My Guarded Heart

@ Jinx...

June had changed into some pajamas and was getting ready for bed when a knock came at her door. She opened it up, letting Hazel in and instantly her friend knew something was up. She crawled into bed with her, sitting next to her and leaning her head on Hazel's shoulder. "I kissed Drake," she admitted quietly. "He kissed me. I'm kinda freaking out about it?" She said. "On one hand, I'm thrilled, you know? I really care about him, I, well I love him," she said, starting to ramble. "If things were normal, it literally could not be better. But things aren't normal!" She sat up and threw her hands up in frustration. "As happy as I am about it, I feel guilty too. I know I crossed a line and now it affects all of us." She said, leaning back, letting her head thump against the wall.

"He's got to talk to Kelden about it, see if he should get taken off our case. I don't think he should, regardless of whatever is between us, he's good at his job." June sighed. She looked over at Hazel as she tried to offer some solutions. "Yeah, maybe," she said. She liked Kelden but she really just wanted things to continue normally. Well, as normal as they could be anyway. She sighed. "It depends on what happens," she started. "But if it comes down to worst case scenarios, I want to consider an option other than Drake having to lose his position." She said, thinking back to her idea to leave. Drake had made a good point about endangering her family so maybe she wouldn't go move in with her mom, but she could still get far away out of state and give herself a chance at safety while ensuring that Hazel still had the best protection she could get.

She rested her head back on Hazel's shoulder and held her hand. "Why can't things just be normal?" She asked quietly. Granted she never would have met Drake and Hazel and Kelden if things would have been 'normal' but it didn't mean she didn't resent the fact that everything was so complicated too. "Let's forget about my drama. Tell me about your night. You and Kelden left to get ice cream, right?" She said, wanting to change the subject.

---

Kelden furrowed his brow. "Not in danger anymo- Has he even looked at this case?" He demanded. He wasn't angry at Drake, but he was pissed at the news. "He's gotta be blind if he can't see that this guy is dead-set on these girls. Shit. I won't leave them unprotected," he said, his tone final. He wouldn't leave Hazel until this guy was caught, he couldn't even fathom the idea. "I'll talk to Hazel. I can't and won't force her to give me details but I'll explain what's going on to her and see if she can tell us anything that will make sure this case stays open." He said. He hated the idea of Hazel having this kind of ultimatum. He'd have an earful for his boss tomorrow.

Then Drake dropped even more news on him and he blinked in surprise. "Oh. Oh shit. Well. I can't say I'm totally surprised but damn," he said, running a hand through his hair. He sat for a moment, looking at his partner as Drake told him he wanted Kell to discuss the options with him. "I don't think getting reassigned would do Hazel and June much good. I think we were lucky that they opened up to us in the first place and if the Chief is already trying to close this case... No. Getting reassigned would be essentially letting this guy go free and leaving Hazel and June on their own." He said, shaking his head.

"Listen, we've been partners a while and I've got your back brother. I know you're worried about remaining objective but I think you know your instincts well enough to make the right decision in a situation. If I didn't trust you to make the right calls, we wouldn't be here right now. And you know how close those girls are, do you think June would be able to forgive you if she knew you chose her over Hazel just because you've kissed?" Kelden was sure he sounded harsh, but he knew with 100% certainty that Drake could make the right call even if a situation did arise and he wanted his partner to trust in his instincts and training. "Plus you're not alone in this, I'm here to make decisions too and you already know Hazel and June will speak up if they have an opinion on something. I think the best thing would be for us to stay on this case and keep preparing to take this guy down ourselves."

@ Lost Oceans
Hazel patted June's leg. "It won't come to that. Kelden believed in Drake and Drake is a good guy he won't leave." she said and put her arm over June's shoulder resting her head on hers. When she asked about her night she chuckled. "Yeah we went out again for ice cream." she blushed. "I kept telling myself it wasn't a date but we had ice cream and talked taking a walk down the pier and then we danced. And honestly if I had let it we would have done more but I can't bring myself to kiss him... I..." she sighed. "I'm too scared of screwing it all up. Honestly June the one time in my life I did anything right was successfully escaping from that psycho." she ran a hand through her hair and sighed. "The rest of my life was a mess." she said and shook her head as June tried to tell her otherwise like any kind person would. "Please June it is true."

"I had a great night with Kelden but I know that if we kissed it wouldn't stop thee and then when this is all finally over then he will move on and I have to go figure it out alone and I don't know how to do that anymore. I don't want to be alone and go back to my life. I want a change and I want something real and as much as I want Kelden I can't do anything because honestly I don't know if it is this situation that is drawing us together." she shook her head. She wouldn't do anything and let Kelden make the choice of how far he wanted to go. She bit her lip knowing she was already doomed as it was because she had let him in so deep already.

"The problem with all of that June is that I think... I think I am in love with him... but I don't want to be because that makes me so weak. I am so scared." she said and shook her head. "I'm sorry." Hazel smiled at her. "I will be okay in the morning I am just tired." she said and smiled at June playing with her hair gently. She didn't know how she would feel in the morning but right now she was vulnerable and she knew it.

---

Drake nodded as what Kelden had to say. He was right of course. June loved Hazel and if there was something he could do to help Hazel she would expect him to do it and just like that Kelden had solved his problem. He sighed and sat back. "You're right they wouldn't do well with new agents." he said. June could probably deal and work around it but Hazel would actively rebel and that would put her in danger. He sighed. Kelden was looking at this was the kind of eyes that weren't clouded with a girl and it bothered Drake. "Yeah you're right if we ask for reassignment they will drop the detail." he said andiron a hand through his hair.

Drake nodded. "This is not going to be easy for either girl to hear but I think Hazel might do better alone with you when you tell her. He knew one thing about Hazel and that was that she would do anything completely necessary to protect June and herself and catch this guy. She never trusted anyone like Kelden and this was going to be the hardest thing she has done yet. "Kelden if you can get it on recording I don't think she will ever want to do this again." he said and then stood and rubbed his neck. "I'm going to try to get some sleep." he said knowing he wouldn't be able to but would try for a while until the urge to work on the case was too much. Tomorrow he was going to take June to see Mac and tell her everything on the way there.

He headed to bed stopping to hear June and Hazel up late talking too. He grinned as he heard June ask about Hazel's putting with Kelden. It seemed things were slowly escalating between Hazel and Kelden as well though it seemed he wasn't making the moves and neither was Hazel. Drake headed to his room changing and laying in bed staring at the ceiling. He was missing something in the case and he needed to find it or they were all screwed.

June listened to her friend talk about her night and her heart ached for her. She took Hazel's hand and tried to argue that Hazel had surely done plenty of things right but Hazel just shook her head. She quieted down, listening to hear talk about her feelings for Kelden. "Kelden is a really good guy," she told Hazel quietly. "The way he looks at you... I can't imagine this wouldn't be a serious thing for him too." She told her. She knew Hazel was trying to protect herself and she would never want to see her get hurt, but she also knew that Hazel deserved some good in her life.

She played with the ends of Hazel's hair and shook her head. "You never have to apologize to me," she told her. "You're not weak for having these feelings. Maybe they make you stronger? When all this began, I never expected to trust someone enough to love them the way I love and trust Drake. Part of it feels like maybe I'm winning against that psycho by taking back something that I thought he'd taken from me forever," she told Hazel honestly. No matter what happened now, June knew she had taken a step forward in her healing that she hadn't been expecting. She pulled Hazel into a tight hug.

"Just think about it. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad to give Kelden a chance, I think he might surprise you," she told her friend. Whatever Hazel chose, June knew she deserved to be happy. "Want to stay here tonight?" She asked her. June had slept in Hazel's room with her on several occasions when the nightmares had been particularly rough. It had become a habit that if one of them was having a rough night, they'd have a makeshift sleepover.

---

Kelden nodded. "I'll see what I can do in the morning. Get some rest," he told his partner. He knew he and Drake wouldn't be going anywhere until it was guaranteed that Hazel and June would be safe, no matter what it took. And he knew they had each other's backs through anything that would come their way. He patted Drake's shoulder reassuringly before Drake headed off to his room. Kelden went through the house and double checked all the locks before he sat on the couch and planned how best to talk to Hazel about this all tomorrow.

His mind drifted, thinking about their evening together. How close had they come to being in the same spot as June and Drake? Everything he had told Drake had been true for himself as well, he felt he could remain objective if it came down to it and he knew his partner would be there to help in any situation that arose. The problem for him was that he was afraid of risking her trust in him. She'd opened herself up to him so much and they'd become so close, but if he made a wrong move and pushed her into something she didn't want, he feared that it would crumble any chances they had to get closer. Just because she'd let him see some of her pain didn't mean she wanted a relationship with him. And that was what he wanted, even if he hadn't admitted it out loud. He could no longer imagine his life without her and he wanted a future with her.

He rubbed his face and then flicked on the tv, keeping the volume down low so he could keep an ear out still. Right now he should just focus on making sure this case stayed open so he could protect Hazel. He could worry about his feelings for Hazel afterwards.

@ Lost Oceans
Hazel nodded as June offered for her to stay tonight. She didn't normally sneak into June's bed in the night but tonight she was feeling lonely and wanted to stay. Hazel didn't know if anything would change for her but she was really glad June had spoke with her and she truly hoped that yes this was as serious for Kelden as it was for Hazel.

They crawled under the covers turning out the light and Hazel hugged the pillow closing her eyes. Hazel kept thinking of Kelden and wished if it was that serious for him that he would just kiss her already then. Hazel got a few hours and then got up before June heading back to her own room. She dressed for the morning in her usual work out cloths. She went to the porch and started her morning yoga routine. She decided to let Kelden sleep in today while she got the hard poses out of the way He had come to do really good with her help in yoga but the harder posses she needed to do and it was easier than modifying them for him sometimes.

She was in the last set doing a balance pose when she heard the back door open. "I know I should't have come out alone." she admitted knowing it would be the first thing out of anyone's mouth and she peeked a look to see who was standing beside her before closing her eyes again. "I'm almost done, want to join me for the meditation?" she asked. "Then I was thinking a run." she said and breathed in holding it then letting her breath go as she moved out of the pose. Her legs felt a little wobbly and she was glad for it because she knew she had been neglecting the strength training for her balance.

---

Drake slept maybe a few hours all in all and had worked on the case the rest of the time. He needed to understand this psycho so he could catch him. Drake was positive that he would come for the girls but he had to find the mistakes they had made and thought of the girls. They weren't big on using their phones and they didn't order things to the house so that was good. He didn't think anyone left any messages for their family. He ran a hand through his hair. The news didn't know anything so any information that psycho was going to get was going to be from the FBI themselves but how would he do that now that they knew his name and face. Hazel had done a good job brining his wallet with her when she left. It had probably been in his pocket when she searched for keys after knocking him out. Hazel was stronger than most people in her situation. She had the kind of mind that most agents only dreamed of.

That psycho was so cocky he had kept his wallet on him... It hit him like a brick. This psycho didn't seem cocky to him, he seemed smart and manipulative. Could it be that the FBI had played right into his game making it more of a challenge, more of a game? Drake really hoped that Kelden could get Hazel to tell him what all happened because they might be looking for the wrong guy or what if they were looking for more than one guy? It would make more sense in a lot of ways though with how controlling he was probably just one guy.

Drake worked until the sun came up and then packed up everything so the girls wouldn't see anything. He headed out of his work room having changed and went to see if June was up yet. He smiled just thinking of her. What was it that made him feel like a goofy lump when it came to her. He rubbed the back of his neck. She had wanted to call her family too. Maybe he would help her with that first before worrying her that they had to prove that they were still in danger. He didn't know how to go about telling her but he would figure it out. She deserved to know.

@ Jinx...

Kelden woke up antsy. He needed to go for a run. He got up and changed out of his pajamas and went downstairs in search of Hazel, figuring she was probably already up. He was right, but he was also very displeased to find her out on the porch alone. It wasn’t like she was far from the house but he still felt a spike of panic and he stepped out the door. Before he could say anything though, she was already acknowledging it. “Just.. at least let me or Drake know. I guess I don’t see why you can’t be on the porch but I’d feel better at least knowing so we can be aware.” He said, rubbing the back of his neck. He watched her take up a final pose, one that looked harder than the ones she’d done with him and he sighed and rolled out a mat next to her. Some meditation before a run would probably do him some good. “Yeah, I wanted to go for a run anyway so that’ll work,” he said, sitting and relaxing his body.

He stayed quiet through their meditation, letting the quiet morning ease some of his urge to move. It was nice to relax a little. When they were done, he helped her put the mats away and then they went on their usual route for a run. As much as he’d found yoga and meditation to be enjoyable, the feeling of running invigorated him and he felt his blood pumping. It felt so freeing to run. They did a good couple laps before he called it and got them each a water and sat on the porch to catch his breath.

When he could feel his heart rate getting back to normal, he looked over at Hazel. He needed to tell her about what was happening with the case and see if she was willing to give an official statement with any other information she might have. “Hazel, I need to talk to you about something serious,” he began. “Our boss is wanting to close the protection detail on you and June. We don’t think that’s a good idea, obviously, and Drake and I are doing everything we can to make sure that doesn’t happen. But we need more information if we’re going to convince him that it would be in everyone’s best interest to keep this case open,” he told her.

“I have to ask you if you can give us any more information about him. No detail is too small and it could ensure that we can keep this going so we can catch him,” he told her. “If you agree, I don’t want you to have to talk about it more than just the once so I would record it as an official statement and you would never have to talk about it again if you don’t want.”

---

June woke briefly when Hazel got up but she was less of an early riser so she tried to get some more sleep. She managed to get back to sleep for a little while, so when she woke up next, she decided to get up and start her day. She went down to the kitchen to get breakfast started, starting a brew of coffee because she knew they went through coffee in the house like crazy. She poured her own cup, having taken a liking to the dark liquid in her time here. While the food sizzled in the pan, June tied her hair up into a messy bun, noticing how long it had gotten. She wondered if she should get a haircut sometime soon.

She heard footsteps coming towards the kitchen and looked up to see Drake, who seemed he had been looking for her. She offered him a small smile, noticing he looked a little tired. Suddenly she was nervous to know how his talk with Kelden had gone. She bit her lip, turning back to check on the eggs before looking back up at him. “Are you getting reassigned?” She asked him, anxiously.

She’d been pretty agreeable through everything, knowing that Kell and Drake were just doing their jobs whenever anything got on her nerves. She hadn’t argued about having to have someone with her every time they went outside or not being able to wander a bit when they were out in town, mostly because she enjoyed Drake’s company, but that was besides the point. If they wanted to reassign Drake, could she pitch a big enough fit to ensure that he could stay? She would feel bad causing Kelden the trouble but she knew that if a new agent had to come in, Hazel would have her back in retaliating. June looked up at Drake anxiously, needing to know before she started worrying about what actions to take.

@ Lost Oceans
Hazel took the chastising understanding his position and it wasn't something she was planning to make a habit of for sure she understood the risks but she had needed today. He joined her for the meditation and she walked him through it as she usually did. Hazel was relaxed just in time for their run. When they finally came back and nearly fell into each other on the porch she sat with her beck against his shoulder and drank the water. She had no idea that things were bad until he said he needed to talk with her and said that word, serious. Hazel sighed. "I won't be making a habit of it it was one time." she said turning looking at him and frowning. He din't want to talk about that. She bit her lip and listened as he talked instead.

She was silent as Kelden admitted to her everything and she frowned looking down. She knew were this was going sooner than she wanted to say. He then came to it and asked her to make a formal statement. Hazel tan a hand through her hair and looked over at Kelden. "I... I understand. But not around June..." she said and frowned. "I don't want her to see me like this." she said knowing that she was not going to be able to get through this all in one happy setting. "You might as well video tape as well because I know there will be that one lawyer that will want the jury to know how messed up it made me." she said.

Hazel knew she wouldn't be able to eat proper today and any plans she had were canceled. "Just let me know when you are ready. I am going to go get cleaned up." she said and went to the bathroom to clean herself up and get a change of cloths. She choose her cloths as something simple and relatable. She was not going to do this again. Hazel knew afterwards she would be in worse shape than the day he tried teaching her how to get out of a hold from behind. Hazel went down the stairs and into the kitchen trying to convince herself to eat something more than the coffee she was drinking.

---

Drake grinned just happy to look upon her. He walked in and leaned against the counter seeing it weighing on her mind but she took the time to think through what she wanted to say. He bit his lip as she asked him. He stopped her and placed his hands over hers. "No June I'm not. Kelden reminded me of who I am and why he believes in me. Which in return makes me believe cause he is right. The bastard usually is." He chuckled and kissed her temple. "Good morning by the way." he smirked and went for the coffee. He leaned against the counter sipping t. "Do you need help with anything?" he asked her.

Drake couldn't help but be happy that it was all working out. "So Kelden doesn't think that it is a good idea to get resigned anyways. Which I agree." he said and placed a hand on her lower back gently as he reached for a spoon to stir in the sugar. He smiled seeing the relief in her and hoped that it would stay. Perhaps her father in him would be enough that she would believe that he could work it out. He was sure she would want to help and give a statement as well but since she had never really been alone with him after the initial contact he wondered what more it would tell him. He wouldn't ask he but if she wanted to offer it up he would make sure it went to good use.

Drake sat with her as breakfast was served. "Mmm as always June you have outdone yourself." he said and smirked. Drake ran a hand through his hair looking at June wondering what was going through her mind now. He cold say one thing for sure though he was glad she had never asked him not to tell Kelden because it was the honesty between them that had built this intense bond and he didn't want that to change and the honesty was important to him because that was the kind of man he was, the honest man that did the things that were right.

@ Jinx...

Kelden nodded quickly. "Of course," he agreed. He would have to see if Drake could get June out of the house for the day. He could tell by Hazel's demeanor now that this was going to be very hard for her and he wanted to ensure nothing could make it worse. He rubbed his face as she left to go clean up. He wished there was any other way to do this, but they needed the full story now or this psycho would go free and Hazel and June would be at risk. He sat on the porch for a bit longer and then stood up and went inside. June and Drake were in the kitchen finishing up breakfast. He was going to pull Drake aside and talk to him but June apparently could sense the need for privacy and she excused herself to get changed. "Hazel has agreed to recording her statement but she wants some privacy for it. Is there anyway you and June could head out for a while?" He asked. Drake told him that he had plans to take June to the elderly lady's house across the lake and he nodded. "Perfect. Maybe even head into town when you get back? I want to give Hazel as much time as possible."

Kell went to the office he and Drake used for going over the case, making sure the files were all locked away and found a recorder and video camera. He set them up and got the room ready for Hazel and then went in search of her. He found her in the kitchen with coffee and he frowned. He silently got some of the breakfast June had just cooked and set it front of her gently. He wouldn't force her to eat but he hoped she would. He got his own plate and picked at it, not feeling very hungry himself now. "I'm sorry to ask this of you," he told her. He hoped she didn't hate him for it.

They went to the office and he sighed. "I'm here for you Hazel. Just let me know if you need a break or anything." He told her, sitting her at the desk in front of the camera. "You've and June have given your statements of your time together so you won't have to go through that part if you don't want." He told her. He gave her some time to get ready and when she gave the go-ahead, he started both the recorder and the camera and let her tell her story.

---

June relaxed visibly to hear that Drake wasn't getting reassigned. She smiled hearing him talk so highly of Kelden, she could see the friendship was strong between them. "I can't tell you how happy that makes me," she said, leaning in to his kiss to her forehead. She went back to the food in the pan and shook her head. "Nope, breakfast is almost done," she said, stirring one last time and then turning the burner off. She served them each a plate and sat down at the table. "Can we go for a walk? Maybe go see Mac for a bit?" She asked, perking up a bit more thinking about getting to see the big fluffy dog.

As they were finishing their breakfast, Kelden came in and looked liked he wanted to say something to Drake. She paused a moment and then stood up, putting her plate in the sink. "I'm going to go get changed," she told them, giving Kelden a polite smile before heading to her room. She took a little extra time to change, not sure how long Drake and Kelden's conversation would last. She pulled her hair free of the bun and re-did it a few times to be sure and then finally headed downstairs. Drake was waiting for her, Kelden no where to be seen so apparently she'd timed herself well. "Let's go," she smiled, taking his hand and pulling him out with her. Though they'd held hands on several occasions, it felt like more now and it made her a little giddy. As they started walking, she stood on her tippy toes and pulled his hand gently and kissed his cheek before returning to their walk.

She had to admit she was a little curious as to what Kelden had wanted to talk about, but she knew there were a lot of things about the case that they couldn't include June and Hazel on so she didn't pry. She trusted that if it was important for her to know, Drake would tell her. "Maybe when we get back I'll call my mom and sister," she said idly, a little nervous to talk to them after so long.

@ Lost Oceans
Hazel looked up as he set some food in front of her and even the smell made her stomach churn and she shook her head. she couldn’t eat even a bite, not even for Kelden. She sat there as he ate but it seemed her mood was spoiling that for him too. Hazel nodded as he said he was sorry. “I know if there was another way that you would do it but this is it. Everything depends on how much of a monster this psycho was to me.” she stood pouring the rest of her cup down the drain and left the room standing in the window.

When Drake came for her she turned her eyes had that far away look. She followed him silently up to the office and sat down in the chair in front of the camera. She shivered looking t the cold devices. He said he was here for her and she nodded. “Can you get me a blanket?” she asked. When he came back he said she didn’t have to go over the time she and June were together but she would so that it was all together in one place until the very end. With the blanket wrapped over her legs and her legs pulled up into the chair she nodded for Drake to start the camera and she looked into it and knew that now was the time she would convince everyone that this guy was a psycho.

“My name is Hazel Luna and I was taken on May 15th 2019.” Hazel began and looked at Kelden then back at the camera. She knew he wanted to be there for her but with those big brown eyes looking at her with worry it only made her choke up more. She cleared her throat looking down a moment to compose herself and blinked away the tears. “I had just picked up jogging in the early morning before the sun came up a week ago. I wanted to get the run out of the way before I did my yoga routine to greet the sun before my classes started. I was studding business, a sensible career is all I was working towards and working at Apple as a sales person. I had plans to move up in the business and eventually be one of the most powerful women in business. I put everything into it. I meditated on that. When I did something I went all in so it was no surprise that I didn’t notice him until he had already stuck a needle in my neck and my legs were giving out as he pulled me into the truck.” Hazel stopped thinking, remembering. “I heard the door close and knew that my ability to escape as the drug quickly moved through my system was eliminated with that sound.” Her voice was rough and she looked cold despite the blanket on her lap. “The last thing I saw before my eyelids were too heavy to stay open was the roof of that white van. It was his smell that made me aware of his presence first then it was his hands moving over my body caressing every inch of me like I was his new favorite toy. I forced myself to focus on it knowing the moment I let that drug drag me under I was dead. If I was unconscious I couldn’t fight him, not even in my mind. It didn’t matter the drug sunk me under but not as long as he liked. I woke up as we pulled to a stop. I was screaming in my head but all that came out was a grumble. He was so angry that I was awake. He crawled into he back and my eyes opened seeing him rushing towards me before he hit me. My vision was too blurry to see him them but I would see him soon enough, and soon enough he would become the only thing I see when I closed my eyes.” she said a tremble in her jaw.

Hazel looked away from the camera out the window at the trees. Hazel took a deep breath and knew this is where it started. “I woke up naked and strapped to a bench. The cold leather pressing into my back and the surgical light shinning over me. He was a shadow on the other side of the light but I could feel his eyes on me as my skin tightened with the cold. He called me by name as he stepped closer. He said, ”Hazel I have waited so long to add you to my collection. I have been waiting for the right moment for us to meet. I have a good feeling about us and I know you will prove your worth to me. You will meet that contestants in a little while but I wanted to spend a little one on one time with you to be sure you are as ready for this as I am.” I thought he was crazy, delusional… but that was just his game. He likes games.” she stopped and rubbed her arm looking off as she tried to warm herself. After a while she looked back at the camera.

“He spent the next five hours torturing me. I new every minute of it because of the clock in the room click clicking in time to his cuts and the movements. He used tiny cuts but a lot of them in a small area then he would grip my breath gently as if trying to invoke pleasure and he would touch…” she exhaled and looked down her face turning red and the trembling growing. “He molested me. I cried and sobbed but he didn’t stop. He didn’t stop until I gave up hope that he would.” she shuddered her breath coming harder to breath in but she stopped to let herself work on her breathing for a moment. “When he was done he cleaned me up bandaged me and then carried my weak body through his makeshift apartment and down into what looked like a boiler room. He opened a large silver door and my mind screamed telling me to fight back but I was to weak.” she clenched her jaw and her eyes grew hot and angry. She swallowed and continued. “He set me down on the bed and kissed my lips placing my hair delicately over the pillow then looked off tot he side of the room and left me.”

Hazel looked at Kelden her anger helping her to calm herself. She looked back at the camera the little blinking red light giving her something to focus on. “That is when I met Penny and the other girl, she never gave me her name. It was like the last thing she was holding onto and I couldn’t blame her for that. The first five hours after he left I ate the old bread and the water that was shoved under the door and slept as much as I could. When I woke I heard the carnival music playing and Penny was dragging me up out of bed. She told me to stand and to be careful of the holes in the walls and the floor and to listen for the whistle of the pipes.” Hazel looked sad as she thought of Penny. “Penny held me as the freezing water gushed down on us. The water was so strong it was hard to breath. It was easier when you pressed up against someone else. Both of us worked to keep the water out of our nose and mouth. I watched the girl who I didn’t know. She sat there letting the water choke her. She didn’t sob or flinch or pull away. She had given up and when the water stopped raining the pipes started to whistle and then the steam burst into the room. It was like he aimed for me but Penny pushed us apart just in time. His next one he got that girl that wouldn’t move anymore. When the steam hit her she screamed. I had never heard someone scream like that.” she looked away tears in her eyes and she forced herself not to sob. “He kept playing with the steam making Penny and I hop around to avoid it in time with the music and now and again would try the girl but she didn’t move still. By the time the game ended I could smell her flesh like over boiled pork shoulder.” she looked pale and shook her head. “He watched us from the door and chuckled like he had won something. I couldn’t stand it and I grabbed that girl and I shook her. I told her to pull it together and fight him. When he opened the door and came in I stepped back as he went to grab her. She shot up like a rocket and started to attack him like a wild animal her voice shill as she screamed in her outrage. He stumbled back and Penny attacked him and then I made a break for the door. He hit Penny and kicked the girl dragging her out cutting me off before I could get to the door. He was fast and strong and we were scared. The girl went limp and he carried her through he door cursing and he said to her that she had disappointed him and they could no longer be together. He said he didn’t know what he ever saw in her.”

Hazel ran hand through her hair and sat back in the chair. “The next day and a half all I could hear was her screaming. He would laugh sometimes and other times I knew he was getting off on her pain. It was days after her screaming stopped that he showed up again. He played the game with the water like a test. And whoever passed he would take for the rest of the day. He did this for a week and I won twice. There were times he would put us deliberately in the position to be able to make the other person win. He pitched us against each other. It was his favorite game.” she ran a hand through her hair. “Each night he would drug us with food so he could collect his winner safely and if we refused to eat he would just start the game again until we were too tired to deny him. The first time I won he took me to his bed and tied my hands to the bedpost and when I was starting to wake he pulled off the undergarments he had dressed me in slowly until I was awake his mouth brushing every inch of my skin. He acted like he was my boyfriend, calling me babe and saying how much he loved me. When I was awake enough to try and fight back that is when he flipped me over so my shoulders ached from the strain of the restraints and he raped me from behind.” she stopped and was so still she wasn’t even breathing. “I think I need a break.” she said and stood leaving the room.

Hazel went to the bathroom and pulled her hair to the side leaning over the toilet and vomiting what wasn’t in her stomach already. When her stomach was officially empty she heaved until the tears took over and she cried over the toilet. Hazel sat back after a while and flushed the toilet standing he tears silently streaming down her cheeks. She rinsed out her mouth then looked in the mirror. She grabbed her toothbrush and scrubbed her mouth out. It was too violent to be called brushing. When she was done she went to the kitchen and got some water. She downed several glasses standing at the sink trying not to vomit that back up as well. Hazel heard Kelden as he walked in and she didn't turn to look at him as she spoke. "I don't want your sympathy, and I don't want to be touched right now." she said her voice cracking again. She was only half way through and she knew it but she felt sick and didn't think she could continue just yet.

---

Drake was glad when she asked to go for a walk and he grinned. "I had the same thought to go see Mac." he said and smiled at her. Kelden came in looking grim and he knew Hazel had said yes. They talked a while and he knew he had to keep June away for as long as he could today. As they got ready he grabbed whatever they would need not to be back till after dinner. He didn't want Hazel to have to worry about anything with what he knew she was going to be going through just talking about it. She shouldn’t have to do this, neither should June but he knew they would.

As June came down and took his hand leading him out he chuckled and went with her. Drake grinned as she kissed his cheek. He couldn’t help but feel like a goof because he truly adored that she did that so randomly. She was an amazing woman and he hoped that when all this finally ended she would want to consider something more with him that whatever they built here.

When June suggested calling her family later he smiled. “I don’t think we will be back till late. After we are done visiting Mac I was thinking we could go out for some bingo or something.” he said and smiled at her. “So our cells work out here. We could find a nice spot and call if you wanted to. Maybe Betty will let us take Mac for a walk and he can be there too.” he said knowing if she wanted to continue their relationship after all this he was going to buy her a puppy of her own. A big fluffy one that slobbered because it would make her the most happy and he wanted her to be happy always.

In the back of his mind he knew he still had to tell her what Hazel was doing and why but he wasn’t ready for that yet. One step at a time and this first step was hopefully to cheer her up and have her talk with her family who he was sure was worried about her and missing her like crazy. "Was there anything you had in mind to do today other than calling home?" he asked her wondering if home for her would be with her family.

@ Jinx...

Kelden listened in horror as his worst fears were confirmed. He was having a hard time keeping a straight face as Hazel told her story so he mainly kept his head down as he listened. He was angry, disgusted, horrified, a whole range of emotions through her recounting of events. He wanted to take this guy down more than ever and he wished he could take all of Hazel's pain from her. When she said she needed a break, Kell immediately paused the two instruments as she hurried out of the office. He could hear her heading towards the bathroom and he leaned against the wall. He had a feeling she didn't want him anywhere near her right now.

Kell stood a while, processing his thoughts. Everything she'd done to guard her heart made more sense than ever before now. He couldn't believe she'd even let him in as much as she had after everything. After a while he decided he should probably check on her. He heard the faucet running in the kitchen and he went in quietly. She heard him anyway and didn't even turn around to snap at him. His heart broke to hear the pain raw in her voice. "I will never touch you if you don't want it, Hazel," he assured her. "I just wanted to check on you." Even though he did just want to take her into his arms, he wouldn't dare. He kept his distance, feeling like he'd just jumped back to a month ago when they'd first met and she didn't trust him in the slightest.

"If you want me to leave you alone, I can," he told her quietly, not really wanting to leave her alone but knowing that he would do anything she wanted. "Hazel and Drake are going to stay out of the house for the day, so take all the time you need." He ran a hand through his hair, anxious suddenly. He'd dealt with all kinds of sickos in his line of work but hearing Hazel talk about it was harder than he'd thought it would be.

---

June shook her head. "No plans. But heading out to town after our walk sounds nice. I'd like to explore the town more," she said. They hadn't really gone to many places besides the big store for supplies and the ice cream shop that Kelden and Hazel had invited them to. She enjoyed the warmth of the sun as they walked, feeling happy. It wasn't too long before they were nearing Betty's house and a familiar barking alerted them to the big fluffy creature bounding down the hill. "Mac! Come here boy!" She called to him, laughing at the goofy dog. He crashed into her as usual, and she managed to stay on her feet as he rolled over for tummy rubs. "Hey there good boy, how are you doing today?" She asked, scratching his belly.

After a bit of loving on Mac, she gave him a final couple pats and he got up to take them to his home. Betty was on her front porch in a rocking chair and she waved to them as she saw them coming up the hill. "Oh hi sweeties," Betty said to them and June smiled. "Good morning Betty, how are you doing today?" They chatted with her for a bit, making small talk. June liked to check in on Betty and she'd been bringing Betty homemade dinners and baked goods since they'd first met her. "We were just going to be taking a long walk and we were wondering if Mac could join us?" She asked, the big dog perking up to hear his name. "Oh I'm sure he'd love that," Betty smiled happily. "Go on with them Mac," she ushered the dog who was more than happy to return to June's side for more pets. "Thanks Betty, we'll bring him back in a little while!"

June scratched Mac's head as he walked along beside her. "Let's branch off from the lake a bit, we haven't gone on the other trails around here yet," she said to Drake, noticing there were a couple of trails past Betty's house that they'd never taken before. It was a nice enough day and it beat being cooped up in the house all day. June found a large stick off to the side and she picked it up and tossed it ahead of them for Mac, who eagerly chased after it and then brought it back to June to be thrown again.

@ Lost Oceans
Hazel sighed and hung her head as he spoke. She felt the tears again and she felt so guilty. She hadn’t meant to snap at him but she didn’t want him to come in trying to sooth her, it would have only made it worse. When he asked if he should leave her alone she shook her head she turned looking at him her eyes glimmering and she rubbed the tears from her cheeks. “No I just need a moment.” She said knowing she needed to get this done. Hazel went and sat at the table. She pulled her knees into her chest and hugged them. “I just need some time. I…” she didn’t know how to explain herself. She sighed, “I just want to forget about it but I never can.” She said and bit her lip. Hazel spent the next couple hours just sitting there. Sometimes the tears would leak out and sometimes she was just staring into space. She managed to eat some apple sauce and could tell it calmed Kelden a little. He was upset she could tell and she understood why. He wanted to catch this guy for what he did and she was thankful to him for that.

When she was feeling ready again after a long couple hours of silence she walked with Kelden back to the office and went to the seat sitting down and pulling her hair back. Hazel pulled the blanket into her lap and as she got comfortable again and sighed. "Let's start." she said and watched him slowly turn on the cameras. She wondered how she would look a jury. "The second time he took me he had me cook for us. He had already cut everything up but he wanted me to know I had so much power at my fingertips and still wouldn't be able to do anything. He was prepared for everything. He anticipated my moves. He saw how I gauged the pan in my hand wondering if I could knock him out with it. He placed his hand on mine and reminded me how to turn on a stove. He said he understood and I would learn to just trust him. He said he had decided what was going to happen next and he was sure I would be pleased with the choice. We sat down to a dinner and he asked why I wasn't eating. He had set the mood like a celebration as I sat there in those undergarments wondering how to hid a fork in my panties so I could use it against him later." she bit her lip. After dinner he had me sit on the couch with him and we watched a movie. He held me close to his side his hands wondering. He chuckled and said he couldn't focus on the movie either but that we needed to behave ourselves tonight he had an important event the next day. He returned me to the cage and played another game that night. He told us goodnight and left. The next day I woke up unable to move and watching Penny get dragged from the the room. My limbs wouldn't move. He had done something to me the night before. I don't know how he did it but I couldn't save Penny from him now and I had such a bad feeling." she ran a hand through her hair.

Hazel looked out the window trying to explain the horror she had felt the next couple days. "I had never realized, how truly someone could bond to another person until he took Penny. I knew the moment her scream rang out early that next morning that he wouldn't be brining her back, that she was dead. It was days before her screaming stopped." Hazel stared off as if there was something she cold see somewhere else a little crease in between her eyes that happened when she was thinking too hard or fighting in her head. Hazel looked back at the camera as if she realized it was still there. "I'm sorry... it's just Penny was a fighter yes but most of all she was so hopeful she would get out of there one way or another. She believed that when it was all over she was going to love the world so much more because she realized the value in life now. She believed it so much that sometimes she had me believing it and when Penny's screams stopped and the empty echo of her screams in my head picked up... a part of me died too, the part that believed that this would all be over one day. Even if he does go to jail or is sentenced to death, I don't know if I will ever believe that he will stop haunting me, that he won't be there when I close my eyes or try to take a quick shower or make love." she bit her bottom lip and looked down her face burning. She rubbed her shoulder and looked back at the camera avoiding Kelden's gaze. "He had this way of making time collapse so you couldn't tell if it had been one day or three. Time burred together and I didn't know how much time had passed or didn't. I think that was the worst feeling, not knowing if the world had finally moved on forgetting you or if you were going insane." She sighed and looked at the clock on the desk. He could still do it to her. It felt like it had been days just talking about it all but it had only been hours. "I sat in that cell tired and hungry and thirsty. I refused to eat and drink or sleep so much that my body was starting to act up and I was sure at some point I was hallucinating. But when he brought June in I was more aware of everything. I couldn't shut off the adrenaline, the need to escape. I knew that now that Penny was gone I was next. He set June on the bed and played with her hair and touched her lips in anticipation of what he was goin to do to her later I am sure. It wasn't long before she woke and I knew the game would start. He had that wild look about him before he left. He needed the fix, he needed to play his games." she pinched the bridge of her nose.

Hazel went through what had happened up to the point where June ate her portion of the drugged food. "I wasn't sure if the drug would kill her or not but I was so afraid for her because I couldn't have one more dead girl on my conscious. I needed... I needed to save just one person from him." She felt the tears stream down her face. "June had begged me not to leave her there and I knew that even if it meant recapture that I couldn't leave her there so I had to save her, I had to win this time. But this time I had the advantage." she said shaking, her eyes hot with anger. "I held June's hand and I matched my breathing to hers. I had to force myself to relax. If I tensed up even once for a moment he would know and we would have no chance. I stayed limp my breathing deep and even and my pulse low. I have been doing yoga for years and it saved my life because if I didn't know how to..." she inhaled sharply. "I went away in my mind as he picked me up. I wanted to sob as June's hand dropped out of mine but I let him carry me out. He was careful now because of how many times he had been attacked but I was stronger, and smarter than he could have ever planned for." she glared into the camera and hoped one day he saw this and got so angry that they had to remove him from the court.

"He took me back to the same leather strap table he had brought me to from the start. I knew the moment he got me stepped in I would be dead from them on out. He had found his new toy that he would be playing with and I was the old one he had to dispose of but he was going to take all the pleasure in that too. He was excited, I could feel him as he brushed past me his fingers touching my lips. This time I knew what to expect and when he went to strap in my feet bending over the table I took my opportunity and I kicked him down. I grabbed the knife on the table and rounded on him as he came after me. He didn't expect that, he didn't expect me to fight with everything he had shown me in his little play house. He didn't plan for me not to give up." she said angry. "He wrestled me to the ground and and the knife I was trying to use against him cut me down the side and was pushed into the floor but when I bit him he screamed. He didn't like the same pain he had inflicted upon me to many times. He couldn't take it and I finally knew how to defeat him. He was prepared for the normal fighting but I was done fighting clean and I scratched at his eyes and bit until I broke the skin and he pulled away from me. I was quicker than him this time. I had a promise to keep. I kicked him and then kneed him in the face. He passed out and I used the straps on the bed he had tried to pin me to to secure him. I hit him again hoping to give myself some more time of him being knocked out. I searched in his pockets and found his keys and his wallet. With other of them I went back to June and we got out of there. I took his car and raced until I saw the first safe place I came to." she was shivering again. "He might have been out to kill me but he got more than he bargained for."

Hazel looked away. When Kelden turned off the recorders she rose and went to the window tossing it open and pulling out the screen so she could lean out the window and she took some deep unsteady breaths. She was shaking like the had hypothermia, it didn't matter that it was nearly the end of June and the weather was hot out she was so cold and white. Hazel ran hand through her hair and let to her breath blinking away the threatening tears. Hazel was silent until her breath came back to even and she sat back on the table looking outside. "Can we go for a ride... I need to get away from here... I need... I need to be outside." she said her voice as close to pleading as she had ever been. Hazel ran a hand through her hair and looked over at Kelden.

---

Drake smiled at June and nodded. "Yes that would be fun to look around the little town." he said and smiled as they came close to the house and June called for Mac. She smiled and he felt his heart burst. They headed up to see Betty and had a nice conversation. When they headed for a walk with Mac Drake nodded as she asked to go on other trails and he was fine with it. He smiled as they walked and she threw the stick for Mac. It was so easy with June like this, he just wanted it to stay this way for a while.

They walked up a trail and Drake listened to June chat and was just fine when they fell into silence for a while to. He sighed after a while and knew he needed to tell June what was going on. "June do you want to call your family now?" he asked really wanting her to talk to them before he dropped another worrying piece of news on her. One day he hoped he could meet her family and get to know them more. They must be pretty close with everything before all this happened. He knew the struggles of a single parent raising a family. He had seen it an it broke his heart but it made a family stronger in so many ways.

The woods were a live with buzzing and bird calls. As well as the sound of chomping of the lives and sticks by Mac and them walking but mostly by Mac as he hoped from stick to his best friend who was throwing that massively good arm and he wished that he could just talk about that with her and how she learned to throw but he knew that she would be pissed if she found out what was going on from someone else. He wouldn't blame her but he did hope that this wouldn't put her back into a state of worry. They would figure it out he just knew it, no matter what he was not leaving June.

@ Jinx...

Kelden sat with Hazel at the table silently. He knew there weren't words that could ease her pain right now so he stayed quiet while she took the time she needed. He offered her comfort in his company and he hoped that was enough. He didn't say anything when the tears streaked down her cheeks, just stayed with her through it all. He was slightly relieved when she ate a bit of applesauce, though it wasn't much, it was at least something. When she was ready, he walked with her back to the room and let her get adjusted before starting the recordings again.

He continued to listen to her story, taking in the last of her details. He knew that this, combined with the profile Drake had put together, would be able to ensure this case stayed open. He knew that her testimony would save her from having to make an appearance in court when this psycho was brought to justice. He didn't even want to imagine Hazel having to take the stand and being subjected to lawyers and facing him in court. Kelden would have to mention that to Drake and see if June wanted to do the same to avoid any court proceedings.

He leaned against the wall, arms folded across his chest until Hazel was done and he quickly clicked off the tape and recorder. She asked if they could go for a ride and he nodded solemnly. "Of course. Let's head out now," he said, wanting to get out of the house too. He wanted to put his arm over her shoulders to ease her shivering but he didn't think she'd want that right now so he just grabbed the keys and led them out to the car. He pulled out of the driveway and onto the road and just drove. For now he had no destination in mind and just kept going, taking an occasional turn and just taking them down long stretches of road, some mostly surrounded by trees and others with fields holding cows, horses, and even one goat. Maybe in a while they'd go somewhere specific or just back home but for now, he just wanted to give her air.

---

June sighed. "Yeah, I shouldn't put it off any longer," she said. She took out the cellphone, checking that it still had reception, and then settled onto a log nearby. Mac ran around chasing leaves and bugs, entertaining himself thoroughly though they'd stopped. She stared at the screen of the phone for a few minutes before taking a deep breath and dialing. She put it on speaker in case she needed Drake to explain anything and listened to several rings before a familiar voice picked up. "Hello, Madelyn speaking," her mom said. June felt emotional at the sound of her mom's voice suddenly and it took her a moment to respond. "Hey Mom," she said. "It's June."

"June!? June, honey, I've been so worried!" Her mom said, sounding emotional now as well. "Are you okay? Are you out of protection now? I'll fly you out here, please come stay with me for a while," she said, the words rushing out of her. "Mom, Mom, slow down. I'm okay. I'm still under protection but I wanted to give you a call and let you know that I'm doing okay," June said, her eyes welling up with tears. She tried to wipe them away but they kept coming. "I love you, Mom. I can't come visit yet, but I promise I will as soon as I can, okay?" She promised. In the background she could hear another familiar voice. "It's June!" Her mom said in the background and there was some rustling and then "June Bug!" Her sister said. June was so happy to hear her sister's voice that she didn't even care that she'd used that silly nickname. "Hey Cass," she said, laughing through the tears. She talked with her mom and sister for a bit, the tears slowly drying up as she fell into a sense of familiarity and comfort. They checked in on her and asked questions, most that she couldn't answer such as where she was and how much longer she had to be under protection for, but they were understanding and assured her that they were just happy to hear from her again. "Are the agents hot at least?" Cassidy asked jokingly, trying to keep the mood fun and light and June blushed, glancing at Drake in embarrassment. "I think now would be a good time to mention that you're on speakerphone," she told her sister who just cackled at that knowledge. June dodged the question, not really wanting to discuss just how attractive she thought Drake was in front of him. "Speaking of which, this is Drake, I mean... Agent Stevenson, the agent assigned to be my guard," she said, moving the phone from in front of her to be between her and Drake.

"Oooh a first name basis, huh?" Cassidy teased. "You better be taking good care of my baby sister," she said sternly. Hazel could hear her mom in the background scolding Cass about being respectful but June knew her sister well enough to know that the scolding was falling on deaf ears. "Please excuse my daughter," her mom said apologetically. "Thank you very much for keeping our June safe. I hope you catch the man responsible for all this very soon," she said and June could hear her getting emotional again. She felt her own heart twist a little, wishing she could hug her mom right now. She couldn't wait to see them again. They talked for a bit longer and June said her goodbyes, telling her mom and sister both how much she loved them before finally hanging up.

@ Lost Oceans
Hazel walked with Kelden as they left the house. She sighed the farther away they got. she rolled down the window her hand going out of it as her hand floated int he wind current. She turned on the music listening as she let the moment wash over her helping her to push the past back behind her. They drove aimlessly and she was glad for it looking out at the animals and out at the trees as they drove. "Do you have any questions for me?" Hazel asked randomly. She was sure after all that he probably had something to say or ask. She knew her escape had been some part fate, or luck or whatever one wanted to call it. She knew it wasn't skill that got her out. She wouldn't make that kind of a mistake again. Next time if she won or loose it would be because of her own merit and skills.

They kept driving and she saw signs for a waterfall. "Hey lets go there." she said and looked over at Kelden. She sat back grinning as they drove. She didn't know there was a waterfall around here. She had never thought that this protection detail could turn into a good thing but even in her hardest moments Kelden was there for her and she was grateful for it. She had never known someone like him. He was okay with her silence, he was okay with her moodiness, he didn't run from her and he was doing anything he could to be there for her. It was a big deal to her.

They drove up to the parking lot for the short hike up to the waterfall. They got out and she smiled. No one was here because it was a weekday. It was perfect. She walked out with Kelden and up the small hill. she could hear the waterfall before they turned the corner. Once they turned the corner a very beautiful waterfall. Hazel grinned as she saw the waterfall. "It is beautiful." she said and smiled moving forward and reaching back grabbing Kelden's hand. She pulled him forward towards the waterfall. Once they made it up she stood there looking around at the water as it poured down over the rocks. Something about the water was amazing and yet she was standing on the edge of panic. She held Kelden's hand tighter.

---

Drake smiled softly as he sat with June. He watched her waiting while she decided to call her family. He grinned as she dialed waiting for her family to pick up. When they answered he gently rubbed her back. she was so sweet and he loved that she loved her family so much. He grinned hearing her mom. It was the best thing in the world to have a mother that cared like that. He smiled watching her as she talked to her mother. She cried and he it his lip. He knew she loved her family only they could make someone cry like this and it not be all sadness.

When Drake heard her sister he smiled and chuckled as she asked if the agents were hot and he nodded making June blush as she dodged the question. He knew what she thought of him and that was enough for him. When she introduced him he smiled. "Hello." he said and smiled at June. Yes they were on first name basis but it was more than that too but he wouldn't say anything until June did or this case was over, which ever came first. "Yes I am taking care of her, you have my word." he said and smiled at the every mom way what Madelyn scolded her daughter. "No worries. Yes Ma'am and we are working very hard to catch him." he said and stood pacing as June finished saying her goodbyes. He felt so guilty that now he had to tell June. Once she hung up he smiled at her. "Did you have a nice talk?" he asked knowing that heading how she talked and knowing how she felt were two very different things. They talked for a while and walked the trail some more as he tried to figure out a way to tell her and explain that everything was going to be okay.

"June.. we need to talk. I have been trying to figure out how to tell you and I knew that if i didn't you would be pissed at me. I try to protect you from so much, sometimes my mind tries to protect you to much but I want your happiness and to help you feel safe." Drake turned to her. "The unit chief is wanting to pull us off the case. He thinks our time would be better spent elsewhere. I am not going to let that happen and no matter what I won't leave you unprotected June." He said and looked at her worried. "Hazel is giving her statement to Kelden today. With that and the case I have been making a profile on I think it will be enough to keep the case open but I didn't want to keep this from you." He admitted to her.

@ Jinx...

Kelden shook his head. "No questions," he told her. He honestly didn't know what to say. There weren't words he could say that would be of any comfort, there wasn't anything he could say or do that would erase what she'd been through, and telling her that he wished she hadn't had to go through that didn't feel like enough. He was quiet for a while, letting the sound of the music fill the space between them and the warm air blow in from the rolled down windows. He hoped that it was helping her, even if only by the smallest amount. When she pointed to a sign informing them of a waterfall nearby, he slowed the car a bit and turned where the sign indicated. "This area really is just full of nice surprises," he noted admiringly. The more he learned about this area, the more he liked it. He parked in the small parking lot at the base of the trail.

He got out of the car and stretched his arms above his head before moving to join Hazel on the trail. It was a fairly short hike to the waterfall and he heard Hazel say it was beautiful. "It's amazing," he agreed, noting the smile that had returned to her face. He was instantly relieved to see that this was helping. She reached back and grabbed his hand, pulling him along with her and he happily let her. He closed his hand around hers and followed her up to the water, standing on the edge and felt her squeeze tighter. He squeezed back to let her know that he was there and she was safe. He was quiet for a bit before he looked from the sparkling waterfall to down at her. "We're going to catch him, Hazel," he said, his voice hard. "I won't rest until he's in custody or dead." Kelden knew nothing could change what had happened but he would get Hazel the justice she deserved. Whatever it took. He pulled her hand up to his lips and kissed it quickly.

He stood there with her and enjoyed the waterfall, holding her hand. He hoped that being out in the fresh air and safe with him, she was starting to feel more at ease. "Do you want to hike a little further? It looks like we could get up to the top if you wanted," he said, indicating to a trail that continued up a slope. He kept holding her hand as they continued up the trail.

---

June tucked the phone away again and rested her head against Drake's shoulder. "Yeah. It was.. good. Good to hear their voices and interact like things were fairly normal. Embarrassing nicknames and jokes included. But it also makes me miss them more now. I don't know when I'll get to see them again." She said, feeling a pang of sadness at the thought. She was pretty sure that the first thing she wanted to do when all this was over was to go visit them. Maybe Drake would come with her and he could officially meet them as something other than the agent assigned to protect her. She hadn't wanted to say anything to her family yet since the romance aspect of their relationship was so fresh and new for her and Drake right now.

She sat up, frowning when he said he needed to talk. Instantly she was worried, this sounded like bad news the way he was rambling about trying to figure out how to tell her about something. She turned to face him, putting her hand gently on his to reassure that she was ready to hear whatever he had to say. When he told her about their boss wanting to pull them from the case and Hazel having to give a statement, she bit her lip, trying to stay calm. "Thank you for telling me," she said, giving him a small half smile to show that she appreciated being kept in the loop. At least now she knew what Kelden and him had talked about this morning. "I believe you," she assured him, trusting that he wouldn't let her go without protection. "I trust you. Whatever happens, I know that you and Kell won't just leave us."

She sighed, playing with her hair nervously. "I hope Hazel is doing okay. I don't know a whole lot of what her experience was before I was taken or what happened while I was drugged but I have a feeling it was worse even than what she and I went through together." She said, looking towards the direction of the house anxiously. She couldn't see it from how far into the woods they were but she worried about Hazel. Though they were close and loved each other dearly, June knew that Hazel kept her at arms length about some things, and she and Drake were probably out here so that Hazel could give her statement privately. She leaned back into Drake, worrying gnawing at her mind.

@ Lost Oceans
Hazel stood there at the edge of the waterfall when Kelden told her that they were going to catch this guy. He promised her and she smiled softly up at him her eyes soft and understanding. She felt vulnerable with Kelden and it scared her. She blushed gently as he kissed her hand. She turned into him and laid her head on his chest closing her eyes as she held his hand her body pressed to his. She breathed Kelden in and felt the comfort that he brought to her. She swallowed the lump in her throat. After it all he was still here with her and there was something in that. He asked if she wanted to go up further to the top of the waterfall and she nodded. She needed to be on top of it to conquer her fear of the water. She pulled away and walked up the hill with him until they made it to the top of the hill and stood next to the river overlooking the falling water.

Hazel stood there in the silence for a while and then looked out at the scenery around them. She thought it was a beautiful little place. She wanted to find somewhere like this place for her own. "What were you doing before all of this?" she asked him suddenly wondering what kind of a life he had before all of this. She bit her lip wondering if he had an apartment waiting for him and a life of his own to get back to, friends and family. She knew it had to be so but with how emotional she had been already today the thought of him going back to his life that was waiting for him broke her heart. She could feel the lump pushing the tears to well up in her eyes and she was trying so hard to blink them away. She would never be the same person as she had been before all this, she couldn't go back. She knew the moment all this was over she was going to pack up her old apartment sell a bunch of stuff and move anywhere that was appealing.

Sometimes when Hazel would dream of what her new life would look like she would picture Kelden there. It happened more often than she wanted to admit. She knew a part of her wanted Kelden to be in her life from now on, a large part in truth and she didn't know what she was going to do if she had to find someone else to open up to. More than likely she just wouldn't open up again. Hazel had a hard time opening up to begin with, she couldn't imagine telling someone else the story of what happened again. She didn't know if she could and she didn't think anyone would be able to handle it like Kelden had.

---

Drake was surprised with how she took it. She took it better than he expected. He had half been convinced that she was going to go running to find Hazel because they where bonded and would go through all the hard times together because they knew the other was dependable. He sat down beside her as she started to talk about Hazel. He let her lean back into him and he rubbed her arm gently. "She will be okay June. She is not only strong but smart." he said. He knew she was guarded with everyone and often only let people in to a particular point if at all. He wondered what she was like before all of this. He couldn't imagine a different Hazel. He kissed June's head and laughed as Mac came up licking them both with one long tongue.

Drake sat back and took the stick that had been dropped at his feet throwing it. "Okay okay let's get going boy!" he said and rubbed June's shoulders. "Ready June?" he asked softly looking at her and smiling softly. "We will get it figured out." he soothed and handed her some water taking a drink of his own. He was so glad that they had the chance to really spend some time together. They stood and started up the trail some more. "June... Are you wanting to give your statement sometime so that you don't have to go to court?" he asked her worried what being in the same room with that monster would do to June. He hoped in a lot of ways that he never made it to trial that he died long before that but as an agent of the law he was sworn only to use deadly force when absolutely necessary.

Once they figured out what she wanted to do when the time came to all the intricacies of the case he wanted to change the subject. "Who taught you to bake?" he asked. It was normal to learn to bake by family. He knew she loved them and though missed them like crazy he wanted to know about her.

@ Jinx...

Kell walked up to the top of the waterfall with Hazel. It was another fairly short hike, a little steep but nothing he and Hazel couldn’t conquer. At the top he was amazed at the view. It was incredible and immediately he had plans to pack a picnic and bring Hazel out here again sometime soon. He sat on the soft grass by the riverside and overlooked the cliff side to the tops of all the trees and beyond, patting next to him to invite Hazel to join him.

“Before this? I was mostly working. Save for the occasional family event that we take leave for, Drake and I tend to take on a lot of cases,” he told her. He wondered if after this was over, Drake would want to take on cases less frequently to make more time for June. He’d have to talk to him about it when that time came. “I think the last time I took leave was when one of my nephews was born,” he said, thinking back to the previous year when his sister had gone into labor way earlier than expected and he and his other sisters had gone and helped out her and her husband while they dealt with labor complications. Thankfully everything had ended well but at the time it had been very stressful. “I guess even now this is still technically work, though it doesn’t feel like it a lot of the time. I don’t usually get to hike waterfalls and go on late night ice cream runs when I work,” he smiled at her. He felt like this time had taught him to enjoy the little things more, but he wondered if he’d still bother running out for ice cream at midnight if he didn’t have Hazel with him. She was the reason he enjoyed it so much and he really couldn’t imagine doing it without her. He tried to push the thoughts away, focusing back on Hazel and noticed she seemed to be fighting back tears.

“Hey,” he said quietly, trying to get her attention. He put a gentle arm around her and pulled her close. “What’s going through your head?” He asked quietly, rubbing soft circles on her back. More than anything, Kelden wanted to bring Hazel all the happiness she deserved and anything he could do to put her at ease, he would.

---

June hoped Kelden was taking care of Hazel. “Yeah,” she said uncertainly, still worrying about Hazel. She felt herself relax a bit when Drake kissed her head and then Mac gave them both a big lick. She smiled and hugged them both close to her. Drake rubbed her shoulders and she stood up with him. “Alright, lets go,” she agreed and picked up Mac’s stick and tossed it ahead again. When Drake asked if she wanted to record her statement she realized she hadn’t really thought about the legal aspect of things after all this. “I... can,” she said slowly, thinking. “Yes, I want to. But when the trial comes, I want to go. Even if they don’t need me on the stand, I need to see him. I need to see them sentence him with my own eyes,” she said, her voice hard. June needed to face him again, to show him that she’d beaten him, that she’d won in the end.

She sighed, trying to force her tense muscles to relax. She was fine, she was safe here with Drake. June grabbed his hand again, needing the reminder to ground herself and ease her mind. Drake seemed to be trying to change the subject, asking about her baking and she looked up at him gratefully for the distraction. “A family friend. My mom’s best friend owned a bakery near our school so when my mom was working, we’d go to her place until mom was off. If I finished my homework fast enough, I could watch her decorate cakes, which was my absolute favorite. When I got older she began to teach me so I could help out and it just grew from there.” She explained, smiling fondly at the memories. “Even though I went through culinary school after high school, I’d say she taught me most of what I know,” she shrugged. She didn’t think her time in culinary school had been a waste, but she knew that her time with Anita had been invaluable in her growth as a baker.

More and more she was seriously thinking it was time to look into opening a bakery of her own. She wanted to get out of the city and start fresh somewhere new and in that process, wherever she settled down she was going to look into opening a business as well. “What about your life? What was a typical day in Drake Stevenson’s life before you came here?”

@ Lost Oceans
Hazel felt his arms go around her and she leaned into him turning and hugging his waist. She buried her face in his chest letting herself move into him until she was completely surrounded by him. She felt the flood of tears finally break as she sobbed like a baby holding into Kelden. She cried for a long time and was silent longer until she believed she could trust her voice. Hazel rubbed her face realizing with a blush she was completely sitting in his lap by now. "I'm sorry... I just... I never have been one for trusting and letting people in and somehow you wiggled your way in and without me knowing I have come to trust you, to depend on you and that scares me more than anything. If you left and I had to go back to figuring out my life alone... I don't think I could ever open up to anyone like I have you and I know it's not your responsibility..." she rambled and rubbed her eyes looking up at him. "I don't know what I would do without you Kell." she said tears shinning in her eyes as she spoke in hushed tones like she was afraid to say it aloud.

Hazel felt guilty for putting all of this on him but it was the truth and she did want him to know. If he left after his job was over in many ways she would understand but it was affect her though it wasn't his responsibility. She also wanted to release him from any obligation he felt there. She didn't want to be his obligation. Hazel knew he had a family that loved him very much and the truly sad thing was she wanted to meet them, even to be a part of them. Hazel didn't love easily but when she did she loved completely. She couldn't confess that to Kelden yet but she felt it and knew it was true. She smoothed down his wet crumped shirt from her crying and looked down at her hands. "I guess there is a lot going on in my mind. I can't look back anymore, though I can't deny how it has changed me. I have to look forward and that scares me because the future is so uncertain." she said and bit her bottom lip looking up at him. She still hadn't moved from his lap though she knew she probably should. Hazel wanted to stay in his arms longer.

It was hard to confess her insecurities to Kelden, to tell him of her neediness for him. She knew it was hard to really distinguish between the situation they were in and true feelings but Hazel knew herself she just wondered if Kelden did. Would he feel different about her with a little space? She knew she needed to find out. she needed to give them room to breath and figure it out, though it was kind of hard to get that space under FBI custody.

---

Drake nodded as she said she wanted to be in the court room with him. He would support her through that anyway that he could. The more that Drake realized how big this all was going to be for her after their custody detail, the more he realized how incomplete his job really was. He ran a hand through his hair. Anything you want to do June I will be there for you." he said and watched her walk and force herself to relax. He was glad to see her use the skills she had been learning to keep herself steady. He wanted to help more and when she grabbed his hand he knew that he was just by being there for her. June talked about herself again as a kid and it was so cute he smiled and enjoyed just listening to her dream being created from when she was young. "Were did you study?' he asked curiously.

As June asked about his life before the case he smiled. "Honestly I am a workaholic, anything I can throw myself into I do. Kelden and I use to take long cases that would keep us away long periods at a time. When I got home I would go back usually to my dark nearly empty apartment that the lady that comes once a week keeps spotless." He smiled though it didn't reach his eyes. "I would the next day go visit my mom and then my family. We would have family meals and they talk about how I am gone to much and my dad will joke about how I just need to find a nice girl to settle down with." he chuckled. "My brother and sister ask were I will meet one and my dad will shush them then we all laugh." He smirked happily at the memories. He looked over at her and chuckled. "I'm the middle child so it's kind of everyone's job to pick on me." he winked at her. "I have some old friends that have stuck around from high school or college but I will say I think of Kelden more as my best friend than any of them." he shrugged. "I guess that is what happens when you are working so closely with one another for so long."

Drake grinned and stopped them for a drink break. "We should probably head back down, we have been gone a while." he said noticing even Mac was staying closer to them now. He patted the big dog grinning. He had never thought about getting a pet because of his job but now a dog was sounding really nice to him. "Are you feeling hungry yet?" he asked her.

@ Jinx...

Kelden held Hazel tight as she cried into his chest. He rubbed her back gently, holding her close. He realized she was pretty much in his lap but he was so concerned about her that he just pushed it to the back of his mind. When she calmed down enough to speak, he listened to her confess her insecurities about being without him. He gently lifted her chin to look up at him, tucking her hair behind her ear. "Hazel, you're not some sort of obligation to me," he told her gently, looking into her eyes. He tried to find the words to explain. "True, its my responsibility to protect you, but our time together has been more than just a job. I care about you so much, Hazel," he said gently. "I don't want to just leave when this is over. I want to be a part of your life. I want to be someone you can rely on, someone to support you through your changes and your growth, someone to be there for all those uncertain parts of the future."

Kelden played with her hair gently. He could feel how charged the air between them was, a mixture of their closeness with Hazel in his lap and them bearing their souls to each other. "Hazel..." He rested his forehead against hers, staring deep into her eyes. "Can I kiss you?" He asked. He wanted to give her a chance to say no, to push him away, to get away from him, if she wanted. He would never, ever force her into something she didn't want but he hoped she wanted this as bad as he did right now. He hoped she felt the same thing between them that he did. When she gave him permission, he closed the space between them, pressing his lips to hers. His heart pounded in his chest in a way that no woman had ever made him feel before as he gently cupped her cheek, their lips moving together gently. Her taste and scent encompassed him, completely filling his mind. Nothing else existed but the two of them.

Kelden's body tingled with desire, wanting to show her exactly how much he needed her as well. But he didn't. He wouldn't push her, he wanted this to go slow for now. He wanted to prove to her that he wasn't the playboy she originally thought he was, he wanted to show her that he truly cared about her and her wants and needs more than anything else. Kell pulled her tight, kissing her a little deeper for just a moment before he reluctantly pulled away, not really wanting the kiss to end yet. He breathed deeply, resting his forehead against hers and stared into her eyes. He hoped his eyes conveyed the emotions he felt for her.

---

"The Culinary Institute of America," she said. She listened to him talk about working mostly but smiled when he spoke of his family. "They sound wonderful," she said, wondering if she'd ever get to meet them. At some point she supposed she and Drake should talk about what the future held for them, but it was hard to do when everything was so uncertain right now. They didn't know how long this case would last. Right now it was possible it'd get pulled tomorrow, and if it didn't and he and Kelden managed to convince their boss to keep them on, then who knew how long it would be. It was just better to take things day by day for now but she did hope that sometime in the future they could meet each others families.

She walked along with him, enjoying hearing about him and learning about his life before they'd met. She took the water he offered her and drank a bit, noticing the sun had moved in the sky since they had left the house. "Yeah, I didn't even realize how long we've been out for," she said. She wanted to get back and check on Hazel if she could. Mac wagged his tail, looking up and her and she leaned down and petted him. "Ready to head home, boy?" She asked Mac. "I could eat, maybe we could go grab food in town?" She suggested. They walked back the way they'd come, Mac no longer interested in chasing sticks. When they got close to Betty's house, June squatted down to snuggle the big, fluffy dog. "Ok Mac, time to go home. We'll come see you again soon," she said, burying her face in his fur and hugging him. He licked her face happily, wagging his tail and then trotting up the hill towards his home. June stood up and turned back to Drake. She took his hand and they continued back home.

When they got inside, June looked around but it seemed that Hazel and Kelden were gone. She wondered if that was a good or bad sign and again she worried for Hazel, hoping that Kelden was taking good care of her. "I'll be right back, I want to change clothes," she said, heading to her room. She changed out of her current clothes that were a little dirty from their trek through the woods and into something a little nicer for when they went to town. She returned back to the living room, smiling at Drake as she entered. "How do I look?" She asked, giving him a little twirl to show him her outfit, a short skirt and breezy blouse to keep cool in the warm weather.

@ Lost Oceans
Hazel was moved as he spoke. She bit her lip feeling safe with him. She was so glad to hear that it wasn't just her looking towards the future and seeing him there. She looked up at him and pressed her forehead to his her hands on his chest again as his fingers played with her hair. She looked into his eyes the charge of the moment making her heart beat fast. She had just cried her eyes out and he was looking at her like she was the most beautiful thing in the world to him. Hazel smiled when he said her name in that sweet way and she was slowly running her hands up his chest.

When he asked if he could kiss her she felt her breath catch and she nodded. "Yes." she breathed and the moments from then until his lips touched hers dragged on and on. She wrapped her arms around his neck as they kissed. She felt him pull her closer and felt the desperate need for her in his kiss. Hazel kissed him deeply feeling as he slowly started to ease back and pulled away. She hadn't wanted him to stop yet. Hazel looked up to see his eyes looking at her with so much intensity and she cupped his cheeks her nose touching his in a tender gesture. She was so glad that she wasn't alone in this.

They sat there a while longer when Hazel blushed and carefully got up taking his hand. "Come on let's go back and get lunch." she said knowing it was ind of late for lunch but she still wanted to eat, she knew it would make him feel better too. They drove back to the house and Hazel walked in with Kelden bitting her bottom lip as she heard Drake and June in the other room. She looked up at Kelden hoping he understood that she didn't want to answer any other questions today and that look of sympathy was not going to help her either. As much as Hazel cared for June she didn't want to face that right now.

---

Drake walked with June and smiled watching her love on Mac. He knew Mac would always be welcome to join them. He grinned as they walked back to the house hand in hand. When they got in she went to get changed and he freshened up changing the things in his bag for whatever else they would need for the day. When June came down in that little skirt be his his lip and watched her spin. "You look stunning." he said and moved forward catching her in his arms and planting a sweet kiss to her cheek. "Where do you want to go for lunch?" he asked.

Drake heard the front door open. He looked up to see Hazel and Kelden walk into the house. Hazel looked like she had been crying but otherwise she was looking like she was okay her hand notably in Kell's. Drake looked at June wondering if she was going to say something about it. Hazel came in and smiled at them. "Heading out?" she asked as she started to pull out some things for lunch. "Yeah." Drake smiled and took the keys that Kelden handed over. "Need anything while we are out?" he asked and Hazel shook her head looking at Kelden asking him silently. Drake looked over at Kelden to noticing a few things about his partner too. Something had changed for Kelden and Hazel, it was good but still a big change.

Drake looked at June and smiled softly. "Are you ready June?" he asked picking up his bag and letting the keys drop some in his hand so they jingled. He could see Hazel was worn out and probably was looking into some relaxation maybe even a nap. He was looking forward to finally taking June out, just the two of them without the notion that it was just a supply run or something similar.

@ Jinx...

Kelden felt a soft smile playing on his lips the whole walk back to the car and then even as they drove home. He still felt giddy from their kids. When they returned, he could hear Drake and June in the living room and he didn’t miss the look that Hazel shot him. He nodded to her, leaning down and kissing her head gently before they went inside. June saw them and looked like she wanted to rush over to Hazel but Kelden managed to catch her eye and June stood by Drake, biting her lip in worry. He gave her a smile to show that Hazel was ok, she just needed space right now and June seemed to relax a small fraction. “No, I think I’m set for now. You guys have fun,” he said, holding a hand up in a wave goodbye to them as they left. He joined Hazel in the kitchen as she started to prepare a late lunch. “Can I help with anything?” He asked, leaning back against the counter as he watched her work.

Kelden realized he was actually pretty hungry, his stomach growling slightly as the smell of food reached his nose. When it was ready, he ate happily, grateful that Hazel had made them both food. “Thanks for lunch, you’re quite the chef,” he told her, smiling.

When they were done, he cleared their dishes and looked over at her. She looked a little tired and Kelden couldn’t blame her after the morning she’d had. “Want to settle down and watch a movie?” He asked her, wanting to suggest something low key so she could relax and take her mind off everything. He made sure the doors and windows were locked in case June or Drake had opened any and when all was good, he popped a movie in and settled onto the couch next to her. He laced his fingers through hers, rubbing small circles on the back of her hand with his thumb.

---

June let out a soft giggle as Drake told her she looked beautiful and kissed her head. A moment later she heard the door open and she looked up to see Hazel and Kelden coming in. Hazel looked as though she’d been crying and she wanted to go straight to her but Kelden shot her a glance so she didn’t. She felt a little reassured to see his gentle smile but still worried. Kell and Hazel both shook their heads at needing anything while she and Drake were out and Drake was dangling the keys asking if she was ready. She paused a moment, glancing at Hazel who looked a little tired and she sighed. “Yeah, I’m ready,” she said. “Bye guys, see you later,” she waved. She wished she could help Hazel as much as Hazel had helped her but right now it seemed that Kelden was doing Hazel more good than June could. June would try to continue to show her love and support for Hazel in ways that respected her need for space right now.

She followed Drake out to the car, climbing into the passenger seat and played with the ends of her hair, twirling pieces on her finger. Though they’d been out together a fair amount of times, this was the first time it wasn’t a supply run of some sort and could be called an actual date. Her cheeks tinted pink in a light blush at the thought. “I think there’s a restaurant we’ve passed on our way to the store a few times. We could check that out?” She suggested, not fully sure what was available to them in town.

She watched the trees passing them by, excited to be spending time with Drake like this. She hadn’t been on an actual date in a long time, even before all of this had begun. Soon they were pulling into town and June sat up a little straighter, paying closer attention to what was around. She hoped to walk around after their lunch. Soon they found the restaurant that they’d seen a few times and Drake pulled them into the parking lot. It wasn’t too busy, the lunch hour was over but it wasn’t quite the dinner rush yet either. She grabbed his hand as they went inside, a waitress standing at the counter perking up when she saw them coming. “Hi, welcome! Go ahead and sit wherever you’d like!” She said, grabbing a couple menus for them and followed Drake to a booth off to the side. She noticed that it allowed him full view of the restaurant and the people within and she smiled, comforted to know he was still taking every precaution to keep her safe.

@ Lost Oceans
Hazel smiled as Kelden asked if he could help and she shook her head gently. She was glad June had given her the space though she knew it was hard for her. They sat down and ate and she chuckled as he complimented her cooking. "It's nothing really." she said and smiled as he cleaned up the kitchen. He looked at her with that goofy look and she smiled nodding as he suggested a movie. She honestly probably wouldn't be able to stay awake for it.

Hazel went and changed into some pjs feeling like there was no better way to spend the afternoon than in her pjs with Kelden. Once Kelden had checked everything she moved to the couch and sat down next to him. She curled into him as he started to movie. She held his hand resting her head on his shoulder watching as the movie came on. She sighed and closed her eyes relaxing. Hazel honestly could have skipped the movie but she was grateful not to have to talk or do anything. She was asleep within the first ten minutes.

Hazel was out cold for a while before the dreams started to invade her mind. She started by squeezing Kelden's hand tighter her face turning into him. Then it was a slight twitch and a groan here and there before all the sudden the screaming started. Hazel screamed pushing at Kelden and kicking like she was tapped. She suddenly shot up her eyes open wide and the fear in her eyes. She was breathing hard and looked around the room before her eyes landed on Kelden and she frowned. She could remember the panic and the pain and anger but not the dream and it made it all the worse to be so upset and have no idea why. She sat back. "I... I'm sorry." she said and frowned. How was she suppose to move on when even when she was sleeping he was there?

---

Drake smiled as they headed out. He was so glad he could make June smile like she did. He loved to watch her shy innocence as they started to drive. She suggested the little dinner and he nodded. "Yeah that sounds nice." he said and drove over parking in a spot where they wouldn't be obstructed if need be. He walked her in and was pleased they they told him to sit anywhere. He picked a good safe spot were he could watch the doors, the people and June. He grinned as the menu was handed to him. "Thank you." he said and looked down at his menu.

"Today has gone well don't you think June?" he asked grinning. "A nice walk and a good chat. I really enjoyed your company." he said his hand reaching out to take hers. He squeezed her hand gently. He looked at her smiling then looked at his menu deciding on what to get. "What are you looking at eating?" he asked grinning. There was all the small talk they could make but for now Drake was just looking to get some food in them, they had been workin hard this morning on their hike.

Once they ordered Drake sat back smiling at her. "I am really glad we were able to get out." he said. He didn't think they got to spend enough time together just acting normal. The walks were great but there was an entire world to explore and he wanted to experience it all with June. He wanted her to be happy, truly happy.