Dawn is breaking

Russel stood by the large bay window, peering out into the darkened landscape. He found himself in this spot often, when he worked late into the nights. Tonight was no exception if anything it was necessary. Russel liked the quiet midnight air, it was good for thinking. Something was off tonight, he hadn't put his finger on it. The cool air calmed part of his mind so he could focus on the question at hand. Hope came home and he knew this situation had taken a tole on her. She just seamed off and he was trying to decide if there was more.

He knew he needed to get off to bed soon. Hope was going to start to stir, if she awoke alone she would come looking for him. He knew she hated to wake alone so he would make it a point to climb into bed and get a few quick hours. If he missed his time she would come find him and usher him to bed. If he was too busy, Hope would settle herself down on the couch. There she would fall asleep and he would have to carry her back to bed. Up the state case holding her close to his chest. Feeling slightly guilty for leaving her in the first place.

There was something that kept his attention tonight. He had gone over everything at least a dozen times. He watched as the shadows danced in the moonlight. This creek always seemed to be alive even in the mid of night. This was his favorite view and it seamed to settle his sole. Russel thought of Ann and Troy. She send an odd message only telling that she was close and where Troy was. He sent Cameron and knew he was in his hands. Russel still didn't understand exactly what happened and was waiting for a full report.

Russel punished himself for making the decision to let Troy take Mike's place on the plane ride home. He even thought of letting her stay at the dorms for a few days longer but she needed her next treatment. He hated holding this information from her. He just couldn't bring himself to do it. If she didn't know she was safer. He needed to stay in good standing with Kyle and Ann. For obvious reasons. Ann really asked for anything for all the help they had offered over the years. He just couldn't say no.

Russel made the best move he could with the information he had. Mike had assured him that she was under control. Russel wanted to punch Mike in the face for pouring hot coffee on his daughter. Russel knew that he had to do something drastic so he was forgiven. Mike informed Russel that Jane's bracelet never went to purple that it stayed blue the whole time.

Who was Russel kidding those two always seamed to find each other like star crossed lovers. It was almost fitting that they where put together again after all these years. He just hoped it had a happier ending. Russel remembered the time they found each other at a Childrens museum. They played all day together the three of them. It wasn't till Hope and him saw Kyle that they even realized he was Troy. Troy was there with a babysitter and his younger brother. They where in hiding so they never went back. It was important that they where never seen together.

As the shadows started to become long Russel climbed the long staircase. He reassured himself that he had everything under control. That he just had to trust his team.