Putting Away Secrets Tonight (P

Putting Away Secrets Tonight (P.A.S.T)

Returning to Toronto seemed harder than he had thought it would be. While some things had changed, others hadn't and he hadn't expected a lot to be the same. Arriving at the Scarborough Town Center bus terminal Matt knew the mall just ahead wouldn't have changed, but he at least expected the graffiti to be different or even gone along with some abandoned places.

One thing that had definitely changed was his life now that he was 18 nobody could tell him where to live or what to do. Returning to the city had been his plan for a while now and he had a purpose for being there.

Everyone had told him to go on in life and forget Toronto...to move on and make something of himself. Matt had wanted to, but first he had something to do before he could move on and that was to settle his past life once and for all.

Crossing through Scarborough Town Center, Matt found it different since he saw a younger generation of teens hanging out inside. They all had their different groups and he no longer knew them. He was certain a group his age would be there and he might know someone from the group. Either way, he hoped to get in touch with his old friends and start looking up people before he finished what he'd returned to Toronto for.

Life had ways of being easy or hard and for Macy it was hard all the time. On problematic days it was simply harder.

Macy had been through enough to know that the past could catch up to you and make things very difficult. It seemed that this was going to be one of those times.

After Chris dropped her off at home and left Macy went into her meditation room still thinking about Mila. With the invasion of Clive Pentzer their previous assignment and clever copycat attacker and various authorities in the room it no longer was useful to meditate and focus in. Macy wasn't there for that though, she busied herself with throwing her spikes, knives and stars all the while knowing she needed to see two people urgently before Chris returned to help her with repairs to her apartment door and window.

One of the two people was Mila Saline and that conversation would be as tricky as it was delicate. The other person was Specially Hired police liaison Jim Williams and that conversation would be about the same. She could presume it to be easier, but Macy knew that it could wind up even more difficult. Regardless of that Macy knew she would need to speak to Jim first so she could find out more. Then she could see Mila and keep her informed while deliberating her next move.

So if she knew what she had to do first she should make a meet with Jim. The problem was addressing the situation with him and handling the situation. Macy decided to call Jim and letting the discussion ride its course. There was no point debating what she should discuss until hearing what Jim knew first.

Having known him well enough, he wasn't surprised to hear from her, but he was surprised she asked to meet quickly and quietly. They optioned on the closest place between them that wasn't used by either of them.

A while later they met in the parking lot of a Canadian

Tire. Macy hadn't any use for the store and hadn't been in this store for years. Friends had dragged her in a few times when she was in high school and a few times Curtis had brought the family to a Canadian Tire.

Getting into Jim's car she put her seat belt on listening as he started his car saying, "I'm glad you didn't insist on meeting inside Crappy Tire."

Macy had heard the name before and knew not many people liked the store calling it that. She didn't care and shrugged, "Don't annoy me and you'll never have to meet me in there. Make me really miserable and I'll pick the spot outside the women's washroom."

Having gotten accustomed to her Jim grinned as he drove off, "I've been in them and seen the worst there so even if you're puking your guts up in it I wouldn't mind. It's those crappy workers and prices I can't stand. Not that it matters since I don't intend to piss you off." He glanced at her before continuing, "So I was thinking ahead and figured you wanted to talk. There's several places around here we can go and I heard you had Chris helping at your apartment and figured you can't be long. I take it he doesn't know about this or he would've been with you."

"Pick one nearby and answer a few questions for me along the way." Macy instructed before asking, "Does anyone know we're meeting?"

She watched as Jim shook his head answering, "I haven't talked to anyone at S.H. I only told a detective I was with I had to see someone and it was urgent, but that was it. I didn't count on anything long so if you figure this will be longer than our usual meetings then say so."

Macy answered cryptically, "That all depends, but I need to know a lot more from you and need to be sure you'll keep it quiet. Not even Raul is to know about this and considering the last assignment and working with ease I think you're cool with it. Have you ever worked an assignment that wasn't officially one? Or one not from S.H., but with one of us?"

Jim got the sense this was something big and serious. When he glanced at Macy again she was watching intently awaiting his response. Knowing her reputation and street cover he guessed it was private, "A lot of us get approached with a case from many places. Some are bigger than others and Specially Hired is no different. Jack has brought us many and it's not official. I can also state there have been some nobody else knows about and from more than one soldier there. If you haven't heard about it yet that would tell you nobody knows. Speaking from experience though, Jack has brought several to the attention of Raul through his actions and the size of assignment so if this is huge and you make your usual actions causing attention it'll be tough to keep quiet."

Macy wasn't going to intentionally cause attention, but would have to take that into consideration. Studying him for his reaction she replied, "Considering the sensitivity of this; I'm sure everyone involved will work to keep it private. It's about you're current assignment in picking up Charles Saline."

Jim looked at her with surprise before he remembered driving and looked at the road again, "I need to stop and call that detective then. He needs to be hearing what this is about too since it was his assignment before we made stings."

Macy didn't stop him from pulling over as she said firmly, "I need your word that this stays quiet. This isn't on my behalf Jim and I know you heard Dennis got benched. His snooping nearly cost us the copycat so you need to cover everything including your ass."

Pulling over and stopping the car, Jim answered, "You have my word Macy; I may not get assigned many of these cases, but I understand the sensitivity. We do need help on this guy though and I know victims aren't very forthcoming, but I won't jeopardize your help."

Parking he reached for his phone asking, "Will you meet this detective? I need to tell him you're ready to go on it."

Macy nodded answering, "Yes as long as it's quick so I can get back without alerting Hulk. I'll tell you if I bring anyone in on this, but right now it's private and likely going to stay that way."

Jim nodded and then made the call arranging the meeting. Macy trusted he would keep his word, but was positive the inquiries would be grueling. Right now she knew Charles Saline needed to be stopped, but wasn't sure just how much they had. It wouldn't be easy at all and Mila would be in pain again. Macy would've given anything for it to be as easy as it was for Jim to get the meeting set with the detective. Either he sensed Macy's mood, or was being genuinely sensitive because he prepared her for the meeting as he drove, "I've been working with Leslie Blend on this since we started. He's the detective that works on finding the suspects and their history. Some have been left opened due to lack of evidence to put them away. Charles Saline is one of them and when Clive Pentzer went nuts he disappeared. He is a suspect that Leslie really wants to get because we suspect he has a thing for kids too. He's a suspect for several rape attacks on young women though."

Macy was sure she was going to have problems keeping control of her hate and this was not a situation where humor was going to work. She remained silent as Jim went on, "Detective Blend was one of the guy's that wanted to talk to you, the profiler was the other one and they know you're with Specially Hired. They also know you're reputation on the streets, but if you know Charles Saline you'll only need to talk to Leslie."

Jim glanced at Macy for her reply, but she didn't say anything as she waited for more. He continued quietly now, "We know he's been around for years now, but Leslie had the case back in 1998 and picked up on Charles in 2000. He uses something to cover his chin hair and conceal his identity, but once Leslie picked up on that it was easier. Evidence and a good eye witness is all he really needs."

"Antacids could be included to that list of needs." Macy replied grimly and when Jim glanced at her she shrugged, "Why not? I may need some too."

Curiously Jim asked, "What have you got on him? I'm dying to know; this guy is as bad as a suspect mooning us only worse because of his crimes. We could use anything Macy."

Macy replied with a promise, "After I meet detective Leslie Blend and hear everything I'll tell you what I can, but before I talk to other people I know about this; I want your word you'll leave me to it. You know what reluctant victims and witnesses are like."

"Deal," Jim said quickly, "if that's what it takes to get him. We can tell Leslie when we start."

Not long later Macy met the detective and Jim filled him in. He seemed as eager as Jim and also promised to keep it as quiet as possible. Macy learned that aside from the attacks that was all they officially had.

Leslie didn't know Macy very well aside from whatever Jim had told him. He was hesitant as he carefully inquired, "Can I ask you how you know him? Or if you know where he might be?"

Macy answered, "I haven't seen him in years, but I'm well aware of what he's like. From what you've told me about him as of recent I want to ask...have you checked into his soccer equipment job?"

Jim and Leslie exchanged glances, but the detective answered, "We suspected something there, but found no evidence of anything. He did abandon his job following that though and we still suspect him, but only have these young college girl's that we suspect him as the attacker."

Jim cut in when Leslie finished pleading gently, "Macy, please. If you got him on something and it's a kid then we need to get him. What can you tell us about him? Anything you can give us will help."

"What I'll give you is a serious stomach ache. Charles Saline is a disgusting piece of garbage that doesn't deserve the oxygen we breathe. So you know I definitely am not going to keep you from getting him unless he puts up a fight with me if I see him first. Knowing him, that's likely as he thought I was a mouthy bitch when I knew him."

She looked between them and Jim asked tentatively, "So you can tell us about his past before we picked up on him? Can you give us something to go on while you go through your contacts? Big or small a shred will get us jump started and off questioning you."

Macy looked between them stating, "If he's crawled under a rock he's going to be careful wherever he is. With that said I can tell you he can't help looking at kids so sniff there. Check on places where kids and adults can mix without noticing. Kid friendly places and look for places he'd need to go. Not just local malls, but restaurants near schools where kids go for lunch. Crowded ones are better because he won't be noticed and start considering other places, popular like that. There's a Harvey's restaurant I know that has young people in it all the time from the nearby park where baseball is played. There's schools and kid programs in the area as well. The other establishments in the area are frequented too; you'd be surprised at how many parents go to the video store at the same time with their kids. He could be inside browsing and watching them there just as easy as a grocery store or eating in a restaurant. Nobody will think twice about it unless he does something suspicious."

Jim glanced at Leslie before he asked, "Can we have your word you're not gunning for him and will bring him in if you catch up to him?"

Macy looked at him replying, "First of all I need to talk to people and then search. I'll be getting back to you to keep you up to speed, but if I was gunning for him I wouldn't have told you a thing. His body would've simply turned up; not that it might still happen. I'm not so sure there's other's out there gunning for him."

"I was thinking about how this isn't officially yours. I'll help get you some clearance if you need it." Jim answered as he glanced at Leslie, "We both can pull some strings, but it's better if you're working with us on the apprehension."

Looking between them she replied, "Of course, I expect you to bring gloves and disinfectant." Looking at Leslie she added seriously, "This is yours and being personal I don't want to make any apprehension. I also have my street image to consider and they expect a butt kicking from me when we meet again."

Leslie nodded and glanced at Jim before extending a hand, "That's absolutely cool with me. It's a deal and pleasure to meet and work with you."

Macy took his offered hand replying, "Same here and Jim has my permission to give you my number. For the record I don't envy your job; it's much easier pulling down these jerks than sifting through all the garbage they've done."

Jim mused quietly, "We don't like not being able to get them off the streets and since he's been hiding like a rat it's been tough. Helping us is the break we needed."

"He's right." Leslie agreed, "There's a lot of tough assignments and for each one there are kids involved. Trying to eliminate them before more youngsters are hurt is the goal we aim for. I'm sure if you encounter him you'll watch for that and do something."

Macy nodded, but didn't reply as she was thinking of Mila. She had to meet her next and this was going to be extremely difficult.

Jason noticed Mila and Trevor enter the bowling alley and grinned as he waved at them. Trevor liked bowling five pin and Jason was impressed by the young boy's interest and skill. At first it had been the permission to knock down the pins and making them crash that had his interest before Trevor set the goal to knock them all down. Jason had encouraged him to bowl and allowed him to play frames.

"I need to feed him today too Jason." Mila informed before adding, "He can bowl, but I have to get him to the day care this afternoon because I need to register him for school."

Jason nodded and stepped around the counter with a pair of bowling shoes for Trevor who broke off from Mila heading to his favorite lane, "Go ahead and make your order at the diner counter and I'll get these on Trevor while I watch him for you."

Mila headed over calling, "Thanks." While she went over Jason head over to the lane joining Trevor. At the diner counter the clerk appeared and saw it was Mila, "Hey Mila. Kathy said Macy was in here looking for you. Did you see her?"

Mila sensed it was important because Macy only asked for her if it was. She shook her head as she answered, "No I didn't Todd; did she leave any message?"

Todd shrugged as he glanced back at the kitchen replying, "I don't know, but I can ask her when I go back."

Mila nodded and made her order wondering what Macy had wanted? She'd heard the copycat attacker had been caught and knew Macy no longer needed information there.

She was surprised when Kathy appeared from the kitchen to speak to her. Stopping in front of her at the counter Kathy said, "Macy had to get back to her apartment and told me she needed to speak to you as soon as possible. She's going to see Tony about an under ground fight later, but said for you to call."

Mila nodded and started to get the feeling that this was very important. Whatever it was it had her deliberating while she had lunch with Trevor and by the time she'd finished she had to call Macy to find out. She had Jason keep an eye on Trevor for a moment while she called. Macy didn't want to discuss it on the phone and arranged to meet her after she finished registering Trevor for school. It couldn't take long because Macy had her fight to see about. They decided to go to Mila's later to meet.

Mila thought about what Macy had wanted and wasn't quite able to focus on anything as she sensed she knew what it was about. When she got Trevor from day care and head home she told him Macy was visiting, but she needed to talk first and he could watch a video in her room. It was a special reserve she used for that kind of occasion.

She was just finished setting him up when Macy arrived and she let her in. Mila knew Macy well enough to read various expressions and sometimes it was difficult, but the one she currently wore told Mila this was definitely about her past.

"What's he done?" Mila asked guessing this had to be about something her father Charles had done. Macy's expression held sympathy now, but she wouldn't hold back and didn't as she answered, "He's wanted on a string of attacks on young women. My inside source is hunting him down, but he's been using something to cover his chin and the identification is weak."

"You're sure about your inside source?" Mila asked allowing the information to sink in, "I don't doubt you, but I can think of some people who would say anything to get you away from them."

Macy shook her head answering firmly, "No it's solid; I learned from them about Clive and it was accurate. Charles was one of the people they were looking for before the copycat. They might have figured it out from a copycat attack, but they're definitely looking for him and will bring him in. The question is what they can keep him on if so and that brings me here Mila. I would never be able to kick his ass because of you and that little boy in your room. The next best thing is to find all of his hidden dirt on him and pile it on for the police when they pick him up. Either way Mila, you need a heads up. This is likely to unsettle things for you and I want you to be prepared as well as lend my support. The best I can do for now, is keep people from sniffing around, but I hope to find something good on him that they'd rather chew on."

Macy knew that nothing compared to Mila's past and everything that had been left to fall where they went. Mila had been focusing on raising Trevor and hadn't considered this could happen; she needed time to think about it.

"Do you know if anyone talked to anyone else in your family?" Macy asked curiously knowing if so they would be asking Mila questions soon. Although Jim hadn't mentioned it there was a chance that someone else was looking into it and they weren't known to each other.

Mila shrugged, "Mandy was in Edmonton the last I heard. She was fine with the new family, but she knew where our mom was last."

"What about your brother?" Macy inquired, "He didn't settle the last I heard. He wasn't far either; they put him in Thunder Bay."

Mila nodded answering, "That's right, but I don't know if anyone talked to them. The last I know on all of it is that the investigation closed. After my parents had that last big fight and we were separated the investigation was on just that and closed. I don't see how they'd think to ask us for any help. I guess just to know about my dad's personality and that would be in their investigation."

Macy guessed that Jim would be looking at that soon and perhaps get an idea of how Macy was involved. He had yet to discover the deepest of the past and Macy hadn't exposed those secrets.

Mila watched her with concern stating, "You want this all out now; don't you?" Macy didn't speak as she waited for Mila to continue, "I believe you won't say a word. You never have all these years, but I need to consider it...look at my options and decide."

"You don't have many options." Macy pointed out, "Once they look at your family, they'll start figuring it out on their own and dig deeper. When it's in the open to them, it's best to follow it in co-operation rather than fight it. You need to prepare for the worst, but Mila you know I value friendship and won't pressure you for decisions. You can contact me when you're ready; just remember things might escalate before you arrive at a decision. In the end I'll still be your friend and respect you and Trevor."

Mila knew this, but was grateful to hear it. She couldn't decide what she wanted to do, but knew Macy would do her best to help.

Macy stayed a while to play with Trevor building Lego with the 4-year-old. If not for him and Mila, Macy would've definitely put Charles Saline into a grave, but respect was important to her and Mila's friendship was invaluable. After all the past history between them and their friendship still strong there was no way she could destroy Charles Saline. No matter what he did Macy couldn't lose it on him.

Matt heard about Clive Pentzer and suspected he would likely be able to give him information, but he was locked up. So was another ideal person he could talk to and neither of them he could get near. At least he'd made progress on information and a friend had let him stay with him. He had even learned that his target in Toronto was still alive and here. He still had a chance to finish what he'd come to do. It was time to end the pain and kill the man who had caused it. Only when his father was dead he could finally live knowing the man couldn't do any more damage.

His friends had no idea this was the reason for his return; he'd acted like a completely reformed 18-year-old looking to make peace with his past and move on. If only they knew how he was obtaining that peace, they'd be panicking in the streets.

No stranger to trouble, Matt could only think of one other person as equal, but he couldn't look them up for fear they would stop him. He could pay them a visit afterwards and catch up; he was sure they had many cool stories to share.

He couldn't afford anyone learning what he was up to because he was sure to get them out of his way in a very unpleasant manner. He also needed to keep a low profile so people didn't know he'd returned. The streets had a way of picking people out easily and he had to watch who he talked to.

Currently he was studying drug dealers and optioning for the best one to talk to for information. Observing a dealer and his friend near a 7-11, Matt decided his friend would be easier to talk to. He knew neither of them, but the dealer would be more known on the street.

When his friend broke away to go into the store, Matt casually went in to make contact. The dealer noticed him, but didn't react as Matt went inside.

Watching through the 7-11 windows, Trapper watched the strange teen approach his roommate. He didn't know him and guessed it was someone his roommate knew. Thinking nothing of it, Trapper forgot about it as he returned to looking for customers.

"Oh SHIT!" Damien said as he jumped from his seat at the table and ran for the nearest corner. Detective Leslie Blend watched in surprise as he moved to cool Damien down. Meanwhile Jim looked at Macy as he closed the door behind them, "We don't have much time."

Macy had even less to get to her fight at Fight Zone and looked at Damien as the detective tried to get him seated again, "Hey Demon, I'm just as pleased to see you too...only I'm containing my excitement."

"No, no NO!" Damien exclaimed as he begged the detective, "Please not her!"

Macy took a seat opposite the one he'd quickly vacated agreeing, "I know, I feel the same way Demon, but this one is personal. You were so helpful the last time I thought for sure you'd be pleased to do the same again."

Jim helped get Damien into the chair and stood with the detective beside him watching as Macy gave them both a nice smile suggesting, "Why don't you get us something to drink and Demon here looks like he needs a smoke."

Jumping up Damien exclaimed, "No I don't! Don't leave!" Macy grabbed his shirt front pulling him over before they could react and scolded, "You're still having problems following orders; that's a shame. We'll work on that while they take a walk and come back with clean underwear for you."

"Jesus! What do you want?" Damien asked and then pleaded, "I'll do whatever it is if you leave me alone."

Macy let him go and Jim forced him into his chair ordering, "Answer her questions and she'll be gone. We'll be here and we don't have a lot of time. So be quick and honest or she'll take it fast and hard on you."

Macy almost shot Jim a grin of appreciation for getting the hang of her so quickly, but she had Damien nearly crapping himself and she commented, "The last time we talked you claimed you'd rather let the cops beat a confession out of you. Since they have morals they simply called me to do it for them. You could thwart the attempt and simply talk."

"Okay, anything as long as you don't come near me." Damien agreed and looked at all of them, "Ask me anything; I'll even admit to the time I took Susie Thompson's pack of crayons from her desk."

Macy could've laughed, but she retorted coldly, "So what? We'd rather hear about how you tried to peep on her taking a wizz in the bathroom. I bet you liked looking under her skirts. In fact I think you still do."

Damien paled as he looked at her asking, "How-." He stopped and looked at Jim and Leslie suddenly asking, "You're going back that far? You can't be; it's too old."

Leslie Blend hadn't gone back that far, but courtesy of this he would. He remained silent and looked at Jim who was too disgusted to reply.

Macy kicked Damien in the shin under the table watching him jump betting Jim and Leslie would've done it if they could.

"We don't have time for your history. You helped deliver a message to the copycat and now you're going to tell me what you know about Charles Saline."

"Who?" Damien asked painfully as he rubbed his shin prompting Macy to draw back a fist asking, "How'd you like a matching lip for playing dumb?"

Flinching backward Damien held up a hand, "I'm not...I mean I can't think. Give me a minute to think of who you're asking about."

"He isn't playing dumb, he just is." Jim said to Leslie who agreed, "Yeah and he deserves to be left alone for a moment. I need the washroom; I think you just got an emergency call."

Damien turned to grab at their arms protesting, "Don't leave me with her! She wanted to kill me the last time."

Macy grabbed his shirt again, "The party is over here Demon. Get it started and tell me about your friends or I ask these two not to come back without authentic ninja stars from the orient."

"That'll take a lot of time." Jim mused as he looked at Leslie adding, "We should grab a flight over and pick them up in person."

"I don't know everyone by name and some use false ones. What does this guy look like? What's his preference? I swear if I know I'll tell you." Damien asked desperately hoping to help and then get the hell away.

Leslie produced a photo and Damien looked at it asking, "Chuckie?" Looking at Macy in surprise he asked, "Him?"

Macy replied evenly, "That's right and I know he likes to do more than just look under Susie Thompson's skirts. So be truthful because I have a good idea of what's going on already and I'd hate to have to put my foot up under your skirt Demon."

Damien shifted quickly and then said, "Yeah he does and I swear I'll tell you. I can even tell you his favorite hang out places. I mean, going by the way he talks, not positively. So if you don't find him there don't blame me."

"Centreville, the zoo and Canada's Wonderland are some choices, but closer to home I'd suspect a fast food chain with a play land. The question is; which one?" Macy said smoothly already aware of where to look, "Narrow it down for me Damien, before I find something on you to narrow down."

"Anywhere along Eglinton or near to the street. I used to see him out near Bayview where there's tons of schools." Damien answered quickly.

He looked at Jim and then Leslie adding, "He dropped out of sight before you picked me up, but he could find more anywhere. The city is loaded with places like that to go and watch."

"He doesn't just watch." Macy said coldly, "He has connections like you and can do more. That's where I want to look, but don't worry I won't tell anyone there they were ratted out."

Damien retorted, "Like I'm worried about ratting out people outside while I'm in here and further more I'm more afraid of you than that. They all have different places and Chuckie likes the kiddie sections in toys and clothes. He's got fake photos of kids from the internet printed on photo paper to show unsuspecting parents. He tells them they're his kids and asks for fake advice on presents or clothes."

"Where?" Macy asked in the coldest of tones threatening, "And if you don't give up an exact location in this next reply I'm going to shove this table so far up your fucking asshole you'll be shitting splinters for the rest of your pathetic life."

"Town Center mall." Came his quickest reply, "There's a B.K. nearby with a play land and several schools in the area."

Macy knew the area well including a drug dealer in the area. The Burger King Damien mentioned was loaded with teens at lunch time and after school. It was the perfect area for pedophiles and perverts.

"Tell us about these photos." Leslie ordered, "Did he tell you where he got them from the net?"

Damien looked at him curiously and then at Macy as he expected her to be the interrogator. She gave Leslie a shrug suggesting, "Maybe he's such a pansy of a pervert he can't hear a male voice. I'll try repeating the question while inflicting some sudden pain."

Flinching, Damien responded, "No! The photos he showed me were ones he had printed at a kiosk, but he said he could get paper from shops and do it at the net cafes he uses. He also uses the library internet where it's free. As for the site the photos came from, he told me a woman on a dating site in another country put it in her profile. He said there's tons up in them and he tells everyone it's his wife in the pictures."

Macy wondered what ex-Donna Saline would think of that? After the fight and divorce she'd gone back to her original name and disappeared. This ingenuity would've started a bigger fight had he pulled that one when they were together.

"What other kinds of photo shop does he like to play?" Macy asked curiously, "I hear you can stick someone's face on the asshole of a horse in photos. Where did he put himself?"

Damien shook his head, "I don't know; I didn't see him in any. Just the kids and this woman. We talked about how many, this woman up-loaded and all these dating sites she was in. Plus she's in that Facebook and a few others. Her kids are in kid sites he goes to. He said that Webkinz site is huge for kids."

"What's her name?" Macy inquired knowing Jim and Leslie would tackle the net. She didn't doubt it would lead to a kid porn site from there.

"Stacy Landry was the name he told me, but I don't think all those kid pictures were all hers." Damien answered, "I think he took a few from somewhere else and before you ask I don't know if he had kid porn. I'd guess he would like it judging by his character."

"Yeah, you're a great judge of character Demon." Macy remarked sarcastically, "Get on with it; what other sites was he at?"

Damien frowned as he said quietly, "Don't knock my judgment. I know my kind and am trying to be helpful."

Macy kicked him again retorting angrily, "I know your kind too, you're a peeper that whacks off in bushes and escalates to perverted fantasies as you progress in the seedy world of pedophilia. I also know Chuckie's kind too and maybe you're similar, but you all reach different depths of lows. I made my message known with the worst in that copycat and I know you're not even on a rung of the ladder in your kind. Your help is about as useful as a barbed wire hairnet so don't bitch because I'll show you what one really is."

Damien looked as though he wanted to ask for support from Jim or Leslie, but wisely didn't speak. He remained quiet as he rubbed his other leg and Macy demanded, "Now answer my question, what other sites?"

"He told me he was in under alias names at Classmates and video game sites." Damien answered wearily, "The games vary in age group and categories and have advice and tip areas you can post in. He did in several, but I don't know the names that go to which one. They were little cutie names like 'Lemon Shortcake' and 'Button nose'. They got older in the groups like 'Peek a choo boy' or 'Mario Dude' for the games."

Macy made a face, but Jim was the one who commented, "Tasteful; I guess he transitioned to a screen name of 'Chucking it Away' in the dating sites."

Damien looked at him, but then at Macy in case she was about to get his attention the harder way. She replied to Jim first, "Chucking it Up' seems a little more appropriate, but before I get carried away on names we'll wrap this up."

Looking at Damien she instructed, "You're going to finish giving detective Blend the rest of what you know. If there's anything more you want to tell me do it now because if not I'll have to come back to ask you more questions."

Damien shook his head, "No I don't want to see you again. If I think of something later I'll tell them."

Macy moved to stand and Damien flinched expecting something. She looked at the detective for a moment before returning her gaze to Damien, "They'll tell me if you give them any trouble so be very careful."

Damien held up his hands in surrender, but Macy had to go and looked at Jim. He roughly gave Damien a slap on the shoulder, "That wasn't too difficult was it?" He moved for the door and Macy gave Damien a similar slap informing, "Hulk says hello and asked me to deliver you his greeting."

She left him cowering in expectation as she left with Jim. She wasn't sure if she would see Damien Crawford again, but she was positive the man would never forget her.

Matt knew from his old friends how he'd changed in appearance over the time he'd been gone and he didn't want his father to recognize him if he was getting closer. With shades and baseball cap he looked like other teens.

Having learned from the drug dealers’ friend Andy that a man fitting his fathers’ description hung out at the mall he head there next to look around.

Matt had been to the Thorncliff Bowlerama before when he was younger so he knew the area well. The mall had changed names since then, but he still called it Thorncliff since it was situated on that street.

A lot of new places around it had sprouted up and the ethnic population had doubled since he'd last been there. Some of the shops had been the same, but others had changed. Matt was busy trying to recall what store the Zellers had once been while he looked around inside. He knew it was a retail business that might have sold to someone, but he couldn't recall the name.

Knowing his father, Matt was sure he'd walk around the toy aisles since he always did when Matt was a kid. If only he knew then his fathers alternative reason for being there...it didn't matter because Matt intended to end the pain soon.

He had it figured out; follow his father to wherever he was staying and then break in to do the job. In order to make it look like a simple botched break in, Matt intended to start with a struggle with his father first.

Having supplied himself with gloves and mask to cover his identity he intended to wear new dark clothes with a layer of new coveralls over that. When he got rid of them they would be analyzed if found and since he got the articles in Toronto he wouldn't be suspected when he returned back home.

Knowing he would soon be caught, he had to get rid of all his evidence, but most importantly he needed to off load his latest recruitment to the ring. There was no way he could go there himself so he had to call the owner of the ring Bradley and give him the location of the holding area. It meant meeting Bradley and giving him the keys, but Charles intended on telling him he was taking a hiatus and looking out of the country for better prospects.

Meanwhile he was busy destroying evidence at home and getting rid of it as well as giving away his child porn goods unconnected to him to various trusted people claiming it was duplicated and a gift. If ever he needed a favor from them later he wouldn't be in debt.

It was a daunting task seeing fellow friends with illegal materials, but Charles was nearly done. He just had this last video tape and the keys to deliver. For each cruiser he spotted, he grew more paranoid and was more meticulous. After he got rid of the tapes with the easiest of bluffs as he knew this friend only had a VCR and computers were the rage, he was ready to meet Bradley.

Bradley seemed suspicious and he found out why when he was asked, "Is this delivery of the keys because Damien Crawford got hauled in?"

Genuinely surprised he told Bradley, "No, I didn't know he was picked up. I was getting ready to go on a little holiday hiatus and check on better prospects for us. Do you know anything more about Damien?"

"No, aside from some crazy lady that got him to deliver Pentzer a message that nailed both of them." Bradley answered before going on, "None of it makes sense, but a hiatus seems like a good idea now. We can cool off and take off for a while and in about six months come back. If the heat's off we can start up again."

He wasn't sure he wanted to come back and the crazy lady he hadn't heard about, but he kept up his charade asking, "Have you got any good ideas of where to go for recruits for the ring?"

Bradley shrugged, "Here in the city there's enough diversity to fill the needs of customers, but the best are the kids with limited English so I'd pick a place where it's the least known. Somewhere that their language isn't common here so they can't find someone to speak to. I'll never forget that close call with the girl who understood most of the languages from the Orient."

Recalling that near miss he nodded in agreement. Although the 8-year-old spoke little English being a recent immigrant, nobody had anticipated she knew the dialect and could speak to people from various parts of the Orient. He didn't want to hang around Bradley long and exchanged parting greetings before heading off.

He had finished his tasks and without any evidence of himself implicated with children he felt lonely. Having always had this to keep him satisfied it felt like he was giving up alcohol. Or perhaps alcohol would numb him?

Charles Saline headed for his favorite mall to hang out in. He could still look at the youngsters in there and then hit the LCBO. It wouldn't cure him, but it would keep him from trouble before he left the city permanently.

Macy knew the mall and area that Damien had told her Charles liked to hang out in. It had been a place where she was sure Charles had taken the family for bowling when they were young. It had been so simple to look there that she should have thought of it, but then she guessed he’d avoid places where he was sure to be caught.

There was a 7-11 near the schools and Macy knew Trapper loved frequenting the shops. If she spotted him she intended to ask him if he’d seen Charles. He also liked to hang around the one on the Danforth and sell his drugs there too, but either way he was a good person to ask since he’d be in contact with many people.

She didn’t see him and continued to the mall looking around as she went through it and watching all the faces. With the ethnic background prominently dark skinned it was easy to look for Charles who was very white toned. As she was surveying faces she noticed a very tall teenager and thought he looked very familiar. Regardless, the teen was also surveying the people in the mall searching for a familiar face.

Macy drew back in thought wondering if she was seeing things? She studied the teen a while longer before deciding to keep a low profile. While laying back she kept watch for the teen, but spotted a much more familiar face in the LCBO. Trying to recall if Charles had consumed much alcohol, she kept back behind a toy and candy kiosk while she observed.

When he checked out and turned to leave via the nearest exit, Macy followed keeping watch for the teen while she did. If anything she was sure Charles would turn to check her out from the way he was eyeing all the young women and girls around them. For a moment Macy wanted to run over and drop him to the ground where he stood, but Mila came into her mind and she knew she had to let the anger pass.

When Charles looked for signs of police following, she had to duck back behind the apartment buildings in the area, but Macy had an idea of where he was going. A long time ago, he’d had a friend living in the apartments this way and had admired the apartment. Macy guessed that since the break up of the house an apartment was all he could afford now.

The only question was which apartment he would go into? When he went into one of the buildings along Thorncliff, Macy waited until he was in the elevator before going in and reading the names. One jumped off the board at her marked 1206 the name McGrath beside it told her it had to be Charles because his mother’s maiden name was McGrath.

Glancing inside at the elevators she read the numbers in the display above the one Charles had gone into and noticed it stopped at 12. It was time to report to Jim and Leslie and give them the information to nab Charles.

Matt thought a face looked familiar in the mall, a guy near to his own age that looked a lot like his old friend he’d thought of as equal. It had to be a brother of some kind and it intrigued him as he watched the guy. He had the same hair and facial structure, but he was tall and Matt knew it had to be from his father’s side of the family. His friend was shorter, but equally as tough and he wondered if he should keep track of this guy.

Taking up following the teen, Matt decided if he at least knew where the guy lived he could tell his old friend when he found them. It was a distraction from finding his father and finishing what he’d come to do, but at least this was something he could do something about right now.

While he was trailing the guy, he saw Andy approaching him and he paused to meet up with him while he kept an eye on the guy he had been following.

“I got some dope from Trapper and thought you’d want to go smoke up.” Andy told Matt who wondered just how he paid for the dope since he’d been bummed earlier about being strapped for cash. Guessing it was on a loan, it didn’t matter to Matt anyway and he shook his head, “No thanks man, I’ve got someone I’m trying to catch up to there.”

Andy looked and didn’t see anyone fitting the description they’d discussed earlier, but Matt was already moving along calling back to him, “I’ll catch you later.”

He continued in a hurry to catch up to the guy he’d been following studying him as he did. Along with his father’s height, Matt could see this guy had the moves of someone that trained in a martial art. He suspected that to be true since he’d known the father had been a fighter like his friend. It would be cool to know more about the guy and he hurried to catch up to him.

Macy was hanging back while Jim came with Leslie and local officers to pick up Charles. She was still in the vicinity looking for the teen and waiting to hear from Jim before reporting to Mila again.

Turning at the sound of expletives and noise coming from around the side of the Burger King she figured it was a fight of some kind. Having been bored waiting and looking around for the teen she turned and headed for the source of the noise.

Surprised to find Trapper beating up the garbage bins out back she mused, "I've faced opponent's before I thought were garbage, but I've never tried this."

Trapper turned to look at her and recognized her suddenly forgetting his rage as he approached her asking eagerly, "Mace, you know a lot of people can, you help me find who's been ripping me off?"

Macy shrugged as she replied, "Sure I can ask around don't sweat it Trapper it'll come around. Just pick up what you can and I'll square you away you got ripped off. If you're out here doing this I believe you."

She knew Trapper well enough to know he never got that worked up over anything unless it was serious. A small dealer like him would likely be tortured for a loss, but if Macy was on it he would be spared.

Relieved Trapper sighed, "I owe you one, thanks. Anything you need just say it and I'm looking for whoever ripped me off too. It's someone who knows where I keep my stash locked up at my place."

"What about your roommate?" Macy asked before adding, "In exchange for helping I need you to keep your eyes open and ear to the ground for me."

Trapper nodded as he answered, "That's easy enough and along with my stash went all our valuables. I haven't seen Andy to tell him, but I know he made a new friend and want to ask him some questions."

Macy thought for a moment and then described the teen she'd recognized in the mall to Trapper who looked surprised as he said, "That's him! Where do you know him from?"

"I don't think he's here for drugs Trapper. I think he was here asking Andy questions about someone he's looking for." Macy replied as she started to get a good idea of what was going on, "I'll find out who it is for you, but leave the teen alone. Just tell him I'm looking for him if you see him again and don't give him a hard time."

Trapper sighed and then agreed reluctantly, "Only because it's you Mace, but I will ask him what he knows."

Macy's cell phone rang and she gave Trapper a parting wave as she moved off to answer it knowing it was Jim from the display.

"Macy we have a serious problem." Jim said urgently the second she answered and curiously she listened as he went on, "There's no evidence to hold him...nothing. He's gotten rid of it all and we have to let him walk."

It had been too easy; it suddenly had become too hard and Macy knew what she had to do next. Only seconds ago she'd thought Charles Saline had been finally contained and she had put it to rest and he'd foiled that destroying evidence...but there was a strong piece of evidence that he could not destroy and Macy had to get that to Jim.

"Macy? We have to let him go." Jim said more or less ensuring she was still listening, "If there's some miracle you can make happen, now is the time."

"I hear you, but I don't think I have enough time to get anything to you. It's a surprise to me and I expected this wrapped up." Macy answered him solemnly vowing she would be none too gentle the next meeting she had with Charles Saline. She was prepared in case she had to locate him again, "The most I can offer is for you to keep on him if he's walking and if he disappears again I guarantee to bring him back in my finest of methods for you."

Macy didn't let his disappointed mood get to her, she disconnected and prepared to meet Mila and update her now. It was time to take the kid gloves off and get the much needed evidence in.

Having made acquaintance with Jeffrey Goodling, Matt had been able to speak openly about knowing Jeffrey's sibling. Jeffrey had been curious to know more about his father's history and Matt promised to get in touch and get them acquainted before he continued on his own quest to find his own father.

When he finished what he’d come to do he would work on finding his friend. As he left Jeffrey's place he was shocked to see his father walking past the building across the road.

The surprise kept Matt from tearing across the road and jumping him. Instead he followed him as he thought about the situation carefully. Having come further east in the city, Matt was confused as to where his father was going further east. He was sure that he'd had a place near the mall and had surveyed there to make the attack.

While he followed him he had time to think things through. Wherever his father stopped Matt would watch and wait to see what he was doing. If he was alone, he would break in as planned and finish his task. Another factor that kept him from reacting to seeing the bastard again was that he was nervously looking over his shoulder for something. This had got his curiosity too and he had to be careful he wasn’t seen following him. He had a feeling that his nervousness had something to do with why he wasn’t heading home.

It was near baffling to him that his father was this far out in Scarborough, but when he turned to go to a motel room Matt hung back watching. It was too early to do anything as it was mid afternoon, but Matt was worried his father might have lured a kid there.

Near blind by rage, he waited until his father disappeared inside before charging in determined to simply kill him right then. Deciding to go in from the back window he head around only to be blind sided by someone taking him to the ground.

When he looked to see who it was he was shocked as she hovered over him offering a hand to help him up. He took it and stood staring at Macy for a moment wondering why she would do that to him?

Macy looked between Mila and Matt Saline sitting together on Mila’s sofa back in her apartment. After dragging Matt back there to re-acquaint them she put in a movie for Trevor before studying them again. Mila appeared less stressed out than before, but Matt looked like he had an agenda and Macy knew what it was all about.

“The two of you need to listen to me.” Macy announced carefully, “If he gets away, he’ll be after the next kid. How many more will you let him get to before you help turn him in?”

“He’s not your father; he’s mine and I wasn’t letting him get away with anything anymore.” Matt said defensively and expected a scathing reply.

Macy would’ve backhanded anyone who spoke about her father in any manner like that, but Matt was like Mila and Trevor and she was forced to grit her teeth as she replied evenly, “If anyone eliminates him we’ll lose information he has on a child porn ring and more people will be hurt. Yes, you need to put him away tonight before more harm comes, but you need to take the evidence you have in to do it.”

Mila had been near to agreeing earlier, but remained quiet as she looked at Matt. Macy was watching him too and he shook his head, “He doesn’t deserve to live, but I don’t want him taking important information to his grave.”

“So let me get him in and you go to the authorities with the information and seal his fate.” Macy answered carefully, “It’ll only be a matter of time before they figure it all out on their own or come to ask questions. They’re desperate and will sniff around more now.”

If they didn’t, Macy would force a confession out of Charles Saline. It looked like it wouldn’t be needed because Mila looked at Matt announcing, “Macy’s right and I think it’s time to do this Matt. Help me go in and do this tonight while Macy gets our dad.”

Even though Macy had kept the secret for so long and it hadn’t been difficult for her, she felt an overwhelming sense of tension from the situation. This would be a very difficult step for her friend and she watched as Matt glanced between his sister and Macy before inquiring, “What about Mandy? Doesn’t she deserve to know first what we’re revealing tonight? It effects her too because they’ll be out west asking her questions too.”

Mila glanced at Macy before she replied, “I heard from her through our aunt and I can only tell her, but you know she’ll tell our mom. Regardless I can’t go alone Matt, please come with me.”

“You’re going to subject Trevor to all this now?” Matt asked obviously still unhappy about the change in plans, “What do you think that will do to him? This whole thing is so screwed up I can’t see Trevor getting it.”

Mila nodded as she answered, “He had to be told the truth some time and I wanted to wait until he could understand it, but now is the time. I already feel guilty for allowing this to go on for so long; it would’ve been easier if I had of had the guts to go do this years ago.”

Those were the words Macy had been waiting to hear for years and it was obvious Matt had wanted to do the same thing because his expression turned the same as his sisters. It was quiet for a moment before Mila looked at Macy and said, “I’ll take Trevor and we’ll go in and tell them everything; they’ll get all of it while you go get him and this time they’ll be able to keep our dad. I just want you to know before you go that I will be eternally appreciative for everything you’ve done for me about this. You never once said a word and respected my privacy, but now the secret is coming out. Trevor’s DNA will support our story and dad can’t hide from it anymore. We’ll tell them what you always knew; that our dad is Trevor’s biological father.”

Macy knew it was the first time her friend had uttered those words and now that Mila had said the truth it would come out tonight. It had been a long time for Macy to keep this secret, but now she was able to go out and put away Charles Saline.

Charles didn’t bother checking out of his motel as he left; he had to get out of the city before the police picked him up again. Since he was continuing east he saw a sign indicating the Toronto Zoo. It seemed like a sign to him indicating that he should go in and make one last visit before leaving the city.

Not only could he lose anyone following him inside the zoo he had one last opportunity to look at all the young kids inside. Nobody paid much attention to anything aside from the animals locked up in their cages and it gave him the best chance to get near kids.

The other thing he was considering as he headed for the zoo; was that he might find a single mom he could schmooze with there that he could shack up with. It would be better than having to continue out of the city and he was sure his car would be noticed. If he left it at the zoo they wouldn’t have a trace from there where he went.

Although it was getting late Charles knew that the kids zoo and splash pad inside didn’t close until 6:30 and he had time to go there first. Easing his car off Meadowvale Road to the parking lot Charles was pleased to see he didn’t have to pay for parking until he left. He simply parked, paid his entrance to the zoo and then disappeared inside.

Not far behind him was Leslie and trying to keep up as he called Jim. He would need some serious help here because following Charles in the crowd was becoming difficult and there was nobody watching his car.

Since letting him go they had nobody officially set to track him and hadn’t hustled on it since he checked into a motel that they were sure he would be staying at for a while.

While he tried to keep up, he got Jim’s voicemail and knew something had to be up for him not to answer since Jim was well aware he was the surveillance for Charles. He left a simple message to get in touch with him before he called for some help back in the office. There he learned that Charles Saline’s children had come in to make statements and that they were getting the official word to bring him in.

As he followed Charles toward splash island in the zoo he got a feeling of dread as there were still many kids around. Charles was busy eyeing all of them as he scoped out the area. He was getting desperate while he tried to keep up with Charles who head for the densest area of people and children. Wincing as he noticed many parents let their children change to swim suits right outside he knew the purpose of Charles’s visit there.

This was no place to arrest a suspected rapist and Leslie dialed Macy’s number getting her right away. Quickly he updated her and told her he needed some help at the zoo. Macy updated him about Mila and told him she would grab Jim and be there right away.

Macy tried to ignore the speed they were going and the blue light circling up in the dash. At least Jim wasn’t making any jokes because he was too busy negotiating traffic while he drove. Macy didn’t say anything and she was sure he was still digesting what he’d just been told by Mila.

They made quite the scene ripping into the parking lot and tearing up to the front gate. With Macy keeping up with Jim, they breezed through and head inside where they met up with Leslie at the entrance to the Discovery Zone. At the last report, he’d lost Charles Saline somewhere between splash island and the children’s zoo figuring on staying near the entrance to Discovery Zone to keep watch for him.

“I called for a unit to sit on his car.” Jim informed Leslie as they stopped, “If he tries to get away in it we’ll have someone on him. Where did you last see him?”

Leslie nodded to the children’s zoo, “He was headed that way with a family and then he just disappeared. The zoo will be closing soon so we have to cover this area in case he leaves with this woman and her kids.”

Macy looked at Jim suggesting, “Why don’t we both split up and look around in here while Leslie keeps post here?”

Jim nodded agreeing quickly, “I’ll take the kids zoo; call us if you spot him.”

They split up and took off quickly conquering both areas and meeting back at Leslie with nothing to show for their efforts. Macy asked Leslie when she returned, “Did he spot you?”

Leslie replied with a shrug, “He was looking around like he knew someone was onto him, either way we better find him soon before he disappears with someone. We can’t stop every car exiting the parking lot that he might be in or we’ll create a panic and everyone will run like mad bulls out of here.”

“So we search the entire zoo.” Jim announced looking between them, “Both of you better had be in good shape to cover a lot of ground in a short span of time because this place his huge and there’s many places to hide.”

They all looked at the map Leslie had picked up on the way in, in their hurry they hadn’t grabbed one and now stared at it. Next to them were sections marked Americas and Eurasia on one side, but the other branched off further into other sections.

“I’ll take the African and Canadian sections.” Macy volunteered, “That way you two will be closer to here and the main entrance.”

“Okay.” Jim agreed quickly, “Call us if you see him. I’ll take south of here in the Indo-Malaya exhibits and circle the lower half of the African section before heading back.”

They split up again and Macy took off at a quick pace to cover her sections. She was seeing a lot of animals, but not the one she’d come to find and knowing that Mila had sacrificed telling all about her past she’d be damned to let Charles slip away.

By the time she got around nearer to the Canadian exhibit she was getting anxious to find Charles because she’d not been called by Jim or Leslie indicating they hadn’t found him either. Crossing over the lion exhibit she was reminded of Ken Shamrock and the Lion’s Den, it renewed her faith in finding Charles and she focused again as she continued.

She suddenly got the premonition she would find Charles hiding in the Canadian area waiting for a good time to slip out of the zoo unnoticed. She was sure he was alone and made a beeline into the area looking around. Typical Canadian animals were kept here and as Macy noticed the bald eagle; it was like a sign she was headed in the right place.

It was at the pond next to the grizzly bear that she spotted Charles having a rest as he looked around him. His gaze swept past her before suddenly returning in recognition. A second later he was on his feet and running to get past her away from her as she fell into chase calling, “I’m surprised you weren’t hanging out with your kind in the snake pit.”

Knowing they had Charles contained in the zoo now, Macy continued chasing him as she reached for her phone and dialed on the run. She called Jim as he would be closer to the African exhibits where Charles would be headed, they could close him off.

Charles was still running ahead of her not bothering to look back. She guessed he was afraid to face her because of Mila; there was no way he would know she was there to help pick him up. When he nearly tripped by the zebra’s Macy nearly had him, but he kept going on a wild run spotting Jim approaching and veered back towards the lions.

Luckily it was getting close to 6:30 p.m. and not as many people were in the way, but Charles continued with both Macy and Jim chasing him now.

It was only fitting that Macy doubled her speed at the Cheetah exhibit and pounced on Charles Saline right in front of the glass partition where the animal lay sleeping on the grass on the other side. Another stroke of luck was as they rolled to the ground Macy ensured her elbow landed on his face.

Jim caught up and grabbed Charles by the arm he swung at Macy slapping a cuff on it surprising him. Charles swung around to look at Jim who cinched the other wrist as he read Charles his rights. He finished and returned Charles's fallen hat to his head. When Charles gave Macy a sneer of contempt she returned it narrowing her eyes as she said, "That hat would look better on you further down over your face."

He was about to retort, but Macy jabbed him in the ribs before taking his arm roughly, "Talk with your mouth shut and get moving. You have a son and a grand son in Trevor to start paying for."

She waited for Jim who took Charles by the other arm and took a glance into the cheetah exhibit...the action had woken it and caused it to pace restlessly back and forth by the glass window.

Macy had Jim drop her off at Mila's before getting back to work. Macy wanted to check on her before she went home. Mila appeared worn out, but also very worried. When she stepped inside Mila said quietly, "I'm doing okay with this secret finally out, but I'm worried about Matt. He doesn't seem to be very stable right now and I don't know where he went."

Macy suddenly picked up on her friends' bad vibe and promised, "I'll go find him and get him back safely, but not if you need me right now."

Mila was firm as she said, "No, I'll manage, you go look for him. I'm sure he's not headed back to Thunder Bay. I have a bad feeling about it and he hasn't handled it very well."

Macy knew that and went back outside hoping that she would get to Matt on time. She was positive she knew where to find him and made the solemn trip on foot in a hurried pace.

Standing outside the empty house, Macy had a feeling of dread staring at it. The old Saline home stood dark and gloomy; the window's staring back at her reminding her of the things that had happened inside.

Between the incest and the possibility of how she would find Matt inside, Macy couldn't decide which was worse as she headed inside from the back.

The stench of gasoline hit her senses first and she relaxed slightly knowing she'd been on time. She could hear it being poured from upstairs where she was sure Matt was dousing the gasoline getting ready to torch the place.

As Macy climbed the stairs she thought it was fitting. Had she had access to a wrecking ball she would've demolished the house. Like the Bernardo house, this one had been filled with torture for each of the Saline children living there...only they had Evil memories to live with for the rest of their lives.

Turning to the room Macy knew belonged to the siblings she looked in and tried to remain as calm as possible as she witnessed Matt soaking himself in the gasoline. She didn't move to stop him, but he noticed her and warned, "Don't try to stop me Macy, just go and let me end this. I left a note in your mailbox so go back and read it before you call anyone here."

"Matt it may not sound like a lot, but Mila and I don't want you to do this. Not now when she needs your support, and you both have mine." Macy said trying to think of what to tell the teen, "I know it's difficult, but I know from experience that there are other good things here in life for you. You just have to focus on finding that and the rest will start to fade."

Matt gave her a curious expression mixed with anger as he asked, "What experience? What makes you think I can find anything good when all I lived with was his destructive Evil."

He pointed to the walls around them adding, "Each of these damn walls have witnessed everything he did to us in here. It's all I know Macy; I don't know anything else."

Macy didn't take her eyes off Matt knowing if he lit a match it would be over in seconds. The most she could do was tackle him out the window behind him if he tried to do anything. Macy motioned at him with her hand saying, "Look at yourself now Matt; you're not that little Matt I knew before. You're a big guy now and stronger; strong enough to fight anything. If you do this to yourself now then you'll let your dad win. He'll have succeeded in destroying you completely and you're better than that."

This made him drop the gasoline can and Macy tensed waiting as she watched him fish in his soaked pockets saying quickly, "Just leave while you still can Macy. I don't want you to go down with the house; Mila needs you now."

"So you want me to help her through your funeral?" Macy asked using a tougher tone, "How easy of you to do this and leave us dealing with more pain. Then there's Mandy; she has to go through it too without even a chance to see you now. What do I tell her Matt? Yeah Mandy he grew up big and strong, but wasn't strong enough to face the world. He let your father destroy him, but told me to help you pick up the pieces."

"Fuck you Macy; I'm doing it for me. He didn't win." Matt replied as he struggled to get the lighter from his pocket, "I can't live with myself for what happened and who I am. I can't live and look at Mila and Mandy without thinking about him. Trevor is the worst because he's the product of our incest Macy. So get the fuck out of here now!"

Macy stood her ground crossing her arms across her chest saying, "No, not until you hear me out. Maybe you see your dad in them because that's what you choose to see, but I don't. I still see you all for each individual you are and Matt you're still the same rebellious little shit I knew before and that definitely didn't come from your dad because he's a pansy asshole. You have your own soul and destroying it means you let him in it, but I don't believe you have because you wouldn't be arguing this with me. The Matt I know is still here telling me off; you're just trying to take the easy way out, but I know you're tougher than that."

Frustrated, Matt kicked the gasoline can in anger snapping, "Damn you Macy! Just screw off!"

While he looked for something else to destroy Macy hopped the gasoline can and dove onto Matt sending him down. Knowing he would strike out at her she blocked his punches for a moment before resorting to their old rough housing they had done before.

He cursed her again starting to break down as she play slapped him about the ears and head taunting, "Come on Matty; fight me. Let's see how tough you are."

With the stench of gasoline all around it was exhausting wrestling in it, but Matt had enough and threw her off him as he broke down.

Macy regrouped and watched to be sure he wasn't going to light himself on fire. She moved to join him and shoved his hand aside he used to try to push her away. When she grasped him in a firm hug he didn't protest and she stayed quiet as he got it out of his system.

She had proved he had made the wrong choice and there was no need to harp on it. In a strange way, Matt had grown to a bigger version of the one she knew, but she factored in the influence of the house.

"To me you're still a brother Matt and I'm not one of your family. I must count for something even if it is the bad influence. I want to sit down and catch up with you; you catch up too. You haven't even heard about my Fight Zone fights yet. There's so much more and I'll hang out with you every chance I get."

Matt didn't speak, but the worst was over and he was still listening. Macy remembered Trapper and suddenly said, "We have something else to discuss too. A buddy of mine named Trapper said you were hanging out with his roommate Andy and his stash went missing."

Matt suddenly remembered Andy and his offer to do some dope. He looked at Macy saying, "It was Andy, he asked if I wanted to smoke up. There's something else...what I wrote in the note."

He was about to wipe his face, but remembered he was covered in gasoline and stopped. Forgetting that he went on, "I met Jeffrey Goodling and told him about you. I left his address in the note he wants to meet you."

Macy watched Matt with surprise and allowed the information to sink in gradually as she teased, "Really? Are you going to grow a moustache next and call yourself Magnum too?"

Matt snorted, "No, screw you; I don't want to be Magdumb. Jeffrey is cool though; you'll like him. I'll go with you to meet him if you want."

"Sure." Macy said knowing it indicated Matt was sticking around in the world, "But not if you're going to wreak this bad of gasoline."

For a moment they studied each other before Macy said seriously, "You had half your plan here right Matt. We can torch the place before we go."

Matt nodded and then they got up. Relieved that it was soon to be over Macy left the Saline house with Matt and watched as Matt carefully started the torch he'd made and then handed it to her. Macy tossed it into the house and they watched as the flames suddenly grew.

When she looked at Matt again he said quietly, "This does make me feel better, but someone will call the fire department and it won't burn down."

"It'll go enough to be destroyed Matt." Macy answered quietly, "That puts an end to it and that's what counts."

They turned and left heading back to Mila's apartment. Macy had some things to take care of like covering Matt with the fire and Trapper, but she also had her own demons to fight facing a half brother from her father. The past caught up to everyone including her and although hers wasn't a massive painful secret she'd learned from this experience that even her past needed to be put away...but not tonight.