Bruised

A/N: I'm sososososo sorry with the delay for this chapter. Between working and studying I just haven't found time to write much. I hope it was worth the wait! Thanks again to everyone who reviewed the last chapter.

Enjoy!

Chapter Thirteen – Audience of One

We're all ok, until the day we're not

The surface shines, while the inside rots

We raced the sunset and we almost won

We slammed the brakes, but the wheels went on

- Audience of One by Rise Against

"Mom?" Sixteen-year-old Alex Evans moved swiftly down the staircase, pushing frizzy, blond waves out of her eyes. It was late and they'd got caught in a torrent hiking up 8th avenue to find a cab after the show. Finally Claire had hailed one and they'd all piled in, smelling a little like wet dog but no worse for the wear. It was nice; running down 8th avenue in the pouring rain and stumbling over curbs in heels and trying in vain to keep her black and gold Marc Jacobs number from getting completely soaked had been fun in a reckless kind of way. They didn't get nights like that much, but when they did Alex relished every second of it.

Now Alex shuffled towards the kitchen over the hardwood floors, not really wanting to bring up the subject and kill the mood of the night but not really having a choice. If they were going to leave they had to leave now. Her father was only away on business for a few more days and despite what her mother insisted Alex wanted to try. Bill said he'd find a way to protect them and keep her father from finding them and she believed him; they had to at least try.

Purposefully she moved across the floor, calling out again. Alex was about to shout a third time when the sound of her mother's soft voice caused her to freeze dead in her tracks. She sounded upset and Alex's mind went immediately back to the mysterious number that had appeared on her mom's phone during intermission. Alex had been alone in her seat when the call had been received and her brow had creased at the unknown number. Long-distance. She'd been intending to look up the area code as soon as she got home, but amidst the mugs of steaming hot chocolate and cozy PJs it had slipped her mind. She'd been too content to curl up on the wingback chair in the den while Claire and her mom curled up under a blanket and found some silly sitcom to amuse themselves with. A long-distance phone call hadn't so important then…no matter how mysterious.

But now the call had returned to the forefront of Alex's mind. As good as her mother's mood had been, she'd also been distracted from the moment she returned to her seat and noticed the call. She'd seemed…on edge, like she was waiting for something. Whoever it was that had to be who her mom was on the line with now. She thought both daughters were in bed and she'd been itching all night to make the call, Alex was certain. Soundlessly, Alex slipped to the door of the kitchen and poked her head around the corner. Diana Evans leaned over the counter, back to her daughter and one hand cradling her cell phone against her face. The other buried in her hair.

The name of whoever was on the other end of the phone got muffled and Alex heard her mother's soft sniffle.

"He's only gone for two more days," Diana insisted to the other person softly. "I can't do this without you…"

Alex missed the name again and her brow creased. The desperation in her mother's voice was unparalleled to anything Alex had ever heard before and her fingers clenched at the doorframe, not daring to breathe. What the hell was going on?

"Please…" Diana's voice was low. "You're back from Mexico, aren't you? It could be over before you before you have to leave again…"

Her mother's voice shifted from desperation to fury.

"If you're not going to do this for me then at least for Alex…" she snapped. "In sixteen years I never once asked for anything from you but if we don't…it's now or never."

Alex's breath caught in her throat. Who the hell was her mom talking to?

"John, please…it's not like I'm asking you to leave the country. Your contacts wouldn't even have to know you weren't in LA. It wouldn't take long."

Her mother hiccupped, the desperation having returned.

"We have to figure this out now…" she insisted. "If…the way things are going…he's going to take it too far one day. Bill keeps pushing us to run but…I'm afraid if I do he'll find us and hurt the girls too…"
A brief pause as the John-person responded.

"And god knows when that'll be! We can't hold out forever! You know what he's like, John!"

Diana exhaled sharply and sniffled some more.

"Please…please, just…for Alex. She tries so hard to stop him from…she doesn't deserve this. None of this was her fault, it was mine. She doesn't deserve any of this and she's paying for it as much as I am. Some nights more. If you won't try for me at least…"

A loose sob escaped Diana's throat and Alex felt her chest tighten at her mother's words. She had no idea what was going on or who she was calling but…

"That's…okay…one month. We can wait that long."

Alex realized her own eyes were damp for no apparent reason. One month until what? What was this person going to do for them that Bill couldn't? Why was this going to give them an out they hadn't had before...?

Diana Evans's breath rattled in her chest and she swiped her hand a cross her cheeks. Her blue eyes shone with tears as she started to turn around and Alex pulled back, pressing herself against the wall and holding her breath. She blinked hard, willing her own tears to disappear as she listened to her mother's final, shaky words.

"Thank you, John."

What. The. Fuck.

SOUTHAMPTON, NY

Two days later Alex padded across the kitchen floor, tiles cold against her bare feet. She shuddered, waiting for Tony to notice her entrance. When he failed to turn around from the percolating coffee pot she closed the distance between them and bumped her hip lightly against his, laughing when he scowled in surprise. Angling his gaze towards her, he rubbed the side of his cheeks and mumbled a hey.

"Morning sunshine," she drawled sarcastically, slinging an arm casually around his shoulders. Tony snorted as she leaned against him, tugging gently on her straggly ponytail.

"Morning…you want coffee…"

Alex shot him a dubious look and Tony chuckled. He reached for another mug with one hand and squeezed her waist with the other.

"Where's the other one?"

Her eyes sparkled delightedly. "You mean your baby brother? He's still asleep. We had a late night…guess I tuckered him out - "

She laughed loudly when Tony walloped her affectionately in the side and groaned. In reality she and Rick hadn't gotten much further than first base, sharing long, lazy kisses whenever they could. It was strange being with him like that. She was so used to the focus being sex and need with little instances of the other stuff mixed in – things that always threw her for a loop – and now they couldn't do that. Now sex was off the table for at least a little while and all there was were those little instances. All there was easy were kisses and soft caresses and quiet conversation between the two of them. It was soothing being with him like that. She knew where he stood now and he her so there were no implications to be drawn from any of it. It was what it was, and Alex had to admit she liked that. A lot.

As her snickers died down Tony snuck a glance at her face, brow creasing as he released her to fill their mugs.

"You sleeping any better?" he asked seriously.

She shrugged as she ducked her head into the fridge and retrieved some milk.

"A bit I guess. He doesn't sleep when I'm…he didn't sleep at all the first night here. He said I'm waking up less but…" she shrugged it off and took an overly eager gulp of coffee.

"He could just be saying that though. I was kinda bugging him about needing sleep too. Last night I was gonna sneak out to the pullout but he woke up. I might try again tonight. He might not notice; he's tired enough."

Tony snorted dryly and sipped his own coffee. He couldn't remember a time after those first few weeks of their relationship that he didn't notice when Michelle wasn't in bed with him. Thoughts of those months without her – during the divorce, during her capture – reminded him of how he'd never slept right then. He'd rather just not sleep at all than sleep without her beside him. If Rick was anything like him he'd rather have every ounce of strength sapped from his body than have to worry about where Alex was and why she wasn't with him. Those months without her had been hell for him, anyone could see that, and her sneaking out to the couch in the middle of the night wasn't going to be happening. Tony would've put money on that.

"Yeah, well uh, it'll get easier."

"Sleep?" She muttered dryly under her breath. Tony nodded gently, squeezing her shoulder. Her tone was casual, but her eyes were filled with worry.

"Yeah," Tony lowered his gaze and fingered his mug. "And then knowing you, you'll think of some other way to make him worry about you."

Alex laughed softly. Wasn't that the truth. To her surprise, Tony didn't look amused. Instead, his shoulders had tensed and his jaw tightened.

"What?"

He looked puzzled. "What?"

She poked his cheek lightly. "What's that face?"

Tony exhaled a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding.

"Michelle's not herself. These last few days she's seemed out of it."

"We're all burnt out, Tony. That doesn't mean - "

"I'm worried she's sick or something. She was in the bathroom all yesterday morning and then again at night and she's not eating much. Maybe she caught something and doesn't want to tell me…"

"I'm sure she's fine."

"That's what she said when I asked her about it. She's not fine, Al. I know how she gets."

Alex nodded patiently.

"I'll talk to her if you want. Maybe she just doesn't want to tell you she has horrendous cramps or something," she teased lightly, nudging him. Tony made a face.

"Or maybe she's just worried herself sick about some idiot she's kind of attached to who thought it might be a good idea to get shot - "

"I'm fine," he retorted.

"Shocking," she deadpanned. "Keep it that way, will ya?"

He smirked a little and smoothed back some of her flyaway hairs, inclining his head in agreement.

After a few minutes of lingering, Tony suggested they move into the living room, (even agreeing to check the score of the previous evening's Yankee game at Alex's behest). He propped his feet up on the coffee table, snatching the remote out of her reach and waiting for her to settle. When she didn't he turned to stare, watching her pacing around aimlessly.

"You gonna stand there all morning?"

The color drained from her cheeks and she clamped down on her lower lip, folding her arms across her chest.

"I have to ask you something."

Tony's brow creased and he shifted a little on the couch.

"You okay?"

"Yeah I just…" she twitched a little before sinking down on the couch beside him and curling her legs beneath her.

"What do you know about Nightfall?" she asked hurriedly.

"What? Why do you…"

"Jack knew my dad. Carl told me. They were in Serbia together and when he came back was when my dad started…and Jack was there and…"

Tony's eyes widened and he reached out to rub her arm.

"You're okay?"

"He knew my mom," she blurted out. "Carl said I looked like her and that Jack knew her too and…"

"Did you ask Jack about it?"

"Not yet. I tried to before but…and there's something else…"

"What?"

"When…" she blinked quickly a few times. "I was sixteen and it was a few weeks before my mom died and my dad was out of town and she got a phone call and I think…" she licked her lips anxiously. "She said something about them being in Mexico and I did the math and it…" she shifted again, breathing raspy. Tony's mouth hung slightly agape.

"Jack was in Mexico at the time I think. It was right around…" just as another pair of footsteps resonated through the small bungalow. Alex quickly stood from the couch again, anxiousness leaving her face.

"No one knows but you. Don't say anything, okay?"

Tony stared at her bewildered just as the footsteps grew closer and she rose from her seat. Seconds later Rick emerged in rumpled clothes, with bed head and scruffy cheeks, his eyes only partially open. Stumbling a little, he curled an arm around Alex, dipping his head for a kiss and steadying himself against her.

"You're up already…" he commented dumbly. Tony snickered quietly as Alex nodded, a smile touching the corners of her mouth. She used her free hand to smooth back some hair, as his face moved to her neck, brushing his lips across it and eliciting a shiver from her. When she regained her composure, Alex shot a little eye roll in Tony's direction just for good measure before turning back to Rick.

"You look like hell, go back to bed."

He shook his head immediately, lips touching her shoulder as he spoke softly into her skin.

"I'm good…" he pulled her in tighter. "Couldn't sleep anyway."

"You want coffee?"

Again, he shook his head, urging her onto the couch and curling his body snuggly around hers, leaving her only half sitting up. She took a long drag of her beverage, not sure whether she liked the sensation of hot coffee sliding down her throat or his fingers pressing lightly against her flesh more. His cheek nuzzled her sternum, clearly urging her to finish her coffee so he could pull her into a full-recline and sleep with his face pressed against her neck. Her stomach clenched a little at the way he held her. Even after a few days it was still hard to believe they were here…like this.

Rick was almost completely back to sleep when Tony found the channel they were looking for. Throwing another glance in his direction, Alex smirked as Rick cuddled closer.

"Must be an Almeida thing," she remarked, knowing Rick had given Tony enough ammo to tease him for the rest of his life. At least they were both on an even playing field now.

Tony chuckled, relaxing against the back of the couch and letting his eyes shut.

"It's why you tolerate us, really."

This time, Alex laughed as her fingers combed through Rick's hair. Her lips curved into a smirk and her eyes flickered delightedly.

"That's one reason."

It was over an hour later when Rick finally snapped back to consciousness, realizing the still-chilled body that had rested beside him the entire time had disappeared again. As soon as Alex had risen from the couch Rick had stirred, making a discontented noise and glancing around the room hurriedly. Tony observed for a moment with obvious amusement before speaking.

"She went to check on Michelle," he explained. Rick immediately sat up, frown setting on his face as his rubbed his scruffy cheek.

"Why? Is Michelle okay?"

Tony nodded unconvincingly, but Rick didn't push it any further. He was just about to grab some coffee for himself when the satellite phone rang. Tony's jaw clenched, reaching over to answer it.

"Tony, it's Karen," the crisp voice clipped over the line.

"Hey Karen, how's it going over there - "

"We have proof."

"What?" He stared blankly at nothing. Rick waited expectantly to be updated, but Tony ignored him for the moment. "You…you do?"

"Yes. The warehouse Tom led me to was empty, but the trail was still hot. Whatever was there was removed in a hurry," she explained calmly. "They knew we were onto them. Chloe was able to decrypt what was on the computer we found. It mentioned a storage facility in Tacoma. That's where we were yesterday. It's all there – all the documents implicating Warrington. Combine that with what Claire and Chloe found on the District server, the autopsy report, your testimony… We have everything we need."

"Good," Tony rested his head in his hand, exhaling softly as the words sunk in. It was his fault if anything happened to Alex – his fault she was even in this mess – and hearing that they were almost in the clear just…

"That's good."

"It's very good," Karen remarked simply. "Jack and Chase are compiling the documents we all found and getting them to Wayne. He's in LA at the moment."

"Alright, so, you just want us to lie low here for a few more days or - "

"We'll meet you in LA - "

"You want us to take her where?"

"To LA. Tonight. Everything will be in place by the time you land."

"And if not?" he growled.

"If it's only a matter of time until Hammond finds you. Get to LA and wait for my instructions…"

"Hammond could have people waiting to arrest her as soon as we step off that plane, Karen. He could make her disappear before Palmer even sees any of it."

"I'll take care of that. Don't worry."

"Does Bill know this is the plan?" Tony's eyes flashed and Rick's turned worried.

"Of course Bill knows," Karen snapped. "I'm telling you the last place Hammond will expect her to be is LA. He's got the FBI in on this too, Tony; he's exhausting every lead you give him. Come to LA and keep her hidden until I give you the all clear. I'll deal with Hammond."

Tony glanced at Rick who mouthed a worried "what?" but Tony shook his head quickly, going back to the call.

"We have to be realistic," Karen insisted. "This is our best move right now. You have to work with us, Tony…"

Tony's jaw clenched as he contemplated Karen's words. She had a point, he knew, but he was having a tough time justifying taking Alex back into the lion's den. Keeping her safe was his priority, nothing else.

"Tony, I wouldn't suggest this if I thought I was hurting her by doing so," she remarked. "I've been working as hard as all of you from day one; I'm trying to help her, that's all. This is for the best. I need you to trust me."

With a heavy sigh, Tony agreed.

"Fine," he clawed at the side of his face. "We'll go back to LA."

"Tony…" Rick warned. Tony ignored him.

"Good," Karen voiced her approval. "Leave as soon as you can and let me know what flight you're on. I'll keep you posted on what happens with the President."

"Alright," Tony bit his lip and inclined his head a little. "We'll be in touch."

Hanging up the phone, Tony braced himself a little before turning back to his brother. Rick glared him now.

"She's not going back to LA. Not unless Palmer signs the papers."

"Karen thinks it's best to move now - "

"I don't care. She's not going back."

Scratching the side of his cheek, Tony leaned forward a little in his seat.

"Hammond's got someone on our trail. They know we were in New York."

"Then I'll get her out of here myself, but she's not going back to LA," Rick finished icily, as if daring Tony to challenge him.

"Where ya gonna take her?" Tony probed. Rick had no immediate answer. "We're trying to finish this, not stay one step ahead of Hammond. You want her to keep having to run forever?"

"I'll do whatever I have to do to keep her alive."

Tony sighed, rising from his seat and slumping down beside his brother. He clasped Rick's shoulder firmly.

"We have proof," he insisted, not sure where this wave of optimism had come from. He had a feeling it had more to do with reassuring Rick the course of action they'd taken was the best than his complete agreement with the plan. For this to work they all had to be on the same page, and the two of them having doubts wouldn't help that.

"Karen's gonna get all the documents signed and before you know it this'll all be over. The last thing you need is Palmer rethinking the situation because of a technicality. People who have nothing to hide don't run. You know how that would look to - "

"The circumstances aren't exactly that cut and dry, are they? If Hammond's guys find her and Palmer takes too long…" he trailed off, gritting his teeth.

"That won't happen," Tony insisted firmly as he watched his brother's eyes cloud over, his expression pained.

"Just trust me. We won't let that won't happen. We can hold off Hammond for as long as it takes. We didn't get this far with this to have it all fall apart now," Tony assured him softly. "A little longer and this whole thing's over and she gets to come home."

"A lot of things have to go right for this to work - "

"No they don't," Tony cut him off. "How much of this has gone right since we left LA? Nothing's going the way we planned it to but we're dealing. We just have to get through this last little bit and then you…" Tony swallowed and blinked an instant longer than necessary. "And then you get to take her home. For good…"

Rick gulped a little, eyes stinging at the words. He wanted to take her home – home, home – so badly.

"She's tired," Tony told him gently. "I know she's fighting through it, but we both know she's exhausted. She doesn't have much left in her. If we take her back there's no running anymore. If Karen says she'll come through for us, she'll come through; she's not gonna hang Al out to dry."

Rick exhaled, running his fingers through his hair and nodding understandingly. He knew Tony made sense.

"Okay…okay, we'll get her to LA and worry about what has to happen next when we get there."

Tony flinched, wondering how he'd managed to seem so convincing when he himself was still torn. Still, he knew what he'd said was true. Karen would come through from them…he really did believe that.

"So you wanna tell 'em or should I?"

LOS ANGELES, CA

"Buchanan."

"Bill, it's Jack," the other man's voice growled over the phone. Bill glanced around quickly, scanning the vicinity for anyone suspicious before ducking quickly into his office.

"What's going on? Have you heard from the President - "

"Not yet. He had a meeting with some of the Secretaries with regards to the new trade policies with the Chinese. Karen left a message with Tom Lennox and he said he'd let President Palmer know as soon as possible.

"Any word from Tony?"

"They should be landing within the hour. The documents won't be ready yet so Hammond will still be looking for her. I told Tony to lie low."

"Do you know where they'll go?"

"CTU. Taking her to anyone's home is too risky; Hammond will have people watching for that. I'm on my way there now with Chase. It shouldn't be too much longer."

Bill's chest tightened with worry.

"I'm not sure that's the best idea Jack. Hammond's splashed her face all over our wanted list. Anyone could see her…"

"They'll keep her hidden. The four of them know CTU as well as anyone. They'll find somewhere discrete and no one will even notice she's there…"

"It only takes one person, Jack."

Jack cleared his throat, considering Bill's words for a moment.

""CTU is the safest place for her right now – it's the last place he'll think to look and we have resources there and people that are loyal to them. It's familiar territory, but it's the one place Hammond thinks we won't dare go. It's the best place I can think of to keep her until this all blows over."

Bill sighed, clawing at his forehead. "Alright, alright. I need to head over to CTU myself anyway…"

"Why?" Jack

Bill pursed his lips together, tapping his fingers on the edge of his desk distractedly.

"You know I've been monitoring the chatter with the Chinese since the escape."

"Something's changed?" Jack asked immediately. Bill's head dropped a little. He'd wondered if he was being overly paranoid because of Alex, even though his gut told him no. Jack agreeing with him that things were suspicious would only confirm what he feared.

"The chatter's died down, there's been almost nothing for two days. So either the Chinese have given up on finding her…"

"Or they found her already…Damnit."

"I'm going to head over to CTU in a few minutes to see if Chloe can do anything with the frequency, but beyond that…"

"I'll let Tony know. Keep me posted."

"You too."

Wearily, Bill hung up the phone, stomach churning uncomfortably. Sometimes he really hated it when Jack agreed with him.

Eva Jacobs frowned heavily as she watched Rick Almeida return from wherever he had been. From her desk in Comm. she'd watched him enter the bullpen almost an hour before for the first time in two weeks, seeming completely distracted and not even acknowledging her excited jolt. No one had noticed, but that didn't mean she didn't feel stupid half-sitting and half-standing and waiting eagerly for him to at least offer a greeting. Butterflies had bubbled up in the pit of her stomach as she watched him cross the room. He'd been gone for ages and had left her one lone message, saying he was detained in DC and nothing more. It wasn't a good sign, all things considered, but she knew how those meetings could get and they had only gone on a few dates. It wasn't like he was obligated to her. He was busy – and extremely stressed from the looks of it – she could understand that.

The first thing he'd done upon arriving was drag Nadia up to his office, conferencing on what Eva could only assume were the last few days. It had been relatively quiet, especially for CTU, but their Director's absence had definitely been felt by everybody. Especially her. Hopefully he just needed a few days to get back into the swing of things.

Now he was back on the floor having spent over half an hour with Nadia and another fifteen minutes downstairs. She looked up expectantly, watching him drop his head to speak quietly to one of the analysts, his expression serious as he scribbled something down and pulled away. Still he made no acknowledgement of her, choosing instead to make a beeline for Claire's desk and press a hand to her shoulder, hunching over low to her ear.

"Claire," Rick's soft voice made Claire jump a little, but she managed to stay focused on her screen.

"You're back," she blurted out a little too quickly. She'd stiffened as soon as he touched her, her spine remaining rigid as her fingers slid furiously across the keys. Her eyes were shiny and her vision was starting to blur. Rick tugged gently on a lock of hair.

"Is um…" she gulped. "Is everything…okay?"

"Yeah. Everything's fine."

"Where were you?"
"New York."

Forgetting her resolve, Claire spun around in her seat and stared at him, eyes the size of saucers.

"Really?"

He nodded softly, a smile touching his lips.

"And…" her words came shaky but she managed to get them out. "And now?"

Glancing around them casually, he pulled out her chair and indicated for Claire to follow him.

Now Eva frowned as she watched Claire and Rick disappear down a corridor. Perhaps they were going to go over the new systems updates. That made sense; he had a lot to catch up on. Maybe she should just go say hi to him first. Maybe he felt bad for canceling their date and thought she was mad at him…

It wouldn't take long, just a quick, casual hello to let him know she was still in the same place she'd been in when she left. She wouldn't interrupt him for long.

Pleased with her proactive decision, Eva slid out of her chair, following them down the hallway.

"Try and relax, will ya?"

"Bill said Jack and Chase were on their way?"

Tony nodded softly, watching Alex pace the room. He was reclined on the couch in the Field Ops break room, Michelle's legs were draped across his lap and he'd stretched out a hand, combing his fingers through her hair lazily. She'd been keeping him close even since leaving the confines of their cozy retreat in the Hamptons. He definitely wasn't complaining.

"Honey, sitdown," Michelle encouraged softly, tangling her fingers with Tony's reflexively. "We just have to sit tight and this'll all be over soon, okay?"

Alex had just agreed breathlessly when there was a soft knock at the door. They all jumped about a mile before Rick poked his head in warily.

"Sorry," he murmured. "I haven't heard from Bill yet but uh…I thought you might want some company…"

Alex's whole body tensed in anticipating of who "company" was. A light blond head ducked around the corner and Alex's breath caught in her throat. Wet blue-green eyes met hers a second before her sister hurtled herself across the room. Tony and Rick both called out a warning, Tony jumping to his feet and Rick stepping towards them as Claire's tiny body collided hard with hers. Alex winced at the impact and the pain in her side but otherwise returned her sister's vice grip.

"Oh my god," Claire whimpered, pressing her face into her sister's shoulder. Alex felt tears dampen her t-shirt and lifted Claire closer, rubbing her back soothingly and murmuring reassuring words.

"It's okay, Claire," she soothed. Claire squeezed her impossibly tighter.

"I thought you were dead…" she yelped, voice breaking as the she shook uncontrollably.

"I know, I know," Alex breathed gently into her hair, her throat tightening as she fought to keep her own tears at bay. "I'm sorry, Claire. I'm sorry…"

Finally Claire pulled back, face stained with tears and eyes rife with worry. She reached out a hand to graze Alex's bruises.

"Are you okay?" she asked desperately, cupping Alex's cheeks as she quivered a little. Alex nodded, curling an arm around her and dragging her in close again.

"I'm okay, Claire…"

"You look like hell…"

"It'll be okay..."

Claire's head bobbed vigorously against Alex, who glanced around the room, a little uncomfortable with the overt display of affection. Palming the back of Claire's head she met Michelle's gaze, offering her a little smile and getting one in return.

After a few minutes Claire pulled away again, eyes red and puffy and tugging a little at the restraint Alex held on her own emotions. With a heavy sigh she pressed a kiss to the top of her sister's head, thumbs brushing tear streaks from Claire's icy cheeks.

"You should get back," Alex murmured affectionately, still stroking her hair. "Big shot CTU analyst and all."

Claire managed a weak laugh, nodding a little. "I wanted to be here if you needed me and then you were gone so long and I…"

Alex shushed her fresh sobs, hugging her close one final time. When Claire pulled back she turned immediately to Rick.

"Hammond's had that APB out for days."

Rick nodded, glancing briefly at Tony and rubbing his cheek.

"Yeah. He won't think we were stupid enough to bring her here. We just have to keep this quiet. You can't tell anyone."

"Okay…" Claire agreed readily. "I won't, I swear. But this'll…I mean Bill said…"

"We're just waiting on Palmer," Rick assured her simply. "It'll be over soon, I promise."

Claire exhaled harshly, wiping her eyes again.

"C'mon," Rick held out a hand to her. "We have to get back."

"You better deal with Eva. She's been hounding me about you since you disappeared," Claire blurted out suddenly, startling Rick a little at her bluntness. "She's gonna be on top of you until you do something or say something or…"

Rick's eyes locked on hers, wondering if she was testing him a little. She didn't look accusatory, but she definitely knew what she was implying. Across the room Tony's eyebrow raised in his direction and Rick shifted his weight a little. He shrugged off the question.

"I will…" he pressed a hand in the small of her back, easing her towards the door.

"Take a minute. Get cleaned up," he told her quietly. "I'll see you on the floor."

Claire turned around at the last possible second, shooting Alex a fleeting look before disappearing out the door.

Rick exhaled softly, glancing around the empty corridor as Alex took a few steps towards him. Her arms crossed her chest and her head dipped a little to one side as he turned back to face the room.

He opened his mouth to explain but she shrugged him off.

"Whatever, it doesn't matter now unless uh…you're holding out on me or something."

He shook his head slowly, grin spreading across his lips as he motioned her towards him, tugging her into the empty hallway. His hands cupped her face, pressing their mouths together softly. Her lips parted a little at the easy kiss, bumping her nose against as he broke away, albeit reluctantly.

"You're okay?"
"Yeah…" she sniffled before sneaking another kiss, loving at easy this came to her now. After the time they spent in the Hamptons it was so natural to kiss him. Like it should be, she reminded herself. She should be able to steal a kiss and curl up against him and not worry about what anyone might think.

"You'll let me know if you hear anything?"

" 'Course," he brushed the loose tears from her cheeks and dropped a kiss to her temple, before breaking contact again.

"Sit tight. I'll be back."

From her position Eva could see almost everything, including a teary-eyed Claire slipping from the old, now unused Field Ops break room and disappearing towards the washroom. Seconds later Rick's head poked out, scanning the area quickly before pulling someone into the corridor with him…

It was dark, but there was no mistaking who the girl was, looking a little worse for wear but otherwise exactly like the file photo Brad Hammond had sent out a few days before. There was also no mistaking why Rick had been so secretive for the last few weeks, especially when she watched their lips connect more than once and his hand brush back some of her hair. Her said something soft and unmistakably gentle to her, watching as she disappeared back inside the room before heading towards the bullpen himself.

Eva's stomach clenched a little as she stepped out of her hiding place, palms sweaty and heart palpitating. What the hell was Rick doing hiding the fugitive – the murderer – Hammond had warned everyone about. Well, it was obvious what he was doing with her but, why? Why was he jeopardizing his career for the girl who'd murdered her father?

Fresh indignation rising up within her, Eva moved purposefully down the hall, heels clipping softly on the linoleum as she fished out her cell phone. Checking to make sure she was alone, she pressed back against the wall of the corridor and started to dial.

"This is Eva Jacobs calling from CTU-LA," she told the switchboard. "I need to be connected to Brad Hammond immediately. It's an emergency."

Hammond's assistant answered the phone and Eva repeated her message.

"It's about the APB he sent out on Monday. Regarding…" she was cut off immediately, "…Thank you."

Palms clammy and pulse racing Eva waited for him to pick up. Finally Brad Hammond's harsh baritone echoed over the line.

"Mr. Hammond it's Eva Jacobs. I'm head of Comm. at CTU-LA… That's right. I might have located Agent Evans. Rick Almeida disappeared for almost two weeks and I was told he was attending meetings in Washington but…"

Hammond's voice grew louder and more expectant as he probed Eva further.

"Yes," she answered definitively. "I'm sure it's her."

Eva pursed her lips together, leaning back against the wall for support.

"She's at CTU. You need to get over here."

She gulped hard as he responded.

"You too, sir. I'll see you soon…"

Dropping her phone to her side, Eva realized she was panting a little. Her eyes snapped shut and her head spun a little as she realized what she'd just done. She'd sold Rick out, possibly gotten him arrested, but if he'd done what she thought he'd done…

He was aiding and abetting a self-confessed murderer. She couldn't lie about that…she just had to keep anyone from getting suspicious until Hammond showed up.

Forcing herself to breathe slowly, Eva pocketed her phone and moved back towards the floor. What was done was done and it'd been the right thing to do. She was sure of it.