AN: As always, sorry for the delay and thanks for still reading. Full adult version in the outtakes story
"Fucking idiots," Jade mumbled as she watched all three of them rush off into the daylight with no plan. "Good thing I'm here," she sighed and then ran to catch up with them.
XXX
Jonny rushed toward the car at the front of the house as fast as his feet would carry him. The intersection of Calgary and Fourth was less than ten minutes away. He did not need the map to tell him that. He had it memorized. Just like he had all the photos in that case file burned into his brain forever. Sometimes he hated his photographic memory.
"I'm driving, kid." It was Race's voice. It cut through the air behind him with authority.
Jonny had no desire to argue. He shifted his course lithely toward the passenger side of the car. He could direct Race as easily as he could drive himself. He was the first one in the car. When he shut the door, the quiet of the small space crashed down on him. It was the first moment of privacy he had gotten in hours.
"Please," he whispered and shut his eyes.
'Keep it together, Quest. Your girl is a badass. She won't stop fighting until you get there.'
His eyes shot open when he heard the other three doors slam shut. "Two blocks up and take a right," Jonny ordered. "It's a straight shot from there."
XXX
"Any luck?" Estella asked. She had been trying to stay out of Benton and Hadji's way, but had run out of things to occupy her. She had checked on her mom and Race's parents. Multiple times. She had checked on Mary. Showered. She had lost count of the coffee runs.
"No," Benton sighed, giving her a sad look and standing. "I'm gonna see if I can track down Phil for an update. I'll be right back."
"I'll do that," Estella rushed.
Benton hesitated, but eventually nodded and sat back down with a sigh. He needed to speak with Phil. Alone.
Hadji observed his father with curious eyes. "What is it?" he asked as soon as Estella left.
"Have you made any progress tracking Jonny's movements?" Benton asked, but continued before Hadji could respond. "He MUST be using IRIS. Any other way would be too slow and he wouldn't accept that in the current situation."
"I concur," Hadji said. "I'm sorry, father. He's covered his tracks. I can't find him."
"Don't apologize," Benton said. Hadji could hear the exhaustion in his voice.
"I always thought he was paying half attention, if that, when you taught us our way around IRIS," Hadji smiled wistfully. "I was clearly wrong."
Benton gave a small smile in return. "I wish I could feel proud about that, right now."
"Why do you need to speak with Phil?" Hadji then asked knowingly.
Benton looked away for a moment. Out the window. Wondering about his son's location. Worrying for Jessie's safety. "With all the info Estella gave us, I was able to recreate what I believe Jonny was doing."
"And?" Hadji leaned forward in his chair. He tried to keep the trepidation out of his voice, but failed.
"I think I found the case file Jonny was looking for," Benton admitted and then looked out the window again. "I need to speak with Phil."
Hadji slumped back into his chair. Every hour. Every clue, or lack thereof, increased the worry he felt in his heart for his friends.
XXX
"Everybody, listen up." Bartlett called his men to attention and Phil stood with the other twenty suits in the room. Phil had been sticking close to Bartlett since he left Estella and the others. Bartlett was not happy about that, but he tolerated it in annoyed silence. With the DOJ hovering and on Benton's side, Bartlett did not have much choice.
Bartlett walked to the head of the conference table and sighed before continuing. Phil thought he looked tired and much older than he actually was. He looked defeated.
"Another body was found," he shook his head. "It was just called in."
Phil's heart dropped. "Has there been an ID?" he asked.
Bartlett shot him a hard look before answering. "No and don't interrupt me when I'm addressing my men. This is still my investigation."
Phil rolled his eyes and made a gesture with his hand for Bartlett to continue.
"Thanks," he sneered. "I'm sending the location to your phones. Local PD is locking down the area. I want you all there to make sure this is handled correctly and that NO ONE contaminates my crime scene. Do you understand?" He waited until he saw nods from his men and then moved to the side so they could have full view of the projector screen in front of the room.
"Shit," Phil mumbled under his breath. A picture of Race filled the screen.
"This man is Roger Bannon. Some of you may already know him. He's wanted for questioning and I have a strong feeling he will be in or around my crime scene. I want him apprehended and off these streets so we can continue this investigation without interruption."
"He's a highly trained operative," Phil growled.
"Mr. Corbin is correct," Bartlett continued. "He is highly trained and dangerous. His daughter was abducted and he's trying to find her, making him desperate and even more dangerous. Be careful out there. I want updates every twenty minutes."
Phil stood back and contemplated his next decision. He knew there was a good chance Race was headed in the same direction as twenty suits gunning for him. He also knew that Race was likely already aware of that and would take appropriate precaution. He hoped. Did he go and try to help his friend just in case? Or should he go back to Benton's room and give them an update? He certainly did not want Estella to hear that another body had been found by someone else. Then again, telling her without knowing who the girl was did not help anyone. The decision was made. He would follow Bartlett's men and step in to help Race, if needed.
He wished he could take some of his men, but did not want to put any of them in a compromising position. "Monroe," he yelled. Monroe was his most skilled agent. Almost as skilled as Race.
Monroe walked over and stood up straighter. "Sir?"
"I'm gonna join the FBI and liaise," Phil informed him.
Monroe raised an eyebrow. "They don't seem very open to a joint effort."
Phil grinned. "They don't have a fucking choice."
Monroe chuckled. "Want me to roll with?"
"No," Phil shook his head and glanced at Bartlett. Bartlett was watching them. "As much as I hate to admit it, Bartlett is right about one thing. This is the FBI's jurisdiction and, even though you have all been too professional to say anything, you all know I'm here for personal reasons. I'm sticking my neck out and I don't want any of you with me if I stick it a little too far. Keep an eye on things here. Benton, Hadji and Estella are in Benton's room. Check in on them?"
"Of course," Monroe agreed.
"Thanks and try to keep news of the body under wraps if you can. Until we know more."
"Understood," Monroe nodded and was off. Phil was grateful he was here.
"Corbin," Bartlett growled. "What are you up to?"
"Nothing," Phil shrugged. "I'm gonna head out there and see if I can be of some service."
"This is…"
"Your investigation," Phil finished. "I know that, but the DOJ does not have a problem with me helping."
"Your 'help' involves aiding and abetting a person of interest," Bartlett accused.
"All I care about is bringing those girls home safe," Phil countered. "How about you? I'm starting to question your judgement. Is sending most of your men out after Race really the best use of resources?"
The conference room door opened and interrupted them before Bartlett could answer. Bartlett used the opportunity to walk away from the conversation and Phil scoffed.
"What's happening?" It was Estella. "Where is everyone? Has there been a development?"
Phil turned and Estella recognized the fear on his face.
"What is it?" she breathed heavily and braced a hand on the table. "Tell me now."
"Another body was found," Phil said quietly and then pitched forward to catch Estella before she could hit the ground.
"Phil," she said in a panicky voice. "I'm not sure how much more of this I can take."
"It's not her," he comforted.
"YOU DON'T KNOW THAT," she screamed and then just as quickly deflated. "I saw it in your eyes."
"I'm gonna go verify it myself," he stood, pulling her to her feet. "Go tell Benton and Hadji what's happening," he said softly. "I'll be back soon."
"Nice try," she laughed without humor. "I'm coming with you."
"After everything Race did to get you back here and make sure you were safe, do you really think I'm gonna let that happen?"
"She's my daughter too," Estella seethed. "I'm not waiting to find out if…don't ask me to do that."
"Damnit, Estella."
She started to walk away. "I'll go myself. This island is not that big."
"FINE," Phil yelled. "Let's go."
Bartlett followed.
XXX
Jonny registered their voices, but not their words. His own words stuck deep in his throat.
'It's not her. You'd feel that,' he tried to convince himself. 'It's not her.'
He took notice of her tearstained cheeks straight away as she ran toward him.
He was glad Race had called him. He was originally supposed to spend the night alone. His entire family had left for the airport hours ago. Hadji was off to Bangalore for a few weeks. His father and Race were headed to Concord for the evening. Jessie was supposed to meet her mother. Estella was flying in from a conference. They were planning to drive up the coast and spend the weekend together. Jonny was disappointed. He would have loved to spend the night alone with his girlfriend. His disappointment did not last long though. She was so excited to spend the weekend with her mother. He could not begrudge her anything that made her that happy.
Race had called to let him know that Jess was on her way back to the Compound. Her mother had to cancel at the last minute. Jonny knew she would be upset and wanted to make her feel better.
She crashed into his chest so hard he had to take a step back. He wrapped his arms around her tightly in a bear hug. He held her there at the front door of the Compound for a while. "I'm sorry," he whispered and stroked her hair. "I'm sorry. I can't wait to spend the weekend with you though."
She pulled back and gave him a weak smile. Then she looked him up and down. "Why are you wearing your tuxedo?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Because…I have a surprise for you," he said playfully, leading her through the front door and to the back of the house.
"I think I'm underdressed," she commented dryly.
"You look beautiful," he disagreed.
"Your biased," she sighed.
He pulled her close to his side and kissed her temple. "Here's to being biased," he flirted. "Come on."
He walked her out onto the large deck, which was set up romantically. Candlelit dinner. Twinkling lights around the railings. Speakers playing one of her favorite songs. He watched her as she took it all in and then turned toward him. She ran her hands down his chest.
"You hate this tux," she laughed.
"I do," he nodded. "But this girl I have a crush on thinks I look cute in it so…"
She laughed again. "I REALLY do love you in this tux."
"I know," he acknowledged.
She pushed by him into the house, pausing to kiss him on the cheek first. "I'll be right back," she said quietly and then cleared her throat. She sounded like she might cry and it killed him just a little. "I want to splash some water on my face."
He watched her as she walked away slowly. He was sure that Estella had a good reason, but still found himself getting angry with her. He took Jessie's disappointment personal.
"Hey baby," he called out. She turned and gave him another smile that did not quite reach her eyes. "I'm hopelessly in love with you." She closed her eyes, absorbing the words. She gave him a real smile before leaving.
When she came back, she was wearing a flowy white dress and her hair was down. He thought she looked like an angel.
He held out a hand. "Dance with me?"
She folded herself into his embrace without delay. Her arms around his neck and her head on his shoulder. She seemed so content that he thought she may fall asleep. They danced until their food was cold.
He'll never forget the way she looked at him when she finally lifted her head from his shoulder. It burned into his memory on the spot. "Thank you, baby."
He ghosted his thumb over her lips. "I would do anything for this smile."
XXX
"JONNY," Race yelled and tried unsuccessfully to grab at the back of his shirt. "Damn it."
As they approached the scene, Jonny spotted the body bag and stretcher being wheeled toward the Medical Examiner's van. He opened the car door and stumbled out of the moving vehicle without thinking. He fell to the ground momentarily due to the loss of his equilibrium and then popped right back up with tunnel vision.
The only thing he could focus on was the handle of the Medical Examiner's van and getting to it before it clicked closed. He needed to know now. He could not wait to find out. He tore by a few police officers and ducked under a line of yellow police tape. He vaguely registered harsh voices, but had no idea if they were directed at him.
Jonny tried to catch their attention. "Wait…wait please." His pleas did not slow them down. When he was five feet away, he hurled his entire upper body in between the van doors to prevent them from shutting.
"Fuck," he grunted in pain. The door fell heavy on his ribcage.
"Jesus Christ," the ME exclaimed, shocked by Jonny's intrusion.
"I'm sorry, ma'am. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you," Jonny apologized. A quick look over his shoulder told him he would have company in a few seconds. "Shoot…sorry," Jonny scrambled into the van and locked the doors behind him.
He took a deep breath and then turned around. His focus zeroed in on the zipper to the body bag and he dropped to his knees in front of it. There was only just enough room in the van for him to do that.
"Can you…," Jonny started, but stopped when he saw that both medical examiners had their hands in the air and scared looks covering their faces. A young woman. She was a petite blond with freckles. Her partner was an older man. Overweight and starting to go bald. "I'm not gonna hurt you," Jonny rushed in confusion.
"I saw your gun," the young woman accused in a shaky voice.
Jonny cursed under his breath. "I'm sorry," he repeated. "I'm not here to hurt anyone. I'm just…I'm afraid that might be my girlfriend," he swallowed and nodded his chin toward the bag. When his chin shook and the rims of his eyes started to get red, the young woman lowered her arms. Her partner followed her lead.
Jonny could not even finish his sigh of relief before the passenger door to the van swung open and he was told to freeze. Jonny put his hands in the air, but threw the blonde a pleading look. "Please. My name is Jonny. My girlfriend was abducted this morning. I've been trying to find her all day. Her name is Jessie. She has long red hair and she's so beautiful…and she means everything to me. I have to know. Don't make wait. Please," he begged. "PLEASE."
"Deputy…it's fine," the ME said slowly and a bit pained because she knew the description matched. "You can stand down. This young man may be able to ID my body."
Jonny's heart took a dive into the pit of his stomach as she moved toward the zipper.
"I'm sorry," he whispered and closed his eyes tight. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."
"You don't need to apologize again," the young woman told him softly.
Jonny was not apologizing to her. He was apologizing to Lisa, Brenda and Keri because he was selfishly praying to see one of their faces. 'I need more time,' he thought frantically. And he did. He needed more time to prepare himself for what he was about to see. He needed more time to find her. He needed more time with her. Period.
Jonny kept his eyes closed and absorbed her face. Every inch of it was etched into his brain forever. He heard the zipper being pulled down and his own heart pounding. It felt like it was all happening in slow motion.
"Jonny?" the ME urged.
"I love you, Jonny."
"It's not you," he whispered and one tear escaped from behind his eyelids before he could stop it. He wiped it away stubbornly and did not let any others fall. "It's not you. Our story doesn't end this way," he declared, trying to convince himself. "I love you so much, Jessie." Then he opened his eyes. He released the breath he had been holding and his body slumped against the van's doors.
"Well?" the ME asked softly after giving him a moment.
"I'm sorry I scared you," Jonny apologized one last time and then scrambled out of the van as quickly as he had entered.
He leaned back against it, enjoying the coolness of the metal. A small comfort. He allowed himself exactly two seconds, counting off.
'One.' Deep breath.
'Two.' Deep breath.
Then he opened his eyes and a deputy was staring him down.
"Young man," the deputy glared. "What are you…"
"My girlfriend," Jonny choked out and sank down to the ground. The deputy caught him under the arms right before his knees hit the pavement and tried to lift him up. Jonny was dead weight. "I can't. My girlfriend."
The deputy gave up and let Jonny drop the rest of the way. "Wait here," he ordered.
XXX
They had broken in the back entrance of a building across from the crime scene and climbed to the fourth floor. Taking the high ground like they were trained to do.
Temple watched Race carefully as he took in the scene below. Jade too. Race was holding his breath. Suspended in reality. It was the first time Temple had seen anything even close to fear in Race's eyes.
Jonny was on the ground below with a deputy standing over him. When the deputy walked away, Race's breath hitched and his body pitched forward, staring even more intently at Jonny.
"Please," Race mumbled under his breath.
Jonny waited until he was alone for a few moments and then he popped up and ran.
Race sighed heavily, letting his head hit the window pane briefly before pivoting so quickly toward the door that he almost knocked Temple over. "Let's go. We have work to do," he ordered.
Temple blocked Race from leaving the room. "Don't you need to…"
Race pushed by him roughly and kept moving. "It's not her," he barked. He was in the stairwell and rushing to the ground floor before Temple could say another word. Temple and Jade could barely keep up.
"You can't know that," Temple tried to reason.
"If he says it's not her, it's not her," Jade glared at Temple. She passed him on the stairs to catch up with Race.
"Pandering to him doesn't help this situation," Temple growled at Jade. "Stop," he ordered when they hit the ground floor. They both did, turning to him and breathing heavily. "Look, I know this is hard. I'll go over there…"
Race ignored him and continued throwing out orders. "Jade and I will split the locations you already scouted, while you scout the rest of the island."
"Race," Temple sighed. Race could tell he was trying to keep patience in his voice.
"It's not her, Greg."
"YOU CAN'T KNOW THAT."
"I DO KNOW THAT," Race insisted, taking a calming breath and giving Temple a meaningful look. "It's not wishful thinking. It's a fact. If my daughter was in that bag…Jonny would still be on the fucking ground."
"Alright," Temple conceded. "Speaking of the kid…"
"He's headed to the marina," Race answered knowingly. "We'll pick him up..." Race paused when the sound of sirens pierced the air. His head dropped and he released a frustrated grunt. "Shit. Fucking Bartlett."
Jade's eyes shot wide open in surprise. "The goddamn Director of the FBI?" she asked.
Race nodded his head in annoyance. "He's out for my blood and knows he just missed me at the location of the last body."
"Find another way out," Jade ordered. "I'll distract them."
"Jade, I…thank you," Race faltered. He knew this was his best shot.
"Just go. I'm sure you'll find a way to pay me back," she winked.
Jade watched him go and counted to thirty after he was safely out of sight. Then she busted through the door loudly for all to see and hear.
XXX
His voice scared her. "Did you miss me ladies? I missed you."
Jessie stood. She felt a renewed energy. She was sick of this shit. She had spent the last hour trying to calm Keri down and explain the situation. Keri had finally woken up and was understandably very confused. Jessie had questioned her, hoping she remembered something about her abduction that would be helpful. Keri was no help, but Jessie could not be angry since she herself could not remember anything helpful.
"Where were you?" Jessie asked. She had to remind herself to control her breathing as he walked toward her. He was ruthless and cruel. She had seen it. He felt no remorse. The look in his eyes told her that. It made all the tiny hairs on her body stand up. He was as dangerous as he was confident. She hoped to use his hubris against him.
"That's none of your concern," he smiled.
"I think it concerns me greatly," she challenged.
"God…you are beautiful." He stepped back and openly looked her up and down. It made her stomach turn. "I have a confession, sweet Jessie. You weren't part of my plan, but when I saw you on the beach…Well, I resisted the first time I saw you. Barely. You looked like a goddess in the moonlight."
Jessie's stomach turned again, but she tried not to give him the satisfaction of seeing it on her face. He had mentioned before that he saw her with Jonny, but now she knew when. He had watched them that night on the beach.
"I couldn't help myself," he shrugged. "Then there you were again. In the same spot. My favorite spot on this island. I think fate put you in my path for a reason."
"You're disgusting," she growled. "And taking me was a mistake. It'll be the end of you. I can promise you that."
"How do you figure?" he challenged. "Still think your boyfriend is coming?"
"Yes," she said with confidence. "Or my father. Maybe both if you're really unlucky."
"Is that supposed to scare me?" his voice was deep and Jessie felt it reverberate in her chest like music being blasted too loud.
"No," she held her head high under his stare. "I don't think it's possible to scare you. I'm appealing to your sense of self preservation."
"They're not coming."
"Yes. They are," she enunciated every word. "Your ONLY chance is to let me go. If you hurt me, if you even touch me, they will HUNT YOU DOWN LIKE AN ANIMAL. They won't stop. No matter how long it takes. And when they find you, you won't be turned over to the authorities to dick around in the court and prison systems for years. They'll just fucking kill you and erase all trace of you. It'll be like you never existed. You'll never get to hurt anyone else."
He laughed again. "I'm gonna do more than hurt you, beautiful girl."
"Anything you do to me…they'll do to you times ten."
She thought she saw a flicker in his eyes, but then he rolled them and walked over to the mini refrigerator a few feet away. She watched him open it and pull out a few bottles of water and sandwiches. Her stomach growled at the sight. Then he walked back over and threw it all in the cage.
"I'm tired, my beautiful birds. I've had a long few days and need sleep. Rest up. We have a long few days ahead of us yet."
Jessie sighed once he was gone and took a deep breath. She felt like all the air left the room when he was around. Then she sat in what had become her corner. She put her head down on her knees and resolved to get some rest. She had to keep her strength up so she was ready for him when he opened the cage. She did not plan on letting him leave it.
She was half asleep when Keri saddled up next to her. "Jesus," she jumped in surprise and banged her head against the cage.
"I'm sorry," Keri apologized. Her face was still red and splotchy.
"It's okay," Jessie nodded. "You startled me. What's up? You look like you want to ask me something."
"Was everything you said to him true or are you just trying to get in his head so he'll let us go?"
Jessie looked into Keri's hopeful eyes and noticed that Brenda had turned her head toward the conversation too. "Both," she said firmly.
"Fuck," Keri laughed. "I can't even get my boyfriend to come to the door when he picks me up for dinner."
Jessie laughed softly. She appreciated the attempt to lighten the mood. Then she leaned her head back against the cage and closed her eyes again.
"Jonny…he's different," she smiled. "He's special. I'm not sure why I get to be his, but I feel lucky for it daily. Even now. Especially now."
'This is it. I'll never forget this moment,' she thought with conviction. 'I would do anything for this smile,' she repeated his words in her head.
"We're alone for the night," she pointed out. Her voice shook a little.
He swallowed. "I may have noticed that too."
"Tell me you love me," she whispered.
"I love you," he whispered back. "I'm gonna love you forever."
She kissed him. "I trust you. Completely," she kissed him again. "I love you more than anything."
He kissed her. Long and hard, backing her against the railing in his enthusiasm. She was committing everything to memory. The rough fabric of his tuxedo jacket against the bare skin of her arms. The taste of his tongue in her mouth. The goosebumps she felt all over because of him and the breeze. The soft sounds he made while he kissed her.
He shifted to her neck, first kissing its length and then running his nose along the same path. "You make me crazy," he breathed heavily, returning to her lips with need. Her head felt foggy and her body felt heavy. He moved to the other side of her neck just as eagerly, pressing her further into the railing.
Her chest rose and fell quickly. She was overheated. "Wait…wait."
His head dropped to her shoulder immediately and she started laughing. She tightened her hold around his neck and then kissed his hair. "Sorry. Force of habit when you overwhelm me." She lifted his head until she could see his eyes. "Don't stop. I don't want you to stop."
His eyes were a little unfocused. "We don't have to do this. I'm not trying to rush you. That's not why I did this."
She threaded her fingers through his hair. "I know and I don't feel rushed. I've wanted this for so long."
"Me too," he breathed. "I know you probably couldn't tell. I hid it really well."
She laughed again. He always knew how to make her laugh. "I need a few minutes," she stepped back and bit her lip.
"Alright…I need to straighten this all up anyway," he motioned around the deck and ran a hand through his hair.
"Meet me upstairs, Hotshot?"
He grinned outright. "There is LITERALLY no force on earth that could stop me. The universe," he clarified.
"I'm in love with you," she professed. "Hopelessly."
XXX
Jonny ran at full speed toward the marina. He was taking some precaution to stay out of sight because he had heard the sirens closing in, but only to the extent it did not slow him down. Being conspicuous was the least of his problems. He only cared about finding her and he no longer cared how that happened.
Lisa's pretty face flashed through his mind. Then Jessie's. Then the photos from the case file he had memorized. He was grateful that he only saw Lisa's face in the back of that van. That he was too overwhelmed when he found Lena to notice much besides the fact that she looked so much like Jessie. This animal never touched their faces. It was in the case notes.
"No," he choked out, stopping mid-stride to put his hands on his knees and catch his breath. He squeezed his eyes shut tightly. Trying to convince himself it would be okay. "We'll find our way through this. Like everything else. Then I just want a normal boring life with you, baby. I swear I'll make you happy."
'CALM DOWN,' he ordered himself.
Deep breath. He straightened and began running again.
XXX
Bartlett, Phil and Estella arrived at the same time.
Estella rushed ahead of Phil and Bartlett, but was stopped by a badge before she got far. "Let me through," she begged. "Please, that may be my daughter. Please. I need to see."
"The medical examiner has taken the body already…"
"What do you mean you already moved the body?" Bartlett fumed. "What kind of shit show operation is this? That's not protocol. You've compromised my crime scene."
"Sir…I," the deputy stuttered.
Bartlett put a hand up. "Shut up," he ordered. "I can't deal with this level of incompetence." Then he looked around until he locked eyes with one of his agents and waved him over. "Agent Clover, any sign of Bannon?"
"No," Clover responded. "A young man caused a disruption before we got here."
"I think it was his girlfriend," the deputy tried to offer helpfully. "He was pretty upset."
'Jonny,' Estella thought. She grabbed Phil's arm in a death grip. "What did he look like?" Estella asked in a high pitched voice.
"Where is he?" Bartlett asked louder. "I want to see him. NOW."
"The locals failed to detain him," Clover said with distain.
"What did he look like?" Estella begged. "The young man? Please…deputy?"
"He was tall," the deputy started. "Good looking kid. Blonde."
"Oh my god," Estella started to cry.
"We don't know anything for sure," Phil tried to comfort her and then looked at Clover with a serious glare. "What DO you know?"
Clover bristled and then turned to address his boss. He had not appreciated all the interruptions. "Sir, we have one of Bannon's known associates in custody," he jerked his head toward the agency car a few feet to the right and began walking. "She is NOT being cooperative."
Bartlett growled and followed. The deputy stepped aside with one hard look from Phil.
Estella was attached to Phil's side as they walked a few paces behind Clover and Bartlett. She was clawing nervously at his arm. He wanted to say something comforting, but it was pointless until he knew more.
XXX
Under different circumstances, Jade would have enjoyed this more. Pulling one over on all of these agency drones. But she was too worried about Race. She had never seen fear in his eyes before and it was unnerving.
She had never been Jessie Bannon's biggest fan. Mostly because Jessie openly disapproved of her and Jade did not appreciate being judged. Jade was Race's biggest fan though and she had always been very fond of Jonny. She did not want to see either of them hurt the way she knew they would be if this situation was not resolved soon.
When Bartlett rounded the corner, she straightened and put on a big smile. She had been expecting this. She had not expected to see Phil and Race's ex-wife a moment later. She had never wanted to come face-to-face with Estella, but on the rare occasion when she imagined what it would be like it was nothing like this. The pain in Estella's eyes was visceral.
Jade stood to get her attention. "Estella."
Jade waited until Estella's gaze connected. Surprise and confusion quickly swept across Estella's face. Even though they had never met, Jade saw recognition in the other woman's eyes. Jade spoke firmly. "It's not Jessie. Race will find her."
Estella sagged in relief. She would have hit the ground if Phil had not tightened his hold on her.
XXX
Jonny was sitting on the bus bench across from the marina, trying to look like he was just recovering from his morning run. Sweat was pouring down his face and his eyes stung from the droplets he did not wipe away fast enough. He was contemplating his next move carefully.
'She must be scared by now.' That idea made him even more desperate. 'I'm sure she's being brave, but she must be scared. Wondering where the hell I am,' he thought miserably. 'You can't let her down.'
"I'm in love with you," she professed. "Hopelessly."
He must have stood there for two full minutes, letting the words sink in. Like it was the first time she had said them.
"This is happening," he said out loud to no one and looked around for the other shoe to drop. He had the urge to fist bump the air. "This is finally happening," he smiled.
He ran into the house to grab a trash bag and then right back outside. He rushed around the deck like a chicken with no head, cleaning up and getting it back to its normal state. He did not want to worry about it in the morning.
He took one last look around before stepping into the house and closing the door. He was breathing heavily. He rested his head against the door. "Calm the fuck down." He forced himself to walk to the kitchen. He disposed of the trash and then he walked to the console at the front door.
"IRIS. Lock down for the night. Announce when the front gates open," he commanded.
He sighed happily when he heard the distinct sound of IRIS locking down. Then he walked up the stairs toward his room. He passed her room on the way. The door was slightly ajar and the light was on. It looked like an invitation to pure heaven, but he wanted to clean up first.
As soon as he entered his room, he took off his jacket and his tie. He threw them on the ground as he kicked off his shoes and pulled off his socks. He wanted all unnecessary clothing gone. He also pulled the heavy comforter off his bed.
"Alright," he nodded, looking around satisfied.
He went into his bathroom and washed his face. Brushed his teeth. And then he stared at himself in the mirror.
'Treat her right,' he heard Race's voice.
"Shit…that's weird," he closed his eyes. "Don't think about him." He did not need any motivation to treat her right. It's the only thing, besides wishing for his mother back, that he could ever remember truly wanting. He felt such a deep responsibility for her happiness. His grandfather once told him that true love meant caring about someone else's happiness more than your own. That's why he knew. He truly loved her.
He closed his eyes and let his head drop between his shoulder blades.
The marina was about two acres and a fence surrounded the perimeter. There were only two structures on opposite ends of the property. A large shed and the main office. Jonny could see them both over the fence. Warning signs were posted around the entire place about the perimeter cameras Temple mentioned, but Jonny thought they were likely for show. He planned on risking it either way.
He crossed the street and went right, following the fence. The noise coming from the other side lessened the further he walked from the front entrance. He paused as he was about to cross Alpine street. That was where Temple said he saw the blue sedan. Jonny spotted it immediately. About half a block up just like Temple had said. He ran over to it. He could not help himself. He looked inside, desperately hoping to see some sign of her. Some indication that he was close. It was pointless. He did not see anything, but some random pieces of scattered trash. He considered popping the trunk to get a look, but did not think it was worth drawing attention.
He headed back to the fence and kept going until he reached the back gates. They were big. It was where the boats came in and out. The gates were held shut with a large chain. Sturdy enough to hold them closed, but all Jonny had to do was push a little and he had enough room to squeeze through.
'Too easy,' he thought.
Once inside, he glanced in every direction. He was alone and had a clear path to the shed. He walked toward it briskly. It was about the size of a standard two-car garage. The doors had padlocks so he bypassed them and walked around the side until he found a window. It was about seven feet from the ground, but still his best option. It was the entrance most secluded from view.
'Please,' he thought as he reached up and braced his palms on the window panes. He pushed up and let out a sigh of relief when the window gave a few inches. He gripped the window's ledge and lifted himself up and inside with more effort and noise than he would have liked. He dropped without grace to the floor and laid there for a few beats to catch his breath. He felt lightheaded. The heat and the caffeine were not a good combination.
'Get your shit together. You need to eat something, idiot. Get the fuck up.'
He sat up and looked in every direction. Tools, several work benches, old boat parts and a rusty pickup truck. The place smelled like fuel. He stood and walked around, looking for anything out of the ordinary. He did four laps before giving up. It did not seem like anyone had been in here in weeks. The only marks on the dusty floor were the ones he had just made. "Fuck," he grimaced, leaning against the pickup.
'Think. What would Race do?'
Then he pushed off the truck and rifled through every work bench drawer and toolbox until he found what he needed. He lit the match and was out the window a moment later.
He wiped the sweat from his forehead before casually walking around to the front of the shed. The wooden docks leading to the main office were about fifty yards away. He jogged to them. He did not see anyone around, but did not want to be caught out in the open either.
Once he reached the docks, he tried to focus on the water crashing against the wood and hoped the consistency of the sound would keep him from breaking into an all-out run. He forced himself to look around and take in his full surroundings. The path he was on would lead him straight to the main office, but there were several smaller docks jutting out from the one he was walking along. When he looked to his right, he thought the farthest docked boat was on the horizon. He knew that was his eyes playing tricks, but he thought it was a beautiful sight. Peaceful. He had the sudden urge to rent one during a sunset and watch it with her. She would like that. Then make love to her with nothing but the stars and open water around them. He would like that.
Jonny made the effort to nod and offer a greeting to each fisherman that stopped readying their boats for the day to watch him walk by.
'Could she be on one of these boats?' he thought suddenly. The thought was daunting. There were over a hundred boats docked here and he already stuck out as an outsider. It was not something he could dismiss, but it was also not something he could investigate without a better plan either. He looked back at the main office. 'Stay focused.' It was smaller than the storage shed.
He walked in and the bells over the door announced his presence. An older man appeared from a room in the back. 'Josh Martin,' he thought.
"Good morning, young man. How can I help you?"
"I was just running by," Jonny started. "This place caught my eye."
The man laughed good-naturedly. "This old place?"
"Yeah," Jonny smiled, cataloging everything about the space as they spoke. The room in the back would be easy to get to. The only other door was to his right and had a lock. His heart sped up and he started talking louder, hoping she would make noise if she was here and heard his voice.
'If she's able to make noise,' he thought. 'Shut up. Don't think like that.'
Jonny shook the voices out of his head. "I'd like to take my girlfriend out for sunset. Do you guys rent for the day?"
"I'm sorry. We don't," Josh responded. "We just dock for a fee."
Jonny shrugged. "It was worth a shot. I'm trying to be more romantic. Upon request."
"We've all been there," the man jested.
"Any chance you hire during the summers?" Jonny asked. "I love the water."
"I really appreciate the interest," Josh smiled. "Makes my day honestly, but I have all the help I need with my two sons and some part-timers."
"Got it," Jonny nodded. "My dad owns a business too. He's hoping I'll work there after I finish school, but I'd rather do something like this, ya know."
"I do know," Josh smiled. "There's nothing like working on the water. My sons and I love it."
"Are your sons around?" Jonny asked casually.
"Not in the winter," Josh continued. "We also own a white water rafting business in Southern California."
"That sounds awesome too," Jonny swallowed. "Well…I've taken up enough of your time. It was nice talking to you."
"Are you alright, young man?"
"I am," he smiled. "Long run. I'm gassed out. Have a good one," Jonny waved and started to walk away, but an older man ran in before he could leave.
"Fire…Josh. The shed."
"Oh my god," Josh grabbed a fire extinguisher from behind the counter and rushed toward the door. Then he paused in his tracks and looked back at the phone.
"Go," Jonny encouraged. "I'll call 911." Jonny rushed the phone and dialed as promised. He allowed himself one second of relief when he heard the bells on the door again. Once he was assured that the fire department was on the way, he hung up the phone and ran over to a window. He could see the smoke from the shed in the distance and everyone on the property was heading toward that commotion.
He immediately sprang into action, unsure of how much time he had. He hurried into the back room first. It was small and looked like Josh either lived there or camped out often. There was a couch, tiny TV and a small kitchen area. He found himself wondering if this was what dorm life would be like. He made a mental note that he needed to convince Race to let them live off-campus together next year. He scanned the area and saw no signs of Jessie or anyone else, besides Josh. There was one closet in the room. He held his breath while opening the door. Nothing.
He ran back to the main office and assessed the locked door. It would take too long to pick. He could break it, but that would leave him no deniability. Too many people had seen him. He went behind the counter and crouched down, darting his eyes around wildly.
'Jackpot,' he thought when he saw the keys. There were seven keys on the ring and he quickly determined that only two were the right size to fit a lock like that. The door was open a few seconds later. It lead to a basement. Jonny stepped down carefully. The stairs were stone and did not make any noise under his weight. He shut the door behind him quietly. There was a light switch, but he decided not to flip it. He could see a soft light coming from below. He reached out and grabbed the railing with one hand. His other hand went for the gun in his waistband. He turned the safety off as he descended.
His blood pumped through his veins like a freight train. When he reached the bottom, he crouched down and listened. The only thing he could hear was his own breathing. The light in the space was sunlight coming through two small windows. It illuminated enough that he could see two closed doors and that three of the four corners in the room were clear. The closest object within his reach was a small stepping stool. He grabbed it and tossed it hard into the unknown corner. It made a loud sound against the wall.
'FUCK.'
He stood slowly, training his eyes and the gun on the first door. He closed his eyes and listened again. For anything. He found himself suddenly worrying about her claustrophobia. If she was being kept in a small enclosed space, it would throw her off her game. Make her more vulnerable.
"JESSIE," he screamed, but his voice cracked. Nothing.
He ran over to the first door, turning the knob and pushing it open. He stepped back, raising the gun and pressing himself into the wall to give himself as much cover as possible. It was a small storage closet. She was not there. His body sagged for a moment and then he went over and opened the other door the same way. This space was bigger. The size of a small bedroom, but he found nothing of use in there either.
He leaned against the closest wall.
'Where is she? WHERE IS SHE?'
He charged out of the room as his panic grew. Back up the stairs, pausing briefly to listen at the door and make sure the main office was still empty. It was. He locked the door again and replaced the keys. Then he walked out of the office casually. This time, the ringing bells over the door taunted him. Everyone was still gathered back by the shed and a fire truck was on site. He looked out at the boats one more time and then strolled out the front gate. He waited until he was half a block away before breaking out into a run again.
He accessed the map of blind spots burned into his head and put it to use. First, he needed a payphone. He did not know where one was, but hoped he would get lucky and spot one. Next, he was headed back to the Hampton Inn. He had that room for a few more hours and needed a quiet place to regroup.
XXX
'Thank you.'
The last two payphones Jonny had seen were in direct view of traffic cameras. Then he spotted one three blocks from the Hampton Inn. He dialed 911 and started speaking in Russian as soon as the operator picked up. He knew she could not understand him, but it did not matter. The call was being recorded and would be translated quickly. He knew the major crime element in these parts was the Russian mob and their major source of income was drug smuggling. He called in a tip that a major shipment just dropped at the marina and that a fire had been set to distract local authorities. It was too credible a tip to ignore. Every boat in that marina would be searched within hours.
Jonny wiped down the phone before walking away.
'Sorry Josh.'
But he did not feel as guilty as he should have.
A few minutes later, he was in the stairwell of the Hampton Inn again. Had it really been less than twenty-four hours since he was last here? It had felt like a lifetime to him. He climbed the stairs to the sixth floor slowly. Every single part of him was tired.
He entered his room and went straight for the mini bar, consuming three bottles of water and two power bars in record time. Then he went into the bathroom, impatient to wash the last few hours from his skin and start over.
Jonny stared at himself in the mirror while he waited for the water to get hot. He felt disconnected from his body as his eyes roamed his face. He did not recognize the person reflected back at him. He closed his eyes and let his head drop between his shoulder blades.
He closed his eyes and let his head drop between his shoulder blades.
He felt her arms encircle his waist from behind and jumped in surprise. She kissed between his shoulder blades and then rested her chin on his shoulder. Staring at him in the mirror. "Are you nervous, baby?"
He turned around and wrapped her face in his hands. He leaned down for a quick kiss. "Yes," he admitted.
She smiled at his honesty. "Me too."
"Why are you nervous?" he wanted to know.
She decided to return his honesty. "I'm afraid it'll hurt."
He shook his head. "It won't," he said. "I promise. I'll go slow. I'll make sure you're ready first. I promise," he said it again.
She kissed him. "I believe you." She nudged his nose lovingly. "Why are you nervous?"
"You've been waiting for the perfect moment," he shook his head again. "You keep saying you want it to be perfect. I'm not perfect, Jess. Far from it."
"Jonny…"
He cut her off. "I love you so much and I want to give you a perfect night. You deserve that. I don't want to screw it up."
Her eyes welled and silent tears streamed down her face when she blinked. He wiped them away with his thumbs. "That's not possible," she promised. "This night was already perfect because I got to come home to you. Because you went out of your way just to see me smile. I love you so much." More tears fell, but he would not let them come to a natural end. "Make love to me. I want to be as close to you as possible. Closer than anyone else ever. Hmm…" he kissed her softly at first and then he deepened it.
He put everything into that kiss. Eleven years of friendship. Three years of being in love. One of those being hopelessly in love.
When he ended the kiss, he leaned his forehead against hers and watched her closed eyes flutter. He tucked her hair behind her ears.
"Wow," she grinned.
"I want to kiss you like that everywhere," he told her.
"Okay," she mumbled incoherently and then closed in on his lips again.
He walked her backwards out of the bathroom and toward his bed. Never letting their lips part. She tasted like mint and she smelled like strawberries. "My room?" he asked against her lips.
"Yes," she moaned as he zeroed in on her neck.
"You look like an angel in this dress," he told her. "My own."
XXX
'Angel in the streets and a devil between the sheets,' she thought nervously as his lips moved over her neck with precision. It was the name of an article she had read recently. She was trying to remember what it said so she could do that. She knew he would enjoy this no matter what, but she wanted more than that. She wanted to blow his mind. Prove to him that it was worth the wait. That she was worth the wait. Thank him for being so patient all the time. Her recall was failing. She blamed him for that. She was having trouble maintaining a train of thought.
'Don't forget to pay attention to his…'
She blushed just thinking about it or maybe it was because of him. The way he made her feel. The juxtaposition of his lips and his hands. His lips were moving rushed and heavy over every inch of skin he could find. He had backed her up against the wall by his bed in the process. She was thankful for that. Confident that she would not have been able to stay upright otherwise. His hands were gentle though, ghosting over her body lightly. It was a delicious tease that made her head swim and her skin flush.
'Stop thinking,' she told herself. 'Stop trying to think,' she corrected. 'Just feel.'
"I want you," he mumbled against her skin.
"Yes," she sighed, letting all the remaining tension go from her body.
XXX
He felt her relax against him and it made him take a breath and relax too. He stepped back, but only just. He placed his hands on her hips, rubbing his thumbs back and forth over the fabric of her white dress. He stared at her well-kissed lips and then her beautiful eyes. He smiled big and she matched it.
He watched her hands as they went to his waist and pulled his dress shirt free. Then she raised her hands to his collar and began unbuttoning slowly. He silently cursed his decision to wear the tux. Too many buttons. When he noticed her hands fumbling, he grabbed her wrists and lifted them to his lips. Then he placed them over his shoulders and continued unbuttoning his shirt. She quickly pulled her hands forward and slapped his away.
"I get to do that," she teased.
He pressed his hands against the wall on either side of her head and leaned down to whisper in her ear. "I'm all yours, baby."
She turned her head and kissed his neck. He felt her smile against his skin. Then she finished unbuttoning his shirt, spreading it wide and rolling it over his shoulders. His lips found her neck again before his shirt hit the floor and his hands found the zipper of her dress. He lowered it, while his lips traveled across her collarbone and then down to the hint of cleavage she was showing.
He was reluctant to remove his lips from her skin, but he wanted her out of the dress more. He raised his head and groaned at the way she bit her lip. He pulled the dress from her body and she kicked it away when it pooled around her bare feet.
He threaded his fingers through hers and spread her arms slightly, looking her up and down in appreciation. She had not been wearing a bra and he especially appreciated that, letting his eyes linger. They had always been his favorite body part, which he never tried to hide. He did not consider himself to be a superficial man, but he also knew exactly how spectacular her breasts were and he enjoyed them to the fullest. He smiled and his dick jumped when he noticed her nipples peak under his gaze. Then his eyes shifted down to her toned stomach and eventually her cute white lace boy shorts.
"I like those," he swallowed.
"I thought you might," she whispered, letting go of his hands and going straight for his undershirt. He reached for the collar and pulled the shirt over his head before she had the chance. She planted both hands on his chest. He rested his hands lightly atop her wrists and waited to see what she would do. He took a deep breath when they moved south. Over his abs and hooking in his waistband.
He wrapped his hands around her face and focused back on her mouth. They pulled each other closer at the same time, kissing passionately. He moaned into the kiss when her chest pressed against his bare skin. .
"I love your body so much," he said against her lips. "Every inch," he kissed her nose. "Every scar," he kissed the small scar on her temple that she always tried to hide in her hairline. He led her to his bed and sat her on the edge. "Every freckle," he knelt between her legs. "This one is my favorite," he acknowledged, leaning forward and kissing her stomach.
XXX
He kissed her forehead and stroked her hair. His other hand caressed the soft and slightly damp skin of her lower back. She was lying half on top of him. Dead weight and he loved the way it felt. He never wanted to let go. She kept scratching her nails lightly over his chest and kissing his neck softly, while she caught her breath.
"That was…I wasn't expecting," she shook her head.
"What?" he insisted.
"Nothing," she buried her head in his shoulder. Embarrassed.
"You're not getting away with that," he laughed. "Not after the last hour. Tell me."
"I just didn't expect it to feel so good," she sighed, propping her head up on his chest when she felt him shift. "That came out wrong. I actually meant it as a compliment."
"Explain, please."
She kissed him for a long moment before settling back against him. He did not like that he could not see her eyes, but she seemed so content that he let it go and waited for her to talk.
"I've heard more than I've ever wanted about the sex lives of my friends," she started.
"Me too," Jonny rolled his eyes. "Way too much."
"Baby, that wasn't what they described at all," she sighed happily. "They kept telling me…it doesn't matter."
Jonny laughed again. "I think I've been hearing a different version of events."
"Guys lying about sex?" she mocked. "Shocking. Don't lie about me, Quest."
"I won't be saying ANYTHING to them about you, baby. You're mine. And this is ours."
"I like that plan. A lot."
"I'm offended though," he teased.
"Why?"
"Did you actually think I wouldn't put on a better showing than my idiot friends? I've been thinking about this for years. And I did my research. Thoroughly."
Her head popped up again and she raised an eyebrow. "Research?"
He gave her a sideways grin and then dipped his head into the crook of her neck. "Yeah…here," he kissed her neck.
She closed her eyes and hummed. He kept kissing her neck and trailed a hand to her shoulder. She was still pressed tightly against him. He pushed lightly on her shoulder until he had enough room to slip his hand between their bodies and tease a sensitive nipple. "Here," he murmured. "This is where I learned research could be fun."
"Research is always fun…"
"Definitely here," he cut her off immediately and his hand went lower.
"Jonny Quest," she exclaimed and rolled away from him onto her back, but he quickly came into her view. He was hovering over her with worried eyes.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing," she smiled. "You make me feel everything at once. It's intense. In a good way."
"C'mere," he laid on his back again and pulled her against him. "I just want to hold you all night."
She took a deep breath and then relaxed. "Tonight was perfect. I don't want it to end."
"Perfect, huh?"
"Don't let it go to your head."
"Too late," he laughed.
"I love you so much, Jonny Quest. It scares me sometimes."
"I know the feeling, baby."
XXX
The water had long since gone cold. He sat there on the shower floor and let it pelt him.
He had to find her soon. He could still feel her in his arms and he needed to wrap her in them again before that feeling disappeared.
"Please," he begged. "Please don't do this to me. God…Mom…anyone listening. Watch over her. Don't take her away from me. Don't take her. Take me. I'll go if you need someone. Take me instead."