AN: Still having fun. Hope you enjoy.
Estella was exhausted. Physically and emotionally. They were back at the taxi stand. It felt like days, not hours, since she and Jonny had driven away from this spot. Time was funny like that. It was after four in the morning and the stand was unoccupied now. She searched for Race on instinct, but could not see her ex-husband anywhere.
So she turned to Jonny instead. Each hour spent with him was harder than the last because it was another hour where their mutual worry for Jessie compounded. And another hour where it became more difficult to outrun the conclusion that she had been very wrong about him. She desperately wanted the chance to make that right.
"We're here," Estella pointed out. She wanted to know what was next. She knew Jonny must be aware that they had arrived, but he remained engrossed behind his computer until she said something. The keychain clutched in his left hand was the only other outside stimulus getting his attention. Jonny closed his computer with a heavy sigh. Estella wanted to ask, but managed to stay quiet.
'Keep it together, Quest. Don't let Race see how scared you are.'
Jonny repeated what had become his mantra with the added twist a few times, gripping the keychain like a stress ball.
Then he put the keychain in his pocket again and scanned the area quickly. Not surprisingly, there was nobody in sight. Jonny knew Race was there though. He jumped out of the car and tried to ignore how hard his heart was thudding against his ribcage. Something did not feel right. He was adjusted to this new normal and something still felt wrong.
When Race stepped out of the shadows, Jonny cleared his voice and ignored the unfamiliar look in Race's eyes. Instead, he immediately started rattling off information.
"Her name was Lena Barnes," Jonny started quietly. "She was a teacher in Atlanta so we got a hit on her prints. There's no police report that I can find. From what I can tell, she's single. She has no family in the area and its winter break at her school. I don't think anyone has realized yet that she's missing. I pulled her phone records. The last activity I see is a text message sent from her phone. Two days ago…on the twenty first at six forty eight in the evening," he added.
Race nodded and glanced over at Estella as he processed the information. She was staring at him from behind the wheel. He would have smiled if the situation were different. That woman's stubborn nature never stopped surprising him. "Good work," he acknowledged. "Let's assume that Lena was taken around seven p.m. on the twenty first. Per the police reports that Hadji sent, Lisa Marley was last seen around seven the following morning. Brenda Denton…last seen seven in the evening on the twenty second. Jess was taken twelve hours after that and Keri twelve hours after Jess."
"So we have a forty eight hour window," Jonny concluded. 'And she's been gone twenty one,' he immediately thought with his stomach clenching painfully.
"That's the working theory," Race pursed his lips and glanced again at Estella, but tried not to linger. She threw him off his game. "Fill me in on Bartlett."
"No. It's your turn first," Jonny insisted. "What's going on? Why wouldn't you tell me anything over the phone?"
"Phil tipped me off on his way back to the hotel," Race started. "Bartlett has no facts, but he's made the educated guess that I was with Phil when Lena was found. Bartlett's not my fan and doesn't want me involved. It's a safe bet he's trying to track me down and I didn't want to help him. I'm sure he's been trying to track my phone. That's why I switched it out after you called me the first time," he explained. "As far as not discussing details over the phone…old habits die hard. You never know whose listening."
"Why didn't you warn me? Were you hoping they'd pick me up?" Jonny accused.
Race shrugged. That had not been his intention, but if it had been the outcome he would not have complained. "I didn't think it was a huge risk since you've been running around with a burner," Race grumbled. "I broke your phone after that little field trip this afternoon, remember?"
"Right," Jonny sighed, looking down at the ground and deciding to let it go. He did not want another confrontation. "Fine. What now? I need caffeine and a quiet place to work so I can get through the rest of these case files."
"I've got both," Race nodded. "What do you have so far?"
"I've isolated twenty potential case files. All accessed by the FBI in the last two days. All…abductions that happened in cities where Bartlett then subsequently travelled to and got involved in the case. I'm going through each one and locating the listed suspects as a starting point."
"How?"
"I have IRIS independently running the searches so I can keep moving through the files and adding names," Jonny answered. "I'll cycle back through and begin clearing names once I finish. What's wrong?" Race had a weird look on his face.
"How much will it slow you down if I ask you not to use IRIS?" Race sighed, weighing his options.
"You don't have to worry," Jonny assured. "I have a back door into IRIS. No one, including my father and brother, will be able to find us using it unless I want them to."
"You sound confident."
"I am. Completely."
"Your dad…"
"He may realize I'm in, but it won't matter," Jonny cut him off. "For lack of a better term, I have a self-destruct sequence. It will activate at my command or the moment anyone tries to initiate a hack…and I know all the techniques they'd try. They won't find us if you don't want us to be found."
"I don't want us to be found," Race cut in firmly. "That's how it needs to be for now."
"Alright," Jonny nodded. "I trust you and they won't find us," he repeated. "Trust me."
"I do. This is your call," Race conceded and then hesitated again.
"What now?"
"Considering the best strategy for handling Estella," Race admitted.
Jonny scoffed. "Good luck."
Race rubbed the back of his neck in agitation and then walked by Jonny.
"Race…wait," Jonny pivoted.
Race turned and looked at Jonny expectantly.
"Look…I assume you have a car," he started. Jonny avoided looking in Estella's direction. He felt guilty. "She has my car. Let's just go. She means well. I know she does, but she's been nothing but a distraction to me. I know she's so scared… Look, I can't babysit her or worry about making her feel better any longer, Race. I need to focus on Jessie. Please?"
Race paused for a long moment and Jonny did not know what he would do.
"I need to make sure she gets back safe and stays there," Race admitted.
Jonny nodded in understanding.
"Come on," Race cocked his head. "Follow my lead, kid. You can work while I drive."
Race headed toward the driver side door, never letting his stare waver from Estella's eyes. A silent conversation passed between them during the short walk.
'I'm scared.'
'I know. I'll bring her home.'
'I trust you.'
Race opened the door, thankful that she let him without a fight. He placed a reassuring hand on her knee. "I promise," he swore.
"I believe you," she whispered.
Race pulled his hand away smoothly as Jonny jumped in the passenger seat, but Estella could still feel him. "Let me drive, Stel."
Estella scrambled into the backseat quickly as Race got behind the wheel and started the car.
"I don't want to be left behind," Estella whispered. "I wouldn't know what to do with myself."
"I actually need your help," Race said without missing a beat.
"Yeah?" she asked skeptically.
"Seriously, Stel. I need to speak with Phil and it has to be in person. I need his help to find her," Race insisted.
"How can I help with that?" Estella asked.
"Director Bartlett is trying to shut me out," Race explained. "The best way to do that in the short term is arrest me for interfering with an ongoing investigation."
"Knowing you, he won't be able to prove that," Estella responded.
"No," Race sighed. "…but he has enough clout to hold me and create enough red tape to keep me sidelined while Jess is out there. That can't happen."
"No. It can't," Estella agreed. "What do you need me to do?"
"Dubois," Race said.
"What?"
"I need you to get that message to Phil," Race explained. "He's back at the hotel. Bartlett has set up camp there and knows I'll reach out to Phil for help. He's waiting for that. I can't risk going back in there."
"What about Jonny?" she challenged.
"Sending Jonny won't work. The local sheriff was already asking me questions about him hours ago. I'm sure the FBI agents crawling all over that hotel have orders to grab him on sight. They've already tried to get at me through Benton and Hadji. Jonny's the next logical step. He won't be able to get to Phil."
Estella was still skeptical. After spending the last few hours with Jonny, she somehow doubted that. Following that same train of thought, she found it hard to believe that Race would fail either and decided to challenge. "I find it hard to believe one of you couldn't get to Phil if that's what really needs to be done for Jessie."
"We could," Jonny interrupted. "…but you can get to him faster and every minute counts."
"He's right, Stel. It's one thing to break in somewhere undetected. It's much harder when trained agents are specifically looking for you," Race rationalized.
"What makes you think I'll be able to get by them?" she asked.
"You don't need to get by them. They don't know you're with me. They have no reason to stop you. If anyone tries, tell them you're looking for me and need Phil's help. They'll probably take you right to him, hoping he'll give something away."
"Wouldn't they do the same thing with Jonny?" she challenged again.
"Maybe," Race sighed. "Or maybe they'll question him for hours first. I can't take that risk."
"And if they question me for hours?"
They were stopped at a light so he turned his head to meet her gaze for a moment. "The chance of that is much smaller with you as the messenger," he told her honestly. "I need Jonny's help too. I can't send him in there, Stel."
"Here," Jonny turned around and showed Estella his computer screen. "I tapped into the hotel's security cameras. Phil's in conference room B on the second floor. If you go in the East entrance, the elevator is right there. You should be able to get up there pretty quickly. There are agents all over the floor though. It won't be possible to get to Phil without going through them, but if you let them know you need to talk to Phil about Race they'll let you through," Jonny insisted. "Here's your phone," he handed it back to her. "I put my new number in already. Call us when it's done."
"What does Dubois mean?" she asked.
"Phil and I were assigned a case in Sarajevo early in our careers. Our safe house during the mission was the Dubois hotel. Our cover was blown. We got separated and we were both pinned down… trying to get to the secondary safe house, which was a mile northwest of the hotel. If you say Dubois, Phil will know that means to meet me a mile northwest of the hotel. A place to talk safely."
"What will you ask Phil to do?" Estella wanted to know.
"Come with him and find out," Race offered. "To be clear, that's not what I want. I want you safe, but I don't have the energy or the time to fight with you. I'm out of options at the moment. I need your help. We only have a short window to get her home safe," he finished soberly.
"Alright," she whispered.
"Thank you."
"I can do it," she said confidently.
XXX
She had managed to stay mostly conscious the last few hours, but that was no easy feat. The drugs still in her system were not helping. Jessie thought she understood what it was like to be afraid. Thought she had dealt with the worst kinds of people. She was wrong. This man. She did not know what to call him. This monster. He was unlike anyone she had ever encountered. He ignored every attempt she made to start a dialogue or even get a reaction from him. She could not wrap her mind around her current situation.
"Why are you doing this?" she asked. No answer. "DON'T WE AT LEAST DESERVE TO KNOW WHY?" she yelled in frustration.
Jessie was propped up in the corner of the cage he left them in. Her back was to him. She spent as much time trying to block out Lisa's crying and the scared look on Brenda's face as she did trying to keep them in focus. She was afraid to lose her grasp on reality. Lose her chance at escape when he came for her. She had a plan for him if he came for her.
She equally sought escape from her current reality though. From the knowledge that she was powerless to help Lisa and was not sure if she could help Brenda or the girl passed on next to her. She felt a weight on her chest. She felt responsible for them all now.
Jessie was on the edge of her seat as soon as Jonny walked into the kitchen. She knew something was up from the look on his face. She put down the paper she was reading and pushed her breakfast plate out of the way.
Jonny leaned across the island she was sitting behind to give her a quick kiss. "Gooood morning, love of my life. Did you make me breakfast?"
"In your dreams, Quest."
"You're always in my dreams, baby. I was hoping for something extra today though. Like a side of hash browns. What do you say?" he smiled.
He was so cute that she almost got up and made him something. Almost. "I think I gave you something extra last night," she flirted instead.
"That's true," he acknowledged. "When can we do that again?"
Jessie raised an eyebrow. "What's up with you?"
"I'm just happy to see you," Jonny shrugged.
"Uh huh…and?" she pushed.
"Aaaand I was hoping you wanted to go for a drive or something. Get out of here. Just the two of us. What do you say?" he asked.
"You're incredibly charming, Jonny Quest."
"Thank you. I really want…"
"And you know exactly how charming you are and more to the point you know EXACTLY how to use it against me," she cut him off. "Now why are you trying to get me out of this house?"
"Because I want you all to myself," he whispered.
"Hmm," she hummed. "I do believe you, but I also know…" She stopped suddenly and looked behind her. The sound of the engine heading up the driveway caught her attention. She cleared her throat and her playful demeanor evaporated. When she turned back toward Jonny she noticed the guilty look that crossed his face.
Jessie bit her bottom lip. "Weren't you supposed to go for a run with my dad this morning?"
Jonny shrugged, but did not make eye contact. "Nothing was set in stone."
Jessie scrunched her face and then stood to leave. "Well, this makes me a little sick to my stomach."
"Jess," Jonny admonished. "Don't get mad at him for having a social life. Your dad deserves to have something outside of this house. He deserves to be as happy as us."
"I don't think he's out there in search of a soulmate," Jessie laughed meanly.
"You don't know that," Jonny defended. It was almost in anger and made her straighten in surprise. "You just see red any time a situation comes up with him and ANY woman. You can't have him all to yourself forever. That's not fair. You need to stop this. I'm serious."
She immediately went on the defensive. "My anger is directed at YOU right now. Not him," she sneered. "You were trying to get me out of the house so I wouldn't notice him sneaking back in. So…what? Guy code trumps all? You all have to help each other get laid?"
"That's ridiculous," Jonny smiled and gave her a pointed look. "He doesn't need my help getting laid and I'm confident he would never facilitate ME in any way." When she did not smile back he continued. "I only wanted to save you two from an unnecessary fight. Ignore it, Jess. If nothing else, having this fight again is unproductive and it will ruin our Sunday."
Jessie paused and considered. Then the sound of her dad's car door slamming shook her awake. "Follow me," she ordered, grabbing his hand and pulling him toward the stairs.
"Where are we going?" he asked when she did not stop on the second floor and headed up to the third floor. "I don't even remember the last time I was up here."
She pushed him through the first open door on the left and then turned around to lock it. They were in their old rec room. It was filled with arcade style games, a ping pong table, an air hockey table and a pinball machine. Pretty much everything to keep a couple of pre-teens occupied for hours until they learned how to use Questworld.
"You want to play some old school games?" he asked walking around the room. "Wow, this stuff has really collected dust. I used to love crushing you in ping pong though. This could be fun…" he trailed off after turning around and getting a good look at her. "Babe," he grinned. "Your clothes fell off."
"Your observation skills are as impressive as always," she teased, moving away from the door and coming further into the room.
"Our dads are home," he pointed out, but the pace of his breathing had changed and his eyes followed her every step. They had always gone to great lengths to be completely discreet before now.
She stood in front of the air hockey table, staring him down. Daring him to make the next move. Then she jumped up onto it, crossing her legs in the process. He swallowed noticeably.
"I don't care that our dads are here," she shot back. "I want you. Distract me."
"Huh?" he asked. Distracted himself.
She leaned back on her hands, purposefully puffing out her chest. Jonny was still rooted to the floor about ten feet away from her. Conflicted, but clearly more than intrigued by what she would do next.
She bit her lip and then uncrossed her legs, spreading them just enough for him to fit between. She saw him swallow again and knew he was about to give in. "If you don't want me to start a fight today, then get over here and distract me. Make me forget."
He could not resist the invitation and came to stand between her legs, placing his hands on her hips and his forehead to hers. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He licked his lip. She wanted to kiss him, but waited. "You want me to make love to you in our childhood playground…while our family is downstairs?" he asked in mock horror.
"Since when are you such a choir boy?" She could not wait any longer, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck and kissing him deeply.
"Just checking," he said out a breath when she came up for air. He moved to her neck, interspersing soft kisses with teasing bites until he reached her ear. Her breath hitched. She loved it when he whispered right against her ear. It sent chills down her spine. It did not even matter what he said.
"Please," she begged.
"Be quieter than last night," he ordered softly, kissing her ear. Her forehead. And then giving the other side of her neck the same attention.
She tilted her head to give him better access. "I thought you liked it when I expressed myself," she breathed heavily.
He pulled back slightly and she removed his shirt. "To be clear, I love that and I love you…but I reserve the right to make this request when your father's itchy trigger finger is within three hundred yards of my person."
She appreciated the view of his bare chest and then trapped his hips between her knees to pull him closer. "Well, to be clear…I know you love me, but right now I just want you to fuck me quick before we're interrupted."
"I don't think this is a healthy reaction to your dad staying out all night," he barely managed to choke out, while helping her remove the rest of his clothes in record time.
"Shut it and don't be gentle," she growled.
"Lay back," he instructed, pressing his palm into her pelvis. A wave of butterflies flitted through her stomach as she did what he asked.
She arched her hips toward him with a content look on her face. Then she broke out in a grin. "Turn the table on first," she laughed. "Make me forget everything...oh." She gripped the sides of the table and focused hard on the ceiling as he gave her exactly what she wanted. "Everything except you, Jonny."
XXX
She clung to his side as they descended the stairs from the third floor.
"Congratulations," she whispered.
"On?" he prompted.
"Your dick just brokered a peaceful resolution," she sighed happily.
Jonny laughed so hard at her comment that they ended up sitting on one of the steps. She threaded her fingers through his and leaned over to kiss his cheek. Then she laid her head on his shoulder.
"Happy to do my part," he chuckled. "That was…okay?" he asked. Still a little unsure of himself.
"A big yes," she smiled brightly. 'I love him,' she thought. 'Too much.'
"Alright," he smiled back and gripped her hand tighter.
"Thank you for setting me straight. I needed to hear it."
"Hmm?"
"In the kitchen," she added. "About my dad…I need to let it go."
"So….you're saying I was right and you were…"
She cut him off immediately. "I'm saying on the rare occasion when I need to be put in my place, I'm glad you do just that. It's kinda hot honestly. I love you, Jonny."
"Love you," he whispered back. "Crazy love, baby."
Race interrupted them before she could say anything else. "Where have you two been?" he asked as he came up the stairs.
"Playing air hockey," Jessie answered without missing a beat.
"That table still works?" Race asked in surprise.
"Very well," Jessie smiled and then changed the subject. "Where have you been?"
"Here," Race shrugged.
"I feel like a run," Jonny spoke up. She suspected to help her remember what she just said and not start a fight "Race, you up for it?"
"Sure, kiddo."
"Ace?"
"No thanks," she stood and headed in the direction of her room. "Have fun boys."
'Jonny,' she thought frantically. 'I'm in a state of static equilibrium here. Nothing I try gets me anywhere. I need a fly in the oil. A hail mary. Your specialty, baby. I'm trying to be patient here, but we both know that's not my strength. Hurry. Please.'
Silent tears streamed down her face as Lisa's cries pierced through her thoughts again.
XXX
Race parked a block away from the hotel and got out of the car. "Come on, Stel. I'll walk you and we can go over the plan one more time."
Estella opened her door, but hesitated before jumping out. She found herself staring at the back of Jonny's head wanting to say something, but unsure of what that something should be.
"Jonny?"
"Yeah?" Their eyes met in the rear view mirror.
"See you soon?"
"Yes," he nodded. "I'll be there."
"Okay," she smiled slightly, releasing a breath and then hesitating again. "I gotta ask before I go…what's with the keychain?"
The smile Jessie graced him with when he gave her the keychains flashed through his mind in an instant.
"I love them, baby."
"Inside joke," he whispered.
"Okay. I'll see you soon," she repeated and then jogged to catch up with Race.
Jonny watched Estella run toward Race and his mantra continued on a loop in his head. As soon as they rounded the corner, he grabbed Jessie's phone and pulled up the video library. He knew it was dumb. Race would knock his block off, but he needed to see her face. Hear her voice. He skipped through the first few seconds of the video he stopped before finishing earlier.
"You are the master of finding an excuse to hold my hand. Not that you ever need an excuse. That has always made me feel special, ya know. The way you would do that. You make me feel special. I was lying awake in bed last night trying to remember if I've ever told you that. I couldn't remember. I hope you know." She closed her eyes. "Or maybe I'm just addicted to your hands," she laughed. "Do you think that's possible?" She paused again and bit her lip this time. "God…I miss your hands. In a dirty way too," she teased. "Do you remember Mary's Halloween party in the laundry room? We got a little carried away that night, huh?" She said it wistfully and bit her lip again. "I got a whole new appreciation for your talented hands that night…and we almost got caught," she giggled. "I think about that more than is normal I think. You make everything fun, Jonny. I love you so much and I can't wait to come home to you."
'Please let that be a sign,' he thought.
Jonny just stared at the phone once the video finished. He wanted to watch more, but avoided the temptation. He knew Race's plan would require tossing their phones. He could not bear the thought of parting with hers though. He turned it off and shoved it back into his pocket.
XXX
Race was crouched down behind a tree, scanning the perimeter of the hotel. Estella was beside him with her palm on his back to maintain her balance.
"What are you looking for?" she whispered.
Race had counted twenty agents in two minutes. 'Bartlett is not fucking around,' he thought.
Race straightened slowly and pulled Estella up with him. He wrapped his hands around her face. "Have you got it?" he asked. "Do you want me to walkthrough it one more time?"
"No," she said solemnly and placed her hands flat against his chest. He was strong and that made her want to be strong. "I've got this. I won't let you down. I won't let her down."
"I know you won't, Stel."
"You need to watch him close, Roger?"
"Huh?"
"Jonny," she clarified. "You didn't see him in Jacksonville," she bit her lip, contemplating her words. "He stabbed that boy…"
"What?" Race whisper-yelled.
"In the leg only," she rushed and then started to backtrack. "He had to do it…I think. I honestly don't know. That boy was trying to blackmail him for money. He wouldn't give us the information. Jonny lost it."
"Lost it or did what he had to do to get what you went there for?" Race challenged. "Sounds like he made the same call I would've."
"I'm…really not sure," she sighed. "I know he blames himself for this. For not being with her when it happened. He flat out told me that much."
"Yeah…well so do I," Race's gaze went to the ground and his jaw clenched.
His hands were still around her face. Estella lifted her hands to cover his. She wanted to comfort him. She waited a beat to see if he would meet her eyes. He refused. She could see his barely controlled anger simmering under the surface. "I'll tell you what I told him. This is not your fault. You couldn't have prevented this."
"I would have prevented this," he growled.
She let out a short laugh, which made his eyes shoot back up. "That's exactly what Jonny said. He's…"
"I won't be around to protect her forever," Race pointed out.
Realization dawned on Estella. "So you expect him to. The way you would."
"Of course I do. What father wouldn't?"
Estella laughed again, moving her hands back to his chest. "Somehow, I think your expectations are different. He's not you or Phil. He's still basically a kid and he's putting so much pressure on himself right now."
Race hinted at a smile. "When did that happen? You sound like you care."
"Well someone has," she shot back. "That's what Jess would want."
"Jonny's up for the challenge," Race assured. Then he paused and stroked the apples of her cheeks with his thumbs before sharing his next thought. "Do me a favor and be extra careful?"
"I will."
"Don't say it as an afterthought?" he asked. "You and I both know you have a long history of doing the exact opposite of what I ask…even when I ask nicely," he teased.
"I thought that's what you used to like best about me," she teased back sadly and her eyes dropped.
"Nah," he smiled. "That's what I loved best about you."
He kissed her before her eyes met his again. She was taken aback for only a moment and then instinct kicked in. She balled the hands on his chest into fists, simultaneously gripping the fabric of his t-shirt and pulling him closer. Suddenly, she could not get close enough. She stood on the tips of her toes and wound her arms up around his neck. She kissed him back desperately. Acutely aware of all she had lost and what she could still lose.
He pushed her back against the tree and then pushed his tongue passed her lips. She moaned softly and then whimpered when he pulled away to catch his breath. His face was still so close she could only see his lips.
"You taste just like I remember," he whispered.
"Race?"
"Go," he kissed her lightly one more time. "Be safe," he repeated.
"Say it one more time?" she urged.
"I'll bring her home," he swore.
"Both of them," she insisted.
Her sudden concern for Jonny confused him and warmed his heart unexpectedly.
"I've protected that boy more than half his life. I don't plan to stop until someone makes me."
XXX
Hadji was starting to feel useless. He did not know the whereabouts of Race, but had been exceedingly questioned about it. He did not know his brother's current situation and was very worried about him. Worst of all, he could not do anything to help Jessie because his equipment had been confiscated and he felt like his every move was being monitored.
He had been allowed back in his room a few minutes ago. There were agents roaming his hallway. He knew they were there in case Race showed up. Maybe even Jonny too. He was not sure where Jonny stood on their radar. A few questions had been asked about him, but Race was the clear focus. Either way, he felt like he was in a cage. Being guarded and watched. No amount of sleep or meditation would alleviate the frustration he felt in that moment.
He stared at his phone and tried not to let paranoia take over. He could not help but wonder why they did not take his phone too. Was it to monitor his calls? He was exhausted. He dialed Race's number again. He knew there would be no answer. It went straight to voicemail. He sat on his bed heavily and stared at the device like it was to blame. Willing Race to call him back. He did not know what to do next. Useless.
He laid back in a prone position, convincing himself finally that he should try to get some sleep. He set the phone on his chest and closed his eyes. When he felt the vibrations against his sternum, he sat up with a start. He did not recognize the number.
"Race?" He was out of breath like he had been running.
"No. It's me."
"Jonny," Hadji smiled. "Are you…"
"Is it safe to talk?" Jonny cut him off.
"As far as I know," Hadji sighed. "It's just me here. Don't know if my calls are being monitored."
"Have you found any new leads?" Jonny asked lamely.
"No," Hadji apologized. "Father and I had our computers confiscated and were questioned for hours. Accused of helping Race interfere with a federal investigation. I'd try to convince you to come back, but I fear you'd be subjected to the same."
"Would be a waste of your time anyway," Jonny pointed out.
"Jonny…"
"I need you to tell dad that I'm sorry, okay?"
"Jonny…"
"Promise me, Hadj."
"Sorry for what?" Hadji asked.
"Everything," Jonny laughed without humor. "Whatever I did to make him angry or to worry…I guess for today mostly. I haven't been very patient with him. I'm sorry for lying to you earlier too. I am. I knew exactly what I was doing. I knew it was wrong, but I didn't care. I should've trusted you. I'm sorry."
"You sound different," Hadji commented. "More than just worried for her."
"I feel different," Jonny whispered.
"What happened?"
"Phil didn't update you?"
"Only the basics. We were all separated pretty fast."
"I found the body first," Jonny started.
"I didn't know that," Hadji admitted. "I'm…that's awful."
"I thought it was Jess," his voice caught. He needed to get this out before Race was back. "I saw red hair and I thought it was her. Only for a few seconds, but for… I knew what it felt like to lose her. To think that she wasn't in this world anymore. That I'd never see her smile at me again. Or hear her laugh at one of my stupid jokes. That I let her down in the worst way. And…I felt like my world was collapsing in on itself. I could physically feel it. My body started to shut down on me. I barely managed to get close enough to see that it wasn't her. I can't ever have that feeling again. I won't survive it."
"Please don't say that." Hadji closed his eyes.
Jonny cleared his throat. "Gotta go. Don't forget to tell dad."
"WAIT," he yelled. "Is Estella safe?"
"Yes. She's on her way to talk to Phil now."
Hadji's mind was racing. Searching for the right thing to say. To keep Jonny on the phone. "We need you to come home safe, brother. No matter what."
"I'm not coming back without her," Jonny responded simply.
Hadji feared that might be true. "Then find her."
"I plan to."
The line went dead and Hadji was suddenly wide awake again. He bolted from the room to find his father and Phil, hoping Estella was with them and could tell him more.
XXX
Estella wanted to run. She wanted to break into an all-out sprint toward the hotel's entrance, but she did the exact opposite. She walked casually to avoid drawing any additional attention. She had already been stopped by two agents asking for identification and why she was out and about before the sun was up.
She released a labored breath when she raised her access card to the security pad at the East entrance and heard the click indicating that the door was open. The adrenaline rushing through her body was an intense feeling that she had never experienced before. She pressed the elevator button deliberately, but barely gave it a chance to light up before she was in the stairwell running. She paused to catch her breath on the second floor landing. She could see that an agent was guarding the hallway through the small rectangular window in the door.
'Calm down,' she told herself. 'You can't fail them. You can't fail any of them.'
XXX
Hadji rushed into conference room B like a tornado. "Father?" He did it without thinking and regretted it immediately when a room full of suits turned to stare at him. He scanned the room quickly and saw Phil, but no Estella. "Any news?" he tried to cover. "I can't sleep."
Benton threw a comforting arm over his shoulder. "No son, but I did just get our things back. You up for getting back to work?"
"Yes," Hadji smiled, looking around the room cautiously. In his rush to get there, he did not notice that it was easier than it should have been. The agents let him pass unchecked. He turned toward his father and spoke softly. "How did you make this happen?"
Benton kept his gaze on Bartlett and answered at normal volume. "My friends at the DOJ owed me one."
"This is unheard of," Bartlett complained, but they were all interrupted a commotion in the hallway before he could say more.
XXX.
"GET YOUR HANDS OFF ME," Estella demanded.
"YES," Benton boomed as soon as he saw two agents holding Estella by the arms. "Let her go right now. That's Jessie's mother."
"Do you know where Race is?" Bartlett accused.
"No," Estella scoffed, hurling herself out of the agents' hold. She walked toward Bartlett, but kept her eyes on Phil. "It's your job to locate people. Not mine. I came here for an update. I can't sleep. Phil, can we go somewhere and talk?"
"Let's go," Phil smiled softly. He guided Estella back to the stairwell with Benton and Hadji following close behind.
The agents parted like the red sea and let them pass.
XXX
Race got back behind the wheel, but paused before starting the ignition. "You ready?"
"I am," Jonny nodded. "What now?"
Race rolled down both windows. "Toss your phone and her earrings," Race told him.
Jonny had both on the dashboard, expecting that request. He let the earrings slip from his hand to the ground, but threw the burner hard at the closest tree. That small release of tension felt good.
"Pull up that map of blind spots you created," Race instructed next. "Let's put it to use."
XXX
They all entered Estella's room in a rush. Afraid to speak before they were behind closed doors.
"Do you have a message for me?" Phil urged.
"I do," she hurried. "Race wants us to meet him one mile northwest of the hotel…like Sarajevo."
"What? Us?" Phil asked in shock and shook his head. "Were those his exact words? Think hard."
"No…he said to tell you Dubois, but he explained it to me," she stumbled.
"Dubois," Phil repeated with a sigh. "Is Jonny with him?"
"Yes…what's going on?"
"What does Dubois mean?" Benton insisted after hearing his son's name.
"Like I said," Estella started. "He wants us to meet…"
"No," Phil interrupted, smiling at her sadly and then looking at Benton and Hadji sympathetically. "They've gone dark," he explained. "You won't find them until Race wants to be found."
"The hell I won't," Benton said, booting up his computer.
"No…Phil," Estella refused. "Jonny said I should call him after talking to you," she was trying to convince herself, but knew deep down that Phil was right.
"Jonny called me a few minutes ago," Hadji added. "Based on what he was saying…"
"What did he say?" Benton asked. The expectant look on his father's face broke Hadji's heart.
"He wanted me to tell you how sorry he was for how he acted today. For worrying you. He didn't tell me this was his plan, but it makes sense now. He did tell me he'd be home soon," Hadji lied. It seemed like the right thing to do.
"Give me your phone?" Benton insisted.
Hadji knew it was pointless, but handed his father the phone anyway.
Benton called the first number on Hadji's phone log and then waited impatiently. He just wanted to hear his son's voice.
"The number you've dialed has been disconnected," came the electronic message.
'Jonny,' he thought, 'Be safe. Think with your head, not with your heart. Please.'