Ramble On

01. Pilot

Deanna shook Kaden awake and he grumbled to himself.

"Sorry, honey," Deanna apologized. "But my dad still hasn't shown up. I think we need some help."

Kaden yawned. "From who?"

"My brother."

"Isn't he in-"

"California? Yeah. I just... I'm worried about my dad and I think we need all the help we can get."

Kaden stood and pulled her close. "We'll find you father, baby. I promise."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Because I have a good feeling."

"Get dressed and I'll make some coffee. And brush your teeth."

Kaden tried to kiss her cheek, but Deanna ducked back and made a brushing teeth motion. He nodded, leaving to shower and brush his teeth.

An hour later, the two were on the road.

---

Deanna and Kaden reached Palo Alto, California.

They got out of the car and pulled out a pair of bolt cutters, and walked up to the gate. She unlocked them and she and Kaden made their way to Sam's apartment.

"How much have you planned this out?" Kaden asked.

Deanna smiled, saying nothing.

"Thought so."

Deanna opened the window to Sam's apartment. She climbed through first, then Kaden climbed through.

When both were inside, Deanna closed the window almost the entire way.

Deanna clinked the beer cabinet. She and Kaden walked past the string at the far end of the hall. She hit her hip on the corner of a table and Kaden winced.

Sam, who had been woken up, moved to another part of the apartment and waited as Deanna and Kaden entered the room.

Sam lunged forward and grabbed Deanna's shoulder. Deanna knocked Sam's arm away and aimed a strike at Sam, who ducked. Deanna grabbed Sam's arm, swung him around, and shoved him back. Sam kicked and was blocked before being pushed into another room. Sam got a glimpse of Deanna, though he didn't immediately recognize his sister. Kaden stayed in the shadows, hard to see. Deanna elbowed Sam in the face and Sam kicked at his head. Deanna ducked and swung, but Sam blocked it. Deanna knocked Sam down and pinned him to the floor, one hand at Sam's neck and the other holding Sam's wrist.

"Whoa, easy tiger," Deanna said.

Sam breathed hard. "Deanna?" His elder sister laughed. "You scared the crap out of me!"

"That's 'cause you're out of practice."

Sam grabbed Deanna's hand and yanked, slamming his heel into Deanna's back and Deanna to the floor.

"Or not," Deanna said.

Sam tapped Deanna twice where he had her.

"Get off of me," Deanna demanded.

Sam rolled to his feet and pulled Deanna up. "What the hell are you doing here?"

Kaden walked up as Deanna said, "I was looking for a beer."