After an exhausting night of lovemaking Hannah still managed to be up with the sun. Logan was stretched across the bed, one leg dangled off the edge, the other taking up most of her side. She lay curled up facing him, His arm outstretched across the pillow above her head. Logan had pretty much fallen asleep in that exact position, weary of Hannah's enthusiasm. She smiled and felt an urge to wake him, but knew he needed the sleep. She pushed herself up to a sitting position and as her feet dangled off the side, she realized the ache she felt in her thighs and when she stood, it intensified. This was the price she would pay for being so persistent. It felt somewhat naughty and she felt proud of that fact. She wasn't the same woman who had left England a short time ago.

Hobbling to the window, she pulled the curtain a small bit to see the sun beginning to make an appearance over the mountain top. It wasn't til that moment she realized she was naked. Another bold step for her. Even in private, walking around a room exposed was something she always had found taboo, but today her lack of inhibitions felt extremely glorious and the beautiful day that beckoned just added to the joy she felt.

Logan was always aware of the sounds and movement around him. During the night Hannah continually prodded and kicked, a hand would fling across his face or on his back, but it didn't really disturb him. These movements were part of sharing your bed and under the circumstances he wasn't about to complain about who was sharing it at this moment. But Hannah's sudden sitting up and the spring action as she got out of bed, caused a slight alarm. His eyes opened, only to see her hobbling across the wooden floor to the window.

He recalled her bare back wrapped in a sheet in New York, but this was something totally different. Hannah casually walking across the room naked. Pulling the drapes back, like it was a normal occurrence and then there was the slight limp. He shook his head and smiled, served her right for carrying on like she did last night. He couldn't let it go.

"Sore are we?"

Hannah turned surprised, "you're awake."

"Well, that's not surprising with all that racket you're making trodding across the floor boards. Couldn't help but notice you're walking different.." He smirked.

"It's not funny."

"From where I am, darlin', it's hilarious. Of course, your old man might not think so when you hobble into the mansion. It might be interesting explaining to him the cause of your discomfort."

"And if I was honest, and mentioned your involvement?"

"I would just tell him how his little darlin' is quite the little seductress."

"And he wouldn't believe you."

He motioned for her to come to him, "Get over here."

"No, maybe I've had enough. I think I will stay right here."

"So now you are calling the shots? No, that isn't how this is working. My rules. Now get over here"

"Why do I put up with you?"

"I could ask myself the same question."

She hobbled back to the bed and he tried not to laugh. "It's painful, Logan."

He reached for her hand, and pulled her down on the bed, very gently. Wrapping his arms around her from the back, her body seemed to fit perfectly within his, he pushed her hair aside and found a bit of neck to nuzzle up against, kissing it.

Her neck tensed, she scrunched her soldiers and wriggled in his arms, "Logan, I can't really. Last night, it was too much. It was wonderful but..."

"I just want to hold you, is that alright? Just because I wanted you back in bed, doesn't necessarily mean I have sex on the brain. Got it? I hope what we got here is more than that."

She relaxed and placed both hands over his, "I think it is."

"Good."

"Last night was crazy."

"Oh, yeah, it was pretty crazy. You really throw a guy for a loop. I like that."

"I think my life was quite uneventful before. I mean what I remember. This is just the opposite. It's exciting and unpredictable."

"Welcome to my world."

"I like your world." She sighed as his kisses, sent shivers up her body.

"This part of my world, maybe, but you don't have any idea what it gets like." Logan's life was one of unpredictability and although there was that amount of excitement it wasn't always what it was cracked up to be.. As he lay with Hannah in his arms, he felt a contentment and relaxation that was an incredibly welcome divergence.

"Well, maybe you need me in your life to balance it out. So there would be more moments like this."

"Maybe." She wasn't too far off there. He would enjoy more moments like this, that was for sure.

Just the tone of his voice gave away so much and Hannah knew that he liked this kind of tranquility more than he would ever let on. The sex was great, but Logan was enjoying the cuddling and the tender caressing. The soft side, to this rugged man was incredibly alluring. Just one more thing that fascinated her with him.

Maintaining the masculine he-man image was something he had no problem with but this new sensation was one that he wasn't truly comfortable with yet. Especially talking about it. So he was glad when Hannah seemed satisfied with his response and her body now was completely relaxed in his arms. The stillness and peaceful feeling that enveloped them both was so welcoming that they both began to drift back to sleep.

Just as sleep was about to engulf him, he heard the scuttle outside his door and an alarm in his head went off. His body tensed, releasing Hannah from his grasp. He sat up abruptly. So much for any peace in his life, with enhanced hearing.

Startled Hannah awoke, "Logan, what is it?"

He put a hand over her mouth, and listened closely. The movement on the other side of the door clear only to him. He got up quickly, and stood against the door frame, his claws on his right hand extended

No time wasted he flung the door open only to find a newspaper laying at his feet. He looked down the hallway and saw one of the staff diligently placing them at each doorway. The blades retracted back into his hand as he leaned down to pick it up. The young man, turned to see him, and smiled. Logan just grunted as he grabbed the paper and then retreated back into the room.

He felt a bit stupid. Ever since New York, he felt paranoid that something would happen to Hannah in front of him and now every little sound set him off.

"The paper, that was all it was?" She smiled at him and held out her arms, "Come back to bed."

But Logan's eyes focused on the photograph staring at him from the printed page. Hannah. With a headline straight out of one of those rags that could be found at the checkout counter of a grocery store.

He didn't have to read through the text to know what it was insinuating, he threw the paper down on the table and found his pants lying at the foot of the bed. As he slipped them on and began to throw things into his bag, he turned to Hannah, "We need to get out of here, pronto."

"Why do we have to rush? It's early and we're having such a lovely morning." Sometimes she hated his unpredictability. He could turn on a dime and she didn't understand the reasoning.

Logan now stood at the end of the bed, dressed, his bag ready to go. The stern look on his face meant business, not pleasure and Hannah knew not to question it. The only word he spoke, "Now," had her up as quickly as she could muster and pulling on her clothes. She threw her things into her own bag as he stood at the door waiting. She caught the paper, folded over, on the table as she passed it and turned it over. Her photograph graced the front, Suspected Kidnap Victim, printed above the shot. She glared at it in disbelief, then looked up at Logan, "What is this?"

He grabbed her arm and pulled her out the door, but he wasn't quick enough. She was able to absorb the whole article within those few brief seconds and as soon as they were in the jeep, she questioned him, "Are you going to explain to me what is happening? That article. Why would anyone print something so ludicrous? I can't even understand where a story like that would come from."

Logan was mad and really didn't want to talk about it, but knew he owed her some kind of explanation. As soon as they were onto the main road, he spoke up, "Your old man, that's who."

"Logan, that's ridiculous, he would never turn on you. The students, the Xmen, he would sacrifice everything for all of you."

"You really don't get this do you?"

"There is nothing in that article that has any truth in it. I was not kidnapped by you, and if anyone stopped us, I could explain everything."

"I got to hand it to your old man, Hannah. He really would do everything to protect you from me. Going as far as making some deal with Magneto."

"Magneto? The man in the forest? What does he have anything to do with this?"

"He planted this seed. He wants something, that your old man can deliver. Maybe you."

"Stop it, this doesn't make any sense. You sound crazy."

"You think I like my name in the press? I have to fly under the radar as it is because of what I am, this type of thing doesn't make me a happy camper, darlin'. Now I just got to concentrate on getting you back to the mansion as quietly as possible. And move along. It's what Chuck expects me to do and damn it, I wouldn't want to let him down." He said sarcastically.

"I won't go back." She crossed her arms across her chest defiantly.

"Right, that will help loads." The cynicism still evident.

"We can go away together. There is nothing there for me."

"And there is nothing here for you either."

"Now you're just being mean. I know that the you don't really feel that way." She wanted to cry. None of this really made any sense to her, but she knew that losing Logan right now would kill her.

"You don't know me, Hannah. I let you into a very small part of who I am. That doesn't mean you know anything."

"So this is how it's going to be?"

"This is how it has to be. I get you back to the mansion, I move on."

"You're letting him win. Why would you do that, so easily?"

"You don't fight Charles Xavier. I even know that. He's pulled me out of many of a scrape. Covered my ass on numerous occasions. This little episode is basically a warning. 'Lay off my daughter if you know what's good for you'. I cause enough attention to myself, I don't need British Intelligence, the Canadian Mounties and let's not forget New York's finest now on my back, cause believe me, this isn't going to go away. They're looking for trouble in the mutant community. And I'm the first place they expect to find it. Kidnapping a celebrated world renown concert pianist who just happens to be as far as they're concerned, the goddaughter of one of New York's outstanding citizens is trouble."

"It doesn't make sense to me. You have no motive."

"I'm dangerous. That's all they care about. I'm an animal that is out of control. I've killed thousands, what's to say I wouldn't kill you."

"You're overexagerating. You're hardly an animal," she caught the glare Logan was giving her, "Okay, I see your point there. People who don't know you, might believe you are capable of such brutal senseless killings but it doesn't explain why my father would subject the school to this kind of publicity. His students mean more than anything to him."

"Not anymore, darlin'. You mean more to him. And you chose to hang around with the likes of me, instead of playing the devoted daughter.." Logan was fuming. He couldn't believe Chuck would stoop so low. Hannah was right, he was exposing the school to publicity they didn't need. Putting students in danger was something Chuck would avoid at all costs. But now he had a daughter and a father would do anything to protect his child. It killed Logan inside, that Chuck really felt she needed protecting from him.

Hannah stared at him, she saw pain in his eyes that hadn't been there before. He felt betrayed by someone he cared about. Her father had taken him in and given him a purpose, now it all seemed futile. He was alone again. She reached over, and gently laid her hand on his. She didn't know what to say. Anything would just cause him to lash out at her because he was so angry.

He looked at her hand on his, and wanted to pry it off and just be rid of her in general, but it was too late. He liked her touch, and he felt some of the anger subside, but the pain was still there. He wasn't unfamiliar with messy situations to get out of, but this one didn't seem to have a solution. Run away with her, was an option. But where? Chuck wouldn't let her go. No, this situation only had one resolve. Chuck wins. Nothing would allow him to be cooped up in a prison cell. Confined spaces were something he wasn't fond of whatsoever.

He tried to manage a smile for her, "Don't you go worrying that pretty little head of yours about me. I do alright, always have. You on the other hand, well, you need a short leash. Got to watch you every second."

"That's right, you have to watch me. My father has far to many matters to deal with."

"Well, that's going to change. He's going to watch you now. Make sure you stay on the right path. Probably not a bad thing either. I bet he even has some suitor prospects lined up. You know you need someone to talk about music with, talk about books. Smart things."

"Stop it, Logan." She pulled her hand away and buried her face into her hands. Tears came quickly. She didn't want to hear about other men, not when the only one she wanted was right here in front of her.

Trying to concentrate on the road during this conversation was difficult enough, now she was crying and he couldn't comfort her as he would like to. He manged a quick pat on the leg, . "Come on, Hannah. You know, you deal with things as they come. We can deal with this. Give it some time,let it blow over. I told you the other day, you won't lose me. I meant that. I won't be gone forever. Give it a year, Portman's death will mean nothing."

"A year? I can't bear being in that place for a year without you."

"You haven't given it a chance. You'll make friends with Jeanie and Ro. Hank will be glad to talk intellectual stuff with you. And the girls adore you. You also have some practicing to do to get you playing concert halls again. You'll be busy."

"And you? What will you be doing?"

"Oh, I see where this is leading. You are more worried about what company I might be keeping."

She was silent. Feeling slightly ashamed of turning this discussion into her problems with jealousy.

"I can't promise you there won't be any company, Hannah. I know you don't want to hear that."

"You know, let's just stop talking and you concentrate on getting us back to the mansion. You're right, the sooner I'm there the better."

"I'm fine with the no talking. But I'm not fine with you sulking over there. Will it really make a difference if I tell you I'll be thinking about you every minute of the day when I"m gone."

"Stop making fun of me."

That was it. He had had enough. He swerved the car to the side of the rode and Hannah's body slammed against the door as he pulled to an abrupt stop. Practically crawling into her seat, he loomed over her, grabbing her by her t-shirt. This action frightened her to begin with and then she saw the look in his eyes, inches from her own. "I'll be thinking about you, god damn it. You've become a part of me. But I got to do what I got to do. And if one night I'm lonely because I can't get you out of my mind, and there is a lady offering something that I have an itch for, so be it. It doesn't make me think about you any less." He let go of her shirt and threw his head back in anguish, letting out a blood curdling cry. He ran a hand through his hair and shook his head, trying to get his senses back. He took a deep breath and looked her in the eyes, then stroked her cheek, "How am I going to forget that pout, when you don't get your way and the way you stroke those piano keys, like you were making love to it. Are you getting the picture here? That you mean something to mean?"

She shook her head, and tried not to cry.

He brought her head into his chest and stroked her hair, "You go on and cry. Because it's shit what is happening here, but you're strong and I'm going to take you back to the mansion and you're not going to fly off the handle to the old man. Understand?"

She pulled away from him, her eyes filled with tears "How can I do that?"

"Because you have to." He wasn't sure he really believed this but he figured it was good advice for her. He gave her a quick kiss on the forehead and then moved back into his seat and started the car, "We got to get a move on."

"That wasn't an answer."

"Well, it's all I got. And you'd be smart to take my advise for a change."

Hank had been up all night still trying to find people in cahoots with Portman and was glad to have the morning paper to get his mind off it for a few minutes. He was coming up with nothing. But as he unfolded it he wasn't expecting Hannah's picture on the front. He pushed his reading glasses up onto his nose and read the article thoroughly before slamming it down on the table, just as Orono walked in.

"So this is what happens to you after pulling an lightering. You get mad at the local news?"

"You look at it."

She turned it over, surprised to find Hannah's face staring back at her. She picked it up and examined it more closely, then began to ramble so fast, Hank had a hard time getting every word. "What is this? I thought the professor was keeping all of this hush hush. That's why he involved Shield on the case in London. He wanted Hannah to get settled here and didn't want Portman's death to be connected to mutants. None of this makes any sense, Henry. This article clearly states Hannah was kidnapped by Logan, and that he was responsible for the killing of Portman. The professor has always gone to extremes to protect us, and in this case, his own daughter. How did something like this come out?"

Henry was quiet for a minute, he rubbed his chin and then raised his head looking at Orono, "There is only one explanation as I see it and it isn't a pleasant one."

She didn't like the look on his face, "Well, what is it?"

"Magneto's visit. There is a connection here. We all questioned the visit, but Charles gave no explanation. He hasn't been himself since that man set foot in the mansion."

"He hasn't been himself since Hannah set foot in the mansion."

"There you have it. He has new priorities. A daughter he is trying to protect. Magneto offered him something he couldn't refuse. A way to protect Hannah from Logan."

"You can't be serious, Henry. He wouldn't do such a thing."

"He has, Orono. "

"But why would Magneto even offer help? What does he gain by it?"

"He's looking for Portman's right hand man. Someone who is more than likely still on track with implementing his mutant camp. I figure this must be it since Charles had me up all night searching for everything I could find out about the company that louse kept. I didn't get any details but I take it Magneto believes this man will be looking for Hannah. " He tapped the paper, "And now he has her whereabouts, well, it's only a matter of time he'll show up here. Or so Magneto hopes."

"They're using her as bait?"

"In a word, yes."

"Magneto gets his man, the professor gets rid of one."

"Precisely."

She picked up the paper and headed for the door.

"Where are you going?"

"I am not going to sit by and let him do this to Logan. He's not thinking rationally. He's putting us all at risk, and losing a vital member of our team. And that isn't all...if he thinks this will put him in his daughter's favor, he's mistaken. This is only going to push her farther away."

"Orono, this is something you need to stay out of."

"How can I? And how can you? This effects the school, the children. We don't know anything about this man he's leading to us and what he's capable of. The professor has to take care of this, Henry." She didn't wait for an answer and stormed off down the hall.

The professor sat solemnly in his office, the paper on his desk. He now knew he had jumped to quickly on Magneto's offer. Now he wondered if it was the right decision. Logan was not totally innocent in this affair, but wasn't it time to admit his little girl was hardly little anymore and was very capable of charming a man. Logan had never stepped over the line with any of his young students. The man may not have any control of his temper but he did know how to curtail those urgings. He was an Xmen, and not always conventional in his methods, he very rarely let the team down on a mission. It wouldn't be easy to fill his shoes.

The door of his office swung open and he immediately looked up startled as Storm slammed the paper down on his desk, now both photos started up at him, and the angry glare of Storm across his desk only added to his woe.

"Why would you do this? Why would you put the school in danger? And send Logan off like a criminal? Whatever is going on between those two, isn't totally his doing but he is getting punished for caring deeply for someone. And that is what it is. I know Logan well enough to see that she has sparked something in him. It's not like his flirtations with me or Jean. And you are going to break your daughter's heart by sending him away. In fact I wouldn't be surprised if she packs her bags and follows him. Because I am sure she won't want to be spending time with a father who betrayed her trust."

He was silent, Hank rolled his eyes at Storms outburst. When there wasn't a response, she continued, "You aren't going to say anything?"

"What else is there for me to say? I knew this would cause some conflict."

"Conflict? That is what you are calling it? You are destroying the team, you are destroying everything you believe in by pointing the finger at Logan and putting your students in danger. This isn't like you."

"And what would you suggest I do? Allow my naive daughter to fall in love with a man who will outlive her, a man over 100 years old, a man who is a lethal weapon when he chooses to be. What kind of father would allow a man like him near their daughter."

"You know Logan. You gave him a chance when no one else would. He isn't the man that arrived at the school with Rogue. This place means something to him. You mean something to him."

" Then he should have stayed away from Hannah. Until you are a parent, Ororo, you have no right to judge me. Now if you don't mind, I have a press conference to arrange."

"I can't believe that you think Hannah will go along with this."

Henry grabbed her by the elbow, "That's enough. Come on."

She was no match for him as he managed to pull her out the door. Once in the hall she struggled free from his grip, and faced him, fuming. "You are on his side."

A flash of lightning struck, and a rumble of thunder. Henry shook his head. The weather always changed when she was mad but this was so unlike her, "I am not on anyone's side. I hate seeing him this way. And you, well, the weather expresses your feelings nicely. Not that it is going to do you one bit of good. What is done is done."

"Logan is your friend, Henry."

"I am not worried about Logan. The man will get through this, like he gets through everything else. He hasn't lost our support, and I doubt he's lost the professors for good. I am a bit concerned about everyone else here though, but it is out of our control. We will all have to ride it out."

"Fine. You stand here and ride it out. I can't do that right now." She stormed off as the thunder grew louder and the rain started to fall.

They rode in silence the rest of the way to Salem Center. Hannah's legs were tucked up underneath her and she cradled her hurt arm close to her chest. As they approached the gate of the school, the clouds darkened and it began to rain, Logan smirked, "Well, Ro isn't to happy about all this. That's something." He gave Hannah's leg a pat and noticed her head drooped not even paying attention to him, "Look up at the sky, Hannah." He barked.

She lifted her head slightly, and then Logan yanked it up farther, she cringed, "You're hurting me."

"Then stop pouting and pay attention. Those clouds prove that they're on our side. She must be mighty pissed off with your old man right now. I'm not used to having people on my side. It feels pretty good right now, wouldn't you say?"

"It doesn't change anything."

"No, but it puts pressure on him. His team, the Xmen, aren't liking what he's done. This isn't going to set well with him."

She felt a headache coming on, and the site of the mansion now approaching only made everything more real. Logan knew nothing he could say would make her feel any better. He pulled the car off to the side of the road, just outside the gates.

Hannah turned to him, "Why are you stopping here?"

"You make the decision. I won't force you to go back there."

"So I can go with you?"

"I didn't say that. But if you want to turn your back on the old man, I'm not going to stop you. I can get you on a plane back to England. You must have some friends there, relations. Someone could put you up."

Getting out of the car, frustrated, she stormed over to the fence. The rain pelting down, she looked towards the mansion. The dark grey skies casted a ominous shadow over the school, and this appearance made Hannah shutter.

.Logan got out of the drivers side, stood up on the frame of the door and leaned over the roof, "Hannah, get back in the car. You're getting soaked."

She turned towards him, angry, "Do you think I care? You are so quick to brush me aside, send me back to England. I don't have any friends there, or at least none I can remember." Gesturing her arms toward the school in a broad sweeping motion she continued, "This is all I have and you know it. How cruel for you to even suggest going back there as an option. So if I catch pneumonia out here it might just be better than either of the choices you've given me." The tears now mixed with her rain drenched face, she felt the urge to just sink down onto the ground and have a good cry.

Approaching her with caution, he managed to hold her up by pinning her against the fence. She struggled briefly before allowing herself to look up at him, "You got me, so trust me on this one."

"Trust. Do you realize how many people I have put my trust in, how many people let me down? What makes you different?"

The answer he wanted to give her, wouldn't come out. For some reason he just didn't feel ready to express those kind of feelings to her. So instead, he placed both of his hands on the side of her face and drew her lips towards his own. When their lips met, and he devoured her with such urgency, Hannah's frustration and anger vanished. The tenderness mixed with passion and desire caused them both to forget about the pelting down rain. Now both of them soaked clinging to each other with such intensity, it seemed inevitable that it was leading to something much more. They both sunk down into the muddy grass and Hannah grappled for his belt buckle. All the while, Logan pulling her wet tank top up over her head. With this motion, Hannah got a bit of mud in her mouth and the taste caused her previous actions to cease. The few seconds of intense passion passed as quickly as they have arrived. She spit out the bits and focused on Logan, covered in the stuff. Looking down at herself she saw her now exposed breasts flecked with grass and dirt. Smiling she reached up and stroked his face.

"This is crazy."

He too, now saw the situation as it was and laughed, "A bit." He stood up and then reached for her hand pulling her up, "You are quite a site."

"As are you." She wanted to laugh, not just at the absurdity of the situation but at her previous annoyance. She was afraid of him tossing her aside but it was obvious from what just happened, that was far from the case.

"This isn't going to look to good. Pulling up to the mansion in this state." He tried brushing off the grass from her breasts, then handed her the wet tank top. She held it up in front of her and now couldn't control the laughter.

"It would be a great shot for the tabloids. Don't you know they would love catching you ravishing me outside the gates of the school in the middle of a storm. What were we thinking?"

"I guess the trust thing, well, this here..."he stammered, as he rebuckled his belt, "that didn't help my position did it? How can you trust some guy who nearly has his way with you in the mud. Avoiding the subject turning it into sex. Not good."

She took her hand and slicked back his hair, looking into his eyes. "It was wonderful. I needed that strong dose of reality."

"That's what this was? A dose of reality? Sure it wasn't just a wild impassioned grope in the mud?" He looked confused.

She stroked his cheek, "Well, it was definitely that, but there was more to it." She kissed him gently on the lips. "I do trust you." She continued stroking his face, "I suppose I really should start listening to you."

"Well, yeah. I've been telling you that all along but it seems the only way you come to any sense is when I'm kissing you. Guess I better make sure you get plenty of that so you listen more often." He pulled her closer and once again found himself immersed in the moment. His hands slid down her bare back and one slipped into her shorts.

It took a minute before she stepped away. It was so tempting. "I'm ready to go home," she said with confidence.

"Damn it woman, you got me all hot and bothered. I don't care how crazy it all is. I sure the hell liked the idea of you naked underneath me in the mud. Let the old man wait a few."

As he leaned in again, she placed the palm of her hand over his lips, "Can I take a rain check?"

He shook his head and headed towards the jeep, "I don't know, this was a once in a lifetime moment."

As the car started, Hannah slipped into the front seat, "Don't forget we can have rain whenever we want. I am sure Ororo would gladly oblige."

He started the car, and then just smirked at her.

"What? Why are you looking at me that way?"

"Think you're forgetting something?"

"No, I'm not."

He leaned over the backseat and pulled out a tshirt and tossed it into her lap.

Embarrassed, she quickly slipped it over her head.

"I can't even imagine what's going to happen to you without me around."

The car pulled out of the mud and headed in the direction of the front gate, his enhanced vision noticed the crowd of reporters and he quickly swerved the car around in the opposite direction. Flipping open his cellphone, he turned and winked at Hannah as she poked her head out of the neck of the shirt, "Don't you fret, I got this one covered. I don't plan on hightailing it out of here just yet." Dialing a number, the call was picked up immediately. "Hey, Hank, we're just outside the gates, but there seems to be a crowd out front. Think ya could open up the back gates? Let us in?" There was a pause as Logan looked over at Hannah struggling to get her hurt arm through the sleeve. One hand on the wheel, the cellphone now being held up with his shoulder and chin, he reached over with the free hand and helped her pull it through. There was a glance between them as she mumbled thank you. And his thoughts went directly to the fact he would be leaving her. His earlier words ringing to true. What was going to happen to her? Henry's voice brought him back.

"Yeah, we're both fine. Well, she's got a pretty bad bite you should look at, but otherwise she's fine. I'll see ya in a bit." He flipped the cellphone shut and took hold of her hand, squeezing it gently. She managed a smile, then turned her head towards the window as they approached the gates.