“Ok Steve let me just take a look here.” Rudy stated. “Just take you shirt off so I can take a look and see how the wound is healing. I also want to run another x-ray just to make sure there are no bullet fragments left.”

“I thought you got the whole thing out Rudy” Steve was astonished.

“Well I did I just want to double check. If I did miss something it could be harmful later on.”

“Well ok, I think I understand.” Steve looked over at Oscar.

“By the way Steve.” Rudy went on. “Have you experienced any dizziness since yesterday?”

“No I feel fine. It was the strangest feeling though.”

“Yea, I’ll bet it was, “ Rudy commented. “Well the wound is healing quite nicely I hope there won’t be too much of a scar.”

“By the way, speaking of Barney, How is he doing in prison?” Steve questioned a hint of irritation in his tone. He then added “Not that I really care.”

“From what I understand, not very well. He refuses to where the artificial limbs we gave him.” Rudy related

“Well I’m sorry.” Steve started. “I just find it very hard to feel sorry for him.” Steve turned to both of them. “I mean he shoots me and leaves me for dead. That kind of burns my fanny.”

Rudy nodded. “Well let me just run the x-ray real quick.”

“Well Steve I think I can say without hesitation you are back up to speed.” Rudy was telling him. After he read the x-ray.

“Well that’s good.” Steve replied.

“He’s ready for action then?” Oscar wanted to know.

“Well I guess if that’s the way you want to phrase it. Yea.” Rudy nodded.

“Good.” Oscar related. “I’ll see if there is something I can arrange.” Oscar stated. “I’m sure there will be something.”

“No doubt that you will.” Steve sighed.

“And if there isn’t he’ll make up something.” Rudy laughed.

“Hey!” Oscar complained. “I’m not that bad am I?”

“Do you really want an answer?” Steve continued to laugh

“No. Not really. What about the other problem I mean he’s 100 percent from both incidents?”

“He sure is.” Rudy told them.

“Well that’s good. Listen. You take care. And if something comes up I’ll let you know. In the mean time just relax.”

“I plan to. I might stop by your place later. I would really like to see Marc. I don’t know, for some reason I just can’t seem to shake that dream that I had. I feel like I hurt Marc.”

“Marc is fine. I never even told him about your dream He has no idea, but If you want to see him. That’s fine. Why don’t you join us for dinner? Marc would be thrilled.” Oscar told him. “You know how he feels about you?”

“That sounds great. I’ll see you then.” Steve replied.

He left Rudy’s office. The boys would still be in school so Steve headed for the diner.

Steve sat in his favorite booth at the diner. Since he and Jaime had married he really hated eating out alone, but he was hungry and Jaime was still tutoring the boys for at least another week or so. She actually planned to tutor through most of the summer.

“I want the boys way ahead before the baby comes.” She had explained to him.

Steve was so engrossed in his own thoughts. Wondering if what they had done was right.

Would the baby be all right? (His dreams were telling him no).

“Steve.” Rudy had tried to assure him “Danny’s cloned rabbits were doing just fine.” Rudy had said.

“ But this isn’t a rabbit Jaime is going to have.” Steve reminded. “This is a cloned human being we’re talking about.”

“I know that. Don’t’ worry Steve,” Rudy had assured him. “The baby is just fine.”

Steve was so wrapped up in his thoughts, he didn’t notice the very familiar man come into the diner and take the booth across from him.

After his meal (the man sitting across from him had only coffee.) Steve got up and left Dr. Stanley Bacon followed close behind.

He had spent enough time in prison because of Steve. Now he would use Steve to create his own bionic man. And Steve. Well he would either work for him, or Bacon would just have to kill him.

Bacon continued to follow Steve. ‘All I need is the right moment and I’ll grab him.’ he thought to himself.

‘I really need to talk to Dan about this some more.’ Steve thought He reached for the car phone. “Oscar I’m just out driving around. I guess I’m bored. I sort of wish you would come up with something. Anyway tell Russ I’ll pick up Danny. He goes home tonight. I really need to talk to him about something.”

“That’s fine Steve. That will work out great. Russ is kind of busy anyway.”

“Ok then I’ll just swing by and grab him.” Steve turned the car around and headed the opposite direction.

“Damn! What’s he doing?” Bacon was shocked. He quickly turned his car around.

Steve would have noticed had his mind not been preoccupied with what he was going to say when he picked Danny up.

He pulled up in front of The Richmond School just as Danny was coming out. “Danny!” Steve called “Hey Danny!”

Dan turned in his direction. “Hi Steve. Where’s Russ?”

“I’m picking you up today. I’m having dinner out to your place. So I thought I’d give Russ a break.”

“Yea I don’t work with Rudy today. I’ve got finals coming up and Rudy wants me to study.”

“Well the way I see it is you don’t need to study that much.” Steve noted.

“Yea, I guess not.” Dan agreed.

“Anyway Dan I’m glad I was able to pick you up. I want to talk to you about a few things.”

“Yea? What did you want to talk about?” Dan threw his backpack in the back of Steve’s car and sat next to Steve in the front seat.

“Well Dan I’m sort of getting cold feet.” Steve tried to explain.

Dan thought for several minutes. “Well maybe the problem could be…”

Steve started laughing. “No Dan my feet aren’t cold. I guess I should have phased it differently. What I was trying to say is that I’m having second thoughts about the baby.”

“Why?” Dan asked.

Bacon continued to follow them.

“Well I keep having nightmares that the baby isn’t normal. That something is wrong with him.” Steve explained

Dan shook his head. “Steve, I assure you the baby is going to be just fine. Look I know we are in uncharted waters here but I’m telling you everything is going to be just fine.”

They pulled into the security gate that continued to surround Oscar’s house. And pulled into the driveway. “Hey I wonder why dad is home so early?” Dan stated

“Yea I wonder.” Steve and Danny got out of the car and headed inside.

Oscar, Jaime and Rudy were in the kitchen when they walked in the back door. “Steve? Are you all right?” Oscar asked.

“Yea, we’re fine. What’s the problem?”

“I received a report today. Dr. Stanley Bacon was released from prison two days ago. Last report has him catching a flight to Washington.”

“I haven’t seen him.” Steve stated.

“Who’s Dr. Bacon?” Danny wondered.

Well a couple of years ago another Dr. who worked for the OSI created a machine that emitted ultra sound, by sound waves.”

“Sounds interesting.” Dan proclaimed.

“That’s what the OSI thought till we ran out of funds to back it.” Oscar went on.

“So what happened dad? How did this Bacon get involved?” Dan continued to ask.

“Bacon paid him off.” Steve began. “Bacon saw the machine as a weapon He tried to blackmail a small town.”

“Sounds like fun.” Dan stated. Well I mean…”

“I think I understand.” Steve turned back to Oscar. “You say he was released two days ago?”

Oscar nodded. “I’m not so worried about him using the ultra sonic sound machine again as I am worried he’ll go after you.”

“You mean for putting him in prison?” Dan asked.

“No Dan. Bacon knows about Steve.” Oscar explained. “That’s why we are so worried. I’m afraid he’ll go after Steve.”

“Oscar, I’m a big boy. I think I can take care of myself.” Steve complained.

“Oh yea. You were really able to hold your own with Dolenz and Barney.” Oscar reminded.

“Oscar when Dolenz was after me I had appendicitis remember?”

“Well what about Hiller?” Oscar gave Steve a concerned look.

“Hiller is bionic as well.” Steve reminded. “I think I can hold my own with Bacon. Don’t worry so much. Now where is Marc?”

After following Steve to Oscar’s house, Bacon pulled into the clump of trees across the road from the house he had seen Steve go into.

“Wonder who the kid is?” he said to himself. When he saw Danny.

“Steve” Jaime started “If he’s that dangerous…”

“Jaime everything will be just fine. Where is Marc? I thought maybe we could go out side and work on a few things. I mean since Oscar is so isolated out here I thought we could practice a few moves.”

“The last I saw he was upstairs playing checkers with Matt.” Jaime told him

Before Steve could make his way across the kitchen Marc came through. “Come on Steve. Let’s go.” Marc called out.

Steve turned to Jaime “How much longer till dinner?”

“You have time, go play.” Jaime teased. “Have fun.” She added.

Marc and Steve headed out the back door.

“You know.” Jaime said as she turned to Oscar and Rudy. “I don’t know if I’m ready for a second child.” She laughed.

“A second?” Oscar gave her a strange look.

“Yes. This one. And…” She pointed to Steve. “That one.”

The three of them burst out laughing.

Bacon watched in disbelief as Marc ran through the same routines as Steve was doing.

Then he rubbed his hands together. “I see you are very close to the boy Colonel Yes. This could work to my advantage. In fact I know it will. Col Steve Austin will cooperate with me…”

“Don’t forget Rudy wants to see you today when you finish with the boys. I’ll be out there around three or so.” Steve reminded Jaime the next morning before she left to tutor Oscar’s kids.

“I remember. He just wants to see how the baby is doing. I’ll just come home right afterwards. If you don’t mind?” Some one has to stay with the kids till Oscar gets back. You don’t mind waiting for Oscar?”

“No not at all. I’ll see you later on then. I’m anxious to see how the baby is doing my self.” Steve stated.

“I’ll let you know.” Jaime replied as she went out the door.

Jaime hadn’t been gone ten minutes when there was a knock at the door. Thinking Jaime forgot something Steve rushed to the door and came face to face with Bacon

“Well, well, Colonel Long, time no see.” Bacon held a gun on him.

Steve tried to slam the door. But Bacon was to quick and held it open. “Now that’s no way to treat an old friend.” Bacon scolded

“The last time I looked Bacon, we were far from friends.” Steve fumed. “What do you want?”

“You’re not going to believe this Colonel I want you.” Bacon sneered.

“Funny, you don’t look like Uncle Sam to me.” Steve scoffed

“Let’s not get flip. Bacon stepped into the house. “May I come in?”

“You already are.” Steve snapped.

I have a proposition for you.” Bacon smiled as he made his way across the living room. “I’m sure you’ll be most…”

“Not interested.” Steve was getting agitated.

“I think you will be very interested when you hear what I have to offer.” Bacon sat on the couch in the living room.

“What could you possibly have that would interest me?” Steve demanded.

“Oh you will be surprised how much I know.” Bacon spoke calmly. “Let’s just say I have a wealth of information you wouldn’t want to fall into the wrong hands.”

Steve sat in a chair across from him. “Why don’t you enlighten me then?” Steve challenged.

“You already know I know about you?” Bacon continued. “That with in itself is worth millions.” Bacon Sneered.

“I’m all too aware of that.” Steve spoke slowly.

“I followed you yesterday from the time you left the diner.” Bacon smiled. He watched Steve to see what kind of reaction he was going to get.

“Ok. You got my interest. I’m listening.” Steve sighed wondering just where Bacon was going with this.

“I’ll admit, I was thrown at first. But I did some research and came up with the answer.” Bacon looked over at Steve.

“And what was the question?” Steve was getting very nervous. ‘Just what is he up to’? Steve asked himself.

“My biggest question was who was that boy you picked up at the Richmond School?” Bacon stated

Steve sat staring at Bacon. “And who is he?” Steve demanded.

“After much research I discovered he is one of four of Oscar Goldman’s sons.” Bacon laughed. “I followed you all the way to Goldman’s house….”

“So?” Steve was hoping Bacon hadn’t seen he and Marc working out in the yard.

“If you would let a person finish…I saw you with the young boy. He is bionic just like you.”

“I don’t know what you are talking about.” Steve shouted. “That is not even possible.” Steve finished.

“I’m sorry Colonel I saw him do things boys his age just should not be able to do. I also gathered that you are very close to him.”

Defeated Steve nodded.

“Now my proposition is this. You do what I tell you and I won’t hurt the boy. Frankly I would rather use the boy. He’s young enough as to where given the right training he could be very valuable to me. But if you do as I say, I’ll stay away from him. That is a promise.”

‘Yea like I’m really going to trust you.’ Steve thought, the reconsidered “Ok, I’ll do what ever you want just don’t hurt…the boy.” Steve was not about to give Bacon Marc’s name.

“Very good. Then you will be so kind as to come with me.” Bacon led Steve out of his house and into his car.”

“Just get in the car Colonel Austin” Bacon ordered. “I hope I don’t have to take drastic measures. I mean if I allow you to sit in the front you will be good, won’t you?

“Of course I will.” Steve slid into the seat beside Bacon.

Jaime began pacing the floor at Oscar’s house. “I just don’t understand where Steve could be.” She said aloud to no one in particular. The boys were outside playing and Jaime had been waiting for well over an hour for Steve to show up.

“Maybe he misunderstood.” She continued. She walked over to the phone and dialed Rudy’s office.

“Rudy. This is Jaime…”

“Jaime where are you. I’ve been waiting…” Rudy began

“Rudy. Is Steve there.” She asked. Her voice trembling just a little

“Steve? No I haven’t seen Steve all day. Oscar tried a couple of times to get hold of him at your place. We figured he was out there with you.”

“No he’s not Rudy. And I’m getting very worried.” Jaime was almost in tears. “This isn’t like Steve at all. He knows how important it was for him to be here to watch the kids.”

“I’m sure it’s nothing.” Rudy tried to reassure. “He probably went somewhere and lost track of the time. Listen I’ll talk to Oscar about arranging Minnie for the morning. We can do the test then.”

“Rudy in view of what Oscar told us yesterday about Bacon I’m a little concerned.”

“Jaime, like Steve said. He’s a big boy he can handle himself.”

Steve and Bacon drove for what seemed like hours.

Steve could tell they were driving in circles. But he didn’t know why. ‘More than likely to confuse me.’ Steve thought.

“Just relax Col Austin.” Bacon turned to him “I really don’t want you to know exactly where we are going.”

Steve slumped down in the seat

“That’s better.” Bacon muttered.

Once Steve had tried unsuccessfully to escape.

“If you get away from me Colonel Austin. You will leave me with no choice but to go pick up the boy. What did you say his name was?”

“I didn’t…” Steve let the topic drop.

They finally came to an abandoned factory just outside of Baltimore Maryland. “Ok Colonel This is where we do business.” Bacon said. “Get out of the car and go inside. And if you run off I can always…”

“I get the picture.” Steve said.

He followed Bacon into the factory. “Now one of two things are going to happen Colonel” Bacon began. “First I have a number of errands I want you to run for me.”

“And then?” Steve asked.

“I figure out just what makes you tick. I was always annoyed by the fact that Goldman ran out of funds for the machine but found the funds for your bionics. Now thinking about it, maybe he was right.”

“In what way.” Steve demanded.

“It would be nice to have a team of bionic men working for me. If I had that, the world would be mine. You can be the leader. The world could be ours.” Bacon smiled.

“I don’t operate that way.” Steve told him.

“I believe I can get you to change your mind.” Bacon continued to smile. Remember I know about the kid. You wouldn’t want to see any harm come to him now would you?”

“You keep away from him Bacon. I mean it. You go near him and all bets are off. Got it?”

“I will, but you have to do everything I tell you to do.” Bacon threatened.

“Ok, ok what do you want me to do?” Steve sighed.

“I don’t know yet. What does one ask for when one can have just about anything? Bacon laughed. “Just sit back and relax. I’ll let you know when I want something from you.”

Steve didn’t know when he had felt so helpless. Bacon was obviously serious about carrying out his threat. ‘All I can do is just wait it out.’ Steve thought to himself.

Jaime continued to pace the floors. The more time went by the more concerned she became.

She was sitting in the living room when Oscar came in. “Steve?” She called.

“No. Jaime it’s me” Oscar called back. “I thought you would be home by now. I expected to see Steve when I got back.” Oscar walked on into the living room where Jaime was sitting on the couch. “I tried calling him earlier today. I didn’t get an answer so I figured he was here. What’s going on?”

“I don’t’ know Oscar. Steve never showed up. He hasn’t called or anything.” Jaime cried.

“Did you try Rudy maybe he….”

“That’s the first thing I did. He hasn’t seen him either.”

“Did you call the house?” Oscar asked he wasn’t too concerned yet anyway. “Maybe he got busy doing something and lost track of time.”

“For three hours? Oscar he was supposed to be here at 3:00 he knew how important it was he wanted me to call the minute I finished. Now something has happened I know it.”

“Well listen, Rudy was right behind me He can stay with the kids. You and I will drive over to your house. I’m sure he’ll be there.” Oscar didn’t want to raise the alarm himself. He tried to remain calm. But he too was very concerned about Steve. This wasn’t like him at all.

Oscar and Jaime rode to Jaime and Steve’s house together. Jaime got out of the car and ran into the house. Steve was nowhere to be seen “ I just know something has happened.” She called when they didn’t find him.

“You know what Bacon. I’m getting real tired of your games. You want me to do something for you, just tell me what you want I’ll do it and then I want you to leave me alone.” Steve shouted at him. “I don’t like this at all.” Steve continued to complain.

“If you think I’m going to be done with you after just one time. You are sadly mistaken,” Bacon hissed. “From now on you work for me.”

Steve sighed and sat down. “Well then what do you want me to do?”

“First of all I need all the data on project cyborg.” Bacon told him “Tonight we are going to the OSI and you are going to retrieve it for me. I mean if I am to build myself an army of bionic men my self I better know what I’m doing, hadn’t I?”

“That sounds simple enough.” ‘At least I can leave a note for Oscar and tell him what’s going on’ Steve thought to himself. ‘At least he’s not having me rob a bank or something.’ “So when do we get started?” Steve asked.

“As soon as it’s dark.” Bacon informed him. “Now just relax.” Bacon paced the floor in front of Steve. Every time Steve moved Bacon pointed the gun at him. “Don’t even try and get away. It would be easier if you were dead anyway. In fact if you don’t cooperate with me I will kill you, then I can take the kid.”

Steve found it very hard to relax when Bacon held a sawed off shotgun aimed at him. When it was dark enough they headed out.

“Ok now” Bacon stated as the pulled up in front of the OSI Building. “I know it would probably be easier all the way around if you were to just go up to the guard and go on in. But I’m sure by now everyone is looking for you. So you will have to sneak in.”

“Sounds interesting.” Steve said. “I know a few places I can sneak in at.” Steve started off.

“Remember what happens if you don’t return to me in 10 minutes.” Bacon threatened

“Yea I know don’t worry I’ll be back.”

“See that you are. The clock starts now.”

Steve slipped in the back way and crept up to Oscar’s office. Oscar long before had given him the combination to his vault so Steve had no trouble getting it open. He grabbed the file Bacon wanted. Steve glanced at his watch. He still had enough time.

He quickly scribbled a note to Oscar explaining what was going on. Just as he was getting ready to leave the night guard making his rounds stepped into Oscar’s office.

Steve quickly ducked out of sight when the guard went into Oscar’s inner office Steve was able to escape out the door and back down to Bacon.

“I was getting a little nervous.” Bacon scolded when Steve returned.

“I almost got caught by the night guard.” Steve explained

The next morning after spending a sleepless night wondering about Steve Oscar entered his office. He saw the open safe and went straight over to it. He breathed a sigh of relief when saw the note from Steve.

Oscar quickly walked over to the phone to call Jaime. “I found Steve. It’s just as I feared. Bacon has him. Steve broke in here last night and stole the file on Project Cyborg. I know it’s in safe enough hands Jaime. And I know that when Steve can, He’ll get himself out of this. I think…”

Steve had handed the file over to Bacon the night before. Steve watched as Bacon started reading it. ‘I was hoping he would go to sleep’ Steve thought. ‘I don’t even know why I am playing around with this guy?’

While Bacon continued to read the ever-important file, Steve spied the gun lying on a counter. Steve got up and started walking around the room. He was just about to reach for it when out of the corner of his eye Bacon saw what Steve was trying to do.

“Sit down Colonel Austin.” Bacon ordered. “That is if you know what’s good for you.” He drew out a pistol and aimed it at Steve. “Now just relax and you won’t get hurt and neither will the kid.

Steve sat back down in the chair he had been sitting in. ‘I wonder if Oscar got the message. I hope he’s not worried about the file.’ Steve thought to himself as he watched Bacon casually read through it.

‘I have got to get out of this one. If only he would think of something else even if just for a minute.

“Well Jaime. That’s all for now.” Rudy proclaimed. “You can assure that husband of yours that the baby is progressing just fine.”

“That is if I ever see my husband.” Jaime sighed.

“Jaime, I said the baby is doing fine. I’m not so sure about his mother though. Look Steve has been up against this buy before. I’m sure he’s just waiting for the right moment.” Rudy tried to assure her.

“You’re probably right.” She left Rudy’s office and headed for Oscar’s office “Have you heard anymore from Steve?” She wondered.

“No not yet. I guess we just have to wait and see if he ‘strikes’ again tonight.” Oscar sighed.

“Oscar why don’t you let me go find him?” Jaime pleaded

“No. That’s not a good idea. Bacon is a pretty perceptive fellow. He’d figure out you were bionic too. I don’t want you hurt. Steve can handle it himself.”

“Well then why hasn’t he? Look Oscar, if what you have told me about Bacon is true, how do we know that Steve isn’t already …’

“I refuse to think that way.” Oscar stated.

“I do to, but if we haven’t heard from him…”

“Jaime he’ll be fine. Steve has dealt with Bacon before.” Oscar assured.

“I don’t want to think other wise either. But if what you told me on the phone is true and Bacon wants to know how Steve ticks He can do that just as easily if Steve is dead.” Jaime reminded.

“Yea, I know.” Oscar sighed. “Like I said our only hope is for Bacon to use Steve again tonight and for Steve to make contact with us.”

“Let’s hope that happens. Although I hate to see Steve marked as a wanted man.” Jaime sighed. “I just wish he would contact us again.

“I’ve notified the DC police and explained the situation they’re looking for him too.”

“Steve continued to sit while Bacon read the file Steve had stolen for him the night before.

“This is very interesting Colonel Austin” Bacon smiled at him as he read. “A bit more costly than I had anticipated, but interesting nonetheless.”

“Yea. Well enjoy it while you can.” Steve snapped.

“Let’s not get testy Colonel Austin.” Bacon sneered. He continued to hold the gun. “I will want you to go out again tonight. I have a few things I’ll need you to get for me. I have been looking at this, and if I am to start doing what I want. Well let’s just say I didn’t realize how much you are actually worth. I’m going to need money, and lot’s of it.”

“So. What, you want me to rob a bank?” Steve questioned

“I guess that would be correct assumption on your part.” Bacon turned to him “That is exactly what I had in mind.”

“I won’t do that Bacon. You want to do this you get the money your self.” Steve shouted. “I refuse to rob a bank and besides that I have just about had it with your games.” Steve continued.

“Now, now Steve. Let’s not get ourselves all worked up.” Bacon Stated. He walked over to where Steve stood. “Why don’t you just sit down and relax I told you. You work for me now.” Bacon reminded, “I wonder do you think the kid would like to work for me?

“I’ll never work for you Bacon.” Steve seethed. “And I told you stay away from him.”

“You will if you know what’s good for you. I told you. I told you I’d even let you be the leader. You would like that wouldn’t you?” Bacon replied. “Now just relax till we get ready to go.” Bacon shot the gun in Steve’s direction missing him. “Next time I won’t be so careless.”

“Ok Bacon.” Steve said then thought. ‘I’ll humor you for the moment anyway.’ “Ok Bacon I suppose you have a deal.” Steve thought it best to play along. Who knew what Bacon was capable of? And if he knew about Marc…

Later that night as they drove to the bank they were to rob. Steve notice he was very close to home. He sat beside Bacon in the car. Bacon continued to hold a gun on him ‘I sure hope she can hear me’ he thought

‘Jaime.’ He whispered. ‘Bacon has me. He’s holding a gun on me. We are on our way to the Bank of DC alert Oscar and the police.’

Jaime heard him and sprung into action. She quickly dialed Oscar in Arlington. “Oscar its Jaime. I just heard from Steve.”

“When?” Oscar called into the phone.

“Just a minute ago. He must have been close by, he told me he and Bacon are going to rob the Bank of DC.”

I’ll call the police and meet you there. Oscar hung up the phone then phoned the DC police.

“Rudy. I think we have a handle on where Steve is. Will you stay with the kids” I have to go into the City. He gave Rudy a thumbnail account of what was going on.

“Of course Oscar just get going. I just hope you can get Steve away from him.” Rudy noted as Oscar left the house.

“Rudy. Is something wrong?” Marc asked coming down the stairs and joining Rudy in the front hall.

Rudy turned to him “Come here Marc. Sit down. Now I’m not going to lie to you Marc.” Rudy stated sitting next to Marc. “Yes. There is trouble there is this man called Stan Bacon. He is holding Steve. He is making him do things Steve doesn’t want to do.”

“Does he know Steve is?”…

“Yes he does son. That’s why he kidnapped him.” Rudy explained.

“So where are they going?” Marc asked.

“Bacon wants Steve to rob a bank so he can get the funds to build his own army of bionic men.” Rudy told him.

“What bank is he going to rob?” Marc continued to ask.

“The Bank of DC.” Rudy told him “Now why don’t you go on up to your room and go to bed.”

“Yea sure.” Marc went upstairs and jumped out of his bedroom window. He ran at top speed into DC He had been to the Bank of DC many times so he knew just where to go.

By the time Steve and Bacon arrived at the bank the police had the place surrounded. Steve scanned the crowd. He saw Oscar and Jaime in the crowd.

“Dam it!” Bacon thundered. “”How did you tip them off?” He accused. “Come on Austin how did you do it?” Bacon demanded

“When would I have had time?” Steve scowled. “I’ve been with you the whole time. Just when would I have called?”

“Well we are not stopping here tonight. We’ll come back another time. Don’t even try to get out.”

‘Jaime we are going back to where Bacon is holding me at some abandoned factory outside of Baltimore.’

The car sped away. In the bushes Marc saw and heard everything. As soon as the car sped off Marc took off after them.”

Oscar was to busy talking to Jaime and law enforcement he didn’t see Marc start after Bacon and Steve.

Marc followed them to the factory in Baltimore.

“All right Austin!” Bacon barked. “Out of the car!!”

Steve slowly exited the car. “You were obviously been very busy.” Bacon stated as they headed into the factory.

Marc continued to watch from a safe distance. Once they were inside Marc followed.

“Like I said Austin you were a very busy boy tonight. You must be a little hot under the collar. I think you need to cool off just a little bit.”

Bacon thrust the gun in Steve’s stomach “Just keep moving. I have a cooler already for you.”

Bacon pushed Steve toward the freezer. “Now since I don’t want you to get out…” Bacon hit Steve on the back of the head. Steve fell unconscious.

Marc watched the scene play out. He stood in the background watching Bacon.

‘What do I do now?’ Marc said to himself…

After they left Jaime turned to Oscar. “Steve mentioned something about an abandoned factory just outside Baltimore.”

“Let’s go over to the office and see what we can find out.” Oscar grabbed her and they took off.

Oscar got out a map and directory for the city of Baltimore. He started searching for factories that had been abandoned.

“Oscar we have to find him.” Jaime was saying. “Why didn’t Steve just get out of the car at the bank?”

“I don’t know.” Oscar continued to pore over the information he was looking at.

They were both startled when Oscar’s private number rang. Oscar grabbed for it. ”Steve!” He called into the phone.

“Sorry Oscar it me.” Rudy stated. “Is Marc with you?”

“Of course not, why, isn’t he there?” Oscar barked into the phone

“No he’s not. I just went to check the kids, he’s not here I made a mistake a little while ago. I told him what was going on.”

“Ok Rudy we’ll keep an eye open for him.” Oscar slammed the phone down. “Now Marc is missing.” He looked up at Jaime. “Eight to five he went looking for Steve.”

“What if Bacon finds him?” Jaime gasped.

“Bacon doesn’t know about Marc. Let’s worry about finding Steve. I’m sure we’ll find Marc at the same time. In fact I’m pretty sure I know where Bacon is holding Steve.”

“Well let’s go then!”

...Continued