Pulse

Part 2

Brennan stared into the liquid in his glass, watching the way the light reflected off its surface. He didn't notice any of the people sitting at the bar beside him or hear any of the conversations going on around him, he was lost in his own thoughts.

Two days he had been gone from Sanctuary, at first just driving on his bike then finally when exhaustion overtook him he had stopped at a motel. He was only the other side of the city from his friends but he might as well have been the other side of the world for all they could find him. When Brennan didn't want to be found he could stay lost for good if he wanted.

And he wanted to be lost. So he could never see Emma's face twisted in pain again – pain he had caused. He still couldn't figure out what had happened. The only thing he could come up with was her usual defenses must have been down probably after enjoying herself with David.

David! The very thought of him set Brennan's anger aflame again. Everything would have been fine if it hadn't been for Emma's old boyfriend showing up just at the wrong time. Emma would be his now. His to hold, to kiss when he wanted, to make love to..

But not now, she wouldn't want him now, not after what he did. He downed the drink left in his glass then got unsteadily off the bar stool, surprised that he had drunk so much without noticing.

Making his way to the exit he stopped in his tracks when he saw a vaguely familiar face with a rather beautiful blonde woman on his arm who were also heading outside. Brennan swayed slightly as he stood staring then angrily began to shove his way through the crowd after them.

He got to the street and looked either way before spotting the couple just turning down the corner a short distance ahead. He hurried after them, his anger growing as he followed. Turning the corner into an alley he saw them heading towards a car.

"David!" Brennan called out.

The man turned around and smiled slightly when he saw Brennan walking towards him. "It's Brennan, right? One of Emma's friends?"

Brennan stopped in front of him, "That's right. You remember Emma – your girlfriend."

David looked at Brennan in amusement, seemingly unbothered by the fact that he was obviously drunk and very angry.

"How could I forget such a beautiful woman. I mean, she was cute in college but now... What a man could do with that sweet thing!"

Brennan raised his hands, the electricity playing over his fingers, "You son of a ..." he began but abruptly stopped and felt the back of his neck. Turning around he looked at the blonde woman as she calmly slipped the syringe she had injected him with back into her bag. Brennan fell to his knees, looking in astonishment at David.

"You see Mr Mulwray," David began explaining, "It was no accident that I met with Emma again. The people I work for want her but I think they will be even happier if I give them you."

Brennan struggled to stand up but his body refused to cooperate and finally darkness took him as he collapsed unconscious to the pavement.

David looked down at him thoughtfully, "Love makes fools of us all, my friend."