A/N: There actually is one last tattoo of Greg's that I didn't get to explain in the last chapter so I'm going to take care of that in this chapter.

Chapter Three: Shadow of A Man

I pointed to a lone ink on her right forearm, "Hold on a second, what about this one?" Greg grew quiet at that moment. "That particular tattoo invokes the person I am. All my life I've worn my heart on my sleeve for everyone, even people I didn't know. I've always been able to identify with people's emotions, even when they try to act another way around me, I can tell otherwise. It's been quite the burden." I laid my head on his left shoulder, pushing him against the farthest arm of the couch. "Well, give me an example. How did you feel just a moment ago when I told you what had happened to me?" My eyes were lit with interest.

"When you told me what had happened, I felt your pain, what it was like to be there. I could sense your fear and dispair." He held onto my head, weaving his fingers softly through my short black hair. "I guess, in a way due to my empathy, I've become a shadow of a man. I'll never be free of this curse." I touch my hand to his lips. "Don't say that, there is a reason why you're like that. It means that you're endearing to people who are in need and, most of all, you can always find it in your heart to help anyone. The world needs more people like you." I kiss him softly and pull him up.

"What's going on, where are we going?" He asked

"Don't worry about it. I need your help with something." We get in my car after walking back to the bar and drive off. My cell phone rings during the ride, I answer it urgently, speaking in fractured Swedish to the person on the other end. After I hang up I look at Greg who sits in the passenger seat still clinging to my hand.

"What was that all about?" He asks me as a tear streams down my cheek. "I can't talk about it right now. We have to get to Sweden as soon as possible." I put the pedal to the metal, I hope I'm not too late.

A/N: Okay, the mystery and action start in the next chapter. By the ending of this chapter, can ya guess where the story is headed? Leave a short review after reading.