of embarrassment under Liz's piercing glare. He knew she was right

more attention. The kids are depending on you," she said st

said seemed to console him as he curled in on himself, arms wrapped aroun

n, it's alright now. We're all safe." But Dan didn't see

s out of this van. Maybe the fresh air will help calm h

oon as they arrived, Liz pulled a still-sobbing Dan from the v

g him down. But he knew dwelling in t

l from this traumatic experience. It was a grim reminder of how quickly thing

d friends laughing together, enjoying the day without a care. You

s three grown children, their laughter and teasing carrying on the breeze. When their mother joined

s and togetherness. But now it seemed a distant dream, one that may never be f

n spoke. "What's troubling you?" she asked gently. When he didn't respo

hadows of his mind. He met her eyes with a weary sigh. "I was just thinking...wish

best we can right now, for the kids. Try to be hopeful - there's still a chance, if we work a

. Deep down, he knew Liz's words of hope rang hollow. Thei

kids with Liz, he turned to her wi

arents did lately was argue. Even from a distance, he co

the kids like that," Joe started. Liz frowned

re it upset him more. I love you, I'm trying here." His voice broke with emotion. "I know I me

hing for Joe's hand, she held it firmly. "I'm sorry, I didn

ped away at his belief that his parents' love could withstand anything. He feared no rec

antly to Liz. When he couldn't continue, Liz

and apologized, relieving some of Joe's tension. He was glad

arful eyes. They hugged for a few seconds. As they pulled apart,

he asked firmly. "Don't avoid it if it wi

re alright moments ago. "Is it abou

Joe spoke. "No, it's neit

st then, a message drew Joe's attention, an

phone and his face fell. Liz co

?" she aske

. "I just got laid off. The company is do

uth with her hand. "Oh no,

what we're going to do. We need my incom

said supportively. "This is just a bump in the road. Maybe it's

I know, you're right. It's just a shock,

together. I still have my job. We'll tighten ou

ir future, but felt better knowing he had Liz by his side through this diffi

om an unknown source. When Joe opened it, he looked wildly dist

d, already on edge from

oad heightened his panic. "No!" he cried out. Liz forcef

you were there. You can't run from us.

as he continued, "Honey, Rafael is dead. He was killed." Eyes

e, calm down. I need to und

orry, but our time here is over. We must keep movi

afraid. Joe raked fingers through his hair, des

now what I did, what I was thin

last contract, the Empire State Building - Rafael didn't look into it c

ing legally and illegally over rights to the company. I got a threat

rom who?" Li

answered uneasily. "I heard

me any of this. Is this why we're running? Your passion for this job has put our lives

actions now terrorizing his family whose safety he h

ry," Joe said. "My emp

running?" Liz ask

d..." Joe still couldn't speak of it. "This man stabbed Mr. Ben Toya five

ed?" Liz grew faint, exhau

r." He shook his head painfully

oomed from the start," he told Liz, taki

ldren. "It will be okay, I promis

ielding the kids fr

with their van at the junction. Screeching metal and shattering glass surround

e wreckage lay the family, lives hanging by a thread a