Disclaimer: This original story is not authorized or endorsed by Warner Bros, ABC, Lors Thornwald Inc, Edelson Productions, William Schmidt, or anyone else having rights to "Prey". It is not intended infringe on any rights or copyright and is not written for profit. Any characters not recognizable from the series "Prey" belong to the author.
Their mad dash down the alley in back of Walter's office ended up in a small side street. Tom saw a black Explorer parked by the curb and ran over to it with the others following close behind. He tried the passenger door.
"Locked," he said. Then, without a second's hesitation, he took his right fist and broke the window. Reaching through the jagged glass, he unlocked the car, opened the back door, and lifted Sloan into the seat.
Turning around, Tom ordered, "Steve, in the front with me - the rest of you, get in back - and try to stay low." Then he dove through the front passenger door and slid into the driver's seat. Steve jumped in right behind him and slammed the door, still holding Tom's gun ready.
Tom gave a quick search for possible keys but finding none, he hot-wired the ignition. The vehicle roared to life and the Explorer tore down the road, with Tom and Steve keeping eyes and senses alert to anyone who may be giving chase.
"I don't think we were followed." said Tom. Steve concurred with a nod of his head. "Now, any suggestions where we can go, Walter?" asked Tom, glancing at him in the rear view mirror. Then added with a definite ring of sarcasm, "Are there any locations left that have not been compromised?"
Walter wrinkled his forehead at Tom's remark. He tried to think of someplace, anyplace and was about to say 'no' when he realized he did know of a place. "Yes, as a matter of fact, there is. The cabin - the one you and Sloan went to - by the lake."
Sloan turned to look at Walter. "That can't be safe - after all, the Lynch clone found it and all the guards knew where it was." At the sound of her voice, Tom instinctively looked to see her in the mirror. He was surprised ... and a little disturbed ... to see she was sitting on Ed's lap. Well, there were four of them in a backseat designed for three. Just the same, he didn't like it. But, he broke off his thoughts to hear Walter response to Sloan.
"Lynch found it only because he probably followed us that night. Since he was was acting on his own, I doubt if any of Lewis' people were told about the place."
"What about your boss," asked Tom, looking at Walter in the mirror.
"I never told my boss, ... ex-boss, the location of the cabin ... she doesn't even know it exists." Noting Tom's piercing look, he added, "It's the truth." Tom nodded and Walter continued, "and, I 'm sorry to bring this up, but all the guards that were there that night were killed. If I'm remembering right, the clean-up was handled by Ray and the local police. Right, Ray?"
"Yeah, and they never linked the deaths to us." answered Ray.
"And Lynch's body went straight to the lab, bypassing the coroner's office." offered Ed.
"So, unless I miss my guess," concluded Walter, "It should still be safe at the cabin."
"How do the rest of you feel about going there? asked Tom.
"I'm a little nervous about that, considering what happened there. What about my apartment? We've all met there before."
"I'm not sure that's a good idea, Sloan." said Tom, catching Sloan's eyes in the mirror, "We still could've been followed."
"Right. And I'm in no mood to move again." said Ray. "Actually, I don't think we have a choice on such short notice. Besides, this is a stolen vehicle, you know. We don't want to be driving all over the city in it. The cabin's as good a place as any, at this point. We can finish up our plans, make sure we weren't tailed, and then go our own ways. Besides, don't you and Hart have that sense or something that warns you if someone's there?" said Ray.
"I believe the scientific term is "radar", as Dr. Tate so aptly put it." said Steve with a twinkle in his eye as he turned to look at the others in the backseat. Even Ray was forced to smile at that one.
Tom turned his head to look at Steve who seemed to be obviously pleased with his own humor. He just raised an eyebrow and went back to driving, but he could sense that Steve was actually comfortable around humans. He seemed to have no trouble expressing his thoughts and feelings to them - something that Tom still had to struggle with. But he was glad Steve was getting along well with the rest of them. Even Ray appeared to be softening up. They really needed this break in the tension after what they all had just gone through. The more relaxed the atmosphere was, the easier the next planning stage would be.
*************************************************
"Tom, turn right here." said Walter, leaning forward to see out the windshield. "The cabin should be straight ahead now."
Tom turned the wheel and found himself on a somewhat familiar road. He looked at Steve and the two of them intensified their scanning of the area especially once the cabin came into view.
As Tom brought the vehicle to a stop, he turned to Ray. "Steve and I will scout out the surrounding woods and cabin. I'll leave the car running. If it looks like trouble, get them out of here - fast." Then, directing his words to the other three, he added "If everything checks out, we'll signal for you to come in. But for now, just sit tight and don't make a sound."
"Don't worry," said Ed. "I think the one raw nerve we all have left between us, will hold the conversation to a minimum."
Sloan's wide eyes and tight lips indicated that she would do as he asked. Ray got out of the backseat and climbed into the drivers seat. Tom was happy to see Sloan slide off Ed's lap as Walter moved over to make more room. Tom caught her eye and gave her a reassuring nod. "This shouldn't take too long, then turning to Ray, "Remember what I said, Ray. First sign of trouble - get out of here." Then he headed for the cabin.
"You don't have to tell me twice." Ray called after Tom, as he adjusted the seat and rearview mirror. As he pulled out his gun, he said almost to himself, "And just in case there's trouble ... I'll be ready."
"Use that as a last resort," Steve said through the window. "It's more important that the rest of you get away. Reaching into his pocket, he stretched across the passenger seat and handed Ray a business card. "Call this number if things go bad. They'll help you if we get separated."
Ray looked at the card a second and then took it. "Thanks, Hart, ...er, Steve."
Steve just nodded and turned to follow Tom who had almost reached the cabin.
******************************************
The cabin looked deserted and the accumulation of dead leaves and overgrown walkways indicated that no one had been here in quite a while. Tom reached into his inside coat pocket and pulled out a small device and turned it on.
Steve looked at it with a puzzled expression. "What is that thing?
"It's a scanner," Tom replied, adjusting what looked like control buttons. "It works like the larger sensing ones, only without as wide a range. But it'll do for our needs. Why don't you go inside and check for 'bugs" and I'll head into the woods with the scanner."
"I don't suppose you have another one of those?"
"No."
"Then I'll just do a visual search and you can go over the cabin when you get back."
Tom nodded his agreement and headed into the woods behind the cabin.
Steve watched Tom disappear from view before stepping onto the porch. He slowly turned the knob on the front door and was surprised to see that it wasn't locked. He entered the place quietly, half expecting the place to be ransacked. All that he saw out of place were a few magazines on the floor - Scientific American, Discovery and a few other similar journals. He picked them up and placed them on the couch and continued his search. He checked out all the obvious places one might plant a 'bug' - phone, lamps, pictures ... . Finding none he started on the more imaginative places but came up empty.
He could sense Tom returning and met him at the door. He indicated with a shake of the head that he'd found nothing. Tom stepped in and adjusted his scanner. After a walk-through of the place, he finally spoke. "Looks like Walter was right. The area seems to be clean. Why don't you signal the others to come in." Steve went outside and waved to Ray to bring the car up to the cabin.
Tom looked around the living room and remembered the time he and Sloan had been there. He walked to the couch and picked up her journals. "Don't you ever read for pleasure?" he remembered asking her and she had responded "this is pleasure...". He smiled at the memory and dropped the magazines back on the couch. As he looked up, he spotted the wood stove he had carefully tended that night. He walked over to it and opened the door. He crouched down to take a look inside but saw nothing but ashes. He'd hoped there might've been some unburned wood left to start a fire. It was cold in the cabin and it would be nice to take the chill off. Then he decided against the idea. No need to draw any undue attention to an abandoned cabin with a smoking chimney.
'They're on their way in," he heard Steve say. He turned to see Steve walk in rubbing his hands together. "It's getting cold but I suppose a fire is out of the question."
Tom nodded as Steve settled into a chair near the door. He closed the stove door and brushed the soot from his hands. He stood up, folded his arms, and leaned against the woodstove as Ed walked through the door.
"So, this is where you and Tom hid out ... pretty cozy." said Ed, looking at Sloan who had just walked passed him into the room.
"Right, Ed," answered Sloan, "Real cozy ... surrounded by guards with rifles and headsets, who checked on us every hour. And not to mention being stalked by Lynch ...." Suddenly she felt a chill go straight up her spine as she remembered that night. She hadn't thought of it in a long time, yet here was the memory, rising unbidden to torment her. She felt Lynch's hand across her mouth and the same fear penetrating every cell of her body. Try as she would, she couldn't seem to stop the memories from replaying themselves over and over again in her mind. It was as though a floodgate had opened and all the events of that night rushed in on her.
Ed saw the slight shiver that passed through Sloan at her mention of Lynch and the look of concern that spread across Tom's face. "Sloan-n? You alright?"
Sloan blinked her eyes as she heard Ed's voice bring her back to the present. She nodded as she gave him a thankful smile. It was in the past, Lynch was gone and she was safe. She looked over at Tom and saw his face relax as she gave him a reassuring look. She hadn't expected that ... she thought it was all behind her. But it made her think of Tom again and his nightmares. She couldn't even imagine what he must have running around in his memory to make him relive his experiences almost nightly. But, she promised herself she wouldn't go there again. Not now.
Feeling more composed, she looked around the room. It looked exactly the way they had left it. She walked over to the couch to sit down and saw her old journals lying on it. "Look at this - the same magazines I was reading that night." She picked up one of the journals and thumbed through it. "Remember, Tom?" Tom smiled and nodded.
"You read ...????" Ed raised his eyebrows and laughed, "Well, if that's all the two of you could think of to do ..."
Tom just raised an eyebrow at Ed. Sloan, on the other hand, shook her head at him and lightly punched him in the arm. "You're such a brat," she said as she gave Ed one of her "looks". She sat down on the couch, still cradling the magazines in her arms.
Ed slid down next to her and put his feet on the coffee table. "Sorry. I am a brat - but you still love me, right?" He leaned his head on her shoulder and gave her a pouty smile.
Sloan tried not to react to him but failed miserably. "Yes - I still love you." she said and patted his head. As she turned her head around to look at Tom, she saw that he wasn't smiling. He was staring at Ed. She saw him break his gaze only when she caught his eye. He gave her an odd half-smile and then looked down. Sloan wasn't sure what that was all about, probably just concern for her, she concluded, and put it out of her mind.
Tom knew Sloan saw the way he looked at Ed. Thankfully she chose to ignore it. But it disturbed him to see Ed resting his head on Sloan and he couldn't figure out why. He knew it was nothing. Sloan always said Ed was just a close friend, almost like a brother to her. This type of affection was normal between them, between close friends. But it bothered Tom in a way that it never had, almost as though Ed was a threat ... . No! Ed is not a threat, he told himself, as he struggled to force these feelings aside. He's a friend. Sloan's friend. And she was going to need one when he was gone. He took a deep breath and felt his head begin to clear as Walter entered the room.
"That's enough, people," said Walter sitting down next to Ed. "I suggest we get going. We may not have too much time."
"Good idea, Walter. We don't want a repeat of what just happened at the office," said Ray as he crossed the room and found a chair near Sloan.
"I agree," Steve got up from his seat and walked over to Tom. "First ... you might as well take your ticket, Tom. In case we get separated for any reason, we can always meet at the plane."
Tom put his hand out to take the ticket when Steve felt something wet drop on his hand. "What's this ...?"" He looked at the drop of dark liquid, rolling it between his thumb and forefinger. "Blood?" He looked at his hands but found no cuts or bruises. "Tom, is this from you?"
"No-o ... wait, ... yes, my hand. I guess I cut it breaking the car window." Tom looked at the side of his hand. "It's nothing. It'll stop in a minute. Probably reopened when I checked out the stove ...."
"The last thing we need is evidence of your blood in the cabin, just in case we were followed." Steve took out his handkerchief and handed it to Tom. "We'll have to clean the place before we leave here. We don't want to leave any trails that can be traced to us."
"Good point," Walter agreed. "Ed, why don't you check out Tom's hand." Ed started to get up even though Tom shook his head 'no'.
Steve motioned for Ed to sit down. "Dr Tate, I'm going to need you and Walter here when I explain what's going on with the new lab. I'll also need some input from you concerning the serum and a list of things you'll need to continue your testing." Then Steve pulled back the handkerchief on Tom's hand and looked at the wound closer. "Hm-m, doesn't look too bad - maybe Dr Parker could go with you and find some bandages in the bathroom to get that bleeding stopped. I'm sure Ed can fill her in later about the lab."
Ed nodded and sank back into the cushions. He could tell even from where he was sitting that the injury was superficial. Tom and Sloan probably needed a last moment together more than they needed his expertise.
Sloan got up and dropped the magazines on the couch. She was grateful to have some private time with Tom and from the look on Tom's face, the feeling was mutual. She tapped Ed on the leg and he took his feet off the coffee table to let her by. As she passed Walter, he touched her on the arm and said, "Don't be too long ..." She understood. "We won't."
"Let's see if I haven't lost my touch at bandaging wounds," Sloan said, giving Tom a wink as she put her arm in his. "Now, as I remember, the bathroom is behind the kitchen ..." She pushed open the door opposite the kitchen counter and saw the small hall that led to the rest of the cabin. "I was right - there it is." It smelled musty in the hall and she hoped no pipes had broken in the months the cabin was unoccupied. Reaching the bathroom door, with Tom still in tow, she peeked in and was relieved to find it exactly as they had left it.
"Have a seat, Mr Daniels," smiled Sloan as she put the lid down on the toilet. Looking in the medicine cabinet, she found some peroxide, a tube of antibiotic ointment and some large bandaids. "These should do the trick." Checking the underneath cabinet, she found some cleanser and a sponge to clean out the sink. She hoped the water was still on as she turned the tap. There were strange groans and creaks coming from somewhere within the wall and an odd popping sound from the spigot, but after some sputtering, the water began to flow. Once the sink was cleaned, she filled it with fresh water.
"Why don't you take your coat off and put your hand in the sink to soak for a bit."
Tom tossed his coat over the side of the bathtub and pushed up his shirt sleeve. The water was cold and his hand stung a bit, but the feeling soon passed as the cold water numbed his hand.
Tom knew the cut was nothing serious but he could sense that Sloan needed the distraction ... and he needed to be with her one more time before he left. He hadn't quite understood Sloan's feelings last night. This intense desire of hers - to keep him close - had overwhelmed her and threatened to do the same to him. What a struggle it had been to keep his focus on Walter! And yet now, he felt those same emotions well up in himself. Were they really his own emotions or just a phantom memory of Sloan's? He didn't know. All he did know was that he was missing her already and he hadn't even left yet.
As he watched her dry his hand, he found himself concentrating on her, as though trying to memorize every detail of her face - the green glistening eyes, the warm full lips, the languid curls that fell softly around her face, the flush that was gently spreading up her neck, the warmth of emotion that gently caressed him, ... . He stopped. He sought her eyes but she was already looking at him and he knew that she had once again sensed what he was doing.
Sloan dropped her eyes when Tom looked at her. She had that odd sensation again - almost like she was eavesdropping on someone's private thoughts, ... Tom's thoughts. It was uncomfortable, and yet ... intriguing. All of a sudden the bathroom felt small and airless and she just wanted to get out of there. She ripped open the wrapper on the large bandaid and placed it
over the cut. "There, ... done."
Tom looked at his hand and smiled. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," she replied as she put the supplies away and drained the sink. "I guess my 'touch' is still intact."
Tom stood up. "Sloan?" Sloan lifted her head to meet his eyes. "I need to talk to you."
Sloan nodded. He took her hand and led her to the bedroom. Tom could hear Steve saying something about the UN and the coexistence alliance and then he heard his name. Well, Steve could always fill him in during the trip. He needed to talk to Sloan now. Tom opened the door to the bedroom and allowed Sloan to enter first, then closed the door behind him.
"I need to explain what happened last night, Sloan," he said.
"It's OK, Tom, you don't have to ..."
"Yes, ... yes, I do."
She looked at him for a second and then said "Alright.", as she walked towards the bed and sat down on the edge.
He started to pace the floor slowly as he spoke. "I want you to know that I would never hurt you - no matter what. I don't think you fully understand who ..., what I am. I react to things .... differently - different from humans. Last night my instincts took over ... ." Tom stopped moving and looked her in the eyes. "I'm sorry you saw that. I never meant to scare you."
"I became a threat somehow, didn't I. By what I was saying?"
Tom inhaled sharply and then slowly nooded his head. "Yes. To a species that believes only the strong survive, implying weakness can also be a threat. The threat had to be removed." "But, if your reaction was instinctive, why didn't you ...."
"Act on it? Hurt you?"
Sloan nodded.
"Because I chose not to. I'd rather die than hurt you. Please believe me - you would never be in any danger from me."
"I do believe you, Tom." She reached for his arm, as if her touch could remove the worry from his face. "Yes, I was scared - but only for an instant. I was just frustrated - mostly with myself. I wanted to help you but the harder I tried, the worse I made things. And I just couldn't bear the thought of losing you again if things went wrong ..."
"I know. But we can't forget what we're working for, just because we're afraid of losing each other. We're all in danger - every day. You know that. And there are no guarantees that any of us will survive what's coming. Playing it safe doesn't mean we will be safe. We have to work for, ... maybe even fight, for what we believe. If we don't care enough to work for coexistence, then who will?"
Sloan let out a long sigh. "I guess I just lost my perspective. I let my own feelings come between us and what we needed to do. Sloan bit her lip "And you're right, maybe I don't understand you enough to help you sort things out. If you only knew just how much I care about you, how much I .... ." A small tear appeared on her cheek.
"But I do know, Sloan." He sat down next to her and held her face in his hands. He gently kissed the tear away and said, "And you should know how I feel ." Then, searching her eyes with his own, he said softly, "You can sense when I'm thinking about you and what I'm feeling, too - can't you."
Sloan just looked at him without a word, a slight wrinkle crossing her brow.
"I saw you react to me at the meeting this morning - and later on when you bandaged my hand."
"Yes-s. I almost thought I imagined it but then I saw the look in your eyes and I knew it was real. But why ...?"
".... is this happening?" Tom looked down at his hands and began to fiddle with his bandage. "It's not uncommon among my people for this to happen between a man and woman who ... care for each other."
"Like us?" Sloan took her finger and raised his chin so she could look him in the eyes as she spoke.
"Yes." He took her hand and held it. "We've grown closer than either of us realized ... I should've expected that ... told you it might happen ... does it - bother you - that you can sense me?"
"Bother me? She smiled. "No, Tom, I - I rather like it - now that I know what it is. I just don't know how it's possible. You've always been able to sense other people, but I haven't. How can I do it now?"
"Well, I'm told some humans can do it with each other."
"You mean the way people who have been married for a long time seem to know what the other one is thinking or doing? I think it comes from knowing each other intimately."
"Possibly. And, in our case, as I get more in tune with your emotions, I may be able to touch your mind in a way you can sense. After all, Kevin Taylor could do it ... "
"Don't compare yourself to him. He got right inside my mind and manipulated me." Sloan shook her head at the thought of that terrifying experience. Then she gave him a quick look. "you're not manipulating me, are you?"
"No ... no. I wouldn't do that. I think it's more like, like ... an awareness on your part .. about me."
"So I'll know when you're thinking of me?
Tom nodded.
"And does this mean that I'll be able to sense if you're OK?"
"I think so."
"Even when you're away?"
Tom gave her a little laugh and raised his eyebrow. "You mean - when I'm in New York? Even I can't do that."
"Then what good is this, ... this sensing thing if I can't even tell if you're safe?"
Tom put his arm around her. "You'll know. In your heart you'll know. And, you have my promise that I'll come back."
"But how do I know that? How do I even know you're well enough ... ?"
"Sloan-n-n. Please, let's not go there again. Besides, have I ever broken a promise to you?"
"No-o, I guess not. But what if something happens that you have no control over..."
"Well, you'll just have to trust that I can handle it." Then sensing she still needed reassurance, he said , "C'mere," hugging her close, "You worry too much."
As their heads touched, Sloan took a deep breath and closed her eyes. How could he be so confident that things would be alright? What did he know that he couldn't share with her? She needed to find out. She concentrated on him hoping for something, anything that would tell her what she so desperately wanted to know. A few seconds went by. Nothing. Why couldn't she feel anything from him? Maybe she was trying too hard. Maybe Tom stopped projecting his feelings to her, thinking she couldn't handle it. Just when she was about to pull away, she felt or saw something, she wasn't sure which - hazy at first, then more definite - as though a veil had been lifted from her mind.
For the first time, she was able to sense what Tom could never quite put into words - at least words that she'd believe. She had to experience it for herself to understand. There it was, lying quiet, dormant, totally controlled, but ready to burst forth if needed. What she saw ... or rather, felt, was a strength, far greater than she ever expected. Even after all the things Tom had endured - captivity, torture, - she could tell that he had the strength to deal with it. Yes, he still had healing to do - she could feel that - but she could also sense that he had could handle this mission. And, as long as it was within his power to do so, he would return to her. Of that, there was no doubt.
Sloan pulled her head back and looked at him. "Thank you. I understand now."
Tom smiled at her and nodded his head. But he too understood something - they belonged to each. He may not have known what love was when he first met her, but he was quite sure he knew now. He looked into her face and saw a tear begin to fall slowly down her cheek. It almost overwhelmed him.
"I love you so much." she sighed, as she wiped her cheek.
"I know."
Then, Sloan saw the last gray flecks of color melt from Tom's eyes as they changed to softest blue. He put his arm around her, drew her close to him and whispered "and I ... love you."
Then he took her face in his hands and kissed her, soft at first, but then more deeply. When he felt her return the passion, he laid her back on the bed. He looked down at her for a moment and felt himself falling into her eyes. He leaned in to kiss her again. He moved his lips down her neck until they found that place where her pulse was beating softly. As he lingered there, he could feel her heart pulsing faster under his lips and he felt his own pulse racing to match hers.
Then slowly Tom pulled away from her and stroked her hair. "The others are waiting ... "
"I know ..." sighed Sloan. She looked into his eyes, and caressed his cheek with her hand. He covered her hand with his for a moment and then tenderly kissed her palm. Then he stood up and helped her off the bed.
"Ed's coming," he said. As Sloan wiped the tears from her face, Tom walked over to the door and opened it just as Ed knocked.
"Hey, you two in there?" Ed jumped back a bit when the door suddenly opened and he found himself staring at Tom. "Well, I guess you are. Uh, ... how's the hand.?"
Almost forgetting the reason they came back here in the first place, Tom looked at his hand and said "Fine." Then turning around, he said "Sloan, I think it's time to get back to the meeting."
"I'm coming," she answered as she walked towards him, brushing a few wayward curls from her face and a last remaining tear.
Ed stood aside as Tom and Sloan exited the room. He peeked in and saw the rumpled bed. "Hm-m, looks like more than a little first aide went on here." he laughed. His hand accidently brushed Sloan's shoulder as he leaned on the door frame. In an instant, Tom grabbed Ed's arm and Ed's laugh choked in his throat as he felt Tom's iron grip squeezing his forearm. Sloan's eyes widened at the sight and Tom immediately released Ed's arm.
"Let's go, Sloan." Tom said as he took her by the arm and started to lead her down the hall. Sloan was puzzled at his reaction but then dismissed it as simply a protective gesture on his part. She knew he wasn't happy about leaving her behind in the care of others and maybe this was his way of showing it. After what she had just experienced with him, she was done questioning his motives and abilities. She would explain it to Ed later.
Ed could only stand there momentarily stunned. He knew that Tom's reaction was extreme, even for Tom. Tom had always understood his teasing. - it was just who he was. Just Ed being Ed, as Sloan would say. But Tom had never reacted so defensively toward him before. This was definitely a part of Tom that he hadn't seen. It wasn't that Tom's grip hurt him. Tom could've broken his arm easily had he wanted to. No, it was more like a warning. But why? And his eyes. They bothered Ed more than being grabbed. Tom's eyes steeled in a way that sent a chill up his neck. He'd seen those eyes before - when Tom came to kill Sloan in the lab. Had he been too hasty in putting Sloan's mind at ease regarding Tom's mental state? And why wasn't Sloan more alarmed at his actions? He knew he needed to talk to her when they were alone.
All of a sudden, Steve appeared in the hallway. "Hey, there you are. For a minute, we thought we'd lost Ed, too. Tom, it looks like you're going to survive. We're just about done here. We should be leaving shortly if we're going to make our plane."
Tom nodded at Steve and continued down the hall with Sloan, as Ed trailed behind them. Ed thought of the ironic choice of words Steve used - 'we thought we'd lost Ed, too' - little did he know how close to the truth they actually were. Or maybe he did know.
As they walked into the living room, Steve tried to catch Tom's eye but Tom showed no reaction. He watched as Tom seated Sloan in the chair near the woodstove, then leaned on the arm of the chair and held her hand. Ed, he noted, chose to sit at the kitchen counter but kept his attention focused on Tom and Sloan. Steve knew something had happened between the three of them in that hallway, but he didn't have time to pursue it now. He needed to get the meeting wrapped up. He would try to remember to ask Tom once they were on their way.
"Well, there's not much left to be said, except that I will fill Tom in on what he needs to know on the trip, and it's up to Walter and Ed to bring Sloan up to speed. You all have the addresses and phone numbers you need to start work tomorrow as part of the Coexistence Alliance. Mark should be calling you at the lab once you get settled in. Oh, I almost forgot. Ray, here are the access codes to get into the lab."
Steve took a small packet out of his shirt pocket and walked it over to Ray. "It might be a good idea if you got there early tomorrow to check out the place. Remember, you're free to hire anyone you want as part of your security team. If you decide you want one of our people on your team, sort of like a temporary replacement for Tom, let Mark know. A little extra "radar" might come in handy. But, it's up to you."
Ray twirled the packet between his fingers. "Up to me? Since you guys already know the codes to get in, it would be pretty hard to keep you out, regardless of what I chose. Right?"
"Now, Ray .... Just when I thought we were becoming friends, you get suspicious," answered Steve. "Although I don't blame you. I don't think anyone wants another day like today. You're free to change the access codes once you get to the lab. In fact, you can install a whole new security system altogether if you like. The lab is yours - no strings attached. The only thing we want you to keep open is the lines of communication. Fair enough?"
Ray stared at Steve for a moment, then said. "Fair enough - for now."
"I suggest we get moving then, if we're done here." Walter rose and looked at his watch. "It's a bit of a drive to the airport."
Everyone exited the cabin and got into the Explorer, except Ray and Steve, who stayed behind to clean up any traces of Tom's blood and anything else that may have been left behind. When they were done, they headed back to the vehicle.
This time, Tom and Sloan chose the back seat, followed by Walter. Ed managed to wedge his long body in the space behind the back seat, to give the others more room, and to keep an eye on Tom.
"Here's your coat, Tom." said Steve, handing it back to Tom after getting in the front passenger seat. "You're going to need this in New York. I heard they've already had snow in the higher regions." Tom reached for it and draped it over Sloan, who was still a little chilled from the cold cabin.
Ray got in the driver's seat and started to reach for the key. No key. He'd forgotten that Tom hot-wired it. He grunted as he leaned over to do the same. "Some cop," he muttered to himself. "I'd hate to explain why I'm driving a stolen vehicle to the boys back in the department."
Steve overheard Ray's mumbling. "Ray, if you contact the owner, the alliance will pay for the
repairs." Then he thought a bit. "Forget that - the alliance'll just buy him a new one. That way, he won't have any reason to complain."
"Just buy him another one?" Ray turned to look at Steve. "Exactly how much money do you guys have?"
"Enough."
Ray just shook his head. "Must be nice ..."
"Ray, forget the money. Just drive. We've got to go straight to the airport if Tom and Steve are going to make their plane," said Walter. Ray nodded and threw the Explorer into reverse.
"What about their luggage?" asked Sloan, already concerned that Tom wasn't dressed warm enough for cold weather.
"There's no time. Besides, when we get picked up in New York, the driver will already have what we need in the car. And, we can buy anything else we want. The alliance has given us a large expense account to play with." Then Steve turned around to Tom. "I almost forgot, what do you want me to do with your gun? It'll never get past the airport scanner."
"Uh, ... give it to Ray when we stop. And I guess I'd better get rid of this too." Tom dug into the pocket of his coat and brought out the small scanner and handed it up front. "Ray, you may as well take this too. Don't let me forget to show you how to operate it before we leave."
Ray glanced down at the strange device and just shook his head. "Another one of your weird alien toys? I feel like I'm in an episode of Star Trek, and I'm transporting Captain Kirk back there, " indicating Tom, " and Spock," glancing over at Steve, "back to the ship."
Steve looked at Ray but said nothing and Tom just looked puzzled - 'Captain who?' he thought. But everyone else was smiling.
"So when I get to the airport, what terminal am I going to?" Ray asked Steve.
"Enterprise."
"That's the name of the airline?"
"No, it's the name of the starship! What else would Kirk and Spock be taking?" Then Steve let out a laugh that got even Ray chuckling. Everyone laughed - except Tom, who still wasn't sure what they were talking about.
"It's a joke, Tom," said Sloan. "I'll explain it to you later."
"Fine. I just hope it's better than your last joke," smiled Tom. Sloan sat up and hit him in the arm before snuggling back down next to him for the duration of the ride.
No more was said about the incident in the hallway, but Tom felt Ed's concern washing over him and Sloan all the way to the airport. He wanted to say something to Ed, to give him some sort of explanation for his behavior, but he couldn't. He didn't really understand it himself. He pushed it out of his mind and blocked his senses from picking up Ed's feelings. All he wanted to do was to concentrate on Sloan and to remember the feel of her warm body as she lay against him in the car.