As promised, the next chapter full of Rai/Kim goodness and much longer than the last. I've been working on this non stop for a while whenever I got the opportunity. Saturday is D-Day for Japan and I'm not feeling prepared at all and to make matters worse my housing just fell through…..if it's not one thing its another. On the upside, apparently there is a way to plug your computer in on the airline that I'm taking so that means computer access!!! Which is great news for you guys cause I've got plans to write a lot while I'm in Japan so I might as well get started on the way over there.

As for the answer to the clue no one really got it but a couple of you guessed the Lunte Fontanne so I included that in the story. So enjoy it and let me know what you think. I'm off to scream into my pillow- again

PS- half assed editing, sorry!!

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"It's a compromise," Rai told Kimiko as he observed that she still looked slightly disgruntled. When she didn't answer Raimundo frowned and folded his arms behind his head as they worked their way down the street. "I don't get why you're moody," he added.

"I'm not moody," Kimiko countered with a pout, folding her arms over her chest.

"Uh, hun," Rai scoffed skeptically looking her up and down out of the corner of his eye.

"What?" Kimiko snapped. "You're being annoying."

"You're getting cranky," Rai told her wagging a finger in her direction. Kimiko automatically opened her mouth to argue but immediately shut it and gent him a glare that she didn't really mean. Rai seemed to sense this and returned the glare with a smile.

"I'm sorry," she apologized. "Just a bit frustrated."

"Understandably," Rai said with a knowing nod and then without an ounce of hesitation put an arm around her waist. Kimiko blushed slightly but allowed him to tug her closer. "We're getting there," he added, pleased that she fell into step so easily beside him. "The end, if it isn't already in sight, will be soon."

"You don't seem worried," Kimiko observed. She glanced up at him and noticed his expression harden somewhat.

"I'm not letting it consume me," Rai told her looking straight ahead. "You can't let worry take any sort of hold of you. Acknowledge it, sure, it keeps you human, but you can't let it get to you." Kimiko sighed and knew he was right and without really realizing it she set her head on his shoulder as they walked.

"I'm glad you're here," she told him. "I'm not sure if I could do this by myself."

"I think that was their biggest mistake," Raimundo said obviously surprising her because she jerked her head back from his shoulder, much to his disappointment.

"What do you mean?" she asked confused.

"I mean I bet they weren't expecting for us to click this well or to work well together at all. You have to admit we are kinda opposite ends of the spectrum."
"You know what they say," Kimiko answered back with a smile. "Opposites attract." Rai gave her a grin that said he thoroughly believed that, on multiple levels, and Kimiko shook her head again. "You're just a twelve year old boy trapped in a twenty five year olds' body aren't you?"

"I'd say thirteen, maybe fourteen," Rai joked and Kimiko rolled her eyes, pulling away from him.

"Back to compromise," she said walking a bit faster. Rai followed her and nodded in agreement.

"I still think what we're looking for is in Time Square," Rai told her.

"And I'm convinced it is in Broadway," Kimiko finished for him.

"And I graciously agreed to go and check out the obvious choice," Rai went on, "the Lunt-Fontanne."

"And I've got a nagging feeling you're wrong," Kimiko finished and sighed.

"But you can't give a concrete reason why," Rai reminded her.

"Why do you think it's the Lunt-Fontanne again?" Kimiko asked with a tilt of her head. The going was slow on the sidewalk because they were in tourist central, moving into the main part of Broadway where the most popular shows were playing. Even though the summer was technically over, with Labor Day come and gone, and it was a Thursday the streets were still packed. Raimundo shrugged at her answered and then glared at a group of high school boys who were making crude gestures toward Kimiko who seemed completely oblivious. Before they'd left the hotel Kimiko had managed to style her hair with long loose curls, pulled back into a pony tail, but two curls were left to frame her face and once again Raimundo was reminded that Kimiko had no idea the type of attention she commanded. He'd thought about suggesting she put it back into her earlier style, the two pony tails but he'd liked hooking her curls around his finger as they rode the subway to Broadway. Kimiko hadn't seemed so fond but hadn't reprimanded him too sharply for it. Rai had a feeling that she liked it more than she let one but was trying to stand by her earlier decision that they couldn't pursue anything at the moment.

"I think that its one of the more well known theaters," Raimundo answered her question. "It seems to go along with the landmark theme that you pointed out before."

"But still," Kimiko said chewing her bottom lip.

"I think you're worrying a bit too much," Rai frowned at her, "we're here to check it out. Trial and error seems to be the only way to do it at this point in time."

"I just hate to think that we're wasting time," Kimiko subconsciously glanced at her watch. We're running low on time."

"Like I said," Rai repeated once again slipping an arm around her, "I believe we're in the home stretch."

"You say that," Kimiko whispered, trailing off. Rai wanted to reassure her somehow but knew that she wouldn't really be at ease until this whole ordeal was over. "Which way do we go?" Kimiko asked stopping on a corner. "I'm not that big into Broadway so I'm not so familiar with the theaters."

"And you think I would know?" Rai asked raising an eyebrow. Kimiko shrugged and looked around for some sign of the theater they were looking for.

"You've lived here longer than I have," Kimiko reasoned. "I'm just going to go ask somebody," she said walking off. Raimundo barely heard her, having noticed a flash of blonde in the crowd and was trying to make sure that their assassin hadn't located them somehow. He heard enough of what she was saying to turn and look after her once he'd determined that the blonde he saw wasn't their hunter. He frowned when he saw her talking with the doorman for a restaurant. The man was obviously interested, talking animatedly with her, a big smile on his face as customers made their way into the restaurant without his assistance.

"Figure out where the theater is yet honey?" Rai asked coming up behind Kimiko and putting an arm around her shoulder, smiling sweetly at the surprised Kimiko who glanced up at him as soon as touched her. He glanced at the doorman who looked shocked at first and then a bit furious. Rai was then caught off guard when Kimiko pushed his arm off of her.

"Oh knock it off Raimundo," Kimiko scolded.

"Is he bothering you Miss?" the doorman asked looking menacingly at Raimundo, but also with a bit of smug satisfaction.

"No, he's just a friend being an idiot," Kimiko waved it off. "And yes," Kimiko said looking back at Raimundo, "I did find it so lets get going." She then smiled her thanks at the doorman. "Thanks for your help," she said as she turned and walked in the direction that she'd been directed. Rai stood watching her for a moment and then jogged to catch up with her when he realized that she was disappearing into the crowd.

"Hey, don't run off like that," Rai cautioned when he caught up with her.

"I didn't run off," Kimiko said shortly. "And for future reference please keep that male ego of yours in check. Even if there was something going on with us you wouldn't get to walk around treating me like some piece of property that only you can see."

"I don't treat women like property," Rai told her looking deadly serious. That was true. Whenever he'd dated a woman he always felt that it was his responsibility to protect and take care of them somehow but he knew at the same time that each woman was their own person and didn't need him to rule their life, but that didn't mean that he couldn't be 'a man' for her. It was only natural for a person like Raimundo with a naturally protective streak to want to care for and protect a person he cared about. And in the case of Kimiko Raimundo felt that need to protect grow in him ten fold. And in the context of today Raimundo was fully aware of everything- even harmless flirts like the doorman. "And that guy was a creep," Rai went on, "I was just letting him know not to even try."

Kimiko gave a sly little smirk. "And why should you feel the need to try. It's not like I have a boyfriend or anything."
"You've got me," Rai said immediately and totally serious. Kimiko laughed at him as soon as he finished speaking.

"And what are you?" she asked stopping and turning to face him, hands on her hips. "You seem to have this idea in your head that you've got some sort of 'claim' on me, as barbaric as that sounds," she said narrowing her eyes as she spoke. "And let me remind you Mr. Pedrosa that that is not the case. There is nothing between us except the mutual goal of finding and protecting our families." Rai blinked a few times as she finished and then surprised her by smiling as he stuck his hands in his pockets, stooping slightly and kissing her quickly on the lips, breaking it before she had the chance to react at all.

"You are very cute when you're all indignant," he told her with a smug little smile as Kimiko blushed furiously and stared at the ground. "And just so you know Kimiko, as I've told you before, that as soon as this is all over I fully plan on turning the full force of the Pedrosa charm on you. So yes, I guess you could say that I'm protecting my 'claim' on you if you want to put it in such a way. I know full well that once you're able to focus on it you won't be able to resist me, hell you're probably fighting it as we speak. So why can't I take a little bit of pleasure in scaring off the guys that obviously aren't worthy of you in any way shape or form?" As he spoke he watched her face turn many different shades and when she finally looked up from the side walk she had an eerily calm look on her face.

"You seem pretty confident," she said looking just as smug as Raimundo had a moment ago. "I guess we'll just have to wait and see." With that Kimiko turned on her heel and continued on toward where the Lunt-Fontanne Theater was supposed to be located. Rai blinked in shock again and then suppressed a laugh as he followed diligently after her. Kimiko hurried along ahead of him, determined not to let him see her expression. She did not want to give him the satisfaction of letting him see that he was getting to her. The last thing she needed was to encourage him in anyway and he certainly would see it as encouragement if he saw that she was flustered.

'I refuse to fall for a playboy like Raimundo Pedrosa,' Kimiko thought determinedly. She glanced back over her shoulder where Raimundo was following with a satisfied sort of smile on his face and couldn't help but smile slightly as well. 'At least not right now.'

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Much to Clay's relief the helicopter ride was short lived and he landed on a tiny, private airfield in Purceville, VA where a tiny jet was waiting, fueled and ready to go. The transfer was quick, easy, and painless and Clay didn't even have time to turn on his phone and check his messages. Instead he settled on the plane and waiting impatiently to arrive in New York. They'd be flying out of the storms that had surrounded DC and fly into clear skies in New York in a short amount of time but it wasn't nearly short enough for Clay. It would be the evening hours before he made it into New York City and then he'd have to actually find Raimundo. He'd decided to head towards Omi's martial arts school that he'd visited in the past in hopes of somehow finding Rai there or maybe miraculously along the way.

His mind wandered from Raimundo and the seemingly impossible task of finding him to Cynthia. He hoped that she hadn't gone back to approach Tom, he just had a bad feeling about the whole situation. He wasn't feeling so bad about Tom, more that Tom was involved at all, it sent off warning alarms in his head. Clay prided himself on the instincts that had gotten him so far in the FBI that he couldn't shake the bad feeling he had about Tom being involved.

"I hope she's ok," Clay muttered to himself as he looked out the plane window into grey skies and looked on the equally grey land below.

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"This place is a zoo," Rai muttered grabbing a hold of Kimiko's hand so they wouldn't be separated. "Even for a Broadway show this seems a bit ridiculous."

"How are we ever going to find what we're looking for in all of this?" Kimiko asked nervously as she looked at the lobby crammed full with people trying to get into an evening show and even more people outside where Kimiko and Raimundo stood trying to get in.

"Do you think mentioning the fact that you're a Tohomiko will help get us in?" Rai asked.

"I think nothing short of being the President or maybe the fire chief will get us in," Kimiko said shaking her head. "Even if we got in what can we do during a show? Not only would we attract attention but we don't even know where to begin looking. It would be like looking for a needle in a haystack." Raimundo gave her hand a squeeze for reassurance at just the right moment because Kimiko was suddenly jolted very hard from behind and if Raimundo hadn't had a tighter grip on her hand she probably would have gone over. Immediately pulling Kimiko tightly to his chest Rai turned, ready to attack if need be but only found a flustered man who was already addressing Kimiko and Raimundo but Raimundo was at a loss for what he was saying. Kimiko seemed to understand because she pulled slightly away from Raimundo, as far as he would let her go, and answered the man in the same language he was speaking and Raimundo suddenly realized it was Japanese. The two talked quickly for another minute or two before the man apparently said goodbye and turned away.

"Please tell me apologized," Raimundo asked when the man was out of hearing range.

"Yes he did," Kimiko told him and suddenly realized how closely they were still pressed together. "Come on, let's get out of here and get a little space," she suggested and tugged them both out of the crowd.

"But what about getting in?" Rai asked as they both pushed out of the still growing crowd.

"We don't want to get in there," Kimiko said knowingly. "The people that are behind this want to make it hard, not impossible."

"So then where are we going?" Rai asked as he stopped them with a gentle but forceful tug on her hand. "Back to Time Square like I thought?"

"No," Kimiko shook her head, "I was right about Broadway. We're just at the wrong theater."

"And why do you believe that?" Rai asked curious.

"The man who bumped into me and apologized told me that the crowd was so crazy here because the evening show for The Phantom of the Opera had been canceled so suddenly and everyone who was suppose to be at that show is trying to get seats to another."

"And that affects us how?" Rai asked again and Kimiko pulled her hand free and dug into her bag.

"Are you going to chalk that up to a freaky coincidence?" Kimiko asked as she began to play on her PDA. "With the show shut down we'll be there totally alone."

"Ok, let's say you're right?" Rai humored her. "We still have no idea where to look and getting it will still take a little work."

"I'm convinced it's the Majestic Theater," Kimiko said and showed him what he looked up. "Look at how many shows got their start there. And it goes along with 'Lights, Camera, Action'. Half of the musical that have been put on there have been made into movies."

"That would explain that," Rai admitted.

"Destroyed, renamed, reborn," Kimiko went on. "It's been torn down, rebuilt, and renamed. I really think that the Majestic is the one we're looking for. Like I said it's currently showing the Phantom so it's a major spot in the theater world and for tourists. And," she paused and chewed her bottom lip nervously, "to add to the list of freakiness. Tohomiko Electronics was one of their biggest donors last year."

"Well, that would have to be a pretty big coincidence," Rai admitted. "Ok, let's check it out." Kimiko nodded and they walked on, Kimiko deciding to check her email for any more warnings or updates on the website. "So you think you can get us in?" Rai asked breaking into her thoughts.

"I hope so," Kimiko sighed. "They may not care, know who I am, or believe who I am. But either way, just play along."

"By the way," Rai went on, "how did you remember that Tohomiko Electronics was a big donor." Kimiko blushed again.

"Actually I had no idea," Kimiko admitted, "it was on their website."

"Oh," was all Raimundo said and a bit of an awkward silence grew as they waited to cross the street. "Well, here's hoping," Rai broke the silence as they approached the theater.

"I guess so," Kimiko agreed. The area around the theater was nearly empty, a few people were reading signs and posters hung on the walls outside but the only worker in sight was a board looking worker in the box office.

"Can I help you?" the teen asked without any real enthusiasm.

"Yes," Kimiko answered. "Is there a manager or something on duty? I'd like to have a tour of the theater."

"I'm sorry but the theater is closed tonight, we've been having some electrical problems," the worker answered.

"I'd still like to talk to someone," Kimiko said sweetly and the worker conceded turning and walking out of sight.

"It must be nice," Rai commented when they were alone.

"What's nice?" Kimiko asked.

"Being able to snap you're fingers and getting anything you want," Rai shrugged.

"It's not like that," Kimiko said looking embarrassed.

"I know you're not like that," Rai smiled at her when he realized he'd make her uncomfortable. "But it must be nice to know you can if you need to."

"Kinda," Kimiko admitted and with small grin.

"How can I help you folks?" a new voice asked and the two turned to face the manager who'd approached him.

"Hi," Kimiko said putting on her charms, "I know you're shut down tonight but I was wondering if I could get a quick tour of the theater. My friend is only in town for the night and he really wanted to see the theater and since the show is cancelled I thought that a tour might make up for it."

"I'm sorry Miss," the manager looked apologetic, "but I'm afraid that won't be possible."

"Is it because of the electrical problems?" Kimiko asked. "Are they really that bad?"

"Oddly enough no," the man said, "those problems seemed to have resolved themselves. It's just that…" the man trailed off and Kimiko smiled knowingly.

"I understand," she said softly, "you cant' make exceptions even for the daughter of a donor."

"Daughter of a donor," the manager repeated suddenly looking flush. "I'm sorry I didn't catch you're name."

"It's Kimiko Tohomiko," Kimiko said off hand and then focused on Raimundo. "I'm sorry Rai, maybe another time." Rai played along and tried to feign disappointment.

"Wait a second Ms. Tohomiko," the manager practically called out when Kimiko turned her back. "I believe something can be arranged."

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A little over an hour later Kimiko knew more about Broadway, the running of a theater, and the history of the Majestic than she ever wanted to know. More than she thought there was to know. But she listened diligently as Mr. Wenter, the evening manager, toured her and Raimundo through every inch of the theater. Kimiko stayed close to Mr. Wenter, making comments every so often and smiling and nodding when appropriate. Raimund trailed behind a few steps, inspecting things that he could link to the lines of the clue but hadn't come up with anything. Their last stop was the actual theater, slightly eerie in its emptiness. This was where both Raimundo and Kimiko thought the next mystery item might actually be hidden.

"Do you think we could go on stage?" Kimiko asked Mr. Wenter. "I've always wanted to see what it looked like from on the stage." Mr. Wenter nodded and led Kimiko on stage, Raimundo stayed behind, moving to the first row center. The curtains were down so Kimiko moved in front of them to where the two curtains met, where the curtains closed at the end of the performance. Mr. Wenter joined her as Raimundo sat in the middle of the first row, discretely bending forward and feeling underneath the seat and the two arms.

"So this is the last point a person from the audience would see?" Kimiko asked and Mr. Wenter nodded. "So Rai's in the best seat in the house?" Kimiko asked remembering another line of the clue. 'Best of the best', if the Majestic was supposed to be one of the best theaters, if not the best, than the best seat in the house would be the best of the best.

"Some might think that," Mr. Wenter agreed. "But most like being the second or third road back. That way they don't have to strain at all to see on stage."

"Really," Kimiko said happily. "Did you hear that Rai?" Kimiko asked loudly enough for him to hear. "Second or third row is supposed to be the best of the best."

Rai gave a little nod missed Mr. Wenter grimacing somewhat when he climbed over the seats to the row behind him. "How's that seat?" Kimiko asked watching him eagerly.

"Let me try the next row," Rai called back, "for comparison." Kimiko nodded nervously, holding her breath as Rai climbed back to the third row.

"What about that row?" Kimiko asked apprehensively.

"Oh yeah," he called back, "this is definitely the best seat in the house."

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Once they were out of sight of the Majestic Theater and of the smiling Mr. Wenter Kimiko practically jumped on top of Raimundo.

"Oh my God, oh my God," she said still slightly rattled with nerves. "I can't believe we found it."

"All thanks to you bonito," Rai told her with a grin.

"What did you call me?" Kimiko asked.

"Nothing, nothing important," Rai told her and turned his attention to the box he'd retrieved from the third row seat. He opened it up and revealed what appeared to be cross with a gem set in the middle.

"I think that would be pretty if it wasn't part of all of this," Kimiiko commented looking over when he opened the box. Rai pulled the cross out showing how it hung off a chain. He squinted and held it up towards Kimiko.

"I could see you wearing this," Rai agreed, "if it wasn't possibly part of some evil plot." He put it back and looked around and located a bar. "Wanna drink," Rai asked nodding in the bar's direction.

"More than you know," Kimiko sighed and shook her head. "But we can't." Rai agreed silently.

"Do we know where we're dropping this off?" Rai asked and looked to see Kimiko already pulling up the website.

"This address is down near Ground Zero," Kimiko frowned. "And what the heck does the left side of Janus mean?"

"Janus?" Rai questioned.

"A Roman god, of doors I think. So we're looking for a door?" Kimiko tried to reason, clearly confused

"Do an exact search for the address," Rai suggested and pulled up a search engine, typing in the address.

"It's St. Paul's," Kimiko said looking over at Raimundo who looked grim as well. St. Paul's was the tiny church on the edge of the World Trade Center where the first officially recorded victim of the attacks, Father Mychal, was placed after being killed when the south tower fell. "That just seems beyond rotten," Kimiko said bitterly. Like most New Yorkers, though she had only been there for about five years, Kimiko considered Ground Zero sacred ground and St. Paul was a part of that. So many people had found refuge there during the attacks and afterwards during the rescue and recovery attempts that it seemed so wrong to pull it into the sick game that Kimiko and Raimundo were a part of. Kimiko glanced at her watch. "I don't know if we'll be able to get in and I am not breaking into a church."

"Agreed," Rai said hailing a cab. "I went to catholic school through high school, here and in Brazil. That's a line I won't cross."

"Huh," Kimiko said as a taxi pulled up, "never saw you as a catholic school kid." Rai opened the door for her and gave her a warning look.

"And what is that suppose to mean?" Rai asked sliding in after her.

"Nothing," Kimiko shook her head and then turned to the driver. "St. Paul's at 211 Broadway." The driver nodded and pulled into traffic. Both were lost in thought as the driver moved seamlessly through the evening traffic. Daylight was nearly gone and the city was glowing with lights from within buildings and neon signs advertising anything and everything.

"Hmm?" Kimiko asked sleepily when she realized that Raimundo had said something.

"I asked if you were falling asleep over there," Rai repeated with a smile.

"I'll wake up soon," Kimiko said rubbing the back of her neck. Rai didn't respond, just wished that she'd taken a nap earlier like he'd suggested. He almost wished that the car ride would last longer so that Kimiko would fall asleep, even just for a few minutes but already the taxi was slowing down and pulling to a stop. Rai paid and they both crawled out of the car and once they were on sidewalk Raimundo went to tug the bag off of her. "What are you doing Rai?" Kimiko asked and gripped the strap of her bag to keep him from pulling it away.

"You're tired," he explained. "Let me carry it for a while."

"You must be tired too," Kimiko argued and held on tightly to the bag's strap. Raimundo gently pried her fingers away from the strap and pulled the bag away from her.

"Yes but I'm the big strong man remember?" he teased. "Let me carry it for a while, please?"

"Fine," Kimiko sighed and relented and Raimundo took the bag and slug it across his own body.

"Thank you," he told her lengthening the bag's strap so it fit more comfortably on his shoulder. "Now why don't we look into getting into this church?"

"Any ideas?" Kimiko asked as they approached the church. Formal and makeshift memorials to the September 11th tragedies dotted the area. It was a somber place that Kimiko had only visited a handful of times but it still gave her chills every time. Raimundo seemed to share the same sentiments as he observed the area tight lipped and looking grim. "Were you here, in the city I mean, when it happened?" Kimiko asked.

"Yeah," Rai nodded but didn't elaborate so Kimiko didn't press. "It was kinda the thing that pushed me into the FBI," Rai went on after a minute or so, "I'd toyed with the idea but that's what really drove it home for me." Kimiko nodded in understanding and surprised Raimundo by taking his hand and gave it a squeeze. Rai looked at her slightly surprised and then returned the smile and squeezed her hand as well. They stared at one another for a moment longer before Rai gave a sad, determined little smile and laced their fingers together before squeezing it again. "I guess we shouldn't waist any more time," Rai suggested.

"Yeah," Kimiko nodded and they moved toward the church. As expected the front doors were locked up but when they checked a side door they found it unlocked.

"Risky," Rai commented, "a lot of churches won't keep any doors unlocked cause of vandals and burglars and everything."

"It might be old fashioned but I can't imagine anyone stealing from a church," Kimiko shook her head.

"Unfortunately there are a fair amount of people that don't support your views," Rai said grimly. "Shall we go in?" he asked.

"Knock first," Kimiko suggested.

"Knock?" Rai repeated.

"I think it's polite," Kimiko said sincerely and Rai shrugged and complied thinking it was silly but did it anyway. He knocked solidly a few times and only a few minutes later a frazzled looking priest was at the doorway.

"Can I help you?" he asked looking concerned.

"We're very sorry to disturb you so late Father," Kimiko told him. "But we were wondering if we could take a quick peek inside."

"We won't be long Father," Rai added, "We realize it's after hours but we just wanted to say a quick prayer." Kimiko bit her lip, hating to lie and decided if they did make it in then she would say a prayer.

"I can't refuse that," the priest said and stepped aside, allowing them in. "But would you mind if I stayed near by. I certainly won't interfere."

"Of course Father," Raimundo nodded and followed Kimiko in, joining her as she scanned the church.

"All the chairs," Kimiko commented.

"Yes," the priest said closing the door after they'd come in. "St. Paul's has removed most of the pews to increase the flexibility for events we can hold here."

"There are a few pews left," Rai observed.

"Yes, they're what people call our famous pews. The pew George Washington sat at to pray before his inauguration, as well as the one the Governor Clinton, the first governor of New York, prayed at, remain inside for historical purposes. The third is the part of the 'Unwavering Spirit' exhibit in honor of 9/11."

"What happened to the other pews?" Kimiko asked.

"A few have gone for the September 11th museum, the rest are being stored as historical pieces since they bare the marks of some many workers on them. The belts, boots, and other tools scrapped the pews severely. They are marks of the time." Kimiko and Raimundo nodded in understanding before moving to the chairs and each bowing their heads and said their individual prayers. Kimiko raised her head first, watching Raimundo as he prayed with focus, crossing himself as he stood and looked at the altar near the back of the hall. Kimiko stood as well and brushed the back of his hand to gain his attention. They still had no idea where to put their latest find. Rai looked at her and nodded.

"Can I help you with anything else?" the priest asked.

"No, thank you," Rai said looking at Kimiko. The priest moved to show them the way out but Raimundo stopped. "I'm sorry father, one more thing." The priest gave them a patient smile. "I'd like to leave a donation…" Rai trailed off.

"Oh, thank you so much," the priest said with a smile and nodded toward the right side of the main door where a tiny wooden box. Kimiko followed Raimundo there and stood next to him to block the priest's view when Rai would drop the item in.

"Are you sure about this?" Kimiko asked in a hushed whisper.

"It's the only place I can think of," Raimundo reasoned. "And from the other side of the door it would be the left, so, that's all I've got." Kimiko bit her lip and nodded. "At least it's in the right place," Raimundo reasoned. He couldn't think of anywhere else to put the jeweled cross. Kimiko gave a nod of encouragement and Rai dropped the cross in, followed by a twenty and Kimiko added a few more bills, Rai was unsure of the amount. They then turned and walked out, thanking the Father profusely before leaving.

"I feel guilty," Kimiko said once they were standing on the sidewalk in front of the church.

"I do too, and you weren't raised with nuns breathing down your neck," Rai told her. They were quiet, both watching the church, as if expecting something to happen, the moment broken when Kimiko's cell phone vibrated in her pocket.

"It's Jermaine," Kimiko said in an off hand sort of voice as she checked the screen and then answered. "Hey," she answered and Raimundo tuned out the half of the conversation he could hear. Instead he pulled Kimiko's PDA from the bag he was still carrying and pulled up the website to look for the next clue. When he didn't find a new link he frowned and shut it down, deciding to give it a few minutes before assuming that they'd done something wrong. When he finished he looked over a Kimiko who was hanging up with a huff. "He's coming here," she said in an agitated voice. "He's being so stupid. We better get out of here. I don't want him anymore involved then he already is."

"I don't want to leave until the next clue comes in," Rai told her. "Just to make sure we did this one right."
"But he's like a block away," Kimiko shook her head. "We'll stay close but," she didn't finish as she felt a presence move behind her and Raimundo's face tighten. The next moment seemed to happen in slow motion, as she saw Raimundo reach for her and his gun, but was inhibited by the bag across his chest. Kimiko went to move but a hand clamped on her upper arm and before she could react there was a 'sizzle' and she felt a shock go through her system before the world around her went black.

Rai watched in horror as Kimiko slumped from the effects of a taser pressed to her back. His hand closed on his gun just as Vlad jerked her limp body back to his chest, showing off a knife pressed to her throat. Kimiko's head lulled forward and Rai saw a trickle of blood drip down her neck. Looking murderous Raimundo raised his hands and Tubbimura quickly grabbed both and locked them behind his back using what Rai guessed were tuff ties- a small, plastic/rope restrain that were damn near impossible to work your way out of. He then removed the gun he saw Raimundo reaching for, and stuffed it away before doing a quick pat down and took his other concealed weapons. Thanks to the shadows of the buildings they were in Raimundo and Kimiko's capture went unnoticed as they were shoved toward a white, windowless van that Rai only now realized hadn't been outside the church when they'd arrived. Cursing his stupidity Rai watched as Kimiko was restrained as well and dumped on the floor of the van.

"Be care with her you ass holes," Raimundo bit out.

"Perhaps you should remember your manners Raimundo," Tubbimura said mockingly before slamming his fist into Raimundo's stomach hard and knocking all the wind from him. Raimundo gasped and then was punched solidly in the lower back and shoved roughly into the van as well.

"Good to have you back comrade," Vlad said sarcastically as he and Tubbi laughed and shut the doors behind him. The van went dark and it took Raimundo's eyes a minute to adjust. The van had been gutted, no seats, just empty floor space and a solid barrier between the back and the two front seats. They were taking a chance, not being able to see clearly through the back, a cop could pull them for that, but Raimundo knew well enough that they probably had a video system set up so they could see into the van as well as behind it to make up for the lack of windows. And a cop would see fake windows on the back, or at least Rai guessed. He was just standing to try and kick out the doors, or at least at the weaken metals where there had once been windows when the van lurched forward and Raimundo lost his footing and tumbled backwards, slamming painfully against the metal barrier. He slid down in time to cushion Kimiko's still lip body as she too slid forward.

He thought he heard a shout as the van roared along but he couldn't be sure, maybe someone had saw he wasn't sure if that would be a good thing or not. Instead of dwelling on it Rai glanced down at Kimiko, pillowed against his body, and saw the cut was shallow and had already stopped bleeding. Thanking God for small miracles Rai looked over her completely and aside from what would probably be a taser burn and a lot of annoyance Kimiko would be ok. Realizing this Rai tried to gently wake her.

"Kimiko," he prodded her gently with his leg. "Come on Kim wake up." Kimiko gave a little moan so Rai kept at it. "Kimiko you need to wake up, you hear me?" he continued on. The van came to a sudden stopped and Rai pushed them away from the barrier that Vlad and Tubbimura sat on the other side of. And back towards the rear of the van so they weren't overheard. It was hard but Raimundo managed before the van started forward again. "I know you're there Kimiko," Rai continued on once they were moved, "so wake up."

"Nggh," Kimiko moaned as her eyes fluttered open. "What the hell happened to me?" she asked groggily.

"You feeling ok?" Rai asked.

"No, I feel like hell," Kimiko admitted and looked around as her mind became clearer. "Where are we, what happened?"

"Vlad tasered you," Rai answered and Kimiko groaned at the memory resurfaced.

"Note to self, tasering hurts like a bitch," Kimiko commented and tried to push herself up, Rai helping as much as she could. "Am I bleeding?" she suddenly realized her neck felt odd.

"Vlad had a knife to your throat," Rai explained and Kimiko blanched slightly. "I couldn't fight them and risk you," Rai went on. "They've got my gun too."

Kimiko lowered her voice. "Both?"

"Yes," Rai said bitterly and watched Kimiko's expression go from hopefully to crestfallen.

"Are we in trouble?" Kimiko asked looking Raimundo in the eye.

"Not yet," Raimundo lied straight faced so as not to worry her. "We'll figure something out, I promise." His expression turned hard and his eyes strong. "I will not, will not, let them hurt you. I promise you that. I'll die first." Kimiko eyes went wide and she nodded. The van took a turn and the two, unprepared moved with the motion of the van, sending Rai back against the side of the van and Kimiko against him. Both were still for a moment before Kimiko adjusted, practically in his lap, her forehead pressed to his neck and he could feel her breath through the neck of his shirt. Rai titled his head to lay his cheek against her hair, wishing he could comfort her in some other way. He was helpless though, he hated being that way. If it had just been him he might have tried something but he couldn't risk anything happening to Kimiko.

Kimiko's mind meanwhile was in turmoil. She was scared to death and trying not to let it show. Her back ached from where she figured she'd been tasered and she was in the hands of people that Raimundo had told her were a part of the Heylin. 'The people that set this all up,' Kimiko thought. Her mind went back to what Jack Spicer and his warning that Raimundo was still a part of the Heylin. She knew now with absolute certainty that that couldn't be true. The look in Raimundo's eyes when he promised to protect her with his life was more intense than anything she'd ever seen. Even if he was with the Heylin, which Kimiko was confident that he wasn't, than he'd still protect her. Kimiko knew this without a doubt. And the feel, of being pressed to him as she was now, she knew she shouldn't want to at the current moment, but she want so much more.

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Jermaine paced on the sidewalk swearing in every possible combination that he could think of, earning a few looks from passersby. He had no idea what to do. His first instinct was to call the police but Kimiko had warned him thoroughly against doing that when she'd clued him in to what was really going on. But what else could a person do when they witnessed their best friend, unconscious, being put into the back of a van? His fingers practically itched to dial nine-one-one but he restrained himself. He needed help. He couldn't handle this alone. But who could he turn to? And then he remember that Kimiko had wrote an address down, mentioned someone named Omi.

Swinging his backpack off his shoulder Jermaine knelt on the sidewalk and dug through his backpack, past the unopened envelope that Kimiko had given him and to a scrap of paper she'd scribbled an address on. Seizing it Jermaine took off for the nearest subway knowing he couldn't make it to the Xiaolin Martial Arts School fast enough.

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"Pardon," Clay said trying to catch the attention of one of the workers in the dojo he'd just arrived at.

"What can I do for you?" the instructor asked, his eyes never leaving a pair of girls stretching on the mats.

"I'm looking for Raimundo Pedrosa," Clay said, "I was hoping I could find him here."

"Huh, he's a popular guy today," the man said turning to shout over his shoulder. "Hey Omi! Come here."

"I do not enjoy being addressed in such a manner," Omi said approaching Clay and Danny.

"Sorry, someone's here for Raimundo, again," Danny lament before turning cheery and walking onto the mat. "Need any help ladies?" Both Clay and Omi watched him go, both equally shocked and disgusted. Finally they seemed to take notice of one another and greeted each other properly.

"Clay! What a surprise! I was not expecting you to come to New York," Omi said shaking the cowboy's hand. "Are you well? How is you're leg?"

"I'm doing fine," Clay assured him, "coming to New York was kinda a last minute thing. Is Raimundo around, I really need to talk to him."

"I'm sorry but I cannot help you with that," Omi said sadly as the two moved to sit at a bench pushed against the wall.

"Any idea where he is?" Clay asked disappointed.

"No, I'm sorry, I do not know. Earlier this morning a woman name Kimiko Tomney came looking for him and they left together," Omi repeated what he'd told Clay earlier over the phone.

"And he still isn't back?" Clay wasn't sure if he should be surprised or not.

"No, and he has not been in touch with any of his family, they have been trying to reach him in regards to Amelia. You have heard about Amelia have you not?" Omi asked.

"Yes I have," Clay nodded. "I'm worried he's in trouble."

"I am as well," Omi agreed. "However, I do not believe that this Kimiko is any danger to him."

"Oh? Why's that?" Clay asked trying to rearrange his plans in his head and thinking he should have done a search on the mystery girl in the office when he had a chance.

"Just a feeling," was all Omi said. The two were silent for a moment when the door opened and man clearly out of breath stumbled in and looked around.

"I'm looking for someone named Omi," he announced to anyone who could hear.

"I am Omi," Omi answered standing. "How may I help you?"

"I have no idea," the newcomer admitted. "But you were all I could think of."

"I'm afraid I do not follow," Omi admitted oddly. "Who are you?"

"My name Jermaine," Jermaine introduced himself and debated his words. "I'm a friend of Kimiko's, does that mean anything to you?"

"Maybe," Clay answered standing as well.

"Who are you?" Jermaine asked finally catching his breath.

"My name is Clay Bailey," Clay said extending a hand that Jermaine took tentatively. Then Clay took a chance. "I'm a friend of Raimundo Pedrosa." Jermaine's expression immediately hardened.

"You're friends with that bastard," Jermaine bit out.

"Hey!" Clay protested. "Watch what you're saying."

"I must also ask you to refrain from speak so of my friend," Omi added.

"I'm sorry," Jermaine apologized as his eyes narrowed, "its just he's the one that's got her all involved in this."

"In what?" Clay asked curious.

"Kimiko just said that they were being blackmailed and were trying to get back something," Jermaine admitted. "That's all I know. But just now I saw two guys load your friend and Kimiko into a van and Kimiko was unconscious. So I know whatever is going on isn't good." Clay and Omi were stunned by what Jermaine said. "I take it by your looks that you know even less than I do," Jermaine observed.

"Did you call the cops?" Clay asked the obvious question. Jermaine shook his head.

"That's the one thing Kimiko said not to do," he explained, "talk to the cops or anyone else. Technically I guess I shouldn't even be talking to you but I'm desperate. I need help."

"Well I am the law," Clay said pulling out his phone, "and so is Rai. We're both FBI agents." Jermaine's eyes widened slightly wondering if Kimiko knew this. Clay had his phone pressed to his ear as his expression changed and he quickly pulled the phone away and hung up, dialing another number.

"Clay are you ok?" Omi asked noticing his look.

"Cynthia, damn it all," was all Clay said and began pacing. Omi and Jermaine exchanged looks and Omi shrugged showing that he had no idea what was going on. Clay walked off so the two couldn't understand what he was saying.

"So you don't know what is going on?" Jermaine asked Omi.

"Not much," Omi answered watching Clay. "Just that your friend Kimiko approached Raimundo earlier, before he knew about his sister. Honestly I'm not even sure if he knows about her."

"What about his sister?" Jermaine asked curious.

"His youngest sister Amelia was kidnapped sometime last night from her grandparents' home in Orlando."

"What? Really, wow," Jermaine said wondering if that was what she and Raimundo were trying to get back but not understanding how that involved Kimiko.

"You're friend Kimiko was most impressive this morning," Omi added glancing at Jermaine. "She flipped on of my instructors without any trouble."

"That's Kimiko," Jermaine grinned in spite of the situation. "She's a martial arts queen."

"Really?" Omi asked and Jermaine nodded but didn't say anything else as Clay rejoined them. "Is everything ok Clay?" Omi asked.

"A friend of mine, who was helping me back in DC," Clay said shortly, "she left a message on my phone but it got cut off. I called another buddy and he'll cover for me but it's only a matter of time before people are here looking for me and Rai."

"Why?" Jermaine asked.

"It's complicated," Clay explained, "but basically Raimundo has connections with a crime syndicate and they're probably the one's that took his sister. There is something bigger though and I've got no idea. I have no idea how your friend is involved but if she is then that not good for anyone. It'll only before they connect what happened to Cynthia to me and then to Rai and then to the Heylin and to Amelia. And then your friend's wish not to have law enforcement involved will be right out the door. You follow any of that?"

"Surprisingly yes," Jermaine nodded though his mind was spinning, trying to figure out how Kimiko had gotten involved in this.

"The best thing we can do is try to find them both," Clay went on, "but Rai's phone has got its GPS block on and I can't get a feed on it."

"Do you want to try Kimiko's?" Jermaine asked.

"Would she have traceable GPS on her phone?" Clay asked.

"It might take a bit of work but Kimiko's a bit of an electronics' princess, she's all about the high-tech."

"I'll see what I can do," Clay nodded, "but I'll need her number." Jermaine nodded and recited her number, watching Clay plug it into a small device.

"Do you think we'll be able to find them?" Jermaine asked. Clay nodded. "Will we be able to do anything when we find them?"

"That's what I'm hoping," Clay said. "And the only option I can think of at the moment. Something big is going on here and I understand if you want out. It might actually be better if you stay behind."

"Like hell," Jermaine spat. "I'm going to do everything I can to help Kimiko."

"I will help as well," Omi offered. Clay looked at the two and shook his head before looking back at device that was narrowing the search area to be a specific as possible, thinking he could probably do a lot worse.

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So that's it. Review please!! Lots of love!!