3.23 Set Up

Heath drove up to his grandparents home. It wasn't the same without Grandpa and Grandma Jean always seemed so sad. He picked up his sleeping daughter and carried her to the front door. It opened before he was able to knock, his Uncle Henry greeted him "is she alright?"

"Is Grandma up?" Heath asked upon entering the house.

Rolling his eyes Henry called "mom it's Heath."

While they waited for Jean to appear Heath asked "aren't you supposed to be in school?"

"Yeah well" he shrugged "I blew it off in favor of having some fun. Mom's not exactly happy about it."

"No I suppose she wouldn't be," Heath sighed. He missed his opportunity to go to school. Don hadn't finished. Too many things had gotten in the way. He looked at the younger man in front of him "but you are going to go school right?"

"Yeah I'm going next semester" he moved when Jean came downstairs.

"Heath" she cried upon seeing him adding "oh thank goodness you found her." She wiped tears from her eyes.

"They're still looking for Gwen. Someone had to bring Kimberly home" Heath explained "I'm sorry we didn't find both girls," he added upon seeing the stricken look in her eyes.

"They will though," she said sounding confident "I know they will."

"Grandma do you think you can take a look at Kimberly's arm? I don't think it's broken but..."

She looked into his worried blue eyes "no problem bring her in here where the light is better." She led the way into Grandpa's old lab that looked more like an office now containing all of his old research. He couldn't help but wonder if they'd ever see Grandpa again. The little girl stirred in his arms moaning as her arms was jostled.

Looking up Jean turned to Henry "be a dear and get the guest room read for Heath."

Henry nodded as he closed the door behind him. "That's not necessary," Heath protested.

"It's much too late to be carrying the girls from bed to bed. Lillianna is asleep." Heath nodded accepting what he couldn't change. He knew once Grandma Jean's mind was made up. It was impossible to change it. His mind was jolted back to the present when Kimberly cried out. "Ow" she looked around her eyes wide with fright. "Daddy" her plaintive cry went straight to his heart.

"I'm right here baby" he moved up so she could see him better. He felt her good hand reach out and grab hold of his shirt.

"My arm hurts daddy," she leaned her head on him as she watched Jean inspect her arm.

"I know sweetie" Jean said gently putting her arm down. "Your arm is going to be alright. It's just bruised and going to be sore for a while." She bent forward kissing the girls cheek.

***

"What do you think we should do?" Elliot asked his companions.

Don glanced over his shoulder towards the debilitated cabin they suspected Kyle's father was in "I wish we could confirm he's in there and not some random idiot...."

Kyle grunted the first sound he had made in hours "it's him." His voice was harsh, cold and dangerous.

Elliot looked at him in concern "how can you be so sure?"

"I just am alright?" Kyle scowled at him.

"Cool it you two," Don hissed at them "we can't allow him to hear us. We want him to think he got away. We need to get his guard down."

Breathing rapidly Kyle nodded "ok I'm ok," he repeated. Elliot look at him in concern before turning his attention to the cabin.

"I'm going up to see if I can get a look in the window," Don told them.

He snuck up to the window. He kept low to the ground using the shrubs as cover in case the man looked out the window. Leaning against the outside wall he glanced cautiously into the grimy window. He saw a bald man sitting at a table with a small lamp beside him. The light reflecting off the man's bald shiny head. He turned and gave the others a thumb up to let them know. He glanced through the dirty window again hoping to see Gwen somewhere nearby. Squinting he peered into the darkening room but couldn't see her anywhere. Where had that mad man put her?

Not wanting to risk being seen Don inched away from the window. Stopping part way between the cabin and where the guys were waiting for him. He had an idea. If Gwen wasn't in the cabin the only other place would be...the car.

***

The little blond haired girl huddled in the dark. She hurt in multiple places from being tossed about like a toy boat in the ocean. She didn't know where she was or how long she had been locked in the trunk. She dried her eyes dry on the back of her hand. It was getting cold now that the car wasn't moving and she wasn't fighting to keep from rolling round with every turn.

She should have listened to Kimberly. She should have left before the scary bald man had a chance to grab her. Should have told Kimberly to run. What happened to her? She hoped she was alright.

"Let me out," she cried out her voice muffled inside the trunk. "Please let me out," she tried kicking the top of the trunk but she only succeeded in bashing her knee into her face. She felt a trickle of blood from her nose run down her chin. "I want to go home," she cried. She began to thrash about inside the trunk. Stopping when she head the lock release. Blinking she stared up into the face of a man looking down at her.

***

"Daddy," Kimberly said into the stillness of the room "are you awake?"

Opening his eyes Heath sighed "yes baby I'm awake." He felt her move closer to him. He put an arm around her as she snuggled into him.

"I was really scared," she confided in him "the bald man was worse then Silver ever was."

Hearing that name made Heath cringe and pull her closer to his side "they can't hurt you anymore."

"I know daddy. I know you and dad would come for me. I'm sorry I made you worry about me. I couldn't let that man take Gwennie."

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"She turned her face into his shoulder "I should have ran to get help instead of following them."

"You followed them?" Heath prompted when she fell silent. A part of him was proud of  her. Proud that she hadn't backed down when something terrible was happening. Another part of him was afraid that she would recklessly put herself in harms way again in the future.

"I thought I could help. Gwen was crying and the bald man was really mean. It wasn't until he grabbed me that I realized I was in trouble too." She kissed his cheek "I'm sorry daddy."

"Baby you didn't do anything wrong," Heath assured her "it was that man's fault for taking you. He had no right taking two little girls."

She thought for a moment before asking "is he really Gwen's grandpa?"

"I'm afraid so..."

"He doesn't act like a grandpa," she murmured closing her eyes.

"What does a grandpa supposed to act like?" Heath asked curious to know her reasoning.

Yawning Kimberly smiled a little "like my grandpa's." She fell silent and soon the room was filled with her deep even breathing.

Heath looked down kissing her forehead gently. Her simple honest answer confirmed what he believed already. He and Don had the best parents around. He never had to worry about what they might do like Kyle did with his father. He felt his muscles relax and his eyelids drooped as he followed his daughter into sleep.

***

Don pointed towards the car as he altered course creeping closer. He leaned against the trunk bringing his ear to the trunk. He could hear faint muffled sounds. His heart started to pound in his chest as he realized Kyle's father had left her in the trunk. What kind of person would do that? He couldn't imagine his dad or Heath's dad doing this their granddaughter. Hid mind wandered to what terrible things Kyle had to endure growing up with such a man for a father. Shaking his head he motioned them forward pointing to the trunk.

Kyle looked pained when he put his ear to the trunk. Elliot shook him gently before he crawled to the front of the car. Everything hinged on getting the door open, releasing the trunk, grabbing the girl before the man inside the cabin noticed what was happening.

Don lifted the trunk like as soon as Elliot released it. Kyle looked into the dark interior while hysterical blue eyes of his daughter looked up at him.

"Daddy" she cried upon recognizing him. She launched her small body into his arms sure he would protect her. They turned to run when Mr Lawrence's voice rang out loud and angry.

"Put her down," he demanded.

Without turning Kyle held his daughter against his chest feeling her body shake in terror. "Daddy don't let him take me," she begged in his ear.

"I'll break his arm," his father said in a voice that sounded like he discussing whose turn it was to take out the trash and not that of breaking a man's arm.

Slowly Kyle turned to face his father. His heart almost stopped upon seeing Elliot with his arm twisted behind him. He could see the strain in Elliot's face as he tried not to cry out in pain. Gwen gasped crying "don't hurt my daddy."

"I won't have to if your dad puts you down," the man told her "how about it boy? The girl in exchange for your man. Husband or daughter. Which one will it be?" the man taunted "either way I win."

Nodding Kyle moved to put Gwen down. He saw Elliot try to break free from the man's grip. "No" his voice came out strangled. Ignoring him Kyle turned to his daughter "when I tell you to take Uncle Don's hand and run. Don't look back." He looked up at Don who nodded.

"Daddy no," she tried to wrap her arms around him. He said his voice harsh "do as I say."

Gwen looked up taking a step back reaching for Don's hand. Turning his back on them Kyle sighed looking into the blue eyes of his father. "Run" he yelled and without looking he knew Don and Gwen were running from the clearing hearing them running through the thick shrubs that was once their hiding place. He saw the shock in his husbands face and the rage in his father's eyes. The resounding snap and cry of agony escaping from Elliot's throat as Mr Lawrence broke his arm left Kyle feeling nauseated.

Elliot drooped against the man, head spinning. His vision began to dim as his system screamed in agony. Through the buzzing in his ears he could hear deep rumblings he assumed was Kyle's father talking. He watched Kyle's mouth move in response. His head dropped forward as the man let him fall to the ground. He felt hands reach for him before the darkness over took him.

***

Don picked up Gwen when she dropped his hand and tried to run back. "Daddy" she screamed flailing in his arms "let me go," she pleaded trying to get free.

He dropped her to her feet once they arrived at the car. Kneeling he spoke to the frightened little girl "your dad's will be alright."

"But daddy...." her eyes welled up as tears flowed from her eyes "that man is going to hurt..."

"No no he won't" he assured the girl "as soon as I get you home I'm coming back."

"What if they leave before you can come back?" she asked. Don stood up contemplating her words. She had a point. Kyle's father could leave and if Elliot was right about a spy in the police department then he knows how to get around the road blocks. This was all a set up. Mr Lawrence never wanted the girl at all. It was a trap to get Kyle and now he had him.

A car drove up beside them and stopped shining it's lights on them. Don put a hand up to shield his eyes as a familiar voice spoke "you found her."

"Uncle Percy," Gwen cried running to him "that man has my daddy's."

Percy hugged the girl before turning to face Don "what happened?"

Don explained how Mr Lawrence got the drop on them. Caught Elliot. Kyle giving himself up so that Don could get Gwen to safety. "I think this was a set up. I think Mr Lawrence wanted Kyle all along and we walked right into his trap."

Percy nodded "I think you might be right.

Looking over at the other man who had come with Percy Don said "I half expected Heath to come back..."

Shrugging Henry explained "he might have if I told him I was coming. Kimberly needed him."

"Ah" Don acknowledged grateful that Heath wasn't here. Turning to Percy "I think we need to move fast if we want to stop Mr Lawrence from taking Kyle."

Rubbing his chin for a moment Percy turned toward the boy "Henry take Gwen home."

"But I...." Henry protested looking at the older man "alright" he finished lamely when he realized he wouldn't be able to persuade them into letting him come along. Taking Gwen's hand he soothed her tears before getting in the car and driving off.

***

Kyle ran forward dropping to his knees beside Elliot. He felt his father grab is arm yanking him to his feet. "Let go of me," Kyle struggled in the man's grasp. 

Sneering into this son's stunned and pained face he snarled "your choice leave him here or take him with us."

"He needs a doctor," Kyle protested looking down at Elliot's pale face.

"That's not likely to happen any time soon," his father stepped over Elliot kicking him in the side as he went "if we leave him here his agony will be over quick. If we take him with us it'll only prolong the inevitable."

Kyle knelt beside Elliot who was beginning to stir. He didn't like the sound of the proposition his father had given him. He knew that Don would come back. He'd find Elliot but the question was would he be alive. Wile he thought over his options a man drove up on a four wheeler. Tossing his helmet aside he shook hands with Mr Lawrence. Teeth flashing in a bemused smile when he glanced down at Kyle. 

Kyle knew who the man was. Had seen him before. He had asked for his help to find his daughter. The man was the mole inside the police department. The reason why all this was allowed to happen in the first place.

The man walked over and nudged Elliot with his foot causing him to moan. "We have a nice dark hold already and waiting for you."

Shoving the man away Kyle said "no he's coming with us."

Stooping the man picked Elliot up putting him in a choke hold. "Are you sure about that boy? He'll be in less pain if I get rid of him now." He gave Kyle a nasty grin adjusting his hands "one quick snap and he'll be gone..."

"If Kyle wants to be burdened with carrying the garbage we'll let him" Mr Lawrence interceded before his accomplice could break Elliot's neck "the boy won't last the hike through the mountains anyway." He looked at Kyle "I'll get the added pleasure of watching him suffer as he watches his husband suffer and die."

Laughing as if he had been told the funniest joke ever the man dropped Elliot. Ignoring the cry of pain when his intended victim landed on the ground. "Personally I'd put the boy out of his misery now then letting him suffered. But that's just me."

***

"What are you doing?" Don asked watching Percy wave his wand around.

"Casting a tracking spell," Percy replied "unless you're part blood hound we need someway of tracking them."

Closing his mouth over his ready retort Don looked around the clearing noting the four wheeler that wasn't there before. They had to have hiked from here. Over the mountains they must have transportation waiting for them. Once they get there Kyle and Elliot were as good as lost. Why take both? Wouldn't it have been better to leave Elliot behind? "I don't get it," he muttered.

"Get what?" Percy asked grunting in satisfaction.

"Why take both Elliot and Kyle," he turned to look at the older man "doesn't Kyle's father want him to produce an heir from someone of his choosing?"

"That was the plan once upon a time. I'm not sure if that's still the plan." He waved towards the highlighted foot prints on the ground "we have a trail to follow..."

Don looked then turned worried eyes to Percy "someone is hurt."

3.22 The Search Begins

Shaking, the phone fell from Kyle's hand as he dropped to the floor crying. Rushing to his side Elliot pulled him close. Mumbling against Elliot's shoulder "he has her. Oh god he has her."

Rocking him in his arms stroking his multi-colored hair Elliot felt his heart constrict. His daughter was in the hands of a mad man. An evil crazy dangerous man. He felt his control slipping as his body was accosted with cold shivers of dread. How were they ever going to stand up to him now? Whatever he asked they would have to comply with for the sake of their daughter. An image of his beautiful little girl flashed in his mind.

He didn't know how long they sat on the floor numb to everything but their shared pain when the phone startled them both. Kyle stared at his phone as if it would attack him. It was Elliot who mustered up the strength to answer it. "Hello" he almost didn't recognize the panic stricken high pitched voice on the other end. "Heath?" he asked in dismay.

He heard him take a deep breath before speaking again "my daughter. He had my daughter." Heath repeated that several times before Elliot's eyes widened in understanding and his mouth formed an 'oh' as the reality sank in.

"He has Kimberly," he finally said aloud as his head began to spin "how?"

"I don't know how," Heath shouted through the phone "what difference does it make? That mad man has my little girl. I...I..." he choked unable to go on.

Elliot listened to the strangled heart wrenching sobs of his nephew. What could he say? Nothing could assuage the pain of losing one's daughter. He knew what Heath was going through, sympathized with him. He could only imagine what was going through the younger man's mind given it was the second time someone had taken his daughter. He could hear the despair n the sound of his sobs. "Heath I'm sorry," he offered, what else could he say?"

***

After talking with the police Don came into the bedroom to find Heath curled up on the bed crying into the phone. He didn't have to ask who he called. It made sense it would be his Uncle's, the other parents involved in this nightmare. Taking the phone from his hands he lifted it to his ear. Listening to Elliot trying to comfort someone in the background. He waited hoping Elliot would come back to the phone. "Elliot" he shouted after waiting several minutes trying to get his attention.

After a moment "hello, Don?"

"Have the police been there  yet?" Don asked

"They just arrived" Elliot said sounding distracted "look can I call you back?"

"Do that," Don told him knowing there would be little to no sleep for anyone until the girls were
home.

***

She didn't know how long they had been in the car or where they were going. Kimberly knew it was long enough for her parents to have been told. She could feel their pain if she concentrated hard enough. She sent a message to her daddy just enough to calm him. To give him hope. She tried to do the same for Gwen but the girl was too terrified to receive her.

Kim sat up wiping her eyes dry. She observed the bald man in the front seat as he drove along the road. The man didn't have to do anything to instill fear in her. All he had to do was look at her and she wanted to cringe in fright. It was worse then being in the presence of Silver. She knew Silver was a monster, what did that make this man? Something had to done. Gwennie needed her. Sitting forward she demanded "let Gwen out..."

She jerked backwards as the man growled in displeasure. "Please she's so scared" she entreated him. The mans knuckles turned white as he gripped the steering wheel with vicious strength. She knew he was angry...angry at her. "Please" she tried again only to have her request cut off as she was thrown forward then backwards by the seat belt as he brought the car to a screeching halt. She felt blood trickle down her chin from the bite in her lower lip.

He turned around and glared at her. She tried to sink into the seat as his face neared hers. "Shut up" he bellowed mere inches from her face. "She stays where she's at," he turned from her throwing the car into gear. Tire spinning as he picked up speed spraying loose rocks and dirt behind them.

She braced herself best she could as the car careened around corners going too fast. Maybe with luck they'd wind up in a car crash she thought. That might be better then whatever he had in store for them. She knew from the images she was picking up from her dad's this was a very bad man.

***

Disconnecting the phone Don looked at Heath curled into the fetal position on the bed. There was nothing more he wanted to do at that moment then to pull him close and hold him. Sighing someone had to keep it together and check on their other daughter. He could here her starting to fuss in her crib. Walking to the door he turned back to where Heath lay sunk into himself. "Babe I have to check on Lillianna. I'll be right back." He wondered if his words even registered with him, he lay motionless.

Closing the door behind him Don went to check on Lillianna. "Hey princess did you think we forgot about you?" he asked picking her up.

"I hungey" she whined sucking her thumb.

"You must be if you've resorted to eating your thumb," Don frowned as he tried to extract her thumb from her mouth. He disliked that habit and had no idea how to discourage it. Once he had her diaper changed he sat her in her high chair. He looked up to find Heath wandering into the kitchen, a vacant look in his eyes. 

Heath blinked a couple of times before asking "you hungry?"

Don was about to shake his head when he realized that Heath was attempting to act normal, to gain some control in a situation fast becoming chaotic. "Sure babe I'm hungry."

Nodding Heath turned towards the fridge staring at the contents "what do you want?" he asked looking to him for guidance.

"How about something light" Don suggested thinking Heath probably shouldn't be using the stove in his state of mind.

"Salad, right" he mumbled tossing ingredients on the counter. Don watched him for a moment refraining from telling him some of the items shouldn't be in a salad. Like the cocktail sauce from their shrimp dinner from the night before or the anchovies...Swallowing Don turned his head deciding that the would eat whatever Heath threw together if it helped him through this.

As they sat down to eat Don stared at his plate. On most occasions Heath was a great cook but to night wasn't one of those nights. Don struggled to eat the salad of mismatched ingredients. He could feel Heath's eyes watching him as he asked "how is it?"

Trying not to gag he swallowed a large barely chewed mouthful before saying "it's um interesting."

Frowning Heath looked down at his plate moving items around with his fork before taking a huge bite into his mouth. His eyes bulged, watering from the chili pepper that had found it's way into the mix. Gasping he grabbed the water glass only to knock it over in his haste "that's .... that's .... horrible." Snatching the plates he dashed to the kitchen "don't eat that slop."

Don followed him with the salad bowel earning himself a scowl "I'm sorry" he offered.

Crossing his arms Heath demanded "why didn't you tell me it was inedible."

Don shrugged his shoulders knowing at this point there wasn't anything he could say. Instead he pulled Heath close and held him. He felt the tension in Heath's shoulders and back "we'll get her back" he whispered in Heath's ear.

"When?" he agonized "one, two, ten years from now? We've already lost so much tie with her. I don't want to lose anymore."

"I know baby I know" Don kissed his forehead "I feel the same way."

***

Kyle pulled himself together long enough to stare mutely at the officers in front of him. "How could this have happened?" he shouted at no one and everyone at once.

"We apologize sir but" the man stirred uncomfortably under his gaze "we had an internal surveillance problem that hampered our abilities to  properly screen people."

"What are you doing to get our daughter back?" he demanded unwilling to be mollified.

"We're doing everything we can" was the slightly insulted response.

"Kyle please" Elliot tugged on his husbands arm "they're here to help." Turning to the officers "my husband is upset. We know you're doing everything you can."

The officers nodded somewhat pacified "we've set up roadblocks along all major highways and blocked off all minor roads leading in or out of Dragon Valley. If he's still here we'll find him."

That two little word 'if' held so many possibilities both good and bad. Elliot felt Kyle squeeze his hand. "What should we do if Kyle's father contacts us?"

"If it is Mr. Lawrence please let us know right away." The officer said closing his note book as if closing the discussion.

Elliot's eyes narrowed. He didn't like being dismissed so casually. There was something off about the man. He turned to Kyle wondering if he caught it. Kyle's eyes were glossed over, staring unseeing. Elliot turned back to the man who had already moved to the door. Followed like a whipped dog by his silent partner. "If you don't think it was Kyle's father who do you think abducted our daughter?"

The man gave him an icy stare "it could be any number of people. Pedophiles, opportunists, your family has money or it could be extremists who don't think gay men should have children."

On the surface what the officer said made sense but there was something more. Something lurking under the surface. If Elliot was a betting man he'd lay good money down that he was speaking to the surveillance problem in the police department. Before leaving the man held out a card "call me if you hear anything from the kidnappers."

"Yeah I'll be sure to do that" Elliot said taking the card. Closing the door he turned to Kyle still sitting listlessly on the couch. "Come one baby let's get you to bed" he went to help his husband. If felt surreal being the one in charge when he was used to leaning on Kyle for strength. "We'll get her back. I promise baby we'll get her back."

***

The car slowed down coming to a stop. The bald man got out opened the back door and grabbed Kimberly's arm wrenching it as she caught on the seat belt. "I want you to call your dad."

Nodding she fumbled with the unfamiliar phone. Straining to keep from crying out from the pain shooting up her shoulder from being dragged from the car. "Daddy" she cried hearing Heath's voice on the line "daddy I'm scared" she said as the man knocked her to the ground as he took the phone from her.

"Listen and listen good" the man spoke in deep grumbling monotones "if you want to see your daughter again. Have Kyle sign over custody of the girl to me. Once I have the papers I'll tell you where you can find your daughter. No papers no daughter." He took a deep breath glaring down at the girl.

She stared up into his eyes wondering how someone became like that. She felt sorry for her Uncle Kyle for having this man for a dad. It must have been so scary growing up with him. She tore her eyes away from him wondering if she could get away. As he continued to yell at her daddy she got slowly to her feet. When his back was turned she took off running.

Her arm screamed in pain. She clutched it tight against her side. She continued to run picturing the awful bald man was right behind her. She didn't want to leave Gwen behind but if she didn't try to get away they'd both be lost forever. That man wouldn't let her go home she was sure of that. Thinking he was about to grab her she veered off into the thick bushes growing along the side of the road. She felt the thorns and twigs tear at her clothes and skin. She kept going. Gasping for breath she fell to her knees. She could hear the man yelling for her, demanding she show herself. She covered her ears attempting to blot out his voice.

***

Heath heard the gruff voice of Kyle's father as he took the phone from Kimberly "where's my daughter?" he shouted catching the attention of Don as he came out of the bathroom. He held the phone out so they could both listen as the man made his demands. They stared at each other in mutual concern and fear when the man started yelling at Kimberly to come back. Then silence as the phone went dead. They clung to each other unsure whether their little girl was alive or dead or captured again.

"I'm getting dressed" Don said after they had stood listening to the phone long past it's usefulness. 

"I'm going to look for her."

"I'm going with you" Heath told him his tone matter of fact don't mess with me.

"Someone has to stay here and watch Lillianna," Don said shaking his head.

"I'm going" Heath repeated not to be persuaded otherwise.

"What about Lillianna?" Don asked hoping to get Heath to make sense and see reason.

"We'll take her to Grandma's" Heath told him "I can't sit back and do nothing. Not this time. Not when I'm here."

"Alright," Don said giving in "make the call then we'll go."

Less then twenty minutes later they were on the road. "Where do you plan on looking first?" Heath asked as Don drove.

"There's a road that leads up to an old camp ground. I think if I were Lawrence that's where I'd hideout. It offers shelter and a place to hide."

Staring out the window Heath hoped this wasn't a wild goose chase. A part of him wanted to beg Kyle to sign the papers giving Mr Lawrence custody of Gwen. The more reasonable side knew he could never do that himself and he couldn't ask another parent to give their child away. If they could find Kimberly then that horrible man had no more leverage except he still had Gwen. If they could find his hide out they could prevent him from taking Gwen with him.

A million other ideas invaded his mind all disturbing and dark. Except one. A tiny flicker in the back of his mind. He had felt it before when he had been trapped in the basement with Dana. It was Kimberly reaching out to him. It was comforting as well as frightening. He couldn't tell if she was with her abductor or alone in the woods lost.

"Do you think we should call my Uncles?" Heath asked glaring over at Don driving.

"Yeah we better" he agreed "they'd never forgive us if we don't."

***

She heard the car start and drive away. She sat still in the brier bush she landed in. Her arm throbbed she was in so much pain. She knew she had to to get up. She had to find help. She moved cautiously suspecting it was a trap. That the bald man was waiting just beyond the tall bushes to grab her.

Holding her arm she took a deep breath as she took a step beyond the briers and dove to the ground as a car drove past. Peering through the tall blades of grass she watched as the brake lights flashed. The car stopped and turned around. She almost screamed in panic as the car shone it's lights on her. She couldn't hide. The man would take her and she'd never see her dads again. She squeezed her eyes shut not wanting to see the sneering self-satisfied look the bald man would have.

***

Heath glanced out the window. The call to Elliot had been worse then he expected. They had to find the girls no matter what it took. Mr Lawrence couldn't take Gwen from his Uncles. "Stop" he shouted.

Don jumped looking at Heath as if he had lost his mind "what? Did you see something?"

Neck craning to look behind them Heath was about to jump out the door if Don didn't stop soon. "I saw something back there."

"It was just an animal of some kind," Don told him not wanting Heath to get his hopes up "we're still six miles from the camp ground."

"It's not an animal," Heath glared at him "just turn around."

Sighing Don gave in. He didn't think it would be anything but if it calmed Heath down what could it hurt? As he crept along the road he couldn't believe his eyes. Heath was out of the car before he could stop and running towards her.

"Kimberly" Heath cried startling the little girl as her head shot up from the grass she had been lying in.

"Daddy" she cried lifting her arm up to shield her eyes from the headlights. Heath gathered her into his arms causing her to wince in pain as he jostled her arm.

"Kimberly are you hurt?" he asked carrying her to the car.

"Is she alright?" Don asked. He had hung back afraid to get in the way. If it had been up to him he would have continued on to the camp ground. If he had, how long would Kimberly have been lying along the road hurt? He brushed away tears as he watched in silence ashamed of himself.

Heath examined her arm noting the ugly red marks where fingers had dug into her skin. He ran his fingers along the imprints and bruising. She winced when he asked her to move it. It didn't appear to be broken. He smiled reassuringly at her. "It's not broken" he kissed her forehead "you'll be ok." He moved to get out only to have her cling to him not letting him go.

"No daddy don't go" she grabbed a fistful of shirt preventing him from going.

"It's alright baby. I'm not going anywhere." He spoke softly to her. He could see the fear in her eyes. He looked up met Don's eyes and knew Don was blaming himself for not wanting to stop. Moving Kimberly into his lap Heath grabbed Don's hand "it's ok Don. I might have done the same in our shoes. The important thing is she's here. She's safe."

Nodding Don wiped at his eyes "I should call Elliot and tell them to meet us here. Then you can take the car back."

"What? No I'm coming with you" Heath protested.

"Someone has to take care of our daughter" Don pointed out "she's not coming with us."

Deflated Heath nodded "you're right."