Love triangle! I love those if you can't tell :)

Alex shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Vaughn had no qualms about blaming Alex for this entire situation. While Alex realized he had some responsibility in this, he knew that it wasn't entirely his fault. He had not realized everything that was going on under his nose, it angered him that he hadn't been more receptive.

"I realize that we need to find her, but she's been gone for days, she could be anywhere," Alex sighed. When he had first started all of this, he had hoped to further medical research. When the first time had fallen apart, he had decided never to do it again. His attention was to keep the promise to himself, but when he had been offered the amount of money to do it again, he could not resist. He needed the money to keep up his failing business, and so he could marry Gina.

"Listen I don't think I gotta tell you he is pissed. We need to figure out where she could have gone, before that pretty little cop figures out what we're doing," Vaughn sneered.

"Listen, even if she does get away, she's not going to know enough to say anything," Alex stated.

"You're an idiot if you think that," Vaughn growled.

Gwen sat in front of her desk. She didn't like what she was seeing in front of her. She'd done her investigating and Vaughn was no longer a free-lance mercenary, he was now contracted by the Maion Corporation. The company was crooked, yet no one could pin them down for any of their crimes. Vaughn was also no relation to Alex. Which Gwen had already known. In fact, Alex Martin didn't even exist until a few years ago. She had been stalled when trying to find out more information about the doctor. Gwen couldn't help but wonder who he was exactly, and what he'd gotten himself into.

"Afternoon Gwen," her lover Kurt greeted. Gwen smiled at him. He was such a handsome man. She'd loved him from the moment he had been taken in by her grandfather. No one knew of their little affair and she preferred to keep it that way. "I brought you some coffee and lunch from Cafe Kalaui." Gwen could smell the delicious smells from the lunch wafting from the bag. She supposed she could take a short break. She was tired of trying to connect the dots anyway. It made no sense for Alex to be connected to Maion. If he was, it could be dangerous for everyone in Flowerbud.

Rachel wandered around the festival area. Felicity had insisted she come to the fireworks festival. There were many tables set up with all different kinds of food. She wandered around taking little nibbles of everything. It was elegantly laid out.

"You enjoying yourself pretty lady?" Sanjay whispered in her ear. Rachel blushed. The last time she had seen Sanjay was a week earlier when he'd helped her with the alpaca. She had tried not to think about him, but it was near impossible.

"Yes I am," Rachel replied. Sanjay smiled. Her voice sounded relaxed and calm. She looked stunning this evening in a dark red checkered skirt and black top. Her hair was pulled neatly back in a braid. She wasn't going to win any glamorous awards, but she had an elegance and a grace about her.

"I can't wait for the fireworks to start!" Amir stated. He had come up beside the duo.

"I can't remember if I've ever seen fireworks," Rachel replied.

"Why don't you come sit with us?" Amir invited. "Let those two lovebirds be on their own."

"Oh thank you," Rachel stated. She was a bit unnerved by Amir's outgoing personality. She much preferred the quiet soft spoken Sanjay. But she was also still more unnerved around Henry. While he wasn't mean to her, he wasn't exactly nice either.

"Fireworks are beautiful, I'm sure they are something you'd remember if you ever saw them," Amir advised. He hooked his arm through Rachel's. There was no rush of emotions or blush creeping to her face with Amir's touch. She allowed him to lead her to their ornate blanket.

Sanjay sighed. Amir was always able to woo any lady he wanted. Sanjay knew he would give up almost anything for his young boss, but wasn't sure if he'd give up Rachel. He'd developed quite an attraction to the small girl. The three settled onto the blanket. Rachel glanced over at Sanjay, and quickly looked away when he caught her eye. He couldn't be sure because of the darkness, but he thought he saw the faintest hint of a blush on her cheeks. This pleased him.

"How is your alpaca?" Sanjay asked. Rachel's face fell slightly.

"Ok, still won't let me shear him," she but her bottom lip, a move Sanjay found incredibly sexy.

"It takes a while," Sanjay advised.

"I still can't get near mine," Amir stated. "That's why I let him take care of them." Amir pointed in Sanjay's direction. Sanjay backed down from the conversation. Amir's personality was much more exuberant than his. Rachel and Amir chatted lightly before the fireworks began. Sanjay participated when he could, but it was clear Amir had not invited Rachel over for Sanjay's benefit.

Rachel was slightly disappointed that Amir took over most of the conversation. She wanted to talk more to the other man. When the fireworks finally started, she was equally awed and terrified. The loud booming noise frightened her. She didn't understand why, but for sone reason she felt afraid again. She was glad when they were finally over and she could retreat to the safety of her home.

She couldn't see. There was a bright light shining in her eyes. All she could see were shadows. She knew they were male from the sounds of their muffled voice.

"Hold her down," one ordered. She felt rough hands on her arms and legs. Suddenly there was a sharp prick from a large needle in her leg. She screamed and kicked.

"I told you to hold her down!" The same voice barked out. She felt herself losing the battle as two men held her down. Tears were streaming down her face as she felt the sharp needle again.

Rachel sat up in bed. The nightmares were so frequent, so vivid. She was in a cold sweat. Her heart was pounding. She could feel nothing but fear. She turned the light on, she threw her blankets off her legs to reveal scars on both of her legs. They looked like they were from needles. Rachel was not sure if those were dreams or memories. She gently touched the scars she saw. They frightened her. She quickly covered them up and laid back down in bed, trying to forget about her dream and the scars. Finally she drifted back to sleep, with the light still on.