Larry. I can't say I blame you."

Larry relaxed and closed his eyes. "I'm glad you're here Laurel," he whispered as he fell asleep.

STAY TUNED...