Author's Note: I haven't forgotten this. It's never over. The door is never closed. I have a renewed fire for this story, and re-written my notes. And I haven't forgotten all you great reviewers. God bless each and every one of you. :)

The following takes place on Thursday, March 30th, 1989.

"And then... there they were..." - Phillip Jeffries, Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me

CHAPTER THREE

"Welcome back, Audrey.”

“Thank you, Louie”

The Great Northern receptionist smiled back at Audrey as she walked past reception and down the familiar corridor to her father’s office. Audrey then had to suddenly stop herself, and then took a step to her right down a corridor less used by those employed directly under her father.

She stopped before the door at the end of the corridor, and trying to stifle a laugh, she took the handle and stepped inside.

“Daddy?”

Her father looked up from the makeshift desk, (which was carefully balanced on one side by several books instead of a leg). He was currently talking to someone on the newly installed phone line, and raised a hand to her in greeting. Audrey had to wave away the smoke to look around at the dull stone-grey walls. Obviously her father taken up cigars again.

“… oh you’ll have to excuse me, Mr. Kirkland …yes, I’ve just remembered I had an important meeting. …yes, Ghostwood, that’s right… do that for me, will you? … Very good. Good day to you, sir.”

Audrey had been staring at the old stuff vicuna that had been laying on a nearby shelf along with other familiar ornaments from her father’s office. She had just then noticed the picture of her and Laura last Christmas hastily placed behind it, and she had been reaching to take it out when her father slammed down the phone and she jumped.

“Of all the incompetent – !”

Audrey smiled at him. “Trouble?”

Her father then seemed to remember she was there, and put out the cigar in the over-flowing ash-tray. “Never take on a lawyer recommended by your brother who flunked law school.”

Audrey frowned. “We’re not dealing with Jefferson Smith anymore?”, she asked, referring to the Horne family lawyer - since Leland Palmer's passing anyway.

Ben reached into his pocket to take another cigar and sighed when he realised there was none left. “Your mother is. For the forthcoming divorce proceedings.” He muttered, with no small amount of bitterness in his voice. "And I'm stuck with this charlatan, one Arthur Kirkland, who I've just discovered is an old drinking buddy of your uncle Jerry's from law school."

“Have you tired actually talking to her?”

Ben shook his head. “Your mother? Oh, believe me, I’ve tried. But I don’t think your mother and I can be in the same room anymore without threatening to bring the very walls down. And we need a hotel to fight over, don’t we? Now of course there’s your uncle’s hardly helping matters acting as damage control between us.”

Audrey shrugged. “Well, I can talk to Mom. I could do with a challenge now that I’m back on my feet.”

Ben nodded, squeezing between what little space there was between the desk and the wall to get to her.

“Audrey, we’ve discussed this. If there’s one thing your... persistent mother and I can agree on, it’s your education. You have to go back to high school.”

Audrey pouted. “Now Daddy, I told you I wanted to help you with the business. I promise I’ll do a private tuition course over the summer to catch up - and then I can graduate.” It was something that had only been occasionally discussed by her and her father, true, and she anticipated that her assistance during the busy summer months would be a good excuse to get out of that.

“Oh, I have no objections, but it’s your mother you must convince. She was never too happy with our arrangement and she seems, not without good reason, to think being around people your own age is good for your growth. And also, don’t forget it was for ‘the good of the family business’ that you ended up in your current state.” He indicated to her arm that remained in a cast, only visible by way of her bandaged hand because of the long-sleeved velvet black coat she was currently wearing. The nurses had removed the sling this morning before she was let go.

“Well, I recovered quickly.” She pointed out. “But I’ll talk to Mom about all that. In the meantime, I can stick around the hotel. Taking reservations with Louie, that sort of thing.”

Her father smiled as he laid a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Oh Audrey, how little so many doubt your true potential. Even your thick-headed excuse for a father, once.”

Audrey smiled back. “What can I say? My elders inspire me.”

Ben affectionately tapped her cheek. He broke off contact, as he reached over her head to open a new box of cigars on the same shelf with the vicuna.

As he lit up, he said, “When’s Jack arriving?”

“His flight gets in at eight o’ clock tomorrow morning”, she said. The sentence came out fast, but it was a struggle not to contain her excitement. “Will he be working with us too?”

Ben nodded, taking a long puff of the cigar. “Yes, your mother has no use for him for the general day-to-day affairs of the hotel… so he’ll be helping us with Ghostwood in any way he can.” Ben shrugged, “Not a lot for him to do this time ‘round I admit, but – “, he narrowed his eyebrows at her, “ – he seems to think there’s something here worth coming back to.”

Audrey grinned to herself, before hugging him. She broke off, as she made her way to the door, “Well, I think it’s best to start off the day talking to Mom about all this. What are you going to do?”

Ben sighed as he sat at his desk. He waved to the room around him, “Oh, y’know, what any other Catering Officer would do to pass the day. Maybe I’ll personally scrub the guest toilets. Jerry can do the bed-pans.”

They both laughed, as Audrey shut the door behind her. Audrey walked back up the corridor towards reception in a daze, a serene smile on her face. To think Jack will be here by this time tomorrow! Perhaps, she’d plan some sort of surprise for him…

She greeted Louie again as she stepped out into the reception area, and turned right to walk down the corridor to Sylvia Horne’s new office. She then frowned to herself as the light began to flicker above her, and seemingly in the entire reception area itself. She looked around as the guests flowing into the breakfast room noticed too, particularly when the flickering got more persistent. She then noticed two of the guests regarding her directly across the room.

One was an elderly woman, dressed in a long, black dress and acompanying jacket and hat. Her companion was a small, blond-haired boy, possibly her grandson, in a dark suit with a tie. On his face, was a strange, simple white mask with a long nose… almost like Pinocchio.

Audrey stopped for a moment, and she noticed the pair continuing to stare at her, seemingly unnoticed by any of the guests or phased by the flickering lights. It would almost seem rude to anyone else, but Audrey felt an undeniable pull towards the two, there would something about them undeniably familiar. The noise of the guests talking seemed to dim in her mind. The woman then raised her hand, and beckoned for Audrey to come towards them. Without knowing why, Audrey nodded and stepped forward –

And the lights stopped flickering, and returned to normal. Audrey looked up and noticed the old woman and boy were gone. She walked across the reception area, and into the breakfast room. She then stepped outside into the lobby, and there seemed to be no sign of them in the car park beyond. She walked back inside towards Louie at the reception desk.

“Boy, that was pretty strange, wasn’t it?”, Louie said, “The last thing we need around here is problems with the generator.”

“Tell me about it”, Audrey replied. “Could you check out something for me?”

“Oh?”

“I want to find out the names of two guests”, Audrey explained, “An old woman and a boy, probably her grandson.”

Louie furrowed her brow as she leafed through the guest list. “Doesn’t sound like anyone I know, but I’ll see.” She read it for a moment. “Got the current one here. There’s a Keaton family from Toronto. The only kids they have are three teenagers. All boys. There’s a Mr. Dunham and his young son down from Seattle on a fishing trip, but I know them to see. Why do you ask?”

Audrey shook her head, realising the near-encounter with the old woman was unnerving her on some level she couldn’t understand. Best to put it out of her mind to matters at hand. “No reason. Thought I saw someone. Thanks, Louie”

Lucy Moran looked up from her copy of War, Famine And A Fresh Diaper: How To Cope Raising A Baby In A World Gone Mad as Albert Rosenfield rapped on the window of her office. She reached up to open the glass window, and let out a cry as she pulled it back, and in the process knocked over a stack of the pregnancy books Andy bought her off her desk and right onto the floor. Albert rolled his eyes.

“If you’re not busy reading how to deal with your newborn getting drafted for Vietnam, could you maybe let the good Sheriff know I’ve arrived?”

Lucy glared at him, saying nothing to him as she pressed the intercom. But her tone harsh, every syllable emphasised with increasing venom, “Sheriff Truman, I’ve got Agent Rosenfield waiting for you.”

“Send ‘im in, Lucy.” Lucy let go of the button.

“Sheriff Truman is – “

“I heard.”, Albert rasped, already turning his back on the secretary as he headed to the office. Then, he paused, and turned around to face Lucy, just catching her sticking out her tongue at him and quickly putting it back in her mouth. “Y’know, I wouldn’t bother even browsing those dimestore ‘self-help’ books. Stick to the popular choice amongst pregnant women. I always recommend Expecting Great Things: The Great Nine Month Wait by Fenn."

He turned around again, just catching Lucy gaping at him out of the corner of his eye as he stepped into Truman’s office.

“Harry.”

“Albert.” Truman was sitting at his desk, shifting through files. Albert was surprised to find Hawk standing off to one side in the corner, but the Native American said nothing to him. Albert took his usual seat. Truman was still reading the files, when Albert spoke:

“Have to say, Cole’s grateful for your co-operation so far, especially with our interview. He was also hoping you might lend us some of your deputies.”

Harry’s face was impassive, but there was a notable pause as he seemed to contemplate Cole’s request. “Do you need our help at Glastonbury Grove?”

Albert had to give the big lug credit, he still didn’t let up no matter how many times the word ‘classified’ was thrown his way. He wondered how Dale often danced around these matters with the Sheriff and still have gained such a strong kinship with the man.

“Nothing we need in that regard from your office. More specifically, further to Cole's meeting last night with our assembled agents, we were hoping you might help us find Windom Earle. As I mentioned on our arrival, I've been meaning to co-ordinate a wider search of the area with Deputy Hawk. After finding Earle's cabin and what’s left of the late Mr. Johnson” – here, Hawk noticeably shifted his feet – “our men have found nothing. Hopefully, with some of your men knowing the lay of the land”, he gestured with his head towards Hawk, “we might cover some of the surrounding woodlands a bit better. It’s still possible he has another base-of-operations somewhere.”

“How can you even be sure he's still in Twin Peaks?"

"We're not. But after all Cooper's been through, Cole's not taking any chances that Earle might strike again. There's also something else - " Albert opened his briefcase and removed a document and handed it to Truman across his desk. Truman read it for a moment, and looked up in surprise.

"Phillip Michael Gerard?"

"Word is our loveable one-armed friend escaped from that sanitarium upstate in the early hours of this morning. Considering his previous ties to this area, it might be best to be on alert for his reappearance."

Truman smirked slightly. "Forgive me, Albert, but though we made use of Gerard's services to find Laura's murderer, I don't believe Mr. Gerard was convincted of any crime. He's just a shoe salesman. Do you and Cole really think he's something to worry about with everything else going on?"

Albert sighed as shut his case. "Harry, I'm not going to pretend I believe any of this mystic, voodoo balderdash that Cooper promotes down here - but if you recall, Gerard did admit to going 'killing together' with this Bob, who Cole and our investigators assume must have referred to Leland Palmer. Since then, we have kept him in custody upstate until we are to determine his involvement, if any, of the crimes Palmer admitted to. We expect you and your deputies to be on full alert."

"Of course... " Truman mutterred, putting the document aside. He then folded his hands, and looked up at Albert. "There is something else I want to ask you. A name you mentioned to me yesterday. Chester Desmond. He was the agent who investigated Theresa Banks' murder in Deer Meadow before Cooper did, right?"

Albert gritted his teeth and looked aside. He knew he would regret asking that. But still, Cole asked to be as thorough as he could in questioning Truman...

"Bonus points for getting to the bottom of that one, Sheriff. Sure you and the Native American Brain Trust were up into the small hours thinking of that one." Albert replied as he grinned at the Sheriff, and before Truman could respond, Albert added, "He was indeed. Desmond was one of our finest field agents."

Truman was clearly trying to maintain his cool and patience. Albert was impressed Truman was so determined to find the truth that he let Albert's remark slide. "Why was his name important?"

Albert then abruptly got up to leave. "As I said, it was nothing. And though it's still a classified case, I will say this much... " Albert stopped at the door. "Desmond did resurface some months later, however, I regret to say he died in our custody not long afterward."

Well, judging from the shocked expressions exchanged between Truman and his deputy, that revelation would keep them quiet for sometime.

Albert smiled at them, "I'll make my own way out."

", I daresay you have a renewed vigour about yourself in these most recent times."

Jacoby grinned as he paced the floor beside Cooper's bed. The Fed sat opposite him on his bed in a dressing gown, his hands folded.

"Very much so, Agent Cooper, the fresh tropical air of Honolulu Bay with my recent vacation... and the loving embrace of my wife to come home to every evening since, has certainly done me the world of good."

Cooper smiled slightly at him. Jacoby was rather getting sense the lawman was trying not to project a disaffected air about him as if Jacoby's counselling was not needed.

"Doctor... I understand my superiors had advised to check me up given their lack of success with the Bureau's own psychiatry team, and perhaps take advantage of our recent kinship. But honestly, what do you think?"

Jacoby stopped, and turned to face Cooper. He always felt Cooper would have been a fascinating subject in other circumstances, but certainly given what the man had personally been through these last few days, perhaps it was best to persue such an obviously selfish endevour.

Jacoby shrugged, "Honestly, it's hard to say, Agent Cooper. Since I've arrived, we've discussed recent affairs in Tibet, the quality of the hospital food, the dynamics of chess, coconuts and the outcome of the local Boy Scout's venture to the lake out by the Blue Pine Lodge. In my professional opinion, you're relatively fine. But... "

"Of course, my recent wound." Cooper finished, sub-consciously fingering the bandage around his forehead. Cooper then abruptly held up his hand. "Rest assured, doc! As I said to Gordon, Albert, and the Bureau, it was merely - " He then stopped, he eyes widening slightly as he looked past Jacoby.

Curiously, Jacoby slowly followed his gaze and noticed Cooper eyeing a nurse consulting with Doc Hayward with whom she had just run into out in the hallway. Hayward then walked on, and the nurse remained there for a moment, adjusting the ring on her finger and then walking on.

"Oh yes, eyeing up the female nurses," Jacoby chuckled, but he was surprised to briefly catch a flash of deep annoyance on Cooper's face. Directed at him? But it quickly subsided. Maintaing his smile, Jacoby hastened to finish his sentence in the brief pause he had only realised was there. "... all perfectly healthy, Agent Cooper. Shows your mind is clearly focusing on more immediate matters. But I think eh... Miss Blackburn might take issue with your wandering eye, shall we say."

"Annie... " Cooper whispered. He finally looked up at Jacoby. "How's Annie?"

"She's... fine... in fact, saw her back behind the counter with Norma at the Double R this morning. Quite the trooper, that gal. Especially after your terrible ordeal in the woods with that madman."

Cooper closed his eyes for a moment, and shook his head. "Of course..." He whispered to himself, then returned to his usual demenour. "So, what shall the outcome of your report then be, Dr. Jacoby?"

Jacoby sighed, shaking his head, but he could not help but smile. "Naturally a clean bill of health, Agent Cooper. Personally, I think the sooner you're unleashed on the town once again, the better for all of us." He turned to leave. "Take it easy, Cooper."

Cooper nodded, radiating his usual chirpy nature. "Seeya, doc!"

"Good news brother - ack!" Jerry coughed as he entered the former janitor's closet, brushing away the cigar smoke that greeted him when he open the door. He waved the smoke away with a unfolded document he clutched in his right hand, crossing the room over to where his older brother sat on the other side of the desk. Very awkwardly getting on to the other side of the desk as he passed between the desk and wall, he stood in front of his brother, beaming widely and waving the document in his face. Ben barely reacted to it, still puffing on his cigar, and leaning on the right arm of the chair - still in the same position when Jerry entered.

Ben put out his cigar in the nearby ash-tray, sighing as he took the letter out of his brother's hand. As he read over it, he then grinned widely and looked up at Jerry. Just what brother Ben needs to break out of this funk he's in...

"So, I see the good doctor has agreed to pay my hospital bills. Quite the saint, wouldn't you say?" He reached over into his drawer, and pulled out a packet of cigars. He offered one to Jerry, who frowned and waved it away. He sure has gotten fond of those again...

Jerry nodded. "Couldn't agree more, Benjamin, too bad you're clearly still suffering from major shock and trauma! Why, even your wife thinks it's affected you so much that you can't run properly the hotel anymore!"

Ben chuckled, as he lit his cigar. Taking a long puff, he nodded, "Exactly, and affected my marriage too. Why this handsome sum simply can't cover that!"

Jerry laughed. Boy, it had been too long since they went scheming like this. Now if only they still had One-Eyed Jacks like before, they could simply drop in tonight in celebration and check out any new girls that Blackie lured to the brothel. But that only got Jerry depressed himself, and he forced his mind back to more immediate affairs. Jerry clicked his fingers in glee as he headed for the door, "I'll get ol' Kirkland on the case swifty, brother dear! ...after that, I'm hitting the kitchens and rustling you up some the chef's finest - "

Oh, Jer?"

Jerry turned around, just about to open the door. "Yes, brother o' mine?"

"That private dick got back to me. Regarding Donna Hayward."

Jerry's beaming expression quickly vanished. Of all the things to ruin a moment like this... "Oh geez, Ben... "

Ben waved his concerns away. "Now, you're made clear your concerns regarding my illegitimate daughter already. Nevertheless, regarding the damage I have done to her - and though I could care less for Hayward after my injury - I feel I must make amends to her and properly explain myself to her, if I am to salvage any kind of relationship with her."

Jerry was agast at his brother's decleration. "God, Ben! You're running her father into the ground... you mean to tell me you'd give that old coon Silverman a chance if he wanted to go into business with us?"

Ben's face considerably soured. Silverman had been Ben's mentor and their father's business partner, and years ago, had set up their father for fraud so he himself could take over the running of Horne Enterprises. A federal investigation had uncovered the truth, and Silverman was arrested, but Ben and Jerry's father was so emotionally wounded by the betrayal he had an early retirement and - in their eyes - resulted in his death at far too young an age of 62. Meanwhile, Silverman was still in a federal penitentiary upstate, last Ben heard anyway.

"This is not an elaborate financial scam, Jer. This is my own flesh and blood. I have to do this, and remember, I didn't ask you to come along with me on it. You have your own projects in this sub-division of ours Slyvia has so kindly bequeated us."

Jerry just sighed again, shaking his head and turning around as he headed out the door - making sure to slam it behind him.

"Man, Snake, I was shocked as anybody you gave me a call for once. Not going incognito to the Great Northern's honeymoon suite with Mrs. Hurley?"

"Knock it off, Bobby. Sure you don't want a quiet night in with your girlfriend and your parents?"

The two best friends both laughed and gave a punch to the other's arm as they entered the Bang Bang Bar. As they looked around, there was practically no crowd in tonight. After all, there was no singer or band and there only appeared to be some of the usual patrons in the place. Surprisingly, no sign of Joey Paulson and crew anyway, thank God. Nevertheless, and despite it being a school night, Bobby felt it had been far too long since him and 'Snake' teamed up... even if for a few beers. Now, hopefully, the new barman - Jacques Renault's replacement - wouldn't ask them for IDs...

"I gotta hit the bathroom. Just get me the usual." Mike said, heading towards the mens' bathroom.

Bobby raised an eyebrow, but he couldn't help but laugh. "Thanks, man." Guess it's up to me to get the beers, now.

Mike shrugged innocently. "That's for the crack about me and Mrs. Hurley." He laughed again as he pushed the door open.

Bobby sighed, trying to look as cool and collected as he could as he crossed the bar to pull up a stool. He noticed the barman had yet to approach him, and looked down the bar where he saw the man - a burly, bearded type - talking to another man leaning over the bar. The man didn't appear to be ordering a drink, and instead was directing the barman's attention to the leaflet he held in his hand. He was tall, balding guy with a strange air of authority about him. Bobby even thought he looked a bit too neatly dressed for this place. He concentrated on hearing their conversation.

"... yeah, that would have been Jacques. I heard that crazy father who killed his daughter got Jacques when he was custody. Bit of a nutty way not to put yourself under suspicion if you ask me, right?" The barman said.

"Right. Laura Palmer. So I doubt with all that chaos the last few weeks, no-one's paid any attention to the poster I left. Well, I'm now leaving another one. Would you mind hanging it in your men's bathroom... wherever you might deem it best?" The balding man talked with a bit of a drone in his voice.

"I guess. Hope you have some luck, mister... ?"

"Cable. Desmond Cable."

The man called Cable said his goodbye to the barman.

The barman nodded as he took the leaflet from Cable, and pinned it up behind the bar. Cable turned away from the bar and glanced at Bobby. Bobby flinched as he realised he was staring at the man, and turned to face the wall behind the bar. But Cable's interest was piqued, and he walked over to Bobby. He leaned against the bar and craned his neck out to meet Bobby's eyes.

"Hello there. You a regular patron here, son?"

Bobby smiled slightly, looking up at him. "Uh, sure... why do you ask?"

The man reached into his coat and removed several leaflets. Bobby could see there was a headshot of man on them - but he couldn't make it out.

"Been looking for a man, an old friend of mine. He was up around these parts a few weeks ago. I went inquiring to did anybody see him, but the town seemed too caught up in that business over the murdered girl to remember. Now I got me some more flyers... " Cable then held out a leaflet to Bobby. "You see him?"

Bobby took the leaflet from him and froze. He struggled to maintain his cool composure. But there was no mistaking the moustached blonde man in the photo, with a wide, cocky grin. It brought back memories of another night that may as well been several lifetimes ago. And at the time it felt like he was another plane. When Bobby was with that murdered girl that Cable mentioned. And he felt the cold handle of the gun that shook in his hand when he fired that killing shot... "Bobby. You. Killed. MIKE!"

The drug dealer that Jacques recommended, because Leo had nothing to provide - and Laura wanted her fix. Now, all four were dead by an incredible twist of fate.

Bobby quickly looked down over the text on the leaflet at the name to make it look his silence showed he had been reading. And there was the name. Cliff Howard. There it was. The man he killed with his father's revolver.

"Never met him." Bobby then - a little too hastily - shoved the leaflet back in Cable's direction. He was unnerved to find the man had clearly been studying him all this time. His manner was quite unnerving.

"Thank you, son. But you can keep it. Be sure to show it your friends, see do they remember anything... " Cable replied. His tone was far too breezy for Bobby's liking.

"Hey, Bobby? You order up those beers?"

Bobby them jumped as Mike tapped him on the shoulder.

"Geez! Alright, man!" Bobby then turned around to Cable to see he had already left Bobby to confer with the barman again at the far end. He hastily stuffed the leaflet into his pocket.

"What's that?"

"Never mind. Hey, barkeep - c'mon!" Bobby slammed the bar a little too loudly. Mike frowned at him.

The barman turned away from Cable and stood in front of the pair, and shook his head.

"Sorry fellas, unless you show me some ID, I'm just gonna assume you're underage and you're getting nothing. Except maybe a Coke."

Mike was out of his seat. "Hey, wait a minute!"

Bobby's eyes widened in realisation, aa he also snapped to his feet. He turned around and noticed Cable leaving through the front entrance. "That jerk just told you we were minors!" He then winced as he realised what he had just said.

The barman smirked while Mike glowered at Bobby. "That's right, mister. Let's just say the man's got experience dealing with little punks like you. Now, beat it before I call the sheriff!"

"Heya, Pete."

Audrey gave a wide smile, but her expression saddened as she slowly took note of the unconscious figure lying in the bed before her. She slowly walked over to him, and left the bouquet of flowers at the beside table. It barely looked like the Pete Martell she remembered. Eyebrows gone, and that familiar mustache barely there. And she certainly hoped those bandages weren't going to be permanent.

Audrey felt herself getting depressed, and forced herself to be more cheery. Certainly if it was possible Pete could hear her, he would appreciate it.

"Well, Pete, looks like Jack's coming home. Well, not his home as such - but to my home. To me. He heard about the accident... " She then paused, taking note of his injuries. To her surprise, she had barely thought of the reason as to why the bank had exploded - she had figured it was just a random happenstance beyond anyone's control. A leaky gas valve or something. And yet, it had happened not too long after Pete and that man that looked so like Andrew Packward turned up...

"... what were you doing there, Pete? Who was that guy?" She reached out and clasped his hand, careful not to knock the drip needle out. "I think you would have told me. It might seem a little strange, but I'd like to think we were friends. After all, we got a little tradition of night fishing don't we?" That was a strange adventure, Audrey remembered. And to think it might have only been a once off...

She then felt herself getting upset, and she began to sob quietly. She then rose to her feet.

"I - I gotta go. I came here a bit too late, visiting hours are just up. I - I guess I'll see you." She then leaned over and gently kissed his forehead. As she turned to leave, she paused in the doorway. "I'll have the tackle box at the ready." She then walked out of the room.

He stirred. He opened his eyes. The details of the room slowly came into focus. Where was he? How did he get here? A strange, small spot of warmth seemed to linger on his forehead. And he had a sense there a familiar prescence in his vicinity not too long ago.

And then Pete Martell spoke. But it was more of a rasp. He was in fact thinking aloud of the other man who had accompanied him on that afternoon to the Savings and Loan. "... He's alive!"

And as far as could ascertain in the next five minutes, those two words were all he could speak.

"He's alive? He's alive. He's... alive."

"Well Cooper, hate to say it, but you're in the clear." Despite his misgivings, Hayward couldn't help but beam at the Fed as he sat on the bed. Now here was a model individual Hayward could genuinely admire. Not for the first time, Hayward though that the assured Cooper wouldn't be making such a mess of his personal life, and be desperate to stay away from home as much as possible.

Cooper gave him an affirmative thumbs up. "Glad to hear it, Doc! Now, if you'll excuse me, this pyjamas feel like they've become a second skin and they're hardly suitable evening wear for the lady whose company I'm very much looking forward to this evening - I think I'll go suit up now."

"Well, if you're getting dressed in your bathroom, you watch any falling mirrors or sharp objects. Good night. " The doctor chuckled as he turne to leave, leaving the other man alone.

Sarah Palmer stirred. She was dozing on the couch in her living room. Too often she had begun sleeping here.

She thought perhaps it best she get up, and go to her bed. But it was too lonely there. Too lonely everywhere. She was conscious of her daughter's homecoming photo nearby - as if to keep watching over her from beyond.

And then Sarah felt herself plunging into what she assumed was a deep sleep. But she sensed it was something more.

The filthy, grey-haired man stood in front of a mirror in what appeared to be a small bathroom. He was adjusting an invisible tie that did not appear to be on his denim shirt. He moved his jowls, licked his tongue over his lips, and then smiled at his mirror image.

Sarah immediately felt a rising panic in her chest, and she almost completely awoke. But she felt her eyes tighten as she struggled to maintain her concentration.

The man then stepped out of the bathroom and into another room with a bed. He then walked towards the door...

He stepped out into the hallway. Looking up and down. He guessed Hayward had taken the elevator to another floor. Otherwise, there was no activity nearby.

Audrey pouted as she walked along the hallway, feeling restless and thinking of Jack. And then feeling guilty for thinking of Jack because Pete lay practically like a vegetable in a hospital bed not too far away. And that she had abruptly left him.

"Terrific." She sniffed, feeling tears beginning to fall. She then turned a corner into the corridor that would lead to the elevator -

- and there at the far end stood the old woman and boy from the lobby this morning.

"You!" Audrey cried out, blinking several times to make sure she wasn't imagining it. The old woman seemed to smile at her recognition. Audrey slowly walked towards them, and found herself rambling. "You just disappeared into thin air earlier... and ol' Mrs. Lanterman talked about you the other day, said you were going to 'call' out to me." She then stopped, shocked at what she had just said. She had never made the association between what the Log Lady had said to her here in the hospital and the two individuals that now stood in front of her in her mind. Yet it seemed to instantly come to her.

The old woman spoke. "Your fire begins to burn. But be careful. Make sure it doesn't burn too suddenly. That was her mistake. But she wasn't entirely to blame, was she?"

The boy with the strange mask then snapped his fingers and pointed at something to Audrey's right. He whispered, and Audrey had to strain to hear what he said. But somehow his words were clear.

"It is yours. Keep it. But don't put it on. Not yet."

Audrey frowned, and then looked to what he was pointing at. She then realised it was her bandaged hand.

"Put what - " She began, but the two then quickly turned around and walked around the corner.

Audrey cried out after them, and quickly took off after them...

He quickened his pace. His footsteps echoing loudly along the long corridor.

He saw a nearby trolley, and grinned widely. He let out a barking laugh.

Not even slowing down, he grabbed a scalpel from a tray on the trolley and pocketed it.

Sarah felt the tears burning down her cheeks.

The grey-haired man was now laughing as he began to walk quickly down the corridor - bent on a destination and there was nothing in the way between him and his goal.

Sarah bolted up in the chair, stifling a scream. After all, who could comfort her? Her attention was then directed at the phone on the nearby table.

Frantically flipping open the address book, she grabbed the reciever and somehow, despite her fright, managed to dail the number quickly and accurately.

A familiar, comforting voice came on the other end. "Hello?"

"Garland! It's Sarah. You told me to tell you about whenever - y'know. Well... it's happening again!"

Phillip Michael Gerard cursed as he once again tripped and fell into the thick undergrowth of the woods again. Groaning as he struggled to his feet, he then wiped his right hand in his hospital gown as he continued on his path.

Not long now... he thought. Though his journey through the woods was indeed proving more difficult (and certainly far longer) then he thought it would, this route was necessary in order to both avoid the authorities and reach his destination.

He then gasped, and winced, his right hand automatically reaching towards the stump under his left shoulder. His eyes then widened, and he then gasped.

"No, it cannot... be too late... ! They promised me! They promised... !"

He cried out again as he sagged to his knees, finally falling over face-forward into the undergrowth. Still clutching the stump, he then rolled onto his back and howled in agony. His scream then ended, and he continually began crying out for Bob as the wind blew through the trees, carrying his mortal enemy's name through the woods...

"Wait, please... !" Audrey called after the woman and boy as they turned a corner at the far end of the corridor. The lights began to flicker heavily, but she ignored it.

How in the world did they get there so fast by walking? Audrey throught. Looking around, and noting the corridor was both deserted and quiet, Audrey picked up her own pace and ran after them, and spun around the corner, just as a strong burning smell hit her nostrils -

He grinned widely as he noticed the light in the nurses' locker room flicker off. Quivering with anticipation, he clutched the scalpel tightly in his hand as he noticed the door open - and Nurse Rhodes emerged.

Rhodes briefly turned her back to shut the door, and he quickly strode forward -

But then, he felt a strong impact from his right, and both the nurse and the other person shouted in surprise. At that moment, he distinctly sensed the scalpel leaving his hand, and clattering nearby...

"GOD DAMMIT!", Cooper roared, grabbing Audrey roughly by the shoulders and swinging her around to meet his eyes. Audrey almost gasped when she saw the pure fury in the man's eyes and the deep sneer with which he regarded her. But in the moment she caught the expression, it quickly vanished, suddenly replaced by the distinctive wide grin and the goofy demenour that the Fed usually carried about himself.

"Why, Audrey!" Cooper began, relaxing his grip on her. "What brings you to the hospital at this late hour?"

"I... " Audrey slowly regained her composure, and smiled slightly. "I was hoping to get here before the end of visiting hours. I was going to see Mr. Martell, he's still in a coma."

Cooper's arms then slackened to his sides, and Audrey then realised she had been holding her breath this whole time. He puts his hands in his pockets, and nodded to himself.

"Ah yes, poor Pete! Ever reliable, Pete! ...between the mill and the bank exploision, it's a wonder the poor guy's still in one piece! How is he holding up?"

"Um... excuse me?"

The two then turned to see the nurse that they had both collided with looking at them with a bemused expression. When she spoke, she seemed highly irritated - understandable given two complete strangers had for some reason just walked into her. "I'm not going to try and pretend to know what you're both up to, but visiting hours are over."

"Not to worry, nurse! I was just being discharged by the good Doctor Hayward... and Audrey here was checking up on an old friend. And on a school night and all - " He turned to Audrey, and smiled at her, " - so unusual to find someone of her age who cares so."

Audrey felt herself blush as the Fed regarded her - though she felt slightly strange about his attitude a few moments ago.

"Of course I care, Agent Cooper. The Stop Ghostwood campaign cares for all this town's citizens, even if they're sleeping with our arch-enemy."

Cooper shook his head at her, but he was still smiling. "Audrey, you're truly your father's daughter. And it might be wise considering to take that as a compliment."

Audrey chuckled, finding herself flashing him another brilliant smile. What was wrong with her? Jack would only be here in a number of hours! "I'm sorry, any correspondence related to aspects of the Stop Ghostwood campaign must directed to our head-quarters. We take any comments very seriously. Did I mention we care for all the towns' citizens?"

Cooper shrugged sheepishly. Behind him, the nurse rolled her eyes and went on down the corridor. Neither of them took notice. "Well, I guess the words of an out-of-towner would barely suffice. A shame! I so hoped to press my case to a certain committee member... erm... if you excuse me, Audrey, I believe my superiors have sent two agents to pick me up in a car outside. They'll be wondering where I am." He then quickly picked up his pace and walked past her.

"Uh... yeah. See you around, Agent Cooper." Audrey grinned after him, waving slightly. She then felt mildly stupid for waving, as he had his back to her and didn't even look back before he turned the corner. It was hard not to quell the familiar rush of certain feelings whenever she saw the charismatic man who captured her heart so when he initially arrived. Feelings that only grew from that night he rejected her advances so courtesly, and then when he rescued her, and then when she sensed his gratefullness at finding the pictures of Dead Dog Farm in her father's office...

Audrey pouted to herself, "But it's all about Annie, now... " If Cooper's relationship with Annie bothered her that much, maybe it was time she began to be a bit more honest with herself about it... but then she recalled Jack was supposed to be returning to town tomorrow.

Sighing, she then turned to leave in the oppisite direction, and jumped when she realised she had stepped on something.

Looking down, she noticed a small golden ring underneath her foot. Audrey frowned, and kneeled down. She picked it up and brought it up to her eye, examining it closey. It was a golden ring, that had a green emerald on it. On it was the outline of a diamond and two inverted triangles the design of which registered something with Audrey in that moment that she couldn't even begin to understand

"It is yours, but do not put it on... " She muttered to herself, and Audrey then shook her head. But it couldn't be. Who was that old woman anyway, and to start believing her crazy sayings? And clearly following Audrey around? Audrey chuckled as she stood up, looking at the ring in her hand. She had half a mind to hand it in at reception. Surely it belonged to someone.

Nevertheless, almost to her own surprise, Audrey found herself pocketing it.

Laura began shivering as she stood up from her seat. She looked around at the curtain, and then noticed Dale.

"W - w - where am I?!" She cried, backing away from him. She jumped as she noticed she had stepped back, hitting off the armchair in which she had appeared.

Dale held up his hands in peace to the increasingly frightened girl. He was trying to focus his thoughts away from how in fact he most definitely knew this was the true Laura. "Laura, don't be frightened. I'm a friend. I'm as lost here as you are."

Laura narrowed her eyes at him, her demenour relaxing slightly. "I remember you... you told me not to take the ring."

Dale smiled slightly, "That's right. So you must understand I'm someone who can help you.."

Laura took a step towards him, "I don't know how, but I know you're telling the truth. ...where are we?"

Dale sighed as he walked towards her, glancing at the surrounding room. "I honestly wish I knew. Maybe we can find a way out. " He extended his hand to her, and she hesitatingly took it. Clasping it tighly, the pair crossed the room together - and Dale lifted the curtain for them both to walk through.

Walking along the familiar corridor with the armless statue at the end, Dale spoke again. "You said something of your... father?"

Laura shivered, moving closer to him. "I know, it wasn't him. It couldn't have been. It was Bob. ...I thought it would be over."

"When?"

Laura turned to him, tears glistening her eyes. "When I died. ...are you dead?"

Dale smiled grimly as they walked to the end of the corridor. He turned to her. "Not exactly. But like you, I'm looking for answers. I said I can help you... maybe we can help each other."

Laura frowned, searching his face. "You knew him."

"Your father?"

"Bob." Laura breathed. "He is the reason you're here."

Dale nodded, "It's hard to explain, but yes. But he's not here right now."

Laura nodded slowly, her face betraying her attempts to halt her rising panic. "So... what now?"

Dale spoke to her gently, squeezing her hand. "The best way to continue is to search through these rooms. As you might have already guessed, this place is a little strange. Some things won't make sense, a lot of things will even frighten you. But just remember, I'm always here at your side. Alright?"

Laura smiled slightly, and Dale turned away from her to face the opposite curtain. He then took a breath, and lifted the curtain, still holding on to Laura with his other hand.

They both entered and scanned the room from the left to the right. Empty.

They then looked from the left to the right - and both jumped.

There suddenly lay the body of Windom Earle, lying facedown on the ground in the middle of the room. Laura then grabbed Dale's arm, and Dale looked at his companion and noticed her eyes wide with shock. He followed her gaze and noticed Chester Desmond slowly approaching them from the far side of the room. This was indeed the normal Desmond, and not the doppelganger that persued him from the previous room. His face carried a blank expression.

He did not appear to acknowledge Dale or Laura as he walked right up to Window's body. He leaned over and looked at it curiously, tilting his head from head from side-to-side.

He then spoke in the dialect of the Black Lodge residents. But seemingly neither to Dale or Laura, and more to himself. "I know this one. I met him here and there. He is now empty." He then quickly looked up to the other two, and Dale felt Laura flinch beside him.

Desmond opened his mouth to speak, but then winced as he clutched his torso with one hand - and noted the two holes in his chest, and one in his stomach. Which were currently heavily dripping with blood.

"Cooper... " Desmond began, blood foaming out of his mouth as he did so. "... tell me, why did you have to kill me?"

TO BE CONTINUED...