Prodigal Son
by Alisa Joaquin and Linda Schwartz

Many thanks to Alisa for writing this wonderful
installment to our trilogy.  I wish I could have been
a contributor, but unfortunately RL issues prevented
me from being an active participant.  

/Linda

Prologue

Peter entered the meditation room and dropped down onto the floor next to his father. He placed both hands on his cheeks and rested his elbows on his knees. He forced a great breath of frustration from his lungs. He had been to the prison three times and still the man refused to listen fully to his words. Peter could sense the man was holding back, but did not understand why. All he wanted to do was help the man through his pain. What was so hard about that?

"Peter, your tension is so thick, you can cut it with a knife."

Peter turned to his father, surprise registering on his face. "You've been taking lessons from Skalany, again." Peter turned away from his father, embarrassed then realized he must have really interrupted Caine's meditation, an interruption in the past that was at times not welcomed because of some pressing need. As a Shaolin Priest, Peter should have used his senses first before disturbing his father. "Pop, I'm sorry. I really didn't mean to disturb your meditation. It's just that I've been trying to help him and he won't talk to me. I thought if we could talk, I might be able to help him, but for some reason he's refusing to level with me. He's got so much anger in him."

"Sounds like someone I used to know," Caine smiled.

"I wasn't that bad, was I?" Peter asked.

"No, my son. It only seemed that way," Caine jested.

"Well, I really don't know what I can do. If he's refusing to even talk, I may have to just let it go."

"If I remember, my son, it was you who told me once that there was no failure in trying."

"I know, it's just that I'm trying to get a handle on being a priest. I've had those same kinds of feelings and I thought I could . . . "

"Peter, only someone who wishes to help themselves will accept the open hand that is offered to them."

"But you've always said that everyone should be given a chance."

"Yes, but sometimes there are those who are so bent on destruction that there is nothing that you can do to stop it. All you can do is be there to let them know they are not alone."

"I guess so. "

"Do not blame yourself if this one man does not wish to listen to your counsel. There will be many that will need you. Some will see the wisdom of your words. Others will turn their backs."

"Have there been people like that for you?" Peter asked.

Peter watched his father's face as he breathed in deeply then let out the breath in a great sigh. He could see his father struggling with his question. 'There has been a few people,' Peter thought. 'And he's also blamed himself.' This realization somehow comforted Peter. "It's all right, Pop. I understand. I guess you can't win every time."

"No, my son."

"Tell you what, maybe we need to meditate together. I could use some of that Shamhala Master calm to rub off on me."

***

Prisoner number 4583927 continued to stare at a small spot on the wall. He had been like this ever since the young man had tried to come and see him. He could not understand why the young man came. Was he gloating over the fact that he had lost? Why did he continue to come here?

The first time the young man came and requested his presence, Prisoner 4583927 reacted with belligerence. He tried to goad the young man into an argument, but the young man just sat there calm and still. All he saw in the young man's eyes was sorrow. That angered him and he started pounding on the glass that separated them. The guards had to restrain him, fearing that he might break through the barrier. The young man just sat there and did nothing.

Then when the young man came again, Prisoner 4583927 wised up and started to ask questions. It was then that he learned that the young man was no longer a cop, but a priest. The man could not believe what he had heard, a priest of all things. That was a joke, a sick joke. What was the young man going to do, try to save his soul after trying to kill him in the brewery? Who was he kidding? He called the young man a hypocrite. Then the young man did something he had not expected. He asked for Prisoner 4583927's forgiveness. Forgiveness, and for what? Though he did feel some remorse at what he had done to the older man, the hatred he felt in his soul for the younger still remained.

Finally, when the young man returned for a third time, Prisoner 4583927 refused to even speak to him. It was his turn to sit in front of that glass and just stare, his hands folded in front of his chest. In his mind he screamed at the man beyond the glass. 'GET OUT OF MY FACE! YOU CAUSED IT ALL! YOU WILL PAY! AS GOD IS MY WITNESS, YOU WILL PAY!'

When their time was up, he watched as the young man left, his shoulders sagging in defeat. Prisoner 4583927 had to smile over that small victory as he was led back to his cell. Once back in his cage, he continued to stare. Then a smile formed on his lips as a plan began to form in his mind.

Part 1- Six Months Later

Prisoner 4583927 slumped down on his cot, pain lancing through his midsection. It was a pain that should not be there, and yet the grimace on his face showed that the pain was a reality that could not be ignored.

"Bed check," announced the guard as he and his companion walked the halls. "Prisoner 4489298."

"Here."

"Prisoner 4492933"

"Here."

"Prisoner 2305737"

No answer came.

"Prisoner 2305737, answer."

"Here," came a gruff voice behind the barred door of the cell.

As each prisoner's number was called out, a disembodied voice answered, until the next number was called.

"4583927," Silence filled the void as no answer came. "4583927, answer," the guard called again. Still no answer came. "Perkins, check the cell."

A uniformed officer pulled out his night stick and walked over to the prisoner's cell, preparing to defend himself if there was trouble. Perkins glanced inside.

"Call the Doc,"

A few minutes later, the cell door was being opened and a figure in a white lab coat flanked by two officers entered. Another few minutes went by and the doctor emerged.

"He's not faking it, if that's what you're going to ask. He's in a great deal of pain. I'm going to need to get him to the infirmary."

An hour went by and the Warden came down to discuss the prisoner's condition. "Where's Doctor Greene?"

"He had an unexpected emergency. He asked me to fill in." Before the Warden could ask his name, the new doctor stated, "The prisoner is in a great deal of pain for no apparent reason. I can't find anything wrong with him."

"What do you mean you can't find anything wrong with him."

The doctor waved the Warden to the door and stood where the prisoner could be watched. "That's just it. He says he's in a lot of pain, but I can't find a damn thing wrong with him."

"Well run some tests."

"There's a problem. I don't have the equipment here to be able to do that. All I can do is take blood samples and x-rays. None of which would be conclusive."

As the Warden and the doctor talked, they could hear the prisoner moaning in the background. A couple of times the prisoner would let loose with a blood curdling scream.

"It hurts, man! Please stop it."

The Warden glanced over to where the prisoner lay and saw that the man was turning from side to side. Sweat appeared on the prisoner's forehead and his face was scrunched up, teeth gritting against what seemed like excruciating circumstances. "How did this happen?"

"I don't know. There just isn't any medical reason that I can find."

"Are you sure he's not faking this."

"Believe me Warden, he is in a lot of pain."

"Could he be suffering from some withdrawal symptoms."

"That was the first thing that I checked. Prisoner 4583927 is not an addict. His medical history showed no evidence of being involved with drugs of any kind. There are no needle marks and his cell was searched for contraband. Not even half an aspirin was found in that cell. If I can't find out what's wrong with him, I'm not going to be able to treat him. He needs to go to a hospital with better facilities."

"Out of the question. This man is dangerous."

"Warden, this man needs medical attention that I can't provide."

As if on cue, the prisoner moaned again, a deep raging cry that ran shivers up both men's spines.

"All right. But he's got to be under guard at all times. I'll notify Cleveland Medical Center. They have at least a floor for prisoners. You watch your back Doc."

The Warden left the doctor to his patient. He never saw the look between the two men.

Part 2 - Into the Night

"Be careful. Even though he's a prisoner, he's a patient," the man in the white lab coat instructed the guards as they removed the prisoner.

"I don't care what he is," the guard sneered. "He's dangerous."

"So are you with that gun. I don't think he'll be going anywhere don't you?" the man in the white coat smiled.

"I only see one paramedic in the ambulance, where's the other one? I thought there were two."

"The other man took sick and we couldn't find a replacement," said the doctor. "We're only transferring this patient. I'll be riding with to make certain everything goes smoothly. I take it you will be with the prisoner?"

"Yeah," the guard replied, though he sounded less than enthusiastic. He stared down at the prisoner, suspicion forming in the back of his mind. He hadn't heard the prisoner moan once since the ambulance arrived.

As if on que, the prisoner let out a piercing cry of pain as the stretcher was lifted into the back of the ambulance.

'Maybe he really is in pain. Good. Serves him right after what he did. If I had things my way, this guy wouldn't be leaving this prison alive.' The guard kept his thoughts to himself, but stated, "Oh shut your trap. Just because I have to ride with you doesn't give you the right to torture me with your constant whining. Doc, can't you give this guy something for the pain to shut him up?"

"I'm sorry. I don't have anything in my bag. There may be something in the back, but there's only room for him and you. Unless you know how to use a needle . . ."

The guard went a little pale and squeamish, "Uh never mind."

Once the guard was inside and the doors closed, the doctor climbed into the cab up front.

"You know which route to take," he said to the driver.

"Are you certain he'll take care of that guard?"

"Jack will take care of him. You just keep your eyes peeled on the road. And don't ask so many questions. You're getting well paid for this little trip."

***

Stern faces could be seen on all of the workers. Something had happened to disturb everyone around them. Voices had gone silent and no one was talking. Rumors were flying all over the place.

"The media is going to have a field day with this," a doctor said.

"Who was it?" another questioned.

"No one isn't saying anything."

"I heard that a doctor was involved in some way," the nurse behind the admitting desk stated.

"Doctor Greene? No way."

"Doctor Green would never get himself involved with a prisoner. He may treat them, but he would never get involved like that."

"Haven't you heard?" A nurse came in still wearing her raincoat, as she approached the threesome in conversation.

"Heard what?" one of the doctor's replied.

"They found Doctor Green's body out on route five."

"What?"

"Are you sure?"

"I heard it on the emergency channel," the nurse with the raincoat stated.

"You keep a police radio?" the nurse behind the counter questioned.

"Hey, my husband's a cop," answered the nurse with a raincoat. "He wants me to keep tabs on things."

"Did they say anything else, like maybe who was involved?"

'No," replied the nurse as she removed her raincoat.

"Take a look at this."

One of the doctors handed the incoming nurse the dispatch that he had been reading.

"And he was on his way to our hospital?" Oh boy, she's not going to like this."

"I know."

"So, who's going to tell her?" said the admitting nurse.

"You know what she will say. 'Don't talk to me about my brother, I don't want to hear it,'" the nurse now holding her raincoat in her arms imitated the voice of their so called favorite administrator.

"I know what you mean," replied the other nurse. "Ever since she took over, things just hasn't been the same. She's so snooty. Just because her family owns part of the hospital, she thinks she has to also work here to keep an eye on one of Daddy's investments."

"Nurse Olsen, that is not a nice thing to say about one of our most important benefactors," one of the doctors stated.

"Even if it is true," the other doctor stated.

All four laughed at that, then silence prevailed as the person of their conversation walked by.

"Doesn't anyone have anything to do?"

"Yes, Miss Masterson," everyone replied. The nurse still holding the dispatch placed it on the counter and was quickly walking down the hall with the other two doctors while the admitting nurse went back to her files.

Miss Masterson eyed the three departing backs and admitting nurse until she spied the piece of paper. Was this the source of their laughter and the reason for their impromptu gathering? She began to read the paper when fear crept into her eyes. She quickly snatched the paper from the counter and headed to her office at a fast clip.

Part 3 - Someone Wicked

Sarah Masterson entered her office and shut the door. She could not believe what had just taken place. She knew that people spoke behind her back, but this cut her to the bone. She may have been looking out for her father's interest in the beginning, but since becoming this hospital's administrator, Sarah Masterson could proudly say that she had been able to cut a lot of waste and saved the hospital a lot of money.

Her father had not always had the best intentions when it came to people that worked for him. Sometimes all he thought about was the bottom line, but in this interest, people did matter. Since working at the hospital, she began to see things in a different light. Perhaps her brother had been right all along by joining the force. Service to others didn't have to mean doing menial tasks the way their father thought. Service to others could mean a great deal more.

Sarah bowed her head in shame as she realized that her brother, though he had gone through the Academy and worked on the police force, he never got the respect that he had been looking for most of his life. Instead he turned his anger into hatred and took it out on two innocent people, even taking innocent lives. Whatever caused her brother to snap and turn into a monster, she would never fully understand. Perhaps in some way, she too had been responsible. She thought back to the day when her brother came to her to tell her of his decision.

***

"Sarah, I got in! I can't believe it, I got in!"

"Got in, got in where?" Sarah asked her brother, Jack.

"The Police Academy," Jack replied.

"Oh no, you didn't. You know how father feels about things like that."

"Come on Sarah, you know how much I wanted to be a cop. I want to help people, like Starsky and Hutch."

"Jack, that's just in the movies and TV. They don't really do those things."

"How do you know?"

"If you want to help people, go help by running one of Dad's companies."

"I don't want to be some corporate big wig," Jack argued.

"You know very well what Daddy does is more than that."

"Yeah, he just sits in his office all day and signs checks and once in a while he gives a check to some charity."

"You don't understand, Jack. Daddy is one of the most generous men in this world. He sees a lot of people and he travels."

"Yeah well, he certainly wasn't there when I needed him. I'm going to the Academy. I'm going to make something of myself, someone who will do more than just sign checks."

"You'll get yourself killed," Sarah continued to protest.

"No I won't. Maybe I'll save someone's life and then I'll be the hero."

"Jack Masterson, if you enter that Academy I'll never speak to you again! Daddy will be furious, he'll disown you!"

But her brother had turned his back and walked down the hall, leaving her behind.

***

That was not the last time she spoke to her brother. Two other occasions occurred and she could remember the angry words they had both spoken, here in this very hospital when their father had been stricken, and once more on the phone. It had been after those two detectives had come to see her. Something in her brother's voice had frightened her beyond reason. Why she didn't inform the two cops was still a question she could not answer.

Shame and guilt tore through her, and something more, fear. Her hands began to tremble, and the paper she had been holding crumpled in her hands as realization set in.

'He's escaped,' she thought. 'I've got to warn them.'

But her body remained frozen to the chair, not daring to move. Her hands slowly opened to smooth the crumpled paper out once more. Her eyes scanned the dispatch for any more news as to where her brother might have been heading. There was none, until another thought came to her. It was in regards to the telephone call that she had with her brother. It was something that he said that now caused her to take action. It was then that she rose from the chair, grabbed her coat, and rushed from her office.

"I'll be out of the office the rest of the day," Sarah said to her secretary. "If you need to reach me, I'll be home."

"But you have an appointment to meet with the board today. It's been on the calendar for a month."

"Cancel it."

As quickly as she had come, she was gone.

Part 4 -I n the Dead of the Night

After getting away from the prison, the ambulance stopped along a deserted highway.

"Here, take off and don't ask too many questions," the doctor handed the ambulance driver a large envelope.

"I haven't heard of you and I've never seen you before. And I just quit my job as a paramedic," the driver said then quickly headed down the road without looking back.

Noises coming from the back confirmed that a struggle was ensuing. It wasn't long until the noises stopped.

"That takes care of the guard," Masterson stated, as he wiped his hands on his pants. "You paid the paramedic?"

"Yeah. We've got to dump this thing before someone discovers it's gone."

"I have the perfect place," Masterson stated.

"Oh here, you're going to need this," Peterson tossed Masterson a large envelope. "I took the liberty of making certain your special ID's weren't discovered in that brewery. You're going to need them, especially if you want to take care of Caine."

"Thanks. I also have another job that needs taken care of. We'll head there next."

"You said you were going to go after Caine once you got out," the man in the lab coat stated.

"I changed my mind, Peterson," Jack Masterson replied. "There's someone else I want to see. It's long overdue and necessary."

"You and I have unfinished business. You want the younger Caine dead, I want the older."

"You never told me what your beef is with Kwai Chang Caine."

"That's my business."

"Seems you didn't do your job either. So, what is it?" Masterson countered.

Peterson gave an exasperated sigh, "Kwai Chang Caine let my sister die. Isn't that enough?" He then returned to the subject at hand. "So, who is it you're going to see?"

Masterson was silent for what seemed like an eternity, "My old man."

***

A figure in the shadows watched the old man reading news clippings yellow with age. The unknown figure puzzled at the old man's expression. What was it? Sadness? Regret? Impossible. Still he needed answers and only this old man could provide them.

The figure in the darkness approached the house, his heart was numb and yet anger still tainted his soul. Betrayal was a bitter pill to swallow. It just should not have been that way. If it had been another time and place, perhaps things would have been different, but nothing could change the past. As the figure approached the open window, he could hear the old man talking to himself.

"Things are just not the way they used to be," grumbled the old man. "In my father's day people cared. Fathers and sons worked together . . ."

"Is that right old man?" the figure interjected.

"Who's there?"

"Don't you know me, Father?" A young man now in his early thirties stepped through the open window.

"You. What are you doing here?"

"Oh just repaying an old debt."

"No, stay away from me! I banished you!"

The young man stopped just a few feet away. "I Just want to talk."

"I don't want to talk to you," the elder man turned his back.

"Don't turn your back to me," the younger man pleaded. "I have a right to know why. I came home to get some answers."

"Well you heard my answer years ago. You betrayed your family."

"Yeah, I know. You didn't want me to go to the Police Academy. There was no shame in that, Father. I could have become far greater than you made me out to be. I could have become Commissioner of this city if you had supported me, but you didn't." As the young man spoke, his words were bitter. He came here for one reason, to ask for forgiveness, but the old man was still unwilling to forgive. So he would have to do what he knew all along what had to be done to end his suffering. Images of another father and son embracing each other in love flashed through his mind.

'Why couldn't it have been that way with you,' he thought. 'Why do you hate me so, Father?' The young man wanted answers, but he would not get them. Blind, unadulterated hatred welled within him as the mocking face of his father loomed before him, replacing the loving pair. The young man picked up a nearby object and struck at that leering face.

"Stop leering at me!" he screamed. "I hate you!"

He heard the sound of crunching bone as blood spattered everywhere. The young man continued to smash at the face until it was no longer recognizable. When he finally came to his senses, the young man's features were a mask of horror as he saw what he had done. He dropped the object and backed away, his eyes riveted to the very spot where his father fell, his hands trembling with fear.

"What have I done?" the young man gasped as tears welled in his eyes. And like a bewildered child, the questions came, "Everything always seems to go wrong. Why won't anyone listen? Why is it that I end harming others? Why doesn't anyone care what I want?" The young man felt worthless, alone, abandoned by all.

Then another face appeared. One who had tried to be his friend, many times. He had come to him in the prison and tried to help him. He felt confused and troubled where this face was concerned. He did not understand why he felt the way he did.

"Friend or foe? What do you think?" He could not decide. "You have no friends,* the voice deride in his mind. *It's his fault for what's happened. He caused you to murder your father. He must pay, just as your father has paid for hating you. Then once he is gone, you know what you must do to stop your suffering. You will be free.*

He would be free. The voice was right, but how would he go about it? Whispers once again told their tale and the young man's mind began to listen to the beginnings of a twisted plan that would end in death. He would go to Chinatown, ask for Caine. It would be so simple.

Part 5 - Family Squabbles

It would be so simple, except for one thing.

"No!"

The scream jarred him from his own thoughts. The son of the now late Richard Masterson cocked his head and turned toward the doorway, his eyes clearly no longer focused. A madness had entered them. All he could see was the blood spattered walls and the dead eyes of his father. Jack Masterson turned to face his sister.

"What have you done! You killed him!"

"I had to," Jack replied, his voice soft and melodic. "He was going to do it again to me. I couldn't let that happen."

"You're nothing but a monster. I'm calling the police."

Masterson bounded across the bed to intercept his sister. "I can't let you do that, Sarah."

"Let me go."

"I can't let you call the police. If you do, they will send him and I can't let him find out, not yet."

"What are you talking about?" Sarah questioned her eyes darting back and forth with fear, seeing the madness reflected in her brother's eyes.

"My plans are not quite ready. I will let him know when it's time."

"Let who know?"

"The priest," Masterson stated with detached calm.

"What . . . what . . . priest?" Sarah questioned though her voice trembled from the terror that was rising within her.

"Peter Caine of course. I'm going to kill him. And you are going to help me."

"What makes you think I'll help you?" She barely managed to spit out her contempt for her brother.

"Because if you don't . . ." Jack Masterson shrugged and indicated with a nod of his head toward their father's body.

Sarah froze, the pupil's in her eyes shrank to mere dots as sheer terror gripped her entire being.

Masterson dragged his sister by the arm and out the door of their father's home. He tossed her into the waiting van.

"Who's this? I saw her go into the house earlier. I would have warned you . . ."

"She's my sister," Masterson said with a sneer. "And she's going to help us. Aren't you sis?"

"You think I'm going to help you after what you've done . . ."

"Careful sister, I get mad very easily. You won't want to get me angry. You won't like it."

"Are you sure you want her involved?" Peterson questioned.

"She has no choice in the matter," Masterson growled. "If she doesn't, she knows where she'll end up. Do you still have that apartment of yours sis? The one close to the hospital where you work?"

"How do you know about that?"

"I made it my business to know. Well, do you?"

"Yes," Sarah said, her eyes darting back and forth between the two men. "What's it to you?"

"It looks like you'll be playing host to a couple of old friends."

Part 6 - The Shattering of A Moment's Peace

Peter Caine sat on the raised platform and read the morning paper. A cup of steaming coffee was by his right knee. Every now and then as he read, a hand would reach down, pick up the cup and it would disappear behind the shield of newsprint only to be put back in it's resting place after a few seconds.

"You remind me of Dad when you do that," a familiar voice disturbed his repose. "Only Dad wouldn't be reading a paper written in Chinese."

The paper shield came down to reveal a broad grin, "Kelly, it's been a long time."

"I went to your apartment, but they said you moved out a year ago."

"Has it been that long?" Peter quipped. "And where have you been all this time?"

"You know I've been away at school," Kelly responded. For a few minutes there was silence between them, until Kelly finally broached the subject she had come to confront her brother. "Why didn't you write and tell me?"

"About what?"

"Why didn't you tell me about Mom?" Kelly questioned. "Why didn't you let me or even Carolyn know that Mom was in trouble? Or Dad?"

"You know Paul can't be reached, and I didn't want you and Carolyn to worry. Besides, that was six months ago. Mom's fine."

"How can you say that? That madman nearly blew her up."

"That same madman buried my father alive," Peter reminded Kelly. "Look, let's not dwell on that. I was able to get her out of there before the bomb blew. My Pop has been visiting with her ever since."

"I'm sorry, Peter. I didn't come here to argue," Kelly suddenly went silent and subdued.

"Kelly, talk to me. You wouldn't be here unless there was something going on. There's more and I can tell, so spill it."

"Mom told me you took the brands, that you're a Shaolin priest now. I thought you'd always be a cop."

"Things changed," Peter said quietly, remembering the very last case he had worked on. There were too many hands tied by the law and not enough compassion. And even cops who abused the system were allowed to run free, the system being too afraid to prosecute them because there just wasn't enough manpower to replace them. That case had been a fiasco, and even if he did have Jody's support, all that came out of it was that the guy was suspend for a year, and transferred to another precinct. The guy should have been prosecuted to the full extent of the law, even if he was a cop.

"Peter, are you all right?"

"Yeah, just thinking about my last case."

"Do you regret becoming a priest?" Kelly asked.

Peter thought on Kelly's words for a minute or two. "How can I explain this. When the temple was destroyed, I thought I lost my chance of ever becoming a priest. It's what I wanted when I was a kid, to study nothing but Shaolin principles. That's what my father was training me for, and at the time I wanted to be like my father, a priest. But I didn't fully understand what that meant. I had a lot of other dreams, too. When the temple was destroyed, I thought that dream was also destroyed. All I thought about was getting revenge on those who I thought murdered my father, but that didn't happen when they sent me to the orphanage. I was so filled with anger, and bitterness. I tried to wipe the teachings of my father from my mind, but not all of it went away. Then I met Paul, um Dad. He gave me a second chance. Since my father's temple had been the only one in America and was gone, I dismissed ever becoming a priest. So, I discovered I could fulfill another dream that I had as a kid, and that was becoming a cop."

"But I thought being a cop was all you ever wanted to be. Dad was so proud when you followed in his footsteps. I can't see you being a priest."

"Kelly, did you ever stop to think why I never took the Blaisdell name, why Paul and Annie fostered me instead of just adopting me?"

"I just thought it was because you were too old."

"No one is too old to be adopted by another family. I chose not to be adopted because of something that happened to me while I was at the orphanage."

"What was that?"

At that moment, a Chinese boy came in and handed Peter a note. Peter took it and read the script. The boy moved to stand by the door, as if waiting for a reply.

"Oh boy. Kelly, we're going to have to continue this conversation later. I've got to go. My Pop needs my help. Mrs. Wu just went into labor and I need to bring some herbs to help her. We'll talk more when I get back."

"That might take hours."

"You don't know Mrs. Wu. This is her third kid and every one of them came out in just a few hours. My Pop helped her through her second two years ago."

Peter was pulling down herbs from the shelves and placing them in a large basket as he glanced at the list of herbs and supplies that had accompanied the note.

"You look like you could use some help with that."

"I'll be fine. Mrs. Wu is just up the street. I'm just learning this stuff. I'm lucky to be able to read the labels. That's why you saw me reading the newspaper, to help practice with relearning Chinese. I can speak it fluently, but reading it is another story."

"Congmang! Congmang!" the young Chinese boy stated.

"Okay, I'm hurrying. Go tell my father I'm coming," Peter said, then continued his conversation with his sister when the boy left. Peter continued to look for the herbs that the two older Shaolin needed. "My father and Lo Si are the ones who really know what herbs will work. They just want me to take the supplies to them. Tell you what, I'll come over tonight and we can talk some more."

"Actually I was hoping you'd help me with finding an apartment. I'm transferring schools."

"Sure, I'll help you when I get back. Does Mom know you're back in town?"

"Not yet. I wanted to see my big brother first."

"Well make sure you call Mom. She'll have a fit if you don't."

"Okay brother, don't take too long."

Peter gave his sister a quick peck on the cheek then headed out the door, carrying the basket of assorted jars, bottles, and other supplies from the list.

Part 7 - What Are Sisters For

Sarah Masterson nervously entered the alleyway leading to the priest's place of residence. She had never been to this part of the city. Chinatown might as well be the other side of the moon as far as she was concerned. She had seen a few ruffians come into the hospital, but those ruffians were flat on their backs in the ER waiting for treatment. She always did her best to stay clear of them. Their injuries told horrific stories of knifings, shootings, and other violent crimes.

Sarah Masterson shuddered and did her best to look as if she belonged, but in truth, she felt out of place and alone. As she drew near to the fire escape that lead to the fourth floor, the sound of a car backfiring caused her to nearly jump out of her skin and run for cover. She questioned why she was doing this, until her thoughts returned to seeing her father's dead body on the floor of his bedroom, and her brother standing over him. Her brother's threat rang in her ears and the fear rose to nearly paralyze her for a second time. She recalled their last conversation.

"I need to know everything you can about Peter Caine now that he's a priest. Is he still working with the police? What's he really doing." her brother had said. "Find out if he's got anyone special in his life."

"How am I supposed to do that?"

"Simple, you go to Chinatown, ask for Caine. They'll know where to find him."

"I've never been to Chinatown," Sarah replied.

"Well this will be your first time then," Jack Masterson said with sarcasm.

"What am I supposed to do when I get there?"

"Improvise."

'Improvise,' she repeated the word in her head. What was she supposed to say or do if he was there? 'He might ask me what I'm doing here,' she said to herself. Her brother's voice intruded one more time

"I don't care, tell him our poor father is sick. Make something up. Just make certain you engage him in conversation. I want to know what he's up to."

Sarah did her best not to respond to her brother after that. He started muttering and mumbling under his breath. Then he went over and talked with the man named Peterson. She was afraid to know what they were saying. Instead she backed into a nearby chair and sat there, cringing, afraid to move. Now, here she was, helping her brother in fear of her life, and uncertain as to what she was supposed to do.

Sarah climbed to the fourth floor and entered the building. She could hear voices in the background.

"Sure, I'll help you when I get back."

"Okay brother, don't take too long."

She did her best to hide in the shadows as a tall young man entered the hallway and passed her hiding place. As Sarah peaked out to see where the young man had gone, she caught a glimpse of the woman who called him "brother."

Sarah didn't waste any time waiting to talk to the woman. Instead she made her way back down the fire escape, trying not to make any noise or draw any attention to herself. When she was back on ground level, she pulled her cell phone from her purse and dialed a number. Her brother's voice answered from the other end.

"So, what did you find out?"

"He left just as I got there," Sarah replied.

"So, wait for him."

"There's already someone waiting for him to get back."

"Who?"

"His sister."

"So, how long is he going to be gone?"

"I don't know," Sarah answered. "What do you want me to do?"

There was a long moment of silence and Sarah thought her brother must have hung up on her, when he spoke once again. "Stay where you are. I'll come to you."

"But, you don't know . . ."

"I'll find you," Jack interrupted. "Just make certain Peter Caine doesn't show up. Do what you can to stall him if he does."

"What are you going to do?"

The phone went dead, a silent contrast to the fierce beating of her terrified heart.

Part 8 - What Are Little Girl's Made Of

Kelly settled in to wait for her brother. She thought about what Peter had said, that she should call their mother, but Kelly was reluctant to do so. She did not tell him that she had a fight with their mother about the very subject that she had just discussed with Peter. She hadn't even told Peter why. Kelly tried to convince her mother that she should move back home after discovering the harrowing experience that Annie had gone through, but her mother insisted that she was fine and not move back home on her account. The argument lasted for over an hour. It was not something Kelly wanted to repeat. She knew Peter was right though, Kelly would eventually have to tell their mother. Kelly reached in her purse to grab her phone when she thought she heard a noise. Could Peter be back so soon? Maybe he forgot something. She put her purse down on the workbench to investigate the sound.

"Peter, is that you?" Kelly Blaisdell called out when she heard footsteps slowly coming down the now darkening hall. "Peter?"

"Peter . . . isn't . . . here," a voice called out in a singsong.

A lump of anxiety rose to Kelly's throat as she looked around for an escape route. Kelly swiftly made her way toward the terrace. If she could hide among the greenery maybe the person stalking her would give up. Even though her father, Paul Blaisdell had insisted that both Carolyn and Kelly learn some self defense techniques, the thought of having someone stalking her was still frightening. She did remember one thing, get away as quickly as possible and tell someone.

Kelly thought she found the perfect spot among Caine's plants. She did her best to keep calm, but her heart was racing. It reminded her of the time she had been kidnapped at Carolyn's wedding. She promised herself she would not allow that to happen again, but promises were often made like a piecrust and crumbled easily.

Kelly looked through the greenery, hoping to find a way around the man who now stood in Peter's apothecary room. She spied him through the French doors and her breath caught in her throat. She recognized the man from the newspaper and television. It had been a very high powered case. The papers had said he was an ex-cop. He was the one who tried to kill Caine, Peter's natural father, out of jealousy. He was supposed to be in prison, what was he doing here?

"You can't hide from me little girl," Masterson crooned.

Kelly cursed as she saw Masterson pick up her purse. 'Damn, he knows I'm still here. I should have grabbed my purse.'

"Eventually, you're going to have to come out. I just want to talk to you."

'Like hell,' Kelly though.

For several minutes Kelly watched the man moving slowly through the room. She tried to go deeper into the greenery but the wall behind her only allowed her to go so far. What did Peter say about that time he found his father at a homeless shelter? Kelly tried to gather her thoughts. She remembered Peter telling her that he dived behind some curtains and wall dividers while his father sat on one of the beds with his head bent down, looking for all the world that he was one of those homeless. It was an interesting ploy. It was as if he was hiding in plain site.

"And it would have worked if Cheryl hadn't come in." Peter's voice entered her head.

Could she pull it off? Kelly was so distracted with her thoughts that she didn't see where the man had moved. When she looked up, he wasn't in her line of vision. She tried to strain to see where he might have gone when suddenly, she was being pulled from the greenery, coming face to face with the man.

"You can't hide from me, girl," he grinned maniacally in her face. 'Looks like I have my bait."

"No!" Kelly struggled in the man's grasp, but his hands just squeezed tighter. She tried to bring her knee up to hit him in the groin, but he managed to step aside.

"Now, that's not nice," he countered. "I saw that coming a mile away. I was trained in martial arts at the same academy as your brother, and I learned a few tricks while I was in prison. Do you know this one?"

And his hands struck Kelly Blaisdell across the face so fast and hard that she collapsed into his arms.

"I never did like Blaisdell either. Always seemed to play favorites with his foster son."

Kelly never heard a word that Masterson said.

***

Masterson flung the girl over his shoulder and carried her to his car. He laid her in the back seat and pulled out a set of handcuffs. He placed them, not around her hands, but around her ankles. Then he pulled out another set and cuffed her hands. He then followed that up with a long chain, threading it through both sets of cuffs then locking it with a small padlock.

"Is she all right?" Sarah Masterson asked her brother, breaking the silence as she sat meekly in the front seat watching her brother's endeavor.

"What do you care? I asked you to do a simple job and you didn't."

"I can't help it of he left."

"If you want to continue living, sister, you're going to have to get with the program or you'll be joining our father."

Satisfied that his bait was secure, Masterson went back up to Caine's apartment to leave him a message, one that he would not soon forget. When he returned, he had a few more choice words for his sister.

"Now, it's your turn. You better remember what to say because if you don't and you fail me . . ." Jack made a cutting motion across his throat. "Here, put this in your purse. Peterson is making the rest of the arrangements. Here's the location where you're supposed to take Peter Caine. I don't care how you get him there. When the deed is done. Give the guys that envelope, then meet me back at the apartment."

"What about her?"

"She'll be taken care of soon enough."

"Will she be . . ."

"That's none of your concern. Right now she's insurance to make certain Peter Caine listens. And if he does manage to survive our little trap, we're going to need her. So, I hope you'll put on a good show for our Shaolin priest, because if you don't . . . You know what will happen."

Masterson watched satisfied as Sarah meekly nodded and headed toward the Caine apartment to wait for Peter's return.

Part 9 - Sister Dearest

Kelly woke in near darkness and to the jackhammer that was pounding in her head.

"Now I know how Peter must have felt when he was beaten up," she quipped but her own anxiety threatened to undo her. "Where am I?"

Kelly tried to look around but the aching in her shoulders told her that she was no longer lying on the floor. Her wrists also ached and the cuffs around them chafed her skin.

"Oh man, that's going to leave a mark," she joked once more, trying to fight the rising fear in the pit of her stomach.

Kelly was reminded of the time when she was a kid and tried to play a trick on Peter. He got back at her by tying her to a chair and leaving her in the attic for several minutes. Dad was furious. Neither one of them played any tricks on each other for a month, because both had been grounded and could not watch television for at least a week. This, however, was no child's trick. Kelly had been handcuffed and strung up like a chicken, but she didn't know where she was.

Kelly struggled to maneuver herself to see if she could see anything and soon discovered that her feet were bound as well.

"Oh, no. This really can't be happening."

"Oh yes it is, my dear, and the more you struggle the tighter things will get."

"Why are you doing this?" Kelly screamed.

"Because I can, and because I know it will make him suffer."

"Who?"

"You know who, your brother."

Kelly's eyes grew wide when the realization hit home. She was bait for whatever fate awaited Peter Caine.

"You won't get away with this," she stated, trying to put on a brave face as her father would instruct her to do many times.

"Oh, I already have," Masterson stated, then he turned toward someone out of sight and nodded his head.

Lights flooded the area and Kelly could see she was in some kind of holding tank with only one way out. The tank was large and had been modified for some unknown purpose. She could see that her feet had been not only handcuffed but there was a chain anchored to what looked like a very thick clear piece of plastic or glass that served as a shelf. Then the sound of water could be heard raining overhead and Kelly's heart froze. A sheet of rain was coming down between her and the only escape route. Another three feet below and the liquid started to pool on the floor.

"Let's really see if your brother cares so much about you. That's not water that's acid. And you my dear are right in the middle of it. If he wants to save you, he's going to have to go through that. He'll have only six hours to discover where you are. I will be back to check on you later. Don't go anywhere."

"Oh, I wouldn't dream of it," Kelly said sarcastically as Masterson turned and walked out of sight. 'But you don't know what I have up my sleeve.'

As soon as Masterson was out of site, Kelly tried to get some relief from the cuffs biting into her wrists. Even though her ankles were also shackled, using her knees she tried to maneuver her body to see if she couldn't get into a better position to grab onto the chain. As her legs moved around, she suddenly felt one of her shoes give way.

"Uh oh," Kelly exclaimed out loud. She watched the shoe drop and expected to hear the telltale sound of acid bubbling up to eat the shoe, but nothing happened. The shoe just floated there, as if it was a boat, but then it slowly sank from sight, or was that due to the water rising. She couldn't tell, only one thought did occur to her. Masterson had lied.

That revelation spurred her into action. 'Use me for bait,' she thought. 'You don't know who you're dealing with.'

Kelly did her best to feel the cuffs of her shirt. Finding the secret pocket that had been sewn into the fabric, Kelly slowly began to remove the slender piece of metal hidden there. She felt lucky that she had decided to wear this particular shirt today. The small piece of metal that she kept hidden there had saved her butt quite a few times since moving out. She never told her mother about those incidents, but it certainly came in handy. Kelly pushed the memories from her mind and once again turned her attention to freeing herself from the situation. First step was removing the slender metal pick. It was a slow and careful process. One slip and the slender piece of metal could tumble down just as her shoe did.

As soon as she had the piece of metal freed, she did her best to maneuver it into the keyhole of the handcuff. She had to totally rely on feel this time because to crane her neck so far back could cause more injury and strain on her arms. Kelly discovered she had been holding her breath when she felt the slender piece of metal enter the small opening in the cuff that contained the locking mechanism. It took her several more minutes to work the lock. She had to take a breather a few times, and her eyes continued to dart toward the stairs, hoping that Masterson would not return and discover what she was doing.

As she glanced furtively one more time toward the exit, Kelly almost gave a sudden start when the left cuff dropped open. As soon as she was able to free her left wrist, Kelly worked on freeing her right. Once her wrists were free she dropped to the floor, harder than she expected. She felt one of her ankles give way, and fell backwards onto her behind. Ignoring the pain in her right ankle, she used the small piece of metal to remove the handcuffs from both.

"Thanks, Dad, for teaching me a few of your magic tricks," Kelly said to the air.

But once freed, she realized she had no place to go. Her right ankle was swelling and she feared it was sprained. Even if she managed to get past the rain, she would have to get up those stairs.

"Oh Peter, I hope Mrs. Wu's labor is over soon." Then she realized Peter didn't even know where she was. Kelly stared through the curtain of rain and nibbled her nails, then struck the metal wall in anger. It reverberated from the impact, sending a deep tone throughout the chamber. Even though Masterson had lied about that acid, her injured ankle wasn't going to allow her to move very far. She was still a prisoner and bait for her brother.

'Not if I can help it,' Kelly thought, then steeled herself for her next move despite her injury.

Part 10 - Conspiracy I

Caine and Peter returned to the apothecary to find it in shambles. It wasn't the first time that the place had seen its share of vandalism. Peter recalled how he had entered his father's place to find a message scrolled in the dirt from a toppled planter. The place had also been torn apart. This time, the message that had been left sent chills through Peter's spine. Hanging from the frame of the French doors was a purse, a very familiar one. Peter raced toward it and tore it down from its position.

"What is it my son?"

"It's Kelly's." Peter visibly swallowed. "Someone's taken her. I should not have left her alone."

"We will get her back, my son."

"Who would do this?"

A small barely imperceptible sound reached the two Shaolin.

"Who is there?" Caine called out, being as gentle as he could in his words. "Please, we will not harm you."

A woman's slight frame could be seen in the shadows. As she moved into the light, Peter could see that she looked familiar, but could not place her.

"Please, he'd kill me if he knew I was here."

"Who will kill you?" Peter asked, his former cop instincts kicking in.

"My . . my brother," the woman stammered quietly.

Both Shaolin could see that she was very frightened as her eyes darted around as if looking for a way of escape.

"You've got to stop him, he's mad. He'll kill her if you don't come."

"Who?" Peter asked once more.

"Jack, Jack Masterson," the woman's voice was now a whisper.

Peter nearly blanched. How was it that he had escaped? "You said he was your brother?"

"I'm Sarah," the woman stated. "Please, you've got to stop him. He'll kill her, just like he killed our father."

"Have you gone to the police?" Caine questioned her.

"No, he said if I did he'd kill me too, and I believe him."

"Pop, I know what Masterson is like. This time, he won't stop until one of us is dead. This is a challenge to the death."

Caine drew in a deep sigh, remembering the challenge that he had faced with Tan, "I know my son."

"I don't want to kill him, but I may have to," Peter said. "The man is so full of hatred. It may be the only way to stop him."

"Who are you planning on killing?" Jordan came into the room, stopping by as always after her shift. "You know I can't allow that."

"Jordan, you don't understand. I have no choice."

"And if you try anything, I'll see that you're put in jail. You can't go around killing people. You're a priest."

"Sometimes the cycle of one person's life has to end in order to protect the innocent."

"That's funny coming from you, Caine," Jordan sneered. "Have you ever taken a life?"

"In the process of defending another, yes."

"Well then perhaps I should be arresting you for murder."

"Jordan, enough. This argument is between you and me," Peter interjected.

"Please, stop this. She'll die if we don't go now," Sarah Masterson added her own fears into the conversation.

"Who?" Jordan questions.

Before Sarah could answer, Peter interjected. "You don't need to know Jordan."

"On the contrary, I do. I'm the police and I'm not going to stand by and have you kill someone who may or may not be holding another person prisoner."

"And how are you going to stop me?"

Jordan drew her weapon. "Peter Caine, I am arresting you on the suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder."

Things just got more complicated.

Part 11 - Conspiracy II

Peter stared at Jordan nonplussed. He could not believe she would go to this length. Their relationship once again had gone through too many ups and downs; more downs than ups. Since becoming a priest, Jordan had become distant and cold. The past year had been rocky at best. Without a single word, she moved her things from his apartment. Peter soon moved into his dad's place to act as caretaker. Jordan would drop by once in a while, but only coming by whenever she felt in the mood. It was all they seemed to have left. With Jordan pointing a gun at him, their last argument rang through his head.

"Peter, you are no longer a cop. You have no business getting involved."

"I am all ready involved. Besides, Captain Simms has every right to involve me if she deems it necessary," Peter argued back.

"I'll go straight to the Commissioner."

"And go over Captain Simms' head? Oh she'd really like that. You do just that, and you'll see just how long you'll last at the 101st as a homicide detective."

That usually stopped the argument, but this time Peter didn't think he could get away with it. Jordan right now was very jumpy and if he didn't watch his step, she could end up shooting him without real provocation.

"What the . . ." a noise caused Jordan to take her eyes off of the young priest and that's when Peter acted. He quickly grabbed Jordan's gun before it could go off.

"Ahhhh! I have you know this is an assault on a police officer!" Jordan cried out her outrage.

"Jordie, if you'd stop struggling for a few minutes and listen I can explain."

"I don't give a damn, Peter Caine. You've gone too far!"

"I didn't say I was going to kill Masterson. I'm going to do everything in my power not to, but it's his intention to see me suffer or dead and he will stop at nothing to make that happen, even take innocent lives. He's done it before and he'll do it again. I can't stand by and let that happen."

Caine stepped in and continued where Peter left off. "It is the Shaolin way to see justice done, to protect the innocent. A Shaolin does not commit murder, but a Shaolin will protect his own life to save the temple. You know Peter will not kill unless he has to."

"I'm going to have to report this to Captain Simms."

"Give me 24 hours, Jordan. If I don't return than you can tell Simms."

Jordan McGuire remained silent for a few moments.

"Please Jordie," Peter pleaded.

"You've got 12 hours. If you don't come back, I'll have to say something to Captain Simms. That's all I can give you. For now I'm the primary on this case. You report to me only. I'll be calling the shots."

"Fair enough." Grudgingly, Peter agreed, then released Jordan's arms. He then returned her gun.

"If you don't get results, I will make certain you are arrested, for interfering in a police investigation. You're heading for a fall, and I hope you fall hard. This is the last time Peter Caine," Jordan stated as she holstered her gun in disgust. "I should have listened to Kelly Blake. She was right about you. After this, I don't ever want to see you again."

Peter watched as Jordan McGuire left. Peter knew he was agreeing only to keep himself out of jail for the sake of his sister. In jail, he wouldn't be able to help her. This way at least he had some freedom of movement, even if it meant reporting to his ex-lover.

"I am sorry, my son."

"Don't be. Things haven't been the same since I took the brands. She never really understood that part of my life."

"Do you have any regrets?"

Peter remembered his father had asked that question before. "No, not with taking the brands. I just wish I could find someone who accepts me fully for who I am instead of just parts of me."

"I understand," Caine stated, and reached up to touch Peter's cheek. They stood there for a few minutes oblivious to anything else.

"Please, you need to come now," Sarah Masterson interrupted, bringing Peter and Caine back to the reality of the situation.

"Okay, show me where your brother has my sister."

Part 12 - Shear Madness

Kelly slowly climbed the stairs, being careful with her injured ankle. She didn't know how much time she had before Masterson returned. Getting through the rain curtain wasn't that difficult, though it left her wet and cold. No burning sensation appeared on her skin and from that, she knew that Masterson had lied. It was only water, pure and simple. If getting soaked were the worst of it, maybe getting through the rest of this ordeal would be the same. At least she knew her clothes would dry with time, if she had enough of that precious commodity. If only she could buy some more. As she climbed to the next step, Kelly looked back from where she came. She was only half way up and the height left her feeling dizzy.

"Well, well, well . . ."

Kelly's head whipped back around to see Masterson standing not that far from her. She didn't even hear him approach.

"I see you saw through my deception. Well that's not going to help you."

"Ooouugh!" Kelly cried out as Masterson lunged for her, grabbing her hair.

"It looks like I'm going to have to teach you a lesson as well."

Kelly tried her best not to put any weight on her right ankle, but Masterson's grip on her hair brought tears to her eyes as he dragged her up the stairs.

"I don't know how you got out of my trap, but no one makes a fool of me."

Kelly struggled with all of her might, but could not get Masterson to let go. His fingers were too entangled in her hair to be released. She did her best to try to watch and to learn what this madman was going to do next. Her face grew pale as she saw his hands reach for a knife, but she didn't expect him to do what he did next. Suddenly she was dropping to the floor as Masterson cut through her beautiful brunette curls. She was always proud of her hair, because it was like her father's before his turned gray. She thought she could handle just about anything; being trussed up like a chicken, even being handcuffed from head to toe, but this was the worst. This was the one bit of torture she could not endure. Kelly Blaisdell broke down and cried.

"No, no, no," Kelly sobbed with her face in her hands, hiding the shame she felt. "Ough!" She cried out again as Masterson grabbed what was left of her hair and roughly pulled her head back.

"You don't know what grief is, girl. You will wish for death when I get through with you. And Peter Caine will weep over your dead body."

Kelly barely whimpered a reply. Her ankle was surely broken after the rough treatment she received, and her hair was in tatters. It would take months for it to grow out, if she even lived to see it. The fact that she might not even live through this ordeal was slowly sinking in.

*Oh, Peter where are you?* Kelly cried out in her mind. *Do you even know what's happening?*

Kelly was shaking as Masterson pulled her roughly to her feet and shoved her through another door. She collapsed on the floor due to her swollen ankle. Then Masterson grabbed her shirt and ripped it from her body. Kelly feared that the next move he was going to do was rape her, but he just stood over her with her ripped shirt in his hands, leering at her.

'If he's not going to rape me now, he's certainly thinking about it in the near future,' she thought, trying to interject some humor but it fell flat in her own mind. Even so, with as much courage as she could muster, Kelly asked, "What are you going to do with my shirt? Please, give it back. I'm cold.".

"I don't care if you freeze to death. I need this more than you. You'll stay in here until I decide what to do with you. Right now I've got an appointment to keep."

Kelly heard the door slam and locked behind her, and she was once again plunged into darkness. The room had no windows. The switch that turned on the light must have been located just outside the door. With her shirt gone, she had no way to pick the lock, since she had returned the slim piece of metal to its hiding place to conceal it from Masterson. With that gone her courage and hope quickly evaporated and she once again broke down in tears.

"If only this nightmare would end!" she sobbed dejectedly. "If only this would end."

Part 13 - The Watery Grave of Peter Caine

Sarah was nervous, more nervous than she had ever been in her life. She had never done anything illegal, and here she was helping her brother to get rid of a man. She wished she could say something, but her fear of her brother was greater than her courage. She recalled just what it was Jack had said to her to get her to comply with his demands.

"I know you better than that. You're just as spineless as our father. Do you want to die like him? I can certainly arrange it. Just imagine feeling every breath becoming a struggle as your esophagus is slowly crushed by the hands of your own loving brother."

Those words were enough to bring deep fear into her, so she did as her brother instructed. Deep inside she wept for herself, because she knew her brother was right. She was a spineless coward, afraid of her own shadow. When had she become so fearful? At the hospital, despite the fact that there were those who did not like her, at least she had been respected. If they could see her now, what would they think?

Sarah brought her hands to her head in despair, hearing the laughter of her colleagues in her own mind. Their imagined condescending attitudes seemed to spur her on, to do what she had to do, to be rid of the voices. More importantly to be rid of one particular voice above all others, the voice of her brother.

Time seemed to crawl by as Sarah led the Shaolin to where his sister was supposed to be held prisoner. The night was slowly passing and dawn was not that far off. She kept glancing back to be certain that Peter Caine was following her.

"Are you certain she's here?"

"Yes. My brother would kill me if he knew I brought you here, but I can't stand to see an innocent life die," Sarah lied, doing her best to play the role. Keeping her back to the Shaolin, she made certain he could not see her face. If she looked at him, she might lose her resolve, or he might discover the truth.

"He's placed her in one of these cargo trailers?" Peter asked.

"I'm not sure which one it is, they all look a like to me," Sarah feigned confusion. In truth she knew exactly which one she needed to lead Peter Caine, but she had to appear confused in order so he would not suspect.

"We'll split up. We might be able to cover more ground."

"NO!" Sarah shouted more forcefully then she intended. "I think we better stick together. I got lost trying to find my way out of here, and I'd feel better if we were together."

"Suit yourself. What are we looking for?"

"The cargo trailer has a yellow strip on it. I remembered seeing it because it was the only one among a lot of blue ones," Sarah stated, this time she didn't lie.

"I think I see it," Peter stated and headed in that direction.

"Wait, my brother could have set a trap," Sarah said, trying to appear more cautious, but smiled hesitantly when she saw the young Shaolin take off without any regard to his own safety. She watched as he headed straight for the cargo trailer. It was also the only one hooked up to a crane

>From a distance, Sarah watched as Peter opened the trailer door.

"I can't see inside."

"She's probably toward the back. She might be bound and gagged."

Sarah watched as Peter entered the dark cargo trailer. As soon as he was inside, two men came around from their hiding place, slammed the door shut, and padlocked the container, preventing any escape. Then the roar of the crane's engine started. Sarah watched frozen in horror at what transpired next. Her brother never told her just what he was planning for the Shaolin. She only told her to lead him to the place and tell him which trailer his sister could be found.

Sarah watched in fascination as the crane raised up the cargo trailer. It moved until it was positioned over the water of the bay. Sarah nearly jumped as the cargo container was released from its chains. It fell with a resounding splash as it hit the water. Sarah's heart sank just as the cargo container began to sink below the surface.

"You've got the money?" one of the men approached her. She almost didn't hear their words, as her eyes remained transfixed on the disappearing cargo trailer.

"Yeah," she said, and handed the three men a large envelope from her purse.

"You better get out of hear lady. The police will be hear soon."

'You are so right,' the man in the shadows stated to himself. 'If I have anything to do with it.' The man quickly left the scene making certain that he stayed in the dark until he was out of site of the others. Then he got into his waiting car and sped toward Chinatown.

Part 14 - Water, Water, Everywhere

Peter Caine peered into the cargo trailer. The inky blackness shrouded his vision, making it impossible to see if anyone was even in the trailer.

"I can't see inside," Peter turned back to where Sarah stood.

"She's probably toward the back. She might be bound and gagged."

Peter turned once again to peer into the trailer. Something about this did not feel right. If this is where his sister was, where were all the guards that Masterson would have set? He should have at least had heard something to indicate if his sister was even inside. He was certain it was a trap, but he had to check it out just to make sure.

As he stepped beyond the threshold, something caught his eye. It looked like a bundle, but it was too small to be a person. Even so, something about that bundle looked familiar. He moved forward to pick it up and just as Peter did, the trap was sprung. The huge doors of the cargo trailer were slammed shut.

'Damn, I knew I should have brought a flashlight. At least I could have checked it out without going inside,' Peter berated himself for falling into such an easy trap.

Peter could hear the sound of padlocks being clicked into place.

"Hey! What's going on?"

Peter heard the sound of a large engine being started.

"That's not good."

Then he felt his stomach lurch as the cargo trailer started to move. Panic started to set in as he realized the trailer was being lifted into the air. He did his best to try to keep his balance, but the swaying of the trailer knocked him off his feet. Suddenly he felt himself floating in mid air, just for an instance. It was as if he was levitating, but it ended just as abruptly as it began as the trailer came crashing down.

Peter recognized the sound as large amounts of water being displaced from the trailer entering the bay.

"That's really not good," Peter said out loud, trying to gulp down the lump that had formed in his throat.

For a few more minutes, the trailer was floating, but all too quickly, Peter felt his feet grow cold and wet as water started to fill the trailer.

Peter felt the panic rise as he realized that this could be his last moment on earth. His mind was numb with fear, until he felt the reassuring presence of his father's chi.

*My son, you must calm your chi*

"Pop?" Peter spoke out loud.

*Remember the prism.*

"Remember the prism, I can't see a DAMN thing in this place!" Peter shouted, even though he knew his voice would never reach his father. For some reason it made him feel less scared, but the wetness continued to creep up further, it was quickly covering his legs as the container was rapidly filling with water.

"Hey! Hey! Anyone out there!" Peter banged on the sealed doors of the trailer. "Looks like you're on your own Caine," Peter said out loud.

Peter swallowed the panic that was quickly rising to the surface. A saying from Woody Allen's Ants "He who panics is lost," reminded him that he must remain calm if he had any hope of escaping this predicament. He then remembered being trapped in a cell filled with venomous snakes, and how he had escaped.

Peter waded through the rising water until he reached what he thought was the center of the sinking trailer. Then he moved forward until he was touching one of the panels. He felt for s seam and sure enough, he found where water was leaking through.

'That's got to be at least one of the weakest points,' he thought. He closed his eyes and reached out with his chi. In his mind he saw the trailer wall. Then he saw the wall grow thinner, unsubstantial as paper. Then the wall dissolved. He felt himself going forward, wading through the water until he was floating, treading water to keep afloat. When he turned back toward the trailer, Peter Caine was indeed treading water, and looking up into a brilliant morning sky.

Peter Caine put some distance between him and the sinking trailer. It wasn't long before he saw the top of the trailer sink below the surface. Anger and embarrassment filled him for having fallen for such an easy trap. He didn't feel the cold of the bay seeping into his bones, but quickly realized he needed to get to the dock, so he started swimming.

"There he is!"

Peter felt two pairs of hands reach down and help him to climb out of the bay's cold water. A blanket was being wrapped around his shoulders.

"Kermit, Donny, am I glad to see you two. How did you know I was out here?"

"Uh, it was Donny who knew," Kermit stated. "I can't take credit for this one."

"Lula had this strange dream, said you were in trouble and told me to come down to the docks."

"Really, I didn't know Lula was Shaolin," Peter jested.

"Well anyway, I came down here to warn you, but I was too late. I saw what happened and quickly got Mr. Shades here . . ."

"Watch it Double D, I've killed for less," Kermit growled under his breath.

Ignoring the warning between Kermit and Donny, Peter said, "Sarah Masterson is working with her brother."

"What! You mean Masterson is back in town? Why haven't I heard anything about it?"

"Where have you been the last few days?" Peter threw back the question.

"On vacation, and point taken. Let's get you back to your father's for some dry clothes than go see Captain Simms. We've got a real problem on our hands."

"There's more, Kermit," Peter said, his voice grim and serious.

"What is it?"

"Masterson has Kelly, my sister."

"It's worse."

Part 15 - What Are Friends For

Kermit and Peter arrived back at the Caine apartment.

"You better get out of those clothes," Kermit stated. "I still don't understand how you got out of that cargo trailer."

"Something my great-grandfather taught me," Peter shot back.

"You never met your great-grandfather."

"I know, but I can still learn from him, can't I?"

As Peter crossed through the hallway to the apothecary, his father was there, holding a towel for Peter to dry his hair.

"Thanks Pop."

"How did he know . . ." Kermit gave the two Shaolin a perplexed look then shook his head. "Why am I surprised. I shouldn't be surprised. With what I've seen I should just accept . . ."

"You are learning, Kermit Griffin," Caine added. "You did not find Kelly."

"Obviously," Peter countered. "And not only that, Sarah Masterson was the one who led me into that trap."

"She fears what her brother will do to her if she does not help him."

"That's what I figured," Peter also concluded. "Pop, you got to help me. I can tell that Kelly is in darkness, but I don't know where she is. Maybe your Shambhala master skills can see her better than I can."

"She is your sister, Peter. You have a special bond with her. Only you can help her."

"Oh great," Peter huffed. "Let me get changed, then we'll go to the precinct."

Caine handed Peter a cup of tea next. Peter drank it without complaint, which astounded Kermit.

"It's got a special ingredient," Peter stated, as if reading Kermit's mind.

After downing his tea, Peter went to his bedroom to change. Peter decided to continue the renovation that had been started by the previous tenant before his father took over the place. While working, he discovered a hidden room. It turned out to be a large pass through to another portion of the brownstone where there was another space that mirrored this one. Peter surmised that at one time it had been one space, but in the need for offices and rentals, the hallway had been boarded up rather than divided. In that way both spaces could be rented. That mirrored space had been rented to the owner of the warehouse. The pass through because it had been boarded up for so long, had been forgotten until now. Peter talked with the owner of the building and received permission to reopen that space so it could be turned into a large bedroom.

"Aaachooo! " Peter sneezed violently as he entered his new bedroom to change. "Oh great, just what I need, to come down with a cold." As Peter pulled off his wet pants and shirt, another towel dropped over his head and another teacup was placed in his hand. "Thanks Pop."

"I have brought you some dry clothes. Kermit is calling the precinct. "

"Thanks. I haven't had an opportunity to move all of my thinks in here." Peter dressed then headed back to the main room.

"Jordan sends her regards and says you only have nine hours left. What's she talking about?"

Peter explained to Kermit what had transpired between them.

"She came over here and overheard me talking about Masterson. You know how she is. She'll sleep with me, but she'll go all high and mighty on me when it comes to working with the guys at the precinct. 'You're a civilian now Peter, you've got to let the police handle it,'" Peter stated sarcastically, trying to imitate Jordan McGuire's smugness. "Captain Simms understands, but Jordan doesn't even want me working as a consultant."

"That little 'vice squad detective' is heading for a fall ever since she was moved to homicide. When you left, we were short handed. A couple of new officers joined us fresh from the academy, but Simms thought we needed someone with experience."

"Yeah, I understand, but why did it have to be Jordan."

"I know what you mean," Kermit sympathized. "She's good, but she's not that good. There's been some rumors going on that some of the leaks we've had may have come from someone gossiping to the press. These leaks have been going on since you left."

"No one told me that. Still, I would not put it past Jordan, but with something like this, I don't know. You know Masterson will eat her alive if she stays on this case. We both know what the man is capable of doing."

"Oh yeah," Kermit confirmed, remembering the last time Masterson put his friend and sometime partner through hell with the kidnapping of both Peter's father and Annie Blaisdell. "It sounds like Jordan considers this her case. She said she won't report anything to Captain Simms, unless you agree to keep her informed every step of the way. She wants you to turn all evidence over to her. She'll probably take credit for it, too."

"Oh man, I'm screwed," Peter rubbed his hands on his face. "If I have to report to her every move that I make, Masterson is sure to get wind of it. He'll kill Kelly."

"By the looks of things, she's also setting you up to fail. If she didn't want the Captain to know about this, she certainly talked to the wrong person. She should have asked for you. That's one mistake she'll regret," Kermit paused then rubbed his hand along his bearded chin. "Let me talk to the Captain in private. I'll see what I can do to get that time extended, and I'll see about getting Jordan off your back. You better stay here. If you go in with me, Jordan will know something's up."

"All right, I'll stay put. I'll meditate or do something to keep busy. Be careful. If Masterson finds out he won't hesitate to kill my sister."

"I'll arrange a meeting somewhere, a place where Jordan wouldn't suspect. Just so you know, the Captain might not allow you to work alone on this either. Simms knows your record. With Jordan involved, it has become a police matter, but if done right, I think I can get you assigned a better partner. Someone a lot more discreet."

"Thanks Kermit."

Part 16 -I n The Dark

Kermit slipped into Captain Simms' office and sat, waiting for a response. He didn't have to announce his presence for her to notice him.

"Kermit, how was your vacation?" Captain Simms asked as she finished filling out another form and signing it.

"Interesting as always, though I didn't come in to talk about my vacation."

"Well that's good to hear," Captain Simms continued. "Because I need you on a very important case. It's one that you and Kincade helped Peter Caine on last year. I think you know which one that is."

"Masterson."

"That's the one. It would seem he's escaped from prison and they found Masterson Senior dead in his bedroom yesterday. He'd been dead at least twenty-four hours. His sister Sarah is also disappeared. This came over the wire. I waited until you returned into town before starting any investigation since you're going to be the primary on this. We will have to warn Peter as well. Masterson will be gunning for him. We may have to set up some kind of surveillance . . ."

"Captain, Masterson kidnapped Kelly Blaisdell."

"What? When did this happen?"

"You should ask Jordan."

"Jordan?" Captain Simms questioned. "What would she know about this?"

"You'll have to ask her that, Captain."

"Kermit, Jordan isn't going to be involved with this. I've put her on another case, but you seem to know something that I don't. I don't like being in the dark. What is going on?"

Kermit explained to Captain Simms what Peter had explained to him, and what Jordan had said over the phone when he had called in.

"She what?" Karen Simms rose up from her chair astounded at Kermit's words.

"She insisted that this was her case and that Peter was to report to her every step of the way. And if he didn't she would arrest him for interfering in police business. Peter knows Masterson. He knows what he's capable of doing. He'll kill Kelly if he gets wind of the fact that Peter is working for the police."

"And we have a leak in the department," Simms added as she crossed to the blinds of her office and stared out into the bullpen. "Ever since that O'Shay case was bungled there hasn't been one case that hasn't been effected." As Karen spoke something caught her eye that did not go unnoticed by Kermit.

"What's up Captain?"

"Take a look over toward Jordan's desk. Do you remember when we started having problems?"

"It was soon after those two officers joined us from the Academy and after Jordan was moved from vice to homicide. That was two months after Peter left the force."

"Something always seemed to happen whenever one of them talked to Detective McGuire, and it always seemed to be with her cases or any case she was related with. All this week since you've been on vacation, we've had problems, a lot more than usual."

"Captain, you do know what you're implying."

Karen Simms turned away from the window and the blinds once again fell into place. "Kermit, I need you to look at every case Jordan McGuire has been involved with ever since Peter Caine left the force. The reputation of this precinct is at stake."

"What about Masterson?"

"You are in charge of the Masterson case. Bring whomever you feel is necessary in on it, including Peter. I know what Detective Caine is capable of doing, and I know he can handle himself, even if he is a priest. You tell him to watch his back."

"Jordan isn't going to be too pleased."

"I'll handle Jordan, you make certain that Masterson is caught and put behind bars in a maximum security prison. I also trust you and Peter will get Kelly Blaisdell back alive."

"Should I let Jordan know that you want to see her?"

"Yes," replied Simms, but quickly changed her mind. "No, not yet. I don't want to tip our hand."

"I told Peter that I would have you meet with him somewhere private. He's going to need to know what's going on."

"You arrange the meeting place. Does Annie Blaisdell know about her daughter?"

"I don't think Peter has had a chance to tell her," Kermit replied. "I would have been back here sooner, but I had to fish Peter out of the lake. I was actually going to come in early, during the graveyard shift when Donny Double D drug me out to the docks. That's when I learned all of this from Peter."

"What was Peter doing in the lake?"

"Masterson set up a little trap for him, via his sister."

"Masterson's sister is in on this?" Simms sounded astounded.

"Yeah, though Peter thinks she's only doing this because she's scared of her brother."

"We've got to get her away from Masterson."

"That won't be easy. And with Jordan insisting that Peter keeps her posted every step of the way, the twelve hours that McGuire gave him is going to run out pretty fast."

"Jordan gave Peter twelve hours before she was going to tell me?" Simms questioned.

"Oh yeah."

"When was that?"

The answer Kermit gave did not set well.

"And seven hours have passed since then. Well that clinches it. It would seem Jordan deliberately set up Peter to fail. Instead of setting up a meeting with Peter, ask Chief Strenlich to come to my office. This is what we're going to do."

After Simms outlined her plan, Kermit left her office and headed to Chief Strenlich's then to his own when he completed talking with the Chief. As the Chief crossed the bullpen and entered the Captain's office, Kermit shut his door and pulled the blinds.

"Looks like Kermit is in one of his moods," Jody stated as she passed Jordan's desk and observed Griffin entering his office. "The Chief didn't look to happy either."

"The Chief always looks that way. I thought Kermit was on vacation," Jordan inquired.

"Apparently not any more. I saw him go in the Captain's office earlier and the look on his face was pretty serious. They were talking for a long time."

"I heard that Kermit and the Captain are more than just friends, if you know what I mean," Jordan winked at Jody.

"So, it's none of our business."

"So, maybe it should be. Isn't there some rule where superiors shouldn't be fraternizing with fellow officers?"

"That didn't stop you and Peter," Jody jibed back.

"That was different, Peter and I are . . . we were both Detectives."

"Whatever is going on between Kermit and the Captain is their business. I suggest you keep your mind out of the gutter McGuire and concentrate on filling out reports."

Part 17 - In Darkness

Kelly Blaisdell shivered in the dark of her locked prison cell. Fear and hunger drove her mind to wandering, bringing her close to despair. Hunger gnawed at her belly. She tried to remember when she last ate. She knew it was before she had gone to see Peter, but could not remember what day it was, the darkness knowing no passage of time.

Kelly hugged her body, trying to keep warm, but it was no use. Without her shirt, she continued to shiver. Her thoughts drifted in and out of consciousness until she could no longer stay awake. At least in dreams she could escape her predicament, at least for a little while. As she dreamed Kelly's thoughts drifted to a far happier time.

**

"Wake up Kelly," a new and yet familiar voice gently entered her mind. "Come on it's Christmas. You don't want to miss opening your presents."

"Go away, Peter," Kelly grumpily swatted at her new foster brother of six months.

"Stayed up hoping you'd see Santa Claus?"

"Yeah, I stayed up until after one, and he never showed," Kelly pouted, disappointedly.

"You know Santa doesn't work that way," Peter said. "Besides, I don't believe in Santa. He's not a real person."

"Then how is it that at Christmas there are a lot more presents under that tree than there are the night before. Just because you didn't get what you asked for doesn't mean he's not real."

"What do you know what I asked for," Peter countered. "Anyway, no make believe fat guy in a red suit can give me back what I want."

Seeing the sudden hurt in Peter's eyes softened Kelly's heart, "I'm sorry Peter. I didn't mean it. Let's not fight on Christmas. I promise I won't talk about you losing your Daddy if you won't talk about not believing in Santa Claus."

"It's a deal."

Kelly's dreams remained pleasant enough, but soon took a darker turn.

"Why do you have to go?"

"You know I can't stay," Paul Blaisdell tried to console his youngest child.

"Just tell me why. Stop treating me like I'm six years old, Dad. I have a right to know. I'm an adult."

"I need you to look after your mother while I'm away."

"Does this have to do with the fact that you were nearly framed for murder?" Kelly questioned. The silence that fell between them grew every second. "You have always said that the family will be together, that nothing would drive us apart, so long as we were there for each other. With you going away, what's to stop us from drifting apart?"

"Kelly, I'm doing this to keep my family together. If I stay there are those who would use you, Carolyn, your mother, and even Peter against me. I can't let that happen."

Kelly stared at her father long and hard. "I don't care. All I care about is you. I don't want you to go."

"I know sweetie, but I will be back, I promise."

But that promise had yet to be kept. Kelly woke up to the sound of her own weeping. Deep racking sobs filled her as the thoughts of her father, Paul Blaisdell, still echoed in her mind.

"Oh daddy, I miss you. Please, help me. I need you."

"Your father can't help you, little girl. No one can," a sinister voice echoed in the darkness leaving Kelly once again chilled to the bone from more than just the cold.

Part 18 - The Cat Takes the Rat

Sarah watched her brother as he paced back and forth across the floor of the loft apartment she owned. It was a place she often used whenever she had business that kept her overnight. It became one of her brother's hideouts. She knew he had another place, because she overheard her brother talking to Peterson. That must have been the place where Kelly Blaisdell was being held. If only she had the courage and the chance to tell someone, anyone, but her chances had grown from slim to none after what she had done. After hearing the news that Peter Caine had escaped his watery grave, something seemed to snap in her brother and Sarah became more fearful at what he might do next.

"I'm getting tired of this cat and mouse game," Masterson growled disappointedly. "He should have drowned. There was no way he could have escaped that cargo trailer. What does it take to kill a Shaolin Priest."

"Maybe Shaolin priests can't be killed," Sarah said quietly.

Suddenly, her brother whirled around and struck Sarah across the face. "Who asked you. You've done nothing to help me kill Caine."

"I . . . I've done everything you've asked me to," Sarah said through fearful tears, though she did her best to hold back every sob that tried to escape her lips. Her brother just didn't seem to hear her and continued to blame her for every failure.

"I need some better bait. The bait that we have doesn't seem to be all that interesting to him."

"It was your idea to kidnap his sister," Sarah said once again under her breath, risking her brother's wrath a second time as she turned away, rubbing her cheek. She was certain that a bruise was forming from the force of the blow. She could not help thinking about their father. There were times John Masterson could be a cruel and heartless man, but not once had he ever laid a hand on his children. A tear threatened to fall and she tried to suppress a shudder at the memory of how he died. Silence fell on the room and Sarah breathed a sigh of relief that her brother had not responded to her comment, but when she looked in his direction, a deep chill filled her soul.

Steel cold eyes stared back at her, eyes that she no longer recognized.

"Maybe I have the wrong bait," Jack sneered.

Sarah backed up several paces, suspecting but not wanting to know just what "bait" Jack was referring to; she simply didn't want to know.

"I've kidnapped his father twice, and the second time I nearly saw Peter Caine destroyed. Perhaps I do have the wrong bait, but to take Caine we're going to have to lure him from his son."

"Peter Caine won't trust me after what I did," Sarah said nearly in a whisper. "He may even suspect that I'm . . . involved."

"It won't matter. We'll let Peter's sister take care of that. We just need to draw Peter Caine away from Chinatown for a while."

Sarah watched as Peterson leaned over and whispered into Masterson's ear. The look that came over her brother's face chilled Sarah's soul. She could see that what Peterson had said had effected him greatly. Then a puzzled look came over Sarah's face when Jack handed her Kelly Blaisdell's shirt.

"Here, put this on."

"What for?" Sarah questioned.

"I want to see if it fits."

Sarah took the shirt and went to change in the bedroom. She had no idea why her brother would insist that she put on Kelly Blaisdell's shirt. In truth, she really didn't want to know, but the cold lump in the pit of her stomach caused her to go numb. She was beginning to suspect, and that frightened her. As soon as she put on the shirt, she walked back into the living room. She saw that her brother was turned away facing the wall, but Peterson had tapped him on the shoulder. He turned to face her and a satisfied grin spread across his face, causing Sarah to shiver once more.

"Perfect."

***

"Ahhhhh!" Peter squeezed his eyes shut as he felt someone die. The force of the vision had driven him to his knees, and he felt his breath coming in quick gasps. A face flashed in his mind, and he knew immediately the person who died. "I've got to tell Kermit."

Peter struggled to his feet as he felt his father's arms support him. "You need to rest."

"I can't rest, Pop. I need to tell Kermit what I saw. I think Sarah was murdered. And I believe I know by whom. If I don't let Kermit know, I'm certain Jordie is going to find some how to blame me for this."

"You are right," Caine sighed. "I will go with you."

It was then that Peter noticed that his father didn't look well. As he walked over to pick up his pouch, Peter could see that he was unsteady on his feet.

"Pop, are you all right? You look like you've seen your last day on earth."

The look Caine gave Peter caused him to shudder, but he said instead, 'I am all right."

"Maybe you should stay here. Masterson might try to contact me, and I need you to let me know."

Caine let loose a deep sigh, "Perhaps you are right." In truth, he did not want Peter knowing what he knew. "I shall stay here and see if there is any news. I must mix a remedy for Mr. Lo anyway. I will wait for your return."

Peter knew his father just lied to him. Mr Lo had just received a remedy three days ago. He knew whatever was effecting his father, Peter wasn't going to get any answers at that time. He knew his father would share his thoughts when he was ready. Since becoming a priest, Caine had opened up more to Peter, sharing things that only two priests would have shared. They were more than just father and son they were equals.

'Whatever my father is holding back, it's really scared him,' Peter thought. 'Well, I better go tell Kermit what I saw. This isn't going to be easy.'

Part 19 - A Little Gossip Among Friends

Kelly was blinded from the flood of light entering into her prison. All she could see was a large shadowy figure standing in the doorway against the brightness.

You're free to go," a man's voice stated. Then the figure stepped away from the door, leaving it wide open.

Kelly slowly stood, then cautiously stepped forward though her legs were shaky. It didn't help that her right ankle was still swollen. She had no idea how long it had been since she had last eaten, but with the shakiness in her limbs, Kelly knew it had to have been at least a few of days. At this point, she hoped she could hang on to her strength just a little longer until she knew she was absolutely free.

As Kelly stepped through the doorway, the man stated, "Before you go, take this," then the man handed her a note.

"What is it?" Kelly asked, her voice coming out a hoarse whisper from disuse.

"A little message for Mr. Caine, Peter Caine's father. It's for his eyes only."

"What if I refuse to deliver it?" Kelly questioned.

"Then you'll be back here within the hour, or you'll be dead. Your choice."

"I'll deliver the message."

***

Familiar faces called out to Peter as he entered the precinct and headed straight for Kermit's office. One of those faces gave the young priest an icy stare that could freeze hell. Everyone else watched as Peter quietly knocked on Kermit's door, entered, and closed it tightly. With the apparent excitement over, everyone returned to their duties, all except one woman who continued to stare in the direction of Kermit's office.

"The nerve of him," Jordie McGuire complained. "Can't he see we've got a lot of work to do. This isn't a social club."

"What's eating you?"

"Caine," Jordie replied. "He just waltzes right in as if he owns the place . . ."

"Peter's all right," Jodie interjected. "You're just steamed because you don't want him being a priest."

"That's not true," Jordie said. "He shouldn't be interfering in police . . ."

"Jordie, admit it," Scalany added her two cents. "You're jealous because Captain Simms still allows Peter to work on cases that you want. Some of those cases would still be on the books if it wasn't for Peter and his father."

"Are you saying I couldn't handle those cases?"

Silence ensued when Peter re-entered the bullpen with Kermit and both headed toward Captain Simms' office. Five minutes later, several pairs of eyes watched as Peter and Kermit headed toward the back stairs. Once they disappeared, Jordie continued.

"And I'm not jealous. I just feel that since Peter's not a cop anymore, he's got to allow us to handle everything."

"Jordie, we're not saying you couldn't handle those cases," Thomas Jefferson Kincaide joined in. "You don't know what it's like to get a case where strange things happen. I'm glad Captain Simms calls Peter in. He's a big help."

Jordie stated out of anger, "Well I hope he stays out of the Kelly Blaisdell kidnapping because that's my case . . ."

"What!" Scalany nearly shouted.

Jodie stated with surprise, "Kelly Blaisdell has been kidnapped? When did this happen?"

"You're lying!" Scalany yelled back.

The bullpen exploded with shouts and angry voices.

"WHAT'S GOING ON HERE!" Chief Strenlich yelled over the din. Everyone clamored at once to be heard. "One at a time!"

Calm was restored then each in turn explained what happened.

"This better not be a rumor that you've started McGuire. Your butt will be in a sling. You better pray this isn't true because you're in deep trouble for not telling us about this sooner."

As Strenlich turned his back, Jordan McGuire stuck out her tongue.

***

"You know what to do. If she doesn't deliver the message . . ."

"She will. She knows what's at stake if she doesn't."

"When do you think his son will find the body?"

"If I know Caine, it won't be that long."

Part 20 - The Hardest Choice

"Kermit, didn't you hear me? Sarah Masterson has been killed."

"I heard yeah," Griffin stated, but chose to ignore the statement. "I've got someone I need to see."

Peter observed the direction Kermit headed and knew right away what the ex-mercenary was thinking. "Kermit, you can't do this," Peter insisted.

"I made a promise to Karen that I would let Annie know about Kelly."

"Mom doesn't know that Kelly is in town. She was going to call her but I found Kelly's phone still in her purse. She hadn't made any calls on her phone yet. If you tell her that Kelly has been kidnapped, it will draw way too much attention. Sandra Mason could get wind of it."

Kermit slammed on the brakes, coming to a screeching halt. Luckily for him, there were no other cars behind him. His green Corvair would have suffered greatly from the impact. "What are you saying Peter, that you want to keep Annie in the dark on this? Annie has a right to know what's happened."

"Do you remember Carolyn's wedding?"

"No, I don't. I wasn't there. I was on a mission."

"The reception was held at the Sutton Place Hotel. Kelly had been kidnapped during that reception by a jewel thief determined to break into the hotel's safe."

"Go on," Kermit stated. "What happened."

"Paul kept it quiet. Only a few of us knew. Mom still doesn't know, and Paul kept it that way for obvious reasons. He didn't want Mom worrying. You know she gets very upset and she paces. Not only that, there were several gunmen who crashed that party. They would have killed every one if people started to panic. Paul made sure the situation was taken care of quietly. He got help not only from me, he got it from Blake, Chief Strenlich, and my father. We got Kelly back and no one was the wiser for it."

"I made a promise to Paul to look after Annie, Peter. What you're asking goes against everything that I was taught by Paul."

"If we can catch this guy we can put him away for the rest of his life," Peter spoke sounding like the former cop. His own thoughts however, weren't. 'Though I would rather see him dead. If given the choice, I'd see that his life-force doesn't continue.'

Kermit, however, voiced what Peter was thinking, "I'd rather see the guy dead. I know you're a priest Peter, but this guy has done more damage to you and your family than Bon Bon Hei ever did. He doesn't deserve to live. If I get him in my sights before you do, he's going down."

"What about that badge you're wearing? What would Karen think if she heard you talking like this?"

Kermit reached into his pocket and pulled out the small thin black wallet that contained his badge and ID and tossed it in the back seat. "What badge?"

"Kermit, you can't do this. You're an officer of the law. You've got to follow procedures."

"Like the way you did at times? May I remind you, I'm only an officer bec