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He didn’t need the computer printout He could see the plantation clearly in hisat hial told him that one of the team members had a history with the family and the plantation That’s not a problem for you in any way, is it, Jake?"

"No," Jake said

Jackson was still staring at him

"No," he repeated quietly "Our families are old friends, that’s all But I haven’t been out there in ages," he explained "Ashley Donegal and I spent a lot of tiether ere kids I saw her at her father’s funeral, and I stayed on a few days after She was pretty devastated when he died She’d lost her mom just a few years earlier"

We were aze steady as he met Jackson’s eyes

Every word he had said was absolutely the truth

"Then, be advised, we’re officially on hold," Jackson said "If this fellow turns up at work toreen from celebratory alcohol, we’ll be clear to head up to Alexandria If not, we’ll start working on the disappearance Take your folders and read up--we’ll need to be ready either way"

The official part of thewas over They all chatted casually and ordered breakfast as the restaurant was about to close for the break before lunch Jake joined in But he opted not to go to the World War II ela and Jackson on a trip to the aquariuroups, saying that he had woken early and thought he’d get in some sleep, just in case they were on call

He didn’t take a nap

Hell, he’d never sleep He didn’t want to sleep

He wandered the city, looking for the woman in the historic costual

He didn’t find her, but he hadn’t expected to

Ghosts never see They reached out--and then stepped back and disappeared, assu on whatever it was that they wanted the on

"You know, you could be helpful," he said out loud, standing on Jackson Square near the spot he had first seen her All he received for his effort was a worried glance frohter

It really wasn’t prudent to atteht you were crazy or worse--dangerous

Had Ashley thought that he was dangerous?

He stopped for coffee at CC’s, then returned to his rooal Plantation The light was fading; night had co the walls byup would take him all of ten minutes

He picked up his phone and dialed Jackson When Jackson answered, he said, "I’ht If this fellos up in thechicken If they’re worried, I’d just like to be there"

"You read your folder?"

"I’ht now I’ll pack up and be out of this rooet to the plantation really late, but I’ll give Frazier a call and tell hi in"

"Fine Just be careful, Jake If you have a personal stake in this…"

"It ," Jake re into danger"

"Of course"

He hung up and finished packing, the saain

Ashley Donegal Ashley Donegal

Ashley…

Interlude

Nightti time…

When all the earth was still