Many thanks to those who have left positive reviews. For those who have been critics…..I'm all for positive and negative feedback that's what this site is about. Negative feedback sometimes is more helpful to a writer makes one go back and look at their work.

For those that say this story isn't going anywhere, that's your opinion. This is an angst fic they tend to be longer fics to get the most angst and drama out of the characters. If you don't like it, hit the back button, that's what it's there for.

Title: Shattered Soul
Author: Cindy Ryan
Summary: When Emily becomes the hostage how far will Matt go to bring her home?

Cheryl stepped out of the very boring meeting that ran long to find her secretary, Dianne, waiting.

"They wouldn't let me page you. Matt's on line three."

Cheryl walked quickly to the nearest desk and grabbed the receiver punching the correct line. "Matt….."

Matt had for once let Frank drive, too wired to concentrate on traffic. "I got a lead on Emily. I don't care how you tell the DC agents who came up with it. But Ellis had a great Aunt that lived on a ranch on the out-skirts of Vegas. She left Ellis everything. Her last name is Stratmore."

"Good work, Matt."Cheryl replied quietly as she scribbled the name down.

"Just get them there, Cheryl."Matt pleaded.

"You think she's there?"

"God, I hope so. It's the only thing we got."

"I'll call you as soon as we know something."Cheryl promised as she disconnected that line and dialed another.

"Frank, take the next exit."Matt ordered after he put his phone away.

"Why?"

"Because I want us to get the next flight to Vegas."

Agent Grafton moved away from the noise of the forensics unit working on the truck to answer his cell phone.

"Grafton."

"Thank you, Agent Carrera. We'll let you know as soon as we're on location."

As Grafton ended the conversation he waved his partner over. "I need a map of Vegas and vicinity as fast as you can get it. Preferably download. We got a lead on Lehman."

"What about Ellis's account number?"

Grafton shook his head. "We'll deal with that after we check this out. If she's there….there won't be a need to wire money."

Matt thought he was remarkably calm as he waited at the ticket counter for the woman to check if the next flight had seats available.
Each second that ticked by was a second that Emily didn't have.

Matt closed his eyes and squashed the thought. He couldn't think like that right now.
He couldn't think of the clock.
They just had to get there.

The woman's face brightened as she looked away from the computer screen. "You're in luck, Sir. We just had a couple cancellations. What is the name for the reservations?"

"Flannery and Rogers."Matt replied briskly. He didn't care if the higher-ups at the bureau got wind of their travel plans.

Nothing mattered anymore but finding Emily safe.