"What about my family?"

"Fortunately they are of no concern to Stokes. He only wants you." Spencer tried to sound reassuring but he knew nothing he said was going to shake the fear and dread Bennett was feeling.

"I'm just not sure."

"Professor Bennett. I know you are scared and worried. I've been there. Being an FBI agent doesn't erase the terror you feel when a crazed man has a rifle pointed at you, or someone has a knife to your throat.

"Stokes only wants you. The first chance he has to grab you, he will. Sending your family up your lake house will keep them out of harm's way while we set up a perfect chance and grab Stokes when he takes it."

"I'm probably insane." Bennett half heartedly smiled, "But I actually feel like I can trust you."

"You can."

"Then let's do this."

Spencer unlocked the door and the two started down the hall. They would walk together, chatting about class details, until they reached the professor's car. A team was already waiting to follow Bennett to his home at a distance.

"We have people outside. They will follow us at a distance until --"

As they turned a corner, something slammed into Spencer, knocking him into the wall. There was a crash as a framed photo was knocked off the wall.

"Get outside. NOW!" He yelled at Bennett as he ducked a swing from his attacker. Spencer didn't look to ensure that Bennett had run.

Stokes charged like a wild animal. Spencer lost his balance and hit the ground hard, his head reeling from the force. He saw a flash of light as Stokes arm came down. He reacted the only way he could think of, thrusting up with his knee while jabbing at Stokes face with his free hand. The knife, aimed at his chest, sliced his upper arm instead.

The pain momentarily energized him and Spencer managed to shove Stokes off of him, knocking him into the far wall. He got to his knees and went for his gun and the panic button. Before he could reach them, Stokes grabbed his leg, pulling him off balance. He felt a weight as Stokes pinned him down.

He was trapped.