Chapter 62

You know it's bad when I secretly wished for something to attack us. Day after day of trudging through the uneven terrain was taking its toll. Each day, it drained us – physically and mentally. How much more did our poor feet need to endure? How much longer until we freak out in panic from not finding it yet?

We were sluggish when home. Forcing ourselves to hold a fast pace in the forest made up for it. However, no matter how fast we covered ground, it didn't give us any results. A few more times of searching the land, desperation persuaded us to allow something risky. The more ground, the better. Instead of insisting on always being with someone during a search, Francis started going by himself and so did Luke to cover more area. I didn't agree with it – mainly because Luke refused to allow me to go alone most of the time. The one time I convinced him to let me, he nearly had a heart attack. That wouldn't stop me from going alone though if we get even more desperate.

It worked like shifts. Luke and I would go for most of the day; Francis would search a separate area on his own. Or it would be me and Francis with Luke searching alone. Sometimes, before dawn even reached the sky, Luke would get up to explore by himself. It was concerning how obsessively he was searching.

The sweet man he was, he continuously reassured me. "Look at it this way. I'm just going for my daily jog. The only difference is I'm doing it out in the woods where I also will be making progress," he would say with a smile.

"Alright," was my usual sleepy reply from where I would be under the covers. I tried convincing him going by himself was dangerous enough; now, he was over doing it. But he was persistent. Each time, it led to me wishing him well and telling him to be safe.

His point of it being like his daily jog made sense. That still didn't hide the fact that Luke had permanent bags under his eyes. I couldn't imagine how shitty he felt. Francis and I didn't do as much as him and we were unbelievably exhausted. Bags of our own rested under our eyes; we grew numb to the soreness of constant walking. It caused us to wake up every day already exhausted.

If you can believe it, there was one good thing that came out of being drained and tired. Most nights, I slept so hard that my nightmares wouldn't interrupt. And trust me, they would if I wasn't overly tired and exhausted. Those dreams with Jackson were back and fierce, but falling into a deep sleep each night held them off most times.

It was a chore tearing myself away from the bed each morning. However, the days Luke got up at dawn to drive up to the land, my worry over him woke me up enough. One day, it was especially hard allowing him to leave. After telling him sluggishly from under the covers to be careful, I couldn't help but stress it again.

Hearing his footsteps retreat towards the door triggered a painful twitch in my gut. "Please, please be careful," I repeated through the wall of sleep I fought, forcing my eyes to open. On my stomach with my cheek resting against the pillow, my strained gaze reached him. Luke was half way to the bedroom door. I instinctively flung my arm towards him, reaching for him.

My words stopped the man. He turned back around to me. His green eyes and the darkened skin around them found mine. Unlike when he said goodbye a moment ago, his eyes were alert with love, brows dipping in concern. "You have no reason to worry, baby," he said, moving back towards the bed.

Swallowing and closing my heavy eyes for a tempting moment, I felt the bed dip from what I knew was his weight. His hand snatched up my outstretched one hanging off the edge of the bed. His other caressed my cheek, swaying me back towards sleep.... No, not yet. Forcing my eyes open, I squeezed his palm in mine. "Please," I mumbled, struggling to stay awake. "Or why can't you just wait until we go later?" We would go later anyway, like we planned. It would also mean he wouldn't be alone.

Head resting on my pillow, I didn't need to strain to see him sitting beside me. Luke even leaned down after I spoke, his beautiful face a few inches away from me. Still stroking the side of my face, tucking my knotty hair behind my ear, he searched my face. His wiry facial hair grew long enough by now that he had a beard going for himself. The curly dark hairs crowded naturally along his chin and lower cheeks. It didn't dim his expression in any way. His lips were pursed in thought.

"I'm sorry," he whispered. "The last thing I want to see is you worried."

"I know," I swallowed, blinking to keep my eyes open. Though it wasn't long since we started searching every day, it was enough to make me sick of this new routine. We get up, get ready, drive, then navigate the forest the whole day. When we get home, we would maybe relax for a little while and eat dinner before going to bed. We had time to ourselves, but it wasn't as much. Luke and I were both sick of it, but what can you do? Sit home and feel guilty for not working?

Luke had a look of guilt on his face anyway. Probably for seeing the toll this was taking on me. Hand slipping down from my hair, he cupped my cheek. "When you and Francis drive up later, I'll meet you guys at my truck."

I took a deep breath. "I'll let him know." The original plan was we all go together then split up, me going with Luke and Francis going on his own. Guess that was changing now. I would be driving up with Francis and meeting Luke there so I could continue his search with him. Since he was going early now, I couldn't help myself. "Who knows though. Maybe later I will go by myself. Scare the shit out of you so you'll remember how it feels." If he thinks it's okay for him to overwork and make me worry, then he didn't have much of a right stopping me from searching alone.

Brows dipping more, he sighed in frustration. As if to himself. "I'm sorry."

"It's alright. Don't try to stop me though if I want to go alone too in the future," I whispered, closing my eyes again. I understood his anxiousness to start early; he did every once in a while but today, I was especially worried over him. Maybe it was me subconsciously just wanting to keep him in bed with me. I did know one thing though that couldn't be manipulated by my head. "You can't over work yourself like this," I mumbled, sinking deeper into my pillow. "

"I'll see you later, sweetheart," he whispered, squeezing my hand before letting go. A few moments later, his footsteps retreated out the door. And though it clenched my heart in a painful vice, my body coaxed me back to sleep after Luke shut the door behind him.

I knew Luke felt bad over leaving this morning, but I didn't imagine it had much of an impact to stick around in his anxious mind. After all, we focused every day on searching the wilderness. We had little time for ourselves and we agreed it would have to do for now. Which was why later that day, I was caught off guard.

Walking through the woods with Luke, we were both quiet. Lately, we let the birds and the crunch of our footsteps take up our ear space. We were both just exhausted. The fast pace of our feet didn't help. Surprisingly, Luke was ready to change things up.

After struggling up the protruding rock ground, we reached flatter land. It would only be a matter of time until we will need to scale up the hilly area again. And with our pace, it would probably be soon. But randomly, as we began walking, my unprepared body was caught off guard by resistance.

The strong grip on my arm halted me. The constant cold breeze from our speed disappeared, offering a sense of relief. But why did we stop? Turning on the heels of my boots, I faced Luke. Despite our movement, we weren't sweating like usual. Luke wore a black fleece jacket over a white shirt. Like me, he was wearing jeans. Yep, summer was coming to an end.... Even more of a reason to pick up the pace.

Waiting, confused as to why we stopped, his expression caught me off guard. His professional and focused mode was off. Instead, the man's attention rested fully on admiring me. Seeing that lifted my bored and tired spirits. What was he thinking? It might have something to do with my clothes. He glanced over me, as if assessing my appearance. I looked down too. My white and grey checkered zip up didn't exactly show off my boobs. Or maybe he saw two dogs humping again, if you know what I mean.

Luke wasn't in that kind of mood. As it turned out, he was focused on the necklace. The one I now wore out in the open. Moving closer, he lifted the crystal moon charm with his index finger. What got into him? Whatever it was, it was nice and refreshing.

"Can I help you?" I smiled. For how vigorously we were hiking, this was unexpected.

Letting it fall back against the fabric of my zip-up hoodie, his gaze flicked up to mine. Warm and gentle. Running a hand though his hair, deflating the style that involved bangs today, he took a deep breath. "Well, you see... I'm sick of this."

I snorted. "So am I, but that's nothing new unfortunately."

Looking down at the mossy and dirt damp ground, a sad smile took shape along his lips. "I'm sorry how relentless and exhausting this is."

Resting my hands on my hips, I tilted my head as I took him in. I didn't expect this – mostly because it was uncalled for. He didn't have anything to apologize for. "It's not your fault we have a lot of ground to cover. Don't apologize for being an over achiever either," I said, referring to this morning and the other times he would set out early before the sun was up. "If it bothers me, that's my problem."

"It doesn't make me feel any better about not spending time with you the way I want."

I scoffed. Luke was a man who followed the rules, did the right thing. That included right by everything in his life. We needed to get this job done, yet he feels guilty because it took time away from being with me. It made me smile. "You are something else. You don't need to feel bad." Pausing, my smile widened for the man before me. Catching his eyes that played with mine, I dramatically tapped my chin as if in deep thought. "Hmm, let's see. Go to prison or spend time with my girlfriend...."

He rolled his eyes and poked my side. "Sorry I'm sweet. Which was why I figured we would quit early today," he said nonchalantly, turning and stretching. Acting as if what he said was no big deal.

Yeah right, he knew how surprising his words were to me. Staring at him, I tongued the top row of my teeth. He was the most anxious and worried among us. He's doing all he could to find this place. Cutting it short? I loved the idea, wanted it, felt like we could take it. I didn't expect he would think so too.

"Really?" I asked in a disbelieving breath.

Head dipped, he acted preoccupied by staring at the dried mud on his boots. "Maybe," he said simply, but I could barely see the flash of his white smile.

"Start talking, buddy," I chuckled, moving up to him and cupping his face to make him look at me.

He searched my eyes with amusement and care. "I did enough extra searching early this morning to make up for the remaining time we would be here. And yes, any more time searching helps but I think we can afford ending a little early today."

Wow, the assness of today might actually go down. Brows raising, I let my arms drop back to my sides. Wind picking up slightly, causing the ends of my hair to fly around my head, I grabbed his hand and started swinging it. "Don't screw with me, I've been dying to spend more than an hour relaxing with you."

"I might screw with you later," he mumbled with a wink. Louder, he said with a growing grin. "No, I'm serious. We don't have to stay home either. By the time we get back, we might have time for a date," he said, eyes lighting up to emphasis his words.

"No fucking way," I grinned, pacing a few steps in excitement.

Laughing to himself, he readjusted the straps of his backpack. "Yes way. So hopefully it won't rain."

Craning my neck up to the sky, I gave the world my demand. "Do you hear the man? No rain!" I said in a louder voice. If our nice evening depended on the weather, it better listen.

For the world's sake, it did right by listening. There was no rain the entire evening we were to spend together. Unfortunately, by the time we got home, something else ruined our exciting night. It came after some playful gun practice from Luke.

Just as we were about to go upstairs and change into nicer clothes, Luke ambushed me. I had to give him credit. He did it at the perfect time – when I least expected it. Feeling the barrel against my temple, I resisted a laugh. Time to impress him before our date.... I was getting better and better with each time he tested me.

Turning towards him slowly, I raised my hands up. It was like second nature now. I could already see what I would wear tonight. My black blouse with white jean shorts sounded suitable enough for a dinner date. I could also put a bow in my hair too! Luke would love that.

"Hey, do you like bestiality?" I asked my distracting question, staring up into Luke's stone-face. Then, with my hands raised in surrender, I acted. I snapped my hand forward and leaned to the side. Gripping the muzzle, I rammed my palm against Luke's arm. It made his hold on the gun fall away, leaving me holding it. Piece of cake, ladies and gents. "I'm getting good," I bragged, handing him the gun back.

He smiled, turning to put the practice gun we've been using away. Just as I was about to continue up the stairs to get ready, I was interrupted again. Except, this interruption was not welcome.

A couple strong knocks on the door had me freeze on the second step. Glancing over my shoulder towards the door, my stomach tightened. We saw Francis earlier today; he searched the land on his own. It was a tiring day for him and since he finally moved in with some essential things into his apartment, he had a busy enough day. The fact that there were knocks also said this wasn't Francis.

We managed to avoid him most of the time. Jackson kept to himself. He had a whole other job. Instead of searching the land, he took on Carter's objective. Sitting in front of screens and watching for anything familiar. Therefore, seeing him wasn't necessary.

Luke entered my sight from where he now stood in the kitchen doorway. His mind was on the same track as mine. Taking a deep breath, he caught my eyes from across the open hall area. "You can wait upstairs."

Glancing between Luke and the door he was close to, I pursed my lips. "No, I would like to bitch him out for ruining our evening."

"Albany—"

Turning and moving back to the hardwood floor, I marched over to the door. Opening it, I didn't prepare myself enough. Though I knew it was Jackson, I wasn't ready to see his face. Regardless, I sucked it up. He's nothing, nobody. No connection, nothing, all is fine....

Staring up into his light brown eyes, he didn't flinch. Unlike me, he was prepared – or truly did not care. With his hair (blacker than before) slicked back, it showed every inch of his smooth face. As if he was proud to display there were no creases from a tense expression. Besides the normal signs of age, there was nothing. It was unnerving.

"What?" I asked, looking down.

"May I come in?"

"Why?" There goes our date....

"I know where you need to look."

He knew where to look? As in.... My eyes grew the slightest at where I stared towards the flood. My stubborn head couldn't even deny this could be what saves us. "You found a sign?"

Finally looking up at his stone face, he answered. "That's right."

We allowed him to come in. This was bigger than any personal issues we had. This could bring us a huge step closer towards finding the place. According to what Carter said, without a clue of any kind, we were doomed. I didn't believe him, but if that was true, then we now have a chance. A big chance from what Jackson found.

The cameras were aimed at the busiest locations of a few different small cities. The villages surrounded the area we were searching and would grant us the best luck of finding something. According to Jackson, he saw all he needed to know where we needed to narrow our search.

"You knew the guy?" Yes, if there was any clue, recognizing someone from the organization would do it. I guess I shouldn't be shocked. He knew Carter the second we dragged him into this.

The three of us stood around the round table in the kitchen, our massive map laid out before us. Jackson needed to outline what area we should focus more on. At the moment, I was more wrapped up in his story.

"His name is Russel. I worked with him when I climbed the ladder at the original headquarters. I saw him on the gas station camera footage. There was no misidentifying him either so don't doubt what I'm saying," he said, glancing between Luke and I to his left. Catching his eyes under the artificial kitchen light above the table, I could see we weren't alone in our state of exhaust. Jackson's eyes were strained, no doubt from keeping his eyes on the screens all day. It paid off though.

"When you climbed the ladder? How high up?" I asked. And... I immediately shut my trap. I asked something out of interest, nothing relevant. Something we head second hand from Carter. Hearing him speak of the organization made me want to know more. And instantly, I squashed that interest in my brain. He's filth and it does not matter.

Jackson's hard surface caved just slightly. Not in his face, but the calmness in his voice and how he didn't look away from me. "Me and seven others worked directly under Reid Taylor, representing different parts of the work being done. It was one of the highest positions you could achieve."

I rolled my eyes before pinning them elsewhere. Why did I need to ask? All it did was make me want to know more – which was unacceptable. None of it changed a thing. None of it could change a damn thing.

"Which of the cities was it in?" Luke asked from next to me.

This was the big prize. Knowing where Jackson saw this guy. I eyed the several red dots that bordered the map. Only one would be relevant after this conversation.

With our massive map laid out before us on the table, Jackson leaned forward and rested his finger on the city he spotted the footage from. It was on the far right of the map. "Minucks. You need to get your asses east."

Damn. I looked between the red dot Jackson pointed at and the shaded in region of what we already searched. There was a large enough gap to make me grateful for Jackson's find. We had been on our way; we were working our way from south to north. But still, this saved us big time. Now, we knew where to pinpoint our focus and search.

Standing back up straighter, Jackson turned directly to us. "You've done most of the southern region. So focus east and possibly northeast the most."

"We're going to need to be very careful if they are going into town close to where we start our search," Luke said. I looked up to him with a twitch in my heart. That was a scary good point. The last thing we needed was to run into someone when we first drive there and park. It's not like we drive into the woods and park our truck out of site. No, we find a spot along the road or a small isolated business where people aren't unfamiliar with.

"Well... I needed to dye my hair again anyway," I breathed.

"We'll be alright," Luke said in a reassuring voice.

"I'll make sure of it. There's nothing more I need to do with watching the cameras. I'll start searching too."

Shit, was he serious? I didn't even consider he would end up joining us on our task. Mainly because he had a job I didn't think he would be able to finish. Yet, he did. For that small moment, I selfishly thought how nice it would have been if Jackson was away from the computers and taking a shit the moment that Russel dude crossed the camera path.

Seeing whatever the surprise did to my face, he smirked. "Don't fight over me when it comes to partnering up either," Jackson said in a more humous tone.

At least we didn't do that anymore. "We've been doing solo missions more. So you'll be alone," I said with some satisfaction.

Jackson did not like that. Not at all. Gaze turning deadly, they twitched to Luke. The outline of his jaw tightened, lips set in a harder line. "Solo missions. Is she joking?" he demanded.

Jesus, Luke didn't deserve any criticism. I jumped in with growing annoyance and anger. "Searching the land was our job. Not yours. And with fucking prison over our heads, yeah going alone sounds a little better." I wouldn't admit that I was on Jackson's side. I didn't feel comfortable letting them go alone, but it would increase the progress – and we had devices to help.

His eyes didn't leave Luke. "You are letting her walk into the woods where she could potentially be a mile away–"

"I don't like her going. A few days ago, she went alone despite begging her to not. If I can help it, it will not happen again," he said, glancing down to me with more vulnerable eyes.

What did I say this morning? I did go the one time and it nearly ate him alive in worry. Later, he made a point that he couldn't have me do it again. And though I agreed – and though I didn't plan on going alone – I needed it known I had every damn right. Staring up to Luke, I sighed. "I have the right to go alone when you and your brother do it."

"No, you don't," Jackson shot at me with venom. Eyes shooting back to Luke, he hissed in a darker voice. Jutting a finger in his direction with it. "I don't give two shits if you go alone. You do not allow her out of your damn sight when she is up there!"

I felt so bad for Luke... he didn't need to be screamed at. And especially by a guy who didn't matter. He didn't have a right to worry or care about me. Yet, his words got to Luke anyway. The guilty man beside me was flooded in more pain. All he did was stare back at Jackson blankly, unable to defend himself. But I could.

Stepping closer to Jackson, I narrowed my eyes. "I will not even go into how your concern doesn't have any worth. How you couldn't be more of a hypocrite if you are giving advice on how to take care of me. But I will say that man is doing everything in his power and will to keep me safe. I stubbornly went alone because it's my job, my problem, and I refused to be the wimpy chick who needs someone at her side always. He tried stopping me, I wouldn't listen. I told him I wouldn't do it again unless absolutely necessary because he's stressed enough as it is. The fucking end."

Jackson groaned, closing his eyes. When they opened, they were back on Luke. As if discarding what I said. It reddened my cheeks and tightened my nerves. "Not again."

Luke replied with nothing. He stayed straight faced, but I could tell... and I just wanted to give him a hug. Though we somewhat disagreed about me going alone, it was all because we wanted what was best for each other. And what's not best is Jackson.

"Can you leave now?" I asked, sagging into one of the chairs. "I would like to have a little time to relax." And hopefully salvage the evening with Luke. We could still have a nice date; it was only 7:30.

"No. Francis is on his way."

Why wouldn't he be? It's not like we had plans or anything.... "You know what," I started quietly, strained tired eyes narrowing on his. "We have plans. So shove it up your ass, whatever reason he is coming over."

Getting comfortable himself, Jackson took a seat adjacent next to me. Not bothered by my words. Glancing over the map critically, he then found time to look at me. Ugh, I couldn't stand it either. "We're only getting started."

"With what?" Luke asked in an exhausting breath, resting a hand on the back of my chair and shifting his weight.

"Making a schedule of who searches each day and at one time," he said, chuckling at the end as if we were ridiculous and shaking his head. "I'm sure you can make plans another time."

I had no energy left to explain why scheduling was bullshit and a waste of time. We were exhausted – and Jackson exhausted me even more. It was like he was drawing the life out of me.... Catching his gaze pushed more stress down on my shoulders. I was just done for today. Francis was already on his way anyway.

However, while we waited, there was a long and awkward silence. One that I would prefer over what Jackson came up with. Throw me all the tension and awkwardness! I could handle it over what he suggested.

It caught me off guard and sent me right to the edge. "Albany." Jackson's low and stone voice showed nothing. When I found his eyes though, they were more neutral. Casual. "Can I speak with you privately for a minute?"

He asked very nicely – and in a way I didn't expect. What caught me off guard even more was his question. It was hard enough to control my emotions with him in the same room. He wanted to speak privately... that most likely meant personal stuff. Personal stuff I was not anxious to get into.

"Why?"

"It would be for just a minute," he breathed, seeing he would have to fight me on it.

But I could be ladylike – sometimes; or act like it anyway. Scratching the back of my neck, I glanced up to Luke. Surprisingly, the dude gave me a supportive smile. "I'll head outside for some air," he said, giving my shoulder a squeeze.

"Better take all the guns with you," I grumbled.

Luke was smart enough to take my joke seriously. Glancing between me and Jackson, he pursed his lips. Turning to leave, he neared the kitchen entrance. Not before smoothly snagging the gun above the fridge. He knew my temptations well.

By the time Luke was outside, my heartrate spiked. Taking a deep and even breath, I tried to calm myself. Everything was fine. Let him talk. Let him say whatever he wanted. Don't let him get to you.... He doesn't deserve your reactions. Pushing myself closer to the table, I leaned against the wooden back of my chair and crossed my arms. "Get it over with."

He leaned forward, resting his strong arms on the table from where he sat adjacent to me. There was an uncomfortable air around him. His body was tense, eyes searching the map and table mindlessly. "What do you know?"

My nails sunk into my palms from where my arms were folded. I wasn't sure I could handle talking to him about this. Playing dumb, I said, "Know what?"

A chuckle released from his breath, and he shook his head. "This is hard enough. You know what."

"Then drop it," I snapped. "I know everything I need to know."

He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Yeah? From who?" Staring down at the table, his eyes flicked around in thought. "For all you have wondered, all you don't know, I can give you answers."

I crossed my ankles tightly between the chair legs. The pressure in my body tightened every point in me. He was offering what I always wondered. Carter gave me enough disgusting answers regarding Jackson's life. Yet, nothing personal. There was nothing personal in what Carter said. And I craved to know what he was thinking when he abandoned me. What he thought through it all.

Unfortunately, me and Jackson had a few key things in common. We did not open emotionally to each other. We never did and thinking about the possibility churned my stomach. It would be embarrassing, enraging, and he didn't deserve the satisfaction. "Carter gave me all the answers I needed." I let my arms fall to my lap, unleashing my nails against my kneecaps instead.

When his brown gaze turned up, it was my turn to look away. In that small moment of eye contact, I saw a vulnerability – which naturally included reddening cheeks. "I don't believe you." Mustering up emotion that hated seeing the outside world, he sighed. "I'll say this once. For what I did, I don't deserve your time. If you will give it though, I will tell you everything."

Hearing those words made me cringe. Sharing our feelings wasn't something Jackson and I ever did. I wanted to call him a pansy for wanting to talk shit out. I would have... if it wasn't for the unexpected lump that appeared out of nowhere in the back of my throat.

Like what the hell? Why did those words get to me? But they did – and the open unguarded tone sent chills over me. I didn't want to care, I didn't want to feel anything. I would have preferred him punching me and declaring his hate for me.

Swallowing my pathetic overwhelming emotions, I didn't break. "You're right. You don't deserve my time." I wouldn't cave, I couldn't let myself give in to his words. Because I knew that was a very emotional road. One I didn't need to go down. And one that would be very uncomfortable to travel with him.

"When you realize you need answers, let me know," he said, voice hardening again. Strangely enough, his stone voice allowed my feelings to balance out more. I felt safe to look back up to him. Everything was guarded again. Like it should be. That was embarrassing for him. Imagine how embarrassing it would be for me if I returned the favor.

"Oh, don't worry, I'll run up and give you the biggest hug, begging you to give me answers," I said dramatically, rolling my eyes.

Thankfully, I didn't need to endure being alone with Jackson much longer. The sound of a vehicle door slamming shut triggered me to my feet. Francis was here, and after this shaky moment, I was ready to rush him and Luke inside. Unfortunately, even as the evening progressed with Francis now here, the back of my mind remained unnerved.

***

By the time Jackson left, the three of us had enough for a night. Francis was exhausted like us. On top of everything, he had to return to a mess at his new apartment. "That bitch interrupted my decorating time," he said, running a hand through his hair.

I pursed my lips. "If it helps, he interrupted us before we could even go on our date," I scoffed, looking over to his tired brother. Luke caught my eyes and offered a sorry smile.

"Well, I'll be getting back to it. It's only 10 o'clock," he said sarcastically, rolling his eyes. "Look at it this way though. None of us need to work as hard. You guys have more free time now."

That was very true – and it helped my sore spirits. With a more narrowed idea of where to search and having an extra person now helping us, we didn't need to over work ourselves. It was almost guaranteed we would find the place. It made our upcoming days more open and exciting. We would still search, but we would get home earlier. We would have time to ourselves. Enough to regain our strength and not be constantly exhausted.

"I'll see you, Peggy, tomorrow," he said, bowing and opening the door. Lifting his copy of the schedule, he continued. "At... 2:00."

"You got it. I'll be watching Chrissy until about 1:30 so it works out," I nodded.

After he walked out the door, I turned to Luke. Though today sucked, there was a reason to look forward to the following days. Jackson gave us the best news we could have gotten. Walking up to him, I grabbed his arms. "That was ass... but my god, man. We've got it made."

"You mean we will actually get a good night's sleep?" he asked incredulously with a small smile.

I chuckled. "That sounds like the greatest thing in the world. Next to knowing we should search east, that is."

"There is still a lot we need to do."

I scoffed. I should have known Luke wouldn't be satisfied until we find the place. That was his perseverance talking, but this was a huge step in the right direction. "Luke, we can finally relax and not feel guilty for it."

"I know," he said. Yet, I could still see that defeated and guilty glint in his green color. "I'm not going to overwork myself – as much."

With a playful bump against him, I smirked. "That is the officer in you speaking."

"Oh yeah?" he chuckled, wrapping an arm around my back.

Luke could be as guilty as he wants. He could quit being a cop. But that man could not deny he had the heart of a police officer. "I can already imagine you going against that schedule," I said. I could admire him for that, yet all I really wanted was him safe and sound with me. "And if I can help it, that's not going to happen."

"Don't get me wrong; I'm relieved," he said, holding me to him. One of his fingers pressed against my back rose to play with a lock of my hair. "I feel better, but that's not going to make me lazy. I'll still be hitting the ground running."

"I figured... Officer Prenta."

"We'll see about that," he smirked.

Excited to enjoy what would be a long night's sleep, I stepped back and attempted to guide Luke towards the stairs. However, he pulled me back against him with his arm still around me. "Wait," he whispered. Sorrow flooded the depths of his eyes and skin. "What did Jackson talk to you about?"

Despite this subject bugging me, I hummed a tone of amusement. "Nothing worth my time. He offered to talk if I wanted some answers."

His eyebrows jumped slightly, the interest in his strained and tired eyes growing. "Are you going to?"

Was I going to? I chuckled. Was I going to start growing a second ass? "You won't catch me going to him for anything. Answers... they aren't worth giving him a chance."

"I think it would be worth it."

Bobbing my head back in surprise, I scoffed. "Really?"

Luke was more than aware of my hatred towards Jackson. It was still hard being around him and knowing he was my father. Luke saw me drink, have nightmares, and attempt to shoot him all because of that hatred. Luke wasn't the least bit fond of him either, but he didn't have the pent-up aggression I did over Jackson. It allowed him to have more perspective.

Moving back slightly, he rested his palms against my shoulders. Hunching down, he stared evenly in my eyes. "You owe yourself peace."

All I wanted was peace. But when it came to Jackson, nothing would fix the past. "It won't change anything. Whatever answers he has... it doesn't matter. He wanted to use them as an excuse and I won't let him," I said, and just talking about it was building up anger and sadness I was too tired to deal with.

Thumbs rubbing against my shoulders, he smiled. "If that's what you want. Personally, I think you would find more closure – and your nightmares may stop."

Being fully honest with myself... Jackson's offer had fresh possibilities running through my head. What had he been thinking? Why did he leave us? Sell me? What made him change his mind years later? I could know all of that. From the time I was little, I always wanted to know about my dad. Where he went, why, what happened.... Today, I was given a key to that door. One that might give me closure. But one that wasn't as powerful as my disgust.

"I think I'm good," I said, moving closer and giving him a hug. "But thank you, baby." I more than appreciated Luke's concern. However, answers would do nothing, change nothing. Plus, if I allowed him to give me answers, I would most likely be more upset with myself – and whatever he tells me.

Wiry haired chin resting on top of my head, holding me to his warm chest, I felt the pleasure of sleep want to take me over. Eyes closed and inhaling his sweet scent, I rested against him. He was all I would even need. He was all the peace I would need.

"May I tell you something we might actually agree on?" he asked, chuckling softly.

"You can try. I'm in a very stubborn and rebellious mood when I'm tired."

Tilting his chin, he now rested his cheek on the top of my head. It was strangely soothing to feel his jaw brush my hair as he whispered. "I'm going to make tonight up to you."

What did he have to make up for? Jackson was the one that interrupted our date night, not him. Opening my heavy gaze, I slowly leaned back and grasped his arms that surrounded me. "No, I'm going to make it up to you. How about that?"

"Last I checked, I was the one who offered you a nice evening," he said, staring deeply into my eyes, love radiating.

"Last I checked, you have a dick and I have a vagina," I said, patting his chest and making it rumble with his laughter. More seriously, I said, "Luke, I'm just happy I'll have more time with you again."

That really was all I cared about. He didn't need to make anything up to me. I just wanted him to be okay. Jackson's findings at least eased a chunk of his stress and it was all I could ask for. We had a new course and it involved a new level of hope I couldn't describe.

By the time we hit the hay, I was in heaven. How couldn't I be, you know? Sure, Jackson sucked ass. He always would. Focusing on what came out of tonight made up for everything. We could rest and relax more. More importantly, finding the headquarters was basically a guarantee. You could not get better news than that. Luke and I would get the lives we have been dreaming of. No prison, no death... what else could you want?

Well... I should rephrase that. There was one other thing I would want too late: better fucking luck.

I shouldn't have allowed this small victory to empower my hope. Because no surprise, nothing goes as planned. For what occurred not days later, our chance of success got shot to hell. And it left a nasty scar I wouldn't ever forget.

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Hopefully you enjoyed! This chapter showed more of the stress and struggle they had to go through, but I thought it was very important. What do you think Albany meant at the end? Probably nothing :P

Please let me know what you think! Have a good day!