Chapter 16- Born to Run, Part 1

"Thanks for everything Jack," Kate said as she lowered herself down onto the bed next to him.

Jack looked up from the note he was reading and then placed it behind his back as he accepted a kiss from Kate. "Never again am I going on a roof dressed as Santa Claus when it's snowing."

"I thought it was cute," Kate wrapped her arm around Jack's shoulders casually and then rested her head against his. "I feel a little better now,"

"Just a little?" Jack asked in a low voice as he linked his hand inside of Kate's.

"Well Jack, considering everything that's happened."

"I know," Jack replied quickly as he squeezed Kate's hand tighter. "It was really nice seeing your smile again. I missed it."

"Well I'm not sure when it's coming back," Kate sighed.

"Do I have to dress up as Santa again?"

Kate laughed, "And risk Sawyer seeing you?"

"I don't care if Sawyer sees me." Jack said letting go of Kate's hand and then turning to face her. "How was the cake by the way?"

"I didn't have any yet,"

Jack smiled, "Really?"

Kate nodded and then ran her hands over Jack's short brown hair. "I wanted you to be there when I cut it, and besides you have to take the first bite."

Jack grinned, "Are you worried that your going to get sick from my cooking?"

Kate smiled again.

Jack brought his body closer to Kate's and then wrapped his arms around her body. "I think I got some egg shells in there,"

"Really?"

"I'm just kidding. I can bake a cake Kate, and besides I had a little assistance. Chloe helped me." Jack added.

Kate closed her eyes. "She's such a good kid, Taylor is lucky."

"Yeah," Jack said looking down at the sheets.

"I don't think I can stay here anymore Jack. I need to leave."

Jack looked up surprised. But didn't say anything because he understood why Kate felt that way. He swallowed down a lump in his throat as he propped his arm up on the bed. "Then we'll leave, but we don't have a car,"

"There is a used car dealership up the road. All we need is something cheap, as long as it drives that's all that matters." Kate bit her lip deep in thought. "I feel guilty for taking all of the money Sawyer had given Taylor before…but we have to go."

Jack nodded once again. "We will, after all we did talk about this before."

Kate's green eyes widened and she glanced at Jack as her heart rate increased. She blinked as images of Tom flooded her subconscious.

Jack clenched his jaw. "I'm sorry,"

Kate shook her head, "It's fine, I just…" Her voice trailed off as she leaned forward to massage her forehead with her hands. "I don't want to think about it."

"I know," Jack sat up and then got behind Kate so he could massage her back.

"I'm okay Jack," Kate reached for his hands and dropped them down by his side. "How about we get some cake,"

Jack's eyebrows furrowed low over his eyes as he watched Kate's eyes start to brim with tears. He took in a deep breath as he gently stroked her cheek with his thumb.

"I'm okay," Kate said kissing his hand.

Jack looked away in pain. Even when he got her to smile, he knew the sadness would always be there, and Jack knew that he couldn't release her from that. His hand dropped down onto his leg as Kate forced herself upwards. "So were going to leave tomorrow."

Kate nodded, "Yeah," She held out her hand to help Jack up. He accepted and pulled himself upwards. Together they walked into the kitchen with Jack's arm wrapped around Kate's shoulders.

Jack smiled as he watched Chloe place the last candle on the cake. "Oh I didn't know we were using candles,"

Chloe giggled, "What is a birthday cake without candles. Besides Kate has to make a wish and then blow them all out." Chloe pulled out a chair for both Kate and Jack and then sat down across from them.

Jack flipped off the light and then joined Kate and Chloe at the table.

"You can light them Jack," Chloe said handing Jack a box of matches.

"Okay," Jack replied taking the box from Chloe and then lighting the candles quickly. After he was finished he placed down the box and then turned to face Kate. "You ready to make a wish?"

Kate didn't feel like making any wishes. Because she knew that she didn't deserve any good to come her way. She sunk down in her chair and then shifted her eyes towards Chloe. The six year old stared back at her with big bluish-green eyes which resembled Sawyer's so closely. Kate got side tracked for a minute as she observed the uncanny resemblance until Jack rested his arm against hers.

Kate snapped out of it. "Right a wish," She leaned forward and closed her eyes. Maybe she wouldn't make a wish. Kate squeezed her eyes shut as she tried to make it look as if she was making a wish.

I wished to be happy.

Kate shook her head. She didn't deserve it.

I wish that I can be okay, and that Sawyer could be okay. And that I can finally be happy with Jack.

Kate felt her lips start to quiver. But she managed to control it. There were so many things she could wish for, but she didn't want to make any wishes for herself. Instead she would rather make a wish for Jack and Sawyer, and hope that they would find happiness. Kate opened her eyes and then looked at Jack. How could he be happy with her? With this life that she was forcing him to lead. This crazy life on the run that made no sense.

Jack was looking back at Kate with an encouraging smile.

She looked away from him and then blew out the candles.

Chloe clapped her hands together. "May all your wishes come true."

Kate forced a smile in both Chloe and Jack's direction. "Thanks for the cake you two, I really appreciate it."

Jack kissed Kate on the cheek. "Happy birthday Kate,"

Kate closed her eyes as she accepted Jack's kiss. "Thank you,"

"I love you," He said after another kiss.

"Me too," Kate added quietly.

"Hey, save that for later," Chloe said handing Jack a dull knife and then plates too hand to everyone. "Let's have some cake."

Kate nodded in agreement. She felt bad that they had to leave Taylor and Chloe after such a big trauma, but it wasn't a good idea to stay with them for any longer. Kate looked back at Chloe with difficulty. She was so young, but yet her innocence had been taken away the night Sawyer had gotten shot and Timmy died right in front of her eyes.

"Here you go…a nice big piece of chocolate cake," Jack said placing down a plate in front of her.

"Oh thanks Jack," Kate said as she tried to change her trail of thought.

Chloe reached for her fork and dug in, "Mmmm….this is very good Jack you did a good job,"

"I couldn't have done it without your help," Jack replied giving Chloe a thumbs up.

She returned it to Jack and then focused back on her cake.

Kate also felt guilty about taking Jack away from Chloe. He had been so good with her, especially after Sawyer had got taken to the hospital. Jack had stayed up all night with Chloe and he had done his best to reassure her that Sawyer would be okay, and that no one else was coming to hurt them. Kate had fallen asleep in Jack's arms that night as well, and somehow he had managed to console both her and Chloe. He was truly amazing. And the next morning when she had woken up, Jack was still awake looking over both her and Chloe. Kate knew that he didn't get any sleep that night. Jack was just that good.

"Mommy still hasn't called yet," Chloe said quietly. She reached in her pocket and pulled out a small cell phone. "She said she would call when she got close to the house with Sawyer."

"He'll be here," Jack assured.

Chloe let Jack's words sink in and then nodded. "He will,"

Kate watched as Chloe placed the phone back in her pocket.

"Are you that scared of the cake?" Jack asked motioning towards Kate's untouched cake with his fork.

"Oh no, I just um…" Kate looked back at him and shook her head. "I'm out of it, I'm sorry."

"Here," Jack sliced off a piece of the fluffy vanilla bread topped with rich chocolate frosting. "Just try a little bit."

Kate tucked her hair behind her ear as the piece of cake came dangerously close to her mouth. "Are you feeding me now?"

Jack looked down embarrassed. "I'm sorry,"

"No it's okay,"

"I mean you can I just…" Jack closed his eyes.

"It's fine," Kate opened her mouth, "Go ahead,"

"No I don't have to, I just was being silly again."

Kate reached for Jack's hand and then brought the fork to her mouth. She smiled at the taste of the cake. It was surprisingly good.

"How is it?" Jack asked as he rested the fork down on Kate's plate.

"Good," She said with a smile.

Later that night Jack found himself back in the room. He had washed all the dishes and cleaned the table, and now he was looking over the letter that Kate had written. Jack smiled to himself as he read it. He didn't want Kate to catch him reading it, because she had written it just before Timmy had attacked them, and Jack didn't want her to have a relapse now. Especially when she had been in such a fragile state the last couple of days.

Jack turned the letter over in his hands and then placed it down on the bed. He knew that Kate thought he was better than her, because she described him as the "perfect man" in the letter and that bothered him. Jack knew he wasn't perfect, he was far from it. And it didn't feel good to know that Kate thought of him as better than her. Jack clenched his jaw. They were going to have to talk about that at some point, but not now. The door opened and Jack looked up.

Kate stepped in and closed the door behind her. "Hey,"

"Hey," He said placing the letter behind his back.

"I'm going to take a shower, and them I think I'm going to get some rest."

"Okay," Jack nodded. "I'll wait up for you,"

"You don't have to."

"Just in case you need to talk, I will," Jack offered crossing his hands over his stomach. He reached for a crossword puzzle on the press and a pen. "I'll just do these until you're finished."

"I'm really going to have to start paying you for the talks." Kate said as she reached for her towel, a bra and panties, and a button down plaid shirt of Jack's.

"My services for you are free,"

Kate smiled and then blushed, "Okay…I'll be back."

Jack nodded, "I'll be up." He watched as she disappeared out of the room and closed the door behind her. Somehow he had to find a way to make Kate understand that she was the one that fixed him. Jack picked up his pen as he focused on the crossword in front of him. He would just have to focus on that tomorrow, because right now he had to concentrate on how they were going to break the news that they were leaving to Chloe and Taylor.

Five minutes later Jack had already finished most of the crossword, it wasn't challenging enough for his liking, but then again he was working from Chloe's puzzle booklet. Jack smiled to himself at the thought and then placed down the book. He glanced towards the door expecting Kate to walk in, but the door remained shut. Jack needed something else to occupy his time. He stood up and then walked towards the closet. Maybe he could pack since they were leaving tomorrow. Jack pulled out a small suitcase which Taylor had lent them, and then moved towards the drawer to remove the small amount of clothes that they owned. He was interrupted by the sound of a car pulling into the driveway.

Good. Sawyer and Taylor were back. Jack placed down the folded clothes in the open suitcase and then walked towards the window. He pushed back the curtain and then looked out expecting to see Taylor's truck.

What?

Jack quickly moved to flip off the light switch. He didn't recognize this car. It wasn't Taylor's truck. Jack held his breath as the door to the white Toyota Corolla opened. A shiny black boot stepped out onto the gravel followed by another, and then a man stepped out. He looked around cautiously and then closed the car door behind him. He took a step towards the house and then paused to look around once more. He seemed to be debating whether he should come up to the porch or not.

Jack's eyes widened in fear as he watched the man start to walk towards the door once again. He seemed to be looking for something. Jack knew that there was a Marshal looking for Kate and a part of him feared that this guy outside was the Marshal. Shit. Even though he wasn't sure, Jack wasn't going to take any chances.

He dashed towards the bathroom, and opened the door as soon as Kate was stepping out. She looked back at him in surprise but didn't say anything. Jack tried to ignore the fact that she was naked. He could admire her later, but now was definitely not the time.

Kate reached for a towel as Jack continued to look back at her in awe as he tried to force the words out of his mouth.

"What's wrong?" Kate asked as she wrapped the towel around her waist.

"Someone's here,"

"What?" Kate asked searching Jack's eyes with fear. She walked over to him and then grabbed onto his shirt. "What do you mean? Who's here?"

"A man, he has a Toyota Corolla, and he's by himself." Jack glanced towards their room. "I think he could be the Marshal that's looking for you."

Kate's mouth dropped, "How did he find me? It can't be him."

The doorbell rung.

Kate gasped. She looked back at Jack pleadingly. "If he finds me then I'm going to jail!"

"No you're not," Jack placed his hands on Kate's shaking arms and then he motioned down to his shirt. "Get dressed. He's not going to come in here."

"If he thinks I'm in here then he will," Kate said as she moved her hands towards Jack's arms.

The doorbell rang once again.

Jack reached for Kate's clothes on the bathroom sink and then handed it to her. "Just get dressed, I'll take care of everything."

"Jack…"

"Kate!" Jack exclaimed.

Kate clamped her hand over his mouth. "Shh!"

"I'm sorry just please…" Jack looked towards the door and then focused back on Kate. "I'm going to go and get Chloe,"

Kate nodded and then started to get dressed.

Jack lingered for a little while longer and then ran into Chloe's room. He found her beside her bed. She turned around to face him in surprise. "What's wrong Jack?"

"I'm going to need you to come with me," He tried to sound as calm as possible but Jack knew that it wasn't working.

Chloe stood up without asking any questions and allowed Jack to quickly lead her into the room he shared with Kate. Kate was waiting for them in there. Jack closed the door behind him, and then walked over to Kate. "Did you see him?"

"I can't see anyone," Kate whispered shakily.

Jack got behind her and then peered outside. "Do you recognize that car?"

"No," Kate responded.

The figure stepped off of the porch and then started to approach the window. Both Kate and Jack held their breath as the shadow approached closer and closer. The figure stopped walking and both Kate and Jack allowed themselves to hide in the shadows.

The footsteps echoed throughout the silent night air as he approached again. He walked slowly and in a steady rhythm. And then a shadow appeared in front of the window.

Kate gasped, and Jack grabbed onto her arm pulling her away from the window. It was him, it was the Marshal. She had seen his face briefly.

He placed his hands against the window then and peered inside.

Jack signaled for Chloe to get off of the bed and come over to them. Chloe did as she was told and ran over to Jack and Kate.

Jack and Kate hid behind the curtain as the knocked on the glass. He lingered there for a while and then his footsteps were heard walking back towards the door.

Kate placed her hand to her rapidly beating heart. "How did he find us?"

"I don't know, but he…"

Jack stopped talking when he heard the doorknob start to turn from outside. "He has no jurisdiction to come in here, he won't."

"No he would," Kate said moving back towards the window. She placed her hand against the glass and then peered outside. Surely enough the Marshal was trying to get in.

The front door opened a little too easily.

Kate, Jack, and Chloe turned towards the locked room door in shock.

He was inside the house.

"Shit." Jack muttered under his breath.

Chloe looked up at him in fear. She reached for Jack's shirt and then grabbed onto him tightly in order to keep from crying.

Kate's eyes opened in fear as she looked around frantically. Her breathing pattern had grown ragged and she feared that she was about to faint. Kate opened her mouth wider trying to gather oxygen into her lungs. The Marshal was going to get her, after all of the running he was finally going to get her. Tears streamed down her face as she heard the footsteps approach.

"1…2…" Kate bit her lip as she struggled to keep her gasps quiet. She couldn't control it. Kate clamped her hand over her mouth but her stomach only started to heave harder with each attempt begging for more oxygen. Kate then tried to hold her breath until she was red in the face.

"3…4…" Kate cried under her breath.

The footsteps drew closer and closer to the door. Something crashed to the floor.

Kate nearly screamed but Jack lunged outwards and placed his hand on Kate's mouth as he wrapped her tightly in his arms. She squeezed her eyes shut trying to think of any possibility to get out of the house. But all she could think about was feeling the cold metal of the handcuffs on her wrists and then having to say goodbye to Jack forever.

The thought of having to say goodbye to Jack terrified her more than loosing her freedom. Kate shivered as she felt Jack let her go.

"Jack," Kate whispered in fear.

He moved towards the closet quickly and then reached for a pair of scissors. Jack's hands were shaking violently as he walked back towards the window. He glanced towards the door, and then focused back on the window. Slowly he started to pull the window up. Inch by Inch, as each footstep grew closer. The door was locked but the Marshal had easily gotten through the front door, so there was no telling how long it would take for him to get in there.

Jack focused on pulling up the window as quietly as possible with the uttermost concentration. The window squeaked loudly.

Jack dropped his hands down by his sides. And they all listened in silence. As they waited to see which direction the next footsteps would come from. He glanced at Kate and then at Chloe. The silence was so loud. The clock in the room ticked eerily, and the wind from outside blew against the shutters and the wind chimes. It was almost too much to take.

Panic started to overwhelm him. Jack struggled to maintain his cool. He didn't work well under pressure; and he had to get Chloe and Kate out of the house. He waited in anticipation for the next footstep, but it didn't come. Shit. Jack reached for the edges of the window again. He pulled it up slowly but it didn't budge.

His heart skipped a beat.

Kate slowly cast her eyes on Jack's troubled expression, and her eyes widened when she noticed a brief look of defeat.

Jack focused on Kate and then shook his head. "It's okay," He whispered.

"He'll be in here in any second!" Kate mouthed fearfully.

The doorknob turned.

Kate, Jack, and Chloe focused on the doorknob in terror.

It turned halfway around, and then all of a sudden it stopped.

Kate backed up against the wall.

And Jack started to try and pull the window up as quietly as possible. He could feel the pressure weighing down on him. Mental images of Kate being sent away to jail flashed into his subconscious. And then the thought of Taylor going down with them for aiding a fugitive haunted his thoughts. He couldn't let that happen, and he wouldn't!

Kate's eyes were trained on the doorknob. She didn't realize it but she was holding her breath again. Goose bumps started to form along her arms, and she could feel her hair standing on end. How did he find her? How!

The doorknob turned again. This time it was more violent. He turned again and again, and again.

Kate clamped both of her hands against her mouth. Tears of horror streamed down her face. She was on wits end, and she couldn't take it anymore. How could one person handle so much in such a short period of time? He seemed to suspect that someone was in the room because he started to twist and turn the doorknob more aggressively, and it appeared as if he would be in the room in seconds.

The window budged once again as Jack got it to open wider. This time the squeak was louder than before.

The turning stopped, and then there was the sound of footsteps walking away from the door.

"He heard you," Kate said with dread.

They suddenly heard the Marshal step out onto the porch and then he started to walk towards the window.

"Oh migod," Kate said as she backed away from the window.

They heard the screen being messed around with as if someone was trying to knock it down so they could get inside.

Kate dashed towards the door.

"Kate!" Jack said out loud. He watched in shock as she opened the door and ran out of the room. He scooped Chloe up in his arms and ran after her.

"Don't follow me Jack! He wants me not you!"

"Stop!"

Both Jack and Kate stopped in fear.

The Marshal stepped inside with his gun drawn and looked back at the expressions on their faces with a sadistic smirk. "Merry Christmas Katie."

(Thank you everyone that reviewed last chapter. I hope everyone has a happy and safe new year:)