Good evening all. It is with mixed feelings that I post the last chapter of this story. As some of you may know, I've been extremely busy at work and haven't been able to get back to writing as much as I used. But, tonight, I had a little break and decided to post. I'm really having separation issues with this fic. It's sad. But not all is lost!
Tj12398: Well my friend. Thank you for sticking all the way. Truly appreciate your support. Hope to see you again soon.
Goddess Evie: Thank you, thank you, thank you. You're support has been wonderful and I am so appreciative. Please don't disappear. I want to continue reading your stuff. When are you posting?
DotNetDemon: Oh, I love you and I hate you. LOL! Your story is so captivating and I'm dying to know how it ends! I'm still mad that you had Jonny propose to that woman! Jessie! It has to be Jessie! LOL! Thank you for your kind words and your support. Thank you.
JdCocoagrl: Oh, I shall miss your reviews! You are usually the first to review and I feel you are my narrator for the next episode of my fic. LOL. Thank you for joining along in my journey.
Cubbiesfan1: I don't know where to start with you my friend. So grateful for your support, not only on my Jonny Quest fics, but also on my Voltron fics. Thank you sooooo much for your support, reviews, and overall kindness. Thank you. Come home safe and soon!
So this totally is not the end. Watch for shorts and hopefully much more. Again, thank you! See you guys soon!
Playlist:
Vance Jones: Riptide
Hybrid: Every Word (Jessie's Letter)
As soon as she stepped out of the rotating doors of the airport, she saw the limo waiting for her. The driver smiled as he opened the door, "Good afternoon Madam Under Secretary," he greeted her with a slight nod.
"Howard," she answered with a slight smile as she entered the limo. The driver closed the door as the woman made herself comfortable in the seat by the window. In front of her sat her assistant.
He was a young man with wavy styled hair, glasses, a fine nose and grim look in his eyes, "It doesn't look good."
"As opposed to how it looked a few days ago?" she asked with sarcasm.
"Quest and his team were able to find files in the I-1 agency related to ICE,"
The woman's eyes widened with shock, "Damn it. Do they know about us?"
The younger man shook his head, "Luckily, I was able to talk to the appropriate people during your absence to raise doubt of their findings. As far as everyone is concerned, ICE never existed. I-1 even doubts what they found is true." He paused for a moment to let her process the information she had just heard. Then, after a few seconds, the young man looked at his superior with a grim look, "You need to talk to him."
"Are you insane, Richard?" her dark eyes widened in horror as she felt the limo pull out of the parking area, "Do you know what it would mean to go see him at I-1? What will they think? They'll start investigating me and I don't need that!"
"Then, what would you suggest? It won't take long for Quest and the others to continue looking for answers. Dr. Quest is as persistent as he is smart. And then there's Jonathan Quest. Do you think he won't speak? You need to accept that Agent Grant has the upper hand and if you don't do something about that, then he'll sell us all out. He knows that. And you must realize that if it isn't you, it will be someone else. I'm sure others will reach out to take ICE from us. Do you want that? Does the U.S. need this right now? Our own men and women could very well turn on us!"
"Don't speak to me in such fashion, Richard—"
"Madam Under-Secretary you hired me to challenge you, especially during times like these," Richard argued sternly. "Now, stop thinking about what some mediocre federal agency will think of you. You have more power and can do what you like with them. They should be the least of your worries. What you do need to do is find a way to see Agent Grant without raising suspicions."
"And how am I supposed to do that?"
"Well," the younger man smiled, "Perhaps it's time for you to offer Doctor Quest a helping hand."
XXXXXXXXXX
"What do you mean you can't find ICE?" Race's eyes were wild with anger. As if it wasn't enough that his own agency kidnapped Jonny, they now couldn't get to the person who did.
"We've searched every file," Phil said as the men stood outside the doors of the cafeteria where they had bought their coffee. "We've gone through all channels, people…no one has heard of any sub-agency called ICE, and what's even worse we don't have proof it exists."
"What about the files Claire downloaded from QuestWorld?"
"They said that those files never existed and that Benton created them to place a blame on I-1 for taking so long in finding his son," Zack volunteered uneasily.
"You're joking," Race responded in shock. "After everything that Benton's done for the agency?"
"Listen, we know someone higher than the agency is behind all this," Phil stated, "We just need to find who?"
"And, Ethan is not talking," Zack immediately answered knowing that Race would ask that question next.
Race raked his hair with his hand, "So what now?"
"We're hoping Jonny—"
"Absolutely not, Phil!" Race responded immediately, "That kid has been through enough. I won't have you badgering him at this moment. And I'm sure he doesn't know anything other than what Ethan divulged to him, which wasn't much for what I can tell."
"Then, I'm not sure what is next, Race. All I can tell you is that I'm not going to rest until we find another lead," Corvin responded grimly.
"What am I supposed to tell Benton?"
"Tell him that for now he should focus on his son," Zack offered kindly. "Phil and I will investigate this on our own and as soon as we find out something, we will let you know both know."
"This is absurd," Race sighed in frustration, "Benton's going to be pissed."
"Not as much as we are," Phil nodded with anger. "This is our agency and they are hiding something Race." Looking at Zack and then Race he said, "We're not safe in our own home anymore."
XXXXXXXXXX
"What do you think they are talking about?" Jonny asked worriedly as he stared at the door.
"Nothing that you should concern yourself over," Jessie answered as she tried to appease him. The trio had been gone for over twenty minutes and even she was curious to know what was going on.
"You know, you'll be going home in a week," she tried to divert his attention to another topic, "Your Dad and I thought that after you recuperate, maybe you can spend a few days out of the week with each of us."
Looking back at her, he asked, "What do you mean?"
"We just thought that you could spend some time with each of us at work or in the lab. You know, get to know us a better," she answered looking at him.
Jonny looked at her and nodded, but she could tell that he felt some kind of discomfort with the idea. Jessie knew he would. After all, he was walking in some strange territory for him. "Hey, it'd be okay."
He sighed heavily and nodded, "I know."
"Jonny, this will be good for you," she reasoned. "You'll get to know more about your Dad and his work. Your brother is so excited to spend time with you and I'm sure Dad and you have much more in common that you think. And you know what's the most exciting thing of all, at least for me that is."
"What's that?" he asked curiously.
She kissed him before she replied, "You get to come home to me."
Jonny shot her a with a small smirk, "You think my father…."
"What Jonny?"
"I haven't really shared this with anyone," he began as he looked down deep in thought, "That day. When I was about to leave with Master…he told me something that has been on my mind."
"What did he tell you?" Jessie looked worried.
Looking up at her, Jonny answered, "He told me that Benton Quest wasn't my father."
"He lied," she shook her head.
He nodded, unsure, "He told me that he was. That he could prove it to me."
Jessie looked at him with surprise. She had known that Grant shared his belief to both Doctor Quest and her Dad, but she hadn't known that he had managed to tell Jonny that. "He told you that? Jonny, Ethan Grant could never be your father."
"I should know that," he admitted. "He's lied, took you all away from me. A father doesn't do that. I do know that Jessica."
"But?"
Staring into her eyes, he admitted, "I'm afraid that a small part of me still has doubts. I'm sorry. This is all so confusing. There are days I feel that things will work out and days that I'm more confused than ever. I don't know what to think. I want to believe. But, what if Quest is wrong? What if he was fooled into this as well? I can take that disappointment. I can't say that it won't hurt. But it will be easier on me than on him."
"Jonny,"
"I don't want to hurt him Jessica," Jonny answered with such emotion that Jessie felt her heart hurt. "He's been more of a father to me in the last couple of days than Master ever was."
"Jonny, that man, who I hope rots in jail for the rest of his life, is not your father," Jessie said as she caressed his face gently. "I know this is extremely confusing, for you. But, none of us doubt who you are. And we will prove it to you with time. Trust us. Spend some time with us. We will take your doubts away."
Looking up to the ceiling of the hospital room, Jonny replied, "I hope so. I want you to."
He hugged her, as if hoping his doubts would go away just by touching her.
"I guarantee you that they will go away," she whispered in his ear. In her mind, however, she had never been angrier. Ethan Grant was still causing more pain than anyone could have ever thought. It isn't fair, she thought. He's still hurting us. He is still making our lives miserable.
A few moments later, they heard a knock and Phil Corvin came in, "Zack and I just got called. We'll be back next chance we get. Jonny, get better soon."
"Thank you Agent Corvin," he replied politely.
"Agent Corvin," Jessie suddenly said, "May I speak to you for a moment?"
Curious, the man replied, "Sure?" Even Jonny was taken aback by her sudden action.
"I'll be right back Jonny," she told him with a smile as the two walked out.
Once outside, she asked, "Is everything alright?" She looked around and saw her father and Zack by the elevators talking, neither aware that she was out.
"Everything fine, Jessie?" he asked. "Is there anything you need?"
"Yes," she nodded. "A favor. When will you see Ethan Grant again?
XXXXXXXXXX
A Week Later
It felt like it had taken forever, but Jonny was finally discharged from the hospital and taken home. When Jonny walked in, he looked around the home, this time much more closely than the first time he was there. Upon closer inspection, he found the home, despite its size, full of warmth.
"Welcome home, son," Benton smiled as he put his hand around his son's shoulder. Benton had never felt so happy and everyone could tell.
Not sure what to say, Jonny just nodded, "Thanks."
The ride back home was quiet. Benton and Race drove Jonny and Jessie home. Claire accompanied Hadji to the office to complete some assignments on behalf of his father, but would return as soon as Jonny was home. They could all tell Jonny was nervous, but they also knew that they couldn't do anything about it. All they could do was support him through the transition.
"So, how about I show you to your room?" Benton smiled. He had asked his son if he wanted to go back to his room once he returned home, but Jonny immediately said no. He wasn't ready to go back to his old room or his former life. They had decided to use one of the guest rooms in the mansion until he was ready to go back to his room, if he chose to.
Jonny walked slowly, he still tired easily when walking for a duration of time. Once they made it to the room, he looked around. It was a rather large room with a king sized bed, a private bathroom and a pair of French doors that led to a porch with a small table that overlooked the beach.
Jonny's eyes widened, "It's…a little big."
"It's actually the smallest one," Jessie walked toward him. "I figured you'd be a more comfortable in this one. Besides, it's the one with the best view." She noticed his silence as he continued to look around. Maybe he's trying to remember something, she thought. Looking at her Dad and Dr. Quest, she noticed that they too remained quiet studying him.
Trying to make things as comfortable as possible, Jessie walked over to the dresser, "Mrs. Evans and I went shopping for you. We got you some PJ's, shirts, pants, all the clothes you need. In the closet you'll find some jeans, dress pants, shirts…if there is anything else you need, just let me know."
"Thank you," he answered slightly embarrassed.
"I also found some of your belongings on the cabin," Race chimed in. "We put your clothes in the closet, the rest is on that first drawer in the dresser."
Hearing that, Jonny walked to the dresser. Opening it, he found his IPod, cuff links, and the Rolex watch Master had given him. Picking up the piece of jewelry from the drawer, he stared at it for moment. A feeling of sadness enveloped him for a moment before putting the watch away and closing the drawer. His father had noticed the reaction, but remained quiet. Hopefully, his son would share with him his thoughts in time.
Turning to the bed, Jonny walked over and sat down, "Thank you for everything."
"Are you alright, son?"
Nodding, he answered looking at Benton, "Yes, just tired."
"Well, why don't I help you get settled, then?" Jessie smiled as she sat next to him.
"Sure," Race said, "I'll start getting dinner ready. Ms. Evans will be back tomorrow and you can meet her then. She's really looking forward to seeing you again."
"I'm going to call Hadji and Claire," Benton answered. "They said they'd leave the office once we got home."
With that, the two left Jessie and Jonny alone to settle down.
"Overwhelming, huh?" She asked.
"I've never had a room so…"
"So what?"
"Big," he said as he looked around. "Honestly Jessica, I've never really had a home. This is…just weird."
"Jonny," Jessie called out. He turned and looked at her. "It will be alright."
"I hope so."
XXXXXXXXXX
"Yes, Hadji," Benton said as he looked out the window from his home office. The day had been bright, the ocean was calm and the relaxing sound of the waves made the day perfect. "He's fine. Jessie is helping him get settled and Race is in the kitchen cooking dinner. He felt like cooking his famous steaks for Jonny."
The doctor laughed as he heard his son speak on the other line, "I'm not sure if Jonny is going to remember having Race's steaks, but I'm sure he won't be able to resist their taste…..No, I think we have everything we need here. Just make sure you and Claire make it home for dinner. I'm anxious to finally have our first family dinner. Yes, son. Hurry back. Love you too."
Hanging up, the doctor was about to walk out of the office when he heard Iris speak.
Dr. Quest, Under-Secretary Rima Saad is at the main doors.
Surprised by the unexpected visit, the doctor answered, "Let her in Iris."
Yes sir.
A few minutes later, Benton walked to the door, "Rima, what an unexpected surprise!"
"Benton," she woman smiled warmly as she hugged her friend, "I heard you were home and I wanted to know how you and your son were doing. Forgive me for the unexpected visit, it's just that I'm leaving for Denmark for a conference in a few days and I didn't want to leave without seeing both of you."
"There's nothing to forgive Rima," he answered, "Thank you for coming." The doctor let the woman in and both made their way to the living area.
"How is Jonathan?"
"In his room getting settled," he answered as he gestured her to have a seat.
"No memory still?"
Benton shook his head sadly, "No, and we don't think he'll ever get it back to tell you the truth."
"I'm sorry," she replied with a sympathetic tone. "I can't imagine what you are going through. But, at least you have him back. What I wouldn't do to have my son in my arms."
"I'm sorry, Rima," Benton was now the sympathetic one. "I know how much you suffered when Yousef died."
"He did serving our country Benton," she answered sadly. "That brings me some comfort and pride." She was silent for a moment before continuing, "I was told Ethan Grant was behind all this?"
"Yes," Benton replied with anger, "The bastard had Jonny all along. But we can't prove anything. Right now, he's being held for kidnapping, but unless we can prove what he did to Jonny and the other kids…I'm not sure how long we can hold him."
"I'd like to help," Rima immediately said, "Let me see what I can do?"
"What do you mean?" Benton asked curiously.
"Well," she shrugged, "I might be able to offer him something for his testimony."
"I couldn't…" Benton began.
"Nonsense, it's the least I can do for all that you've done for me," she smiled. "I'll only speak to him. From what he'll tell me, if he tells me anything, we can decide where to go from there."
"Thank you Rima," Benton replied appreciatively. "I am grateful for all your help."
"No thank you needed, Benton. Now, would it be okay to see Jonathan?"
XXXXXXXXXX
"Feeling better?" Jessie said as she covered Jonny with the blanket from the bed.
"I don't see why I need to be in bed," he argued. "I've been in a bed for the past two weeks."
"The doctor said that you still need bed rest for at least a week once you are home," Jessie countered. "Don't argue with me hotshot. Once dinner is ready you can eat with us and then maybe we can take a short walk on the beach. For now," she said as she walked to the television located on top of the dresser and retrieved the remote control from the dresser. "You can watch TV."
He rolled his eyes. Jessie let out a laugh. It was officially the first sign of emotional coming from her boyfriend. A moment later, they heard a knock on the door.
"Come in," Jessie called out.
Benton and another woman walked in, "Son, Jessie, I'm sorry to disturb you. The Under-Secretary of the United Nations wanted just a few moments with you. Jessie, Jonny, this is Rima Saad. She's a friend of the family and has known you since you were ten, Jonny."
"It's so nice to see you again Jonathan," the woman gently answered. "I'm so glad you are back home."
As Jessie watched the woman walk to the bed where Jonny lied, something bothered her. It was Jonny's face when he saw the woman. It was as if he recognized her, although he didn't demonstrate the action to anyone. Jessie had learned to read him very well.
"Thank you," Jonny answered staring at the woman, masking his questionable gaze.
The woman smiled and then turned to Jessie, "You must be Jessica. Benton has told me so much about you."
"It's good to meet you Madam Under-Secretary," Jessie smiled.
"I only wanted to take the moment to welcome you back, Jonathan," she said as she looked at Jonny again. "I'm heading for conference in a few days, but wanted to say hello. Perhaps when you are better we can all have dinner at my estate."
"That would be lovely," Jessie answered. "Thank you."
Nodding in agreement Benton said, "Yes, Thank you Rima. We all look forward to it."
"Well, I should be going. I need to prepare for my trip and Jonny needs to rest," Rima said. "Feel better Jonathan and welcome home."
Nodding uneasily, Jonny, "Thank you Madam Under-secretary."
Once Benton and the woman left, Jessie walked up to the bed and sat down, "Do you know her?"
He looked at her for a moment, unfazed that she had caught the look of doubt in his face, "I'm not sure."
"You're not sure? What does that mean?"
Jonny stayed quiet, trying to remember if he in fact had seen the woman in his life before.
XXXXXXXXXX
Three weeks later…
Ethan Grant waited patiently in his cell block at I-1 headquarters. It was incredible that five weeks had passed since he last saw his son. He wondered how he was, but he knew that an answer would soon come.
His accommodations were bleak at best, but he managed. The twin sized bed on the corner of the steel cold cell was too soft for his taste. A toilet and a sink was across the room. Other than that, there was nothing else in the cell. He asked for books every now and again, but most of the time, he waited patiently for the one person he needed to speak to. It wasn't the first time he was in such predicament, he'd managed before, and he could manage once again.
"Grant," an agent appeared by the cell door.
"Yes," he answered calmly.
"Someone is here to talk to you," the agent answered. "You know the drill if you want to come out of the cell."
He did. Ethan turned around and put his hands up as the agent opened the door. Soon he was handcuffed and guided to the conference room where he had spoken to Benton and Race weeks earlier. This time, however, it was the Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations who waited for him. once the agent left the room, conversation commenced.
"Rima, how nice to see you," he said with a derisive smile. "Took you long enough to get here."
"You screwed up royally, Ethan," she replied with anger.
"A minor setback," he shrugged calmly. "Now tell me, how you are going to get me out."
She smiled maliciously, "Who said I was going to get you out?"
Ethan laughed, "I knew I'd get that type of answer from you. But, I also know that you took a big risk showing up here to see me. Tell me, how did you get in?"
Quiet for a moment, the woman thought of her answer, "I'm here on behalf of Benton. I'm here to help him."
"So you saw Quest," Ethan smirked.
"I also saw Jonathan," she replied sarcastically. At that moment, Ethan grew serious. Sitting up and moving forward the woman then said, "I asked that the speakers in the room be shut off. No one can hear us." Continuing the conversation, she said, "Don't worry, he didn't recognize me. I knew he wouldn't. He was so pumped up with drugs last time I saw him, I wasn't worried."
"He was 'pumped' up with drugs trying to save your ass!" the inmate seethed. "He almost died because of you."
"Funny, a few weeks ago, the same thing happened because of you."
What is it that you want from me?" Ethan asked, tired of the woman's sarcasm.
"Everything that deals with ICE," she answered immediately. "I don't know what you did, but somehow, ICE, its operatives, locations, warehouses…everything just disappeared. How did you do it?"
He smiled, but said nothing.
"Ethan," she began before he cut her off.
"Rima, I'm growing rather bored. Now, will you tell me how you plan on getting me out of here?' He asked as he stood up, "Or, should I wait until you change your mind? I know that you'll have to at some point."
"I can just let the organization go dormant," she stated looking intently at him.
"You could," he nodded, "But I have a lot of choices here. I can wake up anyone of my dormant agents and have them come to my rescue. But I'm not so sure I want ICE becoming public just yet. I can also sell ICE to the highest bidder. I'm sure England wouldn't mind taking it over and I wouldn't mind going back home to head it." The woman looked even angrier as he spoke. That made Ethan chuckle, "Or, I can go ahead and vomit everything that I know and cut a deal in the process. I'm not too crazy about that idea, but it will have to do. I can also tell them about a certain soldier who supposedly died in combat and was given full burial honors, but is in fact somewhere in Switzerland skiing with his blond whore. Congratulations, by the way, I heard Hannah is a beautiful baby. I would love to meet her. Of course, I could have one of my operatives do that on my behalf."
He was speaking about Rima's son. The kid enlisted into the army and couldn't cut it. Unable to leave, Rima asked ICE to put together a plan to take her son out of Afghanistan. They did so by making it look like he died in combat, but in reality, ICE operatives took him out of the area. Ethan also made sure that he have new credentials and face alterations. The kid was now happily working in Switzerland under a new identity at one of the top financial organizations in the country. Not only that, his girlfriend of three years had also given birth to a girl."
Rima stiffened. "You leave him out of this!"
"Oh, I will," Ethan smiled just as evilly as she did in the beginning, "Only if you find a way out for me."
"Fine," she said harshly.
"And I get my position back," he continued.
"That's impossible!"
"Not so," he shook his head. "I knew how to break it apart. I'm the only one who knows how to put it together. Besides, I made sure all, but one of your UN naysayers are off your back. No one can stop you, isn't that what you wanted? We killed some of your colleagues at your orders because they didn't want ICE to rise. Your wish can still come true Rima. ICE can rise again, but only with me at your side."
The woman thought about it. He was right, but she hated him for having so much power against her, "It will take me a few months before I can pull you out completely."
"For the moment, make sure you put me in a minimum security cell," he offered. "That I know you can do."
"It won't be that easy!" her eyes widened. "How do you expect me to do that? I'm here because they think I'm helping Benton!"
"Tell them that you are doing this to gain my trust," he responded firmly. "Or something like that. It's your way of getting information to help Quest. Not that you'll get much. They have nothing on me other than kidnapping. And most of it is circumstantial. My confession means nothing if they can't prove I headed ICE and they can't prove that because there is no ICE, at the moment. Minimum security is the only place they can put me for the moment. Make it happen Rima…After all, your son will appreciate everything you can do for him."
"What makes you think that I can't get to your son?" she retaliated. "After all, there isn't much you can do from here?"
At that Ethan moved forward closer to the woman's face, "If I find out you've done something to my son, I will not only get rid of your son, but I'll take that granddaughter of yours somewhere deep in the Swiss Alps and leave her exposed to the animals so they can rip her apart."
The look on his face scared her to death. Ethan was serious and she wasn't going to gamble Hannah. Rima sighed heavily and stood up. She walked toward the door and knocked a few times to alert the guard that she was done. Before the guard opened the door, she said, "You'll hear from me soon."
"As expected," he answered before she walked out.
Ethan thought that he'd have someone pick him up after a few minutes in conference room, but he was surprised to see another person walk in, Phil Corvin.
"The Under-Secretary of the UN came to see you?" forth going the greeting.
"What? Apparently, Benton is asking for help in pretty high places," he shrugged.
Finally after five weeks of having the case run cold, Phil possibly had a lead, "Care to share?"
Laughing, the Englishman answered, "You should ask her."
"You're not fooling me," Corvin told him "I know you know more about ICE than you lead on."
Ethan shrugged, but didn't say anything else.
Unfazed by the man's demeanor, Corvin continued, "I just came by for two things. One, to tell you that I know you are behind all this. I know that you are the leader of ICE, Ethan. We will prove this."
The prisoner didn't say a word.
"Second," Phil smiled as he handed Ethan an envelope. "I came to drop this off. It's from a friend." With that, Phil Corvin turned around and left.
Baffled, Ethan studied the envelope. It had a seal with the letter Q.
Growing serious, he opened it and looked at its context. Two pieces of paper. The first one was what looked like a DNA paternity test lab result. When he looked at it, it said that Benton Charles Quest had a hundred percent DNA match for a Jonathan Benton Quest. Ethan paled.
He took a look at the second paper.
Mr. Grant,
Dr. Quest didn't feel the need to show you this, but I did. As you can see, Jonny is Dr. Quest's son. The test is accurate and I made sure that it went through every channel not affiliated with Quest Industries…thought I give you that piece of mind.
Knowing this information, I hope you cease and desist from bothering Jonny or the rest of my family. Stay away from him. Leave him alone.
Don't come looking for trouble, because you will find it, with me.
Jessica Bannon
Ethan looked at the papers one more time before he crumbled them up with his hands. He could hear himself scream, yet, he couldn't find a way to stop himself.
The guards ran in.
He looked at them. Phil Corvin stood in back of them. Ethan looked at him, "This is not over! I don't care what this paper says! He is my son, and I will get him back!"
XXXXXXXXXX
Epilogue
Benton and Race watched as Jonny walked along the shore of the beach. He had been home for about five weeks and the family couldn't have been happier. Jonny was still sleeping in the guest room of the mansion. He asked his father if it would be alright to wait until he felt like moving into his old room. Benton told him he could do it when he was ready. Jonny didn't know if he ever would.
Jessie suggested that he'd redecorate the room to something more like him. He had no idea what that would look like. He had no idea what he liked and what he didn't. And he wasn't in any hurry to find out. To Jonny, his current accommodations suited him just fine.
At night, the family sat down and watched videos or looked over portraits. Jonny knew he would never remember, but just seeing that he had a life and that these people cared for him, made his days more tolerable.
He still couldn't run, but he pushed himself to jog a little every day. The doctors told him that in a couple of weeks, he could start a stricter exercise regimen. He hated the idea of waiting, running was his daily routine and it was hard not to be able to do it.
"How long has he been out there?" Race asked as he walked out the balcony where Benton stood watching his son.
"About an hour or so," he answered. "He's trying to exercise by walking up and down the beach. I know the doctor said a couple of weeks, but I have a feeling he's not going to wait that long."
Race nodded. "Hadji and Claire?"
"They're on a date," Benton smiled. "After taking over for me at the office for the last couple of weeks, Hadji decided to take the day off and asked Claire out on an official date."
"Wow!" Race smiled. "Hadji…he asked her out officially? By himself? With no help from Jessie?"
"I'm astounded myself," the doctor shrugged.
"You're astounded? Love must be in the air," the white haired man smiled. "Phil just called me and said that he's taking the weekend off. He's been working overtime trying to get something on ICE and needs the break. He and Alex are going to the Bahamas. Said they both needed some entertainment. And Zack finally made it to Hawaii last night."
Benton laughed. "I'm glad. They have both been pulling long hours working on the case."
"They don't want to let us down," Race replied to the doctor.
"I'm glad they're on our side," the doctor answered. "To tell you the truth, there are times I wish this was over. I want Jonny to feel at ease. I can tell from the looks that he gives me that he knows things aren't completely over."
"We just need to be patient, Benton," Race sighed, "We'll get Ethan."
"I hope so." Changing the subject, Benton said, "I guess everyone has found someone. Well, except you and me my friend. Maybe you should call up, Jade," he joked.
"I had my hands full with Jade last time, Benton. I'm alright taking a short break from female companionship. How about you? I'm sure Vanessa is willing to keep you company."
Benton shook his head, "No, not for the moment. Right now, all I care about is making sure Jonny is alright."
"He is," Race nodded. "It was a good idea to have him help me part time with the security administration of Quest Industries. I'm sure it was hard for him to watch Jessie, Hadji and Claire go off to work while he stayed at the compound."
"I know it's temporary," Benton replied. "Having him work part time with you at headquarters and with me here at the lab is just a way to further build a bond with the two of us. I have to admit, my son is very smart. His input on some of the Quest World logistics are phenomenal. Even Jessie is impressed."
"No kidding," Race admonished. "You should see him at headquarters. He's been able to break almost every breach in our security systems. From his ideas, I've been able to conduct stronger upgrades. You think he'll want to do this for the rest of his life?"
"I hope not," Benton said cautiously. "What I mean is that I hope that he finds something that he likes and is of real interest to him. Whether it is the lab or security, I don't care. All I want is for it to be something that he is passionate about."
At that moment, they watched as Jessie walked toward Jonny. He took her into his arms and held her tight.
"I think that at this moment, the only thing he is passionate about is my daughter," Race snorted.
Benton laughed, "Well, it could be worse. They could have decided to share a room."
Race looked at his friend, "Benton THAT is not happening in this house!"
The doctor sighed, "You keep telling yourself that. They are in love Race. We can't keep thinking they are still kids."
The I-1 agent rolled his eyes, "God help us."
"Are you okay with that Race?" Benton asked carefully, "I know that Jonny—"
"Benton, I love that kid as if he were my own. I know we might never get the old Jonny back, but this one…this one is good too. He protected my daughter throughout this entire ordeal and when he's with me, he makes sure to tell me that he loves Jessie and would never do anything to hurt her. He's a gentleman Benton and he loves my Jessie."
Benton smiled as he looked down at his kids. Things were finally getting back in place.
Xxxxxxxx
Wrapping her arms around his neck, Jessie whispered against the breezes of the sea, "Hello handsome. Getting the morning routine done."
"Keeps getting easier by the day," he said as he kissed her forehead.
"This is your good morning kiss to me?" she asked half joking and half disappointed, "To tell you the truth, I've had better from you. You didn't disappoint last night."
"Your father is looking at us," Jonny answered as his eyes gestured toward the balcony where both his father and Race who stood watching them. "And sneaking into my room at night doesn't help."
"I don't hear you complaining," Jessie giggled. "Besides, they need to get used to us," she replied as she gave him a quick peck on the lips.
"I know," he nodded, "But, this is new to all of us and…I just want to make sure to do things, right."
"What do you mean?" she asked curiously.
"I'm still a stranger here Jessica, I —"
"Jonathan Quest, you are a member of this family. I don't ever want you to think you can do anything to change that."
He still had trouble thinking that. This was not a temporary arrangement, it was permanent. It made him feel scared. He could only nod to her, hoping that alone would reassure her.
"I know you're not convinced, but give us time to prove it to you," she smiled. "Give me time to prove it to you." Taking his lips, Jessie kissed him gently until she felt that he willingly took over and deepened the kiss. She shivered against him as the breezes from the sea enveloped them.
When she was done, she looked up at the balcony. Her father, even from afar looked shocked. Benton just smiled happily.
"Your father is not going to like this," he sighed, finally too scared to look at the balcony.
"He'll get used to it," Jessie answered as she giggled with glee while caressing his hair. "I'm having too much fun with this."
To her surprise, Jessie found that Jonny smiled at her. A true smile. His smile. Happiness warmed her all over, as she whispered to him, "There's the smile that I missed so much."
End…
…of Part 1