Disclaimer: The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest is owned by Hanna-Barbara. No money is being made from this story. It is simply by a fan for other fans. Also, Criminal Minds is a product of CBS, no money is being made from the use of their characters.

Chapter 17

As the rotor wash faded away, the two men looked at each other. They were crouched low, out of view from the chaos outside the warehouse.

"Do you think it saw us?" The first man asked.

Shaking his head, the other replied. "I don't think so."

After waiting in silence for a few more moments to be sure the helicopter would not swoop around, the two men breathed normally again.

"That was close," the first man said again. He was young, his beard still all scraggy and gnarly.

The older of the two replied, "Yes, but we should be safe now."

They rose together and the younger man hefted his scoped rifle back onto the wall, placing the feet of the bipod firmly on the ledge. Leaning into the weapon he ensured the butt was tucked firmly into his shoulder pocket as he blinked, letting his eye adjusted to the optics of the scope.

The older man raised a pair of binoculars to his eyes. He was also bearded, but he kept his neat and trim; a spattering of grey hairs populated his otherwise dark facial hair. He adjusted the range finder on the binoculars, not needing the night-vision feature due to the light sets the federal agents below had set up; combined with the strobes of the emergency vehicle lights and the headlights of the vehicles being left on, the two men had no problem making out what was going on below them.

"Just be patient now," the older man instructed, "we'll wait to see if a target emerges."

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Squinting against the harsh lighting, Race pushed his way out of the warehouse. One hand firmly placed on the crook of Kosta's elbow, Race guided his prisoner outside of the warehouse where he and his band of criminals had caused so much strife and grief over the last week.

Kosta had kept quiet for most of his walk, but as they emerged he turned his head and spit a wad of blood on the ground in front of Race.

Morgan, on the other side of the man saw the blatant display of disrespect and jerked Kosta to the side, but before he could say anything, Race stopped him. "It's alright. He's done for."

"You sure?"

Race shielded his eyes as a sleek black helicopter landed in the most open area of the warehouse parking lot, not far from a road that led towards the docks.

"Yeah," Race replied; he was tired and he wanted to see his daughter more than anything right now.

Morgan eyed Race as SSA Hotchner came up from behind. They all stood still as the helicopter landed and the door slid open. Hotch smiled as he saw the group emerge and head straight for them.

Hotch tapped Race on the shoulder, letting the I-1 man know he had Kosta secured. Race nodded his thanks and quickly strode over towards the others.

Estella saw her ex-husband approach. He was battered and beaten, but looked relatively okay. As they reached each other she threw her arms around his neck and embraced him. "Race, I'm so happy you are okay." She exclaimed.

"It's over now, Stel." He said as she unwound her arms from his neck. He kept his hands on her shoulders, and said, "We got them."

Estella peered past him at the Yugoslavian, her face turning up in disgust. "You let him live?"

Before Race could reply Corbin stepped forward and said, "Glad you made it out of there safe."

Race looked at his superior, knowing he had cut him off from responding to Estella's question on purpose. Corbin still looked in bad shape and had changed out of his torn shirt (probably taking one from Hotchner's office before they left) and had lost his sling. He held his wounded arm tightly down at his side, his hand tucked into his front jeans pocket, probably for stabilization. Race felt for the man.

After exchanging pleasantries with Benton and Hadji, Race said, "Jessie's okay. They are bringing her out now. Let's head over to the ambulance."

Estella beamed and held Race's arm tightly, not wanting to let go. The group headed around the building and Corbin peeled away to talk to Hotchner and the prisoner as the FBI agents were leading the big man around the side of the building.

Rounding the corner, the ambulance was in view and as they saw Jessie and Jonny, they burst into a run to cover the short distance to the vehicle. Jessie was on a stretcher, a thin blanket covering her as the EMTs worked an IV into her arm. Jonny stood at her side, his hand clasped in hers. Even in the dark, it was easy to see that his face was red from the tears he had shed.

"Mom, Dad," Jessie managed to say as the group came to her side. Her eyes were open, but she was still dazed from the effects of whatever tranquilizer Kosta had given her. The stretcher was propped up, so she was in a somewhat seated position. Dark bruises and dried blood covered her face; her lip was swollen and cracked and she looked pale.

All of Estella's attempts to stay strong deteriorated when she saw her daughter and tears began to flow down her cheeks. She wanted to wrap her daughter up in her arms and never let go, but she had to be gentle due to Jessie's fragile state. Estella gently hugged her and kissed her on the forehead, "Oh, Jess," She whimpered, "I'm so sorry for all of this."

"Mom, your hair." Jessie croaked, managing a half-smile; even after all she'd been through the first thing she saw was her mother's dyed hair.

Estella managed a half laugh, then placed a shaking hand over her mouth.

Race observed the scene with stoic silence, but he couldn't contain himself anymore. He hugged his daughter and said, "Oh Ponchita,"

"I'll be okay, dad." Jessie announced, still the tough girl emulating her father.

Race looked at the EMT who had just finished placing the IV. "She will be," the young man confirmed. "Mostly dehydrated and some cuts and bruises, but she'll be okay."

"I really don't want to go," Jessie said, her voice still hoarse.

"Just to get checked over, baby," Estella told her.

"I'm going with you," Jonny stated. It was not a question.

Jessie smiled, the pain in her green orbs suddenly disappearing after hearing Jonny's words.

Hearing commotion behind them, Race turned in the direction of the voices. Kosta was being led towards a waiting vehicle, but he struggled against the two FBI agents. Even with his arms restrained behind his back he was able to put up a fight, throwing a shoulder against Morgan, causing the man to stagger and release his grip on the man.

"Hold on," Race said to the group and went over to help the agents.

The only injury done to Morgan was to his ego, but when he let go, Kosta had taken the opportunity to turn on Hotchner. Hotch was a strong man, but Kosta was stronger and he slammed his forehead against Hotch's skull, producing a gut wrenching crack. Hotch instinctively let go of the man and raised his hands his forehead. The blow had somehow produced a gash and blood seeped through the agent's fingers as he staggered backwards and fell.

Men shouted as Kosta turned towards his next target, Agent Corbin. Grinning at the wounded I-1 Director, he rushed the man as Corbin reached for his sidearm. Kosta was fast and lowering his shoulder he barreled into Corbin, knocking him to the ground, Phil's weapon falling from his hand and skittering against the cement.

Kosta grinned at the scene he had caused and stood erect, facing Race. "I'll kill you even with my hands behind my back, Bannon." He declared.

Race planted his feet, and drew his weapon. If Kosta charged Race would shoot; damn the consequences.

"This isn't going to end the way you want it to," Race reasoned.

"Piss on your pathetic words," Kosta growled.

"Think about what you're doing," Race warned.

"You die now!" Kosta yelled and charged.

Race raised his weapon.

Kosta took two steps when suddenly a shot rang out. The beast of a man was stopped in his tracks, his head whipping backwards, a stream of blood flowing through the air with the momentum of his body. With a crash the man hit the ground, dead.

"Shots fired!" Someone yelled.

"Where'd it come from?" Another asked.

Confusion erupted. Race lowered his weapon, not having fired a shot. He strode over to the dead man to confirm; a single gunshot wound to the head. Kosta's lifeless eyes stared skyward.

Race shot his head around, looking to see who had fired. He saw that everyone else was doing the same. SWAT men ran in all directions. Morgan was gone and Prentiss and Doctor Reid were dragging Hotch to safety.

Race went to Corbin who was slowly getting up. "You alright?" Race asked, grabbing the other man under the arm to steady him and leading him behind a vehicle for cover.

"Damnit I wish this day would end!" Corbin growled.

"Yeah," Race snorted a laugh, "You're alright."

Corbin pointed towards the ambulance and the two men made their way back towards the group. The gunshot had startled everyone and they had all ducked down for cover, but Jonny had stayed next to Jessie, keeping her body protected with his own.

"Everyone alright?" Race asked.

Worried nods and muffled answers responded.

"Where's the shooter?" Benton asked.

As if to answer his question they heard someone yell, "Up there!"

As one they all looked in the direction one of the SWAT team members was pointing and they thought they saw two dark objects moving away from the wall.

"Find them!" Corbin ordered and the men ran off towards the building across the street.

Looking back at the dead prisoner, Corbin shook his head. "The only one that was left and now he's dead as well."

"I'd rather they be dead." Estella huffed. "It's better than any of them deserve." She was holding Jessie's hand firmly, but not too hard.

"What the hell is this all about?" Jessie moaned. It wasn't until she asked that the others realized that she really had no idea what was going on.

"We'll explain after the hospital, hon." Race answered and nodded to the EMT. "We better get her out of her before any more unexpected surprises arise.

"Two can come." The EMT said as he and the driver loaded the stretcher into the back of the vehicle. "Were headed to Mercy Medical."

Estella climbed in the back, but as Jonny started to climb inside, Race tapped the boy on the shoulder and held out his hand. "Gun and stone."

Jonny smirked, but nodded as he handed over the items. He got in and the driver slammed the doors shut then got back in behind the wheel. Lights and sirens on, the vehicle pulled away. The four remaining men moved back behind the SWAT truck, out of the possible line of fire.

Race handed the stone back to Phil, who quickly put it into his pocket. "We'll procure a vehicle and get the rest of you over the hospital." Phil said.

Hotchner came up to Race and Phil, he was holding a bandage to the cut on his forehead. With his free hand he handed Phil's fallen pistol back to his cousin. Phil took it and quickly holster the sidearm.

"That's my shirt." Hotch said.

"Well I needed something, Race ripped my other one." Phil replied jokingly.

"Are we done now?" Hotch asked with a grin.

"Thanks, cousin," Phil replied. "We just have a few more loose ends to tie up."

Hotch snorted, "I'll see you back at the BAU. You can use our vehicles; the keys are inside them. My team and I are taking your helicopter."

"That's not really protocol, SSA Hotchner." Phil retorted, but was not being serious.

"Call it payment for the shirt," Hotch replied. "And my cracked head."

The three men shared a laugh; releasing the tension that had built up inside all of them over the last week. "I'll call you when we are headed back to D.C." Phil said, shaking his relatives hand, "And thanks again, Aaron."

Hotch nodded, then turned back towards his team of profilers, heading off to gather their belongings before heading back home.

"A few loose ends?" Benton asked.

Phil inclined his head, but did not reply. "Let's get to you guys to the hospital. I'll join you when I'm done here."

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"You can see her now." The nurse announced to the Bannons and Quests. Race, Benton, and Hadji had taken one of the FBI vehicles and made it to the hospital to meet up with Estella and Jonny. So far, they had heard very little, and had spoken even less.

They all stood as one and followed the nurse down the hall. At such a late hour the hospital was relatively quiet. Jessie had been taken to the emergency room, but had been moved to a regular room for observation.

"We'll want to keep her overnight." The nurse said as the reached the private room. "Just for observation, of course." With a soft smile, the nurse left to give the family privacy.

Jessie was sitting up in the bed, large pillows supporting her back. She had regained some color in her face, but still retained an overlook look of exhaustion.

"How you feeling, Jess?" Jonny asked as he stood next to her bed. She had a monitor attached to her finger and another saline solution IV in her arm. The cut on her face had been cleaned and bandaged.

She smiled wearily and replied, "Just a bit tired."

"You're looking great, baby," Estella said hoping to raise both Jessie's and her own spirits. Estella was still carrying the weight of guilt surrounding the entire ordeal.

"Do you remember anything?" Race asked gently. Part of him needed to know, but another part of him knew that the information would serve little purpose. There was no one left to take his anger out on.

Jessie leaned her head back against the pillow and briefly shut her eyes. Quietly she said, "No, not really. Sorry"

Race didn't believe her, but he decided not to pry. Knowing that even after her physical scars healed, there would still be the emotional and psychological trauma she'd would suffer, Race didn't want to rush her now. It was still too soon.

"It's okay, Ponchita," He said, "No need to apologize."

Jessie sighed and took a sip of water from the glass on the tray over her lap. "I don't even know what this was really all about. What did they really want?"

"That doesn't matter anymore," Estella said patting her daughter on the hand. "Just get some rest and we can talk about it in the morning."

"Can you all stay?" Jessie asked, her voice sheepish and low, "I don't really want to be alone and they said I have to spend the night."

"I'm not leaving your side," Estella declared.

"Me either." Jonny said.

"None of us are leaving," Race added. "They'd need an army to get us out of here!"

Jessie smiled, a short laugh escaped her lips, but she grimaced at the pain, causing everyone to lean in closer. "I'm alright," she said. "Just sore."

"Get some sleep if you can." Benton said.

Jessie locked eyes with the scientist, a man that had become her mentor and second father over the years. Her sucked on her lower lip and gave him a nod. "I'll try. The nurse said she would be bringing me something for the pain and to help me sleep. They wanted to make sure the tranquilizer was out of my system first though."

"That makes perfect sense," Benton replied.

"Can I speak with Jonny for a minute?" Jessie asked. "Alone?"

Estella and Race exchanged worried looks, but they nodded in agreement. "I should check in with Phil anyways."

Jessie watched as her parents, Doctor Quest and Hadji all departed and once the door was closed she gazed into Jonny's crystal blue eyes and said, "I remember everything, Jonny."

With one hand clasping one of Jessie's hands, he used his other to brush her hair back away from his face. "You don't have to do this, Jess. Not now and not ever if you don't want to."

Jessie lowered her eyes as if ashamed. "All I could think about was you and wanting you and my dad to come rescue me." She turned to face him again. "And you did."

Jonny blushed, "I would die looking for you if I had to."

"I know," Jessie said. "And when you found me…I remember what you said."

Jonny blinked in surprise, "But you were unconscious."

Jessie slowly shook her head and said, "I was but I also wasn't. It was like being in a dream kind of. But I heard you and I think what you said brought me back to reality."

Jonny looked away, somewhat embarrassed; he had never said those words to her before, but he had always wanted to. "Well, I…" He stammered.

Jessie smiled and motioned for him to come closer. As he leaned in towards her face, she breathed, "I love you too, Jonny Quest." And kissed him tenderly on the lips.

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Benton and Hadji had left to go find some food for the group which left Race, Estella, and Jonny in the room with Jessie. Jessie was asleep, having finally given in to her fatigue. The private room was large and had a couch along with a few chairs in it. Estella and Race occupied the couch and Jonny was in one of the chairs at the side of the bed. He had struggled to keep his eyes open and after Jessie had fallen asleep, Jonny had finally succumbed to his own exhaustion and had fallen asleep as well.

Estella rested her head on Race's shoulder as the two sat in silence, watching their daughter. A nurse had patched up Race's own wounds and given him some medications for the pain.

A light knock on the door pulled Race out of his thoughts. Getting up and opening the door he saw it was Corbin. Looking back at Estella he whispered just loud enough for her to hear, "It's Phil. I'll be right outside."

Estella nodded. She too wanted to talk to the I-1 Director, but she didn't want to leave Jessie. There would be plenty of time to sort of all the details and talk about everything that had happened, especially between Phil and her.

Stepping outside and gently shutting the door, Race and Phil walked over to the waiting area. Phil handed Race a cup of coffee he had gotten on the way to the hospital and as they entered the vacant waiting room he asked, "How is she?"

"Sleeping right now," Race replied as he sipped the cup of Joe. "Physically she's relatively unharmed for what she's been through, but I know her wounds are more than just physical."

"They always are," Phil said.

Race studied his superior. "You look exhausted."

Phil sighed and ran his hand over the back of his head, "This entire ordeal has gotten to best of me. Of all of us."

"What happened back at the warehouse after we left? Did you find whoever shot Kosta?"

Phil shook his head. "No, whoever it was had already gotten away once my guys found their shooting location. They left the rifle, but I doubt we will get a trace on it."

"Any hypothesis?" Race asked.

"Sure," Phil shrugged. "I'd bet money it was whoever was backing Drazen and Kosta. Probably Russians or Chechens. They probably grew tired of waiting for payment as Drazen played his little games and once they learned we were on to them, they decided to take out whoever we brought out of that building so they wouldn't talk."

"Sounds logical." Race said as he drained the last of the coffee.

Phil narrowed his eyes at Race's response. "Yeah."

Race picked up on his boss' tone and said, "What is it?"

Phil waved a hand of dismissal. "Nothing. Look, I need to get back to D.C. Let me know once Jessie is released tomorrow."

Race nodded, "You're driving back by yourself?"

Phil shook his head. "Someone from the Baltimore office is driving me back."

"Alright." Race was worried about Corbin for a number of reasons. Even with this ordeal effectively closed, Race could tell that Phil was still thinking about something; something unfinished.

"We'll talk more when you guys get back to D.C. and we can debrief." Phil added.

"What are you going to do with the stone?" Race asked the question that he believed still tugged at the other man's mind.

"I'll figure something out." He withdrew the stone from his pocket, hefting it in his hand. "I still don't even know if the legend is true."

"I don't see how someone can hide a secret in that thing." Race said.

Phil chewed on his lower lip and said, "I don't know, but it was obviously worth killing for, at least for those scumbags."

"For a long time now. So what really happened in Kosovo?" Race asked.

"What do you mean?"

"To you and Estella? Neither one of you were the same when you guys got back." Race inquired.

Phil put the stone back in his pocket and lightly slapped Race on the upper arm, "We'll discuss it over a beer and a shot of whiskey later."

Race gave a half-smile and said, "Deal. You buying?"

Phil snorted a laugh, "Yeah right. Remember, I'm the one that got shot."

Race laughed and said, "Gotcha, boss."

The sound of approaching footsteps interrupted the two men's conversation and a moment later Benton and Hadji appeared with bags of food. "We got Chaps."

"Good stuff." Race said in reference to the famous Baltimore sandwiches.

"I better get going," Phil said. "My ride is waiting. I'll see you all back in D.C. in the next day or so. We'll go from there."

Race shook his boss' hand as did the other two men, "Be safe, Phil."

"You all as well. Give Jessie my best."

Phil turned to go, but was stopped when someone called his name. It was Estella, approaching the group of men.

"Phil, I need to talk to you before you go." Estella said. She looked at the others and her eyes showed that she meant to talk to Corbin in private. Looking at Race she said, "Jessie's still asleep, but you should go back. I'll be right there."

Race agreed and left with Benton and Hadji. When Estella was alone with Phil she looked at him and said, "Phil, look…"

"Estella, you need to be with Jessie." Phil cut her off. He wasn't in the mood to talk about what he believed she wanted to talk about. "What happened, happened. I'm not happy about it, but I can't change it either."

Estella's gaze drifted towards the floor. She let out a deep breath and then looked back up at the man. "That's not what I wanted to talk about."

That caught him off guard, "Excuse me?"

"I know what you are planning to do next." Estella said, lowering her voice even though they were alone.

Phil's eyes narrowed and he tried to play innocent, "What do you mean?"

"I'm going with you." Estella said. "We started this together and we end it together."

Phil didn't respond, but he straightened his posture and looked away from her.

"I'm right, aren't I?" Estella quipped. "You know what they did to me, to Jessie. For god sake's Phil they tried to rape me and Jessie!"

"What do you want me to say?" Phil shot back.

"Say that you aren't going to go without me." Estella crossed her arms over her chest and stared defiantly at the man.

Phil ran his hand across his tired face and shook his head. "Fine."

"Good," Estella smiled.

"You know something, Estella? You and Race were perfect for each other; two stubborn pains in my ass!"

Estella grinned and patted him on the chest, "You know it."

Phil rolled his eyes and said, "We'll discuss this later; after Jessie gets better and we can figure out the details."

"If you go without me, I'll shoot you again and this time I'll make it count." Estella joked.

Phil laughed, "You know what, Estella, I don't doubt those words for one minute!"

"I'm going back to Jessie. See you in D.C." She said and strode back to the hospital room.

Phil watched her go. "Bannons and Quests," He mumbled, "biggest group of headaches in the whole agency!"

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To Be Continued….