The airplane had turbulence coming into Magnolia. It made Mest stomach feel very unsettle. Once getting back on solid ground it was better after while. Hopping when he goes back to Cedar it will not be a bumping ride. Walking out of the gate he heads to the rental car, leases out transportation and starts driving to his detestation. They talked briefly on the phone the other day. Mest didn't tell him what he has found, better to do that in person. Being in town, he can search Dan's background.

If he leads pans out, then when he see's Dan again, handcuffs will be slapped on him. The first day he knew he was going screw up his life. Technically, this guy should never had been set free. Wrong move on the prison and the bureaucrats. It was time to get more proof or something to send him back into jail. Mest turns off the main highway and follows what the address says. Soon he will be face to face with her brother.

The house that comes into his view was large with white siding. Apple tress out front and owning about 2 acres he can see. There was a porch with a BBQ and chairs. German shepherd was laying out on the lawn by his dog house. Parks the rental in a middle of two trucks. Opens the door and stretches out his muscles before heading up the steps to the front entrance. Not able to do that when he got off the airplane, his intent was to get here fast enough. Close his car door and process forward up the three steps. His finger was ready to press on the doorbell when the front door opens first.

"Hello?"

"Hey Jellal, I came here right from the airport. Here am I first before heading to a hotel." The twin beacons him to come into the door way. Mest takes off his shoes, hangs his jacket on the coat rack. "I hope you don't mind my interruption. I like to began before doing anything else."

"If you wait in the living room I'll will go tell my brother you are here."

"Your other brother is here too. At lest we don't have to call him over. It makes things easier."

"Yeah he is, you are looking at him. I am Jellal's twin, Mystogan. He is in the back I'll summon him."

"Oh sorry, man. My bad, he did say he had a twin, didn't say a thing of you to being identical."

"Don't be bother by it, it happens frequently. The only persons that can really tell us apart is our sister and a few friends." Mystogan shows him the living room it was only a few steps from the front door. Mest plops himself on the sofa and Mystogan heads to the back of the house. The room, had a 50 inch t.v, a book shelf. Lots of photos on the walls and mantle piece over a fire place. Curtains and blinds where covering the windows and there was mini bar in the corner. To him it look like Jellal was pretty well off.

"Sorry for the wait Mest, didn't expect you today?"

"The airlines phone there was a cancellation, so a I took it and came three days earlier. Hope you don't mind?"

"Not at all. While I was in the back, I did phone someone else up. I was thinking some things over, as much as I want less people to know this. I made of choice of adding in one more."

"Who?"

"Lyon Fullbuster. He is Gray's half brother. They have same mother's but different father's."

"Are you sure?"

"Right now, he is watching over her for his brother. It's a long story, but Lyon is a good friend and we trust him."

"Do you want to call Gildarts as well?"

"No, he is busy at the moment with work. It's going to be us four. Why don't I offer you a drink from your long trip. Get you rested and then we can talk."

Lyon shown up about half hour later, he had to finished work at his office before venturing over to Jellal"s. When he got there, introductions were made and to why Mest was here.

"You really think that it's this guy? Jellal, her ex."

"I am positive, Lyon. He has been released from prison."

"What! No way. All the things that have been happening in Cedar and here."

"It's true, Lyon. I don't have concrete proof yet, but he did get false I.d to come back here. He used the name Charles Sinclair."

"If you know that much, then arrest him?"

"Need more, something that will stick and send him back to jail."

"What kind of proof?"

"Damaging proof, that has him running for the hills. When we get it, I'll take him in."

"Lets start."

The brothers and Lyon agreed with Mest to search areas that Dan could have gone to over the holidays. Jellal will see if he went back to the house they shared. He knows that the house is up for sale again and is empty. Maybe he stake out the house while he was in town. Not wanting to use the hotel. Mest will get in touch with Dan's mom and dad. It was best that the brothers didn't go over there. It might do more harm then good. Lyon will still keep a eye on Amber, didn't want to drawn any attention to what they are doing.

"I can't believe this guy had the balls of coming back here, using a fake name and harming Amber and her neighbour."

"Lyon, this guy has done far worse to Amber and the past. The way he treated my sister is unforgivable. When I get my hands on him again, it will be double the pain."

"Jellal, I'll be the one to arrest him, it's best you don't get near him."

"No way, Mest. I am the only one that has piece this together. I should be able to wallop him a few times before you send him back. I want to catch him with my bare hands before he does anything more to my sister."

"I understand your need to protect her. You can't be blind to this. If we don't do this right, he will see us coming a mile away, then we are hooped. Back at square one, you can't underestimate him."

"Brother, lets do as he says. I want our sister safe just as much as you do. I don't want her upset or going into early labour because of this guy. I know what he is capable of and if we can get head of the game, then all of this ends."

"You were not there Mystogan when I went after him. He laughed about beating her up. The look of pleasure that was on his face was disgusting. With every hit I gave him I relished in it. I made him look like her. Wish I could have done more to him before Gildarts held me back.

"Hey, I may not of been there when you beat him up. I was the one that found her and I stayed with her in the hospital while you where in jail. Do you know how freaked out she was thinking that Dan was going come through her door. The way she wouldn't let anyone get close to her, only the females. We had hard enough time getting close to her. Then we finally picked up on asking for permission. Now if you notice, we haven't need to do that. And you know why, right!"

"I remember her days in that room when I released. It wasn't easy for either one of us to watch her go through that. To have her own family, asked for a hug. I love my baby sister. If a outside member can get close to her and change they way she is, then we missed up. Having the actor be the one to do it. I wasn't keen on the idea at first about her having a baby with him. That day when Gray got her out of her closet. Things started changing, then he shows up. Trying to ruin what she has built up. Mystogan as her older brothers we must do all we can. Go beyond the barriers that hinder us. If that means we play dirty like him, I am fine with it."

"Hold up you two don't be playing heroics. If you one or both of you end up in jail. Do you think she would be proud of that. I may not have been there at the begging to witness what she has gone through. Seeing a fraction of it with my own eyes when I touched her or how she has been recently in the hospital. We can get this guy with out you two being super heroes. Let's find the evidence that Mest needs. We have the police on our side."

"I know all of you have your valid points to get this guy. Focus on the main thing here, and that is Dan. You have her covered for right now with undercover security, if anything were to happen they will inform the police. We need to search for him being here when he enter her apartment. Anything that stands out and gives us clues, alright."

"Ok, Me and Mystogan can check out her old house. Lyon will still keep a eye on my sister. Mest, you are going over to his parents place."

"Correct, I'll be going over there after I leave here. Are you sure this is the right address for Mary and Hank, Jellal?"

"That is right one. We didn't get to know them. Saw them at the trail."

"For four years you guys didn't get introduce to his parents?"

"Amber hide a lot from us. She did tell us that Mary and Hank aren't like Dan at all. A very nice couple, I am sure you will get the answer you seek from them."

"It's still mid afternoon, time for me to head over there." The German Shepard is barking in the yarn as a car comes up the driveway. Jellal goes over to the window to check it out. The window was open and he yells at the dog to settle down.

"Go back into your dog house Felix. You know that is Amber in that car." He waves as she is parking the car and turning it off and venturing out the car."

"Why is she here? I thought she was meant to rest."

"Mest her Doctor gave her permission to head out of the house for a couple days in the week. No more then that."

"Jellal she can't know who I am."

"Your right shit." Before he could come up with something his front door opens. In she walks and comes right into the living room."

"Hello!"

"Sister you are here?"

"I was in the town doing some shopping thought I would stop in Jellal. I see you have company should I not stay?"

"No come on in, please sit down." Amber looks around the room and sees her other brother and Lyon with this stranger. Mest gives her a smile and was about to hold out her hand towards her when she back away from him. "Sis, it's fine. No need to be scared of Mest here. He is a friend of ours from school."

"Oh, then this is a reunion of shorts then. I shouldn't be here in the way of that."

"Please pardon me. I was in town and wanted to look up my old school mates."

"No forgive me. My brothers never mention you. Mest...?

"Mest Gryder." Lyon helps her to sit down and Mest walks over to her and reach out his hand. "It's nice to meet the baby sister of the family. Congrats are in order." Watching his hand she puts hers into his and shake hands.

"Amber Fernandes, nice to meet you too and thanks." Mest sees she puts a hand on her stomach, thinking the baby must be moving. Lyon sits down beside her and Mystogan sits on the other side of her.

"What are you doing here Lyon? You said that after work you where heading home, because Sliver wanted to see you."

Knowing that he lied to her and got caught in that lie made him embarrass. She was giving him a critical eye and again was looking around the room. There was something off about everyone in here and it really unsettle her.

"I ask Lyon to come by first, wanted a update of you."

"Could phone me and asked me instead of him. I am not someone who is unable to do things on her own, Jellal."

"We thought you would be down for your nap here soon. Didn't want to bother you?"

"That goes for you too Mystogan. Why would you all be here to find out if I am alright or not."

"We guys get together once and while, with Mest here today. We were thinking of having a guys night out."

"That will have to wait, I rolled into town. I must fine a hotel to stay in."

"My big brother here could offer you one of his many rooms to stay in, isn't that right."

"That is very kind of you to say miss, but I was on my way out when you came. I have a few other people to see first before I visit with these three again."

"Do stay here if you can."

"We will see, good day." Mest walks over to the door with Jellal following him. He stands on the porch before heading to his car. "I hope she bought that, I can see she doesn't."

"Amber can be standoffish when she meets someone new. When she knows you more, she will warm up. This is how she interacts with others."

"Because of her past."

"Yes."

"I'll call later if I find anything."

"Come on by instead, we can cook ya dinner. Can put some beers into the fridge and stakes on the BBQ."

"What of you sister?"

"She will be home by then. Her companions are up the street in the blue car."

Mest looks over his shoulder and sees a car parked behind a pick up truck. They should be back a little bit more. Could easily be found out.

"In my years of staking out a person. They need to be father back, make sure they do that."

"I'll pass word to them."

"Good, later."

Jellal closes his door after he watches Mest drive off down the street. Now with Amber here, he can't do what they needed too. It might not happen today. Heads back inside to the living room. His younger twin was putting a pillow under her feet and Lyon was putting a pillow behind her back. "I see someone is getting pampered."

"Me, nooooo. They didn't on their own."

"But you like it?" Grins up at her older brother knowing he was right. "Spoiled."

"A little bit."

"When Gray comes back that little will be change to big."

"Maybe, so why didn't you guys tell me about Mest before. I thought I knew all your friends." Jellal frowns at her, but holds off asking her anything. Right now they needed to make up a story to tell her and tell Mest about it later.

"I think we should get you a drink first and something to eat, then we can tell ya."

Looking at a other house in front of him. This is where his investigation will start first. What leads he can come up will be spoken by these two. A car was parked in the driveway so he knows that someone is at lest home. "Get this started in one go hopefully."

Stands at the door and pushes the door bell. With his folder in his hand he waits for someone to open up. "Mary can you get that? I am busy."

"Yes dear, I am on it."

A clicking of the lock and a chain being put on he could hear. Then the door opens up about two inches. "Hello? May I help you?"

"Yes I hope you can. I am a officer for Cedar Corrections, I am here for your son. My name is Mest Gryder."

"What has he done now Officer?"

"If you care to open up the door and let me in. I can tell you. It's very important that you don't dismiss me."

"One second Sir. Hank get off the toilet, we have company."

Mary opens up the door and let him in. This is a first time that anyone has come by and wanting to know anything regarding their son. But having parole officer at your door is a different story. What could this man in front of her have to say, and the look in his eyes were serious. That he wasn't going to listen to any lies being told.

"Mary, who is at the door? I wasn't finished in the bathroom."

"You will have enough time later Hank, right now we have a officer in our living room."

"A police officer?"

"No, a corrections officer." Hank comes into the living room after zipping up his pants. An unexpected visitor like this hasn't shown up in quiet sometime. When they did, it was about Dan. "This is my husband Hank and I am Mary."

"Nice to meet the both of you. I don't want to take to much of your time. I need answers and you two know your son best."

"Let me get some cookies and milk first, officer."

"That is unnecessary Mrs. Straight and this isn't a social call."

"Please, social or not your are a guest in our home. Have a seat, I'll return momentarily."

"Excuse my wife, Mr..."

"Sorry, Mest Gryder."

"Have this chair to sit down on"

"Thanks, sorry to disrupt your day. Time is of the essences."

"Certainly, What is that we can do for you today officer?" Mary comes back into the living room with a plate of cookies and three glasses of milk. The tray goes on to the table and she serves out the milk and gives Mest a napkin. He takes it and puts it on his lap and grabs a cookie and bites into it.

"Mary, Hank your son has been out prison since late last year. I am his parole officer and I am here to find something to send him back to jail."

"We didn't know he was out, Right Hank."

"No one informed us at all. Why is he out, he was suppose to serve a longer sentence. To our knowledge he wasn't up for any release anytime soon from the end of the trail. You said you need something to put him back in jail?"

"You son has committed a few crimes and the nature of them is putting people in harms way. Ended up putting his ex into the hospital."

"His ex?"

"Hank, Sir. You both are well aware of what happen between Dan and Amber. Your son, had come here during Christmas. Disguise himself, ran shack her house, knock out her neighbour and stab Amber in the shoulder. Also gave her a black eye." The folder in his hand he took out two pictures of Amber, showing her face and shoulder.

Mary covers her mouth and start shedding tears. Her son was once a sweet boy when he was below her knee, but as he grew older he started hating life and took that out on others. It wasn't until his longest relationship with Amber when they found out he was beating her. If he did that in previous relationships they were not sure.

"Is she alright?

"She is needing a lot of rest due to her pregnancy. When she got hurt by your son, it almost brought on the baby."

"Oh dear, that poor girl. We saw her last year in August in the grocery store. I seen her first, but she backed away from us and she became scared. The person she was with shield her behind his back. We left right away."

"Mary, you can't blame her. Why would she want to engage with us. We are partly responsible for allowing what he did to her all those years."

"I know darling, we couldn't do anything. We tried to be there for her when they came over. Could see the pain in her eyes. We never did anything to prompt her to leave him. We should of."

"Both of you can help her now. Have you had any contact with him?"

"No none. Like we said, we don't know he was out."

"What about the holidays Hank. There was nothing in the mail from him, a letter? Do you have a computer, email?"

"No nothing Mest."

Mary thought for a minute they did get lots of calls in December from family and friends. There was a phone call from Dan. They were surprise to have a call from him. They thought the prison was allowing there prisoners to talk to family members.

"What a about you Mary?"

"There was a day back in late December. We got a call from him, thought he was calling from the prison."

"You did? Did he say why he was calling?"

"He did not. We thought it was strange to have a call from him now after these past five years or so. There was no other time that we have spoken to him. Happy, we were to hear his voice...shocked even."

"In both of your opinions. Do you consider your son as a dangerous man?"

"We did our best in raising him officer. Not once did we raise our hand to that boy."

"It must of been hard on you Hank?"

"It was like a switch went off in his head. When he was with her. He had tendencies in his younger years to act out but not to the extreme of almost killing Amber. With his other girlfriends we didn't see it or it wasn't there yet."

"How did your son meet Amber?"

"Let me see here." Crossing his arms to think for a moment before answer the question. His wife spoke for him instead.

"It was a summer party. Dan went over to his friends place. She just finished high school I believe. They were glue to the hip from that moment on. He acted so sweet towards her, that we thought she would be his wife in the future."

"He was living at home at the time?"

"He had his own apartment. Dan is two years older then she is. He was working in that big outlet store on the south side."

"The phone call was all that you receive from him, nothing else."

"Yes officer."

"On more thing, do you see any of his friends?"

"They are all scatter about in different towns. We see there parents mostly but not their kids."

"So there is none in Magnolia."

"If there is we have no clue."

"Thanks Mary."

"Were we helpful?" Hearing that her son was out of prison and causing trouble once more hurt her heart. How can a child she raise harm to a other human being.

"I got lead for now. I can't say more on this matter. As his parents don't want him to be tip off."

"My husband and I will do anything Mr Gryder. If it means sending our son away again. We can't have him be out in this world."

"Thanks for your cooperation, I know it isn't easy." Mest stands up from his chair and shake both of their hands. "One additional thing. You can't make contact with Amber about this. The investigation is done with out her knowing. For the sake of her and the unborn child."

"We understand. I'll see you to the front entrance."

"The cookies were delicious Mary." Hanks walks Mest to the door and open it up for him. Mest proceeds to head out.

"If you see Amber and by chance talk to her. Tell her we miss her, and we are sorry."

"It will not be for awhile until this ends. Good day."

Tips his head forward and walks towards the car. Mary and Hank stand by each other on the porch watching him leave. "Dear, is there anything we can do, for her?"

"Mary we have to leave this in the authorities hands. We can't make waves, all we can do is wait."

"What if Dan calls us again?"

"If he does, we will let Mest know. He left his card on the coffee table."

Sitting on the grass and rubbing Felix belly she laughs as the dog rolls around on the ground. He lies on his stomach and wags his tail. "You are good puppy." The late afternoon sun was hiding behind some clouds. She had woken up on the couch with a blanket on her. Jellal had made her something to eat and started to feel tired afterwards. Lyon stayed to keep a eye on her and Mystogan had some errands to run.

"He is not young anymore Amber."

"Jellal doesn't matter how old they get, he is still a pup to me. Look at his face, and those ears. Come here boy." Felix gets up and charges right into her, knocking her over onto the grass. Jellal hears her laugh as the dog is licking her face.

"Felix off her now, go lie down." The dog obeys his owner and goes over to his dog house. Takes a drink from his water bowl. "Sister are you ok?"

"I am fine. Quit worrying so much about me." As she sits back up, she gets the feeling again of being watched. For her to say anything to her brother will cause them to hover and be more protected over her. "I can use a hand to get up though."

Jellal gives her his hand and with a firm grip he lefts her up from the grass. Her arms warp around her brothers waist and she lays her head on his chest. "Amber, something wrong?"

"Nothing, wanting a hug." Plants a kiss on her forehead and he gives her a squeeze. Jellal wasn't buying that what she said. After her nap, she seam not like herself. It might have to do with a certain guy that is miles away from her. "Maybe my next animal should be a pup not a kitten."

"You love cats."

"I miss Happy can he be replaceable?" Let go of him and she walks a few steps away from him. "He helped me in ways I thought were impossible."

"There is no rush to get a other one."

"Can't have Lilly for much longer, was thinking ahead."

"They all will be back here soon."

"Yeah they will be."

"What is on your mind?"

"Cats."

"Lying."

"I don't want to talk about it."

"Sister...it's me."

"I love you dearly brother but drop it for now." A car comes up the street and Jellal sees that is Mest coming back from talking to Dan's parents. He wonders if he found anything useful. Jellal points where he can park his car on the grass. His sister car was out on the street, didn't have room earlier in the drive way for her car. With how much land he has, he wanted a wider drive way. "Your friend is back?"

"I guess I should start the BBQ? What do you want with your stake."

"None for me. I am going head on home, you boys can have fun."

Mest gets out of his car and waves to the both of them. He thought she was not going to be here when he came back. Still had to play the role of school mate. "Hi. I came back to take you up on your offer."

"Great, have plenty of room for you. My sister set up a room for you to use."

"That is kind of you do so Miss."

"No Miss, can call me Amber " Bats her hand around at being called the other name. Reaches her hand out to greet him again. Takes it into his big hand and gives her a smile. "If you need anything more in your room. My brother has everything."

"I have notice. You aren't working right now Jellal?" Mest never question him about his career or what his other brother does too. Should be a vital key and knowing his background for the cover up.

"I work off an on. I went to College for a Masters in Arts. I am Architect. If Mystogan didn't tell you, he has his own car dealership. I put some money down on a two dollar lottery ticket and won 20 million."

"Wow, impressive. What do yo do Amber?"

"I went to his college for Masters in Business. Couldn't find a job and I am a studio agent for Gray Fullbuster."

"The movie star?"

"Yes for him. He is on location right now filming. I couldn't go back with him because of the baby."

"Your in your last few months?"

She nods her head in a yes and walks over to the porch steps to pick up her purse. It was time for her to go and let her brother be a host to a school friend. "I should get back to Lilly. I promise him some supreme cat food."

"Lucy told you not to spoil him"

"Cats need to be spoiled."

"Here she is being spoiled by us today."

A hand lays over her heart and in a innocence voice. "You are the ones that did it. I asked for things, you three got it for me. Don't blame the pregnant women." Gives her brother a hug and heads for her car. Mest rental was blocking her path, she had to go around. "Have wonderful stay here Mest. Maybe I'll see you again."

"Until next time Amber." Waves a good bye and looks at her brother. "Is she buying the story?"

"No to sure, she knew all of our friends in school. We will keep it up for now."

Walking on the grass close to his car Amber sees a yellow folder on passenger side seat. A picture of her busied face had slipped out. Beside that folder was a pistol. Amber gasps when she saw it and looks back at the two of them. They were in conversation, it was her chance then to ask who he really was. Amber got into her car and drove off. As of this moment, she didn't trust Mest. Why would her brothers lie to her.

"Found anything out?"

"I did, I got a hit with his folks."

"That is great. Do we still check out the other areas."

"Yes, more evidence the better. Dan has slipped up, he will make a other mistake and when he does. We get him."