Roswell Fanatics

Chapter 10

Max Evans and Michael Guerin were sitting in silence outside of the room that held Sadie Johnson's body. Each lost in their own thoughts. They were informed of the list of injuries Sadie had suffered. A long list. Max hoped to God Liz wasn't inflicted with the same injuries. His mind knew she was. But his heart was trying to deny the thought of it. That's how he's been coping. Trying to ignore his heart to his best ability, and listen to his mind. If he was completely tuned into his heart every second of everyday since Liz vanished, he would surely have literally died from a broken heart. He didn't know that Liz was coping with her situation the same way.

His thoughts were interrupted by Michael calling his name.

"Max? Max?!" Michael yelled. He had just received a phone call with some news that would just add to things.

"What?" Max asked distracted.

Michael took a breath before answering. "I just got a phone call," he said.

"Really? I didn't hear your phone ring," Max said.

Michael rolled his eyes, "That's not really the point Maxwell."

"Then what is?" Max asked drained.

"Jeff Hayward is dead," Michael reluctantly informed Max.

Max's jaw dropped to the floor and his eyes widened with disbelief. "What?! How...How?!" Max yelled.

"He hung himself in his cell. Apparently by his bedsheet," Michael answered.

He couldn't even find his voice to speak. Max couldn't form any rational thoughts.. Finally gaining his voice back, he asked, "When? Who found him? Was there a note? Anything?" Max asked in a rush.

"Jensen found him not too long ago. There was a note. I'm not sure of the contents of it or what Jensen found, but we're supposed to hurry back to the station immediately," Michael answered.

**************************************
Liz was sitting restlessly in her prison. She was in pain and to top it off she was bored. She laughed at herself. She couldn't believe she was worrying about being bored. That should be the least of her worries. Being beaten and killed, Max finding her should be at the top of the list. But when your alone most hours of the day with your thoughts, you tend to become a little less on the rational side. She released a humorless, dry laugh that bounced harshly off the walls. She winced, that being the first sound she had heard in she didn't know how long, besides the sound of her own breathing. She sighed and leaned back against the wall carefully trying to avoid her injuries.

"I'll just think about Max," she said to aloud to herself. She could do that for hours.

**************************************
Max came rushing into the station with Michael following closely behind him. They immediately ran back to Jeff Hayward's cell. The stopped in their tracks at seeing his body being wheeled out. Max released a shaky sigh, knowing now that it was true. He wasn't just imagining Michael saying those things.

He noticed Jensen and Davis standing to the side silently watching.

"Jensen!" Max yelled, catching both Jensen and Davis's attention.

"Hey Evans, Guerin," Jensen greeted, while Davis nodded in acknowledgment at them.

"What happened?" Max asked.

Jensen sighed loudly. "I was coming back here intent on speaking to him about Liz's possible whereabouts, and I found him hanging there. I yelled for help. Davis found the note," Jensen answered.

Max and Michael looked towards Davis signaling him to talk.

"It was written on toilet paper. We had his handwriting analyzed, and it matched," Davis said.

"What did the note say?" Max asked impatiently.

"I'm sorry for lying to you. I was just trying to get out of jail. I'm sorry. I did it," Davis answered.

"It sounds like something he'd say. I mean it was really not in detail and really lacking substance, just like Hayward," Davis added.

"Who was he lying to though? What was he talking about?" Jensen asked feigning ignorance when he in truth knew exactly what it meant.

Max answered Jensen's question, "He told me he was framed by someone. He is probably talking about me. But why would he kill himself before he told me who?" Max asked perplexed.

"Maybe, because he knew he was lying. He wasn't framed. That's probably why he didn't mention a name. Because there was no name. He probably realized he was screwed," Davis said.

Max and Michael nodded their heads in agreement, although they both shared a look telling each other differently.

"Come on Max, let's get out of here. Come over to my place tonight. You need to eat something. You shouldn't be alone," Michael suggested.

Max shook his head in the negative, "Michael, I'd rather be alone."

"You might rather be alone, but you shouldn't. You'll drive yourself crazy. Maria has been wanting to talk to you anyway, so if you disagree, I'll just send her over to your place," Michael threatened.

"Okay," Max relented with a heavy sigh.

*************************************************
Liz was still thinking about Max when she heard the door open. She didn't have to turn her head to know who it was. There was only one person who every opened or closed that door. Cole Jensen.

"So, I take it you've learned your lesson? My punishment sufficed then?" Jensen asked.

He was met with silence.

"Damnit!! I will not tolerate this anymore! When I ask you a damn question, you answer it!" he screamed harshly.

Liz knew not to disobey him when he spoke with that tone.

Through clenched teeth she said, "Yes, I've learned my lesson."

Jensen smiled. "Good," he said.

"Sadie's body was found today," he said.

He smiled when he saw Liz close her eyes in pain.

"Your abuctor was also charged with her murder. He was about to tell your fucking husband about me," he said.

Liz's face shined with hope.

It quickly dissipated.

"Too bad he 'hung himself' before he could. It was a shame," Jensen said.

Liz closed her eyes in defeat, knowing that man didn't die by his own hand. It wasn't suicide. She knew it was homicide.

"I think you might be able to find out the reason your here. The reason I need you. You still need to be tested some more. To see if you behave. I need to break you down a little more. Which will be joyous fun on my part. I'm honestly surprised at how quick I think you can learn the truth. I always knew you would most likely work out. Sadie was an unpredictable case, unlike you. So I'll leave you alone to your pitiful thoughts now," he said before leaving.

Liz released a breath she didn't know she had been holding. She would let him think she would behave. She'd follow his rules until Max found her. No matter how hard it would be, she didn't want to end up like Sadie. She'd play along to survive. For herself. For Max.

TBC

A/N: Hey everyone! I'm so glad you all are still enjoying my fic! Thanks to all who leave feedback and to everyone who reads my story! For all the great support, I'm posting two chapters for you guys! Enjoy!!



chapter 11

When Max followed Michael through the door of his house, he was immediately wrapped in a tight hug by Maria Guerin. He felt Maria's tears on his neck. This caused him to reluctantly release a few of his own tears. He didn't like to cry in front of anyone anymore. He tried to keep his tears at bay until he was alone. But Maria's pain was palpable, which caused Max to recognize his own.

Maria pulled back and asked with a trembling voice, "How are you Max?"

Max attempted a smile, but failed miserably. "I'm okay," he answered.

He recognized Maria's stern look, and knew he couldn't get away with lying.

"Not good, Maria. Nowhere near the vicinity of good," he stated truthfully.

Maria gave him a sad smile. "None of us are," she said solemnly.

They stared at each other for a while knowing that they both needed Liz back soon.

Maria straightened and said, "Let's eat. Don't tell me you're not hungry either. You need to keep your strength up," Maria said.

Max nodded in defeat. "I know. What are we having?" he asked.

**************************************

Jensen sat lost in his thoughts. He needed to find another nurse. He knew that would have to wait. It would be too suspicious if he took another woman so soon after finding Sadie's body. He knew his efforts to frame Hayward would be useless if he did that. At least he has Liz Evans. He knew from the beginning that she would work out. She wouldn't defy him like Sadie constantly did. Liz learned her lesson. He had a feeling she would be more useful than just his original need for her. She would be useful to both him and his daughter. He still needed to keep her in there for a while longer though. He couldn't take any chances.

***************************************

After dinner Max and Michael were discussing where to start with finding Liz.

"Michael, we need to find something. I can't do this any longer. Hayward's dead. I can't believe he killed himself. I keep thinking he couldn't have. But he didn't have any contact with any other prisoners," Max said frustrated.

"I know. Maybe he just realized he was screwed. Maybe he got scared and couldn't deal. I don't know," Michael said.

"No, Michael. He didn't kill himself. You've seen him. He could never go through with harming himself. He personally asked to speak to me. He was dying to tell me something. I could tell he was scared. I think someone got to him. It's the only logical possibility," Max said confidently.

"But Max, he could have killed him?" Michael asked skeptically.

"I don't know. We need to find out if he had any visitors. Anyone who spoke to him. Maybe someone snuck past security. We need to check every possibility. Including the one I know we don't want to," Max said.

Michael asked shocked, "Max, are you seriously implying what I think you are?"

"Yes, I am Michael. We need to investigate everyone. I trust the people I work with, but the only one I completely trust with everything is you. Everyone else are possible suspects. Everyone. Every level of employee we check out. Cops, guards, dispatchers. Everyone. We don't have the luxury of being selective. You know this Michael," Max said.

Michael was silent for a moment. "I know Maxwell. You're right. Who do we start with?" Michael asked.

"Well, I say the guards. We don't know them as well, and they have constant contact with the prisoners," Max suggested.

"Sounds like a plan," Michael agreed.

"Okay, let's head out back to the station. All the information we need is there. Remember Michael, we need to be discreet about this. No one can know what we are doing. Not even the Chief," Max warned.

"Got it," Michael said.

******************************************

When Jensen walked into Liz's room, he saw she was sleeping. He slowly and quietly walked towards her and sat down in front of her. So peaceful. So beautiful. She had a small smile on her face in sleep. He liked to think he was the one who put it there. She was a model prisoner now. She didn't disobey. She was pleasant. As pleasant was one could expect in her situation. He knew she was probably grateful for him saving her. He is giving her a better purpose. Not her wrong life she had before. He was wearing her down. She had one test left before she would find out her purpose with him.

"Max," Liz said softly in her sleep.

Jensen immediately tensed with anger. Now he knew she wasn't dreaming about him. He moved his hand above her throat. It shook with the effort not to strangle her. After calming down, he knew she wouldn't always be dreaming of her him. All in good time. Now he had to prepare her only test.

*****************************************

Max and Michael arrived at the station quickly going to the list of employees. Quickly finding all who were on duty during the shift that Jeff Hayward supposedly committed suicide.

Starting with the guards they did a thorough search on each one. There were eight guards on duty. It was a tedious task doing background searches on each one. It took hours. Nothing came up. Every guard was clean. One had some financial trouble, but nothing out of the ordinary.

Max released a tired sigh of frustration. "That was fruitless. We just wasted hours and nothing turned up on the guards," Max said.

"I guess it's time we switch to the dispatchers," Michael said wearily.

There were only three dispatchers working. Quickly dismissing all three they moved on to the police officers.

"I can't believe we're investigating one of our own. It makes me sick," Michael said.

"I know. It seems wrong. But I just can't rule out the possibility," Max said.

"There were way too many officers on duty Michael. It will take forever to go through them all," Max said.

They both sat in silence wondering who to start with. They thought back over the years recalling who they trusted most and who they didn't.

Max suddenly looked alarmed, "Michael, do you find it strange that Jensen was here on a night he wasn't on duty? That he found Hayward. Isn't it strange that no guard was in sight? Jensen just happened to stumble onto the body under the pretense that he was helping the search for my wife?" Max questioned.

Michael looked at Max with eyes wide due to realization. "Oh my God. Pull up the background information on him. We can't go barging down there under suspicion. We need to find out everything about him," Michael said.

********************************************

When Liz woke up the first thing she noticed was light coming through the door. She sat up in shock. Her door was cracked open. She sat completely still while her heart hammered in her chest. She just sat and watched the door for an amount of time that seemed like forever. Nothing. No sign of movement. Her heat leapt with hope. Maybe this was her chance out of here. She got up as quickly as he battered body would allow her and cautiously made her way over to the door. She paused. This wasn't right. Hayward would never forget to lock her door. Especially forget to shut it. She looked through the crack warily. She immediately saw a flight of stairs outside at the end of a hallway. She saw other doors. Must be where he kept Sadie. She was so hopeful that this was her way out. But she knew otherwise. It would be too easy. Way too easy. It had to be a trap. Her mind immediately remembered him saying she needed to be tested. This must be one of his tests.

She didn't know what to do. She was torn between running out the door and up this stairs. She knew in her heart if she did, what she would meet at the top of this stairs would be something horrific. A horrific end to her life. Going with her gut instincts quickly before losing her nerve, she shut the door and locked it. Backing away, she sat in her familiar corner of her prison trembling in fear. She never thought she'd see the day when she'd willingly lock herself in this hell. Strangely, she knew it was her only way of survival.




Chapter 12

Liz sat unmoving watching the doorknob, waiting for it to turn. After what seemed like a lifetime, it finally did. She was paralyzed with fear and anticipation waiting to see if her decision to shut and lock the door was a mistake or not.

Jensen walked in slowly with a smile of success on his face.

Liz immediately knew her decision was the right one. She almost sobbed with relief. Max always told her to follow her instincts. His advice most certainly saved her life this time.

"Liz you have made me proud. I was almost certain you would. You're the second one who has passed. I bet you're wondering who else did? Well, my dear, she was back in my homestate before I transferred here. She had to be disposed of. Even though she passed, she disobeyed me. I know more than hope you won't," Jensen said beaming.

Jensen held out his hand for her, "Come with me dear, I have the answer I know you've desperately been wanting," he said calmly, but Liz knew it wasn't a request, it was an order.

She hesitantly placed her trembling hand in his. She shivered with an icy coldness that immediately came upon her when she did.

Jensen stared at her pristine, although battered features.

Liz felt sick when he leaned down and placed a kiss on her lips. It took all of her strength not to throw up at the contact.

He pulled back smiling. He pulled a pair of handcuffs out of his back pocket. "Even though I trust you will work out, I won't take any precautions. Hold out your hands," he ordered.

Liz did as he asked and winced when the cuffs closed hard around her sore wrists.

Jensen lead her out of the room and down the hall. A seemingly endless hall. Liz took in her surroundings eagerly. They were the first real look at anything other than her dreary prison. Stopping in front of a door, he turned around smiling, before unlocking the door.

Stepping into the room, Liz gasped at what she saw.

A child's room.

A little girl's room.

It was decorated with pink carpet and white walls. There was a canopy bed in the center of the room. White blankets embroidered with delicate pink flowers. Books and toys lined the room. Liz took in every detail with eagerness and horror. Eagerness for seeing something other than concrete walls and floors; horror with seeing a little girl sitting quietly in the corner staring at her with wide eyes. Eyes that held fear and curiosity. Liz immediately was filled with a feeling of protection for this child. She knew that she would not leave this place without her.

"Mrs. Evans, this is my daughter, Amelia. Amelia, this is your new teacher, Liz Evans," Jensen excitedly made the introductions.

Liz swallowed past the lump in her throat knowing the reason she was taken.

***************************************

"Max, look at this," Michael demanded.

Max turned to Michael's computer screen and gasped at what he saw. Newspaper articles.

"Oh my God, he had a family," Max breathed.

"Yeah. Says here he had a five-year-old daughter and a wife. They were both killed in a car accident," Michael said.

"This was a year before he transferred here," Max noted.

"Do a search on any missing women ages 20-30 during that time. Also, do searches for any suicide too," Max ordered.

Michael complied without a moment's hesitation.

After a few seconds, the results came up.

Sifting through dozens of missing persons they found one that caught their attention.

"Sherri Anne Hayes. Age 29. Pediatric physician," Max read aloud. "Vanished from her place of work," Max continued.

"Holy shit Maxwell. Look at this one," Michael said.

There was another article. "Sherri Anne Hayes body was found in the park by a jogger," Michael said.

Max picked up the phone and quickly dialed a number.

"Wayne County Sheriff's department. How can I help you?" a woman asked.

"I need to speak with your commanding officer please," Max said.

"Hold one moment," the woman responded.

"Hello, this is Sheriff Valenti. How can I help you?" he asked.

"Yes, this is Detective Max Evans. I was wondering if you had any information on the murder of Sherri Anne Hayes?" he quickly questioned.

"May I ask what this is concerning?" Valenti asked.

"We've had two missing persons here, one turned up dead. Profiles match. Now please, can you help me?" Max asked quickly becoming annoyed.

"Well, her body was found in the bushes in a park. She had multiple injuries. Her cause of death was loss of blood," Valenti said.

"Due to what?" Max asked.

"Her throat was slit," Valenti answered.

"Thank you for your help," Max said before quickly hanging up.

"Michael, her throat was slit," Max said.

"Jesus Christ Max. A doctor by the name of Brandon Meadows was said to have thrown himself out of his tenth story office window at the hospital where Jensen's family was brought. He was the doctor who treated them. He pronounced them both dead. What are the odd he didn't kill himself?" Michael asked.

"We need a warrant. Quick," Max said.

Max quickly called the judge that Chief Spencer got the warrant for Jeff Hayward from. He relayed their information and he agreed to issue a warrant for the arrest of Cole Jensen.

Quickly picking up the police scanner he alerted all vehicles to the address of Cole Jensen. What he didn't realize was that Jensen wasn't at his home and where he was at, he also had a police scanner, alerting him of what was happening.

TBC

Chapter 13

Max and Michael sped through the city streets in pursuit with an entourage of police cars in tow. The adrenaline was running and the hope of finding Liz was palpable. Five minutes away. Five minutes until they would bust down Cole Jensen's door, a fellow officer, and arrest him. Five minutes until they would find Liz.

***************************************

Liz was sitting in her prison thinking about the turn of events. Thinking about the real reason she was here. It shocked her in no better terms. She couldn't believe Jensen thought this would make her better. Would make her right. This was her purpose. She also wondered if that was actually his daughter. She had a hard time believing it. They both had dark brown hair and blue eyes. That wasn't enough proof for her. It wasn't enough at all.

She jumped when her door slammed open and Jensen came rushing in.

"Get up!!" he yelled.

She quickly got up wary with what was going on. He ran towards her, handcuffed her hands behind her back and put tape over her mouth. She was trembling with fear. She didn't know if he was going to kill her. Maybe she disobeyed him unknowingly. When she saw him pull out a needle she became paralyzed. The all-too familiar feeling of a needle pricking her neck occurred. She slowly gave way to darkness.

*****************************************

Every inch of Cole Jensen's residence had been searched. Twice. No sign of Liz. No sign of Cole. Max sat with the unwelcome feeling of crashed hopes settling heavy on his heart. There was no way he could have gotten Liz out of here so quick. Quickling realizing something, he ran to Michael.

"Michael, Liz isn't here," Max said.

"Yeah, I know she's not," Michael said looking at Max with worried eyes.

"No, Michael. I mean she was never here. He kept her somewhere else. I mean, come on, think about it, he's a cop. He wouldn't keep her at his own house. He'd know better," Max said.

"You're right. Okay, let's search this place again, except for any indication to where he might be," Michael said.

***************************************

Prison guard, Justin Bailey, sat sweating. Sweating in fear. He had been ever since Jeff Hayward's body was found. His sweating became worse when he heard of Detective Jensen's warrant for arrest for suspicion of kidnapping and murder. It was all his fault. He had to tell someone what he knew.

**************************************

"Found something!" a uniformed officer yelled.

Max and Michael quickly ran towards him.

"What is it?" Max asked.

The officer held up a single key on a key chain. "Looks like a spare key," he informed.

Max took it and they quickly used it on every lock in his Jensen's home.

"It doesn't fit with any lock here. None at all. Okay, we need to get this to a locksmith," Max said.

*************************************

Max and Michael sat in the station waiting for the call from the local locksmith.

"Excuse me?" a timid voice asked.

Max and Michael both looked up at the sound of the voice. It was Justin Bailey. A guard. He had some financial difficulty. They remembered reading his file.

"Yes?" Michael asked.

"I...I ummm..I, "Justin stuttered.

"You what?" Michael interrupted impatient.

"I have some information. About Cole Jensen," Justin answered.

"What information?" Max asked.

"He paid me five hundred dollars to leave him alone with Jeff Hayward," Justin hesitantly answered.

"You what?!" Max yelled.

"He said he just wanted to talk to him alone. Get some information out of him about your wife. I thought he was trying to help," Justin quickly defended himself.

"Why the fuck are you just now saying something?!" Max roared.

"I was scared. I didn't know what really happened and I didn't want to accuse a cop of anything. But when I heard about his warrant for arrest I decided I should say something," Justin said.

"Oh, how fucking noble of you," Max spat out.

"You know what, if something happens to my wife and if Jensen gets away, I hold you personally responsible. If you said something earlier, we could have already had him in custody you son of a bitch," Max said through clenched teeth.

"Someone put him in a holding cell!" Max yelled.

**************************************

Liz woke up in a bed. Her first thought was that she had been found. But quickly sitting up she saw Jensen sitting at the edge of the bed staring at her intently.

"She finally awakes," Jensen said.

"Where are we?" Liz asked.

"That doesn't matter. We had to move. Your husband almost found us. We couldn't have that could we?" Jensen asked.

Liz's heart broke in her chest. Max almost had her. She cried silent tears. She couldn't let him see her disappointment.

"I hope you like your new conditions. Much more comfortable I would assume than a cold concrete floor. I don't want you getting too comfortable though. This is for my daughter's benefit. I want you in good condition when you start tutoring her. A young girl needs her education," Jensen smirked.

Liz swallowed hard in response and forced a weak smile.

"Now how about we go see her. I think she's ready for her first lesson," Jensen ordered more than suggested.

Liz weakly nodded.

Standing up she swayed slightly on her feet. Jensen handcuffed her again much to her dismay.

"I don't want you forgetting your mine. Now come one, in a few weeks, if I see Amelia has taken to you, maybe you'll gain another purpose for being here. I never thought anyone could, but there's something about you," Jensen whispered in her ear.

Liz shivered hoping the time never came when she would find out what that other purpose is.


TBC

Chapter 14

Max ran into his office yelling, "Come on Michael! We found out where the key belongs to!"

Michael quickly jumped up, "Where?" he asked.

"I'll explain on the way," Max answered.

The ran out of the door and jumped into their car. Quickly starting the car and putting his siren on the dashboard Max explained what he found out.

"The key belongs to a house about thirty minutes from here. Jensen purchased the house the same time he purchased the one listed as his residence. The one we searched earlier. Who needs two houses? It has to be where Liz is," Max said.

"It has to be," Michael agreed.

**********************************************

Liz stood in front of the door in Amelia's room. Jensen had uncuffed her and shut the door and locked it leaving her alone with Amelia. Liz studied the girl. She was certainly beautiful. She had a head of dark, wavy hair that rested on her shoulders. There was a little purple plastic barrette on each side. She had stunning blue eyes and olive skin. She was dressed in a purple dress with a pair of white dress shoes. She was a breathtaking child.

Liz looked around. There was no windows. This little girl was being locked away. Never socializing with other children or seeing the light of day. The only light she saw was artificial light emanating from lamps. Just as Liz was.

Liz hesitantly approached her.

"Hi Amelia. I'm Liz," she introduced herself.

Amelia just stared at her with unsure eyes. She seemed guarded.

"Umm...I'm not going to hurt you. I'm here to talk to you. Can we talk?" Liz asked.

There was a long moment of silence before she saw Amelia's head nod in approval.

Liz smiled a warm smile. She walked over to Amelia and sat down on the floor across from her.

"What do you want to talk about?" Liz asked.

Amelia shrugged her shoulders in an obvious gesture of uncertainty,

"How about your mommy and daddy?" Liz asked.

Amelia's eyes grew wide with fear and she shook her head violently in the negative.

Liz was alarmed. She hadn't expected that.

"It's okay sweetie. We don't have to," Liz quickly assured her.

Amelia visibly relaxed.

"How about your favorite color?" Liz asked.

Amelia smiled in answer.

"What is your favorite color?" Liz asked.

Instead of using her voice to answer like Liz expected, Amelia pointed to her dress.

"Purple?" Liz asked.

Amelia nodded enthusiastically.

Liz smiled. "I love purple too. My favorite color is red. Do you like red?" Liz questioned.

The little girl shook her head in the negative with wide eyes.

Liz was puzzled.

Liz noticed she was clutching a doll to her chest.

"What's your doll's name?" Liz asked.

Amelia seemed unsure. Feeling safe with Liz, she answered in a quiet, timid voice, "Emma."

"Emma? That's a beautiful name," Liz commented.

"May I see Emma?" Liz asked.

Amelia handed Emma over to Liz. When Liz looked at the doll, she was shocked at the resemblance between it and the little girl sitting across from her. Dark, wavy hair, olive skin, bright blue eyes.

"She's beautiful," Liz commented.

"Not as beautiful as you though," Liz added.

The girl smiled her first genuine smile.

Liz smiled her first genuine smile since being taken away violently from her husband and home.

***************************************

Pulling up to the house Max noticed it was completely dark.

Carefully opening the front door with guns raised, Max and Michael turned on the lights. Empty. No furniture. Nothing.

The bathroom was empty and so were all the closets. The bedroom had one single bed in it. Nothing else.

Max's heart sped up in trepidation. Walking back into the living room, he walked around and came to a stop on a single rug. Looking down, he pulled the rug out of the way and saw a door.

"Michael!" Max yelled.

"What is it?" Michael asked.

"Look," Max instructed.

Michael looked to where Max was pointing and saw the door was well. The looked up at each other, then Max knelt down pulling it open. The saw the top of a flight of stairs that faded into complete darkness.

Max carefully climbed down the stairs with Michael behind him. Reaching blindly in the air and on the walls he found a light switch. He turned it on and was immediately greeted with a long, concrete hallway, with several doors.

"Liz! Where are you?!" Max yelled quickly opening doors.

All of the rooms were empty. All were concrete. His heat stopped in his chest when all he saw were dark rooms with shackles on the walls and dried blood on the floors. He quickly turned his head and threw up.

"Shit, Maxwell? Are you okay?" Michael quickly asked.

"Am I okay? Sure Michael. I'm fucking great. My wife is gone and I thought we found her. Only we found a fucking dungeon with dried blood. Probably my wife's. But other than that I'm peachy," Max said with a tone full of angry sarcasm.

Sighing and turning his head, Michael noticed a door at the far end of the hallway.

"Max, look," Michael ordered.

Max looked up and saw the door. He ran towards it with Michael behind him. Quickly opening it, he felt the bile rise up again at what he saw. A little girl's room. He hadn't expected this.

************************************

"Why did you name her Emma?" Liz asked.

"It's a secret. He'll get mad if he knows my doll's name," Amelia said fearful.

Liz knew exactly what she was talking about. But why would he get mad if he knew her doll's name was Emma?

"You can tell me. I promise I won't tell him. I don't like him to be mad either," Liz admitted.

"Because it's my name," the little girl said.

Liz gasped. The child sitting across from her wasn't Amelia. She was Emma.

TBC

A/N: Okay I know everyone wants Max to find Liz soon. But like moonlight remembered from the prologue-it will be a couple more months until he finds her. A lot of angst is coming up soon. I thought I'd warn you now. But, I have a dreamer-insured ending. Happiness for everyone involved-eventually. So, thanks again for the feedback from everyone. It keeps me interested in finishing this fic. Hope you enjoyed the new chapter!

Chapter 15

Liz sat in her bed thinking of the events that occurred. After she had found out Amelia's name was in fact actually Emma, Jensen chose that time to come into her room announcing it was time for the lesson to end. Since they were not having a lesson, it was safe to say he became angry. Very angry. He quickly pulled Liz up and dragged her out of Emma's room. Right after shutting and locking her door, he dragged Liz by the hair down the hall to her room. Throwing her in there, he entered her room as well, shutting and locking the door behind her. He proceeded to beat her screaming that she was there to teach her, not socialize with her.

"I need to know you'll do what I say with her. If you teach her like you're supposed to, then maybe you'll play another role for her. Mommy," he whispered hotly in her ear after he punched her.

He was livid. She had the bruises to prove it.

She rolled over and winced in pain and discomfort. She knew that Emma wasn't his daughter. At first she was inclined to believe it. They had similar features. But a father wouldn't make his child change her name and be angry if she ever spoke he real one. Even though Jensen was a certified psycho, he wouldn't put his child in a dolled-up cage, unless he was trying to hide her from the world.

She closed her eyes and gave way to a fitful sleep.

*************************************

"His daughter's name was Amelia Anne Jensen," Michael announced.

"Why was that room there if his daughter is dead?" Max pondered aloud.

"I don't know. Maybe it's a shrine or something," Michael guessed.

"No. It's not. What if it was an actual child's room? A child was there with Liz and Sadie?" Max asked.

"You think he kidnapped a child too?" Michael asked shocked.

"I don't put it past him," Max said.

The next thought Max spoke made him shiver.

"Michael, what if he's trying to make a family? To replace his dead one?" he asked.

"Holy shit," Michael breathed.

"Michael, we should have known a child was involved! I mean Liz and Sadie both have jobs that specialize in children. The same with the woman that was found dead in his hometown. Sherri Hayes, the pediatric physician. It all makes sense!" Max screamed.

"God, we've been blind!" Max yelled.

"Max, no we haven't. I say we've done pretty well so far. How were we supposed to know a cop was responsible? How were we supposed to know it involved something of this magnitude? We couldn't. But we do now," Michael said.

"Michael, why hasn't he killed Liz yet?" Max asked.

"I don't know," Michael said.

"Maybe he's found the teacher as well as the mother," Max ventured. He didn't know if that reassured him or not. Liz is alive because of it, but what would it mean for her?

*******************************************

Liz woke up to see Jensen sitting at the edge of her bed gazing at her. He had been doing that a lot lately. It was unnerving.

He smiled, "Good morning."

"I hope those bruises don't hurt too bad," he said.

Liz smiled a fake smile. "No, they don't hurt too bad. After all, I deserved them," she said feeling sick with actually saying those words. She didn't deserve them. She didn't deserve any of this. Neither does Emma. Nor did Sadie.

He smiled proudly, "Yes you did. I'm glad you realize that."

He stood up from the bed and walked towards the door.

"Later, you'll have another lesson with Amelia, and I expect it to be just that. A lesson," he stated with a tone menace.

Liz swallowed and fell back on her bed. At least she had Emma to look forward to.

********************************

Max and Michael sat looking through photos of missing children. They looked through ones from their city, Jensen's home city, and surrounding areas.

There were dozens of children. It was heartbreaking to realize how many children were missing.

When Max saw the next picture he gasped. The little girl looked just like Jensen's deceased daughter, Amelia. She looked like Jensen as well.

"Michael, take a look at this," Max said.

"Jesus, she looks like Amelia," Michael breathed.

"I know," Max agreed.

"Her name's Emma Marie Summers. She's five years old. It says here her parents were found shot and killed in their bedroom, while Emma had vanished. This was fourteen months ago. She's from the neighboring city to Jensen's hometown," Max read.

"Jesus, Michael, she has to be the one. She has to be," Max said. Max stared at the picture of little Emma and his heart filled with even more pain than he thought possible. He had a feeling that he would come to know this little girl well. As would Liz. He closed his eyes and released a pain-filled sigh.

"I need to find them," he said with anguish.

"We will Max. You have to believe it," Michael said.

********************************

"Hello Amelia," Liz greeted. She had to remember to call her Amelia. She couldn't let Emma slip. It would be detrimental to her and to Emma.

Emma smiled, "Hi Liz," she said in a small voice.

Liz walked over to her and pulled out a chair. She sat across from her at a round table.

"Well, today I thought we could do some reading. You like stories, right?" Liz asked.

Emma nodded eagerly.

Liz smiled. "Well, how about we read my personal favorite, 'The Velveteen Rabbit?' Liz asked.

"It's my favorite too," Emma answered.

Liz felt her heart clench with the smile on Emma's face. The Velveteen Rabbit used to give her comfort as a child, she hoped it would do the same for Emma. She knew stories can take a child's mind away from reality, she was looking forward to the story taking her away from reality.

TBC

A/N: Okay new part! I'm sure you're not surprised I'm updating though. Just want to say thanks to everyone who left me feedback!


LittleHottie510 -There's certainly a place for Emma with the Evans.
Jadeling
sweetbrowneyes
Behrsgirl77 -I't's a definite possibility, Max and liz will be quite taken with little Emma.
nayney
roswellluver
Sali103
Smac
Itzstacie
TatiLoca
Luvtruche
Ansleyrocks
magikhands
marteloise
Strawberry88-it will be a long two months for Max, but I promise not to drag it out too much!
Becca1974
littlewind
dreamer19
foreverdreamer15
Dreamer 4 Ever
VeronicB
Natz
Lady Scorpio
Modelchick-Wouldn't we all like a moment with Jensen. Believe me, Max will get a moment with Jensen.
moonlight



Chapter 16

Max was at dead end in his search for his wife. It had been two weeks since they found out about Emma. Two weeks since they found out about Jensen. Two weeks since anyone has heard from or seen Jensen. He vanished with Liz and Emma without a trace. They checked all of his financial records. Credit cards, bank statements, properties and things of that nature. His bank account and credit cards have been inactive and there is no record of any other property he owned. No lead has surfaced. Nothing at all.

Even though it had only been two weeks since the last lead, Max was slowly giving up hope no matter how hard he tried not too. It wasn't just two weeks, it was two long, unbearable, frustrating, devastating weeks. Liz's disappearance was slowly taking it's toll on him. On all of them.

***********************************
Liz was watching Emma while she practiced her arithmetic. She really was a bright young girl. Liz liked to think of her as a future member of Mensa. It hurt her heart badly that she was being confined like this. It was putting a damper on her potential. She couldn't flourish in this place. She couldn't be who she was: a smart, beautiful, carefree little girl. A little girl named Emma. Under Jensen's watch, she had to be Amelia. A studious, quiet, withdrawn, scared little girl.

The same went for Liz. She wanted to be Liz Evans. A happy wife, a happy teacher, who lived everyday to the most she could. Instead, she had to be Liz Evans. A prisoner who had to pretend to like her captor. She had to agree with his rules and believe she deserved it.

The thought of this could fill Liz with a white hot rage she never felt before. She never thought she would wish someone dead. But she did. She wished Jensen was dead. She wished she was the one who would kill him. Emma's small voice broke her out of her dark thoughts.

"Liz?" Emma asked quietly.

"Yeah, sweetie?" Liz asked in return.

"Is your real name Liz?" She asked hesitantly.

Liz smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. It was sad to see a child even question her name.
"Yeah, yeah it is. My name is Elizabeth Claudia Evans. Liz for short," she answered.

"That's a pretty name," Emma commented.

"Thank you sweetie," Liz said.

Liz noticed she still had questions in her eyes.

"Is there something else you wanted to ask me?" Liz questioned.

Emma hesitated.

"It's okay sweetie, you can ask me anything. I promise," Liz prompted gently.

"Do you have a mommy and a daddy?" she asked.

"I did. But they passed away a few years ago," Liz answered.

"My mommy and daddy passed away too," Emma said with pain in her eyes.

Liz swallowed hard, "When did they pass away?"

"When he took me," Emma said with tears welling up in her eyes.

Liz blinked back her own tears, knowing exactly what that meant.

*******************************

Max was desperate. He was now reduced to driving around in hopes to see Liz walking on the side of the street. Any small figure with long, dark hair that came into his line of view, his heart would speed up in hope, then stop in result of crashed hopes.

He drove around for hours. He drove to different cities. He showed Liz's picture to anyone he could find. He showed Emma's as well. He was sure the whole state of North Carolina knew his wife's face. He was sure they all thought he was on the brink of insanity.

In truth, he was.

*****************************

Liz sat in her room, her stomach churning. She had been throwing up for days now. She was getting dizzy. She couldn't keep any food down. She was reduced to flushing her food down the toilet. She had to, Jensen couldn't hear her throwing up anymore, and he couldn't find her food. She couldn't let him figure out, what she already knew in her heart. She didn't need a little plastic stick's or a doctor's confirmation to the cause of her illness. She was pregnant. She closed her eyes and choked back a sob. She was ecstatic she was going to have Max's child, but she also knew it couldn't come at a more disastrous time.

TBC

Chapter 17


Max Evans sat pondering where to go from here. He had no new leads to follow. Everything they had followed since the three weeks of realizing Jensen had taken Liz, turned up nothing. Max couldn't sit around and just think. He needed to keep busy. There was nothing to keep busy with.

He abruptly decided to go see Jensen's mother. Granted, she had already been questioned, but Max thought he'd give it a try. Trying was all he could do right now. He would pursue every avenue if he had to. Even if someone had already pursued it. He would do it again.

Max called Michael's phone. No answer. He left a quick message saying where he was going. He was inwardly relieved Michael hadn't answered. If he did he would want to accompany Max, but he needed to do this alone. He also couldn't ask that of Michael. Or Maria.

He hastily packed his bags and embarked on the four-hour drive to see the mother of the man who he hated most.

***************************************

Liz lay in bed with her hand resting protectively over her womb. She daydreamed that she was in her bed with Max's arms wrapped around her. With his hand resting gently over her hand. The sound of the devil's voice broke her out of her fantasy.

"Good morning Liz," Jensen greeted with a smiling face.

Liz noticed even with the biggest smile plastered on his face his eyes still harbored a coldness that chilled her to the bone.

She smiled back, "Good morning," she said.

"I thought you'd like to know that you've been here a month," Jensen said.

Liz closed her eyes and released a sigh of pain.

Jensen noticed this expression.

"I take it you're not pleased with this information," he said coldly.

Liz's eyes widened at the tone of his voice. She knew that tone all too well.

"No..I, I just," She stuttered.

"You just what?" Jensen demanded harshly.

Liz didn't answer. She didn't know how too.

"This is about your fucking husband. Max, isn't it?" Jensen asked while pinning Liz with a heated stare.

At the mention of her husband's name her eyes teared up. She valiantly fought to keep the tears at bay while trying to deny his accusation. "No, it's not," she denied.

"Bullshit. You're slipping back to your old ways. You're wrong ways. I will not have you thinking about him ever again? Do you understand?" Jensen asked.

Liz nodded quickly.

"Don't just fucking nod your head. Give me your answer!" he yelled harshly.

"Yes. Yes, I understand," Liz said with a trembling voice.

Jensen regarded Liz with a cold stare. He roughly grabbed her arm, pulling her towards him.

"This is your life now. Me, Amelia, this room. It's all you are now. You might as well let go of the life you had. Because you no longer have it," he breathed hotly in her ear.

He pushed her away and stormed out of her room. Shutting and locking it in a fury.

Liz sank down on her bed and released a shaky sob. Her nerves were on edge after that encounter. She refused to let go of her life. To let go of Max. Never.

***************************************

Max drove on the interstate in a daze. It was dark and lonely. All he saw were occasional headlights of another late-night traveler. Max began wondering who they were and where they were going at this hour. He had a hard time believing any of them were headed to a destination like his.

Needing to use the restroom, Max looked at a sign that announced there was a rest area in two miles. Quickly reaching the rest area, he parked his car and noticed there was only one other car.

After he was finished using the restroom, he walked over to the vending machines to get a drink. He saw a flash of dark hair out of the corner of his eye. Quickly snapping his head around he saw no dark hair. His heart sped up. He knew he saw her. Dropping his money on the ground, he took off running. He frantically looked around everywhere desperately wishing to see her.

Breathing heavy, he began yelling for his wife.

"Liz! Liz? Where are you?" he yelled.

He ran towards the women's bathroom.

"Liz!?" he called.

No answer.

He ran inside the bathroom and just as he did he saw her come out. He saw her smiling face that beamed when she saw him. He always loved how she would light up around him. He saw her dark, shiny hair fall down and around her shoulders and he took in her sparkling doe eyes.

"Liz," he breathed in relief.

He quickly walked towards her and wrapped his arms around her.

Once he did, he noticed she didn't feel like Liz. He felt her pushing him away.

Suddenly he felt a pair of arms pull him away from her.

"What the fuck are you doing you freak?" a man demanded harshly.

Max looked towards Liz and saw it wasn't her. He looked into her blue eyes and apologized.

"I'm sorry. I-I thought you were someone else," he said.

They quickly walked out of the restroom hurling verbal abuse at him.

He sank down to the ground and began sobbing.

********************************

Liz sat watching Emma while she drew.

Liz looked at her drawing and breathed in awe at Emma's talent. She drew wonderfully for a girl her age. It was a picture of a meadow of flowers. A bright blue sky and a beaming sun. Everything looked so real she almost felt as if she was really standing there in that field.

"That's beautiful Amelia," Liz commented. It was second nature for her to address her as Amelia, but think of her as Emma. Who she really was.

Emma blushed and said her thanks quietly.

"Why did you choose to draw this?" Liz questioned.

"Because I miss the grass and sun. I like to draw them so I won't forget what they look like," Emma said sadly.

Liz felt her heart break once more. She didn't know how much more heartache she could take.

TBC

A/N: I just want to let everyone know that Monday, June 7th, my summer semester college classes start, so I won't be able to post as much as I have been. Like everyday! Believe me, I'd rather write this fic and post then do homework. but I promise to update when I can. I'm going to try and update at least three times a week. So thanks again for the support and feedback!



Chapter 18

Max pulled up to a motel. He took in it's appearance. It wasn't exactly a five-star hotel, but it would work for him. His last concern was luxury. A bed and a bathroom were the only amenities he needed.

He quickly grabbed his bags and got a room. Unlocking his door he walked into the motel room and cringed. This was the last place he wanted to be. He threw himself onto the lumpy bed heavily. His mind wandered to all of the television specials he had seen about the unsanitary conditions of hotel rooms. He wondered what bodily fluids were int he bed he would be sleeping in tonight. He suddenly felt the need to shower.

After showering, Max turned down the covers and crawled into bed. He was extremely anxious. Jensen's mother, Arlene, lived about twenty minutes from where he lay. He fought the urge to jump out of bed and go see her now. He was pretty sure she wouldn't be so cooperative at three in the morning. He definently needed her cooperation. Hopefully she had some idea where Jensen could be. Where Liz could be.

*****************************************

Liz and Emma were sitting side by side on Emma's bed looking through a book on the states. They were reading about facts of each state.

"Amelia are you ready to take your practice test?" Liz asked.

"Maybe in a little bit. Not right now. Is that okay?" Emma asked.

Liz smiled. "Of course it's okay. But you have to take it before our time is over today," Liz answered.

"Why?" Emma asked curiously.

"Well, because you have to take your test tomorrow. I want you to be ready for it. You need to pass it," Liz answered patiently.

"Because he wants me to," Emma stated in confidence rather than in speculation.

Liz was shocked at how easily Emma picked up on things. Being captive does that to you.

"Yeah sweetie, because he wants you too," Liz agreed.

"Because it will be bad for me if I don't," Emma said.

Liz nodded while swallowing hard; and bad for me, she thought.

****************************************

Max's stomach was in knots. He was on his way to Arlene Jensen's home. He was both dreading it and eager to arrive there. HE was now nine minutes away from the woman who took part in creating a monster. Max thought he was going to encounter a monster at 143 Cedar Drive. A monster could only be created by another monster, right? Granted, Jensen lost his family, but that doesn't excuse a damn thing he did. Many men have lost their families and they didn't steal another man's family. Max quickly filled with rage. Jensen stole the wrong man's family this time.

The sudden ringing of his cell phone startled him. He looked at his caller ID and saw it was Michael.

"Hey Michael," Max answered.

"Max, what the hell are you thinking?" Michael barked ignoring any pleasantries.

Max sighed in irritation. "Michael, you know what I'm thinking and you know what I'm doing. I think I can safely assume you got my message," Max responded.

"Damnit Maxwell. You shouldn't go off on this crusade alone! I would have went with you," Michael said.

"I know Michael. That's exactly why I went by myself. Maria needs you. You need Maria. I didn't want you coming because I don't plan on coming back unless Liz is with me," Max said seriously.

"Max, just promise me you won't drive yourself into the ground," Michael said in resignation.

"You know I can't promise that Michael," Max said. Max noticed he was only a couple of minutes away from Arlene Jensen's home.

"Michael, I gotta go," Max said quickly.

"All right, just be careful," Michael said.

His response was the sound of Max ending the call.

Max pulled into her driveway. He sat in his car preparing himself for the upcoming conversation. Pulling himself together he made his way to her door. Ringing the doorbell once, he waited for an answer. Seconds later the door swung open to reveal Arlene Jensen. He quickly noticed Cole had his mother's eyes. Only his mother's eyes were filled with pain. They were red-rimmed and tear stains trailed down her full cheeks. She had obviously been crying. Max felt his anger for this supposed monster disappear quickly and completely. She was obviously not the monster he expected to see. IN place of that monster, he saw a devastated mother. A mother who found out she had a kidnapper of women and children for a son. A murderer for a son. A liar for a son. A monster for a son.

He broke the silence.

"Excuse me, Arlene Jensen?" Max questioned.

Arlene nodded in the affirmative.

"I'm Detective Max Evans. I'm here to ask you a few questions," he said.

Arlene smiled a broken smile.

"I've been expecting you," she said.

Max Evans stood on her front porch shocked by her words.

**********************************

Liz was busy grading Emma's test. So far, so good. She sighed in relief. Emma sat drawing a picture.

"Amelia, I have some good news," Liz announced after having finished grading her test.

Emma looked at Liz expectantly.

"You passed. Perfect score," Liz said proudly.

Emma smiled brilliantly. Her eyes held a strong sense of relief. As did Liz's eyes. They both recognized each other's relief and they exchanged a look of silent understanding as to what the evident relief on their faces was for.

Breaking the silence, Liz asked,"What did you draw?"

"My family," Emma answered quietly.

"Can I see?" Liz asked gently.

Emma nodded and handed Liz her drawing. It was beautiful. Emma was a natural talent. It was of Emma standing in between a man and woman, who she presumed was her parents, holding their hands on a beach.

"It's lovely. Absolutely lovely Amelia," Liz commented.

Emma rewarded Liz with another one of her rare beaming smiles.

"But we need to put this away. You know he won't like it," Liz said reluctantly.

Emma's smile faded away as fast as it appeared. A somber expression marred her face in response to Liz's words.

"I know, I just wanted to see my mommy and daddy again," Emma said sadly.

Liz's heart broke for the umpteenth time.

Jensen chose this moment to make an appearance.

Liz quickly slid Emma's drawing underneath a stack of blank drawing paper.

"Hello my girls," Jensen greeted.

They both smiled in return to his greeting. The smile didn't come close to reaching their eyes.

He walked over to Liz and leaned down to place a kiss on the top of her head. Liz barely repressed a shudder of disgust. He then walked to Emma and placed a chaste kiss on her head as well.

"So Liz, tell me, how did my little Amelia do on her test today?" Jensen inquired.

Liz picked up Emma's test and handed it to him while saying, "She got a perfect score."

Jensen beamed proudly.

"Amelia, I'm so proud of you. You really are your father's daughter," he said arrogantly.

Liz and Emma both made no response to his statement.

"Okay Amelia, it's time for you to go to bed. Liz, come with me," he ordered with a deceitfully kind voice.

Liz gathered her things and placed a kiss on Emma's cheek, whispering a quiet goodnight to her.

Jensen shut and locked Emma's door. Liz thought she never wanted to hear the sound of a door locking ever again.

Walking down the hallway, he stopped in front of her room.

"Liz, I have to say you are doing a great job with my daughter," Jensen said.

"Thank you," Liz replied politely. She inwardly wanted to strangle him for calling Emma his daughter. She wasn't the feeble-minded submissive woman he thought her to be.

Liz tensed with fear when his gaze fell to her lips and he began leaning towards them. She dropped her papers in shock.

This stopped his decent on her lips. Bending down to pick up her papers, he noticed a drawing. Anger filled his body.

Liz saw what he was holding. She swallowed hard in terror.

"Liz, do you want to tell me why my daughter drew this?" he asked with a deadly calm voice.

"She was just drawing a picture. It's nothing," Liz said.

"It is not nothing! I will not have Amelia drawing pictures of strangers. That's what these people are! I'm her father and her mother died in a car accident!" he screamed in anger.

"I'm...I"m sorry," Liz said in a trembling voice.

Jensen backhanded Liz roughly across the mouth. She reflexively covered her mouth with her hand. Blood was spilling onto her hand.

"This will not happen again," Jensen said while pinning Liz with a cold stare.

He opened her door and pushed her in. Throwing her papers in behind her. He ripped up the drawing and threw it in her face before slamming the door shut and locking it.

Liz released a shaky breath. Even though she had more comfortable surroundings, she almost preferred her cold cell. For there, she hardly ever saw Jensen. He was making too many appearances for her. She needed to be more careful. She had to be for her and Max's child growing inside of her. She prayed it would be enough.

TBC

LittleHottie510-Thanks! My fic month will be short, promise!
Behrsgirl77-Thanks!
nayney-Thanks!
Strawberry88-Glad you think so! Thanks,
magikhands-Max will definently do some damage to Jensen. Liz will get her chance too!
Itzstacie
roswellluver
littlewind
VeronicB
QBon
aurorasky-I think we all agree with magikhands too!
woodwinds
Dreamer 4 Ever
Modelchick
sweetbrowneyes
Jadeling
TatiLoca
Smac
Natz
moonlight
foreverdreamer15
Lady Scorpio

Thanks for the feedback! If I forgot to thank anyone, I'm sorry and thanks! Here's the next part! Hope you guys like it!


Chapter 19

Liz was lost in her thoughts once again. She had plenty of time to do that lately. With being held captive and all. Her hand fell to her stomach as it had been doing a lot lately. She was still in shock and overjoyed at being pregnant. She was trying to figure out how far along she was. Probably about two months, she thought. Their child was probably conceived when she was sick and threw up her birth control pills. Well, at least one good thing can come from being sick, she thought.

She was going her best to stay strong. If she wasn't pregnant and if Emma wasn't here, she probably would have fallen apart by now. It is easier to hold it together when you have something to hold it together for. Of course she would try to say strong and hold it together for Max, but it would be damn near impossible if she was here alone. She prayed Max would find her soon. Find his child soon. Find Emma soon.

Emma, she thought. In the short amount of time she has known her, she has already fallen in love with her. Her heart swells with love when she sees her. She feels a protectiveness towards her as if she were her own child. Liz feels like she is already.

When she heard the sound of footsteps coming towards her room she immediately tensed with fear and surprisingly, she felt a twinge of annoyance. I guess you can only feel so much fear after a while, she thought, until it becomes annoyance for them making you feel the fear in the first place.

Liz made no reaction to the door opening and Jensen entering her room and shutting the door behind him.

"Good afternoon Liz. I'm sorry I haven't come to see you yet. I've had a few errands to run up on. Covering tracks and such," Jensen said.

Liz smiled. He didn't stay away long enough, she thought.

"Now, I have to remind you to keep a closer watch on Amelia. You only received a slap on the hand, or should I say face yesterday," he said with disgusting humor.

Liz showed no sign of amusement.

"But, if something like that happens again, you won't get by so easy. You are her teacher and you're an adult, I expect you to keep some authority with her. Here are some conditions on her drawing: she can draw whatever scenery or animal or whatever she wants. But, she is only allowed to draw herself, you, and her father, me," Jensen said arrogantly.

Liz felt purely disgusted with him. She couldn't wait for the day when she could say what she really felt.

*****************************************

"W-What?" Max sputtered in shock on Mrs. Jensen's doorstep.

"I knew you would come sooner or later. I'm afraid I was expecting the former of the two. But either way, you're here now. Please come in," Arlene said moving to the side to let Max in.

Max still reeled from shock, but he made his way into her home.

"Please sit down. Would you like anything to drink? Eat?" she asked.

"Umm...some water would be great. Thank you," Max answered.

While Arlene was in the kitchen getting their drinks, Max looked around the small, but cozy living room. The photographs on the mantle caught his attention. He stood up and walked towards them.

There were many photographs of Cole Jensen. School pictures from childhood, baby pictures, family photos, pictures of him as an adult. He looked back towards a picture of Jensen wearing a baseball uniform. He looked to be about eight years old.

"That's when he was in little league. How things change," she said sadly.

Max took the glass of water from her and said his thanks. Max sat down on the sofa, while Arlene sat in a chair across from him.

"So, I'm guessing your wondering how I was anticipating your arrival?" Arlene asked.

"I am," Max answered honestly.

"Well, who wouldn't? I mean, my son took your wife from you. We were bound to have this conversation. I knew you would be the one to come looking for me," Arlene stated.

Max swallowed hard at the mention of Liz.

"I guess your also wondering if I have any idea where he might be?" she asked.

"Do you?" Max questioned in response.

She smiled ruefully. "I'm sorry, but I don't have the slightest idea," she answered honestly.

Max closed his eyes in pain. And disappointment.

Arlene could see the disappointment written all over the young man's face. She could tell he dearly loved his wife. She felt a deep pain in her soul that she gave birth to the man who put it there. She quickly blinked back tears.

"I'm sorry. I truly am. If I had any idea where she could be, any, I would tell you in a heartbeat. I know you may have doubts to this, but I would. Even though he is my only son, my only child, and I love him dearly, I would never let him get away with this. I believe he deserves to be punished. He should be," Arlene answered in all honesty.

Max gave her a small smile.

"I do believe you. I'm sorry too," Max said.

Arlene looked taken back, "For what?" she asked.

"For having him as a son," Max answered bluntly.

Arlene heaved a painful sigh, "I'm not. I'm sorry for what my son did, but I'm not sorry for having him as my son. He wasn't always like this," she said painfully.

"Like what?" Max asked curiously.

"Evil," she answered without hesitation.

"He used to be the perfect child. He had a perfect childhood. It's frightening that you never know how someone can turn out. Losing his family took a toll on him. A hard one. But I noticed things about him before that," Arlene said.

Max looked at her with questioning eyes.

"Oh, personality things. He had this controlling nature about him. Arrogant. I just thought it was your average cocky young man. I would notice his wife, Sarah, her eyes would always hold a degree of sadness to them. The only time I never saw the sadness was when she was with Amelia. Amelia was a dear, beautiful," Arlene answered in turn to the question in his eyes.

"How could your son treat Amelia?" Max asked.

"He never hurt her, if that's what your asking. But I always thought he pushed her too hard. Anything less than an 'A' in school was unacceptable. She had to be the best at everything. Too much burden for a child," she answered.

Arlene began coughing harshly.

Max stood up and made his way over to her. Kneeling in front of her, he handed her the glass of water she had sitting on the coffee table.

"Are you okay?" he asked worriedly.

Arlene nodded while drinking her water.

"I'll be fine. Thank you. You're such a sweet boy," Arlene said.

"Well, I'm afraid I'm tired out. I am truly sorry I can't help you. The only thing I can say is that he'd probably be somewhere you'd never think to look," she said.

"Do you need help to your room?" Max asked politely.

"Yes, thank you," she answered.

Max helped her up the stairs and into her room.

"Feel free to look around. Cole's old room his down the hall. Some of his old things are in the basement too. Stay as long as you'd like," she said.

Max gave her a grateful smile,"Thank you," he said.

"It's the least I can do," Arlene said.

Max hoped that maybe he could find some clue to where Jensen could be. If he could figure out more of who he was, maybe he would have a better idea where to start looking.

*****************************************

Liz sat looking over some of Emma's work. She noticed Emma kept looking up at her then looking down. She had been doing this for a while now. Liz finally relieved Emma from this tiring task.

"Honey, is there something you want?" Liz asked with a smile on her face.

"Do you have any kids, Liz?" Emma asked shyly.

Liz hadn't expected that to be her question. In an unconscious move, her hand flew to her stomach. She decided not to tell Emma about her condition. It would only worry her and she couldn't take the risk of it slipping in front of Jensen.

"No, Amelia, I don't," Liz answered. Emma had earlier expressed that she wished to be called by her real name, Emma, when it was just the two of them. Liz didn't think this was a good idea, she didn't want to get comfortable with addressing her by her real name. She might accidentally do it in front of Jensen. That couldn't happen. There would be hell to pay. For herself and Emma. She couldn't wait for the day when neither of them had to worry about their actions and the consequences of them because of Jensen's reaction to them.

"Do you want kids?" Emma asked.

"Yes, of course I would. Someday," Liz answered wondering where this was going.

Emma looked down at her hands that were fidgeting nervously in her lap.

Liz noticed this and took Emma's hands into her own.

"Sweetie, why are you asking this?" Liz asked.

Emma wouldn't meet Liz's eyes. Liz took on of her hands and tilted her chin up to meet her gaze.

"It's okay. You can tell me anything," Liz assured her.

"I...I don't have a mommy and daddy anymore. I just don't know where to go when, or if, we ever get out of here," Emma said with a trembling lower lip.

"When we get out of here," Liz corrected.

"Do you have any aunts or uncles, grandmas or grandpas?" Liz asked.

"I only have a grandma. She's the only family left. But, she's been sick. I don't even know if she's still alive. She couldn't take care of me if she was," Emma said the tears finally breaking free.

Liz's eyes filled with tears. She suddenly knew where this was going.

"Honey, I'll take care of you. When we get out of here, you'll come with me. Max and I will take care of you. I'll always be with you. I'll never leave you," Liz said with a voice hoarse with emotion.

"You promise?" Emma asked.

"I promise," Liz answered.

With that settled, Liz pulled Emma into a hug and they both hung onto each other for dear life.

TBC

Chapter 20

Max Evans slowly pushed open the door to the childhood bedroom of Cole Jensen. Quietly stepping in he looked around, surveying the contents of the room. Nothing exceptional. Just your average room in your parent's house. There was dark blue carpet and white walls. A twin bed against the far wall and a dresser. Obviously some things had been moved out. He was still curious as to why his room was still this much in tact. Didn't parents usually move their children's things out after they've lived away from home for so long? He knew his parents moved his stuff out with him.

Walking around the room he didn't notice anything suspicious or even helpful. He checked the drawers, under the bed, even under the mattress, the closet. Nothing, but old clothes and childhood memorabilia.

He decided he would probably be better off looking through the things in the basement.

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Liz could feel her stomach forming into a slight bulge. It wasn't noticeable, but to her it was. She was starting to get really worried. She couldn't show. Jensen could never find out she was pregnant. She had clue what he would say or do about it. If he would take it well....or not so well. She would rather never find out.

She needed Max. She needed him to come for her and their child. For Emma as well. She'd give anything to hear his voice or look into his eyes. If only for a second. It would bring her so much comfort. Comfort she desperately needed.

She wanted him to know about their child. She wanted him to watch her body change every step of the way with her. She didn't want her pregnancy to progress in this place. She was going to have to start figuring out a way to get them out of here, if Max didn't come soon.

The thought of that terrified her. Paralyzed her with fear. Max not coming. Him not coming in time. She knew he would. He'd never give up hope. He'd search every end of the earth a million times over for her. He'd search for her until his dying day. She just hoped it wouldn't come to that.

She knew she couldn't find her own way out of here. It was damn near impossible. Especially in her condition. She couldn't take the risk of getting caught. She knew she would find out what real pain was if she did. In turn, so would her child. She couldn't take that chance. Her body was not her own anymore. It was her child's safe harbor. She planned to keep it that way.

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Max opened the door that led to the basement. He carefully made his way down the dark staircase. It was an eerie feeling. He felt like he was walking into the gates of hell alone. Finally reaching the end of the stairs and solid ground, he pulled the string in the center of the room. The basement filled with a comforting light.

Looking around, Max cringed at the numerous boxes that filled every crevice of the basement. It had a musty smell. An old smell. He figured it was hard for an old, obviously ill woman to keep things up herself. He could tell Arlene Jensen was a dying woman. It was obvious in her weak movements, her pallor, her voice. Pushing that thought aside, he focused his energy on searching through the dozens of boxes. He suddenly wished Michael was with him.

He looked through boxes full of old clothing, old artwork, old keepsakes. Yearbooks, photo albums, everything you could think of. Except for a clue. That's what he was searching for.
Picking up a box, he opened it. The first thing he saw was a photo of a family. A photo of Jensen with Sarah and Amelia. They looked happy. Max felt his heart ache for Sarah and Amelia, but he felt pure hatred making his blood boil with looking at Jensen. The bastard was trying to deprive him of his own possible photos of Liz and their children.

Pushing the photo aside, Max's eyes landed on a photo of Jensen's daughter, Amelia. She was standing in a woodsy area. He noticed a cabin in the background. Or what looked to be one. The whole thing wasn't in view. Only a small glimpse at the far right side of the picture. He felt his heart skip with hope. He knew that was where Liz was. He had to find out where that cabin was.

Grabbing the picture he flew up the stairs heading towards Arlene Jensen's room.

Pushing her door open in a hurry, he sprinted towards her bed. He shook her gently trying to rouse her.

"Arlene, wake up," Max said with urgency laced in his tone.

No response.

"Please, Arlene, Wake up!!" Max yelled and pleaded desperately.

He felt his heart trying to beat it's way out of his chest. His fingers flew to her neck. No pulse. He choked back a desperate sob. He moved them to her wrist. No pulse.
Releasing a sob, he grabbed the phone and called for an ambulance.

He wouldn't give up. He knew he was meant to find that picture. He knew that was where his wife was. Where Emma was. Where Jensen was. He raked a frustrated hand through his hair. It always seemed like when he would find a ray of hope, another one would quickly burn out. He would have to find out where this cabin was without Arlene's help. He knew he would need help, he thought reluctantly.

He quickly dialed a familiar phone number.

"Hello?" a voice answered.

"Michael, I need your help," Max quickly said without preamble.


TBC....sorry it's a little short!