JT's fingers flew over his phone as he quickly texted Aunt Jasmine.He didn't know much. Not just yet anyway. But they had something to go on and he wanted to make sure that his Aunt stopped worrying. "Brij, stay with Tom. The rest, saddle up."  He exited the room, eyes still on the screen.

He stopped outside for a brief moment. The chill in the saturated wind, raised the tiny hairs on his forearms. Closing his eyes, JT inhaled deeply. He loved the smell just before a downpour; a little like freshly tilled soil and recently cut grass combined with the promise of bloom. So fresh, so pure and so cleansing, it was hard not to love this smell.

Brij sat on a chair at the other end of the room and pulled out his phone. The others saddled up and roared away; kicking up gravel and dust as the tires whirled over the makeshift driveway. A half hour later, they kicked side-stands into place, balanced their rides, unhooked helmet straps and thundered into the reception in a single file, JT in the lead.

The reception for the hotel was simple; a large sparkling granite counter placed over a dark wooden table that connected both ends of the room. The wall behind was the same wood with mirror panels set between fancy molding. Two large slim vases sat next to a telephone, a computer and a sign-in register. JT walked up to the man behind the huge desk. He flashed his army ID and slammed a picture of Matilda on the counter.

"I believe she is staying here."

The receptionist eyed the picture and ID. "Yes Major. How can I help? Shall I call her room and find out if she's there?" he said lifting the receiver.

JT pressed down on the phone hook, effectively ending the call. "No need for that. Just point the way."

"Yes Major." He keyed the necessary details into the computer. "Room 412, up the stairs, to the left. Six doors down to your right" he said pointing in the direction of the narrow carpet covered staircase.

"Dev, stay in case she comes past here."

The remaining stampeded up the stairs; shifty eyes searching the numbers above the doors as they walked past.

Once at their destination, JT knocked softly, "Hospitality. We have a complimentary breakfast."

"Be with you in a minute" came the reply.

Clicks and clacks sounded as locks were slid out and the door chain slipped out of its counterpart.

"Oh!" Matilda said with her eyes narrowing. "You aren't hospitality."

"And you're a genius" JT said sarcastically, displaying his ID again. Matilda's eyes widened and she moved to shut the door. Having anticipated such a panicked response, he quickly slid his foot into the doorway. He pushed back with both arms and after a moment of pressure, he felt the tension give.

Matilda's feet slipped on the plain marble flooring and she fell backwards as JT shoved the door one last time. It flew open with such force, it slammed into the wall behind, cracking the plaster where the handle connected with the smooth surface.

 "Now was that really necessary?" he said, voice dripping with sarcasm. "It's not like you can hide anywhere".

Matilda glared at him from the floor. "Who are you and what do you want?"

"Runt, guard the door."

"You can't just barge in here. I'm calling security" she said, standing up.

"I wouldn't bother Matilda. They know we're here. Now where is Gwen?"

"Gwen, who?"

"Where is she?" JT crunched out through gritted teeth, his lips curling into a snarl.

"I don't know who you are talking about. Now leave." Matilda replied, one eyebrow raised as if to challenge the man standing before her.

"Fat chance of that happening. Aalam, search" JT growled, all the while wondering how such a puny thing managed to subdue Gwen. He hoped there were no surprises in store for them. Perhaps there was a third person involved? He hoped not. He was getting tired of all this adrenalin. Sure he considered himself an adrenalin junkie on occasion, but this situation was different. This wasn't the pleasant soaring through the sky, or pushing one's limits kind of adrenalin. He wanted to find Gwen and make sure that she was alright. He wanted things back to normal, the no fuss, no stress and no tantrum kind of normal. What he wouldn't give to turn back time and put himself back in that peaceful moment on the bench in front of that dying bonfire with the dimming night sky and Gwen's caress.

She fidgeted nervously and he paced watching her like a hawk, while they waited for Aalam.

"Nothing, she's not here."

"Where the fuck is she?" JT stalked up to Matilda. He wouldn't hit a girl, no. But he had no qualms about scaring this one. To make an impression, he kicked the small side table, sending its contents flying.

Matilda took a few steps back in an attempt to empty her personal space of the very angry man. Never had she imagined that she would find herself in such a situation. Tom had said this would be the easiest part. Just get Gwen to the room, have her drink tea with valium mixed in it. Let her sleep it off while Tom finished his business. He had assured her that he would return before Gwen awoke and he would handle things from there. Now, Tom had disappeared without a message and she was faced with a charged situation she didn't know how to handle. She should have known better before getting involved with the likes of Tom. But she had no choice, did she?

She was tired. It had been a long week. Emotionally and physically drained, Matilda's courage waned. She closed her eyes, wrapped her arms around herself and sat down on the closest chair. "Please" she whispered, "I cannot tell you."

To say that the change in her demeanor had surprised JT, would be an understatement. He expected her to deny being part of this till they had no choice but to leave and explore other avenues. It's not like they had any proof of her involvement. His stance softened, just a smudge. "Yes you can." He said with gentleness in his voice. Then, he threw her a bone. "Unless you want to end up like Tom."

"You have him?"

Was that hope in her voice? It couldn't be, could it? If she was working with him, she couldn't be relieved to hear that he's in custody, legal or otherwise.

"Yes."

"Oh thank God." she whispered, tears spilling.

Confusion and uncertainty enveloped the two men and they exchanged glances. Aalam shrugged, unable to explain this change either.

"She's in the next room." She said holding out the keys.

"Watch her" JT said as he ran out.