Cadie and Gambit followed Scalphunter down a long hallway. They'd been searched, stripped, searched again, and then given clothing to wear. And now they were being taken to Sinister.

"So, the prodigals return," Sinister rumbled as he moved to stand before them. "I have your word that you will not attempt to escape again, do I not? Think carefully before you answer, children." He indicated a monitor and they saw Paul playing with a ball in a small white room. "You know what is at stake. Cougar, you recognize this room, I'm certain."

She nodded, stricken. Gambit glanced at her, then looked back and cursed. "Y' got no class, homme," he said angrily. "De boy ain' in dis no more. Y' got what y' want, we be here like y' say. Let de boy go, hehn?"

Cadie's fingers lightly caressed the monitor screen as she stared at her son. "Cadie not leavin, Sinister," she whispered. "Please, let him go. Y' don' need him no more, Cadie gave y' her word."

"I have no intentions of releasing the child, Cougar," he purred, emphasizing the name. "His physiology is almost as fascinating as yours, so he shall stay in residence with us. However---" He held up a hand when she began to protest. "---he will remain unharmed as long as you both continue to cooperate. Is this understood, children?"

They looked at each other and then back to Sinister. "Oui," Cadie whispered. Gambit nodded slowly, his hand resting on Cadie's shoulder.

"Good. You will be treated well. Gambit, you know what I require of you. Go with Scalphunter now and he will show you to your quarters. You are to return here in exactly two hours. Cougar, you will come with me now." He stalked off and she followed, almost like a reluctant puppy. Gambit's heart tore as he watched her.

"Well, c'mon, pretty boy," Scalphunter snarled. He turned and walked out of the room, knowing the Cajun would follow.

"Okay, we've got their location pegged, Slim, what do we do now?" Wolverine said quietly as they lay flat on the ridge, watching the complex below. "You're the boss."

"We watch for a day or two to see the routine, then we'll have a better chance of slipping in unnoticed." He heard the older man growl, but his attention was caught by what he saw in the binoculars. "Gambit's still here, at least. Seems to be okay, but knowing Sinister, that could change at any minute. Haven't seen--- wait, there she is."

He handed the glasses to Wolverine, who brought them up quickly and focussed on the girl. *Darlin, ya don't look so good. Sinister better hope I don't get in arm's reach of him.* "Looks like she's okay, for the moment, Cyke," he said slowly as he continued to watch her. He ground his teeth together when he saw Scalphunter pull her against him. *You just went on the list of people I'm gonna hurt, bub.*

Scott's hand went to his head and he groaned. "Jean just discovered what we're up to," he said as explanation when he saw Wolverine watching him. "And she's ticked."

Wolverine gave him a sympathetic pat on the shoulder. "So when are they gonna show up?" he said with a grin. "I know Red, she won't let us have all the fun."

"About three hours. We need to find them a place to land. Damn the woman's ruthless; they're already in the air." He gave an amused shake of the head.

"Then let's get movin, Slim. I don't want her mad at _me_. Got enough headaches as it is."