She watched the blonde lady warily, her arms protectively around her brother. He sat still, also watching the stranger. Maggie had never known anyone in her life who intended her harm, so when the lady had told her that Daddy was hurt, she went with her. She'd even let her hold Tommy. When she asked where Grandpa was, the lady had said he would meet them where they were going. She'd never had reason to doubt any adult. She had even shown her a badge. And police officers could always be trusted. After all, Mommy and Daddy were police officers...and so were the other important adults in her life. But now...she was beginning to wonder about this lady. So far, she'd been nice. She'd gotten her a hamburger and fries, and she had a jar of baby food for Tommy. But Maggie wouldn't let her feed him. Tommy was her baby and her responsibility. So she fed him. Now she sat on the big bed and watched the lady.

Nicole sat on the other bed. "So, Maggie..."

"Where's my daddy? You said he was hurt."

"Oh, he's hurt. But I'm not taking you to him just yet. We're playing a little game of hide and seek with your daddy."

She was trying to be brave and not cry, but it was hard. She held Tommy closer. That helped. She had her baby to take care of. "I want my daddy."

"Soon, sweetheart. Soon."

She watched the lady open a suitcase and take out two sets of pajamas, one for her and one for Tommy. They weren't even her favorite pajamas. "Here, Maggie. Put your pajamas on and I'll get the baby ready..."

"No. He's my baby. I'll dress him."

"Don't you let mommy and daddy take care of him?"

She stuck out her jaw stubbornly. "You're not mommy or daddy. Nobody else takes care of my baby, except Uncle Mike or Grandpa."

"Uncle Mike? Who's Uncle Mike?"

"He's Uncle Mike, that's all." Her little eyes narrowed. "My Uncle Mike. And Tommy's."

Nicole handed the baby's pajamas to the stubborn child, along with a diaper and baby wipes. His daughter was every bit as annoying as Bobby was. This was going to be interesting, to say the least.

It was well past midnight and he was beyond exhausted. He pulled out his phone and called her. "Hey," she answered, her voice quiet.

"Hey," he replied, stifling a yawn. "Where are you?"

"We just left the hospital. I'm with Carolyn."

"Go home with her and we'll meet up in the morning."

"I..." She stopped and sighed. "Ok, fine."

"No. What were you going to say?"

"Never mind."

"Eames..."

"I was just going to say I need you. That's all. But it's not important."

"No, it is. Ask Carolyn if she minds bringing you to Mike's and I'll meet you there. I...I can't go home. Not...not now."

"Hold on." He heard her talking with Barek. Then she said, "We'll meet you at Mike's."

"Good. Uh, your dad...?"

"He hurts, but he's doing okay."

"Good. Was he able to tell you...what happened?"

"Yes. The kids didn't see it."

He breathed a sigh of relief. "I'll see you soon."

He closed the phone and rested his head back. Logan looked at him from the driver's seat. "Is John okay?"

"As okay as he can be. The kids didn't see her attacking him."

"Good. What are we doing?"

"Going to your place. Eames and Barek will meet us there."

"You got it."

Forty minutes later, he and Logan were sitting in the living room discussing the contacts they'd made. The door opened and the two women came in. Goren studied his wife with a practiced eye; she looked as tired as he felt. She dropped onto the couch beside him and pressed herself into his side. He slid his arm around her and held her close, kissing the side of her head. She hugged him and didn't loosen her hold.

Logan watched the interaction and felt some of his apprehension fade. This ordeal would do one of two things. It would draw them together or it would tear them apart. At first he was afraid it would be the latter, but now, after the initial shock had passed and emotions had settled, it appeared the opposite would be true. Eames was reaching out to him for comfort and security, and he was drawing her in. That was a very good sign.

Logan stretched. "It's been a really long day, and I'm ready to drop. You guys look about the same. So how about we get some sleep and see what we can find out tomorrow. We've got feelers all up and down the East Coast and as far west as the Central Time Line. There's nothing more we can do right now. Crash wherever the hell you want. Good night."

Barek leaned over and kissed Goren's cheek. "It'll be all right, Bobby."

She met Eames' eyes and headed down the hall to the bedroom. Goren leaned forward to meet his wife's eyes. "How are you doing?"

"I feel...incomplete. I can't kiss them good night...or hold them..." A tear escaped and rolled down her cheek. "Did they have dinner? Maggie doesn't have her bunny...or you...she must be so scared. And Tommy..."

She buried her face in his shirt. He fondled her hair and kissed her head. Her fears mirrored his. "I know," he whispered. "I know."

Slowly, her sobbing eased and he knew by the rhythm of her breathing that she was asleep. He eased himself back onto the couch until she was resting comfortably, mostly on top of him, and he let his mind wander. He dozed off from time to time, but he was jolted awake by nightmares or by her restless stirrings. Mostly he was awake, thinking and trying to figure out where to look for Nicole and his children...and exactly what he was going to do when he found them.