Roswell Fanatics

Part Seventeen



The heart monitor beeped every few seconds in the quiet hospital room. For the millionth time Zan wondered how this all had happened. The people who had caused the accident, of course followed them to the hospital. The driver, Ray Bourough, had been arrested. The woman had just cried. Zan could still see her screaming at the sight.... the sight...

He winced and looked up at the angel sleeping on the bed. He sat back in the chair next to her bed and shook his head. It wasn't right. He didn't have a scratch on him. How could she have gotten so beat up?

Cashlin had been unconscious since yesterday. Almost 24 hours now. The doctors at the hospital said that she just had a concussion. She was going to be fine. No broken bones. No serious cuts. Very minor bruises.

The police had said that it definitely had not been his fault. But the only thing he saw... was failure. He'd failed her. He never should have kissed her that day, at her place... he should have just left. Never talk to her again. He never should have asked for her help.

But that was all "shouldn't have's". He couldn't change any of that now. Everyone had always been right. All the assumptions... all the negativity.... it had been true. People at school, in the neighborhood, his teachers, even the principal.

He was a grade A fuck up. He may be book smart, but when it came to the real world he didn't know shit. What the hell was he thinking involving someone else, especially her, in something he knew all along was dangerous?

That was the whole point. No one smart <i>would have</i> done that.

Shaking his head, he reached for the phone on the night stand. He dialed the familiar number and it immediately started ringing. A few moments later a woman answered. Zan took a deep breath. "Mrs. Cleary?"

There was a pause. "Who the hell is this?" She sounded drunk.

"It's Zan." He closed his eyes waiting for the reaction. He knew it wouldn't be a good one.

And he was right. "Oh... I see. Are you done fuckin' my daughter?" Her speech was so slurred he could barely make out the words.

He gripped the phone tightly in anger, clenching his teeth so he wouldn't yell at her. "Cashlin.... she's in the hospital. We were in a car accident." He let that information soak in. "Everyone was right. This was a bad idea. I'm leaving her here you can pick her up. She's in room 511 at Memorial Hospital in Raleigh--"

"What makes you think I care?" Her words surprised him, but they shouldn't have.

"She--" Zan stuttered, his eyes widening. "She's your daughter."

"I don't have a daughter." Her words stung him. "She wanted to be with you. So you fuckin' take care of her."

Before Zan could let her have it, she hung up on him leaving the adrenaline pumping through his veins. That stupid, fuckin', cun---

"What's wrong?" Cashlin asked him.

He looked at her, trying to calm his emotions down. Her eyes were clear, like she'd only been sleeping. "Nothing."

"It's not nothing you look like you're ready to kill someone." She replied sharply. She didn't feel like fooling around right now. She had a killer headache and... hey... when had they checked into a hotel? And why was this room so.. bland? And why was she hooked up to an IV? And.... why was Zan looking at her like that? "Wh.... W... What's going on?"

Zan immediately calmed down and sat on the bed next to her. He ran his fingers lightly down her arm. But he couldn't look in her eyes. "We were in an accident." The heart monitor she was connected to sped up and he closed his eyes. "Someone ran us off the road and we flipped a couple of times."

"Are you ok?" She grabbed his hand, forcing it into hers. "Zan look at me.... are you alright? Are you ok?"

When he looked at her, he couldn't hold back what he was feeling anymore. Damn he was turning into such a softie around her. It always seemed like he was cryin'. "You're the one that was hurt."

She could hear the guilt in his voice. Cashlin shook her head and leaned forward, placing a soft kiss on his cheek. "I feel fine."

"No you don't." He could practically feel her pain.

"Well I could probably use a couple of tylenol's... but I feel ok. I'm gonna be alright." She could tell that hadn't made him feel better, then realized that is probably what the doctors had been telling him. "Zan you couldn't control this. I mean... shit happens sometimes."

He brought his hand up to her face, noticing the bruise on her forehead where she took most of the damage. "I wish I could heal you."

Cashlin sighed and put her hand inside his, leading it away from her head. "But you <i>can't</i>. Not physically anyway. I'll do that on my own. But.... you heal me on the <i>inside</i>. Zan," She brought a hand to run down the side of his face. His eyes closed at the simple touch. "You can't stop every bad thing from happening to me."

His eyes opened. She could see the dark circles under his eyes. He hadn't slept at all. His amber eyes were tired, and his voice was heavy from lack of sleep. "I'd die for you."

The room was silent and Cashlin opened her mouth to reply to his heartfelt admission, when two nurses burst through the door without knocking. One big and short, the other skinny and tall.

"Sleeping beauty! It's about time you woke up!" One of the nurses exclaimed. She noticed Zan sitting on the bed and chuckled. "This boy ain't left your side all day."

Cashlin smiled at Zan. "Of course he wouldn't."

"Well, how are ya feelin' darlin? Feel good? Feelin' better?" The other nurse asked her.

Cashlin nodded her head, then sighed heavily. "So good that I'm leaving."

"Leaving?!" The chubby nurse exlaimed.

"Leaving?" The other nurse asked, hands on her hips.

"We're leaving?" Zan asked, the surprise evident in his tone.

Cashlin sighed, exasperated. "I was in a minor car accident. I'm not going to the looney bin. I know when I'm ready to go and I'm ready to go."

Zan looked at the nurses. "Just listen to her. You'll get no where, believe me."

"I don't like it, but I can't keep you here." One of the nurses replied, and motioned for the other one. "Alright, Nina, you heard them. Let's go get the paperwork and the wheelchair. She wants to leave."

They removed the IV's and Cashlin waved her hand. "Oh I don't need a wheel chair."

"Hospital policy. You get one to your car whether you need it or not." And with that the both of them left to get the final paperwork for her to fill out. Cashlin winced as she put her legs over the side of the bed.

Zan was immediately at her side. "Are you sure this is a good idea? Maybe you should stay--"

"We can't. We have to get to Asheville today." She shook her head, determined to do this. "We already lost a day. We were supposed to check in already." She paused, closing her eyes against the annoying headache that the nurses assured would be gone in a day or two. "Can you get my clothes?"

Zan got her jeans and t-shirt that were neatly folded on the chair beside them. He had picked out the first two things he'd found in her suitcase earlier.

A wave of dizziness hit her as she tried to stand up and she shook her head. "I'm gonna need some help."

Zan nodded his head and swallowed. "Sure." Slowly he brought his hands down the hem of her shirt. She immediately raised her arms and he pulled the hospital gown up over her flat stomach, over her breasts, and over her head. He threw it onto the bed and tried desperately not to look at her naked body standing right in front of him. Her eyes were closed in pain and he berated himself for reacting how he was. She was in pain, naked in front of him, and he was harder than a rock.

Ashamed, he grabbed the green babydoll t-shirt and put it on her. He swallowed hard and looked at the underwear now clutched in his palm. God was truly trying to kill him. He bent down, she stepped into them and he slowly stood up, bringing the soft cotton bikini underwear up her smooth legs. His eyes trailed his fingers as they grazed her thighs, up to her rest at her hips. He moved his hands behind her to smooth the hem around the curve of her back, his fingers grazing the soft skin of her bottom.

<i>Oh man</i> he was killing himself. Zan sighed and brought his hands back to rest on her hips. He looked up at her, his eyes heavy with desire, to make sure she was alright and the look she was giving him made his heart triple in speed.

Cashlin brought her arms up to wrap around his neck. She pressed her body against his, and felt his arms immediately wrap around her waist. His right hand was rubbing the bare small of her back. "Zan..."

"Yeah..." He pulled her close, not kissing her, just breathing her in. Assuring himself that she was alright. Reminding himself of his place in this world. It was for her. Everything was about her now.

"How do I know..." Cashlin started, and in a sexual haze she ran a hand down his chest and through his clothes, she felt him shudder. "That being with you... making love with you... will be the most perfect thing I ever experience?" She paused and licked her lips. "That it would... connect us forever.... or something."

Zan shook his head, completely unaware of anything besides her touch. "I don't know." He didn't know anything at this point. Except that there was a bed behind her that looked awful tempting. "But right now... I'm down with that."

Cashlin nodded her head and rested her head in the crook of his neck. "Me too."

"DAYYYUMMMM!!!!!" The chubby nurse exclaimed at the top of her lungs. "Don't yall be gettin' too freaky in this room!"

Zan groaned and turned while Cashlin finished getting dressed. It was probably a good thing that the nurse had broken them up. They had both been ready to.... take it to <i>definitely</i> a whole other level. In a friggin hospital room. But soon, no one would interrupt them. He would make <i>damn</i> sure of that.

After a few minutes Cashlin was being wheeled out of the hospital by Zan. When they got outside she remembered. "Oh my god! The car! Zan.... we don't have a car!" They were relying on that car... for <i>two</i> reasons.

Zan smirked at her outburst. He loved it cause he got to surprise her again. "What you talkin about? It's right there...."

"What..." Cashlin's voice trailed off. Right in front of her was a classic Corvette. "Are you serious?"

Zan laughed and shook his head. "She ain't as classy as our last one... but it has a new paint job, the owner assured me. Fully restored. It's even red."

Cashlin giggled. "That's just crazy! I love it!"

"Well it ain't fancy..."

"Do I look like a fancy broad?" She asked, giving him a smirk. "Don't answer that."

Surprising her, he scooped her up quickly into his arms. She put her arms around his neck as he carried her towards the car.

"Do you want to know something?" She asked him, her voice quiet.

"What?" Zan set her down to lean against the car. He opened the door and waited for her to continue.

Her brown eyes sparkled in the afternoon sunlight. "I didn't need your help getting dressed."

****

Vicky Cleary set her umteenth margarita down on the coffee table. She picked up the phone and dialed the number on the business card those men had given her last week. It rang a few times then a male answered.

"Remington."

"It's Vicky." She flicked the ashes of her cigarette into the ashtray.

"Vicky who?" The man's voice was impatient.

"Vicky <i>Cleary</i>. Cashlin's mother."

His attitued changed. "Mrs. Cleary. What can I do for you?"

"My daughter. I know where she is."

"Where?" His voice was urgent... insistant.

Vicky cleared her throat, so he could not misunderstand her. "Raleigh, North Carolina. That boy called me from the hospital."

"Thank you very much, Mrs. Cleary. Your information is invaluble."

"So is the money that I expect to be in my checking account by tomorrow morning." Her voice was like a warning.

"It will be. I personally assure you." The line went dead and Vicky clicked the reciever off.

She kicked her feet up on the footrest and smiled, starting to sip on her drink. By tomorrow she wouldn't have to work anymore.

She <i>had</i> given birth to that girl for a reason.




TBC.....


AN: Thank for all the feedback! I'll have another new part in a few days!

Part Eighteen



The second they had come to the beautiful town of Asheville, Cashlin knew that she never wanted to leave. It was by far the most gorgeous place she had ever seen, even in the dead of winter. The resort that Mr. Turner had booked them at was exquisite. It was twenty floors high and had the most grand entrance either of them had ever seen. It was obvious that only people with money came to stay here.

They checked in with ease, no questions from the staff, anyone who paid upfront in cash for a room was like family to these people. And they should be for the price they paid. Cashlin felt like she were in a castle. They were on the elevator, being taken up to their suite in the east wing. Neither of them had to carry their luggage, although Zan had been a little nervous about that. He was pretty private, and didn't trust anyone with his personal stuff. He didn't like anyone touching anything of his. Unless, of course, it was a certain brown haired girl.... she could touch whatever she wanted. <i>When</i>ever she wanted.

When the bellboy opened the doors to their room, Cashlin let out a gasp. The room was enormous. It was practically the size of a deluxe apartment. There was a huge king size bed, an even bigger bathroom, and a full size kitchen.

"This place is amazing." Cashlin whispered, in awe of her surroundings.

Zan smiled at her reaction. Everything was worth it to see her in moments like these. He tipped the baggage guy and closed the door. He eyed Cashlin, watching her with dancing eyes. She was poking through the bathroom, he could hear her say "Wow!" and "Oh my god.." every few seconds.

He shook his head and started to unpack some of their stuff. It was time to set everything up. He noticed her walk behind him and go out onto the deck. Digging underneath all his clothes, he pulled out the electronic equipment that had been hiding in their the whole time. He checked the wires over carefully to make sure none of it had been damaged. When he was satisfied with everything he set it on the bed.

Cashlin walked back into the room and stood directly behind him. She smiled and wrapped her arms around his waist, her front to his back. Peaking over his shoulder she asked, "How do you want to set up?"

He glanced over his shoulder at her. "I figure we'll put one on that wall, so we can get a good view of whoever comes through the door." He turned around, so they were facing each other now. "Probably put one in the kitchen, bathroom, and on the deck."

Cashlin nodded her head and slowly let her arms go of him. She walked around the opposite side of the bed, then hopped up onto it. Zan raised an eyebrow curiously as she crawled towards him, using a finger to motion him towards her.

"You <i>really</i> enjoy teasing me, don't you?" He meant for it to sound really sarcastic, but it didn't.

His voice was deep and vibrated throughout her body. She smiled and sat back, lying down on the bed. She would stop teasing him... for now anyway. Her head was laying against the softest pillow she'd ever felt. "This is so comfortable."

"You should probably get some sleep." He suggested, moving the equipment off the bed. "I'll do this."

Cashlin sat up. She wasn't going to let him do this on his own. "No, Zan I can-"

"Get some sleep." His voice was firm and she immediately laid back down. "Don't worry, it won't take me long anyway."

"Do you think they even know where we are?" Cashlin asked in a hushed voice. He could tell she was already sleepy.

Zan shrugged his shoulders and stood up on one of the chairs, positioning a small camera in the curtains. "I don't know."

"When do we have to leave?"

"We should probably be out of here in a few hours." Zan heard her sigh. "Sorry we can't stay here."

"Doesn't matter." She yawned and tried to keep her eyes open. She wasn't tired. Not really. But her eyes <i>did</i> feel a little heavy. She forced them back open. "Zan?"

"Yeah?" He tried visualizing the camera angle to the doorway. That was good enough.

"Who were you talking to... at the hospital? On the phone." Her voice was quiet and unsure.

He jumped off the chair and walked slowly over to the bed. She was looking up at him so innocently... he didn't want to tell her. "Just a doctor."

"Don't lie." She sat up so they were eye level. Looking down at the covers she shook her head. "It was my mom... wasn't it?"

<i>Please don't make me tell you...</i> He silently pleaded with her. "Yeah..."

"You told her where we were?" She asked. "You told her we were in an accident?"

He nodded his head. <i>Don't ask...</i>

"What'd she say?" He wasn't looking at her anymore and Cashlin felt her stomach twist into a knot. She knew her mother. Her mother could say alot of things sometimes. Mean things. Cashlin felt her eyes start to water. God, she was being stupid. What did she care about what that stupid excuse of a mother said? "It uh-- It wasn't very good, was it?"

When Zan didn't reply Cashlin nodded her head. She knew it. A few annoying tears escaped her eyes and she wiped them away angrily. What the hell was up with her? Why was she letting her mom get to her like this? "It's ok it's... not like I care anyway."

"Cash..." Zan whispered, wrapping his arms around her. She cried into his shoulder and he closed his eyes. He brought a hand up to stroke her hair. It was in moments like this when he would look back and marvel at the connection he had with her. Like he could feel her emotions inside of him. They were less intense then but he could still feel them. He whispered roughly into her ear, "I'll never leave you." He pulled back a little, looking at her pink swollen eyes. "I will <i>never</i> leave you. Not unless you want me to."

She smiled and sniffed her nose, wiping the tears off her face. She shook her head at him. "That will never happen. It's you and me. From now on."

That simple phrase, was music to his ears... and soul. When she started to calm down, he got onto the bed beside her, pulling her close to him. She laid her head on his chest and sighed deeply. This is where she wanted to be. Forever.


****


Henry ran through the hallway, the paper he was clutching in his hand was invaluble. Remington would be extremely pleased with this information. His boss had been in a rather good mood the past few hours on their flight to Raleigh.

The door opened as soon as he reached it, Remington was standing in the doorway waiting. "What news?"

"They bought a classic 2000 Corvette <i>today</i>. From a guy in Raleigh. Kingston mentioned to the guy him and his girlfriend were headed to Asheville for a few days." Henry smiled and handed him the copy of the pink slip for the car. "We've got him."

"You have him in custody?" Remington asked, his eyes wide.

Henry shook his head. "No, but we've got men headed there now. If we leave right this second, a helicopter will take us there in half the time."

Remington nodded his head. "We'll do that. I don't want these kids to give us the slip." He took his jacket quickly off his chair. "Any plans on after we have them in custody?"

"We're taking them to the Appalachian base in Virginia." Henry answered quickly. "We figured the sedative we give on site will last that long. Plus we've got white rooms already prepared there."

"Good...." Remington's voice trailed off. It had been a long time since they'd had an alien in custody. "We'd better take the girl, too. She might turn out like Evan's wife. You never know what these alien bastards have done to humans."

Henry nodded his head. "I agree, Sir."

"Have the local authorities been involved?"

Henry shook his head. "No sir. I figured you would want to keep this as low profile as you could." It was a well known fact that if anyone ever found out about what they were doing, the government would deny it... and get rid of anyone involved. Especially after their last mishap.....

Remington nodded his head. "Good."

Henry could tell by the tone that it was his time to leave the boss alone for a few minutes. "I'll let you know when the chopper is ready."

"Do that." Remington slammed the door closed and leaned his back against it. He ran a hand through his hair. He was so close now. He could almost taste it. They had been after Max's son for eighteen years. All along he had been in New York City.

That pissed him off more than anything. But it didn't matter now. If he got Zan, that was all the leverage he needed against Max. He had studied Max Evans so long he knew that no matter what - he wouldn't let his son stay in a white room. Max knew all too well the kind of things that happened there.

Remington smiled. But this wouldn't be like last time. There was no shape shifter to protect Max and save him. Pierce had been a fool to only take an alien a few miles away. The idiot deserved to die.

Everyone had gone about this situation the wrong way. That stupid general had tried to nab them in front of the whole town at their own graduation ceremony. All that caused was a press nightmare. It had taken the United States military years to overcome that embarassment. Finally they went back to black ops and hired a guy named Finley to over see the department. Until a five years back when he made a mistake. Finley went gung-ho and tried to capture them in Florida, where he got a tip they were hiding out in the Keys. It turns out they raided the wrong cabin, on the wrong day, and ended up killing two innocent people.

Remington shook his head at those memories. Those men were fools. He'd killed people, but at least he had a reason for it. Anyone who aided or knew of these creatures deserved to die. Plain and simple.

He was not going to be like the others. He was going to succeed. He was going to kill every last one of them, until there was nothing left.

And nothing was going to stop him. <i>Nothing</i>.


****

"Oh!" Cashlin cringed and pinched her nose. This room wreaked.

"God..." Zan groaned at the smell. "It smells like ass in here."

"What did they have in here? A fuckin' orgy?" Cashlin rolled her eyes and ran over to open a window. "We should have known what kind of place this was when the guy asked us how many <i>minutes</i> we needed."

Zan smirked at the memory.

"Wipe that smile off your face. Your 'at least 5' remark wasn't appreciated, either." She cast him a wry glance and dug a candle out of her bag. It was a little after midnight and they were hurrying to set up.

"Don't be in such a hurry, baby." Zan said, getting the laptop out of his bag. He smiled at her ruthlessly. "We still got 4 minutes." That remark cost him a slap on the arm.

Cashlin grabbed the bottles of water out of the grocery bag and handed him one. He finished setting it up and they both sat on the bed. The view of their old room at the Grantley resort came into view.

She sighed, not able to look away from the screen. "Do you think they'll come tonight?"

Zan shrugged his shoulders. "That asshole I paid $2000 to better deliver. I told him specifically to say we were at the Grantley." Their old 'vette had been damaged but with a little investment it would have been good as new. Unfortunately Zan hadn't had the time to do that. So for two thousand bucks, he'd paid a guy for an older 'vette and to tip off the people following them.

Zan wanted to know his enemy. If he and Cashlin were going to be looking over their shoulders, he wanted to know who to look for.

Their nap from this afternoon had made them less tired for this moment. Which turned out to be two hours. It was like watching paint dry. The camera's showed nothing except their room. No one had been in or out. Nothing.

Cashlin sighed and leaned back against the headboard. "Maybe they're gonna hit it tomorrow. In the morning when they figure we'll be awake."

Zan shook his head, deep in thought. "Nah, they'll do it tonight. If they want me that bad, want me dead, they wouldn't do it when I was awake. They'd wait till I was vulnerable. Definitely at night -- when I'm asleep."

Cashlin nodded her head in understanding. She hated to hear him talk like that though. The thought that someone wanted him dead scared her.

"I'll be right back." Zan got up off the bed and stretched his legs before going into the bathroom.

Cashlin pulled her knees up and rested her chin on top of them. She was getting tired just sitting here and doing nothing. She looked down at the monitor again. A shiver ran down her spine at what she saw.

"Oh my god Zan come quick!" Cashlin screamed and within seconds he was right beside her. Zan couldn't take his eyes off the screen as he saw the door to their suite opening slowly. He felt Cashlin's hand slid into his and he gripped onto it tight. He knew she was scared, so he put an arm around her.

She rested her head against his shoulder and tried to fight off the shudders in her body. The hairs on her arms were standing on end and she bit her bottom lip. A gun was the first thing to appear in the cracked doorway. Before they had talked about people after them without knowing. Now here was proof... this was reality. There were people, with guns, hunting them. Wanting them dead.

Finally a full person came into view. The night vision was automatically on since the room was dark, so they couldn't make out a face very well. The person was moving very slowly towards the bed. Soon another gun was seen in the doorway, followed by the person aiming it.

They all appeared to be wearing suits, like the ones Zan had seen over a month ago at the Ramirez house. Yeah, these were the same people alright.

Cashlin turned the sound up on the laptop. She thought she saw their lips moving, but no words were heard. There were four men total when they started closing in on the bed. Cashlin took in a shaky breath. She knew what would happen next.

Suddenly the lights flipped on, the men threw back the covers and aimed their guns, poised and ready to shoot.....

The pillows. The anger and disappointment on their faces was clearly evident.

"Damn it!" One of them yelled angrily and holstered his weapon. "Sweep the entire suite. Don't leave any space unchecked."

After a few minutes, everyone was back into the main room.

"Sorry, Sir." One of the guys said. It was the blonde haired guy Zan had seen at the Ramirez house. "They're not here."

"Sorry isn't going to cut it this time, Henry!" The man in charge slammed his fist into the wall. "It was all a fucking set up!"

"What do you mean, Remington? They could come back. They might have just... I don't know gone out--" The guy named Henry stuttered.

"Gone out, huh?" Remington smiled and walked over to Henry, getting in his face to prove his point. "AT 2 IN THE GOD DAMN MORNING?!" Everyone was silent and Remington sighed frustratingly. An eerie calm seemed to overtake him. "They set us up. I told you those bastards were tricky. They play with your <i>mind</i>, does everyone understand that? Why is it so hard to comprehend? These people are smart. They've been running all their lives! Of course the Evan's kid is going to do it too, it's only natural! His asshole father was brought here on the run."

Another man entered the room at that moment and handed Remington something. "It's a surveilance picture from earlier today. I got it from the security guards. I told them they were runaways and we were looking for them."

Remington already knew what the kids looked like, he tossed the 'wanna be' agent an annoyed looked and gave the picture to someone else.

"Damn look at that fine meat right here!" One of the agents exclaimed. Cashlin shuddered. The picture was of her. "I'd like to tap that ass."

Remington ran a hand through his hair. He turned around to face the joking agents. "You want to fuck her? Fine! Bring them to me and you can fuck her all day and all night. Shove a god damn baseball bat down her throat for all I care. Just bring them to <i>me</i>. Can you rejects handle that?"

The agents looked at him curiously. Was he... serious? They didn't know whether that was a bad thing... or good thing. Very good thing. Some of them started to smile.

They all exited the room and Cashlin looked at Zan. She could feel him shaking. "Zan?" She put a hand on his face and immediately pulled it away. He was tense, and he was burning up. She moved around on her knees to face him. He was shaking all over and his skin was red. "Oh my god Zan, are you ok?"

She could tell he was angry. Overwrought with anger at what those men had said... but he shouldn't let himself get <i>this</i> upset. "Zan it's ok. They're no where near us." He didn't respond, he only looked down.

Cashlin ran to get a cold washcloth, and when she got back he was slumped sideways on the bed. The tension she had seen in him was gone, but he was still shaking.

"Ca-- Cash--" His teeth were chattering and Cashlin started to panic. Is this what he had meant -- when he got sick?

"I'm here, I'm right here." She placed the cold cloth onto his burning forehead. She swallowed when he closed his eyes. He didn't look very well. She pulled the comforter back and slipped it over him, crawling in beside him. In a soothing voice she stroked the side of his face. "I'm not going anywhere. I'm right here. Right here."

In Zan's mind he could hear her voice.... but it got farther and farther away.



TBC....

AN: Thanks so much for all the feedback! I've been thinking about this story so much lately it's gotten me in trouble at work! Example:

Me: Board of Elections, how can I help you?

Person: Can I speak with a director?

Me: Zan?

Person: No, <i>can</i> I speak with a director?

*sigh* I'm hopeless. I'll have a new part for you in a few days. you guys are the best

AN: Sorry it took me so long to get this next part out! Hope you enjoy it!


Part Nineteen



The only sound in the room all night was the ticking of the clock beside their bed. The laptop was recording everything that was going on in the room, so she had turned it away. He didn't need to hear or see any of that right now. He had gotten so upset earlier that it had made him sick.

Very sick. Looking down at him she sighed worriedly. Zan was still pale, but at least he was sleeping now. For a few hours all he had done was shake and sweat. His fever had gotten above 105 degrees.

Is this what he had meant about the 'minor' night sweats? This worried Cashlin more than anything. She had always known he would downplay his problems, make them seem not so big so it didn't worry anyone. But this was so much worse than she had ever expected. He wasn't even lucid. It was almost as if he went to another place, with his eyes glazed over and teeth chattering.

At six o'clock Cashlin had to make a decision. It wasn't an easy one, but in the end she really hadn't had a choice. They were supposed to go to this diner in a small town nearby for breakfast, the travel agent in Philly had said it was one of Isabel and Jesse's favorite places to eat.

Cashlin slipped on the blonde wig she'd stolen from her mother before she had left, and checked on Zan one last time. He was sleeping now, and his color was even better than a few minutes ago.

She closed the door behind her quietly so he wouldn't wake up, and headed towards the beat up chevelle in the corner of the parking lot. No more corvettes. Zan had said that he'd found this one real cheap at a lot outside of town. From now on they paid in cash. No paper trail.

It took her a few tries to get it started and she made her way onto the highway towards the town of Black Mountain. It was only about a 20 minute drive but she had a little time to think about things. This world she lived in now, was absolutely insane. They were running from people, keeping secrets, facing danger on a daily basis....

And to think, she had thought her life was boring. Gripping the steering wheel she had an odd sensation run down her spine. This was the first time she'd been somewhere without Zan since they'd left New York. It made her nervous, but this had to be done. He wasn't in any condition for this right now.

<i>However he might not see it that way...</i>, a nagging voice in her head argued. She knew Zan would be upset that she went somewhere without him, especially from what they witnessed last night. But that was all the more reason to do this. They may never get another chance.

She was going to Black Mountain on a hope and a prayer. That <i>someone</i> there could tell her something that she needed. Something to keep them going.


*****

"There's nothing here, Sir." The agent sighed in defeat. How had these two teenagers managed to outsmart them again? <i>Oh wait... I know... because one of them isn't <b>human</b>...</i> Remington was not going to be happy with the news.

Henry's shoulders sagged. He had lost them again. He knew with absolute certainty now; Zan Kingston knew he was being followed. But he couldn't understand why the kid was running. Henry chalked it up to teen ignorance; kids hated law enforcement officials. Poor kids, if they only <i>knew</i> what was going to happen to them.

"Thanks for the information, Joseph. Go with the rest of the team. I'll clean up here." Henry patted the agent on the back and shut the door behind him. He walked around the suite the two teenagers had rented at the Grantley hotel. Shaking his head he pulled the chair from the desk and sat down.

They had walked right into Zan's hands. It was a set-up up. Why had they been so stupid? Henry shook his head and glanced at his watch. It was almost noon. He had to go tell Remington they were back to square one sometime.... but the longer he put it off the safer he felt.

His boss was a little sadistic at times, but he had every right to be. Anyone involved in this agency was at risk. If the aliens found out who they were, where they were... they would all be dead. Over the years it had become much easier for the aliens to hide. Even the modern technology of the agency couldn't track them sometimes. Every now and then a blip would surface on the radar.

A newspaper headline would read "Mysterious drifter heals woman from brutal stabbing" or "Unknown woman saves millions by foretelling bridge collapse". From Boston to Los Angeles, Seattle to Baltimore, they would move every few days. The alien group was sporatic. Never staying in the same place once. Always avoiding any outside contact. Never letting anyone see their faces. They moved across the country like shadows.

And shadows they were. For they did not exist. Their lives had one purpose. Move and keep moving. Never let the "bad men" find them.

Henry sighed and glanced over the room. Despite the arguments about alien life forms, he felt a lot safer on this side of the law. He had heard horrible stories of the things they had done to humans. Changing themselves, killing innocent people, mind warping.... it almost made him tremble. They did not belong here. And he would do anything in his power to make them leave.

He stood up slowly and made his way towards the door, but a sparkle from the corner of his eye made him stop dead in his tracks. He'd seen a sparkle like that before. He turned slowly, his pupils dilated when he looked straight at the reflected light. He walked closer and closer and a smile crept onto his lips.

He reached up and plucked the almost invisible object off the curtain. It was a camera. He'd seen these many times. A wireless camera. Transmitting images to <i>them</i>.

Henry chuckled to himself and yelled for the guard at the door to get Remington. They would get those kids this time.


*****


Cashlin tucked her hair behind her ears as she pulled the car into the nearly empty parking lot. As she shoved the gears into park and turned the engine off, a shudder ran down her spine.

The owner of the diner had been helpful. He hadn't known Isabel and Jesse's names. But when she had showed the old man their picture a fond smile had graced his face. The odd thing was he referred to them as Enrique and Antoinette Fisher. He refused to tell her anymore, and Cashlin had almost given up.

The old man had shaken his head. "I won't say anymore about them. No. Go away now."

He had tensed up almost immediately and Cashlin had been caught off guard by it. He seemed like a nice caring man. She had taken the picture away from him sadly. "Well... their nephew Zan will be very disappointed..."

This is when his demeanor changed again. And he had told her everything he knew. "Enrique and Antionette" usually went to the Floral Flower Motel in Miami after stopping by his cafe. He mentioned nothing else, but wished her well on her journey in finding the mysterious couple.

Now Cashlin felt better, they were going from lead to solid lead. They got closer with every day. But she had an itching feeling Zan wouldn't like the fact that she had gone out on her own this morning. Without him.

And boy, oh boy, was she <i>right</i>.

She opened the door and almost jumped out of her skin for a second. Zan wasn't on the bed. In fact, the bed was made and the room looked like they had never even been there. Except for the two backpacks lying neatly on the floor.

And Zan sitting in the chair in the dark.

Cashling flicked the light on and looked around. From across the room she could see the anger in his eyes and the tick in his jaw. He was just staring at her. Most people would be frightened by him. But his anger only did one thing to her: piss her off.

"How are you feeling?" She asked nicely, trying the polite tone first.

He didn't answer.

Cashlin shook her head. She had a feeling they were about to have their first fight.

"Where were you?"

Make that the first of <i>many</i>. The tone he used was low and dangerous and she did not appreciate it. "I asked you first, how are you feeling?"

"Where the <i>fuck</i> were you??" He demanded in a loud voice the almost shook the walls of the dingy hotel.

Cashlin sighed sarcastically. "The seven eleven down the street, what's it to you?"

"Don't lie to me."

"Oh I'm sorry <i>dad</i>. I forgot." Cashlin took a deep breath. <i>Lashing back isn't going to do any good...</i> she reminded herself. "Look, Zan, I went to the cafe in Black Mountain, the one that--"

"Why the hell did you go there?!" Zan stood up from his chair and practically marched over to her. His muscles were tight in his arms and he looked <b>mad</b>.

"If you'd shut up and stop acting like a jack ass I would tell you!" She yelled into his face.

"Oh I'm the jack ass, huh? I'm not the one going off somewhere alone with no protection!" His voice was sounding angrier by the second.

"Maybe that's because you're too sick to do anything about it!" Cashlin hated the taste of those words in her mouth. She shouldn't have thrown that in his face, but he was being impossible right now.

Zan nodded his head his hands almost shaking in anger. "Fine. If you want to be that <i>stupid</i> then go out there and get killed."

Cashlin's eyes widened and she closed her mouth. Her vision became blurry and she lost train of thought for a moment. Her mind drifted to another time... another place. The only thing she heard was like an echo in her ears...

"If you want to be that stupid.... stupid.... stupid.... stupid.... stupid... stupid.... stupid... stupid... stupid..."

<i>
FLASH

A four year old Cashlin running to hide under the table. A man's arm came into her vision, and grabbed her dragging her up and bumping her head onto the table edge. It hurt her, but this person didn't care. Daddy never cared when she got hurt.

Tears streaked her cheeks, but she made no sound. If she cried loud he only got more upset.

"I told you to go in your room and shut up! Turn that damn tv off!" He smacked her against the face. "Stupid, stupid girl!"
</i>

Zan jerked his hand away from her arm. He had touched her skin only for a second and those images had flashed into his mind. He hadn't even had time to react when he had felt Cashlin flinch away from him. He swallowed and his masculine facade was dead now. Instead it was replaced by a guilt he didn't think he would ever get over. Were those... images of her he had seen? They were different than the last time this had happened. These were her memories. He had seen her father.....

Zan closed his eyes briefly, he'd called her stupid. That made her remember her father's abuse. There were only two times in his life when he had wished he was dead. This was one of them. "Cashlin I'm.."

"Shut up." Her eyes were looking back at him. They weren't warm anymore. They were cold. Much like his own had looked when she had walked in.

He reached for her, but she backed away. He looked down away from her. Damn. Why did he have to act like that?

She threw a couple of papers at him which fluttered to the floor on his feet. "Isabel and Jesse use Enrique and Antoinette as names when they're here. They go to a motel in Florida next, usually. We should go there."

She picked up her backpack from off the floor, not once casting a glance his way.

He knew this wasn't the time to talk this out, so he nodded his head in agreement. "We have to leave now. They found the camera's in the hotel room. They'll trace the signal back here in a few hours."

"Let's go then."

Zan knew it was going to be a very long drive.


*****


"Want some more popcorn?" She asked him, giving him smile before settling in between his legs and leaning her back against his chest.

"Nah, I'm alright." He whispered in her ear, kissing it softly before pulling away. His arms slid around her waist and he sighed. "I have everything I need right here."

It was rare that they were staying in a nice hotel room. And they were intent on enjoying this experience.

"Max..." Liz's voice trailed off.

"Yeah?" He asked listening to her, but also watching the evening news on television.

"When do you think we can meet up with Maria and Michael again?" Her voice was quiet.

Max felt his heart constrict. He wanted to give Liz everything she would ever want. But he couldn't. "I ... I don't know. But I'll work something out. Maybe in a month... or two."

He knew that wasn't the answer she wanted but she accepted it anyway. "That sounds good."

"I know you really miss her." He felt her nod against his chest. "I promise, we'll see them both by March."

"Three months.." Liz sighed, that was better than the two years she had waited once before. She turned around a little to face him. "I know you miss them, too. I'm just being emotional right now.

"Really, Liz after over twenty years.... I <i>know</i> when you're being emotional." He gave her that trademark smile and she laughed.

The ringing of their cell phone interrupted the moment and Liz sighed. She'd get it this time. She reached over and flipped it open. "Hello?"

Max was watching the weather report for the next day, it was calling for a lot of snow and he was thankful that at least they would have good transportation this time. The last time they'd been caught in Ohio in the winter time it had not been pretty. Try getting through almost ten feet of snow in a Volkswagen Beetle.

His thoughts were interrupted when he felt Liz tense in his arms.

Liz gripped the phone tightly. "How long ago was that?"

Max didn't like the sound of this and when Liz stood up he knew it was something bad.

"Ok... ok I'll tell him. Keep in touch, bye." Liz flipped the phone shut. Max was standing beside her. She looked down at the floor, then up to him.

He filled with dread instantly. Something had happened. "What is it, Liz? Who was it?"

"It..." Liz cleared her throat. "It was Jesse."

"And?"

They never talked about him. She made it a point to not talk about him with Max. But now she had no choice. They had to do something. Her voice started to shake. "It's... it's Zan...."

"Zan..." Max whispered his throat tightening up.

"The Special Unit.... they know about him. They're after him, too."

"No..." His knees went weak and he sat down on the couch. His stomach turned to acid and he could hardly breathe.

Tears came to Liz's eyes. "He ran... Max. He's gone."

It took Max a few minutes to respond. He looked at Liz with determination in his eyes. This had gone on long enough. It was time to face Zan. "We have to find him."


TBC....

Part 20




January 25th, 2021
1 month on the run


Cashlin sat on the old swing, letting the smell of the ocean fill her lungs. They had been at Miami Beach for a few days now, however their argument in Asheville had created a wall between them. Neither had spoken a word on the almost 13 hour drive to the Prancing Flamingo Motel.

It was a chilly 63 degrees and Cashlin wrapped her jacket around herself even tighter. It was probably freezing back in New York. Her thoughts drifted to her home and how the Bronx was probably blanketed in snow right now.

She heard the door open and close behind her, knowing it would be Zan. They had been out all day trying to see if any locals knew of Antoinette or Enrique Fisher, but of course this tourist destination was an easy place to get lost in. Every face was new and soon forgotten.

She felt his warm arm brush hers as he sat down next to her. The swing creaked a little, but Cashlin pushed her feet off the ground and it was slowly rocking again.

They needed to talk. She could almost <i>feel</i> his regret. With a soft sigh she cleared her throat. Looking up at him she suddenly paused. His face looked pale, and his eyes looked dull. "Are you feeling alright?" She asked him, her voice laced with concern.

He shook his head, eyes not leaving hers. "No."

Her blood ran cold. "What's wrong? Are you feeling sick again?"

She was surprised when she felt his hand stroke the side of her face, then slide to the back of her neck, pulling her towards him. He rested their foreheads against each other.

"I hurt you." His words were a fierce whisper, like just saying them tasted like poison on his tongue.

Her heart constricted and she brought a hand to stroke his other arm. "Zan -" She hesitated, momentarily at a loss for words. She could feel the tension in his muscles, it was radiating off of him. "It's ok, you didn't know-"

He shook his head, leaning backwards only slightly to look in her eyes. "Don't. It's not ok." He paused, not sure how to go on. She was looking back at him with such understanding... he didn't deserve it. "I saw... what he did to you."

A look of surprise flashed across her face and her throat went dry. "What?" This wasn't what she had expected.

"That day, when we were... fighting. I touched your arm." He paused, forcing himself to say these words. Words that proved he was different. "I <i>saw</i> your father. I saw one of your memories."

Cashlin's eyes widened and she looked away. When they were fighting he had called her actions stupid. Which, looking back, even she had to concede that maybe it hadn't been the best idea. But nevertheless it had brought back a horrible memory of her father. One that Zan had somehow seen.

The only other person that knew of these things had been Jay. "Zan, it's not your fault..."

"No." His voice was firm and made her head jerk back towards him. "It <i>is</i> my fault. I shouldn'ta got so mad at you."

"Shouldn't have." She corrected gently and smiled. "I forgive you. Besides, it probably wasn't the best idea that I went by myself to that diner. I mean the night before we heard what would happen if those people caught us. I should have stayed with you."

Zan was silent, his gaze not leaving her.

After a few moments Cashlin looked around, then back at him. "What?"

"I saw one of your memories."

"I know." Cashlin said slowly.

Zan's grip on her arm tensed. "That's not normal."

Cashlin shrugged her shoulders. "Zan, I left all sense of normalcy in the Bronx."

At that comment he withdrew from her and began to stare off into the distance. A chill swept throug her and she shuddered. This was bothering him. She knew that Zan was different, after all he was the one who did that green 'shield' that night at the club. It was the only reason he was alive today.

They sat in silence a few minutes, letting the conversation sink in. Cashlin knew that this was an odd situation for a person to be in. Ok scratch that it was down right unbelievable. But amazing things happened every day.

"I don't know who -- or <i>what</i> -- I am anymore." Zan stated, his voice quiet and unsure.

Cashlin gazed at his profile. Her hand inched towards him until it rested on top his. She clasped her palm and the back of his hand and jerked to get his attention. When he looked at her, his eyes looked lost. She'd never seen him this vulnerable before. Even though he hadn't said anything, she knew he was still tired from his ailment in North Carolina. She smiled a little and tilted her head. "Your Zan."

Zan shook his head, but didn't withdrawl. "That's not what I mean." He sighed, frustrated. "I see things... and when you're with me sometimes <i>you</i> see things. I can make something come out of my hand that can stop bullets in mid-air. Who can do those kinds of things, Cash? It's not..."

"Normal?"

"Human." He stated and a cold breeze swept across them. In that instant his eyes shimmered with an emotion she couldn't quite place.

She swallowed hard. "H-Human? So... what are you trying to say, Zan? What do you think you are?"

"I think I'm from someplace else."

Cashlin stared at him for a few moments. Her mind trying to process this turn in the conversation. He'd been thinking about this alot. "Where do you think your from?"

She saw him slowly raise his hand, his index finger pointing upwards.

"Yeah... I know you're from New York, Zan. That's not a big shocker."

He shook his head, and raised his finger a little higher. Cashlin sighed. "Maine?"

He raised his finger higher and her gaze traveled upwards with it. She looked at the starry midnight sky. The stars were so massive she wondered how she never realized just how beautiful it really was. What would it be like to be among them? To see them up close? To --

Recognition swept over her. Her eyes widened and she slowly looked down again. Her voice was quiet and she wasn't sure how she kept the shakiness she felt out of it. "Zan... you don't think you're an... an.."

He nodded his head silently, eyes boring into hers.

"An alien?" She whispered in disbelief.

They stared at each other for who knows how long. Inside Zan was going crazy. Would she freak out? Would she run away from who he was? Would she regret everything that had happened? Would she turn him in? Her reaction could go so many different ways, and so many of them could crush his entire being. However her reaction was one that he had not forseen.

She began laughing. Not just a little giggle, but genuine laughing. It turned into <i>rolls</i> of laughter.

"What?" He asked, trying to be serious. Her eyes sparkled as she threw her head back and and started another long fit of laughter. He could see tears coming to her eyes and she was clutching her stomach like it was almost too much to take in. He was trying to be serious, but he couldn't help it when he felt his lips curve upwards as well. He chuckled and shook his head. He couldn't help it. An alien? He really was losing it.

"I'm sorry!" She said, still giggling. "That's just.... it's not possible."

Zan smiled and shook his head. "Being an alien isn't possible?"

Cashlin put her hands on her hips. "Zan if you're an alien, then I'm really a fish."

"It is kinda crazy, huh?" Zan sighed as she scooted closer to him and laid her head on his shoulder. It was times like these that he almost forgot people were after them. But why else <i>were</i> these guys chasing them? Did his parents get messed up with the wrong people? The government maybe? It was frustrating to not have any answers.

Zan cleared his throat, and looked down at her softly lit face. "I <i>am</i> sorry about what I said. I overreacted." He paused and she lifted her head, their faces just inches apart. He felt his throat constrict and it was suddenly hard to breathe. He often got like that when she was close. "I don't know what I'd do if I lost you, Cashlin."

And this was the guy everyone in school thought was a punk with no heart. Cashlin brought a hand up to curve his hair behind his ear. She adored absolutely everything about him. Faintly she heard a car pass by, and she slowly rubbed her cheek against his while she whispered "I love you" in his ear.

He whispered it back and moved his lips to the soft skin of her neck. He heard her suck in a breath at the feeling his mouth caused. Her sound of pleasure coursed through him like lightning. He hadn't been this close to her in too long. It had been days. How had he lived that long without tasting her? His lips trailed down her neck and she moved her head to the side to give him better access.

"Zan...." Cashlin sighed his name. He was only doing the most innocent of kisses, but it created a fire of yearning in every part of her being. Finally she couldn't take the sweet torture any long and she brought his head towards her and sealed her lips with his. He groaned inside her mouth and she opened up to him. Willing to give everything.

Another car passed by but neither took notice. It wasn't until the third car slowly passed them that the hairs on Zan's arms spiked. He broke away from Cashlin and watched the street. Everything was incredibly quiet.

Sensing his distress, Cashlin tried to get her emotions under control. "What is it?"

Zan looked down the street, then looked the other way. Something was off, he could feel it. Grabbing her hand tightly he practically drug her down the walkway towards their motel room. "We're leaving."

"What?" Cashlin exclaimed as they entered the room. Zan bolt locked and dead bolted the door. Her heart was beating so fast she could hardly catch her breath. "What's going on?"

"I don't know." Zan jerked his clothes off the floor and shoved them into his pack. "But we're not sticking around to find out."

Not thinking Cashlin quickly began to throw all of her things into her suitcase. "Where are we going?"

"Anywhere but here." Zan slung his pack over his shoulder and looked around the room. Had they left anything? His mind was racing, trying to go over all the details they were usually very methodical with. The picture of his father? The picture of Isabel and Jesse? Everything that gave him a clue about his past he always kept close by. Those were probably the most important things, anything else could be replaced.

"Ready?" She asked, her voice not able to mask her fear.

Zan walked over, firmly grasping her hand and his. He silently repeated the same thing he did every day since they had decided to be together. <i>Keep her safe. Keep her alive.</i> He brought his lips down to brush against hers softly... reasuringly.

Opening the door slowly he peaked out at the parking lot and street. It was empty except for two cars. Theirs and another guests. Zan led her down the breezeway and steps. He glanced around, that odd feeling now a burning sensation in the pit of his stomach. He felt like a deer caught in headlights. Like he was walking into a <i>trap</i>....

As his feet hit the pavement, just yards away from their vehicle, he saw their car burst into flames and fly 6 feet into the air only to crash back down again.

That's when they started running. They ran. And ran. Never once looking back.

They had been found.


****


Henry stood outside of his black Lincoln town car in total amazement. The activity had been over for about an hour now, and they were freely investigating where the two suspects had been staying for the past few days. It hadn't been hard tracking them down. But what he couldn't understand was what Remington let happen after they had blown up the kid's car.

As if sensing his thoughts, Remington walked up to him slowly, smiling like a child on Christmas morning. "It's a good day, my friend. Good day."

Henry raised an eyebrow. Did someone leave him out of the loop? "I'm sorry sir, I'm not quiet getting all this. We had them. We could have caught them. They were running down the street and we had helicopters and cars just seconds away."

Remington chuckled and patted Henry on the back, like he was an old college buddy. It was not his boss's usual manor. "Henry, you're not seeing what I'm seeing."

"No, Sir. I'm not." Henry agreed.

"I've spent the last month trying to track these people down when it suddenly occured to me. Why were they running in the first place?" Remington asked, not allowing time for answers. "Then it dawned on me. They weren't running from us... as much as they were running <i>towards</i> something, you see?"

Henry folded his arms across his chest. "So... we're following them now. To what? See where they're going?"

Remington set his jaw and frowned. "I'd stake my life on it that they're trying to find Max Evans."

"You think they'll lead us to Max Evans?" Henry's blood started to race. He had never thought of that possibility.

Remington nodded his head. "And if I know Evans well enough... I'd say he's probably looking for his bastard son as well...."


****


Cashlin forced her mind not to think about the lack of oxygen and to focused only on pushing her heels off the ground. They had been running non stop for almost an hour. Her lungs felt like they were going to burst in her chest. "Za - Za - Zan ---" Her pace slowed, her heart unable to beat that fast.

Zan slowed as well and they jogged down an alley way. He glanced around wildly, no cars in sight. What the hell were they supposed to do now? They had no car. Someone was trying to send them a message.

Without warning a car turned onto the alleyway, tires squealing. Zan's heart almost leapt out of his chest. He knew their getaway had been too easy. He could feel Cashlin's hand tightening around his own.

The car screeched to a halt directly in front of him. Everything was happening so fast Zan didn't have time to comprehend that this did not look like one of the men he'd seen on the video. This man look to be in his late thirties with a pair of mechanic's coverall's on.

"307 North Florence. Mobile, Alabama." The man yelled, looking only at Zan.

Zan shook his head. "What?"

"Listen Zan!" He yelled back, a wild expression on his face. "307 North Florence. Mobile, Alabama. Be there March 19th. By 9 pm. Got it?"

<i>How does he know my name?</i> The thought was racing through Zan's mind. "Who are you?"

The man ignored his question. "March 19th. 9 pm. Don't get caught. There's a bus station 3 blocks away buy a ticket somewhere. <b>Anywhere</b>. Just get the hell out of here, got it?"

"How do I know you're not one of them?" Zan demanded, at this point he didn't trust anyone except the extremely frightened girl behind him.

"Don't get caught, Zan." The man warned, his tone a tad friendlier. "I'll keep them off your tail long enough to get lost. Then you're on your own." He shifted gears and got ready to let his foot off the gas when Zan grabbed the side of the car.

"Who are you?!" Zan demanded. He would break this car before this guy had a chance to leave.

"My name is Adam." He said, gunning his engine. Zan lessened his grip and backed away. His gaze shifted to Cashlin and he almost visibly softened. "But you can call me Kyle."

And with that, the car sped out of the alley and back onto the street.



TBC...


AN: Thanks so much for everyone who has stuck with this story!

<b>Ellie</b>: Yes I started "See No Evil" a LONG time ago, and it's sad to say... but I haven't touched it in years! I'm going to try and focus on POY for now, but who knows, I may pull SNE out of the cobwebs sometime.

AN: Ok here's Part 21! You know how that saying goes "The sun is always brightest right before it sets" ? That's how I feel about this part. Let me know what you think! I hope you enjoy it! Oh and also, this part does contain some <b>adult</b> material.... just so you're warned.


Part 21




Cashlin curled the covers over her shoulders tightly. She was lying on her side, facing Zan, with his arm draped over her side holding her firmly against his sleeping form. This was when she loved to stare at him. In his sleep, his facial features didn't look as tough and foreboding. He looked... peaceful. He seemed younger now, compared to when he was awake. His lips were slightly parted, and she could feel the warm puffs of air every few seconds on her nose.

They had been on nine different buses in over a week. They had finally ended up at the Allerton Crowne Plaza hotel in downtown Chicago. After sleeping on uncomfortable seats for eight days, this bed felt and smelled like heaven. Especially with an angel sleeping beside her.

She always felt safe around him. Even when things were so uncertain. Slowly she brought her right hand out from under the covers and with a featherlight touch, she traced his jawline with her fingers.

She whispered oh-so softly, as to not wake him. "You're my angel, Zan Kingston. I love you. Forever."

It was a promise. To always be there for him. To be his one steady truth on this very unsteady path they were walking down. He needed her, but she might actually need him more. He was her friend, her love, her strength, her courage, and her entire family.

"You mean everything to me." She muttered, pressing her lips briefly against his. She settled her head by his, prepared to sleep now, but her eyes flew open when she felt his grip on her change.

He rolled her over on her back, his strong leg parting hers, and the rest of his taut length pressed firmly against her. He wasn't wearing a shirt, only his thin black boxers that did nothing to conceal his sudden arousal.

"Cashlin..." His name rolled off his tongue filled with such desire her heart nearly stopped. In an instant she felt a warm rush from her core, responding to him. He brought his lips down to tease hers. Not kissing, just touching her mouth.

"Zan." She whispered breathlessly. She felt his hands mold against her curves as they ran up and down her sides underneath her shirt.

"You drive me insane, y'know?" He muttered, his hands still skimming across her skin, itching to feel more. He kept himself in check though, he knew he couldn't let things get too far. But the way she had been talking to him, while she thought he was asleep, feeling her touch....

"I thought you were--" She sucked in a breath at the feeling of his lips pressed against the sensitive skin on her neck just below her ear. "Asleep."

"You really shouldn't be such a tease, Miz Cleary." Zan chided playfully, nipping at the skin of her neck and reveling in the feel of her trembling beneath him.

"I'm not teasing," She muttered as his lips worked their way back up to hers. She moaned when she felt his silk tongue slide into her mouth, the taste of him filling her sense. She had no idea how long they were like this, but Zan pulled back breaking the kiss into slower ones. They were already breathing hard and Zan started to pull away. But she didn't want this to end. She wanted... more. She pulled his face close to hers again. "Zan... I want you."

Those four words almost made his heart stop. His hands clutched the bed sheets and he locked his elbows. He was on all fours above her, looking into her eyes. She trusted him with everything. Her whole life. She was now trusting him with her body. He didn't know if that was good or bad. Was this the right time to do this? Were they really prepared?

<i>But she's ready.... and I know damn sure that <b>I'm</b> --- </i>

The thought struck him suddenly that he wasn't ready. He hadn't really <i>prepared</i> for this at all. But she was looking at him now with such desire he couldn't disappoint her. No matter how much it killed him.

Zan licked his lips, steeling himself for something he knew would be a sweet torture. "Do you trust me?" When Cashlin nodded her head with no hesitation he closed his eyes briefly. Would she ever know how much he loved her? He brought his lips slowly down to hers, and muttered a heartfelt "Thank you."

Cashlin laid still for a few minutes. Almost wondering if he was going to stop. But suddenly she realized his fingers had gripped the hem of her shirt, and he was slowly dragging it upwards. She swallowed in anticipation and arched her back to aid the process.

When she did this Zan slipped her tank top up and over her head, the sight of her bare breasts took his breath away. With a free hand he shoved the covers to the foot of the bed and brought the hand back up slowly, tracing her side until finally cupping the soft mound in his hand. He heard her sharp intake of breath and he closed his eyes. He moved his fingers gently around, his thumb brushing against her hard nipple.

He bent his head down, dying to taste her, and took the breast into his mouth. She arched her back and moaned his name, the sound was a sweet music to his ears. He rolled his tongue across her nipple countless times, each time she would moan louder, increasing his desire to please her.

After sufficiently familiarizing himself, he moved to the other breast doing the same. The soft skin was like water to a dying man. How could he have lived without this?

"Zan..." Her chest was heaving, her breaths fast and her hands were clasped in his hair. Urging him to continue his sweet exploration of her body. Urging him to places no other man had, or would ever be.

When he was finally done, he brought his lips back to hers. "Beautiful Cashlin..." He murmured and rubbed his cheek against hers. "I want to see all of you."

She nodded her head against him, not in the least bit shy. It felt so right for him to be here, with her, like this. She felt him tug at her pants slightly, his hand grazing her legs as he pulled them off and threw them carelessly onto the floor. He sat up on his knees, gazing down at her. His throat constricted at the sight before him. She was absolutely perfect.

Slowly he knelt in front of her again, his hands on either side of her. Their faces were breaths away. She could see the raw emotion in his eyes. "Your <i>my</i> angel."

She opened her mouth to say something, but he gently placed a finger over her lips. He kissed her on the forehead, nose, lips, chin, neck and slowly trailed his kisses down her chest.

Cashlin's heart started racing and she closed her eyes. She knew what he was doing, and her body trembled in anticipation. He left soft, opened mouthed kisses down her stomach until finally he had reached the soft brown patch of hair that led to the heart of her femininity.

He lifted his head, and saw her eyes closed and her lips slightly parted. He nudged his hand against her inner thighs, urging them apart. He kept his gaze on her face, wanting - no <i>needing</i> -- to see her reaction to him. His finger traced along her folds and she opened herself wider accepting him in. The motion sent him into overdrive and he dropped his head, taking his first sweet taste of the woman he'd loved secretly since preschool.

At the initial contact, her whole upper body arched off the bed and sunk slowly back down. Her eyes were closed shut and her mouth was open in a show of pure ecstasy. The taste of her was instantly addictive, and Zan ran his tongue along her slick entrance. His hands trembled and clutched her waist. He slid inside of her for a brief moment and pulled out, growling in desire at the feeling of her tight walls clasping around him.

Cashlin could not form a coherent thought as he continued his relentless onslaught of her core. Over and over again she would feel him inside of her, then withdrawl. The tension inside of her mounted like the coil of a string being wound too tight. She was going to break soon, she couldn't take much more of this. She felt him move and then a long, loud moan escaped her when he closed his mouth over the small bundle of nerves. His flicked his tongue over it several times. Cashlin knew if he did it once more it would all be over, and she awaited it. Waiting for that moment for him to push her off the edge.

But he didn't. Instead he slowly crawled back up to her, shifting his body so he was lying beside her. She turned to him, her body yearning for his. He took her lips in his, and she tasted herself on him. She felt him sink lower on the bed, but he didn't break their embrace. He gently rolled her over onto her back and trailed one hand down her body.

"Cashlin..." He breathed her name against her cheek. His hands reached their destination, and he saw her eyes widened in sheer pleasure. His thumb rubbed against her nerves, and with two fingers he slowly entered her. He stroked her slowly at first, but as he sensed her drawing near he moved faster. Her hips moved with him, increasing the tension. She was so close.

"Cashlin..." He couldn't stop saying her name. She opened her eyes, looking into his. "Let go, Cash. Just let go." He saw her close her eyes, giving in to the feelings that he was creating inside of her. He increased the pace and felt himself harden even more. It was all he could do not to yank away his boxers and fill her with himself. Bonding them both together. For life. But instead he gently whispered into her ear, "Just let go, Cash. Let go." The tension inside of her was almost unbearable, and Zan could see she was almost there. "I'll always be here to catch you." He pressed this thumb harder onto her bundle of nerves and with a hitch of her breath, she came apart in his hands.

The noise she made was one he would never forget, because it was one only <i>he</i> would hear. She whispered his name in such a way he almost came himself without her even touching him. He continued stroking her throughout her orgasm, making even the final waves of pleasure incredible.

She trembled for what seemed like minutes, all the while he whispered in her ear. Finally he felt her body go limp and he slowly moved his hand away. When she finally opened her eyes, they were filled with such wonder and love. She lifted a shaky hand to cup his face. "Zan...."

His body was rigid, still close to the edge, and screaming in denial of satisfaction. But he ignored it. A smile tugged at his face. "You're amazing."

She smiled brightly at him, and a warmth spread in his heart. "Zan that was.... I mean... I've never felt anything like that before."

Zan couldn't look away. Her brown eyes were glowing even in the darkness of their hotel room. At this moment, his life couldn't get any better. "Yeah, yeah. No need to build up the ego."

She smiled even more at his joking attitude, but her eyes were still wide in amazement. "No, Zan... I mean I've <i>really</i> never felt like that before. Ever."

He raised an eyebrow and realization swept over him. <i>Oh my G*d...</i> "Oh my G*d...." His lips repeated what he was thinking. It was impossible. This was her first--- It was the first time she'd <i>ever</i> --- ?? He let out a shaky breath, letting this knowledge sink in. An instinct of possession came over him and he clutched her against him tightly. He was the first to see her like this, in the throes of passion. He'd be damned if someone else even touched a hair on her head.

As if reading his mind she started to laugh. "You're the first, so your the last... is that it?" She let another small laugh escape, then her face turned solemn again. "You're the <i>only</i>, Zan. If - If you want to be...."

He growled, closing his mouth around hers once more. He'd never get tired of this. He pulled away slightly, not getting too carried away. His body was still screaming at him. "Sounds an awful lot like gettin' hitched, and <i>I'm</i> the one 'sposed to be doing the asking so, we'll check into <i>that</i> motel later, ok?"

Cashlin laughed at his silly analogy. "Ok." She felt so overwhelmingly satisfied at this point, she would have said 'ok' to just about anything.

He slowly rolled away from her and swung his feet over the side of the bed when he felt her hand circle around the hard muscles of his biceps. He looked over his shoulder questioningly and she had a confused look on her face.

"Zan..." She started slowly, a slight blush creeping on her face.

He turned around slightly to see her better, not understanding her embarassment. "Yeah?"

She looked down and toyed with the sheets, suddenly realizing how naked she was.... and how <i>un</i>naked he was. She hesitated, not knowing what to say. "Um... what about you?"

He looked around them, not quite getting it until he saw her gaze briefly glance at his boxers. For the first time - ever, probably - a faint pink blush appeared on his own face. He brought a hand up to cup the side of her face. He gently kissed her lips and pulled away slightly. "I'm ok, sweetie. Don't worry about it."

"But..." Her small pink tongue licked her lips and he groaned inwardly at the innocent action. Her eyes looked truthfully into his. "I <i>want</i> to do it to you."

He almost started crying at the unfairness of it all. He couldn't let her do that, he didn't trust himself right now. He shook his head and a look of uncertainty flashed across her eyes. He quickly reassured her. "No no no... it's not that I don't want you to. Believe me, I do. It's just...."

At his pause, she prompted, "It's just... what?"

Zan's amber eyes darkened almost black, and he brought her ear close to his lips. When he spoke, all the sexual tension he was feeling flowed through his voice. "The next time I come..." He paused visualizing that perfect moment when he would join with her, flesh in flesh, soul in soul. "I want to do it inside of you." He felt a shudder rack through her body. "And when that time comes.... the sun will go down with me loving you, and by the time it comes back up you'll still be moaning my name."

He released her quickly and practically ran into the bathroom, locking the door behind him. Cashlin sat naked on the bed, her eyes wide and her mouth hanging open. With a promise like that... she could nearly faint in anticipation.

It took her a moment to snap from her reverie, but when she did she heard the shower running. She shot a confused look at the door, then smiled. She laughed when she heard a harsh "Damn it!" from inside. Her kind, sweet, seductive gentleman was literally taking an icy cold shower.

She sank back into the bed, covering up again to get warm. With Zan in the bathroom, she had no one to ward off the winter chill.


******


"Liz, hurry up!" Max yelled through the bathroom door. They had been moving every night since they'd started on this latest mission. They couldn't be late. The train left in thirty minutes. "We gotta go!"

"Ok, just thirty more seconds!" She yelled back, and he could hear her throwing the contents of their motel room in her duffel bag.

He latched his watch around his wrist and felt his back pocket. His wallet was there, along with their ID's. His mind was racing through the checklist. ID's, wallet, watch, glasses, papers, and ---

Liz. Max slung his bag across his shoulder and picked up the other one. "C'mon Liz, we've got to--"

The satellite phone in his bag started vibrating. Hurriedly he wrestled it open and answered it. "Cal?"

Liz came out of the bathroom, and he held up a hand. The voice on the other end responded. "Max, you've got to get out of here."

"I know, I know Cal. We're headed to Chicago tonight." Max said impatiently. "In about 29 minutes to be exact."

"No, Max. You don't understand." The shape shifter stated firmly. "You need to get out of the <i>country</i>. They're on to you, Max. I don't know how, but they're on to you."

Max gripped the phone. "Who told you?"

"I've got a source within. Not exactly an alien sympathizer, but for money he's willing to tell me anything. Name's Dax Whitt. He said Remington's got a group in Cleveland running over some footage from a gas station."

Max swallowed and felt Liz's hand on his arm. He looked at her, mentally telling her this was trouble. "We stopped at a BP station there yesterday."

He heard Cal growl. "Damn it, Max! You slipped up. You weren't wearing your glasses, were you?"

With that comment Max closed his eyes, immediately knowing he <i>had</i> forgotten, and feeling foolish that he had. How could he have been so careless? He hadn't slipped up like that in years. "Where do we go?"

"I've already got you booked on a flight to Glasgow with a connection in Chicago. You leave in five hours. Can you make it?"

Liz's eyes widened in surprise. Max looked at his watch. "Cal, we haven't been out of the country in almost twelve years. I don't even know if those ID's will work anymore."

"They'll work. But don't use them once you get to Scotland. Burn them, and we'll mail you new ones in a few months."

"That's not going to work, Cal." Max's voice was firm and solid. There was too much to lose now. "Liz and I are meeting up with Zan in March. He's being hunted as well. He can't be alone too much longer, he's not used to dodging the Unit like we are."

Cal's voice sounded hesitant. "Have you -- talked to Kyle, since he got back from Florida?"

"No.... why?" Max had very little patience when it came to Cal. The shape shifter had often left him out of the loop more than a few times.

"I'll have him contact you once you're safe. Now go."

"Cal wait--" But the connection was dead. Max cursed and threw the phone in his bag. He was torn on what to do.

"Cal wants us to leave the country?" Liz asked and when she saw him nod it confirmed what she was feeling. "Then we have to, Max. I've begun feeling it as well. We're in danger if we stay here."

"But Zan is--" Max started, then looked down to the floor.

Liz knew what he was thinking. Zan was out there, alone, and running from people he didn't understand. They needed to get to him as soon as possible, but recently the Special Unit had expanded their operation and had different teams extracted to various locations across the United States. It was becoming harder and harder to avoid them.

She brought a hand up to his shoulder. "I know you're worried about him. But he'll be ok. We'll get Michael to meet with him in March."

When Max looked up, she could see him trying to hold back tears. His voice was husky with emotion when he spoke. "I don't want <i>Michael</i> to meet with him."

Liz swallowed hard, able to feel what her husband was feeling through their deep connection. "I know, sweetie, I know. But it's just not going to happen this time."

Max nodded and looked away. The most important thing was to not get caught, he knew that. He could help no one if they put him in the white room again. "You're right. We need to go."

Liz brushed a hand across his cheek, knowing how hard this was for him. "You're going to see him soon, Max. I know you will."

He could only nod his head once, and grasped her hand firmly in his. Whatever Liz said, always came to pass. One way or another.

He wouldn't let the Special Unit take his son, like they had taken him all those years ago. If he couldn't be there to meet Zan in Alabama, Michael would at least make sure Zan was safe until he could.



*****




Mona took one last look around the gallery and sighed. It was finally finished. After all the work - every single painting she and her late husband Henry had done was beautifully on display. She had posted flyers in every coffee shop around New York, hoping all the folks would come to her opening tomorrow.

She had moved the gallery from its original home, to a more open space in Brooklyn. It now had two rooms upstairs that were filled with all of her old work that she had done before Zan had came into her life. The move from the Bronx had been difficult on her own, but she had managed. Besides, the Bronx wasn't what it used to be. Not to Mona, anyways.

At the thought of her son, Mona frowned. That familiar chill swept across her. It was best not to think about him. He was off - Lord knows where - with Cashlin. Trying to find his parents.

She had been particularly worried since those people had shown up a few days after they had left. They said they were alerted by Mrs. Cleary about the two of them running away. Of course, Mona had followed the note Zan left her. She had told them they had run off to Canada. But there was a twisting sensation in her gut telling her that the man hadn't believed her.

And ever since then, Vicky hadn't returned her phone calls. Mona had even tried to stop by the apartment, but it was no use. Obviously that woman was upset about her daughter running away. Hell, why shouldn't she be?

All the rationalizing did nothing to help ease her mind though. Zan was the first thing she thought of in the morning, and the last before she drifted to sleep. The apartment seemed so lonely and dim with him gone. She had never been alone since Henry passed away. She had come to rely on Zan for a lot of things. Mona hadn't even considered dating again. She had already had the love of her life, and she has a beautiful son - even if he was adopted.

When she was twenty-one, just a year after she had gotten married, the doctors had told her that she would not be able to have children. It had been heartbreaking having to tell Henry. She knew it would be hard for him to hear. The whole ride home she had been thinking up the worst possible scenarios. Would he leave her when he knew? Was she damaged goods now? What kind of a woman couldn't have a child? The harsh thoughts broke through her, and by the time she reached their apartment in Boston she was in tears.

But Henry wasn't mad. He wasn't even upset. He had held her, letting her cry away all the pain that she was feeling. Henry was always the optimist. She would never forget how he looked at her with such love and devotion.

<i>"If we can't concieve a child, Mona. There are plenty of other children we can love."</i>

To this day those words brought tears to her eyes. They had met Jesse about six months later. And within two days they were introduced to little Zan Alex.

Mona's sigh echoed throughout the room. She really needed to stop thinking about the past. It was all history, and she was lucky enough to say she had no regrets.

She flicked off the lights and swept her eyes across the gallery one more time. She couldn't be more satisfied. If only Zan were here to see this. He'd be proud. The thought warmed her heart and she closed and locked the door behind her.

The harsh January wind cut through her thick overcoat and the snow crunched beneath her boots. She smiled at a few kids across the street who were making snow angels. An old blue Cadillac slowly drove by, their music blaring.

She heard the shot, but nothing else. Her body slumped to the ground, and her eyes slid shut. She didn't hear the screams from the children nearby.

She was dead.



<i><center>The Past is such a curious Creature
To look her in the Face
A Transport may receipt us
Or a Disgrace -

Unarmed if any meet her
I charge him fly
Her faded Ammunition
Might yet reply.
</i><b>- Emily Dickinson</b></center>



TBC.....

Bump!

Hi everyone! I'm so sorry I haven't updated in awhile! Life's been really crazy, and I've suddenly discovered yet another show: <b>Firefly</b>! However now that I've watched the show and seen the movie, hopefully I can get back to writing this story!

I'll let you know the progress! Thanks so much for sticking with me!