(no subject)

After his chat with Security, Ryan asked Bar for a copy of all the Intel Suzi's gathered on the disappearances and he spends the evening poring over the material.

Richard? The werewolf jumps slightly even as he realizes it's only Joy and not Suzi. Richard, I'm hungry. He gives the puppy an unreadable expression before rising from his chair and disappearing out the door. When he returns, he has a large bag full of food both for himself and her. Joy dances around him, and he has to watch where he puts his feet lest he kick her.

"Stop that," he admonishes her, but if he means it, he doesn't have the will to make it sound so. He shifts the papers on the desk to make room for the food and grabs a bowl out of the top of the bag. He fills it with tap water and sets it down for her, saying, "Don't make a mess."

Okay, Joy agrees, lapping at the water. Ryan watches her a moment before his stomach rumbles. He hadn't realized that his last meal was that morning until Joy said something. He sets her food bowl down.

Richard? Where's Mommy and Deitmar? Joy asks when she's finished, long before Ryan's done.

I don't know. He answers without meaning to. Nonverbal communication is always easier, and the words are out before he realizes he's said them.

When are they coming back?

I don't know.

Are they oka--

I don't know, Joy, I don't know, he snaps at her, glaring. She looks away, ears down, and rolls onto her back. Satisfied, Ryan returns to eating.

...I miss Mommy, Joy says after a moment. Ryan says nothing at first.

Me, too. Both of them. There's a pressure against his calf and Ryan looks down to find Joy leaning against him. I lost them.

They'll come back. Mommy always comes home.

I wish I could believe that. The words are out before he can stop them. It's his greatest fear that they won't, and by saying it out loud...

Joy may be all that's left.

He looks down at the pup leaning against his leg. He looks down and he pets her. She's all thats left.

What is he going to tell Whistler?