A/N - Hey guys, sorry about the delay. My sister's dog was diagnosed with cancer and it's been a very big distraction for me. Dog or not, she's part of my family too. She had surgery today and they need to finish the tests to confirm that the cancer hasn't moved up her leg.

So, as a sorry, I'll be posting three chapters today...

So read, enjoy and review!

Chapter Twenty – The Ghost In My Lungs

Olivia drove carefully to the lab, pausing at a nearby coffee shop to pick up some coffees for the rest of the team. Rayne insisted on going in with her, which surprised Olivia. According to her mother, Rayne rarely left the confines of her basement haven. Rayne kept close to her, her eyes flicking around the shop taking in the people, before looking at the drink selection.

"What do you feel like Rayne?"

"I have no idea. Any suggestions?"

"Do you like coffee and chocolate?"

Rayne frowned slightly.

"Who doesn't?"

Olivia smiled, adding a mocha to the list of coffees. She grabbed some slices of cake and biscotti as well. Olivia took Rayne's arm, leading her to a booth where they could wait for their order.

"So, how are you feeling about all of this Rayne?"

Rayne licked her lips.

"Surprisingly, fine. It's a bit strange being out of the basement though."

"It's a big step."

Rayne nodded.

"I needed to do this. I'm not going to let him win."

Olivia frowned.

"Let who win?"

"Him. The man who did this to me. If I do nothing, he wins."

"That's a good way to look at it."

"It's the only way I can look at it. Did you see Mom's face when I hugged her?"

"Yeah, I did."

"That was so sad, right? What mother looks surprised when their daughter hugs them? I keep forgetting that she's hurting to."

Olivia was saved from commenting when her name was called and she took the order, handing Rayne her coffee before making their way back to the truck.

"This is safe, right?"

Olivia smiled slightly.

"Yes."

"But it's a man right?"

"Dr Walter Bishop. He's a good man."

"I know. But you'll be there right?"

"Yup. The whole time."

"And if it works?"

"Then we might be able to get some detail that could help."

"Like what?"

"Anything at all."

"Ok."

Olivia glanced at Rayne when they paused at a set of lights.

"You can stop at any time. Just give me the word and we will stop."

Rayne nodded.

"Can I ask you a question?"

"Sure."

"How long have you been married?"

"Coming up a year now. But we were together for a while before that."

"Weren't you scared to get married?"

Olivia smiled.

"Not really. My husband, he's a special guy."

"And you have a daughter too, right?"

"Yes. Etta, she's coming up six months. That was far scarier than getting married."

"Why?"

"Well, I didn't have the best up-bringing, neither did my husband. And I guess we were both scared of what that meant in regards to being parents."

"But you're not scared anymore, are you?"

"Sometimes I am. I see things in my job that make me scared for my daughter sometimes. But then she smiles, or talks or shoves her fist in her mouth and I know she's going to be ok. I just have to make sure I give her everything I can to make sure she is safe and happy."

"Like my story."

"Yes, like your story but you know something Rayne?"

"What?"

"You're stronger than you think you are. You're doing something that can make a difference. "

"I just hope I can help."

"You already have. Just by talking to me."

The rest of the trip passed in silence and soon they were pulled up in front of the lab. Rayne followed her through the halls and Olivia knocked before opening the door to the lab.

"Olivia, my darling! How is our sweet little Etta feeling?"

Olivia quickly put the coffee's down before Walter pulled her into one of his giant hugs. She squeezed him back, breathing in the smell of the lab and red liquorice from his lab coat.

"She's fine Walter. Due for a visit from her grandpa though."

Walter grinned.

"I miss her too. As soon as things are done here, I'll go and see her. I got her a present."

"What did you get her this time?"

Since she announced her pregnancy, Walter had been a fiend when it came to presents. Over half of the items in Etta's nursery were from Walter, including battered books that he used to read to Peter. He and Astrid were also both guilty of being the reason that she put on so much weight during her pregnancy. Peter didn't help by telling them about her cravings. When meat grossed her out, Astrid would know a recipe for vegetarian meals and bring them over for Olivia to sample. And when she wanted nothing but sugar, Walter was there with trays loaded with every sweet treat imaginable including fluffy, sweet pastry with jam and cream. Walter was grinning like a cat that got the cream and Olivia knew it had to be something he was excited about.

"You'll see. Oh hello."

He noticed Rayne for the first time, his smile becoming gentle. He offered her his hand.

"You must be Rayne."

Rayne gave it a timid shake, removing her hand from Walter's as soon as she could. Olivia could hear the tremor in her breathing, could feel the young girl tense beside her. Olivia shifted slightly and placed her hand on Rayne's arm.

"Rayne, this is Walter Bishop."

"It's nice to meet you Mr Bishop."

The gentle smile widened.

"It's a pleasure to meet you too Rayne. That's a very interesting name by the way."

"I was born during a thunderstorm and my Mom thought it was appropriate."

"Well, I knew a boy in high school who was named Stardust."

"That's not so bad."

"Shall I repeat that it was a boy?"

Olivia was surprised by the short but distinct snort that came from Rayne, who now had a smile tugging on her lips. It was that Bishop magic all over again. Walter moved away from them and extended him arm slightly.

"Welcome to my lab. Would you like something to drink?"

Rayne indicated her coffee.

"I'm fine thank you Mr Bishop."

"Oh don't be silly. I know your first name and you know mine. Call me Walter."

"Ok."

Astrid popped her head out from behind her computer offering Rayne a smile.

"Hi I'm Astrid."

"Hi."

Heather came striding out of Walter's office, Peter close behind her, his face annoyed.

"Rayne this is Heather and my husband Peter."

Peter and Heather paused, offering Rayne small smiles.

"Hello Rayne."

Rayne nodded and glanced back at Walter.

"Will this hurt?"

Walter shook his head slightly.

"No pain, I promise. But if you are concerned we can give you a light sedative."

Rayne shook her head.

"I don't like needles."

"Well, how about we try it my way first."

Rayne nodded slightly.

"Now, Olivia told me you like art?"

"Yes."

"And you feel better drawing while you speak, don't you?"

"Yes."

"We will start there then. You and I will talk while you are drawing."

Rayne frowned.

"I didn't bring any of my things."

"Don't be concerned. We are prepared. We went shopping for supplies earlier."

"Really?"

Walter nodded.

"All the best equipment. And in exchange for your help, you can keep everything."

Olivia caught the flash of excitement in Rayne's eyes, the small smile that tugged on her lips again.

"Ok."

Walter indicated to a comfy chair that had been dragged into the corner.

"Let's get started."