Klnolan, thanks for your reviews! You read all my chapters and left reviews for them, that's so nice! I'm glad you like the story, and this chapter is full of Maia, so I hope that you enjoy it! Echo, thanks for letting me know what you think of my story-and for reading it in the first place!I really appreciate it. Tiryns, I'm glad you enjoy Shawn/Tom stories...I do, too! Obviously ( : I hope you do write a 4400 fiction. Please! rockstarhobbit, I'm glad that you like the story, too. As far as your story, I just read it and it's really good! Don't worry, I'm leaving a review, but I think that you have the genuine Shawn/Maia touch. I'm struggling with mine. Thanks again! LostAngel2, thanks a lot for leaving a review and for reading my story and for liking it! Now for Sarah. Well, well. What do I say to this girl? She writes reviews like stories. She could probably publish a book of reviews, let alone the other story I read which she should CONTINUE. LOL Sarah, you are the best reviewer and so nice (and encouraging) that if they gave out awards, you'd receive a "top reviewer" award. Probably a dopey gold crown but all the same. You deserve one. Wear it with pride! And thanks again for all the reviews. They make my day!
Yes. I am lame. I wait for reviews like a child in the candy store. So thanks!
X
SEVEN
Diana opened the door for them. Her smile was faint and seemed an afterthought. Shawn stepped past her, feeling the searching stare rather then seeing it. He knew it was hard for her to accept the 4400's as something other than a disease threat. His uncle had explained it wasn't personal, just her line of work... Shawn fully expected to see Maia standing off in a corner, surveying the scene with solemn eyes. Her absence made him feel uncomfortable. There was nothing to do but turn and face his uncle's partner.
"Hi."
"Shawn." She reached out a hand, and he faltered an instant. Surprised. "I'm glad that you could stay with Maia. She's really looking forward to this. You're the first 4400 she's had a chance to talk to in days."
Tom laughed. "It'll do both of them good. Shawn's been bouncing off the walls."
Diana shot Baldwin a covert glance. "Still having problems?"
"He's been staying inside."
Shawn gritted his teeth. Uncle Tommy made him sound like a coward. Maybe Baldwin caught the message, because he clapped a hand on his nephew's shoulder. "Not that he wouldn't try taking on the whole block single handed."
What, was his uncle proud of him? It was hard to tell, back at the house. But there was no mistaking the tiny glint of affection in that warm gaze. Shawn listened to the rest in confusion.
Instructions. Advice. This woman wasn't shy on letting a person know what she wanted. Or didn't want. Shawn couldn't help wondering where Maia was.
"Hello."
"Hey." Shawn dropped to one knee, automatically feeling more at ease. "How are you?"
"I'm all right. Now." The blond smiled past him, at Diana.
"You really like her?"
Maia nodded.
"Well, she's a very nice lady."
"She said we could order Chinese."
Shawn's eyes widened in appreciation. "We'll have to watch a movie, too."
"A good one."
"Definitely."
"With talking animals."
Hard to remember that Maia hadn't grown up watching television.
"Don't let the novelty overrule your sense of judgement." Diana stepped past him, adjusting Maia's hair.
Shawn nodded. "I won't."
"One movie. Nothing with violence."
"No problem."
"I'd prefer if we kept a handle on the romance, too. She's really not old enough-"
"Sure."
"And as far as language-"
Shawn dove for his knapsack. "Snow White?"
"Oh. Okay."
Baldwin broke the awkward silence. "We're going to be late."
"Oh. Yes, right. Maia, I'll call you before dinner." Diana gathered her things, throwing the elder returnee a warning look. "Take care of her."
Before Shawn could think of a reply both suitable and assuring, Maia slipped an arm around his waist. "We'll be fine."
How strange. A child giving reassurance so maturely. Whatever the reason, Shawn was glad his uncle's friend had left. She made him nervous.
X
"I really like these. What are they?"
Shawn craned his neck to see what the little girl was holding between her fingers.
"Water chestnuts."
He doubted they should be eating on the couch. And Maia had insisted on chopsticks, so chopsticks it was. Halfway through she abandoned the wooden sticks in favor of her fingers, but Shawn didn't have the heart to make her stop. Getting a fork would intrude right upon the scene where the dwarves entered the bedroom, tip toeing toward Snow White.
Maia was strange, in some ways. She didn't ask eternal questions like children her age. Shawn found himself studying the top of her head, wondering what went on in there. It was hard enough to deal with his own problems, how could an eight year old?
The container bumped him in the chest. Maia had definite rules about sharing. She liked contact, too, snuggling against the couch and gradually working her way under his arm.
The Disney movie wound to a finish, and Shawn reached for the remote. Maia sighed beside him. The credits faded to black, and then the local news channel. Shawn moved to turn up the sound, but was restrained by a hand on his arm.
"You won't like it."
"What?"
"You should turn it off."
Shawn studied those unhappy eyes and couldn't help glancing toward the screen.
"And these people are sure that the cause for this assault rests with a new face. These past few days, the whole neighborhood has been uneasy with the knowledge that one of the 4400 has taken residence on this street. Shawn Farrell, apparent nephew of Thomas Baldwin, Homeland Security. Baldwin has been assigned to NTAC in the wake of 4400 people returning to earth in a ball of light. But the real question is, are these people really what they seem? The whole country-"
Shawn held the control so tight it hurt.
"The victim describes the weapon as some kind of a pipe-"
"I told you." Maia reached across, pressing the power button.
"How did-" Shawn fell silent, remembering his uncle's words. Gifts.
"I have to tell Uncle Tommy." Pressing fingers against his face. But Uncle Tommy would already know. Undoubtedly. And he'd expect Shawn to stay cool and wait there for him. There was nothing to be gained by rushing off.
It felt like a set up.
But who?
Gifford. Shawn studied the blank, staring eye of the TV. Would the man go to such trouble? Maybe it was just a common case of 4400 dislike. Suspicion. Unwarranted hatred. Anyone could have...
Gifford.
It had to be.
X
As if I have a choice.
Like there's anything anyone can do to help me.
I'm one of the 4400.
Shawn buttered bread, absently trimming the crusts. Behind him, Maia was earnestly spreading peanut butter. A smudge of pale brown decorated one cheek. Time had seemed to eek away, each minute hovering suspended around him. Time was standing still. He dipped into the spread with a savage thrust. Not the words he wanted to remember. Time standing still. For three years.
He had to get out of here.
There was a probably a warrant or something already out for his arrest. At least, if this had something to do with that reputation obsessed Gifford. Oh, he was one honest character. The memory of that ultra perfect face caused his fingers to slip, the knife clattering to the floor.
Some fun for Maia. Shawn turned his head from his position on the floor, watching the young returnee. Wishing he could make this day up to her. He silently resolved the next time would be different.
Where could he go?
X
Maia watched her sitter in turn, pretending no to notice Shawn's distress. He held a brightly patterned card, studying it in the lamplight. It must have been their seventh game of fish, and he was down by six. The design was pretty, reds but mostly blues and greens. Endangered species pictured in their natural surroundings. Maia glanced down, touching her favorite. A fuzzy faced monkey. Shawn had explained the dog eared cards were his cousin's, the one who was in a coma.
He looked pensive, his kind face turned away from the bright light. Maia felt a pang of sadness, for the shadows surrounding him seemed to take hold in her imagination. Something bad was going to happen. And since she couldn't identify it, there was no warning to give. Nothing to do but wait.
"Maybe we should take a walk." Gently pulling the card from her older friend's grasp. It's not raining anymore."
Shawn jerked his head, focusing on her. "I'm sorry. Maia, I'm not concentrating very well, am I? My turn?"
"We don't have to play anymore." Sorting the cards into a neat little pile. "It's all right. I'd rather talk."
"Don't be so solemn." Shawn reached over, tugging her ponytail. "Is all this hair really yours?"
Maia had to smile, a dimple only adding to her innocent appeal. "Don't tickle me,"she remonstrated."
"Oh. Maia's too grown up for tickling? Who's going to stop me?"
"You shouldn't tickle girls."
"Oh. Why not?" He jumped up, clearing the space between them.
Maia squealed between giggles, her sitter's long legs effectively squashing any hopes of outrunning him. He grinned, reaching for her, arms just brushing her cheek when the blond wiggled free and dove under the table.
Shawn sighed in mock dismay. "I'm babysitting a little monkey." He scratched his head. "Could have sworn it was a girl."
X
By eleven o'clock, Maia was finding it difficult to stay awake. She kept nodding off, despite her best intentions to finish a second showing of Snow White and a bowl of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream. Shawn finally swung her up, trailing blanket and slippers, to perch on his shoulders. "I might drop you," he warned.
Maia responded wrapping vise like arms about his neck. Mid stride to the bathroom, a muffled knock shattered their solitude.
Shawn tensed, wondering why Diana didn't just use her key. The imperious summons sounded again, but louder.
"Police. Open up."
"Maia." The tall returnee didn't set her on the floor, but held her tightly in his arms. The soft blanket fell limply to the carpet.
Maia's face was pale, but she was glad that Shawn didn't let her go. Darkness seemed to ooze from the very walls, clutching them with a cold embrace.
"Last chance. Police! Open up."
Shawn turned the lock, feeling Maia's rapid heartbeat against his chest.
Two uniformed men stood in the hall, their faces wary, far from friendly. Shawn's initial impression was a pair of thugs. Starting to open his mouth, he never got any further.
"Put the child down."
"No." Maia buried her fingers tighter.
"Now."
Shawn complied, bending to tilt the trembling chin. He knew, without words, that she was scared for him and not herself. "Maia." Keeping his voice calm."I'll be okay. Can you stay right here and wait-"
"Sorry. She can't stay here unattended."
"What?" Anger replaced uncertainty. "You're not going to drag her with us-"
"She'll have to come along. Don't worry, one of the women will keep an eye on her."
"She's not-"
"The little girl can wait at the station. Just until her guardian comes."
The second officer shouldered his way forward. "You're wanted for questioning.For assault and battery-" he grabbed the returnee's hands. "You have the right to an attorney." The voice droned on. "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say could be used against you in a court of law."
Cold metal bit into Shawn's wrists. He froze, incredulous. "This is an arrest, I'm not being taken for questioning! You can't-"
"We can and we are." The first police man shoved him, but he resisted, bracing himself against the doorjamb.
Maia. Soft nightgown shrouding the slender form, hair long and sticking every which way. One foot was missing a slipper.
Why hadn't Uncle Tommy returned his call? Hadn't he heard? Shawn wouldn't budge. "She needs to get dressed."
"Listen bud. I've no problem getting physical with you. Big 4400 or not." Turning to the girl. "Get your coat and shoes. You'll only have to sit in a room with a couple of nice ladies. Just until your folks come."
Shawn bit his lip. Maia obeyed soundlessly, turning off the television and righting her empty bowl.
"As for you-" the next shove was far from gentle, and the returnee read dislike and fear in the officer's eyes.
4400.
"Move it."
But Shawn still hesitated, giving Maia time. Time to slip into her jacket and make a wide eyed path to the door. Reaching for his hand, but unable to hold it.
"You're lucky the kid's here. I don't beat up people in front of little kids." Warning shove. "If I can help it."
This time Shawn allowed himself to be led out of the building. Practically falling into the cop car. At the very least, falling sideways, feeling the sharp tug of acceleration. A dark city floated by, lights and sound like earthgrown stars. Shadows of people passing by, lost in a blur of night and remnants of reality.
Because this wasn't really happening.
Hadn't Uncle Tommy reported the attack? The guy had some pull, why couldn't he use it! Shawn let his head fall back. Maia was calmly holding one of the battered playing cards.
"Are you okay?" Shawn twisted to get closer, unable to sit comfortably. Weren't they supposed to take the cuffs off in the car or something? At least put his hands in front of him?
"There's nothing to worry about." Maia broke through his thoughts. Calmly.
He made out the delicate features, now wise and reassuring. Again experiencing that strange feeling that the eight year old was trying to soothe an adult.
"It'll be all right."