CHAPTER 10
"Somethin wrong, Freckles?" Sawyer asked jarring her attention from the suitcase. She glanced up at him and noticed his intent gaze on her.
"No, everything's fine. That case just looks like one of the cases I had on the plane." She said distractedly, her eyes running over his broad chest as small drops of water ran over it.
"Looks like it or is it?" Sawyer asked as he sat it down and picked up his shirt.
Kate's mind started to function properly after the shirt went down over his chest and she thought quickly for a response. "It's mine."
"Well now, isn't it great we just happened to find it?" Picking up the case he went around her and started walking.
Kate went after him. "Are you going to give it to me, or what?"
"Maybe, I would have. If it were actually yours."
"I just told you it was." Kate said picking up her speed to keep up with him.
Sawyer stopped and turned around to face her. "Hell, don't you think I know when you're lyin or not by now? You're pretty good at it, but I can still tell. A minute ago I pretty much could have cared less about what was in here, but now since it seems so important to you I'm kind of curious."
Kate's hands clenched into fists by her side and an unreadable look came over her face. "I want that suitcase, Sawyer."
"We all want a lot of things. I wouldn't mind getting another kiss from you. Doesn't mean I'll get it."
He turned around and continued on his way. Kate stood there for a few minutes watching him go before following him.
She hadn't expected this. What were the chances that just when things started to go nicely between her and Sawyer and she started to little by little forget about her past something like this had it all coming back to slam her in the face.
Kate sighed looking out into the ocean. Watching the wave's crash against the sand. She didn't know why she needed that case so much. What was inside it would only bring back memories she'd want to run from like everything else. But she needed it. Needed it to remind her of what she'd done. So that she would never forget the lives that had been ruined because of her.
She sighed and looked up the beach. Sawyer was no where in sight. He'd disappeared as soon as they'd got back to camp, taking the case with him. He was never going to stop trying until he'd gotten that thing open and found out what was inside.
She didn't want him to open it. Because then he'd have what was in there. And there was no way he was just going to hand it over if she went up to him and asked for it. At least not without the questions. She knew Sawyer. He wouldn't give it up till he knew why she wanted it so much. And she wasn't going to tell him. She didn't want anyone to know why.
That meant she'd have to get it back the only way she knew how. The same way she'd lived her life before she'd become stranded on this island. By doing whatever it took to get it back. Looked like it was time to pay Jack a visit.
"Damn it. Stupid worthless piece of shit." Sawyer's curses rang out as he glared down at the case in front of him.
The damn thing just wouldn't open. No matter what he did to it. It had a lock that needed some kind of key to open it. And unfortunately he didn't have it. He supposed he could just ask Freckles how she planned on opening it if she got it, but he seriously doubted she was just going to tell him.
Leaving the case alone for a moment he sat back and thought for a second. Who could help him to get it open?
There was no way he was going to ask Dr. DoRight. All he'd get were a ton of questions about the case and when St. Jack found out Kate wanted it he'd take her side. Besides Sawyer couldn't see the good old doc breaking into someone else's stuff.
Mr. Miyagi was out as well. How the hell was he supposed to ask him if he knew how to get it open if neither of them could even understand what the hell the other was saying? The whole thing would just be one big waste of time.
The weird guy who always had Sticks brother trailing around behind him weren't anyone he even wanted to consider. Something was off about those two. The way they always disappeared into the jungle and never came back with any food defiantly crept him out. What were two guys doing all day out in the jungle? That was something he didn't even want to think about.
The big guy and his loser VH1 has-been friend were out. He didn't even have to think about it. He doubted they would have any good ideas on how to get it open. Of course he could always try pounding the Limey runts head against it. Though he didn't think that would do much good. But it would be fun to do.
The Omar would seem like a good idea, but he was only good at fixing things. And electronic things at that. Breaking open a suitcase really wasn't fixing something. More like the opposite.
The last person he could really think of was ole Mickey. He was supposed to be some kind of construction worker, right? He would probably be the best choice. Maybe he'd at least have a good idea to try and get it open.
"Hell, might as well ask him. Got nothing better to try." Sawyer muttered to himself. Getting up Sawyer grabbed the case and headed away.
Kate glanced around the caves as she arrived there. It had been a while since her last visit here. She hadn't been here since Claire had been kidnapped and they'd gone after her. Since then she'd been sticking to the beach as she healed.
The place still looked the same as before. Everyone who still lived at the caves was spread out all over the place. Picking her way around them she headed in the direction she hoped Jack was.
He was just inside the caves with his back to her talking to Hurley. "Hurley, I want you to tell her that she should only take a little bit a day. One pill if possible and I only want her to take two if it's absolutely necessary to."
"Okay I got it." Hurley said nodding.
"You sure, Hurley? Make sure you tell her the exact same thing." Jack said warningly.
"Dude, I got it. I'll go tell her now. Besides you've got some company." Hurley said motioning towards Kate.
Jack turned around and noticed her. "Oh, hey Kate."
"Hi, Jack." She smiled tentatively. "You got a minute?"
Hurley left the cave as Jack spoke, "Sure, Kate, what is it?"
"Sawyer and I went out in the jungle earlier today. While we were out there we kind of found a suitcase." She paused and Jack waited for her to continue. "It belonged to the Marshal. Inside are 4 nine millimeters. Sawyer has the case."
"Has he opened it yet?" Jack asked.
"No, not yet. But I doubt it'll take him long."
"Well, what do you want me to do, Kate?" Jack asked looking at her closely.
"I just don't think Sawyer should get a hold of them. Do you really want him going around here with a case full of guns, Jack?"
Jack watched her quietly. "You still don't trust him? Even after what happened."
"Do you trust him enough to let him keep them?" She shot back.
Jack was silent for a moment. "Okay, if that's the way you want to do it. Let's go before he does get it open."
Jack started away from the caves. Kate stood for a moment looking as if she were torn between something before a determined look overcame her face. Squaring her shoulders she went after him.
"So what do you think? Will you be able to get it open?" Sawyer asked watching Michael as he looked the case over.
"I don't know man. I might, but it's going to be kind of hard. Opening a Halliburton is like trying to open a safe without the combination."
"You could use dynamite. Like they do in movies." Walt piped up from his spot where he was watching them.
Sawyer turned toward him with the irritation showing plainly on his face. "Thanks kid for the great idea. And where exactly are you gonna get dynamite on this damn island? Make some?"
Properly chastened Walt chose to keep his mouth shut and turned to Vincent.
"Do you think you could try and get it open?" Sawyer asked turning back to Michael.
"Sure man I wouldn't mind trying. But what am I going to get in return?"
"And I always figured you for a guy who'd do something out of the kindness of his heart." Sawyer said looking Michael over.
"Yeah, well out here things change." Michael answered crossing his arms over his chest.
"Fine, Chief." Sawyer said as he started to walk away. "If you can get it open you can have your pick of whatever you want from my tent. After you get it open though come get me first before anyone else."
"Okay." Michael called after him before turning back to the case. "Now let's see what we can do with this."