Charlie and Bass walked back to camp in silence. Charlie replayed everything over and over in her head. She knew her mom wouldn't like it when she found out, but she never thought she would flip out like that. And never in a million years did she ever think she would be staring down a barrel of a shotgun with her mother on the other end. Bass's hand on the small of her back was a comfort and about the only thing holding her together right now. Because as they walked, the more she thought about it, the more she thought about everything that had happened between her and her mom in the past the more she wanted to stomp back there and kick the shit out of her.

She knew Bass's thoughts mirrored her own. She could feel the tension radiating off him like a tidal wave. Charlie knew he put up this tough facade but Rachel's words had to have hurt him. As they neared the building acting as their barracks she slowed and turned to him.

"Bass I'm…"

"Not now Charlotte." Bass growled.

Charlie ignored him. "Bass I'm sorry about.."

"I said not now Charlotte." Bass growled again, cutting her off and urging her into the building, past Jake who was acting as tonight's sentry.

Charlie bit off her next words but inside she was seething. She knew Rachel's actions pissed him off, hell they pissed her off too but she would be damned if she let him take it out on her. But getting into a shouting match in front of their men was not the way to deal with it.

They made their way into their room. Charlie heard the door click shut and she rounded on him. "Bass I know you're pissed.." Charlie couldn't finish her sentence. Bass grabbed her, spun her around, pinned her against the door and kissed her. It wasn't a gentle kiss. It was a mix of anger and passion and need. It should have scared her but it didn't. Charlie gave as good as she got. Their tongues dueled, and teeth clashed. When they finally came up for air Bass cupped Charlie's face in his hands, his thumb brushing her cheek. "Don't you ever stand between me and a loaded weapon again. Do you understand me?"

Charlie let out a cross between a sigh and chuckle. "That's what you're pissed about?"

"You're damn right I'm pissed. She could have shot you. Don't you ever do something like that again. I'm not worth the risk."

It was Charlie's turn to be pissed.

"Like hell," she growled, pushing against his chest but he stayed put pinning her in. "You're worth it. You're worth it to me. And if I hear that bullshit come out of your mouth again I will kick your ass do you hear me?" Tears started to form in Charlie's eyes. "I'm not going to lose you. I will do whatever it takes do you understand me. I will stand in front of a million guns, hell the whole Patriot army if it means saving you, keeping you with me. I love you."

Bass sighed and placed his forehead on hers. "God Charlie I love you too."

"Good, then stop being an ass."

The corner of Bass's mouth ticked up and he shook his head. "Are you ever going to do what I tell you to?"

"Only when it matters, the rest of the time probably not. Get used to it."

Bass couldn't suppress his chuckle. He picked her up and laid her gently on the bed, holding her tight. He brushed his thumb over her swollen lips. "I'm sorry Charlie. I got a little rough."

Charlie smiled. "You don't hear me complaining."

Bass leaned down and kissed her gently. "No I don't," he mumbled into her mouth.

Charlie sighed and reached for the hem of his shirt. "I had plans for you before we were so rudely interrupted."

"You did huh, and what might those have been?" He asked.

"Let me show you."

The next night Rachel checked her bag to make sure she had everything she would need. For this to work she had to move fast. She reached in and grabbed the syringe she took from her father. She held it tight to her chest. Charlie would understand and so would Miles, eventually.

"Do you want to tell me what the hell you're thinking?" Gene's voice came from behind her.

"I don't know what you're talking about." She said calmly, putting the syringe back in her pack.

Gene wasn't fooled. He walked up to her, and put his hand on her shoulder.

"Damit Rachel. Whatever you're planning stop it right now."

"I can't dad. It's for her own good." Rachel stated as she zipped up her bag.

Gene put his hand on hers, removed it from her bag, unzipped it and removed the syringe. "You don't think I noticed this was missing?"

"Stay out of it dad. It's better if you don't know anything."

"What do you think will happen? You drug her, drag her away then what?"

"I'll figure something out. The point is to get her the hell away from Monroe."

Gene sighed. "And you think Miles and Monroe are just going to let you? They'll tear the world apart looking for her. And Charlie? You know she will try to get away from you the first chance she gets. You're good Rachel but she's better. She will get away from you, unless you plan on keeping her drugged."

"If that what it takes to keep her safe."

"Good god Rachel, do you even hear yourself? You're talking about drugging your own daughter? Why because you don't like her boyfriend?"

"It's more than that and you know it," Rachel yelled. "He's done something to her. He's using her to get close to Miles and to hurt me. He doesn't love her, he's not capable. And she's too stupid and naive to see it. I have to get her away from him."

"Will you listen to yourself Rachel? Charlie is a grown woman. There is nothing stupid or naive about her. You have to know by now that she doesn't do anything she doesn't want to do."

"I am her mother." Rachel spit out.

"Well then start acting like it damn it," Gene yelled grabbing Rachel's arm and dragging her to the window.

"Look," Gene pointed out to where Charlie, Miles and Bass were standing around the campfire. "Push through your hatred and take a good long look at Charlie."

Rachel looked out into the courtyard. Bass was leaning up against the wall, his arms wrapped protectively and lovingly around Charlie. Rachel wanted to scream at him to get his hands off of her but Gene stood behind her with his hands on her shoulders, keeping her in place. She continued to watch as he leaned he head down and whispered something into her ear. Whatever it was it must have been funny because she grinned and laughed out loud, throwing her head back. Bass laughed too and said something to Miles who was sitting on a log, drink in hand. He shook his finger at them both but they were all laughing. They must have been sharing stories of the good old days. She took a long look at Charlie. Even from this distance she could see the light in her eyes. It was obvious she was happy and in love. Charlie then twisted, gave him a kiss then turned back around to settle back in his arms. The whole scene spoke volumes to Rachel. Ever since she had been back in Charlie's life she noticed right away that Charlie didn't like to be held, or pinned in. Even when they were in relative safety she would position herself so she could move around and jump into action if needed. She was always cautious, always on guard. And the fact that she was letting Monroe hold her and that she looked so relax told Rachel that she trusted him.

Too bad Rachel didn't share her daughter's feelings. She knew him all too well.

"What do you see Rachel?" Gene asked softly.

"She loves him and she trusts him. But she's wrong, it's wrong."

"Damnit Rachel, you of all people know how much that woman has lost in her life. She's happy. Let her be happy for however long she can. Don't take that away from her. I'm not happy about her and Monroe either but if you do what you're planning on doing, you'll lose her and Miles for good. Is that what you want? To be alone?"

Rachel could only shake her head. She lived so long without Miles and Charlie in her life and she didn't want to go through that again.

"Promise me you won't do anything stupid Rachel." Gene pleaded.

Rachel hung her head. "Fine dad, I won't take Charlie away and run."

Gene pulled her close. "Thank you Rachel. Give it time. Give yourself some time. It will be okay, you'll see."

Rachel nodded as she watched Gene walk out the door. No she wouldn't take Charlie and run. He was right, it wouldn't work. She made her way over to the window and watched her daughter with Monroe. A new plan was forming in her head. If she couldn't get her daughter away from Monroe, then she needed to get Monroe away from her daughter, permanently.