A/n: thanks for your reviews, guys. Sorry this is a bit later than I said, my internet's down cos the cat chewed a hole in the modem wire. Trust me, it's not the strangest thing she's ever eaten. I'm having to borrow a friend's computer to post this, so bear with me.

Chapter 21: Nightmares

Max was riding on a cushion of elation as she headed back to Logan's on her motorcycle. She'd already called Bling from outside the Cale mansion, and he was overjoyed at the news Logan was safe and well. Max had no doubt that he'd have packed the car with everything his employer could possibly need by the time she got there.

When she'd stopped off at her apartment to collect some clothes for Brin, Cindy had been equally pleased at the news. "At last," her best friend had said, "Now you and that boy of yours can finally get past all your issues and knock boots already."

"I'm just glad he's safe," said Max, absently, sorting through her jeans. Then she noticed Cindy staring at her. "What?"

"You didn't say 'we're not like that.' If I knew that's what it would take to get you to admit the way you feel about Logan, I'd have kidnapped him myself months ago."

Max just couldn't bring herself to wait until morning to see Logan; she felt a terrible desire to just run to him and never let him out of her sight again. Maybe that's what this 'love' thing is all about, she thought. I can't cope with not having him around. How the hell did that happen? She rounded the last corner and was heading towards Logan's building when her path was blocked by at least a dozen black military Hummers.

Oh, shit, she thought, swerving into a nearby alley and parking the motorcycle. She crept back to the mouth of the alley where she could see what was going on. Lydecker and about fifty of his men emerged from their vehicles and headed for the lobby, with several remaining outside on guard.

It was a recurring nightmare for Max; soldiers in black fatigues swarming over Logan's beautiful apartment, invading the safest place she knew. She felt violated, almost, imagining her own personal antichrist poking through the place that meant so much to her. There was little she could do, and the knowledge was tearing her up inside. The only thing she could provide was a warning; but if she knew Lydecker it was already too late. Max pulled out Logan's cell phone and called Bling.

"Hello?"

"Bling, it's me. I'm outside watching Lydecker's men surround the building. Where are you?"

"Sitting in the car two blocks away. I got a call from Matt saying there was a military convoy headed my way so I hauled my ass and Logan's files the hell out of there. I tried to call you but you didn't pick up."

"I, uh, have a lot on my mind. Must've just not heard the phone over my motorcycle. Meet you at safe house 3 in an hour?"

"Sure thing, Max. See you there."

Several hours later, Max parked Logan's Aztec outside the benighted farm. The area was completely still and silent. Not even Max's ears could pick up any sounds. She crept around the house to the back door and used her lock picks to open it before slipping inside. She made her way through the house until she reached the living room, where she could only stare at the tall figure lying on his back on the converted couch.

He looks so old, she thought, so tired and pale. The moonlight filtering through the window illuminated Logan's face, prematurely greying his fair hair and pale skin. The strong shadows seemed to deepen the worry lines in his skin, making him seem older than ever. Max had to remind herself he was only just into his thirties. It's funny, she thought, I've never seen Logan sleep in a bed before. He looks… peaceful.

Max made her way to Logan's side and knelt on the floor, reaching out tentatively to stroke his cheek. "What have they done to you?" She asked him softly, running gentle fingers back through his hair to brush the swelling on his skull. A sudden wave of terrible fear gripped Max at the realisation of how close she'd come to losing him. "What would I do without you, Logan?" She whispered, still stroking his face.

She was so intent on her unconscious love that she never noticed the black clad figure behind her until a small hand was laid on her shoulder. Max spun around and instinctively dropped into a fighting stance, ready to defend Logan at any cost.

"Brin," breathed Max, recognising her lost sister and relaxing her fighting posture.

Let me know what you thought.