Another Crashed Car

[Nick Ryder]

"Do I get to know the plan?" Nick replied. "Whatever you need... I can't lose you or Gale. Dominus and these Ajem'dasis are not pulling punches."

[Alice Ryder]

“Not unless you’re coming with us.” Alice said as she looked him in the eye. “I don’t think anything I say will make you do so this time.”

[Nick Ryder]

"You know I have to stop this... and... " Nick clenched his fists. "And yet I want to say 'let someone else fight them' and just go away with you and Gale."

[Alice Ryder]

"And I want to stay but I have to think of Gale." Alice said and gently touched his face. "When you're done come find us."

[Nick Ryder]

"That may take a while." Nick said as he held her hand. "Why don't you go with Nicole and... I'll clean this up and when you two are safe, she can tell me at least that much. And... if I get nowhere in this or it's bigger than I am. I drop it and I'll find you." He looked at the living room and shook his head. "I thought this would be safer than the Compound, but I think I need to drastically reassess." handing her a card he gave her a look. "You find something you like... no matter where it is. We move out of here." He bit his lower lip. "V'Pier can take over Alpha Section."

[Alice Ryder]

"Nicholas." Alice said softly as she handed him the card back. "We're not leaving with Nicole."

"Mommy." Gale said softly from the study doorway clutching his stuff frog.

"Gale go pack a bag like your going to Bella's. Don't forget Froggie we won't be able to come back for him." Alice warned.

"Yes mommy." Gale said as slowly walked away.

"No one can know where we're going Nicholas. No trail you know that." Alice told him sternly.

[Nick Ryder]

"Card's for our real estate lady, Kori." Nick said as he handed it back. "I want you and Gale to be safe and feel safe. Find a new home for us, when this is either over or I'm done with it... we won't be coming back here." he grimaced and looked around. "I hate this. And I hate that I put you through this."

[Alice Ryder]

"Thank you for making me feel like an idiot." Alice said with a small smile as she stuck the card in her pocket. "Oh I don't blame you and I do not want you to think this is a form of punishment. Besides I doubt you'll have that hard of a time finding me if you really think about it. But don't think about it now. Think about it later there are to many wondering minds about and I've always been a bit harder to read. Obviously, if Nicole thinks I'm going to sit around her flat and decorate it. Does she have any idea how boring that actually is?"

[Nick Ryder]

"Have you been to her flat?" Nick winced. "It's huge and she's got like... a futon and a weapon crates for tables. You were here in this place for like a half day and you had it livable. She's been there for six months!" he chuckled. "Maybe I'll help her with that while you find a safe house and keep your eyes open for a new home for us... I mean it... you pick the place, I'll move there. At least until Gale's in college. And... I think once Dominus and the Ajem are no longer something I can handle, I'm retiring. For real this time. Turn the agency over, my tech and we raise our kid. Just... be careful and make sure Gale has that SKIN armor we developed for him. It'll help him with his powers too, he burnt my toast yesterday and he was just holding the plate."

[Alice Ryder]

"Yes...I've been secretly replacing frogs." Alice admitted and wrapped her arms around him. "Oh Nicholas end this quickly before I lose my resolve."