Jason Merriman's Office Washington DC Monday Morning

Gerard is sitting across from Jason. Jason says to Gerard, "She should be here any second, she was at the latte cart when I called her." Before Gerard has a chance to say anything, Kari walks in to the office and is not too surprised to see Gerard there.

Jason says, “Agent Holmes, I believe you have already met the acquaintance of Capt. Philip Gerard of the Chicago PD."

Kari and Gerard shake hands as she says, “Of course, Capt. Gerard, it’s nice to see you again...I saw you on the news last night and I am very flattered that you came all the way to DC to see me when I thought in California you'd simply want to speak with me again through a conference call."

"Well, Agent Holmes, there was another reason I came. I'm sure you heard on the news that Kimble was in the area."

"Yes I did. I found it quite amazing that he'd be here on the east coast. Do you suppose he was checking out Crystal Clear Water?"

"Agent Holmes, I really don't care what he was checking out. The man is wanted for murder and I'm going to bring him to justice for it."

She turns and looks at her boss as he says, “Agent Holmes, Capt. Gerard please be seated." They all sit.

Gerard then speaks, “Agent Holmes, I made it clear to you in California that I head a fugitive task force that's trying to track down Kimble. We have been trying to find him through various methods but he always manages to get away. I was hoping you could join our task force and do a profile on him."

Kari raises her eyebrows and says, “Capt. I thought you'd want to just consult with me in generalities. I have never been part of a task force like this. Why me? I'm sure AD Merriman told you I have other cases pending, not only that we both know that Kimble saved my life...are you really sure you want me? I'm not so sure I'm the best person for this job just on that alone.”

Gerard says, “Agent Homes, from your record as an agent, you seem to have a talent for seeing things that others miss. You also have a talent for not only figuring out who the suspect in the homicide is but you seem to be able to find him or her. This assignment shouldn't be too difficult since you already know who you are looking for. I also know that you are very professional first and foremost. Kimble is guilty and if he wants to pursue an appeal with character witnesses, he's welcome to it but he should be doing this through proper channels. I believe you would agree with that wouldn't you?”

"Of course I agree Capt. Gerard. My boss however has the final word here."

Kari turns to her boss with a questioning look and Jason says, “Agent Holmes, I agreed to let you join the task force temporarily since your reputation precedes you!"

Kari looks at Jason questioningly and says, "Indeed, I really never realized how much of a reputation I had. AD Merriman with respect though, what about my other cases?"

Jason replies, "They've already been reassigned Agent Holmes. It's a done deal."

There is a brief silence in the room, Kari looks at Jason suspiciously. Jason gives her a subtle nod. Kari says, “All right, I will go to Chicago and profile Dr. Richard Kimble. In order to do that I will need everything pertaining to his wife's murder."

Gerard says, “Not a problem, I have already given a file to AD Merriman with all of the information." Gerard gets up and shakes hands with both of them and says to Kari, "Until next Monday then Agent Holmes."

Kari says, "That soon huh? Well, I'll see you Monday morning Capt. Gerard and I will endeavor to be as up to date as possible with everything."

Gerard says, “Thank you both for your assistance.”

Gerard walks out of the office. Jason closes the door and turns around and looks at Kari. She is still sitting. Jason says, "All right Kari, is there anything you want to share with the class? And don't try to give me that innocent little poker face that you have. We go back too far for you to pull that little act with me. Save it for Gerard and Company."

Kari rolls her eyes and says, “Maybe you need to share something with the class Jason. This is out of character for you to pull me off of pending cases, without even consulting me first, to chase someone down who has already been convicted and just happened to save my life. What exactly do you want?"

“I want you to be straight with me. You have been back on active duty now for three weeks, yet I had to find out about your exchange with Gerard and Hilliard in California from Gerard. It's not like you to hold something like that back. Whatever happened to you there, you can tell me. This is one of those conversations that we never had."

Kari looks at Jason and says, “I'm sorry Jason, you're right, I should have told you. Since Gerard brought you up to date there's really nothing I can add.”

Jason says very sympathetically, “I disagree. Kari, since Ellie died, you haven't exactly been yourself. It's as though you never came back from Peoria from her funeral. Your work has suffered tremendously. The Tiger Lady has been somewhere else. So I ordered you to take a vacation, you nearly get killed and you just happened to get saved by a guy who's been convicted of killing his wife. Now you've been more preoccupied than ever since you returned to active duty."

"What can I say Jason? It's been a rough year!"

"I know Kari. I know you've had a lot of pain in your life to deal with, but for the first time since I've ever known you, you sounded happy in the morning when I called you and you were drinking a mocha as opposed to a latte. Since you came back on active duty, you've researched everything except those cold cases that were assigned to you. All I can say is Dr. Richard Kimble must have one incredible bedside manner. How was the good doctor when you rescued him on Saturday night?"

Kari scrunches her eyebrows at him and says, "Jason what are you talking about? I know as much as you know from the news."

"Oh Kari you keep forgetting about the people who love you! Anna called me about informants calling you on off hours."

Kari's eyes get wide. "Mom actually called you?"

"Yes she did. I assured her that everything was OK."

Kari shakes her head in disbelief, "I can't believe Mom did that! I'm sorry about that Jason and no there is nothing that I want to share with the class."

Jason has a look of resignation on his face. He says, “All right Kari, I'll accept that answer...for now. However, let me share something with you. After talking to Gerard last week, I asked him to send me some information on Helen Kimble's murder before I allowed you to go."

"...And?"

Jason then says, "I looked at all of the crime scene photos. Unless Mrs. Kimble was trained in self defense, I find it very hard to believe that a woman of her size could fight with her husband long enough to inflict so much damage to the apartment. I then saw this picture." He takes out the picture of Fred Johnson. Kari shifts position in her chair and looks away slightly. Jason says, "I was mildly surprised when I saw it. I realize that it's only black and white but when you've only seen a composite drawing, this is like seeing Technicolor! I then started understanding a few things."

Kari says, "What's your point Jason?"

"My point is...Give 'em hell Kari, you've got yourself a cold case to solve and I suggest you solve it before they find Kimble. Do this profile, see where the investigating takes you. Watch your back though. I have a feeling people are not going to like you reinvestigating."

Kari says, "Who would have dreamed I'd be Gerard's bosom buddy in this?"

Jason says, "Walk a fine line Kari, he'll have you for breakfast if he suspects any wrong doing on your part."

"Oh he'll get my best Jason. I just hope he appreciates it when it's all said and done!"

Jason stands up and says, "Kari, here are your travel documents. We've got you set up at the Residence Inn by Marriott. If you want any extra firearms with you, just let me know."

Kari says, "What about my cat?"

Jason replies, "Give Mousetrap to me. I'm sure your goddaughter will be thrilled to take care of her. Kari, I hope you'll also spend time with Anna and Kyle. I know Ellie always wanted you to relocate to Chicago."

Kari smiles and says, "Well, I will be working but knowing them if I don't go see them in Peoria, they'll come up and see me!"

Jason stands up and says, “I'm off to a meeting but I must say one last thing before you go. This look suits you. I never thought I’d see it.”

Kari very puzzled says, “What look would that be?”

Jason smiles and says, “The look that says ‘Kari is falling in love.’”

Kari gives him a deer in the headlight look. Jason seriously says, "Don't ever let Gerard see that look!" He walks out and shuts the door behind him.

Kari takes a drink of her mocha. She looks at it rolls her eyes and says, "Oh please, I'm not in love...it's just a silly phase I'm going through!"

INSIDE OF A PICKUP TRUCK LATE IN THE AFTERNOON TUESDAY

The camera looks down a highway. There is desert on both sides of it. A blue pick up truck goes by and the camera zooms in on the driver of the truck. "So, is this your first time in New Mexico?"

The passenger, looking out the window, turns to the driver. The passenger is Richard Kimble. Kimble says, "No, I've been here before." He briefly remembers the bar where he found Charnquist and the confrontation in the men's room.

"What brings you back?"

"Oh, just passing through and looking for work. I was originally going to try Memphis but, New Mexico sounded better."

"Well you sure took a dramatic turn. I hope it pays off and you find something here."

They pass into the city limits and Kimble sees a sign that says, 'Welcome to Roswell.' The pickup stops and the man says, "Here you go, the beginning of town.” Kimble sees a diner, post office and a grocery store immediately.

Kimble smiles and says, “Thanks, I appreciate the ride. So this is the famous Roswell NM." He says as he gets out of the car with a duffel bag.

“Yes it is! Just don't let the the Men in Black with the government get you!" He smiles and Kimble gets a concerned look on his face. The man says, "Or the aliens!" Kimble still looking uneasy as the man says, "Hey, lighten up! I was just messing with you. You're about as likely to find an alien around here as you would the Loch Ness Monster in Scotland." Kimble laughs slightly and the man drives off.

Kimble is dirty from head to toe from the excessive walking that he’s been doing. He’s extremely hungry. He looks at the diner and walks in not realizing that the closed sign is up.

A short woman with long blond hair comes out and starts to say “I’m sorry, but I close early on Mondays and Tuesdays and I just closed for the day…” She stops dead in her tracks and looks hard at Kimble.

Kimble notices her look and looks at his own appearance, which is not his best. Kimble says, “Sorry.” He starts to leave.

She replies, “Wait, you look like you need some food. I’m closed for business, but I’m always open to the human race! Now if you're an alien, that's another matter!" Kimble raises his eyebrows at the comment. She replies, "Hey, I'm sorry, tourists usually eat those kinds of comments up. You don't seem like a typical tourist though, so sit down at the counter and order something. My name’s Angela.” She smiles at him.

Kimble replies, “Bill.” He looks at the menu and realizing how little money he has says, “Can I have a cup of coffee and an order of fries?”

“You look a lot hungrier than that, how about I treat you to one of my steaks with a baked potato and all of the stuff that comes with it. I’ll even throw in a piece of apple pie for dessert?”

He smiles and says, “It sounds great, but I can’t pay you for all of that.”

“I said it’s my treat, besides maybe we can help each other out. You go wash up and I’ll start cooking."

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