Helen Norman fought for control as she opened her front door to reveal her nephew and his mentor. Fear and anger raged through her narrow mind. Her sister's children had proved to be infectious thorns in her side. But she wouldn't have it said that she turned minors out into the street. Kermit was another matter.

"Sheriff Talley said that you were to leave town. What are you doing here?" She blocked his way into her home. Arms woodenly folded across her chest.

"I want to say good-bye to Marilyn and David-"

"No."

"-and talk to you and Uncle Henry." Kermit was counting to one thousand in his mind. Fighting to reign in thundering emotions of anger, regret, guilt and loss.

"Helen," Paul spoke sharply, deliberately denying respect by using her first name, "you WILL let him talk to those children if I have to remove you from that doorway myself! Understand?"

Aunt Helen scowled and acknowledged her helplessness. She backed into the house, letting the screen slam rudely behind her. Kermit and Paul followed, Kermit throwing a quick look of gratitude Paul's way.

"HENRY!" Aunt Helen yelled into her husband's study.

Uncle Henry joined them, the faint smell of liquor dimly disguised by breath mints. "Yes, dear?"

Strolling into the living room, Aunt Helen tossed him a disgusted glare and explained, "Kermit wants to talk to us before he leaves town."

Henry Norman trailed his wife to the sofa. Annoyed at having his daily sedation interrupted. Aunt Helen dove in with both barrels. "I will fulfill my obligation to Maggie and take care of Marilyn and David but that, in NO way, binds me to deal with you, young man. I DO NOT feel that it is in their best interest to be exposed to a homicidal maniac like you!"

Shock filled the room when Kermit solemnly replied, "You're right. It's not."

"Well...then...uh...." Aunt Helen stammered, caught off guard by his agreement to her barb. "So, you ARE leaving, then?"

"Yes. But I want to try to explain things to them before I go." Then he rose from his chair and presented an authority Paul had never witnessed in the young man before. A maturity and restraint he instantly admired.

"BUT there are a few things I want the two of you to be clear about." His anger was evident but held beneath the surface. Kermit paced the room but fixed his gaze on his aunt and uncle. "I know that after her medical bills were paid, Mother's insurance money and proceeds from the sale of her home were left to you to take care of Marilyn and David. It is to be used for that alone. I'll find out about it if you don't. I'll be sending money home to Marilyn for her and David to spend on themselves any way they see fit. If you touch it, I'll know.

"Second, all of Mother's personal possessions are being stored for Marilyn and David. They are NOT to be sold. If you try, I'll find out. I'm arranging for someone to take care of that this week and you will not interfere." Kermit stopped and leaned menacingly down over the silenced couple and hissed his final warning. "And third, I know it is beyond the two of you to love them and nurture them but if you hurt them, I'll know. If you raise a hand to either of them or hurt them in any way, I'll come back here and kill you. Understand?"

Kermit held his position. In their faces. Until they flinched their understanding. The tension was shattered by a jubilant shout from the front door. "KERMIT!!!"

David and Marilyn, just home from school, poured into the room. David tried to observe the rules and paused before plowing into his brother. Kermit, on the other hand, met him with a rough hug. Pulling him close and tight. Memorizing the joyous look on his younger brother's face. Knowing it wouldn't last.

Marilyn sighed her relief and let herself be drawn into the embrace. Confident that she had been able to save her brother by calling Paul Blaisdell. Kermit was free and they could start over.

"Hi, guys! How was school?" Kermit held on tighter.

"Stunk! Are you staying for dinner? Can we go somewhere?" David had no idea what was coming. Marilyn was beginning to pick up on Kermit's mood. A sick feeling flooded into her stomach. Stealing her smile and her hope.

Wrapping his arms around their shoulders, Kermit said, "No, sport. I can't stay for dinner. But I have to talk to you both about something. Let's go outside."

Paul nodded satisfactorily at the Normans, as Helen undoubtably remembered Paul's earlier threat to turn Kermit loose on them, and followed the Griffins outside.

*****

Kermit was near tears. Paul could tell. It would make sense that Kermit was such an efficient killer; that he didn't mind killing. There was nothing that could hurt him more than what he was about to do to two children who loved and trusted him. But it had to be done.

They sat down while Paul strolled over to the oak tree and leaned against it on the far side, hoping that he was close enough. He didn't want to be there. He didn't even want to listen but he had no choice. One word from Kermit in a certain tone of voice could be an indicator akin to that of a lit fuse. He'd promised Kermit that he wouldn't let him explode. Especially all over his family.

"What is HE doing here?" David demanded, pointing.

"That's...my friend, David," Kermit told him. "My...best friend. Come here and sit by me, kiddo."

Paul's heart warmed at the title bestowed upon him. *Hope he still feels that way when he finds out what I've done with the agency,* he thought.

Marilyn bit her lip as Kermit began. "You know that...this isn't going to be easy...."

"Can we live with you now?" David piped up.

"No," Kermit said softly. "Look, guys, there's been a change. A big change of the Plan. I'm sorry...." He looked directly at David, unable to look at Marilyn with the tears welling in her eyes. "I'm sorry, guys, I blew it. I tried, I really did but...it's not going to work. You won't be able to live with me. There was a fight and I got into a bit of trouble. The police would never let you live with me now."

"You were in a fight?!" David was going pale. "You fought somebody and ruined the Plan?! OUR Plan??!!"

"David-"

"You said you were going to take care of things! You said you were going to take care of us-!"

"I will, David! I will!" Kermit took a deep breath. "Only I won't be here to do it. Look, I'll send you money and you can start a new life-"

"I don't want your money! I want Mom back!!!" It was unnecessary to mention that David wanted Kermit, too. With him.

"David, they'll put me in jail if I don't go-"

"GOOD!!!" David sprang up. "Go to jail!!! Rot in HELL!!!"

"DAVID!!!" Marilyn exclaimed.

"YOU RUINED THE PLAN! OVER *ONE* FIGHT! ONE!!!" David screamed. "I HATE YOU! I HATE YOU! HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO US???!!! GO AWAY! I HATE YOU!!!" With a shove to his older brother's shoulder, he ran off into the house.

Paul stood by, ready to intervene. But Kermit seemed paralyzed. Rooted to the ground. His body still, face expressionless.

"Kermit...?" Marilyn's shaky, tentative voice reached out to him...a hand extended. She was even afraid to touch him. "He doesn't mean it....I'll talk to him."

Kermit took her hand and pulled her to him, hugging her for all eternity. He wanted to cry, but he wouldn't let the tears come. Not in front of her. He still had to be strong for her. That was the only thing he had left to give her.

"Mar-" his voice broke and he started again after clearing his throat. "Marilyn, I'm sorry. I guess I wasn't strong enough. I couldn't fight the urge."

"What IS it, Kermit? Please tell me - I want to know what's going on with you, at least." Seeing his look, she reiterated, "I want to KNOW."

So Kermit told her. Not all of it. He didn't tell her about the beatings, the torture, the degradation. He told her that somehow the instincts to make war couldn't be turned off inside him. That he could control it for a little bit but he could feel it building up even now. He told her that he was afraid of hurting someone that he didn't want to hurt. Like them. That was why he needed to leave. He told her that Paul would help him so that he could control the instincts better.

"I won't lose contact or forget about you, Marilyn. I promise," he concluded. "I won't be here but I'll write you letters. I'll send you money. When you get that money, I want you to do whatever you feel is best with it. And don't just save it - it'll also be so that you and David can go out and have fun. See movies, go out to dinner, get out of the house. Okay? Also, work hard on your grades. Maybe when you win a scholarship, you can take David with you. I don't think you'll be dumb enough to get into any fights." Trying to smile, he hugged her again. "I love you so much...." Kermit nearly broke down then. But his sister was still looking at him so he forced a smile to his face, no matter how much it hurt. "I'm so sorry...." he whispered, hugging her again.

"Kermit, it's not your fault," she whispered back, holding onto him, comforting him. "I love you, too. And I'll talk to David-"

Kermit shook his head. "Just take care of him. And take care of yourself." Kissing her on the forehead, he swatted her lightly on the behind. "Don't worry about me - the big guy there behind the tree will sit on me. Go on."

Paul and Kermit watched as she walked slowly to the house, throwing looks over her shoulder on the way. Once she entered, the blinds were shut resolutely and permanently.

Paul came to stand beside Kermit, a loss for words. Finally, Paul poked him hard in the side. Kermit flinched and glared at him, once more having to control his anger. Paul, taking his life in his own hands, poked him again. As Kermit turned in annoyance, Paul invaded his body space to jab him again. Now, the young man's control was slipping as he tried to counter the jabbing fingers. "Paul..." he warned.

Paul got in Kermit's face and stayed there. "You want to hit something - hit me. I dare you!" He jabbed him again. "I dare you to connect! I bet you can't. You can't lay a finger on me-"

Kermit exploded, lashing out, but Paul could see it coming and adjusted his strategy accordingly. He pulled the hitting fists to the side as he forced Kermit to his knees on the ground, holding him, as the tornado raged in his arms. Finally, there was the hacking and gasping sound as the waterfall of tears finally came out, the body wracking with sobs. Paul held him close, nearly about to burst into tears himself. As close as he was, Paul could hear the barest whisper from his 'son'.

"Why me? Oh, God, why me...?"

*****

"I think I know why, Paul." Savannah stared down at her hands, twisting her wedding ring. "It's because he can take it." Eyes brimming with tears, she addressed her guest. "I've always believed that old saying that 'God never gives you more than you can bear.' God made Kermit strong enough to bear all this pain. For himself and the people he loves."

Paul had seen Kermit heap other people's burdens on himself for years...even a few of his own. "I think you're right about that. He pretends to be detached. Like he doesn't care if other people live or die. Then, he'll turn around and take on the trouble you have...right beside you."

Smiling at the shared perspective, she agreed. "Yes, he does. That's why I never have to worry about Kat. If something happened to me, I KNOW she would be in good hands. Her father's hands."

"I hope, my dear, that my protégé never has to face another day without you by his side." Paul's smile held the welcome of family. Acceptance and approval.

Warmed by his heartfelt offering, Savannah returned to the subject at hand. "Whatever you did afterward must have worked over the years, Paul. That twenty-three year old man would have killed Douglas Larson to avenge David's death. Kermit is finally the master. He...we have you to thank for that."

"The beast is still there, but I think you're right. Kermit rules his consciousness now. But don't forget, for your own sake, that the demons will always be on his heels. They will sneak in when neither of you expect it. All of us have to wrestle with them...no matter how many years are between us and the jungle." Paul patted her hand comfortingly. "But with you at his side, he has a formidable new partner. In a way, stronger than his last."

Getting up to check on her patients, she chimed, "Well, I have a great deal of motivation." She returned her sleeping daughter to her own little bed before re-taking her position. "Were you surprised that Kermit didn't have...an attack there, dealing with David?"

"A little, but I knew he was in shock by the whole state of affairs. For years, he went around that way. He was like a zombie. He could think, move, breathe, etc., but there was a mechanical-ness to it. It was difficult teaching him through that. But somehow, I don't know how, he learned. I suppose he thought it was all he had left."

*****

Kermit Griffin perused the couple down the alleyway. *Number One - male, grey hair, blue eyes, 40-45ish, mustache, dark blue suit, black briefcase, leather shoes. Number Two - male, brownish-blond hair, hazel eyes, 30-37ish, jeans, red sweatshirt - perhaps hiding a gun? - tennis shoes.*

It seemed like a simple enough assignment. Follow the two men, watch the hand-off, take the information and make it back to base. Trouble was, the simple ones were the ones that somehow went wrong.

Kermit had taken pains to look as normal as he could. The dark glasses might have been an eyecatcher so he had had to settle for tinted glasses. Dressed in a white t-shirt, denim jacket, and jeans, Kermit looked like one of a crowd.

Number One set his briefcase on top of the trash can and opened it. Kermit tried not to crane his neck over the graffiti-artist he was pretending to watch. Number Two looked toward him and Kermit dug into his pocket for some change for the artist. Not making him, Number Two turned his attention back to Number One and reached inside the briefcase. Drawing his hand back, he thrust it into his pocket.

Kermit frowned. It was clear that he couldn't tell which man had the information. Number Two could have put information IN the briefcase or taken information OUT of the briefcase. There was no way to tell except up close and personal. That also meant that, to succeed, he would have to take out both men. In fact, taking out both men at the same time would have been ideal.

This time, it was Paul that frowned as Kermit drew his gun. *Oh, shit,* Paul thought, *I hope Kermit remembers the alarms they carry-"

Kermit moved into position. Only someone who knew him as well as Paul did could see the nervousness on his face. He entered the alley at a crouch in the far corner and took aim. Paul held his breath....

Kermit did not shoot the men. He shot above them, shattering the glass of the windows directly above the men. The men tried to scatter but was unsuccessful as the shower of glass rained down upon them. Paul winced; it was way too noisy. But it did the job. Both men were down, not moving.

By this time, a small crowd had gathered. Kermit was suddenly in the middle of it. "Oh, my GOD!" he exclaimed. "You, go call an ambulance. You, get the police. Stay back - I'm a medical student. Just stay back."

Kermit began picking his way carefully to the men as Paul shook his head. It was a risky tactic Kermit had chosen. There was always the possibility of a real doctor in the vicinity but Kermit was lucky this time. The people responded to his tone of authority and began to move back to give him room. As he 'examined' the men, those with business finally moved away, convinced that the matter was being taken care of. But the police - thanks to Kermit - were on their way and Kermit didn't have much time. He searched the men and found the silver chip he had been told to look for and pocketed it quickly. Then, he looked up for a way out and found himself still the object of scrutiny by curious passersby.

"You - come here," he beckoned to one of them.

The young man came forward hesitantly. Paul couldn't hear what Kermit was saying to him but the young man gave Kermit his jacket, who then laid the jacket over the face of one of the men. Kermit then looked to the ground as the young man approached the crowd and softly spoke to them. Slowly, the crowd began to disperse.

While the young man had the others' attention, Kermit, looking up briefly, stood up and walked normally to the rear of the alleyway. Paul, knowing that there was a fire escape, angled himself for a better look and saw Kermit leap up, grab the fire escape ladder, hoist himself up, and climbed the one floor to enable him to make it over the wooden fence barring the back exit to the alley.

Still, Paul knew that Kermit was not home free. There were plenty of traps still waiting for him....Paul hurried to the next spot where he could observe Kermit unnoticed. But he already knew what was awaiting his student. There was a car conveniently parked in plain sight not too far from the fence that Kermit had climbed over. Paul got to his spot just in time to see Kermit heading for it. He watched, holding his breath. He could not break the rules, not even for Kermit. Perhaps if the kid washed out, he could go home and live a safe life....

Kermit paused, his hand an inch away from the handle. He withdrew his hand, peered inside the window, and looked around. Paul knew he must be remembering one of his lessons: "A car is unlocked for two reasons. One, the owner will be back shortly. Two, someone WANTS you to take the car." With one more quick look around, Kermit passed the car by and headed off on foot.

Kermit passed one more test. Paul sighed. At this rate, he was going to get an ulcer.

Paul tailed his student a few more blocks while Kermit looked for a suitable car. *Nothing flashy, nothing eye-catching....*

He passed a gas station just as two men chuckling to one another stopped talking at his approach. He nodded to them and walked around the corner as if he was going to use the station's restroom. The two men drew their guns and followed, with Paul hugging the wall of the next building, watching, his heart in his throat. Paul sidled over to where he could see the side of the gas station that the two men saw...and found that Kermit had disappeared!

The two men split up and searched the area. There was a pile of tires stacked up. One man pointed his gun inside - empty. The other checked the garbage dumpster - no Kermit. Then the one man checked the restroom just as the other man noticed the still-open gate. He called to the other and they both cautiously followed the trail behind the service station to the McDonald's behind it.

Paul waited. Four seconds later, Kermit peered out of the women's restroom and walked quickly to the front of the service station. Paul nodded - Kermit had remembered. Paul had told him that socialization was so strong, chances were that men would not think to look in the women's restroom.

Kermit approached the service attendent and, a short conversation later, was soon driving away in the car that the mechanic was working on. Paul had also told him that that was a good way to pick up a car. One had a good excuse for not having the keys to the car and most mechanics wouldn't mind being paid for repairs in cash. With luck, the owner wouldn't call about it for hours, even possibly the next day.

Paul now had to rely on the watchers on the street to watch Kermit from then on. He began the long trek back to his own car.

*****

"You want to know how you did? Well, let me tell you. I'm shocked as HELL that you're still alive!" Paul yelled as Kermit walked placidly through the corridors, a little smile on his face that angered Paul even more. "Listen, you-" Paul grabbed his arm, only to be interrupted by their superior's sudden appearance as he rounded the corner.

"Tell us inside, Blaisdell," McIver grinned, making a 'you first' gesture. Stonily, Paul marched into the office with Kermit right behind him. Kermit took a seat but Paul just paced, glaring at his protégé, who seemed completely oblivious to his ire. McIver took the seat behind his desk. "Go ahead," he said, "Tell us what he did wrong."

"Let me count the ways!" Paul fought to control his temper and continued in a more reasonable tone of voice. "The glass created too much noise. Any of those people could have been an agent and you provided the perfect distraction for someone to take you out. It was too sensational. Any one in the crowd could describe you. And you made the murders too unusual. If you'd taken their wallets, it would look like a robbery."

"I disagree," McIver smirked. "I think it was a fine distraction. He controlled the events by assigning jobs for the witnesses, thus silently encouraging the others to move on, which they did. The sensationalism of the event will overshadow his own presence there and not taking the wallets will prove that the helpful 'medical student' was legit. He got out of there in plenty of time to get away and the police wouldn't suspect him of actually having anything to do with it. They'll chalk it up to a freak sonic boom and forget about it. They'll even get rid of the bodies for us! Tidy." McIver stood, circled the desk and sat on the edge in front of Kermit. "And I must say, I am impressed as to how quickly you lost your vehicle tail."

*And why not?!" Paul thought bitterly. *He's used to trying to evade ME!!!*

McIver nodded. "I think you have a future here, young man. Welcome." Looking at Paul, he added, "Once he gets some experience, he'll be unstoppable. Good work, Blaisdell."

Paul wasn't complimented.

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