Aww poor Chris. Hopefully you guys enjoy this chapter. Remember, reviews= happiness! happiness= more chapters! :D


"Does she know?"

He asks simply. Chris continues diverting his gaze from Pride's and shakes his head.

"Nah, she don't. I mean, Hell. I didn't even know fully, up until the test. Had my suspicions 'course"

It then occurred to the older agent that, that was why the young man chose to seclude himself in the restroom earlier that day. He gives a small smile, attempting to ease Chris' anxiety. Chris finally takes a bite from the doughnut that had been nothing more than table decor up until that point. His hand coming to rest lazily atop his still-toned stomach.

"Best of my guess. About three weeks along when she made the announcement. 'An she's been gone a month now. So, seven, eight weeks. Give or take"

The Country boy prattles on. Pride simply shakes his head.

"Well either way, Christopher. She has the right to know. She is the mother after all"

He hangs his head. Almost shamefully.

"Yeah, I know, King. 'An she will. Just don't think its news she wants 'ta hear"

Pride raises a brow inquisitively.

"What makes ya say that?"

He hadn't so much gotten the word "well" out, when Patton came rolling into the kitchen.

"Not tryin' to interrupt anything"

The disabled man stated with a raised hand. Chris appeared mildly vexed by the sudden interruption. Although, chose to keep it to himself. Pride clears his throat before answering.

"What is it, P?"

Patton starts tapping away on his customized pc.

"So, I dug through Holt's phone records to see if anything stood out. Two outgoing calls to an abortion clinic in Lafayette within a week"

This was certainly an interesting turn of events. Especially considering he obviously hadn't gone through with the procedure when he was found. But there had to be more to the story than met the eye.

"Do we know if the calls were voluntary or not?"

Pride inquired. Patton just shakes his head nonchalantly.

"Well.. I am good, but no miracle worker. Unfortunately, there's no way of knowing whether Holt was pressured into getting one by the wife/girlfriend. Or he did so on his own accord. But judging from the findings in autopsy. I'm guessing it wasn't the latter"

It seemed as though this topic was rather difficult for Chris to handle. Especially considering the circumstance. He excuses himself from the table and heads out to the courtyard. Patton looks out in his direction, perplexed.

"Yo, everything alright with LaSalle?"

He asks Pride with a thumb hooked back towards the courtyard. He knew Chris wanted what was said kept strictly between them. It wasn't something that needed to involve the entire team. However, when that time came that Chris would be put on desk duty. There would undoubtedly be questions. But they'd cross that bridge when they get there.

"Yeah. Just a little tired. 'Scuse me, Patton"


Chris was somewhat leaning against the three tiered fountain. Admiring the unique lights that were strung overhead. The senior agent makes his way over, now standing beside him.

"Chris..I'm sorry if it got to be too much for you in there"

Pride explains. The young man's eyes still narrowed. He makes a sniffling sound and brushes at his nose briefly, nostrils flare. This was usually one of Chris's telltale signs when something was on his mind.

"Nothin' to be sorry for. Not your fault, or Patton's.." He could tell there was a "but" to follow. Chris closes his eyes momentarily.

"It's just that, well, I can easily see Percy demandin' I make that same call. Just like Holt.." His hand travels to his stomach and he takes in a deep breath.

"I don't think I can make that call, King. Not to my own flesh 'an blood"