Chapter 69

On our way to Washington, we slept in foreign hotel beds every night. I suppose being back in one was fitting. With the tan comforter draped over my lap, I was just as scared and paranoid as I had been during our hellish time on the road.

Perched with an ice pack and towels lodged between my back and the headboard, I mindlessly stared at the black-screen TV across from my bed. The room was dark. Everything was still and calm. A long curtain covered the window to my right, blocking out most of the morning light. The thick fabric ruffled slightly from the active heater below the window, humming away as the only sound in the room.

Quiet, dark.... A great sleeping environment, isn't it? That was kind of the point. In the matching queen bed to my left, Francis managed falling asleep. Lucky. Trust me, I tried. I tried falling asleep. Being up all night into morning, I was exhausted. Even after a hot shower though, I couldn't relax enough to sleep. Partially because I was so damn sore.

From where I was propped up, my wet hair dripped. It slowly soaked against my shirt and the towel around my neck. I didn't mind. My head hurt and the water helped. The ice in a baggie propped against the side of my head helped too. The rest of my body had a tougher time. The ice pack on my back wasn't as effective. Nor were the scattered patches along my arms, legs, and feet. Annoying stinging sensations traveled through my head, throat, and nose. Jesus. Where was Francis's weed?

That wasn't the only reason I couldn't sleep. My mind was racing. The reality of everything was slowly sinking in – and it was too freaking depressing to deal with. Though I was alone, and able to process, I did not want to. Instead, I tried focusing on other things. Like checking the clock on the table between the beds.

The red numbers stood out in the dark. It was 9:40am. My hair was slowly drying. I fiddled with my patched hands over the covers. 10:12. The wait was killing me. 10:25, 11:13, 11:49. By the time it was noon, my mind was racing with all the insane possibilities. Did something go wrong? Why wasn't Jackson back yet with Luke?

Being cautious and safe was important. Considering Luke was being monitored, it meant everything for Jackson to be careful. You can't blame me though for feeling anxious. More than anything right now, I wanted to see him. I wanted to see my man. I wanted him safe and away from those killer's filthy eyes. And it did not make me feel good to remember how reluctant Jackson was to help.

Yes, that's right. Let's rewind a few hours, guys.

When Jackson pulled into the driveway, he initially showed he had some form of a heart. The second Francis and I walked out of the house, Jackson rushed out of the truck. His eyes radiated concern. Racing over, he wrapped an arm around my back. Strangely enough, he pulled me closer too, as if to hug me. It was weird, something we knew would be awkward. That's why last minute, he stopped himself, and instead guided me into the truck. Though I was happy he restricted his emotions, he at least showed care.

After we got on the road though, he remained straight-faced with only the occasional glance of worry. Though he was presenting his usual stone manner again, I didn't expect to run into a wall when I began updating him.

I told him the psychopaths were watching Luke. That they probably knew where every one of us lived. He understood, and we immediately started driving in search of a lowkey motel. However, when it came to getting Luke away from the people watching him, he wasn't on board. Can you guess the bullshit he spewed on me?

"It's too late. Our best bet would be to stay away from him. He will lead them to us."

Familiar... wasn't it folks? Talk about having massive fucking balls. I could have blown a damn hole through the truck roof. When he said that, all I could do was stare daggers at him from the passenger seat. I still cannot believe he said that.

"Is that a joke?" Francis demanded from the back seat.

"Just like before, huh? Just like how they were watching him three years ago?" I growled with venom.

He pursed his lips, eyes on the dawn-lit road. "Albany—"

He was more than capable of finding a way to get Luke off their radar. Just like he probably could have found a way to do it three years ago. Shoving my anger and frustration into my words, I let him have it. "Sure, why not! Let's just redo it all. Come on, let's go back into witness protection, stay away from him, tell him not a damn word for no reason, leave him clueless and never see him again! No, you selfish bastard, you're doing what you were more than capable of doing three years ago. You're getting him out of there, or so help me, I will walk my ass back to him and get killed if you don't!"

That was the end of that. He knew I would not allow such an insane idea, the same idea that ripped Luke and I apart. That's why after we checked into this motel, Jackson left for the hospital. He needed to find a way to get Luke out of there.

Let's just hope he figured out how and they were on their way here – with nobody following. Because my god, my hurting eyes couldn't take glancing one more time to the digital clock. My nerves couldn't either.

I checked again. 12:13. Sighing, I removed the ice baggie from the side of my head and dropped it on the bedside table. Not without a wince though. Stupid body. Stupid time. All stupid. Repositioning the ice pack as well up my back more, I slowly relaxed back.

Then, a sound reached my ears. One I had been waiting for the whole morning. The motel door opened.

Drawing my attention to the left, my eyes shot past where Francis slept. A dark figure entered and immediately, the person flicked on a light. It gave texture and color to the room. Jackson's alert brown eyes reached mine. Not before he was forced to quickly step aside. Another man entered the room, rushing past Jackson.

Crutches tucked under his arms, Luke took long strides with the supports. His brows were dipped, framing the distress and desperation in his face. It intensified when his scrambling eyes found mine.

Chest jumping at the sight of Luke, a deep release entered my body. One of relief – but also heartache. I could only imagine how long the drive here felt for Luke. Probably as long as my wait for them to get here. Whipping the cover and towels away, propelling my body to stand, I winced and grunted. Needles shot through my back, but I didn't give a shit.

Lips parting, breath uneven, his hands were tight around the grips of the crutches he moved ahead of him over and over... until he rounded Francis's bed. "Don't hurt yourself, lay back down," he whispered in a shaky voice, reaching me. His actions contradicted his words. Dropping a crutch, he wrapped his arm tight around me, pulling my chest to his.

Thank god, thank god.... He was safe. Gripping him hard to me, I shoved the other crutch to the ground too so he would fully embrace me. Wrapping his other arm around me, letting me take his weight as he balanced with his good leg, I buried my face against his shoulder. His arms around my back hurt – hurt like a bitch. But I wanted him and it was worth it. I didn't care. I couldn't care.

The man's strong body against mine was trembling. He immediately buried his own face into my wet shoulder and hair. Breathing harder, he said nothing yet. Just held me tight. It was heaven. The warmth, the love I could sense, the feeling of his strong body. Even through the faint hospital aroma, his signature musk and shampoo came through, soothing my uneasiness.

Holding each other for a long moment, there was scuffling in the background. A soft voice reached the air, aware of Francis's sleeping form. "I'll be back in a bit," Jackson mumbled.

Brows dipping, I slipped my hands to the back of Luke's arms. Keeping him balanced, I leaned back and caught Jackson a few feet away. "Where are you going? For what?"

"Supplies." Standing in front of the TV, his arms were crossed. Face guarded and blank. Whether it was forced or not, who knows. Who freaking cares. "Clothes, food, pain meds," he said.

Sneaking Luke out of the hospital was risky. To know he was going back out in public... it didn't ease my mind. "Make sure you're careful," I warned. "You positive you weren't followed from the hospital?"

"Yes," he said, attention shifting to Luke with a critical and confused expression. "You need anything, cripple?"

Glancing up, I realized why Jackson was giving him such a weird look. Luke's face remained tilted away, as if needing to avoid us. I could at least see the side of his face. The man's eyes were closed. "I'm fine," he mumbled, lips pursing.

Jackson soon left, offering us more privacy. Sitting down on the bed, I guided the tense man to sit beside me. He turned towards me. Injured leg draped off the side of the bed, his eyes remained low between us. Even after a long moment, they still refused to meet my gaze. It was rough. The last thing I wanted was him to be upset.

Holding in a grunt, I crossed my legs and shifted to face him like he was me on the bed. With his good leg bent inward on the bed between us, I rubbed his knee below his basketball shorts. "You alright?"

His guarded eyes mindlessly wandered along the bed. However, when they moved higher, his eyes froze near my stomach. For a small second, I wondered why. Only to have my confusion drained with dread. He was looking at my shirt. Jesus, I forgot I was still wearing the thing. Wonderful. Luke did not need to see my clothes. My cotton shirt and shorts were torn, slightly damp, and stained with splotches of blood.

The sight, the reminder of what happened to me, it consumed Luke. You could see the emotions building up. Through his white tee-shirt, his chest moved up and down harder.

"Luke, I'm fine," I whispered, cupping his chin. Lifting his warm face, fingers brushing his thick beard, his eyes finally reached mine. They were disturbed, swimming in pain and deep sadness. It only intensified when he spotted the side of my head. The skin around my ear was red and puffy last time I checked, even with the help of ice.

The last thing he deserved was to feel grief because of me. It's happened too much! I wanted to make him smile, not hurt. "I know it looks bad, but the night ended okay. Even though I nearly died, the house we broke into had the best frozen dinner in their freezer.... No joke, I downed those beef tips," I smiled, hoping to ease the weight on his shoulders. "Best tips in the world – besides yours of course," I winked.

Though it was obvious he was upset, it was like my light-hearted words tipped him over the edge. Staring at me for a long moment, his eyes suddenly rimmed red. Watered fast. He took a long deep breath as a couple tears crawled into view.

My stupid smile dropped. Heart plummeting, I cupped both his cheeks. I couldn't bear seeing him cry over me. "Hey, hey now," I whispered with a light voice. "It's okay. Everything's okay." His bushy facial hair caught his warm tears. Thumbing them away, a lump was forming in the back of my throat.

Luke grasped my hands and lowered them from his face. Tangling our fingers together, he shook his head. "You're cracking jokes like it's nothing. Like what happened was nothing. And you know why? It's because I failed. In every fucking way I failed," he said with a broken voice, lips tightening. "I'm so sorry all this violence, death, and blood has happened around you. I'm so sorry if you've gotten used it."

My mind and heart unraveled. Luke's words branded me with a nasty burn. There have been many times in the past where he would worry about me taking people's lives. He didn't want me to have that on my chest. He didn't want me to go through so much where I became use to it. As sad as it was, being ambushed last night didn't traumatize me the way it did in the past. But it still hurt, especially now that Luke brought it up. What hurt worse was him thinking what happened didn't faze me.

I scooted closer and wrapped my arms around his back. He leaned forward and dropped his forehead to the top of my shoulder. Under my fingertips through his shirt, his curved back heaved from his uneven breathing. Not only did it break my heart, it slapped me with the reality I didn't want to face. The reality I didn't face until now.

Tears effortlessly rolled down my cheeks now. Rubbing my hands up and down his back, I forced myself to speak. "No," I whispered. "Please don't think I find this normal. Please. I don't. I'm just... able to handle things better."

"All I can think is thank god you are alright because you were nearly slaughter. I almost snapped the whole way here, needing to see your gorgeous eyes. I mean... I nearly lost you, Albany. I could have lost you. So please don't act like what happened was nothing. I'm sorry if I caused that." His hands slid around me. With his head dipped on my shoulder, I could feel his fast breath against my shirt. "I'm sorry I wasn't there. I'm sorry for everything. You're alive. You're so strong, and you fought so hard. But I'm sorry."

Lips parting, my body shook and I held back from crying. His words, his voice breaking, made it all real. Made what happened... real. When I told Jackson the brief details, he didn't overly react to it. It gave me the sense that it wasn't that big of a deal, even though it was. But that only allowed me to fool myself into not breaking down. With Luke in my arms, beyond upset, it dropped the weight of what happened onto me.

"I know it's as serious as it gets and I'm sorry," I cried in a whisper, glancing to my left. Francis was thankfully still sleeping. "I didn't let it hit me and I didn't want it to. And I still don't want it to. Luke, trust me. Don't think I am use to this. I'm just stronger. I can block the horror out. And I wanted to because I didn't want to think about what happened. I don't want to think about it, about what this means," I whispered with a burning throat. Willing the next words to leave my lips was harder and made my voice crack. "I thought you would be proud of me."

The second I said that, he raised his head. His watery eyes begged mine. His fingers rushed to my cheeks, holding my face a few inches from his. "Listen to me. I'm prouder than you can imagine. I didn't think you could get any stronger and somehow, you have," he said, swallowing hard and blinking. "You stepped up, you fought your hardest. Saved your life and my brother's. I am so proud of you. Being scared for your well-being has nothing to do with it. I cannot tell you how much I love and admire what you did and how you fought, do you understand? Baby, please do not make the mistake of thinking I'm not proud. I'm just upset because you shouldn't have been forced to become adapted to this."

"No, I shouldn't have, but please also don't make the mistake of thinking I'm used to it. You don't understand how scared I was. I'm stronger, but I was scared with everything I went through last night," I whispered, closing my eyes as my body shook, wanting to let it out. Holding it in, mouth clamped, my stomach shook with a sob I was forced to release silently. The events of it all trampled back to me. "I was so scared. I didn't have any option other than to focus and fight. I just had to keep going. I wanted to, needed to push on, but was scared with every step. I was gassed, shot at, nearly taken. One bullet missed by an inch, Luke. I tried disarming.... An... an inch," I whispered, unable to continue explaining. Tears kept falling harder, chest heaving. My mind went back to it all. The worst was the man who caught me and I tried disarming. It didn't go perfectly, and he pulled the trigger, bullet zipping past my face. It missed by inches. Inches.

He cringed at my worlds. Then, hands dropping to cup my neck, he laid kisses all over my face. Delicate fast little kisses along my chin, cheeks, the tears, and my forehead. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry Albany," he whispered between the soft kisses. He angled his lips to mine. Though he resisted letting more tears fall, I could feel his soft lips quiver against mine. It made my arms around his next tighten.

He was so sweet despite the pain we both happily shared. When he broke away slowly, he laid a few more kisses on my cheeks. I sucked in an uneven breath and whispered, "I love you more than anything."

"I love you so much and I'm sorry. I was just so scared for you," he sighed. "You shouldn't have gone through all those things and I wasn't there. I-I wasn't—"

"You were in the hospital." Forcing away my shaking, I stroked the ends of his hair along his neck between my thumbs and index fingers.

"Yes. In the hospital. Useless. Now here I am on crutches. Useless. While you and Francis nearly died. While you went through more than I could imagine. I'm so happy you're okay." Blinking his damp lashes, his brows dipped. "But I'm sorry for not being there for you. It was a failure on my part. Being physically restricted, able to do nothing... It's awful when all I want is to be there for you. It makes me even more grateful you are okay."

Luke didn't deserve to fell this trapped in his body. Knowing how strong he was, how much of a physical person he was, I couldn't imagine the frustration. The world could be ending and it wouldn't change Luke's injury. "You are always there for me. You are here."

"Where was I when I nearly lost you last night? I understand I'm physically incapable of protecting you. But knowing how close I was to losing my girl...." He swallowed, tears welling up in his eyes again. When one fell, he rolled his eyes in annoyance and he wiped them away. He was not pleased he allowed himself to tear up again. "I can't let last night happen again. I can't lose you."

Though he was embarrassed, I'm glad he couldn't help but let it all out. It allowed me to be there for him, like he was for me. "Guess what, I can't lose you either. That's why knowing you were in the hospital was the best thing about last night."

"The pitiful thing is, if I really was there last night like I wanted, I would have been on crutches. I would've slowed you down, I would have died, and I wouldn't have died from protecting you. You probably would have been killed too if I was there. That... that is beyond sickening. It's more than not helping. I'm a nuisance. With our unpredictable future at this point, it makes me sick," he shook his head.

Though we have kept things at a whisper level, and continued to, I couldn't help adding a strict note to my voice. "You will not lose me. No matter what. Luke, let's face the ugly truth. Shit is not looking good for us. We may die," I said as fresh tears filled to the brim of my eyes. They spilled over, skipping my face and hitting my crossed legs. "Our best outcome might be prison because the other is finding the headquarters, which is suicide. Or they could very well find us and kill us. No matter what happens, even if we die, you will always have me. Even if you smarten up like I want you to and leave for the sake of your own life, you will still have my heart," I said with a smile. "I know this is sappy as all hell, but it's true. There is not a thing that could happen that will tear my love away from you."

After my weird, sappy, honest words, the reality neither of us wanted to contend with sank into his head. Then, he pulled me into his lap carefully and folded me against his body. Ignoring the physical pain, I wrapped my legs around his torso. I hugged him tight, chin resting on his shoulder.

Arm around my lower back, his other cupped the back of my head. "There is one thing I can tell you for sure. I'm not going to 'smarten' up; I'm not going anywhere," he whispered, stroking my hair as we held each other. "You're right, it doesn't look good. But we're alive. We have a chance because I'm holding the strongest woman I've ever known. Last night, she proved she is capable of anything."

Luke's words gave me hope. No matter how upset he was, he would always stay positive. But we at least weren't delusional. Things were getting bad. There was nothing we could do about our odds, but we had this moment. Each second alive and with him... it was a blessing. It made me appreciate every spec of this moment with him.

I smiled, forcing away any more sadness from reaching the surface. I tightened my arms around him. "That's right, I deserve some praise."

Welcoming this little lightness in our deep conversation, Luke released a low chuckle under his breath. His fingers sifted through my hair, from the back of my head and down. "You sure do."

We stayed against each other for a while. Speaking softly, Luke continuously gave me praise and love – and an apology for getting upset. Knowing how much was on his mind... there was zero reason to apologize.

He had to contend with more than he could handle. Even before all this, having a bad leg took its toll on him – more than it would most people. When I would visit him in the hospital, he would be visibly full of frustration, sadness, panic. All he wanted to do was help, and he couldn't. Now, with what happened last night... my god, it had to be eating him alive. Because not only was he unable to be there for me, he would be unable to fight for me if another attack happened. I could not imagine how much it tortured him. And that's not even considering the burden and stress of everything. Not knowing what was going to happen, where we were going to live.... Then on top of that, he thought I was numb to everything. Thankfully, I made it clear that wasn't the case. But regardless, he still felt like a failure.

So hearing him apologize for getting upset... hell no. "Luke, listen to me," I said, sitting back in his lap and looking down into his eyes. "I don't want to hear anymore fucking apologies. I don't want to hear you are a failure. You are not. Do you understand? Nothing that happened was your fault. Nothing."

"Yes, but I still failed."

"I just wish I could make you feel better."

"You already do," he smiled.

Francis's teasing and groggy voice reached us, much louder than the whispers we were passing. "Who's going to make me feel better?" He flicked on the lamp between our two beds, propped on his side. His eyelids hung low and he smiled to us.

Luke was less relaxed. He instinctively jolted under me, focus on his brother now that he was awake. Untwining myself from Luke, I sat on the bed's edge. Using his good leg and the support of the beds between us, he sat down next to his brother, resting a hand on his shoulder. "Hey, are you alright? How are you holding up?"

"I'm sore as fuck," he sighed. "Did everything go okay getting out of the hospital?"

"As smooth as it could."

Now that Francis was up, I could say what's been in the back of my head. Wincing as I propped my hands on the bed behind me, I got his attention. "Francis. You're going home."

"Good luck with that," he snorted.

Staring down at his brother, Luke pursed his lips. "She's right. It's too dangerous."

"It's getting dangerous, but there is still hope. Jeez. Bunch of mood killers. We have that meeting with Agent Tate so don't even bother talking about me going home."

He had a good point. Not all hope was lost yet. After Jackson picked us up, he informed us he already called Agent Tate. He told her we were attacked. According to Jackson, she had many questions we had no answers for. It contributed to her being very reluctant to meet with us. I couldn't blame the lady. The only thing Jackson knew for sure was shit hit the fan.

Regardless, she agreed to meet with us. The meeting was to get on the same page with us and everything that has happened. She didn't offer help, but Jackson didn't ask. He simply wanted her to meet up with us. Though I knew the FBI were reluctant to help, they had to at this point. So, we would be kissing her ass when we see her. Asking for help was our only option.

Explaining this to Luke, he didn't seem as hopeful as Francis was. Then again, I knew Francis was just buying his time.

"When are we meeting up with her?" Luke asked.

"6:00 tonight. It will give Albany at least a chance to get some sleep," Francis says, shaking his head in my direction. "How can you still be up?"

Good lord, we would be meeting her in a couple hours. That was too soon. With Luke back, maybe I could finally get some sleep. For the rough ride my body and mind went through, I needed it. "I don't even know man. But anyway, I still want you going home."

"Well, until we talk to her, I'm not jumping ship," Francis said with finality.

***

"Our ship sank pretty fast, didn't it?" I mumbled, sparing a glance to Francis.

"Yeah, it really did," he said in disgust, staring down Agent Tate.

"My offer still stands," she said from where we were gathered in the woods.

The tall evergreens hid us from sight. Behind me, yards away, the trees opened to a road. A dirt country road Agent Tate told us to take. It was about an hour ago that we did that, parking next to her vehicle and walking into the woods to meet her.

An hour ago, we also had higher hopes. She managed to kill those. After explaining everything, and how we are basically fucked in the ass, it was clear she didn't want anything to do with us. But you know me.... We didn't exactly just say 'alrighty' and leave. We pressed her, pushed and nearly begged for some help. I admit I even threatened her, only to have the three men with me discredit my claims immediately. I don't know why. If she believed I would follow through with my threat and actually kill her in her sleep, that would have got the ball rolling on some kind of help.

After not giving up though and continuing to push, she did call her superiors. I will give her credit for that. It didn't amount to much though. Even Jackson spoke with them. By the end of it all, there was only one offer. It was a retarded offer too. They said they could arrest us now, charge us and put us in prison, which would make us safe from any danger. Agent Tate even offered to take us into custody that moment. Logically, it was the safest option. But logically, we weren't fucking quitters either. We all said no.

"I wish you all luck then. Nothing has changed; you still can contact me if anything happens." Her small figure stood tall and firm, arms folded behind her back. The chilly breeze rustled the strands of loose hair not contained in her hair tie.

"Nice knowing you I guess," I rolled my eyes.

"It's not over yet," she piped back in. Peering around at the four of us with her tan face, her lips offered a rare sympathetic smile. "I must give you guys credit for trying. You have two few weeks left until October 1st. All you need to do is have the headquarters in sight, have the location recorded, and contact me."

"Easy enough. It's not like we will be killed," I said sarcastically.

We started walking back towards the road without another word. There was nothing to say. There was simply just... horror. Luke navigating well with his crutches along the ground, I glanced up to him as we neared the opening. His face was unmoving and blank. Then again, we were all dazed. We were shocked. I wanted to throw up.

By the time we got back to the motel, we didn't even want to think about the big picture. It was too much. Receiving no help, it was too depressing. Pardon me for not wanting to think about what it will be like walking the woods, waiting for freaking death to jump up on me. Because that would likely happen. We would need to come up with some serious changes of how we go about searching. But for right now, with all of us morally hurt from being denied any help, we were coming up with short term shit.

Sure didn't feel any less stressful though. Remember how stubborn Francis can be?

It was two against one. Jackson didn't count. He leaned against the wall adjacent to the motel door. Lips pursed, his eyes were angled towards us. Luke was sitting in a chair. It was turned and facing where Francis sat on the edge of the bed. Despite being only feet apart, their voices suggested they were rooms away.

"How you could do this? Brooke has never been this close to losing her dad!" Luke exclaimed, cheeks heated and eyes pinned on his brother's. "You want to do that? To not only mom, dad, all of us... but to Brooke?"

The time has come for him to jump ship while he can. Yet, he continued refusing. Francis glanced between his brother and where I stood next to Luke's chair. "That would be like asking you to leave Albany behind. You wouldn't let her go. You wouldn't leave just so our family could feel better. No, you are here, risking your life, because you love her. I am here, risking my life, because you are my brother. You are my family. Albany too. I am not leaving."

Hearing his say that, seeing the seriousness in his set expression, it scared me more than I wanted to admit. Not just because I knew our odds weren't good. My stomach tumbled at his words... because he was right. That was fair in every way. And still, for Francis's life, I didn't care.

Gripping the back of Luke's chair, I sucked in a hard breath. "It's hard enough knowing that Luke won't leave. I tried and he won't. I cannot let you to risk your life too."

"I'm sorry, there is nothing you can do," he said, eyes back on mine.

That was it. No more getting pushed around. I needed to take control; this was life or death. Unlike all of us, Francis didn't have anything at stake here. He was free. He wasn't going to jail like Luke and I would. This was his chance to walk away with no harm done. He will go. "If you don't go home... I will turn myself over to be arrested. You hear me? I will throw in the towel today if you do not go home," I said in a lower voice, gaze not budging from his. He better, he better fucking leave, I meant what I said!

The next second though, a force hit me I didn't expect, my chest and throat swelling. Scowling, looking down, I stomped out the motel door. Sucking in a gust of the fresh night air, I forced the stress to leave my shoulders. I just couldn't stand being in there any longer, having no control! Feeling useless and guilty beyond belief! Feeling absolutely doomed. He was not going down with this ship, he couldn't. That's why I meant what I said. No more of him being stupid and stubborn. I didn't want to hear anymore. Didn't want to think! Didn't want to be here. Every fucking thing was already too much.

Being outside and alone helped. Each room of this simple two-story building faced out towards the parking lot. Since our room was on the second, I marched up to the black metal railing running parallel to all the rooms. Lungs sore, I clung onto the bar. Glancing down the cement walkway on each side of me, the dim lights next to the rooms showed I was completely alone. Not like it mattered. My stupid eyes watered the moment I walked out anyway.

I blinked it away. Staring out over the parking lot, there was only Jackson's truck and a few other scattered cars under the moonlight. A small patch of trees lined both sides of the parking lot to the road. And beyond it... was nothing but a field of wild grass, weeds, brush and some small trees. The air was filled of nothing but the sound of crickets. It helped not give in to my feelings.

A few long moments passed. It gave me the chance to compose myself since someone would probably check on me. Unfortunately, when I did hear the door open behind me, it was the last person I wanted to see.

Scanning over the pretty view from behind the railing, I didn't look away when someone was next to me. From my side vision, I could see them rest their elbows on the railing, letting it take his weight. As he gazed into the distance like me, he spoke.

"Unlike your boyfriend, I'm going to level with you. We aren't looking good. Then, without Francis, our chances of finding the place are worse. We need him," Jackson said in a neutral voice.

The man's voice threatened to break the wall of my emotions and tears. I was already upset, feeling hopeless, and stressed. Then, to be alone with a person that unhinged me in so many ways.... Well, my grip against the railing tightened, knuckles white.

"Our chances are already not good. That's why I want him home," I snapped.

"I cannot be the only one searching the land."

I rolled my eyes. An immediate headache struck the back of my forehead. Just because he was my father did not mean he had any right to act like one. I finally glanced to him. "I will be searching it too. We will take turns each day. Francis is going home."

The night sky lit his features. His eyes moved aimlessly across the parking lot below. "No, you aren't," he said nonchalantly, as if it was just that simple.

I scoffed, the tension bubbling fast under my skin. "I don't have any strength left in me right now to deal with you. So, I'll say it once. You can't tell me what to do, you can't control me. You are not a dad to me."

"Well, I want to be. I'm trying to be," he snapped, head jerking to his left, eyes piercing mine. They did match mine perfectly, and seeing them straight on, full of conflict, it squeezed my heart. Brows dipped, he continued in a softer tone. "This morning when I picked you up, all I wanted to do was hug you. I wanted to hold you, help you, be there more for you. And I didn't because I know how you feel about me. I get it. I wouldn't forgive me either and I don't expect you to. If you haven't noticed though... our time might be ending. We are probably going to die or go to jail. It's..." he shook his head, eyes turning glossy. "It's my fault. All of this was my attempt to make things right. Now, we've never been this close to failing. I cannot allow you to go up there and get killed. Francis needs to stay. He needs to help me."

Jackson's words were getting to me more than I wanted to admit. The display of his emotions hurt. Hearing him confirm our grim reality, seeing tears reach his eyes... it expanded the ache growing in me. Enough to look away when my vision blurred again. "Back in witness protection... I told you about everything. Including the weight and guilt from what those two do for me," I said, jutting a thumb behind my shoulder. "I'm sorry our shitty odds will worsen with Francis gone. But it's not worth the risk of dragging him down too. We know we will likely fail. He has this chance to go home before we do – if we do. Anyway, there is no question about it. I fully meant what I said. If he decides to be a dumbass and stay, I'm turning myself over."

He sighed. "If Francis does in fact go home then, it doesn't mean you would continue searching. Limp-Luke will even agree that I should be the only one searching and you should stay away."

Well... he got me there. Limp-Luke would agree that I should not entangle myself in even more danger. A day of searching in the mountains was basically Russian roulette. Unfortunately, I would have a hard time sitting back and letting Jackson go at it alone. "Neither of you own me. I'll search if I want to."

Glancing back over to him, I was surprised. An admirable yet sad expression crossed his face. Straightening his form and facing me, he scoffed. "You inherited my stupid bravery. Not sure if I'm pissed or proud."

Aware there was nothing that would make me budge, he left it at that. Resting a hand on my shoulder, he squeezed it in support. For a long moment, he stood there. It reminded me of his confession. How he wanted to hug me earlier, but stopped himself because he knew I wouldn't like that. Knowing that bothered me. Why did he have to get under my skin and taint my emotions?

After his hand dropped and Jackson headed back inside, all I could do was chuckle under my breath. Thank you, Jackson. You sure helped me feel better. Sure put my mind and emotions at ease.

Leaning my weight back, my extended arms supported me as I held onto the metal bar. My high emotions weren't much better off than they were when I exited the room. All I could do was get over it as I stared out towards the horizon. There was so much to see. So much to experience and feel.

The moonlight highlighted everything in a blue glow to admire. Across the road, the small trees, bushes, and long grasses danced in the soft night air. The magic of leaves clapped in the breeze. It chimed with the crickets. No people in the parking lot, no cars on the road. My nose drank the sweet air and cold breeze that brushed against my face. Fall would soon be here. I would do anything to be able to see it.

Gnawing on my bottom lip, I stood up straighter. Strumming my thumbs against the cool metal railing, I felt small spots of rust and impurities. In a way, it was beautiful. Sounds gay, I know, but it was true.

My chest and throat compressed. Water swelled up in my eyes again. Damn it, why did I have to get deep? Why couldn't I be taking a shit or something? If I was taking a shit right now, I wouldn't be close to crying (unless it was really painful). Being outside though, absorbing my surroundings, it dug into my heart. The parking lot below me became blurry. This time though, tears slid down my cheeks. I didn't want this to be the end. I didn't want to leave this world.

By the time I heard the door open again, cool tears clung to my face. Wiping them away quickly, I took a deep breath. Hiding my weakness didn't become as important when the sound of creaking crutches reached me. I didn't want to leave this world. And I didn't want to leave the man who was behind me. I wouldn't without fighting until the end.

Turning around with a small smile, Luke was standing behind me. His eyes searched my face, expression neutral besides the brightness in his gaze. His body was relaxed, arms locked at his side with his grip on the handles. It allowed him to bend his injured leg, keeping it off the ground. The leg-support fabric peaked out below the hem of his basketball shorts. The black wrap protected his wound. It was up to Luke to keep it bent and off the ground when he was standing. However, I wouldn't be surprised if there was a safer way for him to heal.

Considering this was the first time we were alone today – and because my brain needed a distraction – I decided to ask. "You sure you checked yourself out of the hospital?" I asked, stepping in front of him.

"Yeah, I told you earlier," he said, grabbing my hand without releasing the crutch from under his armpit. He offered me a small smile. "Why?"

"I just don't see how they wouldn't put a stronger brace on it."

Earlier, Luke told me about how Jackson snuck into Luke's room. He wrote down instructions and Luke played along. While Jackson was hiding, Luke checked out, making a scene about how he needed to leave. How his house was vandalized. Knowing the assholes were listening, he was asking people where Kalani park was. He wanted the eavesdroppers to think that's where he was going. So, when Luke was 'leaving' he took a private hallway where Jackson met him. They apparently snuck out through an employee entrance where Jackson was parked. It seemed too easy, but Jackson simply drove off. Having done his research, he knew Reid's men were probably already on their way to that park, which was far east. Just to be safe, Jackson changed plates beforehand and drove around for a long time before coming back to the motel. He even had Luke throw away all hospital clothes. I just didn't understand though how the hospital could have allowed him to leave.

"Well, they knew I was too badass to need anything more than a wrap. Plus, the nurse probably let it slide since she had a crush on me," he said, tilting his head and searching my eyes with a more playful gaze.

His lightness helped more than I expected. "Oh really?" I smirked.

"Can you blame her? She had to check my sexy leg every day," he said softly.

"Well... I guess I'm going to need her address."

"What, so you can kill her and Agent Tate in the same night?" he teased. Stroking my hand, the amusement slowly faded as he explained. "No, they actually said I should be fine with the fabric wrap. If I put weight on it, move it too much, then it will hurt. But nothing serious would happen, it would just hurt."

Sliding a hand around his side, rubbing up and down, I smiled. "You got very lucky."

"I sure did," he whispered intimately, gentle eyes searching mine.

There was a long moment of silence between us. One that started out being sweet and refreshing. Basking in each other's presence. However, we knew we would have to face our immediate reality.

Luke pursed his lips. "We do have some good news. Francis is going home."

Oh, thank you! A layer of the heaviness evaporated from my body. That was one less person in danger. He would be safe and home, like he should be. "Good, he needs to."

Luke took a deep breath. "Yeah, he will be leaving tomorrow morning. I'm glad we convinced him."

I knew he was just as happy as I was that his brother was going back home. Of course, that did not help our odds. It was worth it though; we knew that. I just wish I could get the man in front of me to see it would be worth failing if he left too.

"You sure there is no way I can get you to go with him?" Though I already appealed to him earlier, and he said he wouldn't 'smarten' up, I had to bring it up again. "Even if we are thrown into prison, until then, you would at least be safer with him."

His brows scrunched. Hand leaving mine, he snagged the hem of my shirt. Guiding me until I was close enough. "No." Dipping his head down, he gave me one very loving kiss. It was sweet while deep, drawing my breath away. It was heaven, an escape, a rush of relief. His bushy facial hair tickled my skin. "No," he repeated in a mumble against my mouth, pulling away and shaking his head. Eyes finding mine again, his forehead lines bent with worry. "We're going to ride this out to the end."

I took a deep breath, closing my eyes. I could feel the urge in my throat, my chest, to give in to more tears. "Francis is going home, the FBI won't help.... Luke, you are on crutches and unfortunately can't search with Jackson either. So why don't you just go with Francis?" How many times have I said he should leave for his safety? Throughout this whole thing... too many. Now, it was just common sense to leave.

"Because I love you," he scoffed. "And it's not over yet."

I finally opened my eyes. "I know. Trust me, I plan on kicking plenty of asses. But Luke, you know as well as me, even though it's not over, it's not looking good."

He didn't have anything to say to that. He just stared at me. With love, pain, and conflict. Not over whether he should leave or not. He was staying. His mind was set. There was more behind his gaze. Maybe simply... acceptance.

"We still have a chance, Albany." Tightening his fingers in mine, his chest moved slightly faster. Searching my eyes, a warm spark reached them. "For now though, since they are fleshly after us, it might be smart to leave town for a few days. Get away from it all. The danger and just... everything."

Where was this coming from? I raised a brow, lips slowly tilting up. "Like a vacation?" Despite our depressing reality he couldn't deny, the thought of getting away was exciting. It was surprising. It was... something that made us both light up at his idea.

He nodded. A sweet white smile spread across his lips. The moonlight made his green eyes twinkle. "Just for maybe one or two days. We can't take any more of this bullshit right now. We both are just done and need a break. I even mentioned it to Jackson and he agreed it would also be a smart move. These people are looking everywhere for us. Giving it a few days to die down out of their range would be safer."

Was his idea smart? Yes. But I knew the most appealing part, the driving force behind this idea, was to have a break. You could see it in his eyes. How he was just excited to spring this idea onto me. Man, I wonder how long he's had this in mind. I do know one thing. We wanted, needed, a break more now than ever.

Christ, I couldn't even imagine going from this dark hell to freedom. Even just for a few days, it would be a blessing. A dose of normalcy like that would be a shock, but one we needed. One we desired. The thought of getting away and spending time together, forgetting everything... it sounded too good to be true!

It already shot butterflies of excitement through my body. However, I did wonder if this was more than a break. Luke did his best to put on a strong face, but he couldn't deny the shape we were in. Things could end bad. If it did, it would be nice knowing we spent more wonderful carefree days together.

Whether Luke took that into consideration or not, I didn't care. It wouldn't change anything about our trip. All I knew was that we needed this. We needed a break. Because sure, maybe it will be our last freedom-filled days together. Who knows. Our future is a toss-up, but I wouldn't let that bring me down. Instead, it was a motivation... to have the greatest time we could together. To have fun and make this break last before we return. And let me tell you, it was a break I was already fucking pumped to have. I haven't been this excited in a long time! Not to mention, I am sure we will come back empowered to kick more ass, right guys?

Seeing the excitement in Luke's eyes too made me want to jump a train and start exploring. "Can we go now?" I chuckled.

His bright smile didn't dim. "How about tomorrow."

"Where would we go?"

He raised an eyebrow, eyes melting in mine. "It's a surprise. Remember... I owed you a date. A really nice one."

He sure did. When things were hectic (before we knew they could get worse), Luke planned to take me out. Instead of going on a date that night, Jackson ruined it. Everything about this hell ruined it. Now, things were so much worse. It was the best time for a date if you ask me! Holy crap, I could already feel my spirits lift.

Cupping my cheeks, weight on the crutches, he took a deep breath. Lips pursing his smile now, his eyes turned bittersweet. "Things are awful right now. It's... heartbreaking," he said in a soft whisper. "We need a break. I owe you a date. And we aren't going to think about any of this shit, okay? We are going to have a great time."

I nodded. Regardless of everything, nothing would ruin our time together. This was about to be one of the best dates in history. Leaning up and pecking his lips fast, the stress of everything was forced away. "Pie fest part two?"

"I don't know if I can do that good," he smiled. "You'll just have to wait and see."

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Hey everyone! It has felt like too long and it has. Unfortunately, a lot was going on. At the same time, this was a more thorough and longer chapter to write so I am sorry it took so long. I am very excited to write the next! It should NOT take nearly as long

A lot of rough feelings, a lot of conflictions now that things are clearly worse. For all of them, but especially Luke and Albany. I figured I had to give you guys something to look forward to at the end ;) :P I'm sure you guys will have fun thinking of all the places they could go haha. Anyway, please let me know what you thought! I worked very hard on this one :)