Chapter 2

 

 

          Vance jerked his head up. Looking around he became confused as to where he was. Slowly it started coming back to him. I can't believe I did that. That's the first time I've ever completely lost control. Something about what Urgan did to that girl and child just made me explode. I mean I'd been thinking about leaving the agency for a while, but I intended to do it much more peacefully…. I should stop sitting here and start looking for them before Urgan finds them. Standing up Vance stretched his legs and walked back to the main street. Reaching the main street he glanced up and had to double take. He watched the giant holographic screen which was showing the news. It was flashing a picture of him on the screen with 'Wanted' underneath. Smirking at the photo, he pulled up the hood of his jacket over his head and keeping his head down walked into the crowded streets, blending in and becoming invisible.

 

          He'd been looking for hours with no success. He must have seen at least twenty young girls and infants. Of course Vance had burned the images of the two into his memory, but it hadn't made them any easier to find. Nairne adjusted the fabric strap over her shoulder. Glancing down at the sleeping baby in the cloth sling, she smiled to herself as she made her way down the busy street. Lucky for her, she hadn't encountered any of F.E.D.S.'s henchmen. Keeping her head down she was crossing the street. Suddenly she was shouldered, knocking her around. Looking back at the person who caused it Vance stared back at her wide eyed.

 

          "I'm sorry; I wasn't paying attention to where I was going." Just as Nairne said it, behind the gaping young man she noticed the guys she'd been dreading all day. Great...they've found me. Turning quickly she started shoving her way past people. Vance finally regained control of himself just as Nairne got a scared look on her face. Looking behind him he saw Urgan's men coming. So, they've finally found me. Great timing boys. He also ran in the same direction as Nairne, hoping to catch up with her.

 

          Nairne was trying her best not to lose it. Every time they find us, they get that much closer to capturing us again and I won't let that happen. Tears filled her eyes and she cursed herself for being so emotional. Making a sharp left she ran back into the alleyways. Thinking that she lost them she slowed down bending over to catch her breath.

 

          'Are you alright Gene?' Nairne stood up and pulled the sling around to check on the infant. Pushing aside one of the blankets her eyes met small green eyes. Feeling relieved that Gene at least didn't seem too worried Nairne looked around at the alley. Sighing she was just about to sling Gene around her shoulder again when she heard men's voices. Freezing, Nairne listened to hear what they were saying.

 

          Looking over the edge of the building Vance saw the girl and child. Silently he hoped she would let him help. Suddenly he launched himself over the edge to the ground below. Nairne whirled around the second she heard the movement of air from behind. Slinging the fabric she held Gene protectively as she recognized the young man from earlier. Vance approached her slowly watching to see whether she'd run or not.

 

          "Please listen to me. I'm not here to hurt you. I don't know if you've been watching the news lately or not, but that rogue officer they keep talking about, well that's me. I came here to help you. Please believe me." Vance spoke calmly and held out his hand towards her. She stared at it for a couple seconds before looking back at his face.

 

          'What should we do Gene? I feel like I can trust him.' She was still watching him closely. He seemed to be shifting slightly from impatience. He knew the men were coming and he'd hope to be out of here before they arrived.

 

          'He one of us.  The same as me.' Nairne looked down at Gene surprised. Closing her eyes she concentrated on the man's aura. Opening her eyes she stared at him for a second longer before nodding her head and taking his hand.

 

          Vance pulled her close to him and wrapping an arm around her waist jumped up to the top of the building he'd jumped off of earlier. He stepped away from her and looked around silently. Nairne stared at him for a second before speaking.

 

          "Why did you work for them if--"

 

          'No tell him! He not know." Looking down at the baby in her arms she stopped. That must be why he was working for them. He thinks he’s a human. She looked back at him. He was giving her a strange look.

 

          "If what?" Nairne shifted avoiding his eyes for a second.

 

          "It's nothing, forget it." Vance continued to stare at her confused. Finally breaking his eyes away from her, he noticed their means of escape.

 

          "Follow me; I have an idea where we can hide." Nodding her head she followed Vance silently as they jumped from rooftop to rooftop.

 

          They had been traveling outside of the city for more than three hours and Nairne could feel her legs becoming jell-o. How much longer are we going to be going…..I’m ready to collapse any minute. Suddenly Vance stopped and before Nairne could stop herself she ran into him. Knocking him forward a couple steps he looked back at her with a small smile.

 

          "Sorry for the abrupt stop. We're here." Nairne looked passed him down the hill at a giant abandoned house. Ivy covered most of the front and sides. In the back was a cobblestone path that led to an enormous stonewall. The stonewalls was also mostly covered with ivy. Trees covered a large portion of the front and side lawns and some smaller trees were in the back, bordering the path. It looked like the house had been abandoned and forgotten for a long time.

 

          "Come on." Vance jumped down and Nairne followed him. As they walked up the stone steps Nairne looked around with her mouth open. Vance walked up to the door and moving the doorknocker to the side pulled out a key. Placing the key in the lock he opened the door. Nairne just stared a him.

 

          "How do you know about this place?" She asked him. He looked back at her and shrugged.

 

          "I don't know. I just felt something drawing me, and this was it." Nodding her head she didn't say anything else before walking in behind him. Vance pulled out the key and closed the door, locking it.