TEASER

Mel stirred restlessly, shivering and snuggling closer to Cole. The Cirronian quickly rearranged the blankets around her before wrapping his arms around her again. Her temperature was still unnaturally low, but she was not in any danger. Not from the drugs, at least...

He sighed softly and pressed his lips to her forehead, earning a faint smile from her. Her smile faded as another convulsive shudder tore through her frame.

“I know,” he murmured, cradling her against his chest. “It’s okay. You’ll be okay...”

He crooned softly, rocking her and rubbing her back until she was settled again. Mel was not the only one who was exhausted, but he could not sleep, would not have allowed himself to if it had been possible. The next few days would be dangerous for them both. He needed to stay vigilant if he was to keep Mel safe. Nor was Mel his only concern.

Sighing, he rose slowly, settling her and tucking her in before turning and walking into the living room. It was dark out, he saw, walking to the window. In his mind’s eye Migar shone brightly in the night sky, twinkling down at him.

“Nallia,” he breathed, staring up at the star. “My love.”

A star near Migar seemed to shine more brightly at those words.

He smiled faintly, nodding to himself and redirecting his attention. “I love you. I always will; you know that. But I love her, too. I tried so hard to deny it, but... She will never replace you. She doesn’t HAVE to. I understand that now. You will always be my Heart. And Mel will always be my Strength. I have... I’ve done you a great wrong these past ten years. I should have let you move on long ago. Forgive me, my Heart.”

“There is NOTHING to forgive,” a lyrical voice murmured in his ear.

“Nallia?” Startled, he spun to face her. “Are you a ghost?” he whispered.

“Cirronians don’t believe in ghosts, Cole,” she teased, her enormous black eyes full of love and her luminous form glowing a pale azure.

“What did you call me?” he whispered uncertainly.

“Cole. It’s your name, isn’t it?”

“I... I really think it might be,” he admitted.

“Good. You finally know your own mind. It’s about time,” she added, mild irritation coloring her tone. “You always were slow to notice such things.”

“Hwa’an. Even as a hallucination you’re a tease...” he murmured. He had always loved her teasing nature, so unlike most Cirronian women who tended to be grave and serene rather than playful.

“A HALLUCINATION?” she repeated, putting her hands on her hips and laughing in true Cirronian style, rapidly flickering in a hundred pastel shades from pink to pale blue to lavender and back again. “Daggon, Daggon, Daggon... When will you LEARN?” she demanded with mock severity. “Honestly. You are the least spiritual Cirronian I’ve ever met.”

“Yet here I am conversing with a dead woman.” Amazingly, the statement brought almost no pain with it.

“Yes, you are. And leaving the lovely Melah en’i in a cold bed alone, which hardly seems fair...”

“Nally!” he protested.

“The two of you were meant to be, Cole. Never doubt that. And never doubt that you are loved and watched over.” She took a step towards him, reaching up with one luminous hand to caress his throat. “Sometimes I think this is all you ever needed. I’m sorry this has been so hard for you.”

“And I am sorry that I could not protect you.”

“None of that, now,” she ordered, shaking her head reprovingly. “I love you, Daggon.”

“And I will always love you,” he whispered, tears in his eyes.

“Be at peace, my Heart. There are so many here who love you. You can have the life you always dreamed of. The road will be a hard one, but you can make it. I know you can.”

“You will always be my first love,” he whispered, resting one hand against her stomach.

“I never doubted it. Be happy.” She reached up and cradled his face in both hands. “You should say goodbye now.”

He started to protest, but hesitated. It was unfair of him to keep hanging on to her, to keep her from moving on. “I will always love you and I’ll never forget you.”

“I know.”

He closed his eyes, aware that he was weeping and not really caring. He had spent too many years NOT crying for her. It was time for them both to move forward.

“I love you, Nally. I always will,” he whispered. “Good bye.”

“Good bye, my Heart.”

He stood in the living room with his eyes closed for better than five minutes, not wanting to open them and face the fact that he was alone. Ghost or hallucination, Nallia was now truly lost to him. He would never forget her, never stop loving her, but the part of his life that had included her presence was well past. It was time to let go. It was time to start his life without her.

Life without Nallia. Life WITH Mel...

END TEASER
ACT 1

Cole glanced at the clock and decided that it was not too late to call London. They would almost certainly all be awake and, even if Jess and Kate were asleep, Mark’s requirements for rest were minimal. Nodding to himself, he picked up the phone and dialed.

“Yeah? Porter residence.”

Cole smiled faintly to hear feminine laughter in the background. “Hello, Mark.”

“Oh, hey, Cole!” Mark greeted him easily. “How are you?”

“I’m well, thank you.”

“And Mel?”

“She’s resting. The last few days have been tiring.”

“Everything okay over there?”

“It is now,” Cole assured him. His smile widened as he heard another round of laughter over the line. “Am I interrupting?”

“Nah, not really. We had Jessica’s father over for supper and now we’re playing Monopoly. Kate’s mopping the board with the rest of us.”

He smiled faintly, nodding to himself. “Then Jess is getting along well with her father?”

“Yeah, yeah she is.” Mark paused, glancing across the room for a moment. “I’ve started to teach the girls some self-defense moves,” he added more quietly. “Things are kind of tense right now.”

“I know.”

“Thought that might have been why you called. What’s up?”

“Lana made an attempt on Mel’s life yesterday. My contact among the fugitives thinks that she might be getting close to Zin.”

“Is Mel okay?” Mark asked quickly, not even slightly worried about the freedom, or lack thereof, of a single alien. Not when one of his girls was in danger.

“She is fine, Mark, merely tired. I’ll keep her safe.”

“I know you will. You call if you need backup, though.”

“I will, Mark. But I called now to warn you that Lana might be getting desperate. She’s not the only one, either. Haag has to be afraid for his life. Guard Kate and Jess closely.”

“Always, Cole.”

“Dads, your turn!” Kate called.

“Just a minute,” he answered. “Cole’s on the phone.”

“He is?” Jess asked, jumping up from her chair and bounding over to Mark. “Give,” she ordered, holding out her hand.

Shaking his head, Mark murmured a goodbye to Cole and handed the phone to Jess. “I want to talk to him again when you’re done.”

“Sure, Mark.” She grinned at him. “Hey, Cole. How’s everything?”

“Who’s Cole?” Jess’ father asked quietly as Mark returned to the table.

“My sister’s bloke,” Kate supplied, handing the dice to Mark. “Sweet guy.”

Mark glanced down at the board and immediately saw why Kate was so eager for him to take his turn. He was in severe danger of landing on one of her multitude of properties this turn. He rolled and sighed. Boardwalk. With a hotel.

“I don’t suppose it would help to remind you that I’m your father?” he sighed, counting out his money into Kate’s extended hand. “And I’m broke,” he announced, rising. “Thanks, Kitten. Fun game. Reminded me of every business deal I ever made with your aunt.”

“That’s low, Dads,” Kate informed him blithely, grinning and shaking her head. “Pleasure doing business with you, as always.”

Mark shook his head. “Offer you something to drink, Richard?”

“I gave up the bottle years ago, but tea would be nice,” Jess’ father said, rising and following him into the kitchen. Kate had bankrupted him several turns ago. “Jessie seems to be doing well for herself,” he remarked quietly.

Mark glanced from the kettle he was filling to Jess, sprawled on the couch with the phone wedged between her shoulder and ear and ignoring Kate as the younger woman tried to take possession of it herself. He smiled to himself, shaking his head. They would end up in a pile on the floor at the rate they were going.

“Jessica is a remarkable young woman,” he agreed quietly. “I’d frankly be surprised if she did anything BUT well for herself.” He shrugged. “It may have taken a bit, but she’s really coming into her own.”

Richard nodded faintly. “She’s not the Jessie I remember, that’s for certain.”

“Times change and people with the times,” Mark noted, a favorite expression of his father’s. “We all end up where we need to be when we need to be there. Your daughter’s something special, you know.”

“She has a lot of her mother about her.” He sighed softly. “You’re a lawyer, yeah?”

“That’s right.” Mark nodded, wondering at the question.

“Now that she’s back in my life, I should probably draw up a will...”

“I’ll be glad to help,” Mark murmured, regarding him thoughtfully. His life-force felt weaker today than it had the last time they had spoken. “Any particular reason why?” he probed.

“I’m not a well man, Mark.” He shrugged. “Too many years of hard drinking, the doctor says. Getting sober bought me some time, but not much...”

“Have you discussed this with Jessica?” he asked quietly, regarding the young woman with concern. Oblivious to the exchange, Jess was handing the phone over to Kate, her expression happy and relaxed.

“I... I want to. I just don’t know how.”

“She loves you a lot, you know,” Mark contributed quietly. “She’d do anything for you.”

“Wish there was something she COULD do.” He shrugged. “Don’t feel like I’ve had enough time with her. Don’t feel like ANY amount of time could ever be enough.”

“No, there’s never enough time.” Mark sighed softly. “But any time at all is a gift...”

“Double-edged at best,” Richard muttered, shaking his head.

“Hey, what are you two looking so grave about?” Jess asked, walking into the kitchen and regarding them with blatant concern.

“Mark, you don’t mind if I go now, do you?” Richard asked abruptly.

“Uh...”

“Dad?” Jess began, shaking her head.

“See me home, Jessie?” he asked hopefully, extending his hand to her. “I was hoping we could talk...”

“Sure, Dad. Let me grab my jacket.”

“Call if you need a ride,” Mark reminded Jess as she shrugged on a light windbreaker.

“Just a second, Cole,” Kate murmured into the phone, covering the receiver with one hand and glancing at her father as Jess and Richard left. “That looked serious.”

“They have a lot to talk about,” Mark said simply, shrugging. “Don’t you have an early shift tomorrow?”

“Yeah, I guess I do,” she agreed quietly. “Cole, got to go now. Here’s my dad again.” She rose and kissed Mark on the cheek, handing him the phone. “Night, Dads.”

“Night, Kitten.” Mark hugged her close for a long moment before releasing her and returning his attention to the Cirronian on the phone.

***

“Maybe you should take the day off,” Mark murmured to Jess as she entered the café. The young woman had been up most of the night crying in his arms, an increasingly common phenomenon.

“I want to work.” She shook her head faintly. “I... I’d just rather not have a lot of free time on my hands to think in right now, you know?” she asked, looking up at him with wide eyes and a confused expression. “What’s wrong with me?” she whispered.

“You’re upset, Jessica. Under the circumstances, you have every right to be.”

“But we KNEW that he was dying...” she protested softly, shaking her head.

“That doesn’t make the fact any easier to face up to,” he pointed out gently, taking her hands in his. “Look, if you decide you want to take a mental health day, call me. Kate or I can take your shift.”

“You need to train her,” Jess pointed out, shaking her head. “I’ll be fine, Mark. I just need time.”

“Okay.” He nodded faintly. “I’ll see you at the gym after your shift?”

“You bet,” she agreed quietly. “I could use something to hit...”

“Okay. Call if you need anything. I mean it.”

“I will,” she assured him quietly, making a shooing motion. “Come on. You’re holding up the paying customers,” she complained with false bravado. “Go.”

Mark winked at her and turned to leave, but caught one of the baristas by the arm once Jess was otherwise occupied. “Keep an eye on her, Craig,” he directed. “She’s had a rough few days.”

“Sure thing, sir.” He nodded faintly, glancing at Jess. “She okay?”

“I think so.” At least he HOPED so... His expression troubled, Mark left the store to meet Kate at the gym.

***

“It’s dead here, Jess,” Craig noted quietly during a lull. “I can cover the rest of the shift myself if you want to knock off...”

“Mark told you to keep watch on me, didn’t he?”

“He’s worried about you.”

“He doesn’t HAVE to be,” she snapped, faintly irritated at Mark. “I’m a big girl. I can take care of myself!”

Craig held up his hands defensively. “I never said you couldn’t.”

Jess sighed and shook her head. “Sorry, Craig. I’ve no right to snap at you just because I’m upset.”

“You want to talk about it?” he offered.

“Not particularly.” Jess shook her head. “Look, it’s dead here, like you said, so I’m just going to restock shelves. Page me if you need help here.”

“Will do, Jess.”

“Thanks.” Jess turned and walked to the stockroom, not noticing the young man sitting in one corner of the café following her movements, exactly as he had been since shortly after Mark’s departure.

END ACT 1
ACT 2

Mel groaned quietly as she came awake, wondering what she could have had to drink, and in what quantity, to leave her with such a severe hangover.

“Don’t open your eyes yet,” Cole’s gentle voice whispered into her ear.

“Cole?” she whispered, startled to realize that she was laying in his arms.

She groaned again as the events of the previous day came back to her. No drinks, just an IV full of some alien drug... Alien drugs: it was ALWAYS the drugs these days. But what was he doing in her bed?

“Where are you going?” she asked, automatically reaching for him as his hold on her loosened. She dropped her hands immediately, embarrassed.

“I want to close the curtain. Light will hurt your eyes,” he explained in a low voice.

“Oh...” She shivered as he pushed down the blankets. “Why am I so cold?” she whispered.

“The drug is still in your system. Don’t worry, Mel. I’ll be back in a minute, then you can get warmer.”

“Yeah,” she agreed weakly, wondering how a few seconds of conversation could have left her feeling so drained.

At least she knew what he was doing in bed with her. The thought that keeping her warm was the only thing that had drawn him to her bed was a painful one, but not entirely unexpected. The last few weeks had given her proof positive that Cole was not yet over the death of his wife. Until he was, she could not expect more from him than his friendship.

“Okay,” Cole murmured, crawling back under the covers and gathering her into his arms again. “You can open your eyes if you like.”

“Thanks,” she said, cautiously doing just that. She immediately regretted it when the action was accompanied by a jolt of white-hot pain that started in her head but quickly expanded to encompass her entire body. “Oh, GOD!” she gasped, closing them tightly and burying her face in his chest.

“Breathe, Mel. Breathe,” Cole ordered, holding her close and releasing warm energy into the back of her neck.

Mel clung to Cole as she struggled to do as ordered, her entire body shaking with pain and fatigue.

“It HURTS,” she moaned, sobbing.

“I know. Be calm,” he urged, releasing more soothing energy into her body. “It will pass quickly,” he promised.

Mel nodded weakly and focused on drawing deep breaths, doing her best to ignore the pain. Mercifully, Cole was right and the sensation quickly passed. She went limp in his arms, exhausted.

“Withdrawing from Isylyx can be very painful,” Cole explained quietly, forcing her chin up and brushing her hair out of her face. “I want you to try again, Mel. Open your eyes very slowly.”

“I’d really rather not...”

“I know,” he murmured, nodding faintly. “Just rest for a few minutes,” he advised, shifting her slightly and kissing her forehead.

“Cole?” she whispered, opening her eyes and staring up at him. Fortunately, it did not hurt nearly as much this time.

“It’s okay, Mel,” he promised. “I’ll take care of you.”

“Are you okay?”

“Yes, Mel,” he assured her gently. “I’m fine now.”

“What happened? I thought... I mean...”

“It’s okay, Mel,” he repeated firmly. “We’ll discuss it later, when you are not so tired. Just rest now,” he advised.

She closed her eyes again, too tired to resist. Sighing softly, she relaxed into his arms, enjoying the warmth he gave off. His sheltering embrace was soothing as well, almost enough to let her forget the facts of her life and pretend that she was a normal woman in a normal relationship with the man holding her.

Normal of course, being a relative term when only a few days ago had seen her shedding his tears and mourning the death of a woman she had never met yet still knew with the intimacy only a lover could. She made a note to ask Cole about that. Later, though, when she was rested enough for more than a few seconds of broken conversation. Right now, all she wanted was to rest and to get warm.

Lulled by the warmth he provided, she drifted in and out of sleep, only peripherally aware of the sounds of voices nearby. She felt warmer now and not so weak, even if she WAS still absolutely exhausted. Darkness overtook her again, washing away her pain and worry and wrapping her in a soothing cocoon until the only thing she was aware of was the man holding her.

Voices penetrated into her consciousness again, more clear this time. Maggie and Vic, she realized after listening to them for a few minutes. Cole’s voice cut across theirs and both fell silent as the Cirronian explained to them exactly what the Isylyx had done to her system and assured them that she would recover completely within a few days.

More voices, a hand on her shoulder, one lightly touching her cheek, and then they were alone again. Mel sighed softly, nestling against Cole’s chest.

“Feeling better?” he asked gently.

“Yeah. Warmer, too.”

“Maggie brought an electric blanket,” he explained. “You’ll recover faster if you can be warm.” He pressed his lips to her forehead again and directed, “Rest now.”

Mel started to protest that she was not tired, but she was asleep again before she could get the words out.

***

“Hey, help you find something?” Jess asked as she restocked the shelves.

The young man who had been watching her earlier looked up from his confused scrutiny of a row of books and smiled gratefully. “Oh, I dearly hope so. I had no idea there were so many books on testing. I’m trying to get into law school...”

“Right nightmare trying to sift through all those different titles, isn’t it?” Jess asked with a grin. “I have a friend who did well with this one. Got into Harvard,” she said, picking up the volume Isabel had studied from and handing it to him. “I can’t imagine that the standards are TOO much different in the States, especially not at a place like Harvard.”

“Probably not,” he agreed, nodding faintly and scanning the cover. “Thank you, ah...” He trailed off, waiting for her to supply her name.

“Jess.”

“Thank you, Jess.” He grinned at her. “I’m Greg, by the way.” His smile widening, he asked, “How ever can I thank you?”

“Just doing my job,” she assured him with a smile, starting to turn.

Greg caught her arm lightly. “So... what you’re saying is that an offer to buy you a cup of coffee would probably meet with failure?” he asked, disappointment obvious in his expression.

Jess blinked, startled. No man since Ewan had treated her like a normal woman rather than a daughter or friend. She had almost forgotten how nice it felt.

“I know.” He ducked his head, his expression embarrassed. “I can be unforgivably forward.”

“Actually, it’s a nice change from blokes who beat around the bush all the time,” Jess admitted with a shrug. It was nice to deal with a man who could treat her as a woman rather than just some creature with a Destiny. It felt good to feel normal. “It’s just that I’m on shift and I’m meeting someone right after...”

“Oh, sorry...” He flushed and started backing away.

“I didn’t say I was meeting my boyfriend,” she pointed out, shaking her head. “Relax, shy. I don’t bite.”

“Never?” he asked, looking disappointed.

Jess laughed and shook her head, not answering.

“It’s pretty quiet here. You sure I can’t persuade you to have a cup of coffee with me?” He smiled hopefully.

“I...”

Jess hesitated. She had sworn blind after Ewan that she was done with men. But she found herself liking this one, tactlessness and all. Maybe it was just that he was such a sharp contrast to most of the men she had dated with their smooth tongues and lying ways. Or maybe it was that he was a man who did not want her merely for her bloodline. It was obvious from the look in his eyes that this one viewed her as a woman, through and through. And THAT was a lovely contrast to a life dominated by a Destiny she had never asked for.

“Just one? My way of saying thank you.” He hesitated. “Look, if you’re worried that I might get ideas...” He shook his head swiftly. “All I want is to share a cup of coffee with you, maybe talk a little. That’s it...”

Jess hesitated. “I’m sorry. I’m just... well, a bit bite-shy right now, honestly.”

“Sweetheart, what man in his right mind would burn you?” he asked, shaking his head.

“You want the list?” Jess scoffed, shaking her head. “Forget it. Ancient history.”

“That’s the spirit. So, what are you drinking?” he inquired, taking her by the arm and steering her towards the café.

Though startled, Jess allowed herself to be led. It did feel nice just to be treated like a normal woman for a change, and she was not about to say no to the opportunity. Not when her evening would be dominated by training over how to deal with alien assailants. An afternoon of pretended freedom was exactly what she needed...

***

“Someone’s in a good mood,” Kate remarked as Jess ran through the warm-up routine Mark had given her.

For her part, Kate was running through her cool-down, having just learned new definitions of the term ‘embarrassing’ from her father. Mark may have loved her dearly, but he pulled no punches on the mat, reminding her firmly that the fugitives could not be expected to do so either.

“I had a nice day.” Jess shrugged and continued stretching.

“You were on shift all day. How nice can it have been?” Kate scoffed.

“Well... I helped this VERY charming bloke find a book.” Grinning smugly, she added, “Then we spent the next three hours chatting.”

“Ooh,” Kate said, her eyes shining. “Good for you, Jess. When do we get to meet him?”

Jess shook her head faintly. “It wasn’t like that. We just chatted.” She shrugged. “It was nice.”

“What did you talk about?”

“Less talking, ladies,” Mark suggested from the bench. “I’d like to be done with Jessica in time to make supper, if neither of you minds. What’s so interesting, anyway?”

“Jess met someone,” Kate explained.

“Did you?” he asked Jess, frowning faintly. He ruthlessly suppressed what he could have sworn was jealousy and smiled curiously instead.

“Yup. And I’ll probably never see him again,” she said, shrugging and rising. “Ready when you are, Mark.”

“Be careful, Jess,” Kate warned. “He’s in a mood today. You’ll be positively grateful that he’s Cirronian and can heal before he’s through with you.”

Jess groaned, nodding an acknowledgement of the warning.

“Okay, I need to run or I’ll be late to Lydia’s. I’ll see you two tonight,” Kate said, giving each a quick hug and peck on the cheek before jogging off to the dressing room.

“So, when do we get to meet your new friend?” Mark asked quietly.

“I told you, I probably won’t be seeing him again. We just chatted over coffee.”

“What about?”

“I... Nothing, really.” Jess shrugged. “Just general stuff. You know.”

Mark nodded faintly, gesturing towards the mat. “Today, I’m going to start drilling you on using the Collectors Cole sent. Shall we?”

END ACT 2
ACT 3

Mark returned to the living room with a sigh, holding a bottle in his hands. Jess had spent most of their training session talking about Greg instead of focusing on the moves Mark had been trying to show her. The result was that both had had an absolutely miserable time of it. Jess had managed to shake the worst of it off, liberally helped by healing energies from Mark. Bruises were one matter, easy enough for a Cirronian to heal.

Mark’s problem was not so easily dealt with.

“What’s a guy do when he’s jealous of someone he has no right to BE jealous of?” he asked Jay quietly, pouring two drinks. Jess was at her father’s and Kate was out with Lydia, leaving the apartment to them.

“This ‘someone’ wouldn’t happen to be a perky blonde named Jess, would it, Mark?”

“Oh, come on!” Mark protested, startled that Jay had assessed the situation so accurately. He still had absolutely no intention of giving his old friend the satisfaction of knowing that he was right, not if he could help it.

“Deny it all you want, Mark, but I saw the way you reacted to me giving her the eye that day you two came to my office. You’re gone on her, aren’t you?”

“I can’t be,” he murmured, shaking his head in protest. “I have a DAUGHTER older than Jessica. I can’t be,” he repeated with less conviction than he knew he should have felt.

“You sure about that? You’re starting to think about women again, aren’t you, Mark?”

“Just the one woman,” he admitted, shaking his head. “Not that it matters. She’s not interested. She just started seeing someone.”

“Damn shame.”

“She’s a good friend, Jay. That’s enough.” Mark shrugged and shook his head, grinning at him and dismissing the subject.

“So, you ever find who you were looking for?” he asked, aware that the topic was closed whether he wanted to press it or not.

“Yeah, I found her.”

“That’s good. Perhaps she can take your mind off of the lovely Jess?” he suggested slyly, raising an eyebrow.

Mark smiled bitterly at Jay’s suggestion. “I VERY seriously doubt that she’ll be able to take my mind off of Jessica.” He shrugged. “You and Kate shouldn’t have come back to London...” he added, rubbing the back of his neck and sighing. “It’s just not safe.”

“I tried to talk her out of it, told her to wait for you to get in touch. She said she wasn’t going to run scared while you and Jess faced these people alone.”

“She can be so stubborn.”

“Came by it honestly, Mark,” Jay informed him flatly. “But... if it’s so dangerous for you lot right now, is it safe for her to be going out with friends so much?”

“You want me to lock her away in her bedroom for the rest of her life? Instill a bunker mentality in her? Make her live in fear?” Mark asked, shaking his head. “She deserves to have the kind of life a girl her age SHOULD...” he muttered.

“You don’t sound so sure about that yourself, Mark.”

“Only thing I’m sure of any more is that hiding all three of them away seems like a better idea every day.” He sighed. “God, I feel so OLD sometimes...”

“So maybe you should take some time off.”

“I can’t do that right now.” He drained his glass in one long swig and poured himself another. “God, I miss them...” he whispered, staring reflectively at the amber liquid.

Jay winced at the abrupt shift in the mood of the conversation. If Mark was missing Bridget and Eileen after one drink, he was going to be in VERY bad shape indeed by the end of the evening.

“Mark...” Jay began hesitantly.

“I know, I know.” He sighed and nodded in defeat, his shoulders slumping. “I just... I’m so lonely sometimes. I could use a wife, someone to talk to, someone to hold at night...”

ESPECIALLY someone to hold at night, he reflected, sighing. His twin bed in the study had started to feel horribly cold and empty. His own soul was starting to reflect that condition. It was not about sex, he just wanted someone he could be close to, someone to be close to him...

“It can’t be easy for you, but you have two wonderful daughters to remember them by...”

“Yes, I do,” Mark agreed quietly. “Two beautiful little girls to worry about losing just like I lost their mothers...” His head shot up and he looked around quickly, rising and starting for the door. “Stay here, Jay,” he ordered.

“Why? What is it?” he asked, rising.

“Stay!” Mark repeated more firmly, running down the stairs to the bookstore. “Jessica!” he called through the darkened store. She was nearby and she was NOT alone. “Jessica!”

“Yeah, Mark?” Jess asked, startled by the frightened edge to his voice. She wove her way between bookshelves until she reached him. “Mark, what’s wrong?”

“There’s one of THEM here...” he whispered, taking her by the arm and nudging her towards the stairs, never taking his eyes from the front of the store. “Go upstairs. Jay’s there. Stay with him until I get back. Are you armed?”

She gave a shaky nod, backing towards the stairs as Mark started towards the door. She gave a startled yelp as she backed into someone. Mark was at her side in an instant, crouched and ready to attack.

“Jay!” he snapped, shaking his head in disgust as he became aware that he had lost the alien life-force. “I TOLD you to stay upstairs!”

“Mark, what the hell’s going on?” Jay asked, ignoring him. “Jess, are you okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost...”

“You just startled me,” she said apologetically.

“Lets get you upstairs and get a brandy into you,” he suggested, taking her arm and steering her towards the stairs. “Then you can tell me what’s going on.”

“You STILL don’t want to know,” she informed him flatly, refusing to budge. “Mark?”

“He’s gone now,” Mark sighed. “Go upstairs with Jay and stay there. I’m going to go pick up Kate.”

“So much for not adopting a bunker mentality,” Jay muttered, staring at Mark in confusion for a moment before returning to the flat above the store.

“I wasn’t in danger,” Jess murmured, trying to sooth Mark’s obviously ruffled feathers. “The streets were packed and Greg was with me.”

“Greg?” he repeated, frowning. “That guy you met?”

She nodded faintly. “I ran into him on my way home. He offered to see me safely to the... door.” Jess frowned uncertainly. “You don’t think...” She shook her head, willing him to deny the possibility.

“Yes. Maybe. I don’t know...” Mark shook his head, confused and angry beyond all reason. “I think I want to meet this Greg. No more going out alone at night, either,” he added. “I don’t care how nice the weather is. I am driving you WHEREVER you need to go. Both of you, Kate, too...”

“Mark, relax,” Jess suggested quietly, shaking her head. She had never seen him as worked up as he was now. “It was probably nothing, just a coincidence that one of them was around when I got home.”

“There ARE no coincidences!” he snapped, shaking his head. “Damn it, Jessica, he was right on top of you!” He trailed off, taking a deep breath and struggling to compose himself. “He was right on top of you,” he whispered. “I was scared.”

“It’s okay,” she whispered, resting her hands on his shoulders. “Mark, it’s okay...”

“I am getting so sick of this life...” he whispered, shaking his head. “I’m sorry I scared you when you came in.”

“It’s okay. You were worried. Now why don’t you go get Kate so you can relax some?”

“Good idea,” he agreed, nodding and squeezing her arm. “Thanks, Jessica.”

“Yeah,” she whispered, watching him go, concerned. It simply was not like Mark to lose his cool so readily.

***

“Hungry?” Cole asked Mel, walking into her bedroom with a tray.

”Starving,” she assured him, smiling weakly. “Thanks, Cole.”

“You’re welcome, Mel. I thought you might be in the mood to eat something now that the pain is gone.”

She shook her head. “I meant thanks in general. For everything. Saving my life, taking care of me after...”

“I could have spared you so much pain if I had gotten there quicker. I’m sorry, Mel.”

“It’s NOT your fault, Cole. Blame Lana.” She smiled reassuringly, scrutinizing his life-force for an exhausting moment. “You seem a lot better now, though.”

“I am, Mel. Much better.”

“Are you sure?” she asked gently. She had not had enough time to get a definite read before she had become to fatigued to continue.

“Yes, Mel.” He smiled and nodded, his expression reassuring. “A lot of things were missing from me for a long time. There were things I could not accept, things I REFUSED to accept...”

“And now?”

“I talked to Nallia last night. I said goodbye. I never got to say goodbye,” he explained simply. “Now I have. It still hurts, but not as badly as it once did.”

“I’m glad,” she whispered, touching his cheek. In spite of her fatigue, when he spoke of Nallia, she could sense a substantial difference in him. He had let go. He was moving on. “You deserve a chance to be happy, Cole.”

Cole smiled warmly at her. For once since the murders, he actually did feel like he deserved to be happy. More, he WANTED that chance. With Mel by his side, he knew it was possible, too. The urge to gather his beautiful Mel into his arms and hold her close was almost overwhelming when he considered that possibility. Knowing that she was still weak, and that changing the terms of their relationship was something that was going to have to be discussed at length, he resisted that desire.

“Eat, Mel,” he directed, settling the tray across her lap and rising. “I’ll be back in a little while,” he promised.

“Thanks, Cole.” She smiled up at him as he left and then settled down to the business of devouring the expertly-cooked meal. He had been right. She was absolutely ravenous.

Sighing softly to himself, Cole walked down the stairs to the bar. It was almost empty except for the early afternoon regulars. Crossing the barroom to where Maggie was sitting, Cole smiled and nodded to the few who greeted him. Jonas, helping Gail study for a test, absently waved without ever taking his eyes off of the girl as she recited her answer to his question.

“Hey, Cole,” Maggie greeted him. “How is she?”

“Much stronger now,” he assured her, smiling. “She’s eating now, which will help more.”

“Wonderful. What about you?”

“I am much better as well.”

“Yeah?” Maggie asked, eyeing him thoughtfully. “You look better,” she decided finally, nodding to herself. The old spark was back in his eyes and he was obviously quicker on his feet than he had been. “We were worried about you, you know.”

“I know.” He frowned faintly. “And I am sorry that you all had to worry. It will not happen again,” he promised.

“Good to hear.” She smiled reassuringly up at him. “You know, talking can really help with these things. And if you don’t feel like you can talk to Mel about anything, you always know where to find me.”

“Thank you, Maggie. But I think I will be discussing many more things with Mel in the future...”

“Is that so?” she asked, nodding her approval. “And about time, too, Cole Hauser. Even Allan wasn’t as close-lipped as you tend to be.”

“The time was not right.”

“And it is now?” she asked.

“It will be. When Mel is rested and we may talk without interruption, THEN the time will be right.”

“Good.” Maggie patted his shoulder. “You’d better get back upstairs to Mel. I can hold down the fort out here.”

“Okay, Maggie. Call me if you need help,” he reminded her, returning to the apartment.

END ACT 3
ACT 4

Arranging a meeting with Greg at a time and place where Mark could be on-hand was so easy that Jess was sure that he could not have had any bad intentions. After all, if he WAS one of the aliens, surely he would be more cautious and circumspect, she told herself firmly. But it had not stopped her from bringing both her Collector and Mark’s gun. He had her at the firing-range twice a week practicing with that and he drilled both Kate and herself on using the Collector on a daily basis.

She shuffled her feet anxiously as she waited for Greg’s arrival, glancing around the park for Mark. He had promised her that he would be there, but she could not see any trace of him. Which, she supposed, was the point. She still would have been more comfortable if she could have seen him...

“Hey, Jess! Sorry I’m late,” Greg greeted her, dropping onto the bench next to her. “You wanted to talk?” he asked.

“Yeah.” She nodded faintly, forcing a smile.

“Everything okay? You seem tense,” he said, reaching out and rubbing the back of her neck.

Jess tensed further as she felt his hand on her. They were strong enough to easily break a woman’s neck, she knew from Mark. And here he was, sitting there and absently rubbing hers.

“Fine, I’m fine. Just... long day at work, you know?” Mark, where are you?

She jumped as her phone started to ring, yelping in surprise before she could stop herself.

“Hey, take it easy, Jess!” Greg advised, grinning. “What’s wrong, baby?”

“Nothing, nothing,” she muttered, fishing the phone out of her pocket and holding it to her ear. “Hello?”

“Jessica, I want you to get up and walk away,” Mark ordered quietly.

“What?” she asked, blinking.

“He is NOT human. Make any excuse you can, just get out of there.”

“Where...”

“Nearby. Don’t worry. I can get to you if there’s trouble, but I want you out of the line of fire.”

“Uh, yeah... Yeah, gotcha, Kate. You sure there’s no one else you can call? Erica or... No, no, guess not. No, I don’t mind. I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

“Good, that was good, Jessica,” Mark murmured, hanging up.

Jess smiled weakly and turned to Greg. “I hate to skive out on you like this, but I’ve got to run. Three of the girls called in sick today and Kate really needs an extra pair of hands at the café.”

“Kate? Your flat-mate, right?” he asked, rising.

“That’s the one. So... I’ll see you another time.” She nodded once and turned away.

Greg caught her arm and fell into step beside her. “Why don’t I walk you? You can tell me all about your friend...”

Jess closed her eyes. Suddenly a thousand innocuous questions and pieces of conversation struck her in an entirely different light. He had been gathering data on them, intelligence. And he had been using HER to do it.

“You don’t have to do that,” she assured him quickly, feeling sick to her stomach and more than a little repulsed by his touch.

“I don’t mind. It’s no trouble. I really enjoy your company, Jess...”

“I, uh--”

“Jessica? That you?” a voice called.

She looked up, sighing in relief at the suited figure jogging across the park. “Oh, heya, Mark!” she greeted him, waving. “Greg, this is Mark,” she added as he approached. “Remember, I told you about him? Kate’s dad.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” Greg said, ignoring Mark’s proffered hand. “I really need to go. I just remembered that I’m picking up my kid sister from school,” he explained, giving Jess a pat on the shoulder and hurrying off.

“Are you okay?” Mark whispered, steering Jess back to the bench.

She gave a shaky nod. “He didn’t hurt me or anything, no.”

Mark sighed softly, sitting down next to her. “That isn’t what I meant, Jessica.”

“I know. I just... I wanted to feel normal again and... I mean, I usually DON’T and... I thought he liked me and... so many little things that you can talk to anyone about and... what if I gave something away about you guys? God help me, Mark, what if I gave you two away?” The last was delivered in a whisper, her eyes swimming with tears.

“Don’t worry,” he murmured, resting his hand on her knee and giving it a reassuring squeeze. “It’s okay.”

“But IS it? Really?” she whispered, biting her lower lip.

“It will be,” he promised, regarding her sadly. “Did you like him much?” he asked tentatively.

“I... Not like that, but yeah. It was nice having someone to talk to. Not people I work with or... other Guardians, just... normal friends, you know?”

“Yes, I do.” He nodded faintly. “And I’m sorry. You deserve to have a normal life. You do.”

“Did he... does he know you know?” Jess asked abruptly.

“I don’t know. If I were fully Cirronian, he’d know that I would be able to tell he isn’t human. Since I’m only half, he may not be sure if I can not. That’s why he wouldn’t shake my hand.”

“So let’s put him into a Collector,” Jess suggested. “I can lure him somewhere and you can--”

“No, Jessica,” Mark interrupted, shaking his head. “You are NOT bait. I’m not going to put you in that kind of danger.”

“Mark, you’re training Kate and I to FIGHT. We’re going to have to be in that kind of danger at SOME point. This could be like a dry-run.”

“Please don’t,” he whispered, catching her hand in both of his and fixing her with a pleading look. “I... He’s a dangerous man. You shouldn’t put yourself in his reach. Please?”

“Okay,” Jess agreed quietly, more because he was so obviously upset than because she was swayed by his words. “I won’t, Mark. Promise.” She sighed and rose. “Come on. Let’s get home. I think we need to talk to Kate.”

“You’re right. You’ll both have to be more on your guard about making new friends in the future.” Sighing deeply, he added, “I’m sorry.”

“Not your fault. It’s a good precaution, makes sense.” She smiled reassuringly.

“I already know all of Kate’s friends and they’re all definitely human,” Mark began.

“You, Cole, Kate, and Mel are it for me,” she said, shrugging and shaking her head. “No worries from that quarter.”

“I am so sorry, Jessica...”

“I know. You don’t have to be. Really.” She smiled at him and wrapped an arm around his shoulder as they walked. “I like the friends I have. I could do a lot worse. Come on. Let’s get home.”

***

“Okay, you slide your arm through here,” Mark murmured, helping Jess into the shoulder-holster he had gotten for her.

“Jess, your dad’s here,” Kate said, leaning into the room.

“Thanks, Kate. Tell him I’ll be out in a bit.” As Kate left, Jess asked Mark, “Do I really need this bloody thing?”

“I think you do, yeah.” He nodded faintly, snapping it securely. “Here, put your arms down. Is that comfortable? Not too tight?”

“No, it’s fine.”

“Good. This is better, trust me. It’s more accessible than it would be in your purse and more secure than it would be in your pocket.” He gave her a reassuring smile, handing her the gun. “It’s going to be okay, Jessica,” he promised.

She looked at the gun clasped between his hands and hers and then up at Mark, smiling weakly. “I believe you,” she whispered.

“Jessie, luv, you almost...” Her father trailed off, staring into the room with wide eyes. The easy smile he had been wearing faded instantly. “Mark, may I have a minute with my daughter?” he asked quietly.

“Call if you need anything,” Mark murmured to Jess, slipping the gun into the holster. “I’ll be in the living room.” Nodding to Richard, he left the room.

“Dad, I can--”

“You in some kind of trouble, Jessie?” he interrupted quietly, his eyes never leaving the gun. “I know you’re a good girl, so if these people are mixed up in something you shouldn’t be involved in, I want to help you. I have a little money if you need a lawyer or...”

“It’s not like that, Dad,” Jess assured him, sighing and sitting on her bed.

He eyed her thoughtfully for a minute before sighing and sitting down next to her, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. “I only want what’s best for you, girl. You know that.”

“I know, Dad. So does Mark. He just wants me safe.”

“From what, though?” he sighed, gesturing towards the gun. “You can’t carry that. It’s illegal!”

“Mark knows some loopholes,” she murmured. “We aren’t doing anything illegal.”

“Then what do you need with a gun?” he demanded, obviously confused and more than a little troubled.

“There are some people who want to hurt us.” She bowed her head. “I know you have worries enough of your own, I didn’t want to add this to the list. I didn’t want you to have to know.”

“I’m your father. If you’re in trouble, I have a right to know. And to try to HELP you...”

She sighed and shook her head. “I’m not sure I want you even to try.”

“But WHY?”

“These people are dangerous. I don’t want them to hurt you.”

“And I don’t want YOU hurt, Jessie. Come home, where it’s safe.”

“I’m safer here,” she whispered. “And YOU are safer with me here. I don’t want you getting hurt because of me.”

He regarded her sadly, shaking his head. “Jessie, child, if you’re in that much trouble, maybe we should get you out of the country for a little while? You have that girlfriend in that States...”

Jess shook her head. “These people don’t stop where the borders do, Dad.”

“God almighty,” he whispered, shaking his head. “What are you into, girl?”

“You might have read about it in the paper,” Kate contributed quietly from the door. “Zin Industries, MI-5, FBI, CIA, Interpol...”

He frowned uncomprehendingly for a moment and then his eyes widened. “That... international crime-ring?” he asked, staring disbelievingly at Jess. “The one that killed that MI-5 agent? Jessie?” He stared at her with wide eyes. “What? HOW?”

“My aunt,” Kate explained quietly. “Her realty firm was mixed up with them. Interpol has her in custody now, but...” She shrugged. “My Dad would like to have a word with you if you don’t mind. He wants you to know that he’d never hurt Jess.”

“No, I suppose he wouldn’t at that.” Richard nodded and rose, patting Jess’ arm. “We’re still going out to lunch after this is all sorted out,” he told her firmly.

Kate watched him go with a soft sigh. “You okay?” she asked Jess, sitting down next to her.

“I didn’t want him to have to...” She shook her head.

“I know. I’m sorry I let him see the gun. I tried to stop him, told him you were still half-dressed. Might have worked better if he hadn’t heard Dad’s voice in here...” She shrugged apologetically.

“No one’s fault,” Jess sighed. “These people... they ruin everything they touch.”

“Yes, they do,” Kate agreed, sliding an arm around Jess. “Dad tries so hard to give us a normal life...”

“Does a damned fine job under the circumstances,” Jess said, closing her eyes and leaning into her friend.

“He told me about Greg. I’m sorry, Jess.”

“Don’t be, please,” she said, wrapping her arms around Kate. “It’s what I get for trusting another bloke when I swore blind I never would again...”

“You should be allowed to have friends. There’s nothing wrong with that,” Kate murmured, hugging her. “It isn’t your fault that they take beautiful things like friendship and family and warp them to their own ends.” She sighed faintly. “Whatever else is true, you can always trust the Porters,” she reminded Jess gently.

“I know. You lot are my one sure thing in life any more.”

“We’re always here for you,” Kate promised, giving her friend a squeeze and a kiss on the cheek. “And one of these days, this is going to be all over and we’ll STILL be here for you.”

“I know.” Jess smiled and nodded. “I love you, Kate.”

“I love you, too, Jess.”

“My mum always used to say that family was the most important thing in life and that... it wasn’t always the one you get born into. Sometimes it’s the one that takes one look at your face in a crowd of others and calls you special.”

“She was adopted, you said?” Kate asked, nodding. “She was right, too. You’re one of us now and whatever happens, you always will be.”

“It’s good to know she’ll be taken care of after I’m gone,” Richard said quietly, smiling at the girl hugging his daughter. “Jessie, you ready or do you need some time?”

“I’m ready, Dad,” she assured him. “I’ll be right out.”

“Okay, luv.” He smiled and nodded, returning to the living room.

“Thanks, Kate,” Jess murmured, giving her friend a last hug and kiss on the cheek. “See you this afternoon at practice.”

“Contact sparring. I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Kate chuckled. “See you then, Jess.”

END ACT 4
TAG

“Mark tells me that he’s been teaching you self-defense, too?” Richard asked as he walked through the park with Jess after lunch. “Martial arts and thing?”

“Yeah, Dad.” Jess nodded. “Not just how to fight, but how to disarm people and knowing when to run and things like that. He really just wants me to be safe,” she assured him.

“I know.” Richard nodded. “He says that he’d give anything to keep you safe, that you’re like another daughter to him.”

Jess frowned faintly, wondering why that comment was so annoying to her. Probably it was just a desire to be seen as an adult in Mark’s eyes. It was one thing when your own father viewed you as still just a little girl, but entirely different when any other man did. Especially a man as amazing as Mark.

“He loves you, Jessie,” Richard added. “As much as I do.” Pausing, he added, “I know I wasn’t really the best father to you. I tried, but I know I should have done right by you and didn’t. I’m glad you finally found a family for yourself.”

“Me, too.” She smiled at him. “And I’m glad I found YOU again, too.”

He fell silent for a long moment. Finally, sighing, he asked, “Jessie, can you ever forgive me for the way I treated you after your mother died?”

“I already have, Dad,” she answered honestly. “I mean, I was really mad for a long time, but I never stopped loving you. I understand why things were like they were. It wasn’t you. It was the alcohol.”

“It’s been more than two years since I’ve touched a drop. I want you to know that.”

Her smile widened and she pulled him into a bear hug. “That’s great,” she whispered in his ear. “I’m proud of you...”

“It’s something I should have done ages ago. I’m sorry I didn’t do it when it could have made some difference with us.”

“No regrets, Dad,” Jess murmured, shaking her head. “Life’s too short for those.”

“You really ARE Mary’s daughter, aren’t you?” he whispered, regarding her with wide eyes and shaking his head. “You sounded just like her just now. And she would have been so proud of you, Jessie.”

“I... I do the best I can.” Jess shrugged. “Mark says that, no matter HOW things come out, you can’t do better than your best.”

“He’s a smart man. You listen to what he has to say and I think you’ll do well for yourself.”

She smiled and nodded, catching his hand and pulling him forward. “Come on. I know a great ice-cream shop near here.”

“Since when do you like ice-cream, girl?” he laughed, shaking his head. She had always been an unusual child in that regard, not overly fond of sweets.

“Kate and Mark hooked me,” she answered, shrugging. “Come on.”

Richard smiled and followed, frowning when a young man stepped into their path.

“We meet again,” the young man greeted Jess, smiling widely.

“Greg,” Jess whispered, taking a step backwards. “Go away...”

“Uh... no.” He shook his head faintly. “You promised we could meet again.” He turned his attention from Jess to Richard. “Who’s this?”

“You leave him alone!” Jess ordered, reaching for her gun.

Greg knocked it out of her hand before she could even level it at him.

“Son of a bitch!” she screamed at him. “Leave us alone!”

“I can’t.” He shook his head faintly. “Since you chose to end our association, Haag wants me to bring you in for questioning.”

“You leave her alone!” Richard ordered, diving between Jess and Greg.

“Dad, no!” Jess protested, a moment too late.

Greg backhanded Richard and sent him flying a good twenty feet. Jess scrambled to his side glaring up at Greg as he approached. Snarling, she jumped to her feet, brandishing her Collector at him.

“Try me...” she snarled.

Greg stared wide-eyed at the Collector for a moment before turning and fleeing.

“Dad,” Jess whispered, pocketing the Collector and dropping to her knees again. “Dad?” she repeated more loudly when he did not answer.

He was so still... Why was he so still? Shaking her head, she felt for a pulse. Nothing.

Sobbing, she started CPR.

***

“Jessica!” Mark called, hurrying across the crowded waiting room to her.

“Jess, are you okay?” Kate asked, following close on his heels. She dropped into the chair next to Jess’, wrapping her arms around her friend.

Not particularly mindful of her surroundings, Jess returned the hug automatically. Feeling Mark’s strong arms closing around her from the other side, she sighed softly and reached up, wrapping one arm around each.

“What happened?” Mark murmured.

“Greg came after me. Dad tried to stop him and...” She trailed off, tears in her eyes.

“How is he?” he asked.

“I... I don’t know. The doctors are still with him.”

Mark nodded faintly. “Don’t worry, Jess. It’s going to be okay. We’re here now.”

“We’re here for you,” Kate added quietly.

“I appreciated it,” she murmured, clinging to both. She closed her eyes and just held on to them until a doctor approached them.

“Miss Brown?” he asked.

“Yeah,” Jess murmured, nodding faintly and looking up at him. “How is he?”

The doctor sighed softly. “I’m sorry, Miss Brown, but your father didn’t make it.”

“No!” Jess protested, shaking her head and jumping to her feet. “He must have! He had to!” She shook off the hands trying to comfort her. “You’re wrong! You have the wrong person!”

“His neck was broken in the fall,” the doctor explained apologetically. “There was massive head trauma and--”

“I think we get the picture,” Mark interrupted quietly. “We’ll just take her home now if there’s nothing else.”

“Of course,” the doctor agreed, nodding faintly. “I’m sorry for your loss.”

By then, Jess was crying too hard to hear him.

***

“Can you get her ready for bed, Kate?” Mark asked as they guided Jess into her room. “I’ll get her a cup of tea.”

Kate nodded and pulled a nightshirt from Jess’ drawer. “You okay?” she asked softly, extending the shirt to Jess.

“What do you think?” Jess demanded, ignoring the shirt.

“Jess, I know how you feel,” Kate began.

“No, you don’t!” Jess snapped. “You didn’t watch your father die, did you? You didn’t watch a man you thought you could trust kill him!”

“Jess.” Kate sighed softly. “No, I don’t know what it’s like to WATCH your father die, but I know what it’s like to lose one, and... well, bloody hell, I know it’s got to be tearing you apart.”

“You’re right,” Jess said, taking the nightshirt from her hands. “It IS.”

Kate watched her change in silence, feeling helpless. “Is there anything I can--”

“No!” she interrupted. She paused, sighing softly. “I’m sorry, Kate. I just need some time alone,” she whispered. Her head was spinning and her heart aching.

Kate hesitated for a moment before nodding, extending her arms. “I love you, Jess.”

“I love you, too, Kate,” Jess sighed, wrapping her arms around the younger woman and closing her eyes.

“Let’s get you to bed, okay?” Kate suggested, steering her into that direction.

Jess nodded and sat on the edge of the bed. “I’m fine, Kate. Thanks. I think I just need time.”

Kate hesitated for a long moment before nodding and leaving the bedroom.

“How is she?” Mark murmured as she emerged into the hallway.

“She... she’s in pain...” Kate shook her head. “She doesn’t want company.”

“No, but she needs it,” he answered, touching one hand to the door. He could feel that.

“She’s angry, too, Dad.”

“I know she is.” He nodded faintly. “I can’t blame her.”

“Neither can I, but...” She shook her head helplessly. She did not know what to do, how to help her dear friend, and it hurt.

“Hush,” Mark directed gently, pressing his lips to her forehead. “You have to be tired, Kitten. Get some rest. I’ll deal with Jessica.”

“You sure?”

He nodded faintly. “I know how it feels. I’ve been where she is.”

Kate did not hesitate before nodding. Jess needed help and she felt powerless to give it. She had to trust that her father would be able to. There was very little that Mark Porter was unable to make right. She nodded again and retreated to her room.

Mark sighed softly as he watched her go, hoping that he would be able to live up to the faith that she head in him.

“You okay?” he murmured, entering the room.

“How could I be?” she demanded, glaring at him.

“Stupid question,” he agreed apologetically. “Let’s get you into bed.”

“No,” she protested, shaking her head. “I don’t want to sleep. I can’t...”

“Then you can just rest,” he murmured, nudging her in the direction of the bed. “It’ll be okay,” he promised.

“No, it won’t!” she protested, shaking her head. “He’s dead, Mark! How can it be okay?” she demanded.

“Jessica, I--”

“NO!” Jess snapped, shaking her head violently. “This is your fault!” she shouted.

“Jessica,” he began again, shaking his head and reaching for her.

Jess threw off his hands, refusing to let him touch her. When he refused to be deterred, reaching for her again, she struck out blindly, not noticing that she had blackened his eye. She would not much have cared if she HAD noticed it. She was angry and needed an outlet. Mark understood that need. He stood his ground, letting her pummel his chest and give voice to her anger, fear, and frustration.

“They would NEVER have gotten to him if it hadn’t been for you!” she yelled. “You and your precious Guardian bloodlines!” she shrieked. “I never would have been in the middle of all this! HE wouldn’t have gotten caught up in it all! I could have gotten to know the real him! Now I haven’t and I never will! He’d still be alive if it weren’t for you!”

“Yes, he would be,” Mark sighed, nodding and drawing her into his arms. “And I am sorry for that, Jessica. Beyond words, I am SO sorry...”

He shook his head, not sure what else TO say. She was right about the fact that he had indirectly been the cause of Richard’s death. He was not to BLAME, but Jess was too beyond reason to be able to draw that distinction. He closed his eyes and cradled her against his chest until she went limp in his arms, weeping into his shoulder. He continued to hold her close long after she had fallen silent. Sighing softly, he quickly steered her towards the bed.

“Come on,” he murmured. “Just lie down, Jessica.”

“I can’t!” she wailed, throwing her arms around him and clinging to him. “How can I?” she demanded.

“Hush,” he urged, pushing her into the bed and climbing in after her, wrapping his arms around her and holding her close. “It’s okay, Jessica. I’m here. Kate and I are HERE for you. You aren’t alone,” he whispered. “You aren’t alone, Jessica. You aren’t alone. You understand me? You aren’t alone. Not now and not ever. You aren’t alone...”

Sobbing, Jess buried her face in his chest and cried herself unconscious.

END TAG