Hi all! First, I'd like to say thank you SO much for your comments. You're all so kind, and I really appreciate your continued interest.
keepsmiling7- When I put this part as a heart to heart between Max and Maria, I just had to include Enigma! I loved that the show gave them that storyline to just have a fun time, no alien abyss-nonsense attached (well I guess save for Michael's reaction to alcohol).
dreamon- Your comments have me blushing. That's a great compliment that the writing comes across effortlessly. I will say Part 42 in particularly was written in stages and tweaked over the years. :p
clueless- Glad to see a comment from you! Thank you again for all the times you've checked in with me. It's really good to be back.
I really hope this part lives up to your expectations!! Note-- definitely read the Previouslys. Due to work deadlines/schedule, I will likely be back with Part 53 in about two weeks.
Previously…
[From Graduation]
Mrs. Mills sat apprehensively in front of a table of photos. She recognized the teenagers pictured and strongly suspecting these so-called FBI agents meant them harm, she remained silent.
Agent Felding urged, “The sooner you help us Mrs. Mills, the sooner you can return home.”
Her voice was small as she resisted once more, “They helped me. They saved my life.”
Behind her, Agent Hammers made a veiled threat: “I’m sure your two children will be very happy to see you. It’s getting late.”
Mrs. Mills looked at each of the agents in turn, her eyes filling with shock and fear. Her stomach clenched at what these men might do to her children. The first agent’s gaze never faltered—his grey eyes steely as he appraised her. Silently praying for forgiveness, she regarded the photos once more. Feeling sick, she forced herself to point out her saviours.
…
As they all gathered at Vasquez Rocks to determine their next move, Michael was internally freaking out. It was all happening too much and too fast. Monk had died in his arms, he had nearly lost Isabel, Max had died and come back, he had somehow gone crazy under the influence of the seal and almost killed Maria, Tess came back with Max’s kid and now Liz could look into the future, which currently was forecasting to be very short. And so he defaulted to his flippant defensiveness. “Team? Look at us, it’s ridiculous!”
“Michael, you’re not helping,” Maria intoned.
“She’s right,” Max agreed listlessly.
“Ok; fine then help. What’s the plan?” Michael looked towards Max, expecting their stalwart leader to know.
But he didn’t. Max refused to make the decision, and Michael wasn’t entirely sure why, but when Max told him he wasn’t his second in command, the words stung. A flare of anger lit through his chest. But mostly he was disappointed. Max had given up. So why should he try? Why should any of them fight? And so, he chose flight.
“I got a better idea. Why don’t we get out of Dodge before they land on us? I mean, we leave.” He bit out the words, silently pleading Max to stop him.
“And where do we go?” Kyle asked, earnestly.
“Anywhere but here. I mean let’s face it. They know who we are, it’s over. We leave Roswell, we leave fast and we leave as quietly as we can. We all go separately.”
[From Part 4]
Alone once more, the painter put down the brush and turned once more to the painting. He stepped closer to it, his breathing a bit erratic now. As he tried to calm himself down, he breathed out the words *my fault*. Swallowing yet another lump within his throat, and running a hand splattered with paint through his jet black hair, Michael whispered, “I’m so sorry Max. I’m so sorry.”
[From Part 22]
The doctor then went on to check his reflexes and then before he left he asked the same two questions.
“Do you know why you’re here?”
“Yes.” The first time it had stunned Max into silence, bringing tears to his eyes as he remembered all the horrible things he had done to his friends and family before coming in here. Being here was his punishment. Now he answered automatically with a masked face hiding any emotion he may have felt.
“Do you understand your rights in being here?”
“I have none.” The first time he had been momentarily confused, but once he understood what was being asked of him, his voice broke at the question. Now it remained flat and dead.
[From Part 30]
Isabel snatched her hands out of Kyle’s now lax grip to hug herself as she tried to gain control over herself. But she could no longer think clearly. All she could think was—it was real. This was no mind warp.
Max was alive.
Her brother was alive.
And he was in more trouble than she could ever imagine.
“Oh God…” she sobbed out; her hands slipping from their wrapped position to cover her face.
…
She couldn’t say anything as she continued to sob, the horrible truth continuing to crash into her mind and soul.
She had left Max to a fate worse than death.
[From Part 43A]
“No!” Isabel began to vehemently shake her head, her hands wringing at her sides. “I can’t fix it! No amount of power… no…” as the sobs began once more she started to hyperventilate again, just managing to squeak out a few haunting words— “It’s too late… it’s too late!” Ignoring Michael’s attempt to comfort her again, her hands covered her face as she breathed out in bitter despair, “I failed.”
[From Part 43B]
Her head shaking slightly, Isabel decisively told them, “We are not looking at them.” Her voice thickened. “None of us. Even if we could bear to see these sick videos—” she shook her head more violently, interrupting her more rational point of not knowing where to even start to look among a year’s worth of 24-hour surveillance, “no… no we can’t. There has to be something useful in the other files. We’ll just… keep… looking …there.” Her throat had become constricted, causing her to choke on her words.
[From Part 47]
“Kyle… I’m sorry, I didn’t mean…”
“Stop right there, Max. You saved my life… and I don’t know if you never got to hear it or you just don’t remember it, but… when I thought you were gone…” He ran a hand through his hair, still awkward about expressing his feelings. With a brief wry smile he continued, “… well… it was hard enough saying it that time…” Holding Max’s gaze he tried to convey his gratitude and sincerity, “…so just know, I’ll never thank you enough for saving my life, my dad’s… Liz’s… all of us. Not even finding you seems enough… not when it took this long.” He shook his head slowly, weighed down by guilt.
[From Part 51A]
She spared a sideways glance to Max noting his strained expression directed towards the screen. Following his gaze she noticed his attention was focused on the other window, which provided an interface listing the other files they had only briefly skimmed that first time. In view was a file named, “T.o.S.” Though she was surprised he was staring at a document she assumed was full of general legal jargon, she surmised he was frozen by the mere fact that all the evidence of his capture laid before him.
She struggled to find words. The evidence of how the Special Unit had violated him was utterly unspeakable. Returning to Max’s face, she saw naked fear and uncertainty.
PART FIFTY-TWO A
Upon entering the kitchen, Isabel greeted Max and Maria with her patented hostess smile. She was already mixing some batter and gesturing to the bowl, with a tinge of forced chirpiness to her tone, she asked, “Who’s ready for some pancakes?”
“Mmm sounds good. Let me wake Michael, and I’ll be right back,” Maria easily commented.
As she strolled back to the guest room, Max watched her go with growing dismay. Absently itching at his elbow, he wasn’t sure how to refuse Isabel’s offer.
He blinked suddenly as a glass filled with a milkshake was produced in front of him. Turning to Isabel, he offered inaudible thanks. With a slight nod, Isabel returned to her mix; her strokes more vigorous than before.
Sensing the increased tension, Max forced himself to make conversation— “These shakes really are tasty.”
Without looking at him, Isabel remarked tightly, “You just add water. Not much to it.”
Gingerly approaching her, Max touched her shoulder lightly, causing her to still. Moving around to face her, he stated, “I still appreciate it.”
Isabel’s eyes were red rimmed as she met Max’s gaze. Not expecting her to be so upset, Max instantly asked, “What’s wrong?”
A scornful huff escaped Isabel at his question. Glancing up for a moment, blinking her eyes, she then fully faced Max. “I hate seeing you like this. Unable to enjoy even a simple pancake.” The way she bit out ‘pancake’ expressed that it wasn’t about this specific meal or dish. “I…” her voice hitched. “I hate myself for not being able to help you.” Taking a deep breath, she confessed in a rush, “That I gave up looking for you.” Isabel paused as she pushed her hair back from her forehead. Fretting, she continued, “That I left you alone.”
Her last statement was spoken so small.
Max’s heart ached at the self-criminations his sister had professed. Just like Maria and Kyle, her guilt was misplaced and wholly unnecessary. But how to tell them all? Trying to say what happened out loud seemed impossible to him. His gaze shifted to the living room, suddenly. The files.
He knew what to do. With a slight squeeze of Isabel’s shoulder, he commented, “You didn’t, Iz. And I’ll prove it to you. Just give me a moment.”
“Max?” Isabel asked in confusion.
He had already started walking to the computer. The sofa was empty; Liz likely gone for a shower. He wasted no time opening the computer and pulling up the window Liz had shown him earlier. His breath lodged in his throat as he skimmed the file names listed. His hand automatically clenched into a fist at the reminder of the tests run on him. Shaking his head to rid himself of the unbidden memories of hunger, cold, extreme heat and nearly drowning, he finally found what he was looking for.
Clicking on the link, a separate window popped up playing a black and white video. The main figure was hooded and being forced into a chair. He briefly closed his eyes as he remembered the suffocating muggy heat of the hood clinging to his mouth with each breath. His hands cuffed in front of him were yanked forward and latched to the table. His legs were similarly chained at the ankles, placing him at an awkwardly bent angle. He opened his eyes just in time to see them rip the hood off.
He paused the video. Swallowing thickly, he steeled himself on what he was about to do… to reveal.
A sound from the stairs drew his attention and he saw Liz walking down as she dried her hair. The smile on her face was immediately replaced with concern, especially upon eyeing the opened computer.
Standing up he asked her to call everyone there. Somehow that request felt like he was getting ready for the gallows.
Minutes later everyone was settling before the computer. The girls had squeezed together onto the side of the couch facing the computer, but Kyle chose to sit on the arm rest and Michael leaned against the other.
Liz had attempted to get Max to sit by her, but he chose to remain standing. Each of them darted wary glances between him and the screen, waiting for whatever was about to happen.
Max’s back was slightly turned to them as he pondered how to start. At Liz’s uncertain call of his name, he turned and decided to get it over with as quickly as possible. “There’s something you need to see.”
Isabel spoke up insisting, “No, we don’t. We didn’t mean to watch that clip—”
He cut her off. “
I need you to see this. To understand.”
Everyone shared uncertain glances as they watched Max make a window full screen and press play.
As the hood was removed they saw Max gasping for breath, his hair slick with sweat and sticking in different directions. He was shirtless, a thick bandage over where he had been shot. A light shone in his face causing him to squint.
“Max Evans.”
Max searched through the shining light with apprehension at how the low voice had coldly stated his name.
“Do you know who I am?”
The Max on the screen briefly licked his lips before raspily answering, “You’re the general of the base that blew up.”
“That’s right. A lot of good people were killed because… well that’s what I want to know: why?” The general leaned forward into the light allowing the others to see him. “That action is typically seen as an act of war.”
The captured Max was shaking his head, his hands fidgeting in his cuffs. “I didn’t know she was going to do that.”
“She—Tess Harding?” There was a shuffle of papers.
Swallowing visibly, Max nodded.
“And where were you?”
“Making preparations to help her leave town.”
The general intoned at the answer.
“And that didn’t need to involve her?”
“Tess and I… don’t—didn’t see eye to eye. I told her I would handle the arrangements and for her to go sleep.”
The general gave a curt nod seeming to accept Max’s answer.
“At graduation—how did you know we were there?”
Max’s eyebrows furrowed, confused at the question.
“Is one of your powers seeing into the future?”
Max gaped at the general.
Upon hearing the question, Liz turned teary eyes to Max, but he solemnly gestured for her to keep watching.
“No. What are you talking about?”
“You suddenly went up on the stage. The speaker hadn’t expected it, so I assume that wasn’t part of the ceremony.” There was a hard and dangerous edge to the general’s comment.
“M-my senses are heightened… I heard footsteps… after that manhunt for Tess… I figured it was inevitable you were coming for me.”
Max winced at the reminder of confessing that. He still remembered looking around the auditorium with growing panic as he heard the faint clicks of guns being readied.
“So the reason you went on stage--?” The general prompted.
“To minimize casualties. Enough people have been hurt because of me. I…” Max broke off, his head turned to the side as he stared at the darkened wall unseeingly.
“Or was it to save certain people?” The general asked archly.
Eyeing him warily, Max carefully asked, “What do you mean?”
The general pointedly slapped a number of photos on the table, narrating his suspected conspiracy. “Your sister, Isabel Evans. Michael Guerin. Elizabeth Parker. We have evidence revealing that these three are as “otherworldly” as you.”
Though the harsh glare of the lights prevented those on the couch from seeing the photos clearly, the words of the general shook them to the core. Liz’s premonition at that time had warned them that they were all targets, but the venom in the general’s voice caused the fear to spike anew within each of them. Tearing away from the screen, they each shot a pained glance towards Max.
Max’s head was bent and his jaw clenched as his mind played out the memory of seeing the photos. As he looked at the almost intimate close up shots of his loved ones, his body began to grow numb with dread. His still healing chest wounds burned as his increasingly shallow breaths robbed him of air. At least one of the photos had been taken weeks before. He hadn’t known they were being watched for that long. Internally, he had despaired at how he had dropped his guard. His thoughts had raced to figure out how he could still save the others. The answer came easily, though. Max lifted his head at the same time his younger self, filled with grim resolve, did.
“Tess and I are the only aliens.”
“Oh? And how do you explain these displays of power?” The general tapped at a couple of photos.
Michael regarded Max for a moment, sensing that the video was about to reveal Max had done something incredibly stupid and selfless.
“That was me.”
The general scoffed. “Your sister was found with you in the desert back in 1989. Are you saying that was a coincidence?”
Max held the general’s gaze steady, a sudden fire of determination in his amber eyes. “She doesn’t talk about how she came to be abandoned in the desert, but when she came across me she was clothed. She offered me her sweater, but I didn’t know what it was and didn’t take it. So she threw off all of her clothes to make me more comfortable. She…”Max broke off momentarily looking at his hands. “Once she held my hand she never let go.”
“No clothes were recovered at the scene.”
A hint of exasperation flickered on Max’s face. “It was night in the desert. And we had walked for quite a while before we were found.”
“But what about this? The tape is clearly a home video, and the date is the day before we searched your home.”
“Isabel always encouraged me to tell our parents the truth. I was… afraid. And so she finally came up with the plan that she would pretend to have powers so that I would finally tell them.”
“Seems oddly convoluted.”
Absentmindedly, Max murmured, “Her plans often were.”
The general raised an eyebrow, somewhat amused.
Isabel crinkled her forehead at that remark. Did Max really make a crack about her “Christmas-Nazi” persona to his captors? With effort she darted a glance at Max her eyes filled with concern, confusion and dismay. She saw he was attempting to hold a stoic expression, but his eyes still revealed his guilt, shame and pain.
“Michael Guerin was also found in that same desert albeit weeks later. Another coincidence?” The general’s question was once again dripping with cynicism.
“Michael always had bad luck with foster parents. I never pried. I just made sure he had a safe and warm place to crash.”
“And you did this?” The general lifted a photo of a planter breaking as Michael held a hand up towards it.
Max once more looked off to the corner. “It was an immature prank. Michael had been on my case about never doing anything… questioning what was the point of my powers if I didn’t use them. He insisted if he had my powers he would actually enjoy them. So… I decided to show him how it would be.”
It had been a half-truth as Max had been thinking about his power struggles with Michael over the seal. The whole interrogation was what Max had prepared his entire life for—hiding the truth with a plausible version.
“And what about Liz Parker?”
Max responded apprehensively, “What about her?”
“We have a witness statement that you and Miss Parker saved her life with supernatural powers.”
Max was silent for a moment. “Was that outside the Crashdown?”
“It was.”
“Liz had short-changed the lady. She asked me to help run after her as the lady was in a hurry when she left. It was happenstance that I was there to stop the mugger.”
“So Liz Parker never showed any signs of changing after you healed her?”
The silence was palpable as Max held the general’s gaze.
“No.”
Before the general could comment, Max continued—“All these three did was befriend me—make me think I was… human.”
Crossing his arms, the general stated, “Yes, your speech did suggest that.”
“But you’re not going to let me.” Max stated with defeated acceptance.
There was another palpable silence as the general studied Max. Under his penetrating gaze, Max sunk into sorrow and guilt. His thoughts weighed on his heart as heavily as the cold fetters around his wrists. The constant bite of metal reminded him that there was no escape for him. The only thing he could do was ensure the others did not share this same fate. He fervently hoped the general had accepted his answers—believed them enough to leave the others alone. But as he looked up at the general, Max knew that they would still terminate a perceived potential threat. Just as the general started to pack up the photos, Max spoke with a plaintive plea in his tone. “Please let them live.”
The general sharply looked at Max.
“I… I’ll agree to whatever you decide to do to me. I’ll tell you whatever I know. Show you whatever I can do. I won’t fight it. I won’t escape. Just let my family and friends live their lives.”
And there it was. Michael clenched his right fist at seeing Saint Max continue his martyrdom. His legs felt numb as he registered exactly what Max had traded for their protection.
“Why would you agree to that?” The general watched Max, seemingly sizing him up.
“They already believe I’m dead.” Max dejectedly shrugged, causing a little clink of protest from his restraints. “Their lives were derailed when they chose to help me. I know I’m only alive because you wanted answers. I’ll give them to you. But don’t continue to punish them because they chose to be kind to me.”
The general stared at Max for a beat. Looking to the side, he instructed, “Prepare the documents.”
There appeared to be a jump cut as they saw Max’s head slumped to the side in an uneasy sleep. He started at the sound of someone entering. A contract was placed in front of him.
Rapidly blinking, Max picked up the stapled pages and began to read. They could see him clenching his jaw as he pored over the deal that would determine his fate.
His eyes closed, Max could still remember the starting refrain: I, Max Evans, hereafter referred to as Prisoner A5, surrenders fully to the United States Government. Prisoner A5 relinquishes all rights in exchange for the safety and protection of the following individuals: Philip and Diane Evans. Isabel Evans-Ramirez and Jesse Ramirez. Michael Guerin. Jeffrey, Nancy and Elizabeth Parker. Amy and Maria Deluca. Jim and Kyle Valenti.
He had been grateful that they had included everyone. He had idly wondered at his designation, ultimately assuming the ‘5’ meant he was the fifth alien since the infamous crash. As for the rest of the contract, the words had blurred in front of him as the most important aspect had been confirmed. The specifics of his custody were meaningless. He was theirs to do what they wished.
He dared a look at the others who were all frozen in horror as they watched his younger self make a deal with the devil.
A pen was offered to him.
About to take it, Max cleared his throat to speak, but before he could say a word a different voice spoke up off screen with clear disdain. “Second thoughts?”
Glancing towards the voice, Max’s hands briefly shifted, once more creating a dull clinking. “I just have one question before I sign.”
Choosing to indulge his prisoner, the general prompted Max to ask it with a wave of his hand.
“I will do my best to answer your questions, but as my last capture by the Unit showed, you still know more about me…and my kind” Max said that last word as if it left a bad taste in his mouth. “But they didn’t believe me when I honestly told them I didn’t know. Will my friends and family still be safe if I truly don’t know the answer?”
The general seemed to consider the request. A hissed protest came from behind, but he held up a hand to halt the dissent. Facing Max head on he offered, “If we find any evidence proving you lied to us then this deal” he paused for added effect, “will be null and void.”
Max seemed about to say one more thing, but was stopped by a sibilated, “Don’t push it.” Instead, he bowed his head in acceptance. He fumbled with the pen and scrawled his name where the general pointed.
Taking the contract, the general added his own signature, and an addendum of what they had just agreed to. Upon completion, he placed the contract into a file, and as he stood he formally stated, “We accept your terms of surrender.”
“T. O. S.” Liz whispered in anguished realization. Her hands were clasped, the knuckles turning white. With a brief glance to Max, who was now staring at the floor, she turned her attention back to the screen.
There was a permanently lost look on Max’s face. He stared out blankly, any spark of life in his eyes extinguished.
Addressing to those off screen, the general instructed, “Prep him for transfer.”
With that a hood was pulled over Max’s head, though he gave no reaction as it happened.
Unable to hold back anymore, Liz stood up and implored Max, “What did you do?”
Max had been hiding his head the last few minutes, but at that he straightened up and firmly asserted, “What I had to.” Though taking in the barely held back tears on Liz’s face his facade easily cracked, his voice trembling as he answered, “to keep you…” He paused looking at each one of them in turn. “…all of you…
safe.” The emphasis on the word safe was filled with desperation.
With a rough swipe at the side of his eyes, he once more held himself straight and addressed all of them. “So as you can see… there is no need for any of you to feel guilty… to apologize to me.” He met the distressed expressions on all of their faces, pausing at Isabel’s pale and pinched face. “It’s not your fault. I
chose to be there.”
“No! Just… no, you’re wrong!” Michael ground out from his seat. He too stood up, his fists still clenched.
Max watched him; his expression obstinate.
Michael could only shake his head in disbelief. He pointed towards the computer, “That never should have been a choice you had to make.”
Max’s expression softened slightly. “I still would do it,” he quietly asserted.
With a heavy sigh, Michael chose not to argue. With a vague wave in the direction of the others, “They don’t owe you an apology… but
I do.” Michael felt everyone’s attention on him, but he pushed through his discomfort to express what he had wanted to say to Max this whole time. “I never should have left. My idea to separate was a bad one. All that time you said it— I believe it now. We are stronger together.”
With clear pride and awe, he looked at Liz and Kyle, “They’re the reason we got you out. You should have seen it. They were amazing.”
Remembering the flashes of his rescue Liz had shared with him, Max smiled in gratitude, his eyes mirroring the same awe Michael had just expressed.
“I mean it this time, Maxwell. No more running. I’m staying.” His voice was steady and sincere. After what the past year had been like, he now knew how important it was to stay together. And truth be told, he needed them all together. He craved the constant connections he was able to have with his loved ones. Being with Maria again, he knew without a doubt he wouldn't be able to leave her behind again.
Max searched Michael’s eyes and saw he was resolute with his promise. He reached out a hand to him, and Michael strongly clasped it pulling him in for a hug. “Whatever we have to face—we’re doing it together,” he insisted in Max’s ear.
As the hug broke, Max saw everyone was now standing around him. “What he said,” Kyle spoke, and the others nodded. Max smiled, again lifting a hand to remove the tears beginning to pool in his eyes.
A moment later he embraced Isabel, whispering in her ear, “I’m sorry, I didn’t let you in.”
“Don’t you
ever shut me out again,” she admonished.
Pushing a few stray strands from her face, he avowed, “Promise.”
Grasping his hand, Isabel warned, “I’ll hold you to that.”
Kyle glibly remarked, “It’s okay if you don’t let me in.”
Max looked over at Kyle, but the usual irritation had given way to fondness. “Thanks for not giving up.”
“It’s the least I could do after you saved all of our lives.”
Max gave him a nod in acceptance.
Maria came up to him and insisted, “I’m sorry I ever believed those agents.”
Max offered her a hug in comfort. “That makes two of us,” he conceded with regret.
Barely a moment later, Liz crashed into his chest. She held onto him tightly, as if he would disappear at any moment. Max wrapped his arms around her and placed a kiss on top of her head. There was no more need for words between the two. Now all they needed was physical reassurance the other was there and wasn’t going anywhere.
The others slowly disappeared into the kitchen to enjoy Isabel’s pancakes leaving the two soulmates alone.
Not willing to let go, they swayed slightly to a silent song only they heard. Lifting her up, Max kissed Liz. Their connection was instant; sorrow and relief mixing with the dizzying array of stars and passionate sighs.
As their lips separated, Liz finally found her voice. “A life without you is not a life I want.”
A myriad of emotions passed over Max’s face, still unable to believe his fortune. Drawing her in for another kiss, he whispered after, “You are my life.”
Once more, they found themselves nuzzled on the couch. Liz sighed happily as she leaned against his shoulder. He breathed in the hint of vanilla and strawberry from her freshly washed hair. Noticing Liz was resting her eyes, Max let his mind wander. As much as he had been heartened by everyone’s response, he still knew this couldn’t last. For the moment, everyone had made him believe he could live a normal life. One where he was free and surrounded by those he loved.
But sooner or later the government would come for him again. And this time, they wouldn’t hold back. His back tensed as he recalled all the images the agents had shown him.
Liz murmured, “Everything okay?”
Looking down at her, he felt his heartbeat return to normal, though his back still remained tense. “Yeah,” he lied. He felt like a heel for lying, but it was nothing compared to the secret he harboured. Would she still want a life with him after she knew the truth about that night? Even if she forgave him, he knew he couldn’t forgive himself. How could he protect her and provide a good life for her, if he was so weak? That he could be so easily tricked into such a betrayal?
He felt a light touch on his arm. Looking down at Liz once more, he saw her studying him carefully.
“We’re in this together, Max. Anything you want or need to say— tell me,” she coaxed.
He pulled her close, but coward that he was he couldn’t bring himself to say anything.
Michael had been right that they had all worked brilliantly together. But then was he really needed? What could he offer? They all were clearly on the run. So yet again he had uprooted their lives just for existing.
“Have you had breakfast?” Liz asked.
“I’m not hungry,” Max replied.
But then his traitorous stomach growled.
“Sounds like you could eat.” Liz dryly commented. At his silence, Liz offered, “I can bring you something if you want to stay here?”
He nodded. “Thanks,” he said in a small voice.
Once she entered the kitchen, Max stood up and walked to the window. He carefully positioned himself to stay hidden by the curtains. Gazing out at the street, a dark car caught his notice. His breath lodged in his throat. Apparently, they had found him sooner than he thought. Trying to think of how and where to escape, he saw a familiar figure exit the car.
Approaching the doorway was none other than Cal Langley.