CHAPTER 11
Dominic Santini pulled up to the FIRM building in the jeep, Caitlin in the passenger's seat. Without a single word being exchanged until he was inside, Hawke climbed into the backseat and buckled his seat belt then uttered a weary thank you.
Then that all sat in an awkward silence as they headed back toward Santini Air. He had been 'officially' cleared by the authorities, but somehow it didn't feel like he was so innocent. Lexa was getting what she deserved, at least somewhat, but he had still helped her. Kind of. He actually hadn't done anything but provide transportation from the border back to Los Angeles; the actual law breaking had all been her. Yet he still felt guilty. The biggest problem was that he didn't feel as guilty for the 'lesser' wrong; he felt guilty for the wrong he didn't commit. Nikita didn't do anything, but she was still stuck in the middle. First she lost her parents, now her sister, both through no fault of her own. He had entertained Lexa's idea briefly, despite the trouble he could be in if someone found out, but finally decided it was in everyone's best interest that he didn't. He was gone on missions on a regular basis and it was hard enough at times to make sure Le was adequately cared for. At times he still wondered if it had been the right decision, but if he had it to do over again he knew it would be the same. Should he have chosen differently with Nikita? He wondered. Maybe she was better off without Lexa. Or maybe the decision had been more self-centered that he thought – the idea of having to work with Lexa on a regular basis not appealing much. Not to mention the duties he would have for however long Lexa was gone, which could be years.
It didn't much matter now though. The decisions were made, for better or for worse.
"We're here," Dom announced, stopping in an empty parking space. "Should I take you out to the cabin, or are you going to stick around for a while?"
"I think I'll head to the cabin and get a good night's sleep, but you don't have to come. I just have a couple things I need to pick up before I leave."
"Okay," he agreed, although a bit disappointed. He knew that no matter how much he wanted to know String would talk about it when he was ready and not a minute before.
"Will you be back tomorrow?"
"Yeah, I should be. I'll let you know if anything changes."
He gathered up a few personal items and turned to leave, catching only the tail end of a news report as he did so. It was enough though.
"… secure prisoner transport gone bad. The prisoner, known as Lexa Cole broke out of her restraints and disappeared into the crowd before she could be apprehended. If you have seen her please alert the local authorities, she is thought to be armed and dangerous..."