Chapter 2
It became a regular thing for Sawyer to stay behind a couple of times a week with Jane. He would help her set up for the next day and then she would help him with his homework. He seemed a little happier which made her happy. Miss Moore was still a pain as ever but she seemed to have rethought starting a relationship with Sawyer's Uncle, mainly because he didn't give her the time of day.
One Monday Sawyer came in with a very apologetic note asking if it was ok if Sawyer stayed behind every day that week. It was also mentioned that she would be financially recompensed for her troubles, which was sweet in a way she supposed but she was also insulted. At the end of the day when they were in the middle of long division they heard a familiar voice.
"Hey buddy!"
As usual, Sawyer leapt up from his chair and would have knocked it back if it wasn't for Jane's quick reflexes. She didn't get tired of watching the scene in front of her, the Uncle on his knee waiting for Sawyer's hug which was always so heartfelt. Instead of collecting the boy's things and putting it in his bag as she usually did she left it on the desk so when he came to it she would have an opportunity to talk to the Uncle. Even though she spent a lot of time with Sawyer she barely exchanged a few words of the verbal variety with said Uncle and only a few more in email.
"Hi Mr Weller. Thank you for your note this morning however let me get one thing straight, I do not need to be 'financially recompensed' for hanging out with a great kid like Sawyer! Is that clear?!"
Kurt was taken aback. He didn't mean any insult by the remark but obviously it came over that way.
"Hello Jane, I'm sorry you took offence I just didn't want you to think that I was taking advantage of you."
"Ok, as long as we're on the same page. Sawyer's a great kid; he's a credit to both you and your late sister."
"Thank you."
They nodded at each other and Sawyer was by their side as soon as they finished their brief conversation. As usual Sawyer hugged her just before he left and she watched as Uncle and nephew left hand-in-hand.
The next day Jane was reading a book to Sawyer and he would stop her if he didn't understand a word. They were both getting into the story that neither heard the person enter the room.
"What is going on here?" demanded Miss Moore
Both of them startled, not because Miss Moore scared them but it wasn't the voice they usually heard or expected.
Before Jane could explain Sawyer's Uncle was behind Miss Moore.
"I'm afraid that's my fault. Miss Doe is doing me a favour by looking after Sawyer for an extra hour or so after school until I can come and collect him. I was running late and the traffic was horrendous on the way over here…"
"Oh,…oh Mr Weller…"
All three watched as Miss Moore tossed her hair and started to giggle in that annoying way even though nothing funny was said, she even touched his arm. Kurt just about managed not to roll his eyes but it was harder not to chuckle when he saw both his nephew and the esteemed Miss Doe look at each other and rolled their eyes at the same time. Instead he cleared his throat and took a step back so her hand would fall from his arm. That was Sawyer's cue to run and hug his Uncle and they carried on with their routine ignoring the irritated teacher standing close by. Jane packed his bag and when he came back he hugged her which made Miss Moore eye's bulge. When Sawyer ran back to his Uncle, he nodded his thanks to both women even though he knew it was Jane that took care of Sawyer. Miss Moore waited until they left the classroom before she launched into Jane.
"What the hell was that about? How long has that been going on? Do you really think you can cosy up to the Uncle?"
Jane just stood there with her mouth open.
"It's lucky that I forgot something that I had to come back for!"
With that she flounced out of the classroom.
The next day Miss Moore was so perky, she even treated Jane decently which was very unlike her. The end of the day arrived and the kids and Miss Moore left so it was just Sawyer and Jane as usual. Today was spelling, which Jane actually didn't mind. They were finished and started on Sawyer's reading book when they heard the familiar voice.
"Hey buddy!"
Sawyer leapt out of his chair that didn't topple thanks to Jane and ran to hug his Uncle. There was also, Jane assumed Sawyer's Aunt, the Uncle's wife with their baby. Sawyer hugged the woman and spent a few seconds cooing at his cousin. Sawyer came to collect his bag and the Aunt came with him and before they could be introduced in walked Miss Moore. Jane and Sawyer looked at each other and then had to look away before they burst out laughing; the look wasn't lost on either Kurt or Allie. Allie bless her started to pay attention to their fussy daughter and hid behind their baby when she caught a glance to what made the other two want to laugh. There in front of Kurt stood Miss Moore in a sport's bra and very tiny shorts. Kurt did not like the woman at all and thankfully always kept his eyes on her face and nothing else.
"Why, hello Mr Weller! Fancy seeing you here, I was just getting ready for my gym class. It's important to keep fit and flexible don't you think?"
Before he could even think of an appropriate reply his daughter started to cry. At the sound Miss Moore turned around in shock and saw the gorgeous woman standing there with a baby.
"And who is this? You're sister? I mean I assume you had two sisters…"
Kurt watched as Sawyer just shook his head in despair, Jane turned her back to him and was laughing, he knew because he could see her shoulders move up and down and Allie cuddled their daughter to hide her laughter. They both walked towards Allie and the crying infant.
"Miss Moore, may I introduce you to Allison Knight and our daughter Isabella or as I like to call her Ella."
"Oh, isn't she a cutie. Are you having trouble with her? I'm very good with babies I could show you how to calm her if you want? May I have a hold?"
Allie took exception to that comment and was reluctant to hand over her beloved child to such an obvious piece of something but a quick glance at Kurt and his nod found their baby in the hands of the hated teacher. A natural she was not, she held Ella far from her body for a second or two and then eventually pulled her closer to her but it was all very awkward, just as Ella was leaning on her chest she threw up much to the disgust of Miss Moore and amusement of the rest. The squeal was so loud it made Ella cry. Allie took Ella from Miss Moore and was going to comfort her when Jane stepped up.
"Would you mind if I have a hold? I love babies and their baby smell. You can help Miss Moore."
"Are you sure? She may spit up again."
"Hah, what's a little spit up? Please?" begged Jane
"SPIT UP? SPIT UP? That wasn't spit up, that was projectile vomiting!"
Everyone ignored the irate woman with baby vomit running down her body. Allie without a second thought gave Ella to Jane who quickly adjusted her hold making sure to hold her head and placed her against her shoulder. She sat down and Sawyer was there.
"Hey Sawyer can you please get a wipe from your Aunt's diaper bag and just wipe Ella's mouth please?"
Just as Sawyer was going to do what Jane had asked Ella threw up again, some of it caught the back of Jane's top but most of it landed on the floor beside her.
"Oh, there, there are you feeling better now? Let it all out you'll feel better after all of it is out." Jane said to Ella
Once the vomiting was finished Sawyer wiped his cousin's mouth.
"You know you have a really important job." Jane said
Sawyer looked at her confused.
"You have to let your cousin know how to get around your Uncle and Aunt. Will a hug be enough or does she have to give them their favourite candy? You have to help her and protect her. She will look up to you. Plus you have to make sure she believes in Santa and the Easter bunny for as long as possible or at least make sure your Aunt and Uncle think she still believes!"
Jane watched as Sawyer smiled. They turned to see Kurt cleaning the mess from the floor.
"Oh, Mr Weller, you didn't have to do that. I would have done it after…"
"It's no trouble, I'm used to it aren't I Sawyer?"
Sawyer nodded his head.
Allie came back minus Miss Moore; the other three just looked behind her.
"Oh Miss Moore decided to change into her work clothes and head home. How was my angel?"
"Oh she was a dream! You're very lucky."
"I know I'm Allie by the way. Kurt is using me today…"
At Jane's confused gaze Allie expanded.
"Kurt had this feeling that 'the delightful Miss Moore' would be a little direct today and decided she needed to meet our angel. We're biased of course, so is Connor, my boyfriend but Ella is an angel and more fool anyone who tries to tell us otherwise! Oh I see that you caught some of her vomit…"
"Don't worry about it, it was worth it. You're right she is an angel. I was just telling Sawyer here that he needs to teach his cousin everything he knows!" said Jane
"Of course plus we've already made a deal that he will help me when the time is right to convince his Uncle that Ella will be allowed to date before she's 18!"
"Not going to happen! No boy is going to be good enough for our Ella!" declared Kurt
Jane and Allie shared a look and Allie rolled her eyes.
"I saw that!"
"Good luck with that, I have a feeling that it will be you and Ella against, her dad, Connor and Sawyer on that topic!"
"I'm already dreading that talk! Anyway, I'm really sorry but we have to go now. I'm really glad to meet you. Sawyer really likes you!"
"Well I really like him and it was great to meet you as well!"
For the rest of the week Miss Moore did not appear when Sawyer was collected, much to everyone's relief.
The following week Sawyer handed her a note and she was wondering what would be in it this time. When she opened it she was shocked to see it was from Sawyer not his Uncle. He was wondering if she would be able to take him shopping on Saturday. He really need to buy something for his Uncle but obviously didn't want to buy it in front of him.
"Can I ask you, is it a special occasion?"
Sawyer nodded. She watched as the boy wrote his answer.
'Father's Day!'
"Oh, of course I don't mind taking you shopping but your Uncle may not want me to take you. Is there anyone else just in case?"
'My mom used to take me.' He wrote.
"Of course. Okay I'll ask but it doesn't mean that he'll say yes. At worst I may have to meet you at the Mall and I'll come with you to buy what you want while your Uncle is at another part of the store ok?"
She watched as his shoulder drooped but he nodded.
At the end of the day he was collected on time so she didn't have a chance to have a word with the Uncle. Thankfully Sawyer stayed behind the next day. While Sawyer began to pack his book bag Jane took the chance to speak to Sawyer's Uncle.
"Mr Weller, can I have a word with you please?"
Kurt looked at the lady in front of him and she seemed nervous but he couldn't understand why.
"Sure!"
"Erm I was wondering if I would be able to borrow Sawyer on Saturday?"
"You want to borrow my nephew? Can I ask why?"
"Well, he's going to help me with some shopping."
Kurt looked at her and she was starting to blush and fidget. He also saw out of the corner of his eye that Sawyer was paying attention to every word that was being said as he packed his book bag and he had an idea that this was his nephew's idea not Miss Doe's.
"Let me get this straight, Sawyer is going to help you with some shopping?"
"Yes, that's correct."
"Why don't I come with the both of you?"
"NO! I…I mean no, thank you…"
Kurt raised his eyebrows at this emphatic answer.
"…I mean, you should take time for yourself, you can have a couple of hours free and do whatever…you do."
He watched as she rolled her eyes and it took all of his control not to smirk at her discomfort.
"You could have someone else come with us if you would like?"
Now he was completely confused, she didn't mind if someone came with her but she specifically didn't want him. He was curious, very curious.
"I mean what about Agent Reade? She could…"
A cough from Sawyer and Jane stopped talking and took a couple of seconds to regroup.
"I mean he couldn't come either but Agent Zapata or Agent Patterson could join us if they're free!"
"So let me get this straight, you want to borrow my nephew for a shopping trip but you don't want either me or Agent Reade to accompany you? Have I got that right?"
"Yes, that's correct!"
He watched as she gulped but he also saw Sawyer watching with hopeful eyes.
"Ok, so this Saturday, shall we say 8:30?"
He saw both of them breathe a sigh of relief.
"That's great thanks!"
He watched as she walked back to Sawyer, he thought he heard her mutter something.
"Great I just lied to an FBI agent. I'm going to end up in jail!" but he wasn't too sure.
On Saturday morning Sawyer got up early and got ready. He was eating his breakfast of cereal when there was a knock on the door. He knew it was Jane but he was not allowed to open the door, he knocked on the door instead.
"Sawyer is that you? Knock one for 'yes' and two for 'no'."
One knock.
"Is your Uncle still asleep?"
One knock.
"Can you go and wake him up?"
One knock.
Sawyer rushed to his Uncle's room and started knocking on the door, relentlessly after he opened it.
"Sawyer? Why are you knocking on my door as if the apartment is on fire? What's the hurry?"
The knocking continued. Kurt knew he wasn't going to get any rest so he got up and saw that his nephew was not only wide awake but dressed ready to go but where he couldn't think. Then it hit him.
"Is Miss Doe here already?"
Sawyer nodded his head.
Kurt walked out of his room, through the living room and towards the door noticing the empty cereal bowl on the table and opened the door.
"Morning, sorry about the wait I was still asleep and I forgot you were coming at 8:30!"
"No worries, is Sawyer ready?"
"Yep! He's dressed and he's already had his breakfast!"
"Great shall we get going?" Jane aske Sawyer
"One minute. Sawyer go and use the bathroom and even if you don't need to use it you still need to wash your hands so please do that!"
They watched as the boy rolled his eyes and stomped off to the bathroom.
"Ok, we've only got a few minutes, if that. Let me give you some money for whatever Sawyer would like to buy…"
Kurt had started to take some notes out of his wallet that he brought with him from his bedroom but Jane stopped him.
"Thank you but it's not necessary. Sawyer has enough money…"
"I could buy him whatever he wants, why is he asking you to go with him?"
"This is important to him."
"You promise me that he's not being bullied and being made to buy the bullies something is he?"
"NO! Of course not. He's well liked in school!"
"Fine!"
They watched as Sawyer came back.
"Ok, can you take my number and call me if there's any problem ok?"
"Ok."
Sawyer watched as Jane took his Uncle's number and she gave him a call so he would have her number.
Kurt turned to his nephew.
"Ok Sawyer, do you need any more money?"
He shook his head.
"Ok, now make sure you're good for Miss Doe. Do as she tells you and stay close to her. If you lose each other then go to a police officer and if you can't see one then go to a store and hand them my card. Do you still have them?"
Sawyer took out his Minion wallet and pulled out a stack of cards with his Uncle's number on it, Kurt noticed the amount of notes Sawyer had in his wallet.
"Ok, give me a hug and have a good time!"
If Kurt hugged Sawyer for longer than normal neither Jane nor Sawyer said anything or showed anything in Sawyer's case, Jane held out her hand and Sawyer willingly took it and left the apartment, Sawyer turned around and waved to his Uncle.
They returned a few hours later, Kurt opened his door to the knock to find the shoppers on the other side of the door. He noticed that Sawyer's backpack was full and that he held a very familiar box, a favourite box of Kurt's.
"Hey, did everything go ok?"
Sawyer nodded his head as he entered the apartment, he placed the box on the table and went back to hug his Uncle.
"Yeah, Sawyer was great, he was organised knew what he wanted and where to go!"
"Great! Erm, do you want to stay for lunch, I'm making my famous spaghetti and meatballs?"
"Oh er thanks but I think I better go."
"If you're sure?"
"Yeah, maybe next time? Oh by the way Sawyer made sure that he bought dessert home."
"I saw and it will take all of my willpower to wait until after lunch to have a donut!"
"You should have seen Sawyer asking me every ten minutes if he could have another one, this is after we both had one when we bought them."
"Yeah, Sarah his mom, always blamed me for getting him addicted to them, but there SO good!"
"Oh yeah!"
"Thanks again for taking time out on your Saturday…"
"Its fine and it was a pleasure."
"Sawyer did you say thank you to Miss Jane?"
"Yes he oof…" Jane started to say when Sawyer ran into her and wrapped his arms around her "he did, just before we knocked!"
"Thanks again, I really appreciate it."
"No worries, any time!"
Kurt watched as the two fist bumped and waved to each other.
Two Mondays later…
"Dear Jane,
I know I should probably call you 'Miss Doe' but that's too formal and ' Miss Jane' just doesn't sound right to me so from now on you're 'Jane' to me. I cannot thank you enough for your shopping expedition with Sawyer. He gave me the gifts yesterday, a New York Yankees baseball jersey with 'Weller' and '1' on the back, a framed photo, of my favourite photo, of the three of us together, I can't even remember who took it maybe it was Reade, we were playing football in the park and Sarah was trying to stop me, she jumped on to my back but that didn't slow me down so Sawyer tried to help his mom by grabbing and holding onto my leg but you've seen him he's not exactly heavy so I kept on walking, lifting him with each step I took, so I could score a touchdown and all three of us were laughing because even with my sister and nephew literally on me they just barely slowed me down. That was such a great day. Anyway, it's in a nice blue frame with 'Best Dad' written on it in Sawyer's handwriting. I also got a lovely handmade card; I'm assuming curtesy of Miss Moore's class and a bar of my favourite candy. I woke up to find the gifts by our breakfast. He had toasted pre-made chocolate chip pancakes and got some fruit ready and because he doesn't and is not allowed to make coffee he had a can of Red Bull ready for me as well as a juice box of orange. The card would have been enough and as usual I hadn't realised what day it was until I opened the card. I think I nearly suffocated him by hugging him for so long. We had a great day, I beat him (although he would say he 'let' me) at Mario Kart, watched a movie, went for a walk and met up with Reade, who Sawyer considers his second dad seeing as Reade was going to marry his mom. Reade says thanks for helping Sawyer to buy the Superman mug for him, I love my Spiderman one! Zapata and Patterson just rolls their eyes when they see us using them, they're just jealous though!
Thank you again.
Kurt
Jane read the email several times. She remembered the trip, it wasn't so long ago but she was amazed at how much thought Sawyer put into each of the gifts.
A few days later Jane was with Sawyer and he completed all of his homework and they were reading his book neither noticed the time until the school keeper came to let them know that it would be time for them to leave in about 15 minutes. Sawyer looked to Jane with tears in his eyes.
"Now, don't jump to conclusions, if something had happened to your Uncle someone would have come and told us! I'm going to check my email and phone."
She stepped away from him to check her phone for any messages and there weren't any. She then logged onto a computer to check her email, she didn't like her email being on her cell, again no news.
She could feel Sawyer's eyes on her for every second she was checking.
"Ok, so I've emailed your Uncle to let him know that you're going to be with me at my place and I'll send him a text as well, gather up your stuff."
She watched as he slowly packed his stuff up. Her place was 40 minutes away from the school and she chatted to Sawyer all the way home not that he replied. She was worried but she had to hope that 'Uncle Kurt' was fine; nobody should have to grieve for two close family members within months let alone a 10 year old boy!
They made it to her place and thankfully Sawyer was interested in the drawings on the walls, he looked at her with a question in his eyes.
"Yes, I did draw them and they're mostly of my tattoos…"
She watched as he walked slowly around the room taking in as much as he could.
"Ok, I'm assuming pizza is fine? Or would you like a salad?"
She smiled when he scrunched up his nose at the idea of a salad instead of a pizza.
"So pepperoni and peppers ok?"
Another scrunched up nose.
"Hey, I have to try and be a little healthy; if there are no vegetables your Uncle is not going to be too happy with me! Besides I may or may not have more than one flavour of ice cream in my freezer if you're still hungry afterwards."
His smile always made her smile.
They ate their pizza, she had no idea why she ordered an extra-large, there were several slices left and worst case scenario they could have it for breakfast. She let Sawyer have two bowls of ice cream, she couldn't resist those eyes. They watched a programme that she probably shouldn't have let him but she was worried, no text or call from Mr Weller was concerning although she tried not to show it, she wished she had the forethought to ask for Allie's number just in case of situations like this but hindsight is always 20-20. It was getting late, Sawyer wanted to stay up hopefully see his Uncle walk in, but he was falling asleep and she took him to her room, the only furnished one upstairs, she gave him a spare toothbrush and tucked him in when he finished using the bathroom.
Once she went downstairs she rang Weller's cell and left a message once it went to voicemail. She called and texted him every ten minutes but there he never replied. She was a little jumpy so went to get the frying pan to use as a weapon just in case. She must have dozed off in front of the TV because the next thing she knew Sawyer was standing in front of her with tears rolling down his face, it must have been a couple of hours after she tucked him in, she patted the seat by her and Sawyer jumped onto it, she couldn't leave him alone again.
"Hey, it's late why don't you lie down and put your head in my lap at least you'll be comfortable if you fall asleep."
Sawyer got comfortable, he was still in his clothes from school, he made himself as small as possible, his knees to his chest and his head in her lap, she pulled a blanket over him and they watched the food channel together while she stroked his hair. His breathing eventually evened out so she knew he was sleeping. It must have been a while later that she woke up and felt that she was being watched, Sawyer was still asleep. She heard something at the door and decided to go and see what it was, there was no way she was letting anything happen to Sawyer, not on her watch! She carefully lifted Sawyer's head off of her lap and rested it on the sofa, he didn't even move. She had the kitchen implement in her hand and walked slowly to the front door, she knew she heard something; she just got behind the door when she saw it start to open. She waited until she could do a lot of damage with the pan; she lifted it up with both hands on the handle and swung it at the dark clothed individual who was entering her home. She watched as the intruder just stopped and looked into the living room and then with some sixth sense or something turned in her direction and lifted his arms up in defence and managed to stop the frying pan from hitting him on the head.
"Jane, it's me!" whispered Kurt
There was silence for a few seconds. Then the loudest whispered conversation took place.
"WELLER?! WHAT THE HELL? WHY ARE YOU BREAKING INTO MY HOME? HAVE YOU HEARD OF A PHONE OR I DON'T KNOW…KNOCKING?" whispered Jane
"I looked through the window and I saw you and Sawyer sleeping…"
"That still doesn't explain why you broke in!"
"I didn't want to wake either of you! I thought it would be a nice surprise if you woke up and I was here."
"Are you insane?! You do realise that I could have done some serious damage to you with the frying pan, right?"
"You do know that you're supposed to cook with that right? It's not a weapon."
"Hey, it was going to knock you out so I wouldn't scoff if I was you! Besides if I actually used it to cook with then that really would be a weapon, you really do not want to taste my cooking, you'd probably end up in the hospital…" Jane took a closer look at him " speaking of which shouldn't you be there now? You don't look so good."
"I'm fine. How's Sawyer?"
"He's ok, I suppose. He didn't stay in bed for long before he came down so I let him sleep down here, he cried himself to sleep."
"God, I really didn't want to put him through this. A routine case went completely wrong and well this was the result…" he said as he pointed to himself "plus my cell is busted and I couldn't contact you, Zapata is in the hospital just for observation and Reade is staying with her, I had to come and get Sawyer!"
"Don't be stupid! You and Sawyer can have my room; he was using it before he came down…"
"What about you?"
"I tend to be a night owl, its fine."
"I don't want to wake him…"
"Trust me; he'll want to see that you're ok."
She watched as he walked to the sofa and kneeled down by it and shook Sawyer softly until he woke up. At first he thought he was dreaming then he realised that his Uncle was there and sat up and launched himself at his Uncle. He buried his face in his Uncle's neck. Kurt felt Sawyer's tears on his neck; it was the best feeling ever. They held each other tightly.
"Hey, I'm fine. I'm sorry for scaring you. I'm fine, I'm fine."
At some point Sawyer relaxed his hold on his Uncle and leaned back to get a good look at him, and was shocked by what he saw. His Uncle had cuts and scrapes all over his face, there was blood on his clothes where they were torn, and this was not the Uncle he was used to seeing. He looked into his Uncle's eyes asking questions.
"It was a case that went wrong and I got a little hurt. I promise I'm fine."
Sawyer relaxed at the last comment then he sat up again wanting more answers and looked to his Uncle for them.
Kurt read the questions easily from his nephew.
"Reade is fine. Aunt Zapata was injured, she had a bad fall and they're keeping her in the hospital for 24 hours to make sure she's fine and yes Reade is with her."
Sawyer relaxed back into his Uncle, until his Uncle's stomach rumbled, loudly.
"Sawyer, why don't you grab a plate and some napkins for your Uncle he can have some pizza…"
The two adults watched as the boy ran to the kitchen to gather the items. He sat by his Uncle's side as he ate. Kurt managed to finish a couple of slices of pizza before he felt his eyes begin to droop.
"Hey buddy, I'm going to go and get our 'go' bags ok?"
Sawyer looked at him anxiously.
"Sawyer, you can look at me from the window, I parked in front of Jane's place. C'mon, let's have a look."
Kurt took Sawyer's hand and walked him to the window so he could see the SUV. Sawyer watched as his Uncle quickly walked out to car to grab their two bags and return.
"Sawyer has his own 'go' bag?"
Nephew and Uncle exchanged a look and smiled.
"Of course!" stated Kurt
"Of course!" parroted Jane sarcastically
"Ever since he found out about my 'go' bag he wanted one, so he's got one!"
"A Superman one?"
"Hey, there's nothing wrong with the man of steel!"
"He wears his underwear on the outside! There is definitely something wrong with that!"
"C'mon Sawyer, we'll leave Jane to it. When you have superpowers you can wear what you want how you want! Some people just don't get that and they're probably jealous that they haven't got the style to carry it off. Haters are going to hate!"
Jane rolled her eyes at Kurt. Sawyer was loving the exchange. He went to hug Jane and she wrapped her arms around him then he went to his Uncle and took his out stretched hand.
"We'll see you tomorrow or should I say later today? Goodnight?"
"Goodnight." Jane returned
She returned Sawyer's wave and watched them head upstairs.
He awoke with a start and thought Sawyer must be having a nightmare but when he looked to his right he saw that he was tucked up by his side. His head snapped in the direction of the stairs, Jane was the one having the nightmare. Kurt gingerly moved so he didn't disturb his nephew.
By the time he arrived downstairs he could see Jane striving against something in her nightmare, she was tossing and turning. He wanted to comfort her but he knew touching her could cause more problems than solve them. He couldn't stand the torturous cries that escaped her mouth.
"Jane. Jane. JANE!"
She wasn't responding to him. He caught a movement out of the corner of his eye and saw Sawyer standing on the last step terrified of moving forward.
"Jane, it's me Kurt. You're safe. Jane."
He noticed that she stopped crying out so he tried to wake her one more time.
"Jane!"
Something woke her up with a start, she was sweating which wasn't anything new, and when she looked around she saw Kurt standing in front of the sofa, a concerned look on his face. She woke him up with her nightmares, she closed her eyes and wished the ground would just open up and swallow her but that wasn't going to happen. When she opened her eyes to face the music she realised that Sawyer was standing by the couch.
"Sorry for waking you guys up. I'm fine now; you can go back up…" Jane said as she sat up
Uncle and nephew shared a look and came to a decision without saying a word.
"Actually, Sawyer was having trouble sleeping. Watching a movie helps him fall asleep, would you mind if we watched something? You can go and sleep in your own room if you like?"
"I don't think I'll be getting anymore sleep tonight."
"So is it ok if we watch a movie?"
"Yeah, go ahead."
"Thanks."
Before Kurt finished saying thanks Sawyer was by Jane's side on the sofa. Jane smiled at him.
Kurt settled on the other side of Sawyer and took control of the remote. He switched the TV on and when straight to a kid friendly channel. He found Toy Story which Sawyer absolutely loved. They got comfortable, Kurt with his feet on the coffee table and Sawyer with his head on his Uncle's lap and legs stretched on to Jane.
"Jane, why don't you lie down as well? You may as well be comfortable."
"Erm…"
"C'mon. As far as Sawyer's concerned that's the only way to watch a movie or anything on TV. I swear the only reason why I see him is because the TV is in the lounge. If he had one in his room…"
Kurt looked to Sawyer as the young boy looked hopeful.
"…not going to happen buddy so stop dreaming!"
He then carried on his conversation with Jane as if nothing happened. Jane smiled at the interaction.
"…I would never see him. C'mon, just relax. Put your feet up. You don't have to worry about Sawyer's feet; they don't smell if that's what you're worried about?"
Sawyer looked at her and she couldn't resist those eyes and both Wellers knew that. She'd been played and expertly. She gave the elder Weller a look to let him know she knew what he'd done. The smirk she received didn't abate the nasty things she was calling him inside her head. He seemed to know what she was thinking and the smirk turned into a full blown smile which irritated her more. She lay down, her back was to the sofa and Sawyer's small frame was in front of her and his feet were fine. She tried to keep herself as small as possible. Kurt had an arm around Sawyer's chest and Sawyer was holding on to said arm with his right hand.
The film was playing and within five minutes, if that, Sawyer was dreaming. It didn't take that much longer for Jane to fall asleep. Kurt could feel her feet against his thigh. He chanced a look at her and saw that she was in the land of Nod. She looked much more relaxed, hopefully she wouldn't have another nightmare if both he and Sawyer were there. Thankfully she didn't know that Sawyer could fall asleep anywhere and everywhere and without the 'aid' of a movie but there was no way that they could leave her by herself after that nightmare. He decided to close his eyes for a few seconds, the next time he opened them, sunlight was streaming through the windows. It took him a few seconds to remember where he was, he looked down and no surprise Sawyer was still asleep which he was grateful for, his nephew suffered from nightmares since his mom died which Kurt was assured was a natural thing to expect yet he hated seeing his usually happy Sawyer scared to close his eyes but things were getting better. He chanced a look at Jane and he smiled, Jane was wide awake but she was trapped, she was watching him and waiting to see what he would do.
"Morning, you can get up, once Sawyer's asleep nothing will wake him until, he's ready to get up, I wake him up or…or a nightmare does."
He chuckled at her sigh of relief and watched as she manoeuvred herself off of the sofa without waking the sleeping boy and ran to he assumed the bathroom. She was back within 20 minutes freshly showered and in her jeans and surprisingly for him a tank top, he tried not to stare at her tattoos and he thought he had succeeded. He stood up carefully to lay Sawyer's head onto a cushion to replace his lap. He walked over to Jane who was now in the kitchen and getting some coffee together.
"I'm going to grab a shower if that's ok? Can you please keep an eye on Sawyer for me?"
"Oh, darn it, I was going to go and run a marathon and now I have to listen for a ten year old! What a shame!"
"You know sarcasm is the lowest form of wit right?"
Jane just stuck her tongue out at him in response.
"Maybe I should have Sawyer keep an eye on you instead!"
The look he received was enough to get him moving in the direction of the bathroom. He was back soon as well in fresh clothes. He wondered into the kitchen where a cup of coffee was waiting for him, he sat down at the table and held the mug reverently and took his first sip.
"That's good. Thanks!"
Jane just shrugged her shoulders.
Both of them were savouring their coffee when he felt a pair of small wiry arms come around him. Kurt turned around and hugged his nephew.
"Morning buddy, did you sleep ok?"
The wide smile on his face conveyed his answer clearly enough, he then looked at his Uncle closely as if to ask him the same question.
"Yep, me too buddy, me too!"
Sawyer then turned to Jane who was watching the conversation with a smile on her face.
"Yes, Sawyer, I also slept well, thank you for asking and being a gentleman for keeping me company last night. I don't know where you learnt that from."
Even though he was only ten Sawyer understood some sarcasm and knew the last bit was directed at his Uncle and he couldn't keep the smirk off of his face which Kurt saw.
"I see how it is buddy, I see. Why don't you get cleaned up and I'll make us some breakfast?"
They both watched as Sawyer left the room.
"So do you have those nightmares frequently?" Kurt asked
"I have good nights and bad nights, just like anyone…"
"But you're not just like anyone. You were found…"
"In Times Square covered in these tattoos, funnily enough that I do remember!"
"Sorry, I didn't mean to offend you but…"
"You researched me. Of course you did. You're an FBI agent plus I'm in the same room as your nephew, obviously you want to make sure that the woman that was found with no memory and covered in tattoos is not some weirdo…"
She watched as he winced at her blunt observation.
"Look, its fine. I cover the tattoos at work because I have to but I'm not going to do it here in my home, such as it is."
"Of course not, I wasn't implying that you should, sorry I think I've managed to put my foot in my huge mouth without even trying. Let's start again, Morning Jane, thank you for looking after Sawyer yesterday. Why don't I make use some breakfast?"
She watched as he got up having left his coffee to look what was available to eat.
"It's my turn to be sorry; I guess I'm so used to being judged because I have tattoos. People make assumptions about me and…I can be a little…defensive…I suppose."
"Hey, it's fine. Don't worry about what others think. Yes I read your case file and yes it was because you were in the same class as Sawyer but I did that for Miss Moore as well! What I learnt about you didn't come from that file but from watching Sawyer with you and from your emails. That's all I need to know! Now let's have a look to see what you have!"
She knew that was the end of the conversation whether she liked it or not and decided to go with it.
"Seriously, you only have bread, butter, peanut butter and jelly?"
"Don't forget the coffee!"
"You're funny!"
"What else do I need?"
"Um, let's see, cereal, milk, eggs, flour, cheese, fruit, vegetables, chocolate, snacks, you know food?"
"Nah, that's overrated!"
"How do you survive?"
"Take out."
"Why do you even have all this kitchen equipment if you don't use it?"
"Well, some it came with the place and the rest Officer Evans gave it to me, I don't even know why."
"So last night, or this morning, I can't even remember, with the frying pan…"
"I was telling you the truth, I could do more damage with it if I used it as I was supposed to. I have no kitchen skills whatsoever!"
Kurt looked at her with a sad look on his face.
"Ok, where's your frying pan?"
"Still by the sofa."
Kurt went to retrieve it and she could see he had a plan formed.
By the time Sawyer was back down, Kurt was taking out the final toasted peanut butter and jelly sandwich. They sat down to eat and surprisingly the sandwiches tasted good.
"Hmmm, I may be able to make these myself!"
"If you buy some other ingredients, Sawyer and I would be happy to teach you a couple of basic fool proof recipes…"
Jane looked to Sawyer in awe.
"You can cook?" she asked in shock
Sawyer nodded his head and looked to his Uncle.
"Sawyer loves being in the kitchen, he prefers baking but he's good with cooking as well!"
"You cook together?"
"Yeah, you're never too young to learn or too old!"
Jane rolled her eyes.
"I may take you two up on that offer one day, thanks!"
After their breakfast was finished, Kurt and Sawyer gathered up their things and were going to head to the hospital to see Tasha. Kurt watched as Sawyer went to hug Jane, it lasted for a minute; it was a nice thing to witness.
"Thank you again Jane!"
"You're welcome!"
She waved to them as she watched them drive away.
A couple of weeks later Jane and Sawyer were waiting for Tasha to turn up and collect Sawyer; Jane had still not met the woman yet. Every time Tasha was supposed to come and pick Sawyer up, Kurt always turned up instead. Jane was helping Sawyer with his Math or at least trying to when there was some noise behind them, they both turned around to have a look and saw two men in dark suits wearing shades. Jane stood up and faced the men.
"Hello Miss Moore, we're here to collect Sawyer for his Uncle."
"Oh, that's great. Can I just see some I.D.? You know how his Uncle is?"
"Of course." Said suit 1
They both dug into their inside pockets and pulled out a black leather case and flipped them open and she saw the photo ID next to the FBI letters.
"Thanks so much, sorry to be a pain!"
"No worries, it's better to be safe than sorry."
"Exactly!"
Jane turned and motioned for Sawyer to stand up; she had her back to the men so they didn't see the wink she gave Sawyer.
"Sawyer, leave your stuff, we can go and collect that model you made of the solar system. Your Uncle has sent these two agents to take you to him. They can help you carry it to the car."
Jane turned to the men.
"We'll be a few minutes, he made such a great model that the principle wanted to display it in front of the office, we'll pack his book bag when we come back."
They walked out of the room and towards the principal's office at a steady pace they could be heard by the men as they left the room.
"So has your Uncle decided where he's going to put your model?"
Sawyer, playing along just shook his head. As soon as they were out of ear shot and sight, Jane grabbed Sawyer's hand with one of her own and took her cell with the other and contacted Kurt, who thankfully answered straight away.
"Jane? I haven't left…
"Kurt, did you send two agents to come and collect Sawyer?"
"No! I was going to leave here in about twenty minutes, why?"
"Well there are two guys here, they're in dark suits and they have fake IDs and have finished the look off with well-worn work boots instead of dress shoes"
"DON'T GIVE SAWYER TO THEM!"
"Oh really? And here I thought I would just hand him over!"
Jane looked at a scared Sawyer and tried to calm him down.
"Your Uncle is trying to be funny so I'm just messing with him. I'm not leaving you ok?"
She watched as he nodded, she still had the cell to her ear and heard Kurt on the other end.
"PATTERSON! GET READE AND ZAPATA TO HEAD TO SAWYER'S SCHOOL NOW! THERE ARE TWO GUYS THAT ARE TRYING TO KIDNAP HIM, THEY'RE CLOSER AND I'M ON MY WAY. Jane I'm on my way to you. Please I beg you please keep him safe!"
"Of course. I will not let anything happen to him. Stay on the line. I won't be able to talk soon, they'll realise I lied to them and be here. Get here quick!"
Jane placed the cell face down on the principal's desk and turned to Sawyer.
"Hey Sawyer, your Uncle Kurt is on his way but he'll be a few minutes. Your Uncle Reade and Zapata will be here sooner though but until they get here you're going to have to hide and I need you to be a brave little man ok?"
She watched as a tear rolled down his cheek. She knew he was scared and she was kind of shocked that she wasn't. Sawyer nodded his head.
"Ok, great. We're going to hide you in the principal's closet. Now I want you to promise me something. No matter what you hear or who you hear, you wait for your Uncle Kurt ok? You come out only when you hear him tell you to come out. Only his voice, not mine, not Uncle Reade and not Aunt Zapata. Do you understand me?"
Sawyer nodded his head solemnly.
"Promise me!"
Sawyer held out his pinky finger and Jane did the same and they pinky swore.
"Great. Now I want you to remember that your Uncle Kurt loves you, I love you and so do your Aunts Patterson and Zapata and your Uncle Reade, ok?"
Sawyer was crying more now but nodded his head. Jane kissed his forehead and he wrapped his arms around her waist in a tight hug. Jane held on for a few seconds then she pulled his arms away from her and opened the closet door, she stepped in and looked around and saw a shelf up high where he would be more out of the way.
"Ok Sawyer you need to climb up there and keep still ok? Remember you only come down for your Uncle, it doesn't matter what or who you hear ok? Remember you pinky swore!"
Sawyer nodded. Jane kissed his forehead again.
"Go on, up you go!"
She watched as he climbed up, he slipped on one shelf but managed to catch himself and continue up. He leaned as close to the wall as possible and at first glance you couldn't see that he was there, she hoped the cavalry arrived soon. She closed the door and left him in the dark. She went and opened the window.
"Well what do we have here?" suit 1 asked
Jane turned around and acted really nervous.
"Oh, ha, ha, hello. We we're on our way back to you…"
"Oh please. Where's the boy?"
Jane looked out of the window and stepped away from it hoping they would fall for her ploy.
She saw the two look out of the window. Suit 1 was not happy.
"Where is he?"
"Somewhere where you can't get him!"
"Tell me where he's gone. Now!"
"No, he'll be safe by now."
"She's lying!" suit 2 added
The suits looked at each other and then looked at her.
"There's no way she would let him run somewhere by himself, she doesn't know if we have people outside or not. She wanted us to believe that. He's here. I assume he's in the closet over there!"
As soon as suit 2 said those words, Jane planted herself in front of the closet door.
"Get the boy!" ordered suit 2
Suit 1 moved forward and was going to backhand Jane but her arm came up out of reflex and she didn't know who was more surprised, herself or suit 1 when the move was blocked. Suit 1 overcame the shock before she did as he punched her in the gut and that winded her. He tried to backhand her again but she blocked him and this time she grabbed the arm she blocked and twisted it which resulted in a scream from the man. He managed to keep the momentum and elbow her in the face which meant she let go of the arm that she held. There was a viciousness in his eyes and he went for her, punching her and slapping her. Jane tried to block as many blows as possible but there were too many. Eventually she ended up on the floor and he began to kick her. She knew she was going to pass out soon if she didn't do something soon and if that happened then Sawyer would be as good as dead. She couldn't let anything happen to him, she just couldn't. She found some strength from somewhere and when suit 1's foot was going to make contact with her again she grabbed it with one hand and twisted it, then with her other hand grabbed his dick, squeezed and twisted it, she took perverse pleasure in doing so. His scream echoed around the room. He fell to his knees so they were at the same level, she didn't know where it came from but it was as if she all of a sudden knew what to do and she began to pummel the guy, he was too busy with the pain in his most precious place for him to realise what was going on. She noticed that he had a gun and snatched it while he was distracted. When she had the weapon in her hand she lifted it and whacked the guy in the head with it causing him to drop to the floor. She knew he was out for the count. She gingerly got up and found herself facing a gun from suit 2.
"I'm a good shot. Now give me the boy!"
"No!"
She watched as he took aim and she knew he was going to fire so she shot him in the shoulder and he dropped the gun and just because she knew she wasn't going to last much longer she shot him in the knee so at least he was incapacitated, he fell to the floor and was writhing in pain but she didn't care. Just as she was going to lower her weapon she heard rushed footsteps and stood back in front of the closet door. No one was going to get Sawyer.
Jane watched as two figures quickly entered the office at speed with their guns drawn. The two of them eyed her.
"Hey, we're with the FBI!" said the tall guy
"That's what they said!" Jane indicated the two on the floor
"We're going to reach for our IDs ok?"
"Slowly."
Jane watched as the two slowly reached into their coat pockets and removed the similar black leather cases and flipped them open to reveal their IDs.
"Those two had the same."
"Look lady, I'm Zapata and this is Reade and we're FBI believe it or not. Weller is on his way…"
"So we can wait then can't we?"
"Fine!"
"Fine!"
The three kept their guns drawn.
"So why do you think we're not FBI agents?" Zapata asked curious
"Oh you're fine. You look kickass but your partner here seems like he should be in front of young minds lecturing them on something. He looks like a professor!"
Zapata chuckled.
"Told ya!"
"Hey, there's nothing wrong with dressing well and a three piece suit is classy despite what you two think!"
Both Jane and Zapata scoffed at that.
"So you're Jane? Thanks for the mug by the way. It was sweet of you to help Sawyer buy that for me and the stuff for Kurt."
"So you liked the Spiderman mug?"
Reade smiled.
"Nice try, Kurt likes Spiderman. I love my Superman mug!"
"HEY SAWYER! WHAT'S WITH BUYING THE GUYS SOMETHING? WHERE'S MY MUG AND WHAT ABOUT AUNT PATTERSON?"
"Seriously? You're jealous!" declared Reade
"Oh please! It's just unfair that's all! You and Weller have Father's Day, there's no 'Aunt's Day'! You understand don't you Jane?"
"Erm, no not really, Sawyer bought me a 'World's Best Aunt' mug after he stayed at my place that time…"
There was silence for a few seconds before Zapata erupted.
"WHAT?! C'mon, how is that fair?" whined Tasha
Jane caught Reade's eye and they both burst out laughing. Tasha looked at the both of them.
"I hate the both of you right now!"
Before either of them could reply Kurt burst into the room with his gun drawn. He quickly took in the scene.
"Jane, this is Reade and Zapata. You two this is Jane. Deal with these two creeps."
Jane moved out of the way as soon as Kurt reached the door, he opened it and stepped inside.
"Sawyer? Sawyer? It's safe now, you can come down."
Kurt heard some movement and looked up in the direction of the noise, he saw his terrified nephew on the edge of the shelf. Kurt held his arms out and Sawyer didn't hesitate, he jumped into his Uncle's arms, those same arms wrapped themselves around the small frame and would probably be around the boy's frame for a long time. Kurt stepped out and everyone was still there waiting to see if Sawyer was ok.
"He's fine; I need to get him out of here!"
Kurt started walking and he heard a 'thud' behind but didn't stop to look his priority was getting Sawyer out of the building but Sawyer had other ideas, he was facing the direction of the noise, he started to pat his Uncle's shoulder. Kurt turned to see what had caught his nephew's attention and was shocked by what he saw. Jane was crumpled on the floor. Luckily the paramedics entered right then.
"See to the lady first, the other two can wait!" declared Kurt
Other agents entered to deal with the two that tried to take Sawyer. Kurt caught Reade's and Zapata's eyes and they understood the unsaid message 'look after Jane'!
Jane was in pain, everywhere hurt. She couldn't remember what happened, she knew she was in bed but she also knew that it wasn't her bed. She decided to open her eyes so hopefully things would make more sense. There was a bright light, once the spots cleared from her vision she saw Sawyer's Uncle sitting up in what must be the most uncomfortable chair ever and somehow he managed to sleep in it. She turned to her right and there was nothing so she turned to her left and what she saw made her gasp. Sawyer was asleep on a cot and it was clear that he'd been crying.
"He cried himself to sleep. He's been so worried about you."
He watched as her eyes teared up.
"He's fine. Shaken up but fine, thanks to you!"
Kurt watched as Jane sighed with relief.
"By the way you have a fan club now. Sawyer wants to be the president but he and I are going to talk about that seeing as I want the position myself. You kicked ass! You impressed Reade and Zapata and that's saying something! I didn't know you could fight."
"Neither did I, I'm as shocked as you are. Is he really ok?"
"Yeah, I see more nightmares in his future and he'll be sticking to the two of us like glue and it will be a long time before he'll be good with strangers. He was more freaked out when you collapsed. He was crying until he was allowed to see you then he started to think the worst because you weren't waking up."
"I'm sorry."
"Why are you apologising? You saved him. I will never be able to repay you. Thank you so much. I don't know what I would have done if…"
"Do you know why they wanted him?"
"Sarah witnessed their boss doing a hit and run and they were a little concerned that Sawyer also witnessed the incident so they were tasked with dealing with a loose end in case Sawyer talked."
"So did you get the guy?"
Jane watched as Kurt smiled a cold smile.
"Yeah but we had very little to do with it…"
Jane had a confused look on her face which made Kurt chuckle.
"Well, it seems that the guys' boss has a boss and the big boss didn't take kindly to his 'representative' going after a kid, a kid that was orphaned because of the same 'representative'…"
"What did he do?"
"Apparently, everything that happened to you happened to him then he was literally gift wrapped to us. He was thrown out of a moving van with a bow on top of his head!"
Jane dropped her mouth open in shock.
"He confessed to everything, having Sarah killed and giving the orders to go after Sawyer…"
"How are you taking it? How's Sawyer? Reade?"
"I told Sawyer everything. I think he's still trying to process everything; the good thing is that he's already seeing a therapist so we don't have to look for one! Reade …is Reade. Zapata and Mayfair, my boss, made sure Reade wasn't left alone with the guy. He loved Sarah so much, he was planning to adopt Sawyer, they were going to have a joint ceremony, a wedding and an adoption in one then it was taken from him."
"What about you?"
"Me…I have Sawyer to think about. I'm just glad that he'll be safe, well apart from when he's older and then I'll have to worry about drink, drugs, girls and getting in with the wrong crowd!"
"That's being a parent!"
"I know but he's suffered so much in his short life…"
"Yes, he has but the fact that he's a well-adjusted happy child says a lot about his mom, you and the rest of his family."
"Maybe."
"So when can I get out of here?"
"You're stuck here for a day or two minimum then you are on leave for at least a week!"
"But…"
"No buts! If you could see yourself then you would know how lucky you are to only stay here for a couple of days. If it was up to me you'd be in here for a week followed by two weeks on medical leave, so think yourself lucky!"
"I'm pretty sure you would ignore doctor's orders…"
"Can you prove it?"
"That's not fair!"
"Deal with it! You can try and ignore the doctor's orders if you want but I have a secret weapon!"
"Oh really?" said Jane sarcastically
"Yes, really! Oh look he's waking up right now! Sawyer look who's awake."
They both watched as his Uncle's words penetrated his mind. They saw the moment he understood, his head whipped to her direction, it was so fast they were both shocked that he didn't suffer from whiplash. The smile on his face was worth it, then the tears started, first Sawyer then Jane followed by Kurt.
Sawyer got up and went to Jane's bedside.
"I'm fine, how are you?" Jane asked
Sawyer tentatively slid his hand over hers in between the bedrails and he squeezed her hand in answer. He looked at her and was trying to figure something. Jane caught his eye and smiled.
"When I say I'm fine, I mean it. I'm not like your Uncle!"
The response made him smile even wider.
"Hey!" exclaimed Weller
"Are you really going to sit there and deny it?"
"That's not the point."
Sawyer just smiled at the exchange. Jane patted the mattress next to her, she watched as he looked to his Uncle for his approval and when he nodded she saw Weller come to the bed and lower the bed rail and lifted Sawyer up so he could be close to Jane. Both of the adults looked on as the boy got comfortable and making sure he didn't hurt her, he settled next to her and Jane moved her arm so it was around his young shoulders. It didn't take long for Sawyer to fall back asleep again.
"What are you doing here? You don't have to stay."
"Oh but I do, I'm guarding you two."
"Why? Who says?"
"Mayfair says."
"Who's Mayfair?"
"Mayfair is my boss."
"I thought you were the boss?"
"No, I'm a …I was a team leader. I was Reade's and Zapata's boss…"
"So now…?"
"Well, when Sarah died I knew I wanted to take care of Sawyer, Reade would have done it and it was a little …difficult between the two of us because we both wanted Sawyer…I went to Mayfair and was going to request a transfer she stopped me before I could even vocalise my thoughts. She created a desk job for me. I'm her assistant but I get the best of both worlds, I still get into the field on some occasions but mostly I do paperwork…"
"I take it you don't particularly love the paperwork?"
"I love Sawyer even more, so it wasn't a hard choice. It's worked out for the most part. Mayfair has been great, plus my salary has stayed the same which helps."
"So who are you guarding us from?"
Kurt smiled.
"Officially we don't know that we've got the main man, it could be a rouse to get us to let our guard down…"
"Do you really believe that?"
"Of course not, but Mayfair knew Sawyer and I wouldn't leave you alone and she has a soft spot for you…"
"Me? Why?" asked a confused Jane
"Well you saved her grandkid, she's like our mom and seeing as Sawyer is mine…she's his grandmother…"
"It must be nice to have family…"
"It can be, don't get me wrong we also fight like any family but we know that we can count on each other regardless if we're in the middle of an argument or not…"
Jane raised an eyebrow in question.
"Patterson and I were not seeing eye to eye on something, I can't even remember what it was to be honest, but we weren't talking, anyway I get a call from Mayfair, she's at the hospital with Patterson, her boyfriend died…needless to say I headed down there and called Reade and Zapata…they arrived around 10 minutes after I did. As soon as Patterson saw me she fell into my arms and sobbed. I think she was in shock but when she saw me she realised that it must have been true, we were there for her just like she and the rest of the team was there for me, Sawyer and Reade."
Jane looked down at Sawyer and smiled.
"You're very lucky." She said softly
"Yes I am!"
They smiled at each other.
"Get some rest; you've been through a lot."
Jane smiled again and closed her eyes and drifted off.
The next day Jane woke up to find a freshly dressed boy sitting on his cot watching her. She looked around and saw Sawyer's 'go' bag and she could hear the shower running in her bathroom and lifted an eyebrow in question.
"I assume your Uncle is in there?" indicating the bathroom and Sawyer nodded
Just as she finished asking the question, Kurt walked out. He was in clean clothes and carried his 'go' bag.
"You know that you both didn't have to stay the night right? I was perfectly safe here."
"Yeah but if we went home Sawyer would have worried about you all night and he wouldn't have slept a wink…" Kurt turned to his nephew "would you buddy?"
Sawyer shook his head although the effect wasn't as good as it should have been as Sawyer was smiling.
Jane rolled her eyes; there was no way she was going to win so she gave up. They kept her company for the whole day until she was discharged and then they took her home.
"Thanks for staying with me Sawyer; I really liked your company! Maybe next time we can ditch your Uncle, it will be nice to play snap without having someone complain all the time that the cards are fixed because he never won!"
Sawyer giggled at the comment.
"Hey! Those cards were fixed! The law of probability states that I should win more than you!"
"Oh that's what that law says?"
"Yes!"
"Ok, whatever helps you sleep at night! I don't rely on probability laws, I rely on skill! Maybe I can help you one day, snap can be a hard game if you're not used to it…"
The two adults just looked at each other. Kurt had his mouth open in shock, he tried to come back with a smartass answer but couldn't which made Jane smile wider and Sawyer chuckle.
"Oh, I see how it is! You're a traitor! Just because you two have bonded over beating me at snap, well no more chocolate chip pancakes for you mister!"
Sawyer went to hug his Uncle who pretended not to want one.
"Don't think you can get around me by hugging me, I know who's side you're on. C'mon, say goodbye to Jane and then we're going home where your dinner is going to be a plate of broccoli!"
Sawyer rolled his eyes at his Uncle but he did go and hug Jane and he stayed in her arms for a while.
"Thanks, for the last couple of days." Jane said to the both of them
Sawyer went to stand in front of Kurt who wrapped his arms around his nephew's front.
"No, thank you! I can never repay for keeping Sawyer safe even if he doesn't let me win at snap! I want a rematch!"
They smiled at each other.
"Bring it! Any time, any day and any place, I'll still beat you!"
"You know it's not good to be too cocky, you could lose you know."
"I could lose to Sawyer; he's got some skills…you on the other hand…not so much!"
"Ouch! Ok I see how it is. Fine. I'll remember this conversation when I beat you!"
"Then you'll wake up and realise the only way you can beat me is if you're dreaming!"
"C'mon Sawyer, Jane's probably still not feeling 100% which is why she's talking crazy. I can beat her can't I?"
Sawyer scrunched up his nose in response.
"Seriously, you're not going to even pretend I can beat her?"
Sawyer shook his head.
"Fine. C'mon then, let's go."
Sawyer turned to wave bye to Jane.
"Hey, call me any time if you need anything ok?"
"I will, thanks."
"Bye."
"Bye."
"Sawyer close your eyes for a minute ok?"
Sawyer looked at his Uncle and at the door and did as he was asked. He knew his Uncle didn't have a key but the next thing he knew they were inside Jane's house. They went to the kitchen and started on their project. Uncle and nephew each had their own task to complete.
That was the best night's sleep she's had in ages which was probably due to the pain killers she was on. Something woke her up and she could figure what it was until she smelled the …chocolate cake? How could that possible be right she thought. She made a quick trip to the bathroom and made her way down to the kitchen. The sight that met her stopped her in her tracks. In front of her was Sawyer at the kitchen table covered, in what she assumed was flour, cocoa and other things that went in a cake but he seemed to be making something else at that moment while his Uncle was at the stove stirring a big pot of something that also smelled divine.
"Erm…how long was I asleep for? When did you two move in?"
They both startled at her voice but Sawyer was the first one to move and went to hug her forgetting the mess he was in. He remembered after it was too late his arms were around her waist already, he looked up at her sheepishly, she just kissed his head.
"Well, we thought that you weren't going to look after yourself properly so we came to cook you some meals. Sawyer has a batch of his brownies in the over and they will be ready in about 10 minutes…"
"You made brownies for me? They smell so nice; I can't wait to try one."
"…and I'm making a big pot of marinara sauce that we can use for multiple things…"
"You really didn't need to do this you know."
"We wanted to."
They spent the whole day there cooking. Jane loved Sawyer's brownies and his flapjacks. She loved making the pizza and was impressed when Kurt made a lasagne and a ragu that could be teamed up with some pasta. They ate lunch together; the rest of the lasagne was cut up into individual portions and stored in the freezer along with the pizza, ragu, brownies, flapjacks and vegetable curry that Kurt made.
"You do realise it's just me here not a family of ten!"
"Hey, at least you don't have to worry about cooking for the next few days."
"Few days? Don't you mean few months?"
Kurt shrugged his shoulders as he watched Jane walked to the fridge to get a bottle of water out, he waited for her to notice and it didn't take long.
"Did you two buy out the whole store? This fridge has never been so packed. I'm assuming my cupboards have been stocked up as well?"
"Maybe you have kitchen fairies or something."
Jane gave him such a look that he chuckled.
"Kitchen fairies? Are you serious?"
Uncle and nephew watched as Jane walked to a cupboard and opened it to find it jammed packed with snacks, some she had tried others she hadn't even heard of.
"Oh my, you did buy out the store! There must be at least a dozen packets of chips here let alone the bags of candies…"
"It's not that bad and you can thank Sawyer for that, he made it very clear that you had to have some good stuff not just fruit and vegetables. Plus you have some half-cooked bread all you have to do is put it in the oven for about 10 minutes if you want something light to eat. There's also hummus, another favourite of Sawyer's here."
"Wow you really thought of everything, thank you Sawyer."
Sawyer looked at his Uncle to say 'see I told you!' Kurt just shook his head.
At the end of the day while Sawyer was in the bathroom Kurt spoke to Jane.
"I can't thank you enough; I've said it before but thank you so much for saving Sawyer…"
"It was nothing…"
"Don't say it was nothing. It was something. You stood between a couple of thugs and my nephew. I know myself, Zapata, Reade, Patterson and Mayfair would do the same, and it means so much to me that there is another person who loves him that much. What made it even more mind blowing was the fact that you didn't even know that you could fight, or you couldn't remember but that didn't stop you, not a lot of people would have done that. It doesn't seem enough to say 'thank you' so today was just an extension of the thanks…"
"…you didn't need to do that. I wasn't going to let them take him and I knew you were on your way so it was just a question of stalling until you arrived. Although I am grateful for the food after tasting your cooking. My culinary skills only stretch to peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and ordering take out. I will definitely savour the meals in the freezer and all the other goodies that you've stocked me up with."
"You're eyeing up the pancake mix that you just have to add water to aren't you?"
Jane had a sheepish look on her face as she blushed.
"Well it is ingenious! For those of us that are challenged in the kitchen, it's unlikely that we could mess that up!"
"I will teach you how to make them from scratch one day!"
"I don't think there are enough hours in a day for that but if you want to waste your time then go ahead…"
Kurt noticed that her body language changed and she was avoiding eye contact.
"…speaking of hours in a day, I wouldn't mind seeing Sawyer after school if you haven't got anyone to look after him…I mean I am off for the next week so I'll have plenty of time to do other things during the day…"
"Did Sawyer tell you to say that to me?"
"No, why?" asked a perplexed Jane
"Well, he wanted me to ask you if he could visit you after school this week…didn't you Sawyer?" Kurt raised his voice as he noticed that his nephew was waiting at the bottom of the stairs listening.
Sawyer blushed at having been caught out but came further into the kitchen afterwards with a hopeful look in his direction.
"I'll ask Aunt Allie if she can pick you up to drop you here ok? She may be busy though, do you understand? If she is busy you'll have to come to the office, ok?"
Both woman and boy nodded their heads simultaneously. Kurt watched in amusement when they hi-fived.
The week went by quickly, Allie was able to pick Sawyer up every day and drop him at Jane's. That first day Allie hugged her tight in thanks. Jane in turn hugged Ella, they both loved watching Sawyer with his little cousin, and it was sweet. Kurt came to pick him up after a couple of hours.
The next day, when Kurt came by Sawyer was in the middle of his homework and he didn't want to disturb him so he made dinner for them while he was waiting, Jane was helping with the homework. He made a quick pasta bake and from the look on Jane's face after her first mouthful he couldn't keep quiet.
"Yes, I'll teach you to make this too!"
Jane's smile was the only answer he needed.
The third night Kurt was really late, Jane got out some of the pizza that they prepared at the weekend and she and Sawyer dined on that. Sawyer wasn't worried as Kurt had facetimed him so he knew his Uncle was ok, well apart from drowning in paperwork. By the time Kurt got to Jane's place, Sawyer was asleep on the sofa.
"Erm, he didn't want to sleep upstairs so I let him stay down here…"
"Don't worry about it, I had to stop myself from insisting that he slept with me when we went back to the apartment but thankfully after five minutes in his room he came looking for me. He's finding it hard to sleep by himself and not just in his room. Like now he's ok on the sofa because you're here but if you went upstairs he would be wide awake…"
"Is the therapist helping?"
"Yeah, I think so. He hasn't had a nightmare every night so that's a plus."
"True. Do you want something to eat? I have a well-stocked freezer!"
"Wow, you must be great in the kitchen!"
"There are probably other words that best describe my 'talent' in the kitchen and I'm pretty sure that 'great' isn't one of them! C'mon, you're here now, you may as well eat something instead of getting something after Sawyer has gone to bed or were you going to skip a meal? I hear that's not great."
He acknowledged the comment and acquiesced to her suggestion to eat something. He ate the better part of one of her pizzas. She kept him company while he ate at the kitchen table and they chatted about Sawyer and his remarkable stamina for bouncing back. Sawyer stirred awake then Uncle and nephew headed home for the night.
The following night Kurt got to Jane's place and as was his habit, looked in through the window and saw both of them asleep even though it was still early. He knew Jane would have something to say about it but he picked her lock again and went straight to the kitchen and began to make lemon chicken. They both started to stir when the could smell the meal, all three enjoyed the meal.
On the final night Kurt brought some movies that both he and Sawyer thought Jane would love. He had ordered Chinese before he left the office. They settled in front of the TV with the first film. Sawyer was not proficient with chopsticks yet but Kurt was surprised that Jane was and she was teaching Sawyer who seemed to be a little better. They watched a few films and weren't tired at all, with each film they ate something, the first was with dinner, the second with ice cream then came the popcorn, chips and candy for the rest. It was a good night, Jane liked the films but she liked the company even more. She was sad that things were going to go back to 'normal' the following week but it had to at some point.
Jane was surprised to wake up to the smell of pancakes. She quickly used the bathroom and went downstairs to see her dining table full with food, there was pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, juice, coffee and toast.
"What's this?"
"Well, we've decided that you need to see a bit more of New York and we're going to be your tour guides!" said Kurt
"Oh really?"
"Yes!"
"Cool! So when can we eat?"
"Right now, everything is ready. Tuck in!"
"Great, I should say 'you shouldn't have' but your cooking is too good to turn down, so thank you both. This looks great!"
All three enjoyed their breakfast and their day together.