Troy sat in his office reading over the paperwork from last night cautiously. His eyes reading over his father's report and Taylor's notes for the third time. A sudden knock on the door caught him by surprise and he looked up to find Taylor looking at him with a frown.

"It's Philips."

Troy felt an icy burn start at his feet and shoot it's way up, "Son of a bitch," he murmured as stood up and quickly gathered his gun and badge.

"What?" Taylor adjusted her stance in his doorway, prepared to be on the move right along with him.

"We got a problem."

"How bad?"

"Got a call from the Paxton three days ago that Philips was held up in his room and not paying his bill," Troy made his way out of his office with Taylor following close behind. "Paxton, complained about the guy before. It never even registered with me to check into it, but I was there at the Paxton last night."

"Why?"

"Gabriella's back in town," he answered making sure he took a radio off the charging dock on his way out the door.

"Gabriella?" Taylor picked up her pace, "The felon's daughter?"

"Yeah and she's got an angry husband tracking her down. Anything's possible considering she's taken her kid across state lines. I was watching the parking lot before you called last night and I swear someone was in the room next to hers and I thought it was Philips."

"Son of a bitch."

Troy walked over to his squad car pulling the door open and getting in, "Feel like going for a ride?"

"Couldn't leave me behind if you tried."

He kept an eye on her as she made her way across the parking lot to her car. He headed toward his mustang. This may be the day her life gets changed forever, and not in the good way. This may be the day he'd been patiently waiting for- a day with no witnesses, no struggle and a ride in the trunk of his car.

Gabriella made her way to the dinner to start her shift, Kelsi had agreed to keep Eliot a for a little bit while she went to the local market and picked up a few things later on tonight after her shift. They didn't need much, after all, they didn't have much. She just needed the essentials. Milk, cereal, orange juice. Just a few things to put a lunch together for Eliot.

As soon as she walked into the dinner she was caught off guard by the overwhelming sight of Troy standing at the counter already talking to Betty with a dark skinned woman standing beside him. The woman unlike him wasn't in the standard uniform but she carried the same holstered gun at the waist that Troy did.

At the sound of the bell Troy turned around to face her. "We need to talk."

"Gee, where was this kind of enthusiasm for talking 15 years ago?" Gabriella muttered as she made her way behind the counter.

"The man in the room next to you," Troy started as he came up to her, "Notice anything odd about the last few days."

Gabriella stilled as she stared back at both Troy and the woman standing next to him, "What is this about?"

"The man in the room next to yours was found dead on the side of the road yesterday evening." The woman raised a brow as she watched Gabriella closely.

Gabriella entire body jerked as last night's encounter came roaring back to her. Her hand gripped the counter and she brought her other hand up to her temple. How had he found her? She been so careful? She didn't use any cards?

"Gabriella," Troy's voice sliced through her thoughts and she jerked again as he placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"Don't touch me," she warned.

"Are you alright?" The woman asked as she took a step forward.

"I have to leave."

"Where?" Troy asked with a bit of concern in his voice.

"I don't know but I can't stay here, I'll die if I do." Gabriella pushed her way through both of them and almost through the front door before Troy had her by the arm.

"You can't just leave."

"My son, is out there without me," she shouted back at him. "He knows where we are."

"Then let us help you."

"It's too late," Gabriella twisted herself free and began running towards her car leaving Troy and the woman behind inside the diner. As she got into her car she stared back at Troy who was staring at her with an odd expression on his face, his hands on his hips.

She heard movement in the back seat then felt something hard slam against her face.

"Drive."

She looked in the rearview mirror and gasped; a sliver of panic cut through her. A man in a black ski mask was slammed against her seat thrusting a gun in her face.

She punched the accelerator pitching gravel and dust in the parking lot. She screeched onto the road nearly sideswiping a pickup truck in the process. Fear crushed her lungs and she could barely breathe.

"Turn right at the stop," he growled.

She turned at the stop, her mind racing to remember all the details happening to her. She had to stay calm. Stay calm and in control. Yeah, easier said than done when there was a gun pressed to your cheek.

Gabriella took a deep breath, at least they were going away from the school. Away from Eliot. She needed a plan, a course of action. She could jump from the car but it was going too fast.

Engage him in conversation. Wasn't that like a distraction tactic she used on her husband when the beating were about to start.

"Where are we going?"

"You'll know when we get there. I've got a private party in mind for just me and you."

Her stomach surged and she thought she might throw up. She had to do something. She had to do it before they reach his destination.

"Listen, I have cash with me. I could give you cash."

"Shut up and keep driving."

Soon they would drive out of the residential area and be on country roads where houses and help would be out of reach. She looked in the rearview mirror again and notice Troy's squad car in the distance. She tapped on her brakes to slow down, hopefully give Troy the chance to catch up.

"Stop hitting the brakes, bitch." The man in the ski mask turned around and seemed to notice the squad car behind them for the first time. He jabbed her with the gun again.

Frantic, she had to do something. Doing nothing could get her killed. Suddenly, she knew exactly what she must do. She pressed the accelerator to speed up, scanning the right side of the road for what she needed. Turning a curve, she saw it standing near the road and aimed the car straight for it.

A sickening explosion of metal and glass assailed her ears as the car hit the tree on the passenger side. The air bag exploded, pinning her against her seat. The man in the ski mask flew over the seat into the front, pounding his head against the dashboard where he slumped.

The pain from the impact surged through her body but she fought it as she reached for the seat belt clasp. Once it was undone, she pulled the handle and pushed the door as hard as she could until it opened, sending her crashing to the ground. She had to run. She had to find help.

She staggered to her feet and tried to run, but her legs gave out after a couple of feet. She picked herself up and ran less than a block from the car, when she noticed someone running after her. She could not let him catch her. He would kill her.

She dashed within a wooded area and ran as weeds, branches and thickets made long cuts on her legs. She ran until she felt her lungs would burst. She looked back and did not see the man. She pushed ahead until she found a large tree and plastered her body behind it, willing herself to breathe. She listened, but heard nothing.

A large arm came out of nowhere, encircling her waist and trapping her against him. She fought, her fists pounding against his chest and kicking him until they both fell to the ground.

"Stop it, Ella, Stop it. You're safe. I'm here to help you." Troy gripped her arms and pulled her to her feet. "I need you to stop fighting me."

"What are you doing here?"

"I followed you from the diner. We have to get back to the car." he added, "Taylor back there without back up." He looked over her injuries, there was a wild look in her eyes, and he knew she was in shock. There were long, ugly scratches on her legs and arms, and dark bruise was forming on her cheek.

"No, we can't go back there. He has a gun. He'll kill me," she sobbed.

"I'll protect you." He pulled her forward, his arm around her shoulders as he pushed through the trees and brush towards the road. She leaned against him, placing her arm around his waist. She felt his gun on his hip and for a moment she thought about grabbing it and forcing him to let her run away. To let her get her son and leave town. Hopefully disappear for good this time. But there was something in his voice that made her believe him. He was going to protect her.

She heard sirens and saw flashing lights in the distance.

"I guess back up is here." Troy muttered as they got closer.

Gabriella frowned as she saw the tangled mess that used to be her car. Her stomach tightened as she scanned the area looking for the man in the ski mask. He was not in the car. Two EMTS ran towards her, pulling her from Troy's arms, then leading her towards the ambulance. They made her sit in the back as they examined her. A small light pierced her eyes and a cuff tightened on her arm. Someone swabbed something on the cuts on her legs and arms.

Troy looked out at the car in front of them. "Anything?" he asked glancing at Taylor, who came to stand beside him.

"He was wearing a mask, he was quick and luckily he's a sucky shot," Taylor said motioning to her arm, "Bullet barely grazed me."

"So we lost him."

Taylor let out sigh as she motioned to the car wreck, "Hey, look at the Brightside. At least now she's not leaving town anytime soon."

Troy let out a sigh as he looked back at Taylor, "You sure you're alright?"

"Most excitement I've had all year," she said with a shrug, "And that's including my sex life."

Troy winced for a moment before turning back to her, "Do need a ride back to your car?"

"I'll catch one with Danforth, go check on your girl."

Troy narrowed his eyes as he looked back towards the ambulance, "She's not my girl."

She watched as officers searched her car and the surrounding areas. One of them led a German Shepherd that was sniffing the ground near the passenger side of her car. Troy was talking to the woman from the dinner who was holding a makeshift gaze against her left arm. They talked as if they knew each other well. And a wave of jealous she hadn't expected shot through her.

That was ridiculous. She had no right to feel jealous. If anything she should be happy that Troy found someone. Someone who like carrying guns and shooting at moving objects just as much as he did. They were a match made in heaven, and she was going puke.

It was not cold but she began to shiver, her teeth chattering. She rubbed her temples. Her head was starting to throb.

"How is she?" She heard Troy's low voice as he talked to one of the EMTs.

"It wouldn't hurt if she went to the hospital to get check out."

"I am not going to the hospital. I'm fine." She tried to get up, felt a sickening rush, and then sat back down.

Troy got into the ambulance then crouched down to her level to gaze at her face. He ran his thumb gently across her cheek where the bruise from the gun was darkening. He held her hand as he examined the long scratch on her arm, then leaned down to look at her legs.

"I told you. I'm fine."

He nodded at the officer standing near them she hadn't noticed until then. "Do you mind if we ask you some questions then."

"Do I have a choice?"

Troy was quiet for a moment as he narrowed his eyes at her, "Your cooperation would be much appreciated."

"You sound like your father," Gabriella winced as she looked at the other office who was taking out a note pad and pen.

"You're staying in room 206 at the Paxton Motel, is that correct?" Troy continued deciding to ignore her comment.

Rolling her eyes she nodded her head.

"Do you know the older gentlemen who was staying in the room beside yours?"

Gabriella bit her lip as she looked out at the wreckage that use to be her car. "No, I only seen him once when I out looking for the ice machine but he didn't say anything."

"Was there any suspicious activity in the last few days?"

Gabriella shook her head, "Not until last night."

Troy watched her carefully as she held up a hand to stop the medic from cleaning a cut on her face. "What happen last night?"

"Someone was standing outside my door."

Troy looked up at his deputy and then back at Gabriella, "Did you get a good look at him?"

"Do I look stupid?" Gabriella grumbled, "'I'm a petite female in a motel room with my 7 year old son, I didn't open my door in the middle of night and ask him in for a night cap."

"Then how did you know someone was standing outside your door?"

"Because I couldn't sleep and when I got out of the shower I saw someone's shadow under my door. Do you want me to describe the shadow for you?" she said not hiding the sarcasm from her tone.

"No, that won't be necessary," Troy let out a sigh as he watched the medic place the last Band-Aid over a cut on her arm.

"How did the man get into your car?"

"I don't know. He just suddenly appeared from the back seat."

"Did he have a weapon?"

"Seriously?" Gabriella eyed him with annoyance, "He had a gun."

"What else?"

Gabriella was quiet for a moment as she tried to think, "He didn't want money. I offered him cash but he didn't want it."

"He didn't want the money?" Troy raised a brow.

"Can you think of anyone that would want to hurt you?" the deputy asked.

"No," she said as she shook her head.

"I can," Troy interrupted.

Gabriella eyes darted towards him as if shaken from a state of calm, "It wasn't him. I would have recognized his voice."

Troy let out a sigh, "Then do you know who would have attempted to abduct you?"

Gabriella eyes glazed over again as she shook her head, "No."

"But you have an idea?" Troy asked fishing for information.

"No."

"Ella,"

"Gabriella."

Troy lips pressed together as he let out an inaudible breath and leaned back. "Do you know of anyone who'd want to hurt you?"

"My Husband."

"Do you know his last whereabouts?"

"That son of bitch is still in New York where I left him," Gabriella let out a frustrated huff as she looked at the medic, "Can I go now?"

"Miss, you've just been involved in highway accident, I highly recommend you at least go to the hospital and get properly cleared."

Gabriella shook her head, "I'm fine," her body had been through worst. She'd been banged up enough times to know where her threshold for pain was. At the moment, this was nothing. "I have to go back to work."

"Given the circumstances, I think it's safe to say you're off for the day," Troy offered.

Gabriella turned and looked at Troy dead on, "Given the circumstance I really can't afford to not make money. My car is currently wrapped around a tree."

Troy looked at the medic and let out a sigh, "I'll take her to the hospital to get cleared."

"No you won't."

"Did you have any personal affects in the car?" the Deputy asked.

Gabriella held a hand up to her temple, "My purse, I have a small yellow leather purse. Did you find it?"

"Yes, we found the purse but the contents are scattered around the car. Do you remember what was in the purse?"

"Why do you want to know what was in my purse?" Gabriella looked at both of them questioningly.

"We need to know if he took something," Troy murmured.

"If you could see the contents, do you think you would remember anything that is missing?"

Gabriella looked at Troy then back at the Deputy. "Maybe."

In the back seat of her station wagon, she saw a tube of lipstick, a brush, and a powder compact. In the front seat she noticed her keys, driver's license and a granola bar with a few of Eliot race cars. She noticed her wallet and picked it up counting the cash inside. No gun.

"Is anything missing?"

He had her gun. "No,"

The deputy and Troy exchanged looks as they looked back at Gabriella. Troy let out a sigh as he motioned for the deputy to take off. "I think we're done for now with the questions. If we come up with anything else we'll get in contact with you. Please see that Mrs. Catania's car is taken to the station for further examination. Let see if this guy left anything behind."

"I'm not going anywhere with you, I'll walk back from here."

"I got her from here," Troy said to the deputy reassuringly, "Thanks for your help Brady tell Sandra I said hello."

"No problem Sheriff, anytime."

Troy helped a hesitant and resistant Gabriella to his car which was still parked on the side of the road with his light flashing.

"Haven't I been kidnapped enough for one day?"

"Get in the car Ella." Troy stood beside the car in question and motioned to the front seat.

"Oh gee, you mean I get to ride in front like a civil citizen and not get treated like some common criminal?"

Troy remained quiet as he stared at her with that quiet intimidating superiority cop expression that must have been passed down from Bolton generation to generation. He nodded one more time and Gabriella narrowed her eyes at him.

"Where are we going?"

No response.

Gabriella's head began to throb and she lifted a hand to her temple, resting her fingertips there and trying to grasp what was happening to her. How everything could just be spinning out of control so fast. She needed a car, she needed to get back on the road. She had to get out of Highland Meadows before whoever followed her here made sure she couldn't.

"Don't make this any harder than it has to be Mrs. Catania."

Gabriella let out a huff as she opened her eyes and glared at him, "Will you stop calling me that."

"That's your name maim. What else would you like me to call you?"

"How about if you forget my name entirely and let me just skip town?"

"You're not going anywhere. I have a murder and now an attempted carjacking on my hands, both seem to have something to do with you. If I have to put you in a cell to keep you here I will. If you do have any ideas of sneaking out of here, know that I'll issue a warrant for your arrest and you'll be charge with tampering with an ongoing murder investigation."

Gabriella let out a groan as she turned towards the car and sat down in the front seat crossing her arms and huffing once more in frustration.

"Thank you," Troy shut the door and walked around the car to his door and got inside.