Part 354: Kate's Farewell

Barbara sipped on her Martini down at the bar with the two people she considered her best friends from the Island. Jilly was like a daughter to her and Kellye had been there with them in the bunker, protecting all of them. The older redhead felt weird that she might be able to see them both on a regular basis anymore. She was so glad they were back in the real world but things will be different. “Everything is going to change, isn’t it?” she whispered.

The girl soldier to her right, gently took her hand. “Yeah, but for the better, Barbara.” Kellye assured her.

“So what do you plan to do now, Kel?” Jilly asked her from Barbara’s left.

“Well, I can’t go back in the military,” she said, sipping on her cocktail, “And my momma and my brother need me here. So I decided to do the next best thing.”

“And that is?” Barbara asked.

“Law Enforcement.”

“Kelley the Cop?” Jilly giggled, “I didn’t see that coming.”

“I spoke with Hal. He said he can vouch for me on my resume and I can get into the police academy by next year.”

“That’s great, Kellye. I know you will make a fine police officer.” The older woman hugged her.

“You want to hear some other crazy news?”

“Tell us,” the deaf girl said.

“Ana-Lucia is going to transfer out here and live in L.A.” the girl soldier giggled.

“What?” Jilly exclaimed, “What would make her give up New York?”

“Us,” Kellye said proudly, “She said she might as well live here, cause her true friends are here.”

Barbara then held up her glass. “To best friends.” She toasted.

“To best friends,” Jilly and Kellye said in unison, clanking their glasses together.

After the three ladies finished their drinks, they dropped off enough money at the bar and decided to head back up stairs. The party was still in effect and they wanted to enjoy more time with their friends before they each had to get back to their own separate lives. As they walked away from the part, two men in business suits then started to walk up to them. “Barbara Trascal?” one man said.

“Yes?” she raised an eyebrow.

“My apologizes for disturbing you,” he said, “We’ve been wanting to speak to someone from the crash and your lawyer representative, Mr. Chiles, is no where to be found at the moment.”

“Wait a second, who are you guys?” Kellye asked.

The two men then showed their badges baring the symbols of a federal unity. “My name is Guildamere, and this is Becker. United States Marshals,” he said, like a weather report, “May we ask you some questions?”

“Questions about what?” Barbara asked.

“Her name is not reported among the survived,” Guildamere pulled out a piece of paper from his sports coat,” But she may be using a false name. Did you see this woman among the survived?”

The marshal handed Barbara the piece of paper which contained a photocopy of a mug shot of Kate. The redhead looked at it briefly. She then winced and shrugged her shoulders. “No, can’t say I recognize her,” she admitted, “Girls, what do you think?”

“I don’t know her. What did she do?” Jilly asked.

“She’s a murderer.” Becker admitted.

“What about this man?” Guildamere then handed them a normal photo, “ Did he survive the crash?”

It was a picture of Marshal Mars, however, all three women didn’t know that. “No, I don’t know this man either,” Barbara said, “Was he her accomplice?”

“Hardly,” Becker grunted, “He was the marshal assigned to bring her back to the states.”

“Excuse me, “ Jilly said, patting Barbara on the arm, “That booze is running right through me. I have to go to the bathroom.”

The deaf girl turned, not knowing what to do. What would stop the Marshals from coming up to the second floor and looking for themselves? She had to think and she had to think fast. The Kate she knew did not deserve to go to prison. Not after all the brave things she did for her friends on the Island. The deaf girl then paused when she saw Mia, Shanna and Seth up on the next floor railing; overlooking the lobby. She then made a bright bulging smile and waved to them. Seth was the one who was curious about her fake smile and that’s all she needed to see. She then immediately did a sign language gesture around her chest so that only he could see it. Judging by his reaction, he got the message loud and clear.

Jilly then immediately walked toward the bathroom to continue the ruse. When she opened the door, she immediately bumped in Joscelyn. “Oh!” the young woman laughed, “Excuse me, Jilly.”

The deaf woman then grabbed her by the arms and shoved her back. “Joscelyn, listen to me,” she whispered, “We have a problem.”

“What’s going on?” she replied, worried.

“There are US Marshals here,” she said, in a low tone, “They have come for Kate.”

“Oh, no,” her friend gasped.

“I need you to go over there and stall them. I just told Seth and I think he’ll get Kate out of there but you go and tell them that we know nothing about who that was, then politely ask what section of the plane she was in. When they tell you she was in the middle section, then admit to them we were in the tail section and that’s why we don’t know her.”

“But then what?”

“Then have them slowly talk to Hurley. He’ll cover for Kate, I know he will. We have to buy time for them to get her out of there.”



Seth slowly began to back away from the railing. His two good friends heard him say “oh, no” and that was all they needed to hear. “Seth, what is it?” asked Mia.

“Yeah, Seth, what did Jilly say?” Shanna asked.

Seth briefly laughed for a moment. The two friends understood it to be more of a hysterical laugh than a funny laugh. “They . .uh . .Jilly said . . .uh . .the US Marshals have arrived for Kate.” He whispered.

Mia and Shanna were about to abruptly look around but Seth immediately grabbed both their hands, stopping them. “DON’T . .look around,” he slowly assured them, “Pretend you are still having a good time. Give me three minutes then leave the railing. Don’t talk to them unless they talk to you.”

“What are you going to do?” asked his redheaded friend.

“I’m going to get her out of here.” He admitted.

The moment Seth had left the view of the lobby, he immediately turned and ran down the hallway to the party room. He had to move fast if they had to beat them up here and get Kate out of the room as fast as he could.

Inside the room, the music was slow and lovely. Sawyer had finally found his time with Kate and was on the dance floor with her. The two friends swayed to the music. Others were lounging around, talking with one another. Seth took a deep breath and then calmly walked through the dance floor toward Sawyer and Kate. He didn’t want to alarm anybody or make a scene, that they might be able to hear down below. “Uh, Kate,” Seth said, stepping up to them.

“You ain’t cutting in, boy,” Sawyer jerked, “I’m planning on taking her back to my room when the dance is over.”

Kate giggled, playfully hitting him in the chest. Seth wasn’t laughing. “I’m sorry to deprive you of that, Sawyer but Kate has to go,” he whispered, “The Marshals have finally arrived.”

“Very funny,” he laughed.

“I . .AM . .NOT . . .JOKING.” he said, sternly.

Kate’s smiling face then fled into one of sadness. She could tell the seriousness in Seth’s face; she had come to know him too well for him to joke about such a thing. Sawyer’s happiness slowly melted away too. He knew this moment would come but he hoped she would stay a little longer. “Freckles, the card to your room.” He said, holding out his hand.

Kate then slowly pulled the card out and gave it to Sawyer. “I know, Jack is gonna want to say goodbye.” The redneck whispered, “Go over to him and then all of you proceed down to the parking garage. I’ll meet you down there with your bag.”

Seth then took Kate by the hand and walked through the room. As they did, Kate leaned down to several people and kissed them on the cheek. She stopped and Sayid then gently kissed him on the lips. “Bye.” She whispered.

The Iraqi paused for a second and then felt a slight wave of panic; he understood she was really leaving. Kate walked over to Shannon, giving her a hug and kissing her on the cheek. “You take care of him.” She whispered.

“You take care of yourself.” Shannon whispered back.

When other people began to understand what was happening, they offered their goodbyes. It was difficult but none of them wanted to her leave and yet they didn’t want her to go to prison. “Hey, Jack?” Seth said, as he walked up to them.

The doctor turned around to look at him and Kate.

“Kate has to get a breath of fresh air,” he said in secret, “You . .uh . .wanna come join us?”

“Yeah,” he said, immediately knowing what was happening.

The two men lead the way. Kate hugged Tony and kissed him on the cheek. She immediately did the same thing to Claire and Charlie, kissing Aaron on the forehead. The fugitive then took Marita’s hand in passing, then leaned down and kissed Eddie on the head who was asleep with his head in Marita’s lap. She gave one brief hug to Hurley and then headed out into the hallway with Jack and Seth. They quickly strode over to the doorway leading to the stairs. They got in the stairs and immediately began their quick descent.

One they reached the bottom, Seth slowly opened the doors and they had arrived at the parking garage. It was thankfully empty. The cool December wind blew in some mixed debris of papers, leave and one empty water bottle. Kate walked out and held onto her arms, trying to keep warm. Jack immediately gave her his coat. “Sorry we didn’t get the chance to get you own coat.” He smiled.

She held the warm garment close to her and looked deep into the eyes of the doctor. “It’s perfect,” she mentioned.

Within seconds one of the many Avalanche Trucks that were given to them sped from below the lower level of the parking lot. Sawyer brought the truck to a complete stop next to them. He quickly put it in park and stepped out. “All set to go, Freckles.” He said, hopping over to her, “I’ll let you take mine cause I didn’t have time to find your specific keys. All I managed to grab was your bag.”

“Thank you, Sawyer.” She said.

The fugitive slowly walked over toward the driver’s side. She looked at the three men who she had come to love in her own special way. All them had a mixture of emotions in their faces but they were all her knights. They all saved her in some way and the truth was, she saved them. “Let’s not make too big a’deal about this,” Sawyer sniffed, “I hate long goodbyes.”

Kate then embraced him. “I never thought I’d see you cry, let alone . . cry for me.” She held onto him.

“Yeah, well, I guess you bring out the best in me.” He kissed her on the forehead.

“Please, Kate,” Seth said, getting teary eyed, “You have to go.”

Kate walked over and embraced the young man. Memories of what they went through on the Island came flooding back. Seth thought of all they went through on the Island, even the kiss they shared. She immediately kissed him again. Seth held her close, remembering he was fully prepared to go into a relationship with her if they were going to be stuck on that Island. Kate slowly broke off from the kiss and stared at him in the eyes. “You marry Tanya,” she told him, “And you be the best husband you ever could be.”

“I will.” He assured her.

Kate then parted from him and walked over to Jack. She held onto him, weeping on his shoulder. Jack didn’t want to let her go but he had too. She then kissed him too, holding onto his cheeks. The doctor relished her taste, knowing full well he may never taste her lips again. She slowly parted from him. “I love you, Jack. I always will,” she whispered, “But in the few months, I’ve come to know you, I know something about you. There is a hole in your life. It was there when I found you and it’s there now.”

Jack shook his head in agreement.

“You let Jilly fill that hole in your life, Jack,” she said, “I know she can.”

Jack shook his head again. He had grown fond of Jilly’s company and in the coming months, who knows where it might lead. The doctor kissed her on the forehead ever so gently. “Take care of yourself okay?” he smiled.

Kate gave him one final hug and then broke off. She walked over to Sawyer as the redneck stared down at her. “Any words of wisdom for me, Freckles?” he smiled, trying not to look upset.

She leaned up and kissed him. Sawyer held onto her for the longest time. As they slowly parted, Kate smirked and looked up at him. “Be good, Sawyer,” she giggled.

“I’ll try,” he assured her.

Kate then got into the truck and closed the door. She cranked it up and then looked at the men in the rear view window. They all look at her with a mixture of emotions. Seth mouthed the word “Go” once again. She let it out of park and began to slowly pull out of the parking lot. As the gate slowly got up, she felt a deep pain in her throat. Her friends. Her family. She was about to leave them and even though every fiber of her being told her to run, she wanted to stay with them. The gate then slowly came up and the way was clear for her to the main road.

Then John and Shanna came out of nowhere.

“JESUS!” Kate screamed at their abrupt appearance.

Shanna ran over to the driver’s side as Kate got out of the truck. The two friends embraced and the fugitive cried in the friend’s arms. “You didn’t think I was gonna let you go without saying goodbye?” Shanna sniffed, “After what we’ve been through?”

Kate held onto her and didn’t want to let her go. Shanna pulled her through a rough time on the Island and was there for her when she finally confessed what she did. It enabled her to get closer to Jack and for that, she was thankful. “You run, Kate,” Shanna wept, “You run and you don’t look back. We’ll meet again. In this life or the next.”

Kate then parted from the redhead. She looked at John wondering why he was there. He then immediately pulled out a very large wad of money. “This is from Hurley,” he said, “It’s only 4 grand but it’s all he had one him.”

“No, I can’t take that.” She gulped.

“We both know this is pocket change to him,” John put it in her hand, “Take it and use it to get as far away from here as you can.”

She then took the money and got ready to get into the truck. John then held one more object toward her. She looked at it briefly and saw that it was a disposable camera. “Merry Christmas, Kate.” John smiled.

She took it from him and looked at it closely. She recognized it as the disposable camera that Eddie was taking pictures of everybody the whole night. “Wait, isn’t this Eddies?” she asked.

“No, it’s yours,” the archer said proudly, “As it was always going to be.”

Kate remembered the mention that Sawyer said Eddie had a Christmas present for her. She never imagined it would be something so precious. She then embraced him, kissing him on the cheek. “Don’t ever forget us, Kate,” he whispered, “Cause we’ll never forget you.”

Kate couldn’t stand it anymore. She quickly jumped into the truck and sped up the road. Once she reached the top, she pulled out and disappeared into the flow of traffic. John and Shanna stood there watching her leave. Slowly Seth, Jack and Sawyer came up and joined them. The five friends stood in silence. Sawyer immediately pulled out a cigarette, lit it up, paused and then threw it away. Shanna slowly curled her arms around Seth’s neck, trying not to cry. The singer embraced her, comforting her best she could. Jack sniffed, wiping away his tears. “And thus she walked out of our lives forever.” The redneck muttered.

“Never say never, Sawyer.” John said, as he turned around and began to walk back into the hotel.

Jack walked up to Sawyer and stood next to him for a brief second. The redneck looked to the man who might have been his friend at another time. At that moment, they were simply two men who loved the same woman and that was all that counted. “Hell of a Christmas, huh?” Sawyer said.

“Yeah,” Jack muttered.

Then abruptly it began to pour down rain. Jack was amazed how quick it came, almost like back on the Island. Shanna and Seth then ran back to find shelter. Sawyer slowly looked up to the sky and bent his eyebrows inward. “THANK YOU!!” he screamed in anger.

“C’mon, Sawyer,” Jack motioned, “Let’s go get a drink.”

“I don’t think I’ll be able to drink her off of my mind, Jack.” The redneck laughed briefly.

“Yeah,” the doctor whispered, “But we can try.”


Inside the party room, the mood was a little sad but everybody did their best not to show it. Considering they were encountered by two federal marshals. Jack, Sawyer, Seth, Shanna and John walked into the room. The ones that were soaked in the rain came in and wiped the excess water off their heads. Hurley then moved away from the marshals and walked up to his doctor friend. “Hey, Jack,” the large man motioned behind him, “These are US Marshals Guildamere and Becker.”

“Hello,” the doctor said, “Has this got something to do with the dead Marshal?”

“Actually, yes, Dr. Shepard,” Guildamere paused, “Could you verify this man’s story, seeing as you were the doctor who tended to him?”

“What story would that be?”

“Remember this girl?” Hurley held up the piece of paper that showed Kate’s mug-shot, “Remember when the Marshal strangled her to death?”

“Yeah,” Jack immediately said, “I remember that.”

“Are you absolutely certain?” Becker said in disgust, “This man was an exceptional Federal Marshall. There is no way he would have killed a fugitive outright-“

“Well he did,” Jack snapped back, “He killed her. I don’t know what she did and frankly I don’t care. My first thought was that she was an Angel. And that Marshal you seem to covert . . .was a complete scumbag.”

“Now look here, Dr. Shepard-“

“NO, YOU LOOK!” Jack then ripped off his shirt and then showed them the scar on his rip cage, “You see that? You see that? That girl, the one called Kate, sewed me up. She didn’t falter. She didn’t run. I didn’t even know she was a fugitive. That Marshal you say . .he never would tell me what she did. NEVER!! So not matter what you say or not matter what she did, you never be able to convince me that woman was anything but a good person!”

Jack then reached down and snatched up the remains of his shirt; storming out of the room and back out into the hallway. Sawyer slowly walked away and over to the bar. Seth and Shanna slowly proceeded to where Mia was sitting, followed by John. Hurley took a deep sigh and handed the papers back to the marshals. “Sorry, dude,” he whispered, “Both are dead, just like I said.”

“She really did sew him up?” Becker asked.

“Yeah, dude and as you can see,” the large man pointed back to the hallway, “Her death hit Jack the hardest.”


Epilogue

It had been three days past since the hotel party and Kate never felt more alone. She was halfway to Vegas by then. She thought about appearing at the massive amounts of wedding she knew was going to take place but she chose to go against it. She didn’t want to risk her friend’s safety or threaten their livelihoods by being associated with a fugitive. Kate slowly sipped on her diet coke as she wanted in the pharmacy. It was the first time she had been able to relax since being on the run again. “Miss?” the photo lab tech called her, “Your photos are ready.”

She smiled as she walked over and paid for her one-hour photos. She adjusted her baseball cap and put her sunglasses on, calmly leaving the pharmacy. Within moments, she was out into the parking lot and sat in her truck. She couldn’t wait any longer; she quickly opened the packages and looked at the photos.

She smiled through every single image. Tony and Marita. John and Mia. McKay, Taylor and Mandy. Alexander looking confused. Eddie, and Walt hugging Vincent. Mia, Shanna and Seth. Then it was her and Jack. Then with Sawyer. Then with Seth. Then Jin and Sun. Then Sayid and Shannon. Claire and Charlie. Hal and Libby. Locke. Dutch and Karleigh. Photos of them dancing. Photos of them eating.

Kate paused as she wiped a tear. Very precious memories she will always cherish. The fugitive then sipped on her diet coke and then continued to look through the photos. She then stopped at the last one. The last picture was of John but he was taking it of himself in a mirror. What made Kate curious was the piece of paper he was holding up to the mirror. She brought it closely to her eyes and took a look at it.

THE MOMENT YOU WANT TO STOP RUNNING
CALL ME
223-555-6868

Kate paused for a second. What was John thinking? How could he help her in her plight of freedom? Did he know a good lawyer? If so, why didn’t he mention this at the party? Kate wasn’t sure but she felt John was serious. However, she wasn’t fully prepared to take that chance. She gently tucked the photo in the rest of them and then turn the ignition on her truck. If she beat traffic, she might be in luck to get a good hotel for the night.

And then hopefully be in Texas in a few days.