Sorry for the lack of updates. I will try to do better. :)

Title: Off kilter

author: Cindy Ryan

notes and summary: See part one

Pete was never so happy to be off a plane as he was that night. It killed him they still had the drive to the warehouse. Fortunately the time from the airport had been cut since Mrs Fredrics had arranged a helicopter for them. On the ride to the warehouse Pete had tried to calm his swirling emotions. However the report they'd received enroute from Artie did not ease his fears.

They had no leads. Pete stared out the helicopter window at the rain that continued. The wind hadn't let up much either. Each increased the knot of fear in Pete's stomach. If Myka had sleepwalked she wouldn't have had much clothing on probably no shoes. If she'd slipped and fallen...the thought of Myka laying in the dark, hurt...

"What if she wasn't sleepwalking?"Matt wondered over the headset. "What if this is a kidnapping?"

"Would explain why we havne't found her."Pete replied in a hoarse voice filled with dread. "Myka wouldn't have put the baby at risk fighting off an attacker..."

"That's why your vibe was so strong."Matt concluded grimly.

Pete ran his hands over his face. It made an awful kind of sense. Depending on the method of kidnapping there wouldn't be signs of a struggle. If the bastard had hurt Myka or the baby Pete didn't know how he'd react. Pete's farnsworth sounded and he yanked the device out of his coat pocket He was relieved to see Artie.

"Artie, listen."Pete began hurriedly. "Matt's got a good theory he thinks Myka's been..."

"Kidnapped."Artie interupted solmenly. "I'm sorry Pete we just got confirmation."


The chopper touched down on the front lawn of the B&B. Finally the blades stopped and the chopper settled. Pete flung the door open and ran for the front door. The rain hadn't let up and Paulin slid in the mud trying to keep up. Pete opened the door and barreled into the hall. Artie and Mrs. Fredrics were waiting.

"Let's have a seat."Artie suggested walking to the living room.

Standing there dripping wet Pete knew that if he was sitting or standing the answer Artie had wouldn't be any different.

"Just tell me, Artie."Pete replied grimly. "Who has her? Who has Myka?"

Squaring his shoulders Artie turned.

"Macpherson."Artie explained in a quiet tone.

"Oh God."Pete whispered as he slumped back against the doorframe.

"Who's Macpherson?"Matt asked anxiously.

"Nearly destroyed the warehouse and tried to kill Artie."Pete replied numbly.

"Technically he did more than try."Artie stated grimly. "Let's sit there's lots to talk about."


Myka felt nauseous and light headed. She knew it was stress and she hadn't eaten much the day before. Myka had a headache that had made food unappealing. Now that headache was coming back as well. They'd been driving for hours; the sun was coming up. Macpherson had stopped briefly to take pictures of her tied and gagged. He'd stepped out of the car to make a phone call. She didn't know if that was to Artie asking for whatever ransom he wanted. Myka shivered. Her hair had dried but was still a tangled mess. Myka's clothes were damp and she was so tired. She felt the baby move and placed a hand over her baby bump.

"It'll be alright, little one."Myka said softly. "We'll be back with Daddy soon."

Myka knew one thing for certain that Pete was coming for her. She just had to hold it together and stay strong until he found her. Myka knew with Macpherson involved that wasn't going to be easy.


Pete stared at the picture. It'd been blown up to an 8x10. Myka was wet, scared, tied and gagged. He was glad now to be sitting on the sofa in the living room. He felt pale and shaky. Pete was going to kill Macpherson; just for the fact that he'd put the fear in Myka's brown eyes.

"Pete."Artie called.

Pete knew the others had been talking for the past few minutes. He hadn't been able to concentrate on the conversation. Not when he'd seen the picture. His family was in danger and Pete didn't know where to look. He had to find Myka; he had to bring her home.

"Pete."Artie said once more.

"What does he want?"Pete asked his voice trembling.

Pete knew his boss had already told him. However, his thoughts were spinning so fast right now that Pete couldn't remember. Artie sat down next to Pete on the sofa. Dimly Pete was aware of the others leaving the room. He swallowed hard and tried to pull himself together. Myka and their unborn child needed him.

"James wants access to the Bronze sector. Or to have us unfreeze one occupant of the Bronze sector."Artie explained gravely.

"The Regents won't allow that."Pete said furiously as he stood nearly vaulting off the sofa and began to pace. "The Bronze sector is the badest of the bad. Artie, Myka needs us...I..."

"Pete, take a breath."Artie cautioned. "You won't be any help to her if you don't calm down."

Pete walked over to the fireplace and rested the forearm of his right arm against the mantle. His left hand still clutched the picture of Myka. He closed his eyes and took a deep steading breath and let it out slowly. Artie was right, but regaining calm was easier said than done.

"If the Regents won't negotiate I'm going after MacPherson on my own."Pete stated quietly.

"Pete."Artie began.

"She's my family, Artie."Pete replied meeting his boss's gaze.

"No, she's warehouse family and we've got a plan, Pete."Artie stated as he stood. "I won't let James win on this one. Myka's coming home."