His car slowed to a stop and he looked up through the windshield to see where he was, his emotions still flowing wildly unheeded. He glanced at his watch, it was almost midnight. He knew it was a bad idea and it was going to make things worse but he stepped from the car anyway. With his mind numb and his heart aching he walked to the door.

Jaime slid on her silk robe over her long white nightgown to quickly answer the urgent knock on her door. After she opened it Steve stepped quickly inside. She looked at him closely seeing the conflict between his heart and his head. He never said a word, he didn’t have too. She saw the tearful look on his face and surmised what probably happened. She knew he was hurting and came there for her help.

He stood silent and looked down at the open robe that gave a glimpse of the sheerness of her silk nightgown. He closed his eyes tightly for a minute and took a deep breath, feeling her arms encompass his neck. She held him tightly, feeling the tense muscles in his upper body. She rubbed his back until the tightness decreased. He leaned back with his arms around her waist and touched his lips gently to hers. She tasted so sweet he wanted, no needed, another taste. His lips pushed harder against her full mouth and she parted her lips allowing his tongue to enter. It traveled expertly over her teeth before playing with hers. Their breath became short and Jaime willingly melted against his lean muscular frame.

When the kisses could not get any deeper Steve’s right hand slowly slid up from her waist to stop under her arm. His thumb moved slowly towards her center causing a muffled moan to escape her lips. She unbuttoned his blue shirt and moved her hands under the material to feel his smooth back and broad chest. Steve’s left hand meandered up and slid under the fabric. Jaime thought she would never get enough of his touch.

He leaned down nibbling and gently massaging with his hand. The combination of his soft lips, hot breath and wet tongue caused her to gasp, an intense feeling of pleasure shooting right through her.

Jaime and Steve had never consummated their relationship when they were together years before, at least not that she could remember and this was too much to wish for. He leaned her carefully back onto the bed barely coming up for air, his need for her all consuming.

He moved over her, his shirt open, her hands massaging his hairy chest and tight abdominal muscles. She smiled at the gorgeous lover above her and heard his throaty whisper, ‘I love you Jaime’. She guided him and he eagerly followed, soon the two became one. Both knew the act itself would not take more than minutes, their passion and urgency dictating the pace.

When Jaime cried out his name she opened her eyes. Realization slowly sunk in at the emptiness of her room, the coldness of her bed and the large pillow she hugged to her chest. Feeling more then a little disappointed that it was a dream, she got out of bed to shower.

The bartender took the empty glass from in front of Steve and told him the taxi had arrived to take him home. ‘Home,’ he thought with a nod. Usually the word brought forth a feeling of warmth and security but tonight he knew it would be anything but. He threw some cash on the bar with a tip and nodded a goodnight to the bartender.

He teetered slightly at the door trying to get his key into the seemingly smaller lock. Finally he gained entry and saw her sitting on the couch reading a book. He tossed his key onto a table and just stood there waiting for the fight to continue especially since she wouldn’t approve of him getting intoxicated. She moved from the couch to stand in front of him, almost as if in slow motion, or was it just his impaired perception that made it seem that way. He wasn’t sure. What he was sure of was there was nothing more he could say or do to lessen the emotional distance between him and Kayce. So he waited.

She stared into his glassy eyes seeing him fighting to keep a steady stance. She didn’t want to be angry anymore. She initially thought he had probably run to Jaime for consoling. She was actually glad to receive the call from the local bar telling her Steve was on his way home. She continued to stare into his face, the most honest and handsome face she had ever known. It was then she decided he didn’t deserve the treatment she was giving him. She was putting her previous husband’s punishment on Steve and that was not fair. Steve was right he was not her ex-husband nor could he ever be.

Steve was surprised when her arms went around his waist and her head rest on his partially exposed chest. He eyed her wondering what was going through her mind. He would soon find out when she looked up and her lips claimed his. Her skillful hands began to wander to sensitive places causing his heart to race. Suddenly he was overcome and began to tear up at the thought of what could have happened. He returned her kisses enthusiastically before picking her up and taking her to their room.

Two months later Oscar requested Steve’s presence on the east coast. Steve was curious and made the needed arrangements. He was relieved when Kayce agreed to accompany him to Washington without a debate. Since the death of his parents he was anxious when his family was not close by. He worried, some would say obsessed, about their safety every moment and would continue to do so until the man that killed his parents was caught. At the small Ojai airport he did a thorough inspection of his twin-engine piper aircraft twice before allowing his wife and son to board. Kayce, being a pilot herself, noticed the overly detailed pre-flight check he completed.

She knew the helplessness of his parent’s death was still haunting him. Her heart ached for her husband’s sadness but was unable to find a way to relieve it. She figured only time would lessen the pain. The bomber was never identified but he seemed to have retreated back into the hole he had crawled out of three months ago.

Neither Steve nor Kayce knew what the meeting with their boss was about but they didn’t want Kyle in attendance. After greeting Oscar in his office Kayce took Kyle to the employee lounge while Steve sat down to hear what Oscar had to say.

In the break room it took several minutes for the little boy to choose something to snack on that his mother would approve of from the vending machine. Not being the sort of mother who allowed frequent candy treats and the limited choices behind the glass she finally agreed when his little index finger pointed to the box of chocolate covered raisins. The two sat at a round table and Kayce introduced her son while chatting with colleagues who came for some light refreshment. She enjoyed catching up on other people’s lives and they enjoyed meeting Steve and Kayce’s son, some for the first time.

Several of the OSI employees, most of them women and former girlfriends of the child’s father were drawn to the cute and quiet little boy. Many were not well known by Kayce. Even though they didn’t voice it to Steve’s pretty wife each one saw Steve clearly in his son and they were envious of the child’s mother.

Steve sat in Oscar’s office expecting to hear the details of an assignment which he figured he would not be interested in and that was the reason Oscar withheld the details of the meeting until Steve’s arrival. Oscar was the type of man who would try to personally sweet talk Steve into an assignment that was far from pleasant. The younger man was shocked when the tall man handed him an intelligence file that held information the OSI and FBI had acquired in their investigation into the Elgin’s deaths.

The investigation was coming close to locating their prime suspect, Dominic Calaveras. The elusive man was suspected in several thefts of atomic hardware and components, thefts that dated back almost a whole decade. It was Calaveras’ band of ‘freedom fighters’ that were badly damaged when the US government’s elite team of interagency operatives prevented the sale of an atomic bomb six years ago. The only problem was how to get to the well-hidden, well-protected leader. He hadn’t been seen in public for almost two years.

Steve listened closely as Oscar explained the unfortunate loss of four agents in the past year who tried to infiltrate Calaveras’ organization. Steve read quickly through the file and it was obvious to the experienced operative what others had overlooked.

“Who’s the mole?” he asked quietly without looking up and seeing the director’s shocked expression. Not getting an answer the blue eyes slowly raised. “Well?”

“What are you talking about?” Oscar inquired while stepping closer to look over Steve’s shoulder.

Steve pointed out some unusual items throughout the file. “It looks like there is someone supplying Calaveras with classified information, including operatives in the field.” The familiar eyebrow rose as he turned to face his boss. “Any ideas who it might be?”

Oscar nodded negatively. Steve continued reviewing the field notes on his lap. “Calaveras…Calaveras… “

“What are you thinking?” The tall man leaned himself against the front of his large wooded deck.

Steve glanced up then back to the papers in his hand, “The name. It doesn’t ring any bells. I don’t think he would have known who my parents were in order to…” He jumped to his feet unable to say the words. “Unless…”

“Unless what?” Oscar joined his friend across the room.

“Unless the mole who is providing Calaveras with information is someone who knows me personally or has access to my personnel file.”

“I’ll get on it.” He said quickly while returning to his desk.

Before Oscar could pick up his phone Steve’s words stopped him. “I want in Oscar; I want to help bring this guy down.”

“Steve I think you’ve done enough. I must have been too close to the problem to even notice there might be a mole. That will give us some direction. I think you need to go home and look after your wife and son.”

“Okay Oscar but when you find out where Calaveras is I want in, you owe me that much.”

Oscar saw the steely determination in his friend’s eyes. He knew Steve had enough contacts throughout all government agencies that he would be able to get information to put himself into the game with or without Oscar’s help. Goldman wanted to make sure Steve was monitored so he nodded in agreement. After shaking hands and saying his goodbye Steve headed to find his wife and son. His stomach twisting at the thought of leaving them for this assignment but he knew he had to go, for him, for his parents, for his family’s future safety.

As he entered the small snack room he smiled seeing two females surrounding the boy who was swinging his sneaker-clad feet back and forth under the table since they didn’t reach the floor. Peggy Callahan was on one side of his charming son and Rudy’s assistant Linda flanked him on the other side. Kayce looked up at her husband and just shook her head, a silent admission that Kyle was his father’s son. Kayce politely asked if the ladies would keep her son entertained while she and Steve had a short visit with Rudy. Since they had flown cross-country they couldn’t leave Washington without at least saying hello. Both women enthusiastically agreed and Kayce left the room with Steve.

As they walked down the hall towards the elevator Kayce immediately picked up on her husband’s anxious mood. Choosing to wait until a better time to discuss his meeting with Oscar she made small talk.

“Well it didn’t take Peggy and Linda long to fall under your son’s spell. I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” She gave him a smile and he returned it with a hint of embarrassment while pushing the elevator button. “As I recall it took quite some time for you to fall under my spell.”

She laughed out loud, “I was just playing hard to get.” The elevator doors opened and they stepped into the vacant space. Kayce was suddenly quiet, the smile instantly gone from her face. She felt like the small space was spinning. She reached for her head feeling overly warm and heard Steve’s voice, “Are you okay Kayce?” She attempted to respond but everything went black.

Steve immediately lifted his unresponsive wife into his strong, protective arms before she could fall. He silently urged the elevator to arrive at the chosen floor quickly. As soon as the doors slid open he was headed down the empty hallway to Rudy’s lab, his heart pounding against his ribs, his eyes locked on his wife’s relaxed face.

The distraught husband easily manipulated the doorknob and entered the lab calling to the physician in an urgent tone. Rudy came closer with an equally concerned look on his face. “What happened?”

Steve explained what he knew as he laid Kayce gently on the examination table, “She collapsed when we got into the elevator.” While Rudy immediately checked her pulse Steve stepped back but kept his stare on his wife who remained too pale and too still. Steve’s mind quickly filled with possibilities that left him panicked. ‘Maybe she was drugged or poisoned.’ He thought as his chest tightened. ‘Oh God the sonofabitch got to her. I should have protected her…I should have…’ His thoughts were interrupted by Rudy’s voice.

Seeing his nervousness and the lack of color in his face the doctor knew Steve was terrified the same man who killed his parents had harmed his wife. Needing room to work the doctor calmly addressed him, “Steve, she’s not in any distress right now. Go to my office and relax while I check her out. I promise I won’t be long.” Seeing Steve remain at her side unmoving he urged, “Please.” Steve broke the intense gaze he had on his wife and looked at Rudy with fearful eyes. He silently nodded but before leaving he requested Rudy check her blood for anything unusual then reluctantly went to the adjoining room.

The physician did a quick examination and drew blood. He completed the tests as quickly as promised as Steve paced Rudy’s small office unable to sit still, the long list of fatal poisons running through his mind. After almost half an hour had passed he couldn’t stand it any longer and returned to his wife’s side. He was shocked to see her sitting up and buttoning the top buttons of her blouse.

“Kayce, are you alright?” He looked closely at her face seeing the color slowly returning to her face as she nodded. “Rudy?” Rudy nodded and delivered the results of the tests.

“She’ll be fine, just a little anemic and her blood pressure is low.”

Steve stood close as she slid off the side of the table to stand. She looked up into his deeply concerned face before commenting, “It would seem Santa is a little late granting your son’s wish.”

“I don’t follow.” Steve replied his concerned expression quickly turning into confusion.

Kayce reached up and placed a loving hand on his cheek. She smiled and explained, “It would seem we are going to have another baby.” She waited and expected to see him smile proudly but his expression just turned back to one of fear. “Steve?”

He took a deep breath realizing he now had another person to worry about being harmed and began second guessing his desire to go on the assignment. He needed time to collect his thoughts, “That’s great. I’ll be right back.” He said without emotion. Kayce glanced at Rudy as Steve made a swift exit. Rudy took a step to follow but Kayce’s hand on his forearm stopped him. “I’ll go Rudy.”

The pregnant woman looked up and down the vacant corridor wondering where Steve would have disappeared to so quickly. Seeing a friend exiting the men’s room she inquired if her husband was in there. After seeing the affirmative nod she then asked if he was alone. Again her colleague answered affirmatively and she confidently entered. Steve did not immediately notice his wife enter the restroom. He was leaning his head forward over the sink and splashing cold water over it. He paused letting the water clear his head.

As soon as he came to an upright posture he immediately saw her reflection in the mirror. “Kayce what are you doing in here?!” She folded her arms across her body and leaned against the tiled wall while he dried his face with paper towels. “I needed to make sure you were alright.” She stated matter-of-factly. “Steve why do you look like you just received bad news. I thought you wanted more children?”

He took hold of her arm and steered her out into the hallway before someone he knew saw them. Rudy did see them and remained in the doorway of his lab as they approached. He kept his amused smile hidden seeing the slight blush in Steve’s face as he escorted his assertive wife from the men’s lavatory. “Well?” She stopped her forward movement and prodded, forcing him to stop also.

He turned and replied, “We’ll talk about it later okay.” He gave her a lopsided grin before kissing her lips. The pair returned to Rudy’s lab and received his congratulations as well as a prescription for Kayce to ward off further problems. The couple collected their son and returned to Ojai.

At the ranch husband and wife lay cuddled together on the soft, chocolate brown couch and Steve explained his lack of enthusiasm at the news of being a father again. Kayce did her best to reassure him the man who caused their nightmare three months ago would be caught soon and Steve wouldn’t have anything to worry about. Steve held her close hoping she would understand his decision. He quietly told Kayce what he had learned from Oscar. Taking a deep breath he then informed her of his request to be involved as soon as Calaveras was located.

She turned as she sat forward and stared into his eyes for a long moment. Kayce knew he would not be dissuaded, it was obviously very important to him to help find the man who maliciously murdered his parents. She leaned towards him and whispered her reply, “Alright, if that’s what you need to do but please promise me you will be careful. I almost lost you once this year. I couldn’t stand it if it happened again. Okay?” She placed a loving hand on his chest waiting for his reply.

“I promise.” He stated, leaning down to take possession of her full, pink lips. She eagerly returned the affection and both were startled when the phone rang. Steve swiftly grabbed it before it woke their son. Kayce sat back and watched his facial expression. The only words she heard from Steve’s end of the conversation was, “I’ll meet you there.”

Kayce’s chest tightened as Steve slowly laid the receiver on the cradle. “Steve what is it?”

He looked deep into her eyes, “The OSI has a very strong lead on Calaveras. I have to go.” He explained in a quiet tone. She took a deep breath and rose from the couch as Steve went to grab a few things from the bedroom. After a few minutes, when her husband did not return to the family room, she headed to their bedroom.

She stopped short of her destination when she passed Kyle’s bedroom and the door was half open. Slowly pushing it open the rest of the way she saw Steve sitting on the edge of the bed just staring at his sleeping son. She watched unnoticed as he reached forward and lovingly touched Kyle’s face. She took a few steps forward and placed a hand on his broad shoulder. He quickly wiped the tear that escaped his lashes before standing and placing a tender kiss on Kyle’s cheek.

Taking Kayce by the hand he led her to the dimly lit kitchen. She could tell by his quiet demeanor that he was struggling with the decision to go. “Steve, we will be fine. Go do what you feel you need to do. Okay?” She wrapped her arms around him and he embraced her tightly. She whispered her request one final time, “Just be careful.”

He leaned back and took in her face, committing every feature to memory. “I love you.” He said softly. “I love you too.” She kissed him hard before he reluctantly pulled from her arms and headed out the door without a backward glance.

Steve sat in the non-descript bar sipping his drink. So far his contact was able to get him within a hair’s breath of Calaveras’ operation. Now it was his job to get over the line and among them. He had planted the bait, now he was biding his time like a fisherman waiting for a tug on his line.

Seeing his boss’ nod the large man in his mid-thirties laid his pool cue on the green, felt-top table and wandered over to the bar. Instead of placing a drink order he leaned close to Steve’s ear and whispered an offer the operative couldn’t refuse, an invitation join them in their freedom fight. The burly man was still behind Steve when a familiar lopsided grin moved across his lips. He finished off his beer before sliding off the bar stool and following his new friend outside.

After the shock of seeing Steve Austin alive wore off an evil grin crossed the tall lanky man’s face. From across the room he saw the lopsided grin, a grin very familiar to him. ‘I will have the last laugh Austin, you’ll see.’ He thought to himself as he too headed outside to his car.

Oscar was furious. Within 24 hours of sending in his operative Steve was missing. Rudy heard the shouts as he walked through the glass doors of the director’s office and wondered what the cause could be. He was almost trampled as he reached for the brass doorknob to enter Oscar’s office. He watched three agents scramble into the hallway to hurriedly follow their boss’ orders.

The doctor was concerned at the reddened face of his friend. “Oscar what going on?” He asked, unable to remember ever seeing Oscar so irate.

“Steve’s missing.” He said quietly, sinking into his leather chair, knowing he should have listened to his gut instincts and refused to send him. Rudy’s heart skipped a beat at the unexpected news.

“You just placed him. You mean they got to him that fast?” The black-haired man just nodded as he chewed his lower lip.

They both sat quietly for a moment hoping for the best when the intercom buzzed. “Mr. Goldman, a Stanley Bedford from the mailroom is here to see you.”

The slender finger touched the send button, “I can’t see him right now Callahan. Please give him an appointment for tomorrow and I’ll speak with him then.”

There was a short silence before she buzzed again, “Mr. Goldman, he says it’s very important.” Oscar sat forward and let out a long exhale, “alright send him in.” He watched the timid little man in his forties amble into the room.

Standing before him the shy man had difficulty making eye-contact with the director. Oscar broke the tension. “I understand you have some information for me.”

“Yes sir…I ah…well I work down in the mail room.”

“Go on.” Oscar glanced at Rudy, his impatience clearly displayed on his face. “Well Mr. Bedford?” Both Rudy and Oscar were more than a little curious as to why someone in the mailroom would have urgent and important information.

“Well I thought you needed to know…ah… there’s this employee who delivers mail throughout the building and…well… I think she is here for more than delivering mail.”

“Why do you think that?”

He slowly looked up and pushed his thick glasses higher on the bridge of his nose. “Well…I ah… was doing my own rounds yesterday and saw her, three floors away from where she was supposed to be….and…and she wasn’t just delivering mail she was….sitting at the secretary’s desk looking through papers.”

“What kind of papers?”

“I don’t know. I didn’t want her to see me so I just watched her from afar.”

“Then what did you see this woman do?”

“She tried to open your office door.”

Oscar was shocked, “You mean she was looking through files on MY secretary’s desk?” The thin man nodded and took a small step back at the anger emanating from Goldman then corrected. “Actually sir, she was looking through the desk drawer.”

Rudy was on his feet following Oscar to Callahan’s desk. “Which drawer Mr. Bedford?” The nervous man pointed to the drawer to the left of a very confused Callahan.

“Callahan do you keep this drawer locked?”

“Yes sir why? What’s going on?” She asked as her boss knelt in front of the desk and examined the lock closely. Scratches around the hole were evidence that it was picked, probably more than once. “Mr. Goldman, did I do something wrong?” She asked nervously.

“Callahan what is kept in that drawer?”

“Agents travel arrangements, your schedule, and other minor things that are confidential.” Oscar looked at Rudy.

“That’s how they were getting their information. Mr. Bedford do you know this young woman’s name?”

“Yes sir, it’s Sally Compton.”

“Do you know when she started here?”

“About a year ago.”

“Thank you Mr. Bedford. You have been a tremendous help. Please keep this meeting to yourself, is that clear?”

“Yes sir.” He said quietly and left.

Rudy commented in a soft voice, “Now you know how they got to Steve, all you need to know now is who and where.”

“Exactly and I don’t have much time. I need to call Kayce and tell her what’s going on.” He stepped past the doctor with his shoulders slumped from the weight of responsibility and closed his office door behind him.

Through the night and into the following day Oscar choreographed the search for Steve. He made several calls to contacts in and around where Steve was sent. After much diplomacy and bartering he was able to locate where his agent might be. Now he needed a plan.

Issuing orders over the phone to put Steve’s extraction into motion he was confident with his plan. Just as he hung up the telephone his intercom buzzed. “Mr. Goldman, Kayce Austin is here to see you.” He was caught off guard but responded quickly, “Please send her in.”

He stood and rounded his desk watching the pretty woman close the large wooden door behind her. “Kayce, it’s good to see you. Have a seat.” She returned his warm greeting and slid into the leather, high-back chair. “Where’s Kyle?”

“I’m visiting a close friend who lives just outside of Washington, Sara Carpenter. You met her at my wedding; she was my maid of honor. She generously offered to take him so I could come see you.”

“See me about what?” He asked wondering if his telephone updates on the search for Steve were not enough.

“I need to know when you are bringing Steve home.”

Oscar could see the strain was wearing her down. “Kayce, I told you we know who has him and where they have him. Now we just need to…”

She assertively interrupted, “Where?”

He let out a sigh knowing why she was asking such a specific question. Walking around the desk he placed his gold-rimmed glasses on his face and opened the file. “He’s being held, we think, in an old abandoned prison.”

“What’s your plan?”

He pulled off his glasses, “Well, we’ve lost several good agents over the past year to Calaveras. This time I’ve decided on a different approach. I want to send in a female operative. I know Calaveras won’t be expecting that.”

Kayce’s eyes lit up, “I want to go Oscar.”

“No Kayce. I refuse to send you into harm’s way when you are pregnant. I did it once before but that was only because I was never informed of your condition.” He settled himself against the front of the desk and folded his arms at his chest.

“Oscar if he’s in an abandoned prison that means 18 foot walls, barb wire… very heavily secured. With my bionics I can easily get in there and get him out… and you said you wanted a female agent. Here I am.”

He nodded his head again and smiled, “I agree with you, bionics would definitely be an advantage on this mission but there’s no way I’m letting you go. I’ve already chosen my agent. She fits all the needed qualification. She’s experienced, has worked with Steve before and…she’s bionic.

“What? Who?” She stuttered in disbelief. Oscar took a deep breath to give his explanation when it came through his door. Kayce jumped to her feet as Jaime headed towards her. “Here she is now.”

“You’re…..” Jaime nodded and Kayce was at a loss for words. Oscar broke the uncomfortable silence.

“Jaime, did Rudy get you tuned up?”

“Tuned up and ready to go.” She replied. Oscar looked at her with deep concern, “Are you sure about this?” He knew the health risks she was taking. Jaime nodded confidently “I’m absolutely sure. Rudy said I have about 48 hours before there might be side affects. I hope to have Steve back in 24 hours.” Kayce continued to stare at the tall, thin woman still shocked by the news. Oscar continued his conversation with his now un-retired agent. “Alright. There’s a car waiting for you downstairs. Here’s your fake identification and background. Good luck Jaime.”

“Thanks. I may just need it.” She looked at Steve’s wife, “Kayce, I’m sorry but I couldn’t help overhear your conversation with Oscar while I was in Rudy’s lab.” Kayce’s brow furled and Jaime pointed to her right ear. “Bionic ear.” She shrugged and offered a small smile, “I’ll do everything I can to bring him home safe. I don’t want Steve to miss the birth of his child.” The two women made eye contact for a long moment, Jaime envying Kayce for her marital situation and Kayce envying Jaime’s position as Steve’s rescuer. Kayce spoke with all sincerity, “Thank you Jaime and good luck.”

“Thanks. Oscar, I’ll be in touch.” She held up her two-way radio and left the room. Kayce finally looked at Oscar, “What did she mean by side affects?”

The man in the dark blue suit explained, “When Jaime was made bionic her body rejected them and it almost killed her. When she retired I was ordered to have her tuned down. Tuning her back up to full strength and speed puts her health at great risk. Rudy isn’t sure what will happen to her.”

“How much risk?” She eyed his dark eyes seeing the deep concern filling them.

“It could kill her.”

“Why did you let her do it?” She demanded to know.

“Jaime’s the ideal choice. The person behind this has an inside mole and we aren’t arresting her yet because we don’t want Calaveras to know we know. That mole came on board long after Jaime retired. She has no idea Jaime is one of ours and therefore neither does Calaveras.”

Jaime met her contact at the same bar Steve was last seen at. She was frustrated that she couldn’t just ask everyone there if they had seen Steve, it would draw too much attention. So she was able to get hired as a waitress with her fake I.D. and moved about the room inconspicuously, her bionic ear listening in on everyone’s conversations. After three hours, $100 in tips and 1 drunken marriage proposal she finally heard the name ‘Austin’ mentioned. Turning quickly in an attempt to see who uttered the name she zeroed in on a man using the pay phone near the restrooms. She saw the burly black man hang up and exit the bar.

Throwing her apron on the bar she made it to the parking lot as the shiny black pickup truck pulled out in a cloud of dust. She glanced upward and seeing the sun setting and clouds rolling and knew she didn’t have much time, lacking the ability to see at night would definitely slow her pursuit. Taking off on a bionic run she followed the vehicle at a distance. She was determined not to lose her one and only lead to Steve.

Meanwhile Kayce spent most of the day with her friend Sara and Kyle at the Washington Zoo. Kyle was fascinated with all the exotic animals, his favorite being the Kola Bears. The trio headed back to Sara’s for dinner before the exhausted three-year-old was put to bed.

Sara couldn’t help but notice how distracted Kayce had been throughout the day, frequently checking her watch. Sara didn’t want to say anything with Kyle around so she waited until Kayce returned to the family room with a cup of hot tea.

“Kayce is there something bothering you? Something you want to talk about?”

Kayce eyed her friend wishing she could share everything with her friend and confidant. Pausing just for a moment to collect her thoughts she replied, “Steve’s just been working a lot lately. I haven’t seen him in awhile and I guess I just miss him.”

“Didn’t you get to see him when you went to meet with your boss?”

“No actually I didn’t.” Sara could see the sadness in the dark blue eyes and knew there was something more to what Kayce was telling. She wondered if their marriage was hitting a rough spot. Sara got a devilish grin on her face and made a suggestion, “You know Kyle and I can go to the amusement park alone tomorrow. Why don’t you pack a few things and surprise Steve tonight in his hotel room. Then maybe tomorrow you two can have some time together?”

Kayce thought over the idea. It would certainly lessen her stress is she was able to sit by the phone with Oscar waiting for Jaime’s call.

“Are you sure you don’t mind watching Kyle?”

“Of course not! He is so sweet I may even keep him for a week!” Kayce smiled, her charming son had that affect on almost every woman who met him. “Besides if I can feel the tension surrounding you so can Kyle. Stress is not good for that baby either.” Sara gave Kayce a smile. “You go spend time with Steve and tomorrow night if you need more time alone just call me and I’ll find more things to entertain Kyle, there are enough interesting things to see in the city to keep us busy for days.

Kayce let a small smile grace her lips, “I think it might help. Let me grab a few things and head over there.”

“That’s the spirit.” Sara called out as Kayce left the room. Kayce was filling a small bag and felt a twinge of guilt not telling Sara the truth about her current situation. She immediately reminded herself that she couldn’t and finished packing.

...Continued