The Hunt
By Deah
Written: April 30th 2000
Copyright: 2000
Disclaimer: Original Characters and Storylines are the property of Warner Bros, Jason Katims Productions, Twentieth Century Fox, FOX, Regency Television and Melinda Metz.

Beth looked around the Crashdown and sighed. Did they ever stop pouring in? One goof ball after another in search of alien existence. They prodded her with questions, told her their theories and explained almost their entire life stories. Of course, never suspecting that they were closer than they thought.

The thirtieth annual UFO convention. Headed by the biggest UFO nut of them all, Milton. In his endless pursuit of ice cream parlor alien shadows. You had to give him credit. He had to be almost eighty and still hadn't given up. Sometimes she just wanted to march right into the UFO Center and say "Milton, you were right. Sort of. You came face to face with one of these creatures. In fact, three of them and a few half breeds." After fifty or so years of research the guy deserved a break.

Everday at noon dad took Milton his lunch, on the house. In his old age, Milton didn't take care of himself too well. Her dad worried that he would forget to eat if he didn't bring him something everyday. Uncle Michael complained that Milton could at least pay for it, but dad would just say that it was the least he could do for him. Beth often wondered if there was more to it than her dad would say.

But on days like this, when the Crashdown was filled and every customer was begging for her time, Beth didn't feel so charitable towards Milton. At least dad had finally hired someone else. Not exactly who she thought he would hire, but Jenny Harper was a hard worker and it definitely made Ryan happy. She would catch him peeking out from the kitchen between burger flips stealing a look at Jenny when he could. Mariah would see it too and make some crack to her about Ryan's interest in the new help.

With all this work, none of them had time to dwell on Jimmy Valenti or the fact he had somehow gotten into their minds. They were safe right now. Mariah, Ryan and herself being at the Crashdown with everyone around. Lexi working with Aunt Isabel at the boutique. Parker and Matthew keeping an eye on things at the convention. As long as they were in public Jimmy couldn't hurt them.

"Beth, the trash is taking us over in here." Mariah remarked, rushing from one of the tables to the counter. "Too bad they didn't eat everything they ordered."

"I'll take care of it in minute."

Jenny hurried by with a stack of dishes. "Do you want me to do it?"

"No, that's ok. You've got enough problems with them." Beth assured her, looking at a table full of ufologists. They had been here all three days and had driven each one of them crazy with questions.

"One of them just asked me how I got the scar on my hand. They assumed I had been probed and branded." Jenny laughed. "Something about aliens leaving a trace tattoo so that when the hybrid aliens come looking for their momma they can pick her out of a crowd."

Mariah giggled, grabbing the next order. "Funny, I never saw a tattoo on mom's hand."

Beth shot her head up. Was Mariah even thinking? The place was crawling with alien hunters and crackpots and she was screaming out that they were aliens.

"Sorry, Mariah, but I don't think you fit in the alien stereotype." Jenny answered.

Mariah shook her head. "Obviously you've never talked to my brother?"

Jenny laughed. "I've got a weird brother, too."

"Weird doesn't begin to cover what Matthew is."

Beth opened her mouth to defend him, but what was the use? She grabbed two trash bags from the back and headed out to the alley. She flipped the top of the dumpster and heaved the first bag into it. She bent down to get the second one when she felt someone standing behind her. She straightened immediately, but before she could get eye level everything went black.

She felt herself slip into the darkness. Something wasn't right. Her chest felt tight. She thought instantly of her lungs. The image of the pink organs came into her mind. Air...keep breathing, she chanted over and over again.

Mariah looked at her watch. It didn't take five minutes to put out the trash. She walked to the open back door. Fear gripped her. Something was wrong. Really wrong. She stepped carefully into the alley. One of the trash bags was still on the ground. Where was Beth? She looked down the dark alley. No one. Then something white caught her attention. A shoe. Beth's shoe! She stepped around the trash bag to see Beth crumbled in a heap.

"Ryan!" She screamed, kneeling down next to Beth. Please let her be okay. Please...

Ryan came running out. "What happened?!" He demanded, fear lacing his voice.

"I don't know. I just found her like this." Mariah cried as he checked her pulse. "Is she...is she okay?"

"Her pulse is slow. You must've scared off whoever did this. Move back." Mariah stepped away as Ryan placed his hand against Beth's chest, forming a connection. His hand glowed, sweat pouring off of him. Beth suddenly gasped for air.

Ryan opened his eyes. "Who did this, Beth?!

She breathed heavily. "I...I ...didn't..." She darted her eyes to the door. Ryan and Mariah looked back.

"Who are you?" Jenny asked standing in the doorway. Her face was drained of color as she stared at three.

Mariah looked at Ryan. It was his call. "Can we talk about this later, Jenny? My sister...we need to find out what happened."

Jenny nodded slowly. "Yeah. Do you want me to get your dad?"

"No. Just go take care of the customers. Tell them...tell them we have to close early." Ryan looked at her softly. "And Jenny?"

"Yes?"

"Don't say anything to anyone until we can talk."

"I won't." She promised, glancing at Beth who had managed to sit up. "You should really call the sheriff." She added and went in.

Mariah took Beth's hand. "You didn't see the person?"

"No. It was black. Everything was so black, Mariah." A tear fell. "Why would anyone do this?"

"Let's get you upstairs." Ryan helped her get to her feet.

"Ryan, whoever it was hated me."

Mariah supported the other side of Beth. She glanced back into the dark alley. She had the strangest feeling they were being watched. She wavered a little, but caught her balance quickly. She knew that this was only the beginning. just like Jimmy Valenti had promised.

The End