"Lizzy, my dear, I'm so glad you could make it!" They embraced. "Busy month?" he whispered.

"Yes Papa," she smiled and kissed him on the cheek. "Very busy."

"Well, I didn't want to start without you, so..."

"Papa! Please tell me that you didn't delay this thing because of me?"

"What?! Without my highest-ranking lieutenant and right hand..." Mr. Bennet waved his hand in the air, signaling Darcy to begin. "Surely you jest?"

Elizabeth blushed and shook her head. "Papa..." she sighed.

The ceremony was very serious and solemn; it was the official 'changing of the guard' at the Dojo. It was packed to hilt with students, family, friends, employees, and business associates. As Darcy was speaking, Elizabeth looked around from atop the stage and wondered at this sort of overdone hooey. Her family, she knew, would be pleased at another chance to consume unheard of quantities of food and drink and embarrass her all over again. Which made her question Darcy's sanity amongst his other faults.

In her daze, Elizabeth heard her name being called out by her father; she looked up from her quiet reverie.

"My daughter is rather shy about being paraded in front of large crowds." Mr. Bennet chuckled. "Come Lizzy?!" Elizabeth stood up awkwardly and approached the podium amidst applause. "Elizabeth has been in training with me since she was 7-years old and I must say she's done her old man proud. Very proud!"

Darcy stepped forward with a plague and a black belt. He handed the plaque to her father.

Mr. Bennet read it and wiped a tear from his eye as he choked on these words: "And I present to you your black belt in the 6^th degree." Elizabeth was indeed shocked. "You shall now be referred to as Kyoshi." Mr. Bennet smiled widely, bowed to his daughter, then kissed her on the cheek.

"Thank you," was all she could utter, and even then it was a whisper.

Darcy approached Elizabeth and placed the belt around her neck and over one shoulder. He whispered, "Congratulations," then bowed to her and kissed her on the cheek.

If she had been in her right mind, Elizabeth would have socked him one good one, however, she was still bewildered enough to grab her cheek and blush, but with enough presence of mind to get back to her seat.

Soon afterwards that part of the ceremony was over. All that was left now was to mingle and indulge.

*****

"Will!" she waved. "Yohoo! Will!"

Darcy looked over to where the shriek was coming from. It could only have been one of two people, since Caroline was not in attendance, then it must be Mrs. Bennet. He nodded and abruptly left his companions with apologies.

As Darcy walked closer to Mrs. Bennet, he noticed she was desperately trying to portray the ultimate Texas prima donna: with perfectly styled bleached-blond hair, perfect makeup (not to mention several facelifts), and perfect nails. He surmised from previous encounters that her favorite activities were meeting her friends (all of whom look eerily similar) for lunch, gossiping, then shopping at Saks Fifth Avenue or Nieman Marcus. She had on what was considered the highlight of fashion at present, or rather Caroline's view of things: way too much jewelry, 4 inch heels, a tight skirt, a silk blouse with sequined chili peppers and matching earrings. He mentally shook his head.

"Will dear, have you met my brother and his wife?" Darcy was about to open his mouth, but Mrs. Bennet wasted no time before rattling on. "They couldn't make it to the New Year's Eve ball, but I'm so sure you..."

"We met at Jane and Charles' wedding, Fran," interrupted Mr. Gardiner. He stuck out his hand. "Good to see you again, son."

Darcy shook it and smiled. "Nice to see you again as well, Sir." He turned to the other lady, still smiling, and nodded. "Mrs. Gardiner."

"Hello William. How are you?"

"Fine. Just fine, thank you. And you?"

"Well, now that the introductions are over, I must see to the hors d'oeuvres!" Mrs. Bennet ran off and all were relieved. Now they would be able to converse as normal; as friends.

"You're not doing this out of some sense of further obligation, are you?" whispered Mrs. Gardiner as she kissed Darcy on the cheek.

"No, Maddie. I assure you I have other reasons."

Husband and wife shared a quick doubting look between themselves.

"Well, my boy, it's good to see you anyway. What have you been doing with yourself since we were last in your area?"

"I've been rather busy," he said rather distractedly. "You know, this and that."

"Any fishing?"

Darcy chuckled. "No Ed, not since the big one got away!"

"Our dear departed Agatha!" groaned Mr. Gardiner as he mourned over the loss of the biggest Blue Marlin that was ever to be seen.

"Are you gents going to discuss fishing in Bermuda while I stand here waiting to be admired in my new dress?" pouted Mrs. Gardiner.

The men laughed.

"No, my dear! I momentarily lost my senses..." he winked at Darcy, "...and forgot my place. You are an absolute vision and might I add, a goddess."

"Yes Madam." Darcy snickered as he bowed. "I too, lost all scruples. Please accept my apologies? I am your humble servant. Your dress is almost as beautiful as you are."

Mrs. Gardiner slapped both of them playfully on their arms. "That's better!"

They continued on in happy chatter.

"Lizzy!" exclaimed Mrs. Gardiner. "I had wondered where you ran off to."

Elizabeth walked towards them and they embraced.

"I'm sorry, but I was informed that I had to mix and mingle."

"Well that's all fine and dandy for everyone else, but we hardly ever see you now," teased Mr. Gardiner.

"I've been busy. You know, this and that."

The Gardiners noticed that their niece did not acknowledge their friend, though he looked upon her with veiled admiration.

"Wi... Mr. Darcy just told us the same thing. If I didn't know any better I would assume you two worked together," implied Mrs. Gardiner with a raised eyebrow.

Both Elizabeth and Darcy blushed for their own reasons.

"Come now Maddie and let Lizzy be. This is her day too!"

"She knows I was just teasing, don't you dear?" Elizabeth nodded.

"Congratulations, again," smiled Darcy.

Elizabeth glanced at him quickly and replied in a terse tight voice. "Thank you."

Darcy waved and walked away.

From then on the conversation was animated between Elizabeth and her relations, but not as it normally was. Darcy left early and the Gardiners wondered what had gone on between their favorite niece and their friend. They would have to wait for that disclosure.

*****

As she was leaving a very swank downtown antique shop, her cell phone rang.

"Who died?" Elizabeth knew it was her father, he was one of a few who had the number and he was the only one that used it outside of an emergency.

"Hello sweetheart! How are you this fine day?"

"Just fine, Papa. And you?"

"All is well... Would you like to go for a little drive?"

"Today?"

"Yes, my dear. It should only take you about 15 minutes to get here, so..."

"Papa, I can't. Remember? I'm in Austin."

"And so am I!"

Clarence Bennet, no longer having an office at the Dojo had been given a large office in a sprawling skyscraper on the 68^th floor of Darcy, Inc. in Austin, Texas, just in case he ever chose to visit there. Mr. Bennet, being married to such a woman as Frances, sought out this pleasant hideaway, more often than anyone thought possible.

Elizabeth had, for the last 4 months, avoided the place with all types of excuses. However, on this particular day, Elizabeth had a meeting in that city of Austin and her father thought to play a little trick on her for April Fool's Day; for he had seen the sparks fly between his favorite daughter and Darcy on numerous occasions, plus he had a wicked sense of humor.

"I escaped and I suggest you do the same!"

She laughed. "My meeting just ended."

"Come to my office, then?"

"But, but..."

"But what dear? Don't you want to see your old man's corner office?"

"Yeah, but..."

"I believe the young man has gone away," he whispered.

"Good!" Shit, did I say that out loud?! "Um, I mean, okay."

*****

"Oh Papa, this is beautiful!" she exclaimed as her fingers stroked the oversized cherry wood desk.

Mr. Bennet pushed a button on his desk and the window blinds drifted slowly apart. "You see that?"

Elizabeth laughed; her father had a new toy and she supposed that he liked playing with it, immensely. The bright sun nearly blinded her, but she was able to look out over the city. "And what a sight it is."

"How about some lunch?" Elizabeth nodded. "Shall we eat in or out?"

"Out."

"Okay." He began to dial a number on his phone.

"Mr. Bennet!" came a voice in between the pushed numbers. "Mr. Bennet!"

"Oops! Sorry Marie, did you want something?"

"Yes. Mr. Darcy is here to see you."

Elizabeth gasped and frantically looked for a place to hide.

Mr. Bennet smiled inwardly. "Send him in."

The sun glinted in Darcy's eyes as he entered the room and could only see Mr. Bennet's shadow. "Mr. Bennet are you ready to go out to lunch?"

"Oh was that today?" Mr. Bennet pressed the button to draw the blinds.

"You didn't forget did you?"

"Yes. Yes I did. I was just about to..."

"Can't you cancel your plans? I really need some advice..." Elizabeth stepped forward from the closing blinds; Darcy could not utter another word. Sprooooooiiiing!

"Lizzy, were you hiding?" teased Mr. Bennet.

Elizabeth blushed. "No!" she said quickly. "I, I didn't want to interrupt anything. Maybe I should go?"

"Nonsense, dear!"

"No, I'll go!" exclaimed Darcy, abruptly. "We'll talk later. Excuse me for interrupting. Ms. Bennet." And with that he left, not giving anyone a chance to stop him.

Elizabeth nervously looked out the window, while her father grinned, mischievously; he had his fun for the day.

Mr. Bennet and Darcy never did get a chance to talk that day for Darcy had a plane to catch.

*****

In the ensuing 6 months, Darcy was rarely to be seen. He only saw the Bingley's for a quick 2 days, but remained a recluse to others as far as an appearance was concerned. Yes, he phoned his friends on occasion, but the conversations were on the short side, and, well, they lacked... conversation.

"Can't you drive any faster? I wanna get outta here too!" cried the man in the back of her car.

"If you hadn't tried to duck out on your ex-wife and your six children and have them rollover into poverty while you spend your recently acquired inheritance elsewhere, I wouldn't be stuck in this mess with your sorry ass!! And by the way, asshole, Vegas is that way!!!" she pointed wildly. "Now shut the fuck up and let me concentrate on keeping us alive!" That tiny tirade almost exhausted her.

She gripped the steering wheel and lightly tapped on the brakes as the wind and snow swirled around them. This squall was so fierce that not only was the car being pulled from side to side, but, it was being pelted with icicles resembling spears, and no amount of wiper fluid could dent the torrent of white plastered against the windshield.

She drove on for what seemed like weeks, but merely a day, on ice-coated roads, to disappearing byways, and snow-banked and slippery highways. Once they had passed by Oklahoma City, the snowstorm turned to a wicked rain that included lightening strikes, thunderous growls, and a howling wind that reached peaks of 80 miles per hour. At times she felt as though she could lift her foot from the accelerator and let the cosmic processes take her home. Or rather, that's what her mind was telling her to do, 'cause it was damn near ready to shut down. She could have easily succumbed to the sweet soft call from her brain, but something else ruled her: willpower, inner strength, fear... Who knows?

This 380-mile trek, that normally would have taken 6 maybe 7 hours each way, now stretched into almost 3 whole days.

Regardless of the whimpering and simpering of the lawbreaker in the back seat, she did not stop. No, would not stop! The last 4 or 5 months had been at times, frustrating every now and then, and fruitless more often than not. Now all she wanted to do was relax: relax her feet, her back, her eyes, her ears, and her nose. She had plans and no whim of Mother Nature was going to stop her! This was her plan: she would drop this sorry excuse of a human being off on the local authorities, drive home, sleep for an entire day, make her apologies to her family for skipping the holiday dinner, pack up her stuff, and skeedaddle! It was going to be unseasonably warm this winter and she was determined to make the most of it!

Just as soon as she saw the city limits sign of Ft. Worth, Texas, she almost wept in relief.

*****

In the background, a rolling river is heard, birds chirping overhead, and movement in the far off vegetation. In the foreground, the crackling of a campfire, the sizzle of fish frying in a cast-iron skillet, coffee brewing, and the humming of a well rested, satisfied human being.

If there were no background and foreground noise, one might hear the quiet trill of a cellular phone. However, at this particular moment, the owner was otherwise occupied.

Much later, after quietly resting from a full dinner, the ringing returned and awakened the owner from her quiet reverie back to reality.

"Who died?" she snapped.

"Hello?"

"I repeat, who died?"

"No one's dead, at least not yet..."

"Charlotte?!"

"Lizzy, where in the world are you?"

"Why?"

"I've been calling your house, paging you..."

"I'm on vacation, Char!"

"I need you." Dramatic pause. "I wouldn't have called on your private line, if I didn't."

Elizabeth let out a heavy sigh. "Okay. Spill it."

"Not on the phone... How soon can you get back?"

"If I drop everything right now, I can be there in about 3 hours." Elizabeth was lying through her teeth! It would only take her a little more than an hour to get back to Dallas, but no one was supposed to know where she was.

"Drop by my office then. I'll be here for sometime."

"Char... Is this going to occupy me through the Christmas Holiday?"

"Depends."

Elizabeth sighed again. "Alright."

*******

"Hello Mr. Collins," said Elizabeth as she tightly smiled at the intern.

"Hello Elizabeth! My, you're looking lovely, as usual!" he smiled leeringly. "You could be..."

"Is Charlotte in?" she interrupted.

"Yes. She's inside waiting for you."

"Thank you."

Charlotte was staring out the large window; patting a lead pencil against the sill to an unknown beat and looking at nothing in particular, except possibly the nighttime Dallas skyline.

"What's up Char?" asked Elizabeth as she leaned on the open door.

"You made it!" Elizabeth closed the door behind her and they embraced somewhere between the door and the window. "And you're early." Charlotte chided as she raised an eyebrow. "And I know you probably broke all the sound barriers and speed limits." They both laughed and sat down. "Should I be calling some backwoods sheriff or magistrate on the premise of tearing up speeding tickets?"

"No Char, I was able to talk my way out of a few." Elizabeth smiled and looked around. "Nice digs for the new Deputy D.A.!"

"Thanks, but it could've easily been your office."

Elizabeth waved her off. "Yeah right!" she dismissed. "But, I'm not coming back Char, so stop hinting."

Almost immediately after law school, Elizabeth began working at the City of Dallas, District Attorney's Office. Charlotte was assigned as her mentor and they became fast friends. Not too long after starting, Elizabeth was quite familiar with the daily grind. Heartburn, headaches, and stiffness were a constant. Late-night studying for the bar (later assigned cases) and early morning meetings were secondary to breathing. Scarfing down meals in and around clients was considered excellent table manners. Loads of files were another appendage, like an arm or a leg. A social and/or love life were things one only dreamt of, if one had the time or energy to dream. Soon after year 2, Elizabeth began to realize that her spirit was being crushed and her temper gave way due to frustration. And although she had bright career path and was much sought after by law firms across the country, a little more than two and 1/2 years of that life, Elizabeth quit.

"Alright. Let's get down to business... Gina Darcy is missing."

Elizabeth sat back quickly. "Damn!"

She closed her eyes, remembering the shy little girl at the Bingley's wedding, who had just lost her mother a few weeks before then. Elizabeth had taken to the little frail child, even watching her from time to time during those few days. In her efforts, Elizabeth was in hopes of being noticed by her brother, at least for her baby-sitting skills. But that was another story!

"What exactly does 'missing' mean?"

"She's not a runaway, if that's what you're implying." Elizabeth knew Charlotte would clue her in so she waited for her to finish. "The Darcys have been receiving threatening phone calls, etc., .a few times in the last 5 years. None of them turned out to be anything serious, but in the last 6 months they have been continuous and menacing. In August, Will sent Gina away to a private school in Italy where they have a secluded villa, but someone, obviously, found her out and kidnapped her."

"Is there a ransom note?"

"Not yet. It only happened three days ago."

"But why call me in? He probably has a whole camp full of private investigators to find her."

"Well, yes he does. However, he asked me for help, confidential help, of course. He doesn't want it in the news. I told him you didn't come cheaply and he said to spare no expense."

"You told him you wanted me?!"

"Not exactly. I wasn't sure if I could track you down, or, if you'd want to after..."

"None of that matters."

"Good! Now let me tell you what's going on." Charlotte proceeded to tell Elizabeth about Georgiana Darcy's disappearance, or as much as she knew.

"So, they think the kidnappers are here in the U.S.?"

"Yes. According to Interpol an unidentified man and woman boarded a California bound airplane with a young woman in a wheelchair."

"Unidentified?"

"Fake ID's."

"Dangerous?"

"Don't know," shrugged Charlotte. "They were never death threats, just things like 'I'm going to hit you where it hurts the most', etc."

"You never did lay a figure down for me."

Elizabeth was all anticipation and leaned forward in her chair. Since leaving the D.A.'s office 2 years ago and changing to her present position, Charlotte Lucas and a few of her other lawyer friends threw some very lucrative work her way.

"Ah, yes." Dramatic pause. "For the return of his sister and/or the capture of her abductors...$10 million dollars."

"Holy shit, I could retire!"

"I know." Charlotte smirked as she handed Elizabeth a dossier. "You're going to have to meet with him, you know?"

"I know," she said thoughtfully as she scanned through the file. "I'll call him tomorrow morning."

"You should call him tonight."

"It's late and he'll probably think it's important."

"Well, it is, isn't it?"

"I need to wrestle this around in my mind a few hours before I talk to him."

"Okay. But after you talk to him, call me."

*****

"Come in, Ms. Bennet."

Elizabeth screamed and pushed him out of chair before he could say a word, but more importantly a split-second before the sudden stream of bullets blasted the window, the desk and the door and wall beyond it to pieces unrecognizable. They rolled over and over each other until Elizabeth felt they were in a safe spot.

In the background, screaming could be heard from the floor near the bookshelves. In the foreground, the shredding, popping, and ripping sounds of furniture, wood, and plaster being destroyed.

Then the noises stopped, suddenly, abruptly, chillingly.

Elizabeth lay on top of Darcy, protecting him, but both clinging to each other in fear.

At length, a soft sob came from Elizabeth then she regained her wits and wherewithal. "Are you okay?" she whispered. He, being in complete shock, said nothing. "I want you to stay down and moan and groan, no matter what I say or do, okay?" He blinked as though he understood.

Then Elizabeth commenced to scream bloody murder. As she performed her part, she checked his pulse, looked for glass and/or bullet wounds (some of the flying glass had managed to knick and cut them both). She quietly checked the pieces of his desk and cabinets, found something of interest, and did what was required; all the while remaining imperturbable and ducking out of sight of the gunman. Darcy could not move, let alone, play his role, but Elizabeth was unfazed.

She dialed 911 and within minutes the police and ambulance came. The rescuers worked furiously to make sure that Darcy was okay, but took him on a stretcher to the ambulance and to the hospital for precautionary measures. Elizabeth followed in a police car. She calmly explained the situation to the officer and called Charlotte from a pay phone in front of the hospital cafeteria.

Charlotte met her 15 minutes later. "Where can we talk?" she whispered as she embraced her friend. Elizabeth pointed to the stairwell. "Everything's all set."

"How are we going to get him out of here?"

"You let me handle that. Go on home, pack some things up, you're going back on vacation."

"Where am I going now?"

"Back to the house..."

"I was just there when you asked me to come back to Dallas."

"I want you to take Will to your country house."

"What?!"

"Lizzy, think about it. You're in danger too. When your name and face hits the press..."

"But, I..."

"No buts! No one knows that's your house!"

"And I want to keep it that way!"

"That's not an option, right now! No more questions. Meet Billy at 7:30 p.m. at the old diner on Route 30. We'll make the switch there."

"I don't want Billy Collins involved in this!"

"Why not?"

"I don't trust him."

Charlotte looked confused for a minute. Then realizing her friend's instincts were usually very good in these types of matters; nodded her head in assent. I wonder what she suspects? Charlotte was presently involved in a tepid unsatisfying affair with Collins; but she was resigned to this kind of life for she felt she had no other alternatives. And that particular thing angered her above all others!

"I'll get Denny on it then."

"But Char, what about my family?"

"I'll make something up!" snapped Charlotte.

"Just how long is this going to take?"

"How the hell should I know! Now go! Have the police take you back to your car. No, on second thought, slip out the back and take a taxi home. I'll take care of getting your car back to you before the meet. I'll call you on your private line, okay?"

Elizabeth sighed with resignation. "Okay," she handed over her car keys. "Oh, I almost forgot!" She reached into her jacket pocket. "Here."

Charlotte examined the small piece of metal that was placed in her hand. "What's this?"

"I think it's a bug."

Charlotte nodded in understanding. "I'll give this to the police."

They embraced and went their separate ways.

*****

"He's been very quiet Lizzy," whispered Denny Carter, Charlotte's other intern. "He may still be in shock." Elizabeth nodded knowingly, for she had quite a time of it herself; after reality set in, she had a good cry. "I bought him a few things, and we'll find a way to get him some more clothes, okay?"

"Thanks Denny. Ask Char to call me tonight, okay?"

"No problem."

"Okay. See ya."

Darcy had already taken his seat on the passenger side when Elizabeth approached the car. She got in and closed the door; he turned to her with glassy dazed eyes, then turned back to look straight ahead. She took off down the dark road in her customized Mustang GT. For the first half-hour, the only sound in the car was a heavy-labored breathing, drooling and slurping, coming from her dog in the back seat; she decided to turn on the radio for the rest of the drive.

*****

As she parked the car and got out, Elizabeth noticed that Darcy had not even attempted to do the same.

She pulled his door open and leaned down to whisper. "Everything'll be just fine. Trust me?"

Darcy nodded his head and after a few moments got out, walked onto the porch and stood at the door. Elizabeth felt a pang of sadness for him; he had no one. She unlocked the door, took his arm and guided him upstairs to his room, where he promptly laid on the still-made bed. She closed the door quietly, went downstairs and out the door to retrieve their luggage.

*****

The house was too quiet. Elizabeth was used to it, but not in this way. It was an eerie sort of quiet: a disquiet. In the brief moments that Elizabeth and Darcy shared together in this life, she thought of complete and polar opposites. Stiffness and awkwardness before the Bingley's wedding and heartfelt delight during it. Harsh words and rudeness at their anniversary. Indignation and haughtiness at the Dojo. Embarrassment and vexation at both the formal celebration and at Charlotte's promotion party. Deep-seated anger and disgust at all those meetings in between. Yet, incomprehensible fear today.

The ringing of her cellular phone awakened Elizabeth from her quiet contemplation.

"Hello?"

Subconsciously, Elizabeth changed her usual flippant answering remark of 'Who died?' because it just did not seem appropriate under the present circumstances.

"Lizzy, it's your father," he whispered. "We heard..."

Elizabeth sucked in her breath. "I'm all right, Papa. It's dangerous for you to call me right now. Call Charlotte. I love you." She hung up quickly so that the call could not be traced.

Elizabeth was restless. She suddenly realized that, other than Charlotte, she did not have anyone to share this torment with either; she reached down to scratch behind her dog's ear. It would be a test of wills to be in this house, walking on tiptoes around Darcy. She did not know his make-up and could readily believe that after the initial shock wore off, he might just crack. To keep herself busy, she cleaned up what she did not have time to clean up before she left.

At length, Elizabeth made tea and sandwiches. He probably hasn't eaten since this morning. She quietly opened his bedroom door and placed the tray on the nightstand beside the bed. He lay, just as she left him. All the sadness came flooding back to her and she was tempted to stroke his hair and comfort him, but she was uncertain as to what his reaction would be. Instead, she leaned over to quietly wake him.

"I'm not sleep," he said barely above a whisper.

"Oh!" she startled. "I, I brought you something to eat and drink."

"Thank you," he mumbled as he rolled over and sat up along the edge of the bed.

She left him to his meal.

Around 3:00 a.m., her cell phone rang again.

"Hello?"

"It's Char, Lizzy..."

"Hi. Did my father call you?"

"Yes. I told him that you were safe and not to worry."

"Thanks. What's being said?"

"The press believes Will's in critical condition and well-guarded in a private suite."

"What about the kidnappers? Have they..."

"Nope. We haven't heard a thing. Do you suppose this could be another plot?"

"I'm not sure. But tomorrow, if he's feeling better, I'll ask him about it."

"Do you need anything?"

"Just something to occupy my restless mind. I'm not going to get much sleep tonight."

"How is he? Denny said he was damn near comatose on the drive over."

"That just about sums it up. He's only said 5 words to me all evening... I hope he's asleep, or at least trying."

"All will be well, Lizzy."

"I hope so, Char. I hope so."

*****

Elizabeth had fallen asleep at the kitchen table. It was a troubled sleep, so the quiet footsteps on the wooden floor, the faint tinkling of keys, and the front door and screen door opening and closing, were only background noise in her unsettled state. However, the ferocious barking of her dog and the blaring sounds from her car alarm a few moments later, startled her into action. She recovered her bearings and raced out the front door only to find Darcy feverishly beating the steering wheel of the stalled car and her howling dog sprawled across the hood and windshield of it.

Elizabeth laughed to herself, then after whistling for her rather large dog; she rushed to the car. After composing her features, she tapped on the window, startling Darcy. He sighed frustratingly, threw up his hands, and opened the door.

"I see you can't drive a stick," she stated calmly as she reached over him to withdraw the key from the ignition and disarm the alarm.

Darcy mumbled some curse words under his breath, but Elizabeth paid no mind to it. Late last night, she decided that 'kid-gloves' would be the course of treatment towards Darcy for as long as they stayed together in the house.

"I can't stay here!" He trembled with quiet rage and shook his head. "I can't!"

"You're here for your protection. Mine too," she whispered as she leaned back out the door. Elizabeth then squatted beside Darcy. "I know this is going to be hard for you." She wanted to stroke an errant dark curl from his forehead, but instead concentrated on the task ahead of her. "But understand that the only way we're going to catch these creeps is to let them think you're indisposed. So, let 'em get lazy, then they're mine."

Darcy looked upon Elizabeth with an almost stern demeanor, betrayed only by the deepest anguish in his eyes. Eyes so coal black, they were almost purple. She grasped tightly to both the car door and the doorjamb, as their gazes locked. It was as though he could see right through her and that she could see to depths of his very soul; it was powerful, mesmerizing, gripping, and sad, all at the same time. Neither spoke for the longest of minutes.

As Elizabeth's knees were beginning to quake and quiver, it awakened her from her engrossed state of mind and she looked away from his stare. She abruptly stood up. "How about some breakfast?" Then she walked back toward the house.

A single tear fell from his eye; he quickly wiped it away, in case she turned around. After a few moments, Darcy gathered his conflicting thoughts and returned to the house. Instead of joining her in the kitchen, he went back to his room to stay for the rest of the day.

Elizabeth spent Thanksgiving Day, basically all alone. Other than that phone call from Charlotte, no other human contact. In this full day of quiet, she could only try to unscramble the mush that was her thoughts. As much as she tried not to, she thought of Darcy: the helplessness and hopelessness in his eyes, his trembling voice, the scent of him, his distorted breathing in her ear as she leaned over him, his being here in this house alone with her, and her previous but forever present daydreams of him.

*****

Elizabeth was in the kitchen, looking through the refrigerator, trying to decide on what to make.

Darcy stood in the doorway watching her. Well actually, the dog stopped him at the door, but Darcy's eyes stayed on Elizabeth. His thoughts were contained as he walked down the stairs, or so he thought, but seeing Elizabeth in thoughtful contemplation while leaning in the door of the appliance, brought back some of his previous conflicting emotions. Emotions and feelings that yesterday, he tried desperately to bury. He thought back to the wedding and how she had taken care of his sister and how he barely recognized her efforts. And later how Georgiana tried to emulate her. He bristled every time he thought about their first encounter last year and subsequent strained exchanges, but those battles made him think about her a little more than he wished, although he was loathe to admit them to anyone, including himself. He sighed as he thought of his reaction during some of those encounters, and just as quickly pushed them away. But when she leaned across him in the car, and her long ebony tresses lightly touched his bare arms and chin, he felt he might bury himself in its softness for the comfort he desperately needed and knew he would find there. He was definitely not prepared for all of this! Being with her in so close a proximity, living with her, seeing her every waking moment. This was disturbing!

He shook his head to dismiss such thoughts and regain his self-control. I should be thinking about Gina! "Can I help?"

She startled. "Can you cook?"

He started to walk toward her, but the dog growled and he smiled slightly, but remained frozen in position. "Enough to live on my own."

"Sit!" she exclaimed, making Darcy jump to attention and almost obey her command. "Well, good!" Elizabeth took the tray he was carrying and placed it on the table. "What should we make?"

"What do you have?"

"Everything."

"Everything?" he raised an eyebrow and walked, quietly, a little further into the room; the dog bared its teeth.

"Well, almost everything. I was just down here 3 days ago."

"So this is your place?"

"Yes," she answered suspiciously. "Why? Is there something wrong with it?"

"No. It's nice," he tried to smile.

"Another compliment?"

He noticed a faint sparkle in her eyes and quickly looked away.

Elizabeth closed the refrigerator door. "Well, since you can cook, I'll just run up stairs and take a shower while you prepare the meal."

She left the room without giving him the opportunity to respond; the dog remained on guard of the kitchen.

*****

They ate in relative silence, except for the episodic low growl accompanied with gnashing of teeth.

"What is that?" Darcy asked and nodded toward the dog, sitting at her feet.

"A dog." Elizabeth hid her mirth, but her eyes betrayed her amusement.

He rolled his eyes but included a small smile. "I meant what kind of dog is that?"

"Part Doberman, part Mastiff."

"Ah." He looked again at the dog; it had the dark coloring of a Doberman, but taller, heavier, more muscular with a very large head and dagger-like teeth. The teeth that he was almost intimately acquainted with yesterday morning. "What do you call him-her?"

"Her. Bud."

"Bud?"

"Bud. Butt-ugly dog."

Darcy nearly choked on his food, and took a few moments to venture anything else. "She hates me."

"Who Bud? Nah! She doesn't hate anybody... However, if you try that stunt again, she might just change her mind." Darcy merely stared at Elizabeth. Elizabeth got up, so did the dog. "Come on, let me introduce you, formally."

Darcy immediately scooted out of his chair. "Uh..."

"No sudden movements," she said calmly and grabbed Bud's collar. Darcy inhaled heavily. "Stand still," she advised as she moved closer toward him. "Now let her sniff your hand."

Darcy, still holding his breath, tentatively held out his hand. Bud sniffed and tilted her head under Darcy's hand to be scratched. Darcy wisely did as he was bid.

"Didn't you have pets growing up?"

"Not really."

Elizabeth waited for him to elaborate, but he did not. She went back to her seat. "Bud's gonna make sure you don't leave before your time and that no harm comes to you either."

Darcy nodded.

After Darcy washed the dishes, he went out on the front porch to lounge lazily in the hot sun on the porch swing; the dog followed him, but sat on the edge of the porch steps to block the exit. After she dried the dishes and put them away, Elizabeth went to join him.

From behind the screen door, she watched him as he swung back and forth with his head tossed back, arms stretched wide, and his eyes closed. From her position, she examined the flare of his nostrils, the dark patch of hair sticking out from the unbuttoned top of his golf shirt, his broad shoulders, and... Her thoughts quickly flew to first time they met. It was a few days before the Bingley's wedding. She was a tall, lanky teenager who almost immediately fell for the tall, dark, handsome brooding best man. He paid no attention to her, of course. She was afraid to speak to him back then, but always tried to be noticed.

Darcy felt her presence. "What does one do around here for entertainment?"

Elizabeth pushed the screen door open and stepped outside onto the porch. "I usually go camping and fishing." He brought his head forward and stopped swinging. "But, there's always some festival or fair going on in town."

"You fish?" he asked incredulously.

"There's a lot about me that you don't know, Mr. Darcy," she said a little peeved.

"I, I didn't mean it as an insult. However, I keep doing it, don't I?" He sighed in frustration. "Perhaps we can start over?" Elizabeth crossed her arms over her chest and waited for him to continue. "I'm Will Darcy," he stood and walked over to her. "Nice to meet you," he extended his hand.

"Elizabeth," she shook it. "Elizabeth Bennet."

"Now that we've got the pleasantries out of the way... Where do you fish?"

"There's a brook with carp, tench, and pike, about a mile down that way, through the trees," she pointed. "There's also a trout stream, but we'd have to hike to it." He nodded absently. "Do you fish?"

He smiled wanly. "Not since... Not in a while. My father..." his voice broke and he cleared his throat. "My father used to take me when I was much younger."

"I don't believe I have an extra rod, but I could pick one up in town?"

"I'd like that."

Darcy stepped over Bud, and walked off the porch to an unknown destination. Elizabeth nodded to Bud and left him to his private wandering, but the dog did not.

*****

Elizabeth had decided to take a nap, but she did not suspect that she would sleep as long as she did. It was 2:15 p.m.! And only the ringing of her cell phone woke her up. She talked to Charlotte for about 15 minutes, then scrambled to the bathroom to freshen up, and then went downstairs to the kitchen. Nothing had been made for lunch, so she made a few sandwiches. Afterwards, she checked the house for Darcy, but he was not to be found. She went out on the porch, behind the house, still no Darcy. She did not panic though, she recollected his earlier path and that Bud was at his heels, and decided to take it, but not before packing up the sandwiches and something to drink in a cooler.

About half-an-hour later, Elizabeth espied Darcy sitting on a rock formation at the edge of the brook, just staring into nothing. She looked around for Bud, put her finger to her mouth to shush her, and walked up to Darcy as quietly as possible.

Again, Darcy felt her presence. "I forgot to thank you for saving my life," he said, not turning around. "Thank you."

"Y, You're welcome," stammered Elizabeth. Confused as to how he always seemed to realize her presence. "Here, I brought lunch."

"I'm not hungry."

"But you have to eat, Mr. Darcy."

"Will... And I'm not hungry," he said, still not looking at her.

She sighed, sat down and opened the cooler.

"What's going on in Dallas? What are they saying?"

"They think you're in critical condition, but heavily guarded. They think Gina is in hiding and afraid for her life."

He nodded, then finally looked at her. "What about you?"

Elizabeth was grateful that he had deigned to ask. "They've been hounding my family for news of my whereabouts."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be."

As Elizabeth munched on her sandwich, she thought, although his answers and questions were on the short quick variety, she might venture to talk to him about some things that needed talking about.

"Do you think the kidnappers and the shooters are one in the same?"

"I don't know," Darcy shook his head and shrugged. "I thought all they wanted was my money, not to kill me... Gina is almost 18 and the money in her trust fund will be hers for the taking. But then again, only a few people know that I changed it to 21 after what happened..." Elizabeth sat silent, waiting, but he did not elaborate on that subject. "I don't know. Maybe they want more? Maybe they aren't working together?" he shrugged again and turned back to the brook. "I don't know."

They both sat quietly for more than a few minutes. Then Darcy reached in the cooler to retrieve a sandwich and a soda. He wiped off the can with his shirt. Elizabeth smiled.

"What do you think?"

"I don't know if they're the same. But I think whoever the shooter was, they were only playing with you."

Darcy jerked his head around. "Playing with me?"

"I'm almost positive that that red laser beam had been present for more than just a few seconds."

"What red laser beam?"

"That's what I saw right before I pushed you... It comes with some high-powered weaponry and is used to pinpoint a particular target on a given individual. A direct and complete hit, so to speak."

Darcy quickly stood up. "I saw it too! But I, I didn't know what it was! I thought it was your jewelry or something!" He paced. "I think you're right. The first time I saw it was on the wall when you first stood behind me. Then I looked at you to see what you might be wearing and..." He dared not repeat what he thought. "Then I dismissed it."

"If you remember something else, please tell me?"

"Like what?"

"I don't know. Something small... simple... overlooked. It could be important."

Elizabeth picked up a couple of rocks and began to skim them across the water. Darcy smiled, and followed suit.

"I noticed that the majority of the threats began 6 months ago. Did anything in particular happen right before then?"

Darcy stopped cold and dropped the remaining earth in his hands. "I'm tired." And with that he left her standing at the bank, stunned by his abrupt dismissal. Bud followed him.

*****

By the time Elizabeth had reached the house, Darcy had ensconced himself in his room and locked the door. She was more than sure that her last question triggered something deep and sorrowful in him, but had no clue as to what it could be. She pulled out some steak to thaw, vegetables, etc. Then she went upstairs to retrieve the dossier and settled in a kitchen chair to study it.

Darcy was angry and he felt helpless at the same time. He wanted to forget the 2 most embarrassingly horrifying situations in his life, however, it was not to be. He had tried hard to keep these things buried and had done a pretty good job of it, or so he thought. Elizabeth was on to something she had no business in. He wasn't sure if she knew, or suspected, but it was tearing him apart. His detectives hadn't asked that question. Why not? He paced his room incessantly, but stopped when he heard Elizabeth try the doorknob, knock, call out his name, and then leave. He paced again. He was worried sick that if those things ever came out, there would be so much gossip that he would lose his credibility, his social standing, and disgrace his family name all in one fell swoop. But if this information could somehow be related to what was going on in his life at present, then he would have to tell her. He sighed heavily, trembling. Could he trust her? She saved his life. But that was just a normal reaction! It could've been anyone and she would've done the same thing. But she was here now, taking care of him. Would just anybody do that? Was it her duty? Could he trust anybody with these secrets? Darcy had reached the ugly point of true uncertainty. He never needed to rely on anyone before, except his parents. And since they were both gone, he relied on no one. But now this!

After an hour or so, Elizabeth discovered that there was nothing in the file that stood out. The investigators were starting with the initial threats from 5 years ago and working their way forward. Nothing wrong with that. That was precisely why Elizabeth was going in the opposite direction. She called Charlotte's office and reluctantly left a message with Collins for her to return the call.

It came 15 minutes later.

"Char?"

"Yep. What's up?"

"I need to find out what happened in the lives of the Darcys from January '98 up to the kidnapping."

"I don't know, Lizzy, he's a very private man... Why?"

"Nothing that you don't already know. The majority of threats started 6 months ago, but I'd like to look back a few months further. I asked him about it and he just closed up on me. So it might be something and it might be something big."

"Let me check." Charlotte put the phone down to peruse through the additional miscellaneous items that the private investigators had given her. "Nothing's in order, so I'll have to call you back later, okay?"

"Okay. Did you find out if that was a bug or if his place was bugged?"

"No. I mean we haven't found out anything, but his Chief of Security is coming up tomorrow from their headquarters in Austin. He may find something or at least be able to tell us what that thing might be."

"If the police haven't found out anything, what could he do?"

"This guy is good!" Charlotte was pleased that she would get to see him again.

"How so? And who is he?"

"Fitz... I mean, Fitzgerald Williams. He's a former Colonel in the Army."

"And?"

"He's worked with the CIA and FBI on secret missions in the underworld and in third world countries. If this is some new type of equipment, he'll know it."

"Why wasn't he brought in before?"

"He's been out of the country."

"Ah." Dramatic pause. "Well, oh, before I forget. In his apartment we were looking at some pictures in a large burgundy photo album. I need to look at them again. Could you have those overnighted?"

"Sure. Anything else?"

"Nothing that I can think of right now."

"Okay. I'll call you tonight."

"Okay."

They hung up.

Elizabeth washed up the meat and vegetables and took them out back to the grill to cook them. Yes, it was almost 100 degrees outside, unfit for a flea sitting under a leaky faucet and definitely too hot to grill, but it would be even hotter inside the house with the oven on. She sat back in the lawn chair as the mesquite smoke filled air wafted in the nonexistent breeze and relaxed. That's the only way her photographic memory would produce; it needed peace and quiet, no turmoil, no emotions, just solitude.

Darcy had finally stopped pacing in his room. Even with the windows closed tight and the fan on, he could smell the sweet smell of steak and corn on the grill. As he lay back on the bed with his hands behind his head, his mind wandered to those special events of his past. His family sailing on Martha's Vineyard for the summer holidays. His father, teaching him to fish for Marlins off the Keys or Bermuda. His mother, standing at the grill flipping burgers and such. His sister, taking her first few martial arts classes. He felt like screaming. He felt like crying. He felt like throwing things. Yet, he did nothing. He just lay there until sleep claimed him for the night.

Elizabeth ate in silence. She had made a plate for Darcy, took it to his room, knocked and left it outside the door. An hour later, she went upstairs and saw that the food had not been touched. She retrieved it and put it away, thinking he would be hungry later.

As she walked around the outside of the house in the cool darkness that fell upon them, her cell phone rang with its ever-unpleasant chirp.

"Hello?"

"Lizzy, it's Charlotte. I found all that you requested and you should receive it in the morning. Billy's gonna drop it in the night box."

"No, not Billy!"

"Lizzy, I just don't understand..."

"I don't trust him Char! I don't even want him to know where I live!"

Charlotte sighed. "Okay, I'll take it myself."

"And put the carbon inside the envelope before you seal it."

"Alright!"

"I appreciate it Char. Anything else?"

"Like what?"

"My family. Ransom note. Anything?"

"Here's the routine... I'll talk to your father once a day. I'll tell him you're okay, he'll say 'thanks' and we'll hang up. No ransom note, yet. Nothing else."

"Okay," she sighed. "Thanks."

They hung up.

Elizabeth and Bud stayed outside until very late. Her mind tossed and turned over the events of the past few days. If she were going to remember anything, or 'see' anything clearer, she would need to go fishing tomorrow. That always relaxed her. Maybe she would even take Darcy, if he were willing to be in her company. These and other thoughts occupied her tired existence until she heard the faint sound of footsteps on the kitchen linoleum. She stood up and peered through the window to see Darcy rummaging around in the refrigerator. She smiled to herself and sat back down.

Darcy meticulously made a sandwich, ate it over a paper towel, then washed up the dirty knife and glass and cleaned off the table. He went quietly back up to his room.

If she was going to go into town, get a fishing rod and other supplies, she had best do it now, while the sun had not come into full glory and the post had not yet been delivered. It was barely 7:30 a.m. by the time Elizabeth washed, dressed, and made and ate breakfast, before she left the house.

Darcy watched her from his window, waited until she was out of sight before going downstairs. He was in no mood to talk right now, and needed to go over in his mind what he was going to relate and what he was not.

About an hour later, a knock came to the door. Darcy nearly jumped from his chair as Bud barked incessantly at the door. He was able to calm himself as he opened the curtains a crack to see whom it might be. He saw a Federal Express truck in the driveway and a uniformed man at the door. Quietly he opened the door.

"Can I help you?" Darcy asked as he squinted from the blinding sun and covered his eyes with one hand. Bud never stopped barking. "Sit!" The dog did as bid, but whined in the process.

"I have a delivery for an E. Bennet."

Darcy was about to say that she wasn't there, but thought since the man did not say 'Elizabeth', he could sign for it. I'm in no real danger! "I'm E. Bennet."

The driver handed him the package, Darcy almost wrote his name, but at the last possible moment remembered and signed, rather scribbled, E. Bennet. The man thanked him and drove off.

Darcy wondered if the man recognized him from TV or something. But the man did not seem to notice, so he dismissed that thought. Darcy wondered as he placed the large package on the table near the door, what it might contain; he was always a curious individual and it was getting the better of him. It took every ounce of willpower in him not to tear the package open, as he assumed it contained information on him and/or his family.

To get his mind off the package, Darcy walked around the house for the first time; Bud was at his heels. Not a television in sight! Not that he was a TV junkie; he just needed to know what was going on in the world. Off to the side of the living room was a small study with plenty of books on its shelves, a nice sized cherry wood desk with a soft burgundy leather chair behind it, a mid-sized sofa near the back of the room, another chair and a small table. He took a tour of the shelves and was impressed with the variety of books there. Since he had no idea what he wanted to read, his hands immediately went to pull out 'Robinson Crusoe', as this was one of his childhood favorites. How apropos! He sat on the sofa, opened the book, only to be surprised that it was a first edition with the author's signature. Now he was even more impressed! Instead of reading the book, Darcy jumped back up to search the shelves for anymore first editions and found 3 more on one shelf alone. Then decided to organize the shelves in alphabetical order. By the time, he had gotten to the next bookshelf to examine their contents and redistribute them, he heard the slamming of the front screen door. It startled him and he hurriedly placed all the books back on the shelf. He and Bud left the study and found Elizabeth frowning at the package on the table.

"It's not what you wanted?"

"No. It's just that I didn't want to put you in any possible danger by answering the door."

"What's in it?"

Elizabeth looked at him. "Pieces of your life."

"I figured as much," he frowned.

She narrowed her eyes. "And I figured I touched on a subject that you didn't want to discuss, but might be important."

"And you didn't let it stop you, did you?" Darcy sneered, then almost immediately he inhaled then exhaled deeply.

"No," she shrugged. "But this is only outsider knowledge here. You're the only one that can complete the puzzle." In Elizabeth's mind, Darcy took too long to chew on and digest this last bit of news, so she changed the subject. "I got you a rod. Are you busy today?"

He almost laughed, but the bubble never passed his larynx. "Isn't it too late to go fishing?"

"It's never too late around here. Today, we can go back to the brook, tomorrow, perhaps, we can drive to the trout stream."

He nodded sheepishly. "Okay."

"I'll just pack up the gear and..."

"And I'll make sandwiches," he smiled.

"Okay."

*****

When Elizabeth returned downstairs, Darcy asked the one question that had been plaguing him since they came to this house. "Has anything been heard from the kidnappers?"

"I'm sorry... No."

"Why are they taking so long to contact me?! It's as if they want to torture me more!"

Elizabeth startled at the thought. Then it really could be personal! Her mind took on new thought processes. However, she said aloud, "They probably won't do anything until it's announced to the world of your recovery. But we'll catch 'em before then."

*****

Darcy and Elizabeth walked to the brook in awkward silence. However, after an hour or so of fishing, Darcy visibly relaxed. And so it was that the two enjoyed the peace and tranquility for most of the afternoon, only acknowledging each other by the toss of a fish in the bucket, a bumping of hands reaching for the cooler, or an occasional sigh of contentment.

It was all quiet and relaxing, until Elizabeth's cell phone rang.

"Char?"

"Yep."

"What's up?"

"Will had some interesting visitor's yesterday and today," she snickered.

"Oh he did, did he?" she looked at Darcy out of the corner of her eye; he was looking directly at her. "Do tell?"

"Well yesterday, Caroline threw herself on the mercy of the armed guards." They both laughed heartily. "She cursed and screamed that she was his fiancée and they should let her in to see her man! Picture Scarlet O'Hara trying to hold on to Tara... But they still didn't let her in to see him."

Elizabeth snorted. "His fiancée! What a riot!"

"Woke up the whole hospital! Finally, the nurses called for more guards and they carried her out and stood watch on all the entrances."

"Ha!" Elizabeth laughed. "Oh, I wish I'd been there!"

"Of course, I was notified after the fact! But this time, I happened to be there, waiting for her. I must say, it was worth the wait!"

"So she tried it again, today?!"

"No! Same scenario, but a different woman!"

"What?! Two fiancée's?!" Elizabeth guffawed and Darcy blushed, although he had no clue what was being said, he knew it was about him.

"No!" Charlotte had to catch her breath from laughing. "This one's older!"

"How much older?" Elizabeth sniffled and wiped her eyes.

"Much older... Our mother's ages! Maybe even older!" giggled Charlotte.

"You've gotta be kidding me?!"

"No! She screamed and cursed and demanded to see her daughter's fiancée!"

Elizabeth gasped. "No?!"

"Yes!"

"Oh, Charlotte! What an eventful 2 days! Did you get anything out of her?"

"She gave up nothing, voluntarily. But while she was being tossed to the curb she stated indignantly and I quote 'Do you know who the fuck I am?! I'm Catherine de Bourgh, that's who!'"

Elizabeth laughed until she could laugh no more, and rolled on the ground to accentuate her point. Darcy looked on, getting angrier by the minute.

"The guards paid her no mind and placed her in front of her awaiting limo!"

"Stop it, Char?! Please?!" she begged and sniffled.

"Alright." Charlotte cleared her throat. "I hope that will keep you entertained for a while."

"Oh definitely!"

"Where's Will?"

"Sitting about 3 feet away, shooting daggers at me," she whispered and tried to hold back her laughter.

"Oh my! Are you going to ask him about it?"

"Of course, but not right now."

"Okay, I'll call you sometime tomorrow."

"Okay. Good-bye."

They hung up.

Elizabeth stole a glance at Darcy, who had since turned his attention back to the brook. His back was straight and stiff as a board, his jaw set and stony, his ears a beet-red, and his nostrils flaring. Elizabeth decided to say nothing for a while.

Another hour passed.

Elizabeth ventured. "I think it's time we go back."

Darcy said not a word. He helped pack up their things, carried most of them, including the almost full bucket of fish. They walked back to the house in an awkward silence; just as they had come.

After settling in, unpacking and cleaning up, Elizabeth began, "Would you light up the gr..."

Darcy had left the room, proceeded up the steps (three at a time), entered his room, and slammed the door.

"Oh dear!" she tried not to laugh.

Elizabeth gutted the fish and de-boned them, all the while pondering how to heal this breach. She should not have laughed at him, or rather, his visitors. But she would need to ask him about the second lady. She seasoned some of it and put the rest in a freezer.

While the fish and vegetables were on the grill, she went up to her bedroom to fetch her laptop. She paused by Darcy's bedroom door, heard him mumbling, growling and pacing, and decided to go back downstairs. She chuckled at his anger, then plugged in her laptop to the phone line, and proceeded to search on the Internet for anything on Catherine de Bourgh. To her surprise, she found a few tidbits, but nothing scandalous so far. Which made her run for the package delivered that morning.

"Hmm?" she mumbled under her breath, as she opened the package and looked through its contents. "Hmm?"

*****

Elizabeth heard a loud noise in the living room. She paid it no mind, as she assumed it was probably her dog and went back to typing. A few minutes after that, another loud noise, a kerplunk of some sort.

"Bud?! What are you doing?!" Bud whined and ran into the kitchen. She laid the papers down and rubbed behind her dog's ears. "What were you doing in there?" The dog barked. "Did you break something?" The dog yowled and shook her head.

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed they were no longer alone. BAM! It was that loud noise again. Darcy had slammed something down on the hard wood floors. She turned her head and looked at the piece of luggage thrown askew on the floor, then she eyed him suspiciously.

"The washer and dryer are downstairs."

Darcy clinched his fists. "I don't need laundry service!" he sneered. "I want to go home and you're going to take me!"

Elizabeth stood up slowly, rolled her head on her neck as though preparing for a fight. "And just how are you going to make me?"