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Last Resort	By : jinx1764 Category: G through L > Labyrinth Views: 7045 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I don't own Labyrinth, don't make any money, this is a work of fanfiction.

Chapter List
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"Eric visited me in the ward...I think sometime earlier the same day you came for me." Sarah said between her tears as Jareth held her at arm's length; prepared to comfort her but waiting for the dreaded truth he suspected. Carol, Sal, and Susan stood a short distance away near the kitchen observing the couple and listening to the riveting drama; none of them spoke for fear of being driven away in the name of privacy.

"He knelt by my bed, crying...sniveling really about how sorry he was for putting me back in the psych ward. He kept going on and on about how I would've done the same thing in his shoes, how I'd understand if I was in my right mind and he kept touching me." She tried to repress a shiver as the memory replayed. Her voice strengthened from shame to anger.

"I remember being angry, so angry! I had been unable to successfully connect with my magic since being in the ward; I could feel it, touch it but not control it. Eric's sympathy enraged me! He said he loved me but he never believed me! He never trusted me!" Sarah's hands formed into fists, her skin flushed. "He and my father sent me back to that hell! They believed that sicko Garcia when he said I was insane and would harm myself and Lizzie! At that moment all I wanted to do was show Eric true insanity."

"Go on, Sarah, what happened next." Jareth urged when she paused her narrative.

"I�I reached for my power and it felt wonderful, like a burning coal in my mind and I pushed it...all of it at him."

"Him?" Jareth prompted careful to keep his tone neutral, knowing there was more detail.

"His mind; I wanted him to know what it felt like to be truly insane so I forced my power inside of his mind. I could feel his consciousness rupture and watched as he passed out. That's when I realized I'd gone too far; by then the staff stopped me and I don't know for sure what happened to him afterwards but I know I damaged him." Regret filtered through her anger as she continued.

"Jareth, I felt parts of his mind�transform, I guess?" Sarah watched as Jareth's eyes grew cold, colder than she'd ever observed and part of her died knowing that she caused it. His hands dropped limply from her arms and he scowled.

"You little, mortal fool!" He spat, his words cutting her heart. "Do you have any idea, the merest inking of what you've done? It is expressing forbidden... forbidden on pain of banishment for one being to enter other's mind without consent." He sliced the air between them with his right hand, nearly striking Sarah in the process. She stumbled backwards to avoid him as he stalked closer looking more the Goblin king of her childhood than the present mortal Jareth; his features blazing with ethereal, frightening wrath. She'd forgotten how menacing he could be. She comprehended with sudden clarity that she'd lulled herself into believing she'd tamed him in his mortal guise but his soul was eternally the ruthless Goblin King, an inhuman Fae ; therefore untamable and she'd do well to remember it.

"And you�the great Sarah Williams, Champion of my Labyrinth," Jareth sneered while he crept ever closer to her fearful countenance, "never content with half measures, you not only entered his mind you put the full force of your uneducated power behind the assault!"

Jareth yelled at her, physically forcing her backwards away from him. "Could you not contain yourself for one week? Could you not wait for me to rescue you? Must you always act so impulsively? Do you trust me so little?" Uncaring that he caused her to flinch and cry anew as she cowered, he struck the wall next to either side of her head with the flats of his palms, caging her with his arms and causing her to throw her arms over her face in an instinctive guarding motion.

Sal started forward to intervene before Carol laid a restraining hand on his shoulder shaking her head. All three felt torn as to what to do. They hated watching Jareth yell at Sarah, especially given her recent experience but all three had confidence that Sarah could hold her own against the enraged man, the man who only yelled for the present but did not physically touch her. Plus, some of the words Jareth used caught their interest: forbidden, banishment, power, and especially mortal. Very interesting. Carol whispered a staggered narrative to the others during the argument trying to explain the details that she knew from Sarah weeks earlier. Meanwhile, Sal and Susan did their best to understand Carol's otherworldly explanation and still keep up with the impressive quarrel.

"I didn't know... how could I?" Sarah defended, peeking over her arms at the frightening, inhuman man inches from her face; his pale, mismatched eyes pinning her.

"Poor Sarah didn't know." He mocked. "Well, I've discovered that Fae and Mortal courts are similar in one aspect: ignorance of the law is no excuse. I only pray to any Gods listening that you may escape punishment since it occurred in the mortal realm. However, that doesn't begin to address the problem of what's to be done with Eric." He stated in a calmer voice, crossing his arms as he backed away from her slightly.

"What'd you mean?" She asked her own voice shaky, her confidence thin. She realized that Jareth was the only man, the only person other than her daughter, that she feared disapproval.

"Sarah, my dear," He said, his voice still scornful, "You've obviously realized something was amiss but allow me to be quite clear. You've created a monster."

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Eric returned to his apartment after leaving his parent's home and found a message on his answering machine from the New York City police department requesting that he call a Detective Scarvy as soon as possible. The voice in his head insisted he ignore the message but Eric overrode it and called the detective right away. Detective Scarvy answered his cell phone; Eric heard road noise in the background.

"Scarvy." He answered, his voice abrupt.

"Detective Scarvy, this is Eric Morton returning your call."

"Mr. Morton, hello, have you been in contact with your wife, Sarah?"

"Is this a joke?" Eric asked coldly.

"No, sir. No, joke. There was an incident at the hospital last night involving your wife and I wanted to speak to you about it."

"You mean when she attacked me?"

"Your wife attacked you last night? Was this at the hospital?" Scarvy asked surprised, the staff failed to inform him about any attack on her husband.

"Of course, it was at the hospital while I visited her; where else would it be...she's mental after all." He said callously with a small chuckle which caused Scarvy to hesitate once he heard it.

"Oh...yes...well, I'd like to talk to you more about that attack perhaps we can meet in person?"

"Umm, alright."

"Good, however, I contacted you because I wanted to inform you that your wife escaped from the hospital last night."

"Really? Interesting." Eric stated airily as if distracted.

"Yes...it is�interesting. Has she contacted you?" Scarvy asked suddenly unnerved by the manner in which Eric Morton responded to his questions.

"No. No, she hasn't. Should I expect her to?" He asked his voice quickly sounding amiable and light-hearted.

"Well, I don't know, sir. It's possible since, as you say, 'she's mental' and apparently she's already attacked you once." Scarvy barely kept the frustration from his voice.

"True. Well, thanks for the warning. When do you want to meet me about the other matter?" Eric asked indifferently. Confused by the abrupt changes in Mr. Morton's mood during this short phone conversation, Scarvy felt his irritation rise.

"You're welcome�sir. Would tomorrow be alright? We're trying to wrap up this investigation quickly while we search for Ms. Williams."

"Tomorrow afternoon works. There's a diner near my apartment."

"Sounds good, I'll call tomorrow before hand. Goodbye, Mr. Morton." Scarvy ended the call, eager to be done and scowled at his phone until his partner looked over from the driver's seat curious at his reaction.

"What's wrong?" Lyde asked glancing swiftly back and forth between the road and Scarvy.

Scarvy continued scowling but freed his phone from the onslaught of his glare by pocketing it. "I'm not sure. I just spoke with Mr. Morton, Sarah Williams' husband and there's something odd about him."

"Odd?"

"Yeah, His emotional reactions are all over the map and just plain off." Then he shrugged, "Maybe it's just talking on the phone. He says he'll meet with us tomorrow to give a statement; apparently his wife attacked him while she was still in the hospital earlier that day. Staff neglected to mention that little tidbit." Scarvy grabbed his coffee trying to relax as Lyde drove them to their next stop; Mr. Eric Morton, Sr.'s home.

"Attacked him? Didn't they say she was violent? Man, this entire case gives me the creeps." Lyde shuddered, his knuckles tightening on the wheel. "I still can't get that room out of my head. How the hell does someone's head just explode like that without any evidence of a gunshot?"

"Look, we don't know anything yet." Scarvy, the senior detective, chastised his partner. "We wait for the coroner's report for the cause of death and we work the case until then. Don't start seeing things that aren't there until we get all the facts, got it?"

"Yeah, I got it." Lyde mumbled, Scarvy could hear the resentment in his voice and didn't blame him. As the senior partner it was Scarvy's duty to teach Lyde to proper way to work a case regardless of what they found. Still, Scarvy couldn't help but agree that this particular case was very odd and a low-grade sense of the creeps snuck up on him, too.

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Lizzie missed her mom. She hadn't seen her in two weeks and no one would tell her anything about her. She understood that she was sick, that she was in the hospital, and that her father and grandparents were afraid that her mom might hurt her. But Lizzie knew that was silly. Her mother would never hurt her. Lizzie wasn't so sure about her father anymore.

When he yelled at her his voice was so strange. It didn't sound like her Daddy. She didn't recognize that voice. That voice scared her. She was so relieved when Grandpa Morton stopped her Dad from hurting her further. When he stepped in front of him and told him to leave it made Lizzie so happy that she wouldn't have to go with the man that looked like her father but wasn't him, not anymore.

"Grandma." She asked, her little voice quiet and a bit shy.

"Yes, dear." Grandma Morton leaned over from her seat on the couch next to Lizzie.

"Why did he do that to me?" She asked with wide, innocent eyes.

"He? You mean your dad?" Lizzie nodded refusing to say 'her dad' aloud.

"I don't know, Lizzie. It's been a stressful week for him and for us all. Perhaps he lost his temper and won't ever do it again. It's not like him to be so...irrational."

"No, it isn't." Lizzie agreed her eyes downcast and a small frown forming. Her grandma cupped her chin bringing her face up.

"Don't worry, Lizzie. Grandpa won't let him back in the house as long as he's acting badly. You can stay here as long as you like."

"Thanks, Grandma. But I want to go home with my mom." The wistfulness in Lizzie's voice blatant and tugging at her Grandmother's heart; she gave Lizzie a bear hug.

"I know, Lizzie, I know."

A knock at the front door interrupted them. Mr. Morton answered the door to two suited men introducing themselves at New York City detectives.

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"What you mean monster?"

Sal asked, his voice originating several feet behind Jareth who jerked his head around in response. In his temper Jareth had forgotten others witnessed the quarrel between him and Sarah. Obviously the three heard everything they said, any secrets they hope to keep were out now. Resigned, Jareth turned fully to face Sal and the two women, leaving Sarah to collect her wits alone, still using the wall to support her weight.

"My dear Sarah," Jareth said sarcastically, "used her extensive power, which you've witnessed but a portion of, to force through the natural barriers of her husband's mind. Having no trained protection his mind was exposed to a high level of intense magic which carried her specific intent of insanity. Eric's mind essentially fractured to the will of her magic. And her will is considerable, believe me." Jareth explained his voice still slightly scornful but softening as he no longer spoke to Sarah. During his explanation to the others Sarah slid down the wall until she crouched at the base, hugging her knees to her chest.

Ever the best friend, Carol defended her. "Considering what Eric did sending her to that terrible place I'd say he deserves it. I mean, what's the big deal?" She amended at Jareth's sharp look.

"While I agree that his fate gives me no personal qualms, in fact I would gladly do worse should the opportunity present itself." Sarah looked at Jareth at his declaration but he kept his back towards her and he missed her hopeful eyes. "You miss the salient points, Carol; not only has Sarah violated Fae Law which may bring about severe punishment upon her at some later time, a fate which I have no power to avert."

"She has effectively worsened our ability to reclaim her daughter from her father's possession by turning him into a violently, irrational being; while concurrently lessening her magical ability to create the necessary bond for daughter's safe travel to my realm. And yet we cannot leave without Lizzie since her father's insanity will surely put her safety at risk, all due to Sarah's impulsive actions!" Jareth's voice gradually rose throughout his explanation as his aggravation increased.

Jareth finally turned to look at Sarah to see her crouched in shame against the base of the wall. He kept his arms crossed and continued to scowl but his eyes began to soften when he witnessed her obscuring her face from his view. He pinched the bridge of his nose feeling a headache approach as his adrenaline dipped. His back itched knowing that the others watched him as he watched Sarah.

Sal and Susan were speechless. So much incredible information in so short a time between and about two extraordinary people; according to Carol Jareth was originally a magical being from another realm come here in human form to claim Sarah as a savior for his kingdom. And Sarah was originally a normal human who changed after traveling to Jareth's kingdom as a teenager and defeating him at some game which granted her magical powers similar to his but he did not currently possess. Sal had wanted answers from Jareth, now it felt he could ask until he lost his voice and never run out of questions. Magical powers, mystical realms, and salvation missions by transformed humans were more than his limit for one day.

Carol sat next to Sarah attempting to comfort her since Jareth refused to but Sarah was inconsolable once the reality of what she created fully settled in her mind. Assuming she could recover Lizzie in time would she have enough magic left to create the bond, but if she left without her daughter what would Eric do? It was her fault, all hers. So what action to rectify it? Well, she wasn't going to sit around feeling sorry for herself letting him yell at her. She would find Lizzie and fix this somehow and Jareth could either help or not. Sarah stood up patting Carol's arm, shook off her tears, and walked up to Jareth, her lips a firm line.

He looked up from his pinched thumb and fingers, observing her determined stance and felt exasperated pride flutter in his chest. Sarah Williams, the only being�mortal or immortal�he'd ever known who could take a harsh reprimand from him and come back more regal than before. She would make a fierce Goblin Queen ruling by his side should they survive this Knight's Quest rapidly become Fool's Errand as he originally feared. Facing her he didn't speak but made it clear that his attention was hers; his arms remained crossed.

"I messed up... bad. I'm sorry." She said grudgingly. "But I can't change that now. All I can do is find Lizzie and get her to safety." Jareth lips twitched at her confession. It pained her to admit this to him he knew but he acknowledged to himself that she could admit fault easier than he. "...but I need your help to do that otherwise none of this," she waved her hand between the two of them, "matters after tomorrow night."

Jareth's lips twitched again and he sighed, dropping his arms to his sides. She always did have a talent of cutting straight to the point. Regardless of his anger they didn't have any options or time to waste. He should've taken into account Sarah's innate impulsiveness and warned her of the Foundational Laws. He had only himself to blame for her ignorance; why should she be aware of his people's laws. He prayed to the Gods that her transgression would go unnoticed, assuming they survived to worry about it.

"As usual, Precious, you're able to say that which I am unable. You're correct. Time is short and since our options are now limited we'd best get to business." Sarah could tell she wasn't quite forgiven but his voice was no longer angry or mocking, rather Jareth just sounded resigned; his expression carefully blank.

"Jareth," She walked closer, touching his arm, tilting her face up to his just inches away. "We'll find Lizzie and take her with us... no matter what?" She questioning hopefully. Jareth reached out touching her cheek lightly but he didn't smile. He maintained a blank expression.

"No matter what." He agreed.

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Eric used his emergency spare key to gain entry to Sarah's apartment. Since learning of her escape he'd been eager to find her; systematically checking every place he'd ever known her to own or frequent. One of the obvious stops: Sarah's apartment. Alan, the doorman knew Eric from previous visits so it was simple for him to gain entrance to her building.

He swiftly determined that her apartment was empty. No one lived within; likely since the day Sarah had been taken away since the disarray in the entryway remained from the fight. Eric took his time poking through her home until he rediscovered her personal art collection in her bedroom and smelled the stale, musky scent of the dirty bed sheets. The voice screeched in his mind and Eric's vision blurred.

He needed to cause her pain but if he couldn't touch her he would damage something of hers. Eric pulled a switchblade hidden in his back pocket and reaching for the nearest oil painting yanked it from the wall and cut the canvas savagely. The voice hummed with pleasure and he felt his pants tighten in the crotch. He grabbed another painting and hacked again, the vibrantly colored canvas edges flapping loosely apart. The next painting was a small oil of a hedge maze and Eric grinned wickedly as the sharp blade pierced it.

Hours passed while Eric destroyed every painting and piece of art in Sarah's bedroom. Eventually her bed was covered with brilliant canvas shreds so he started slicing the bed and its sheets as well until her entire room was littered in swathes of cloth and canvas. A wide, maniacal smile stretched Eric's mouth but he never laughed.

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Once they reached pax Jareth and Sarah quickly made plans. They didn't want their friends to incur any more risk than absolutely necessary so they would search for Lizzie on their own. Carol loaned them her car and the use of her apartment until they were ready to leave. Sal and Susan remained on standby with Sal listening to his police scanner continuously until Monday morning. If he heard anything related to Sarah he was to contact her immediately through a disposable cell phone purchased by Carol before they left to look for Lizzie. Carol gave Sarah a large, silk, beige colored scarf to wear over her head to disguise her new distinctive scalp and new clothes which she had purchased in preparation of Sarah's arrival from the hospital.

Within a few hours their preparations were complete and Sarah was antsy to begin searching. The most evident place to start was Eric's apartment. She dreaded seeing him but since it was the most likely place to find Lizzie it was better to eliminate it early. Eric lived a good distance from her apartment. Her apartment�home; the temptation to go home even for an hour was so great but after seeing her face circulating on the evening news Sarah knew the police would be expecting her to return there. No...Home was not an option. When they left it would be with whatever they currently carried and no more. She would never see her home again.

The evening drive to Eric's apartment started silently between Sarah and Jareth. She concentrated on obeying traffic laws using it as an excuse to avoid conversation. Jareth stared out the window watching the street lights flash by in the late dusk; conflicted as to his feelings regarding finding Lizzie.

In the short time he known Lizzie he'd grown quite fond of her and the thought of knowingly putting her in danger did not sit well with him. However, if Sarah had truly done the amount of damage that she claimed to Lizzie's father then her safety here was severely compromised. Ultimately, Sarah was her mother and the decision fell to her, not him. He could only support her to the best of his abilities while still successfully obtaining his own goal of saving his kingdom. He fervently wished for his power to reorder time, it would simplify so many things.

"We're here." Sarah parallel parked Carol's car a block from Eric's building. Jareth turned away from the window meeting her eyes. "If Lizzie's here, Eric will be here, too." Sarah added.

"I understand." He said in a monotone voice.

"I'm going to use the payphone right over there first, see if he answers before we head up."

He nodded, "How do you plan on entering if he's not home?" Sarah wiggled her fingers.

"I figure it's worth it to expend a pinch of magic. Besides his building doesn't have a doorman so that should be the easy part."

One corner of Jareth's lip curled in disapproval. "If you must but use the least amount possible; you must conserve your magic."

"I know...I will." Sarah hopped out of the car followed by Jareth and quickly made a phone call from the public phone. She didn't want to use the disposable phone Carol purchased for them because of the limited minutes and she didn't want anyone to have the number even if they would only use it for a day. She let it ring a dozen times to be sure before she hung up the handset.

"He's not home. At least he's not answering." Jareth hovered next to her shoulder.

"Likely Lizzie's not there either, Sarah."

"We can at check to see if her stuff is there. If not then she hasn't been staying there, either." Sarah reasoned. Jareth shrugged.

"As you wish." He followed Sarah up the block to the front door of Eric's building which was a small, rather subdued entryway to a long hallway. As they approached a resident left and Sarah was able to rush forward and catch the door before it locked them out. She glanced over her shoulder to give Jareth a smirk.

"Well, there's a bit of luck!"

"Indeed." He deadpanned entering behind her. They trailed down the narrow hallway to the fourth door on the right. Sarah knocked rapidly with Jareth standing firmly next to her and after a couple of minutes of a closed door she moved to the next phase of her plan. Sarah concentrated and with a steady twist formed a miniature crystal in her right hand which she pressed to the door's lock. A second later the door popped open smoothly and they entered.

The lights were out and it appeared no one was home. They performed a quick search of his small apartment and quickly assessed that neither Lizzie nor her father were there nor were any of Lizzie's property. Sarah highly doubted that Lizzie had been in his apartment for days, perhaps weeks, ever since Eric picked her up two weeks ago for his long visit; which left his parent's home.

While Sarah was grateful not to face Eric she was greatly disappointed to not find Lizzie. Every moment they couldn't find her was time against preparing Lizzie. Eric's parents' home was next on her list and they surely would be home whether Lizzie was there or not.

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They departed Eric's home with mixed emotions. Both were relieved to have avoided dealing with Eric for the present but the unresolved future of Lizzie weighed heavily on them both. Half-way to the Morton's Sarah finally broke the unintentionally agreed upon silence between them.

"How long are you going to stay mad at me?" She asked. He spared her a small glance from his window to watch her drive for a moment.

"I'm not mad at you." Jareth stated calmly.

"It sure feels like you're mad."

He rested his head against the glass and closed his eyes. "No, that's not what you're feeling."

Sarah sighed, frustrated and tired of feeling this unease radiating through their bond. "It would be nice if you would just tell me what it is that I'm feeling instead of playing it mysterious."

"Perhaps I'm tired of explaining everything to you. Perhaps I'm just as upset with myself for not explaining enough as I am with you for continually exceeding my expectations before I can prepare you." He answered his voice weary. He kept his eyes closed and his head resting against the window, shifting his right hand to help support its weight.

"Jareth, it's not your fault that I damaged Eric's mind. Even if I'd known about the Law I might've done the same thing. I wasn't exactly thinking rationally at the time."

"But at least you would've had the choice. As it is I'm truly just as culpable as you. Teaching you magic wielding without knowledge of the Foundational Governing Laws of Magic; it was unforgivable of me to be so careless." Sarah detested how defeated he sounded, truly unlike him. "And now sweet Lizzie may be one who will pay most dearly for my arrogance. Always arrogance and pride are my greatest sins which others are made to atone!" He scrubbed his face with his other hand and pinched his nose.

"Jareth, you can't beat yourself up over this. Yeah, you're arrogant but you wouldn't be the king or the man that you are if you weren't. Some things are meant to go together. Besides, it's not over yet." Sarah reached out touching his arm attempting to offer comfort which he surprisingly accepted. He grasped Sarah's hand as if it were a lifeline bringing her hand to his lips and kissed her palm. Sarah was relieved to see his eyes open and face her at last without any glint of recrimination.

"No, it's not Sarah. I just wish the poorer sides of my personality would no longer bring about harm to others. Fae are not inclined to change or improvement of their characters but since I've known you Sarah I find myself striving for that very goal. Seeing myself reflected poorly is not an activity which I am enjoying. " And he gave her his first genuine smile since their argument; her chest suddenly felt much lighter.

"Well, Jareth, if it makes you feel any better, humans don't much enjoy the activity either; but that usually means it's more worth the doing. And knowing you makes me a better person, too. " She returned his smile with a genuine one of her own.

Sarah considered that moment of mutual forgiveness between them a calm in the storm so the acute pain from their bond was unexpected causing her to veer the steering wheel sharply.

"Sarah!" He cried out clutching his chest while reaching out to assist her.

"Argh! Jareth!" Sarah gasped struggling to maintain control of the car as the pain dissipated. "What was that?" They both panted in the aftermath, still experiencing smaller shockwaves of similar pain which became easier to deal with as they adjusted.

"I'm not sure but I suspect something imbued with your magic has just been destroyed." Jareth said still rubbing his aching sternum, his head leaning back against the headrest now that Sarah had regained control of the vehicle.

"Eric." She growled. "Damn him, if he's hurt Lizzie I'll flay him alive!"

"Sarah, are you alright?" He asked, concerned that the pain might compromise her ability to drive safely.

"I'm fine. I've felt worse." She answered bluntly earning a sympathetic look from him but he didn't say anything further.

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Full night settled by the time Sarah pulled up in front of the Morton's home; she and Jareth well on their way to reestablishing their previous comfort level. Sarah was relieved to notice that Eric's car wasn't parked anywhere near his parents' home but she hoped that didn't mean that Lizzie wasn't here either. Could they possibly be fortunate enough to completely evade him?

"Jareth, I don't see Eric's car. I don't think he's here either."

"And Lizzie?" He asked.

Sarah shrugged, "I don't know, maybe. He often leaves her with his parents during her visits." She fiddled with the car keys in her lap. "Guess we should find out. Either way maybe they'll know where she is."

"Agreed." He nodded and exited the car, walking up the sidewalk to the front door by her side. Sarah slipped her hand into his needing his touch to bolster her courage. Jareth tilted his head towards her and squeezed her hand. Their bond flared momentarily with the exchange of deep emotion before resettling; free of the earlier pain.

"You're strong, Sarah. We can handle this." Smiling with him Sarah knocked on her in-law's front door. After a short wait the door opened revealing Mr. Eric Morton, Sr whose eyes widen and mouth dropped open in shock.

"Sarah!"

"Hello, Mr. Morton... I don't know what you've heard about me but I can assure you that I'm not crazy. I'm just looking for my daughter." As Sarah spoke another familiar but unexpected face appeared next to Mr. Morton. This person's sudden appearance shocked Sarah causing her to take a hesitant step back pulling Jareth with her; the urge to bolt surged through her and she began to hyperventilate.

"D�Dad?" She stammered.

Jareth felt Sarah's hand grow clammy and she pulled him bodily from the small stoop porch as she stumbled backwards away from the front door and back down the steps; her breathing fast and erratic. His physical weight and his shock caused a delay in Sarah's escape creating an opportunity for Robert Williams, who elbowed his way past Mr. Morton.

"Sarah, wait!" Robert cried out his voice full of parental distress, his arm outstretched towards her beseechingly. Sarah turned facing her father who stood just feet from her but not touching while Jareth stood next to her still holding her hand but partially facing away from Mr. Williams; posed to pull her from danger should the need arise. She eyed her father warily, waiting for him to speak.

"Sarah, my God, I've been so worried about you! Karen, too." He didn't dare approach any further but was grateful that she stop running for the present. "Are you okay?" Sarah wasn't sure what to think of the sincerity in his voice but he most definitely sounded heartfelt and yet he helped do this to her.

"What you want?" She asked suspiciously. Her tone of voice gutted Robert as did her gaunt appearance but her eyes appeared extremely lucid and the obviously protective Jareth sticking by her assured him. Robert's opinion of Jareth rose several points at that time.

"I just want to help you, Sarah."

"I've had enough help. You're help did this to me, Dad." She accused and ripped off her head scarf demonstrating her point visually. Robert choked as Sarah revealed her remaining hair. What had Dr. Garcia done to his little girl in barely a week? She'd had her hair when he visited her. Nausea hit him and he blinked heavily for a few seconds. He knew Sarah would survive; after all hair would regrow but it was the obvious torture of the process that was deliberately inflicted upon her that Robert detested.

"Sarah, please listen to me for a minute. Just one minute, please?" Robert begged, willing to bend to his knees to convince her if necessary. She gave him a slight nod to continue.

"I'm so sorry. I did call Dr. Garcia, I got him involved again but I swear I never signed any paperwork. Dr. Garcia came to me first wanting me to commit you again but I wouldn't do it. No matter what he said I just couldn't send you to back to that place." Tears welled in his eyes at the memory of Garcia pressuring him to commit Sarah but the thought of sending her back to the hospital on such flimsy evidence deterred him easily.

Sarah's body incrementally relaxed at her father's confession and Jareth shifted his position to stand more next to her rather than behind in a flight stand. "You never sign the commitment papers?" She asked doubtfully.

"No, I never did. But by then it was too late. Eric was easier for Garcia to convince and since he's still legally your husband he could sign them instead of an immediate blood relation. By the time I knew what Eric had done...after I told him that I wasn't moving forward with anything...it was too late for me to have it rescinded. And I tried Sarah. I pulled every legal trick I knew but it was too late, you were already in custody."

Robert hung his head shamefully, his shoulders slumping. "But that does doesn't change my involved from the beginning, for allowing Garcia to reach you again. Sarah, can you ever forgive me?"

She took one cautious step closer to her father, "You swear on your granddaughter's life, that you never signed those papers. You swear to me you weren't the one who sent me back to that hell!" Jareth cringed at Sarah's particular invocation, must she always be so dramatic, words had power and yet she still bandied them about so casually on occasion.

"Yes, Sarah, absolutely yes!" Robert practically went to ground supplicating himself before his only daughter. "I refused to sign those papers! I couldn't do it again!"

Sarah believed her father. She'd never seen him so emotional. A pragmatic man, Robert Williams rarely lost control of his emotions for any reason. So this intense display was extremely moving for her. How did she feel about that? She certainly didn't appreciate him contacting Garcia regarding her but once pressed for a decision he'd chosen to believe her, to believe in her. And for Sarah that outweighed his sin...just enough. He was her father. She wanted to believe in him, too.

"Okay, Dad. I believe you." A minuscule graced her lips and Robert saw a flicker of forgiveness in her eyes. He watched as Jareth released her hand placing his arm across her upper back; to embrace her or to encourage her movement Robert didn't know but the next moment Sarah rushed forward into his arms and Robert hugged his eldest to him as if she would disappear from his life the next second.

"Sarah, Sarah! My little girl...my princess..." he murmured holding Sarah close, tears running over his cheeks, "I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry for everything." Sarah clung to her father, her face buried in his shirt soaking it with more of her tears. She felt as though her tears should be exhausted but somehow more formed when she least expected them.

Robert pulled back from her urging her to raise her face, her bloodshot eyes wide. "Sarah, you and Jareth need to come inside. Someone misses you."
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Last Resort