OK, this is actually the longest chapter I've written for this story. It switches to different scenarios, some with Lyssie, some with Riley. OK? OK.

Disclaimer: National Treasure isn't mine! I've already told you this!!

"So, you're saying you're going to send an agent to Ian, undercover, to help her escape?" Riley asked Agent Sadusky, disbelief evident in his voice.

"Yes, Mr. Poole, that is exactly what I'm saying." Sadusky nodded. He looked down one more time at the files that littered his desk.

"You're sure this will work?" Riley asked nervously, fidgeting with his tie. He looked up at Sadusky, who had a serious expression on his face.

"Yes, I believe it will. Agent Daniels has worked with Mr. Howe before, gained his trust. I'm sure he'll be able to finish the task." Sadusky reassured him. Riley opened his mouth to respond, but the beeping of a pager filled the room. "Excuse me, I have to take this."

Riley nodded. He stared into his lap as the older man spoke on the telephone. He knew Ian had told him not to get the authorities involved, but Riley had no other option at this point. It had been four days. There was no other way to go about it.

He only hoped she was OK.

VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV

Lyssie sat in the corner of the room, her legs drawn close to her chest. She sobbed into her knees, every inch of her in pain after another episode with Ian.

"Why is he doing this to me?" She had to ask herself. She wiped tears away from her face and smoothed back her hair. Just then the door swung open, and she sprang to her feet in terror. But it wasn't Ian. It was another man, though, who looked about her age. His head was shaved, and he wore dark colors. He reminded her of Shaw. He slammed the door behind him, approaching her. He came close, and Lyssie slid down the wall, her heart thudding against her chest. The man's angry expression suddenly melted away.

"I'm sorry I did that. I didn't mean to scare you." The man said quickly.

"Who are you?" Lyssie asked, her voice quavering.

He reached into his pocket, pulling out a badge. "Agent Andrew Daniels, FBI."

"You're… You're with the FBI?" She asked slowly, almost sounding disbelieving. "Who sent you?"

"Peter Sadusky, on the request of Riley Poole." He answered.

"How…How do I know you're not lying?" she asked softly, sounding like a frightened small child.

"I knew you'd find it difficult to trust me." Agent Daniels said. "But I brought something that might help change your mind." He dug into his pockets, pulling out a few pieces of paper. She took them carefully, as if afraid to go near him. They were letters from everyone. Riley, Ben, Abby, and even Agent Sadusky. She looked carefully at the handwriting to make sure they were all real.

As she read the letters, tears began to cloud her hazel eyes. She handed them back silently. Agent Daniels kneeled down to look her in the eye

"Do you believe me now?"

She nodded wordlessly. The agent stood back up.

"Do have anything you could use against him, any kind of weapon?"

Lyssie thought for a moment, then dug her hand in her pocket, pulling out the pocketknife.

"I have this." She said quietly. The agent inspected the small tool.

"That will work. Now here's the plan…."

VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV

The next morning, Lyssie sat on her bed, waiting and going over the plan in her mind. Ian always came in the morning. It was the only time she was fed, though the food usually wasn't edible. And he always left the door open when he came in.

As if on cue, the door was kicked open. Lyssie jumped backwards.

"Breakfast." Ian grunted. He set the tray down on the bed, and was about to leave when Lyssie spoke up.

"Wait."

Ian paused and turned around. "What is it?" He asked.

"I just want to tell you that I've been thinking. I think I've realized that you're the kind pf person I need."

Ian looked at her, intrigued. "What do you mean, girl?"

"I need someone who's not afraid to take charge. Some one strong, like you."

Ian opened his mouth to respond, but Lyssie silenced him by placing a finger over his lips.

"Don't say anything." She said softly. "If you kiss me, you'll learn something new."

Ian grinned. "I knew you'd see it my way eventually. What is it that I'll learn?" He asked, getting ready to kiss her. Lyssie suddenly reached under her pillow, wrapping her fingers around the pocketknife. She took the blade, plunging it into Ian's back.

"I'm too good of an actress." She said quietly as fell down on his knees in pain. She bolted for the door. As she entered the living room, she could see people outside the window. The agent had kept his promise. Lyssie ran towards the front door, but felt somebody grab her arm.

"A good actress, yes, but not quick enough to escape." Ian's slapped her heavily across the face. She stumbled backwards in surprise. "You honestly think you could stop me with a pocketknife? That's a bit insulting." Ian had a firm grip on Lyssie's arm.

Freedom was so close. She could almost feel it. But Ian bit his lip.

"That was not a smart choice." Ian shook his head, grabbing a gun off the coffee table. "I won't let you go without a fight."

VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV

Riley paced back and forth outside the house where Ian was. Why was it taking her so long? She should have been out by now. He could shadows in the window. Everyone was silent so as not to tip Ian off.

The next sound they heard stunned everyone, sending them all bursting into action. A gunshot.

"Oh no." Riley shouted. "Please, God, no!" He bolted toward the door as police and FBI agents kicked it in. The house was a mess, and everyone had jumped on Ian, and the criminal was led away. Riley was glad, or he would've surely killed Ian. "But where…"

Then he saw her.

She had fallen to her knees. Her face was drawn and pale, except for bruises on her cheeks. Her hands were over her stomach. And dark red blood was covering her fingers.

gasps I hate myself again. And that is only the beginning of the angst! grins maliciously

OK, it's not that bad. Just a few angsty things. But there is a happy ending! I promise!

Review, if you please!