Christian got off the phone with Andrea and walked outside to the great room. "John, go home to Rhiann and your family. There's a lot going on now that I have to deal with. "

"Did Taylor..."

"No. We'll discuss that at a later time. He did bring me up to date on Ana and Schneiderman though. Ros is on her way over and we'll tel - conference with my legal team. "

"You'll call me if you need me?"

"Count on it, John. Thank you so much for everything. I am so sorry you were injured. Did the Moving Company provide you with a doctor and appointment?"

"Yes, Christian. They were very thorough and explained why I can't see my regular doctor."

"Good. I'll have Reynolds take you home. " then he looked at Welch and said, "See that Reynolds takes him home . Where's Franco? "

An hour later, a freshly groomed Christian prepared to greet Ros. What he was not expecting was her breaking down into near hysterical sobs. Ros was tough. He had never seen her cry or even come close to crying.

"I can't believe it. I can't believe you're alive. She was right, god damn it. We all thought she was crazy. "

"Who?"

"Who?" Ros repeated, "Ana, of course. She always said she would know if you were dead. She knew you were out there somewhere and not being able to find you nearly drove her insane. She couldn't eat, she couldn't swallow. If it wasn't for Taylor, you would have lost her. He made her protein drinks, and smoothies. He was always there for her, catching her when she fainted, holding her when she cried. I can't believe she survived all that only to end up in a coma. "

"Ros, if you don't mind, I rather not talk about Ana right now. Can I see a copy of the agreement she signed with Schneiderman?"

Ros opened a folder and showed Christian the signed and witnessed document. At first he frowned. Indeed, the document looked simple and straight forward. He looked harder. There had to be something. he couldn't believe she would so easily give up his company. Then he saw it. Her signature. Anistasia not Anastasia. So not her legal name! But not enough to void the agreement. The language in the contract was so simple, so plain, no wonder legal had advised it was unbreakable. Then he saw it. So obvious yet so invisible. 'Find his helicopter wreckage and/or proof of his final remains. '

He let out a long breath and slowly felt himself relax. Schneiderman had indeed found Charley Tango's wreckage. However, since he had survived, there was no way he could produce proof of final remains.

"Ros, do you see it?"

"Yes, Christian, I do." She replied with a grin.

"Okay, Ros. Set up a face-to-face with Schneiderman tomorrow. Reimburse him double his expenditures.I'm not attending, so make my excuses and I'll have him for dinner in the future."

"Okay. Good to see you boss. Now go take care of Ana."

Christian nodded but said nothing. He was not ready to deal with that. Instead, he dialed his mother.

"Mom?" He asked, hesitantly.

"Christian? "Oh, Christian," and then she just started to sob into the phone.

"Mom, can you and Dad come over tonight for a little bit. I am so sorry about before but there's a lot I need to explain. "

"Of course, son. We'll be there within the hour."

Seeing his parents proved more difficult than Christian expected. He tried to be nonchalant and casual but seeing their distress was unnerving. Seeing the physical changes that occurred during his absence was also deeply disturbing. Both had aged. His mom more so than his dad, but still it was unsettling. They had both lost weight. His mother cried and clung to him for the entire length of their visit.

His father just kept apologizing, over and over. He explained that all the experts told him. He wad dead. The police confirmed that no one could survive that enviroment with nothing. Having their son declared officially dead seemed to be a wise step. His mother needed to grieve and have closure. His company would fail if it depended on a twenty-one year old literature student. Carrick had been certain it was never Christian's wish to have his company permanently guided by someone so inexperienced. Hearing the will read had proven quite a shock and somewhat of a scandal in the business world. Carrick continued to apologize. Christian sat quietly between them, listening, observing but in full CEO mode. He would consider everything he had learned today. Not now, though. He could not risk any emotion now. Immediately, he thought of Elena and the images of the bullet entering het skull and blowing it away refused to leave his mind. He shook his head and then grabbed it. His mother became distraught but he assured her it was only a headache. His parents then stood to leave. Christian walked them to the elevator and as the elevators chrome door finally closed, he felt himself sag with relief.

He needed a shower and his bed. He smiled bitterly as he remembered how impossible staying clean had been in the woods. There were no hot showers there.