---

Soaring above the landscape below, the yellow bi-plane turned leisurely,heading inland after flying over the ocean for a while. Laura leaned over the side, a huge smile plastered over her face as she watched the forest slowly slide past beneath them, the wind whipping around her head in the open canopy. Lachlan sat behind her, piloting the plane.

"This is wonderful!" she said, speaking into the small headset. "I never knew how much *fun* it is to fly like this!"

"Glad you're enjoyin' it." She could hear Lachlan through the small speaker in her ear. "Wanna take her for a while?"

She looked over her shoulder at him, incredulous. "Me...!? Fly...?"

"Why not? Just keep her straight and level. Take the controls, and just hold her on course. You can do it, luv." Lachlan's enthusiasm was infectious, and her initial fears faded.

"If you insist..." She hesitantly put her hands on the controls.

A few moments later, Lachlan said, "Sky's yours now. Keep her steady."

Laura stared out at the horizon, eyes darting back and forth to the instrument panel, her heart pounding in her chest. She gripped the wheel tightly, but slowly began to relax. She turned the controls slightly, by accident, and felt the plane respond, wings dipping slightly on the right, turning in a leisurely circle. "Oh, dear!" she said, starting to panic, but Lachlan talked her through setting the plane back on course again, and she was able to relax again when they were flying level and straight. It was an exhilarating feeling, being at the controls, flying high and fast above the earth. She understood what a rush it was for a pilot to fly a plane like this, and wished she could stay up here forever with him.

She shifted in her seat, pushing slightly on the wheel, again not intentionally, but the plane began to nose downwards, rather dramatically it seemed. She started to panic again, eyes darting all over the instrument panel, but Lachlan reassured her again. "It's al'right. No worries... I'll just take 'er back again though, okay?" She said it was. "I'm gonna turn 'er around, and head back towards the hotel."

He turned the plane again, heading back over the ocean briefly before following the shoreline back up the coast.

She leaned over the side once more, enraptured by the incredible view from this altitude, still finding it hard to believe she was actually up here. Barely an hour ago she had been on her way to lunch, and now here she was, a thousand feet up!

She'd bumped into Lachlan on her way to the restaurant, and during their conversation she had mentioned she had seen him flying yesterday, and wouldn't mind going for a ride sometime...

The next thing she knew, she was bouncing around on the back of his motorcycle, her arms wrapped around his torso as they headed towards the airstrip. A few short minutes later, and they were taxiing down the runway...!

Lachlan was a sweetheart, she thought, smiling to herself. Charming, easy-going, always with that warm-hearted grin and a glib tongue. He had a talent for always saying the right thing; he'd had her laughing and giggling before they'd even reached the airstrip.

She looked over her shoulder at him, and he winked at her, smiling happily. She returned the smile and turned back around, settling in to enjoy the ride.

After a long silence, Lachlan pointed out the front of the plane. "Look, someone's out for a walk." There was laughter in his voice when he added, "It's Bud." The short-haired man wore tan pants and a long-sleeved white shirt.

As Lachlan nudged the nose down, and the plane dropped, Laura said, "Lachlan, he's gonna be mad. He hates it when you do this."

"That's the whole point, luv!" Lachlan chuckled.

Laura watched out the side of the plane as the figure looked behind him, noticing the oncoming noise. He turned abruptly, heading inland and towards the trees. Lachlan muttered, "Not so fast, Bud," laughing as he turned the plane slightly to compensate, swooping down on the cop.

As they neared him, Laura's eyes narrowed, realizing the man on the beach was wearing white suspenders... and his head was shaved. "Uh, Lachlan... I don't think that's Bud."

"What?"

When the man turned, she got a clear look at his face and stubbled jaw and the stark black line of the tattoo that run up the left side of his neck. "Shit," she said as she watched him trip over something on the ground, falling face-first into the sand. "It's Hando!"

"Bloody hell," Lachlan muttered, trying to pull the plane up out of its dive. But it was too late. Laura put a hand over her face, shielding herself from Hando's gaze, but was close enough when they passed over him to read the raw anger in his expression as he screamed obscenities at them, shaking his fist in the air.

The plane climbed back into the sky at Lachlan's direction, and she looked over her shoulder at him. "I don't think he could recognize me... But you're in trouble, Lachlan. He looked *really* pissed off."

"So I noticed," Lachlan grumbled. "Bloody marvelous..."

They turned inland again, and Lachlan decided to give her a demonstration of the plane's acrobatic capabilities before landing. After a dizzying series of turns, dives and spirals, which left Laura with a spinning head, Lachlan headed towards the airstrip and brought the plane down in a perfect 3-point landing.

"God, that was *fantastic*...!" Laura said after the plane had stopped, and Lachlan had cut the engine. "Woohoo!" She turned to look back at him, beaming. "When can we go up next...!?"

"Whenever you like, luv," Lachlan answered, smiling happily. "It's nice having company up there."

"I love flying," she said. "It's so incredible up there. It's like the whole world belongs to you... Do you...? Do you think you could teach me, Lachlan? To fly, I mean? I've wanted to take flying lessons ever since I can remember."

"You serious?" She nodded. "Well, sure, why not?" He unstrapped himself and took off the headset, then climbed out of the cockpit. She followed suit, a bit unsteady. He stood on the ground below as she clambered out of the front seat and onto the wing. He held his arms out to her, and she crouched down, sliding down the wing and into his arms.

She tried to stand, but her legs proved to be a bit wobbly. "Whoa, luv!" he said as he put his arms around her, trying to steady her on her feet.

"I guess I wasn't ready for that last spiral!" she said, feeling a bit lightheaded now that they were on the ground again. She clutched at his bomber jacket, laughing. "Geez, now I feel stupid after I said flying doesn't bother me!"

Neither one of them heard the pounding of horse hooves until Maximus, astride Scato, came trotting up around the plane. She gasped at the unexpected sight of him, particularly since she and Lachlan were wrapped around each other in a rather intimate-looking embrace. Maximus looked surprised too, obviously expecting to find only Lachlan in the plane and not her.

Lachlan did not miss a beat, continuing to smile and laugh, resisting Laura's attempt to pull away from him. "Afternoon, mate!

"Good afternoon, Lachlan..." He glanced at her. "Laura," he said, nodding to her, then turning his gaze towards Lachlan. But his eyes kept drifting back towards her.

"Took her up for a little joy ride, but I guess I got carried away," Lachlan said. "Poor girl can barely stand up, I made her so dizzy." He chuckled as he turned to Laura. "Sorry 'bout that. You all right now?"

Laura could not take her eyes off Maximus as she answered Lachlan. "Yea, I think so." Lachlan let her go, and she pushed away from him, standing on her own now. "Thanks for the ride; that was great, Lachlan."

"Like I said before; any time, luv," he grinned, then looked up at Maximus. "Did you want something, Max?

Maximus paused briefly, then said, "No... I merely saw you land, and thought I would say hello." A forced smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, and his eyes drifted back towards Laura.

Both were silent, then Laura asked, "Can I talk to you...?" There was a long pause, then Maximus nodded. Speaking to Lachlan, he said, "If you will excuse us..."

"Sure," Lachlan said, moving towards the rear of the plane as Maximus turned Scato slightly to the left, letting the horse walk slowly away from the plane as Laura followed.

He reined Scato to a halt, staring down at her. She looked closely at him now, noticing the cut on his lip, the bruised cheek and the bandage that was wrapped around his right hand. Even so, he cut a striking figure astride the big chestnut stallion. Even without the uniform and battle-armor, Maximus was such a handsome, regal-looking figure on horseback, and her breath caught in her throat.

She took it as a good omen that he was agreeing to speak with her, but she also could not help but notice the uneasy look in his eyes as they flicked towards Lachlan occasionally.

"It's not what you think," she began. "Lachlan was telling you the truth. I was dizzy when I got off the plane."

"What does it matter what I think?"

"It matters to me... Because you don't trust me." Maximus turned, looking out ahead at the horizon, but said nothing. She sighed, continuing, "Lachlan was just trying to be nice. And I told you I loved to fly. Don't you remember me saying I'd always wanted to learn how to fly a plane, Max...?" She saw his face soften a bit, and he turned towards her, nodding. "Lachlan's just a friend." He still didn't say anything, staring into her eyes with a definite softness now. She took a deep breath, not wanting to say anything to upset him, but knowing there was one subject she could not ignore for long. "I... I heard what happened with Sid yesterday. I'm sorry, Max -- he had no right to say that."

At the mention of Sid's name, the Spaniard's demeanor changed quickly, his face hardening again, his back stiffening and a shadow falling over his eyes. "Sid is what he is; he behaved precisely as I said he would." Anger tinged his voice as he added, "Any fool could have seen that coming."

Lowering her eyes, Laura admitted, "I deserved that; I know I did. I should have realized the kind of damage he could do... Max, I'm sorry; I wish I could make it up to you. Sid doesn't mean anything to me; please believe that. I don't love him... I don't love Lachlan... But, Max, I -- I do love you," she whispered, swallowing past the lump in her throat. "Please, won't you just talk this out with me...? Give me a second chance..."

He continued to stare straight ahead, briefly glancing in her direction a few times. There was a long pause, and she could see the doubt and indecision and -- dare she hope? -- forgiveness pass across his face. But then she saw him stare down at his battered right hand, clenching it slowly into a fist, and she knew he was thinking about Sid. Eventually, he turned to her and said with a resigned sigh, "What is there to say that has not already been said...?" She choked back a sob, and he paused briefly again, haunted eyes catching hers for a moment before he kicked Scato lightly in the sides and galloped off, heading towards the forest in the distance.

She watched him go, hugging her sides. A lone tear fell down her face, but there were no more. So many tears had fallen in the last few days that she must have exhausted the supply. She wandered back to the plane and Lachlan, who had been watching from a discreet distance.

"Give it a little more time," the pilot said quietly. "I was there yesterday when he and Sid went at each other. That's not something you forget overnight."

"I know... That's the kind of thing you never forget..." she said hollowly. "Thanks for the ride, Lachlan; I did enjoy it." She took a deep breath, wrenching her gaze away from the retreating figures of man and horse. She plastered on a smile she didn't feel, and linked arms with Lachlan. "Take me back, will you?"

Lachlan patted her arm affectionately. "Sure thing, luv," he said, heading towards the hanger.

*****

As they slowed to a stop in front of the tavern, astride Lachlan's motorcycle, they spotted Michelle leaving the tavern.

"Hey you two! How was the flight?" she asked.

Laura gave a half-hearted smile as she climbed off the motorcycle, releasing the grip she had around Lachlan's waist. "It was okay."

"Don't sound so excited," Lachlan joked as he turned off the engine. When Laura didn't respond, Lachlan sighed and looked at Michelle. "We ran into Max," he said as he climbed off the motorcycle.

"Oh, dear." She moved closer to Laura. "What did he say?"

Laura opened her mouth and started to say, "He -- " Then she stopped, staring out at the horizon in the direction Maximus had been riding. "It doesn't matter. I'd really rather not talk about it..."

Michelle put her arm around Laura. "Like we've told you before -- give it time. Give Max some time."

Laura attempted to smile. "I'll try."

"Hey, why don't you come down to the beach with us? Colin and I and a bunch of the others were going for a swim. You too, Lachlan -- join us!"

"Sounds great, 'Chelle," Lachlan agreed enthusiastically, but Laura hesitated, and he told her, "Come on -- you can't go back to the hotel and sit there all alone. Me mates and I'll cheer you up!" He smiled, with that near-lethal grin that each and every one of his brothers possessed, and Laura couldn't help but smile back.

"Well... okay. You're right -- I don't want to be alone right now. Are you leaving now?"

"Yep. So go get your swimsuit! You too, Lachlan."

Lachlan nodded, but as he turned back towards the tavern, he stopped short as Hando came striding up to him. "What the fuck is your problem!?" the skinhead demanded, shouting in Lachlan's face. "You think that was funny, asshole? You tryin' to fuckin' kill me?"

"Sorry, mate. Mistaken identity," Lachlan said, refusing to be intimidated. They had never gotten along well, considering Hando idolized a man who was responsible for the deaths of so many of his mates.

"Actually it was my idea." Laura tried not to flinch when Hando turned the angry scowl on her, but wasn't successful. "I thought you were Bud." Face to face with Hando for the first time, she couldn't help but stare at him. Although equal in stature to Lachlan and the other Boyz, Hando somehow seemed taller and more imposing. He did remind her more of Bud than any of the rest, but it was only a superficial resemblance. Bud also had a ferocious temper, but yet the cop also had a soft streak a mile wide.

There was nothing soft about Hando; the man was hostility personified. Her eyes were drawn to the visible tattoos: the word "skinhead" across his throat, and the thick black line of the bone tattoo that emerged from the collar of his shirt and ran up behind his ear. She'd seen "Romper Stomper" for the first time only a few days before, and the thought of the rest of the tattoos that covered his body, particularly the Nazi swastikas, made her skin crawl.

Lachlan looked surprised at her lie, but didn't say anything to Laura, turning instead to Hando, "I'll be more careful next time."

"Smart boy... 'Cause if you pull that shit on me again, I'll take your fuckin' head off," Hando growled. There was a long pause as he looked Laura up and down. "Heard about you..." He cocked his head slightly, taking a drag off the cigarette that he held between two fingers. The swastika on the back of his right hand stood out vividly against his pale skin. "From Sid." He didn't smile, but there was a gleam in his eye.

"I can only imagine what he said," Michelle said.

"I don't think I want to know," Laura sighed.

There was another long pause as Hando stared at her. "No, don't think you do..." He took another drag of the cigarette. "Saw what was left of Sid after the General finished with him yesterday... And they say *I* cause too much trouble," he said with a sneer.

Michelle shook her head. "Sid's been obnoxious lately."

"Wasn't talkin' about *him*..." Hando stared at Laura, and she bristled a bit under his imposing stare.

"Back off, mate," Lachlan warned.

Laura pulled herself together, resisting the urge to retreat to Lachlan's side. "I don't have to explain myself to you, Hando, or anyone else."

"Except the General." His steely eyes seemed to bore right through her.

"That's enough, Hando," Michelle said. "We were just leaving... for the beach."

Hando said nothing as he tossed his cigarette butt on the ground, grinding it out with the heel of his heavy boot. He stared at them all for a moment before turning and heading into the tavern.

"Charming guy," Laura said sarcastically, inwardly sighing with relief. "Hell of a way to be 'introduced'."

"Don't mind him," Lachlan said. "Thanks for takin' the heat for my little stunt. Didn't have to do that, though."

Laura shrugged. "Just thought I'd do you a favor... He looked like he was ready to pound you."

"Hando always looks like he's about to pound someone," Michelle said.

"Enough about him," Lachlan said. "Now run up and get your gear, we'll meet you in the hotel lobby."

"Al'right, mate," she said, imitating his Aussie accent. "Back in a tic!"

Lachlan rolled his eyes as she walked off, then chuckled as he headed for the tavern.

******

Laura dashed up the stairs to her room, unlocking the door. Leaving it slightly ajar behind her, she headed for the bedroom. She pushed open the half-closed door and went straight to the bureau, pulling open a drawer and hunting for her swimsuit. "I know it's here somewhere," she muttered. "And I have to bring the sunscreen -- I'll barbeque in that sun if I don't..." Suddenly, the hairs on the back of her neck rose, and she knew she was not alone. She glanced up, looking over her shoulder.

Sid was sitting on the bed, his back against the headboard, a self-satisfied smirk on his handsome face. He was nearly naked, wearing only a pair of black silk boxer shorts. And they didn't quite cover everything; his arousal was quite evident. "I've been waiting for you, cherie..."

/How did he get in here?// she wondered, initially frightened at the idea of being alone with him after his earlier 'stalker' comments. But she quickly collected her wits. "What are you doing here? And how the hell did you get in here...!?" Laura demanded.

"I have my ways... I thought we might... talk," Sid grinned as he patted the bed beside him. The sheets and blankets had already been turned down. "Your self-appointed body guards have been annoyingly persistent, so I had to be rather inventive about getting you alone.... I didn't see you at all yesterday; I was lonely, cherie," he said with mock sincerity.

"Oh, please," she snorted. "You just want to get laid."

"That too," he grinned. He slid off the bed with cat-like grace, sweeping a hand towards the side table. "I thought we might relax and have a drink..." There were two wine glasses on the table, along with a bottle of red wine and a small plate of cheese and crackers. "And have something to eat... before we nibble on each other..." He moved closer, managing to place himself between her and the door.

She glared angrily. "Sid, I don't know how you got in here, but I have *no* intention of spending *any* time with you! So kindly take yourself and that shit outta here right now."

"Now why would I want to do that? After I went to all the trouble of surprising you." Sid looked genuinely puzzled. "Don't you like it? I thought you ladies enjoyed it when your boyfriends were being... 'romantic'. I saw Colin do this for Michelle a few weeks ago. She was quite pleased." He picked up the wine bottle, turning the label to the front. "If you don't like the wine, I can get something else."

She rubbed the bridge of her nose, shaking her head. He was doing it again. Trying to imitate the others... And failing miserably. "Sid, it's only 'romantic' if I want you to be here in the first place. And you're not my boyfriend. I told you before -- I don't want to see you anymore."

"I know -- but by the time I leave, you'll have changed your mind about all that." When he took another step closer, she moved towards the door, but he blocked her, and she wound up with her back against the wall between the door and the bureau. His hand caressed her face as he leaned in to kiss her. "Come to bed, cherie..."

She put her hands on his chest and shoved him back. "Don't your ears work? Get away from me!" She slipped out the door into the living room, but he caught up with her again, blocking her way to the hallway. She glanced towards the window, noticing it was open slightly. /So that's how he got in// she thought, knowing for certain it had been closed when she had left earlier.

"You're beautiful when you're angry," he grinned. "But there's no need to be so coy. Maximus isn't involved anymore."

At the mention of the Spaniard's name, she went red with anger. "Like hell," she seethed. "Did you think I wouldn't find out what happened yesterday...? How could you say things like that about me? And how could you say *that* to Maximus!?"

"We merely had a difference of opinion yesterday. Hardly anything worth getting upset about."

"Are you nuts!?" Sid just grinned in response. "You tried to torment him about his *family*, for god's sake. If you think I'll ever forget that, or forgive you for it, you're even crazier than I thought you were!"

He tilted his head to one side as he responded, "I didn't think you'd mind if I used that line; you are the Keeper of it, aren't you?"

She paused, stunned. "What?"

"Michelle's Keeper list. Among other things, you're the Keeper of two of my lines from 'Virtuosity': 'Hey, Parker; how's the wife and kid? Still dead, huh?' and 'Love the suit'." He repeated them exactly the way he had spoken them in the film. "And you're also the Keeper of my character module." He smiled. "I always knew you really *did* care, cherie."

"How -- How do you know that?" she stammered.

Sid just laughed. "It's on the Internet, where anyone could see. Did you think *I* wouldn't be able to find it?"

"But.... Even though that's true, it doesn't mean anything. I liked them in the film -- so what? But that doesn't change the fact you had no right to say such a thing to Maximus...! God, you're such a pig!", she fumed. "It makes me sick to think I slept with you, you stupid bastard!"

He looked at her with a hungry stare. "Passion like that should be shared." He came towards her, moving quickly, catching her arm and pulling her to him. "You belong with me, not Maximus." She struggled to get free of him, but his grip only tightened. "Why waste all that energy, cherie, when it could be put to *much* better use...?"

"Let go of me," she said firmly, pushing against his bare chest, but he refused to release her, wrapping his arms around her and lowering his head to nuzzle her ear. His perfect memory was at work once again, and he nibbled the shell of her ear in just the right spot to send shivers up and down her entire body. She fought against the almost instinctive reaction, but Sid noticed it anyway.

"I know you still want me, cherie. We have a connection here in the CrowesNest, you and I... *Not* you and Maximus... Can't you see that now...?" Sid whispered in her ear, the feel of his hot breath against her skin making her shiver more. Except for the thin layer of silk of his boxer shorts, Sid was naked, and his firm, muscular body pressed into her curves. One arm was firmly locked around her back, preventing her escape, but the other roamed down her flank, caressing sensually while his tongue licked the side of her neck.

Repulsed and excited all at the same time, Laura knew she was in deep trouble here. It was obvious Sid was not going to let her go, and she wondered if he would go so far as to force her to have sex with him. Trembling slightly with fear now, her brain churned, trying to figure a way out of this. She glanced towards the door, noticing, to her immense relief, that she'd left it slightly ajar, a fact which Sid -- thankfully -- had not noticed.

Screaming her head off was the first option that came to mind. She'd seen Cort down in the lobby with Peaches, and with the door open, someone would surely hear her. But she quickly decided that having the guys once again rescue the 'damsel in distress' was going to be her last resort. She had to try to get rid of Sid on her own first.

She started to relax, but slowly, not wanting it to be obvious she was faking it. She responded to his touch non-verbally, molding herself against his body, leaning into his kiss. "Mmmm.... That's more like it," she heard him mutter. She ran her hand suggestively over his back. "You know it's *me* you have the connection with here, not that Roman fool..." He kissed her deeply, mouth claiming hers in a lusty embrace.

As he pulled her hips against his, letting her feel his arousal, her libido made a brief but enthusiastic attempt to sway her from her plans. Joining him in the bedroom again did have its temptations... But none that were worth throwing away whatever small chance that remained for a reconciliation with Maximus.

She kissed him back, just enough to be convincing, and let her hands drift up to the side of his face. She gazed into his aquamarine eyes with a sultry look, whispering seductively, "Sid... there's something you should know..."

Sid grinned, relaxing his grip, letting his hands wander over her more sensitive spots. "And what might that be...?" he said as she leaned to the left, putting all her weight on her left leg.

Which left her right leg free, and she jerked her knee upwards suddenly, with all the strength she could muster, into Sid's groin.

"Ooff!" was the strangled sound that emerged from Sid's throat as he doubled over, hands dropping from around her to move reflexively towards his groin.

She wrenched free of him, snarling, "*THAT* is the only kind of 'connection' that we'll ever have between us, Sid!" She shoved him, and he back-pedaled, trying to keep his balance, but was tripped up by the edge of the oriental rug and went sprawling backwards, falling over the coffee table and landing in a heap at the foot of the sofa. "Don't you *ever* come in here again without my permission, do you hear?" she yelled. "Just stay the hell away from me! I am *never* going to sleep with you again -- do you understand that?"

Sid recovered quickly, grinning wickedly as he lay there with one leg draped over the coffee table. "Ooo, you want to play rough, do you...? I like that."

As he struggled to get up, she threw up her hands, groaning. She strode to the door, and swung it open. "Get the hell out of here, Sid! NOW!"

"Temper, temper," he said as he climbed to his feet. "Don't you think you're being a bit dramatic?"

She was spared a reply by the sound of two sets of footsteps hurrying up the stairs. They came closer down the hallway, and Cort came into view, followed closely behind by Peaches. "What's goin' on up here?" the preacher questioned Laura. Then his eyes fell on Sid, and he was taken aback at Sid's lack of clothing. He turned towards Laura again. "What happened? You okay?"

She nodded, glaring angrily at Sid. "I came up here and found him dressed like that." The words came out in a rush, and she paused, taking a deep breath to calm herself. "I think he got in through the window. I told him to leave, but I just can't get rid of him."

"We'll handle it," Cort said tightly, glaring at Sid before moving back out into the hallway. "Colin...! Get up here now!"

"No need to concern yourselves with this," Sid said, attempting to brush off Cort's concerns. "We just got a little... carried away," he said with a seductive wink at Laura.

"Like hell!" Laura snapped. There were more footsteps on the stairs, and Colin and Michelle joined them.

"There's no cause for alarm, gentlemen," Sid said, trying to appear as though nothing was wrong.

"Don't even bother trying to talk your way out of this," Colin said as he and Cort came over and grabbed him. "Didn't you learn your lesson yesterday? You've been told to stay away from the lady."

"You okay?" Peaches asked Laura.

"Yea, I'm fine," she nodded as Michelle came over to her.

"Take your hands off me," Sid snarled as Cort and Colin manhandled him.

"Nice outfit, Sid," Cort quipped as they dragged him to the large window. Colin pulled back the curtains and pushed up the sash. A warm breeze wafted in as Sid struggled as they pushed him forward.

"I'm perfect capable of leaving on my own -- by the door," Sid protested, trying to hang on to the windowsill.

"Too bad you didn't use it earlier," Cort said as they pried Sid's hands away and shoved him through the open window.

The sound of Sid's cursing could be heard clearly from below, and the girls rushed over and looked down. Michelle and Peaches stifled smiles at the sight of Sid, nearly naked, with blue scratches everywhere as he struggled to climb out of the rose bushes.

"Nice shot, guys," Michelle said. She spotted Sid's clothing and shoes piled on a nearby chair. She gathered them up, then tossed them, one by one, out the window. Most of them landed on Sid or in the rose bushes; one well-aimed shoe even hit him in the head. They all watched as Sid extricated himself from the bushes, gathered his clothing and what was left of his dignity and stalked off towards the tavern.

Everyone came away from the window, and Cort put his arm around Laura. "You all right? Did he hurt you?"

"I'm fine," she said, smiling with relief, "And no, he didn't hurt me." She sighed, dropping onto the sofa. "He snuck in here somehow and was waiting for me when I came up to get my bathing suit so I could go swimming." She shook her head. "He just wouldn't leave, so I used my knee to convince him to get lost," she said, raising her right leg.

Colin winced briefly, then said reassuringly, "Well, he's gone now."

"I think we should still go to the beach," Michelle said. "You ought to get out of here and get some air."

She nodded. "Yea, I don't want to stay here right now," she said as she got up again, looking towards the bedroom. "Check this out though." She led them into the bedroom, and showed them the wine and cheese on the small side table. "He was planning some kind of afternoon rendezvous... He said he was copying something you," she said, pointing to Colin, "did for Michelle a while back. He was trying to be 'romantic', if you can believe that." She sighed heavily, shaking her head. "He just won't give up."

"Romantic, eh?" Colin said, walking over to pick up the wine bottle. "What'll the bastard think of next...?"

"Maybe this finally taught him a lesson," Michelle said. "So, did you find your swimsuit?"

"What...?" Laura said, staring at the wine bottle, hugging her arms around her chest as she tried to will herself to stop shaking. "Oh, uhm, no... but it's here somewhere." She went back to the bureau,digging through a drawer for a bit before pulling out the one piece blue suit. "Here we go."

"Come on then; let's go," Michelle said. She hung back as they all went out the door, peering at the wine and cheeses, shaking her head before hurrying after the group.

*******

Scato picked his way through the forest at a leisurely pace, with occasional guidance from Maximus as the two made their way back towards the stables.

Maximus was in no particular hurry to get back, more than content to enjoy the solitude of his solo ride through the trees. He was deliberately staying away from the usual paths, intent on being left alone with his thoughts. He'd gotten up before dawn this morning and headed straight for the stables, saddling up Scato and going out for a ride at sunrise. He'd spoken to East briefly as he'd headed out, but since then, he hadn't seen another living soul.

He just couldn't deal with the day to day mundane details of life in the CrowesNest anymore. It seemed that every time he turned around, someone was trying to cheer him up, or talk to him about Laura or Sid. Everyone was full of advice and suggestions, and it was starting to drive him insane. It was impossible to keep anything private in the small, close-knit community; the fact that everyone knew the details of his present difficulties with Laura gnawed at him constantly. He supposed that he should be used to such things; an army camp was hardly much different when it came to gossip and rumors. But this was his private life, and to have Sid broadcasting it to anyone who cared to listen was almost too much to bear at times.

But where could he go? Maximus thought to himself, sighing. He and his brothers only existed here in this special place, but at times like this, it began to feel like a prison. All of them had the option of escaping back into their movies whenever they wished, but for Maximus, the prospect held little appeal. He'd tried to return to see his family numerous times, but he'd never been able to see them *alive*. Every time, no matter how hard he tried to change things, he always arrived at Trujillo in time to see the column of thick black smoke rising from the ruins of his home...

He was locked into the time-frame in which 'Gladiator' had taken place. He could visit his troops, but only during or after the battle in Germania, where the moments of peace and quiet were few and fleeting. That left the rest of the story -- slavery and death and blood in the arena...

In view of those alternatives, staying in the CrowesNest wasn't a hard decision.

Maximus sighed as he drew near enough to the stables to catch sight of them. He had considered the idea of heading up into the high country and joining The Man for a while... but he found himself being drawn back here for some reason. He'd had an odd feeling gnawing in the pit of his stomach all morning, something he could not identify, but could not seem to ignore either. It wasn't hunger, although getting something to eat was something he needed to take care of soon... No, he could not quite put his finger on it, but he felt as though he should stick close to 'home' today.

As Scato emerged from the trees and onto the firmly packed ground surrounding the stables, he dismounted. Taking Scato's reins, he led his chestnut stallion into the stables and over to the horse's stall. The place was thankfully empty -- East and Nero were gone, and no one else was around. Relaxing a little, Maximus removed the bridle and saddle from his faithful steed, and, after seeing that the horse was fed and watered, set about the task of grooming him.

As he brushed Scato's coat and mane and tail, gently removing every twig and burr, his mind began to wander, churning over the subject which had dominated every waking thought for the last few days...

Sid and Laura. The thought of him touching her made him see red. The thought of her *letting* him touch her sent his blood pressure through the roof. He had listened to the arguments from John and the others, debated it over and over again in his head, tried to look at it from every conceivable angle, but it always came down to one thing.

Why. He could not for the life of him understand *why* she would consent to having sex with man like Sid.

Three days now, and he had no answers, and he suspected three more weeks or three more months wouldn't change things. He could have understood it, and eventually accepted it, if it had been any other of his 'brothers'... But Sid...!? It was truly maddening.

He finished grooming Scato, and, after putting everything away, stood in the door to Scato's stall, staring down the hill towards the hotel. He kept thinking about Laura, knowing that, in spite of everything, he missed her terribly. The last time she had left the CrowesNest, he had waited patiently for her return, and the evening she had surprised him by coming to his room, he had been looking forward to being with her, perhaps even sharing her bed...

But all that had changed when she had told him the truth about what she had done with Sid. The world had been turned upside down, and for the first time, he had wished he had never set foot in the CrowesNest. He could not get the mental image of them in bed out of his head; both times when he had inadvertently run into her in the past few days, he'd been unable to even speak with her, so overwhelming was the jealousy he felt.

Maximus closed his eyes, sighing, and he wandered back into Scato's stall, closing the door behind him, retreating into a dark corner and sitting down in the hay. He leaned back against the wooden walls, thinking, trying to make sense of it all.

He knew he could not go on like this. One way or the other, this had to be resolved. But he did not know what to do. Yes, he was hurt and embarrassed, but severing their relationship permanently seemed much too drastic. He still missed her, wanting very much just to hold her in his arms and feel her soft kisses on his face again... But how could he put this behind him when he just did not understand what she could possibly see in Sid 6.7...?

He sighed to himself, running his hand through his short hair, trying to cope with the see-saw of emotions that constantly played through him. He wondered if perhaps John hadn't been right. Maybe he was being too harsh and unforgiving...

Yet he hated Sid with a passion, especially after that terrible 'joke' Sid had tried to make two days ago about his beloved family. He was slowly getting over that, knowing that Sid was just trying to get under his skin, and he chided himself for letting himself be goaded into a fight. Sid enjoyed nothing more than playing mind games with people; he should have known better than to listen to him...

It made him pause, though, when he considered the fact that even though he himself had known Sid for some time, and was used to the childish games, he had *still* gotten drawn into them. He wondered once again if he was being fair with Laura, who was unprepared for Sid's tactics...

He sighed again. He missed her; that was a fact he could not ignore... And he knew he owed it to her to at least talk with her again...

But he just didn't know if he was ready to do that yet...

His thoughts were disturbed when he heard voices approaching, and someone entering the stables. He sat still, not making a sound, not wishing to be found.

"Max...? Maximus, are you here...?" It was a woman's voice, but he couldn't identify who it was. "East...? Is *anybody* here...?" He heard two sets of footsteps nearing, then stop a few feet away from Scato's door. "I can't believe this... We walk all the way up here, and no one's around."

"I wonder where Maximus is?" a second voice said. From the Italian accent, Maximus guessed it was probably Ilaria. "Argento and Scato are both here, but we didn't see him at the garden, or at the gym or his practice area."

"Maybe he went for a walk on the beach," the first woman said. He heard her sigh loudly. "Damn... Well, lets rest a bit before we head back..." He heard the sound of one of the wooden benches creaking, and he assumed they had both sat down. "So much for trying to cheer him up; can't even find him... You want some of my water...?"

"Yea..." There was a pause, and he heard the faint sound of a bottle being opened. "Thanks, Angie."

Ah, Maximus though. So that's who the other woman was -- Angelina.

"After what Sid said to him the other day," Ilaria said, "I'm not surprised he hasn't wanted to hang around the bar. It was terrible of Sid to bring up his family like that -- how could he think of such a thing?"

Maximus stared at his still-bruised right hand, wondering the same thing.

"You're forgetting Sid's name," Angie said. "The S stands for sadistic. It amuses him to harass and torture people like that."

"I know... But he is an awful man. Peaches told me what he did yesterday to Laura."

"Sneaking into her room? Yea, I heard all about it too. Wouldn't let her out... How typical."

Maximus leaned forward, trying to listen closer, still not revealing his presence. Sid? Sneaking into Laura's room...?? What...? He hadn't heard anything about it... Then again, he hadn't actually had more than a two minute conversation with anyone since yesterday morning.

"Michelle and Peaches said Laura found him in her room nearly naked," Ilaria said, "and he wouldn't leave. They heard all the shouting downstairs, and Michelle said Laura was very upset, even after Cort and Colin tossed Sid out the window."

"He just doesn't give up, does he?" Angie sighed. "Well, John and Laura said that Sid's got it in his head that she's his 'woman' now, no matter what she says. I thought they were exaggerating about Sid stalking her... but not anymore, not after what Sid did yesterday. Apparently the fight with Max didn't change Sid's mind at all."

Maximus, although succeeding in keeping quiet, was becoming quite upset, his hands clenching, ready to pound Sid again after he'd specifically told him to stay away from Laura...

"I just wish they'd patch things up -- whenever you walk into the tavern now, it seems like the whole place in on edge over this," Angie said.

"Well... I don't blame Max for being upset," Ilaria admitted. "I still don't quite understand how Laura could have sex with Sid when she was with Maximus."

Maximus stopped his mental ravings at Sid, listening intently to what the women were saying. Ilaria's question was exactly what had been confounding him for days now.

There was a long pause. "You don't like Sid much, do you?" Angie asked in a light tone.

"No, I do not; he is a despicable man," Ilaria said emphatically, and Maximus couldn't help but nod and smile briefly in agreement.

"Well, that may be true," Angie said, "But for some of us, Sid does have his charms... Quite a few in fact," she said with a soft laugh.

"Uh, Angie..." Ilaria said hesitantly. "I don't mean to be nosy, but..."

"But you've heard the stories and you're wondering if they're true," Angie said. "You want to know if I've been 'with' Sid too..." He could not quite hear Ilaria's answer, but assumed it was a 'yes' when Angie continued, "Well, the stories are true." Maximus nodded to himself. That bit of news did not come as a surprise; he'd seen as much with his own eyes. "So I think I can answer for Laura about what makes Sid so attractive... He's very sexy in his own way. Not that Max and the others aren't. But Sid's attraction is very primal; it's just raw sexuality, without all the... niceties of modern life."

"But I LIKE all the niceties. I do not think I could be with a man who did not have them."

Angie chuckled. "I'm not saying I'd want that all the time. But as an interesting little... diversion, Sid fits the bill quite well," she said with a contented sigh. "And I can't speak for Laura entirely, but I would imagine that's part of the attraction for her too. It's the 'bad boy' thing. Sid's wild and unpredictable; you never know quite what he's going to do. That makes it exciting."

"Maybe I understand that... But Laura knew Max hated Sid. If I were Max, I would be upset too."

"Well, in Laura's defense, I have to remind you that Sid's a hell of a con-man when he sets his mind to it. She hadn't even seen 'Virtuosity' when she first met Sid... They always say these serial killers can seem like the nicest guys when they're luring in their victims... And he's got Russell's face and body to go along with it. Sid may be a twisted little bastard, but that still doesn't change the fact that he's sexy as hell and he knows it... I really don't blame Laura for what happened -- I think Max ought to be a little more understanding. I honestly don't think she meant to hurt him. She'd only been here a few days, and the first exposure to all the guys is a bit overwhelming, what with all the testosterone that's practically oozing out this place. And Sid took advantage of it."

"I understand more now... But I don't think Max does. He's a Roman... he comes from a different world. He's not used to such behavior, especially from a woman he cares about.... Max is such a wonderful man; if he were with me, I would not waste my time on someone like Sid," she said firmly.

Maximus smiled to himself, grateful for Ilaria's words. Everyone else seemed to be trying to push him into accepting a lifestyle which was alien to him.

Angie sighed. "True... I think Laura's realized that too, now that Sid's shown her his true colors. I know she's very sorry for what happened... but Max won't even give her the time of day. She was pretty down the last time I saw her."

"I know -- she was talking of leaving again, so Sid wouldn't bother Max anymore because of her," Ilaria said.

"Doesn't she realize that won't matter to Sid -- he'll find another excuse to antagonize Max instead."

"I tried to tell her that, but she doesn't want Max hurt anymore on her account. I don't know if even Tina can talk her out of leaving this time."

"Really? I didn't realize it was that serious."

"It is. I hope she doesn't leave; we were becoming such good friends," Ilaria said, sighing.

"Hopefully it won't come to that before they patch things up..." Maximus heard the wooden bench creak, and the scuffling of boots on the dirt floor. "Well, are you ready to go back? Maybe some of the guys will be around for lunch..."

Angie and Ilaria left, heading back towards the hotel. Maximus continued to sit in Scato's stall, his head spinning. He'd had no idea that Sid had been harassing Laura, and wondered why no one had told him. He replayed the talk he'd had in the bar with John in his head -- it was agreeing with a lot of what Angie said, and he realized that the way she and Laura saw things *was* different from his Roman upbringing. Perhaps he was being too harsh and rigid about it. Maybe it was time to at least sit down and discuss it... before Laura left. A chill ran through him at the thought. John had told him she might do it, but he hadn't believed it. But listening to Ilaria made him realize it was a possibility he couldn't afford to ignore. He *should* talk to Laura again before things deteriorated further, and it became hopeless to reconcile.

He got up, patting Scato for a moment before leaving the stall and walking out of the stables and into the sunlight. He stared down in the direction of the hotel for many minutes before turning on his heel and walking into the woods again. He needed time to collect his thoughts and decide what he was going to say before seeking Laura out at the hotel.

He paused, however, at the edge of trees, looking back over his shoulder again. The odd feeling was back, nagging at him to return to the tavern, the pull even stronger now. He didn't know why or where it was coming from, however, so he turned back to the forest, walking deep into the undergrowth until he found a shady, secluded spot, and sat down against the trunk of a large oak tree to think...

Several hours later, Maximus strolled down the path towards the tavern, lost in thought. He had deliberately avoided passing by the hotel, taking the long way, not wanting to run into anyone. He had decided he was going to speak to Laura this afternoon, but he needed to freshen up first. He was dirty and sweaty from his walk and the morning ride; he was in desperate need of a shower and change of clothes before he would even consider seeing her. He strode up to the front of the tavern and the short flight of steps, entering through the heavy oak doors. He was halfway to the stairs leading to his room on the second floor when he heard a voice call his name. "Max!"

He stopped as John approached quickly after practically bolting out of his seat in one of the back booths, followed by Tina. "Where've you been, pal? We've been looking everywhere for you," John said quietly, his words coming out in a rush.

Maximus sighed. "I needed to be alone. I've been out... riding, walking. What did you want?"

"I - " John stopped, glancing around the tavern. There weren't very many people in the place; Maximus spotted Zack and East in one of the back booths with a few of the ladies. But they were all staring at him, and John... Well, John looked decidedly uncomfortable, not quite able to meet his eyes. Neither could Tina. An odd, uneasy feeling began to grow in the pit of his stomach. "I don't think we should talk here," John said. "Can we go up to your room for a minute?"

He nodded. "I was going there anyway. I need a shower." As they climbed the stairs together, Maximus asked John, "Why didn't you tell me Sid has been harassing Laura? I heard what happened yesterday with him sneaking into her room."

"Who told you that?" John asked.

"Does it matter?" he said as they reached Maximus' door and he unlocked it, ushering Tina and John in before him.

John shrugged and said, "Guess not. Look, Max, I wanted to tell you, but Laura wouldn't let me." Maximus' brow furrowed, and John added, "She said she didn't want you to think she needed to be 'rescued' or something."

"She didn't want you coming back to her just because you felt sorry for her," Tina explained. "She said she created the problem with Sid and she had to fix it."

Maximus nodded, frowning briefly, muttering, "Someone should have told me..." Then he looked up at them. "What did you want to see me about?"

John sighed, running his hand through his long hair nervously. He glanced at Tina before answering, "Look, Max, I don't know how to tell you this other than to just come right out with it.... Laura's gone."

He paused, a feeling of dread creeping over him. "When will she be back?" he asked, swallowing hard.

John sighed again. "Damn.... Max, she left. For good. She... She said she's never coming back." Maximus stared blankly, and John turned away.

"We tried to talk her out of it - believe me, Max, you don't know how hard I tried," Tina said when John seemed unable to continue. "But it was no use. John tried to find you, hoping you could stop her, but no one knew where you were." She sighed, looking at him with apprehension. "Laura packed up *everything* and left two hours ago. She told Peaches not to hold her room anymore because she wouldn't be needing it again..."

Maximus just stared. "Did she say anything else...?" he asked quietly, swallowing past the lump in his throat, not quite believing what he was hearing. But in his gut, he knew it was true; that odd feeling he'd had all day must have been because she was leaving... and he'd ignored it...

"No. But she did leave something for you." John walked over to the chair by the corner, and Maximus drew a sharp breath, his blood running cold, when he realized his wolf's fur cloak was draped across it. The one he had given Laura for safe-keeping. John picked up an envelope from the chair seat and brought it to him. "I think this probably explains things...." He held it out, and after a long pause, Maximus took it, staring down at it. John stood there for a moment, then patted him on the back, saying, "If you need to talk later, we'll be downstairs." He walked to the door and opened it, pausing to look back. Maximus still hadn't moved, staring down at the envelope in his hands. Tina patted him on the arm, and started to say something. Then she stopped, crossing over to John and they left the room, shutting the door quietly behind them.

Maximus walked slowly over to the chair and sat down. He closed his eyes for a moment, then opened the envelope and read the note inside.

Maximus:

By the time you read this, I'll be back in Chicago. I've left the CrowesNest. For good.

I've caused you so much heartache in the last few days, and I can't stand to see you hurt any further. You don't know how sorry I am that Sid said what he did. It's all my fault, because I was stupid enough to think that Sid wouldn't be so low as to do or say something like that. As long as I stay in the CN, he'll just keep torturing the both of us over what happened, and I can't bear the thought of hurting you even more than I already have.

Please believe me, though, when I say that it's killing me to have to do this. You're such a special man, and very special to me. I know you probably don't believe that anymore, after what happened with Sid, but it's the truth. Sid was a mistake, a huge mistake, but I know I can't turn back the clock and change it. I've hurt you, and embarrassed you, and I'll never forgive myself for that.

So I know it's the best for both of us if I leave. I know that in time you'll get over this, and move on with your life. And I'll find a way to move on with mine, even though I feel like I'm leaving a piece of myself behind in the CrowesNest.

I'm returning your wolf's fur cloak to you. I can't be its Keeper anymore; you'll have to find someone else to hold it for you.

I meant what I said yesterday, Max. I love you, and I'll always love you.

Goodbye,

Laura

He read the letter twice, then three times, unable to believe what he was seeing, hoping that he had somehow missed something the first time around. But finally he lowered his hand, dropping the letter to the floor. He turned, laying his hand on the edge of the cloak, running his hand over it. He remembered the day he had given it to her for safekeeping; she had held it tightly against her body, almost reverently, discreetly inhaling his scent from the fabric. He brought the rich fabric to his face, inhaling deeply... and felt his heart constrict when he detected the faint smell of *her* clinging to the fabric now.

He dropped the cloth, rising from the chair to wander over to the window. Sighing heavily, his chin dropped to his chest as he leaned down on the windowsill. His mind, as it began to recover from the initial shock, began to churn. What was he supposed to do now? Chase after her? How could he? John's words from a few days ago began to replay in his mind: "...I'm telling you, she's seriously considering leaving and never coming back. And if she does that, you're screwed, pal, because she can come and go here as she pleases, but you can't, not into her world...."

It was true; he was trapped here in the CrowesNest. On a couple of occasions, he had gone out riding, heading in a perfectly straight line away from the hotel and tavern. After riding for hours, he had been unable to find a way out. On the contrary, twice he had wound up back where he started, and he had been sure he had been following a straight path. Even Lachlan had told him that he had tried flying out of here. He had flown for hours, his instruments never wavering from a straight-line flight, but yet he too always ended up right back over the hotel and tavern. There was no escape for any of them.

"Damn!" he exclaimed, slamming his fist down on the windowsill. He'd waited too long, and now she was gone, and there was nothing he could do about it. He could never leave the CrowesNest...

Suddenly, his head came up, the forlorn look on his face fading as an idea began to form in his head.

He could not leave the CrowesNest ALONE...

He'd been able to leave from time to time when one or more of the girls had taken him and the others on a road trip of some kind. When they'd visited that mall to buy clothing, it was a real world mall. And there was one person in particular who held the key to it all.

He picked up the letter and stuffed it in his pocket, then hurried out the door and down the stairs. John and Tina were sitting at the bar, and he rushed over to them. "Where's Michelle?"

"I'm not sure; probably at the hotel. Max, are you okay?" John asked.

But Maximus wasn't listening, already halfway to the door. He ran quickly up the gently-sloping hill to the hotel and into the lobby, crossing to the stairs, taking them two at a time as he ascended to the second floor. He sprinted down the hallway, stopping at Michelle's door, knocking loudly. "Michelle...!?"

A door down the hall swung open -- the door to Laura's room -- and Michelle peered out. "Max? I'm over here." He walked over to her, panting slightly from his run. "John told you?" she asked hesitantly, and he nodded. "Max, I'm so sorry; Peaches and I were just straightening up in here, wondering what we should do with the room..."

"Do nothing," he said sharply, then closed his eyes, willing himself to calm down. "Michelle," he said quietly, but urgently, as he opened his eyes again. "You must help me..."

On to Part Twelve

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