"Damn," Alan said, as he turned around and faced the front of the jeep. He slapped his hand on the seat in dismay; they had come to a fork in the road. "Joe, you're driving. Pick a road and get us the hell out of here."

Joe sat for a moment, then he turned onto the left fork. Several times, as he navigated the rough, winding dirt road, he wondered if he had taken the wrong fork. His fears proved unfounded when the jeep suddenly plunged into sunlight and he saw a paved road intersecting the dirt road. He slowed the jeep and then stopped. "I made the last decision, it's your turn."

Alan looked behind him at the sun peaking over the tops of the trees, then pointed to his left. "South, that way. Let's go home." He settled back into position as the jeep took off and sped down the road.

After traveling for miles without seeing anyone, Joe became aware of two small black spots in the sky; spots, which began to grow in size. "Alan, look there."

Alan peered into the distance; he clapped Joe on the back in exhilaration, as it became clear what the objects were. "Those are helicopters. Stop the jeep!"

Joe jammed on the brakes and brought the jeep to a halt. Alan jumped out of the vehicle before it had fully stopped, leaving the M-16 behind. He joined Joe and began to wave his arms.

One of the crew members went to Olvera and Pauley and gestured to them; then Ellie sensed the helicopter slowing its forward movement. Beside her, Muldoon stirred and watched as Pauley made his way to them.

"The pilot has seen someone on the road. It may be Reiling and Dr. Grant," Pauley said, shouting to be heard over the helicopter engine.

Ellie came to her feet in a rush, and hurried over to the open door of the helicopter. Grabbing a hand strap, she stared out the door, ignoring the soldier's warning look. As they circled the road, she saw two figures waving next to a jeep. Pure relief and joy swept through her as she recognized Alan, waving his hat.

Both helicopters landed on the road, away from the jeep. The crew member nodded, and Ellie jumped down from the helicopter, her eyes glued on Alan. They worked towards each other, then broke into a run. "Oh, Alan," she cried as she flung herself into his arms.

"I knew you'd come," he whispered, his voice hoarse with emotion; then he crushed his mouth against hers, putting every bit of the love he felt behind the kiss. "I love you." How easy it was now, he marveled. Thank you, Amanda, for your last gift...

"I love you, too," she answered, and fresh tears flowed at hearing the words she so wanted to hear. "I was so worried about you." She ran her hands up and down his arms, looking for any injuries. "Are you hurt?"

"No, I'm fine," he said. He kissed her again, holding her tight. "In fact, I'm more than fine right now."

Laughing, she broke the embrace as Joe approached. On impulse, she gave him a hug. "Joe, I'm so glad to see you."

"I'm glad to see you, too, Ellie." Joe pointed at Alan and smiled. "I'm here because of this guy."

"Dr. Grant, I do think you have nine lives," Pauley said as he and Muldoon came up to them, Olvera following close behind.

"I think I've used several lives up in the last few weeks," Alan said. He nodded at Robert Muldoon and shook his hand. "Robert, thanks for coming with Ellie."

"It was the least I could do." Muldoon said. "I'm glad to see you alive and well."

"Dr. Grant, I know this is not the best time to ask you any questions," Olvera said.

Ellie shot him a dagger look. "Minister —"

"I'm sorry Dr. Sattler, but we need to know."

"Can't you please leave him alone, just this once?"

"It's okay, Ellie," Alan said, guessing the man's question. "Everyone else is dead. That's what you want to know, am I right? Did anyone else survive?"

"Yes, that was my question."

"We were ambushed and the soldiers panicked. They tried to make it back to the helicopter, but the raptors seemed to know what the soldiers were going to do. A raptor went right past us, I don't know why it left us alone," he said, shaking his head. As the adrenalin rush he had been experiencing subsided, a great weariness began to grow within him. "The raptors left the area during the night - I don't know where they went."

"That's fine Dr. Grant. The rest of the questions can wait," Pauley said, looking hard at Olvera in irritation.

"Very well, Ambassador. Dr. Grant, I will be in touch later," Olvera said. "I am going to accompany the other helicopter to retrieve the bodies of our soldiers. The pilot volunteered to fly back to the location." With a stiff nod, Olvera left them and trotted to the second helicopter.

"Let's get you two home," Pauley said.

Alan nodded, and they climbed aboard the helicopter. He slumped into a seat and removed his hat.

"I'm glad you didn't lose that one," Ellie said, touching the brim.

"Not a chance," Alan said. Propping his head against the bulkhead, he closed his eyes.

Soon, the rotors began to turn and after a few seconds, they began their ascent. As they flew back to the city, they did not speak, but Ellie clasped Alan's hand, reluctant to break physical contact. He thought with distaste about the other helicopter's mission to retrieve what was left of the bodies. He should have done something to save the others, he thought guiltily. But what did he do? He ran like a coward.

At last, Alan felt the helicopter begin to descend, and eager to be back on the ground, he stood up as soon as the chopper had come to rest. He jumped out of the helicopter, and grunting in surprise, almost went to his knees.

"Alan?" Ellie asked, reaching out for him.

"I'm fine, just landed wrong," Alan said. "I guess I'm a little tired." As the group walked away from the helicopter, he spotted the now familiar white van; standing beside it was a man he did not recognize.

"Ellie, you've met Roger Ellington," Pauley said.

At first Ellie drew a blank, then she remembered he had accompanied Pauley last night. "Yes, I remember," she said.

"Dr. Grant, I'm Roger Ellington, Joe's supervisor. I'll be taking you home."

"Okay," Alan said. Right now, he did not care how they got back to the hotel, or who drove; he just wanted to get there as fast as possible. He crawled into the van, Ellie right behind him.

"Joe, I don't want to see you anywhere near the Embassy tomorrow, understand?" Pauley said, as Joe climbed into the passenger seat.

Too worn out to argue, Joe nodded. "Yes, sir."

After a short trip, the van pulled up to the hotel, and the two scientists exited the van. Joe rolled his window down. "Take care," Joe said. "Alan, I owe you. If I ever have a son, I'm naming him after you."

Alan smiled and clasped the young man on the shoulder. "We'll talk to you later."

"Okay, Alan."

Alan and Ellie reached their suite; retrieving his key, Alan's hand trembled. It took him a few seconds to unlock the door.

"I'm going to take a shower and change clothes," Alan said.

"Okay. Are you hungry?"

"Maybe... Coffee would be good."

"I'll whip us up some then," she said, trying to be upbeat. She flicked the switch to turn on the coffee maker, then went and sat down in one of the dining room chairs. She should be overjoyed, jumping for joy at Alan's admission that he loved her. She had not missed how his hand, normally rock steady, had quivered. With fatigue, or delayed shock? With a worried sigh, she waited for the coffee to finish brewing.

Alan wrapped a towel around him and entered the bedroom. Putting on a pair of sweat pants, he began to pull on a t-shirt. As he pulled the shirt down, he began to shake and he sat on the bed, gasping for control.

Hearing the shower shut off, Ellie poured them both a cup of coffee. Picking up the cups, she walked to the bedroom door. "Alan, here's your coffee."

"Alan?" she asked, when he didn't answer; then was shocked as he looked at her, anguish in his eyes. "Oh my God," she whispered. She hurried over and sat both cups on the dresser, then she took him in her arms. "It's okay," she said, as she held his trembling form.

Alan's breathing slowed, and his body ceased shuddering. For a long time, they clung together, drawing strength from Ellie. He looked at her, confusion in his eyes. "I don't know what happened to me."

"I do. You've been holding so much back since we got here, trying to be strong for me, for Lex and Tim. What happened yesterday put you over the edge."

"Maybe… I don't know." He looked at her, a wan smile playing on his face. "You know, some breakfast might be good."

"I think so, too." She looked at the clock radio. It was just after eight. "They're still serving breakfast. Why don't I go get us a tray of food?"

"Okay. I think I'd like some toast and cereal."

"I can handle that." She hugged him for a moment then looked into his eyes. "Remember what you said that day we arrived? We will get through this together."

Alan frowned. "Sure seems like a long time ago." He picked up the cup of coffee and walked into the living room with Ellie.

"I'll be back in a few minutes." Ellie walked to the serving tables, and spotted the general manager, McTeer.

"Good morning Dr. Sattler, how's everything with you and Dr. Grant."

Just hunky dory, she thought. "Well, Alan's feeling a little under the weather, so I thought I'd take a plate back for him."

"That will be fine. It's not anything serious, is it?"

"No, he'll be fine."

"Good. Just leave the tray outside the door and it will be picked up later."

"Thanks." She took a tray and filled two bowls of corn flakes; deciding they could use their milk. After she buttered a few slices of toast, she put a few slices of cantaloupe on the plates. That should just about do it, she thought, then carried the tray back to their suite.

"Here we go," Ellie said, setting the tray on the table. "I got us some cantaloupe, too."

"Good."

Ellie was glad to see him eat with some enthusiasm. "McTeer said to set the tray outside after we finish."

Alan nodded. "Okay."

Afterwards, they loaded up with the tray with their dirty dishes, then placed the tray on the floor of the hall. Alan hesitated for a moment, then stuck the do not disturb sign on the doorknob.

"Why don't you lie down for a while?" Ellie asked.

"I think I'll do that. Want to join me?"

"Yeah, I'm beat."

"Wait," she said. She reached over to the phone and shut off the ringer. "No phone calls."

"Sounds good to me. I don't want to hear a phone."

"Me either. The front desk can get our messages. I'll get the one in the other bedroom. I think I'll take a quick shower, too."

"Okay."

Good riddance, Alan thought, turning off the phone in his room. He lay down, closed his eyes, and forced himself to relax.

Alan moaned, his head flipping from side to side. Ellie came awake, her hand on his chest. "Easy, honey, easy," she whispered, caressing his chest. It seemed to calm him and he slipped back into sleep. Ellie sighed and laid her head on his chest. It had been like this for several hours.

It seemed like she had just slept for a few minutes, when he moaned again, this time louder. "No, Ellie, don't go in there!" he shouted, sitting up.

"I'm here, Alan," she said. He was shaking again, his eyes full of horror.

"Ellie," he said his voice hoarse. For a long time they held each other, then Alan rushed out of bed and charged out to the patio. He sat at the table; his head buried in his hands.

Ellie stood at the door, debating whether to approach him or leave him alone. Oh, hell, yes, she would go to him. Approaching Alan, she put her hand on his shoulder. In response, he placed his hand on hers.

"It was horrible," he said. "We were looking at the tracks. The minute I saw the tracks I thought they were raptors, young ones. Then the forest became silent, that terrible silence. I knew they were out there – tried to get the soldiers to leave; but they didn't understand the danger. It was already too late." Alan closed his eyes remembering the absolute terror he had felt.

Ellie did not interrupt; she knelt down beside his chair; determined to let Alan talk, to get what happened into the open. It would be the best thing.

"Then a third one appeared right in front of us. We were trapped, just like in the Visitors Center. They were waiting for us to go back to the chopper. The soldiers broke and ran. God, they were just kids. I can't figure out why the first raptor passed us by!" he exclaimed. He rubbed his eyes, then looked at her, his eyes racked with guilt. "I ran into the trees like a damn coward," he said.

"Alan, what could you have done? You couldn't help the soldiers."

"I don't know, but I should have done something. I left those men to be torn apart."

Ellie did not know what to say. She knew if Alan had been able to save the other men, he would have done everything he could to accomplish that, but he would not see it that way. "Alan Grant, I've known you for over four years, and if there's one thing I've learned about you, it's that you are not a coward. Ask Lex and Tim, if you are a coward. Ask Joe if you are a coward. They owe their lives to you. You did the best you could. You have no reason to feel guilty about anything."

"Maybe so, I just don't know, Ellie," he said, his voice despairing.

She sat down next to him and took his hand. "It's time to put your plan in motion."

"You're right, I can't take anymore. It's tearing me apart. I'll think about it later. I think right now I'd like to try to get back to sleep."

That he would even consider using the information was a change, a sign of his desperation.

He stood and put his arm around her, and returned to bed.

Alan awoke and snuggled closer to Ellie; the sun was rising he saw. He was relieved; he had managed to sleep through the night. Ellie was still asleep; he gently brushed her blond hair off her forehead. She had been amazing; that he was coherent at all was because of her.

Ellie stirred and opened her eyes. She found herself looking into his eyes; eyes that were clear of the dreadful agony she had seen yesterday. She put her arms around his neck. "Good morning, Dr. Grant."

"Good morning, Dr. Sattler."

"How do you feel?"

"Better, thanks to you. Hopefully the worst is over. I'm starving though."

"I am too." She glanced at the clock; and saw it was 7:15. "Wow, we slept through the night."

"I know," Alan said.

They both climbed out of bed. Alan went into one bathroom, while Ellie went into the other to freshen up. Alan ran a comb through his bed hair and splashed some water on his face, then brushed his teeth. Back in his bedroom, he scowled at the phone, then with a lack of enthusiasm, turned the ringer back on. Entering the living area, he did the same for that phone.

"I turned the phone back on," he said to Ellie as she entered the room.

"Oh, okay. Ready?" she asked.

"Yep." He shut the door behind them and they walked to the serving area. Alan helped himself to a large helping of eggs, several pieces of bacon, some fruit, and a bowl of cereal. He poured himself a cup of coffee. Ellie selected her food and as they searched for a table, they spotted Robert Muldoon.

"Good morning, folks," Muldoon said, as they approached his table.

"Morning, Robert."

"How are you doing?" Robert asked.

"Better than I was yesterday," Alan said.

Robert nodded, understanding. "I'd love the company. Why don't you join me?"

"Sure, thanks," Alan said, and placing his tray on the table, he and Ellie took a seat. "Robert, I need to know something."

"Sure."

"When the soldiers took off, one of the raptors ran right by Joe and me. It went by no more than a foot away from us. I know it could see us, why did it do that?"

"That's a good question," Robert said. "How old were they?"

"I would guess about a year old," Alan said.

"I can think of a couple of possibilities. The first is the prey instinct. The raptor saw the men running and keyed on that instead of you, since you were standing still. The second could be lack of hunting experience. I think the first possibility is the more likely."

Alan thought a minute and pursed his lips. "Sounds as good as anything I could come up with. It's been bothering me, among other things."

"Don't let it bother you. Be glad you're alive."

"I'm trying to think of that."

"Robert, what are you going to do now?" Ellie asked.

Muldoon shrugged. "I don't know. I quit hunting a few years ago, and after being hunted by these things, I have even less desire to take up hunting again. So, I'm going to take some time off and think about my future." Muldoon stood and smiled at the two scientists. "Well, I'll talk to you two later."

"Goodbye," Alan said.

They finished their breakfast and walked back to the suite. The phone rang and Alan sighed.

"I'll get it," Ellie said. Reluctantly, she answered the phone. "Hello?"

"Good morning, Dr. Sattler." Olvera said.

"Hello, Minister," she said.

"May I please speak to Dr. Grant?"

Ellie saw Alan's expression darken at the mention of Olvera's name.

"I'll take it," he said. He put his hand over the handset. "I'm going to end this right now," he said to Ellie.

Ellie gazed at Alan in surprise.

"What can I do for you, Minister Olvera?"

Ellie heard his clipped tone; it was reserved for his deepest anger. What did he mean about ending it? Was he putting their plan into motion?

"Dr. Grant, I wanted to apologize for yesterday's unpleasantness."

"Oh, so it's simply an unpleasant event now."

"Dr. Grant, I realize you're upset."

"Upset? I passed upset a long time ago. Tell me, how many soldiers were slaughtered? You see, I was too busy running for my life to get a body count. How many families are in mourning now? And don't forget about the worker."

"Three of our soldiers were killed, and the worker, unfortunately," Olvera admitted. "Dr. Grant, it is important that we understand these dinosaurs; what species they were."

"They were Velociraptors."

"Thank you for telling us that. But we need to speak to you about possible defenses against these animals."

"I'm sorry, Minister Olvera, I'm not going to be able to do that."

The line went silent.

"Dr. Grant, I don't understand," Olvera said after a few seconds.

"It's very simple. I've told you and your colleagues multiple times everything I know about Jurassic Park and InGen, and I have no desire to rehash what happened in the forest." He took a breath to steady himself. "You have a problem, Minister Olvera. InGen created these monstrosities and short of napalming hundred of square miles of forest, I don't know how you're going to clean the situation up. As for Dr. Sattler and I – we are more than ready to resume our lives."

"I realize you are impatient to get home, but as I have said before, we cannot let you return to the United States until we have a resolution to this crisis," Olvera said.

Alan heard a note of exasperation in the man's voice. "Minister, that's fine, you do what you have to do. I'm going to do what I have to do. I guess you've heard of CNN, right?"

"Yes, I have," Olvera said.

Alan heard a sudden wariness in his voice. That got his attention, he thought. "Good. You probably also know CNN is broadcast in one form or another in many countries around the world."

"What are you saying, Dr. Grant?"

"Just this… A few days ago, we wrote and then sent two colleagues a very detailed account of our misadventures on Jurassic Park. My college roommate just happens to be a producer for CNN in Atlanta. His name is Bill Carrack. Now I know Bill, and he would love to get his mitts on a story like this." He did not mention Ben and Sue had not read the journals.

He paused just long enough to let that sink in. "Just think of the publicity Costa Rica would receive from the story. And what if I added the part about the latest... unpleasantness?"

Olvera gasped. "Dr Grant, do you have any idea what would happen to our tourism industry?"

So far, Olvera was reacting just as Alan had hoped. He resisted an urge to smile. "It would destroy the industry."

"But… surely you wouldn't."

"Surely I would. In fact, I've already put the ball into play." Thinking fast, he knew he would have to be creative. "I've left word with our colleagues that if we're not on the way home in twenty four hours, they are to make copies and then send the originals to Bill."

Alan paused, then continued. "So, what's it going to be Minister, are you going to let us go, or is the story of Jurassic Park and the raptor massacre going to be spread all over the world?" He held his breath waiting for Olvera's answer.

"Dr. Grant, I implore you not to do this. It would ruin my country," Olvera said.

"You let us go and you'll never hear a word from me or Ellie about any of this. It's that simple."

"Please give me some time to consult with my government."

"You have twenty four hours."

"Good day, Dr. Grant."

Alan hung up the phone, and leaned his head against the chair, wiping sweat off his forehead.

"My God, Alan, you must have scared him to death," she said, with a nervous chuckle.

"He reacted just as I hoped he would. I should have done this sooner," he said, with regret. "I need to call Ben," Alan said. He dialed the number for their radiophone; it was 8:45am. 24 hours... he thought. One way or another, the whole nightmare would be over in 24 hours... His attention snapped back as the line connected.

"Sue Kincannon."

"Sue, its Alan."

"Hi, Alan. How's everything?"

"I'm not sure. Look, things are in motion here. I've told the Costa Ricans if they don't let us go within twenty-four hours, I'll take the information contained in that envelope public. If you don't hear that we're coming home from either Ellie or me in that time, I need you open the package and read what's there. After that, I want you to call Bill Carrack and tell him the story. After that, make copies and send him the originals."

"I'll tell Ben. Are you two going to be okay?"

"Yeah, unless we end up in jail. I hope we'll be on our way back home very soon."

"I hope so, too."

"Keep somebody by the phone, okay?"

"Sure. I'll talk to you later."

"Hopefully..." Alan said.

"Well, that's that," Ellie said, taking a seat next to him on the couch. "All we can do is wait."

"Yep… Ellie, I meant every word of what I said yesterday. I love you with all my heart. I have since the moment you walked into my office. Do you remember that day?"

"I sure do." She had applied to and been accepted into the PhD program at two other universities. She loved the University of Denver when she had visited the school; the facilities were excellent, and the students she spoke with were enthusiastic about the curriculum and the faculty. Those factors and the excellent reputation of the PhD program sold her.

That Alan was handsome she knew before enrolling. She had seen his picture and even attending a lecture he had given. She was not prepared for his extraordinary blue eyes that seemed to look into her very soul. "I thought you had the most gorgeous eyes I had ever seen. I still do," she said.

"Is that why you decided to come to the University?" he asked, with a grin.

Ellie laughed. "No, of course not."

There had been an instant, almost electric connection between them, but Alan's integrity would not allow him to take advantage of her while she was a student. It had been difficult at times; she had worked as his research assistant at the University and next to him as part of the team in the field during the summer digs. She had become a valued and respected member of the team.

"I was so nervous before our first date," she said.

"You were nervous, what about me?" Alan asked. "I felt like I was sixteen again." He had asked her to dress up and he had shown up in a suit and tie. Wanting to impress her, he had taken her to the nicest restaurant in Denver. "You took my breath away in the dress you wore. Did you know Ben and Rothman had a bet about how soon we'd start going out?"

Ellie burst out laughing. "No! Who won?"

"Ben did, said it would take a week."

They had gone out for the first time one week after she had received her PhD. They had been together almost a year. "I didn't realize we were that obvious."

"Well, Karen noticed too," Alan said, with a shake of his head. "She all but put the phone in my hand to call you."

Ellie laughed again, and then looked serious. "Thank you for waiting."

"It was for the best. I've seen too many professor student relationships go bad, and the student seems to get hurt, both emotionally and professionally. If I had caved in, and believe me I wanted to – no matter what you had accomplished, you wouldn't have been Ellie Sattler, PhD candidate. You would have been have been Dr. Grant's girlfriend."

"You're right. It happened to a friend of mine during my sophomore year. He did a number on her, and she tried to commit suicide."

Alan winced and shook his head.

"So, I promised myself I would never get involved with a professor. I was okay until I met you. But I don't think you were ready for a relationship then."

"I wasn't, not for a long time."

"There were times when you looked so sad, so despondent."

"I was the weirdest thing. I'd be going along good, and then somebody would say something, or I'd see something that reminded me of Amanda. It was like being kicked in the stomach. I never told you what happened, did I?"

"No, I didn't want to pry."

"She was a paleontologist too. I seem to have a thing for women who like to dig up dinosaurs."

Ellie smiled and caressed his arm. "I've read some of her papers. She was very talented."

"She was a terrific teacher too." Like his love for Ellie, he had kept the sorrow of his wife's death locked deep inside him. It was time to exorcize those feelings. "She was taking a sabbatical from teaching that semester, working on a research paper. She was going to meet me for lunch, but she didn't show up. I called her; she didn't answer. I knew she would have called if something had come up so I went home." Alan took a deep breath.

"It's okay. You don't have to put yourself through this."

Alan shook his head. "I need to tell you." He took another deep breath. "I found her there. She had an aneurism; we had no warning. She was only thirty-one. We had just found out she was pregnant."

Ellie took a sharp breath. "Oh, Alan."

Alan nodded. "We had told our parents, but were going to wait until the first ultrasound to tell everybody else. The doctors told me the pregnancy didn't cause the aneurism, but way down deep I felt it was because of it. Amanda's mother blamed me."

"She blamed you?" Ellie asked, outraged at such an accusation.

"She didn't mean it, and she apologized later. But it reinforced the guilt I was feeling."

"I finished out the semester, but I don't remember much about it. I tried to do a field season, but I cracked up after a few weeks and went back to New Zealand for the rest of the summer. I came back in the fall, and went through the motions again. I was getting better when you showed up, but you were the one that made me want to live, and to work again. I love you, honey."

In the entire time she had known him, he had never opened his heart to her like this. She knew he prided himself on his independence and self-reliance, even when it cost him so much emotionally. "I love you too."

"Is that why you didn't want to talk about having children?

Alan nodded. "I know it was irrational. I like kids – well, most kids, anyway."

Ellie laughed, then turned serious. "So…"

Alan nodded, then smiled. "So, yeah… I would love to have a baby with you."

"I'm so glad to know that," Ellie said.

"All this open heart stuff is tiring," he said.

Ellie saw a fleeting look of embarrassment pass over his face. "Hey, you don't always have to be the strong one, you know."

"I'll remember that." With a sudden surge of energy, he came to his feet. "I don't want to sit around here, why don't we go take a swim? The front desk will get our messages."

"That sounds good to me. I'll go stir crazy here."

After they changed into their swimsuits, Ellie took his hand as they strolled to the pool. "Do you think they'll let us go?"

Alan pursed his lips. "I think so. I don't think they have any choice."

"I can't help wonder if any other species might have escaped."

"I hope they're herbivores, veggiesaurus." The word reminded him of Lex, and he had to smile. He missed the kids; in a way, they were the first to put a crack in his emotional walls.

"What?"

"That's what Lex called the Brachiosaurs."

Ellie laughed. "I miss them."

"I was just thinking the same thing. Imagine that."

"Imagine that."

Joe answered the phone. "Reiling."

"Joe, this is Ambassador Pauley."

"Good morning, sir."

"I thought you weren't supposed to be here today."

"Sir, I was going nuts at home. Work keeps my mind off what happened."

"Very well. Since you're here, I need you to do something. Grant has stirred up a hornet's nest. It appears he and Dr. Sattler sent a journal about Jurassic Park to some friends back in the states. He's given the Costa Rican's an ultimatum, if they don't get cut loose in twenty four hours, the packet will be sent to an old college friend—who just happens to be a producer at CNN."

"Oh, man."

"Joe, what I need you to do is make an inquiry; a discreet inquiry. The man's name is Bill Carrack. Call Atlanta and find out if he works there."

"Should I talk to him?" Joe waited in silence until Pauley spoke again.

"No, don't do that. I don't want to get the man curious. If Grant knows there's a person by that name, I'm going to assume the college connection is true. Let me know what you find out."

"Yes, sir." Needing to find the number for CNN, Joe dialed the number of their research department.

"Frank Baker."

"Frank, this is Joe."

"Hey, Joe. What can I do for you?"

"Can you get me the number for the CNN bureau in Atlanta?"

"Okay, just a minute."

Baker put him on hold "Here it is. 404-759-4466," he said when he returned.

"Okay, great. Thanks a bunch."

"Hey, don't forget you owe me lunch."

"I haven't forgotten. Things are crazy around here right now, how about next week?"

"Sure, that'll work."

"Talk to you later."

"Bye."

Joe dialed the number he had been given.

"Cable News Network, may I help you?" the operator asked.

"Yes, this is Joe Reiling calling from the U. S. Embassy in San Jose, Costa Rica. I understand you have a producer by the name of Bill Carrack."

"Bill Carrack? Just a minute and let me check." After a few moments, the woman came back. "Yes, sir, one of our producers is named William Carrack. I can connect you if you like."

"No, that's fine. I just needed to verify the information. Thanks a lot."

"Yes, sir. Have a good day."

"Thanks."

"Ambassador, I just talked to CNN. There is a producer by that name." Joe said when connected to Pauley.

"Okay, I thought there would be." he said. "Did you talk to the man?"

"No sir, I just verified his name with the operator."

"Good. Joe, you know Grant better than I do, is he bluffing?"

"I've only known him for a few days, but he's not the bluffing type."

"I get that feeling, too."

"I thought he would be pushed over the edge at some point. I didn't expect this, though."

"I can't blame him."

"Me either. He's been a lot more patient than I would have been."

"Well, I'll keep you up to date."

"Thank you, sir." Joe put the phone back in the holder and let out a boisterous laugh. "You go get 'em Alan."

"Well, ready to go back?" Alan asked.

"Yeah, I guess we should."

As they walked back to their suite, Manuel caught Alan's eye, and he walked up to the desk.

"Dr. Grant, there is a message for you. He asked you to call them as soon as possible."

Alan glanced at the message. "Thanks, Manuel." He looked at the messages, and then handed them to Ellie. It was from Pauley.

"I bet the Embassy is very busy right now," Ellie said.

"It wouldn't surprise me a bit," he said as they entered the suite.

"Well, let's see what Pauley has to say." He dialed the number Manuel had given him.

"Ambassador Pauley's office, may I help you?"

"Uh, hi. My name is Alan Grant. Ambassador Pauley asked me to call him."

"Yes sir. Ambassador Pauley asked that you be put right through."

I bet he did, he thought.

He glanced at Ellie and grinned. After being a pawn for so long, he was enjoying turning the tables on his tormentors.

"Dr. Grant, thank you for calling," Pauley said. "You've caused quite a commotion around here."

"That was my intention."

"I would like to think you could work this out with the Costa Ricans."

"I've come to the conclusion that the Costa Ricans aren't interested in working it out, Ambassador. So, either they let us go, or I tell the world about Jurassic Park. I take it you've checked out Bill?"

"We did," the man admitted. "There is a CNN producer by the name of William Carrack in the Atlanta bureau."

Alan heard Pauley chuckle. He seemed amused, rather than angry, by the turn of events.

"I admire the way you've outmaneuvered our governments."

"I didn't intend to outmaneuvere anyone. You may not believe this, but I have no desire to have the world know about Jurassic Park. All we want to do is go home."

"I believe you. I don't think they'll keep you much longer; they can't afford to let the publicity hurt the tourism industry."

"That's what I hope."

"Well, we'll be in touch if we hear anything."

"Okay, thanks."

Alan chuckled.

"What?" Ellie asked.

"They called CNN to check out my story. I wouldn't be surprised if Olvera does the same thing."

"I wonder if they talked to him."

"They better just confirm he works there. He's going to be very curious if they start asking questions, and if he gets curious, his reporters are going to start asking the Costa Ricans questions."

"That's the truth. We'll I'll take a shower..." Ellie stopped talking as the phone rang.

With a shrug, Alan answered the phone.

"Good afternoon, Dr. Grant."

"Good afternoon, Minister Olvera. I hope you have good news for us."

"I do have good news. We have decided that it would be in both our best interests to let you return home."

Alan gave Ellie thumbs up. She raised her arms in triumph.

"I think that's the best thing to do." He looked at Ellie and nodded. Ellie put her hand over her mouth to keep from laughing.

"Dr. Grant, about those documents…"

"As soon as we're home safe, they will be destroyed, and you'll never hear from us again."

"I understand. I regret what happened. Goodbye."

The line went dead. Alan hung up the phone and looked at Ellie, a silly grin on his face.

Ellie launched herself into his arms. "You did it!"

"Thank God, Ellie. Finally."

Ellie stood up and pulled him to his feet.

Alan could feel their hearts beating in excitement as they held each other. "Well, we'd better call Ben and Sue," he said.

"And Joe and the Ambassador, and my Mom and Dad, and Lex and Tim, too."

The Next Day

Joe parked the van next to the sleek Lear Jet with an InGen logo on the fuselage. Opening up the back door of the van, Alan removed a large suitcase; a gift from Joe. Ellie hoisted her backpack over her shoulder as they walked towards the jet.

"I'm going to miss that van," Alan joked, patting the side of the vehicle.

"It turns back into a pumpkin at midnight," Joe said.

As they approached the plane, two men descended down the ladder of the plane. Alan figured one of them would be Peter Ludlow. They had received a phone call from the man last night. Ludlow had been very interested in the journals they had sent Ben, and wanted to know what they were going to do with them. Without hesitation, Alan agreed to hand them over when they landed in Montana. They also agreed to sign non-disclosure agreements. Neither of them had any desire to talk about what happened.

"Sir, if you'd like I can stow your bag away," the uniformed man said.

He handed the suitcase to the man. "Thanks."

"Dr. Grant, Dr. Sattler," the other man said, brusquely. "I'm Peter Ludlow. If you'll step this way we'll take off once we finish refuelling."

"Can we have a minute with Mr. Reiling?" Alan asked. By the end of their phone conversation, he had decided Ludlow was clearly the type of corporate suit he despised. But Ludlow more than likely had approved their check, so he decided to play nice with the man. It would not be the first time he had done it.

"Of course, I'll wait for you in the cabin." The man turned and climbed up the stairs, then disappeared into the jet.

"Well," Joe said.

"Yeah," Alan said. "Joe, you have been the only bright spot in this whole mess."

"We can't thank you enough for what you did," Ellie said. "And don't say it was your job. What you did went way beyond your job."

Joe laughed. "Okay, I won't say it. I just wish it hadn't taken so long."

"It's over now, that's all I care about. Hey, if you ever find yourself in Denver, look us up at the University," Alan said.

"I'll do that. You two take care of each other." He shook Alan's hand. "And Ellie - not all of us government types are jerks," Joe said, his eyes twinkling.

Ellie winced, remembering her outburst in Olvera's office. "I know. I was a little upset."

Laughing, Joe put out his hand for Ellie to shake.

"Nope, that won't do." She gave him a hug and kiss on the cheek, her eyes misty.

"We'd better get on board. Good luck, Joe," Alan said.

"Same to you two."

Ellie started up the stairs followed by Alan and they disappeared into the airplane.

Joe walked back to the van as the jet's engines came to life. He started the van and backed it away from the plane, then watched the jet taxied onto the runway and lift into the sky.

Epilogue

Alan stood and watched the sun set over the chilly, arid landscape he loved so well. He had insisted on taking a detour to the dig site after leaving the small airport with Ellie and Ben. He was not sure why, maybe it was to confirm in his mind that the that the nightmare was finally over.

The events on Isla Nublar had changed him in fundamental ways and forced him to confront feelings he had kept long suppressed. He felt he and Ellie had taken a crucial step forward, and the first thing he planned to do when they got back to Denver, was buy an engagement ring.

He heard footfalls behind him, and Ellie slid her arm around his waist.

"It's so good to be here," Alan said.

"Yes it does. Come on Dr. Grant, we have a long drive ahead of us."

"Slave driver..."

Well, this is the end, finally. I'd like to first of all thank Yvonne for all her editing help, as well as her terrific plot suggestions. And I also have to send a big thanks to everyone who read the story, and those folks who left comments. They are much appreciated!