Lana's Cottage, Friday morning

[sensitivejim]

Since they'd all limped back to Milieux, Jim hadn't wanted to leave Lana's side for anything, let alone the little things like work, food, and sleep. Which is why he was in the kitchen of Lana's cottage, making breakfast, when his cellphone went off

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[dark_innocence]

Lana wandered out to the kitchen sleepily. "Something wrong?"

[sensitivejim]

"No," he replied automatically, dropping the phone on the counter, and then sighed. "Yes."

[dark_innocence]

"What?" she asked, wrapping her arms tightly around herself.

[sensitivejim]

He beckoned her closer, wanting to wrap his arms around her himself. "That was Simon."

[dark_innocence]

She went to him, resting her head on his chest. "He needs you again?"

[sensitivejim]

Jim sighed, pulling her close and resting his cheek against the top of her head. "I should've hung up on him."

[dark_innocence]

"It's not who you are," Lana said softly. "If you can help, you always do."

[sensitivejim]

"I'll try not to be long, but this guy we're going after's been trouble before. I don't know . . ."

[dark_innocence]

She swallowed hard. "Just... be careful, okay?"

[sensitivejim]

"I always am." He brushed his lips over her forehead. "And you aren't going to run off on your own and do something stupid again, are you?"

[dark_innocence]

"Lex is dead," she said simply. "There's no need."

[sensitivejim]

"Good girl." Jim didn't want to go. But he knew that he would.

[dark_innocence]

"I could come with you this time," she offered. "It would have to be as Leah Blackwell still, but at least I wouldn't have to worry about Lex finding me."

[sensitivejim]

Jim hesitated for a moment, but shook his head. "It's too dangerous. Carasco isn't in Cascade any more, I have to hunt him down in South America."

[dark_innocence]

She pulled away enough to look up at him. "South America? Jim... is that safe?"

[sensitivejim]

"No," he said reluctantly. "That's why they're sending me."