The seriousness of Richard's involvement in this matter disturbed Garrett, not only for Charity's sake, but also for his wife's sake. The two women were inseparable. He had lost track of how many times they'd attended the local theater for a movie neither he nor Richard found interesting. Vampires just weren't his thing, but the two of them couldn't stop talking about their beloved Frank Langella, enough to drive a man less in love to distraction.

The distant target taunted him as Richard waited patiently for a reply. Garrett hardly knew how to respond; such talk of conspiracies and assassination attempts were beyond him. The most unsettling moments of his job involved removing a disruptive family from the state park or halting an overeager dog lover from unleashing the animal. With his perception of reality shifting a bit, Garrett retrieved the extra pair of ear protectors from the wall and slipped them over his unruly hair.

Every moment quick and precise, handling his weapon with easy familiarity, Garrett sighted along his personal revolver for only a few moments before releasing a barrage of bullets. Three bullets to the heart, another 4 to the head. "I appreciate your honesty, Richard." Removing the protectors, Garrett shrugged ruefully, running a thumb absently along the safety mechanism on his revolver. "Honestly, I had no conception your involvement in this matter was so profound and potentially dangerous."

"Personal convictions cannot be denied just because danger presents itself." Richard refused to look at his companion, choosing instead to neatly shuffle the papers back into his case, the snaps closing in finality. "You, above anyone else in my acquaintance, understands the urgency this bill represents to the state of Colorado. And, unlike most of my comrades, you also comprehend the moral compunctions accompanying this bill, my convictions which I will not disavow."

"What is the potential danger towards Charity, and possibly Carissa simply because of their close association?" The first crack appeared in Richard's armor; his brow furrowed, just one line, but it was enough to convince Garrett of the enormous weight resting upon the man's shoulders. Richard remained stolidly silent, at which Garrett quietly murmured, "Should you need protection for her, Richard, I offer my services."

"I appreciate your compassion, Garrett, but you know Charity to some extent. Nothing I can imagine, and I imagine a great deal, could possibly drag her away from my side. Not even if it were for her own protection." Despite the gravity of the situation, the barest twinkle of amusement glittered in Richard's eyes to which Garrett responded with an almost imperceptible smile.

A dignified ring emerged from Richard's coat pocket. Hand upheld to hold off Garrett's next sentence, Richard checked his cell, finding a photo message left waiting for him. The number was unknown, and that fact alone provided enough tension to tighten his shoulders. A few button strokes later and Richard stared at an image, unable to force words past the sudden dryness accosting his throat. The abrupt pasty complexion of his companion alarmed Garrett to the extent that he reached out a hand and snatched the cell phone from Richard's suddenly limp grasp. An image stared back at him, making his blood pound as his heart triple-timed. It was a distant shot, vaguely hazy as if the photographer weren't quite accustomed to the camera. But the image was clear enough to distinguish the familiar features of two women, marching contentedly through the massive hallways of a local mall. He could see the massive smiles on both their faces, even though Charity was in the foreground. And directly through the image slashed a red X.

Garrett gaped at Richard in horror, slowly handing back the cell with an unsteady hand. The men looked at each other, seething anger rising up from within them both. Neither woman answered her cell phone. Without even needing to conference, both men sprang into action. Two cars peeled away from the parking lot, the acrid scent of burning rubber christening the air as Richard headed toward his office where he could reach his police contacts with more ease and Garrett to the mall in search of Carissa and Charity. Heart pounding in fear, Garrett forced himself to ignore any and all negative possibilities of what he might find once reaching his destination. All he could do was repeat a soft, desperate plea for strength from the Lord.