There was a knock on the door, a man dressed as a cable repair man; another knock followed by instructions from his boss. Still, there was no answer. A radio call, distress, and finally, the door was kicked in.

Lights were out, things were thrown around the room, the scene was sloppy. Joe's people weren't sloppy, so the thought that someone else had got to Reese first crossed Detective Haus' mind, that or it was just an opportune moment for a burglary. It didn't matter, none of the three situations were any good, and now the neighbor hood would know there was a police presence.

"Parker. He's not here, the place is trashed."

A dark blue hood hood was pulled over a baseball hat, the face trying quite hard to carry a shadow as it entered room 407.

"You were right."

the voice said quietly, shakily. There was no answer and the figure pulled up a chair.

"The day after you left I was followed back to the apartment, but nothing happened. I spent that night packing, figuring, like you said my routine was going to be scrutinized. I was a bit shocked that as I was getting ready in the morning they were trying to take me."

"Who?"

"I don't know, I didn't see them. They said it was your fault though, that I was going to make quite the display outside your hotel."

"They spoke. Sloppy. Knowing where I am, problematic."

There was a moment of silence before Veger sat up in his hospital bed. He watched Reese's reaction as he made a face and saw the male's eyes quickly drawn into the letter on his cheek.

"At least they left you alive."

"Only so the could kill you to punish me. I should call Parker."

"No need."

"Agent Hardy?!"

"Did you two really think an unknown figure was going to be able to waltz in here without actually being seen? There are guards. I was called. Parker know, Haus knows. Now, you're both coming in for questioning. We need full reports."

"I need a new hotel."

"It's being worked out."

"Reese comes with me."

"Obviously."

Reese looked at Veger then Hardy. This was another one of those things he didn't want a part of. Especially because He knew Joe as a professor, not as a serial killer. He knew from the beginning the man must have had a screw loose, he could have never predicted the man taking it to the extreme.

"I know Carroll."

Ryan looked at him, he was shocked. He couldn't fathom how many people involved with the case actually had contact with the man, and he looked, more like glared at Veger.

"We should have known..." Ryan growled out through gritted teeth.

"I didn't know."

"He's your FRIEND!"

"It's not pertinent information to him though.'

Reese blurted out.

"Then he's a little fucked up. Get dressed Veger, we're leaving."