Marcus was, of course, completely surprised when Jennifer's small form slammed into his side. She quickly rolled him over and pinned his arm to the floor. "Now look here," he said, "Miss Askton, you are not part of the deal." With a Cheshire cat grin, he faded out of sight, and flung her away at the same time.

     Adam rushed to her side, checking on her. "Watch out," she said to him. "He could be anywhere."

     Adam rose and placed Jennifer between him and the wall. He scanned the room for any sign of the mysterious attacker. "So," Adam said, "are you saying Alexander Lasker hired you to kill me. Why? Because of what I know?"

     "What other reason could there be?" Markus replied.

     Jennifer stepped out from behind Adam. "Leave him alone!" she yelled. It was too late. Marcus blinked in as he fell towards the floor. Jennifer smiled. "Yes! You got him!" She excitedly said. She turned towards Adam as she heard the thump beside her. "Oh, Adam," she said as she looked down at his unconscious form.

8:11 PM

     Charles rubbed his eyes. He had learned a lot in the last few hours. He had even found Adam's birth certificate. It was fascinating reading.

     It had started 28 years ago. Adam's mother, who's name wasn't known, had given birth to him while suffering from the Mutagenic Plague. Adam's genetic structure had been radically altered by the experience. It was a miracle he had survived. Apparently, the nurse had decided to name him Adam Smith instead of the usual John Doe.

     From there, he spent his life in and out of orphanages and foster homes. The Mutagenic Act prevented him from being adopted. As time passed, Adam grew into a rather normal looking young man.

     In fact, the hardest part about finding him was the extremely ordinary appearance he had. No one who saw him could remember what he looked like. And there were far to many Smith's at the flea-bag motels he stayed at to find him by a name search.

     Charles sighed. Adam's childhood had been what could only be called a tradgedy. Uncared for and unloved, what else could they have expected of him? When he had turned sixteen, and his powers had blossomed, he became a further outcast. The attitude to those that had been twisted by the Mutagenic Plague was shameful. It was amazing that mutants hadn't caused more devastation in response to their treatment.

     Here it was 28 years after his birth, and he had died for his crimes. But apparently that hadn't been the end of it. His body was gone, and Jennifer Askton had disappeared. Made it was true. Maybe he was alive. If so, where would he be?

8:44 PM

     Marcus awoke to a terrible pounding in his head. He groaned and reached for his head. It was then that he found out his hand was tied to something hard and wooden. Shaking his head, he looked around the room. He was still in the motel room, tied to a chair. Adam lay on the other bed in the room, the one farthest from Marcus. Jennifer wasn't in sight.

     Adam stirred as Marcus began to work on his bonds. Jennifer came in from the bathroom when she heard Adam stir. She placed a wetted cloth on Adam's head. "Are you all right?" she asked.

     "I'll be fine," Adam said. "I just drained myself."

     Jennifer smiled. "It worked, darling."

     "Where is he?" Adam asked.

     "I'm right here," Marcus replied.

     Adam looked up from the bed at him. "Do you have anything useful to tell us?"

     Marcus smiled and said nothing.

9:02 PM

     Charles pulled into the parking lot of the Second Chance motel. A quick look through the parking lot, and he found Jennifer's car. Room 117. Charles smiled. He had found them. He walked towards the door, and knocked on it.....

Well, that's it for part five. Be back next time for part six. Feedback is appreciated.