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Jack walked back down by the docks, completely satisfied with his escape from the hospital. He got a few glances from fishermen, but no one really paid attention to him. He took a longer route down through to the dipladated part of town, only walking by his memory of the ride in the cruiser. He passed a small store and stopped when he saw someone he recognized.
"Jack, what are you doing back here?" Benny asked, carrying a small bag.
"I escaped." Jack shrugged.
"From where?"
"The hospital."
"You really don't want to go back with your dad, do you?" Benny shielded her face from the sun.
"No. Can you help me?"
"I can try. I really wish you would have done this last night." They started along the pier.
"Why?"
"Because they are going to send out search dogs. The rain would have washed away your scent."
"I'm sorry."
"It's not your fault." Benny sighed and her mind raced a little bit.
"Do you have a plan?" Jack asked.
"No, but I know some people." They strolled to the end of the pier. "Can you wait here?"
"Yes."
"Don't talk to anyone, don't go with anyone. If you see a cop, run and hide, got me?"
"Yes."
"I'll see you in a few minutes, okay?"
"Okay." Jack sat on the edge of the dock and watched her disappear between old buildings.
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Horatio sat at his desk, gritting his teeth, watching Hotchner hurry out of the office behind Eric. He pinched the bridge of his nose,
Jack was gone again. He got up after a moment, and tried to figure out what to do. He could either help the Feds find him, or steer them in the wrong direction. I am losing it. Horatio thought. A few years ago, I would make my decision without hesitation. Maybe it's just this case. In minutes, most of the team was out of the building, and Caine's team was looking to him, wanting to know if they could help.
"It's a Fed case," Horatio said loud enough for the lab to hear. "Let them do their own thing. We have cases to close." With that he turned and went back to his quiet office.
0000000
Benny sat up in a condemed building on the east side, waiting and watching for the police mob that would soon ensue. She saw a helicopter fly around down town, and heard sirens. The few drug dealers and hookers on the street took the hint and went back to their cheap apartments, to wait out the search. She yawned and leaned back against the cold cement.
She had a few of the kids scattered throughout the area, hidden in buildings, boats and crates. They were there in case the cops went to close to the hotel, they would cause a diversion. Benny's wait was soon over when a few blood hounds and K-9 officers trotted below. She stood up, dusted herself off and walked along the cement and unstable panels to the next buildings.
The Hound below stopped short, and walked around in circles, whining. Soon other dogs joined him and gave the same indication. Phrases like, 'The dogs lost his scent,' a radio beep, 'must have got in a car' floated up from the men below. Benny smiled, strolled back along the gang plank and found her way back down. She kept her distance from the dogs, afraid any hint of scent could be on her.