AN: Longer than normally, so hopefully worth the wait.

XXX

Tyler straightened slowly, but kept his back against the wall that he had been thrown up against. Everyone left in the room was still staring at him. He would not have characterized their stares as friendly.

'These people are fucking crazy,' he suddenly thought, rubbing at his throat. He was still surprised at the intensity of Jonny's outburst.

"You did that to my daughter?" Estella walked up in front of him and asked in shock.

Tyler was exasperated by this point. "NO." He said it emphatically. "The way he made it sound…that's not how it actually happened."

Estella shook her head and tried to sort through her thoughts, getting angrier with herself by the second. "It sounded like he was simply repeating what she told him."

"I honestly thought it was innocent banter," Tyler threw his hands up. "Between Jess and myself. I did want to be with her," he admitted. "I do. What man wouldn't? She's incredible."

Estella could not tell if he was being truthful, but decided that it did not matter. "Not to be a broken record, but you need to leave," she told him.

"You really do need to leave before one or both of them comes back," Hadji jumped in. "You have been unhelpful and a distraction. As my brother stated, if you do want to help her, then you will discontinue being a distraction. And if you value your own safety, don't provoke them. You won't win that game…"

"I'm not playing a game," Tyler insisted.

"Than what do you think you're doing?" Hadji asked.

"She's important to me…"

"Just stop," Hadji cut him off with a hand in the air. Frustration was uncharacteristically showing through his voice. "Jessie is Race's little girl and she is the center of my brother's universe. Don't provoke them," he warned again. "It helps no one. It especially does not help Jessie."

"Fine," Tyler agreed, turning on his heel. Everyone's breath hitched when Race walked back into the room looking like he was ready to murder someone.

"GET OUT," Race ordered. His jaw was clenched. "I don't have time for this shit."

"I'm going," Tyler sidestepped Race and rushed out of the room.

Race's eyes followed him and then he tried to take a calming breath. It did not work, so he thought, 'Fuck that. Use it, Bannon.' He went straight for Jonny's computer and grabbed it. He paused and placed a hand on his mother's shoulder before leaving again. Seeing her upset never sat well with him. "Mom, I'm sorry. Please try not to worry. He's fine."

"He did not seem fine, Roger. That was not okay," Sarah whispered.

Race got down on his haunches by her chair. "It's actually better that he's not bottling up his emotions. That would eventually be so much worse. He'll be fine and so will she. Trust me. They are both stronger than we give them credit for." He stood and looked around the room. "Let's stay focused. I'll be back."

Race went straight for Jonny's room and found him on the ground, but he bounced back quickly. The kid was resilient. Race would give him that. Race assured Jonny again that she would be fine. That she was still on the island. A few minutes before that, he had assured his mother of the same thing, but he was petrified that he was wrong. And he was petrified of what was happening to her while they searched. He would not be able to live with himself if he was wrong.

XXX

When Race did not return to the conference room after a half hour, Benton suggested that they all take a quick break. Benton headed for Race's room and entered without knocking, hoping to find him there and have a word.

Race was on a call with his back to the door so Benton busied himself by making a drink and listening to Race's call with Phil. From the sound of it, Phil did not have any new information. Now Benton really needed a stiff one.

"Yes. Okay," Race sighed and then sat down on the edge of the bed. "Thanks Phil."

Benton waited a few moments before sitting down next to his friend. It was time to clear the air. "Race, I'm sorry about earlier. I was worried about Jonny and couldn't see past that."

"I'm sorry too," Race sighed again. "I was just worried about her. You have to know I'd never ask Jonny to put his life in danger for Jess. I love him like a son. I don't value his life less than hers."

"I don't think you'd have to ask him," Benton took a sip of the whiskey he had just poured himself and then offered some to Race.

"No thanks," Race waved it off. "And I know."

"I love her the same," Benton clarified. "I will do whatever I can…anything you ask me to get her home safe. I'm afraid of how far Jonny will go though."

"I am too," Race admitted. Race did not say it out loud, but he knew then that they were afraid for different reasons. Benton was afraid that Jonny would kill someone and have to deal with those emotional consequences. Race was just afraid that he would be too emotional to cover his tracks properly and get caught. Either way, they needed to watch him.

"Where is he?" Benton asked.

"He went back to Jessie's room. He's mapping out all of the blind spots on the island since the footage has not turned anything up yet."

"That's smart," Benton conceded. "It'll keep him busy too and hopefully in one place."

"He won't run off again, Benton. He promised me and I believe him, but we should take shifts checking on him."

"I think I'll take my turn now," Benton stood and then downed the rest of his drink. "If he opens the door," he added as an afterthought.

"Here," Race handed over a key to the room. "Don't give him the chance."

"Thanks. I'll check in quickly and then I'll meet you back downstairs."

"I'm actually gonna take a drive to the police station and apply some pressure," Race grabbed his keys. "I'll call you if I find anything."

XXX

Benton entered Jessie's room cautiously, as if he was approaching a wild animal. The room looked like it had been hit by a tornado. Jonny was out on the balcony lost in his task.

Benton stood back for a minute and just watched his son from the shadows. He closed his eyes. 'He's not a little boy anymore, Rachel. When did that happen? Please watch after Jessie.'

The whiskey was affecting him faster than it would normally.

Benton tapped on the glass door before stepping out onto the balcony. He did not want to startle Jonny. Jonny turned his head to meet his father's eyes for a moment and then went back to work. Benton took that as an invitation and sat down in the second patio chair.

"Please," Jonny begged. "Please don't lecture me. Just let me focus."

"I don't plan on lecturing you," Benton stared out into the darkness. "I only wanted to check on you. I…um," he paused and that made Jonny stop typing and look up. His father and a loss for words never went together.

"What?" Jonny insisted.

"I know what you're going through," Benton said quietly.

Jonny felt the air leave his lungs at the implication. "She's not dead," he snapped.

"No," Benton reassured immediately. "She most definitely is not." He took mild comfort that his confident tone seemed to relax his son. "That's not at all what I meant."

"Then what?" Jonny asked.

Benton took a moment before responding. He was afraid of upsetting Jonny further, but decided that being honest was the best way to get through. "I know what it is to genuinely love a woman more than you love yourself," Benton whispered. "To go weak in the knees just because she is the way that she is."

Benton got lost thinking about his wife until he heard a shaky breath pass its way through Jonny's lips. When he looked up, Jonny's eyes were bright with unshed tears. Benton was speechless again.

"Pop…I'm so scared," Jonny choked out. "I don't know what I'd do without…"

"I'm here and it's gonna be fine," Benton rushed to cut off that train of thought. "I promise, Jonny. You asked me earlier what I'd do if I was in your position," he then continued. "If it was your mother."

"And?"

Benton closed his eyes again and whispered passionately. "Anything. I'd do anything."

"Then why were you working so hard to shut me down this morning?" Jonny needed to know.

"Because I went and had a son with the love of my life," Benton shook his head and paused. "So imagine how much I love him? You'll understand some day."

"Yeah…okay," Jonny nodded and then turned his head back to the computer. He could not afford to let his mind go there.

"Race took a ride to the police station to apply some pressure," Benton offered. He wanted to keep Jonny talking. "He said he'd call later and give us an update."

"Alright. Thanks for letting me know," Jonny replied flatly.

"You are so adorable."

"I could use some help with this," Jonny then said loudly, startling Benton. He was trying to drown out the sound of her voice in his head. He was letting it distract him too much.

"Of course," Benton jumped at the olive branch. "Race filled me in on your idea. We can split the island. Show me how far you've gotten."

XXX

Race entered the sheriff's station with every intention of being nice and cooperative. The operation was as small town as he had ever seen. He bypassed the receptionist despite her protests and each of the deputies' desks. He walked with authority right into the sheriff's office and no one challenged him.

"Mr. Bannon," the sheriff greeted and stood. He dismissed those in his office with a nod and waited for the door to close before speaking. "What can I do for you?"

"I'd like an update on your progress, sheriff." Race sat down then, deciding to allow the out-of-shape sheriff to be in the posture of authority.

"I was about to come see you," the sheriff walked to the front of his desk and leaned on it.

"Did you find something?" Race asked anxiously. It was a struggle for him to remain seated.

"I had my deputies recanvas the area where the van was found and interview the neighbors again," the sheriff informed him.

"And?" Race insisted. He knew he was not going to like whatever the sheriff was about to say.

"They found a new bystander. A husband that was rushing to work when everything went down, but did not wait for the police this morning. Some big meeting or something," he made a hand gesture. "This man told my people something interesting," the sheriff cocked his head.

"Get to the point," Race stood and crossed his arms. Any instinct he had to be nice or cater to anyone's ego was gone. "You're telling me this for a reason. What is it?"

"I had a conversation earlier today with a Sergeant from Highway Patrol," the sheriff deflected. "I believe you are already acquainted with the Sergeant?" Race just continued to stare him down instead of answering. "Okay," the sheriff nodded. "Get out of my station, tough guy. I'll go speak with the young Mr. Quest myself and see what he can tell me."

"There's nothing to tell and you know it," Race pursed his lips.

"I have an eye witness account of someone matching his description being at my crime scene," the sheriff continued. "How do you explain that?"

"I drove by four kids matching his description on my way here," Race shrugged. "This is ridiculous. He has nothing to do with this. I already had this conversation with the Sergeant."

"I don't think he has anything to do with this," the sheriff agreed. "I ran a background check on all of you this morning."

"Find anything interesting?" Race grumbled.

"Plenty," the sheriff responded. "I know he's not involved, but I do think he's interfering with my investigation. I think you all are and I don't appreciate it."

Race weighed his options quickly. He did not need this guy on his side, but he knew it could not hurt. "It's my kid," Race threw his hands in the air. "It's my kid and I'm not unskilled in this area so what am I supposed to do? Sit on the sidelines? Would you?"

"I'd probably do the same thing," the sheriff admitted. "Look," his shoulders slumped. "I'm willing to work with you. I am. I care more about returning her home safely than my ego or yours and I recognize that you could be an asset with your experience, but you don't piss into the wind in another man's back yard."

"What?" Race furrowed his brow.

"Yeah, my kids are always telling me that my sayings make no sense," the sheriff grinned a little and then opened his door. "Team, listen up?" The four deputies in the office gathered around their boss with skeptical looks on their faces. "Some of you have already met Mr. Bannon. I've decided to deputize him. He spent several years as an agent with I-One so let's leverage his experience and work together to bring his daughter home. Deputy Johnson, get Mr. Bannon up to speed."

Race did not need any more of an introduction. "Deputy," he extended a hand. "Call me Race. Let's get to work. What do you have, son?"

"I'm Carl," he reciprocated and led Race over to his desk. "Um…the only physical evidence we have is a small amount of blood and a partial print from the van. There were no hits on the print. If you could donate a sample…"

"Yes…sure," Race rushed. He already knew it was her blood so it did not matter. "But your lab tech needs to come to me. What else?"

"We're trying to coordinate with Atlanta PD at the moment. Office politics tend to slow these things down, but within the last forty-eight hours two girls with similar profiles to your daughter were reported missing from the Atlanta area. I have not seen the reports yet."

"Two?" Race asked. This was news to him. "I had only heard about one."

"Yeah," the deputy nodded. "We just found out about the other. The intakes were from different precincts. Some precincts are slower than others with the full paperwork, but we are looking at similar scenarios from what I can gather. Pretty girls. Late teens. Red hair. I'm going through old case files looking for similar MOs while I wait."

"Witnesses?" Race asked.

"Not sure," the deputy sighed. "I don't want to speculate. I want to read the reports."

"Which precincts?"

"The 5-9 and the 6-7."

"Alright," Race responded. "I'll help you go through those files, but first I'm gonna step outside and call in a few favors. I can help with the politicking. Thank you, deputy."

Race walked out of the station and to the corner before pulling out his phone to call Benton.

"Race."

"Benton, who's in the room with you?"

"Estella, Hadji and your father," Benton answered.

"Put me on speaker please." Benton could not help but notice how exhausted Race sounded as he switched the phone to speaker.

"Go ahead, Race."

"I'm down at the station. The deputies have agreed to let me work with them. They have a theory, but are struggling to get the info they need from Atlanta PD. In the last forty-eight hours, two young girls, physically similar to Jess, were abducted from the Atlanta area. We need to get the missing person reports and any other details Atlanta PD may have collected. The reports were taken out of the 5-9 and the 6-7. I'll have Phil apply pressure too. We need to get those reports and figure out if there's a connection between these girls or a pattern. I'll work on it from this end."

Hadji was the first to speak up. "We're on it, Race. I'll text you updates."

XXX

The conference room at the Ritz was silent for a minute after they hung up with Race. Hadji was the first to speak up again.

"I'm gonna go give Jonny an update before I get started," he said. "I'm sure he's checking in on what we're doing periodically and I don't want him to find out that way."

"Good," Benton nodded. "We need to keep checking on him anyway."

"Let me do it," Jack offered. "Please. I think Hadji would be more useful here."

They all agreed. Benton gave Jack the room key and the rest of them got back to work.

XXX

"Hey kiddo."

"I'm fine," Jonny said in greeting, but mostly the resignation shone through in his tone. "You guys don't need to check on me every hour."

"I know," Jack conceded. "Race called and I wanted to give you an update."

Jonny's head turned and his eyes lit up. "What…"

Jack raised a hand to calm Jonny. Then he sat down and relayed all the new information he had while Jonny listened intently. "Your father and brother are working on it. Come back downstairs with us."

"I can't," Jonny shook his head firmly.

"Can't or won't," Jack prodded.

"I need to be here," Jonny rubbed at his eyes. "This is the last place I saw her. She was…"

"What?" Jack asked when Jonny went quiet.

"She was in my arms a minute ago," Jonny whispered. "She was safe here with me."

"That's not distracting?" Jack asked genuinely.

"It's motivating," Jonny looked at him. "I can feel her here."

"I get that," Jack sympathized.

"I've been focusing better alone anyway. I'm about a third of the way through mapping out all the blind spots on this island. It's tedious, but it could help. I think it could help," he rambled.

"Keep doing that," Jack insisted. He honestly had no idea if it would help, but he knew it would keep Jonny busy and that was a good thing. "Benton and Hadji can handle the rest." Jack suddenly wanted a beer. Something to calm his nerves. "Can I sit with you for a few more minutes?"

"Sure," Jonny nodded. His mind was racing. He was trying to decide if he should stay on task or look into the Atlanta lead.

"Trust your instincts, baby. I trust them."

His instincts told him to be logical. She needed him to be logical. Divide and conquer. Keep on task and then regroup with his dad and brother.

"She's been gone almost twelve hours," Jonny whispered. "I can't remember the last time I went that long without talking to her."

"You won't have to wait much longer," Jack consoled. "I know it."

XXX

Race spent the next two hours helping Deputy Johnson go through old case files. Nothing had been stored electronically so they were stuck sorting through old brown folders. He was handing off any files that peaked his interest to Deputy Carmen for further review. He was also sending those names to Hadji.

Race leaned back in his chair. Frustrated. "So how shitty is the coffee here?"

"Worse than you'd expect," Deputy Johnson chuckled.

Race stood. "Want a cup?"

"Sure."

Race headed to the break room slowly, skillfully ignoring the looks of pity people were sending his way. He decided to brew a new pot when he got there. The existing one looked to be day old. He also decided to check in with Hadji again.

"Race. I have you on speaker," Hadji greeted.

"I know it's only been ten minutes," Race said. "Not having much luck over here. Anything new?" The silence on the other end of the line spoke volumes. "How's Jonny?"

"He's fine," Jack spoke up. "We've been taking turns checking in."

"That's good," Race sighed and then let the frustration take over. "I'm about to drive to Atlanta myself. I'll call Phil again to see if he can speed them up."

Hadji knew Race was not serious, but felt the need to speak up anyway. "We're in, Race. I'm watching everything their doing and I'll have the reports as soon as someone enters them into the system," he assured.

"Thanks," Race responded, distracted by the sudden commotion of people within the station. "What the hell," he muttered to himself, going to stand by the breakroom window.

"Roger?" Jack asked with worry in his voice. "What is it?"

"I have to go." Race hung up without another word and then immediately called Phil who picked up on the first ring.

"I'm on my way there, Race. I land in Jacksonville within the hour and I'll meet you at the station."

"Phil…" Race paused and then took a breath through his nose. "Why did the goddamn FBI just show up? What's going on?"

"We can talk when I get there," Phil started.

"Tell me now," Race demanded.

"Another girl was taken," Phil told him slowly.

Race felt his heart drop. The sensation you get when a rollercoaster falls at a ninety degree angle. "When…"

"About an hour ago…we think," Phil informed him. "It was just called in so we are still getting the facts."

Then Race felt his heart rate triple. "Where?"

"The island," Phil sighed.

'Right under my fucking nose?' Race thought. "What the hell is going on? If it was just called in how is the FBI already here?"

"They were already on the way."

"Why?"

"I have a briefing with the Director when I land to find out," Phil told him. "But my guess is they were expecting another abduction."

"I want to be on that call," Race growled, glaring at the agents through the window.

"You know I can't do that," Phil responded. "I had to call in a favor just to get the damn meeting."

Race hung up and walked out of the police station without a word. He would not allow interdepartmental bullshit to get in his way. He called his family back to fill them in and then headed straight for the airport to find out everything Phil knew.

His phone rang when he was about halfway there. Race did not recognize the number, but answered anyway. "Bannon."

"Race." It was Jonny. Race softened slightly. "Sorry, I only have the burner phone. Hadj filled me in," he sighed. "Look, there's not much to go on until we get those missing person reports or pinpoint who this other girl is and where she was taken. I'm trying to figure out the FBI's angle in the meantime, but…I'm gonna head out again unless we find something else to go on soon. I finished mapping out the blind spots and I can't sit here much longer."

Race wanted to stop him, but knew it was pointless. "Be careful and let me know where you are and what you're doing at all times. If you don't, I'll shut it down, Jonny."

"Okay."

"And let your father know before you leave."

'At least he doesn't have a gun,' Race thought.

XXX

'I need your help, baby. What am I missing? What search am I forgetting to run? What would you do?'

"Stop looking at me like that," she chucked. "You're weirding me out."

"I can't help it," he grinned. He looked away, but almost immediately turned right back. "You're brilliant."

"It wasn't that big of a deal," she shrugged and blushed a little.

They were on the Quest Jet, heading home from a trip to D.C. with their dads.

"You do not get to downplay this," he punctuated every word. "You saved all of our lives by breaking that code, including that guy who, you know, just runs the country. And you did it in this ridiculously hot dress," he made no attempt to hide it as his eyes roamed over her. "I'm so turned on right now."

She turned her head to meet his gaze and then leaned her forehead against his. "Well," she kissed him softly. "I was motivated. I wasn't about to let you get hurt."

He sat back with a smile plastered across his face. "One day…one day you will accept my compliments."

"And," she continued to deflect. "When we join the mile high club, it will NOT be with our parents twenty feet away."

He just stared at her still. "One day, baby."

"I love you, Jonny. So much."

"You amaze me, beautiful. I can't even put it into words."

XXX

To say that Race was surprised by what he was seeing would be an understatement. It had taken him a little over an hour to arrive at the Jacksonville airport and make his way by security without raising suspicion. He found his way into the only private hangar that appeared active and waited for Phil's plane to arrive. He was surprised when two planes were waved inside instead of one and stayed in the shadows to watch.

Several suits emerged from each plane and began milling around, but they did not interact with each other. If Race did not already know they were FBI and I-One agents, he would have figured it out in thirty seconds just by the distinctive way each carried themselves.

'I hope I was never that obvious,' he thought.

Phil was the last to disembark his plane. Race's posture straightened when Phil boarded the other plane instead of approaching his agents.

'The meeting is in person?' His mind ran laps trying to figure out his next move. 'The Director is here? Screw this. I'm going in.'

Race walked straight toward the plane with his hands in the air so the armed agents did not think he was a threat.

"Stop moving," one of the FBI agents demanded, putting the rest of his colleagues on alert.

"I need to speak with your bosses," Race told them and then turned around, keeping his hands in the air. "I'm armed. Take it. ID is in my back pocket."

"Bannon? Race Bannon?" one of the I-One agents asked in awe as the FBI agent disarmed him.

"Yes," Race sighed and turned back around.

"Put your hands behind your back," the FBI agent ordered, pulling handcuffs from his back pocket.

"Whoa…whoa," several I-One agents interrupted and then one spoke up. "This guy is a living legend. What do you think you're doing?"

"PHIL," Race suddenly screamed. He did not have time for this. "PHIL." It was not long before Phil and the Director descended the stairs attached to the plane.

"Let him through," Phil ordered in resignation. "You really couldn't wait?" Phil shook his head when Race was close enough for a private conversation.

"Is that a serious goddamn question?" Race sneered. "What's going on?" he got right to the point. No pleasantries.

"Mr. Bannon," Director Bartlett stuck out his hand. "You live up to the reputation that precedes you."

Race did not think that was a compliment and he did not care, but he did shake the man's hand. He did not know much about Bartlett, except that Phil did not like him, which was enough for Race.

"What's going on?" Race asked again. Desperation shone through this time.

Director Bartlett gave them both an assessing look before responding.

"Phil, thanks for the offer," Bartlett nodded. "My agents and I will take it from here."

"We can't work together?" Race asked in annoyance.

"I'll keep you posted, but this is my case. Don't forget that," Bartlett ordered.

"I don't give a shit who gets the fucking collar," Race yelled. "I care about what's happening to my daughter. You can all measure your dicks later."

"Race," Phil warned. "This isn't helping." Race knew his friend was right. He was doing the same thing he had scolded Jonny for a few hours prior. Letting his emotions control him. He walked a few feet away and sat down on the stairs.

He vaguely registered a hushed conversation between Phil and Bartlett, but by the time he got his bearings, Bartlett was walking away and gathering his agents.

"Sorry," Race mumbled when Phil came to stand in front of him,

"No you're not," Phil scoffed.

"No," Race stood. "I'm not. What did he say?"

"We didn't get past bullshitting each other," Phil told him. "You didn't give me a chance."

Phil was not expecting an apology, but he was surprised when Race just ran off in the direction that the FBI had gone. He decided to follow closely behind his old friend.

The Director put a hand up as Race approached, indicating that he should keep his distance. "Mr. Bannon, I've said all that I'm gonna say on the subject. I will let you know if that changes."

Race simply gave him a smile. "Yeah…your position is clear, Director. Appreciate your help. I'd also appreciate it if your agent gave me back my wallet and sidearm."

"Which I assume you have a permit for?" the Director shot back.

"Check the wallet, asshole."

"Bannon," Phil warned again.

"You should really watch your mouth before you get into trouble," Bartlett told him.

"You're not my boss," Race pushed past him. "And last time I checked it wasn't a crime to call someone out on being an asshole."

Race dug the cell out of his pocket as he exited the hangar and redialed the last incoming call. Phil followed him again after directing the agents to meet them at the hotel.

"Race?" Jonny was hopeful.

"I need you to look into the Director of the FBI," Race told him. "Whatever's going on…he's got a personal interest."

"I'm on it."

"Stay put until I get there, please. We can go out together."

"Deal," Jonny promised.

"Race," Phil tried to stop him. "You need to tread lightly."

"I'll do my best," Race said as an afterthought. "You catching a ride with me?"

"Yes. Let's go."

XXX

Jonny was knee deep in Bartlett's travel patterns during his five-year tenure as Director. He was trying to find a pattern, a connection….anything. He let IRIS take over the search while he hacked the criminal database tracked by the National Crime Information Center. He wanted to compare the data to determine if Bartlett took interest in particular crimes. If the answer was yes, it could lead them to a suspect. Since she had been taken, the nets they were casting had been too wide. If he could zero in on one man, it would only be a short matter of time before he found her. He knew that to be true.

Jonny could hear them laughing as soon as he walked into the house. He hung up his coat and shook the wetness from his hair. It had been storming all day. He was craving a long hot shower, but another round of laughter drew him into the living room instead.

He stood behind the couch, leaning on it and waiting to be noticed. Jess and Mary were on the floor by the fireplace. Surrounding them were several tins of pictures and most of the photos had already been looked at and sorted into piles. Their backs were to him, but it did not take long for Jess to turn around and give him a soft smile.

"Hey," she stood, tiptoeing over the photo piles and then trotting over to give him a huge hug. "I missed you," she whispered into his neck. He smiled. She held on a little longer than normal. She made him feel special.

"Seriously you two?" Mary deadpanned. "You act like you don't live together and spend every waking hour together."

"I didn't expect you home so soon," Jessie ignored Mary. She took a small step back and placed her hands on his chest. "I thought for sure you'd be out joyriding a few more hours. It's been impossible to get you off the road since you finished that car."

"It's not as much fun in the rain," he shrugged. "Or without you," he added. Mary ruined the moment by making fake gagging noises. Jonny rolled his eyes and then moved on. "Why are you going through old photos?"

"Just for fun," she told him, rubbing his arms. "You're damp. You should go take a shower."

He took his time. The water pelting his shoulders felt good. He and Race had spent the better part of the last three weeks bent over the hood of his new favorite toy. A classic red mustang. A gift from Race for his seventeenth birthday. It was a piece of junk to start, but Race taught him how to rebuild it. A fresh coat of paint and it was one of the most beautiful things he had ever seen. His body was still recovering from the labor though. He made a mental note to ask Jess for a shoulder rub later. After his shower, he headed back to the living room and found her lying back on the couch staring at a photo. "Where's Mary?" he asked, secretly hoping she had left.

"Gone," she grinned. "She knows its date night."

He sighed in contentment and then joined her own the couch, lying half on top of her. She maneuvered until they were face to face. Her back was to the fire. She tangled her legs with his. "You smell good," she kissed him. "I really did miss you."

"Good. I was afraid I'd been replaced for the evening since I've been spending too much time with my new baby," he teased.

"Not funny," she leaned away when he tried to kiss her back.

"It was a little funny," he insisted, pulling her close again. "Find any good pictures?"

"I actually found my most favorite picture ever tonight," her face lit up and she handed him the photo. "Look at this insane cuteness."

"Oh jeez," he laughed. "That's embarrassing."

"No," she disagreed, taking it back and staring at it lovingly. "This is the most adorable thing I've ever seen and I'm taking it to college with me. How old were you?"

"Must be five," he said after thinking about it for a moment. "I think this was before you came to visit the first time."

The picture was of Race, napping in a lounger. Jonny was sprawled out on top of him. Also fast asleep.

"Do you think your dad took this picture?" she wondered.

"Nah. Probably not," Jonny shook his head a little sadly. "He basically lived in the lab back then. Maybe Mrs. Evans."

"I love you," she said quietly. He knew she was deflecting him from going down the path of thinking about his father's behavior back then. He let her.

"I love…" she interrupted him with a deep kiss and pulled back only when air became a necessity.

"Still like your new baby better?" she asked against his lips.

"I want you," he told her instead and closed in on her lips again. His hands were everywhere in a heartbeat. Eventually, his lips moved to her neck. "I want you so bad." He knew they could only go so far with their parents in the lighthouse, but it was getting harder to ignore. Harder to stop. He also knew she felt it too. He could not remember the last time they were alone in a room together and did not end up all over each other. The electricity was tangible. He loved it and hated it in equal measure. It felt amazing to want something. Someone, so badly. It also left him in a constant state of frustration that he tried to work through alone or in the gym. It was a real challenge because he would spend hours blowing off steam and then she would just give him a smile and erase it. There were no breaks from it. She was always around. Not that he wanted a break. He just wanted her. Contemplating all that as he kissed her and knowing that they had a plan were the only things that kept him from taking her to his bed.

She pulled back breathless. "I don't want you to stop," she whispered. Eyes closed.

He was confused and she would not meet his stare. "I thought you wanted to wait until…"

"I do," she cut him off and squeezed her eyes shut harder. "I do. I want it to be special," she added quietly.

He buried his head into her shoulder and she played with the hair at the base of his neck. He kissed her shoulder softly. He did not want her to know how frustrated he felt. For him, it would be special no matter what.

"I know you're frustrated," she whispered in his ear.

"Baby…you're killing me," he sighed. "I'd add 'but what a way to go', but I think I need to be inside you a few thousand times minimum before I could ever say that with a straight face."

"Good," she laughed sweetly and then tugged his hair at the roots until he leaned back far enough to see her eyes. She ran her thumb back and forth across his cheek. "I'm sorry I'm always the first to pull back."

"Don't apologize," he shrugged and then grinned. "You have to be. I never will."

"You make it near impossible," she flirted. "I want you too," she kissed him, but only just. "I don't want to rush or risk interruption though. Interruption would almost certainly lead to you being injured," she pointed out. "I definitely don't want that. You're too pretty to mess up," she teased.

"I get it," he smiled. "I can wait. I just can't wait to make you mine."

"I'm already yours, Jonny."

"It'll be different, baby."

"I know." They just stared at each other for a while, but made no move to untangle their limbs.

"Hey," he paused and swallowed. "In all seriousness, you know I'd wait a lot longer than a few weeks, right? I don't want you to feel pressured."

"I don't feel pressured. I feel loved," she insisted. "So…where do you want to go tonight?" she changed the subject. "It's your turn to choose."

"Hmm…I'm liking where I'm at right now," he answered. "Let's just stay like this forever."

"Jonny?"

"JONNY?"

"Huh…what?" he cleared his throat. "What is it?"

"I called your name three times?" Estella said softly and then sat down in the extra chair.

"Sorry," he apologized lifelessly. It was awkwardly silent after that. He wanted her to leave. He was almost finished compiling data. He planned to go regroup with his father and brother once complete so they could analyze it together. If nothing came of that, then plan B was to scour every inch that he had mapped out, starting at the spot where the van was abandoned. He needed to keep moving.

"So," Jonny started when it appeared she was not leaving. "Draw the short end of the stick on babysitting duty?" he tried to joke.

"I volunteered actually," she smiled. "I wanted to make sure you were alright."

Jonny's mood plummeted after that comment. Not that his mood was up before she arrived, but her sudden interest in him, real or not, pissed him off. "I'm fine. Trying to get some work done," his tone was short.

"You want me to leave," she stated bluntly.

He scoffed. "Why would you want to stay? You don't like me. You've never even pretended to like me. Let's not pretend now."

"I like you…"

"Okay….whatever," he shook his head. "You like me."

"Jonny…"

"My nerves are completely shot," he admitted suddenly. "I don't want to have this conversation. I don't want to fight with you. I really don't, but I also have no patience to pretend and play nice with you right now. I just want to focus on finding her. Please leave and let me."

"I don't have any interest in pretending," Estella sighed.

"Really? It's all we've done the last few years," Jonny shot back. "I think we can pull it off a few more hours."

"What are you talking about?" she asked.

"Just…go…please," he said through his teeth.

"No."

Jonny looked skyward and asked anyone out there that was listening to grant him some more patience. "I thought Jess was the most stubborn woman…" he paused and looked away.

"I'll show you stubborn, Quest."

'I miss you.'

"I don't want to pretend," Estella said again.

"Why are you provoking me?" he sighed.

"Maybe I'm just too exhausted to bullshit anymore," she said sadly.

He wanted to feel bad for her, but did not have the mental or physical energy. "Fine. Let's be honest… I'm nice to you because I have this crazy desire to be liked and accepted by you. Not because I care. I don't care just to be clear, but she does. A lot. You…you pretend to tolerate me to my face, but try to convince Jess to end it behind my back." He could feel the anger rising in his throat. He thought he had made peace with the fact that Estella did not like him, but having an actual conversation with her about it told him he was wrong.

Estella was quiet for a while. Contrite, so he continued to work. "I didn't realize she had told you…"

"She didn't tell me," Jonny cut her off. "She didn't have to."

"Then why play nice at all?" Estella needed to know. "She would've sided with you. We both know that."

"You don't think I'm good enough for your daughter," he said calmly. "Guess what?" he smiled and looked her right in the eye. "I agree with you. That's the difference between me and your golden boy Tyler. I know I'm not good enough, but I'll never stop trying to be."

"That doesn't answer my question," she sighed.

"It does actually. Now please leave so I can…" A loud beep screamed out of his laptop to interrupt them. He had to look twice to believe it. "Oh my God."

"What?" Estella shot up. "What is it?" she asked more firmly when he maneuvered too quickly across his keyboard for her to follow.

Jonny did not answer. He tucked his computer under his arm and pushed his way by Estella. Then he ran out of the room. He vaguely registered that Estella was chasing after him, but had tunnel vision as he crashed through the doorway that led to the stairwell. He dug the burner phone and his room key out of his pocket. He called Race as he continued to run. He could hear the echoes in the stairwell. His and Estella's footsteps, his own breathing and Estella calling after him desperately.

'Answer, Race. Answer. Answer,' he chanted to himself as the phone continued to ring.

"Jonny," Race answered.

Jonny got directly to the point. "I just got a ping from her earrings, Race. IRIS is isolating the exact location now, but it's coming from the northeast corner of the island. Less than a mile from where we found the van. The signal is weak so it's gonna take a few minutes. I'm on my way. It should be narrowed by the time we get there."

"Jonny…"

"Don't even think about it," Jonny cut him off.

"Be careful," Race ordered. "I'll meet you there. Wait for me," he urged.

Jonny disconnected the call and then picked up his pace. Once he reached his room, he rushed in and grabbed the car keys from his dresser. Then he dumped the entire contents of his suitcase on the bed and rifled through his belongings until he found the portable battery for his laptop. When he turned to rush back out, Estella was blocking the doorway. Breathing heavily.

"I'm coming with you," she demanded. "No argument. She's my daughter."

"Fine," he shrugged and ran by her when she moved aside. He did not have the time to argue. If she could keep up, he would not stop her.

'I'm on my way, angel.'