Poltergeist: The Legacy - [Legacy Lost] Chapters 1 to 6

Poltergeist: The Legacy

[Legacy Lost] Chapters 1 to 6

Legacy Lost

Kay De'Vil

Rating: PG - Drama - Violence

Disclaimer: Standard disclaimer applies, I don't own them all characters are the property of MGM Studio's and all afillated companies.

[Legacy Lost] Chapters 1 to 6

By Kay De'Vil.

Chapter 1:

The sound of screeching brakes brought his head out from under the bonnet of his car. Looking round he had mere seconds to dive out of the way as a blue four-by-four crashed into the exact location he had just left.

Getting to his feet he quickly ran towards the two wrecked cars, he could see the driver of the four-by-four was not moving and he feared that the driver was seriously injured. Jumping over the bonnet of the four-by-four he rushed to the drivers door. As he pulled on it he was disheartened to discover the door was jammed, it meant that he would lose valuable seconds from freeing the trapped person.

Straining he groaned and after a few moments was rewarded with the door suddenly flying open. The driver slumped towards him and he skilfully caught her, reaching over her, he quickly released her seat belt and began to pull her from the vehicle. As he carried her away from the smoking vehicle, she awoke and began to scream "DEAR GOD!"

"Relax lady... your safe now" he commented as she began to struggle within his arms. She continued to struggle until finally he lowered her to the ground, and knelt at her side looking at the bruise on her face. "Was there anyone else in the car with you lady?" he questioned as he looked back at the four-by-four which now had flames coming out from under the bonnet. She groaned and leaned her head against his chest "Look lady we don't have much time... is their anyone else in that thing?" as he spoke he shook her shoulders. When she still did not respond he pushed away from her and jumped to his feet intent upon going back and checking the car. However as he started towards the four-by-four, the flames increased and a moment later the four-by-four exploded, taking his own car with it.

The force of the explosion knocked him to the ground, taking the wind from his chest. Groaning he rolled onto his back and struggled to breath for a moment, small hands touched his face and he forced his eyes open to look into the face of the lady he had saved moments before. Her eyes held concern for him as he slowly began to sit up, he groaned feeling a sharp pain in his shoulder, looking down he could see a blood trail running down his side from a tare in his shirt. "You ok?" questioned the lady, looking at her for a moment he bit back the sarcastic reply that came to mind. Forcing himself to his feet he looked up and down the long, empty road.

Sighing in exasperation he turned back to the lady "How on earth, on such an empty strip of highway can you lose it and plough into my car? Jesus lady, wasn't there enough open space for you to plough into?"

She didn't answer him; she simply bowed her head in shame. For how could she admit the reason for the crash had been that she had been too preoccupied with staring at his butt as he worked on his own car, for her to maintain full control of her own vehicle.

Hearing him sigh she looked up at him, and once again asked, "Are you alright?"

"Yeah I'm fine... What about you?" he replied as he moved closer to her and examined the bruise now clear upon her cheek.

She rubbed her hand on her cheek and shrugged "Yeah I'm ok... What are we going to do?"

Again he sighed as he looked at the destruction. "Don't suppose you got a mobile phone on you?" he questioned, she nodded "Yes, actually... I'm sorry it was in my purse which"

"Which was in the car, right?" he finished for her, she nodded.

"What about you?" she questioned as he sat down on a rock

"Ditto... in the car, not the purse" he replied with the slight hint of a smile.

She returned the smile "It would just be my luck..." she muttered to herself with a slight sigh.

He looked at her confused "Excuse me?"

Realising she had been heard she blushed "Never mind", he again looked at her confused but decided to drop it for the moment "So as we appear to be about to go for a long walk together, what's your name?" she inquired

"Nick Boyle... and you are?" he asked as he reached out his hand to her.

She took his hand as she replied "Meredith... Meredith Maritimus. Nice to meet you Nick Boyle"

"Like wise Ms Maritimus" he replied as he stood up again. Suddenly his expression darkened as he again looked at the now smoking wreck of the two cars "Jesus, they're never gonna believe this at the base"

"Base... are you in the army?" she questioned

"Navy... Navy Seals" he replied, his voice showing no bravado of pride, instead it held a tone of aggravation "Damn they're gonna kill me"

"What... What's wrong?" she questioned anxiously seeing his frustration growing with each passing moment.

Turning back to her he shook his head, then looked up the road "If I remember right the last town that way is about 15 clicks... You think you can make it?" as he spoke he pointed in the direction she had been headed.

For a moment she didn't answer then she nodded "Sure I think I can make it but... What's a click?"

He smiled at her and shook his head "Sorry; 15 Kilometre's"

"Oh, ok... I'm pretty sure I can make that" she stated as she started to walk in the direction he had indicated.

After a moment he joined her, his hands stuffed in his pockets his head hung low "You sure your ok... all that bleeding makes your shoulder look pretty bad you know"

"Yeah I know, flesh wounds always bleed bad. It's almost stopped bleeding already... Don't worry about it"

"Ok well you're the expert" she replied as she slipped her arm into his good one and smiled.

"Hey I try not to get hurt enough to become an expert on the subject" he joked with her.

She giggled and shook her head "Oh I thought all you Navy Seals where these big macho men who would say it was only a flesh wound even if their arm was dropping off"

"Only in the movies. Besides I ain't that big" he grinned as he heard her muttering something along the lines of "nope, you're just the right size".

Although he had heard what she had said he faked ignorance "Excuse me, I didn't quiet catch that".

She looked at him and smiled "Good, you weren't meant to"

"Oh really?" he smiled back, they continued their playful banter as they walked.

---Present Day---

Nick sighed and shook his head as he leaned against his Mustang, he had no idea what had brought that memory back, but it was a pleasant one and it had brought a smile to his face on an otherwise aggravating day.

The day had started out normal enough; he had awoken at his usual time and had gone out for his morning run as he did everyday. However today he had not been feeling his best, and so had not even completed half his run before he turned back to the house.

As he had entered he had found Derek stood waiting for him. Upon seeing his Precept he had sighed and tried to head up to his room "Nick we need to talk"

"About?" he questioned shortly; wanting nothing more than to get up to his room and to take a long, hot shower.

Derek had stood looking at him, his arms folded across his chest in what Nick had come to recognise as the 'Don't start with me young man, I am not in the mood' stance. Sighing he turned away from the stairs and headed into Derek's office.

Even as the door closed behind him, Nick knew that whatever Derek was about to tell him was not going to be good news "Nick, we received word from the ruling house last night, it appears that we are going to be receiving two visitors from the Detroit House"

"And to what do we owe this pleasure?" questioned Nick sarcastically as his mind already ran through the additional security alterations he would have to make to accommodate the visitors, without compromising the houses own security. Sighing he rubbed the back of his neck as he felt the headache already growing.

Derek studied him, he had noticed that Nick had not taken as long on his run as usual and now looking at him, Derek found himself wondering if the shortened run had not been the result of illness "Nick are you alright?"

"Yeah just a bit of a headache... Additional security measures and the like are a big enough headache as it is. So how long do I have to prepare for their arrival?" Even as he spoke he could see Derek's expression suddenly become one of apology and he knew, that it was going to been sooner rather than later before the visitor's arrived.

Sitting down behind his desk Derek glanced at his watch "The ruling house said they would be leaving early this morning... my guess is you have maybe 5 hours before they are on the door step"

"Oh great! Nothing like putting pressure on someone is there. Ok well I'll grab a quick shower and get to work... Unless there is anything else you care to drop in my lap while you're at it?" Derek shook his head and watched in silence as Nick left.

---Nicks room:---

Stood in the shower Nick allowed the soothing water to flow over his body unhindered, he knew that time was of the essence but this just felt too good. He needed a chance to gather his strength before he began the long process of preparing for the visitors.

With Rachel, Alex and Kat away from the house at the moment, and Derek planning to head down to San Diego, he had the strange feeling of deja vu about this situation. He knew why he had the feeling, he just hoped that this would not be a repeat performance. Sighing he switched off the water and stepped from the shower.

---Derek's office:---

As he hung up the phone Derek heard Nick coming down the stairs, more than likely headed for the kitchen to get his necessary infusion of coffee before he began his work. Throwing down the pen he had been playing with since Nick had left his office, he stood and headed for the door, intent upon finding his young colleague and helping him with the preparations.

As he opened the door he could see Nick headed back towards the stairs, a mug of coffee in one hand and a toolbox in the other "Hold on Nick, I'll give you a hand"

"What about your trip to San Diego?" he questioned as he turned to look at the Precept, however as he turned he was hit by a wave of dizziness and began to pitch towards the railing.

"NICK!" exclaimed Derek as he rushed forward to catch his friend.

Dropping the coffee mug and tool box, Nick grasped for the railing but it was too late and he fell down the stairs, cracking his head on the corner of the railing support.

Crouched at Nick's side, Derek prevented the younger man from getting up from the floor "Stay put a moment Nick, you've got a nasty cut on your forehead". Nick just groaned in response and leaned back against the wall, closing his eyes trying to stop the world from its continued spiral path.

Derek, hurried to get the first aid kit, as he did he cursed repeatedly in his native tongue "Godverdomme, Nick. lul-de-behanger... ouwe rukker" desperate to find the first aid kit and get back to Nick, he pulled open draws and threw open cupboards, until finally he located it. Grabbing the kit he rushed back to Nick and again crouched at his side "Hoe gaat ermee?"

"Huh?" questioned Nick as he opened his eyes and looked at Derek in confusion.

Realising that Nick hadn't understood him Derek shook his head and tried again "How are you?"

Relief appeared upon Nick's face, as he understood Derek this time "Not to bad, just made my headache worse, by about a factor of ten, though"

"Yeah I can believe that... that was one almighty crack you just gave your head". As he spoke Derek opened the kit and took out a section of gauze and began to clean away the blood. "Why didn't you tell me you where ill?" he questioned as he pressed a clean dressing to the wound.

"Derek I'm not ill, I just got a little dizzy" replied Nick sharply as the Precept finished and finally allowed him to get to his feet.

Derek watched Nick closely as he stood wavering for a moment, then leaned back against the wall for support "You sure you're ok Nick?"

"Yeah, come on we haven't got much time before our visitors arrive. Oh yeah, what about San Diego, Taylor is expecting you"

"No she isn't, I phoned her and postponed our meeting. You need any help?" as Derek spoke Nick took a firm hold of the railing and began to climb the stairs headed for the control room

"Nah, I'll be ok".

---The Control Room:---

It hadn't taken as long as expected to set up the new security measures, however even as they worked Derek maintained a close eye on Nick. He knew that his young friend was still not right, but was being his usual stubborn self and refusing to give in to his own physical weaknesses. Shaking his head Derek sat back in his chair and watched as Nick ran the final checks on the additional security systems.

"Ok I've added voice recognition programming to the main computer, only active members of the house can access the main computer. Our visitors can have access to the general database through any computer terminal but all the personnel records, security codes and other sensitive programs are locked down" Nick stated as he too finally sat down and looked at Derek.

Surprised by what Nick had been able to do in a matter of four hours Derek questioned "You set up and integrated this type of technology in four hours?"

"Actually no, this is something I've been thinking about doing with our systems for a while now. Our visitors just gave me an excuse to complete the upgrades sooner than planned"

"How long have you been working on this?" Derek questioned.

"Since our last visitor" stated Nick bluntly as he rubbed at the bridge of his nose.

Seeing his obvious discomfort Derek stood and walked over to him "Why don't you go get some rest before they arrive".

To Derek's surprise Nick agreed "Yeah I think I will... call me when they're on their way in from the mainland" struggling to his feet, Nick stretched and was again hit by a wave of dizziness. However this time Derek was ready for it and immediately grabbed Nick's arm, stopped him from falling.

"Ok... to bed with you Nick, and no arguments about me helping you"

"Who's arguing?" replied Nick as he leaned against the computer console for support "I'm not sure I can make it up the stairs again" he added as he looked at his friend and boss.

Concern was evident upon Derek's face and Nick understood the reasons, in fact he was also worried about these dizzy spells "Ok, lets not tackle the stairs again... there's that big couch in the library" stated Derek.

Nick sighed as he pushed off the desk and they started towards the library "Even the desk would look good to me at this point in time" stated Nick trying to ease Derek's concerns.

Their progress to the library was slow; but eventually Derek helped Nick lower himself onto the couch "Nick how long have you had this headache?"

"It started yesterday... I took some Advil but it hasn't even touched it" he replied as he lay back and closed his eyes

"Yesterday, why didn't you say anything?"

"Like what... Oh Derek I can't do my work today cause I got a kicker of a headache that just won't quit?" commented Nick sarcastically.

Derek smiled and replied "That would have worked", he grinned as Nick opened his eyes for a moment and looked up at him.

"Now you tell me" he smiled as he again allowed his eyes to close.

Derek tried to sneak out of the library attempting not to disturb his young friend "You still need to work on those stealth skills Derek" came a tired voice from over by the couch.

Derek couldn't help it, he laughed as he looked back in the direction the voice had come from "And you still need to work on those communication skills my friend" He heard a slight chuckle come from Nick's direction as he left the library and headed back to his office.

---Derek's Office:---

Entering his office, Derek immediately headed for the phone; Nick's continued dizzy spells and headache worried him. He knew that Nick still hadn't fully recovered from the abuse he had suffered at the hands of the Phoenix house representative several months before, and was now concerned that the injuries where worse than they originally suspected.

The Legacy jet had not been in the air more than 3 hours when Derek began to suspect there was something wrong, his companions on the flight had not seemed like the normal group who would be associated with the Legacy's exchange program. This group seemed more like a group of escaped convict's than a group of highly trained legacy members.

Shaking off the wild theories running through his head, he tried to settle back and enjoy the flight. Even as he tried to he noticed the Phoenix house members looking at him strangely "Is there a problem gentlemen?" he inquired

"Actually Doctor Rayne, yes there is a problem." Stated one of the men "You see we where expecting Mr. Boyle"

"I know, but there was a slight change of plan... I do hope its not going to be a big problem?"

"Oh no Dr. Rayne... in fact your special skills will make this all the more interesting" commented the man with an evil laugh.

Confused Derek looked at the man "Excuse me?"

"Oh nothing, just thinking out loud" Derek pulled out his mobile phone and began to dial the number for the San Francisco House. "Oh I'm sorry Doctor, but you can't use that on the plane" stated the man as he took the phone from Derek. Stunned Derek stood up to protest, but was pushed back into his seat, the other men on the flight quickly producing weapons "You see Doctor, the reasons Mr. Boyle was requested for this exchange program was because of his special military training. We thought that he would be able to make our little hunt that much more interesting, you professor types just don't seem able to give us the level of sport we want. We where hoping for a real hunt this time, but who knows maybe with your physic abilities you will be able to offer us a more interesting hunt than we expect. But somehow I doubt it"

"Hunt?" questioned Derek confused as he again tried to rise from his seat, however strong hands now held him firmly in place within the seat "What is the meaning of this... What's going on here?"

"It's very simple Dr. Rayne, you've heard of the cat and mouse game right... Well we're the cats... and you're the mouse"

"I refuse to participate in this insanity!" exclaimed Derek

"In that case... it's going to be a very short hunt. Which is a shame you see we haven't hunted in a long time... We where training for our encounter with Mr. Boyle". Derek just looked at the men in utter shock, of course he had heard of human beings hunting other human beings, but never in his wildest dreams would he have imagined it happening within the United States... and certainly not within the Legacy.

"So boys, what's going to be our alibi this time?" questioned one of the men

"We could always say he left the Phoenix house safe and sound... not our fault the good Doctor here got lost on his way home, and drove his car off a ravine" suggested one of the others

"Nah, that's boring... What about the good Doctor went out into the desert on an archaeological dig and wondered off into the desert. We searched for him for days but by the time we located his body, it was beyond recognition" as the man spoke he grabbed Derek's hand to display the Legacy Precept ring. "Only way of identifying him we had was this... we can send it to the ruling house and they'd assign a new Precept... I mean the good Doctor is well known for his love of archaeology and I'm sure he has wondered off on his own little quest's before now".

The others laughed and nodded agreement to the plan "Sounds good, in fact it sounds exactly like what we are looking for" agreed the man that now appeared to be the leader of the group.

Derek had remained silent through the exchange and now sat glaring at the leader "Oh, if you'rr wondering about the Phoenix representative who was sent to your quaint little home. You see we are not only into this for fun, we also find that gathering information from the other Legacy houses and selling it to the highest bidder pay's very well."

"Your nothing more than common thieves!" exclaimed Derek trying to force his way to his feet.

"Oh I assure you Dr. Rayne... there is nothing common about us" laughed the leader as he sat down along with the others as the plane made its final approach for landing.

Derek was awoken from his musing when the phone rang, reaching for it he shivered his mind still lost within the memories of that terrible time. "Derek Rayne"

"Dr. Rayne, this is Eddie at the boathouse... your guest's are on their over" came the familiar voice of the boat house attendant on the mainland.

"Thank you Eddie" replied Derek as he hung up the phone. Realising they had about 20-25 minutes before their visitor's arrived, Derek headed up to the library to wake Nick.

---The library:---

Nick groaned as he tossed and turned up the couch, his mind reliving the horrors of a few months before.

It seemed strange to him how things had changed so dramatically in so short a time. Sighing he ran his fingers through his hair and stared out the window across the bay. A knock at the door stirred him from his thoughts "Come in" he called as he turned to face the door.

"Are you busy?" questioned Alex as she held the door open.

"Not really, what can I do for you?"

"I was wondering if there is any news?" she questioned as she moved into the room and sat opposite him.

Shaking his head he stood up and moved to crouch before her, "No news is good news as far as I'm concerned. I know it's hard but please try not to worry"

"But this isn't like him, he should have called in by now" she stated.

He sighed and sat on the edge of the desk "I know, but this isn't the first time he's run off on his own"

"True, but he usually contacts us eventually".

Folding his arms across his chest he watched her for a moment "Is there anything you're not telling me Alex?" She looked at him stunned, then looked down at the floor, the office carpets, pattern suddenly holding her interest "Alex?" he demanded standing and towering over her.

In what she considered to be an all to successful manoeuvre to intimidate her. She shifted nervously in the chair "Alex what do you know? Where has he gone?"

"He muttered something about the Legacy exchange program"

"The exchange program?"

"You know how secretive he can be when he wants to be" she stated in her own defence.

He nodded with understanding, pushing off the desk he moved back behind the desk "He didn't happen to mention where the exchange program was going to send him?" he asked with false hope.

She shook her head "Sorry"

"Maybe I can find something," he said as he started to sort through the papers on the desk.

She stood and started towards the door, as her hand closed around the door knob she looked back at him and could suddenly see the dark circles under his eyes, his pale complexion and the sag of his shoulders "You should try to get some rest".

He looked up at her and smiled "I will, once he's back here safe and sound."

Releasing the doorknob she quickly moved over to him and hugged him tightly "I'll bring you a fresh pot of coffee" she said as she lightly kissed the top of his head.

He looked up at her and smiled, still hugging her "Thanks Alex"

"Your welcome Nick, just do yourself a favour and get some sleep today," she said giving him one more hug before leaving the office.

Nick rubbed his face with both hands and groaned as he looked at the pile of paperwork upon the desk. Maybe the location of the exchange program was somewhere at the bottom of these piles. Groaning to himself he took the first file from the stack and began to read through it. He had never been one for paperwork, however in Derek's absence he had found himself filling the gap left behind.

As Derek entered the library he could hear the faint sounds of Nick groaning, hurrying inside he found Nick lost in the folds of a nightmare "Nick?" he called out gently to his young friend not wanting to startle the young man.

Nick was instantly awake, and before he could stop himself he had slipped off the couch and now lay on the floor. "Jesus, what a great impression that must have made with the boss" he commented as he glanced up at Derek who was trying desperately to hide the grin upon his face.

Reaching out his hand to his young friend Derek helped him to his feet "You feeling any better?"

"Actually... no, but I'll put on the smiley face and be polite, and courteous to our new visitors" replied Nick as he stood leaning against the doorframe. Both men sighed as they left the library, headed to the front door to greet them.

---Rachel Corrigan's House:---

Kat ran through the door, followed by Alex and Rachel whose arm's where laden down with shopping bags. "You know its times like these Nick's gracious nature really comes in handy" commented Rachel as she bumped her half of the shopping bags onto the couch.

Alex smiled "Yeah and his muscles also come in very handy at times like these as well" she added.

Rachel laughed as she went to get the last of the bags from the car. When she returned she was pleased to see Kat entering the room with a tray of fresh coffee and biscuits on a tray. "Thank you Kat", as she spoke Rachel took the tray from her daughters hands and they all sat down in the lounge together "Mom, have you noticed how quiet Nick's been these last few months?" questioned Kat as she sat on her mother's lap.

Rachel sighed; she had been waiting for this. She knew how important the ex-SEAL was to her daughter and knew that it would not be long before the young girl noticed the change in attitude that had overtaken the young man that so easily held the key to her daughter's heart. She held her daughter close for a second, and looked at Alex desperate for some measure of support "Kat do you remember how Nick spent some time in the hospital a few months back?"

Kat nodded "But he's been hurt before an it's never effected him like this before"

"I know dear, Nick just needs some time to deal with what happened"

"Your mom's right Kat, it's the same for all of us, but Nick and Derek suffered the worst out of that experience and its going to take time for them both to heal" agreed Alex.

Silently Kat nodded her agreement "So Nick's new attitude and behaviour is a temporary thing?"

"Yeah I'm sure it is Kat... Nick's never been one to hold back on his emotions for long and he loves you, he couldn't keep that inside for long"

"Alex is right honey, its just going to take some time" agreed Rachel as she glanced at Alex her eyes betraying her own fears for the chances of their young friend returning to his normal self after such an incident.

Chapter 3:

---Angel Island docks:---

Nick and Derek had gathered at the dock's to greet their visitors, neither relished the idea of having to spend the next 48-72 hours in the company of these complete strangers, however they hoped that things would not be as bad as they expected.

Derek glanced across at Nick as the ocean breeze whipped across them, he was pleased to see that his young associate had chosen to put on a thick coat rather than stand here in his usual flimsy leather jacket.

Nick noticed he was looking at him and sighed, "I'm not made of glass Derek... A little wind isn't gonna shatter me into small pieces you know".

Derek nodded and looked out across the bay, he could see the small craft drawing closer and knew they had a few more minutes before they docked "How you feeling now Nick?"

"I've been better... But I've also been a lot worse" replied the young man "I'll be ok Derek, you just concentrate on our guests"

"Nick after these people are settled in, I want you to take a few hours away from the house. You need to take a break and have some down time" Nick looked at him and appeared to be ready to argue, but Derek shook his head "No arguments Nick".

He saw the younger man sigh then nod his agreement "Ok after we settle the guests in, and I get a security man up here... just in case. Then and only then will I take the time off"

"Agreed" replied Derek, just as the boat drew along side the docks and the pilot threw the tethering line to Nick, who secured the vessel. Three people stepped from the boat; the first was the pilot whom Nick knew well "Hey Tom, good to see you again... how's the wife and kid?"

"Great Nick... I think he's getting ready to take his first steps" replied Tom as he helped the others from the boat.

Nick smiled "Send your wife my regards"

"Will do Nick". With his passengers unloaded Tom headed up to the boathouse, leaving Derek and Nick to greet their guests. When Nick turned to look at the new arrivals he was shocked to see the face that greeted him, he knew the woman, but from where?

Derek greeted the new arrivals in his usual friendly manor "Derek Rayne, Precept of the San Francisco House. And this is Nick Boyle head of security."

"A pleasure to finally meet you Dr. Rayne... I'm Natalie Albright, and this is my associate Richard Wild. Has the ruling house briefed you on the reason for our visit?" As she spoke she shook hands with both men, as she took Derek's hand she felt the warm sensation of another psychic and for some inexplicable reason she found himself smiling. He returned the smile but did not say anything.

Natalie, allowing her colleague to now take the lead in the conversation. "From your confused expressions, I shall assume that the ruling house has not briefed you" stated Richard with a slight shake of his head "Typical bureaucratic asses" he commented in a low voice.

Nick smiled to himself; he liked this man and could recognise within him a shared military background "So Richard which service were you in?" he questioned as Derek started them towards the house.

The man appeared surprised for a moment then a slight smile spread across his face "Oh yeah, that's right, you where in the SEAL's... right Nick?" Nick just nodded as they walked up the path to the house "Similar branch to yourself, but with the Army... Special Forces"

"Army should have known" commented Nick grinning mischievously.

Richard glanced across at him and smiled "Now, now Nick... We pulled the SEAL's butt's outta the fire several times so don't go getting to cocky"

"Was that before or after you guys put our butt's in the fire?" joked Nick.

Richard laughed as they entered the house and headed into Derek's office; the two civilians' were watching the playful banter going on with a slight smile.

Once inside the office, Richard quickly became all business and Derek found himself reflecting upon how very similar Nick and Richard where in both physical appearance and attitude. "OK well basically guys, the ruling house has sent us up here in light of the situation within the Phoenix House" even before Richard had finished speaking, all three heard a groan come from Nick's direction.

Derek looked at him concerned, but it was Richard who went to his side "Nick?"

"I'm ok... carry on. Let's get this over with as soon as possible, no disrespect to either of you but the sooner this is over with the sooner life can return to normal around here"

"None taken Nick, but if ya don't mind me saying... you don't look so hot there sailor" Richard glanced at Derek and could see the concern written across the precepts face. He had read the report Derek had submitted to the ruling house and knew that all within the house where having a hard time coming to terms with what had happened. He also knew that out of all the house members the one who had suffered the most both physically and morally was the young man stood before him.

Derek quickly stood and moved to stand at Nick's other side "Nick is your headache still bothering you?" the young man didn't respond verbally he simply nodded, it was as if all the energy had been drained from him. "If you don't mind excusing us for a minute... I think Nick should lie down" both Natalie and Richard nodded agreement and watched in silence as the Precept aided his younger associate from the office.

When Nick and Derek had left the office Natalie and Richard exchanged concerned glances "Mitchell never mentioned lasting physical side effects from the injuries sustained" commented Richard a slight tone of anger held within his voice.

Natalie understood her associates anger, even in the few short minutes they had spent with Derek Rayne and Nick Boyle, both had quickly grown to like them "I'll contact him tonight and see about arranging a follow up medical for Derek and especially Nick"

"You know as well as I do that unless those medical examinations where arranged before our arrival there is no way in hell that Nick is gonna go".

Sighing Natalie nodded agreement "Ok well the San Francisco House does have a qualified doctor on the staff... perhaps as she was not as actively involved in the case, she will be able to assist us".

Richard smiled "Good thinking Nat"

"I try" she replied returning the smile.

A few moments later the door to the office reopened and Derek once again entered "I'm sorry about that"

"No problem, is the kid all right?" questioned Richard as he sat down in front of the desk Derek was now sitting behind.

Derek sighed and rubbed his eyes "I think so, he say's its just a headache" siting back in his chair he looked at them both "You where about to explain why the ruling house has sent you here" commented Derek trying to get the conversation back on track.

"Ok well as I was saying, the ruling house has sent us here to investigate the incident with the Phoenix House representative and also what occurred with yourself Dr. Rayne, on the exchange program" sighing Richard braced himself for the argument he knew was about to come. "Basically our job is to find out what went wrong within the house security and why highly sensitive information was allowed to be downloaded from your database"

"ALLOWED!" exploded Derek glaring at Richard "Nick almost lost his life trying to stop that information being downloaded... and your going to waltz in here and tell me Nick ALLOWED that data to be taken!"

"Dr. Rayne... Richard and I understand that Nick did everything within his power to try to prevent the information being stolen, however the fact still remains that highly sensitive information was stolen from the Legacy database via a terminal within the San Francisco House" stated Natalie trying desperately to defuse the situation.

Derek stood and began to pace "Do you realise how many nights Nick has spent wondering if there wasn't something more he could have done to prevent that information from being taken. How he has toiled over and over what happened that day, examined and re-examined his ever action and reaction. And now your going to reconfirm to him that he failed, that there was something more he could have done! No I don't think so... I'm going to contact the ruling house and speak with Mitchell myself. I won't let the Legacy ruin a good man like Nick Boyle simply because they did not maintain a close enough watch on the Phoenix House!"

When Derek stopped pacing and looked at Richard and Natalie he was surprised to see Richard smiling "I agree Dr. Rayne... now if you'll excuse my French, but the Legacy fucked up royally and now they're looking for a 'scape goat. Seems like some piss ant bureaucrat has decided that Nick Boyle is their sacrificial lamb"

"So what are we going to do about it?" questioned Derek his anger tempered slightly at hearing the support for his young friend from this stranger.

Richard grinned at Derek then looked at Natalie who smiled "Basically in military terms Dr. Rayne... we're about to shove a red hot poker up that bureaucrat's ass"

"Dr. Rayne... Richard is here to assess the house's security measures, which I am sure Nick staid up most of the night upgrading. I however am here to assess the psychological well being of the members of the house to assure the Legacy that they and yourself are capable of carrying out your duties." It was now Natalie's turn to pace the office as she spoke "I understand from house records that you have a medical doctor on your team, but that she is also a trained psychologist?"

"That's correct Rachel Corrigan" replied Derek as he sat forward his interest in these two strangers now peeked "She and her daughter Katharine where not at the house at the time of the incident... Nick had already sent them to safety."

"Good boy" muttered Richard as he sat back in his chair and looked around the room, apparently having lost interest in the conversation at hand.

Derek glanced at him for a moment, then returned his attention to Natalie "That's good that means Nick won't be suspicious when Rachel gives him a medical. The headaches are of some concern to myself and Richard we where not informed of any lasting effects from the incident"

"You weren't informed... it was in my report? Nick is still not back to full health and Rachel has been concerned about the possibilities that Nick feels responsible for what occurred to me in the desert".

The two new arrivals exchanged confused glances "You reported this to the ruling house?" questioned Richard once again sitting forward and paying attention to the conversation.

Derek nodded and looked at them confused "Well Dr. Rayne, it wasn't in any of the reports we read about the incident and the current status of the house members" stated Richard his tone now clearly one of serious irritation.

Natalie looked at Richard she knew that this news was not sitting well with the former soldier "Is there anything else we should know, that may have been omitted from the reports?" questioned Natalie.

Derek shook his head unable to think of anything "I guess we'll find out as your investigation continues" he stated, the other two nodded their agreement as they all stood. "If you don't mind Richard I would like to run you through the security measure's if there is anything I can't answer or something that needs Nick to clarify I'll call him. However I would really prefer it if he could get some rest before being bombarded with a series of technical questions".

Richard smiled and nodded his agreement "I was about to suggest we let the kid sleep" Derek smiled and began to grand tour of the house.

He was cold; every inch of his body felt as if a hundred red-hot needles had been jabbed into his body and slowly removed via the other side. Groaning he rolled onto his back and looked up at the star covered sky.

As he moved his arm trying to find a comfortable position upon the hard cold ground, suddenly he was hit be a vision.

'Movement from his desk, slowly a head rose from behind the stack of files. For a moment it took him a second to realise who was sat behind the desk. Despite the pale complexion and the blood shot eyes it was clearly Nick, however he didn't look good.'

Groaning he struggled to his feet and looked around, in the darkness of the night he could make out the faint glow of torches as his pursuers searched for him. He knew that he had left a trail a blind man could have followed, but he neither had the time or the skills to conceal his path. All he knew was that he had to get to safety and get back to the San Francisco Legacy House before something terrible happened.

Richard noticed that Derek was shivering "You ok Derek?" he questioned as he and the older man moved towards the library.

Derek blinked several times as he returned from his musing "I'm fine" he said as he opened the door to the library allowing Richard to lead the way.

---Rachel Corrigan's house:---

Alex and Rachel sat in the lounge talking while Kat went outside to play with her friends. Both where pleased to see that the young girl was not allowing her friends recent change in attitude to effect her.

Sipping their coffee their conversation eventually returned to the situation with the Phoenix house representative and what they knew about what had happened. "I don't know Rachel maybe if I had insisted Nick leave with me..." began Alex.

Rachel cut in "No Alex... Nick did what he had too to protect you and the Legacy. I know that he doesn't blame you for anything that happened that day"

Alex sighed and sat forward looking at her friend "I just wish there was something I could do to help him"

"Alex you know how Nick is... if he needs help it may take him some time to admit it but he always comes through and asks for it". Alex nodded agreement as she found herself staring out the window and reflecting upon the past.

Alex entered the control room, and looked at the flashing computer screen and the sleeping form before it. She sighed as she walked towards the computer, as she drew close the sleeping form was instantly awake.

A gun suddenly appeared in his hand. "Whoa Nick, it's me Alex!"

Even as she spoke recognition appeared in the young mans eyes and he lowered the gun "Sorry"

"A little jumpy tonight" she commented as he rubbed the last remnants of sleep from his eyes

"I guess" he agreed with a slight shrug.

"Nick what's going on? You've been acting weird for days".

Sighing he leaned back into the chair "I can't explain it Alex. There's just something about our 'guest' that makes me nervous"

"Is that why you asked Rachel to take Kat back to the mainland?"

As he looked up at her, his face was cast in a deadly serious expression "I'd have asked you to go as well, but I couldn't think of a good enough excuse".

She looked at him in surprise "he worries you that much?"

"More." He replied honestly.

Sitting down next to him she studied Nick's face. As she looked at him, she could see his usually youthful face had aged over the last few days, worry lines were now prominent upon his brow. "Have you been able to get in touch with Derek yet?" expecting his usual bravado response of 'I can handle any trouble that comes along' she was both surprised and worried to hear him answer.

"I've tried but every time I call I get the automated message about the user being away from the phone or out of range". Standing he began to pace the room, his hands rubbing together nervously "Alex, I want you to go to the mainland. Stay with Rachel for a few days, anything just don't come back until our 'guest' is gone"

"What about you?"

"I'll stay here and keep an eye on him" he stated

"Nick I must tell you, I haven't sensed anything even remotely resembling any kind of threat from him".

Nick nodded and moved to stand before her "I know but every part of me is saying he's trouble. Trust me Alex, he is a threat. What kind of threat I don't know yet. But he's definitely a threat". She looked into his eyes and could see the fear, not only his fear for her safety but his fear for himself as well.

Quickly she drew him into a hug and whispered "I trust you Nick"; he returned the hug with a sigh of relief.

Alex jumped when she felt a hand come to rest upon her arm pulling her back from her memories "Alex are you OK?"

"What? Sorry Rachel"

"You where a thousand miles away... Anything you want to talk about?" questioned Rachel as she handed Alex a fresh cup of coffee.

"I'm fine Rachel, just thinking"

"About?"

"About how things turned out, and what we need to do to help them both get back on track" turning to face Rachel again she smiled.

Rachel smiled as well "Ok, time to come up with a plan" stated Rachel as she raised her cup to take a sip.

---Angel Island:---

As Derek and Richard walked through the house checking the new security layout they found themselves talk about their experiences, Derek knew that Richard was interested in discussing the Detroit hunters, but that subject was still to fresh within his mind.

Stumbling and falling to his knees, Derek looked up at the canyon walls. Why had he insisted on coming on the exchange trip? Why hadn't he sent Nick as Mitchell advised?

Unsteadily he got to his feet again, only to be slammed back down by the force of a vision.

'Nick and Alex hurrying towards the boat house, both hugging before Nick helps Alex into the speedboat. Nick stands watching as she heads out into the bay. Suddenly a shadow falls over Nick; he spins around to be confronted by a giant of a man. Words are exchanged but Derek can not hear them. The man suddenly strikes out, catching Nick across the face in a glancing blow, that sends the smaller man crashing into a stack of crates.'

Derek gasps as the vision ends, his heart pounding as he struggles to control the raging emotions within himself. "Dear God Nick, what have I done... hold on my friend, please hold on". Looking back up at the canyon walls he forces himself to his feet and begins the long hike with a new resolve.

As they reached the holographic wall entrance to the control room, both men exchanged a wary glance.

Richard indicated for him to go first, it had been hard for Derek to enter the control room, his visions had allowed him to see the majority of what Nick had gone through in that room.

After taking a deep breath, he moved towards the holographic wall, and then through it. Turning he watched as Richard too attempted to pass through the wall but was not allowed admittance.

Grinning Richard knocked on the wall "OK Derek, wanna let me in now?" he called through the wall. Derek smiled and reached through the wall grasping Richard's arm and pulling him inside.

Richard stood looking around the impressive computer orientated control room "Let me guess Nick's speciality was computers and electronics in the Navy?"

"He's never really said where he learned his skills with computers and electronics. I just assumed it was with the Navy" replied Derek as he moved further into the control room and across to the main computer terminal.

Richard followed him, his eyes scanning the entire room as he did so, as Derek watched him, he again found himself noting the similarities between Nick and Richard. Both men observed everything about the room they where within, as if searching for an unseen attacker.

Shaking his head Derek dismissed it as the end result of military services "What would you like to see first?" he questioned as he stood leaning against the computer console.

Richard raised an eyebrow at Derek "Nick's created an Aladdin's cave of technology here... where do I start?" Richard smiled at Derek and moved over to the computer console "OK lets start with some good old style hacking" as he spoke Richard began to enter in a series of codes, all of which where denied.

Derek smiled and sat down, he knew that this was going to be a long, slow process if Richard intended to bypass Nick's security measures and gain access to the central files.

---------------------------------**

As Natalie was making her way to her new home for the next few days she heard the faint sounds of someone in pain coming from the room a few doors down. Dropping her bags she started towards the door, knocking gently she waited a moment before pushing the door open and stepping inside. With the curtains closed the light in the room was to the bare minimum "Hello?" she called as she started towards the bed. Someone shifted under the covers but didn't respond. As she drew closer to the bed she could see that it was Nick who was laid within the covers, his body thrashing underneath the covers as he battled with something within his sleep.

Sitting upon the bed at his side, she placed her hand upon his forehead, checking for a fever. He immediately turned into her soothing touch "Shh Nick, its ok... Your safe" she whispered to him, trying to calm him enough to sleep restfully. As she stroked his hair away from his eyes she was suddenly hit by a vision.

Opening his eyes Nick looked up at the ceiling in confusion, it was moving. No he was moving, in fact he was being dragged along the floor by his ankle. Looking down at his hands he saw that they were tied together. He could feel the rapidly forming bruise on his cheek and moved his jaw from side to side ensuring nothing was broken or dislocated as a result of the savage blow. Realising there was little he could do for himself until the Phoenix house representative had gone he lay his head back down and closed his eyes.

Suddenly he felt the forward motion stop and the pressure on his ankle released, as his foot hit the floor he involuntarily groaned. Large hands closed around his biceps pulling him to his feet. He pretended to be dazed and confused but when one of the mans large hands closed around his throat his eyes flew open, his hands automatically clawing at the hand that was now cutting off his vital air supply. "You try anything and I'll snap your neck like a twig. You got that mister big shot Navy SEAL?"

The man spoke with such venom and disgust, Nick knew he meant what he said and that he was totally capable of making good on his threat. Silently Nick nodded and after a moment the pressure around his throat vanished.

As Nick gasped for air the pressure returned, however this time is came from the back of his neck, where the big man now held him securely. Looking around Nick quickly got his bearings, they where just outside the control room, he felt the pressure around his neck increase. "Now Mr. Big Shot your gonna take me into the control room" as he spoke the man shook Nick around for effect "And your not gonna give me any trouble now are you?"

"No" croaked Nick threw his bruised and soar throat.

"That's what I thought" replied the big man smugly as he pushed Nick towards the holographic wall.

As they entered the control room, Nick's eyes scanned the room for anything he could use as a weapon against this mountain of a man, but there was nothing. Laughing the man pushed Nick further into the control room, with enough force to send the smaller man crashing to the floor.

Nick glared at the big man as he began to stand up, however the big man kicked his feet out from under him. Once again sending him crashing to the floor "Did I tell you, you could get up? I didn't think so" laughed the bigger man.

Nick glared at him from the floor, as he watched him looking around the control room, Nick knew that he had to alert the rest of the Legacy to the threat the San Francisco house was under. He also knew that he would have to find some way to reach the silent alarm button, which he had completed installing just a few days before.

As he watched the big man who was now walking around the control room, he cautiously got to his knees. He knew that from this position he could quickly get to his feet and run towards the virtually invisible panic button on the computer console.

The big man heard something and turned in time to see Nick headed for the computer console, believing he was attempting to lock out computer access, the big man charged at him.

Nick pressed the panic button moments before the bigger man slammed into him. The force of the blow and the bigger man's weight sent Nick into the holographic projector, he cried out as his lower back slammed into the corner of the projector and began to scream in painful objection to the abuse.

The big man grasped Nick by the shirtfront with one hand and dealt a series of devastating blows to his face and stomach with the other.

As Nick felt himself lose consciousness he suddenly felt himself flying through the air, only to moments later slam into the wall. As he slipped to the floor the assault continued in the form of kicks to his chest and stomach. In a last ditch effort to save himself from serious internal injuries he curled up into a ball, as the attack continues he lost consciousness.

Nick suddenly jerked awake under Natalie's touch, his hand automatically reaching for were he hid his gun. Natalie jumped up from the bed "Nick... It's ok Nick, it's just me... Nat" she said, watching his every move very closely. She heard him sigh.

As the room was suddenly basked in light from his bedside lamp she could see the sheen of sweat that covered his body. "Natalie what are you doing in my room?" he questioned as he laid his head back down on the pillow.

She moved back to his side, once again sitting on the bed "I heard you moaning, you where having a nightmare" she stated.

He closed his eyes, covering them with his forearm "It was nothing"

"Nick, are you having nightmares about what happened here?" she questioned, deciding that the only way she could get any information from the former SEAL was to ask direct questions.

Again she heard him sigh "Just leave it ok, I'll be fine as soon as I shake of this headache"

"Have you seen a Doctor about these headaches?" she questioned as she reached for the bottle of tablets on the nightstand.

Hearing the movement of the bottle he removed his arm from over his eyes and looked at her "Like I said, its nothing to concern yourself with".

He could see by her expression she was unhappy about the contents of the bottle, "How many of these are you taking?"

"Enough" he replied as he turned over onto his side, his back to her.

She gripped his shoulder and turned him to face her again "Enough isn't an answer Nick. How many of these are you taking to get through the day?" she demanded

"Four maybe five" he finally admitted, "Now if you don't mind I'm gonna go back to sleep".

She however was not quiet done "Is that 4 or 5 a day, or each time you take them?" when he didn't answer she grabbed his shoulder again and tried to turn him back onto his back.

"Look lady, your pushing me here... I promised Derek I'd be polite, but you keep pushing me like you are and I'm not gonna be able to keep that promise" he growled.

Natalie stood, taking the bottle with her "Fine, I'll go... but I'm taking these with me" as she spoke she held up the bottle of pills, he just growled at her and turned over back onto his side. Shaking her head Natalie left Nick's bedroom and headed back downstairs to find Derek and Richard.

---Ferry Boat to Angel Island:---

Rachel and Alex sat in the car watching as the ferry made its slow path across the bay to Angel Island. Kat was on the deck watching the seagulls as they flew around the boat.

Pulling her coat around herself, Alex pushed the throttle of the boat further forward, increasing its speed. She knew how dangerous it was to be speeding across shipping lanes in the middle of the night, but she didn't care. She wanted to get to land as soon as possible.

Reaching into her coat pocket she pulled out her mobile phone and pressed the speed dial for Rachel's home phone number "Rachel" she shouted over the sound of the engine and the waves breaking against the hull of the boat.

"Alex?" a sleepy yet surprised voice answered "what's going on? What time is it?"

"It's late... Rachel I'm on my way over. Nick thinks we may have a situation at the house"

"Have you contacted Derek?"

"Nick's tried several times but can't get through to him" as she spoke, Alex expertly negotiated her way to the docks.

"Nick tried!" interrupted Rachel's surprised but now alert voice "He's that worried"

"More so I'd say Rachel" Alex replied as she shut down the engine and secured the boat.

"Where is he now?" questioned Rachel

"Still on the island"

"What...Why didn't he leave with you?"

"Rachel I'll explain what I can when I get there" stated Alex, moments before she hung up and started towards the Luna Foundation car that was always parked at the dock.

Rachel glanced over at Alex, she could see that the younger woman was still worried about Nick and Derek and understood her reasons for concern, she too felt them. "Don't worry Alex, the boys will never know what hit them" the younger woman smiled at her.

"Are you sure it's a good idea to include Kat in our plans?" questioned Alex as she looked at the young girl stood leaning against the guard rail.

Rachel nodded "I'm sure, Kat's just as worried about them as we are, she'll help us no matter what"

"You're her mom, you know her best" agreed Alex. Rachel smiled and squeezed Alex's arm reassuringly.

---Angel Island:---

Natalie knocked on the holographic wall to the control room, the bottle of pills still within her hand, her mind remembering what she had seen happen to the young man upstairs within the room she was about to enter.

Derek stuck his head through the wall and looked at her "Looking for Richard, he's in here... come on in"; as he spoke he took her hand in his and led her into the room.

As she stepped into the room her mind flashed back to the vision she had experienced in Nick's room. Her mind replayed every action from within this room. Shaking herself she joined Derek and Richard at the computer console "Hey Nat, you wanna have a go at cracking Nick's access codes?" questioned Richard his voice holding a tone of excitement like a kid with a new toy.

Derek smiled and looked at Natalie, his smile vanished when he saw her expression "What's wrong?" he questioned anxiously.

Hearing Derek's concerned tone and Natalie's lack of response Richard stopped working at the computer console and turned to look at his partner "Nat?"

"Derek, did you know Nick was taking these?" as she spoke she handed the bottle of pills to Derek.

Reading the label he looked at her "No, what is it?"

"It's a morphine based pain killer, from what I can gather he's been taking between 4 and 5 tablets at a time".

From behind Derek came a slight whistle, he turned to look at Richard "Nat any idea how long he's been taking that stuff?"

"My guess is since the attack" she replied as she took the bottle from Derek's hand "These are strong pain killers, he has to be getting them from a Doctor" she stated.

"Who must be getting what from a Doctor?" questioned Rachel as she and Alex moved further into the room.

"Rachel Corrigan, Alex Moreu... may I introduce Richard Wild and Natalie Albright from the Detroit House."

As they shook hands Derek indicated for Natalie to give Rachel the bottle of pills "Rachel, Nat found Nick with these, it appears he's been taking 4 maybe 5 at a time" he stated.

Rachel quickly read the bottle label, then looked up at Derek in surprise "4 maybe 5 at a time you said?" she questioned looking at Natalie who nodded.

"That's what he said... He wasn't in the best of moods, he's having nightmares about what happened in here...And after witnessing it first hand, I can understand why" she replied.

Rachel looked at her questioningly but Alex nodded with understanding "Natalie also has the gift" stated Alex as she took the bottle from Rachel's hand and examined it "Rachel how is this stuff going to be effecting him?"

"Morphine is highly addictive even in trace amounts, this stuff is laden with it, so if he's taking 4 or 5 pills at a time, there is a strong chance he is all ready addicted to it." Sitting on the desk edge Rachel turned the bottle in her hand "He's going to get irritable, have a short attention span... Unfortunately these are the mild side effects. As with any addictive substance its going to be hard to get him off them, he's going to have to do cold turkey, which on morphine is not a pretty sight. Where is he now?"

"Last time I saw him he was up in his room trying to sleep. Derek, I think those headaches are getting worse" stated Natalie concern evident in her voice.

Derek nodded and started towards the door "I'm going to talk to him" he stated

"Mind some company?" questioned Richard as he followed Derek.

Shaking his head Derek and Richard left the control room, leaving Alex and Rachel to get to know Natalie. "So Natalie you're from the Detroit House?" questioned Rachel her suspicious nature coming to the forefront after the incident with the Phoenix House representative.

Natalie smiled and nodded "That's correct, Mitchell requested that Richard and I come and assess the situation here after what happened"

"Assess?" questioned Alex confused

"Unfortunately, as Legacy information was stolen the ruling house requires that an investigation be carried out to assess security and the viability of maintaining the houses current status"

"Which means what? Your here to see if any of us where involved in the theft, and to assess our mental fitness to remain members of the Legacy?" questioned Rachel.

Sighing Natalie sat on the desk and looked at the two women before her "I understand your hostility Dr. Corrigan, however I need your assistance in this matter. Both Richard and I feel it is important that both Derek and Nick under go complete physicals. It appears that someone at the ruling house has been withholding information from us. We had not been informed of the continued physical condition of Nick, and so we now find ourselves wondering what else has been omitted from the reports."

Rachel nodded her agreement then a thought occurred to her "Are you going to include the tablets in your report?" Natalie sighed she had been dreading this question from the moment she had seen the bottle and Nick had admitted to taking 4 or 5 at a time.

"To be honest Rachel I don't know at the moment. From what Richard and I have been able to see, someone has an agenda for Nick and wants him out of the Legacy. I should report this but I'm going to hold off on that for the moment, for all we know at the moment, he was taking these medications under Doctors orders"

"What can we do to help you in your investigation?" questioned Alex.

Natalie smiled "Rachel as you weren't directly involved in what happened Richard and I want to use you in your professional capacity, both as a medical Doctor and a psychologist." Turning to face Alex, Natalie sighed, "Alex we're going to have to carry out interviews with you, Derek and Nick to establish exactly what happened here... I'm afraid that means your not officially going to be able to assist us in the investigation".

------------------------------------*

As they climbed the stairs to Nick's room, Derek watched Richard closely; he had expected a stronger reaction from the former soldier "Do you have any idea what we are going to say to him?" questioned Derek

"I take it you've never had to deal with this type of thing before?" questioned Richard as they started down the hall towards Nick's room.

Derek shook his head "I haven't"

"Ok, then leave this to me, I've had some experience with this kind of thing" stated Richard as he walked straight into Nick's room without even knocking. Derek followed him in, surprised by the brazenness of the ex-soldier.

Standing by the door he watched in shock as Richard marched over to Nick's bed, grabbed the mattress and pulled it out from under the sleeping man, Nick hit the floor with a thud and a low groan. However Richard hadn't finished yet he marched around to the other side of the bed, as he did so he looked at Derek "That an on suite bathroom?" he questioned. Derek nodded "Good go switch on the shower, make sure its ice cold" stated Richard as he crouched next to the still half-asleep Nick and picked him up.

Derek quickly did as instructed and exited the bathroom before Richard and Nick entered. Stood by the door Derek watched in silent amusement as Richard dumped Nick into the freezing cold water "Wakey Wakey sailor boy... Time to rise and shine".

Derek's silent amusement quickly ended when Nick struck out at Richard, but the soldier had expected it and easily dodged the blow "Gotta be quicker than that sailor boy if ya wanna catch this man".

Unfazed Richard reached back into the shower and pushed Nick back under the freezing cold stream of water.

From within the shower Derek could hear a string of profanities "Now, now Mr. Big shot... is that anyway to talk?" questioned Richard as he held Nick under the water.

As Richard held Nick's shoulder holding him under the stream of cold water he suddenly felt him tense under his touch, confused he looked at Derek who immediately moved to his side to see what the problem was.

As Derek touched Nick's shoulder he was struck by a vision, he found himself watching as Nick relived what had happened.

When Nick awoke he could hear the big man talking to someone "I'm in the control room. No he wasn't much trouble, I don't see why the boss was so worried about this guy".

Threw the location of his voice Nick knew that the big man was stood before the large monitor. Carefully and silently Nick checked each of his limbs, on several occasions he ground his teeth to keep himself from crying out. He knew that several ribs where broken, he believed that his arm was broken perhaps even his leg but he wasn't sure.

Finally opening his eyes he could see the Phoenix house representative stood over by the computer access port "I'm accessing the database" Nick began to drag himself towards the exit when he heard the beeping of the computer security lockout "Damn looks like the hot shot customised the security"

"Can you break it?" questioned a strangely familiar voice.

Knowing that he had limited time Nick used the near by desk and chair to pull himself to his feet, biting back a groan he started towards the holographic entrance. He was within a few feet when he heard a curse, and knew that the big man had failed "They got a retinal scanner for main core access"

"Use Mr. Boyle... I'm sure he has access" the voice instructed.

Nick cradled his arm to his chest in an effort to support the broken ribs as he tried to increase his pace. "Hey Mr. Big Shot, where you think you're going?" demanded the big man as he moved towards Nick.

Realising that he needed an advantage if he was to survive a second attack by this giant of a man, Nick desperately searched for something, anything that would allow him to gain the advantage. As he searched the big man drew closer; Nick spotted one of Derek's swords in the far corner just as the big man reached out to grab him.

Nick knew it was stupid and dangerous in his present condition but he also knew it was his only chance. Diving out of the man's reach, he threw himself across the table, rolling over it so he would land on his feet right next to the sword. Fighting back the waves of nausea and dizziness he grasped the sword and swung it at the big man, catching him on the arm "SHIT!" exclaimed the man as he jumped back grasping his arm "You'll pay for that you bastard!" he growled.

Stumbling back Derek looked at Nick in shock, he had known it had been bad, he had seen the physical injuries his young friend had sustained but he had had no idea it had been that bad.

Richard looked at him in confusion, and then suddenly found himself fighting to support Nick's full weight as the younger mans legs gave out under him. "Jesus Derek, what just happened... what did you see?" he demanded as he pulled Nick from the shower and carried him over to the bed.

As he gently placed Nick upon the bed he looked at Derek, the precept was visibly shaken by what he had seen "Talk to me Derek, what's going on in this kids mind?"

"You said something that triggered his memories of that day" stated Derek as he too moved to stand next to the bed. Sitting next to Nick he tried to clam his own raging emotions "The Phoenix House representative called him Mr. Big Shot... Jesus Richard, he beat him so bad... The bastard took pleasure in causing him harm".

Richard moved to Derek's side and squeezed his shoulder "Ok so we're gonna have to watch what we say around him... Did you see anything else?"

Unable to vocalise the brutality he had witness he just shook his head, his eyes never leaving the tortured face of his young friend.

Richard looked at both men, he knew he had to tell Natalie of what just happened and thought he should perhaps get Rachel to give the kid a sedative or something to help him sleep "Derek you gonna be ok with him while I get Rachel and Nat up here?" Derek nodded his eyes never leaving Nick's face.

Natalie and Rachel where just leaving the control room as Richard came running down the stairs "Nat. Rachel good you're together, we need you in Nick's room"

"What's wrong Rich... What happened?" questioned Natalie as she and Rachel started up the stairs after him

"Seems I inadvertently triggered a memory for Nick, not the pleasant type either" replied Richard as he reached the top of the stairs.

As they reached the level upon which Nick's room was located their heard someone shouting further down the hall. Richard ran down the hall to Nick's room and skidded to a halt when he saw Nick crouched in a corner, Derek stood in front of him trying desperately to calm the young man down.

Rachel and Natalie entered the room "Derek, back of... give him some space" Derek looked at Rachel confused but did as she instructed, slowly he backed away until he was stood beside Richard.

Natalie and Rachel exchanged glances, then they both slowly moved towards Nick, treating him as if he where a wounded dangerous animal. Making only slow unthreatening movements and whispering words of reassurance in gentle calm tones.

Sighing Derek realised that that was exactly what Nick was at this moment in time, a wounded, dangerous animal that was capable to doing them all serious injury if he wanted. Glancing at Richard he was reassured to see the ex-soldiers confidence in the women being able to stabilise this situation.

Noticing Derek was watching him, Richard glanced at him and smiled "Don't worry Derek, Nat's done this before as I am sure has Rachel... They'll get him clamed down", he saw Derek nod and once again returned his attention to the two women who where cautiously approaching Nick.

Nick was only vaguely aware of what was happening when he felt hands forcing him to his feet, and half dragging half carrying him over to the computer console.

Through the haze he heard the big man talking "OK Mr. Hot Shot, time to open Pandora's box" as the words where spoken Nick's left eye lid was forced open for the computer to scan, he tried to struggle but the big man held him stead fast.

He groaned when he heard the computer beep in acceptance of the scan "Very good... Now I think you've outlived your usefulness to me" stated the big man as he tossed Nick aside.

Laid barely conscious on the floor Nick watched helplessly as the big man began to download and send information from the database, groaning he tried to stop the big man, but as he came close to him, the big man just kicked him away again.

Clutching his chest Nick was forced to watch and wait as the big man completed his transaction and turned to leave. He paused for a moment looking down at Nick "See ya around hot shot" he said moments before he kicked Nick again robbing him of consciousness.

Rachel glanced across at Natalie as they both approached Nick from either side; neither expected what happened next.

Nick uttered a low groan and passed out before them. Quickly both moved to his side, turning him onto his back so that Rachel could check his vitals "His pulse is strong and steady... I think he just passed out" stated Rachel as she checked his eyes "Damn, he's so high on those pain killers" she muttered to herself.

Richard and Derek moved to join them at Nick's side and together they lifted him up and onto the bed "When he comes round the first thing he's going to want are those pain killers, I need you to search the room for anymore. Its likely he has an emergency stash somewhere in here, we need to find it and get rid of it before he wakes" stated Rachel as she began to pull Nick's wet clothes off. "Natalie... Derek, you two search for the pills, don't just check in here check everywhere... even the places you don't think he'd hide them, check anyway. Richard can you stay and help me with Nick, you appear to have some experience with this before, I can use your help"

"Sure, what do you need me to do?" questioned Richard as he watched Derek and Natalie leave the room, closing the door behind them he turned the lock.

Rachel glanced at him for a moment and smiled, nodding her approval. Swiftly Richard moved to her side and helped her undress Nick "Rachel you want get him some clean PJ's while I take care of the rest?" questioned Richard figuring he would save her some embarrassment.

She smiled at him as she stood up "Richard nice thought but I've undressed Nick before... many times in fact".

Richard smiled to himself and looked down at Nick "Kid you don't know how lucky you are... two hot sexy women in the same house", he heard Rachel laughing in the background as she pulled open a draw and got Nick a clean pair of pyjamas.

When she rejoined Richard he had Nick stripped and under the blankets "You want to do the honours or should I?" questioned Rachel grinning.

Richard smiled and looked as if he was giving the subject serious consideration "Which is gonna embarrass the kid the most?" he questioned.

Rachel grinned and hit Richard's arm, then handed him the pyjama's "Here just for that you get the pleasure of getting him ready for bed"

"Now Rachel you know he's not my type" Richard joked as he took the pyjamas and pulled back the blankets.

Both jumped when they heard a weak voice say, "Damned straight I'm not"

"Hey kid... How ya feeling?" questioned Richard as he and Rachel sat down on the bed.

"Should I even bother asking why I am naked under here?" questioned Nick a weak smile upon his face.

Rachel grinned "Richard was telling me you have a tattoo on file, I've never seen it so I thought I'd take the opportunity to."

Unable to stop himself Richard burst out laughing "Sorry kid, Rachel you're a scream I think you and I are gonna get along great"

"I'm so pleased you two are bonding, now can I PLEASE have those pyjamas!"

Grinning Richard handed Nick the Pyjamas "You want us to leave?" questioned Richard.

Nick sat up in the bed and looked at Rachel and Richard "Would it make an difference to either of you if I said yes"

"Nope... We're staying right here" stated Rachel as she sat back on the bed, leaning against the headboard, stretching herself out beside Nick.

He looked at her with slight annoyance but refrained from saying anything. Richard grinned and moved over to sit in the chair in the corner "Sorry kid, but this is for your own good"

"What is?" questioned Nick in confusion "What's going on here?" he demanded as he looked at them both.

Rachel and Richard exchanged glances trying to decide who was going to tackle the topic of the pills, sigh Rachel stood up and began to pace the room "Nick, we know about the pills. Why didn't you come to me about this?" she questioned her voice carrying a tone of disappointment.

"Look it's nothing serious Rachel, I've been having some trouble sleeping so I went and saw someone about it, they prescribed the pills"

"At what dosage though?" questioned Rachel "I seriously doubt any trained physician is going to prescribe the quantity of morphine you've been taking".

Nick looked at her in confusion "Morphine?" he questioned his face paling at the mention of the word

Richard and Rachel exchanged confused glances "You didn't know the pills where morphine based?" questioned Richard suspiciously as he sat forward in the chair "Nick who did you go see about these nightmares?"

"No I didn't know those tablets where morphine based, what do you think I am some morphine junky looking for a hit... That's it isn't it, that's what you though was going on here?" the betrayal in Nick's voice cut deep

Rachel lowered her head unable to look at Nick, she had heard the betrayal in his voice and knew that she couldn't look into his eyes and see the hurt they would hold. "Nick try looking at it from our point of view" stated Richard "We know you where injured very badly a few months before, more than likely you where prescribed morphine for the pain. Its not that big a leap for you to have become addicted to the Morphine, add to that your, strange behaviour and headaches, what would you think?"

"Sure I'd think something was up and that there was a chance addiction was the problem. I'd talk to them first, see about getting the facts before I went jumping to conclusions" insisted Nick as he swung his legs out from under the blankets, and stood up pulling the sheet along with him. Wrapping the sheet around his waste he headed into the bathroom.

------------------------**

Derek and Natalie had searched the lounge and the kitchen and where now headed towards the library. "Has Nick ever been through anything like this before?" questioned Natalie

"Drug addiction, or the physical injuries?" questioned Derek as he opened the library door for her.

Entering she looked around the impressive library "The drug addiction, I saw from his records that he's suffered a lot of injuries since joining the Legacy"

"Nick's never had anything to do with drugs, he only takes the medication the doctors give him because it will help him get well enough to get out of the hospital. He's not to great with hospitals" stated Derek a slight smile upon his face.

Natalie nodded "Richard's the exact same way... must be something to do with the military."

Derek grinned and nodded his agreement "So where do we start?" she questioned looking and the book covered walls.

Derek smiled and looked at Natalie "Here is as good a place as any" he stated.

As they worked Natalie tried to engage Derek in conversation "Derek, how on earth does a man such as yourself end up in the middle of the Nevada desert being hunted by rogue Legacy members?" she heard him laugh behind her

"Put like that it does seem rather humorous. But it was anything but from my end" he replied.

Sweat dripped from his brow as he continued the long, hard climb up the canyon wall, he knew that it would not take them long to locate him. His only chance was to put as much distance between himself and them as possible. In the distance he could hear the sounds of dogs and raised voices. Grasping at the rocks he desperately tried to climb faster, he knew it wouldn't be long before the dogs picked up his sent and led them to his location; he could hear the dogs barking from somewhere below.

Derek shook his head and looked at Natalie "Sorry did you say something?" he questioned confused by the expression the young woman was giving him.

She moved to his side and placed a hand upon his arm "Are you all right Derek, you spaced out on me?"

"I'm fine Natalie... Any luck?" he questioned trying to change the subject, he knew what she had been trying to do, however he was not comfortable discussing his experience in such an informal manor.

"Hey guys, Nick's awake again... Seems he was prescribed those pills but he had no idea they contained morphine. To say he was livid would be an understatement" stated Richard as he stuck his head around the door "I think you two should hear what he has to say" he added before vanishing from sight and heading back up the stairs.

Looking at each other in confusion Natalie and Derek shrugged then started up the stairs to Nick's room.

---------------------------*

Sat alone in the control room Alex began to run a search through the Legacy database for anyone who may hold a grudge against Nick and who could possible have the position and skill to orchestrate what had happened and what was happening at the moment. She knew that officially she couldn't be involved in the investigation but she had gotten the impression that both Natalie and Richard would be amenable to any information she happened to turn up. She jumped when she felt a hand rest upon her shoulder, turning to see who had snuck up behind her "Hey Kat" she said smiling.

The young girl smiled back and looked at the computer screen "What are you doing?"

"I'm trying to solve a mystery" replied Alex as she turned back to the screen, knowing that Kat was already pulling up a chair to help her.

"So what kind of mystery is this?" questioned Kat as she too studied the monitor in front of her.

"I guess you could call it a who done it" replied Alex as she pulled up the base information for Kat to look at "I'm trying to find anyone who might have a big enough grudge against this house, Nick and or Derek to carry out the attack. I'm also trying to establish who within the Legacy has enough power to alter official records". Glancing at Kat, Alex could see that the young girl was now deep in thought, her eyes locked upon the information displayed upon the screen.

"So what have you come up with so far?" questioned Kat finally taking her eyes away from the list.

Alex smiled at her "I take it your in on this little mystery?"

"For sure, whoever this joker is he hurt two of my friends, if I can do anything to help catch him and stop him from hurting them again, of course I am." Alex grinned and pointed Kat to the other console

"Ok see what you can come up with... You take the Legacy members files, I'm going to keep working on the non legacy members who might be considered a threat". Kat nodded and immediately set to work.

Rachel was stood at the door waiting for her when Alex arrived, "Alex what's going on?"

"I don't know Rachel; but Nick's convinced that the guy the Phoenix house sent over isn't all he seems to be"

"What do you think?" questioned Rachel as they headed into the lounge.

Alex sighed as she sat down "To be honest Rachel, I haven't picked anything up from him"

"So why is Nick so convinced?"

Alex shook her head as she accepted the cup of coffee Rachel handed her "Rachel I can't explain why Nick is so convinced about this, but if you'd looked into his eyes tonight, you'd have seen what I saw. Rachel he was scared, not only for my safety but for his own as well"

"And yet he staid... Why?" questioned Rachel confused as she also sat down.

Again Alex shook her head "I'm not sure"

Sighing Alex stood and moved over to the coffee machine, it was going to be a long day, and more than likely an unrewarding one. As she poured out her mug of coffee she glanced over at Kat who was still busy searching the database.

Alex and Rachel where startled by someone knocking at the front door, both exchanged concerned glances before Rachel started towards the front of the house "Whose there?"

"Rachel, its Wil from the San Diego House" a gruff voice from the other side of the door called to them. Both women breathed a sigh of relief and Rachel opened the door allowing the werewolf access. As he entered he looked around "You ladies OK?"

"We're fine Wil... What's going on?" questioned Alex anxiously

"Nick hit the panic button on Angel Island... Tay sent me to check on Rachel and Kat, also to make sure you all stay safe" he stated.

"Is Nick all right?" questioned Alex.

Wil shook his head "I don't know, Tay tried to contact him on the way up, but there was no answer. She and the others are on their way to Angel Island as we speak".

Moving back over to the computer Alex decided to go see how Nick was doing. "Kat will you be ok here for a while, I want to go see Nick", Alex smiled when Kat just waved her off, the young girls actions reminded her of Nick and she couldn't help but shake her head. "Call me if you find anything" she called back as she left the control room and headed upstairs to Nick's room.

As Alex approached Nick's room she could hear voices coming from inside, carefully she pushed open the door and was surprised to find everyone else was in the room already. "Someone call a meeting and forget about little old me?" She asked as she entered the room, smiling at Nick who now lay in his bed dressing in clean, dry pyjamas. Derek smiled at her as she came to stand at his side "So what's this meeting about?"

"Your current boyfriend status... I checked his dog tags, Richard here is a perfect match" replied Nick grinning moments before he found himself ducking a head swipe from Richard.

Alex grinned at the ex-soldier "You know if you really want to get him back..." she grinned evilly at Nick

"Don't you dare!" exclaimed Nick "Alex you promised never to mention that in public!" he growled at her, his eyes still alight with laughter.

Richard and the others looked from Nick to Alex, curiosity evident upon their faces. Alex simply smiled innocently and tipped her head towards Nick, who threw his hands into the air and admitted defeat "OK, OK... I give, I'll shut up now".

The others laughed, but Richard was looking at Alex questioningly, she smiled back and mouthed to him 'tell you later', he grinned and settled back into the chair.

Rachel decided to take the lead and open up the conversation "Ok well I've talked to Nick, and he informed me that the pills where prescribed, and he was taking them in accordance with the doctors orders which makes me suspicious. Not of you Nick, the doctor"

"Which Doctor prescribed these pills?" questioned Alex confused

"That's where the story gets interesting" Stated Richard as he stood and began to pace the small crowded bed room "Nick went and saw a Legacy Doctor about his continued pain and nightmares"

"A Legacy Doctor?" questioned Derek surprised "How come I never received a report on his condition?"

"Good question, as are why didn't the ruling house receive a copy, and why did none of the reports Natalie and I reviewed before coming out here contain none of this information"

"Sounds like someone high up within the Legacy was behind that theft" muttered Nick feeling slightly left out of the conversation.

Richard turned and looked at Nick a slight smile upon his face "Exactly Nick, now I know this could be a long list... But who in the Legacy have you pissed off enough to warrant this?"

Nick scowled at him for a second before trying to come up with a list of names. As Nick thought Derek turned to Alex "While Nick tries to remember the names of all the people he's upset in his time within the Legacy" Derek grinned and looked at Nick "This could take a while... Alex I want you to search the databases see if you can come up with any names Nick might have forgotten"

"Kat and I are already on it, she's taking this kind of personal," added Alex as she smiled at Derek and Nick. "I believe she said and I quote 'whoever this joker is he hurt two of my friends if I can do anything to help catch him and stop him from hurting them again, I'm in'".

Nick grinned at Alex "Ok Rachel what are we going to do about the withdrawal effects of the morphine?" asked Natalie.

All eyes turned to Rachel "Normally I would recommend that he be hospitalised so he could

be closely monitored, but I get the impression if I where to do that, it would be the excuse whoever is doing this needs to get Nick out of the Legacy"

"So we keep him here and help him?" questioned Natalie concerned

"I know its risky considering the amount of morphine he's been taking but if we send him into the hospital and the Legacy finds out..." she stopped, as all knew the possible consequences.

Derek nodded his agreement to the plan "I think the best thing is for Richard and I to take shifts in staying with Nick and call Rachel in if there are any problems... That ok with you Nick?"

"Sure, but what's everyone else going to be doing while I'm stuck up here?"

"Kat and I will get back to trying to figure out who is behind this" stated Alex

"Rachel and I are going to go see this Dr. Johansen" stated Natalie glancing at Richard and Derek who both nodded their approval of the plan.

"Ok so we're all set, now will everyone get out of my bedroom!" Nick grinned as Rachel and Alex leaned down to hug him before leaving, Natalie smiled and waved as she vanished from the room.

Only Richard and Derek remained in the room "So who gets to play baby sitter first?" questioned Nick grinning at the two men.

Derek shook his head and looked at Richard "OK I'll do it, but I draw the line at changing your diaper kid" stated Richard as he pulled the chair closer to the bed. "Derek I suggest you try to get some sleep while you can. When this thing kicks in its not going to be a pretty sight and we have no idea how long it's going to last"

"You two gonna be OK if I leave you alone, your not going to do something stupid like resurrect old military rivalry?" Derek grinned as Nick threw the pillow at him, then quickly left the room, leaving Richard and Nick alone.

As he closed the door he could see Rachel and Natalie stood talking at the far end of the hall

"Ladies?" he questioned as he joined them.

Both turned to face him "We where just discussing our game plan" stated Rachel "We're going to head down to the control room so I can make a few calls and see if the Dr. Johanson really exists. No point going all the way into the city only to find that no one has ever heard of the guy".

Derek nodded agreement as they started down the hall way to the stairs. Looking back at Nick's room for a moment before heading towards his own room, intent upon following Richard's advice and getting some sleep.

Sat at Nick's side Richard studied the young man before him "So Nick, what made you get out of the service?" he heard Nick utter a sigh and knew that it was not something the young man liked to talk about. "If its something you'd rather not discuss that's ok" added Richard as he made himself comfortable, resting his feet upon the edge of Nick's bed.

"How long where you in 'this man's army?'" questioned Nick a smile upon his face.

Richard grinned "twelve years, joined to get away from my old man" stated Richard "Boy was that guy a bastard" he added as he looked at Nick, who was nodding in understanding.

Getting to his feet Richard moved over to the window, pulling open the curtains he looked out across the gardens "He'd come home from work every night and the first thing he'd do was lay into my mom. Didn't matter to him that she did everything he ever asked of her, didn't matter that she used to scrub the floors late into the night or cook for hours to make sure he got what he liked, he'd still walk in and lay into her".

Sighing he continued to stare out the window "Mom passed away six weeks before my 18th birthday, I remember as I stood at her grave side watching as she was lowered into the ground, that my old man was smiling, he actually had a smile upon his face".

Finally looking at Nick he could see the young man's anger and disgust at what he was saying "That heartless bastard" commented Nick.

Richard closed the curtains again before moving back to the chair, sitting he again stretched himself out, his feet resting upon Nick's bed. "I left that night, spent 6 weeks on the streets of LA then joined the army the day of my 18th birthday."

The two men sat in silence for a moment, each lost within their own memories of their child hoods Richard sighed as he sat up straight in the chair. "Anyway, how long you been with the Legacy?" he questioned trying to change the subject, he knew from Nick's records that as a child there had been some unexplained injuries.

Nick shifted under the blankets "Seems like forever," admitted Nick grinning at Richard who was nodding agreement. "So is the Detroit House as busy as we are?" questioned Nick.

Richard grinned "Before coming out here Nat and I read up on everyone here, you guys sure seem to get a lot more action than any of the other house's I've been too"

"Hey what can I say, we ticked off the big guy down stairs"

"Yeah you sure seem to have done that all right, seems like the big guy down stairs is sending every satanic creature he has at this house"

"Hey but we all ways seem to come out on top" replied Nick grinning.

Richard nodded and smiled "Yeah but your luck is gonna run out sooner or later... you know that right kid"

"Yeah I know that, but as long as Derek and the others are around I know that no matter what happens to me, they'll keep on fighting" he replied.

Richard raised an eyebrow and looked at Nick "You really believe that don't ya kid?"

"I have to, otherwise nothing that happens means anything any more". Richard smiled and nodded his agreement.

------------------------------------**

Laid in his bed Derek struggled to get to sleep, memories of his time in the desert ran through his mind, dragging him back to that desolate time, where he felt alone and unsafe.

Derek pulled himself up onto the cliff top, he had heard his pursuers moving further down the canyon several hours before and his hope was that he had lost them, but somehow he doubted that.

Wiping the sweat from his brow he stood up and looked around, through the shimmering haze of the hot desert sun he could just make out the form of a building of some sort.

Seeing nothing else upon the horizon he started towards it.

Groaning he turned over in the bed his mind wrestling with the events that had lead to this situation. Suddenly he sat up in bed his eyes searching the room; he could hear a voice, a solitary voice calling to him from the darkness.

Rubbing his eyes he searched the room for the source but there was no one, he was alone in the room, as he had been since entering two hours before. Lying back in the bed he tried to ignore the voice calling to him from the darkness, dismissing it as a side effect from the mental strain he had been under the last few months. But still the voice called to him, even as he fell back to sleep the voice echoed in his mind, pulling him into the darkest recesses of his mind.

In the distance Derek could hear the sounds of dogs, they had picked up his sent. It wouldn't be long now before they caught up with him. Wiping the sweat from his brow he could now clearly see the old filling station, he hoped he would be able to reach it before they caught him.

As he staggered towards the building he was suddenly hit by a vision, falling to his knees he struggled to concentrate as the images flashed before him.

'Nick stood bloody and beaten a sword in his hand. A large man holding his blood covered arm glaring at Nick, suddenly the big man drew a gun and aimed it at Nick, words were exchanged and Nick charged at the big man'.

Derek was jolted back to reality by the muzzle flash of the big mans gun. Tears streamed down Derek's face as he forced himself back to his feet and into the old filling station.

Inside he found some relief from the blistering heat outside, but not from the pain he felt in his heart at the loss of his friend. Trying the tap in the wash room, he was relieved to see the clean water pouring out, he drank quickly and began to look around for a phone.

Lost within the realms of sleep Derek was forced to endure the memories of his time in the desert, however he knew these where just nightmares. That the event was over and he had survived, but what bothered him most was that even within the nightmare he could still hear the voice calling to him.

Turning within his dream he looked for the source of the voice. Finally as he turned to look at the old station he had taken refuge within; he saw a figure within the shadows. Moving towards it he was stunned to see the face that greeted him "Natalie?" he questioned in confusion, but the woman shook her head extending her hand to Derek. Hesitating for a moment, Derek took her hand and followed her into the shadows.

Chapter 5:

---San Francisco General Hospital---

Natalie and Rachel walked down the corridor towards Dr. Johansen's office, after a conversation with the nurse at the desk they had quickly established that Dr. Johansen was not a member of the hospital staff but a visiting physician. Further discussion had revealed that he was leaving the hospital the next day.

"Seems like Dr. Johansen is making a quick exit" stated Natalie as she and Rachel walked

"I just hope he's still here, perhaps he'll tell us what's going on here" stated Rachel.

As they reached the door they could hear movement from inside the office "Sounds like he's in" stated Rachel as she pushed open the door. Both women stood looking in horror as a masked man stood over the inert body of Dr. Johansen "SECURITY" screamed Rachel as she and Natalie moved into the room in an attempt to stop the murder from escaping.

Grabbing a paper weight from the desk Natalie moved towards the big man, she knew that someone would have called security by now, so all they had to do was keep the guy from leaving. However the big man had other ideas, he raised his silenced guy and fired at them, Rachel and Natalie both dived for cover.

The bullet whistled past Natalie's ear as she ducked behind the desk. Both women watched helplessly as the masked man ran from the room and vanished from sight.

---Angel Island:---

Guided by the woman, who looked like Natalie, Derek found himself on Angel Island stood within the control room on the night Nick had been attacked, he saw his young friend laid upon the floor.

He desperately wanted to help him, to stop the horrors he knew where about to happen, but he was powerless to do anything about it.

Closing his eyes as the big man moved towards the inert form of Nick lying upon the floor, he tried to block out the sounds of the attack, but his mind played back the vision of Nick being assaulted. Groaning he leaned against the wall.

The woman moved forward, apparently ignorant of the violence occurring within the room, she looked back at Derek as he opened his eyes again, and beckoned him to follow her.

---------------------------------------------------------**

Nick had dropped off to sleep over an hour ago, so Richard had spent some time studying the younger man's room, trying to get a better understanding of the man. He smiled to himself when he found Nick's locked weapons draw.

Taking a book from the shelf he sat back down in the chair and studied it 'Stephen Kings the Tommy Knockers' grinning he looked over at the sleeping form "Like you don't see enough horror kid" he said as he opened the book and began to read.

---------------------------------------------------------*

In the control room Alex and Kat where slowly working their way through the database searching for possible people whom may hold a grudge against Nick. Stretching Kat looked across at Alex "Anything?"

"Nick sure seems to have made quiet a few enemies within the Legacy" commented Alex as she stood and walked towards the coffee machine, sighing when she found it empty she looked at Kat "You wanna do a run to the kitchen with me?"

"Sure, I could use the break" agreed Kat as she pushed back her chair and joined Alex. As they left the control room neither heard the sound of the computer beeping.

---San Francisco General Hospital:---

Natalie and Rachel where sat at the nurse's station talking with the police, they had explained there reasons for being in the Doctors office and what they had seen and where now waiting for the police to say it was all right for them to leave. Natalie glanced across at Rachel and sighed, "They give you any idea when we're gonna be able to leave?" questioned Natalie, anxious to return to Angel Island and talk with Richard.

"The detective said in a few minutes, he just wants to check a few things then we can go".

As if in answer to Natalie's question the detective in charge of the investigation joined them "Dr. Corrigan, Miss Albright you're free to leave. The nurse confirmed your story and security have film of the masked man exiting Dr. Johansen's office"

"Thank you detective, you'll keep us informed of any development?" questioned Rachel as she and Natalie stood and shook hands with the detective. He nodded and watched as they both left the hospital.

Out in the car park Natalie and Rachel looked at each other, Rachel noticed how preoccupied Natalie was "Anything wrong?" she questioned as they reached the car.

"What, sorry?" questioned Natalie as she opened the car door and got inside. "I was just thinking about the masked man" she explained as Rachel got in as well "He seemed familiar to me" she continued

"Familiar... How?"

"I'm not really sure, it was as if I knew him. His movements and posture those types of things where familiar to me. I just wish I could put a name to the movements," sitting back in the seat she looked out the windscreen.

Rachel watched her for a moment then started the engine and started back towards the docks.

---Angel Island:---

The sound of helicopter blades could be heard in the distance as Kat and Alex headed for the kitchen, looking at each other in confusion they headed towards the balcony to see who was approaching. As they stepped outside they could see the distinctive sleek black shape of a Legacy helicopter.

"Kat go get Derek, it appears we have company", Kat nodded and ran back inside and up the stairs towards Derek's bedroom.

Alex walked down the steps and onto the lawn watching as the helicopter slowly descended to the ground. She watched as a form exited the helicopter and headed towards her, she sighed when she saw who it was that was leaving the helicopter "Mr. Mitchell to what do we owe this unexpected visit?" she questioned as the head of the ruling house approached.

He looked at her for a moment before heading inside "I understand that Natalie Albright and Richard Wild are here" stated Mitchell as he entered the house.

Alex nodded "That's correct, Richard is upstairs at the moment, Natalie and Rachel are in the city. Is there anything I can do for you?" questioned Alex in her most diplomatic tone of voice she disliked this man he was in her opinion a weasel. She grinned remembering the day Nick had voiced his, own opinion of him face to face.

Hearing movement from the stairway, Alex breathed a sign of relief to see Derek coming down the stairs "Mr. Mitchell how may I be of assistance?" questioned Derek as he moved into the living room.

Mitchell did not answer for a moment; he simply stood studying the Precept "I have heard some rather disturbing reports about a member of your house Derek" he finally stated.

Derek raised an eyebrow and looked at Alex "Oh, and whom might these disturbing reports be about?"

Alex shrugged unable to help Derek, so she simply stood at her Precepts side listening intently to what the Precept of the ruling house had to say.

"Is Mr. Boyle here?" questioned Mitchell

"Yes he is, but he is resting... He still hasn't fully recovered from his injuries" stated Derek in the hope of keeping Mitchell away from Nick. Derek had no idea if Nick was in any condition to see Mitchell and so he wanted to keep them apart for as long as possible.

Mitchell looked at Derek and Alex for a moment "I want to see Mr. Boyle immediately... Send him to your office, I'll await him there" stated Mitchell as he barged past Derek and Alex and headed straight into the precepts office.

Both exchanged wary glances "Do you think Nick is up to a meeting with Mitchell?" questioned Alex concerned

"I'm not sure, but he's going to have to be if he wants to remain a member of this house" replied Derek anxiously. Pacing the living room for a moment he looked at Alex "I'll go talk to Richard and Nick, maybe between the three of us we'll be able to help Nick threw what ever it is Mitchell has up his sleeve"

"OK, Kat and I will get back to our search... keep us informed," she said as she left the living room and headed back to the control where Kat was waiting.

Alone in the living room, Derek again heard the call of the woman's voice he looked around for her, but she did not appear to him. Sighing he left the living room and headed upstairs to Nick's room.

Stood outside Nick's room, he tried to put his thoughts into some kind of order, he knew that the woman who looked like Natalie had been trying to tell him something in his dream. She had even transcended the sleep realm into the real world trying to pass on her message but yet he still was unable to fathom what it was she was trying to tell him.

Gently knocking on the door, he opened it and looked in, he was not surprised to find Richard sat at Nick's bedside, and Nick fast asleep. "Hi Derek" whispered Richard as the precept entered the room "What's up?"

"How's he doing?" questioned Derek as he slipped further into the room and over to where Richard sat.

"He's asleep at the moment, who arrived in the bird?"

"Mitchell" stated Derek with a sigh "He wants to see Nick in my office immediately".

Confused Richard looked from the sleeping form of Nick to Derek, "What does Mitchell want with the kid?"

"He didn't say, all he said was that he had received some rather disturbing reports about a

member of this house. Then he demanded to speak with Nick" explained Derek, his tone questioning weather he or Natalie had submitted any reports.

"I've got no idea who these reports could have been from cause neither Nat or I have reported anything yet. I told him we'd submit our reports upon completion of the investigation... and we are a long way from doing that" replied Richard to Derek's unasked question.

Derek nodded "That's what I thought... So who do you think could have made the reports?" Richard shrugged and looked at Nick again.

"Guess its time for me to stop lounging around in bed and find out" commented Nick as he sat up.

Derek sighed and sat down on the bed "How much did you hear?" he questioned

"Most of it... Weasel wants to see me in your office" stated Nick as he climbed out from under the blankets and walked slightly unsteadily towards his dresser. As he pulled clothes from the draw he knew that Derek and Richard where watching him, he knew they where worried about him. Sighing he glanced over his shoulder "You guys need to relax, I'll be fine. Weasel isn't gonna get anything from me" with that said he headed into the bathroom to get dressed.

When Nick closed the door behind himself Richard and Derek exchanged concerned glances "You think the kid is going to be able to pull this off?" questioned Richard

"As long as Mitchell doesn't keep him in there too long he should be fine, otherwise I don't know what's going to happen" stated Derek concern lacing his voice. Richard nodded his agreement as both sat awaiting Nick's return.

------------------------------------------------------------

Inside Derek's office Mitchell was on the phone, "I'm here, no they don't suspect a thing... I know that, but we have to assess Mr. Boyle's condition before this goes to far" Mitchell sat behind the desk as he spoke with the other person on the line "Your attack upon this house was a foolish move. You might have jeopardised our entire operation" stated Mitchell his anger at the other person evident within his tone "No, you will not make another foolish move as that... Leave Mr. Boyle to me, I'll ensure he can not reveal who Tony was talking to" without further comment or allowing the other person on the line to say anything further Mitchell hung up the phone.

Standing he began to pace the small office, he needed to formulate his plan, he had to know how much Nick Boyle knew, he had to find out if his entire operation had been jeopardised.

------------------------------------------------------------

Nick left his bathroom to find Derek and Richard stood awaiting him "Nick I'm worried about Mitchell's appearance here, he could be looking for an excuse to dismiss you from the Legacy" stated Derek

"He can look, I'm not going to give him one. I'll be on my best behaviour, promise" stated Nick grinning.

Richard sighed and shook his head "Nick, you've got to take this seriously. With Mitchell being the Precept of the ruling house, he has the power to dismiss you. I know there is no love lost between you two but you have to keep your cool in there no matter what"

"Richard I know how serious this is, believe me I know. Mitchell has been looking for an excuse to get rid of me for a long time now, longer than either you or Derek suspect. You see I knew him before he took over Sloan's position as precept of the ruling house. He is and always has been a weasel, hiding behind others and taking the credit for others hard work" stated Nick a slight hint of anger present in his voice.

Richard and Derek looked at Nick questioningly but the younger man did not elaborate. "Well if you gentlemen will excuse me, I have an appointment with Mr. Mitchell and you know how he hates to wait" commented Nick as he started towards the door.

Derek and Richard followed him out of the room and down the stairs "Nick remember to keep your temper in check. I'd hate to loose you because you hit Mitchell" stated Derek as they stood outside the office; Richard nodded his agreement with Derek.

"Will do boss, anything else?" questioned Nick.

Derek shook his head and looked at Richard but the ex-soldier shook his head and started towards the living room. Derek staid by the door until Nick had entered, and then he too headed into the living room to await Nick's return.

---------------------------------------------------------*

Sat behind the desk Mitchell looked up at the knock at the door, before he could call for Nick to enter the ex-Seal was already inside the office and closing the door behind himself. Scowling at him, Mitchell indicated for Nick to take a seat "Nick, good to see you again" he commented, Nick raised an eyebrow at him but bite back the comment that had been on the tip of his tongue.

Sitting Nick rested his hands upon the arms of the chair, giving Mitchell the impression he was totally relaxed in his presence. "I understand you wanted to see me?" questioned Nick when Mitchell made no move to explain his unexpected arrival at the house.

"That's correct, I have received some rather disturbing reports about your medical condition. These reports have brought into question your fitness to remain an operative within the Legacy"

"Oh really?" questioned Nick sitting forward in his chair "Might I ask what these reports say about my medical condition?"

"I have a report here from Dr. Johansen stating that you are experiencing nightmares about what happened here a few months ago, and that you are still taking painkillers, strong morphine based painkillers" stated Mitchell as he too sat forward a smug look upon his face.

Nick raised an eyebrow as he looked at the Precept of the ruling house. "I'm sorry John, but your information is incorrect. I was prescribed Morphine based painkillers, but I am not taking them" stated Nick smiling "In fact as soon as I was informed of their morphine content I stopped taking them" he added.

Mitchell looked at his report for a moment "Dr. Johansen submitted a report last week stating he had prescribed morphine based painkillers to you on three occasions"

"That's correct, as I said once I was informed they were morphine based I stopped taking them" repeated Nick.

Setting aside the report Mitchell looked at Nick, "Lets cut the BS shall we Nick, you and I both know that you're still taking the tablets, and that you believe I am here to dismiss you from the Legacy" stated Mitchell as he stood and moved to the window.

Nick watched him closely "Are you?" he questioned to the man's back, he saw his shoulders tense and knew that Mitchell was about to lie to him

"Of course not, the Legacy does not dismiss people in such a manor" replied Mitchell. Nick didn't comment he simply sat watching Mitchell as he ran through his rehearsed speech.

------------------------------------------------------------

Richard and Derek heard the front door open and moved out into the hall to greet Rachel and Natalie, as soon as they saw the women's faces they knew something had happened "What happened?" questioned Derek following Natalie and Rachel followed them into the living room.

As Rachel sat on the couch Natalie began to explain what had happened "We ran into some trouble at the hospital, Dr. Johansen was there, he was however not a house doctor at that hospital but a visiting physician. He was supposed to be leaving tomorrow, when we arrived at his office we found a masked gunman stood over his body, the man took a couple of pot shots at us, then escaped"

"Are you two OK?" questioned Richard anxiously

"We're find Richard, he never got anywhere near us. I think his pot shots where simply meant to scare us" stated Natalie

"And it worked" commented Rachel dryly as she looked at Derek.

Natalie smiled at her and sat down as well "So we're back to square one. Did Alex and Kat come up with anything yet?" questioned Rachel.

Derek shook his head "Not yet, we do however have an unexpected guest"

"Oh?" questioned Natalie sitting back on the couch and stretching herself out "Who is the unexpected guest?"

"Would you believe Mitchell?" questioned Richard sitting down on the arm of the couch next to Natalie.

She looked at him for a moment then shook her head "Your serious... Mitchell is here?" both men nodded and she sighed, "Oh joy, what brings that slimy octopus out this way?"

"Slimy octopus, I've heard him called many things but not that" commented Rachel.

Natalie felt Richard's hand come to rest upon her shoulder as she stated "You wait till you meet him, he figures anything in a skirt is fare game"

"I take it you've experienced his tendrils before?" questioned Derek with a raised eyebrow.

Natalie nodded and shuddered as if something disgusting had just touched her "Oh yeah, I've experienced it before".

Rachel heard Richard uttering a low predatory growl and smiled to herself, she had suspected that there was something more to Natalie's and Richard's relationship, and he had just proven it to her. Richard noticed that Rachel was smiling at him, and raised a questioning eyebrow, but she just grinned.

Shaking his head he looked at Derek "How long has Mitchell had the kid in the office?"

Derek glancing at his watch "He's been in there almost two hours now"

"Nick's with Mitchell?" questioned Natalie confused, both men nodded.

Rachel sat forward "He's supposed to be upstairs resting, not in a meeting with Mitchell. Derek what on earth possessed you?"

"Rachel it isn't Derek's fault. Mitchell arrived unannounced and demanded to speak to Nick, he made it very clear that if he didn't see Nick he would suspend him"

"What exactly did he say?" questioned Natalie as she accepted the cup of coffee Derek had poured out for her and Rachel.

"He said he had received some disturbing reports about a member of the San Francisco house and that he wanted to speak with Nick" stated Richard.

Derek nodded as he too sat down, "Richard informs me that neither you or he has submitted a report to the ruling house yet, so I am wondering who it is that has submitted this report" he stated

"I personally am wondering if there actually is a report. Derek you know how Mitchell dislikes Nick... Neither have ever explained their hatred for the other," added Rachel.

Derek sighed and looked back at the closed office door "I hate this not knowing" he commented to himself

"Well we haven't heard any raised voices or cries of pain, so things can't be that bad in there" commented Richard "But I will admit this not knowing what's being said in there is killing me too. I know I've only know Nick a few hours, but I like that kid and I hate to think that someone within the Legacy is out to get him" Natalie nodded agreement and sat back.

------------------------------------------------------------

Sat listening to Mitchell, Nick could feel his body begin to shiver as he felt the first pangs of the withdrawal, he need to get out of the office as quickly as possible or Mitchell would notice the cold sweat he could feel breaking out onto his brow.

"Mr. Boyle are you listening to me?" questioned Mitchell as he turned to face Nick

"Hanging on your every word" replied Nick sarcastically as he gripped the arms of the chair.

Mitchell looked at him for a moment, but didn't say anything about his appearance, instead he returned to his verbal reprimanding of Nick's handling of the situation a few months ago. "I see from your report that you suspected something was wrong before Tony Barstall made his move and attacked you?" questioned Mitchell.

Nick nodded afraid that his voice would betray him, but when Mitchell looked at him questioningly he knew that the man wanted an answer "That's correct, I suspected something was wrong, but I had no proof. Without proof I couldn't confront him, so I did the only thing I could, I sent Rachel, Alex and Kat to safety" he stated pleased to hear the confidence within his own voice.

Mitchell sat behind the desk again "You remained upon the island alone, why didn't you contact Derek?"

"I tried on several occasions to contact Derek however his phone was disconnected" stated Nick defensively "And without any conclusive proof on Mr. Barstall I couldn't contact the Legacy for assistance"

"And yet you did eventually contact the Legacy for assistance" stated Mitchell raising an eyebrow at him "What prompted you to do that, if you had no proof that Mr. Barstall was a threat?"

"Well you see, what prompted me to consider Mr. Barstall a threat was the fact that the man had beaten me senseless, dragged me from the boat house up here" gripping the arm rests as he fought down the wave of anger he felt inside. "I think that constitutes proof of a threat don't you?" questioned Nick sarcastically.

Mitchell looked at him for a moment, but ignored the comment "So after establishing that Mr. Barstall was a threat you hit some kind of panic button calling for assistance?"

"Correct I had installed the panic button a few weeks ago, as an added security measure for such an occurrence" stated Nick.

Mitchell sat forward in his chair studying Nick very closely "I find it ironical, that a few days after you installed this panic button, you should find yourself using it. Did you have prior knowledge of what was going to happen here?" questioned Mitchell.

Nick had to fight back his temper, as he looked at Mitchell "I had no prior knowledge of what was going to happen" he stated

"It seems strange to me that you should get Miss Moreux, Dr. Corrigan and her daughter off the island, but remain yourself" stated Mitchell as he flipped through the file in front of him. "I see from your records that you sustained several broken ribs, a concussion, internal injuries and a few cuts and abrasions" stated Mitchell glancing up at Nick "Are you feeling all right Mr. Boyle, you look pale?"

"I'm fine Mr. Mitchell" replied Nick as he sat up straight in his chair, he knew that he had to get this interrogation over with as soon as possible or he might give Mitchell the excuse he was looking for.

"I also see from the reports, that your access code was used to retrieve the information from the database" Mitchell raised an eyebrow at this and looked at Nick questioningly "Do you have an explanation for this?"

"Apart from the fact that Mr. Barstall held my eye open for the computer to carry out the retinal scan... No" replied Nick sarcastically.

Mitchell sighed and shook his head "Of course we only have your word that this ever happened"

"Last time I checked Mitchell my word meant something in this organisation" replied Nick dryly, quickly loosing what little patience he had left. Standing Nick glared at Mitchell "Now if you're done, I have better things to do" he stated.

Mitchell sat back in his chair and looked at Nick "I do believe we are done for the moment"

"Good, now if you'll excuse me"

"Mr. Boyle, I am hereby suspending you... You are to have no further contact with any member of this house until after your hearing. I formally request you to leave this house".

Nick stood looking at Mitchell "You can't be serious!" he exclaimed taking a step towards the precept of the ruling house.

Involuntarily Mitchell took a step back putting the desk between himself and Nick "I am serious Mr. Boyle" he stated "You have two hours to move your belongings from the house, and to leave the island".

Realising he wouldn't stand a chance of remaining within the Legacy if he where to do something stupid like hit the Precept of the ruling house, he opened the door to the office and left.

Hearing the office door open, Derek and the others moved out into the hall, but before they could question Nick, Mitchell appeared "Derek would you join me in your office for a moment".

Derek could see the anger in Nick's face and knew that things had not gone well. Resting a hand on Nick's shoulder for a moment Derek headed into the office, closing the door behind him.

Rachel could see Nick was in pain, his brow was covered in a sheen of sweat, and taking hold of his arm she guided him into the living room "Nick what happened" questioned Richard as he sat opposite him.

Nick sighed and rubbed his face trying to get his anger back under control, finally when he looked at them he saw their anxious anticipation upon their faces "Mitchell thinks I had something to do with the theft of the information" he stated.

Richard and Natalie exchanged glances "What made him think that?" questioned Richard

"He found the fact that I had installed the panic button, and my getting Alex, Rachel and Kat of the island to much of a coincidence" he explained "He thought I had remained alone on the island so I could help Tony Barstall steal the information from the database"

"That's ridiculous!" exclaimed Rachel angrily "You almost died trying to stop that monster from getting the information... What is he an idiot?"

"He maybe an idiot Rachel, but he is also the Precept of the ruling house, that gives him a lot of power" stated Natalie with a sigh.

Nick pushed off the couch saying, "If you'll all excuse me, I have a few things to take care of" before any of them could stop him he had left the living room and was headed up the stairs to his room.

Rachel and Natalie exchanged concerned glances "I'll go after him" stated Richard as he too stood and started towards the stairs, however he was stopped by Derek "We need to talk"

"What's going on here Derek?" demanded Rachel as she watched him move into the room, heading towards the drinks cabinet. "Richard will you get Alex and Kat please, I'd rather tell you all together," he said as he turned to look at their questioning faces.

Richard nodded and stood up "Want me to get Nick as well?" he questioned.

Derek just shook his head "Nick all ready knows" he stated.

Confusion was written upon Richard's face but he did as instructed and went to the control room to get Alex and Kat.

Alone with the two women Derek dropped down into the stuffed chair, he rubbed his brow with his hand and looked at Rachel and Natalie "Derek?" questioned Rachel unhappy at having to wait for

what she was sure was bad news.

He raised his hand and looked at her "I'd rather only have to say this once Rachel" he stated, sighing she agreed to wait.

------------------------------------------------------------

In his room, Nick pulled his old Navy duffel bag from the wardrobe and began to pack away some of his things. Sighing he unlocked his weapons draw and packed them away within a secure box.

For a moment he hesitated then he set the box aside, and returned to packing his clothes.

------------------------------------------------------------

When Richard returned with Alex and Kat all looked at Derek expectantly, he sighed and paced the room his hands rubbing together nervously "Mitchell believes that Nick might have been involved in the theft from the database. Because of this he has suspended Nick from the Legacy until his hearing, Nick has been asked to leave this house until the hearing"

"He can't do that!" exclaimed Rachel angrily.

She saw Richard shake his head and heard Derek sigh "Unfortunately Rachel he can do that, as the Precept of the ruling house, he has the authority to do it. Once leaving this house he is not allowed to have contact with anyone within this house" he continued Derek

"Fine, well he can stay with me!" stated Rachel.

Richard grinned and looked at Derek who sighed and shook his head "Rachel he can't have contact with any member of this house until after the hearing"

"Actually Derek, Rachel is only listed as a consultant to this house, she hasn't been put on the resident members list yet" commented Natalie a slight smile upon her face.

Derek raised an eyebrow at her, then smiled "I forgot to submit her for the residents list... How forgetful of me" he commented smiling.

Richard smiled, "Want me to go tell the kid he's got a place to stay?" he questioned.

Derek nodded his agreement and looked at the others as Richard left the room, and headed up the stairs to Nick's room. Alex and Kat sat on the couch looking at Derek.

"What makes Mitchell believe Nick could possible have been involved in the theft?" questioned Natalie

"Basically he's linked together a series of coincidences and is using them as the excuse to get rid of Nick" stated Derek.

"You said there would be a hearing, are we going to be expected to testify against Nick at this hearing?" questioned Alex her mind flashing back to Derek's hearing.

Sitting down Derek sighed, "I don't know who Mitchell intends to call as witnesses at the hearing, but I'll do everything within my power to find out"

"I take it Derek has explained what's happening?" questioned Mitchell as he entered the room, he looked at the members within the room "Natalie, a pleasure seeing you again" he commented trying to make idol conversation "How have you been?"

"I was doing fine till I saw you again" replied Natalie coldly "Do you really expect to get away with this farce?"

"I don't know what you mean Natalie. After a close examination of the facts I feel that a hearing into Mr. Boyle's activities is warranted"

"Yeah right, I know you Mitchell. Ever since Nick caught you out in your own lie you've been after him. I'm sure the council will expose you for what you truly are a snivelling little worm who has only gotten the position and power you now hold through riding on the backs of men such as Nick and Sloan"

"You are entitled to your opinion Natalie, but I had come to expect more from you" he commented as he turned and left the room. Derek looked at Natalie with a raised eyebrow "A snivelling little worm?" he quoted smiling.

Richard knocked on Nick's door, he waited for an answer but none came, again he knocked "Nick, you in there?" he questioned as he turned the doorknob, finding it unlocked he slipped into the room. Looking around he quickly established that Nick had packed most of his things, on the bed he saw a metal box and a note with Derek's name upon it. Picking both the note and box up he headed back down to the living room.

Chapter 6:

---Ferry to the Mainland:---

Stood upon the ferry to the mainland, Nick looked across the bay at the island he had called home for the last few years. Sighing he zipped up his jacket and headed inside to escape the bitter sea breeze.

---Angel Island:---

Richard re-entered the living room "I'm afraid he's all ready gone" he stated as he handed Derek the note and box.

Confused Derek looked at them, his eyes captivated by the small box he now held in his hand "Where did you find this?" he questioned.

Sitting beside Natalie, Richard sighed. "It was on his bed, most of his clothes were gone, along with that old Navy duffel bag he had hanging in the closet". As Richard spoke Derek read the note:

'Derek,

I know you and the others are behind me 100%, but the risk that these men

will come after you simply to find out what I know is simply too great.

Mitchell believes I was involved in the theft, he has pieced together a lot of

circumstantial evidence that may actually convince the tribunal of my guilt.

I'm going to track down Tony Barstall and bring him before the tribunal.

Please don't search for me, I will be in touch as soon as I have something.

Nick'.

Sighing Derek passed the note to Alex; again he took the box in his hands slowly turning it over and over.

Richard watched him for a moment before questioning "What's in the box Derek?" Looking at him Derek reached into his inside pocket and removed a small key, which he slipped into the lock, as the lock clicked back allowing him to open it, he took a deep breath.

Opening it he sighed and shook his head, his hand already reaching to remove the object from its resting-place. All watched as Derek slowly removed a gun from the box. Richard and Natalie exchanged confused glances, confused by the weapons meaning.

Alex looked at Derek shocked. "Derek?" she questioned anxiously, he looked up at her, realising that only they understood the true meaning of the gun.

Standing Derek left the room without offering the others any explanations; he had to make a start not only on tracking Tony Barstall down, but Nick as well.

Confused the others looked to Alex for an explanation, they could all see that the sight of the gun had shaken her. "Alex... What does that gun mean?" questioned Rachel as she held Kat.

Alex looked at them "It was his fathers, he said its was the last thing his father gave him before he died" she explained.

Rachel was confused, she knew that Nick's father had been a hateful abusive person and that Nick was holding onto something his father had given him, did not fit in with her perception of his feelings for his father.

Seeing their confusion Alex explained "When his father gave him that gun, he also gave Nick the means to protect his mother from his father. In that single act Nick's father gave him the power to stop the abuse" she stated. "He said that as long as he had that gun, he knew he was in control of his life. That he had the power to make the changes in his life he needed to make"

"And his leaving the gun behind symbolises that he has lost that control, he no longer feels able to control the changes within his life?" questioned Natalie. Alex just nodded unable to speak.

---Somewhere in San Francisco:---

Nick entered the bar, it had begun to rain and he was now soaking wet, he had been wondering around the streets of the city trying to figure out his next move. As the dampness of the rain had soaked through his jacket he had seen the light of the bar and had decided to get a beer.

Inside the old style Irish bar he found himself a seat in the back away from the other patrons.

Sipping his beer he watched the other people in the bar, it was a quiet place filled with old men talking about their lives, jobs and family.

As he turned his back on the other people in the bar he looked at the phone on the wall, he knew that the others would be worried about him, he considered calling them, but with a heavy sigh he shook of the idea. "Stop wasting your time Nick, you need to focus on the situation at hand".

Taking a sip of his beer he turned back to watch the other patrons, as he did he was surprised to find an old man sat in the chair beside him. He hadn't heard the man approach and was surprised to find the man studying him intently "So kid, tell old Paddy your troubles"

"Excuse me?" questioned Nick confused "Do I know you?"

"Sure ya do kid, names Paddy... Paddy Murphy" said the old man as he extended his hand to Nick, who shook it despite his confused expression.

"I'm sorry Paddy, but we've never met before"

"Sure we have Nick, you're Nick Boyle...right kid?" said the old man as he signalled the bartender for two more beers.

Stunned Nick looked at the old man desperately trying to remember if he had ever met him before, drawing a complete blank he sighed and shrugged taking another sip of his beer. "So Paddy how long has it been?" questioned Nick as the bartender placed his new beer on the bar.

The old man picked up his beer, a smile turning up the corners of his mouth as he put his arm over Nick's shoulder "It's been a few years, aye it has been".

---Angel Island:---

Sat in Natalie's room she and Richard found themselves pondering the occurrences of the day "Do you seriously think Mitchell has enough evidence to get Nick permanently thrown out of the Legacy?"

"Naw, he's just blowing smoke" stated Richard "I wish we knew where the kid was though, if he's gone looking for those rogue Legacy members he could find himself in a load of trouble, maybe more than he can handle alone"

"You really like him don't ya?" questioned Natalie smiling at him.

Richard grinned back at her "Call it a kindred spirit or whatever, but that kids taken some kicks but he keeps on fighting back" he stated.

Natalie smiled at him and took a hold of his hand, "Richie, you've got some contacts in the underworld... now don't bother denying it, I know you do. Couldn't one of them help locate him?"

"It's worth a shot... I'll see what I can do about contacting Jackson" he replied as he drew her to him, hugging her tightly.

She smiled at him and kissed his cheek, "Go on, go help Nick" she instructed as he again hugged her.

He stopped and looked at her a mischievous grin upon his face "Shall I exit the normal way, or is this a secret mission where I get to exit via the window?" he questioned grinning.

She smiled at him and pointed towards the window "I know how you love to climb Richie... Plus we don't want Mitchell knowing about your little late night activities now do we".

Richard grinned and moved over to the window "I love this job" she heard him say as he lowered himself out of the window and vanished into the night. She shook her head and moved over to the window closing it she looked out into the night, trying to see him but knowing she wouldn't. She jumped when there was a knock on her door; drawing the curtains she moved over to the door and opened it "Yes?"

"Natalie are you alone?" questioned Mitchell as she pushed open her door and entered without invitation.

Natalie backed away from him; uncomfortable with him being in her room "Mr. Mitchell I was about to go to bed" she stated folder her arms she awaited his explanation for the late night visit "John, what are you doing in here?" she questioned

"I wanted to know where you and Richard stood in regards to the situation with Mr. Boyle?" as he spoke he moved further into the room, closer to the bed "I couldn't find Richard and thought maybe he was in here"

"We'll as you can see he is not in here, now if you will excuse me I wish to go to bed"

"Oh please don't let me stop you," he said with a grin.

Growing frustrated she moved over to Mitchell and grabbed his arm "Get out!"

He pulled his arm free from her grasp and looked at her "You never where a team player where you Natalie, you always had to do things on your own" he commented as he started to back her towards the wall.

"Get out" she again said, as she tried to make him leave her room, he grabbed her arm and roughly pulled her towards him.

Held in her arms he tried to kiss her but she struggled against his hold, trying to break free. Growing angry with her, he struck out slapping her across the face. As she fell to the floor her hand pressed to her cheek he stepped back as if shocked at his own behaviour. Quickly he left her room, leaving her on the floor tears streaming down her cheeks, a trail blood running from the corner of her mouth.

Kat heard movement outside her room, hear Natalie's voice and she moved over to her door, and opened it a crack. Stood by the door she could hear Mitchell and Natalie. She staid behind her door and listened until she was sure Mitchell had gone then she slipped out into the hall and went into Natalie's room.

When she saw her on the floor holding her cheek she rushed over to her and helped her to her feet "Natalie, are you all right?"

"I'll be ok in a minute Kat," she said as she allowed the young girl to help her to her feet. Kat helped her over to the bed before rushing into the bathroom to get her a cold compress for the forming bruise upon her cheek.

Handing her the compress Kat sat next to her on the bed "You sure your ok, maybe I should get mom to take a look at that, it's a nasty bruise"

"Honest Kat, I'm fine" insisted Natalie "I just want to go to bed, it's been a long day".

Kat watched her for a moment, then nodded "If your sure your ok"

"I'm sure, thanks Kat" they hugged before Kat left Natalie's room, closing the door Kat looked down the hall trying to decide if she should tell the others about what had happened. Making up her mind she turned and headed down the hall towards the control room where she knew Derek, Alex and her mother where still working.

---The San Francisco Docks:---

Richard glanced at Tom as the boatman steered the Legacy boat towards the docks "You gonna help Nick?" questioned Tom as he watched his passenger.

Richard grinned, "You like Nick don't ya?"

Tom nodded "He's a good guy, I heard what that idiot Mitchell has accused him... I was there when Taylor and the others found him, he was barely alive" stated Tom his anger at the situation clear in his voice.

Tom watched as Taylor and Commode exchanged concerned glances, the boat speeding across the bay towards Angel Island. The boatman could see that Commode was rapidly becoming impatient with the lack of speed "I'm going on ahead" he stated to Taylor.

She didn't like it but agreed "Be careful my love... we don't know what's happened"

"I will be" he replied as he pulled her to him, kissing her before flying into the moon light sky.

Richard looked at Tom "Tom are you willing to testify on Nick's behalf at the hearing?" he questioned as the boat moved closer to the docks

"That Mitchell guy serious about wanting to kick Nick out of the Legacy?"

"He sure is, Nick's suspended until the hearing" stated Richard shaking his head.

Tom shook his head as well "Mitchell wouldn't know a good man if he walked up to him and kicked him in the ass".

Richard grinned at the boatman "So you got any idea where I might start looking for Nick?"

"Try the bars along the docks, those are his usual haunts when something is bothering him" replied Tom grinning at Richard's questioning expression "Who ya think brings him home when he's been on a bender?"

As the boat pulled into the dock Richard shook Tom's hand and jumped off the boat "Thanks Tom, you get back to the wife and kid, I'll call ya if I need ya"

"Right, when ya find Nick tell him Casey sends her love and is waiting for him to come visit his God son"

"Will do" replied Richard as he ran down the docks towards the street.

Tom watched him vanish into the night, before securing the boat and heading back to his home.

---Angel Island:---

Entering the control room, Kat could hear Derek and Alex talking "What did your friend on the tribunal say?"

"Mitchell has yet to submit his findings to the tribunal, they have no knowledge of Mitchell's actions. They sent Natalie and Richard out here to investigate, but they had no idea Mitchell was coming out here" stated Derek.

Kat moved further into the room, as she did she could see the frustration written upon each of the other adult's faces "So Mitchell is working outside of the tribunal?" Rachel questioned from her seat by the computer console.

Derek nodded "It would appear so, but he has 48 hours to submit his findings before the tribunal will do anything"

"That's ridiculous, you mean to say Mitchell can accuse an innocent man of stealing information, suspend him from the Legacy and not have to explain himself to anyone for 48 hours?" stated Rachel as she stood up and began to pace the control room.

Kat could see that her mother was angry and understood why for a moment she wondered if she shouldn't wait to tell them what she had just witnessed "Mom?" she said as she moved further into the room, finally catching all of their attentions.

"Kay honey, what are you doing up... I thought you went to bed hours ago?"

"I did mom, but something just happened upstairs I thought I should tell you about" she explained as she moved over to her mother "Mr. Mitchell was just upstairs, he forced his way into Natalie's room, I heard her telling him to get out but he wouldn't. When he left I went to check on her, and she was on the floor... Mom it looked like he had hit her".

Rachel looked at Derek in shock "He'd do that, here in our house?" she questioned.

Derek growled and started towards the holographic wall "Natalie asked me not to tell you, but I thought you should know what kind of a man he really is" stated Kat

"You where right to tell us Kat" stated Derek "I think its time I have a word with Mr. Mitchell" he stated as he left the control room.

Alex and Rachel looked at each other when Rachel grabbed Kat's arm she said "Time for you to go back to bed, while Alex and I check on Natalie". All three left the control room and headed up stairs.

---Irish Bar somewhere in San Francisco:---

Nick looked at Paddy, he knew that his body was reacting to the alcohol he had consumed, but he knew that it was keeping the morphine withdrawals to a minimum. Paddy seemed familiar to him, the shape of his face and his dulcet Irish tones reminded him of someone, someone from his past, but he couldn't remember whom. "So my boy, what have you been doing with yu'rself?" questioned Paddy as he slipped his arm around Nick's shoulders and guided him from the bar, out into the cold San Francisco night.

"Not much; the usual" replied Nick as he concentrated to put one foot in front of the other "A little ghost hunting, demon disposal... You know standard stuff like that" he continued as they made their way through the back alleys.

Paddy smiled as he supported more and more of Nick's weight "So my boy, you've been doing battle with the devil hav' ya?"

"Mmmhmm" replied Nick as he slowly fell from Paddy's grasp to lean against the wall, then slowly slip to the floor.

"Now my boy, you can't sleep there. Old Paddy has a place all ready and set up for ya" as he spoke three big men appeared from the shadows and moved over to help carry Nick into a dark building.

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Richard dialled the number to an old mercenary friend of his "Ken I need your help" he listened for a moment. "You guys all ready picked him up?" a smile crossed Richard's face as he listened to the other man on the line. "Keep him safe Ken; I'm on my way over. Oh and Ken, have your boys stick around. I may have a job for them" his grin quickly turned to laughter as he listened to his friend "Yeah I know, never thought I'd be using you either".

Hanging up the phone Richard considered checking in with Natalie, but he quickly dismissed the idea in case Mitchell answered; it would give away the fact that he had left the island, and perhaps put Nick in further danger. Stuffing his hands into his pockets he headed for Ken's location.

---Angel Island:---

Alex and Rachel entered Natalie's room to find her sitting looking out across the garden "Nat, are you ok?" questioned Alex as she moved to her new friends side.

"I'm fine Alex" replied Natalie refusing to look at her.

Taking a hold of Natalie's chin Rachel turned her face to look at them "Yeah you look fine, Kat told us what happened"

"I asked her not to" sighed Natalie as she looked back out the window "She shouldn't have said anything" suddenly a thought occurred to her and she turned to look at them again "Does Derek know?"

"Yes he knows, he was with us when Kat told us what happened. He's gone to speak to Mitchell" stated Alex.

Again Natalie sighed "It won't help" she commented sadly.

Alex and Rachel exchanged concerned glances "This has happened before?" questioned Alex as she sat next to Natalie.

"It doesn't matter" stated Natalie as she stood and moved over to the bed.

Confused by her actions Rachel sat beside her "How long has this been going on, and how far has Mitchell taken it?" she questioned.

Natalie didn't answer she simply looked down at her hands that rested upon her lap "I wish Richie was here, he's always been able to take the images away".

Alex and Rachel again exchanged confused looks "Richard, what does Richard have to do with this?" questioned Rachel.

Natalie began to shiver and drew the blanket around herself "He's always made the pain go away" she continued.

Alex sat on Natalie's other side and wrapped her arms around her, as she did she was struck by images.

'Natalie alone in a dark place, voices calling to her, hands grasping her pulling her further into the darkness. A single-hand reaching out to her pulling her back towards the now visible light. Natalie stood at an altar dressed in white.

Richard stood at her side, smiling at her as the priest read the wedding vows; he leaned in to kiss her his arms encircling her within his protective embrace.'

As the vision ended Alex looked at Natalie a smile upon her face "How long have you two been married?" she questioned, catching both Natalie and Rachel by surprise

"What, no we're not married" stated Natalie

"Married?" questioned Rachel confused.

Alex smiled and place a reassuring hand upon Natalie's arm "Don't worry your secret is safe with us" she stated.

Natalie looked into her eyes and smiled "No you don't understand, Richard and I are not married Alex, he's my brother-in-law"

"But I saw you stood at the alter with him, dressed in white?" questioned Alex confused.

Natalie smiled, she understood why Alex was confused "The woman you saw stood with Richard at the altar was my twin sister, she and I where separated at birth."

"So Richard married your twin sister and now works with you, what are the odds on that happening?" questioned Rachel astonished.

Natalie smiled at her "It wasn't by chance that Richard and I ended up working together. After my sister died Richard searched for me, apparently she had told him what had happened to us as children, and he was so desperate to hold onto a part of her he came searching for me. He still loves her very much, I don't think he will ever get over her."

"I take it you where both adopted by different families?" questioned Alex a slight smile still upon her face at the story Natalie had just told them.

She nodded "Yes, Meredith was adopted by a good family, they took her in and raised her as their own, never showing her any less love than their biological children. Richard took me to meet them once; they greeted me and treat me like one of the family even though they had never met me before. Apparently they had wanted to adopt us both, but the agency had already promised me to another family. Meredith's mother was heart broken that we had to be split up" she stated, a smile appearing upon her face as she recalled the warmth of the greeting she had received for her sisters family.

Sighing she looked back at Rachel and Alex "I never resented the fact that my sister had been raised in such a good family or that she and Richard hold a love that even transcends death. He'll deny it if you asked him, but he still mourns her, every year on their anniversary he goes to her grave side, place a single white rose upon her head stone and lights a candle for her".

Alex and Rachel smiled at each other "Nick does almost the exact same thing for Julia" commented Alex "On the anniversary of her death; he goes down to the lake where her ashes where spread and tosses a single white rose into the water. Then he sits in silence at the waters edge" she stated.

Rachel nodded remembering the occasions she had seen him performing this ritual "I don't think he will ever get over her" she commented.

Alex nodded her agreement "Julia was a very special person, she gave Nick a reason to live when he couldn't see one, she would support him when he needed it, and she would take him down a peg or two when his macho male ego called for it". Sighing Alex looked down at the floor reflecting upon the past.

------------------------------------------------------------

Derek marched into Mitchell's room without even the courtesy of knocking; he had been in to see Natalie and had seen the viscous bruise upon the woman's face "Derek what is the meaning of this?" demanded Mitchell as he sat up in bed.

Marching over to his bedside, Derek leaned down over him "You ever touch a woman in my house again I will bounce you down every step in this house, do I make myself clear?" he growled.

Mitchell looked at him "What are you talking about?" he questioned pretending to be confused and not understand what Derek was talking about.

Grabbing his pyjama top Derek pulled the stunned Precept towards him, "Hear me and hear me well

Mitchell, I want you out of my house by sunrise, if you're not gone what you did to Natalie will be nothing compared to what I will do to you"

"Are you threatening me Derek?" questioned Mitchell trying to exert some measure of authority into his voice.

Grinning Derek pulled the man closer so they where nose to nose "That wasn't a threat Mitchell, that was a promise" he stated in a low growling tone that left the ruling house precept no room for argument. Glaring at Mitchell, Derek released him and left the room, slamming the door closed behind him, but not before stating "You have until morning Mitchell, use this time wisely and pack. If I find you here after sunrise, you are mine".

Stunned at Derek's behaviour Mitchell sat staring at the door for a moment, his mind racing through his options. If he wanted to dispose of Nicholas Boyle he had to ensure that the tribunal had no reason to dismiss his charges, and an accusation for sexual harassment might push the tribunal to Nick's side.

Getting out of the bed Mitchell quickly got dressed, his mind set upon what he needed to do, he had to dispose of Nicholas Patrick Boyle before he revealed his secret.

Continue in Chapter 7

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