Alistair stepped into an office type room as Ethan followed. As Ethan stepped into the room, he noticed someone else there—Gwen.

"Gwen? What are you doing here?" Ethan questioned

Gwen didn't say anything; she got up from the couch she was sitting on and started pacing around the room, but made sure not to go near Ethan.

"Ethan, why don't you ignore your saintly wife for minute, okay?

Ethan's raging attention changed toward Alistair now. "Okay, Alistair, I'm listening." Ethan stated, fairly annoyed.

"Well now, Ethan, I wouldn't get too arrogant. After all, if you get too smug I may change my mind to telling you about Theresa's whereabouts."

Ethan's anger hadn't risen this much before, but Alistair's words persisted in his mind. If he became too upset, Alistair may not tell him anything. "Wait, have I forgotten about something? What the hell is Gwen doing here? And why does she look so nervous? Why is she here with Alistair?"

"Okay, you have my attention". Ethan blankly stated.

"Okay, well, I'd like to show you something that you will see on this screen."

Alistair took a remote control in his hand and turned on the television.

Ethan starred at the screen, not knowing what to expect.

All he saw was a old dark dungeon-like room. Then he saw it—her. His. Her? "What? I don't understand!" Ethan thought. "Theresa?" Ethan spoke aloud.

"Yes, Ethan. That's your darling Theresa. Seems to me you've let her down once again.

Ethan dropped to his knees, not knowing what to think say or do.

"How could this have happened?" Theresa was crawled into a little corner of the cell room and she looked hysterical with grief.

"Wait a second Alistair, why is this, my fault?"

"You'd think a smart man like Ethan would be able to put things together? Don't you agree Gwen?" Ethan looked strangely at Gwen.

"Why are you bringing Gwen into this? This is all about you and your sick pleasures to torture everyone that comes within a 10 foot pole." Ethan said, annoyed.

"Oh you could not be more wrong." Alistair stated.

"WELL TELL ME THEN! TELL ME WHY THERESA IS THERE—WHEREVER "THERE" IS! Ethan shouted,

Gwen finally spoke up. "Ethan, don't listen to whatever he says. All he does is make up garbage to hurt people, so c'mon." Gwen whined.

"Gwen, I can't leave without finding out where Theresa is…" Ethan exclaimed

Ethan changed his attention toward Alistair. "Alistair, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO THERESA!"

"Now, now Ethan…there's no need for yelling."

"To hell there isn't!"

"Okay, fine. Well, see, Theresa and I made a deal."

"A deal? Theresa wouldn't do that, she's way too smart to fall for one of your tricks again."

"Yes, of course. But there is one thing that will give her a little boost of confidence."

"Well, what was it?"

"Her love for you. And, more importantly, your love for her."

"What? I don't get it? What was the deal Alistair?"

"The deal was for Theresa to get you to see the truth behind your wife's deception."

Ethan looked at Gwen, and started to back up.

"So-so-so…it's true? You sent that email? You framed Theresa? You ruined the only life I had ever known for revenge?"

Gwen looked shamefully down to her feet.

"O my god…th-that's why she was freaking out—that's why she was so scared to leave—that's why she begged me—and now……she's gone"

"Well, well, well. The sharp Ethan—once Crane, now Winthrop finally puts all the pieces together. Bravo!" Alistair teased.

"Okay, so Theresa is gone because of me?"

"That's right Ethan. You didn't come through for Theresa this time—and this was the one time where she really needed you."

Ethan felt himself shrink until he was about 2 inches tall. His heart felt like it had been ripped from his chest and stomped on. His stomach churned. His face was breaking out in cold sweats, his whole body was sore and aching to hold her in his arms. He was numb, plain and simple…numb.

And forever lost

Coming…not telling…but it'll be up later tonight

Please review!