I would like to thank all my friends who kept telling me that I should write DM Fan fictions besides coming up with ideas for others to write. This is a Steve hurt/comfort and/or a Steve/Mark Relationship Story.

This is a Steve based story.

Author's note: I’ve wanted for some time to let my imagination have a field day and not be bothered with reality. This story is the result. It’s based on a daydream I had a long time ago and I knew if I was to do this I had to let my imagination go free. Any medical or scientific terms if any are made up.

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The Enemy Without

Part one

by

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Prologue

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Six months earlier.

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Steve, Mark and Jesse are at BBQ Bob’s relaxing after a long and difficult case. “Dad I swear I’m being followed.”

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“Steve you’re just being paranoid. We’re all tired I’m sure it’s nothing more than being overworked that is causing this.”

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“Yes,” Jesse said, just relax Steve it’s got be your imagination and I thought I was the one that had a vivid imagination.”

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Present Day

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The telephone rings while Mark is getting breakfast ready for Steve and him. “Hello Mark and Steve Sloan residence.”

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“This is Captain Newman I need to speak to the Lieutenant but he’s not answering his cell phone.”

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“Steve’s cell phone is probably being recharged. I’ll go tell Steve to call you.”

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“Thanks Doctor Sloan.”

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Mark turns off the stove and goes downstairs to tell his son that his captain wants to talk to him.

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Steve is shaving using his right hand. Mark pauses trying to grasp what he is seeing. Steve notices Mark and Mark tries to keep the shock out of his expression.

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“..Steve your captain wanted you to call him.” Mark quickly starts to go upstairs telling Steve “I’m making breakfast for us I better go back upstairs.”

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Steve grabs Mark from behind with a gun pointed at Mark’s head. “So you figured it out! I’m not your precious son.”

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“What have you done to my son?”

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“Figure it out Doc. You know it sure took you a long time to realize I wasn’t your son. You know I’ve been passing myself off as your son for two weeks now.”

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“But how, why?”

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“Oh Doc you surprise me. You don’t remember six months ago your son was telling you and Dr. Travis he thought he was being followed? He was. My co-conspirators and I were following your son learning his mannerisms. Learning everything we could. I even had plastic surgery since I was the one that closely followed your son’s build. Of course I had to learn to talk like your son.”

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“Why?”

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“Well that’s something that I’m not telling you right now. Only I suggest strongly you follow my orders or your son will be killed. You see unlike your son I’m very good at electronics. You know your friends trust your son completely. You know how many times I’ve been to Dr. Travis’ and Dr. Bentley’s residences and they never suspected I was planting bugging devices. Actually I have them all over.”

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“You still haven’t told me about my son.”

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“You’re right Doc I haven’t. You know you should have seen your son’s expression when he was woken up several weeks ago and saw himself looking down on him. Of course we didn’t give him a chance to fight back my colleagues and I gave your son chloroform which knocked him out. Then my friends carried your son out and I took his place.”

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“Oh Steve!” Mark was devastated to learn how his son had been carried out weeks ago without Mark even realizing his son was missing.

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“Now I remember you telling me Captain Newman wanted me to call him. I also remember you saying you were cooking breakfast. So since I don’t hear the fire alarm going off you must have turned the stove off before coming down here. You see Doc I also know some things about you too. Now put your hands behind you so I can handcuff your arms.”

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“Why?”

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“Oh Doc be serious. I can’t call Captain Newman and have you accidentally letting something slip. Something that I wouldn’t catch but Newman would. Now hands behind your back or I give the order right now to kill your son.”

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Mark obeyed and Steve handcuffed Mark’s arms. Then he put a gag over his mouth.

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Steve called Captain Newman. “Hello Captain my dad told me you called. I’m sorry it took me a few minutes to return your call. I’ve had a difficult morning.”

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“Anything wrong Lieutenant?”

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“No Sir nothing I can’t handle. What’s up?”

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“Dane Travis is in town. He has confided in me that there is a conspiracy to kill him. He wants you to help with the investigation. He told me as his son’s best friend he knows he can trust you.”

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“Captain I’ll be glad to help Dane Travis.”

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“I knew I could count on you Lieutenant. See you in the office within the hour.”

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“Yes Sir.”

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Steve hung up the telephone. “Well we’ve got a problem now don’t we Doc? I’m supposed to meet with Captain Newman within the hour and I certainly can’t explain you tagging around can I? Not when you should be at work. So I’m going to dial the number for the hospital and you are going to fake an illness or something I don’t care just make sure they don’t expect you.”

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Mark talks to the receptionist and says he won’t be able to come to work today and to please have Dr. Travis check his patients especially a Mrs. Carter.

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“Very good Doc.” Steve said. “However, I have to leave you tied up until I come back. Just to make sure you can’t try anything I’m going to duct tape your mouth.”

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Jesse came into the hospital and reported to work. “Dr. Travis” one of the nurses said, “Dr. Sloan is ill today and he’s asked you to check his patients especially a Mrs. Carter.”

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“Ok thank you nurse.”

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Jesse looks over Mark’s patients’ charts. “That’s strange” Jesse says to himself. “Mark doesn’t have a Mrs. Carter as a patient. It’s not like Mark to be confused. I better call him and find out what’s going on.” Jesse calls the Sloans’ residence and no one answers. He’s about to leave a message when he is called into the ER.

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Steve enters Captain Newman’s office Dane Travis is there. “Dane it’s nice to see you again. Although I wish it was under better circumstances.” Steve says as he shakes Dane Travis’ hand.

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“Same here Steve, and once again I’m sorry I tried to choke you that one time.”

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“Hey don’t worry. You didn’t know who I was and someone had just tried to kill you. Besides it healed up a long time ago. It’s like it’s never happened to me.”

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“I’m glad Steve because you’re such a good friend to my son. He talks about you all the time he loves helping on your cases.”

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“Well I love Jesse helping on my cases too.”

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Captain Newman heard this and almost did a double take. He couldn’t count the number of times he’s heard his lieutenant complain that his dad, Jesse, and Amanda were getting themselves involved in one of his cases. Something was wrong but he didn’t know what it was.

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Steve woke up and looked around. He had no idea how long he had been asleep or where he was. He remembered trying to escape and then being grabbed from behind and at the same time something poking his arm. Steve guessed that it must have been a hypodermic needle filled with a sedative.

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Steve thought back to when he had first been kidnapped. It was so strange to be woken up by someone who looked just like he did. And then before he could struggle he was given chloroform.

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The goons who had him liked to talk. He was hoping that it would help provide him a way to escape and warn everyone. Steve knew that the reason he was kidnapped and replaced with an exact duplicate was that no one not even Dane Travis, who was suspicious by nature would suspect his son’s best friend. He also knew that when it was over he’d be released to take the blame.

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Steve went back to the beach house after his meeting with Captain Newman and Dane Travis saying he was worried about his dad because he didn’t feel good. Captain Newman and Dane Travis both understood. They had a deep appreciation for Mark.

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“Well now Doc,” Steve said as he undid the handcuffs, it worked as a charm your son’s boss and your son’s best friend’s father didn’t suspect a thing.

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“Now we are going to be very chummy these next few days. I don’t trust you. Somehow I’m sure you are planning a way to warn Dane Travis. But I’m warning you Doc anything goes wrong and your son pays.”

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Jesse was finished with the emergency and was now seeing his patients and Mark’s patients. “Mrs. Carter” Jesse thought to himself. “Why on earth would Mark mention a Mrs. Carter?” Jesse decided to call Mark again. The telephone rang and Steve forced Mark into the bathroom and locked it so he could answer the telephone.

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“Hi Steve I didn’t expect you home so early what happened?”

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?“Nothing Jesse just worried about my dad. You know how that is.”

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?“Yes I do Steve. Steve..I need to speak to Mark does he feel up to talking on the telephone?”

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“Just a minute Jess I’ll go get him.” Steve lets Mark out of the bathroom. “All right Doc,” Steve said quietly so he wouldn’t be overheard, “one word about what is going on and I put a bullet in you.” Steve said as he once again pulled out Steve’s gun from his holster.

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“Hi Jess what’s up?”

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“Mark that’s what I’d like to know. Who’s Mrs. Carter?”

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“Jesse I’m very sorry we have to cancel our dinner plans for this evening but I could really use some cinnamon would you mind getting some? You know how Steve is. Always worrying about me.”

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“Mark what dinner plans? I didn’t know I was going to have dinner at your house.”

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“Jesse I better go now. Don’t forget Mrs. Carter. And please drop off the cinnamon sometime before breakfast tomorrow.”

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“All right Mark bye.”

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“Bye Jess.”

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Jesse knew that Mark had been trying to give him clues. Why he had to talk in riddles when it was just Steve and him at the beach house Jesse had no idea. Jesse started to think about what Mark had said. Cinnamon and Mrs. Carter… Then it hit Jesse. Cinnamon Carter. The friend of his father’s. But why did Mark want Jesse to locate Cinnamon Carter?

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Steve once again tried to loosen the rope that had him tied to the chair he had been placed in. He couldn’t believe he had actually been able to sleep. But he figured that somewhere between the beatings he had been given he had managed to pass out.

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The ropes were hurting his wrists. He could feel his wrists burning as the ropes dug into raw flesh, he also felt his ribs. He was sure he must have some broken ribs at the very least. Steve knew that no matter how much he was hurting he couldn’t give up. His father and friends were in danger.

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“Ok Doc” Steve said “I’m hungry start fixing dinner. Remember any trouble and there’s a bullet in your son’s gun with your name on it.”

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Mark reluctantly fixed dinner for the two of them. Mark wasn’t worried about himself but he knew that the impostor and his friends would make sure his son was convicted of murder.

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Jesse tried to figure out how to contact Cinnamon Carter but he didn’t know how to reach her. Whenever his father managed to visit him he had tried once again to keep secret from his son any cases that he felt were too dangerous for him. “Maybe Dad’s in town and is afraid to tell me just now. But who would my Dad trust other than myself who lives here… Mark and Steve.” Jesse thought with sudden clarity.

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Maybe Mark had been trying to tell him that his father was with them. Jesse looked at the time. It was getting late. He knew he couldn’t go there tonight. Mark had said he wanted cinnamon for their breakfast. Maybe he could visit them in the morning.

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Captain Newman and Dane Travis had stayed late to talk ordering take out food to be delivered. They both knew that somehow Steve had been different. He looked the same, his mannerisms were the same but still somehow there was something that just wasn’t right.

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“Captain Newman since when has Steve been glad that my son gets involved in his cases all the time?”

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Captain Newman snapped his fingers. “That’s it! Steve is always complaining about his dad and his friends getting involved.”

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“Which means..”

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“That wasn’t Steve Sloan.” Captain Newman and Dane Travis figured out together.

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“We’ve got trouble” one of the kidnappers said who was monitoring the bugging device that Steve had managed to install in Captain Newman’s office.

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“What kind of trouble” another one said.

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“We’ve been found out. We better call Aaron and warn him.”

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“We better check out our guest also.”

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?Steve finally managed to get one of his arms free. As he was working on the other one, now much easier since he had already freed his left arm his captors had come back into the room where they held him captive. They had had so much fun each taking turns punching the cop they held prisoner. They were sure the cop would sleep for some time after that beating.

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“Hey you guys come quick! He’s getting lose!” One of the goons said.

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The other two came rushing in. “Quick hold his arm don’t let him move I’ll go get the stronger stuff. I told you two we should have given this to the cop the first thing.” Steve felt another poke in his arm. Suddenly the world around him started to fade. “We don’t have to worry about the cop for quite sometime” he heard from somewhere in oblivion.

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Suddenly Steve was enjoying a nice picnic with his wife and children. “This is strange” Steve briefly thought “I didn’t know my wife and I had kids.”

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“How’s your hamburger dear??” His wife Rachelle asked. From the tone of her voice it was apparent to Steve that it wasn’t the first time she had asked. “It’s perfect as always Love.” He responded.

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Then Steve felt his ribs hurting again. He looked down and he was laying on his back his two little kids four-year-old Benjamin and two-year-old Ashley jumping up and down on their daddy’s chest. “You are hurting Daddy’s ribs” he tried to tell them but they were having so much fun. Steve looked for his wife to help him but he couldn’t see her.

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“Doc get up right now we have to leave your joint fast!”

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“Wha--t?” Mark tried to clear his chloroformed head. His captor had used it as a way to insure that Mark would not try to escape as he got some sleep on a nice comfy bed only to be awoken a few hours later and being told that Dane Travis and Captain Newman had figured it out.

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“We are getting into your car and no funny business doc I’ll have the gun pointed at you the whole time also if you step just the slightest out of my way I’ll shoot.”

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They got in Mark’s car with Aaron giving him the keys having taking them before he got Mark up.

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As Mark was being forced to drive he started asking questions. “You’ve held me for so long and I don’t even know your real name. Can’t you even tell me that?”

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“It’s ‘Aaron’ Doc.”

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“Where are we going?”

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“Really now Doc you surprise me. To see your son. I thought you were brighter than that Doc.”

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They drove for a time in virtual silence and then Aaron asked Mark “Doc what led you to discover I wasn’t your son. I practiced so hard. Even learned to eat hospital food. Yuck! How your son can like slop I have no idea.”

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“Easy you used your right hand to shave the other morning. My son is left-handed.”

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“Oops” Aaron says as he hits the side door with his right fist. Something so easy as that. I’m ambidextrous as you are Doc but I forgot your son is not.”

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Mark was elated to be able to see his son again although worried at what had happened to him while being held against his will all this time.

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Jesse thought about it some more. If Mark, Steve and his Dad were in trouble and he had every reason to believe they were he needed to get to the beach house now. Not tomorrow morning.

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Jesse drove as fast as he could. Not knowing that Captain Newman and his dad were also headed there.

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Jesse was just about to knock on the front door when he was grabbed from behind and pulled back with someone’s hand covering his mouth. “Shh son it’s all right it’s me Dad.”

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“Dad what’s going on?” Jesse whispered.

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“Dr. Travis we have reason to believe that Lieutenant Sloan has been replaced by an impostor in an effort to kill your father and have his killing blamed on your best friend.”

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Mark and Aaron arrived at the hideout. Mark being pushed into the same room Steve was in unceremoniously. Mark carefully got up being aware of a possible skinned knee to check on his son he saw lying on the floor unconscious. Steve’s face held a grin.

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“What have you done to my son!” Mark said he could see microphones and knew his captors were listening.

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“Relax Doc your son is having the time of his life.” One of them said through one of the mikes.

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“What have you done to him!”

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“A new drug we required. It gives the recipient his dream come true. The effects last for some time even after the person wakes up, it’s not addictive, although once you use it you are seldom satisfied that your dreams are not real, and when it wears off they are as harmless as a newborn kitten for weeks or more after that and very gullible to suggestion. So enjoy your time with your son Doc because your son is enjoying nirvana right now. Just be glad we didn’t give him the other drug that has just the opposite effect. Your nightmares becoming reality. But it’s addictive and we just may need your son’s cooperation.”

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“How are we going to get Mark out of there? He’s been held hostage for who knows how long?” Jesse said desperate to be able to save his mentor.

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“Son I know you are worried about Mark and so am I, but don’t forget your friend Steve is being held prisoner somewhere and if we barge in we could save Mark but what about Steve?”

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“So what do we do?”

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“Dr. Travis is there a specific reason why you came here?”

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“Mark mentioned cinnamon and a Mrs. Carter. I thought he was trying to tell me that my dad was with them and that they were in trouble.”

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“Obviously Mark was leaving you clues so you could warn me, son, and you are right Mark and Steve are in danger.”

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“You two still haven’t told me what we’re going to do.”

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“Dr. Travis Mark mentioned cinnamon any reason for it besides your dad’s old friend’s name?” asked Captain Newman.

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“He said he needed cinnamon for breakfast in the morning he wanted me to bring some over tomorrow morning.”

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“Ok Jesse we’ll go to the store pick up the cinnamon and then you can knock on the door.”

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“I’ll be right beside you son out of sight.” Dane assured his son.

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“I’ll call the impostor and tell him I have papers that need to be signed. That will give me a reason to come into the beach house. We’ll arrive together as if nothing is wrong.

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Mark did his best to examine his son. Without medical equipment it wasn’t easy but it would have to do. Mark noticed his son’s ribs. They didn’t appear broken but he was sure they were causing his son pain. That is if his son was able to feel any pain with the euphoria he must be experiencing.

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Steve, Rachelle, Benjamin, and Ashley were visiting Disneyland. Steve was so glad his wife talked him into having a family vacation. He was all set to do some motorcycle riding but his wife had wanted a family vacation.

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They enjoyed several rides together then Steve became hungry. “Dear lets stop and get something to eat all right?”

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“All right Love.”

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Together Steve and Rachelle had managed to help Benjamin and Ashley get their food and drinks.

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“Ouch,” Steve suddenly said.

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“What is it Darling?”

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“I think I must have ate something that disagreed with me. My ribs are hurting me.”

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Aaron and his friends came back into the room where they held Mark and Steve prisoner. Two of them carrying weapons. One of them brought dinner and water. “Eat up” They said laughing.

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Mark looked at the tray with two plates and the cups of water. The sandwiches were made from stale bread. The water warm. Mark once again felt anger toward his son’s captors. Steve must have only been able to eat the stuff they were giving him when his hunger had won out and he would have eaten anything to keep from starving. Even this.

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Jesse and Captain Newman just happen to meet at the beach house at the same time. His father having positioned himself on the side of the house unobserved.

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Captain Newman had called and had left a message when no one answered. That worried them that no one picked up the phone but there could have been a dozen reasons why Mark and the impostor didn’t answer the phone.

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“You first Dr. Travis.”

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“Mark it’s Jesse,” I have the cinnamon you wanted.” He said as he knocked on the door. The door opened slightly and Jesse carefully came in. “I had to get it tonight.” Jesse said while coming in the beach house I’m sorry but I have to go into Bob’s in the morning to open up before work.”

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Jesse looked around but couldn’t see Mark or the impostor.

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“Lieutenant Sloan I have those papers I need your signature on. The front door was left open. That’s not very smart. As my best detective I’m surprised.”

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Nothing, the beach house was eerily silent. Jesse and Captain Newman looked around the house upstairs and downstairs while trying to talk casually to not throw any suspicion on why they were really there.

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After not finding anyone there Jesse and Captain Newman left the beach house and notified Dane Travis of their findings. Or lack of finding.

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“I don’t get it.”

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“What don’t you get son?”

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“If Mark and the impostor left which we know they did then why are both Steve’s and Mark’s cars in the driveway?”

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“The impostor must have made Mark drive to their hideout and then to make it appear as if nothing was wrong drove the car back and parked it the way it was before and went back with his friend who went with him to give him a ride back to the hideout.”

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“Dr. Travis does Mark keep records of every fill up and how many miles he’s gotten between them?”

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“Yes he does but I don’t see how that will help.”

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“With some math and a little deduction we can figure out approximately how many miles were driven in Mark’s car tonight.”

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“Which will give us an area to pinpoint for the search.” Jesse said catching on.

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Mark had managed to only nibble on a little bit of the stale sandwich and drink a little bit of the warm water. He was glad he had ate earlier in the day. That great meal he had suddenly made Mark feel guilty as he realized how hungry his son must be.

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“Son,” Mark said to Steve, “when we get out of here I’m going to treat you to your favorite meals.” Mark didn’t know if Steve could hear him through the fog he was under.

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Steve, his wife and kids were visiting Grandpa. Steve was so happy that his father was still alive to finally enjoy the grandkids he had always wanted. Steve and Mark were telling Rachelle all the good times they shared together as father and son as they watched Benjamin and Ashley being entertained by the magician Mark had hired to entertain his grandkids.

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“Ouch!” Steve suddenly said.

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“What’s wrong Dear?” Rachelle asked.

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“My ribs are hurting me.”

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“Son, I thought you were past that.”

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“What do you mean Mark?” Rachelle was curious that Mark didn’t seem to be too worried that Steve was in pain.

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“When Steve was younger I could swear that sometimes he would fake an injury or a pain of some kind just to be able to go into the hospital and be able to get to eat hospital food.”

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“I think he still does that Mark.” Rachelle said smiling as they continued to watch Benjamin and Ashley.

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“Where are we going to do this research at?” Captain Newman asked the question that Jesse, Dane Travis and himself had been wondering.

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“We certainly can’t do it anywhere that we know the impostor has been.”

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“Which is just about everywhere Dad.”

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“Wait what about your friend Amanda?”

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“She’s been on vacation…Oh no!” A disturbing thought crossed Jesse’s mind. Steve.. I mean the impostor drove Amanda and CJ to the airport. What if he hurt them?”

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“I wouldn’t be concerned son. Remember the impostor needed people to believe that he was the real Steve Sloan, and besides I believe your friend Amanda is capable of defending herself if need be.”

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“Yes you are right about that she can.”

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“Dr. Travis how long ago did Dr. Bentley leave?” asked Captain Newman.

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“Only a few days before Mark must have found out about the impostor why?”

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“Because if he took your friend to the airport he probably had to wait a little bit for her to get ready.”

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“How do you know that?”

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“Dr. Travis, I’ve been married for years. My wife is never ready on time.”

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“You think he might have doodled something while he was waiting that will give us a clue?”

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“It’s a hunch. Just remember when we get there to write everything down. If you must speak don’t let it appear that you are looking for clues.”

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“Steve darling it’s time to wake up.”

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“Dear can’t I sleep for a little while longer?”

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“No Honey, I’m sorry you have to wake up.”

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Steve opened his eyes slowly. “That’s it son,” Mark gave him encouragement you can do it.

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“Dad how come you’re here?”

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“I figured out there was an impostor pretending to be my son.. How do you feel Steve?”

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“I’m starving and my ribs are hurting me.”

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“I know you’re starving Steve. I’m sorry all there is a sandwich with stale bread and warm water to drink.”

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“Dad I don’t know how long I can take this!”

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“I know son. But if I’m right Jesse, his father, and Captain Newman are closing in to where we are.”

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Aaron was monitoring them. He was glad his friends had decided to get some sleep and allow him to listen in. He would use this knowledge to his advantage and not let his friends know. This way he could escape and let them take the heat.

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Jesse, Captain Newman, and Dane Travis arrived at Amanda’s house. Dane Travis expertly opened up the front door without letting any alarms go off. Then the three of them walked in and quietly looked around.

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Amanda’s house was sparkling. Nothing was out of place. This did not surprise Jesse who had been to his friend’s house numerous times. Captain Newman and his dad were surprised at how clean Dr. Bentley was able to keep her house. The only thing out of place was a couple of wadded up papers that had somehow missed the trash can. They quickly grabbed them quietly looked around for more clues and then left to examine the papers they found.

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Steve was so hungry but he could only eat half the stale sandwich. His thirst got to him and he managed to drink all of the warm water.

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“I promise you son when we get out of here I’m going to make it up to you. I’ll make sure all your favorite foods are served to you.”

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“Dad will we really get out of here?”

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“Yes son I know we will.”

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Captain Newman, Jesse and Dane Travis examined the wadded up papers. They found doodling that showed a picture of a cabin of some type. They also figured out how many miles Mark’s car must have been driven since he last bought gas. Taking out trips to the hospital and back to the beach house and various other trips that left them a range to search for the cabin that Mark and Steve were in.

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They rushed in Captain Newman’s car. Captain Newman went as fast as he could without turning on the sirens afraid that might alert the Sloans’ captures.

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Aaron saw the police car coming and quietly without waking his friends unlocked the door holding Steve and Mark prisoner and then he went to the side of the cabin to wait.

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Mark and Steve heard the door unlocking. “They’re letting us free it’s over!” Steve shouted for joy. No son wait! It’s a trap! But it was too late. Steve had made a mad dash out the door accidentally shutting the door on his dad as he exited.

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Just then Captain Newman and the Travis’ arrived. Captain Newman was in such a hurry that he hadn’t bothered to take the keys out of the ignition. Because of the trees they missed Steve’s exiting the cabin. They ran in as Mark was opening the door to the room they were held. Meanwhile Aaron’s friends were asleep. Aaron having giving them sleeping gas so they wouldn’t wake up and escape.

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“Mark I’m so glad to see you!”

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“Likewise Jess.”

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“Dr. Sloan where’s Steve?” asked Captain Newman.

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“He took off running when he heard the door opening.”

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Meanwhile Steve had run into Aaron.

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“Hi Steve I’m your twin brother Aaron.”

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“Hi Aaron!” Steve said excitedly.

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“Steve I need to go away for awhile can you help me?”

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“Sure I’d be glad to!” Steve was so glad to be able to help his brother. In the back of Steve’s head something kept telling him that he didn’t have a brother. “Of course I have a brother,” he told himself. “Why would Aaron tell me he was my brother if he wasn’t?”

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“Captain Newman left his keys in the ignition lets take his squad car.”

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“Ok!” Steve said jubilantly.

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-----

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They heard the sound of Captain Newman’s squad take off. They all dashed out of the cabin too late to stop Steve and Aaron.

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Captain Newman was miffed and not paying any attention to Mark as he tried to explain what had happened to his son. He called for a couple of police cars. Meanwhile they made sure Aaron’s friends couldn’t escape when they woke up. Captain Newman also ordered a lojack track of his squad car to find out where Steve and Aaron had gone to.

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Steve drove Aaron to the airport. “Steve thanks for helping me. I really appreciate it. I’m short of cash can you give me some?”

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Steve was more than willing to help his twin. Aaron was able to quickly get a ticket and board the airplane but first he reassured Steve that he would return sometime in the future.

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Steve smiled and waved as the plane carrying Aaron took off.

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-----

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They were able to trace where the captain’s car was. Jesse asked to be dropped off at Community General figuring he could be of more help there. Dane Travis remained with the prisoners as they were being booked.

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Just then his dad and Captain Newman found him. Captain Newman was about to give Steve the riot act.

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“Captain Newman stop! It’s not Steve’s fault. Mark explained again. He’s under the influence of a drug he was given.” This time Captain Newman listened to what Mark was telling him about his favorite detective.

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Steve thought a few minutes. “You mean I don’t have a brother?”

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“No son you don’t.”

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Steve let that run through his head for a few more minutes. “What about Rachelle, Benjamin, and Ashley?”

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“Who are you talking about Lieutenant?” asked Captain Newman.

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“Son I’m afraid they’re not real. Just imaginary people that your mind made up.”

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It was all Steve could do to not burst out crying that he didn’t have a brother, or a wife and kids.

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“Come on Son. Jesse’s waiting for you at the hospital. Lets get your ribs taking care of.”

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Captain Newman drove the Sloans to the hospital. Then he met with Dane Travis.

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While Mark waited for Jesse to finish his examination of Steve he went to the cafeteria and asked them to make a special order for his son. He also made sure there was a supply of sparkling clear water and ice for his son to drink.

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Having accomplished his tasks Mark was walking back to his son’s room to await word on how his son was doing after his ordeal. Mark knew that the psychological trauma of his son’s ordeal would take longer to heal.

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“Jesse thank you so much for all you did in finding my Dad and I.”

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“Steve you know you are like a brother to me, and there could only be one Steve Sloan, but to show your appreciation you can work my shifts at Bob’s for the whole year.” Jesse was not aware of the drug Steve had been exposed to. He too having been surprised at the sudden turn of events didn’t hear Mark try to explain at the cabin.

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“I’d be glad too Jesse.”

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Mark was almost near his son’s hospital room and heard the end of the conversation between his son and Jesse. “Jess may I have a word with you please?”

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Mark explained about the drug Steve was being influenced with. Jesse said he was sorry he was only having some fun with his best friend. Mark told him not to worry. He knew Jesse would never take advantage of his son.

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Mark went into greet his son. “Hello Steve. I’m keeping my promise I’ve ordered your favorite foods to be delivered to you. Someone in the cafeteria should be delivering them soon. I also made sure you are supplied with sparkling clear water.”

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Steve smiled at that soon he would be able to eat hospital food and drink nice, cold, water.

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Captain Newman and Dane Travis did all they could to try to find out where Aaron had gone too. Unfortunately after his plane had landed he had apparently used a bus to leave for another destination using more of Steve’s money that he had given him.

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Captain Newman and Dane Travis went to explain the situation to Mark and Steve. Somewhere out there Aaron was plotting his next move. Mark also asked how long Steve would be under the influence of the drug he had been given. Dane Travis told Mark that although it was not addictive there was also no antidote. The effects would wear off in time.

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Dane Travis then met with his son telling him goodbye he had to leave again and didn’t know when he would be able to visit again.

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Steve had devoured the food he had been given so fast it was like he hadn’t ate in weeks. Which Mark thought in dismay his son really hadn’t ate that well in weeks. Steve had also drank two pitchers of ice water with a request for more water and food to be sent to his room shortly.

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Before the food and water could arrive Steve fell asleep. “Mark why don’t you leave and get some rest?” Jesse quietly said.

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“No, Jesse. I want to be here when Steve wakes up. He needs me with him.”

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“Ok Mark I’m going to go on my rounds. Let me know if you need something or when he wakes up.”

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“I will thank you Jess.”

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Mark managed to close his eyes and get a little sleep. He was awoken soon after by his son talking in his sleep. He heard the names ‘Rachel, Benjamin, and Ashley’.

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Mark wished he could ease his son’s pain. He knew for quite some time that his son desired to have a wife and children. The drug intensified that desire allowing Steve’s mind to create a fantasy world where his dream was a reality.

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Several days had gone by and Jesse had declared Steve physically ok to be discharged. He would still need to be taken care of at home as he was still naïve to believe anything that people told him.

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Mark and Jesse decided that they would take turns with Steve’s shifts and get some more help at Bob’s. If, Steve worked there right now there was a chance that Steve could either give away free meals to all the customers who came in, which would severely cut into their profits, or he’d sell his part of BBQ Bob’s.

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Captain Newman also realized he couldn’t allow Steve to work as a police officer until he recovered. That was made apparent when the captain had arrived just in time before Steve was going to allow a prisoner to leave because his mother was sick. Captain Newman knew the prisoner was an orphan.

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So Steve was left with a lot of free time on his hands. He had used this time to think of what might have been if he had a wife and kids.

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To be continued in Part Two

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