Chapter 17 

Hearing that we needed to go back to Ohio, it made me take a few mental steps back.  Which was necessary if Jackson wanted me to wrap my head around this.  He just sprung this news on Luke and I after questioning our prisoner.  I needed to know more, face a few things, and I wanted an explanation for Jackson's words.  

Apparently, according to this Carter guy, he didn't know where Reid was.  He was ordered to find me from one of Reid's associates back in Ohio.  So that lead to the conclusion that, if we want answers, they were in Ohio with men higher up.  Carter also mentioned that Reid didn't have as many people working for him as we probably thought.  Reid just got away with everything because he was good at hiding and had connections.  

Hearing all this being repeated through Jackson, it made me raise an eyebrow.  The three of us stood in a little circle a few yards from where the truck was, Carter inside of it and secure.  "How are you suppose to trust him on this?  He could be lying.  And even if we go back to Ohio, how would this help?  Even if Carter can lead us to whoever sent him, what are we going to do?"

"Find him, take him, ask this 'associate' questions.  Make sure he will answer." Jackson paused in speaking, his face blank.  "And I know he is telling the truth.  I have my tactics.  Not to mention, he dies if he does not cooperate."

I licked my lips and shook my head.  "I want Luke to talk to him too, make sure he is being truthful.  He is good with that," I said, sighing. I didn't want to even face Jackson's idea.  "Either way, your game plan is to kidnap the guy?  He probably has a ton of people working for him."

"Yeah," Jackson nodded simply.  It made me groan but he continued.  "You need to understand, we can't just run.  We can't sit back and wait.  We need to fix this and that means going in.  We need to find answers and take down Reid.  We take him down, that's all we need.  He's the only one who wants you.  His men or connections are only helping. "

"How do you know this?" Luke added. 

Jackson pointed to Carter, who was bound and not looking happy in the truck.  "He backed up things I already knew.  He validated some things that I read when the FBI uncovered his file.  The FBI believe Reid only wants her because he 'owns' her, thanks to some deal.  This guy said the same thing.  He is mesmerized that he found Albany but he said his only job is following Reid's agenda."

What he said was credible.  Some of what Jackson said though made me uneasy.  Like how did we know that if we kill Reid, that all will be okay?  I guess it's better to find out than sit around like he said.  Because I for one know that I am sick of that. 

I have been sick of running and hiding for so long.  Luke and I fought back before, but that was when we had to.  I no longer wanted to be the victim.  I wanted a change.  I wanted to kill this man before I get killed.  I wanted to be free and it wasn't going to just come to me.  I needed to go out and get it.  Knowing that I could trust Jackson put me on board, no matter how bad of an idea it sounded.   

I glanced over to Luke, expecting him to be against it naturally. His expression was void of anything revealing.  He glanced between me and Jackson.    I had a feeling Luke was thinking the same thing I was.  That he was sick of it all too.  Despite the danger we could face, it couldn't be much worse than what would find us anyway.  Meeting my eyes, I saw he understood.  He nodded softly.  "Alright.  We go to Ohio and take him.  How are we going to get in and do this though?"

"We will find a way.  After all, Reid has slipped away from the FBI numerous times.   It's our only option and way of knowing where we could find him."

That was true.  And it was why we didn't waste more time hanging around this peaceful park.  Getting on the road was a need in our veins, knowing people were after us.  Jackson drove.  Luke and I both offered to take over for a bit, knowing he needed sleep, but he refused.  Which was how we got some sleep as the day started.

We bound Carter up in the front seat this time so Jackson could watch him while driving.  We made extra sure he was restrained.  Luke and I took the backseat, knowing we needed rest.  It didn't take long for him to sleep, his body turned in a uncomfortable sitting position.  He was facing the window to his left and I could see he was asleep.  I didn't know what lied ahead in Ohio but it did not phase me either.  I was asleep in no time, head resting against the window to my right. 

It felt like no time passed though until I was up.  When I woke, it was to the sound of muffled voices in the small space of the truck.   The sun contributed to it especially.  It allowed me not to drift back to sleep from where it was lowering in the summer sky.  I could see it was heading into the evening hours from where my head still rested against the window.  The window showed an interesting picture. 

The truck was stopped, the image before me unmoving except for the leaves on some trees clattering in the breeze.  There was some grass in my view too that reached the trees.  It was stopped by the curb we were parked by.  Seeing a picnic table in the grass, I had to assume this was a rest-stop. 

Blinking the sleep from my eyes, I took a deep breath.  The voices that woke me to begin with registered more.  So all I did was listen first, not bothering to turn around or sit up yet.  

"...That's what I don't get.  Why would you be set up right outside of my home town?"  Luke's muffled voice came through. 

Then there was a voice that was calmer than one would expect.  Being bound and tied up, I didn't think Carter would cooperate so well.  "We were watching you.  Base was set up just outside of where you live for that reason simply.  We were close to you.  Buying out an old building was all we needed and we did it." 

"And that's where your boss is?  What does he do?"

"He keeps in close contact with Reid.  They are very close.  Reid trusted him to control operations revolving around watching the Prenta man.  That is all I know because things need to be very secretive.  Like I said before to you," he said, pausing.  I was assuming he was looking to Jackson.  "Reid stays well hidden and it's because we are left in the dark about a lot."

Bullshit was all I wanted to say.  Sounded like a BS answer.  Why would he be so forthcoming?  It was sketchy.  For whatever reason though, Jackson seemed to believe him.  I didn't hear any objections from Luke either. 

"It makes sense," Luke said.  "If they were always watching me, they had to be based somewhere close.  However, I am sure you know more than you are saying.  Why do you work for this man?  Not just your boss, but why do you work for Reid?"

"I was hired," Carter said in a more curt fashion.  He didn't like that question at all.

"Elaborate," Luke responded in a darker voice.  Slowly, I turned my head to the other side to take in this exchange.  Luke still in the back with me, all I could see was Jackson up front.  He was facing the bound man in the passenger seat. 

Jackson rolled his eyes and answered Luke's demand towards Carter.  "He doesn't need to," he said.  "It doesn't matter why or why not.  We need to know what we are doing."

My mind started to work a little more.  Before they ever realized I was awake, I had input.  "I think we should lay low for a bit.  Go shopping, get clothes for Luke, and get more rest before making a plan.  We are still being followed but they are behind us quite a bit.  We should take advantage of that time."

They were surprised by the new voice in the conversation.  Regardless, they did listen.  We talked it over more and agreed.  We needed to rest because I was still exhausted as was Luke.  Jackson was ready to pass out from driving.  We decided that we would go into a town right outside where I used to live and go shopping.  We were paranoid over it, that's for sure.  That's why we decided we would need to look drastically different.  And as for the people coming after us.... Jackson played it safe before we left the rest-stop.

"You're going to hell," I said from where I was stretching with Luke.  We stood behind the truck, looking at the new license plate that was on it.  Jackson stole it from a car here that was clearly abandoned (which was apparently our reason for stopping; we still had an hour until we get there).

"If I'm going to hell, at least there is now a likely chance the people after us won't put me there.  I am being safe is all," Jackson said in a hard voice from where he was standing beside me.  His bright brown eyes were on me.  Glancing over to him, I could see that wicked look in his eye.  I was nearly convinced he did this many times before.

"Hey I'm not protesting.  I am a former criminal myself," I joked, smirking.  "Luke might have an issue with it."

Luke didn't look as amused when I glanced over to him, which kind of made it that much more funny.  "Breaking the law..." he trailed off.  He glanced over to where Jackson stood beside me.  "I can't wait until this is all over and I get to arrest you," Luke said, making me snort and Jackson look bored. 

***

Knowing I was returning to someplace I knew, familiar territory, basically my home... I didn't know how to feel about it.  I felt empowered and relieve that we weren't just running; we were going after the source.  But I was very paranoid as the minutes ticked down and we got closer.  The plan was to go straight to a shopping center, which would be scary.  I didn't want to be recognized, and if anywhere, this was the place it would happen.  People know what I look like here.  So I needed to look different, more than what my now brown hair could offer.

Yes ladies and gents, I am ashamed to admit Albany Higgins will be a full on blonde very soon.  It made me sick to my stomach.  I didn't want to know the effects it would have on my brain.  My fingers were crossed in hope that I won't catch the 'dumb' from it.  Luke would need to drastically change what he looks like too so at least I won't be alone.

That wasn't what was on my mind though.  It was an achy feeling, one that made my heart start to pound.  Three years since I have been back here.  Three years and to know I was so close to home, it was crazy.  To know I would be close to where my old house was and where I was raised by a monster.  We would be close to where all the chaos happened between me, Luke, Clare, and the people after me before.  All those things came back to me.  Something that stood out though was Luke's family.  They would be close by and it hurt because it's not like we could see them.  

That hurt me the most because I owed them so much.  They loved me and I loved that family.  And I left without saying goodbye.  That hurt me terribly to do that to them so all I wanted to do now was go to them.  It was too risky though so I didn't dare even bring it up.  Turns out I didn't need to.

Jackson drove us into the town just before our home one.  It was only ten minutes outside of it so I still knew the area very well and recognized it.  The rundown areas and buildings all looked the same.  There were a few more establishements than before but besides that, it all looked the same.  It felt incredibly weird too.  I just wanted to explore and look at everything but knew I couldn't.  We needed to lay low and stay away from people.  Unfortunately, we were approaching a task that we needed to get out of the way: going to the store. 

We stopped when Jackson pulled into a familiar Walmart.  None of us needed to be seen.  Unfortunately, Jackson and I were the designated ones to go in and get out as soon as possible.  We didn't want Jackson watching Carter in the car when he was exhausted so Luke took that job.  I should be the one staying back but I didn't want Jackson going in alone either.  Plus we needed to be in and out as fast as we could.  We could cut that time in half or more if I am there.  So that's what we did.

The FBI allowed me to grow my hair back black as long as I kept it straight. So now it was straight and brown since I dyed it after running into Luke. I kept it down too while going into the store; I was always used to people seeing me in a bun. I didn't feel that covered up so Jackson gave me his sunglasses. I managed to find a hat in his things too before  walking into the big shopping center with him.

"Okay I'll get the food. You get the clothes, dye, everything else. Meet me back here when your done," I said quickly under my breath to Jackson. He nodded with droopy eyes, turning and heading in the direction of hair products. I grabbed a small cart and did my part. I walked swiftly but naturally with it towards the aisles of groceries. We needed to eat after all, especially me. I loved food with all my heart.

I first moved through the brightly lit rows of groceries until I found the drinks. I grabbed a big pack of bottled water and, in shame, avoided the beer. Necessities only unfortunately. After throwing that in the cart, I swiftly made my way around the corner to the aisle with bread. We would be relying on a lot of sandwiches and chips. Not bothering to see what kind I was grabbing, my stride barely fell out of rhythm as I continued through the store.

I snagged a few more things like ham, mustard, mayonnaise, and cheese (I refuse to eat a sandwich without cheese). I grabbed a few microwavable dinners as well, all the while weaving through the people in my way. I was so focused on getting the crap and leaving, I hardly looked around at my surroundings. That's why what happened down the chip aisle caught me off guard. To be completely fair, it would have shocked me no matter what.

I moved swiftly down the aisle for chips, avoiding the carts and people in the way. My eyes scanned over the selection of chips and snacks through the tinted glasses I was wearing. Stopping my cart next to the long massive shelf, I sighed in relief. Almost done! We would have enough to get by and that's what mattered. Thank god too because I was beginning to feel anxious. I was around people, in a place I am well known, and use to live.   I wanted out of here.

If only I would have called it quits earlier. I grabbed potato chips, set them in my little cart, and glanced back up to the other options. Just as I stepped forward, and grabbed a bag of Doritos, I felt eyes on me. On me intensely.

I didn't need to look around to see who was staring at me. There was a man that was facing the chips, maybe two yards down from me. I noticed him because, in my sidevision, he turned towards me. That was all I could see from the corner of my eye but it was enough. It made my heart jump because I could tell he wasn't looking away. I wanted to turn my head and return this guy's stare, see if he recognized me, but couldn't risk it.

Instead, in my frozen state, I forced myself to take a deep breath. The strategy running through my head involved leaving as nonchalantly as possible now. Act like I belong here and get out. I couldn't stop my body from becoming tense though as I finally grabbed the chips and put them in my cart. Just as I was about to calmly walk away with my cart, the man moved.

From the side of my eye, I could see the man move towards me. Move with purpose and confidence. It made me freeze in place with widening eyes. I still couldn't turn and look to him. I was stuck in place, in shock, and in fear. This man recognized me and I was caught. My eyes stayed stuck ahead, staring at some chips, but all my attention rested in my side vision. It sent me into panic mode.

My breath was rapid, my heart racing! It was a miracle I didn't shit my fucking pants! I knew this person was filled with certainty, with confidence that I was Albany Higgins. The girl that blew up news channels and brought attention to this small area. The girl that had an unbelievable story then just disappeared. The girl that a police officer went searching for and made it known I was missing. I understood that whoever this was knew that. That's why all my thoughts consisted of just hope. Please don't rat me out, leave me be! Don't make a big deal! Maybe I can convince this guy I wasn't who I look to be! Those thoughts only lasted a second or two. It only lasted the small time it took until the man got to me.

The blurry man slowed down when he was only a few feet to my side. He stopped completely when he was only a foot next to me. His eyes never left me and I couldn't take it. Scared of what could happen, I turned with hard shaky breaths to the man at my side. Turning and taking an instinctual step back, I stared up at him. I became even more frozen in place than before. I could see him with clarity now and it hit me like a bullet.

It hit him like a bullet too as he was facing me full on. He froze in place like me, staring hard at me. I did the same back because I couldn't help it. I took in the wide hazel eyes that he possessed, the long lashes unmoving above them. I also took in the black frames that I had to look through to see those shocked features. My eyes moving in a trance, I took him all in and more.

His hair was a soft and slightly curly brown. The strands that hugged his head were tucked behind his ears. The skin was smooth along his cheeks, his chin, and neck. It made his face, though thin, show the slightly round structure of it. All of it... rechecked into my head. All these features I knew because the man who had them couldn't be mistaken.

"It's you," he said. His voice sent chills up me, more than there already were.  I haven't heard that voice in years.

I couldn't do or say anything. Continuing to stare up at him, I saw his lips were parted, breathing hard too. His hands didn't hesitate when I didn't speak. Francis raised a hand and removed the sunglasses carefully, as if afraid of what was behind them. It allowed the color in his eyes to reach mine fully now without the sunglasses.

I didn't move an inch but Francis received his validation that this was me. It made him blink his eyes and gasp out in shock. It reminded me of how Luke and I ran into each other. Only this time, I didn't pass out. Sure felt like I might though.

I didn't know what to say, what to think, what to do. Francis moved closer, observing me carefully with disbelief. "Albany," he whispered, eyes wide and questioning. "Holy shit."

My mind flooded in worry. I couldn't be seen, be recognized, or delayed. I especially couldn't interfere with anyone. "What are you doing here?" I asked, my voice a high and broken whisper.

"Answer your own question," he said, but I don't know if he even comprehended the words we were exchanging. Francis appeared so shocked. I wasn't far from that yet either.

I got some sense back. I grabbed the sunglasses he took off me and put them back on. Swallowing hard and taking in a sharp breath, I shook my head. I didn't know what to do or what to say! How do I get out of this?

My answer was found in my weird 'uncle' Jackson.  I noticed him walk down the aisle towards us.  His eyes finding mine, they immediately glanced to where he was approaching Francis's back.  Coming to a stop next to where me and Francis were facing each other, I took in how tense he looked.  How tense and pissed, which was expected.  I'm sure Jackson understood I was recognized, especially with the way Francis was looking at me. 

His lost gaze finally broke from me.  He jerked his head over to Jackson when he spoke in a dark tone.  "Who's this?"

My breath was hard as I answered.  "Luke's brother."

Jackson instantly did not look nearly as tense.  It's not like it made him happy though.  The man's eyes fell to the glossy floor while pursing his lips.  "Of course it is," he muttered, looking up and shaking his head.  

Where do things go from here?  I got lucky that Jackson came to find me because he seemed to have an answer.  He curtly told me to go to checkout with the food I grabbed and meet him back at the truck.  Seeing him holding two plastic bags already, it was clear he already bought his things.  He was also very strict in saying that Francis needed to go with me and follow me out to the truck when I am done.  I can only imagine how this might change things. 

When Jackson stormed off and headed back towards the truck, I forced away my shock.  I let Francis know that he needed to do the same at the moment.  It was hard though for him clearly.  As I swiftly moved to self-checkout, Francis was forced to abandon whatever he was here for.  He came with me as I hurriedly scanned my items, put them in the bag, and paid. 

"Please tell me what's happening?" he asked me finally as we started walking out of Walmart.  The sky reflected that it was getting later from the pinkish color above us.  

"A lot," I answered, head staying down as I walked with the bags.  I didn't know how to explain anything.  There was so much!  There was a new flipping plan every day!  I dragged out the essentials that races around in my mind.  "Luke's here and waiting in the truck.  We cannot be seen.  Nobody can know we are here."

"I don't understand," he said, walking next to me towards the truck.  Even though there was shock and anxiety going through me, I was curious what his response might be.  I mean, there was a lot to tell him.  Wait until he sees the dude we have tied up.  If this situation didn't make me uneasy, I would be excited to see his reaction to that.

"You will soon," I said, unsure if I should tell him anything.  Glancing over to him as he walked next to me, I took him in more.  He didn't look much different at all since I last saw him.  Like Luke, his face was a bit thinner but that was all.  Looking down, he was wearing a white button-up shirt with little blue stripes, sleeves stopping before his elbows. It was untucked and hung around the jeans he was wearing.   

When I looked up towards where I knew the truck was, I saw Jackson and Luke standing next to it.  By now, I knew Jackson explained that I ran into Francis.  I'm sure they were trying to figure out if this would hurt us at all or set us back.  I was more concerned with him and his family though.  Seeing him here, all I wanted to do was explain everything.  I wanted to tell him why I was gone, what happened, and why I never came home. 

When we got to the truck, I tossed in the bags we had and the hat I had on before.  Francis's attention rested on Luke and never left.  Luke sighed and ran a hand through his hair, pursing his lips.  "I'm sorry you ran into her.  This wasn't suppose to happen."

The four of us standing in a little circle outside the truck, a close one at that, Francis responded to his brother who stood across from me.  "Why?  I need answers.  How did you finally find her?  And who is this?" Francis asked in a needy voice, gesturing towards Jackson. 

Jackson still did not at all look happy.  He looked more annoyed too now than earlier as he spoke.  "First off, we are wasting time here if we explain anything.  We need to move, for everyone's safety.  Two, he needs to get lost," Jackson said, eyes resting on Francis.  "For your own good and your safety.  You do not want to be seen with us.  Especially if you are not fond of the idea of getting killed."

Unfortunately, Jackson was more than correct. It was risky - for all of us right now.  I agreed completely but I said nothing.  The selfish bone in my body just wanted to talk to him.  Francis calculated his words carefully then spoke.  "I  have a right to know what is happening.  Especially if my brother is in danger.  I will not leave until I at least know what is going on."  His eyes in his brothers were genuine.  "I owe you everything but I feel you owe me an explanation.  I won't 'get lost' until I know what you are doing."

There was a lot Francis did not know.  For him to narrow it down and only ask because of his brother's safety was understandable.  That's why my words came easily.  He wasn't leaving until he knew what Luke was doing.  Being the first one to break the circle, I moved towards the truck's left back door and opened it.  I climbed in and scooted over to the right as I spoke.  "Get in the truck," I said to them.  "Jackson, drive.  Drive around or go somewhere remote for now.  We aren't checking in anywhere until Francis is not with us."

They all stared at me until Jackson groaned.  "Do you understand the danger this puts us all in?"

I sighed and licked my lips.  "Yes, I do.  He deserves to know though.  If he doesn't know, he will look for his brother and make sure he is safe.  We don't need that."

Jackson's eyes in mine filled with anger.  "Oh you love testing me," he grumbled.  "You people are going to drive me into killing us all by flooring it off a goddamn cliff," he muttered, scowling and getting into the driver's seat.  I had sympathy for the man.  We were slowing everything down once again.  He knew it was better than us leaving Francis with nothing though.  Francis needed to understand to lay low and not go to the cops looking for us.

With that, Francis then got in the back and scooted to the middle seat followed by Luke behind him.  At least we were out of sight and not out in the open.  Francis most likely would have preferred that.  "Does this have anything to--  What the fuck?!" he shouted, eyes just as wide as before now.  After settling into his seat, he now saw the bound man up in front.

"Hey what's going on man?" Carter grumbled, sounding slightly amused.  For someone who is tied up and bound, he was a happy camper compared to how others would be.  

Doors shut and all of us confined together, all we could hear was Francis's rapid breath.  I turned more towards him and gripped his arm, instantly speaking. "It's fine, it's okay.  Trust me," I nodded.

"I'm not leaving until I know everything now," he said in a shaky voice.

With that, Jackson started the truck and began to drive.  While he did that, we explained everything to Francis. To a man that I never thought I would see again.  Like with what happened to Luke though, I had to think maybe fate had something to do with it.

***

Once I left this place and the Prenta family three years ago, I carried a ton of resentment towards the situation.  Knowing they suffered, not knowing what happened to me, it weighed over me.  It hurt me terribly.  When I ran into Luke again though, and he told me Francis recovered, I figured that was as good as I would get.  From that point forward, I didn't feel nearly as guilty since I was the reason he was shot in the first place. 

I had no idea that any more weight could be lifted off of me.  However, it happened when we explained it all to Francis.  Everything too.  FBI, Witness Protection, Reid Taylor, and all that happened up to me and Luke finding each other.  We then explained the mess we are in now and who the guy was bound up in the front passenger seat.  We explained why we came back and that it's to find Reid's associate.  It was nice telling him all those things.  I cannot describe though the magnificent sensation I felt when explaining to Francis that I had to leave.  I didn't abandon Luke, his family, with no intention to return.  I told him I wanted to come back and just never could.  It felt so lightening telling him too!  It was as if I was just released from surgery, physically feeling better.  It just made me want to tell the rest of his family.

 Jackson ended up going down a dirt road and pulling over on the shoulder.  At least there was nobody around.  It was a nice remote location to talk to Francis in.  I'm not sure how long we spent explaining everything to him but the sun out the window disappeared.  A little light still remained over the world by the time we were done explaining. Francis's final reaction to it reminded me of how I knew him to be.

"Well fuck, all that needs to happen now is for us to die.  Where's the apocalypse to kill us all?" Francis said in a smartass voice, looking around us and out towards the windows.  I scoffed.  I missed that about Francis.  The smirk I hadn't seen for a long time flashed across his face before he let it fade away and sigh.  He shook his head.  "This is all crazy.  Why is this shit so relentless?" I could see the distress set into his face from where I was sitting next to him in the truck. 

Before any of us could respond, we heard a ringing sound go off in the silence.  It was a phone.  Seeing Francis reach down to his pant's pocket, I knew it was his.  He answered it quickly.  "Hello?"  After a pause, he smiled softly and spoke in a lighter voice.  "Hey sweetie-pie.  What's going on?"

What was going on here was not shocking.  It was just a phone call.  To me, it was amazing.  I knew he was talking to his daughter, Brooke, on the other end. He continued responding to whatever she was saying.  "I know I'm taking forever.  I'm sorry honey.  Tell grandma I will be there as soon as possible.  I am still at the store.  Tell everyone that I said they can start eating.  But I will be there very soon," he reassured.

After hanging up with his daughter, Luke spoke up in confusion.  "That annual cookout isn't tonight is it?"

His words triggered a memory.  The Prenta family had a annual get-together every summer and cookout.  It felt like such a long time ago when Luke took me and I met more of his family.  I recall some of them being quite cautious.  Just in case you guys didn't know, I was literally nuts back then. 

Francis shook his head.  "No, we're just having a big family dinner.  Dad's home from being gone working for a few months so we are celebrating.  That's why I was at the store, to pick up some snacks for later.  Would you guys like to come?  He would be the life of the party," Francis said, nodding up towards Carter bound up, who was actually sleeping.

"We will happily pass," Jackson chimed in, laughing under his breath.  Oh but how much I wish we could go and see everyone. 

I knew Francis was joking but it did make me want to see them more.  He took a deep breath, focusing back on the problem before us.  Luke helped as well.  "Now that you know everything though, you can get back in time and not miss dinner," he said to Francis, smiling to his brother beside him.

Francis sighed.  "Honestly, I won't be able to eat.  I am going to be sick to my stomach tonight," he muttered.  "I hate this.  I feel sick just knowing the danger you guys are in.  I want to do something, I want to do anything.  I want to help."  He glanced over to me.  "I really want to help you.  Protect you."  His voice broke and I knew it was registering in him.  The danger we were in, his brother was in.  It hurt to see the reality of the situation hit him so hard.

I had a feeling he would want to help.  It didn't phase me.  I was shaking my head before he finished speaking.  "I'm not letting you.  Not after how involved you were before.  I won't let you do that again or come with us.  And you have a daughter you need to consider."

"I want to help in any way I can," he said, looking between all of us.  "Is there anything at all I could do, give you? 

Jackson was up front and not even looking behind him to talk to us.  Until now.  In the little light left in the sky, it showed him as he turned around and looked at Francis.  "Weapons.  Do you have weapons? Guns.  We don't have enough to last us and not enough ammo." 

"I don't have much to offer.  My dad might," he said, glancing to Luke, who pursed his lips and sighed. 

What he said was true.  I remember that Mike had guns and more equipment.  We could partially thank Luke for that.  He wanted his family to be protected and ready, especially after all that went down.  It meant great news for us!  An army was coming after us and it's not like Walmart did justice to what we need.  We could at least use more and guns with ammo were a key factor.  Jackson agreed and nodded instantly.  "Good we will take what we can get."   

Luke intervened.  "Right but is it really worth the risk?  It would slow us down," he said to Jackson. "Sound familiar?"

"We need guns and ammo.  It would take less time than buying it and possibly leaving a trail," Jackson commented back.  "It also eliminates leaving a trail from checking into a hotel.  Remember what happened last time?  They found us.  They saw my truck.  If we stay at your parent's place for a night, it will help.  And nobody would see us there if my truck goes in the garage."

Luke scowled and tried staying calm.  He stared Jackson down.  "You do understand that would put my entire family in danger?  You aren't just talking about grabbing guns.  You are talking about spending the night."  Despite how much I wanted to see his family, that was too big of a risk.  Luke was completely right.

Jackson didn't think in those terms though.  He was all about succeeding in what we are trying to do.  " And you do understand that the three of us might not survive at all if we don't take advantage of opportunities like this?"

They went back and forth at it for a while.  When Francis jumped in though, he favored Jackson.  After all, I knew how much Francis wanted to help.  He would help and knew his family would love to see me too.  Despite it all, and arguing, I stayed out of it as much as I could.  I understood both sides like Luke.  Eventually though, Luke did cave. 

"We will stay the night.  We are out of there very early tomorrow though.  And I want Shannon to take Brooke for the night if you are staying the night too," Luke said to Francis.  Then his eyes fell to mine, the green in them softening.  "Are you okay with this?"

"Yes.  I know they are upset with me and may hate me.  But it will help us and I do want to explain what happened and where I was.  They deserve it."  My heart was racing - hard and fast.  I couldn't believe that this would actually happen.  A dream of mine.  Seeing these wonderful people again, even if for an unfortunate reason.  It was overwhelming to say the least.

Staring into Luke's eyes... I could see there was more there.  More of a reason as to why he didn't want us going there.  He didn't want me seeing his family.  I knew the reason was incredibly personal too whatever it was; immense pain filled those eyes.  Pain and suffering that reflected the past three years he still kept from me.  "Okay," he said quietly, nodding.  Sighing, he then spoke in a louder voice.  "Lets get there before the food gets cold."