I do not own CSI

The first thing I remembered was I hurt all over. Logan beat me up. I was surprised that I didn't have a broken nose or limb—just lots of cuts and bruises. Pain. Everywhere he nailed me stung.

I struggled to get up. Using the bed for support I wobbled on my legs. The hideout was abandoned. And Carmen was nowhere in sight. My heart sank.

It was all my fault. Just like my brother, I'm going to be the cause of her death. I cringed as I made my way into the kitchen. I saw a piece of a chair leg and bent over to grab it. The makeshift cane helped me endure my pain until I got to my car.

They had a head start on me. Who knows how long I was unconscious. I had to make my way to Los Angeles. I was going to save Carmen. No matter what the cost, I was going to do it.

The Red Armageddon worked in little groups or cells. Sure, they preached the coming of the apocalypse, but they took it a step further. Most people just thought they were big talkers or crazies. Over the years they were able to station themselves all over the United States. There was no way of taking them all down in just one swing.

I couldn't bring down the one cell that took Carmen—at least not by myself. The only way to save her was to report it to the police. But if I do that, I would basically be turning myself in. Since I'm still wanted, I'm sure a policeman would want to hear my story before arresting me. I wasn't going to go to the police about this. They wouldn't listen.

Stokes would listen. I hoped he would now. Since I played him like a fiddle before he might not want to talk. But he's my only chance. I think I still remember his address.

But if I go to him about my situation he'd want something in return. I have to be prepared for him to make a deal with me. He'd most likely help me only if I turned myself in. For the things I've done, I'd probably go to prison for life. Carmen and I could never be together.

I was never suitable for her anyways. She's above me. I don't deserve to live the rest of my life with Carmen. No matter how I cut it, we won't be together. If I don't get Stokes' help, which isn't an option, she'll die. And if I do get his help, we couldn't be together.

Considering the circumstances, I'd rather live in prison the rest of my life and not be with Carmen. At least she'd have the chance to live. Carmen is the other half of me. If she dies, I'll die. Carmen changed my life, and that's something special.

For the next four hours, I drove with intense motivation.