A/N: Warning - Here, there be angst!

Thanks to all for the comments, you guys have been just great!

And thanks again to Leiasky for all the beta work and for always giving me the kick in the butt I need to keep going.

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Best Intentions, ch. 7

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The first day of Kaylee’s disappearance, Simon and Inara packed their things and left the estate hurriedly. Inara had already arranged for an apartment for them in the city, one owned by the Guild. It was a beautiful penthouse, high up in the city’s center, but neither of them enjoyed it; they were barely there as they searched all day and night for Kaylee, returning only when their bodies dictated the need for sleep. With an almost disgusted snort they both realized, that under any other circumstances, Liliana and Edward Serra would be thrilled at the two of them sharing an opulent penthouse together.

On the second day, Simon and Inara split up. The young woman headed to House Madrassa asking her friends and fellow Companions to look for Kaylee when they were out in public, she figured the more eyes they had searching the better off they would be. Simon, fearing the worst, canvassed the area hospitals and emergency rooms. He asked to speak with Doctor Butler when he went to Sihnon Memorial and the man promised he would keep an eye out. Simon liked him.

The third day brought more of the same. This time they started with all the mechanics shops down by the port, asking if a young woman fitting Kaylee’s description had come looking for work. They were always turned away, each negative response bruising Inara and Simon’s hearts as they tried not to despair.

When they started searching the city’s hotels, it became difficult to get any information. In a place like Sihnon, discretion was more than the better part of valor, it was a way of life. Attempting to bribe or wheedle information from the front desk clerks at any of the facilities was tantamount to breaking out of an Alliance prison. Since Simon had some experience with