Random meeting and blood~Nick~

[Nitya Demont]

Titus and Hammil were at first a little lost on what to do. The area they had run towards didn't leave much for the imagination to play with. Fortunately, they managed to find a length of rope near the shed close to the place that Nick had run towards. They watched as Nick ran off across to the next yard. Immediately, they set up a line; the pks were not close enough to see them yet, and they had the buildings for cover. Then they tried to leave some prints going in the opposite direction that Nick had. Finally, they ran back into the woods and circles to try and find Nick again.

The young woman felt a huge surge of adrenaline go through her. While she was a little unsure of herself since it was her first real assignment, she was excited to finally be doing something. What she hadn't expected was to run right into the person they had been chasing. She had avoided the line that Hammil and Titus had set up by going around the other way which was away from the rest. She was so caught by surprise that at first she didn't even yell. She hadn't expected to find him that quickly.

Of course, he took off the moment he'd seen her. Immediately she called out to the others just as she heard a loud noise as somebody fell. over. At least one of the pks had fallen over Titus and Hammil's trap. Meanwhile, the brothers were up close to Nick ad getting ready to do more.

"We need to get back to four or something quick," Hammil said.


--
When my parents open the door, I feel a huge surge of relief run through me. I'm so happy to be back here. Tears spring to my eyes, and I'm sure that if they were not holding me in their arms, I would've fallen down to my knees. For a moment, all I can do is stand there and let them hold me. Finally, I'm able to find my voice though it is barely audible.

"A guy from the coast guard caught me when I left the house. He took me to the peacekeepers, and they asked me questions." She took a deep breath before continuing on. "I just got away; I had to sign a statement. But...they revoked Gaius' license though I think. I'm not sure if they ripped those papers up or not." I don't want to say too much though I'm sure a few things are pretty obvious. One, I'm still pretty shaken up, and two...I'm fairly certain taht I still have a hand mark on my face.

"Where are the others?" I ask.

[Jack Lexington]

I can't describe the fear that fuels me when I see that peace keeper standing over me. Instantly I struggle out of the bush and make a run for it. Behind me I can hear her call for back up.
Then her footsteps tell me she's following me. If only I could run faster but my batteries are incredibly low after only one week of recovery and spending the whole day hiding, running and climbing. My knees feel weak as I force myself to keep sprinting but this has to be the slowest sprint I've ever done and I constantly have to press my hand against that healing wound on my side to keep the pain down.

The bushes I run through scratch my hands and my face but I don't care I just want to get away from the peace keeper with her weapons, which I'm not sure why she's not using them. Then suddenly I find myself in front of an obstacle. A 2 meter high fence that protects this end of the property. Terrified I whirl around to stare back at the woman, who is coming after me.
She's still a few steps away from me so I turn and push through the greenery that has been planted along the fence while my breath is rapid and pulse at a max.

--

Both parents wrapped their arms around their daughter in relief when she was back home just to shudder at her explanation where she was.
While her mother had tears in her eyes and wouldn't let go of her baby any more, her dad got angry. "That's it. You've been risking enough for this guy! This is going way too far!"
Just then her other brother entered, who had been listening in to the conversation and also hugged Nitya. "I'm glad you're...okay." He studdered as he saw the red mark on her face.
"Those pigs."

"Don't talk like that." His mother immediately scolds him with a weary look around.

Nobody can tell her where the others are until her parents retreat and Gaius whispers. "Hammil and Titus went up north to one of the small fishing communities to create a diversion from you. They wanted to get the pks attention away from you. Damn." His face almost looks as if he was in pain. "We have to tell them that you're already free before they do something."

[Nitya Demont]

The brothers knew that Nick was not going to be able to make his way back towards the coast at this rate. They saw the fence and knew that they would need to pull him over or smash into a weak point on it. Obviously, the latter was going to need to be out. That would cause way too much noise. They were lucky that thus far there was just one peacekeeper that was anywhere near them.

The brothers split up. Hammil went for the female peacekeeper to try and distract her while Titus went after Nick. When he reached the fence, Titus quickly assessed the area. There seemed to be a few pieces of greenery that would hold a person, and it appeared that there were two weak points in the fence as well. He wished there was a gate of some sort, but it didn't seem that there was going to be one. "Nick?" he whispered urgently. "Can you hear me?"

Meanwhile, Hammil was trying to figure out the best way to distract the woman. Nick was clearly in her sights, and since they were after him, it didn't seem likely that much would distract her. As much as he wasn't wild about the idea, he decided he'd need to be seen or he'd need to try and start a fire in the brush.

--
Honestly, I had been expecting this reaction. Though I knew he wouldn't turn Nick in, I knew that it would also be harder to convince him that things were going to turn out alright. He wouldn't want me near Nick again for a while if ever. I had to sigh at the thought of the fights that were sure to follow this.

When Gaius came in, I practically threw myself on him. It was so wonderful to see him, and he didn't appear upset or anything, so it seemed that all was well with him. However, the happiness I feel drains when I hear where the others have gone. This is too much, and for the second time in my life I pass out on the floor.

It doesn't take me too long to come around, and Titus is over me with a worried expression. "Sorry," I say. "It's just been quite a day. Let's go get them."

[Jack Lexington]

I'm way too busy pushing through the prickly, thorny, leafless bushes that block the way along the fence. My heart is beating so hard I can hear it in my ears. It's a worrying sound. I give it all because I know that I HAVE to get away from this woman. If she gets her hands on me my fate will be terrible. No more freedom, no more ocean and sunshine, no more love.
My feet stagger forward but one gets caught on a root that sends my spiraling to the ground. How unfortunate. My face hits the frozen dirt with a thud and a second later I rool onto my back to at least see her coming.
From somewhere I can hear a voice but don't have time to figure out who it is or where exactly because then I see her towering above me. What now? I only know one thing for sure. I will not give up without a fight. Even if that means hitting a woman in this case.

--
Just when Gaius told her the news Nitya's eyes rolled into her scull and a moment later she hit the floor.
"Nitya!" He exclaimed and was right by her side picking her head up and caressing her hair.
It only took a few seconds until she came around but those moments were incredibly scary.
Typical for her, she wants to get right up and get back in the mix but her brother holds her down. "Sis, you're going nowhere. You just scared the crap out of me. Don't you ever do that again." He frowned deeply and then kissed her on the forehead.
"Take a moment while I think of a way to do this. Then I'll go!"

[Nitya Demont]

This wasn't good. Nick wasn't responding. There was no way that he was going to be able to help him before the pk was on him, so he had no choice but to go find his brother. The two of them would think of something; they were not going to let Nick, or worse their sister, down. It didn't take long for him to find Hammil. He was busy gathering stuff to make a stir.

"What are you doing here?" he asked.
"I couldn't get to Nick in time. I'm pretty sure that he got caught. I heard a thump. We're going to have to break him out or he's doing to end up who knows where."
Hammil nodded and the two started coming up with an idea.

Meanwhile, the woman peacekeeper had indeed caught Nick. The moment he tripped, she was on him. It was hard to believe that on her first real assignment she'd actually managed to catch the person they were chasing. Now, she stood towering above him. She remembered what the others had said about not shooting him, so instead she punched him as hard as she could in the face and for good measure aimed the butt of her gun at his head and brought her arm back to hit him. She didn't want to take any chances with this one.

--
I look at Gaius with a determined look in my eye. "Gai, I understand you're worried. I'm fine though, and whether you like it or not I am going to help. I can't just stay here while my brothers and Nick are out risking their lives." I reach up and touch his cheek gently. "You've always been so worried about everyone else, but I can handle this. Let me help all of you."

Honestly, I want to help. More than that, I just can't stand the thought of sitting at home to wait to hear whether or not they made it safely. I love all of them too much for that.

[Jack Lexington]

The moment her face appears above me my heart is racing like crazy and I know I'm done for. She holds a gun and I'm unarmed. What more does anybody need to know. In desperation I try to scramble away backwards but her fist hits me so hard on my cheek I didn't even know women can do that. \my head whirls around uncontrollably but I'm still trying to get away as long as she's not making use of her weapon. Unfortunately she does a second later even if it's in an unconventional way. The butt of the gun connects with my forehead and splits the skin on my eyebrow. Not only does my head snap back against the bark of a tree but also does blood run into my eye and cloud my vision instantly. I can't see anything but red and feel the immense pain in my skull. It takes at least a minute for me to get my orientation back and press my hand against my bleeding brow but as soon as it's there it already gets twisted onto my back together with the other one.
My only chance now it to play dumb. "What the hell are you doing? Why are you arresting me? I live here! Get your hands off me."
Hopefully she doesn't know my face for sure since the picture on the poster was a couple years old.
My voice is loud enough for the brothers to hear who were nearby a moment ago.

--
Of course Gaius is anything but happy because of his sisters stubbornness but he also knows that she won't back down and she's already risked her life for the wanderer. If anybody can find him it'll be her.
"Under one condition, sis. If you feel like passing out again, give me a heads up."
With that he walks out of the room and to a small storage area to retrieve a harpoon and two fishing knifes, which he shoves in his belt.
Pulling on a head, scarp and long black sweater he nodded. "Let's go get your boy back."

[Nitya Demont]

The woman was a little surprised at how hard she actually hit him, but it was probably for the best. It would've been bad if she'd hit him so lightly that he was able to get away. Besides, it's only a little blood right? Still, she decided that it would probably be best if she didn't hit him again unless it was necessary. They didn't want to cause too much damage before they made an example of him.

She stood over him for a moment and then put the cuffs on. So far this had been a pretty good first day. Of course, as soon as he felt the cuffs, the guy started to ask what she was doing. He claimed to live here, but she knew better than to just let someone go because of something they said particularly when it was someone suspected of being such a high profile case like this one.

"Don't try those lies with me. You were recognized by your wanted poster. You are not from here, so why don't you just shut your mouth."

Then, she started dragging him. She wasn't sure where the rest of the pks were, but she knew that she needed to get him back to headquarters as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, the brothers were trailing at a distance. They had heard Nick and were now waiting for the two to come into view. Then, they would start their distraction. Hopefully they would be able to get Nick away.

--
I make a face but nod my head. "Alright, I will. But you don't go babying me just because you think I might." I know Gaius will probably be keeping an eye on me the whole way, but at least I' not getting any more arguments out of him.

As he gathers up some things, so do I. I grab a spear, some knives and a little bit of rope. I make sure none of them could be traced back to our family just in case. Then, I put on a very bulky sweater and a hat. Then, I follow after him.

"So what is the plan?"

[Jack Lexington]

The peace keeper doesn't believe my lie for one second, which is unfortunate because I have no choice. I cannot wait for the brothers to create a diversion especially now because I'm feeling they might have gotten cold feet. So I have no other choice than to try an free myself from the woman's grip who is now forcing me to my feet with my hands tied behind my back.
Taking a deep breath I briefly mutter. "Sorry." and then stop so her next step will bring her right behind me. Then I knock my head back as hard as I can and try to knock her out. I can feel the back of my head connecting with hers but it's not as hard as I was hoping. It's enough for her to ease her grip on my arm and give me a chance to make a run for it. So I stumble forward and hopefully far enough away from her, her clubs and guns to get out of reach.
Her voice rings loud and clear when she's calling for help.

--
"The plan is to get up there and tell them that you're free before they do anything stupid." Gaius informs his sister because he is unaware that it's already to late for that. "C'mon, hurry up. We'll take Hamills boat. It's small but fast."
With his hand in hers he makes his way away from their home and towards the dock where they can find all the family's ships and boats except for the one that the brothers took and one that's in the dock for repairs.
Quickly Gaius is hoisting the sail enough for the next gust of wind to catch it.

[Nitya Demont]

The peace keeper had not expected him to come easily, but she hadn't expected this. When his head hit hers, her grip loosened, and her hand went to her head immediately. Lights swam in front of her vision, and for a moment she forgot where she was and what she was doing. However, that sensation quickly left her. Immediately she took off again after the captive. He wouldn't get far with those cuffs, and she was quick. In fact, she could easily spot him. As long as she could get close enough, all she would need was her club. Shooting him was still out, but if it came down to it, she could take him down with a quick shot to the knee.

She called for back up though she still had no idea where the others had gone. Though she felt confident about catching him, she still thought it best to call. If he got away again, they would all be in serious trouble but especially her for allowing him to get away once she had already caught him.

Meanwhile, the brothers knew that their time was running short. They had not counted on this area not having much to work with, and being separated this quickly and this long from Nick definitely had not been in the grand scheme of things. They hoped he did not think he'd been abandoned. Come hell or high water, they would get him back; they just hoped that he believed in and trusted them still. At least he should trust them since getting him back would be the best for their sister. Of course, they had also taken a bit of a liking to him.

"Think we have enough time?"
"It's hard to say."


--
Nitya almost pushed her brother over for his remark, but she figured he was being serious. There was no real need for a plan as long as they made it to the others before things got bad. She felt extremely guilty; this was her fault. If she hadn't been caught, this would not have happened.

"Alright," she responded. It seemed like they made it quickly, but even that seemed a long time. With each second that passed, more trouble could be finding its way to the others. The boat was soon sailing, and Nitya tried to relax a little. She knew that dumb mistakes could be made if she was too tightly wound. Thinking positive was the only way to do this now.

Soon they made it to their destination. The only question was, where would they find them? They were not familiar with the area, and who knows where the others had gotten by now?

[Jack Lexington]

I don't look back for a second to see what damage I have done but pick up my feet and run as fast as I can on the uneven terrain. Soon I can hear her footsteps and calls for help from the other peace keepers. Fear is fueling my sprint. For now I run like I've never been injured because my life might depend on it and I can lick my wounds later. If I don't make it now nothing matters anymore anyway. My heart sounds like a fast loud drumbeat in my ears when I jump across a few small bushes and stumble forward when my foot gets caught on one. If I fall right now I'll land flat on my face but just before I do I catch myself and keep running. Unfortunately the woman is much faster than I anticipated...or am I slower?
Just when I realize I need to gain more ground I have to sneak around the next house because the fence won't allow me to run any further in that direction. Quickly I squeeze through the small gap along the side of the home's wooden side panels. Then I step into the front yard and freeze because my eyes fall onto a group of peace keepers on the street who have heard the calls.
A jolt of fear almost paralyzes me. Then the woman's sounds behind me urge me to keep moving so I do the only thing i can right now. I smash the side window, which is closest to me, with my elbow and throw myself into the bedroom on this side. Landing in a heap of broken glass on the floor I can feel small pieces cutting through my jacket and into the skin on the side of my face. Yet I have no time to loose, struggle back to my feet and burst through the door into the hallway from where I turn towards the stairs. Have I just made a very bad turn and found my very own trap?

--
Gaius tied up the boat and stepped off board. Then he briefly stood and listened for a moment and let his eyes search the area. "Let's walk up the main road and ask somebody."
All the time on the boat he had watched his sisters expressions so why they were walking up the hill he asked. "What's so special about this guy? Why are you risking your freedom for him?" Gaius had sympathy but that was where it ended for him. The only reason he was in this was for his stubborn little sister.

Before they had a chance to ask somebody both siblings could hear the sirens in town.

[Nitya Demont]

She had to give it to him. The guy was very fast, but adrenaline was probably fueling him and giving him that aid. It's amazing how quickly and easily he can move even with restraint and with wounds. In fact, he didn't act wounded at all. Perhaps their intelligence had been wrong about that. Whatever was happening, at least she had managed to stay up with him.

Just when she though that she almost had him, he managed to squeeze through a gap in the fence. It took her a little longer to make it through because of what she was wearing and carrying. Thankfully, she noticed a group of peacekeepers and renewed her calls for back up. It wouldn't take them long to start moving now.

The peacekeepers heard her calls and immediately started to make a circle around the area the calls were coming from. It didn't take them long to narrow down which house it was that housed the fugitive. One peacekeeper went to the door and smashed it down quite easily. His eyes landed on the quarry, and an evil grin spread slowly across his face. "Well what do we have here?" he asked as he advanced with his gun pointed at Nick.

--
"Sounds good," Nitya replied. She was a little nervous about other people seeing them, but they didn't really look like themselves. Plus, they were in an area where nobody knew them. Of course, that could be a bad thing as well. Still, they desperately needed to find the others.

She thought their journey might be in silence as there was a lot to think about, but she should've known better. Gaius was Gaius after all, and these questions were ones that were definitely understandable. "It's hard to explain. I guess one of the reasons is that he's taken such good care of me. I mean, the first time we met, I hurt myself, and he tended to me. After that, he watched out for me when I got hurt again. That's not something that most people would do." For a moment she paused before continuing. "He's just one of those people I know is good. He'd do the same if it were me, and honestly I don't know what I'd do without him now. He's special."

Honestly, she didn't expect her brother to understand. Yes, he had been in love before, but this went against all the rules of the districts. She hoped that he would trust her on this though. Nick was worth saving. Her thoughts were interrupted by the sirens, and immediately she got a sinking feeling. "You don't suppose that's for something else, do you?" she asked knowing full well that it was probably for Nick, Hammil, and Titus.


Before they had a chance to ask somebody both siblings could hear the sirens in town.

[Jack Lexington]

I'm not even all the way up the stairs when I hear the loud holler on the bottom of the stairs. "Well what do we have here?" Quickly I shoot a look across my shoulder down at the peace keeper in his brilliant white uniform, just like the lady before, but his face is much older and the look in his eyes deadly. So is the weapon in his hand. He's probably just waiting for me to make another move so he can pull that trigger and end the chase that has kept them busy for a while now. Just from that one look I can tell he's not going to keep running after me like his much younger colleague did.
I freeze. My heart is pounding so hard I'm afraid it might explode. If I stay like this they'll put me into the detention center and then maybe execute me. But if I move he will most likely shoot me on the spot.
The choice is tough but has to be made so I don't climb any more steps but turn around with a grim expression. This is it. They've caught me and Nityas brothers can do nothing about it.
I can feel my breath slowing down but fear rising in my chest as I watch the group of peace keepers make their way up the stairs towards me. My knees suddenly feel like rubber and make me worry that they might give out and send me spiraling down the stairs.
All my hopes are sinking withing this one moment when they reach for my arms and press the cold steel of the gun to the side of my neck.
"It's over."
I know.

--
From one second to the next the sirens stop and make Gaius stop dead in his tracks. In front of them a crowd has gathered who is curious to see what is happening. Nothing ever happens in this little fishing town and suddenly a whole batch of peace keepers, which some of the old fishermen have only seen on TV so far, spreads out to capture somebody.

When Gaius takes his sister by the hand and pulls her through the ring of people he merges with the crowd to get a look at what exactly is happening even though he has a good idea. His only hope is that it won't be his brothers who are getting dragged from the building.

The door of the old home gets pushed open. Two white keepers emerge with guns in their hands, than two more who are holding a man in ragged clothes and lowered gaze in their middle.
For a moment they stop and let the crowd know what is happening. "You can sleep soundly again. We have caught the wanderer, who has been making your district unsafe. There's no more need for all you good people to worry anymore. Go home now."

[Nitya Demont]

The peacekeeper watched as the fugitive turned. They had him, and what was more, this guy new that they had him. All that running, all the distractions, and it had been useless. In the end, they had caught him, and there was nothing and nobody that would stop them from doing their job. This one was going to have an example made out of him.

He presses the gun to the guy's neck, and tells him it is over. Then, none to gently, he starts to pull him from the house. The other peacekeepers have their guns fixed onto the boy, and they are ready to do whatever they have to. After all, they can remove bullets.

The crowd outside is large, and honestly the keeper is glad that they are there. They can witness what will happen should they ever try to hop borders. It is perfect. Fear was a wonderful thing. As the crowd began to disperse, the peacekeeper leaned in. "How does it feel knowing that your life is over?" he asked without expecting an answer. Then, they began to drag him again.

--
I don't know what to do. Gaius grabs hold of my hand, and we go through the crowd. Then, we stand and watch. I feel as though my heart is about to pop from my chest, and I am barely able to breathe. It's too much to hope that it isn't who I think it is coming from that house. If it is, I don't know what we'll do. If it isn't, we'll have to tread lightly so as not to call more attention to where there are already peacekeepers.

In a moment, my world is spinning out of control. It's Nick. It takes all my control not to topple over, but I manage to stay standing with my eyes fixed on him. Then, they search for my brothers, but they do not come from the house. My heart sinks. If they aren't being brought out, then where are they? Surely they wouldn't have shot them. It would mean more to make an example, but if they aren't with Nick as Gaius said they were, then will we have two bodies to find and bring back to our parents?

What about Nick? I can't leave him to the mercy of these people. He would and had done something to help me, and I was going to return the favor. I needed him, and I would not fail. Right now, we needed a plan, and we needed to find my brothers. I would never be able to forgive myself if something happened to them.

"Gaius...where are Hammil and Titus? You don't think they are in that house....dead?" I choke out.

[Jack Lexington]

How could he ask me this question? At a moment in time when the efforts and hardships of weeks have resulted in the worst moment of my life, that I always feared but knew it would come. This man asks me how it felt to know my life was over. I want to smack my forehead into him, hurt him, yell at him for hatred but all I say is "How does it feel to know your ending an innocent mans life?". Then he pushes me out in the open where a crowd has gathered. I don't want to see them and the look in their eyes while they are being told that they can sleep soundly again, now that the peace keepers have me. What have I ever done to anybody in district 4? How did I ever hurt anybody? I've lived a good life here and even before that nobody had a reason not to sleep well because of me. I'm not what they're making me out to be. Yet I don't dare to look up at those people, look them in the eye and walk out of here without humiliation.
What does it matter now anyway? They have me and they will do whatever they think is an apt punishment. Instantly I fear the worst. Execution, public torture...Unsteady steps lead me toward their vehicle.
For some reason I throw a quick glance at the gathered crowd and I spot her. Nitya. She's here. Little wheels starts spinning as I stare in disbelieve. If she's here now was she free before I even started this stupidity? Did I do this for nothing?
Our eyes meet for a brief moment and my confusion changes to affirmation. All I want to do is let her know what I feel so I mouth. "I love you." A second later a peace keeper whacks me over the back of my head and yells. "What are you looking at, Travis? Keep moving."
They pull me forward on my arms and make the cuffs cut into the skin on my hands.
My knees buckle at one step but they have a good, hard grip on me now. I'm not even sure why I suddenly feel so weak...at least not until I notice the warm, soggy feeling on my right side.

Two more people are feeling incredibly anxious and desperate right now. Hammil and Titus who are hiding behind a nearby bush and witnessing the event. "We have to do something. C'mon." Titus stands up but his brother grabs his arm and yanks him back. "Are you crazy? They are more than us and have weapons. What do you want to do?"
Desperately Hammil runs his fingers through his pitch black hair and shakes his head. "I don't know but we gave him our...there are Nitya and Gaius."
He points them out and instantly immitates a black birds call hoping his sister would recognise it.

[Nitya Demont]

At the smart alec comment, one of the guards smacked the captive with his gun. It wasn't too hard just hard enough. "Oops," he said without a hint of feeling in his voice. This guy had been so much of a problem for them. He didn't much care whether or not the guy came in completely unharmed or not. What difference would it make? They were going to kill him anyway, so what did it matter? He was just another face.

After the incident with Travis looking at something in the crowd, the peace keeper took a look to see where the man might have been staring. However, the crowd was dispersing, and there were just faces. Nobody looked as though they might have a connection to him at all. There was no telling why these captives did what they did; most just cared about staying alive.

As they pulled him along, one thing became clear. The guy was not in good shape. The peacekeepers exchanged looks. One of the ones closest to Travis examined and noted the blood on his side. Was that from the chase or was that part of the wound he had been reported as having? It didn't matter much. They'd get him fixed up, but it was probably best if they hurried along a little. There would be trouble if this guy died on the way to the detention center.

Quickly, the pulled him roughly along until they came within sight of the building. "Well, say hello to your new home...at least for a little while," one of them said pushing him towards the place.
----------------------

I watched them bring him out, and for a moment my hand squeezed my brother's tightly. However, I quickly released. After all, what good would that do. Still my eyes were fixed on Nick. Then, I saw him look into the crowd, and then I realized he was looking at me. How was it possible that he had managed to spy me out of all these people? I didn't move; I simply looked at him trying to communicate that we were going to help. Then, he mouthed the words 'I love you'. My heart ached, and I mouthed the words back to him. I had never realized how true those words were. I did. I loved him.

When he was gone, I didn't know what to do. For a moment I could only stare and then turn slowly to Gaius. "Well, we have to find the others." The words had barely come from my mouth when I heard calls on the air. At first I dismissed them as birds calling somewhere in the small wooded area that surrounded the town. However, they persisted beyond the time I thought they should. That was when a memory clicked in my mind. Those were the same calls that we had used as children to communicate back when we took all sorts of chances.

"Gaius, Titus and Hammil are over in the wooded area. Those calls...remember?" Without waiting for an answer, I started to make my way to the woods. I couldn't believe it. My brothers...they were alright. I wanted to run to them, hug them, but I didn't want to cause attention to come to us. If we were going to save Nick, we would need to be sneaky.