Once I knew that I was being taken seriously in my concerns and that Victor was working on tracking Doyle's movements to see if there was any suspicious activity, I was able to relax a little and work with Phil and Sean to finalise the plan of Alexandria's death. After a little back and forth we decided on Mackenzie Rose. I had spent years with Phil's last name so now that I had to change names entirely, it made sense to me to incorporate Mrs Rose somehow. After all, she saved me just as much as Phil did.

It didn't take long to hash out the rest of the plan. Phil reached out to one of his off the books contacts, reserved strictly for the most dire of emergencies to arrange a full set of identification for me, as well as the paperwork that is needed when someone dies. From there, we decided that Phil would drop off one of my go bags with a set of scrubs, a hospital ID and a wig in it.

The plan was to fake my death overnight, during a shift-change, while there was a minimal number of staff. We would tamper with the heart monitor, and trick it into giving a false reading. Phil will be nearby at the time and will rush in to assist. I will also be there, in my scrubs and wig, offering assistance to Phil. Since my bed is currently in the ICU, we planned on using the cover of infectious disease to have the pillows and blankets that are shaped like a body inside a body bag incinerated as soon as possible.

Sean left the room shortly after we had the plans finalised to finish his rounds. Phil and I continued to talk for some time. It was mostly insignificant things. He asked how I found the time I had spent working with the aquarium, even though my visits had been infrequent. He knew that I loved all animals, sea, land and air, and that I had selfish reasons for taking the mission he placed me in with the Toma team. Despite his questions, I knew he was holding something back.

"How about you ask the real question that is on your mind Phil".

"I don't know what you're talking about", he claimed, fishing into his pocket for a fresh packet of his favourite candies.

"Uncle Phil, I have known you long enough to know when you are holding back. Spill it", I demanded.

"How do you feel about the Toma team? You have spent so much time together lately, what with everything that has been happening. I was wondering your opinion on them. We haven't had a chance to talk, just the two of us, since your mission started so I am wanting an update."

"Okay, Phil, I am pretty sure that your quote unquote mission to have me placed with the Toma team so I can assess them for suitability to remain with the Academy was all a front. You and I both know that they just need a cause they all want to fight for to bring them together." Phil feigned shock before looking slightly ashamed.

"Well, can you blame me? You were spending all your time on your own, working on Academy information. Whether it's the latest group of recruits that needed vetting, or a legal squabble that needed resolving. You take no time for you. I am worried about you Andy", he paused and took a deep breath before continuing. "Kenzie. I should get used to calling you that now. What's going to happen when Mrs Rose and I are no longer around? I had to make sure you at least had some friends to be there for you. Besides, from where I stand, it looks like they've found their cause. "

I completely understood what Phil was saying, but I was disappointed he didn't think he could just talk to me about it. It didn't help that he was standing there looking incredibly smug at the fact that my identity being compromised seemed to be enough to get them to work together as a team again.

"Aside from being disappointed by the fact that you didn't just talk to me about your concerns, I understand. I do like them Phil. I would prefer to get to know them better before I pass further judgement. With everything going on, I can't really give you more than that."

Phil mulled over my answer for a moment before nodding his acceptance. While waiting for him to collect his thoughts I got myself another glass of iced water. Talking out loud had caused the discomfort and irritation, something I was going to have to get used to for the time being, if the information I was given on the damage done was anything to go by.

"Well then, on to less pleasant topics then", Phil mused. "Your apartment is destroyed. We couldn't retrieve anything. I am so sorry. We are working out temporary accommodation for you and you are always welcome to stay with Mrs Rose and I."

"That asshole! Tell me the rest of the unit block was evacuated safely! Tell me they aren't without their homes because of my poor dating choices." I suddenly felt incredibly guilty and responsible for any of the people that had been put out by my ex boyfriend.

Phil chuckled. He knew what I was like, always worrying about others before myself. "No dear, no one else was affected by the fire. They were able to get to the fire and put it out before it spread too far. Your neighbours are fine."

Phil and I were interrupted by a knock on the door. I looked up and smiled at my visitor. "Hi Gabe," I whispered as loud as I was able.

"I will see you later sweet pea," Phil said, kissing my forehead before walking toward the door. "Gabe," he said by way of greeting, before holding out his bag of candy to offer him a piece.

Gabe took the offered candy and thanked Phil before walking further into the room, carrying a duffle bag. I couldn't help but give him a suspicious look. If I was right, he'd been shopping already and it wouldn't have been with my account. I made a mental note for an anonymous donation to be made to his art studio and the work he does with local youth, giving them a safe outlet while teaching them a skill to help express themselves in a way that won't end up being destructive to them.

"Oy, don't look at me like that. You're possibly even more trouble than my trouble is. Let's avoid more situations like that, okay? You know we've all grown to see you as a member of our extended family. Heck, aside from Jess, you're the closest thing we all have to a sister! You scared the crap out of us all!"

I could see Gabe fighting off his emotions for my sake and I was relieved. I already felt incredibly guilty for what I had put Phil and Mrs Rose through, not to mention the guys, what with having to swoop in and save me. I considered his team to be family. They saved my life and helped me get back on track after James derailed it the first time.

"Alright!" He exclaimed, clapping his hands together. "I figured these shitty hospital gowns would be annoying you - if they aren't, they should be! I decided to bring you some clothes. Mostly tights, yoga pants and oversized sweaters and t-shirts. I figured they were probably going to be most comfortable for now. If I catch you wearing them out in public after you get home, I will get Nathan to kick your ass."

I didn't mean to, but I laughed at his threat. I knew he was serious; it was just so funny to watch him fuming like that over wearing the tights or oversized clothes out in public. He brushed off my laughter and said he will let me get away with it this time, since I was injured, but next time he would find a way to make me pay. I smiled as sweetly as I could and told him I would be on my best behaviour and that I appreciated his bringing me some fresh clothing.

We talked for a little while longer before Gabe told me there was a new shampoo and conditioner, body wash and toiletries in the bag for me. He left shortly after, making me promise to come over for dinner with them all some time soon.

After Gabe left I decided to get up and take a shower. Sean had removed my tubes earlier and while he recommended continuing to use the nasal cannula, he did say I was able to go without for short periods of time. That was more than enough for me to know I could have a decent shower, to scrub away the ash and smoke from the fire. I wandered to the end of my bed and grabbed the duffle bag Gabe had left there.

The promised toiletries were in a small bag on top. Opening one of the shampoo bottles, my nose was met with a beautiful combination of coconut and lime. I sighed at how amazing the mixture smelt, closing my eyes. For a moment it let me forget where I was and what had been happening around me. I recapped the bottle and popped the bag to the side as I resumed looking through the clothes he had packed for me. Gabe always was a master shopper.

I decided on a pair of black leggings, a black singlet top and an oversized grey sweater. Just by holding it up, I knew when I put it on the sweater would hang near my knees, keeping the outfit relatively modest and avoiding the fashion faux pa of leggings as pants. It was loose enough that it wasn't going to bother my neck either. I noticed, tucked in the far end of the bag, Gabe had also included a set of towels for me to use. I knew how much he hated hospital linens and towels and was grateful I wouldn't have to use the scratchy towels supplied by the hospital. They were in the process of replacing them all, but it was slow going.

I made sure my room door was closed before going into the bathroom with my toiletries, towels and fresh clothes and locking the door. My entire body ached as stripped down, suddenly grateful for the ugly, uncomfortable hospital gown. Once I was free of the gown, I balled it up and put it into the trashcan, not wanting to look at it any longer, before turning on the shower. It felt like an eternity before the water finally heated enough for me to be able to hop in and wash the day away.

I relished in the feeling of being clean as I scrubbed my hair and body, taking special care across the bruised areas on my hip, ribs, neck and face. I hadn't looked in a mirror yet, deliberately avoiding the one in the bathroom as I walked in. I was afraid of the damage I was going to see. I decided to give my hair another scrub before I got out, partly to be sure all of the smoke and ash residue was gone, partly because Gabe's product not only smelt amazing, but they left my hair feeling amazing and I really needed that right now. Any little thing I could do to help improve how I was feeling, even if it was only superficial.

After I dried off, I decided to face the music and wiped the condensation from the mirror before wrapping my hair in another towel. I took a deep breath to try and settle my nerves before I turned to face the mirror. To say I was shocked at what I saw would be an understatement. It was only a matter of seconds after seeing the handprint bruising around my neck that I broke down in tears. I dressed quickly as I tried to pull myself together. I knew I wasn't going to be able to hide the bruising with makeup and couldn't help feeling slightly defeated by that.

Walking back into my room I found a new tablet and phone sitting on the end of my bed, along with a note from Phil, telling me to use them wisely. He knew I would, I always did, but I understood he meant this time I should avoid anything personal at all, to avoid leaving any electronic footprints for anyone to trace. I set the phone aside and powered up the tablet while getting comfortable on the small lounge in my room and replacing the cannula. I flipped my hair over and began the process of drying it while running through the initial set up on the tablet. Once the setup was done, I began searching for a new apartment. Knowing my old one had been violated; I had no desire to go back there, even after they repaired the damage.