“So, do we approach her at the house?” Sebastian wondered.

“And scare the sister half to death? I think not. If the men don't show up by tomorrow, they probably won't. If they do, we need to nab her before she exposes herself to danger.”

“For a girl you don't know?” Sebastian questioned again.

“For Mariana,” corrected Luke. “And I like Piper, too. Maybe I'll have to spend some more time with her when she's not running for her life.”

Sebastian said nothing, but he felt his hand clench into a fist. Bash owed everything to Luke, but he found he wasn’t willing to hand over Piper to settle the debt. “So, we just watch her?” he contented. “Like stalkers?”

“In my line of work, it's called surveillance, and it's an invaluable source of intelligence. Government has access to means the general populace doesn’t, and you’re working under my authority right now. It's not like we're going to peek into her shower or bedroom or anything. More like monitor who goes in and out and who she has contact with. If she runs into trouble, I imagine she'll be glad we show up to help her out.”

“I still don't understand why she ran,” Sebastian moped.

Luke shrugged. “People do strange things when they're under pressure. She's kind of in the midst of a trauma, and her mind has reverted to its animalistic instinct for survival. She’s having trouble trusting us, and that’s okay. Once we find her, we'll just have to convince her psyche that we are on her side.”

Pursing his lips, Sebastian pondered his cousin's words. Sure, if he could help it, he would treat her with gentleness and consideration, but if her suspicion made her endanger Lily or herself, Sebastian wouldn't really care what she had gone through. Piper needed to take care of herself and that little girl regardless of fear or emotion, and Sebastian intended to make sure she did.

+++++++++++

Jennie took to Lily immediately, enticed by the placid and contented smile beneath the golden skin and flaxen curls. More importantly, Lily learned quickly, easily discerning the locations of the diapers and moist towels and readily delivering them to Jennie upon request.

When Lily had done so the first time, Jennie had stared at her own two-and-a-half-year-old. “Noelle can't even figure out what I mean when I say diaper, much less deliver one to me upon demand.”

“Don't judge Noelle compared to Lily,” Piper assured her sister. “Lily is the only child of two PhDs. Not only that, but she has a very calm demeanor, and Noelle is all about fun. Noelle will learn, but only after she plays.” Piper welcomed Noelle into her lap. “I'm rather fond of the fun, aren't I?” she squinted, tweaking the toddler's nose and offering a playful poke in the ribs. Noelle squealed a giggle before planting a kiss on her aunt's cheek and scurrying off to the playroom.

“You're right,” Jennie smiled, “but with such a calm child, I don't imagine she will prove much of a burden.”

“Plus, I'll take care of her most of the time. And it's nice to have Paulina here to help.”

“Oh, Paulina is a godsend. I mean, I know Mom and Dad had to scrape to give us private lessons and tutors, but sometimes I wonder if their money might have been better spent hiring someone to take some burden off of Mom.”

“They did alright, though,” Piper shrugged.

Jennie placed an affectionate hand on her sister's. “They did. We had an awesome childhood.”

With the thought, Piper settled into contemplation. Would nannies and housekeepers really make for a better life? She found it hard to believe. Certainly, her family had struggled many times, sometimes stirring arguments between her parents that resulted in weeks of stress and frustration, but the majority of the days passed with a lot of love and pleasure. If she turned out to be wrong about Sebastian – if she returned to school and found him innocent of whatever scheme she had imagined – perhaps she would ask him about growing up with nannies and housekeepers. She would rather have asked Molly...

“I'm sorry. I'm having some trouble with my new cell phone. Can you keep Lily for an hour while I run take care of it?” Piper needed to escape for a few minutes, breathe the fresh air that did not reek of the ordeal she had suffered the past two days.

“Of course. Paulina is cooking lunch, and I'm going to put my girls down for a nap right after. I assume Lily naps, too.”

Piper nodded.

“So, between Paulina and me, I'm pretty sure we can handle it. In fact, though you are awesome with kids, I probably have enough experience that taking care of three is easier for me than taking care of one for you. Don't sweat it. I know you'll worry about me the whole time you're gone.”

With a smile, Piper pecked her sister on the cheek. “Thanks, Jenn. You're right. This is stressing me out, and I am not really proficient at child care just yet.”

“Go. Take a break. Maybe even get lunch. Just leave me her car seat in case I need it.”

“Done. See you in a few.”

Piper rose with a weight off her shoulders. Since she had gotten her new phone, she had ditched the old one, and she did not worry about her pursuers anymore. Who would think to look for her in Armonk, New York? Still, she hated losing all her contacts. Rather than head to the cell phone store as she had claimed, Piper stopped at a nearby coffee shop, settling into a corner table with a panini and a hot cup of coffee. She pulled out her laptop and plugged her new phone into it, beginning the process of transferring her contacts from the computer's memory.

This is going to take a while, she sighed, biting into the sandwich. When she took a sip of the coffee, the aroma and flavor enhanced the euphoria she felt with her freedom and gave her the first real taste of relaxation she had felt since entering the Prados' home. Twenty-four hours had revolutionized her life.

+++++++++++

Of course it was her. Even though Isaac had known that Luke was lying, seeing Piper Hayes in the flesh sent his head pulsing in anger. The idiot recruit could have blown a seven-year operation for his stupid scruples – or maybe some romantic notion. Either way, Isaac needed to manage some damage control.

He kept his eyes away from her as he approached the barista. Hopefully, she would recognize his voice. “I need a doppio with, um, one of those almond biscotti.” Still not looking at her, Isaac moved to a table in the opposite corner to Piper, taking the seat that placed his back to her. So far she had not noticed him, so he pulled out his phone, dialing his CO, Jerome, and beginning a meaningless conversation.

“Were you able to pull that file out for the assignment?” he wondered.

“So, you found her?” Jerome wondered. “That’s great.”

“The students need me to have it by Thursday, so I have the feeling you and I will need to work around the clock to get it out for them.”

The hand on his shoulder brought a smile to his lips, but he quickly suppressed it, feigning surprise. With a slow turn of his head, he let himself appear shocked as his eyes met hers.

“Piper?” he exclaimed, the phone still to his ear. “I have to go, Will. I’ll call you back.” He disconnected the call, doing his best to gape at Piper with affected shock. “What are you doing here?”

“What am I doing?” she challenged. “What are you doing? You’re supposed to be in West Harrison.”

“Well, I mean, my cousin lives on the lake. So this shop is less than ten minutes from the house, and I like the coffee. I mean, did you come here to see me?” He donned skepticism, even a little concern.

“I’m…” Piper stuttered. “No, I – my sister lives in Armonk. You’re in Armonk. You were in West Harrison. I’m kind of in the middle of something – I certainly didn’t expect to run into you here. What did you say you’re doing here?”

“Um, I’m about to drink coffee. Did you – do you want something?”

When her initial shock finally subsided, she found herself smiling. “I can’t believe I ran into you. I mean, somewhere in my mind I knew you were near here, but I’ve been so distracted. I mean, honestly, I don’t have time to…I have to go.”

“Wait,” Isaac grabbed the hand on his shoulder. “You look upset. I didn’t mean to be rude.”

The kindness of his words gripped Piper, and the stress of the past two days compressed suddenly into sadness. “I – I – ” Somehow, she couldn’t make the words form, and she just stared at him as tears began to fall from her eyes.

For the first time in a while, Isaac felt something approximating compassion. More like amusement, if he were honest, staring into the girl’s misery. This will work nicely, he considered. He stood to his feet, wrapping his arm around her shoulder and lowering her into his own seat. Pulling the other chair within inches of where she sat, he seated himself and leaned down to look at her.

“Whoa, Piper. What’s going on?” he inquired, filling his tone with as much compassion as he could manufacture. He reached his hand to take hers, and when she didn’t pull away, he lifted his other hand to brush a tear off her cheek. “You’re okay. You’re safe. Tell me what’s wrong. I didn’t figure you for being so sensitive.”

Piper lifted her eyes to glare at him, but the wry look on his face told her that he had said the last sentence just to draw her out. Actually, his ploy worked quite well. Before that moment, she had retreated inside herself, almost unaware of the coffee shop around her. His teasing had stirred just enough defensiveness to give her a backbone. “It’s been a rough couple of days,” she hiccupped. “I’m not usually this…flimsy.”

“But, hey,” he smirked. “We got that coffee date.”

Even as she returned his smile, she continued to cry.

“This isn’t working. Let’s get you some fresh air,” Isaac pressed, moving his hands up to try to raise her to a standing position. As lost as she felt, she found no resistance inside herself, and before she realized what had happened, he had risen and moved her to the door. When she stumbled, he caught her, wrapping his arms around her and running his hands down her hair. It really has been too long, he lamented as he closed his eyes and let himself feel the heat and softness where she melted against him. All at once, though, he felt her stiffen in his arms. Better not push my luck. “I’m sorry. You just seemed so…let’s just step outside.”

“No, it’s not that. I didn’t mind – I was about to fall over. But I just remembered that I can’t leave my computer.” she exclaimed, turning her face to where the device sat atop the table in the corner.

Nodding, Isaac released Piper and moved to remove the impediment to her leaving with him. “I got it,” Isaac insisted. “My friends own this place. I’ll ask them to watch it for you. Stay here.” He perched her on a counter stool right by the entrance and stepped over to the register. With a deft motion, he pulled out his badge. “I need you to watch that computer. Someone will come by for it in the next hour.”

As a bonus, if Piper had received any communications from the scientists, Isaac might be able to trace their IP address. Either he would come back for the computer, or he would ask Jerome to manage it. This could not have gone better. The delay, though, had cost him. When he reached Piper’s side, her eyes had donned reluctance.

“I don’t have time for this, Rory. I have to find Molly.”

“Molly?” he questioned, trying to corral her out the door.

“My best friend.” She sidestepped him and moved back toward her table. “I have to check my messages.”

Light glinted off a passing car, and Isaac found his eyes drawn to the man behind the wheel. “Shit,” he cursed.

“I’m sorry,” Piper apologized. “This is important.”

“No, not you,” Isaac covered his lapse. “I just realized what time it is. I have an appointment. I’m so sorry. Can I – I hate to leave you…” I really, really hate to leave you. “But I have to make it into Manhattan in forty-five minutes.”

Piper didn’t mean to blow Rory off, but she couldn’t really care about him at the moment. How had she let herself get so distracted from Molly? “It’s no problem,” she allowed distractedly as she sat back down in front of her computer. “I’ll catch up with you in Providence.”

Despite Isaac’s desire to get out of there, he did not want to lose Piper entirely. “I won’t be back there until summer,” he complained. “My cousin has some medical treatments, so I’ll be remote.”

Piper managed a genuine smile as she looked up at him. “Well, that works out better anyway. I’m not sure when I’ll make it back to Providence either. So we can finish our coffee date here once we have more time.” She gripped his hand, hoping she could manage enough interest not to offend him, but not particularly able to offer him her full attention.

Unfortunately, Isaac was out of time. The car he had seen – with Luke behind the wheel – had pulled off to the side of the road less than a block away, and the driver’s side door had opened. He should have checked Luke’s location before he got bogged down in the conversation with a mark. Unfortunately, Isaac had underestimated his recruit’s ability. At least Luke knew better than to cut off communication with his C.O., especially good since it let Isaac track his location. Isaac would not make the mistake of losing track of Luke again. “Let’s do that,” Isaac agreed with Piper. “I’ll call you after my appointment.”

“It will probably be at least tomorrow,” she explained as she pulled up her messages on the computer.

“Whatever gets us a date,” he smiled, and she flashed her teeth at him before glancing back at the screen.

Though not entirely satisfied with her attention, Isaac let go of her hand and rushed out the door. Piper hardly noticed. She clicked on her email, prepared for a bombardment of unchecked correspondence from the past day. Skimming through the messages, she moved past the sales ads, the school announcements, and the chain emails until her eyes rested on an unexpected name.

With shaking hands, Piper clicked on the name, Molly Weaver. If Molly had sent Piper an email, she had to have done so after she disappeared. She had to have done so while she still had power to do so. When she glanced at the time stamp, it read six a.m. Only eight hours ago, Piper realized, chewing her lip with a renewed and anxious intensity.

New Jersey…Molly had shared an address in New Jersey. When Piper looked it up, it was a library, which made total sense since they would have free access to internet. But how long would Molly stay in one place? She wouldn’t have slept in a library, but she had sent it as her address. The least Piper could do was check it out.

+++++++++++

“Damn it,” Luciano cursed under his breath, and Bash glanced over at him.

“What is it?” Bash demanded.

Isaac, Luciano leveled silently as he watched his C.O. rush out the coffee shop door, but he was provided a more palatable answer a moment later when he saw Piper do the same. “It’s Piper,” he pointed.

Before Sebastian could even park the car, he slammed on the brakes. Piper had rushed out of the coffee shop, a laptop clutched haphazardly under one arm, a bag slung over her shoulder, and a cup of something hot in her hand. He froze in indecision. In his mind, he had pictured the moment he would confront her, walk up to her in the café – flanked by Luciano – and insist that she let them help. Unfortunately, she had taken that option away when she hurried out to a silver crossover vehicle. Bash threw the car into park and reached for the door handle, intent on stopping her before she could drive away.

“No!” Luke commanded. “This is not the place.”

“She looks like she's freaking out!” Sebastian complained.

“Whether she is or isn't, this is not the place or way to confront her. We'll just follow her.” While Sebastian kept his eye on Piper, Luke would keep his eye out for someone following. How had he just seen Isaac at a coffee shop with Piper? Stupid CIA, he complained to himself. At least Isaac couldn’t have a tracker on the rental car.

Sebastian lowered his hand from the handle, replacing his foot on the brake and shifting into drive. “I just don't like the look in her eye.”

“It'll be fine,” Luke appeased. “And, besides, now I can give you some lessons on how to follow a car.”

Within five minutes, Piper had passed up her sister's house and sped onto the interstate, her speed much greater than a casual errand would warrant. Luke forced Sebastian to keep his distance, barely maintaining their view of her from around each bend or over the horizon. Once traffic picked up, a full hour later, Luke let him gain ground on her, and Sebastian relaxed a little.

“She's going farther south,” Luke commented. “What is she doing?”

“It looks like she's heading to a load of traffic,” Sebastian commented.

“Ugh. The George Washington bridge. At this time of day, that's an automatic thirty minutes on whatever commute she's on.”

Sebastian leveled a glare at his cousin. “I hardly think traffic is our main problem here. Besides, I'm betting twenty minutes tops.” As he had predicted, they reached the other side in just under twenty minutes, and Piper dodged through a cluster of cars and headed back down I-95. “This is a lot less exciting than I thought it would be.”

“That's because she hasn't spotted us yet. Let's hope she doesn't, because that kind of excitement too often ends in a wreck. At least she doesn't have the little girl with her.”

With a laugh, Sebastian followed Piper off of the interstate and onto another highway. “I didn't think you cared,” he teased.

“She's a sweet kid,” Luke shrugged. “I like both of them and would hate to see either of them get hurt, but at least Piper can take care of herself a little bit.”

Not enough, thought Sebastian. Aloud, he wondered, “Looks like she's heading into the heart of Newark. This is all too strange.”

As if to punctuate his words, Piper pulled up in front of an elementary school.

“Too strange,” Luke agreed. At least he had seen no sign of Isaac.

Piper stared at the little school with its rainbow of faces, and though each kid varied in skin color and size, they shared all the markings of poverty. Most of them did not wear matching clothes, their hair stuck out disheveled, some bore dirt smudges on their faces and hands. For most of them, no adult waited outside to pick them up, though a few had what Piper would guess were older siblings waiting for them.

“Look familiar?” Sebastian wondered to his cousin.

“Too familiar,” Luke agreed. “I didn't ever want to see this part of life again.”

“Then I imagine you went into the wrong profession.”

Luke shrugged.

After a short pause, Piper eased the car forward past the school to a beaten down library which stood about a hundred feet from the first edifice. She pulled the car into the adjacent lot and parked in a corner under a tree. Hesitantly, she opened her door, sliding out into the tree’s shade. The sun had sunk just low enough to hide behind the building, and the shadows had grown chilly. Piper reached back into her seat and pulled her red sweater off of the back of the driver's seat.

Molly's message had sounded far too vague to give any idea of where Piper could find her once she left the library. But Piper had to look. Between the library and a line of net fencing, Piper found a narrow strip of pavement, and Piper walked toward it. Just as Molly had described, Piper spied a doubling of the net, and she reached between the layers, pulling the closest one back several inches and revealing a gap. When she peered into it, she spied a large loading dock, at least one hundred feet across. Several open bays yawned into the courtyard, and Piper squinted her eyes to try to discern the far corners of each. She could make out nothing.

“What is she doing?” Sebastian wondered.

“More importantly, what is this place?”

“Let's go around to the other side and see if we can figure it out,” Sebastian suggested.

Luke tilted his head to see deeper into the shadow. “Are you sure we should let her out of our sight?”

“Apparently, we don't have much choice,” Sebastian nodded toward the fence just in time to watch Piper slip through the gap and into whatever lay beyond.

+++++++++++

Before Piper lay at least fifty feet of bare concrete, walled in on the opposite side by several loading docks. Along the fence stood various stacked objects – metal beams, lumber, wooden crates – and all helpful to Piper. Using them as camouflage, she shuffled along the fence until she stood within ten feet of the building. She stared into the first bay, finally able to ascertain that nothing lay inside. If she wanted to see any of the other spaces, she would need to leave her protected location and venture into the open, though only for a few seconds.

Her heart began to race. Hopefully, if everything worked right, she would find Molly before half an hour had passed. Still, just in case, she pulled out her cell phone and punched in Jennie's number.

Please don't be mad at me, Jenn, but I had to do this. I got a message from Molly, and I had to search out this lead immediately. If I don't show up for dinner tonight, Lily goes to bed at eight. If you want to check my email, you can see if the Prados left any information.

Piper typed in her email address and password, then gave the Prados contact info. Even though it would prove a great inconvenience, she knew that her mother would volunteer to fly Lily to her parents if Piper couldn’t. Jennie would manage the connection.

If you look in Lily's diaper bag, you'll find more than enough money for mom to fly Lily wherever she needs to meet the Prados. I should be fine, but I just need you to know in case.

With no idea what other help she could offer, Piper stopped the message there. She hit send, and when she felt the phone vibrate in her pocket a few seconds later, she ignored it. If Jennie had unleashed her usual emotional response, Piper did not feel equal to dealing with it. It would wait until she could offer some positive outcome to her situation.