Disclaimer: I don’t own the characters I write about. They belong to JER and NBC’s Passions.

Chapter 1:

Sheridan traced her finger down Luis’s torso. They had been in bed all day getting to know each other better. It was now nearing dinner time and they were both famished. He looked into her big blue eyes right before he got up and the pleaded with him not to leave her. He told her he was going to be right back. She pouted a little by was relieved to be able to take a breath. When he was near she needed to touch him and devour his lips. He phoned and finalized their travel plans. He came back to bed and gathered her in his arms.

"Everything is set for tonight" Luis announced.

"Do we have to go home tonight?" Sheridan whined.

"I know I’m irresistible. But we do have to work and I would kind of like you to meet my family"

"Really?" she smiled brightly.

"Yes really. Now come on, get showered"

"Want to join me?" he groaned in response.

"You are going to kill me. Normally I wouldn’t hesitate and join you, but we can’t miss our flight"

"We can always catch a later one" she smiled suggestively.

"We have our whole lives for this. Get your sexy butt out of bed and hop in the shower"

Sheridan made sure to wiggle her behind on the way to the bathroom. She was a menace that was for sure. Luis packed his suitcase while she showered and then they switched roles. They were both packed, clean, and dressed. Not only that but they were both still famished.

"Luis, I’m hungry. Do we have time to eat?"

"We can eat on the plane Luce. We really need to go"

"Tyrant" she playfully shot at him.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Let’s go"

They got to the airport and Luis took Sheridan’s arm maneuvering her around the terminal. They went through the security without getting their tickets or checking their baggage. Sheridan started to get suspicious. Luis was up to something and she knew it. They got to a gate, way off in the corner and there wasn’t anyone there but them. The flight attendant took their baggage and escorted them onto the plane. It wasn’t a normal commercial plane. It was a government plane. It was arranged more like a living room than a plane. Sheridan eye suspiciously and he just smiled and sat down.

"How did you manage this?" Sheridan asked.

"Called Ali. She is a whiz on the computer"

"You mean you called Agent Doyle and she got us an unauthorized government plane?"

"Something like that" he said sheepishly.

"Luis!" she screamed. "You are wasting tax payers money so we can join the mile high club sans interruptions?"

"Not exactly. The plane is picking up people in Detroit too. We were on the way"

"Well that makes me feel a little better, but you really should have cleared this through me first. And I should have cleared it through my boss, Agent Peterson. We are going to take heat for this. What am I saying, I am going to take heat for this"

"I’m sorry Luce…"

"Don’t call me that when I am trying to be mad at you. It’s not fair"

"I’m really sorry Sheridan, I just wanted some more private time with you"

"I know how you feel but we are going to have to work on separating our private life from our personal life"

"How they hell am I going to keep your hands off of you at work?"

"You will learn, as will I. This isn’t going to easy for me either"

The flight attendant told them they were ready for takeoff. Sheridan and Luis settled on a couch and belted themselves in. She snuggled into his shoulder as they took flight. The flight attendant brought them out food when they leveled off and Luis was amused by how fast she could shovel food in her mouth when she was hungry. He wondered if she could breathe. She finished her food and was eyeing his. He feed her the rest of his food and now she was sleeping soundly on his shoulder. They had started their descent to Detroit and he woke. He had to keep her occupied when the others boarded the plane.

"Are we there?" she asked happily as she blinked her eyes.

"Almost to Detroit. Why don’t you go freshen up before the other people board?"

"Why? Do I look like a monster when I wake up?"

"Well if I tell you, no you look like an Angel I get slugged for being too trite and if I say yes I still get slugged so I think I will plead the 5^th"

"Good choice. I’ll be right back"

"Take you time"

The others included a minister, Agent Nixon, and Agent Doyle. Luis hurried them on the plane and quickly ushered them into the cockpit to keep them out of sight. When Sheridan came back she looked around. It was still only them on the plane. Now she was really suspicious.

"What are you up to Luis?"

"Me? Nothing"

"I don’t believe you. Where are these mysterious people we had to pick up?"

"They are friends of the pilot. They are in the cockpit"

"Right" he could tell she didn’t believe him.

"I’m sure they’ll come out in a while"

"Spot, you don’t have any cards or anything do you? I’m bored"

"No Ms. Fidget I don’t, but I will think of something to keep you busy when we are airborne"

"I’m going to hold you to that" she poked him in the ribs.

"You have knowing to worry about" he smiled smugly.

"What are you up to? And if you say nothing I’ll slug you"

"Always so violent. I’ll tell you when it is time for you to know"

"So admit you are up to something"

"Now did I say that?"

"ARGG! You’re impossible" the plane leveled off again and Luis excused himself. She watched him, tempted to follow him but she knew he could just pin her to the floor again. So she waited. He came back with an even smugger look on his face than when he left. He came back with Ali, Nixon, and a man in a suit. "Nixon? Agent Doyle? What are you guys doing here? And who are you?" she pointed to her minister.

"Slow down Sheridan. I’ll explain everything to you. Nixon and Ali are here as witnesses"

"Are you going to kill me?"

"Sometimes I think I should, but no. You’re missing the point Luce. And this man" Luis walked up beside him patting him on the shoulder. "Is Jonah, he is a friend of mine from high school"

"It’s nice to meet you Jonah. Forgive me for being rude, but what are you doing here?"

"I’m here to administer the ceremony of coarse"

"Ceremony?" she looked at him like he was an alien. She had no idea what he was talking about.

"Luis, you didn’t tell her?" Jonah asked.

"Not exactly. It is a surprise" Luis tried to explain.

"You should have told her. I don’t feel right about this"

"She’ll agree I promise" Luis continued his banter with Jonah.

"Excuse me!" Sheridan raised her voice causing Nixon and Ali to giggle. "Does anyone want to clue me in here?"

"You know for an FBI agent you are being very naïve right now" Luis poked fun at her. "We’re getting married tonight"

"Married? Tonight? Luis are you NUTZ?!?" Sheridan exclaimed. He ushered her away from their audience.

"About you yes. And I know I am being trite but it can’t be helped. I want to marry you, now" he kissed her passionately making her knees go weak. "Say you’ll be my wife. Say you’ll marry me tonight"

"There is so much we have to talk about first Luis. We barely know each other. I didn’t expect this to go so fast"

"Do you love me?"

"Don’t even ask such a question. Of coarse I do"

"Then marry me and everything else will fall into place"

"I can’t Spot. Not because I don’t want to but because I don’t deserve you"

"That is for me to decide, not you"

"I lied to you, I lied about my nightmares. You won’t want to marry me when I tell you the truth" she bowed her head trying to avoid eye contact.

"Nothing could make me not want to marry you" he tried to reassure her.

"This will" she walked away from and plopped herself in a seat and stared at nothing out the window. Nixon, Ali and Jonah just watched the scene unfold unsure of what to do. Luis looked helplessly at them and then just sat down where he was and placed his head in his hands.

Chapter 2:

Nixon pushed Ali and Jonah back into the cockpit. He knew that they would need their time alone if this ceremony was going to happen before the plane landed in Washington D.C. Sheridan continued to stare out the window watching the clouds drift by. She fiddled with the ring on her finger and Luis was sure he caught her trying not to smile as she looked at it. He didn’t leave her alone for long. He knew they needed to talk and she didn’t have anywhere to run while they were still in the air. He made his way over to her and put his hand on her shoulder. To his dismay she flinched at his touch.

"Sheridan, we need to talk"

"There is nothing to talk about Luis" she was barely audible. "I lied to you and I did it on purpose"

"What you think this relationship has to be all or nothing? We are both going to mess up and we are going to fight"

"That’s reassuring"

"BUT, we will work through these things. You need to talk to me though. Please don’t shut me out"

"Are you sure you want to hear this?" she gave him one last chance for an out.

"Tell me" Luis insisted. Sheridan took a deep breath to prepare herself and then just let it go.

"Luis what I told you about seeing my mother being murdered was true. So I really didn’t lie, I just left out big chunks of the story. The investigators who came to the scene first thought I did it. I had had a huge blow up with my mother about my party about two hours earlier and they thought I was some spoiled brat. I didn’t do it Luis, I would never hurt my mother. She is the only one who ever cared about me"

"You would never hurt anyone on purpose Luce. I know that. You have such a big heart"

"Thank you. But I think my father was convinced I did it too. He had hardly spent a minute with me my entire life. He didn’t know I wasn’t capable of such a thing. So he paid of the investigators. And my mothers death was pronounced an accident"

"That’s all it took?"

"Yep. Luis that’s not the end of it though"

"There’s more?"

"Unfortunately yes. I saw who killed her"

"Who did it Sheridan?"

"It was Sloan"

"Excuse me? Your best friend slash stepmother Sloan?"

"The one in the same. She wanted my father so badly she was willing to kill for him"

"Why didn’t you tell anyone?"

"Don’t you think I tried?" Sheridan got defensive. "No one would believe me, they all thought I did it. And my father had Sloan on this pedestal. He would never believe me over her" rage started to take over her body and she looked like she would given the chance kill someone.

"Sheridan, get out of that dark place" he ordered as he struggled to pull her into his arms. "You’re a grown woman now, with the mean I might add, and are capable of shedding light on this case. Don’t let it eat away at you"

"There’s just one more thing you should know" she let herself be comforted by him.

"Please tell me that an alien abducted you as a child, because this sounds like a soap opera already"

"Not so dramatic. I just wanted to let you know that’s why I am how I am. When I saw what the lust for a man did to Sloan I promised myself I would never let a man get to me. And until you I was successful. You ruined me Luis. But I am so happy to be ruined by you. Please tell me you don’t hate me and please don’t tell me you think I killed my mother" she pleaded with him.

"Of coarse I still love you. In fact I love you even more now. I like that you can be vulnerable and not always such a hard ass. And are you insane? I wouldn’t marry I woman I thought could be a cold blooded killer and I still plan on marrying you tonight" she smiled at her.

"Really? You still want to marry me?" Sheridan asked giddy as a schoolgirl.

"I would like nothing more for you to marry me tonight. Please say you will"

"Luis, Sloan knows I saw her. If you marry me you could be in danger too. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if…"

"Shhh… I am a big bad FBI agent just like you are. We are trained to take care of ourselves. Sloan won’t hurt me. Look you don’t have to say yes. There is no pressure. We can have a long engagement if you like. But just go in the back room. There you’ll find your dress. If you’re not ready then come back out here just as you are. If you want to be crazed maniac like me then come back in the dress and we’ll get hitched" he said with a southern accent that caused her to giggle.

"Fair enough"

She got up and kissed him once more passionately on the lips. As she disappeared Luis went to get the rest of the gang. They chatted as they waited and waited. Sheridan still didn’t emerge. Luis began to pace wondering if the long wait was a good thing or a bad thing. After more time passed he began to worry that she tripped and fell and was dying of a head wound. He was about to go intrude on her when he heard the door creak.

"Luis, I’m not ready yet"

Chapter 3:

Luis tried to hide the disappointment in his voice but it was all but impossible. The agent side to him, who knew how to hide emotions, kicked in and made him sound flippant.

"It’s ok Luce, we’ll get married like civilians on the ground" she stifled her giggle, it was payback time. She hadn’t meant she wasn’t ready to marry him on the plane, just not at that exact moment. She couldn’t get her dress zipped and didn’t want Luis to see her. She needed Ali’s help.

"I’m really sorry Spot. You went to so much trouble. I just need more time" she tried to sound sympathetic.

"It’s ok Sheridan. Why don’t you just come out here and Jonah can tell you some embarrassing stories about me"

"I can imagine the stories he must have" and shouldn’t couldn’t wait to hear them, but now wasn’t the time. "But can we take a rain check? I would like to talk to Ali" Ali made a scrunched up why me face.

"Are you sure you don’t want me to come back there or maybe Nixon?" Luis asked.

"No I would really like to talk to Ali. Its nice to talk to another woman once and a while"

"Do you mind?" Luis asked Ali quietly so Sheridan couldn’t hear.

"She’s my boss too, do I have a choice?" Ali whispered back.

"Ok Luce, Ali’s on her way back"

"Thank you Spot. I’ll be out soon"

"Alright you two are going to have to explain the Spot and Luce thing to us" Nixon announced.

"Later Nixon" Sheridan yelled from the back room. Ali saw Sheridan’s head peering out from behind the door. "Hurry" Sheridan motioned to Ali. Ali got into the room and let out a small gasp.

"I thought you said you weren’t ready" Ali asked shocked.

"I’m not. I can’t walk out there with my dress ready to fall off"

"Why didn’t you tell Luis that?" Ali asked as she stepped behind Sheridan and zipped her up.

"Payback for this surprise mile high wedding. I want to see his face when I walk in wearing this" she smoothed out the skirt. "Ok let’s go" she opened the door to go out but Ali stepped in front of her.

"Me first, I want to see his face too. And I’ll make sure he’s looking" Ali smiled.

"Good idea"

Ali walked back out and Luis immediately bombarded her with questions. She assured him she was fine, just not ready yet. It was the truth, she hadn’t been ready. Ali told him that Sheridan would be coming out after she freshened up her face. He felt like a heal thinking she was in there crying and he was out here reminiscing with an old friend. He heard the door open and stared in her direction. He waited and waited. She had purposely opened the door before she was ready to make him wait. His torture was her bliss. She knew he would get her back too but she couldn’t wait for him to try. Finally after satisfied it had been a long enough wait she came into view. Luis’s jaw hit the floor when he finally saw her. She was beautiful in the white dress. He wondered what kind of game she was playing now. She couldn’t get the smile off her face. Luis’s reaction was priceless.

"I..I.." Luis stammered as he took her hands in his.

"You what?" Sheridan asked with a face of pure innocence.

"I thought you said you weren’t ready" he managed to spit out.

"I wasn’t. I needed help zipping my dress. Ready Jonah?" she turned the minister.

"Really? You want to do this now?" Luis had to make sure.

"Yes Luis, I want to be your wife. I want to marry you right now"

"What are we waiting for?"

Luis turned them both to Jonah. Jonah looked around and panicked. Of all the times to misplace his bible it would have to be now. He saw it under a seat, swooped to get it, and popped back up. He smoothed down his hair and tried not to smile. He looked at Sheridan and Luis and didn’t think they even noticed his maneuver. The outside world was lost on them. He started in on their nuptials and was happy his friend had found such utter bliss. Luis had thought of everything. He had arranged for her dress, the marriage license, and even their wedding rings. She was amazed. They had made it through their I dos and now it was time to kiss the bride. Jonah didn’t even bother saying it because they were already lip locked. They continue to kiss until the three other simultaneously cleared their throats. They both looked around the room in a state of confusion. Time had seemed to stand still while they kissed. They had no idea how much actual time had passed. Luis sat down on the couch and brought Sheridan down on his lap. Nixon handed everyone a glass of Champaign. They toasted to the happy couple and enjoyed some light conversation. Although the others had to prod Luis and Sheridan for answers otherwise they would just stare at each other with googily eyes.

"So Sheridan I thought you said you wouldn’t date you agents?" Nixon jested.

"I didn’t. Luis and I have never been on a date. But surely you couldn’t expect me not to date my husband" she smiled.

"Oh so now it’s ok to date people with in the unit" Nixon continued. "We must all bend to Agent Crane’s interpretations of the rules"

"Shut up Nixon. But now you should be happy, you can date Ali" Nixon almost choked on his drink.

"How?" Ali gasped.

"Oh come on! You two are transparent as Luis and I were" she moved her hand across Luis’s cheek. "Does she know about Ashley"

"I met her yesterday" Ali gushed. "She is the sweetest little girl"

"I thought you were married" Luis questioned.

"I was. But Willow didn’t like the danger I put myself in so she went back to Akron. Where it is safe and nothing happens. We’ve been divorced for over a year now" Nixon explained.

"So what about those Luis stories?" Sheridan asked Jonah.

"Not quite yet. I want to hear about Spot first" Jonah chuckled. Sheridan inspected Luis’s eye.

"Man, not even a hint of a bruise left. I guess I didn’t hit you hard enough" she kept her smile to herself.

"You hit him?" Ali exclaimed.

"No, I tried to break up a bar fight. She just wants you to think she is tough shit" Luis tickled her sides causing her to squirm.

"And Luce?" Nixon asked.

"Short for Lucifer. She’s the devil incarnate" Luis explained which earned him a slap across the chest.

"He thinks that when I work out my pigtails look like horns"

"They do"

They shared a special kiss as they remembered the moments each of them earned their nicknames. The flight attendant announced their arrival to Washington D.C. and they all buckled in. Luis made one promise to Sheridan as they were landing. That they would find out what really happened to her mother. She squeezed his hand in appreciation and kissed his cheek. She thanked him for the offer but told him it would have to wait. Tonight was their wedding night and they were going to concentrate on them.

Chapter 4:

Sheridan and Luis’s flight landed safely. They said their goodbyes to Nixon and Ali, who left together holding hands. Sheridan giggled as they made their way towards the taxies.

"What so funny Luce?" Luis asked because she couldn’t seem to stop giggling.

"All the lonely Agents in the bureau are going to want to be part of my unit now. We seem to have a pattern starting here. I wonder who is going to be next. How about Leslie and Kirkpatrick?" she laughed even harder. Leslie was as gay as they came, but Kirkpatrick he was a real macho man and even just the mention of the word homosexual sent him running.

"You have a twisted mind" Luis just shook his head.

"I think I am going to partner them up on the next case. That should make things interesting"

"You are wicked. I am beginning to think that the nickname Lucifer fits you perfectly"

They climbed into the cab as the driver secured their luggage in the trunk. They were in the back seat cuddled together when the driver came in and looked at the through his rearview mirror. He sighed, this wasn’t the first time lovers had been in his taxi. He just hoped they would refrain themselves. Some people didn’t and he wasn’t in the mood to break up any escapades tonight.

"Where to?" he grumbled. Sheridan and Luis looked at each other in shock. They hadn’t talked about where they were going to live yet.

"Where to?" Luis repeated to Sheridan.

"You’re car is still at my house" she pointed out. So she gave the driver her address.

"I don’t plan to be driving away in my car unless you are in it" Luis continued the conversation.

"I didn’t mean that you were to leave. I was just pointing out that if we went to your apartment we would have no transportation. That’s all"

"Good. Because it is you and me now. We’re married and it is going to stay that way"

"Forever" she added giddily.

"Now one question"

"What?" she asked.

"Where do we plan to live this future? My beautiful studio apartment complete with a roll out couch or your drab three story mansion?"

"Gee when you put it that way" she chuckled. "And there is always finding someplace completely new and we could make it ours"

"But I love your kitchen" Luis whined. "I could do so many things in there"

"Really" Sheridan attention was piqued. "What kind of things? And can we try them tonight?" she asked with the gleam of desire in her eyes.

"You are wicked" Luis exclaimed. "I like it" he admitted. "Sure we can try them tonight. It will be your first cooking lesson"

"Cooking?" she groaned. "I was hoping for something more along the lines of…" she leaned in to whisper in his ear and when she was finished his whole body stiffened and he was sitting up straight as can be.

"Sheridan Lopez-Fitzgerald" he scolded. "I can’t believe that came out of your mouth"

"What?" she gave him the face of innocence.

"Hey could you drive a little faster buddy" Luis asked the driver. He was going to die if they weren’t in her house and soon.

"Why are you in such a hurry to get home Spot? Anxious to start cooking or something" she flashed a wicked smile at him and all he could do was groan. "But back to a serious subject Luis. I would really like to get a new house. One just for us. I don’t want to live in that place my father bought me. It is too big. I want a home not just a house"

"Right now I would agree to letting you pick out a tree house and I would live there"

They finally reached the gate of her house and Luis impatiently waited as Sheridan opened it. She pushed the buttons as slowly as possible to prolong Luis’s torture. Luis gathered all the luggage under one of his arms and then grabbed her arm with his other and dragged her to the door. He ordered her to open it, which only made her go slower. She fumbled around with her keys trying everyone but the right one in the lock. Finally she was down to the last key. Before she could even put it in the door he snatched it from her hand. He had the door open in and instant through the baggage inside not caring if anything broke. He then scooped her in his arms and carried her over the threshold. Once inside he didn’t put her down he kicked the door closed and ran deeper into the house.

"Which room do you want to christen first? The bedroom, the bathroom, the kitchen? Just choose and make it snappy or it is going to be the hallway" Luis asked in all seriousness, but she just laughed. She didn’t know why and she couldn’t stop.

"Spot you’re such an animal" she continued to giggled.

"I mean it Sheridan choose" he said as he lifted her sweater over her head.

"Ok then I choose the coat closet" she said seriously, and this threw Luis. He looked at her with a blank expression on his face.

"Out of all the rooms in this house and you want to make love in a closet?" he looked at her strangely.

"Now you know how silly I think you’re acting Luis. I didn’t think you were such a hornball. I know I was teasing you in the cab and I am sorry but"

"Please don’t tell me you are already sick of sex because I didn’t think that was supposed to happen for another ten years" he grew more frustrated and it didn’t help that she was just standing there in her jeans and bra.

"No, I am never going to get sick of your body with mine. But there are things we need to do first"

"Like?" he couldn’t help but start to kiss her neck and nibble her earlobe.

"Call my boss and tell him we have arrived safely. And your mother. I really want to meet them Luis" she said sincerely.

"But tonight?" Luis whined. "It’s our honeymoon"

"Technically yes, but realistically no. I want to go some where for our honeymoon. Preferably somewhere like Tahiti or somewhere where clothing is optional"

"Hell no" not the reaction she had hoped for. "I am not letting another man ogle you! You are mine"

"Possessive aren’t we?"

"Damn straight. But you are right if we wait any longer to tell my mother she will be furious. She is already going to be mad. What about your family, when do I get to meet them?"

"Well you’ve met Sloan, and my father and brother are just as heartless. It wouldn’t be a big loss if you never met them"

"But I have to if I am going to help you find out about your mother’s death"

"I guess you’re right. We can drive to New York this weekend ok?"

"All right. Until then will just live in the bliss of our new marriage. I’ll go call my mother. And you put some clothes on before I go nuts"

"You took it off me you should be the one to put it back on" mumbling things she was glad she couldn’t understand Luis pulled the sweater over her head. When her head popped through she pulled his head to hers and gave him the most passionate kiss she knew how. "A preview for later" she said as she pulled away.

"You are such the wicked temptress"

"And you love it" she said happily as she slapped him on the behind and practically skipped back into the kitchen.

Chapter 5:

It was the next morning and Sheridan and Luis were again in a taxi. They had enjoyed their night celebrating their marital bliss and most of the morning cleaning up the mess they had mad in the kitchen. Sheridan had showed Luis a new method of cooking. One he fully enjoyed and vowed to practice more often. But now they were off flying to Boston. They were going to Luis’s mother’s house. Sheridan had been given a two weeks leave because of her injury. When talking to her boss she played it up making it seem that it was more serious than it was. Agent Peterson knew better though. He had already heard about her spur of the moment nuptials and seeing as she had never asked for vacation before he was more than willing to give it to her. Sheridan in turn gave Luis two weeks off under the pretence of emotional stress. It was the first time he had shot a woman after all. There were sure to be ramifications. So now they were off to Boston and in two days they would be in New York. They would be unofficially investigating her mother’s death. Sheridan was glad to have Luis helping her with this. She was scared to death of what would happen to her if Sloan found out what she was doing. She was sure Sloan was a sociopath. Sheridan had slept most of the way to Boston the thoughts and worries of the new case were quickly tiring her out. It was a relief to sleep. But relief turned to horror when a nightmare struck her.

"NO!!!" she screamed. Luis instantly realized what was happening and brought her into his arms.

"Shhh. Sheridan wake up. Everything is all right" Luis coaxed her.

"No Sloan don’t! I’ll do anything!" Sheridan’s eyes flew open. Her breath was labored and chaotic. She was trembling in Luis’s arms.

"It’s ok Luce. It was just a nightmare" by this time the entire first class was looking in her direction. The flight attendant had brought her some water and Luis put it up to her mouth and she willingly sipped it.

"Luis, it was awful. We were at my father’s old house and everything was like it was the night my mother died. Except you and I were as we are now. But Sloan was still sixteen. And instead of killing my mother…" she began to sob. "She killed you" she whispered.

"I’m right here. Nothing happened to me"

"I don’t know why these things hit me so hard" she regained her composure and wiped her tears. "I am a trained federal agent not some fragile little woman"

"There’s my little fighter. I knew you would come back" Luis smiled proudly.

"I hate that these nightmares make me so vulnerable. I just wish they would go away"

"They will, as soon as we find out what happened that night"

"You promise?"

"If they don’t I will just have to come up with creative ways to distract you" Luis wiggled his eyebrows.

"Maybe I’ll just fake a nightmare now and then so you can comfort me" the wicked smiled adorned her face again.

"Ok enough, this is torture. We could have at least had a little fun before we left" he said.

"Oh yes and then got on a plane to meet you mother smelling like sex. I shake her hand, give her a hug, say hello and nonverbally announce your son keeps me very happy. What a first impression"

"Ok, ok, ok. I get it. But we are staying in a hotel, not my mothers house"

"That’s fine by me Spot" she giggled.

They landed safely in Boston and rented a car. Sheridan assumed Luis grew up in Boston but she learned it was actually in the small town in Maine. She had never heard of the small town of Harmony before. She liked the sound of the name but got a weird feeling about the place. She shook it off and had Luis tell her about his hometown. When they arrived and Sheridan thought it was everything Luis said it was. It was small and quaint. It was also very homey. It looked like a picture postcard. They pulled up to a small house complete with white picket fence. The windows all had flower boxes filled with brightly colored flowers. She could tell right away that this house was filled with love and contained many memories, many good memories.

"Do you think they’ll like me?" Sheridan asked as they headed for the door.

"Insecurity? That’s a new one. They’ll love you. I do and they’re just like me" he smiled.

"Just like you? I don’t think I could handle more of you" she teased.

"I’m going to get you for that" Luis knocked on the door and they heard footsteps coming towards them. "By the way I didn’t tell them we are married" he informed her as the doorknob turned. "MAMA!" Luis said excitedly as he hugged her tightly.

"Mama this is Sheridan"

"It’s nice to meet you Sheridan. You know you are the first girl my Luis has brought home since he left for Quantico. You must be very special"

"I hope so" Sheridan smiled brightly and shook his mother’s hand. "It’s nice to meet you too Pilar" Pilar still had Sheridan hand and led her into the house. Sheridan turned back towards Luis and gave him a look that could kill. "Coward" she mouthed and stomped on his foot as she passed him. Luis managed to contain his groan but knew she was mad as all hell and knew he was going to hear it tonight. At least Sheridan had her left hand in her pocket, hopefully she would take off her wedding rings. He had taken off his. She took out her hand to hug his mother, who he could tell she was already falling in love with her, and the rings were gone. At least she was playing along. But he knew it was for his mother not for him. He had a feeling he would be able to serve his head on a platter later. She was all smiles towards his mother but whenever she looked at him daggers shot out. He was in trouble. This was going to be a long night.

Chapter 6:

They had moved into the kitchen and Pilar started to whirl through the kitchen. She was going to prepare one of Luis’s favorite dishes. When Pilar turned her back Sheridan whispered to Luis that he was such a Mama’s boy. He shot her a dirty look of his own, threatening her to be nice. She didn’t want to be sitting at the same time as Luis right now so she offered to help Pilar.

"Don’t let her help Mama. She can’t cook" Luis teased.

"I said I couldn’t cook, not that I couldn’t help. I know how to use a knife" she shot back harsher than she intended to.

"I would love some help"

Pilar stepped between them. Sheridan helped chop vegetables and when she was done she asked where the bathroom was. Pilar pointed it out and returned to her son.

"Um Luis I thought you said Sheridan was your boss" Pilar started out.

"She is" Luis said matter of factly.

"And?"

"And what?" Luis played dumb.

"Are you having problems at work?"

"No Mama, I told you we just wrapped up a big case"

"Then you are having a lovers spat, so to say"

"Kind of"

"I knew you just didn’t bring her as your boss. She is very pretty Luis, but do you think it wise to get involved with your boss? What would happen if it doesn’t work out?"

Sheridan had been standing at the door listening to the conversation unnoticed. She decided Luis needed help. She would love to see him suffer a little longer but she decided to be humane for now. She came back into the kitchen.

"Luis, when are you brother and sisters coming?" she asked as she strolled in.

"Mama?" she relayed the question.

"They should be here later. Miguel is out with his girlfriend and Paloma is at gymnastics practice. As for Theresa I gave up keeping tabs on that girl. She is in and out of this house so many times a day I am think about charging her admission"

While Pilar was telling them about Luis’s siblings and putting the dinner in the oven, Luis mouthed thank you to Sheridan. To which she replied, you owe me, equally as silent. He was still in trouble and he figured he would be until he told his mother the whole truth. That this woman wasn’t just his boss or his current fling. Sheridan was his wife. A very unhappy wife at the moment. But he really couldn’t blame her. If only his brother and sisters would show up and then he could put this whole charade to an end. Then he looked over at her. She was standing by the sink looking out the window. She didn’t seem to notice, but Luis did, that she had her left hand in her pocket and was fiddling with its contents. He looked at her face and she looked like she itched to put them on and just stare at her hand. This was all so new to her and he was ruining it. He felt like a heel again. He walked over to her and put his arm around her. She tried to shrug it off but noticed his mother watching them.

"Put your rings on" he whispered into her ear.

"Now?" she questioned.

"Yes, right now" he reached in his pocket and put on his own. Then he turned to his mother. "Mama you were right Sheridan’s not just my boss and she is special" his mother just eyed the couple. She then saw the glint from Sheridan’s engagement ring.

"You’re engaged! How wonderful" she seemed to float over to them. She grabbed Sheridan’s hand before anything more could be said. "There’s already a wedding band here" she grabbed Luis’s left hand. "And there is one here too. When exactly were you going to tell me you ran off and got married to some controlling floozy"

"MAMA! Sheridan isn’t a floozy, a little controlling sometimes yes, but definitely not a floozy"

"Why else would you get married improperly? I’m willing to bet there was no priest or church or…"

"Jonah married us Mama" he informed her. He had Sheridan hugged into his shoulder and he was surprised she was keeping quiet.

"Great the same guy who introduced my son to Playboy magazine married him. Can anything else go wrong?"

"I’m pregnant" Sheridan couldn’t help it, it just came out.

"Oh Dios Mio" Pilar dropped to her knees and started to pray. "Forgive me father for the sins of my son"

"Pilar" Sheridan tugged at her hands. "I’m kidding. I’m not pregnant, yet. I was trying to put in perspective. We go married in a plane on the way back to D.C. I didn’t even know about it. Luis surprised me. It was so romantic and special" she said in a soothing voice she used to get criminals to open up to her.

"He did that?" she returned to her feet.

"Yes, you raised him to be quite the gentleman"

"Thank you Sheridan. And I am ever so sorry for the floozy remark. It was just a shock"

"It’s already forgotten"

Pilar kissed the cheeks of her son and her new daughter. She wished them all the happiness in life and good luck. That was all she got to before the door burst open and her other three children came rushing in. The girls instantly ran into Luis’s arms and hugged him endlessly. Luis reached over with them and shook his brother’s hand. Hey gave him a hey bro and then returned his arms back around his sisters. Then all of their eyes settled on Sheridan.

"Hi" Sheridan said nervously as they checked her out.

"Guys this is Sheridan" Luis started to explain. "My wife"

"You’re wife?" they all exclaimed at once.

The girls rushed and hugged Sheridan welcoming her to the family. They started chattering excitedly about all the stuff they could do with their new sister. Shopping was number one on the list. Nothing could be heard above their jabbering. All of a sudden they screamed baby pictures and were dragging Sheridan into the other room. She looked back at Luis who was begging them not to embarrass him. But he knew it was useless to argue. All his childhood embarrassments were going to come to light. And Sheridan was going to eat it up. And she was sure to make fun of him later. He knew that this was going to be part of her payback, making him relive painful memories. At least Jonah wasn’t here. He held all the good stuff in his memory. Jonah had all the high school and college memories. And all the first experiences. And he wasn’t here. Thank god for small miracles.

Chapter 7:

Sheridan was sitting on the coach between Paloma and Theresa. They continued to page through the photo albums, only to stop to tell Sheridan an embarrassing story about Luis. She had already learned that he lived most of his early years dressed as a cowboy. He had been a cowboy one Halloween and for the next to years continually wore the costume. Of coarse she had seen the naked baby pictures that every mother keep to embarrass their child and the endless sports pictures.

"What was Luis like in high school?" Sheridan asked.

"We don’t really no" Paloma admitted.

"Yeah, we only know stories people tell us. You would have to ask Jonah for that kind of stuff" Theresa continued.

"Oh but there was that one story about Jonah, Luis and the Playboys" Theresa and Paloma shared a giggle.

"Care to clue me in?" Sheridan inquired.

"Jonah had just moved to town and it was the first time he had ever come over" Paloma started.

"They were in eighth grade and out in the garage. They had made a do not disturb sign and put it on the door" Theresa picked up the story. "Mama got curious when she heard them giggling. She said she knew they were up to something because their giggles sounded devious"

"Well when she burst in she found them lying on the ground with the centerfold sprawled out between them. They had been daring each other to touch various body parts on the magazine"

"Luis was mortified that Mama caught them"

"Oh this is great" Sheridan mused. "I will have to talk to Jonah again. But how do you guys do that?"

"Do what?" they asked simultaneously.

"Tell a story between the two of you without missing a beat"

"We’re twins" again they replied together.

"You are?" she looked them up and down. Paloma was very petite and definitely have the build of a gymnast. She also had sparkling emerald green eyes and lighter brown hair. It was almost auburn. Whereas Theresa was taller and had chocolate eyes and hair.

"Yeah I know, we don’t look a thing alike" Theresa said flippantly.

"I have all the Irish in me. I look like our father and older brother"

"But I thought Miguel was younger" Sheridan stated.

"Not Miguel" Paloma explained. "Antonio. He is the oldest but he ran away when Papa died. We haven’t seen or heard from him since"

Luis, Pilar and Miguel were in the kitchen catching up while the girls talked. Luis had given his mother all the details of his and Sheridan’s meeting, their short courtship and their even shorter engagement. Although she wasn’t happy at first but as she watched her son’s eyes sparkle she knew he knew what he was doing. Luis deciding that he better check on Sheridan before she wanted an annulment, excused himself and went to the living room. Luis expected to see happy faces and hear laughter when he entered the room but there was silence and solemn faces.

"Hey there cowboy" she teased trying to lift their spirits. She wondered if the girls actually remembered their father and brother. She had trouble remembering her mother and she had been sixteen when she was murdered. They were that now.

"Cowboy? You two didn’t show her those" Luis gripped.

"But you looked so cute" Sheridan mused. She walked up to him and planted a kiss on his pouting lips. "Too bad you still don’t have the costume Spot. We could have had a lot of fun with that" she whispered in his ear. His face immediately turned flush. The girls noticed and started giggling and whispering to each other.

"Come on, Luce. It’s time to leave these giggling hyenas and go say goodbye to Miguel and Mama"

"You’re leaving so soon Luis?" Theresa saddened at the thought.

"I have a meet tomorrow Luis, I was hoping you would come" Paloma desperately wanted him there. No matter how she finished he always told her she was the most beautiful girl there. It always raised her spirits.

"Yeah and Luis we didn’t even have dinner yet. What’s your rush?" even though she knew exactly what it was. Her last comment had reminded him of what was to come tonight, but that was promised before he put her in the situation he did when they arrived.

"I’m just tired that’s all" Luis lied faking a yawn for effect.

"Well then I’ll go find the coffee machine and make some coffee for you. That should help" Sheridan continued to make this hard on Luis.

"I’ll do it" Theresa rushed from the room and into the kitchen.

"See now we can stay" she smiled proudly.

"I see who wears the pants in this relationship" Paloma teased.

Luis lunged at her tickling her for the comment. After she was crying because she was laughing so hard he brought her in his lap and gave her a bear hug. It was funny to Sheridan, the girl was a teenager but so small Luis could still throw her around. Theresa stuck her head back into the room and announced dinner was ready and the coffee was on. They all gathered around the table and enjoyed being together again. During dinner Sheridan had just wanted to sit back and watch how a real family interacted. But she soon learned the girls had a curiosity streak a mile wide. They fired questions at her throughout dinner, asking her all about her life before Luis. Which considering her time with Luis was less than a week was a lot to cover. Luis was intrigued. Most of the stuff she told him was stuff he didn’t yet know. He knew a little about her older brother, but found out she also had an older sister. But Madeline had been stillborn. She would have only been two years older than Sheridan. She told them of her ponies and ballet lessons and other things all girls dreamed of. She ended her tales by telling them she was never truly happy until she met their brother. Which causes a chorus of awwwww’s. Dinner was over and Theresa, Paloma, and Miguel went to their rooms to do their homework. Sheridan and Luis stayed in the kitchen to help Pilar clean up. Help meant in this case Luis telling his mother to sit down and relax. She worked too hard to have to worry about the mess. He rationalized.

"Luis, you and Sheridan aren’t going to live in your apartment are you?" Pilar questioned remembering her one visit there.

"No Mama. Sheridan has a house the size of Harmony"

"But we are only staying there until we find a house of our own" she was quick to say, flicking soapsuds in Luis’s face just because. Luis without having to think spun the towel around in his hands and snapped it at her hitting her on her butt.

"You two are too much" Pilar said as she watched them. "Where are you staying tonight" she inquired further.

"At the Bennett’s Bed and Breakfast" Luis informed her.

"Nonsense, you will stay here. Your room is like you left it"

"I don’t think that…" he was interrupted by Sheridan who playfully backhanded him in the stomach.

"We’d love to stay Pilar" she said happily.

"Please Sheridan, I’m your mother in law, don’t call me Pilar" she smiled. "I am going to check your bed to make sure the sheets are clean" Pilar left them alone.

"Sheridan, what are you doing?" Luis whined.

"Payback’s a bitch isn’t it?" she answered.

"If I don’t touch you soon I’m going to explode" he continued.

"Good you deserve it" she looked at him seriously.

They had all said their goodnights and now Luis and Sheridan were snuggled in his old twin bed. Pilar had tried to switch rooms with them, but they insisted they not put her out. They sleep in a small space anyways Luis informed her and she left it at that. Luis wanted so much to do much more than cuddle but she was in a talkative mood and he knew she wouldn’t allow it. She was stilled pissed.

"I can’t believe you told my mother you were pregnant" Luis said reliving the events of the day.

"Well…" she stammered.

"You can’t possibly be pregnant already. I mean we have been together only a week. Oh god" Luis started to let his mind wander. "It’s someone else’s baby. Who’s is it? I’ll kill him" he rambled.

"Luis get a grip" Sheridan shot at him. "I don’t think I am pregnant but I could be. We haven’t exactly been careful. No condoms, no birth control, big problem. Or in this case it could be a very little problem"

"It wouldn’t be a problem Sheridan, just a surprise. A happy surprise even"

"You want a family don’t you?"

"Don’t you?"

"I wouldn’t be good at it Luis. You have so much experience I have none"

"It’s a natural thing Sheridan. When it happens and we have a family, it will just come to you. And I’ll be there to help you I promise"

"Good, because I would probably try to put the diaper on the poor kid’s head"

"Well if you happen to be pregnant, then so be it. I will be happy. But if you’re not I suggest we start using precautions. I would like to have you to myself for a while"

"What do we do until then? We have a week and some before we should know"

"Go on as we have" he surprised her by flipping himself on top of her and planting kisses on her neck.

"Not tonight Spot, you’re still in the doghouse"

She pushed him off of her and they resumed their cuddling positions. Luis knew not to push it. He didn’t want her madder. But the truth was she was beginning to weaken. Her own desires were winning out and it had taken every ounce of courage in her to shove him off. One more attempt and she would have been a goner. Tomorrow they promised Paloma they would stay for her meet and then they were off to New York City. She would introduce him to her family. They would also begin to investigate Sheridan’s mother’s murder. They were hoping the mystery would open up and read like a book, but only time would tell.

Chapter 8:

Sheridan and Luis had a fun time at Paloma’s gymnastics meet. Luis had forgotten how fun this was. The whole family always went to support her. His mother never watching while she performed. Pilar was too nervous for her. Miguel videotaping the event so Pilar could watch later. Theresa holding all Paloma’s stuffed good luck charms. Each had to be able to see her perform too and only Theresa was allowed to hold them. Paloma had performed flawlessly, well not according to her, but to Luis she did. After the meet completed she ran into his arms.

"Luis, I’ve missed my best good luck charm" Paloma squeezed him.

"You were wonderful Gumby" Luis messed up her perfect hair. "There now you look like my sister. You were to perfect out there"

"It was only because you were here" she gushed. "How long are you going to be in New York?" Luis looked towards Sheridan and she shrugged.

"We don’t know Loms"

"Well if you’re still there will you come to my meet next week. With you there I’m sure to do awesome and get noticed"

Luis remembered the earlier part of the day fondly. He and Sheridan were now in their rental car driving to New York. Luis had fallen asleep shortly after they left and just now woke up.

"Where are we?" he questioned.

"We just passed Hartford" she informed him. "What were you dreaming about? You looked way to happy"

"My family" she was a little disappointed that it wasn’t her, but she could tell he really hated being so far away from them.

"Paloma really seems to be attached to you"

"She’s my little Gumby girl" he smiled proudly. "When papa died, she just shut off. She wouldn’t talk. She didn’t utter a sound for six months. Finally I just decided to enroll her in some classes. She was only four. I took her to every kind of dance and sport class imaginable class imaginable. She finally settled on gymnastics. I was at ever meet and most practices until I left for college"

"You were her surrogate father Luis"

"I was for all of them. But she got soo excited about her classes. She was bursting at the seems. And she just started talking again. Now we can’t get her to shut up"

"She will be in New York next week huh?"

"She’s really excited about this meet. There will be a lot of college scouts there. She knows she isn’t Olympic bound but is very hopeful for a full ride to college"

"If she has your determination, she’ll get one"

"I know she will. It’s Theresa I’m worried about. Glitz and glamour is what is important to her. She wants to be a designer. And she goes through boys like they are disposable. It worries me"

"Always the big brother aren’t you? What about Miguel? Have any qualms about him?"

"Not yet. He is only fourteen, but his girlfriend Kay and he can get into mischief. Kay is very adventurous and curious and Miguel tags along with whatever she wants to explore"

"Aren’t you worried they will explore with…" not wanting to mention sex and his brother in the same sentence she opted for, "each other"

"Not until you said that!" Luis exclaimed. "But no really, they are good kids. Kay is the school’s biggest tomboy. Theresa says they haven’t even kissed yet and Theresa knows everything"

They kept chatting while en route to New York. They stopped off and traded spots. Then Sheridan took her turn to describe her family to the best of her ability. She tried to stay away from them as much as possible but she gave him a rough idea of what they were like. There was her father Alistair, the matriarch of the family. He had lost his company because of her but not his billions. And her stepmother Sloan, whom Luis had already met. Then there was her brother Julian who was 18 years her senior. She and him had never been close and as far as she was concerned he was evil as her father. Her sister in law Ivy was a quiet puzzle she never quite figured out. She kept an icy front but was sure she had a heart in her somewhere. And then there were their four children. Ethan, the playboy, Amanda, the spoiled brat, Derek, the quiet book nerd, and Lise Olivia, the only one who there was hope for. Sheridan mentioned the numerous affairs Julian had and how Ethan would be following in his footsteps had he not refused to marry. She was disgusted by her family and sure she was adopted. They had finally arrived in New York.

"Where to?" Luis asked hoping she knew the story better than he did.

"I don’t want to stay with my father but I think we should drop in for a visit, catch him off guard. Then to a hotel we go" he waited for her to give directions but none came.

"Direct the way Luce. I’m not psychic" she shook her head and jumped back into reality.

"I’m sorry, I was just thinking"

"That was obvious. Don’t be worried we will break this case just like the last"

"I wasn’t worried about that. I was wondering what my father will say when he learns we are married. He’s going to blow a gasket. I can’t wait" her face glowed with a malicious smile. She enjoyed infuriating her father. She directed Luis to the mansion and she was positively giddy as they walked up to the door.

"You know for someone who is frightened of what could happen you don’t look the part" Luis commented.

"Tonight has nothing to do with the case we are going to work on. This is going to be fun. Come on Spot" she pulled him towards the door and rang the doorbell.

Chapter 9:

Sheridan gave Luis a quick kiss before the door was answered. A pudgy woman came to the door. She was in a maid’s uniform and smiled pleasantly when she recognized Sheridan. Her jet black hair was piled on top of her head in a bun and was quite a contrast to her pale white skin. Luis thought she looked friendly enough but wasn’t ready to trust anyone in this household. Someone had killed Sheridan’s mother and he was sure it wasn’t her. So who was it?

"Miss Sheridan, what a nice surprise. I didn’t know your father was expecting you" the woman said politely.

"Hello Penelope. You look as lovely as ever. Father isn’t expecting me. I was in town so I thought I would drop in. Can we come in?"

"Of coarse, of coarse" Penelope moved from blocking the door. "Miss Sheridan if you don’t mind me asking but since when do you just drop in? It’s no secret how you feel about your family and the staff loves you for it" she smiled brightly.

"I have something to tell my father. Aren’t you at all curious as to who this is with me?"

"Yes Miss but I didn’t want to pry"

"Penelope, this is my husband Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald"

"Husband? Oh honey I always knew you were going to catch a looker but I think you outdid yourself with this one" Penelope gushed.

"Penelope, who’s at the door?" Sloan screeched from atop of the stairs.

"Miss Sheridan and her…er…friend, Mrs. Crane" she announced and then stepped aside going about her duties.

"Sheridan what a lovely surprise" Sloan floated down the stairs. "I was disappointed you cancelled dinner while I was in Washington, but I am thrilled to see you here. And it is nice to see you again, Luis isn’t it?" he just nodded not wanting to talk, just absorb what was around him. "What brings you to New York? Investigating your father again" she joked but neither Sheridan nor Luis found humor in her statement, only the truth.

"Where is Father" she avoided the question.

"At some stuffy dinner party. Are you two hungry? It must have been a long trip from D.C."

"Actually we were in Maine with Luis’s family but still quite a long drive. And yes I would love something to eat"

Instinctively Sheridan took Luis’s hand as they walked into the sitting room. Sloan eyed them curiously but didn’t say anything. Last she knew Sheridan thought Luis was a pest and Sheridan always spoke her mind. Sloan decided to wait until they were eating to push the subject any farther. But she had seen Sheridan flashing her ring into view too many times for her not to say anything.

"Ok you two what’s going on? And when’s the wedding?" Sloan asked enthusiastically.

"Two days ago" Sheridan said smugly.

"You’re married???" Sloan exclaimed.

"Yes!" Sheridan screamed happily.

Again Luis was just sitting back and observing. And he didn’t get what he was seeing. For someone that thought the other woman had murdered her mother they looked rather chummy. Like high school girlfriends, just as they had been. Maybe old habits died hard or maybe Sheridan just wanted someone to share this with or maybe subconsciously she knew Sloan didn’t do it. That was a lot of maybes and nothing concrete. Luis was sure he would figure it out.

"Ah my two girls happy again" a voice boomed from the doorway. "And who is this?" he directed his stare towards Luis.

"Father this is Luis" she informed him pausing for effect. "My husband"

"Excuse me?" Alistair chocked out.

"I’m Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald" he walked up to Alistair and stuck out his hand. "Your daughter’s husband"

"My daughter isn’t married" Alistair protested refusing to shake Luis’s hand.

"As of Wednesday I am father. Aren’t you happy for me?" she added an extra pouty face for good measure.

"I would be happy had you married when I arranged it for you" he said sourly.

"I never intended to marry Horace Woodbridge the third and never will"

"You didn’t even have a proper wedding" he scoffed.

"My mother is a little angry at that too so we are thinking about a second wedding with all the family" Luis intervened sending Sheridan for a loop. This was the first she heard of this but played along knowing it was for the best.

"And what do you do for a living young man?"

"I am a FBI agent like Sheridan" he didn’t mention she was his boss on purpose.

"Part of the suicide brigade too, I see. You know you are going to end up dead one day my dear"

"At least I won’t be alive to hear you say I told you so" she quickly shot back and Luis had to hold in his laughter.

"You’re impossible just as your mother had been" Alistair groaned. "You must try to break free from her mold. A lot of good it did her"

"Stop it" Sloan stepped in. "Back to your corners, both of you"

"You know, I’m glad I took down your company. I’m just sad I didn’t take you along with it" she couldn’t resist on last jab.

"Sheridan I think we should go" Luis urged knowing she was dangerous like this. She was going to be in her Rambo mode in about two seconds. She nodded and they headed towards the door.

"Congratulations" Sloan said as they left.

"I can’t believe she married a low life agent" Alistair muttered.

"His name is Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald and your daughter is now Sheridan Lopez-Fitzgerald. Get used to it"

"What did you say?" his ears perked.

"Get used to it" Sloan repeated.

"No his last name"

"Lopez-Fitzgerald" she told him yet another time.

He didn’t know why but that name sounded oddly familiar. He racked his brain trying to put two and two together. And then it finally clicked.

"Oh bloody hell. What is he doing with my daughter" he groaned and went and locked himself in his library. This couldn’t be happening. The past was coming back to bite him in the butt. Why now?

Chapter 10:

Sloan wondered where Alistair went off to in such a hurry so she followed him. She heard the lock click but that still didn’t stop her. She knew that even when Alistair wanted to be alone he didn’t lock the other door to the library which connected to his bedroom. She thought it funny that since they were married they had never shared a room. Of coarse there were conjugal visits but they had never spent the night together. Never had she woken up in Alistair’s arms. That is why she needed Andy Hart. She thought everyone should have someone like him in their lives. She loved Andy more than she could even fathom feeling for Alistair. She knew she was his trophy wife. She walked through his bedroom and marched into the library.

"What’s wrong dear?" she watched as Alistair drowned his sorrows, whatever they were, in Brandy.

"What are you doing in here?" he seethed.

"I came to check on you naturally"

"Get out of here" he ordered.

"No!" she refused.

"This doesn’t concern you" he said harshly.

"This is my family too" she protested. "And you always told me to prepare for the worst no matter the situation. So prepare me!" she felt the triumph of one uping him.

"As you wish" he finally conceded. "Don’t you find the name Lopez-Fitzgerald oddly familiar?"

"A little maybe but it doesn’t seem of importance"

"How ever did you graduate from Harvard? Oh wait I bought your way through"

"I am not here for you to cut me down"

"That is one of your duties as my wife. Now a year after we were married don’t you remember me being elated in a discovery?"

"Ah yes. You found out whom your wife was having and affair with?"

"Martin Fitzgerald…Oh my god! Are he and Luis related?"

"Do you have a brain in your head? Yes they were related, Martin was his father"

"Whatever happened to Martin?"

"He was disposed of" he said coldly.

"And now your afraid with his son around things will begin to surface"

"Eureka!!! Her brain does function!"

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sheridan and Luis had checked into their hotel and were now nestled in the heart shaped tub. When talking about where to stay Sheridan suggested nowhere ritzy where her father could find her. So when they found their modest hotel they splurged and took the honeymoon suite. It wasn’t much of a stretch, they were newlyweds. They room was done up in pinks and red. It was complete with a heart shaped bed which vibrated for extra pleasure, so said the desk clerk. Everything in the room was shaped like a heart, the bed, the pillows, the table, the chair seats, the sink, and even the tub. They almost died of laughter when they saw the room. This was so not them. The other agents at the bureau would get a kick out of this if only they could see Sheridan and Luis now. Luis had a sponge in his hand and was trying to wash the stress out of Sheridan. He slowly smoothed it over her back. She didn’t seem to be responding though she kept babbling about her father and Sloan. Not the topics he wanted to hear about when he was trying to seduce his wife.

"Why can’t he accept me for who I am Luis?" Sheridan griped. "I like that I am like my mother. I would hate to be like him"

"Calm down Luce. You are going to have the last laugh remember. I am really doubting Sloan was the one behind the murder" as soon as he said that he knew it was a mistake. She was so sure Sloan did it and now he was going against her.

"I know what a saw Luis" she stiffened at his touch.

"I’m not doubting what you saw Sheridan. I just think that there was more than meets the eye in this case. I think it is quite possible your father had something to do with it"

"I know my father is cold and malicious but he couldn’t have done anything to my mother. He loved her"

"Don’t protect him. Don’t let your emotions cloud your judgment. He thought her to be impossible"

"But you think I am impossible at times"

"Yes I do, now is a good example"

"I’m sorry Spot. I don’t mean to be. I know I am not the dutiful wife I should be. I haven’t been very responsive to you tonight. But I’ll let you in on a little secret. If you had kissed me again last night I would have been putty in your hands"

"Why didn’t you tell me this then?" Luis groaned. "But what about now? What would happen if I kissed you?"

"Tattoo silly on my forehead and case me in a red egg. I’d be yours"

"About damn time" Luis exclaimed as planted a luscious kiss on her lips.

It didn’t take long before it escalated into more than just a kiss. They had christened the heart shaped tub, and sink, and table, and rug. By the time they made it to the bed they were exhausted. They fell asleep in each other’s arms only for Sheridan to wake up and hour later ready for more action. She decided to put the desk clerks advice into action and turned on the bed. It had been so satisfying they had to try that twice. And then they were out of the night. They woke up the next morning so deliriously blissful that they almost forgot where they were and what they were doing there. It all sunk in when the phone rang though.

"Hello?" Sheridan asked groggily.

"Sheridan?" the person said through bouts of sobs.

"Who is this?" she asked now fully awake.

"I need your help" the woman continued to cry.

Before Sheridan could find out who was calling and why the line went dead.

Chapter 11:

Sheridan looked quizzically at the phone. The voice sounded familiar but it was muffled by her sobs. Luis rolled over and just looked at her staring at the receiver. She had the sheet held up around her by pinning it underneath her arms and Luis was tempted to whisk it away but she looked too intense right now.

"Who was it?" he asked as he pushed himself into a sitting position.

"I don’t know" she put the phone back in its cradle. "It was a woman and she was crying and asking for help but she didn’t tell me who it was"

"It was probably just a wrong number then" he tried to rationalize.

"No she said my name. She knew who I was, but the line went dead before I could find out who she was"

Before they could discuss the phone call any further another one came. Luis decided he was going to answer it this time. He didn’t want this to keep going on throughout the morning.

"Hello?"

"Luis? This is Nixon. Is Sheridan there?"

"Yeah just a minute" he handed the phone to her. "It’s Nixon"

"Hey Nixon" she said cheerily. "What’s up?"

"You know actually Sheridan now that I think about it can I talk to Luis"

"Guy stuff huh? Sure" she handed the phone back to Luis. "He wants to talk to you. I’m going to take a shower" she kissed him on the cheek and proceeded to the bathroom.

"You know Luce if you don’t stop prancing around her naked you’re going to kill me" he called after her making sure his and covered the receiver.

"I heard you" Nixon grumbled. "Thank you for the image of my boss naked and prancing no less"

"Sorry" Luis tried not to laugh. "So what’s the matter?"

"Ali’s locked herself in the bathroom" Nixon sighed.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sloan was now slumped in one of the chairs in Alistair’s library. He was sitting behind his desk and he had just called the cavalry in. She didn’t know why he referred to his son as the cavalry especially because he had less intelligence than a dog. More than likely Julian’s sons would tag along. They needed to learn the family business Alistair always said, dirty laundry included. Alistair kept telling Sloan to leave she had no business here in his library. It wasn’t where a woman belonged. She refused until Julian, Ethan, and Derek showed up.

"What is she doing here?" Julian snarled.

"I thought the women were just supposed to look pretty" remarked Ethan.

"Fine" Sloan gave in. "I’m going out. Don’t wait up not that you ever do" she hurried from the room.

"What is the problem father?" Julian inquired.

"It seems your sister took it upon herself to get married to another FBI agent. And you won’t believe who the man is"

"Some reject from the projects" Derek piped up. "She always enjoyed slumming" he played the part of an arrogant jerk perfectly. He was disgusted by himself but it was expected of him to act this way. And he always did what was expected.

"You know I could care less about her anymore" Alistair explained. "After she took my company from me I have disowned her in my head. But it is who she chose to marry specifically that is going to cause problems"

"Who is he?" Ethan asked.

"Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald" he said flatly.

"You mean as in mother’s Fitzgerald?" Julian gasped in disbelief.

"The very same. It is his son"

"How can you be sure?" Derek asked naively.

"Martin’s wife’s name was Pilar Lopez-Fitzgerald. Their children shared her hyphenated name" Alistair explained to the lad.

"So what are we going to do?" Julian cut to the chase.

"We have two choices. Either we break up their marriage or we dispose of Luis like his father"

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sloan hurried from the mansion and into a limo. The driver knew where to take her without asking. He pulled up to the apartment complex that housed Andy Hart. All the staff knew about Mrs. Crane’s companion and they all kept it from Mr. Crane. They remembered what happened to the first Mrs. Crane and were quick to protect the current one. He opened the door and told her to be careful just as he always did. And she went on into the complex anyways just like always. She rapped on the door and feet hurried to the door.

"Sloan, what are you doing here?" Andy greeted her as he rushed her inside. He knew she didn’t like to be kept in the hallway too long just in case of photographers.

"I can’t stand it anymore" she flung her purse across the room. "I wish I could just leave him!"

"Why don’t you? I have been asking you to marry ME for years. But still you remain with that jerk"

"It’s not that simple"

"So you always tell me. But you never explain to me why it’s not simple. You don’t love him. You love me. So leave him. Or am I just a sex toy?"

"Andy you know I love you" she jumped into his arms and kissed him. "I wish I could leave him, but he would kill me if I ever tried. And then he would kill you too when he found out who you were"

"Is that what happened to the first Mrs. Crane? Did he kill her for having an affair?" Andy questioned.

"No!" she said quickly, too quickly.

"You know what happened to her don’t you Sloan?" he challenged.

"No of coarse not, don’t be silly. I was only sixteen when she died" she tried to cover.

"I don’t believe you. You are hiding something. What is it Sloan? Tell me" Andy went after her relentlessly.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Luis continued to talk to Nixon as Sheridan took her shower. Luis was having a hard time concentrating since he was picturing the water cascade down her flawless body. Finally after about ten minutes of Nixon saying he didn’t know what to do and other whines Luis broke out and flatly asked him what he did or said to her.

"I didn’t do anything" Nixon protested.

"Then what did you say?" Luis asked not believing he was innocent. Ali was a tough cookie something had to have hurt her terribly.

"The last thing I said was I was going to see Willow this weekend"

"You mentioned your ex-wife after making love to your current girlfriend? How dumb are you man?"

"She asked me what I was doing this weekend so I told her I was meeting Willow in New York. Ashley is visiting with her for a couple of weeks"

"Ok one you should have said you were taking Ashley to visit her mother. Never say her name. And two I though Willow was in Akron"

"She moved to New York two months ago"

"For a woman who didn’t like the danger that came with being married to a FBI agent it sure is strange that she would move to New York City. What aren’t you telling me?"

"Drop it Luis" Nixon said forcefully. "Now what do I do about Ali?"

"Look, we could use your help in New York. Sheridan is involved way too emotionally and I am getting there. We could use people with other perspectives. Tell Ali Sheridan ordered you both to New York. Hopefully you tow can patch it up before you get here, if not we can work on it here"

"I’ll call Willow and see if she can take Ashley early. We’ll be there by tonight"

Luis hung up the phone and turned to find a fully dressed Sheridan standing in front of him. She looked adorable in her jeans and red sweater. He thought about it and decided she would look even better without her current ensemble.

"You’re giving orders for me now?" she said with fury in her eyes. "Luis how dare you!"

"Look Ali locked herself in the bathroom and I thought this was an easy way to get her out. It wasn’t anything earth shattering. Ali and Nixon are coming to help us"

"Don’t do it again" she said coldly.

"I’m sorry" he felt like a reprimanded child.

"I know you meant well and you can always do things personally on my behalf. But business is different"

"I know Sheridan. I was just trying to help out our friends"

"I’m sorry too. I didn’t mean to come off so bitchy but"

"I stepped over the boundary"

"Ok" Sheridan shook it off. "Not mad anymore"

"Good lets go do some digging before the cavalry get here"

"Hey does Ali have a cell phone?"

"Yes" he said not knowing where she was going with this did she want to call Ali in the bathroom.

"I bet that’s who called earlier. It sounded like her now that I think about it"

"Great one mystery solved, one to go"

Luis showered and dressed. They were off to the library to look at old Newspapers and magazines to find out what they said about the death of Katherine Crane.

Chapter 12:

Sloan paced around the room. She knew Andy was never going to believe anything but the truth. He knew her every facial expression and she knew his. This was only a problem now because it was impossible to lie. Andy let her pace for a while, no doubt trying to figure out what to say and how to say it. She was finally wearing on his nerves so he moved in front of her.

"Talk to me Sloan" he demanded.

"Please don’t yell me" she pleaded. "I get enough of that from Alistair"

"Ok" his voice softened. "Let’s sit down and you can tell me everything"

They sat on the couch and Sloan leaned into him. He ran his fingers through her black hair and then ran his thumbs over her olive skin. She was an exotic beauty and they looked wonderful together. They both had these amazing green eyes. But his skin and hair were lighter complementing her perfectly. Everyday he wished she would leave the old man and run to him. But it hadn’t happened yet and lately he found his patience wearing thin. He wanted a wife and kids. And if she wasn’t willing to give him a family then it was time to move on. But how did he tell the love his life he was about ready to move on without her?

"I know a lot more than I should Andy" Sloan confessed.

"Please tell me. I want to help you, but I can’t if you don’t talk to me" Andy continued to push.

"I want to Andy, really I do. But I don’t want to put you in anymore danger"

"Sloan, how much more danger can I be in? According to you I am risking my life just sitting here with you"

"I guess your right. But can we start with some easy stuff first?"

"Sure as long as you talk"

"Tonight I met Sheridan’s new husband"

"Your ex-best friend slash step daughter?"

"Yes. She got married without anyone knowing and she brought Luis by to meet her father. Well because of his last name Alistair is going to do something awful"

"Be more specific. And what is wrong with his last name?"

"He is the son of the man his first wife Katherine had an affair with. They ‘disposed’ of Luis’s father and now they are going to do it to Luis too"

"So Alistair is going to kill Sheridan’s new husband because the Crane women find the …"

"Lopez-Fitzgerald"

"Lopez-Fitzgerald men irresistible?" Andy had managed not to skip a beat but he was shocked. He hadn’t heard that name in awhile and wasn’t expecting to ever again.

"Basically"

"Now tell me about Katherine. How did she die?" Andy pursued.

"You’re going to hate me"

"I could never hate you" he reassured her.

"I killed her" Sloan said without remorse or regret.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Alistair, Julian, and Ethan sipped champagne and orange juice, for it was too early for Brandy, while Derek sat in the corner reading The Sound and The Fury. Of all his seventeen years he had never thought they would actually have someone killed and now to find out they had was a huge blow. And now they were going to do it again, just because Sheridan fell in love with a man who’s father had an affair with her mother. He had never been more ashamed to be part of this family. Derek couldn’t understand how Ethan could be okay with this. He would have nothing to do with it and he vowed to himself if he ever met Luis or saw Sheridan he would warn them. It was only right.

"Father may I be excused? I prefer to read in silence" Derek asked.

"Go my boy" Alistair answered. "There is nothing more to be done today"

"Thank you"

He left the room quickly and found his sisters having tea with his mother and some ladies who were here to visit his grandfather. They wanted money for some Charity and Alistair had obviously told his mother to deal with them. He pardoned himself for the interruption and asked if he could take Lise Olivia away for a moment. She politely excused herself and Derek led her into the sunroom. It was their favorite room in the house. It was all windows on two sides and filled with benches and exotic plants. They sat down on one of the benches and Lise Olivia looked at him blue eyes sparkling. She admired her big brother to an extreme and would do anything for him. He was the only one that she allowed to call her by just her first name.

"Lise, there’s going to be trouble and I need your help"

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sheridan scanned through the microfiche while Luis paged through the magazines from that time. They had come up with exactly nothing in the three hours they had been there. All the articles talked about were her funeral arrangements and where to send donations. There was nothing there about her actual death. It was frustrating, but what did they really hope to find out from the papers and magazines Alistair surely controls. They finally called it quits and went back to their hotel room to catch a much needed nap. Luis lay on his back while Sheridan was sprawled over him on her stomach.

"Comfortable?" he teased.

"Very" she answered letting out a yawn. "Luis how are we going to get anywhere? There is no information printed about it and we can’t go around asking random staff and family members. We don’t know who is loyal to my father and Sloan"

"We just have to spend some more time with your family. Someone knows something"

"Yes but that means I have to be with them. They are all snobs Luis"

"Suck it up! You’re a federal agent. Learn to deal with it"

"I hate it when you’re right"

"You must be consumed with a lot of hate the Luce"

"Shut up you ego maniac! Get some rest before Ali and Nixon get here"

"Yes ma’am … er … Sheridan" he corrected remembering she thought being called ma’am meant she was old. He was lucky though she didn’t hear him. She was sound asleep using his chest as her pillow.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Nixon was asleep leaning against the window. Ashley was in the middle and Ali was in the isle seat. Ashley and Ali were playing tic tac toe to pass the time. Occasionally Ashley pinched, poked, or blew on her father. She didn’t think he should be sleeping if she wasn’t. She was seven, this was how she was supposed to act. She had just beat Ali for the third straight time when she threw down her pencil.

"Stop letting me win" Ashley complained.

"I’m not" Ali said honestly. Her mind was on other things.

"Did you and daddy fight?" the innocence of youth shined in her eyes.

"Not exactly" Ali tried to leave it at that, but it wasn’t going to happen.

"Then what? You are mad at him aren’t you?" this kid was too perceptive for her own good.

"Yes I am" Ali stuck to short answers trying not to give too much away.

"Why?" every kid’s favorite question.

"It’s not important"

"It is to me" Ashley said sternly. "I love my daddy and I don’t want to see him hurt so either you tell me or I make up some awful story about you. He’ll believe me"

"How is it possible that you are only seven and you already have the fine art of blackmailing down?"

"What does blackmailing mean?"

"Oh this is rich" Ali exclaimed, bright kid small vocabulary. "I just was a little too possessive over your daddy today. And I really have no claim to him. He belongs to you"

"Did you want to do something with him and I ruined it?" she asked lips trembling.

"No Ashley. It isn’t that at all. He said he was going to New York to see your mother and I took it the wrong way"

"You don’t have to worry. Mommy has a new boyfriend and daddy likes you an awful lot. He talks about you all the time and asks me what I think about you. You’re going to be my new step mommy someday. I know it" she smiled brightly she loved watching grownups squirm.

Ali wasn’t so sure. She had acted like a fool earlier and was positive Nixon thought she was an idiot. It was going to be over before it really even started. She was sure of it. At least she got to spend time with him in New York, even if it was bosses orders.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sheridan and Luis woke up to the sound of the phone ringing again. They both groaned and told the other to get it. Finally Sheridan rolled over, giving Luis a playful shove on the way, and answered the phone.

"Hello?"

"Hi Aunt Sheridan" Lise said happily.

"Lise?" ok she let Sheridan call her Lise too. Sheridan was her idol. She was a real life FBI agent. She took down the bad guys. She wanted to be just like her.

"Yep. I heard you were in town so I though I would call and see if you wanted to have dinner tonight. I’ve missed you"

"I’ve missed you too sweetie, but how did you get this number?"

"I called the FBI number you gave me in case of an emergency and they gave it to me"

"You are very resourceful Lise"

"Thank you. Now can we have dinner tonight?"

"Where?" she asked suspiciously. She didn’t want to be set up by a thirteen year old.

"Anywhere. Your hotel room for all I care. I just want to catch up and get a chance to meet my new uncle"

"Sure"

Sheridan accepted remembering what Luis had said about spending time with her family. She doubted Lise knew anything but it was worth a try. Luis reminded her of Nixon and Ali’s arrival and asked him to pick them up sop she could have some alone time with her niece. He agreed it was for the best. He also mentioned it was too bad their little party wasn’t tomorrow night. His family was coming into town with Paloma. She had to be here early to warm up. Sheridan suggested they have a little wedding reception tomorrow night. She would throw it in her father’s name and in his house. She would ask Ivy to help when she dropped Lise off. Lise was the baby and Ivy accompanied her everywhere. Ivy would know of important people to invite. People who would have known her mother and could give them information. But for tonight they would sit back and enjoy their little dinner gathering. At least tonight will be relaxing Sheridan thought. Boy she was in for a shock when Lise told her what she knew.

Chapter 13:

Luis had left for the airport and now Sheridan was sitting in a chair flipping through a magazine. She was waiting for Lise and Ivy to arrive. Sheridan was prepared to ask Ivy to through her and Luis a wedding reception. She wasn’t going to tell Ivy that she wanted everyone who ever knew her mother there because she didn’t want Ivy to get suspicious. So she was going to have to be sneaky about it. Sheridan was very good at manipulating people to do what she wanted without them realizing what they were doing. She liked that attribute of herself. Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. She opened the door to find Lise Olivia and Ivy standing on the other side.

"Welcome home Sheridan" Ivy said pleasantly.

"Hello aunt Sheridan" Lise Olivia said in a socialite perfect voice no excitement crept in.

"Hello to both of you" Sheridan said warmly. "Do come in"

"I regret to say that I can not stay" Ivy apologized.

"Please Ivy" Sheridan said sweetly. "I haven’t seen you in over two years and I have a small favor to ask of you"

"I suppose I can stay for a few moments"

"I took the liberty of calling ahead for tea" Sheridan said still being as prim and proper as she could.

Ivy, Sheridan, and Lise Olivia were sitting enjoying tea and polite conversation. Well Ivy and Sheridan were anyways, Lise Olivia had been sitting there quietly waiting for her mother to leave. Ivy tried to squash her qualms about the hotel Sheridan chose and the room. None of it was proper for a Crane child. But she left herself relax a little and fall into conversation with Sheridan. Sheridan had told Ivy about the reception idea and Ivy was all too fond of the idea. She told Sheridan she would set the whole thing up and Sheridan wasn’t to lift a finger. Ivy would invite New York’s finest, as well as Luis’s family and their friends from the bureau. Sheridan was giddy with excitement, all show for Ivy, but it worked. The coldness Ivy presented when she arrived had all melted away and now the two acted as old chums. Sheridan had asked that Alistair’s stuffy old business associates be kept to a minimum while old and current family friends fill the house. She explained it would be more enjoyable that way. She didn’t want to see a bunch of sour faces throughout the night. Ivy agreed and left in a hurry, eager to plan the affair. She was left alone with Lise Olivia. As soon as the door closed Lise jumped on the couch next to Sheridan and gave her a massive hug.

"I’ve missed you Aunt Sheri. Nice room by the way" Lise teased.

"We weren’t expecting company" Sheridan explained.

"I’m surprised you didn’t lock yourself in. Penelope told me Luis was quite the looker"

"That he is" Sheridan replied dreamily.

"Why don’t you come home more often?" Lise changed the subject to one she wanted to know more about.

"You know why Lise. And I’ve missed you too" she kissed the girl on the forehead. "Now stand up and let me look at you" Lise obliged and spun around for added effect. "You are getting too old Lise. You must have grown at least six inches and you are turning into quite the knockout"

"You have to say that because I look just like you" and Lise was right she did. She was tall and skinny with blonde hair and blue eyes. She had all the Crane features just as Sheridan did.

"So what was so important that you had to see me tonight?" Sheridan asked cutting to the chase. She only had a limited time alone with Lise tonight and felt she would talk more if no one else was around.

"It’s about Luis and what Father and Grandfather have planned for him" she said sadly, knowing full well how this would affect her aunt.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Luis was at the airport waiting for Nixon, Ali, and Ashley’s plane to arrive. He hoped Sheridan was having some luck with her sister in law and niece. He didn’t want her to come up empty handed again. The only way to investigate this case was through word of mouth. But that would only work if someone were to talk. They had announced the arrival of the flight Luis was waiting for and he stood by the tunnel, waiting for his friends to emerge.

"Nixon, Ali how was the flight?" he greeted them warmly. "And you must be Ashley"

"And you must be Sheridan’s new husband Luis. She’s lucky" Ashley eyed him adoringly.

"That I am. Do you know Sheridan?" he asked.

"Yes of coarse. I have been to work with daddy a couple times and Sheridan babysits for me sometimes"

"Oh really?"

He found this fact quite interesting since she was scared shitless to have a family of her own. He would have to bring up this tidbit of information later. Ashley saw the gift store ahead of her and begged to go inside. Ali took her in for a quick look leaving Luis and Nixon alone.

"So how was the flight?" Luis asked again not caring about how turbulent it was.

"I slept most of the way" Nixon admitted.

"What?" Luis said angrily. "You mean I got you two together and you didn’t even talk? Sheridan was pissed at me for what I did" he grumbled.

"Ashley sat between us. I couldn’t exactly apologize with her right there"

"No what you mean is you didn’t want your daughter to see you gravel. Ashley is going to be around for awhile you better let her get used to the idea that you’re not perfect"

"I know, I know"

"What do you know?" Ali asked coming back from the gift shop. Ashley was happily carrying and small teddy bear with an I love New York t-shirt.

"That I was a jerk and that I’m sorry for earlier"

"You’re not a jerk daddy. You’re nice"

Ashley smiled and jumped into his arms. He balanced her on his hip and secured her with one arm while taking Ali’s hand with the other.

"I’m sorry I overreacted" Ali apologized too.

Nixon pulled Ali under his shoulder, wrapping his arm tightly around her shoulder. Luis was glad that they had worked things out for now, but he wasn’t happy he got stuck carrying all their luggage.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Andy stared blankly at Sloan. He could not have heard her right. There was no way this sweet creature could have killed anyone.

"Excuse me?" Andy asked hoping his ears were playing tricks on him.

"You asked, so I told you" she answered still void of emotion.

"You…you … killed Katherine Crane?" he still couldn’t believe it.

"You asked for the truth so you got it. Sometime the truth is more than you can handle don’t you think?"

"Sloan you have to be playing some sort of trick on me. This isn’t like you. I know you and you could never kill anyone"

"Is that what you really believe? Because it’s not true. I’ve changed a lot since I was sixteen. You didn’t know me then" she pointed out.

"You couldn’t have changed that much" he refused to believe what she told him. But he could see this was the truth. He could see it in her eyes.

"I’m going to go now" Sloan said standing up and reaching for her coat.

"Back to him?" he asked knowing full well that is where she would end up.

"I have no other choice. He protects me"

Sloan drew her arms through the sleeves of her coat and started to walk towards the door. She hated leaving Andy. He was the only one who knew the real her. Now it was back to the Crane estate where she was an ice queen. She didn’t want to be like this, but it was the way it was. It was the way she choose. And because she loved Andy so much she would leave him before he was dragged into this mess. He could live his life without her, which was better for him in the long run anyway.

"Goodbye Andy" she said as stepped through the doorframe. "I’ll always love you" and she began to close the door.

"Sloan wait!" he called after her.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Ivy sat at the desk in her bedroom on the telephone with a professional party planner. She had just uttered out a whole list of people to the planner that were to be invited. She only left one name off the list. She was going to invite this person personally. Sheridan hadn’t seen this woman since she was a teenager. Sheridan would be so surprised and happy to see her there. Ivy thought this to be her wedding present to her sister in law. It was the best present she could ever give to another person. And ivy was delighted with herself that she thought of it. She dialed the phone hoping the woman had the same phone number. Ivy didn’t want anyone else to know. This way it ensured it would be a surprise for Sheridan.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sheridan stared at Lise. What could her father and brother do to Luis? And how had Lise found out about it?

"What about Luis?" Sheridan sputtered unable to control her emotions.

"They plan on getting him out of the way" Lise said flatly.

"Out of the way? I don’t understand. What has Luis done?"

"Luis didn’t do a thing. It is his father who is at fault. Martin Fitzgerald did something unspeakable to the family and was disposed of. Now grandfather plans on doing the same to Luis"

"You have to mistaken" Sheridan concluded.

"I wish I were but Derek was in their meeting and he told me. Derek never lies to me Sheridan. They are going to kill him"

Sheridan was rocked with fear. In the back of her mind she always knew marrying Luis would put him danger. She just didn’t know it would be so soon. This was her worst fear come true. Suddenly she found herself watching the door and waiting for Luis to step through. But what if he never made it back. She started pacing the floor while Lise looked on helplessly. There was a deafening pounding on the door and automatically Sheridan feared the worst. Luis had a key, it had to be the police coming to tell her Luis was dead. She had tears already running down her face when she went to answer the door.

Chapter 14:

Sloan stopped in her tracks and turned back to Andy. Every thought in her head was screaming to keep walking. If she turned around she was going to melt and tell him what he wanted to hear. She had to protect him. She couldn’t ruin his life.

"I have to go" she said strongly.

"What are you leaving out of this story?" he inquired.

"Nothing. Leave it alone" she struggled to stick to what she told him.

"Come back inside. You’re not telling me something important"

"No. This is for the best"

"Do you love me?" he questioned.

"What?" he surprised her.

"It’s a simple enough question. Do YOU love me?"

"Yes of coarse"

"Then tell me the truth. I think I deserve that"

"I told you the truth" she protested as he drug her back into his apartment by her hands.

"I want the WHOLE truth" Andy demanded.

They sat back down on the couch. Andy was determined to help Sloan. If he helped her maybe he could get her to leave the jerk she was married to. Then they could finally be married and that is what his heart desired, to make this woman his. He considered himself a moral man and having this relationship with a married woman made him repent every week. He couldn’t live like this much longer. He wanted her to be all his so badly. She was going to tell him the whole truth if he had to shake it out of her.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sheridan slowly opened the door not even asking who it was. She didn’t really want to know. When she saw the whole entourage on the other side she let out a sigh of relief. Luis was standing in front of her arms full of luggage, while Ali and Nixon were in the background kissing and Ashley was running up and down the hallway. Sheridan pushed all the luggage out of his hands and began to punch him.

"Don’t you ever do that to me again!" she exclaimed as she continued to hit him on the chest.

"What did I do?" Luis asked trying to deflect her hands.

"Never do you hear me?!?" by now Ali and Nixon were watching and Lise Olivia was trying to grab Sheridan around the waist and pull her back.

"Yes I hear you, but what did I do?" he finally managed to catch both of her hands and pulled her to his chest. She was a mess and he had no idea why. "What the hell is wrong with you Luce?"

"Yes, now I’m fine" she furiously wiped her tears.

"What did you do to her?" Luis accused Lise Olivia.

"I didn’t do anything" Lise Olivia cried. "I promise"

"Luis come in and I’ll explain everything"

Sheridan ushered everyone into the room. She asked Lise to take Ashley outside to play. She agreed knowing the adults had a lot to talk about. Sheridan kissed Lise and promised this wouldn’t take long. Luis watched Sheridan move around the room like everything was hunky dory and was confused.

"Ok, what’s going on Sheridan? One minute you’re in tears, the next you’re in Rambo mode again, and the next everything is fine"

"One I am not ok and two I’m sorry. Something Lise told me just freaked me out"

"And what did she say?" Luis continued on his quest for answers.

"That my father and brother plan on killing you" she got straight to the point.

"They what?" a chorus of voice exclaimed.

"It’s true. So my question to you is what are we going to do?"

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Alistair, Julian and Ethan were still in the library. They were discussing their golf games and Ethan’s current fling. That was until Julian’s phone rang. He flipped the phone shut and smiled deviously.

"I think we have solved our problem father"

"Out with it Julian" Alistair said impatiently.

"That was Ivy. It seem she is throwing a bit of a soirée for Sheridan and Luis tomorrow night. Sort of a wedding reception if you will at your home. The perfect time to stage an accident don’t you think?"

"Julian I think this is the one time you have said something intelligent. Bravo my son"

"What are we going to do to him grandfather?" Ethan asked.

"That is something I shall have to sleep on. But when I wake in the morning I shall have the perfect plan"

Julian and Ethan knew not to question Alistair. When he said he was going to do something he did it. Everyone knew and feared this fact. Julian felt sorry for his sister but she brought this upon herself. She should have married a man they choose for her.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sheridan, Luis, Nixon, and Ali sat around the heart shaped table and racked their brains. Realistically they could just go over an arrest Julian, Alistair, Ethan, and Derek, but Sheridan refused to hurt her nephews. They were just following orders. Everyone was expected to mind their parents but what happens when their parents are murderers.

"Luis, they are going to do whatever they have planned at the party tomorrow night" Sheridan stated. "They like big. What could be bigger?"

"She’s right" Nixon added. "So I suggest you call him on it"

"What do you mean?" Ali asked.

"Go to the party and the first thing you do is go up to Alistair and tell him you know what he plans to do. Then tell him if anything happens to Luis you will arrest him"

"He’ll believe you too" Luis added. "You did take down his company. He every reason to fear what you say"

"And with four federal agents party he might get a little worried" Ali commented.

"This is my father. He doesn’t get intimidated. If we challenge him he will be more determined to hurt Luis" Sheridan explained.

"Do you have something else in mind?" Luis asked.

"Actually I do" Sheridan admitted just as Lise Olivia and Ashley walked in the door. The rest of the discussion was going to have to wait until after dinner.

Chapter 15:

Sheridan, Luis, Lise, Nixon, Ali and Ashley decided to go to an Italian restaurant for dinner. They could have ordered room service but the heart shaped couldn’t fit them all around. And the truth be told the adults could use a change of scenery and a little relaxation. The restaurant had a calming effect on all of them and they were able to enjoy their meals in peace.

"So Sheridan, any plans for little ones in the future?" Ali asked innocently but Luis could have kissed her for bringing up the subject.

"Sometime down the road, yes" Sheridan answered elusively not willing to announce there was the possibility she could already be pregnant.

"Luce is a little scared of taking care of children. She thinks she’ll be a huge flop" Luis tempted her. She would kill him for embarrassing her.

"I could … CAN handle it" she defended herself.

"Did I say you couldn’t?" Luis said as he spooned some minestrone into his mouth.

"No but that’s what you implied" Sheridan replied coldly. "I’ll have you know I’ve watched Ashley on occasion"

"Ah HA! And the truth comes out. You aren’t devoid of maternal instinct. So what were all the concerns for?" Luis continued to play with her.

"Spot, Ashley is a young lady" Ashley straightened in her seat, happy that she wasn’t being called a child. "They always say you have to hold a babies head. What happens if you don’t? Does it fall off? Babies scare me. And plus Ashley isn’t mine"

"Now the REAL truth comes out" Nixon looked at her crossly.

"Sorry Nixon" Sheridan apologized hoping he would understand and he did.

"Admit it Luce, you are dying to have a family" Luis smirked at her. "That’s why you invited Lise Olivia over, so you could look after her and that is why you volunteer to watch after Ashley"

"Fine! You’re head is going to be so big when I say this but you win. I am a closet child lover and can’t wait to have an army of my own" she let out a frustrated sigh. She hated losing to him.

"Are you sure you are married" Ashley questioned. "You fight an awful lot to be in love" oh the innocence of youth.

"Don’t try and understand them" Lise stated. "It isn’t worth it. I don’t think I’ll ever understand"

Everyone laughed at the two youngsters trying to figure out love. They still had a lot to learn. The evening drew to a close and Sheridan and Luis drove Lisa Olivia home and then returned to the hotel. Nixon, Ali, and Ashley took a taxi to Willow’s apartment and dropped Ashley off and then returned to the hotel. They booked a separate room from Sheridan and Luis and retired for the night.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sloan sat on the couch doing nothing, including talking. Andy watched on patiently waiting for her to tell him everything. He would stare at her until it got on her nerves and wore her down. He already could tell he was succeeding. She refused to look at him and was fidgeting like mad. It wouldn’t take long before she broke.

"Ok, ok, ok" Sloan burst out. "Stop looking at me like that!"

"Are you going to talk to me?" he asked.

"Yes" she said regretfully. She had never told a single soul this and was scared of his reaction. "I didn’t actually commit the act of killing Katherine Crane. I was the fall guy, or fall girl in this case"

"Who did it? Whom were you covering for?"

"My best friend, Sheridan"

"Sheridan killed her mother? I want to know everything you remember"

"I was walking around in the old crane mansion looking for Sheridan. We were supposed to go shopping. I walked into a room and saw Katherine on the ground and a bloody knife on the floor next to her. For some reason I didn’t scream but kneeled next to her. I picked up the knife to inspect it and Sheridan walked in on my. As soon as she saw me she ran. Alistair came into the room next to find me crying. Katherine had always been so nice to me"

"What did Alistair do?" Andy asked suspiciously.

"He told me Sheridan had killed Katherine and ran away when I thought I saw her. He said I couldn’t tell a soul. And then he cut me a deal"

"What kind of deal?"

"I was to be the one accused of killing Katherine if there was a trial. And Alistair would hire me the best lawyers. He didn’t want scandal in his family and knew my family’s finances were dwindling. He said he would marry me when I turn 18 and give me the life of a queen if I did this. If I protected Sheridan and the Crane name I deserve to be a Crane. So I said ok. But there was never a trial, thank god, and Alistair kept his promise. We were married on my 18^th birthday"

"I’m not pretending to know Sheridan but how could she kill her own mother?"

"Alistair said she was jealous of Katherine"

"Sloan, I have never asked you to do this so please don’t freak out on me" Andy said.

"What is it Andy?"

"Stay with me tonight. There is so much we should talk about. There is so much that doesn’t seem right"

"You know I can’t. What would Alistair think?" why did she always have to remind him of his competition.

"You can, call him and tell him you are staying at The Plaza for the night. You ran into an old friend and wanted to spend time with her"

"Do you think it will work?" Sloan enjoyed the idea of waking his Andy’s arms.

"Give the girl a name. Someone he might remember from high school and call The Plaza and make reservations under your and her names"

"Ok"

Sloan gave in and called the maids. The message would be passed on to Alistair in the morning. He was already in bed for the evening. Sloan and Andy decided it had been a long night and just go to bed and finish their conversation in the morning. Sloan borrowed one of his t-shirts and crawled into bed. She could already tell this was going to be the best night of her life. She finally got the chance to sleep in the arms of the man she loved for so long.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Lise walked into her parent’s mansion like a lady. Slowly walking to her destination. That was until she passed her Nanny’s bedroom, then she took off running. She didn’t stop until she was inside Derek’s room. She closed the door behind her and caught her breath as she leaned against it. Derek looked at her from the bed. He closed his book, rather annoyed that his little sister just barged in on him.

"Don’t you knock?" he set his book on the nightstand.

"Like I thought you’d be doing anything but reading Hemmingway. You live in a hole Derek"

"I do not Lise" he protested.

"Oh really, when was the last time you went out with your friends?"

"Last night" Derek said proudly.

"Other than the library" Lise commented to which Derek had no reply. "You need to have fun Dee, you’re 17 live a little"

"Shut up! You’re only 13. What do you know?"

"A lot seeing as I have already receive my first kiss" she smiled proudly.

"Who was it? I am going to kill him for touching you"

"Cool your jets it was a kiss not sex"

"LISE!! I don’t want to hear that word come out of your mouth!"

"It’s not a bad word Dee. You should add it to your vocabulary" little did Lise know the word was common knowledge to him. At least she didn’t know everything about him.

"Ok, you didn’t fly in here to talk about this, so what happened?"

"Oh right" Lise jumped on his bed. "I told them"

"And?"

"And nothing really. Sheridan flipped at first. I have never seen her act that way. But then she calmed down and they made me leave with Ashley for awhile"

"Ashley, who’s Ashley?"

"Not important. We came back, went to dinner, and then they dropped me off here. Nothing that gave me any indication on what they were going to do"

"Well at least we warned them" Derek let out a sigh of relief.

"Did father or grandfather tell you when they plan to kill Luis?"

"At the party, but the details are yet to be determined"

"How can we be related to such heartless people?"

"Just dumb luck I guess"

"Dee, can I sleep here tonight? I’m scared to be alone around father and grandfather"

"Sure kiddo"

Derek was already in his nightshirt and boxers and Lise didn’t mind sleeping in her clothes so she just flicked her shoes off and crawled under the covers with him. She felt safe in the presence of her big brother.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sheridan and Luis were cuddled in bed rehashing the day’s events. They hadn’t really expected a lot to happen, but it did. And there was a lot to talk about now that they were alone.

"I can’t believe they are going to try and kill you Spot" Sheridan instinctively grabbed on to Luis tighter.

"They’ll never succeed. I have you to protect me"

"Damn straight. You have your own private bodyguard. And I plan to guard your body in more ways than one"

"Don’t go there Luce, or talking is going to be a thing of the past"

"Alright, I’ll stop. I’ll be a good dooby I promise" she smiled.

"Why don’t I believe you?" he tickled her sides.

"Luis, I don’t know what I’d do if I lost you. I know we have we don’t express our feelings in words most of the time, but I love you and would be lost without you"

"And I love you, but look who got all mushy gushy. And I thought I would be the one to crack first"

"Don’t make jokes Spot. I’m scared" she admitted.

"Nothing is going to happen to me. You are stuck with me for years to come"

"I’m going to hold you to that. And if you break your word I am going to revive you so I can kill you myself" she said firmly.

"Now who’s joking? Luce you are a walking contradiction"

"You love it, I know you do"

"You’re right" Luis rolled over her and began to plant kisses on her neck and every inch of her face.

"Spot can we … umm …er …"

"Spit it out Luce" he continued to nibble her ear.

"I don’t want to go on birth control and I don’t want you to use a condom. I want to go on as we are and I want to get pregnant. I want to have a baby. That way if anything should ever happen to you, god forbid, then I will always have a piece of you or vice versa" she rambled without taking a breath. Luis didn’t say anything. He brought his lips to hers and kissed her with every emotion he could muster. "I take it this is ok with you" she giggled as he kissed her shoulder and continued to move lower.

"It is more than ok with me" he admitted and then he proceeded to show how ok he was with it.

Chapter 16:

Pilar, Paloma, Theresa, and Miguel had settled into their hotel. Paloma was the best gymnast at her gym so they paid for her accommodations. The room had two king size beds. Pilar and Miguel would share one bed and Theresa and Paloma would be in the other. Paloma had already let for her morning training and Miguel had gone with to watch over her. He is her little brother but he is very protective of her. Plus this is New York City he explained. Something really terrible could happen here. This left Pilar and Theresa in their room to relax, but they did anything but relax. The tension was high in the room.

"Theresa you must tell Luis" Pilar scolded her.

"Yes Mama, I know. But it is going to be so hard"

"You must take responsibilities for your actions Theresita"

"We have gone over this a hundred times. I know!" Theresa became frustrated.

"Don’t talk to me in that tone of voice" Pilar warned.

"Then treat me like an adult" she whined.

"You are not an adult, you are 16. And I will treat you like an adult when you start to act like one" Pilar said firmly.

"I’m going for a walk" Theresa said defiantly.

"You are doing nothing of the sort. You sit here. I am leaving. I can’t stand to look at you right now" Pilar slammed the door on the way out.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sheridan woke in Luis’s arms which is where she was always supposed to be. She didn’t want to wake up. She wanted to stay exactly where she was. It didn’t help that Luis wasn’t awake yet either. Why get up if he wasn’t up? He started to stir in his sleep and Sheridan knew it wasn’t going to be long until he woke up. A devious smile spread across her face when she got a delicious idea. She brushed her lips against his. He didn’t really respond as she wished so she nibbled on his bottom lip giving it slight tugs. Finally he came to and began to enjoy his wake up call. She elicited a moan from him.

"Good morning" she said inches away from lips, her breath tickling him.

"It is now and I can tell already that is going to be a wonderful day"

"Everyday is wonderful when I get to spend it with you" she burst out laughing. "That was SOOO not me"

"Are you saying days you spend with me aren’t wonderful?" Luis put on a sad puppy dog face.

"Oh shut up. You know I love you"

"And you say it so convincingly" he mocked.

"Would you rather me some blonde half wit with no brains and a big chest? Cause I can be a valley girl if you want me to be" she said in a thick accent.

"One all blondes are not half wits, two you are not lacking the chest area as it is, and three talk like that again and I’ll have to slap you!" he teased but his tone was serious.

"Big party tonight, like for sure, so do you think I should wear pink or purple?" she said voice still in a perfected valley girl accent.

"You’re asking for it!" he warned.

"What did I do Spot?" she got all angel eyed.

"That’s it Luce. I warned you"

Luis pounced on her, pinning her underneath his legs and began to torture her with kisses. He refused to kiss her on the lips trying make her go insane. He had her arms pinned so she couldn’t touch him or fight him. She was under his control. Since they weren’t wearing any clothes from the escapades the night before it was easy to seduce her. He was very successful until there was a rapping on the door. And to Luis’s dismay it wouldn’t stop.

"Would you knock it off" Luis yelled at the door. "I am trying to have sex with my wife" Sheridan nearly swallowed her tongue when he said that.

"Luis!" she gasped.

"Not something I wanted to hear from my brother" Theresa yelled from the other side of the door. "Luis I need to talk to you"

"Theresa? What are you doing here?" he kept talking to her through the door as they ran around trying to clothe themselves. Finally Luis went and opened the door.

"Are you decent?" Theresa asked with one hand covering her eyes and the other outstretched in front of her making sure she didn’t run into anything.

"Yes" he pulled her hands down. "Now what is this all about?"

"I need to talk to you Luis…alone"

"Um…" she said taking her cue. "I’m going to go check on Nixon and Ali and make sure there isn’t another locked bathroom" she kissed Luis on the cheek and left him to his sister.

"Well?" Luis asked still slightly annoyed.

"Luis you better sit down. You’re not going to like this" Theresa said voice trembling with fear. He was going to explode she was sure of it.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Nixon and Ali shared a room but they didn’t share a bed. Their room contained two double beds, one for each of them. Their relationship was new and Nixon sensed an uneasiness in Ali. Even when Ali stayed the one night before she locked herself in the bathroom she slept in the guest room. Nixon didn’t know whether to think this endearing or frustrating. He was slowly slipping in love with this woman and she barely let him touch her. Kissing was the only thing they got to do. She pulled away when it got any more intense. This wasn’t how he pictured his grown up relationships. But thank god she was a damn good kisser. It had him hooked. He lay there watching her sleep. Her slender figure barely covered by a sheet. Her rich red hair haphazardly placed on her pillow. She was tall and skinny enough to be a model. She was taller than Sheridan and lankier. She had a runner’s body. He was going to have to work on fattening her up. Sometimes he thought if she turned sideways she would disappear.

Ali rolled over to find Nixon staring at her. She blushed immediately. This man could make her blush with any simple look. His rugged good looks made any heart race. His sandy hair was tousled and his ice blue eyes made her knees go weak. He was tall, which was a necessity since she was as tall or taller than most guys. And every ounce of his body was muscle. She bet he could pull a tree out from its roots and bench press it. She had never felt this way about anyone before. She felt bad for being so distant with him but she didn’t know the right way to act. She was scared she would make a fool of herself. There was so much he didn’t know. There was so much many people didn’t know. The heads of the bureau knew because it was listing in her background files, but they never let anyone know more than they needed to. She was thankful for that. She knew she would have to tell Nixon eventually if she wanted the relationship to proceed.

"Morning" Nixon broke the silence.

"Morning" she replied shyly. Then again there was silence. It unnerved both of them. "Nixon?"

"Yeah Ali?"

"I’m hungry" her stomach growled loud enough for him to hear. That wasn’t exactly what he wanted to hear.

"Well let’s get up and get you some food" he suggested.

"That’s not exactly what I had in mind" he cocked his head and wondered what she meant. "I was thinking more along the lines of room service and you and me in one bed" it was a start.

"I’ll call right now" his fingers dialed rapidly. She was going to let him in her bed or come into his. She was reaching out to him and he was going to jump at the chance. "What would you like?" he asked Ali when he was asked for their order.

"Half a grapefruit and some non-buttered toast please" she answered.

"Live a little Ali"

"Ok, I’ll have a whole grapefruit" she smiled and he had no choice but relay the order. He added his pancakes and sausage to the order and hung up. He then opened the covers and his arms and hoped she would come to him. To his surprise she did.

"I didn’t think you would come" he admitted as she snuggled into his shoulder.

"I’m sorry I’m so distant sometimes. I don’t want to be"

"Then why?" he asked hoping he would hear an honest answer.

"I…" saved by the bell there was a knock at the door. "That was fast" she giggled and Nixon reluctantly got up to answer the door.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Ivy walked around her home floating on air. She had arranged for a very special person to come to Sheridan and Luis’s wedding reception. Sheridan was going to scream with delight when she saw whom it was. Ivy couldn’t be happier. She was on her way to Lise Olivia’s room to wake her and take her shopping. They were both in needs of a new gown for the occasion. She opened the door to find the young woman’s bed unslept in. There was no way Lise Olivia would have been up this early. She usually slept in till noon much to her tutor’s dismay. Ivy immediately thought that she had stayed with Sheridan but why wasn’t there a message waiting for her. She called to Sheridan and Luis’s room only to have Luis tell her that they had dropped off Lise Olivia last night. She was quickly becoming frantic. Lise Olivia was her baby. She’d die if anything happened to her. She knocked on Amanda’s and Ethan’s room and both said they hadn’t seen her. Then she went to Derek’s room. She should have checked her first since Derek and Lise Olivia were so close. She knocked on the door and let herself in without waiting for a reply. Inside she saw Lise Olivia and Derek still fast asleep. She let out a sigh of relief and chastised herself for worrying so much.

"Get up my darlings" Ivy said sweetly as she lightly touched both of their noses.

"Go away" Derek groaned thinking it was a tutor, nanny, or servant.

"Now is that anyway to talk to your mother?" Suddenly Derek popped into a sitting position.

"Good morning Mother" he said politely as he jabbed Lise in her side trying to get her up.

"Derek, go back to sleep. It’s too early" Lise Olivia grumbled.

"Time to get up Lise Olivia" Derek said in an annoyed tone. "Mother is here" this caused the same reaction from Lise Olivia who was now sitting just as Derek.

"I’m sorry Mother. I know I am to sleep in my own room but…" Lise Olivia rambled.

"Are you under the impression that I am mad?" Ivy questioned. "I love that you two are so close. I envy the two of you"

"You’re not going to tell father or grandfather are you?" Derek asked.

"No of coarse not. It will be our little secret" Ivy smiled at her youngest children. With Amanda being 21 and Ethan 24 they didn’t need her anymore. These two did and it brought her great joy. "We are to go shopping today Lise Olivia, would you like to join us Derek?"

"No offence Mother but shopping isn’t really something I enjoy" Derek stated.

"Please Dee? For me?" Lise begged him.

"Just this once Lise" Derek gave into his baby sister’s big blue eyes.

"That’s what you said last time" Lise teased.

Ivy was on cloud nine. Her children loved each other, at least two of them, and there was going to be a big party tonight. What could be better?

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Nixon pulled open the door and shot Sheridan a look of disgust. He couldn’t exactly not let her in, she was her boss. But could she have worse timing? He finally got Ali into bed with him and was about to find out why she was so scared of him. He wanted to slam the door in Sheridan’s face but instead he showed her in.

"Two beds?" Sheridan asked as she entered the room. She looked directly at Ali and then she got it. "Oh right"

"You know?" Nixon asked surprised.

"You don’t?" Sheridan gasped not realizing she should have kept her mouth shut.

"It’s in my FBI file" Ali explained. "We’ll talk about it later" Ali assured Nixon. "So what’s up Sheridan?"

"I got kicked out of my room" She flopped into a chair.

"What did you do now?" Nixon asked as he sat across from her at the table. Ali got up to join them but paused when she saw there were only two chairs. She paused for a second and then threw caution to the wind and sat in Nixon’s lap.

"Why do you assume that I did something?" Sheridan spat.

"I know you. We have worked together since I got out of the academy. You are never innocent"

"There is a first for everything. Luis’s sister came for a surprise visit. They needed some privacy so here I am"

"With impeccable timing I might mention" Nixon grumbled.

"Percy!" Ali swatted him in the stomach.

"Percy? Ut oh you’re in trouble now. She used your first name" Sheridan joked. "How did you get him to tell you?" she asked Ali.

"I asked Ashley" Ali replied.

"You little sneak. I love that you are in my unit" Sheridan high fived Ali across the table.

"Any news on your mother or father?" Nixon quickly changed the subject.

"Nothing" Sheridan replied. "But I do have a question for both of you"

"Fire away" Ali said yearning for excitement.

"How do I tell Luis I want to back off my mother’s case until he is safe. I mean as much as I want to know why Sloan killed her, she is dead and I don’t want Luis to join her" Sheridan admitted, head in her hands.

"Don’t tell him" Ali suggested. "We can concentrate on keeping him alive while he busies himself with the other case. Then he won’t get paranoid"

"Ali you’re a genius. He doesn’t have to see me sick with worry about him. Then I keep up my tough front. All is well now. Thank you. I will leave you two to do, whatever"

"What time do you want us to meet you?"

"Noon. Ali and I need to go dress shopping" Sheridan was now halfway out the door. "By the way Ali in case you are wondering Percy’s middle name is Ernest" she chuckled and headed out the door.

Chapter 17:

Alistair had summoned Julian, Ethan, and Derek for a morning meeting. When Julian and Ethan arrived they informed Alistair of Derek had already left for the day with his mother and sister. Alistair dismissed that fact easily. He didn’t think Derek had the deviousness to become a true Crane. They were having breakfast in one of the sitting rooms and were preparing to discuss how they were going to dispose of Sheridan’s new husband. They didn’t have anything left but their money and their freedom. Alistair would be damned if his freedom was taken away from him. He refused to believe he could live in a prison, however plush it claimed to be.

"So I have slept on the information and I have come up with a fool proof plan" Alistair announced as he took a bite of his English muffin.

"Don’t keep us in suspense father" Julian said as he sipped on his espresso.

"Grandfather before you say anything are you sure this is necessary? It seems awfully harsh to kill someone that hasn’t been in contact with his sinful father in years"

"But you see my boy, that is the problem. Martin was murderer. Luis must wonder who committed the crime. I won’t have snooping around here"

"This is the first time Sheridan has been home in over two years" Ethan replied. "I don’t expect her to make this a common trip. She … well … no offence Grandfather, but she hates you and for some reason Sloan too"

"That is all true my naïve grandson, but there are things that could arise and we have to nip this in the bud while we can" Alistair informed Ethan.

"Stop disrespecting your Grandfather, Ethan. He knows what he is doing" Julian piped up.

"Julian, if I wanted someone to kiss my ass I would hire someone. Now get that brown streak off your nose and listen carefully to what I have to say"

"Yes father" he hated being put in his place by his father.

"Now tonight we are going to kill Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald and this is how it is going to happen" Alistair folded his hands together on the table and looked straight at Ethan.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Luis had sat down due to Theresa’s request but she still had not explained the situation. Luis was getting impatient. He wanted to be here for his sister but his mind was preoccupied with thoughts of his wife and the fact that she wasn’t here. He tapped his fingers steadily on the heart shaped table in front of him.

"I should call Mama first" Theresa stalled.

"She doesn’t know you are here?" he asked angrily. His sixteen-year-old sister shouldn’t be traipsing around New York City alone.

"No she doesn’t and in fact she told me to stay put in the room"

"And you LEFT?" Luis was getting angrier by the second.

"I had to come here and talk to you before you talked to anyone else"

"How serious is this Theresa?" he significantly calmed.

"You’re going to be so disappointed in me Luis. I don’t know if I will be able to see your face when I tell you"

"Just stop beating around the bush and tell me" Luis urged.

"I’m pregnant Luis" Theresa sighed.

"YOU’RE WHAT?" Luis bolted up. "Oh wait" he sat back down. "This is one of those situations where you tell me something really bad so the actual news won’t seem as bad right?"

"No" she whispered quietly. "I’m really pregnant"

"Why? How? What are you going to do?" he spurted out.

"I don’t know Luis. I’m so scared and everyone is so angry and disappointed"

"I’m not going to lie to you Theresa. I had hoped for better things from you. BUT I will be here for you. Whatever you should need"

"Thank you Luis" she jumped into his arms and cried into his shoulder.

"Have you told the father yet?" he rubbed circles on his back.

"No" she answered hoping he would leave it at that.

"When are you planning on telling him?"

"Next time I see him" she said and it was true if she ever saw him again she would tell him. But she didn’t know where he was and more importantly she didn’t know his name.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sloan woke up in a dreamy state. She felt warm and safe. Things she would never have felt if she were home in her own bed. She looked up to see Andy’s warm emerald eyes sparkling down at her. It made her heart flutter. He slicked her long dark locks behind her head and leaned his head to kiss her lightly on the forehead.

"Good Morning" she smiled up at him.

"Don’t ever leave me" he said as he squeezed her into his chest.

"Andy…You know…"

"Don’t even say it. I don’t want to hear you say you can’t. You can Sloan. You just won’t and I want to know why!"

"You want to know why?" she shot up in bed. "You want to know why? I am trying to protect you!"

"Protect me?!?" he sat up with her. "I can take care of myself!"

"Oh can you? Why don’t you ask Martin Fitzgerald how well he can take care of himself? Oh WAIT you can’t. Alistair had him killed for having an affair with Katherine!" She blasted at him.

Sloan stormed out of the bed and rushed into a guest room. She slammed the door and clicked the lock in place. She flopped in the bed and screamed into the pillow. She couldn’t believe he was being more ignorant.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

As soon as Sheridan left the room Nixon took Ali’s hand and led her back to the bed. He scooped her up into his arms and she snuggled into his shoulder. She was scared of the feeling that was making its way through her veins. It was so foreign to her. She knew he was going to want her to talk and she was willing to open up to him if he promised not to freak out about this.

"Where were we?" Nixon tried to be subtle.

"You wanted to know why I act as I do" she was sick of dancing around the subject.

"Yes, I would really like to know" he caressed her cheek.

"Do you promise not to freak out and treat me any differently that you do now?"

"I can’t promise that. BUT I can promise to try"

"I guess that’s all I can ask. Something happened when I was a teenager"

"You were raped weren’t you?" he asked as he squeezed her waist trying to make her know it was ok.

"Yes but it was worse than that" she said softly.

"How can it be worse than that?" he asked.

"I will tell you but you have to promise not to interrupt" he nodded and zipped his lip with his finger. "Okay. When I was 12 my mother remarried and we moved to Georgia to live with my new stepfather and his two sons. They were 15 and 12. My mother was struggling to make ends meet when she met Linus. So she married him only after a month and relocated us. She figured since he had kids of his own everything would work out for the best. And everything was fine for the first two years. And then it took a turn for the worst" Ali paused to take a breath, unsure if she wanted to continue. Then she felt Nixon kiss the top of her head and she felt a renewed strength. "I was in a local mall just walking around with some of my friends and I was discovered. I was really tall and skinny and I thought ugly but a model scout thought differently. I ran home to tell my mother and stepfather but Linus refused to let me even try. It’s as if he never realized what he had under his roof and that’s when it started. He came into my room late at night and well you can figure out the rest"

"That is awful Ali" he wished he could have been there to protect her.

"It doesn’t stop there. Kevin and Dustin, my stepbrothers, wanted in on the action. And Linus allowed it. When I was 18 I left the house and never turned back"

"And you never let another man near you because of what they did to you" She didn’t answer but instead just nodded into his shoulder. "I’m not going to hurt you Ali. I would never even think of it"

"I know" she whispered. "Please just hold me. It is the only place I feel completely at home"

Nixon happily obliged her. He wrapped his strong arms around her middle and drew her as near as he could. She was obviously reliving her appalling past in her head and this time he would be here to protect her. He would make sure she knew she didn’t have to fear him.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sheridan walked around the hotel unsure of where to go now. She knew Ali and Nixon needed their time alone just as Luis and Theresa did. But the question was what was there to do now? She was in sweat pants and a tank top not to mention the fact that she was in stocking feet. She wasn’t going anywhere. She walked down to the lobby and parked her behind in a plush chair. There were sections of the newspaper strewn about and she picked up the one closest to her. It was the Society Section. On the front page was a picture of her and her mother and father from when she was ten. The headline said Crane Estranged Princess Wed Secretly: Reception Tonight. Under it in smaller print was the line by invitation only. ‘Great’ Sheridan thought. That didn’t mean anything. Anyone who was important and wanted to come could call in and receive an invitation. The place was going to be a zoo.

Chapter 18:

Ethan sat in disbelief. He could not have heard his Grandfather right. Conspiring to kill Sheridan’s husband Luis was bad enough but now he was the one expected to pull the trigger. He had to be in an alternative universe. They couldn’t actually want him to be a common criminal. Cranes were better than that. They hired people for these types of things.

"Do you understand the plan Ethan?" Alistair clapped his hands to draw Ethan out of his reverie.

"Yes but … " Ethan tried to make an excuse.

"Either you understand or you don’t. It’s as simple as that my son" Julian chimed in.

"For once Julian is right" Alistair added. "Are you ready to become a true Crane?"

"I have already secured a date for the evening" Ethan remarked hoping it would get him off the hook.

"As you should have. It would look suspicious if the Crane playboy didn’t have a beautiful date" Alistair rationalized. "But you still must cancel your date with your bimbo of the day. I have already arranged your companion. She has been instructed to assist you in your duties. But don’t worry. She’s a knockout and won’t tarnish your reputation"

Alistair flicked his wrists and shooed Ethan and Julian away. He was indicating this was the end of the conversation and both of them had enough sense not to argue. They left both knowing what was expected of them tonight. Only unlike Julian, Ethan was having an attack of conscience.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Theresa was on the phone trying to explain her impulsive actions to her mother. She told Pilar she needed to tell Luis before she lost her courage and that was the honest truth. She hung up the phone and turned to see Luis staring at her. Luis had been the father figure in her life for so long it was he couldn’t help be feel partly responsible. If he had stayed at home and watched over and protected her this wouldn’t have happened. His little sister wouldn’t be on the way to becoming a teen mother. If the guy new what was best for him he would take responsibility and help Theresa. Otherwise he would have one very angry FBI agent coming after him. Luis decided whether or not Theresa wanted to talk about it, he needed more information. At least if she was in love with the guy it would make him feel a small bit better.

"Come sit down" Luis pointed to the other chair at the heart shaped table.

"Okay" she listened without complaint.

"I want to know more" Luis said bluntly.

"I can’t talk to you about my…" she couldn’t finish her sentence.

"No not that" the fact that she couldn’t even talk about sex, even just say the word, made him aware she was too young to indulge in it. But she already had. He was sure if he mentioned the word condom in front of her she would faint. "I want to know more about him, the guy. Do you love him?"

"I don’t really know him Luis" she answered honestly. "We’ve only met that once. I don’t even know his name" she lowered her head and closed her eyes. She didn’t want to see his reaction to that statement.

"Were you drunk? Or high?" he tried to figure out her erratic behavior.

"No" she whispered.

"Then what made you jump into bed with a complete stranger?"

"Do you really want to know Luis?" she asked before she offered the information.

"That bad huh?" he saw through her ploy to stall.

"You’re not going to like it" she said flatly.

Luis thought statement to be funny. He didn’t like the situation already. How could the reason behind her getting pregnant be any worse? He also wondered how much of this she had shared with their mother. He was willing to bet not half as much. She was probably hoping he would be there with her when she explained everything to their mother. To be of support in some way or be the voice of reason. He would have to hear what she had to say before he decided if he could do that for her.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Ivy, Lisa Olivia, and Derek were walking around the mall. After only about 20 minutes Ivy had already picked out her gown for the evenings affair. Lise Olivia was having a bit more trouble deciding. Everything that was parading in front of her she made up a reason as to why it was not to her liking. So now they were on the hunt for the perfect dress.

"Since when have you been so picky?" Derek asked as their mother had the saleslady of this store bring out their finest.

"I’m keeping you out of trouble" Lise Olivia whispered back. "If we go home Grandfather will get to you and who knows what you will be expected to do" at this point Ivy returned with the saleslady who was holding a beaded gold gown.

"It’s not the right color" Derek said quickly realizing Lise was right.

"I don’t think I’m going to like anything in this store mother" Lise Olivia complained trying to play the part of the spoiled princess.

"Really Lise Olivia, you shouldn’t be so picky. It isn’t as though you are the one who was just married" Ivy lightly scolded.

"But Sheridan is my favorite aunt" Lise Olivia protested.

"She is your only aunt" Ivy pointed out.

"It’s not my fault God only gave you brothers" Lise Olivia continued.

"That’s enough Lisa Olivia Maureen Crane. You are to pick out a dress at the next store. Derek is probably bored out of his mind"

"I’m perfectly fine Mother" Derek corrected. Lise was right. He should stay away from the house until the start of the party. Lise Olivia browsed around the store while she waited for the saleswoman to come back with gowns in her size.

"I want that one"

Lise Olivia pointed to a mannequin. It was a slinky red dress with diamonds cut out of the sides allowing the sides of your tummy and back to be exposed. This was surely to cause an argument with her mother. Derek contained his laughter as she saw through another one of her ploys to stall.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Willow Nixon and her daughter Ashley were walking around the mall trying to find Ashley her first party dress. Willow had been invited to a party at the Crane Penthouse tonight and with Ashley just arriving in town she didn’t want to leave her. But also Willow didn’t know a soul worth trusting in New York so Ashley would have to come too. Not that she didn’t want to give her daughter the best society had to offer but she really didn’t think tonight would be the best night. Willow wanted a quiet night at home to introduce Ashley to her knew stepfather but it was to be a Crane catered affair instead. She decided not to tell Ashley right away she was remarried. She would give the youngster time to adjust to having another man in her life first.

"What about this one Ash?" Willow pointed to a light pink dress with frills galore.

"Mommy I am seven now. I am a young lady not a child. I want something more grown up. I think black is my color"

"We are going to a party not a funeral and you are still my little girl. We’ll compromise. Go try this one on" she handed Ashley a dress and Ashley promptly scurried off to the dressing room.

"Mommy, I need you to button the back" Ashley called from inside the room.

"Coming"

Willow walked in the room and was amazed. The powder blue dress looked wonderful on her daughter. As she buttoned up the back she thought about how the girl had received the best combination of features from her and Nixon. Ashley’s’ hair was sandy colored like Nixon’s but she had her mother’s curls. Ashley also had Willow’s darker skin tone so she looked slightly tanned all year round. And her were an amazing shade of aqua with flecks of gold throughout. Willow was sure her daughter could be the next Cindy Crawford if she inherited Nixon’s height. Willow herself was only 5’5". Her curly hair was honey colored and cascaded down to the middle of her back. With her tan skin tone and her brilliant violet eyes she was irresistible to almost any man. But for some reason she couldn’t get enough of the good guys. She married and FBI agent before and although her new beau wasn’t an officer of any kind he was a do gooder just the same. At least her new husband was a little squidgy around the edges. Sometimes she wished she’d fall in love with a bad boy, or have a senseless fling, but her heart wouldn’t let her. Ashley agreed that this was the perfect dress, took it off, and sent her mother to go purchase it. After she dressed she walked out of the dressing room to find her mother, but instead she say Lise Olivia, a young man, and an older woman walking by. Ashley hurried over to catch Lise Olivia.

"Lise!" Ashley called causing Lise Olivia to stop in her tracks and turn around.

"Ashley!" Lise Olivia exclaimed when she saw who it was. "What are you doing here?" she asked as she gave the girl a hug.

"I’m shopping for a party dress. We are going to some fancy party tonight"

"Really? Are you coming to the Crane party? With your father?"

"Yes it is the Crane party Mommy said we are going to but I’m going with Mommy not Daddy"

"That’s great! Oh how terribly rude of me. Ashley this is my brother Derek and my mother Ivy Crane" At this point Willow returned to retrieve Ashley. "And Mother, Derek, this is Ashley Nixon. Her father, Agent Nixon works with Sheridan and Luis"

"And this is my mommy Willow Nixon" Ashley introduced her mother copying what Lise Olivia did.

"I’m so happy you and your husband will be joining us tonight" Ivy said happily. Obviously though she wasn’t paying attention when Ashley said she going with her mom not her dad.

"Nixon and I are divorced Mrs. Crane. Ashley and I will not be attending with him"

"Then who is to be your escort?" Ivy prodded.

"I’m sorry to be so abrupt, but we must go Ashley" Willow looked at her watch. "We have appointments at the Solon in 20 minutes. It was very nice to meet you"

Willow grabbed Ashley’s hand and dragged her away from the Cranes. Ivy, Derek, and Lise Olivia just watched as Ashley waved back at them. They thought Willow to be a little odd but in their social circle odd was a normality. It came with having too much free time and even more money. They thought nothing of it and continued to search for Lise Olivia’s perfect dress. Ivy said she could search the country for the dress if she put that red number back. So Lise Olivia continued to stall.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sheridan slammed down the paper that announced the party at the Crane penthouse tonight. And for the second time in her 27 years she panicked. And both times it was because she feared for Luis’s life. She was cool as a cucumber when it came to her own life. So this was a new feeling for her. This love stuff was more than she bargained for. Not only did she have to deal with her new mushy gushy self but fear that she worked so hard to suppress was now surfacing. She would have to beat up Luis later for making her feel such things. The damned man! She clutched the paper and went running to Nixon and Ali’s room. She hoped they had enough time to talk because she was barging in on them whether or not they wanted her to. She banged solidly on the door. You would have thought there was a fire in the hallway she wanted in so badly. Ali and Nixon were still cuddled in their one bed. After she had told him the story of her teenage years he didn’t know what to say to her so he just held her. He let her know he was there for her without words. They both jumped to their feet when they heard the pounding on the door. They both ran to the door, grabbing their guns on the way. They strategically placed themselves on either side of the door and asked who it was.

"It’s the person who signs your paychecks. Now open up!" Sheridan yelled through the closed door. Ali quickly opened it.

"You really sign our paychecks?" Ali asked naively.

"Just a say hon" Nixon patted her on the back. "What’s up Sheridan?"

"This" she thrust the paper in their faces.

"That’s nice Sheridan. It’s a free wedding announcement. I don’t see the problem" for a FBI agent Ali had an abundance of innocence but her instinct made up for it. "And it does say by invitation only"

"But you don’t know the rich. They can just call in a favor and get an invitation. And everyone owes everyone else a favor" Sheridan explained.

"It’s going to be a zoo" Nixon commented.

"No shit. And it is going to be harder than hell to protect Luis in that" Sheridan flopped back on the bed only to instantly pop back up to her feet. "What are we going to do?"

"Before Lise Olivia and Ashley came back didn’t you say you had a plan?" Ali remembered.

"Luis would NEVER go for it" Sheridan argued.

"Out with it anyway" Nixon urged.

"Who’s the boss here?" Sheridan asked in response to Nixon’s semi order.

"Oh cut the crap everyone knows you are. Let’s hear it" Nixon pushed.

"Well if I know my father at all, I know he will bring up Luis’s father’s affair with my mother as soon as he meets Luis. I thought maybe if Luis bad mouthed his father and said what a bastard he was then maybe…"

"It would take away the threat Alistair thinks Luis poses" Ali finished Sheridan’s thoughts.

"But Luis would never do it with his mother and siblings there. He won’t jeopardize the thoughts they hold of their father. I’m not even sure Pilar knows about the affair"

"You’re right Luis will never do it" Ali agreed. "But it may be your only option"

"We have to let Luis in on this" Nixon stated. "We need his input"

"He’s going to be stubborn and insist everything will be fine" said a frustrated Sheridan.

"Then you will have to convince him otherwise" Nixon told her.

"Well, you see, I would love that job but Ali and I have other engagements" Sheridan gave Nixon a hopeful smile.

"Oh no! You aren’t leaving me to deal with this" Nixon grumbled.

"Don’t you want me to look beautiful" Ali ganged up on him. Then both women began to bat their eyelashes at him.

"This so isn’t fair" Nixon whined.

"I owe you one Nixon" Sheridan smiled. "Ali, I’ll come back and get you after I get ready. I’ll tell Luis to expect you Nixon"

"See you later chicken shit" Nixon called after her.

"Hey! Show your boss some respect. Only my husband is allowed the smart ass remarks"

Sheridan bounded out of the room and started towards her own. Ali rifled through her suitcase trying to find something to wear while Nixon thought about how he was going to convince Luis his life was in danger. He hoped it wasn’t going to prove to be an impossible task.

Chapter 19:

Luis was waiting patiently for Theresa to start explaining her rebellious behavior when Sheridan burst in the door. She looked like she was up to something was the first thing Luis thought of when he saw her. He didn’t have time to call her on it though. Theresa breathed a sigh of relief and welcomed the break in the interrogation.

"I’m sorry to interrupt" Sheridan apologized as she dug through suitcase. "I’m just going to get dressed and then I will leave you two alone"

"Where are you going?" Luis asked.

"Shopping with Ali. You know I can do boring girlie stuff too as well as catch all the bad guys"

"I never said you couldn’t" Luis teased.

"Yes, but I know that is what you are implying since I asked the bureau to send me a dress last time" Sheridan piled her clothes in her hands and headed to the bathroom. Luis turned his attention back to Theresa.

"We are going to finish this before tonight. I’m just going to say goodbye. Stay put!" he was scared that she would escape if he left her alone. She did that to their mother this morning.

"I will Luis, don’t worry. I want to explain everything to you. I don’t want you thinking I am a bad person" Theresa confessed.

"I know you’re not a bad person Resa. Just maybe a misguided one. We’ll work this out"

"You’re going to help me?" she asked in the most pathetic voice he had ever heard. She didn’t think anyone would help. She looked so lost and helpless.

"I will be here every step of the way. I promise"

He tussled her hair even though he knew she hated it and went to talk to Sheridan. He lightly knocked on the door and without waiting for an answer slipped inside. She gave him a nasty look when he came in. She was half bent over pulling on her jeans and she was still only in her bra.

"I would ask you if you have heard of knocking but you did that. Now all we have to do is get you wait for an affirmative answer"

"You weren’t going to tell me to come in?" he flashed her his puppy dog eyes.

"Don’t I get any privacy?"

"We’re married now. Your privacy days are over" he came behind her and wrapped his arms around her. "Beside when we get you pregnant, you will forget what privacy means"

"Oh something to look forward to" she gave a feigned smile to which she received a slap on the butt. "Ouch!"

"Don’t even ask what that was for. I don’t need a reason" he gave her a killer smile.

"How are things going with Theresa?" she asked as she pulled her sweater over her head.

"She definitely threw me for an unexpected twist"

"Which would be?" she didn’t know whether or not to ask but she would find out sooner or later anyways.

"She’s pregnant" he said sadly.

"She’s 16"

"I know. She had such a bright future ahead of her. She was so ambitious"

"She will still be ambitious Spot. She can still have the wonderful future. She is just going to need the help of her friends and family. You make it sound like her life is over. This is just a test to see what she is made of"

"I hope she is strong"

"You’ll be there to help her" by now Sheridan was putting the finishing touches on her makeup and was about ready.

"She lives in Harmony Sheridan, we live in Washington D.C. How can I possibly be there for her?"

"We’ll find a way. We’ll make it happen. I know how important your family is to you. But I have to say this is a new side to you. I’ve never seen you look so vulnerable. I like it"

"Why because it make you feel more powerful Luce?" Luis became defensive, he never showed this side of himself to anyone.

"Easy Spot! I didn’t mean anything by it. I like learning about all the sides of you, that’s all"

"Luce, I’m sorry. My nerves are a bit frazzled right now"

"No explanation needed. No go comfort your sister. I am going to go shop till I drop!" They walked out of the bathroom to see Theresa staring out the window. "Theresa are you coming tonight?" Sheridan asked trying to get her to think of other things.

"Of coarse" she said softly.

"Do you have a dress?" Sheridan inquired.

"Yes, I brought the one I wore to prom last year"

"Well what size are you" Luis tried to stop her but she elbowed him in the gut for interfering. "You never know what I might find today"

"That’s ok Sheridan. I don’t deserve a new dress"

"Every girl deserves a new dress. Every girl deserves the chance to feel like a princess. You look like about a four. I’ll see what I can find" she promised. "I’ll see you later Spot. Oh and by the way Nixon is coming over while Ali and I are gone" she kissed him on the cheek and headed towards the door.

"Okay, I’ll be here" Luis smiled and her and mouthed thank you for trying to cheer Theresa up. He knew that whatever Nixon was coming here to do or talk about had to be heavy because Sheridan knew that family time was needed. Now he was certain something was up.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Andy paced outside of the guestroom. It had been over an hour since Sloan had locked herself in the bedroom. He had no idea how to coax her out of the room. He tried apologizing. He tried graveling. He even tried sitting on the floor with his back to the door and banging his head against it. But she didn’t pity him so that didn’t work either. He didn’t know what to do next. He slapped his head for being so stupid. He kept keys to all the locks in the house in a kitchen drawer. He ran through the apartment to retrieve it. He ran back even faster than he ran there and quickly undid the lock. He opened the door and saw nothing. He looked around the room and in the bathroom but Sloan was nowhere to be found. He saw the window open and went over to take a look. There was a fire escape there and she was long gone. He did find a note from her on the windowsill though. At least she cared enough to tell him she left. He sat on the bed and unfolded the note.

Andy my love,

I know you are probably incredibly mad that I left like a coward but I had to. One look into your eyes and I would have been powerless. I love you with all heart but this has to be goodbye. I couldn’t bare it if Alistair found out about us and did something to hurt you. I love you so much that I want a better life for you. One where you can be with a woman and not have to sneak around. I want you to have a wife who is dedicated to you and can give you the traditional life you desire. As much as I want to be I can’t be that woman Andy. Please try and understand that this is for the best. I think it will be best if last night was our last night. It was the happiest night of my life and I will always cherish it. Please remember I will always love you and you will forever be my one true love.

Sloan

Andy sat on his bed in the most depressed mood he had ever been in. Here she was telling him how much she loved him and wanted better for him. Didn’t she understand that with her there was nothing better? Living without her was not an option. That is why he agreed to be the other man for so long. Now she expected him to give up without a fight? Oh was she sorely mistaken. He remembered her saying that there was to be a party for her stepdaughter and her new husband tonight. He was sick of playing Mr. Nice Guy. He just might have to show up and crash the gala.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

As soon as Sheridan left, Luis turned his attention back to Theresa. Theresa was hoping that Sheridan would stay a little longer. She always welcomed a break from confessing. But her break was short lived and Luis was looking at her with those disappointed eyes of his. He kept saying he wasn’t disappointed in her but she could see it in his eyes. She would do anything to get him to stop looking at her like that. But she feared it was only going to get worse.

"So if you were sober in all aspects of the word, then why did you give yourself to this guy? He didn’t force himself on you did he?" Luis reinitiated the interrogation.

"No Luis, I consented" she explained.

"Then why?" he couldn’t understand why she would do something so … so … not him.

"Okay Luis, I’ll tell you. You see there is this girl at school. Her name is Francesca and she is the most popular girl at the entire school. And every time her parents leave town she throws the most amazing parties, or so I had heard"

"I don’t like this already" Luis interrupted.

"Well I was never on the invite list, do to the fact that my parents, or rather parent, doesn’t vacation in Europe. Well two months ago, after the winter formal, one of the guys in Cesca’s crew took notice of me. He asked Cesca to invite me to her next party. And for some reason she did"

"So this guy goes to your school" Luis made some assumptions.

"No, he went to the winter formal with Cesca. He’s not from Harmony"

"Well just ask Francesca who he is" if only teenage life was as simple as Luis thought it to be.

"I would if she would talk to me. You see she likes… we’ll just call him Doug, and invited me just to please him. She never thought I stood a chance and when she got wind of what we did she was infuriated"

"So you did this to spite her?" Luis kept jumping to the wrong conclusions.

"No Luis. Please let me finish"

"The floor is yours"

"I was alone ay the party and didn’t know a soul. I was really beginning to wonder why I had come at all. But then Doug came to my rescue. He was my white knight. He came and saved me from becoming a permanent wallflower. He introduced me to all his friends and danced with me all night. I really liked him Luis. He was such a gentleman. When he told me he wasn’t from Harmony or anywhere close I was crushed. I thought that that was the last time I would see him, and I was right I haven’t seen him since. I wanted something to remember him by, I never wanted to forget him. So I asked him to be my first. And to my surprise I was his. Now I will never be able to forget him" she looked down at her stomach.

"Did you want to get pregnant?" Luis had to ask. Was his sister that starved for attention?

"Oh no Luis! I never meant for it to go this far"

"Well I have to say although it was incredibly irresponsible, it was also a tiny bit sentimental. Not that I am condoning your behavior"

"Will you ever be able to forgive me Luis?"

"The heart makes you do crazy things. I don’t know that I have anything to forgive"

"Thank you Luis! Thank you" she jumped into his arms. "I thought you would hate me forever!"

Luis smoothed her hair and promised he would help her to figure out a way to get through this. He told her she had great courage for telling him the truth and it would be that courage that she would have to call upon when she felt she couldn’t handle life. He waited until she calmed dawn and then put her in a cab. He sent her back to her hotel and their mother. He encouraged her to tell their mama the whole story, confessing it helped him understand the situation better. He returned to his room and waited fro Nixon to join him. He hoped Nixon was bringing good news but he knew it wouldn’t be. He just had to hope it was something tolerable.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sheridan snatched Ali from her room and told Nixon Luis would be ready for him in an hour or so. She wanted to give Luis enough time to finish talking with Theresa first. Sheridan and Ali were quickly cruising through store after store finding nothing they fell in love with. Sheridan wasn’t having any luck with Theresa’s dress either. She was bound and determined to get that girl to forget about her problems even if just for a couple of hours. Sheridan thought it only fair to buy Paloma a new dress too so she made a quick call to Pilar to find out her size. Ali had assumed shopping had meant going into store and searching rack after rack for something in your size but shopping with Sheridan was different. As soon as she stepped into a store she was recognized. The salespeople immediately flocked to her offering her drinks and anything else one could desire. Dresses were brought to them. This almost made Ali think shopping wasn’t fun, almost.

"Do you always shop like this?" Ali inquired.

"In New York yes" Sheridan replied. "Everyone here knows I’m a Crane and what kind of money that comes with that name"

"What about in D.C.?"

"Occasionally it happens but I don’t shop for fancy gowns or designer clothes too often in D.C. Can you imagine if I came into the office wearing this?" she held up a very simple black floor length dress with spaghetti straps.

"I think you might get the bad guys to confess in record time" Ali laughed.

"But seriously, this is my old life. I like my new life, the bureau, the crime fighting, and Luis, especially Luis. My socialite days are over" Sheridan confessed.

"But it’s always nice to dress up once in awhile" Ali commented.

"You bet it is" Sheridan conceded. "And I intend to find a dress that will make Luis’s eyes pop out" she smiled mischievously.

"I don’t get you two" Ali stated.

"We like to torture each other. It’s that simple"

"That’s healthy" Ali and Sheridan shared a laugh.

Sheridan had managed to pick out dresses for Theresa and Paloma, and Ali had chosen hers. Now all that was left was for Sheridan to find the perfect dress.

"What color do you think?" Sheridan asked Ali.

"Red is definitely your color"

"Yes but the last time I wore a red gown I almost got shot"

"Good point. What about that?" Ali suggested pointing to a white gown with a gold overlay. It would shimmer when she moved and make her look angelic.

"Perfect" Sheridan agreed.

The dresses were hung and prepared to be delivered to the appropriate hotels. Sheridan took out her credit card and graciously paid for all four. Sheridan and Ali then got into a cab and headed back.

"You didn’t have to do that" Ali said of Sheridan picking up the tab.

"Sure I did. Consider it my bridesmaid gift to you" Sheridan explained.

"Thank you" Ali said sweetly.

"You’re welcome Ali… Ali?"

"Yeah?"

"Is your name just Ali?"

"No I’m not like Cher or Madonna" she teased.

"Funny. What is your full name?"

"You mean you don’t know?" Ali continued to poke fun.

"I guess I didn’t study your profile all that well"

"You studied it intensively I am willing to bet. There are just a lot of other things that tend to stand out and my name isn’t one of them"

"Well… what is it?"

"Wouldn’t you like to know" Ali smirked.

"You’re not going to tell me? Come on I told you Nixon’s name" Sheridan whined.

"Fine" Ali gave in. "I might as well, you’ll order me to tell you next anyways. I actually have a similar name to your father’s"

"Alistair – A?"

"NO! How awful is that?" Ali laughed. "Actually it’s Allister"

"Middle name?" Sheridan continued to probe.

"What’s yours nosey?"

"Eloise" Sheridan replied without a hint of shame. " It was my grandmother’s name"

"Synneva" Ali admitted. "I don’t know where it came from"

"What a strange coincidence. That’s my other grandmother’s name. Small world huh?"

"That is strange" Ali agreed.

They arrived back at the hotel ready to share a little time with their men before the party. Sheridan hated to admit it but only after four hours without Luis she missed him. She felt the bile rise in her throat as the mushy gushy feeling again took over her body.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Nixon walked down the hallway reviewing his strategies in his head. If Luis would just cooperate it would make his job simple but that was unlikely to happen. That’s why Sheridan left him to deal with Luis. He knocked on the door hoping at least Luis would be in high spirits.

"Come in Nixon" Luis called from inside the room.

"Hey Luis!"

"Cut the cheerfulness Nixon. I know you’re the barer of bad news. So just break it to me"

"Sheridan didn’t give you any hints?"

"None, so just lay it out for me"

"Ok here’s the deal. The mystery of Sheridan’s mother’s death isn’t the most important thing that will be going down at the party"

"If you’re referring to the hit that Alistair MAY have put on me it’s nothing. It is just going to be family and a few old friends of Sheridan’s mother"

"That’s where you are wrong. It was announced in the society page. It’s going to be a zoo"

"I can handle myself" Luis assured Nixon.

"And what happens if you can’t? Do you really want to make Sheridan a widow only after a week of marriage" Nixon hoped playing on Luis’s love for Sheridan would be the key to getting him to cooperate.

"No but…"

"But nothing Luis. If you won’t admit you are in danger for yourself then do it for her. She is scared to death for you"

"Sheridan doesn’t get scared"

"Ask her if you don’t believe me. She is always honest, blatantly honest most of the time. She’s terrified for your life. And I can honestly say I think she would have a meltdown if you were hurt. Don’t do that to her"

Luis didn’t say anything to that. He couldn’t. Sheridan was always so brave, so courageous. So why didn’t she just come to him? They would have talked it over and come up with a solution. They made a terrific team. Then it hit him. She didn’t come to him because she was scared. And she didn’t want him to see her in her weakened state. She was hiding behind Nixon and he planned on calling her on it. If he was allowed to be vulnerable in front of her why wasn’t the reciprocal true? She wasn’t going to like this conversation but it was going to happen as soon as they had a minute alone.

"All right. I give in. I could be in deep shit. So how are we going to prevent it from happening?"

"By wearing a bullet proof vest under your tux and playing nice with her father" Nixon was happy he was cooperating so far but he didn’t think he would cooperate much longer.

"Playing nice? What would that include?"

"Just the usual brown nosing, ass kissing, father bashing. You know just the usual stuff"

"Excuse me? Father bashing?"

"Yeah you know talk trash about your father so Alistair won’t see you as a threat"

"My mother is going to be there!" Luis protested.

"Remember this is for Sheridan" Nixon threw that fact back in.

"That’s not fair! You can’t make me choose between my mother and my wife!" Luis’s temper began to show.

"Luis, Sheridan is your future. You have to do what is best for the two of you" Nixon calmly explained.

"I can’t hurt my mother in the process" Luis objected.

"Are you sure your mother doesn’t already know about Katherine and Martin. She might have been protecting you all these years"

"I guess she could know"

"Maybe you should talk to her before the party" Nixon suggested.

"And ruin it for her if she doesn’t know?" Luis refused.

"Then what do you suggest?"

"My sister Theresa is dying to get on my good side. I’ll tell her to keep my mother busy"

With that settled Luis and Nixon jumped on the pink sofa and turned on the hockey game. They decided to kick back and relax until the girls returned and cause havoc. They were enjoying their room service of beer and hamburgers and were screaming at the Capitals to kick it in gear when Sheridan and Ali bounded in the room giggling. They guys looked at them and wondered why they were laughing. When Sheridan noticed the hockey game on TV she held out her hand to Ali.

"Twenty bucks Ali. Cough it up"

"Don’t you guys have any other interest besides sports?" Ali grumbled forking over the money.

After that statement Luis and Nixon looked at each other and nodded. They got up, sauntered over to their awaiting beauties, and simultaneously gave their significant other a toe curling, heart-stopping kiss. They left the girls breathless and returned to the sofa and their hockey game.

"See we do have other interests" Luis chuckled.

"Too bad they don’t share out interests Luis" Nixon teased.

Sheridan cleared the sofa in a bound while Ali raced around the corner of the sofa. But both ended up in their intended destination, their fella’s lap.

"I know I tasted beer and hamburgers" Ali said proudly.

"Oh man" Sheridan whined.

"Give me my twenty bucks back" Ali ordered. Sheridan took it from her pocket and threw it over to Ali.

"Thank you" Ali smiled. "What do you say we go back to our room and finish our talk?" Ali whispered in Nixon’s ear.

"I’d say let’s blow this Popsicle stand" Nixon replied.

Ali and Nixon said their goodbyes to Sheridan and Luis. As soon as the door shut behind Ali and Nixon, Sheridan decided she had been apart from Luis for far too long. She began to devour his face with kiss after kiss. There was going to be no stopping her. She was a woman on a mission and her mission right now was to finish what they had started this morning. Luis was powerless to stop her advances, not that he really wanted to. He had wanted to talk to her about tonight and the fact that she chickened out of talking to him but as soon as she began to run her hands over his now bare chest everything but living in the moment got thrown on the back burner. There would be plenty of time to talk at the party. They wouldn’t want to cause a scene by talking now and doing this at the party.

Chapter 20:

Derek, Lise Olivia and Ivy entered the penthouse just as the maids were putting the finishing touches on the arrangements. Ivy excused herself to get ready for the occasion. She also had to make sure her surprise guest was still en route to New York. Lise Olivia and Derek decided to sit in the upstairs sitting room, have some iced tea, and go over what they thought was going to happen tonight. The maids brought them their refreshments and they engaged in idle chitchat until they were alone.

"Thank you Lise" Derek said as soon as they were alone.

"For what?" she sipped on her tea.

"Keeping me busy all day"

"I’m sure you really enjoyed me getting a manicure"

"As opposed to having Grandfather implement me in the destroy Luis plan this was the second best day of my life" Derek confessed.

"Second best? What was the first?" Lise became her normal nosey self.

"Never you mind. Do you think they will try and off him at the beginning, middle, or end of the affair?"

"Affair might not be the appropriate word for this situation" Lise pointed out. "But I would say the end. Grandfather will let them get comfortable first"

"Good point. Maybe I should have stuck around today and got the exact details"

"And risk having to hurt someone? You couldn’t hurt a fly Derek" Lise said proudly.

"Yeah, you’re right. The more I stay away from them the better"

"Maybe you could go talk to Ethan. He isn’t the brightest of the family. You should be able to weasel some information out of him"

"I’ll go ask him to tie my tie and try and try and draw him into a revealing conversation"

"Well get a move on Derek. I need to go get ready myself. You never know there might be a cute guy or two here tonight"

Lise smirked at Derek and left the room in a hurry but careful not to mess her hair. Derek left for his room shortly after to get into his tux. Although he had a lot to keep an eye on tonight he couldn’t help but share Lise’s optimism. He too hoped there would be someone to occupy his time.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Pilar zipped around her hotel room trying to ready her children for their brother’s wedding reception. Now she knew why prom only came once a year. Between helping Miguel with his cummerbund and his bow tie and getting the twins in their dresses, not to mention helping with hair and makeup she was exhausted. And now she had the task of getting herself ready with three impatient children wanting to go see what it would be like to rub elbows with the rich. She was finishing putting curls in her hair and listening to her babies discussing what they thought tonight would be like.

"Do you think there will be a lot of cute guys there?" Paloma asked excitedly. She spend most of her life in the gym, this was a treat for her.

"I’m sure there will be" Theresa assured her.

"Yeah but good luck getting them to give you the time of day. Rich only associate with the rich" Miguel scoffed.

"Not all of them are like that" Theresa protested thinking of her babies father.

"Yeah right Resa. That’s why you’re best friends with Cesca and her crew right?"

"Shut up Miguel" Theresa grew testy.

"I don’t want you two treating each other like that" Pilar yelled from the bathroom. "You won’t be in the good graces of God if you continue as you are"

"Resa won’t be in the good graces of God anyways now" Miguel pointed out. He was bitter that Theresa did what she did and still getting to go tonight.

"Miguel Tate Lopez-Fitzgerald" Pilar scolded.

"Be nice Miguel" Paloma added. "Don’t you think Theresa is punishing herself enough?"

"She is going to have a baby out of wedlock and doesn’t even know the father’s name. I think she deserves everything I dish out"

"Well I don’t. So STOP!" Paloma stood up to Miguel.

"I’m really scared…SHRIMP!" Miguel’s temper was flaring now.

"You asked for it" Paloma kicked him in the shin with all her strength.

"OWWWW!" Miguel squealed.

"Paloma Marie!" Pilar came rushing out of the bathroom to see Miguel hopping around holding his leg. "I want all three of you to sit on the bed and I don’t want to hear a word from any of you until we leave"

All three of them sat on the bed in a huff. Miguel sat on one while the girls sat on the other. Pilar finished making herself presentable and to her surprise they all did what she said. She didn’t hear a word from any of them until they were walking out the door.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Andy Hart paced in his apartment thinking of ways to get into the Crane Penthouse. He had gone to buy the newspaper and found out it was by invitation only and he had no idea how to score one. He was already in his rented tux and knew that he was going to have to get Sloan out of that house tonight. If he showed up at the party Sloan was going to be knee deep in the mud. The only way he figured he could remedy that situation was to take her away from New York to start a new life. Maybe it was time for him to go home. He had been living in the big city for too long and was getting nowhere.

Finally he decided there was only one way for him to get into that party. It was something he really didn’t want to do, but he didn’t have any other choice. He didn’t have any other connections to the Cranes besides Sloan but he did know the Lopez-Fitzgerald clan. He had grown up with them. Wouldn’t they be surprised when he walked into the party? This way Alistair wouldn’t be suspicious of his presence either. He wouldn’t be just a nobody who shouldn’t be there. He’d be a nobody who knew the groom. Against his better judgment he picked up the phone.

"Yes hello, this is Antonio Lopez-Fitzgerald"

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

After running to her room as soon as she returned to the penthouse, Sloan proceeded to cry her eyes out. She knew it was best for Andy to cut off all communication with him but that didn’t mean it didn’t hurt. She now had makeup artists and hairdressers buzzing around her trying to fix the mess she had made of herself. She was chastised right and left for her actions but she didn’t care. No one said suffering a broken heart was easy and she had to suffer in silence. She had no one to talk about it with. No one knew of her true love and no one ever would. Maybe someday after Alistair finally died, and if Andy hadn’t found someone else, she could be with him. Until then she would be stuck being Mrs. Crane.

She looked at herself in the mirror all made up to Crane perfection. He ebony hair was piled a top her head and jewels sparkled throughout. The diamonds around her neck were so large she felt as though she was choking. But how fitting was that? Her entire life here in the Crane penthouse she felt as if she was suffocating. She used to be a bright energetic girl before she sold her soul to Alistair and agreed to be his wife. She used to be Sheridan’s best friend and now Sheridan seemed to hate her. Sheridan and her used to be glued at the hip but then Katherine died and everything changed. Maybe that was because Katherine didn’t just die, Sheridan killed her. Alistair told her that Sheridan was not all there in the head but then how did she become a successful FBI agent. Nothing made sense to her anymore. The only thing that ever did make sense was being with Andy and now that was gone.

Sloan didn’t feel like going to the party. She didn’t feel like going anywhere. In fact she didn’t feel anything. She was numb. And that’s when it happened. She decided she didn’t want to be in this hateful world anymore. She began taking bottles from her medicine cabinet. Anything that was a prescription was fair game. She downed the bottles without looking to see what they were. Then she went downstairs to greet her guests. No use just sitting around waiting for something to happen. To her life without Andy wasn’t worth living and causing a scene at a Crane event was just a little added bonus.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Alistair and Julian sat in Alistair’s library in their tuxes sipping brandy and discussing their plans for the evening. Julian’s part of the plan was to cause a drunken ruckus towards the end of the night. Everyone knew he was a fall down drunk so it wouldn’t be such a stretch. This would cause a diversion and give Ethan the opportunity to shot Luis. And if Ethan couldn’t do it his lady friend would be there to finish the job. All Alistair had to do was sit back and watch everything unfold according to plan. And everything always went according to plan for Alistair Crane.

"So do you think Ethan is going to be able to pull his part off Father?" Julian asked as he poured himself another drink.

"Slow down Julian! You aren’t supposed to be in a drunken stupor for hours and then it is supposed to be an act" Alistair scolded. "And as for Ethan if he wants to become a true Crane he will carry out the plans. But he is your son so that is why I have a back up if he messes up"

"Do you have a back up for me?" Julian inquired.

"I always have a backup for you" Alistair snipped. "Now enough about this let’s sit back and enjoy our time of peaceful before we have to great all those dreadful commoners"

"Yes it isn’t everyday we have to deal with the trash" Julian agreed.

They say and emptied their glasses while talking about their golf games. Since it was winter they were both itching to get back in practice. They decided after this whole ordeal passed over they would fly to Australia and put in a couple of rounds as a reward for their good showing tonight.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Ethan paced around his room. He still hadn’t called his date to tell her she couldn’t meet his family tonight. Normally he wouldn’t care about canceling on such short notice. He didn’t really care about their feelings. But the truth was most of them were airheads so they forgot about him as soon as they hung up the phone. But she was different. He had been with her and only her for four months. He would lay down his life for her. And he was supposed to meet her daughter for the first time tonight.

The truth of the matter was he wasn’t only dating this woman, he was married to her. He married Willow Nixon in Las Vegas a month ago. No one knew that he was married. Ethan hid it very well. When he disappeared for days at a time they all just assumed it was with the flavor of the day. He kept promising Willow that he would introduce her to his family but something always came up. She was going to hate him this time for sure. He picked up the phone and dialed her apartment. He prayed to God she wouldn’t want a divorce because of this because he knew he would die of a broken heart.

"Hello?" Willow answered.

"Hey Wil"

"Ethan! How are you? Ashley and I are just putting on the finishing touches"

"Umm … about that …"

"Spit it out Ethan" Willow became quickly irritated.

"My Grandfather arranged for me to have another date" he confessed.

"And so I am no longer on the invite list"

"Please don’t hate me Willow" Ethan pleaded.

"You better tell them Ethan, and soon. I am not going to put up with you for much longer" and with that Willow hung up the phone.

Ethan slowly set the phone back in its cradle. He didn’t even notice that Derek was standing in the doorway until Derek began to speak. And even then Ethan didn’t comprehend what he was hearing.

"Huh?" Ethan shook his head.

"Could you help me with my tie?" Derek repeated.

"Oh yeah sure. Come here" he began to twist the cloth around. "You know you should really learn to do this yourself. You’re almost and adult now"

"Mother always does it for me"

"Then why didn’t you go find her?"

"Your room is closer. Besides I want to know what is going on tonight"

"You don’t need to know Derek" Ethan protested.

"Yes I do" Derek affirmed. "I don’t want to get in the way by accident, nor do I want Lise Olivia or Amanda hurt"

"Amanda isn’t going to be here tonight, she has prior engagements with the prince. And as for you and Lise Olivia stay away from Luis and you’ll be fine"

"Ethan, Lise adores Sheridan. You know she is going to follow her around like a puppy dog tonight and do you think Sheridan is going to go around without Luis on her arm?"

"I guess you are right" Ethan conceded. "Father is going to create a diversion and then a gunman is going to shoot Luis"

"Who is the gunman? Just so I can keep an eye on him" Derek continued to draw information out of Ethan.

"I am" Ethan admitted.

Derek was speechless and had to stumble out of the room. Never did he think that his own brother was going to ruin his aunt’s life. Ethan watched Derek go. Derek was obviously shocked that he was going to pull the trigger. But Ethan wanted more than just the Crane name. He wanted the Crane power and to get that he had to follow his Grandfather’s orders. No matter how much he loved his aunt he was going to do what he had to.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Willow hung up the phone and looked to see her daughter’s sad eyes staring at her. Willow hadn’t wanted Ashley to overhear the phone conversation but obviously she did. She sat next to Ashley and gave her a hug.

"We’re not going are we?" Ashley said sadly.

"Now who said that?" Willow countered.

"But I heard you…"

"You heard nothing. We are still going. So go get your coat"

Ashley eagerly bounced off the bed. Willow thought about what was going to happen tonight. She thought about how she was going to keep Ashley out of danger. She would just have to make sure her daughter was with her father at that moment. Nixon was sure to be there in support of his friends. She wished she could wash herself of her past but that just wasn’t meant to be. Wouldn’t Ethan be shocked when he found out she was still his date. Hopefully he wouldn’t want to divorce her after this.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Nixon watched Ali as she floated around their hotel room. She kept twirling around in her dress. She was obviously not used to the finer things in life. He was willing to bet that dress cost almost as much as her entire wardrobe in D.C. She was all smiles when she came over and planted a small kiss on Nixon’s cheek.

"I know I shouldn’t be this excited" Ali admitted. "But look at me. I feel like a princess"

"Soak it up now Ali" Nixon advised. "We will have to be alert tonight"

"I know. The novelty will wear off soon"

"By the way where do you have your gun?" Nixon had to ask.

"Wouldn’t you like to know" she smiled mischievously at him. Ali’s dress was navy and was encrusted with small black flowers. It had a halter-top and the skirt was full. There really wasn’t a practical place to hide a gun.

"Can I frisk you to find it?" he asked playfully but his words caused Ali to retreat.

"Too much Nixon" she confessed.

"I’m sorry" he reached out his hand for her to take.

Nixon was getting Ali to make small steps but he had to remember she was still that frightened girl inside. He was actually surprised that she was letting him get this close. But he would take anything he could get. She had his heart and for her he would do anything.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Ivy had just gotten off the phone with the airport. The plane she had chartered had arrived and her mystery guest would be here shortly. She had arranged for the drive to escort the woman up the service elevator and directly to her room. She didn’t want anyone to know this person was here until she was announced at the party.

Ivy was giddy as a schoolgirl. She was so excited for Sheridan. Sheridan would never expect to see this person here. Ivy knew Sheridan hadn’t seen the woman in such a long time she wondered if Sheridan would even remember her. But that was a chance Ivy was going to have to take. She just hoped bringing this woman here wouldn’t drudge up the past.

There was a knock on the door and Ivy opened it in a hurry. Happy to see who was on the other side, she whisked the woman in the room and closed the door. It was finally all coming together. Tonight would be a night no one would ever forget.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sheridan and Luis ran around the room trying to get ready. The party was about to start and they were nowhere near ready. Their inability to keep their hands off each other had caused them lose track of time. Then they decided to save time they should shower together, which was yet another mistake. Now they worked themselves feverously to try and prepare themselves for the night ahead.

"It’s your fault we are going to be late you know?" Luis he called from the bedroom, placing the blame on Sheridan.

"My fault? How is this my fault?" she called back from the bathroom.

"You seduced me" he said innocently.

"Oh right and you had no part in it. As I recall you are the one who let their hands roam first in the shower"

"That’s because you are a wicked seductress Luce. I am powerless when you are near"

"That’s good to know. I am going to use that to my advantage now Spot. Bad mistake on your part" she laughed but he didn’t because he knew she was telling the truth. She would definitely use that to her advantage. "How late are we going to be?"

"Very"

"Well it’s protocol to be fashionable late"

"Luce at this rate we will be lucky to get there to see the maids clean up"

"I’m almost ready"

"Almost ready meaning I have time to watch another hockey game?" he teased.

"No, almost ready I’m walking out the door" she said as she came into view. Luis almost fell over and had a heart attack. No one had the right to look that sexy in a white dress.

"Do we have to go?" Luis groaned.

"I thought you wanted to be there to greet your family"

"Suddenly I don’t think that is so important"

"Too bad" she said happily because she had accomplished her goal of making him suffer. "But if you’re a good boy tonight we can have a little fun when we get home"

"We better be having more than just a little fun"

Luis helped her on with her coat and couldn’t help but give her a small kiss. He was careful not to smudge her lipstick or it would be another hour before they could leave. Sheridan patted Luis’s stomach before they left and smiled when she knew he had on a bulletproof vest. At least she would feel a safer knowing he was being cautious. She didn’t know what Nixon said to him to get him to cooperate but she would have to thank Nixon later.

Chapter 21:

Will walked hand in hand with Ashley up to the Monroe building, where the Cranes lived. Ashley was floating on air. She was so excited to be going to a fancy party. It was her first and she hoped not her last. Her father never took her to his work parties back home in Washington. Willow clasped Ashley’s hand tight. She was beginning to question her sanity. Why on earth did she even think of bringing Ashley here? What if something were to happen to her? But then reasons for bringing her came flooding back. Nixon would wonder why she wanted Ashley to visit if she was just going to get a sitter. And as far as that went, Nixon didn’t even know she had moved to New York City. He assumed she was just on vacation from Ohio. Who would she have left Ashley with? Also Willow felt more secure with Ashley in her presence. If she had left her somewhere someone from her past could turn up and take her daughter. The daughter she had just gotten back in her life. After the divorce she left for Akron, leaving Ashley with her father. Until then she was squeaky clean, but then come circumstances changed. Willow got into some things she didn’t care to remember. She kept in contact with Ashley through letters and phone calls but she didn’t want to bring her daughter into her world. But Ethan had saved her. He made her realize she should want to lead a better life. Although he didn’t know the exact details of what she was doing he was supportive of her getting clean again. He loved her no matter her past actions. And she loved him for it. Ethan also encouraged her to bring her daughter back into her life. So she was doing just that, but what rotten timing!

"Mommy! Look at this place!" Ashley exclaimed.

"This is just the lobby baby. Wait till you see where they live" Willow patted her innocent child’s head.

They rode the elevator to the top floor. They walked into the elegant penthouse and were greeted by an entourage of maids. Their coats were checked and they were whisked into the ballroom. The room glowed by the light of many chandeliers. Both Willow and Ashley spun around to soak in their environment. Ashley soon stopped when she caught sight of her father on the other side of the room.

"Daddy!" Ashley squealed as she tore off to greet him.

Willow let her go hoping Nixon wouldn’t come over and start firing questions at her. Lucky for her Nixon just waved and scooped Ashley into his arms. But not so luckily she was still going to be interrogated. She turned to get a drink and smacked dead into Ethan.

"Willow, I thought I told you my Grandfather arranged another woman for me to escort?"

"Well hello to you too, dearest!" Willow scoffed. "And you did"

"Then what are you doing here?" Ethan asked not knowing where else she could have gotten another invitation.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

With his invitation secured Antonio grabbed a cab and headed to the Crane penthouse. He wasn’t sure what he was going to say when he saw Sloan but he was almost positive there would be a marriage proposal in there. He couldn’t believe he was in love with a married woman, let alone ready to ask her to marry him. He hated himself for being like his father, but then there was one key difference. There were no children involved in this equation. He wondered how his family was going to react to seeing him. What was he going to tell them? How was he going to explain his fleeing of his family when they needed him the most? There was no way he was going to tell them the truth, that would kill his mother. The truth was hidden in the years before his father’s untimely demise. He had seen his father with another woman and in one instance he caught his father and this woman in the most intimate act. He hated Martin from that day on. And when his father died he couldn’t bare to see his family mourn such a heinous man. But she couldn’t ruin his family’s image of the man they loved and lost either. The inner conflict in him was too much to handle so he left, without explanation. And now he was ready to walk right back into their lives all for the woman he loved. He knew he wouldn’t be doing this otherwise. He hoped Sloan would at least talk to him tonight.

"Well here goes nothing" Antonio said to himself after he paid the cab driver.

Antonio had to announce his arrival to the doorman so he could get his invitation. Then to get into the elevator he had to show his newly received invitation and when he stepped off the elevator he had to show it again. He had to admit he was glad he had called in and obtained an invitation instead of attempting to sneak in because with all this security his attempt would have failed. He straightened his tie as a maid showed him into the ballroom. Antonio looked around to find Sloan before he was spotted and he thought he had. Sloan was at the bar sipping martinis and no one was running to greet him. As he was walking to greet Sloan he bumped into a young girl. He felt guilty for almost sending her to the floor. Sloan would have to wait for a moment until his knew the girl was all right.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sheridan and Luis finally arrived at the building that housed her father’s penthouse. They got out of their cab and headed to the entrance door. They were half running in attempt to get up to the party even a minute sooner. Sheridan didn’t want to disappoint Ivy. Ivy was nice enough to put this together for them. They could at least show up in a timely fashion. The doorman had another idea though.

"Excuse me. Where do you two presume to be going?" he stepped in their path.

"You’re new here" Sheridan stated bluntly.

"Yes ma’am, I am. Who are you?" he asked politely.

"We’re going to the party at the Crane’s" Luis stated.

"Ah yes. Can I see your invitation please?"

"Invitation?" Sheridan glanced at Luis.

"We don’t have one" Luis never thought they would need one.

"Are you o the list?" he asked.

"Doubtful" Luis replied.

"Then I am sorry but I can not let you. Please be on your way" he informed them.

"You don’t understand" Sheridan explained. "We’re the guests of honor. Why would we have an invitation?"

"Aren’t you a little late?"

"Listen Deputy Do Right. I am Sheridan Crane Lopez-Fitzgerald. Here is my driver’s license and my FBI credentials, for added proof. Now please let us in"

"I’m so sorry Ms. Crane. I didn’t know"

"It’s Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald now"

Sheridan and Luis hurried towards the elevator hoping they wouldn’t have to endure the same experience there. To their relief the elevator operator recognized Sheridan and brought them up to the penthouse.

"Nice work downstairs Luce. I think you successfully but his head off" Luis teased.

"We didn’t have anymore time to be nice Spot, so I took the direct approach"

"Sure" he smirked as they reached the door. "You ready?"

"As I’ll ever be. Be safe" she reminded one last time.

They walked in and were quickly taken into the ballroom. The room was already full. As soon as they entered they were greeted by family friends and business associates. When the clout over their arrival cleared they began to circulate the room looking for family members and actual friends. They were walking together but looking in opposite directions when both saw something that shocked them.

"Luis, what is Nixon’s ex-wife doing with my nephew?"

"Don’t know" Luis replied blankly. "But what is my brother Antonio doing here?"

"Antonio is here? Where?"

"Talking to my sister Paloma" Luis pointed him out.

"Oh boy this is going to be an interesting night"

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Willow pondered how to answer Ethan. She figured it could wait a little longer. Plus she was still angry he hadn’t stood up to his father or grandfather and told them he was married yet. So she decided she had the right to be a little bitchy.

"What is it so unthinkable that I could get invited on my own to an affair like this?" Willow demanded.

"I didn’t think I married such a jet set socialite" Ethan responded.

"But then again who knows we are actually married" she retorted.

"Don’t start that here Wil" he pleaded.

"Why are you afraid someone will overhear?"

"Actually yes. This is a celebration not a funeral for my grandfather"

"Wouldn’t that be a celebration?"

For the duration of their argument they had managed to keep their voices to a raised whisper. They had only drawn a few glances from passerbys but nothing to cause a scene. Ethan and Willow were in their own world and had managed not to notice Alistair and Julian approach them.

"I see you have met you new partner" Alistair interrupted their love fest.

"Partner?" Ethan stammered. "She is my partner?"

"For this evening yes" Julian confirmed.

"How is this possible?" Ethan turned to Willow for answers.

"Why Mr. Crane? Don’t you think I am capable? I’ll have you know I am capable of many things" Willow said innocently leaving Ethan speechless.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Antonio quickly grabbed the girl, keeping her from falling to the floor. Paloma quickly looked down making sure her new dress wasn’t disheveled in any way.

"I’m so sorry Miss" he apologized.

"That’s all right" she smoothed her skirt. "No harm done" she finally took her eyes away from her dress and looked up at the man. She looked at him curiously. She felt as though she knew him, but couldn’t place from where. "Do I know you?"

"I don’t think so" he responded.

Antonio looked at the little sprite. He too thought she looked familiar. She looked about 12 though so it couldn’t be Theresa or Paloma. He glanced back in Sloan’s direction to make sure she was still there and she was but now she was joined by hi mother of all people. He suddenly began to think coming here tonight was an awful idea. Paloma kept looking at this man wondering who he was. Without warning her mind wandered to a time when she was very young.

^^^^^^^^ Flashback ^^^^^^^^

Paloma was at the park by her house. She was being pushed on the swing. She was giggling because every time she swung back the person pushing her was tickling her. Her long hair was in pigtails and they flew in the wind. She felt so special. This was her special alone time with her big brother. Theresa was nowhere in sight. She kept screaming higher, higher and she soared into the sky. It was beginning to get dark now so he slowed the swing to let her off. Paloma began to cry into his shoulder. He promised her they would come again soon. She pulled her head back and looked into his green eyes. The honesty in those eyes told her he would never break a promise.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Those eyes, they were the same as her eyes. She felt like an oddball in her own family without him. He was the only one left with her same auburn hair, emerald eyes, and fairer skin. And those eyes she remembered were the same ones staring at her now.

"Antonio?" she questioned hoping that this wasn’t just the foolish optimism of a young girl.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Ivy prepared her guest for her cameo at the reception. Ivy had arranged for a make up artist and clothing designer to be present to make her guest look stunning. The process was now complete and news had just reached Ivy that Sheridan and Luis had arrived. It was time to giver Sheridan her first present of the evening.

"Are you ready?" Ivy asked.

"As I’ll ever be. I haven’t been dolled up like this in years. I forgot how much of a hassle it is"

"Do you wish to leave?" Ivy gave her one last out.

"Oh no. I want to see Sheridan again. I have missed her dearly"

"Then let’s go"

Together they stopped at the top of the steps. Ivy clapped her hands together drawing all the attention to herself. She cleared her throat and began her announcement.

""Excuse me everyone. I am sorry to interrupt but I would like to present Sheridan and Luis with their first gift of the evening. I’m sorry Luis but this token is mostly for Sheridan. Sheridan, as soon as you asked me to arrange this affair I knew I had to invite a special someone here to share in your very special occasion. So without further ado may I present to you, your grandmother Eloise Barrett"

Ivy and Eloise descended the stairs together, arm in arm. Sheridan just stared. Her eyes were as big as saucers. She hadn’t seen her grandmother since before her mother died, way before in fact. For some reason her mother and grandmother were fighting and Sheridan was never allowed to visit her. She never really understood why. But now her grandmother was walking back into her life. Maybe her grandmother could shed some light on the mystery surrounding her mother’s murder.

"I was wrong Spot" Sheridan turned to Luis. "Tonight isn’t going to be just interesting, it’s going to be unforgettable"

Chapter 22:

Derek mulled around the ballroom. Nothing was catching his interest. He was more than bored. Lise Olivia was busy with some of her friends so he was left to fend for himself. At the moment all eyes were on his mother and great grandmother. He had never met his great grandmother before and had rarely heard anyone talk of her. She disappeared from the Crane Radar before he was even born. He found a corner and sat. He hoped the introduction would be of some entertainment value. He wished he had brought a book or even one of Lise’s fashion magazines would do at the moment. The scene before him was quickly losing its attention and was now in search of something new. And indeed he did find something. In another corner behind some potted trees he saw a girl bent over. He went over to tease her a little but eventually he would help her. He patted her back as she emptied the contents of her stomach into one of the pots.

"Drunk already beautiful? Isn’t it a tad bit early for that?" Derek laughed.

"I’m not drunk" Theresa protested and then another round came.

"Then what would you call it? Just a bit tipsy?"

"I’m pregnant you idiot" she angrily corrected.

Theresa finally felt well enough to stand up and she turned to see the man that had seen her in her time of misery. If she didn’t still feel queasy she would have been embarrassed. But at this point she didn’t really care. She looked up and immediately recognized him. It was her white knight. She suddenly felt sick again.

"It’s you!" she gasped.

"What are you doing here?" Derek pulled her into a hug.

"My brother is the one the party is for. Well and his new wife of coarse"

"His wife is my aunt"

"Small world" Theresa giggled.

"How have you been?" Derek was finding it hard to contain his excitement. This was the girl that made his heart feel as if it was going to pound out of his chest.

"I’ve been better" Theresa pointed to the plant.

"Right" Derek chuckled. "Wait did you say you were pregnant?"

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sloan sat at the bar sipping her Martini in peace. So far all her snooty supposed friends had kept their distance. She was thankful for that. She didn’t want her last minutes to be spent with fake people. She should have been scared after what she had done but she wasn’t. She actually felt at peace with herself.

Pilar looked across the room looking for someone to engage in conversation with. So far as soon as people found out she was a Littleton from a hole in the wall town, they shut off or walked away. They made her feel inferior. She walked to the bar for a glass of water. The woman sitting next to her looked lost, lost within herself. It was a look that scared Pilar.

"Hello" Pilar said warmly.

"Hello" Sloan replied. "Are you enjoying yourself?" she continued.

"Not so much" Pilar replied honestly.

"I’m sorry to hear that. May I ask why?" the hostess in Sloan kicked in.

"To tell you the truth, the people here are incredibly rude"

"Yes most of them are" Sloan agreed.

"I’m glad I’m not the only one who thinks so"

"Oh no. Most people here are egotistical, arrogant bastards"

"You don’t belong here then" Pilar hoped to get this woman to open up to her. She feared for this woman for some reason.

"Thank you, I agree. But unfortunately I am stuck here…for now" she mumbled the for now.

"Why are you stuck? You are free to do as you wish with your life. You are an adult" Pilar pointed out.

"Why am I stuck? Let me introduce myself, Sloan Jocelyn Upton … CRANE"

"You’re a Crane? I wasn’t aware Ethan was married"

"I’m not Ethan’s wife. I am Alistair’s. Please don’t choke on your water. Yes I realize how much older his is than I am. And I am stuck because Crane’s don’t get divorces"

"My dear child you have to do something that will make you happy" Pilar patted her shoulder.

"I already have" was all she responded. The drugs would take effect soon. She hoped this was nice woman wasn’t the one who had to deal with her.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Theresa looked at Derek with wide eyes. Before she knew whom she was talking to she admitted she was pregnant. Now how was she supposed to tell him he was the father? But there was no way she was going to let him believe she was a slut either. She wanted him to love her not loathe her. Derek waited fro her to answer but couldn’t help but let his mind wander. He thought back to the night he spent with Theresa. She had said that he was her first but maybe she lied. Maybe she played him for a fool. How was he to know if she was experienced or not? It was his first time so he had no basis for comparison. Maybe she slept with him knowing she was pregnant hoping to pass the child off as a Crane. His imagination was conjuring up many possibilities.

"Yes I am pregnant" Theresa finally said. "And yes it’s yours"

"Are you sure?" he had to ask.

"Yes I’m sure. What is your name anyway? Seeing as since we didn’t think we would see each other again we didn’t bother with formalities last time"

"Derek, Derek Crane. And yours?"

"Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald. And before you ask how I can be so sure, I have to tell you that you were the first and only person I have been with"

"But it was only once" Derek protested.

"That’s all it took. It’s not like we used any protection" she reminded.

"I can’t have a child. My father and grandfather with kill me and then disown me" Derek whined.

"I’m sorry to burden you but this wasn’t in my plans either" she started to get angry.

"You have to give up this baby" he pleaded.

"I am going to do nothing of the sort! I am going to keep this baby and raise it the best I can with or without your help. I didn’t tell you to extract money from you. I just thought you had a right to know"

"I’m sorry but I can’t help you or the baby. I can NOT tarnish the Crane image" he explained.

"Fine!" Theresa screamed causing a few looks to come their way.

Theresa practically ran to the other side of the room. She wanted to get as far away from Derek as possible. She went to find comfort in her mother’s arms. Derek just watched her leave. He didn’t even attempt to stop her. His heart broke watching her go but as a Crane man he had responsibilities to uphold. Even though he didn’t agree with having Luis killed, he also knew they would get away with it. He never wanted to be on their bad side, so he let her go.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sheridan rushed into her grandmother’s arms. She glanced over at Ivy and gave her a tear filled smile. She never expected to see her only living grandparent tonight. She was elated to see someone from her mother’s side of the family.

"Nana! I’ve missed you!" Sheridan kissed the older woman’s cheek and returned to giving her a monstrous hug.

"My darling Sheridan. It’s been too long. I hear you are a big wig in Washington now"

"Not quite Nana. I’m a FBI agent not the President" She waved Luis over. "Nana this is my husband, Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald"

"It’s nice to meet you Luis" Eloise extended her hand.

"The pleasure is all mine" he brought her hand to his lips.

"He is quite the charmer my dear" Eloise remarked.

"That he is. Now be gone with you Spot. I want some time to talk with Nana alone" Sheridan knew he wanted to go investigate his brother’s sudden reappearance.

"Thanks Luce. It was nice to meet you Mrs. Barrett. I’ll be sure to talk with you later"

Luis left to search for his brother whom he last saw with his sister Paloma. Sheridan and Eloise moved from the center of attention to a table at the side of the room. Sheridan figured she could circulate through the other guests later to find information on her mother. Eloise wasn’t in town during the murder so Sheridan was hoping to clear up the reason her grandmother was missing from her life for so long not clues on her mother’s death. Sheridan positioned herself so she could keep Luis in her site. She was also scanning the crowd for anyone that looked to be a hired hit man. Her first priority was keeping Luis alive. Then she could try and get some evidence on her mother’s murder. With the recent revelation that her father hired someone to kill her husband she was willing to bet he had something to do with Katherine’s murder. She wasn’t buying that Sloan did it anymore even though that is what she remembered seeing.

"I’m so happy you’re here Nana. I was beginning to think you fell off the face of the earth. I tried looking in your FBI file but the file for Eloise Barrett ends in 1977"

"It is said that you can’t disappear but if you try hard enough it is possible"

"Where did you go?" Sheridan inquired.

"I had a cabin built in the New England woods" Eloise explained.

"But there would have been records"

"Not if there weren’t any bills. I did everything very discreetly and I already owned the land"

"You are a very smart woman" Sheridan complimented. "But why was this nessecary? Did you commit a crime?"

"Heavens no child. I simply wanted to fade from society"

"Weren’t you lonely?" Sheridan asked sadly.

"I had plenty of company, I assure you"

"Didn’t you wish to see your family? Julian, me, Mother’s sister Marilyn? Or even your great grandchildren?"

"As I hear you haven’t you haven’t been around much either. Don’t you wish to see them?"

"Touché. How do you know all these things?"

"As you said my dear, I am a smart woman"

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Luis left Sheridan and her grandmother and went straight for the spot he last saw Antonio with Paloma. He had mixed feelings about seeing his older brother again. On one hand he was excited to see him again but on the other he was suspicious he was crawling back into their lives now. Now that they were tied into the Crane billions. Antonio left when things were falling apart and now that everything was back into place he decided to show up. Something wasn’t right in this equation. Luis found Antonio right where he last saw him. Only now Paloma was looking at Antonio like she just put together the puzzle. Luis could tell she was about to cry. Luis stepped in between Antonio and Paloma.

"Paloma go find Mama" Luis ordered.

"Luis is this Antonio?" Paloma asked.

"Yes Loms, it’s me" Antonio answered.

Paloma rushed past Luis and into Antonio’s arms. She hadn’t realized how much she missed him until this exact moment. Growing up she wasn’t sure if she really remembered him. She hugged him with all her might, determined not to let him go. Antonio returned her hug and smoother her hair against her back. She was so small he wondered how tough they had it when he left. He could feel she was strong though so it couldn’t be as bad as he thought.

"Go as Luis said and go find Mama" Antonio reminded.

"Promise me you aren’t going to disappear again" Paloma pleaded.

"I’m not going away again. I’m back. I promise"

Paloma did as Antonio told her and bounced off to find her mother and tell her the good news. Luis remained with Antonio but his kind demeanor that he fronted when Paloma was there faded quickly. He was angry with Antonio for leaving even after all these years.

"What are you doing here?" Luis asked coldly.

"I came to say congratulations. I’ve seen Sheridan, she is very beautiful"

"Yes she is beautiful, thank you. But I don’t buy your explanation. Why are you really here?"

"I can’t just come see my little brother?"

"After all these years? I don’t think so. You might as well tell me your motive. I’ll figure it out soon enough anyway"

Antonio took a long look at Luis. He was obviously very intuitive. He would definitely put two and two together sooner or later. The decision was whether or not to make it easy or hard for Luis.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sheridan looked across the table at her Nana with a puzzled expression. She wasn’t comprehending how her grandmother could know so much about her and she knew so little about her Nana.

"Ivy and I have been in contact, only through letters, since I retired from our social circle" Eloise explained.

"But if she sent them to your address…"

"They were sent to the post office in town. I drove in to pick them up"

"Why did you abandon me? I understand that you and mother had a disagreement but when she died why didn’t you come back?"

"By that time I wasn’t sure if you’d remember me. I didn’t want to complicate your life anymore than it had become. Besides Alistair wouldn’t have let me near you"

"Because Mother had an affair?"

"You know about that?"

"Yes"

"Your mother didn’t turn out to be the woman I raised her to be" Eloise admitted.

"Is that what you fought about?"

"Among other things"

"Please tell me. I need to know" Sheridan pleaded.

"This isn’t the time or the place. This is your celebration. Enjoy yourself. Go find that young husband of yours"

"I want to catch up with you. Spot will understand"

"Spot? Never mind I don’t want to know. But I am not going anywhere my dear. I will be staying with Ivy and the children for the week"

"Great Nana! We are aren’t leaving for awhile either"

"So we have plenty of time. Go mingle" Eloise urged.

"Only if you do the same" Sheridan insisted.

"I plan to find my great grandchildren and dig into their lives"

"Have fun!"

Sheridan kissed her Nana on the cheek before going in search of her husband. She knew Nana was holding back on something, she could sense it. She didn’t have the faintest idea as to what right now. But there would be time for that later.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Luis started tapping his foot as he impatiently waited for Antonio to answer him. He seriously doubted he was going to get a straight answer. He could see the shiftiness in Antonio’s eyes. Luis felt horrible because right now he didn’t trust his own brother anymore than he would Al Capone. He wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt but at the moment that wasn’t possible. He wished Ali was around. She had this uncanny way of reading people with complete accuracy within a few seconds of meeting them.

"Well?" Luis finally had enough waiting. "Why are you here?"

"The truth?"

"That would be nice" Luis scoffed.

"I’m here because my girlfriend is" he admitted leaving out a big chink of the story.

"Not because you had a strong desire to see Mama or the rest of us?"

"It was an added bonus but no it wasn’t my main reason for showing up tonight"

"At least you’re honest. At least Mama and Papa taught you something"

"I learned all my morals and values from Mama. What I learned from Papa is not even in the same class"

"What are you talking about Antonio?"

"Never mind" Antonio tried to close the subject.

"NO! You’re not squirming out of this one. Before Mama and the girls come running over here and hug you to senseless I want to know the truth. Why did you leave?"

"Luis, this isn’t the time or the place to hash into this. I will tell you everything but I don’t wish to dampen your spirits at your reception"

"You showed up" Luis said flatly. "My spirits are already dampened"

"Then you want another shocker?" Antonio decided enough was enough. If Luis was acting like a child so could he. "My girlfriend is your wives mother…"

Antonio was watching Sloan from across the room. He wanted to know exactly where she was so he could get to her when he was done here. But suddenly waiting for Luis to finish wasn’t an option. Sloan was sitting on a stool chatting with Theresa, Paloma and Pilar. She kept looking over at him obviously trying to conceal that she knew him. But then she started to wipe her eyes and then had a coughing fit. And then she fell to the floor.

"Sloan!!!" Antonio yelled as he ran to his love.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sloan and Pilar continued their chat. Both woman felt comfortable confiding in each other even though they had only known each other for such a short time. They were interrupted though by a young woman on the verge of tears. She ran straight into Pilar’s arms.

"It was awful Mama" Theresa cried.

"What’s wrong Theresita?" Pilar rubbed her back.

"I told him I was pregnant"

"Told who?"

"The father. He’s here" Theresa explained.

"What did he say?"

"He told me I should get rid of the baby"

"I’m sorry Theresa. I know you really liked him" Pilar consoled her.

"I did Mama but at least now I know and I don’t waste time daydreaming about a man that doesn’t exist"

"You’re very wise. I’m very proud of you"

"I’m sorry to interrupt" Sloan came into the conversation. "But I know most of the people here tonight. Who is it that treated you so badly?"

"That’s the worst part" Theresa explained. He’s Sheridan’s nephew. So it’s not like I won’t see him again"

"I’ll kill him. I thought he was better than that" Sloan exclaimed. "if you’ll excuse me" she stood up to go find that grandson of hers.

As Sloan looked around the room Pilar’s other daughter bounced up. Unlike Theresa who was surrounded by darkness, Paloma glowed. Paloma brushed past Theresa and Sloan and almost hopped into her mother’s lap.

"Mama!" Paloma exclaimed. "You’ll never guess who’s here"

"Who is here?" Pilar didn’t feel like playing any games.

"Antonio!" she shrieked.

"What?" Theresa turned her attention to her sister.

"Dios Mio, Paloma you must be mistaken" Pilar concluded.

"No Mama. Luis saw him too. It’s true" Paloma explained. "He’s right over there" she pointed to Luis and Antonio.

Pilar nearly fainted when she saw her eldest child. She hoped and prayed for this day since he left. They would now be a complete family again. Sloan almost fainted for another reason. The man the other girl pointed to wasn’t Antonio. He was Andy, her Andy. What was he doing here? She looked between him and Pilar and knew it was true. Andy had lied to her. He mind whirled and she began to worry Alistair might find out about their affair. The stress seemed to speed up the effect of the drugs. Because suddenly she didn’t feel so well and started to sway on her feet. She rubbed her eyes and began coughing non-stop. Her legs went numb and could no longer hold her. She felt herself falling to the floor. Her last conscious thought was that the love of her life, the one man she trusted, had lied to her about his identity.

Chapter 23:

Ethan stood in a daze. He looked at Willow and wondered what on Earth was happening. He knew she had been involved in some shady things before they were married but he never would have thought her business card would have red professional killer. This threw him for a loop. He thought she had given up this type of life to start fresh with him. What was she up to now?

"I’m sure you’re quite capable of performing your job Mrs. Nixon but aren’t you a little petite for this line of work?" Ethan asked.

"Looks can be deceiving" Willow answered.

"Tell me about it" Ethan scoffed.

"Enough of the formalities you two" Alistair interrupted.

"You are acting like an old married couple" Julian commented causing Willow and Ethan to shift nervously.

"You do remember the details of the plan, don’t you Willow?" Alistair asked.

"Yes sir. Julian will act like the drunken idiot he is and cause a scene. Then Ethan here will shoot the target. And if he goes yellow bellied, I step in and finish the job" Willow recited the details.

"I heard you were quite terrific at this. I’m glad Nico recommended you" Alistair commented.

"Yes Nico has always advertised well for me" Willow forced herself to blush.

"Well since you are both well informed about tonight Julian and I have business associates to mingle with"

"Please remember Ethan, you and Willow have work to be done, pleasure is for later my boy" Julian smirked.

"That was uncalled for father" Ethan shot back.

Alistair pulled Julian away looking for more stuffy old men to converse with. Willow and Ethan remained both with stone cold faces. Ethan was mad Willow had reverted back to her old ways. And Willow was still angry at him for not admitting to anyone that she was now his wife. They stood there giving each other icy glares. Causing a scene was no longer an option to avoid, it was going to happen.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Miguel walked around the party looking for someone his age to talk to. Anyone but his family that is. He was still angry of the attention his sister was receiving for being deviant. He was the captain of the varsity basketball team as a sophomore and he had a high GPA and yet he was hardly noticed behind his older twin sisters. He was thinking of acting out just so he would be noticed. He walked out onto the terrace even though it was a brisk night.

Lise Olivia tired of her friends and walked around intent on finding a cute guy to talk to. She figured warning Sheridan and Luis was all she could do for now. They wouldn’t want her in the way. She hadn’t seen Derek to get an update on the situation either so she planned on having fun. She found a young man who suited her fancy and set her sights. She watched him wander around for a couple of minutes and then saw him walk outside. She recognized her chance and decided to follow him. He was leaning on the railing looking over the New York City skyline when she joined him.

"What are you doing out here?" Lise Olivia questioned him. Her voice took him by surprise causing him to turn around.

"It’s boring in there" he replied.

"Just wait" she said under her breath.

"What"

"Nothing" she said quickly.

"Do you come to these things often?" Miguel asked.

"Occasionally" she downplayed her lifestyle.

"How do you do it?"

"I find someone interesting to talk to" she replied demurely.

"Am I interesting?"

"The jury’s still out"

"Well then let’s talk" Miguel was quite intrigued by this girl.

"It’s cold out here" she whined. "Let’s go somewhere else"

"And where would you suggest. I don’t want to go back to the ballroom"

"There is a sitting room down the hall" Lise Olivia suggested.

"And how do you know that?" Miguel questioned.

"This is my grandfather’s house"

Lise Olivia grabbed Miguel’s hand not giving him time to react to her last statement. He was cute and seemed nice so she was determined to at least have a nice night with him. You couldn’t have enough friends.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Ali and Ashley were taking turns dancing with Nixon. At the moment it was Ashley’s turn. Ali watched on as Nixon twirled his daughter around and around. Ashley was giggling and never looked happier. Ali was eating the site of the two of them up. The father and daughter looked so happy. Ali felt elated that they were letting her into their world. She was finally beginning to feel safe and loved. Her mother had loved her, Ali was sure of that, but her mother was powerless from keeping her step father and brothers from degrading her. But it toughened Ali up into the woman she had become. They couldn’t hurt her anymore. Nixon looked Ali’s way and noticed the pensive look upon her face. He and Ashley danced their way over to her. Then he scooped up Ashley into his arms, and grabbed Ali’s hand. He danced with his two favorite girls and all of their faces were adorned with smiles. After the dance Nixon set Ashley down and she ran off to join a group of children. Nixon asked Ali for another dance but she declined saying she would rather sit for awhile. They found a table at the edge of the dance floor and took a seat. A waiter passed by and Nixon took a glass of champagne off the tray for each of them.

"You looked a million miles away before" Nixon commented.

"I was just thinking" Ali responded to his statement.

"About what?" Nixon inquired.

"About… Luis. I was worried about what might happen to him tonight" she lied. She didn’t want Nixon to know she had her head in the clouds dreaming about their future.

"He’ll be fine Ali. He’s wearing a vest and has us watching out for him"

"I know but I am worried about Sheridan too. I’ve always heard she was always a tough cookie, never letting her emotions show. That’s not the Sheridan I know"

"She has a weakness now. She’ll learn to deal with it soon enough" he stated.

"You think love is a weakness?"

"Yes I do. Just look at Willow and me. When she left me I was heartbroken and when she was around I was blind to other things"

"What other things?"

"I do my job better without her. I always had this feeling she was cheating on me. So I kept an extra close eye on her and my professional responsibilities faltered"

"Then that was more about Willow’s personality than love" Ali tried to correct him.

"Not it was love. If I hadn’t been completely smitten by her it wouldn’t have happened. Love makes you blind to the truth, it is a weakness"

"You make it sound like some big burden. Like some inconvenience. But what about us, Nixon? Are you just stringing me along? I thought we had something more than just a fling but I guess I was wrong"

Ali got up from the table and walked through the middle of the dance floor. She went in search of her coat. She had no intention in sticking around him tonight. She left Nixon sitting in a daze. He couldn’t believe how stupid he was. She was already insecure enough about their relationship now he threw this in her face. He sat pondering how to fix the mess he had gotten himself into.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Miguel let himself be dragged by this Crane girl. He had, on his first impression, thought her to be nice, but now that he knew that she came from money it was a whole other ball game. All the kids at school who came from money were incredibly mean and spiteful. The rich boys on the basketball team were civil to him on the court because they wanted to win but off the court they refused to give him the time of day. He was glad to have his girlfriend Kay. They were two peas in a pod. Finally Miguel and Lise Olivia reached the sitting room.

"See isn’t this better?" Lise Olivia asked as she settled into a wicker chair.

"Much" Miguel replied in an unenthusiastic tone.

"What’s up with you? And what’s your name?" Lise Olivia wondered.

"Nothing and Miguel Lopez-Fitzgerald, Luis’s brother" he responded. "I think I should be getting back. I don’t want my mother to worry"

"He responsible of you. But I thought you didn’t want to go back to the ballroom. So I don’t believe that is the reason you wish to leave. By the way my name is Lise Olivia if you care to know"

"What kind of name is that?"

"We were talking just fine outside. What happened?" Lise Olivia asked ignoring his comment about her name.

"I found out you were a Crane"

"And that’s a bad thing?"

"Yes" Miguel said flatly.

"Why?" Lise Olivia demanded to know.

"Because anyone that comes from money isn’t worth talking to. They are deceitful and manipulative"

"What happened to innocent until proven guilty?"

"You don’t deserve it" he said coldly.

"What have I eve done to you?"

"Nothing"

"Exactly! So why are you treating me this way?"

"What is this, an inquisition? I don’t need to defend my actions"

"Whatever. You’re just a poor boy that doesn’t deserve to breathe the same air as I do"

"Now your true colors show" Miguel quickly commented.

"No that’s what you wanted to hear. That’s not me and you’d find that out if you gave me a chance. Hell I warned your brother that grandfather was going to but a hit on him. Would I do that if I was such a bad person?"

"There’s a hit ordered on my brother?" Miguel gasped.

"Yes and thanks to me all the agents here know about it. So he will be fine"

"Thank you" Miguel whispered.

"What? I couldn’t hear you" Lise Olivia wasn’t going to let him off the hook that easily. Especially after the way he had been acting.

"Thank you for protecting my brother and I’m sorry I was so quick to judge you" he said clearly.

"You’re welcome and thank you for giving me the benefit of the doubt"

"Until you prove otherwise" he couldn’t help but be skeptical.

"I should have known there was a catch" Lise Olivia rolled her eyes.

Miguel and Lise Olivia didn’t realize it but they fell into a conversation about their different lives. They talked about school, their friends, and Miguel even snuck in some sports. Sports didn’t interest Lise Olivia since to her sweating was a bad word, but she let him talk about his basketball team for a while. They talked for an hour without even realizing the commotion that was happening outside the room.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Nixon didn’t think he could be so stupid. He just shoved it in Ali’s face that love was a weakness and made people vulnerable. What she didn’t hear was that although he might not welcome the feelings he couldn’t stop them either. She wasn’t the only one who had intimacy issues. He looked around for Willow but couldn’t find her so he went over to Ashley and took her away from her new friends. She didn’t want to go and stomped her feet a couple of times but eventually gave in when Nixon explained Ali needed them. Ashley liked Ali. She didn’t want to see her hurting. They didn’t need their coats because they didn’t have to leave like Nixon expected. They found Ali sitting on the steps of the foyer. Her head was in her hands and servants were buzzing around her making sure she was all right. Nixon asked one of them to watch Ashley for a moment while he talked to Ali. They brought Ashley into the kitchen for a snack while Nixon walked over to Ali and tried to sit next to her.

"Get away from me" Ali snarled.

"Ali, I’m sorry" he tried to apologize.

"Save it!" she screamed. "I can’t believe I let you get so close to me! You’re a man after all. You’re scum just like the rest of them!"

"Let me explain" Nixon pleaded.

"No! The only reason I am still here is because I promised Sheridan and Luis I would help them. You can fall off the face of the Earth for all I care!"

Again Ali got to her feet and stormed out of the room leaving Nixon in her wake. She headed back to party with the intention of finding the hit man and taking out her aggressions on him. Ashley was walking back from the kitchen and caught the tail end of the argument. She rushed over to her father but not to comfort him.

"Go say you’re sorry!" Ashley demanded.

"Ash, it’s not that simple" Nixon explained.

"Why?"

"Because I messed up bad darling" he confessed.

"Ali’s really mad huh?"

"More than mad. I don’t think she is going to talk to me anytime soon, if ever again"

"I’ll fix it for you daddy" Ashley announced happily.

Ashley took off down the hall and a surprised Nixon shook his head and then ran after her. All he needed was his seven-year-old daughter interfering in his love life. He was doing bad enough on his own.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Willow glared at Ethan. She was going to erupt and it wasn’t going to be pretty. Ethan wasn’t doing much better. He was sure he had smoke coming out of his ears.

"I can’t believe you" Ethan hissed. "I thought you were through with your illegal activities"

"Me?? What about you? Do you call this legal?" Willow shot back.

"No but…"

"But what? At least I am honest about our relationship"

"That’s not fair. Your parents are dead"

"Them being dead is fair??"

"You’re twisting my words around" Ethan argued.

"Am I?"

"Yes! Come on!"

Ethan grabbed Willow and led her by the elbow out of the ballroom. Ethan brought her to his bedroom he kept in his grandfather’s penthouse. He seated her on the bed and then pulled the desk chair to the bed so he could sit across from her. The fire in her eyes seemed to be more intense now. They prepared to really cut into each other neither knowing where their marriage would stand when it was finished. Not that they really had a clue where it stood now.

"We need to be out there" Willow got up.

"Sit down" Ethan ordered.

"I’m not going to be manhandled!"

"I didn’t touch you. But I will lock the door if you try and leave before we talk"

"You wouldn’t. Besides I have a gun and can shoot out the lock, remember"

"You’re impossible" he stated furiously.

"You’re not so wonderful yourself right now" she quipped. "What do you want to talk about?"

"Oh I don’t know" Ethan mocked. "How about how you were picked to be my assistant tonight?"

"Nico, the man I worked with in Ohio, is now in New York and found out I was living here too. I owe him some money and since I left without fulfilling my contract he cut me a deal. He told me if I did this one last job I’d never hear from him again"

"Why didn’t you tell me? I wouldn’t have given you the money" Ethan began to soften.

"I didn’t want you to bail me out. I can take care of myself" she rebuffed.

"And you’ve done a wonderful job so far. My God Wil, your daughter is here"

"Don’t you think I know that? After this I will never hear from Nico again. I can give Ashley a better life this way"

"You really think Nico is going to let you off the hook when you finish? He’s going to drag you along until you are no good to him anymore. Which will probably be when you’re dead! And I don’t want you dead" he finished softly.

"I don’t want to die. This isn’t some Kamikaze mission"

"Please, just leave Wil. Take Ashley and get out of here" he urged.

"You know I can’t do that" Willow insisted.

"Why Wil, why not?"

"Nico will hunt me down and kill me himself if I don’t complete the job" she explained.

"I’ll do it. I’ll kill Luis. Just get out of here. I don’t want my stepdaughter subjected to this"

"You’ll really do it?" she was skeptical.

"For you I’d kill the president"

"Ok, I’ll go get Ashley. Call me later"

Ethan just nodded in response. He agreed to end another human’s life all because he needed to protect his wife. He couldn’t help but feel a little guilty that he was going to hurt his aunt Sheridan. But he had to protect his own family now. His wife and stepdaughter had to come first. It was the way it was meant to be. God forgive him.

Chapter 24:

Antonio watched in horror as Sloan fell to the floor. She fell hard and there wasn’t anything he could do about it. He slid on his knees along the floor until he stopped next to her. He first instinct was to check and see if she was still breathing but he wasn’t sure. He then shouted across the room for Luis because he knew Luis would be trained to handle this sort of situation.

"Help her please" Antonio pleaded as Luis ran to his brother’s side. Sheridan soon followed and there was soon a crowd encircling Sloan. Pilar watched in horror with one daughter under each arm. Her eldest son just returned to her life and now she had to see him in pain. But what Pilar couldn’t figure out is why was he in so much pain over Mrs. Crane?

"Luis, does she have a pulse?" Sheridan asked as she joined him on the floor.

"Yes, but it’s weak and she isn’t breathing"

"Start CPR" Sheridan commanded and began to pump Sloan’s chest. Luis gave her mouth to mouth in intervals.

"You have to help her" Antonio was starting to break down. Losing Sloan to Alistair was bad enough, losing her for eternity was more than he could handle.

"Pilar, get Antonio out of here. He isn’t any good to us in this state" Sheridan instructed.

"No! I’m not leaving her!" Antonio protested.

"Don’t let Alistair see you like this" Luis pointed out. He might not be happy with his brother but he didn’t want him dead either.

"Come now Antonio" Pilar said sympathetically placing her hands on his shoulders. "We don’t want to cause even more of a scene"

"Theresa go with Mama. Paloma you stay here so you can relay messages on to Tony" Luis instructed his sisters.

"Yes Luis" Theresa obliged. Pilar took Antonio to find another room to try and calm him. Theresa followed close behind.

"Someone call 911" Sheridan ordered as her and Luis continued CPR.

"That won’t be necessary" Alistair remarked as he pushed his way through the crowd of people to his wife.

"Father she needs a doctor" Sheridan yelled.

"No" Alistair snapped his fingers and two burly men came through the crowd. "Take Mrs. Crane to her room" he instructed. The men shooed Sheridan and Luis away from Sloan. Then one of them picked her up and the other led the way to Sloan’s bedroom. Alistair clapped his hands loudly to hush the crowd.

"Please everyone continue to enjoy your evening. I assure you, Mrs. Crane will be fine. She is a diabetic and in need of some insulin. Her nurse will see to it that she is well" Alistair lied. Sighs of relief were heard from the crowd and they immediately dispersed. Sheridan marched with determination over to her father’s side. She stopped right in front of his face.

"I know Sloan isn’t diabetic" she challenged her father. "What’s going on?" she demanded an answer but doubted she would get one from her illusive father.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Ali stalked off heading straight back to the ballroom. She was determined not to let any man play her for a fool, but look what she just did. She walked right into Nixon’s trap. She was more furious with herself than she was with him. He just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. She made it to the ballroom without looking back. She was amazed with herself. Usually she let men play games with her head. They would led her on for weeks trying to entice her to sleep with them. And she always blindly let them play their game. But they all assumed she was playing hard to get and when they tired of her act they left her, every time hardening her heart a little more. If they had only known the truth. Maybe that’s what hurt most now. She had actually opened up to Nixon and still he wanted the same thing, her body. Sometimes she actually wished she had some disfiguring disease. She now had her proof that all men thought of was sex. And to Ali sex was dirty and used as a punishment. It was what her stepfather taught her when she was a teenager. She had never known it could be a beautiful thing if the participants were in love. And by the looks of it no one would show her the truth. Ali was broken from her reverie when she felt someone tugging on her arm. She shook her head and refocused her eyes.

"He’s sorry" Ashley insisted. "Please forgive him"

Ashley pleaded with Ali. The truth was her father’s reconciliation with Ali was her best prospect of having a real mother. Sure she was here with her birth mother but the first thing her mom did when they got there was pawn her off on her dad. Who knows where Willow was now. Her mom left when she was a baby never to been seen again, until now. That wasn’t enough for Ashley. She wanted a real mother, one who was there everyday.

"Ashley, go find your father. I have nothing to say to him" Ali said coldly.

"Please don’t be mad at him. He never tells me he loves me either but I know he does. He finds ways to show me though, even if he doesn’t say it" Ashley admitted.

A maid followed by Nixon came up to Ashley and Ali. The maid asked Ashley to join Lise Olivia in the parlor for milkshakes. Nixon insisted she go. Someone should be having fun. But Ashley refused, she wanted to help fix things.

"Ashley please I want to talk to Ali alone" Nixon asked.

"I’m not talking to you!" Ali rebuffed.

"Daddy?" Ashley tried to get his attention. Something was happening on the other side of the room.

"Eventually we are going to talk about this" Nixon insisted.

"Like hell we are" Ali retorted.

"Daddy" Ashley began tugging on his tux jacket.

"You are twisting things around Ali. You are so wrong about what you’re thinking"

"I don’t think I am" she said coldly.

"DADDY!" Ashley screamed and finally they looked at her. "Look" she pointed to the crowd around Sloan.

"Ashley go with the maid NOW" Nixon commanded.

Ashley knew better to argue with her father when he used that voice. She followed the maid out of the ballroom while Ali and Nixon were left alone. They had work to do. Hopefully they wouldn’t kill each other.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Lisa Olivia and Miguel sat in the sitting room enjoying being teenagers. This was much more of a relaxing atmosphere than the party would be. Lise Olivia had summoned a maid and ordered milkshakes. She also requested that the maid find Ashley Nixon and Paloma and ask them to join their party. At Miguel’s request she didn’t include Theresa. Ashley had come quickly but the maid returned informing them that Paloma was otherwise engaged at the moment. Miguel just shrugged it off. She had probably just found one of her gymnastics cronies. Miguel instantly took a liking to Ashley though. She was a bundle of energy.

"This is so much fun! Thank you Lise" Ashley took a gulp of her chocolate shake.

"Is it all right to just call you Lise?" Miguel asked catching Ashley’s informality. "Because no offence or anything but Lise Olivia is a mouth full"

"I guess it’s all right" Lise commented. "My father and grandfather are the ones who insist I use my full name. ‘Nicknames do not promote dignity’ they always say"

"Lise suits you better" Miguel smiled. "More down to earth like you are. Lise Olivia makes you seem snotty"

"And we wouldn’t want that now would we?" she teased. Realizing they were becoming self involved, Lise decided to open up the conversation to Ashley. "How are your father and Ali?"

"Not good" was her only answer. She went promptly back to her shake. But Lise was curious.

"Why not?" Lise prodded.

"Daddy is being dumb and Ali is mad" the seven year old had no concept of how interesting gossip was. Even Miguel was intrigued.

"Are they talking now?" Miguel asked.

"No" Ashley’s milkshake was her only concern.

"Kissing?" Lise asked still trying to draw out information.

"No. Something happened in the ballroom and they had to go to work"

Something happened? Miguel and Lise’s minds both jumped to Luis. Had something happened to him? Or had someone attempted to hurt him? Questions swirled through their heads and they had to depend on a first grader to answer them.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sheridan stood in front of her father just waiting for him to lie to her. She might not be home very often but she made it a point to peak at her family’s medical records to make sure they were all right. Even if she thought Sloan killed her mother she was still family. Not once had diabetes shown up on Sloan’s medical history. Alistair stood before his daughter furious she was still challenging him. Was she always to be a thorn in his side? Hopefully with the demise of her husband she will weaken and bend to Alistair’s desires.

"Well?" Sheridan asked.

"The truth is Sloan is pregnant. She has been overdoing it I’m afraid" Alistair tried to cover. "She just fainted"

"You are able to breathe, not to mention have a pulse, when you faint" she continued to call him on his lies.

"Sheridan this is none of your business" Alistair said angrily. "Go back to Washington"

Alistair stalked off determined to make it look like everything was all right. He found a cigar and a glass of brandy then proceeded to engage in conversation about a possible business merger. His normalcy was key to getting the other partygoers to relax. Sheridan meanwhile went to find Luis. Something definitely wasn’t right.

"Luis, Sloan’s in trouble" Sheridan announced.

"How do you know?"

"Instinct. My father is acting strange"

"Doesn’t he always?"

"More so than usual. We have to go find her" she insisted.

"We can’t just leave Luce. Your father will get suspicious"

"Paloma" Sheridan called and motioned for the girl to come closer. "Go find Antonio and tell him to find Sloan. It’s important that he find her as soon as possible. Her life depends on it"

Without a word Paloma ran off in search of her oldest brother. Sheridan and Luis remained at the party trying their best to act if nothing were wrong. This what they were trained for. Handling pressure situations were their forte. But never had the situations been so close to home. Who really killed Sheridan’s mother? What happened to Luis’s father? When was the hit man going to strike? And what was happening to Sloan? There was so much going through their heads. They weren’t sure how they were going to handle it all.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Lise and Miguel jumped out of their chairs and kneeled in front of Ashley. They frightened the young girl so much she nearly fell out of her chair. She spilled milkshake on her dress and frantically began to wipe it away. She didn’t want her mother mad at her for spoiling her dress. Miguel took her glass and Lise helped clean the spill and when that was settled the interrogation began.

"What happened in the ballroom?" Miguel fired first.

"I don’t know" Ashley answered scared at the way they were acting.

"Did something happen to Luis?" Lise asked trying to get a more precise answer.

"I don’t think so"

"But you don’t know" Miguel stood up in frustration.

"I saw him standing next to Sheridan. He looked fine" Ashley tried to please them.

They didn’t know what was going on in the ballroom but if Luis was alive it couldn’t be that bad. They took some cleansing breaths and then returned to their chairs. After the scare they sucked heartily on their cold treats. That was until Paloma came bursting into the room, scaring everyone again. This caused all three milkshakes to become airborne and fly across the room. Paloma was panting and visibly agitated. She saw that her mother, sister, and more importantly Antonio were not here and let out a growl of frustration.

"How many sitting rooms does this penthouse have?" Paloma griped.

"Four if you count the one on the veranda" Lisa stated indifferently. "One on the first floor and two up here on the second"

"Well thank you Miss Tour Guide" Paloma sniped. "Miguel have you seen Mama?"

"No why? What’s wrong Loms?" Miguel could tell something was definitely not right.

"No time to explain. Hey information queen" Paloma called to Lise. "Where is the other sitting room on this floor?"

"And why should I tell you?" Lise responded defensively.

"Because someone’s life depends on it" Paloma stated honestly.

Assuming it was Luis’s life that was in jeopardy Lise was quick to say, "I’ll show you"

Quickly all four of them left the first sitting room and Lise led them down some halls. They approached the other side of the penthouse before Lise pointed to a door informing Paloma that was the second sitting room. Paloma quickly rushed to the door and flung it open. The room was empty. She had now checked all of the sitting rooms and still she hadn’t found Antonio. How was she supposed to tell Antonio that Sloan was in danger if she couldn’t find him? She enlisted the help of the others, giving them the reader’s digest version of what was going on. Then she took Ashley’s hand and led her down one hall, opening every door on the way. Lisa and Miguel did the same thing in the opposite direction.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Ali wasn’t about to fight with Nixon when they had work to do. She scanned the room but her eyes seemed to stay glued to the spot around the bar.

"What do you think is going on over there?" She asked.

"I don’t know" Nixon looked on curiously. He watched as a woman was picked up and carried off.

"Let’s go take a look" Ali started off but Nixon grabbed her arm.

"Wait!" he ordered. "This could be some kind of diversion. We need to scan the room for hit men"

"Ok" Ali nodded.

Ali started to circle the room one way while Nixon went the other. They casually looked each person over, profiling them as they went. They met up at the opposite side of the room, neither seeing anything suspicious. Cautiously they walked over to Sheridan and Luis, making sure to keep and eye out for assailants.

"What’s going on?" Nixon asked. Both Sheridan and Luis looked grief stricken.

"Sloan fainted" Sheridan announced.

"Your stepmother slash ex-best friend slash woman you think murdered your mother?" Nixon clarified.

"The one and only. Although I’m not so sure about the murder part now" Sheridan admitted.

"What’s wrong with her?" Ali asked wondering why Sloan just fainted.

"Well my father announced to everyone that she was diabetic but then turned around and told me she was pregnant" Sheridan informed them.

"Sheridan doesn’t believe either scenario" Luis commented.

"So let’s go find her" Nixon suggestion.

"We already sent someone to. But we didn’t want to raise any suspicions by leaving our own party" said Luis.

"You don’t need Alistair anymore suspicious than he already is" Ali replied.

"Exactly" Sheridan commented.

"So what do we do now?" Ali asked.

"Enjoy the party" Sheridan responded unenthusiastically.

Sheridan knew it was going to be impossible to let loose and have fun. She was worried about Sloan. Luis was worried about Antonio. And there seemed to be a good amount of tension between Nixon and Ali. And the night was still young.

Chapter 25:

Derek helplessly walked around the ballroom. Never in his life had he acted so badly. He was ashamed of himself for the way he treated Theresa. And also for the way he acted towards his child. Had he actually expected her to give up the baby or worse have an abortion? It must be true what they say about evil running through Crane men’s veins. Right now he envied his sisters. The Crane women seemed to possess a heart. He seemed destine not to have one. He mindlessly tripped over chair after chair. He decided for his safety he better sit down before he fell flat on his face. He twirled a straw around in his fingers trying to figure out a way to salvage his soul. Eloise looked around the room for any of her great grandchildren. Ethan was no where to be seen, Lise Olivia seemed to be busy with some of her friends, Amanda wasn’t here, so that left Derek. She found him sitting at a table looking incredibly lost and alone. She walked over to him with two colas in hand. She sat down and pushed the cola across the table.

"What’s wrong darling?" Eloise asked. Derek eyed her curiously. He knew who she was but this was the first time talking to her. He was skeptical to share. She sensed his apprehensions. "You can talk to me Derek. You can trust me?"

"I don’t know that I can" he confessed. "I didn’t know you existed until today"

"You look like you need somebody to talk to. Why not me? I don’t know you so I won’t be quick to judge. Don’t bottle your troubles up"

"I guess you’re right" Derek admitted.

"What’s bothering you?" Eloise asked sincerely.

"Something’s awful happened" he sighed.

"What?"

"I’ve become a Crane" Derek buried his head in his hands.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Ethan waited in his room for a while after Willow left the room to gather his thoughts. He had to figure out how to get in the right mindset to kill someone. He decided he had to get mad at Luis, to make Luis out to be the bad guy. But his mind kept wandering back to the fact that how could he be such a bad guy if his aunt Sheridan had married him. Why was he having such a tough time with this? He was a Crane after all. He was destined to be evil. He was amazed how difficult it was to be bad. Finally he broke down and started going over the pros and cons in his head. Willow was the biggest pro. He was getting her off the hook. He would die for her. Killing for her couldn’t be that different. He gathered his gun, carefully placing it in the pocket of his tux. He then left his room in search of his father. He wanted to get the diversion started as soon as possible. Upon reentering the ballroom he found his father and his grandfather sharing cigars with other men from their circle. Ethan joined them just as the others we leaving. It was perfect timing.

"Hello Ethan, my boy, how are you holding up?" Julian asked.

"Just fine father" Ethan replied.

"Where is Willow" Alistair inquired.

"I didn’t know we were supposed to be joined at the hip?" Ethan retorted.

"Don’t be snide" Alistair scolded.

"Father are you ready?" Ethan asked ignoring his grandfather’s reprimand.

"A little trigger happy are we?" Julian commented drawing a laugh from Alistair.

"Something like that" Ethan glared at them. "Can we get this over with?"

"Sure thing my boy" Julian put out his cigar and stood up. He stretched and shook out his arms. "Are you staying for my performance father?"

"I have better things to waste my time on" Alistair make a move to leave but not before turning back. "Don’t screw up" he sternly warned them both.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Lise and Miguel raced down the hall. They each took a side and opened all the doors as they went along. So far they had found absolutely nothing. Not one single trace of Antonio. They reached the end of one hall and turned to go down another when they ran smack dab into a wall. Well that is what it felt like at least. It was actually one of the over muscled Crane guards blocking the hallway.

"I’m sorry kids, you can’t come down here" the guard informed them.

"I am Lise Olivia Crane and I can go anywhere I wish" Lise shouted.

"I’m sorry Miss, Alistair’s orders. No one is to go back and disturb Mrs. Crane"

"Sloan is back there?" Miguel gasped.

"Yes and she needs her rest. Now be off with you"

The guard pushed them back into the direction from wence they came. Unable to think of where else to look they headed back to find Paloma. Maybe she was having more luck. Paloma and Ashley ran as fast as they could opening doors and praying they would see Antonio on the other side. But it never happened. Soon they ran out of hallways and slumped in defeat. Ashley mentioned maybe Lise and Miguel found him and that gave Paloma a glimmer of hope back. They started off to find Lise and Miguel again when someone called out to them.

"Ashley! Wait!" Willow called as she hurried to catch up to them.

"Mom?" Ashley and Paloma stopped for her. "What are you doing here?"

"Looking for you" Willow panted as she caught her breath. "We are going home now"

"Do we have to go now? I am kind of in the middle of something"

"Ashley Nixon! No arguments. We’re going and we’re going now. Let’s go get our coats" Willow ordered.

"Yes mom. Bye Paloma, good luck" Ashley waved as her mother dragged her down the hall.

"Thanks for the help" Paloma called back.

Paloma hurried to find Lise and Miguel again. She prayed they had some good news for her. Because things were looking worse by the second.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Eloise was confused about Derek’s statement. He had been born a Crane. What did he mean that he had just become one? She looked him over curiously. He didn’t seem to be offering any more information. She was going to have to pull it out of him.

"Derek, what do you mean you’ve become a Crane?"

"Never mind. I shouldn’t have said anything"

He couldn’t believe he even thought of telling his great grandmother that he had gotten a girl pregnant. Where was his brain? If he told her the rest of his family would know in seconds. That was the last thing he needed.

"You can trust me darling. I won’t tell anyone I promise. Whatever you tell me will stay between us. I am very good at keeping secrets" Eloise tried to break down his wall.

"I don’t know" Derek murmured.

"If you can’t trust your great grandmother who can you trust?"

She made a good point. She had to be approaching 100 and probably had one foot in the grave. What harm could there be telling her. She would more than likely be dead before she could tell anyone else anyway.

"You really want to know?" Derek gave her one last chance to back out.

"Yes. I would like to help you"

"Ok. The truth is I just found out I am going to be a father"

"Excuse me?"

Eloise choked on her cola. What was the world coming to? Her seventeen-year-old great grandchild was about to have a baby? He was just a baby himself. How was he going to cope with the pressures of being a father? How was he going to cope with Alistair and Julian’s reaction? He was in for big time trouble.

"Yep. I guess I just ruined your sweet little image of me, didn’t I?" Derek spun his straw around in his glass.

"I just met you Derek. I didn’t have an image of you yet. Although I am slowly beginning to piece one together"

"Well here’s another piece for you. I asked her to get an abortion. Need anymore?"

"Don’t take that tone with me!" Eloise scolded.

"I’m sorry. I don’t normally act like this. I am just frustrated" Derek admitted.

"And scared?"

"Very"

Derek slammed his head on the table. He hadn’t realized it until now how scared he actually was. What was he going to do? Theresa said she could take care of the baby herself but could he live his life with the guilt? He never dreamed he would become a father this early in life but he could he just turn his back on the innocent baby he helped create? No! He was a man now and he was going to act like one. He wasn’t going to be some scared little boy. If he had to stand up to his father and grandfather so be it. He was going to take responsibility. He needed to find Theresa.

"Excuse me great grandmother, I need to go find someone"

"I thought you might" Eloise smiled.

"Thank you for the talk"

Derek waved as he started off. He went in search of the girl who took his breath away. He planned on begging for her forgiveness. But even if she didn’t forgive him he vowed to be part of his child’s life. He was going to be a better father than his ever was. It was his new goal, he was going to be the worlds greatest dad. Ok maybe the second greatest.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Lise and Miguel continued back to the spot where they had started. There waiting for them was Paloma, but Ashley was nowhere in sight. Paloma didn’t look happy either.

"What’s going on? Where’s Ashley?" Lise asked as soon as she was in speaking distance.

"Her mom came and got her. Did you find Antonio?" Paloma asked.

"No, and I take it you didn’t either" Miguel let out a frustrated sigh.

"What now?" Lise asked.

"Wait!" Paloma gasped. "Didn’t you say something about a veranda?"

"Yes but do you really think they went outside?" Lise questioned.

"We have to check" Paloma insisted.

"Lead the way Lise" Miguel commented and they were on the run again.

They ran down the hall yet another time, still in search of Antonio. They reached the veranda doors and flung them open. Outside they found what they were looking for. Antonio was sitting with Pilar and Theresa. Relieved and exhausted, all three dropped to their knees to catch their breaths.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Antonio insisted that he needed some air, so instead of going to one of the sitting rooms they went out to the veranda. There was an elegant set of patio furniture so they sat. Theresa began to shiver and instantly Antonio draped his jacket over her. But not before he retrieved his cigarettes and matches. He opened the pack, pulled out a white stick, and lit it up, hoping it would bring him a little comfort.

"Antonio, you shouldn’t smoke" Pilar said always concerned with the well being of her children.

"I need something to calm my nerves mama. And at least this is legal" Antonio rebuffed.

"Antonio?" Theresa asked softly.

"Yes Resa?" he answered.

"How do you know Mrs. Crane?" she asked the question her mother wouldn’t dare to.

"It’s complicated" he sighed.

"But you love her. I can see it in your eyes" Theresa commented.

"Yes, yes I am" he admitted.

"How do my children get themselves into such messes?" Pilar exhaled. "May God have mercy on us" she prayed.

Antonio looked at the grief in his mother’s eyes and wished he could take it away. He wanted to take away her anguish but he couldn’t help that he loved a married woman. He wondered who else was in trouble. It couldn’t be the perfect Luis, or the equally as perfect Paloma. So it had to be either Miguel or Theresa. By the look on Theresa’s face he could tell his mother’s prayers were also for her. He was about to ask what she did when the door burst open. Miguel, Paloma, and one of the Crane children Amanda or Lisa something came crashing through the door.

"Antonio!" all three screamed at once.

"What’s going on?" Antonio jumped from his chair.

"Sloan!" again they all spoke together.

"What about Sloan?" he questioned.

"She’s in trouble" Paloma started.

"You have to find her" Miguel added.

"Her life depends on it" Lise Olivia finished.

That was all Antonio needed to hear. If Sloan was in trouble he was going to save her no matter what. He bolted from the veranda and began his search. He heard the other’s yelling directions and warnings to him but he was already long gone.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Willow hurried Ashley into her coat. She wanted to get Ashley out of here as soon as possible. She didn’t want her daughter to be subjected to cold blooded murder if she could help it. Now that she had the chance to get out of here she was going to take it. Willow struggled with Ashley who obviously didn’t want to leave. She had never seen a child so pokey in her life. She was obviously hoping her dad would pass by and save her.

"Ashley please hurry!" Willow said very annoyed with her.

"I’m coming" Ashley shuffled her feet while Willow kept pulling her along.

They had finally made it down the elevator and were now exiting the building. They were walking down the front steps when Willow let out a string of curses. She realized she had left her purse in the penthouse. Rather than take the slow poke of the century back up with her she instructed Ashley to wait right here on the steps. Ashley did as she was told and sat at the edge of the step so she wouldn’t be in the way. It was kind of cold so she pulled her coat tightly around her. She whistled while she waited. She had nothing better to do. She was whistling twinkle, twinkle, little star when the hand came from behind her and closed over her mouth. She tried to scream but the hand stayed firmly clutched to her. And then everything went black.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Antonio rushed down the halls searching for some sign of Sloan. Never once during their affair had he been in the penthouse before. He had no idea where to look. He cruised the halls calling her name but not expecting an answer. He continued his search until he had the unfortunate luck of running into none other than Alistair Crane.

"Excuse me!" Alistair roared. "Who are you and what do you want with my wife?"

"I’m Luis’s brother and he and Sheridan asked me to check on her" Antonio lied.

"Go tell them she is fine" Alistair said coldly.

"I’d like to see her for myself" Antonio insisted.

"Like hell you will. Sloan is resting"

"LET ME SEE HER" Antonio demanded.

"NO!" Alistair boomed. "Now be off with you"

"Sloan!" Antonio called trying to move past Alistair. "Sloan, where are you?"

"Guards!" Alistair called out.

Instantly three guards came rushing out. They grabbed Antonio and started to push him away from Alistair. Antonio struggled to get free but they were too strong. Who was going to help Sloan if he were thrown out? He tried one last time to get away but he was unsuccessful. Before he knew it the guards had him on the elevator. He was on his way out of the penthouse and now Sloan didn’t have anyone to save her. Things were looking grim.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Ethan followed Julian to the bar and ordered two drinks for them. He made sure Julian’s was a tall but then quickly drank half. They needed Julian to act drunk not actually be drunk. Ethan on the other hand needed a little relaxer.

"Are you ready to see your father at his finest?" Julian patted Ethan’s back.

"Oh yes" Ethan rolled his eyes. "I’m going to go find my spot" Ethan moved away from Julian and went to find a spot where he wouldn’t look conspicuous.

Julian looked around the room and located the prefect spot to perform his escapade. Finally ready for action he jumped up on the table and cleared his throat.

"Ex-huse me ebberyone" Julian slurred attracting all the attention to him. "I have an announcerment to make" he paused for dramatic effect. "I now have the courage to tell you that I Crane Julian, I mean Julian Crane, am a closet tap dancer"

Laughs filled the room as Julian began tapping his right foot slowly. As more and more people looked on his tapping, well stomping, sped up. Julian had never taken a tap class and was making things up as he went along. He looked like a drunk monkey on the table pounding his feet furiously. Julian hoped Ethan would hurry. He wasn’t a young man anymore. Although his stamina in bed was impeccable this was a little more excursion than he was used to.

Ethan spotted Luis and had a clean shot at him. Luis, Sheridan, and the other FBI agents seemed to be as amused by Julian’s antics as everyone else was. Ethan positioned the gun under his tuxedo jacket and took aim. Luis wasn’t going to know what hit him.

"I love you Willow" Ethan squeezed the trigger and open fired.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Feeling better that they found Antonio; Lise, Miguel and Paloma were headed back to the sitting room that they occupied earlier. They were looking forward to a little down time. They slowly walked back in no hurry anymore.

"So do you think there will be anymore excitement tonight?" Miguel asked.

"I sure hope not" Lise laughed.

"I think we’ve had our share tonight" Paloma commented.

"How long are you guys going to be in New York?" Lise asked.

"Until Sunday" Miguel answered.

"I have a gymnastics meet tomorrow" Paloma added and checked her watch. "I need to be in bed soon"

"I’ll take you back soon Loma. I think Mama will be here for awhile" Miguel told her.

"Thank you" said Paloma.

"Do you guys want something to eat?" Lise asked hoping to keep her new friends here a little longer.

"Why not? I could use a little nourishment" Paloma responded.

But they wouldn’t get the chance to fill their tummies because as they approached the sitting room door the roar of gunshots sounded. They all jumped and the girls let out small screams of surprise.

"LUIS!" Lise and Miguel screamed in horror.

Miguel and Lise knew exactly what just happened, but Paloma was a little confused. When they took off running to the ballroom she had no choice but to follow. It was off to the races yet again.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Theresa was left with her mother when everyone else left the veranda. She didn’t feel up to her gospels so she told her mother she was going to take a walk around the penthouse. She’d come back to the ballroom when her head was cleared. Theresa walked around the halls aimlessly for a while but soon tired. She thought about going back to the veranda but the chilly night air wasn’t appealing. With lack of anywhere better to go she decided to go back to the ballroom. She stood a top the staircase Ivy used to introduce Eloise on earlier and took in the view. What caught her attention first was Mr. Crane tap dancing on the table. She started to giggle but then let her eyes wander. She saw Luis and Sheridan and waved but they didn’t see her. Then in the corner she saw Derek’s older brother. She found herself staring at him. He looked so much like Derek. How she wished Derek wasn’t a jerk. She watched Ethan in a daze not really paying attention until she thought she saw him shift something metal in his hand. And then she saw it clearly for a second. Ethan had a gun and it was aimed at Luis. She had to warn him. Quickly Theresa began to descend the stairs. Then BANG the gun sounded. Theresa was so shocked she lost her footing on the stairs. She tumbled to the floor below, the impact rendered her unconscious.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sheridan, Luis, Ali and Nixon stood around not knowing what to do next. They were all worried about Sloan. That and all the other problems they were having right now didn’t help.

"Why don’t we dance?" Sheridan suggested until Ali shot her a dirty look. "Or maybe not. What’s going on?"

"Nothing" Ali replied flippantly.

"Why don’t I believe you?" Sheridan asked.

"Long story" Nixon stated.

They stood again in silence. Not knowing what to say. All were under more emotion stress than most people had to endure in a lifetime. And the night wasn’t about to get better. Although everyone deserved a little break from the trauma. Sheridan was the first to Julian jump on the table.

"Oh this is going to be good" Sheridan commented.

"What?" Nixon asked.

"My brother is drunk"

"I take it this isn’t a first" Luis laughed.

"No. At the last Christmas party I attended he sang the 12 days of prostitutes for us. Five golden condoms" Sheridan sang causing them all to laugh.

"Ah, the next holiday classic" Luis suggested.

"What’s he doing now?" Nixon asked.

"It looks like he decided to do the chicken dance for us now" Ali giggled.

"Where’s the camera when you need it? I could so use this for blackmail" Sheridan stated.

Their laughter wasn’t long lived though. Out of no where shots rang out. There wasn’t anytime to react. Before they knew it, Sheridan, Luis and Ali were in a pile on the floor. Blood seeped onto the floor and there wasn’t anyway to tell whom it was coming from. Nixon was the lone stander and was forced to ignore his bleeding friends and search for the gunman but he didn’t even know which way the shots came from.

Chapter 26:

Lise Olivia, Miguel, and Paloma ran in the direction of the gunshots. Paloma kept asking what was going on as they ran but each time she asked they just seemed to pick up speed and run faster. They reached the top of the decorative staircase that had been used earlier to introduce Eloise. They leaned over the railing at the top glancing over the dance floor. Most of the woman were pressed against the floor by a man trying to protect them. Everyone seemed to be trying to crawl their way out of the ballroom. Everyone except Luis, Sheridan, and Ali. They lay in a pile at the middle of the floor. The presence of blood could be seen even from high a top the stairs.

"God no!" Lise cried. "They did it!"

"Let’s get down to them" Miguel grabbed her hand. She nodded, agreeing to try and help.

Paloma had already started down the steps before Miguel had started to drag the trembling Lise along. Paloma almost lost her balance because her feet were moving so fast and she couldn’t peal her eyes from Luis. She decided to watch where she was going and looked down the stairs. She let out a blood-curdling scream when she saw her twin sister lying in a heap at the bottom of the stairs. There was a trickle of blood coming from Theresa’s mouth and she wasn’t moving. Paloma rushed down and kneeled at Theresa’s side.

"Oh god Theresa" Paloma picked out Theresa’s wrist and checked for a pulse. "Oh thank God" she exclaimed when she indeed found one.

"Not Theresa too" Miguel said on the verge of losing it. His family seemed to be shrinking in front of his eyes. Lise felt sorry for them but couldn’t take her eyes from Sheridan and Luis.

"She has a pulse" Paloma told Miguel meekly. "But I don’t think she is breathing"

"We have to do CPR" Miguel insisted.

"I don’t know how!" Paloma cried.

"Damn! I don’t either" Miguel looked to Lise for help. "Lise? Lise!"

"She’s in shock Miguel. Even if she does know CPR she won’t be of help to us" Paloma informed him.

"We need to get her help" Miguel suddenly felt guilty for being mad at her because she was getting more attention than he was because she was pregnant. "Oh god the baby!"

Derek was out in the halls searching for Theresa when he heard all the commotion start. He fought the crowd streaming out of the ballroom trying to get back in to see what was happening. Everyone seemed to be scared and trembling. They couldn’t seem to get out of there fast enough. He couldn’t get in the main entrance so he decided to try one of the servant’s entrances. He found the door and was pleased that no one was coming out of it. He opened the door and the first thing he saw was Theresa on the floor with her brother and sister crouched besides her. Derek quickly ran to her.

"What’s wrong with her?" Derek asked as he joined the group.

"I think she fell down the stairs" Miguel answered. "She isn’t breathing. Do you know CPR?"

"Yes of coarse" Derek answered. It was a must for every yachter. "Lise, come help me" he instructed his little sister but she didn’t move. "What the hell is wrong with you Lise? Come help me!"

"Don’t yell at her" Paloma chastised. "She is in shock. Tell me what to do. I’ll help"

"Did she see her fall?" Derek propped Theresa’s head, pinched her nose, and gave her a breath.

"No, she’s worried about them" Miguel answered as he pointed to Luis, Sheridan, and Ali.

"Oh shit! They actually did it. They actually fuckin did it!" Derek exclaimed before giving Theresa another breath. "Get Lise out of here!"

"Ok" Miguel agreed.

"NO!" Lise protested finally speaking. "I need to check on them" she left the group and started to move towards the bodies.

"Go with her!" Derek ordered Miguel. "I’ll stay here and take care of Theresa"

Miguel didn’t question how Derek knew his sister’s name. He just did as he was instructed. He caught up to Lise and walked with her to investigate the three who lay in a heap on the floor.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Nixon hated leaving his friends and his love behind but if the killer, no he is just a shooter, was still out there he needed to protect all the innocent people. It was how he had been trained although every inch of his body was screaming to check on the well fair of the other agents. He moved in the direction from which there weren’t any guests in. It was possible that the shooter stood there because he would be unnoticed. The spot of the room was empty but he did find something to confirm his suspicions. Lying on the floor were six shell casings. The shooter was standing here when he took what could be fatal shots.

Ethan chastised himself as he returned to the ballroom. He had been in such a hurry to get out of the picture that he forgot to clean up after himself. His grandfather would castrate him if he knew that Ethan forget to retrieve the casings before he fled the scene. Now he had to go back and risk getting caught. He was greeted with two very suspicious eyes when he walked back into the room.

"Um… is it safe in here?" Ethan asked nervously. He tried to use fear to mask his guilt.

"Probably not Mr. Crane. What are you doing back here?" Nixon knew that Alistair and Julian were the ones who ordered the hit but did the eldest Crane grandchild have anything to do with it?

"I came to find my mother. I’m scared she might be hurt. Have you seen her?" Ethan was surprised how easily the lies were falling from his mouth.

"No. You better get out of here before the shooter comes back. The shooter was probably trying to take out members of your family" Nixon wasn’t sure if he believed Ethan’s excuse but he didn’t get the feeling Ethan had anything to do with this massacre. He was probably sent by the elders to scope out the situation.

"Of coarse" Ethan agreed to leave. "Was anyone hurt or worse killed?"

"It’s too soon to tell" Nixon lied, he knew full well someone was hurt. But that was the question he had been waiting for. Now he was certain that Ethan was sent to spy on the situation. He was trying to scout out if the mission was successful. Nixon wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction of knowing the truth.

"Please inform us when information becomes available" Ethan pushed.

"Of coarse Mr. Crane"

Ethan moved to leave rather quickly. Nixon’s glare was making him uneasy. He couldn’t get out of there fast enough. His grandfather would just have to deal with his little screw up. Ethan bumped into a table trying to get away. The impact forced the metal to come from his pocket. His little screw up was about to grow exponentially.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Lise and Miguel walked over to Sheridan, Luis, and Ali as they got closer they moved more slowly. They inched over to them, taking a deep breath before looking down at their feet. They kneeled down before the bodies saying a prayer and hoped God was listening.

"I can’t tell who’s bleeding" Lise sad sadly.

"We’re going to have to separate them" Miguel told her.

"Couldn’t that injure them worse?" she questioned.

"How else are we going to check Sheridan? She is on the bottom and do you see any paramedics coming?" Miguel snapped at her. "I’m sorry"

"It’s ok" Lise knew this was just as tough on Miguel as it was on her. "Let’s move Ali first"

Miguel carefully placed his hands under Ali’s shoulders while Lise gabbed her feet. They counted to three and then cautiously moved her to the left. They gently placed her back on the ground. They were ever so careful not to make her injuries worse. They knew full well that they wouldn’t be able to lift Luis as they did Ali so they had to roll him off of Sheridan. Luckily it only took one turn before the two were separated.

"Now what?" Lise asked hoping Miguel had all the answers.

"I don’t know, check for pulses?" he suggested.

Lise checked Sheridan while Miguel checked Luis. They were both happy to report that they had pulses and could tell that they were breathing. They both then moved to Ali.

"I don’t think I feel a pulse" Lise repositioned her hand on Ali’s wrist.

"I can’t … wait! There. I feel one, but it is really faint. We really could use some paramedics here"

"Miguel? Who was shot? I see blood on all of them"

"I do too. And now there is fresh blood where we moved the bodies. I think they were all shot Lise" Miguel concluded.

Miguel and Lise sat at the feet of the injured and looked on with deep sadness in their eyes. They didn’t know what to do next. They knew they should try and stop the bleeding but they didn’t know how to accomplish that task. They were only teenagers after all. They had no experience in the medical field. They watched helplessly at them all breathing praying that each breath wasn’t their last.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Derek continued to give Theresa mouth to mouth until she regained the ability to breathe on her own. He guessed that the fall had knocked the wind out of her completely because she seemed to be breathing fine now. He now sat with her head in his lap gently gliding his hand down the length of her hair. Paloma sat by her side, holding her hand, and eyeing Derek curiously. He seemed very attached to Theresa.

"How do you know her?" Paloma questioned, unable to bare the silence any longer.

"I…I…" Derek fumbled with his words. How was he going to explain this?

"You’re the rich boy from the party aren’t you? You’re the babies father" Paloma gasped.

"Do you think the baby is ok?" he asked not denying her claim.

"I don’t know. I just hope Theresa is ok. I hope the baby is fine but I don’t know what I would do without Theresa. She is my twin sister. We tell each other everything"

"Everything?" Derek wondered how much Theresa had shared with Paloma about the night their baby was conceived.

Paloma didn’t get to answer his question though because Theresa started to groan. She seemed to be coming to. Derek rubbed her cheeks and asked her to please come back he had something important to tell her. Slowly but surely she seemed to be coming back to the land of the living. He started to open her eyes and unconsciously reached for her head. It ached with a persistent pain. Theresa began to blink and focus her eyes while she tried to piece together what just happened in her mind. And suddenly she remembered, the sound of the gunshots still ringing in her ears.

"Luis!" Theresa moaned.

"Shhh" Paloma coaxed her. "You need to rest"

"But…" Theresa tried to talk but was yet again interrupted.

"Listen to Paloma. You have to rest for out baby" Derek insisted kindly.

"Derek?" Theresa asked. She hadn’t noticed that Derek was holding her until now. She was still very disoriented. "Oh god Derek!" she exclaimed remembering what she saw his brother do.

"Calm down Theresa, please" he pleaded.

"I saw…" she started to float in and out of consciousness again. "I saw the killer. I saw him shoot Luis"

As quickly as she had come back she left again. She drifted back into her unconscious state. Derek and Paloma looked at each other with wide eyes. Did Theresa actually see who caused all of this? Or was this just the ramblings of a delusional girl. The mind was capable of playing tricks after a head injury. But if it was true and she had seen the shooter then she was the key to solving the mystery.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Ethan quickly placed his hand over his pocket, stopping the gun from tumbling free. He pushed the exposed part of the gun slyly back into its hiding place. He hoped to God that agent had already turned to find his next suspect. Nixon had been looking elsewhere when Ethan rammed into the table but the sound of the collision caused him to whirl around. He looked at Ethan curiously. He was now sure that Ethan was now involved in some way. He couldn’t mask the look of guilt on his face at the moment if he tried. Nixon watched as Ethan jammed his hands into his pockets and with his head hung low walked back into the hallway. The kid was definitely up to something. Nixon to continued to search for clues but what he found next was something he hadn’t expected. Under a nearby table lay a little girl, whimpering and trembling.

"Come here sweetie" Nixon beckoned her.

"No! I want my mommy" she wailed.

"I’ll help you find your mommy" Nixon promised.

"No, you’re just like the monster. Go AWAY" she screamed.

"Did you see the man with the gun sweetie?" he asked, hoping the answer was no for her sake, hoping the answer was yes for his. She didn’t answer just curled into a tight ball and began to sob. He knew from her reaction she had seen the man. And he guessed that the man looked like him because she refused to get anywhere near him. "What’s your name sweetie?"

"MOMMY!" she screamed. "Just like the monster, just like the monster" she mumbled.

"Honey, I am a cop" well sort of, he didn’t feel like explaining exactly what a FBI agent was at the moment. "I will help you find your mommy"

"No! Go away! You’re a bad man!"

The little girl clutched the table leg. She was not going to go with Nixon without a fight. But he had to take her. She was the only known witness at the moment. He reached under the table and took her small body in his arms. She began kicking wildly trying to get him away. She had a feisty spirit for such a little girl. And her voice, although in screams, was endearing. She wasn’t American. If he had to guess she either British or Irish. He finally pried her from the table leg and held her to his chest. He tried to calm her but she wouldn’t stop crying. Now that he could see her he found a clue as to how to find her mother. She wasn’t wearing a gown or party dress. She was dressed in run of the mill play clothes. He concluded her mother probably worked here at the penthouse. He would check with the first maid he saw. He needed to find the girls mother. The little girl was in for some intense interrogations since she was the only one to see the shooter. Not to mention she was going to be in need of therapy. The little girl in his arms made him think of Ashley. Suddenly he began to panic. Where was his little girl?

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Ethan ran into the hallway as fast as his feet could take him. He couldn’t get away from the FBI agent fast enough. If his gun had fallen out of his pocket he would have been caught for sure. In the hallway he found Julian waiting for him. He almost ran his father over he was trying to get away so fast. Julian just laughed at his son’s nervousness. The first kill was always the hardest and the most nerve wrecking.

"Where’s the fire son?" Julian stopped Ethan.

"I hate this!" Ethan exclaimed.

"But you did it. I am very proud of you and so will your grandfather"

"Great" Ethan said meekly.

"Did you see my performance? Everyone was enthralled" Julian gloated.

"Yeah they didn’t know what hit them" Ethan replied as depression started sinking in.

"Any problems?" Julian questioned.

"Well, I forgot to get the casings and when I went back to get them one of the FBI agents already had them"

"A minimal problem. They will never find the gun" Julian waved it off.

"Did I hit anyone?"

"You didn’t stay to see your handy work?"

"No" Ethan couldn’t bare to see the blood he had drawn.

"Well my son, I am proud to say that you not only managed to hit Luis but also Sheridan and the other woman agent as well. Not bad for your first time. Your grandfather will be quite pleased" Julian bragged.

"Oh god I shot Sheridan?" Ethan slumped to the floor. "I killed my aunt!"

Charlotte had been working in the penthouse for a couple of weeks. And already this happened. The staff was all buzzing about the shooting that occurred in the ballroom. She was tucked safely away in the kitchen when it happened and so had her three-year-old daughter J.J. or so she thought. When she went to check on J.J. she wasn’t there. Her daughter had a tendency to wander off and explore. If one time her daughter had listened and stayed put she wished this were it. Charlotte was now combing the halls in a panic calling for J.J. Where was her baby?

"Oh God, please don’t let anything happen to Jetta Jewel. She is all I have left"

Charlotte prayed for the safety of her child. She and J.J. had just moved to America from England. They moved because Charlotte needed a change of scenery. She had been on a train with her husband, mother, father and J.J. when it crashed. She and J.J. were the only ones to survive from her family. She couldn’t bare to stay in England without her family. So she uprooted J.J. and moved to America to start a new life away from the memories. And now this. Charlotte stopped dead in her tracks when she heard to men talking in the hallway. They were the ones responsible for the killings. She covered her mouth to try and stifle her scream but she couldn’t.

"What was that?" Ethan asked.

"I don’t know" Julian hurried around the corner to find Charlotte shaking where she stood.

"Please" she pleaded as tears began to trickle down her face.

"I told you this gets easier" Julian called back to Ethan who still sat against the wall.

Julian pulled his gun from his waistline and pointed it at Charlotte. Unlike Ethan’s gun, his was equipped with a silencer. No one would hear these shots. Julian fired three times not caring who this woman was. He just knew she knew too much and needed to be silenced. He watched her fall to the floor and then went back to retrieve his son. He pulled Ethan from the floor and pushed him down the hall. They needed to find Alistair and now. Things were quickly getting out of hand.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Lise and Miguel still waited for paramedics. They both wondered if anyone had even called them. They watched as Luis began to groan. He was coming to. They rushed to his side and helped him sit up. He was a little disoriented but was slowly remembering what happened.

"Luis, where do you hurt?" Lise asked wondering if he was shot.

Luis thought about it. His mind was still a little cloudy. He focused hard and then realized that it was his left arm that was in pain. He reached over with his right hand and felt the warm sticky liquid coming from his upper arm. He took his hand from the wound and looked at his red fingers. He was still not sure what was going on.

"I was shot?" Luis concluded.

"Yes" Miguel affirmed.

"Oh God! Alistair actually tried it!" Luis exclaimed and suddenly everything clicked. "Was anyone else hurt?" Lise and Miguel moved their eyes behind them where both Sheridan and Ali lie. Luis looked past them and saw the others. "Sheridan!" he quickly crawled past them. "Not Ali too!" Luis never felt more scared than he did at this moment. He couldn’t lose his wife or one of his best friends. "Where is Nixon?"

"I don’t know" Miguel replied.

"Where the hell are the paramedics" Lise screamed in frustration.

"Miguel all 911" Luis ordered and handed Miguel his cell phone. "If they were already called it can’t hurt to call again" Luis eyed Lise, her dress was going to come in handy. "I’m going to have to rip your dress"

"Ok" Lise readily agreed. Anything to help.

Luis ripped a strip of cloth from Lise’s dress and instructed her on how to tie it on his arm. He had to stop his own bleeding if he wanted to help his wife and friend. Next they moved to Sheridan. Her dress had two spots where the blood was concentrated. He ripped her dress to expose her leg and found one gunshot there. Lise helped him tie some more fabric around her leg just as she had his arm. Luis ripped her dress a little more and found another wound in her lower abdomen. There was no way to tie this one off so Luis showed Lise how to put pressure on the wound. She held her small hands tightly against Sheridan. She wouldn’t let her aunt die. Luis then had to move on to Ali. Miguel finished his call and moved to help Luis with Ali. Like Sheridan, Ali appeared to be shot twice. Luis ripped her dress to find one shot in her shoulder and the other dangerously close to her heart. He instructed Miguel to keep pressure on her shoulder while he worked on the more serious wound. Finally the paramedics arrived. They came in with stretchers and loaded Sheridan and Ali each on one. They tried to get Luis on one too but he refused when her heard the call from the side of the room for help. The paramedics loaded up Theresa too and hurried the women down to the ambulance. Luis wanted nothing more to go with Sheridan, but he had to find Nixon first and find out what was going on. Lise, Miguel, Paloma, and Derek retreated to the steps all unable to speak. They were exhausted and didn’t know what to say to each other. They had never seen such a tragedy. Luis saw Nixon in another corner of the room struggling to keep a child in his arms. Luis rushed over to him.

"What’s going on?" Luis asked.

"She saw the shooter" Nixon explained the child in his arms. The girl saw Luis and immediately reached for him.

"Not like the monster!" she exclaimed. Luis reached out his good arm and accepted the little lady.

"I guess I look too much like the shooter" Nixon explained. "How are Sheridan and Ali?" Nixon asked as he watched them wheel them out the door.

"It’s not good" Luis wasn’t going to sugar coat anything. "Ali was shot near the heart"

"No! And she thinks I don’t love her" Nixon was close to his breaking point. "Have you seen Ashley or Willow?"

"No" Luis answered regretfully. "I’m sure they got out of here fine though"

"The cops are here" Nixon said as the stream of cops flooded in.

"Good. Then we can get out of here. They can investigate. I want to get to my wife" Luis started towards the door.

"What about her?" Nixon pointed to the girl who was clutching onto Luis.

"We’ll leave her with the kids" Luis pointed to the stairs. "They’ll take good care of her and help her find her mother"

Luis and Nixon brought the child to the teens on the staircase. They told them to help her find her mother but they were to keep her from the local cops. The girl had been through enough for the night. She didn’t need NYPD grilling her. They agreed to look after her and finally Luis and Nixon were able to leave for the hospital. They had to show their FBI credentials to get out of the lobby because the police were corralling the guests, questioning everyone. They caught a cab and went to check on the conditions of their loved ones.

Chapter 27:

Luis sat by Sheridan’s hospital bed. He felt so guilty looking at her. He should be the one who was hurt not her. Those bullets were all meant for him and yet she was the one clinging on to life by a thread. She looked so helpless and frail with all the tubes and machines hooked to her. She looked nothing like the woman he fell in love with. His Sheridan was strong, feisty, and tough. This Sheridan was drained of color and looked weak and feeble. Luis was surrounded by a thick cloud of guilt. He did this to her. He should have insisted that they not go to the party. His pity party was interrupted though when Sheridan softly began to moan. She seemed to be coming out of her comatose state. She began to lick her lips and rub her tongue over the roof of her mouth. She felt like she hadn’t taken a drink in years.

"Water" was the first word she moaned, even before she opened her eyes. Luis filled a cup and brought it to her mouth. She eagerly took a sip. "Thank you Luis"

"How did you…?" he asked in amazement. She hadn’t even seen him yet.

"I can feel you" she explained. "You give me strength"

"How do you feel?" he asked as he clutched her hand in his.

"Like I’ve been shot"

"Twice actually" Luis informed her sadly.

"Oh goody" she let out a small chuckle. "How bad is it?" she asked straight out. She wanted to know if she was going to die.

"The doctor hasn’t been back yet" he wished he had more answers for her.

"Am I going to die Spot?"

"Not if I have anything to say about it Luce" he bent down and kissed her hand. He wished she would open her eyes. He needed to tell her how sorry he was.

"Where was I shot?" Sheridan continued her quest for answers.

"In the left leg and in your lower abdomen. Also on the left" he at least could tell her that. "Can’t you feel your body?" he worried that she was paralyzed. She should be able to tell where it hurt.

"Oh yes, I feel it. It hurts all over. I just couldn’t isolate where. I’m not paralyzed Luis"

"Thank God" he loved the way she could read his mind. "I’ll love you no matter what happens though. You know that don’t you"

"I know" her eyes slowly began to flutter open. "I love you too"

"I’m so sorry" he began to cry when his eyes connected with hers. The guilt was too much for him.

"This was not your fault Spot. We never thought to take precautions with my safety. I was too worried about you to worry about me. I guess it never crossed my mind that they would shoot into a crowd of people" she reached up and caressed his cheek. "I’ll be ok. I love you"

"I love you so much. I don’t know what I would have done if I had lost you. I am never going to stop feeling guilty"

Their conversation was interrupted by the return of the doctor. His face was grim. This didn’t look hopeful. He grabbed a stool from the corner of the room and sat in front of Sheridan and Luis. He reviewed the chart once more and let out a sigh. He hated to be the deliver of bad news.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Nixon walked around Ali’s hospital room unsure what to do. He felt completed helpless. He wished he could magically heal her but more importantly he wished he had been the one that was shot. He wanted so badly to change places with her. She looked like a limp little rag doll. The tubes that protruded from her body made him ill. He wanted to rip them from her and have her return to her true form. The nurse came in to check her vitals and Nixon stared out the window unable to watch. Seeing the nurse tend to Ali made it all the more real. It didn’t allow him to imagine her jumping out of bed and into his arms. The nurse encouraged Nixon to hold Ali’s hand and talk to her. Even though she might not seem responsive the nurse was sure Ali would like to hear his voice. Nixon solemnly nodded and moved a chair closer to the bed. He took her hand in one of his and placed his other on top, making a sandwich out of their hands. He cleared his throat trying to think of something to say. He wasn’t one to express his feeling. Ali had gotten a taste of that earlier.

"Hi Ali" he rubbed his and over her. "You look like shit" he laughed. Ali didn’t have very high esteem and she hated to be called beautiful. He always followed her objections to being called beautiful by saying, "fine you look like shit" she would always giggle after he said that. Oh if only he could her sweet laugh right now.

"I know you’re probably still mad at me but you’ll have to wake up and tell me to leave. Until then you’re stuck with me"

"It’s good for her to hear you’re voice" a man’s voice came from behind him. Nixon turned to see Ali’s doctor.

"So I’ve heard"

"We managed to stop the bleeding but there was a lot of internal damage"

"What exactly are you trying to tell me doctor?" Nixon didn’t want a little song and dance. He wanted the truth.

"I’d be very surprised if Miss Doyle make it thought the night. But I have seen worse cases survive" the doctor wanted to give Nixon a little hope but it wasn’t really there to give.

"Thank you for the truth"

Nixon shook the doctor’s hand and then returned his attention to Ali. He again sandwiched her hand between his. He wouldn’t be able to forgive himself if she died not knowing how he truly felt about her. Even though he thought love was a weakness and promised never to surrender to it again if she opened her eyes he would be happy to wave the white flag.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Willow ran frantically threw the halls of the Crane Penthouse. When she returned to the stairs after retrieving her bag Ashley was gone. She looked everywhere but Ashley wasn’t to be found. She combed through the people that were gathered in the lobby from the party but she still came up empty handed. Now back in the penthouse she grew more and more worried. She never should have left her daughter alone. She was a terrible mother and now she was paying the ultimate price. One of the maids assured her that Luis and the blonde man did not leave with a child. So that eliminated the possibility of Ashley trying to stay with Nixon. She came across Ethan and Julian in a hall and wanted nothing more than to jump into her husband’s arms but that was not possible because of Julian’s presence.

"Ethan! Mr. Crane. Mission accomplished?" she asked trying not to spaz out in front of Mr. Crane.

"Yes" Julian answered. "Come on" he grabbed Willow’s elbow with his hand that wasn’t tugging along Ethan.

"But…" she tried to protest. She needed to find Ashley, but her attempt was in vain. Julian refused to listen.

Alistair sat in his library puffing on his freshly lit cigar. He wasn’t surprised when the trio barged into the room. He had been observing everything on his high tech security system. He pressed the button covering the monitors just before the three stooges entered.

"Well, well, well look what the rats dragged in" Alistair laughed producing a heavy cloud of smoke.

"Isn’t that supposed to be cat father?" Julian asked as he pushed both Ethan and Willow into a chair.

"Not in your cases. Cats are too good for the likes of you. You are the scum that would come in with a rat"

"Amusing, truly amusing" Julian laughed.

"Julian, today I am proud to call you my son. That was quite the show in the ball room and a very good decision in the hallway" Alistair congratulated him.

"Thank you" Julian bowed his head and then reached for a cigar.

"But as for you" Alistair looked directly at Willow. "I saw you escape before the job was finished. You were paid a heafty sum of money for this job. I expected you to carry it out"

"I… I…" Willow didn’t know what to say. She had been caught trying to flee. She wondered what her punishment would be. "Do you have Ashley?" she feared he took her daughter to make her see the error of her ways.

"Who is Ashley?" Alistair was actually clueless for once.

"My daughter. Did you take her to punish me?" Willow accused.

"I know nothing about your daughter. And you will never speak to me in that tone again or I will have your head. And you know I can have that arranged" Alistair threatened.

"I’m sorry but my daughter came with me tonight and now she has vanished" Willow explained.

"Perhaps her scum of a father came and took her" Julian suggested laughing.

"Her father happens to be one of the FBI agents here tonight" she shot at Julian.

"How ironic. You hired a hit woman and I’m guessing her EX husband is the police. I wonder why that marriage didn’t work" Julian continued to dig.

"Enough!" Alistair commanded. "I do not feel like dealing with you. I am just going to turn you over to Nico" he knew she would be worse off this way.

"No!" she cried.

Willow knew Nico would have a far worse punishment for her Alistair ever could. Nico would never let her out now and more than likely make his one dream come true. He would make her his. This would give him the advantage he needed to have complete control over her. She looked over to Ethan pleading for help but he seemed to be locked away in his own mind. The toll of the destruction he caused obviously very large. Everything seemed to be absolutely hopeless.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The teenagers sat on the steps not knowing what to do next. Miguel held J.J. bouncing her on his knee. He was trying to keep her happy. Lise had her head resting on her brother’s shoulder, hoping to gain strength from Derek. Paloma sat with her elbows on her knees, her head in her hands. Her thoughts were anywhere but where she wanted them to be. Her meet tomorrow was the furthest thing on her mind.

"We should probably find her mom" Paloma pointed to the little dark haired girl.

"I wonder what her name is?" Miguel looked down at her. Her beautiful blue eyes sparkled even after all she had been through today.

"Why don’t you ask her" Derek suggested.

"Can you tell us your name?" Miguel asked her but she shook her head no.

"Are you shy?" Lise asked.

"No I’m not" J.J. pouted.

"Then why won’t you tell us your name?" Derek questioned.

"You’re strangers!" she admitted. They all laughed a little. It felt good to laugh again.

"Would it help if we told you our names?" Lise asked and she received a solid head nod from the girl. "That’ Miguel holding you and his sister Paloma is there on the floor. This is my brother Derek" she patted Derek’s knee. "And I’m Lise Olivia" she finished.

"You have two names like me" the girl said excitedly. "My name’s Jetta Jewel"

"You have a very pretty name" Paloma told her.

"My mommy always tells me it is my name because I have Jet black hair and eyes as blue as a sapphire but I always ask then why isn’t my name Jetta Sapphire and mommy always laughs at me" she folded her arms across her chest. They all laughed too causing a scowl to come over her face.

"What do you say we go find your mommy" Miguel suggested bringing a smile back to her face.

"Yah!" she exclaimed. "Mommy works in the kitchen"

J.J. jumped off of Miguel’s lap and grabbed his hand leading him to her mother. The others followed along for support and lack of anything else to do. When they got to the kitchen, they found it to be a dead end. Jetta Jewel’s mother had left a while ago looking for her. She hadn’t been back since. They ten chose to wander the halls. J.J. called out for her mom while they walked but they weren’t having any luck here either. They turned a corner only to be greeted by a gruesome sight. Lise and Paloma screamed when they saw the woman’s body. It was much worse than anything else they witnessed today. There were shots in the head and chest and the colorless body indicated that there was no hope for reviving the woman. J.J. let go of Miguel’s hand and ran to the body screaming, ‘mommy!’ Derek and Miguel went running after her, trying to keep her from touching the body.

"We need to get out of here now!" Derek ordered knowing the police were going to come after all those screams. "We promised Luis we would keep her away from the cops" he explained.

"Let’s go!" Miguel shouted as he secured J.J. in his arms.

Derek grabbed one of each of the girl’s hands and followed Miguel down the hallway. They found their way back to the ballroom but decided that wasn’t the best place to keep J.J. since the police continued to mull about. Derek took the lead. He led them back through the halls. He figured his bedroom here would be the perfect place to relax and hide. But Derek grew annoyed when Lise stopped in her tracks.

"Come on Lise!" Derek yelled back at her.

"The guard is gone" Lise announced confusing everyone but Miguel.

"What?" Paloma asked.

"The guard protecting Sloan, he’s gone" she explained.

"Let’s check on her!" Miguel said knowing that Antonio could be with her, or they could check on her for him if he hadn’t reached her.

They all had an interest in checking on Sloan. She was Miguel and Paloma’s brother’s love and in a twisted way Lise and Derek’s grandmother. They hoped for all their sakes that Sloan had rebounded from her earlier episode.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Antonio hadn’t even tried to return to the penthouse. He knew it would be a feeble attempt. He was waiting in the lobby for his family when the stream of people started coming from the elevators. The cops showed up quickly containing everyone. He saw his mother come down in one of the load fulls and immediately made his way to her side.

"Mama?" Antonio got her attention and drew her to the side of the room away from the crowd. "What’s going on?"

"There were gin shots upstairs" Pilar’s hands trembled with fear and she was having trouble formulating her words. "Have you seen Miguel, Paloma, or Theresa? Dios Mio if any of them were hurt…" she began to sway and Antonio had to steady her.

"I’m sure they are fine. Luis is probably taking care of them"

"Luis! Have you seen him? All my poor babies are missing" Pilar began to cry. Her family was her life.

"I’m here Mama" he said solemnly. He was her baby too.

"Pilar Lopez-Fitzgerald please come to the lobby desk. If there is a Pilar Lopez-Fitzgerald in the crowd please come to the lobby desk" a speaker sounded.

Pilar instantly turned white as a ghost. What could they want her for except to deliver bad news. Antonio followed her closely as she moved through the sea of people. There were about ten police officers swarming the desk and their presence only made Pilar more nervous.

"I’m Pilar Lopez-Fitzgerald" she said weakly.

"Ma’am" one of the officers went to her side. "I’m sorry to inform you of this but one of your children has been hurt" Pilar clutched her hands over her heart. "As well as" he continued. "Your daughter-in-law"

"Dios Mio. Not Sheridan too. Which once of my babies was shot officer?"

"Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald was shot in the arm but he is perfectly fine. At this time Sheridan Lopez-Fitzgerald is still unconscious from gunshot wounds. And your daughter Theresa is also in critical condition after falling down a flight of stairs"

"The baby" Pilar gasped. Antonio rested his hands on his mother’s shoulders trying to comfort her in any way he could.

"We would like to take you to the hospital. We have a car waiting for you outside"

"And my other children?"

"Still in the residence ma’am"

"Can you bring them to the hospital?" her voice quivered. She was finding it increasingly difficult to be strong.

"Of coarse ma’am"

The officer cleared a path in which Pilar and Antonio followed. The officers tried to stop Antonio at first only to learn he was another of her sons. They let him pass but informed him he would be questioned at the hospital. He nodded and hen began to follow along again. It had been so long since he was able to be there for his family. It felt good to have that chance again. Pilar said nothing on the way to the hospital. She was even finding it difficult to find comfort in her eldest son. He had been gone for so long he felt more like a stranger than family. But she was glad someone was with her nonetheless.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Ashley tried to wiggle free but after she had almost gotten free of their hold lest time they decided to tie her up. It wasn’t like she would get far though. They were just sick of fighting her. They were in a van on the highway headed south. She was in the back of the van sitting on an old mattress, hands tied behind her. If she did manage to escape she would be greeted by the hundreds of other cars on the highway. There was no way she would survive the fall.

"How much do you think we’ll get for?" Ashley heard one man say.

"More than we have ever gotten before" the other said proudly.

"Mom will be happy for once" the first commented.

"She better be. We didn’t even mess up this time"

"Do you think she’ll let us go out and scrounge up some women?"

"Is that all you think about Trevor?"

"Shut up Trent! Just because you can’t get a woman in bed with you isn’t my fault" Trevor dug into his twin brother.

"Excuse me?" Ashley called from the back.

"What do you want?" Trevor shot back at her.

"I have to go to the bathroom" she told them.

"So go" Trevor said.

"Here?" she asked quietly.

"I’m not stopping the van" Trevor continued.

"We’ll be there soon. Try and hold it" Trent tried to be a little nicer. "You could be a little nicer, she is just a kid" Trent scolded.

"She isn’t a kid dumbass. She’s money" Trevor corrected his misguided brother. "And this one is the golden goose" he smiled.

"Yeah, I can’t believe how easy it was to get a Crane kid. She just fell into our laps"

"Her nanny was so stupid to leave her alone. Bet she lost her job" Trevor laughed.

Ashley didn’t quite get what was going on. She had been kidnapped yes but they thought she was a Crane? The nanny they talked about must be her mother. Boy were they misinformed.

"Excuse me?" Ashley said in her small voice again.

"What now?" Trevor griped.

"I’m not a Crane" she announced hoping with the new information they would let her go.

"What are you talking about?" Trent asked.

"My name is Ashley Nixon, not Crane" she clarified.

"Shit!" Trevor exclaimed. "Mom is going to kill us!"

Trevor and Trent had carried out many kidnappings for ransoms but in every case they had messed up something. Their mother was the brains of the operation but heredity hadn’t been favorable to them. They were just her lackeys, both bumbling idiots. Now they had to show up with this nobody. They would probably have to add her to the kids no one claimed. Their mother was not going to be happy, not happy at all.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Moving quickly down the hallway, the teens wanted to get to Sloan before the guard came back and caught them. They knocked on the door and before anyone had a chance to answer rushed inside. They closed the door before anyone knew it was open.

"Sloan?" Lise called softly. "Are you awake?"

They could see her silhouette on the bed but she wasn’t moving. They figured she was just sleeping it off. But Paloma wanted to wake her to make sure Sloan was ok since Luis had been so adamant about her telling Antonio to find Sloan.

"We have to wake her" Paloma moved towards the bed.

"She needs her rest" Derek grabbed her arm.

"Sheridan and Luis were worried about her. Obviously Antonio didn’t make it here to check on her so we have to" Paloma urged.

"Let her go" Lise insisted. "She’s right"

Derek hated to be handled by his little sister but Lise could put anyone in their place and it was useless arguing with her. She was always right. He let go of Paloma’s arm and she started towards Sloan again.

"Well?" Miguel asked. He was sitting on Sloan’s vanity bench trying to sooth J.J.’s sobs.

"How does she look?" Lise asked.

"I can’t see her" Paloma replied. "She’s completely covered in her blankets"

"Well go ahead. Wake her up" Derek encouraged.

"Sloan?" Paloma called softly. "I’m Antonio’s sister Paloma. I’m here with Lise and Derek. We came to make sure you were all right"

There was no answer though. They concluded that maybe the doctor had given her something to allow her to rest. But Paloma knew Antonio wouldn’t be satisfied unless she talked to Sloan. She pulled back at the covers to reveal Sloan’s blue face.

"I think she’s dead" Paloma announced.

"What do you mean you think she’s dead?" Derek asked as he moved towards the bed.

"Look at her. She’s all blue" Paloma pointed out. Derek reached in and felt her cold body.

"She’s freezing" Derek commented.

"How are we going to tell Antonio?" Paloma said sadly as tears began to moisten her eyes.

"We’ll talk about that later. Right now we need to get out of here" Derek insisted.

"We need to protect this little sprite" Miguel rubbed J.J.’s back.

They closed the door leaving Sloan’s dead body inside. She was the second person they had found dead tonight. They were beginning to think they had the touch of death. They got halfway down the hall when they were stopped by some patrolling police officers.

"Are you the Lopez-Fitzgerald children?" one officer asked.

"Yes" Miguel answered.

"We’ve been looking all over for you. Your mother wants you to join her at the hospital" another announced.

"Ok" Paloma started to follow the officers.

"You two need to stay with your family" they informed Lise and Derek. "Who’s that?" he pointed to J.J.

My daughter" Miguel replied without a second thought.

"Okay, then she can come" the officer said.

Miguel, Paloma and J.J. left Lise and Derek behind and were escorted to the hospital. Lise and Derek decided to make an anonymous call to the police about Sloan and then go to check on the rest of their family. They hadn’t seen their mother or great grandmother for a while. It would be nice to know they were all right.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Alistair was amused to see Willow’s reaction. She knew she was in for it now and there wasn’t anything she could do about it. Alistair relished in the fact that he was torturing her. He enjoyed ruining other people’s lives.

"Please do whatever you want with me just don’t tell Nico. Please" Willow begged.

"Although I enjoy watching you beg it will get you no where. I have made up my mind" Alistair laughed.

"No" Ethan said softly finally coming out of shock.

"What?" Alistair asked knowing his family would never dare go against him.

"I said no" Ethan repeated.

"What are you talking about Ethan? Don’t disagree with your grandfather" Julian scolded.

"I told Willow to leave" Ethan continued.

"Why would you do that?" Alistair asked in disbelief.

"I wanted to show you that I could handle things on my own" Ethan lied.

"It’s nice of you to try and cover for the trollop. She is pretty but I am still going to tell her boss" Alistair informed Ethan. He quickly saw through Ethan’s lies.

"DON’T CALL HER A TROLLOP!" Ethan stood up in a rage. He had heard enough.

"Ethan calm down" Willow warned.

"He won’t talk about you this way" Ethan replied.

Alistair watched the two interact with curious eyes. For people who just met earlier that night they were acting awfully chummy. He was beginning to wonder if their relationship was more than met the eye.

"How do you two know each other" Alistair asked interrupting them.

"You introduced us grandfather" Ethan again lied.

"Stop lying to me" Alistair yelled. "You’re not good at it"

"I’ll tell you if you promise not to tell Nico" Ethan offered.

"Do not try and cut a deal with me. Tell me or I will make your lives a living hell" Alistair boomed.

"Tell him the truth" Julian urged.

Ethan thought about the consequences to telling him the truth. Willow did not come from a suitable family, he was not going to be happy. Plus there was no big formal wedding that the press could attend for publicity. Ethan made them miss an opportunity to promote their human side. Not that he considered the Cranes human anymore, including himself. But then he thought the news might give Alistair a coronary. That thought was very appealing. A chance to gain freedom from Alistair was worth telling the truth no matter the consequences.

"The truth is I have met Willow before" Ethan admitted.

"How?" Julian asked. His curiosity was one of his biggest faults.

"She’s my wife" Ethan stated with a grin.

Ethan and Willow watched the color drain from both Alistair and Julian’s faces. He quite enjoyed catching them off guard. He wasn’t often given the chance. Willow wasn’t as amused. The more Alistair remained quiet the more she feared for her life. She could see the gears turning in Alistair’s head. She wouldn’t out it past him to pull out a gun and off her then and there. Her heart sped up as she awaited Alistair’s reaction.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Pilar paced nervously outside of Theresa’s room. The doctors were checking on her so Pilar and Antonio had to wait to see her. Pilar anxiously awaited any news. Antonio tried to distract her but it didn’t work. She had to know how her baby was.

"You may come in now" the doctor announced.

"How is she?" Pilar asked moving straight to the bedside.

"My name is Doctor Sterling" he shook both of their hands. "I’m afraid that Theresa suffered extensive head injuries caused by her fall"

"What does that mean?" Antonio asked hoping he had more answers.

"Theresa is in a coma" Dr. Sterling informed them.

"Is she brain dead?" Antonio continued to ask questions he knew his mother couldn’t.

"No. There is brain activity. But we won’t know the extent of her injuries until she wakes up"

"What are the chances she will wake up?" Antonio could hear his mother saying soft Spanish prayers.

"If she doesn’t wake up in the next 24 hours the chances are slim"

"Thank you doctor" Antonio again shook his hand.

Pilar looked at her daughter. She looked just like she was sleeping. Pilar moved the string of hair away from her face. Pilar thought she had the most angelic face. But she was reminded that her Theresita was no angel. She was pregnant at 16. Oh God! How was the baby?

"Dr. Sterling?" Pilar called out just before he left.

"Yes Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald?" he turned back to her.

"What about the baby"

"I’m sorry the child didn’t survive" he informed her regretfully. He then left leaving the family alone.

Pilar kissed her daughter’s forehead and promised her everything would be ok. Pilar prayed for her daughter’s heath and closed her eyes hugging Theresa’s hand. Antonio was a little confused. He had no idea Theresa had been pregnant. He wondered what happened during the years he had been living here in New York. Maybe they needed him to stay more than he thought.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The nurses continued to check on Ali but were unable to report any change. Nixon wished they could tell him there was even a small change for the better. But the nurses didn’t even talk anymore. They just shook their heads sadly and left the room. Nixon didn’t know how long he could stand looking at her lifeless body. He wondered if she was even trying to fight. Life had never been kind to her. Would she just give into death?

"Ali, you have to fight" he insisted. "The world needs your smiling face. I need your smile in my life. And Ashley adores you"

Nixon again wondered about the where abouts of his daughter. He had always known Willow to be a little flighty. He hoped she had learned a bit of responsibility. He shook off his worries about Ashley and returned his focus to Ali.

"I know you might believe you don’t matter to anyone but you’re wrong. So terribly wrong. Since Sheridan brought you into her unit I knew I was a goner. Please don’t leave me" Nixon pleaded.

Nixon couldn’t think of anything else to say. He all ready felt like a broken record. He didn’t think he was making any difference in her condition. There hadn’t been any improvement for hours. Then his suspicions were confirmed. A loud buzzing sound filtered thought the room. He could hear nurses yell code blue throughout the hallway. Doctors and nurses came rushing into the room pushing Nixon out of the way.

"Ali I love you! Please fight" Nixon called out as a nurse pushed him out of the room and closed the curtain. The sound of Ali flat lining echoed in his mind. He felt helpless as he waited for the doctors to bring her back to him. Ali couldn’t die now. It wasn’t her time. They hadn’t had their chance yet.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sheridan had a death grip on Luis’s hand. They didn’t know what to expect the doctor to say. They were both scared he would tell them she wasn’t going to survive. Luis didn’t know what he would do if those words fell from the doctor’s mouth. Sheridan had quickly become the center of his universe. He would be lost without her.

"What’s wrong with me?" Sheridan was on the verge of tears. When it was her life in the balance she was suddenly not so strong anymore. She hated the thought of leaving Luis.

"Please calm down Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald. You are going to live" he assured them.

"Then what’s the bad news?" Luis asked.

"I hate telling young couples this" he read over his chart one last time. "Sheridan, your uterus was severely damaged on the left side. We repaired the wall but…"

"I’m not going to be able to have children" Sheridan interrupted him.

"I’m sorry but no" he informed them. He offered them his regrets and left the couple alone.

Sheridan couldn’t speak. She never thought she would be a good mother but Luis had begun to warm her up to the idea. She knew Luis was going to be devastated by the news. And now she wasn’t going to be able to give him his dream of becoming a father. She felt like a failure, a complete and utter failure.

"Luis, I’m sorry" Sheridan apologized.

"Luce this wasn’t your fault. You didn’t ask to be shot" Luis consoled her.

"But I know how much you want a family"

"You say that like we can never have one now. There is always adoption" he was quick to point out.

"But they wouldn’t be a part of you"

"If we raise them they would be. And the doctor didn’t say anything about…" Luis fidgeted in his chair. A woman’s anatomy wasn’t his favorite subject.

"Spit it out spot" she couldn’t help but laugh at his obvious uncomfort.

"Well your right side wasn’t injured so you ovary on that side should be in tact. You just can’t carry a baby. What about a surrogate?" he suggested.

"I still have my eggs!" she said excitedly. She threw her arms around his neck. "I love OUCH!" she grimaced in pain.

"You love ouch huh?" Luis teased causing her to giggle. He loved to see her smile. "I love ouch too" he kissed her forehead. "Now close your eyes and get some rest" he ordered.

"I thought I was the boss spot" Sheridan yawned and closed her eyes.

"Not tonight Luis, not tonight"

Luis again kissed her forehead and got up to leave her room. He needed to check on his sister and Ali now that he knew Sheridan would recover. He also needed to call the police and see if they had any leads. He knew who ordered the hit but they needed they hit man to offer proof. They needed to cinch the noose around Alistair and Julian. He looked at Sheridan and left to check on the others but not before blowing her one last kiss. It floated from his mouth and landed softly on her cheek. Sheridan smiled in her sleep.

Chapter 28:

Alistair pondered the development that had just fallen into his lap. Ethan was married, and not to just anyone but the hit woman he hired. He was married to a hardened criminal. The more Alistair though about it the more he thought that Willow would fit right into their family. Of coarse they would have to lie and make her some obscure countries princess or something to make her credible. But having a professional killer at his disposal could work out quite nicely.

"Well, this is quite a shock" Alistair finally spoke.

"Yes it is" Julian agreed. "Ethan, have you lost your mind? There is nothing classy about this woman! She is a criminal, nothing more"

"Shut up father!" Ethan blew up. "She is my wife and you will not talk about her that way"

"Calm yourself Ethan" Alistair scolded. "But you do need to shut that huge opening in your head you call a mouth. I am happy for Ethan. I’m glad he finally decided to settle down"

"You ARE?" Willow and Ethan almost fell over from shock. What in the hell was going on?

"Don’t look so shocked. I was getting sick of covering up the tracks of your playboy ways" Alistair explained. "Willow is a fine choice"

Ethan didn’t know whether to believe his grandfather or not. His father was looking at his grandfather like he stepped off a space ship. But then again his grandfather had never done anything but train him to be a Crane. He wouldn’t start plotting against him now. Ethan was sure his grandfather loved him. Alistair was accepting his marriage with open arms. Suddenly Ethan felt silly for hiding it from everyone for so long.

Willow was a bit more skeptical though. She didn’t trust Alistair, not in the least. He was the world’s best con man. Hell he was ready to off his own daughter to save his hide. She wondered what he had in mind for the two of them. And she still wasn’t convinced that he didn’t have Ashley locked up somewhere.

"Grandfather, please help Willow" Ethan asked. "She just got Ashley back I would hate for her to lose the girl again"

"Now you say she was here at the party with you?" Alistair played along. He needed to get them to trust him.

"Yes" Willow jumped into the conversation. "We were about to leave when I realized I forgot my purse. So I came back up to get it and when I went back outside to get Ashley she was gone"

"Well let me just put in a couple calls to some of my PI s. Are you sure the child didn’t leave with her father?"

"No Nixon would have told me he had her" Willow concluded. "Someone took her" she glared at Alistair and it didn’t go unnoticed.

Alistair picked up the phone and made several calls. If Ashley was to be found he would have her within hours. He wasn’t happy that Willow wasn’t going to be as easy to convince of his acceptance as Ethan. He had big plans for them but first he needed their full cooperation.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Luis felt guilty for leaving Sheridan while she slept. He wanted to be there just in case she woke up but he needed to be a good friend and brother too. A lot had happened tonight and she wasn’t the only one that had been hurt. At least his family would have each other but Nixon was alone. Luis wanted to go see how his colleague was holding up. He could check on his family later. As Luis turned the corner he saw Nixon pacing the floor violently. This was not a promising site. He quickened his steps and stood in front of Nixon, blocking his path.

"What’s going on?" Luis asked knowing full well it wasn’t good.

"Well the good news is Ali pulled through surgery" Nixon tried to stop shaking but he failed miserably.

"And the bad news?"

"She flat lined about 15 minutes ago and they have been working on her ever since"

"No word from the nurses?"

"None. I can’t lose her Luis. I just can’t" Nixon rubbed his hands through his thick mane of hair.

"You’re not going to" Luis promised. "Ali is strong. She will pull through this"

"She isn’t Sheridan. You might think Ali is strong but she isn’t. She doesn’t think anyone cares about her but I DO. She refuses to believe that though"

"She knows that Nixon. Deep down she has to know that" Luis couldn’t finish his pep talk because a doctor finally immerged from Ali’s room.

"We have her stabilized" the doctor announced. "For now. But she is far from out of the woods yet"

"But she is alive?" Nixon needed reassurance.

"Yes. Her physical heath is helping. She has a very strong body" the doctor also informed them that they could go see Ali as soon as the room was cleaned up.

"See I told you" Luis smiled a little. He had to give Nixon as much hope as he could.

The room was back to its organized state and they were allowed to visit Ali one at a time. Nixon went first leaving Luis alone outside the room. Fortunately for him he wasn’t alone for long. Miguel came down the hall.

"Luis" Miguel said as he shifted the load in his arms. "I’m glad I found you"

"What are you doing here Miguel?"

"Paloma and I came to visit Theresa and bring you J.J." he handed Luis the sleeping bundle.

"You couldn’t find her mother?" he took J.J. into his arms.

"Well we found her but…" The dead body flashed into his mind and he shuttered.

"But what?"

"She was shot. We found her dead" Miguel confessed.

"Oh god! The poor girl. First she saw who shot at us and now this! It’s just not right"

"I know" Miguel said sadly. "I’m going to check on Resa now"

"I’ll be there soon" Luis promised.

Miguel walked back down the hall leaving Luis with J.J. He wished he had a bed to put her in. After the day she had the little tyke needed her rest. For now he set her in a chair. She looked so peaceful curled up in a little ball sucking her thumb. He felt guilty for having a hand in shattering the youth of this child. His reverie was interrupted by a loud beeping sound and an onslaught of doctor and nurses rushing into Ali’s room. Nixon came out of her room looking even more dejected than before.

"I’m a jinx" Nixon said as he slopped into a chair.

"She pulled through last time and she’ll pull through this time too" Luis tried to keep him hopeful. It got heard every time Ali flat lined though. Nixon didn’t respond. He was wrapped up in thought. He snapped out of it though when his cell phone rang out.

"Hello? … Oh hey Will … WHAT?!? You left her alone in New York CITY??? … Right you’re sorry. Sorry’s not going to cut it this time Willow .. Yeah … Call me" he clicked off his phone and looked blankly at Luis. "My life is falling apart before my eyes"

"What happened now?" Luis was afraid to ask.

"Ashley disappeared. Willow thinks some one took her" Nixon buried his head in his hands.

"They’ll find her" Luis assured him.

The doctor came out of Ali’s room again and stared at the two men. His look was grim. Good news might not come this time. In fact Luis knew the doctor was going to tell them something grave. They stood to face the doctor, and waited for him to inform them of Ali’s condition.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Pilar and Antonio sat inside Theresa’s room staring at her pale face. They were willing her to wake up but it wasn’t working. She remained stuck in her coma.

Paloma paced outside the room waiting for Miguel. He had gone to give Luis, J.J. She had said she was going right to Theresa’s room but she couldn’t bring herself to go inside. She couldn’t bare to see her twin sister in so much pain. She was waiting for Miguel hoping to draw some strength from him. Plus she couldn’t take facing Antonio knowing Sloan had died. She didn’t know how to tell him. She sighed gratefully when she saw Miguel making his way down the hall. When he got to her he reached out his hand and they entered the room together.

"Hi mama, Antonio" Miguel said for the both of them. He knew he had to be the strong one, Paloma was already near tears. Pilar rose from her chair and hugged them both. She kissed the top of their heads, happy to see them alive. "How is she?" he asked.

"Come" Pilar said pulling them from the room. "We shouldn’t discuss this in front of her"

They all left Theresa’s room and sat in the waiting room. Antonio got him and his mother a cup of coffee. When he got back to the group his mother had already told the others about Theresa and her having lost the baby. Paloma had tears falling from her cheeks and Miguel had his arms wrapped around her protectively. Antonio handed his mother the Styrofoam cup and sat with them.

"Antonio" Paloma said softly.

"Yeah Loma?" he answered.

"We have something to tell you" she continued.

"What is it?"

"Well before we left the mansion we went to see Sloan" Miguel started to explain.

"Did you see her? Is she ok?" he fired quickly.

"Yes we saw her" tears began to gush from Paloma’s eyes.

"Miguel?" Antonio looked to his brother to continue.

"We found her in bed. We all assumed she was asleep" Miguel paused unsure how to continue.

"She’s dead isn’t she?" Antonio concluded. Paloma nodded her head slowly as tears continued to stream down her cheeks. "I need to take a walk" Without another word Antonio rose from his chair.

"Should we go after him?" Miguel asked his mother.

"No, he needs to be alone. Plus I want you to take Paloma back to the hotel. She needs her rest before tomorrow" Pilar replied.

"I don’t think I’ll be able to perform Mama. Not with all that’s happened" Paloma announced.

"Hija, you must. You’ll just have to work herder to stay focused. If you want a chance for a scholarship you need to get your name out there" Pilar reminded her. "Now both of you go. I expect to see you in bed when I get there"

"Yes Mama" Miguel and Paloma chorused. They both kissed their mother’s cheek and left her to tend to their comatose sister.

Pilar went back into Theresa’s room and sat vigil at her bedside. Antonio soon returned with a tear stained face. Pilar knew not to push him to talk but allowed him to take comfort in her. He sat next to her and she clutched his hands in hers. He rested his head and wondered how he survived without his mother for so long.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Lise and Derek had sought out their mother. They were relieved to find her alive and well. Ivy was sitting at her vanity when her two youngest children came into the room. Lise and Derek both fell onto her luxurious bed in exhaustion.

"Oh my poor dears" Ivy exclaimed. "I’m so sorry you had to go through all of this"

"You don’t know the half of it" Derek grumbled.

"What are you talking about Derek? Sheridan is alright isn’t she?" Ivy asked.

"As far as we know she is alive, but no one has called." Derek told her.

"Than what is going on? What don’t I know?"

Luis and Derek went on to explain finding Sloan and one of the kitchen staff dead. They left out the part about J.J. remembering how secretive Luis had insisted them to be. Ivy was appalled by what she heard. She couldn’t believe how much trauma her little ones hat to encounter tonight. She wished she could have protected them form the whole ordeal. Ivy made a call to one of the security guards to take care of everything, if it hadn’t been already. She was ready to send them off to boarding school after what transpired tonight. Even though she vowed never to send her children away.

"I want both of you in bed now" Ivy announced. "It’s been a long day"

"I want to go to the hospital" Derek replied.

"I’m sure they will call and inform us of Sheridan’s condition" Ivy wasn’t going to allow him to suffer more pain.

"It’s not Sheridan I’m worried about" Derek stated.

"You’re worried about Theresa aren’t you?" Lise blurted out.

"Why would he be worried about Theresa" Ivy questioned.

"That’s what I would like to know" Lise commented.

"She was pregnant. I want to know how she’s doing. That fall couldn’t have been good for the baby" Derek danced around the subject.

"We can go tomorrow" Ivy offered.

"I want to go now" Derek rebuffed.

"It’s your baby isn’t it?" Lise spurted.

‘Damn her’ Derek thought. She was perceptive as hell. "Yes" Derek admitted quietly.

"You got a girl pregnant?" Ivy gasped and nearly fainted.

Derek settled his mother down while Lise got her a glass of water. Derek proceeded to tell his mother the story of his and Theresa’s relationship, or lack there of. Ivy was not happy at her son’s actions but she also realized how distressed Derek must be at the moment. She agreed to take her son to the hospital to check on the condition of her first grandchild.

"Can I come Mom?" Lise asked as she exhaled a yawn.

"No baby. I want you to sleep" Ivy replied.

"I’m 13. I’m not a baby!"

"You’ll always be my baby" Ivy pulled back the covers of her bed. "You can sleep in here"

"Ok" Lise complied.

As soon as Lise’s head hit the pillow she was out for the count. Ivy changed into appropriate attire and then called the limo driver to come pick them up at the door. Derek ran to his room and changed from his tux. Mother and son met again by the front door. They go into the back of the limo and headed to check on the next Crane.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Trent and Trevor pulled into their driveway, immediately pulling into the garage. They closed the garage door behind them. They didn’t want the neighbors to be suspicious. They had taken many precautions so that the many old ladies that lived around them kept their noses where they belonged. The garage was soundproof and was connected to the house. In the hallway that connected the house to the garage was a cellar door. The hallway and cellar were also soundproof. It was in the cellar that the cells where they kept the children were located. Of course to the inexperienced eye it looked like a normal cellar, but there was a secret door hidden by the furnace. It was all carefully laid out.

Trent opened the back of the wan and pulled Ashley out. He carried her down to her cell. Trevor let the way opening and closing the door. Trent set Ashley on a cot in her cell and undid her restraints. She was in too much shock to react to what was happening. Trent left the cell, locking it behind him. Trent and Trevor then went to find their mother. Something neither of them was looking forward too. They found her at the kitchen table smoking a cigarette and flipping through The National Enquirer.

"Good evening boys" she welcomed them.

"Hi mom" Trent said nervously.

"Idiot" she shook her head. "How many times have I told you to call me Penny?"

"Sorry Penny" Trent said quietly.

"How did it go?" Penny was almost afraid to ask.

"Well…" Trevor stared at the floor.

"What happened this time you brainless monkeys?" she groaned.

"Well we got the girl" Trent started.

"But?" she queried.

"But she was the wrong girl" Trevor finished.

"How the HELL did you get the wrong girl?" she grumbled. "Oh wait, I forgot, you have noodles for brains"

Trent and Trevor went on to explain the situation to their mother. She let out continuous strings of words no woman should ever say. She paced around them and the table trying to figure out what to do next. Occasionally she slapped them on the head to ease her frustrations. She eyed the clock. She wasn’t going to accomplish anything tonight. She would have to sleep on it. She ordered her mush for brains sons to do their checks and get to bed. They were going to have a long day starting in the morning.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Luis looked over at J.J. She was still sleeping soundly in a chair. He realized then that Nixon hadn’t even noticed her. Luis knew then Nixon was on his way to losing it. He was a very observant guy and he was blind to see there was a third person in the room. This could not mean good things. The doctor had just informed them that Ali’s condition kept continuing ot worsen. A full recovery was slim to nil if she even lived at all. The doctor didn’t even expect that to happen. Her body was quickly failing her. All this information as well as his daughter being missing was quickly taking its toll on Nixon. He got up from his chair and paced in front of Luis. His steps kept getting quicker and quicker as he thought about his troubles. He became more irate at the world with each passing step. And then he snapped.

Nixon began a wild rampage. He began to destroy anything in his path. Lamps and tables were thrown as Nixon’s screams of anguish filled the waiting room. Luis tried to calm him but he couldn’t contain Nixon alone. Jetta had woken up and Luis pulled the tyke into his arms protecting her from projectiles. Luis called down the hall for help.

Orderlies came rushing to the rescue. It took four of them to pin Nixon to the floor. Ali’s doctor hadn’t been far behind. He flicked the air bubbles out of the syringe and them plunged it into Nixon’s arm. Nixon immediately calmed and like a narcoleptic fell asleep. The doctor ordered the orderlies to place him in the extra bed in Ali’s room. Nixon would sleep from the tranquilizer throughout the night. Luis looked in on his friends before gathering J.J. and going to see his sister.

Back in Ali’s room Nixon succumbed to the drugs flowing through his veins. Alis was across the room in a bed of her own. She tossed a bit trying to sort through the confusion in her head. She pushed past the fog and suddenly felt the numbness lift. She felt like she had began to gain control of her body once again. Her eyes shot open. She looked around the room trying to piece together the happenings of the night.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Alistair sat behind his desk just having put down the phone. He had just put a call out about Ashley. He was hopeful that she would be found before the morning. No one ever dared to disappoint Alistair Crane. Alistair assured Willow her daughter would soon be I her arms again.

"Thank you Alistair" Willow said sincerely, but she hated to be in debt to this man. She waited for the catch. She didn’t have to wait long.

Alistair received a phone call shortly after he finished his spcheel about Ashley’s soon to be safe return. He slammed the phone down obviously irate at something the other said. If he were a cartoon smoke would be coming from his ears right now.

"Father?" Julian looked concerned. "Is something wrong?"

"Yes it most certainly is" Alistair slammed his fists on his desk. "You’re sister and her trained monkey are alive and well. The plan failed completely and utterly"

"How is that possible?" Ethan asked in a small voice as he sunk into his chair.

"You missed!" Alistair fumed. "That’s what happened!"

"I’m sorry" Ethan replied, his voice barely a whiaper.

"Don’t be sorry, rectify the situation" Julian suggested.

"How?"

"If you want to stay in line as heir you’ll figure it out" Alistair threatened. "And you better do it fast"

"I suggest you go to your room and devise a plan that will WORK" Julian instructed his son. "And take your wench… wife with you"

"Yes father" Ethan grabbed Willow’s hand and scurried from the room. He was glad Julian seemed to be protecting him.

Julian stayed in the room with Alistair. Julian had a lot of questions for his father. There was no way his father was really open minded about Ethan’s marriage. Willow is a lowlife tramp, not fit to do anything but work for the Cranes.

"Father?" Julian proceeded carefully.

"Yes Julian" Alistair answered as he lit up another cigar.

"Not that I want to second guess you but do you actually think Ethan and Willow’s marriage is beneficial to our family?"

"Right now yes" Alistair answered. "But after she helps Ethan finish the job with your sister she can dig her own grave. Ethan will be married to a socialite for the remainder of his years"

"You are so evil father" Julian smiled proudly.

"You don’t know the half of it my son"

"Do tell" Julian encouraged.

"I know exactly where Willow’s daughter is"

Julian and Alistair shared an evil laugh followed by clinking their brandy glasses together. They then parted ways. Each finding their ways to their beds. They dreamt of the destruction they would cause in the future.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Ashley snuggled into a ball. The reality of the situation was suddenly hitting her full force. It was much more than she was equipped to handle. A girl her age shouldn’t have to live through such an ordeal. But she wasn’t given a choice. Tiny tears began to seep from her eyes.

"Daddy" she sobbed.

Her dad had to save her. He was a FBI agent. He would find her in a couple of minutes and put these guys in jail for life. He would probably punch them first though, hard! Her father was just like superman.

"Shut up!" she heard an angry voice call from the darkness.

"Oh hush Clara. Blondie’s new here" another voice sounded.

"You HUSH Denise" the first voice came back.

"So new girl, who’s your father? The president?"

"Clara, how stupid are you? Tweedle dee and tweedle dum don’t have the intelligence to get into the white house. She’s probably just some rich kid" Denise called back.

"Stop talking about me" Ashley sobbed.

"You can stop crying" Clara informed her. "You’re not going to get out of here until they pay for you. Unless you’re a lifer like James"

"Until who pays for me? And what’s a lifer?" Ashley swatted at her tears.

"Until your family pays for you" Denise stated. "You’re being held for ransom"

"And a lifer" another voice called out causing Ashley to swing her head. "Is me. I’m James. I’ve been in her for seven years or so, I think"

"Why doesn’t you’re family pay for you?" Ashley asked innocently.

"Because they don’t think I’m worth the ransom price. They refused to pay. So you better hope daddy dearest forks over the cash or you’re stuck with me kid" said James.

"How long has everyone else been here" Ashley continued to inquire.

"I’ve been here about two months" Denise stated.

"And it’s been about 4 for me" Clara commented.

"Won’t your parents pay for you either?"

"We’ve both been paid fr but they never let you go until you’ve been her for 6 months" Clara explained.

"I want to go home" Ashley began to cry again.

At seven she didn’t firmly grasp the concept of time in months but she did realize it was a LONG time. And her father wasn’t rich. How was he going to pay off the bad guys? She didn’t want to be stuck on this cot for the rest of her life. The other’s left her alone and let her cry herself to sleep. They too had all done it on their first night. They knew the newest member of their "family" would come around. It would just take time. Ashley continued to cry until she had no more tears to shed. Then she passed out from sheer exhaustion.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Pilar and Antonio sat at Theresa’s bedside still willing her to wake up. But Theresa remained locked away in her coma despite their prayers. Pilar sat leaning against her son borrowing his strength. Although it was hard for her to imagine how he remained composed. The love of his life had been sent to heaven tonight. But he was still there to comfort his mother. He always wanted to protect her. Pilar had this eerie feeling that the reason Antonio left all those years ago was to protect her. But the question was, from what? They both turned their heads when they heard a soft knock on the door. Ivy peaked her head inside.

"Mrs. Crane?" Pilar was surprised to see her here. She had met Ivy only once, earlier at the party.

"May we come in?" Ivy asked softly.

"Yes of course" Pilar stood to greet Ivy as well as her son when he followed her in. "Are you here to check on Sheridan?"

"Not exactly": Ivy confessed looking at Derek. If he wanted to be a man she was going to make him explain his actions.

"We came to check on Theresa" Derek said not taking his eyes from the floor. "And our baby"

The use of the word our did not go unnoticed by anyone in the room. But it was heard most by the man standing in the doorway, Luis. He began to see red. This was the boy who impregnated his sister and then broke her heart. Derek was not going to be able to walk again when he was through with him.

"You!" Luis growled. He shifted J.J. in his arms then realizing he needed to put her down for a moment. "Mama hold her please" Pilar just nodded not eve daring to ask who the child was. "You are going to die for what you’ve done to my sister!" Luis closed the gap between him and Derek and latched on to Derek’s shirt collar, nearly lifting him off the ground.

"Hasn’t there been enough blood shed tonight?" Ivy pleaded for her son as Luis began to shake him.

"He needs to be taught a lesson in respect" Luis pushed Derek into the wall causing him to groan.

"Luis let him go" Antonio ordered while trying to pry off Luis’s hands.

"Stay out of this Tony. You’ve been gone from this family too long to understand"

"Family Luis? You want to talk about family? Don’t forget that Derek is Sheridan’s family. What would she think of this?" Antonio tried to play on Luis’s one weakness, Sheridan. Luis immediately let go and moved to the other side of the room.

"How are Theresa and the baby?" Luis asked once he clamed a little.

"Theresa is still in a coma" Pilar spook up. "The doctor thinks her body just needs some rest but…" she looked at Derek but then looked away unable to face his fearful eyes. "The baby did not make it"

"No!" Derek shouted before sinking to his knees.

"Get up!" Luis demanded. " the baby does NOT deserve your grief"

"Luis!" Pilar scolded. She kept J.J.’s ear’s covered trying to keep her from waking.

"No mama. He did not even want to acknowledge the baby as his own. He has no right to feel pain"

"I think we better leave" Ivy announces as she helped Derek from the floor.

"I think that’s for the best" Antonio agreed showing them the door.

"Luis you shouldn’t have treated them so badly" Pilar reprimanded.

"I’m sorry Mama" Luis moved and kissed his mother on the cheek. He took J.J. back into his arms.

"Who is this, Luis?" She questioned.

"Later Mama" he promised. "Right now I want to get back to my wife"

Luis said his goodnights and left to return to Sheridan. But not before kissing his sister willing her to get better. Antonio insisted his mother get back to her other children. He would stay with Theresa and call if anything changed. She agreed after much protest and Antonio saw her to a cab. He then returned to his vigil at Theresa’s bedside. He remained there through out the night.

Luis slowly opened Sheridan’s door making sure he didn’t wake her. He placed J.J. in the extra bed. The pulled a chair between the two beds for himself. He leaned back and let out a sigh. He [rayed one last time tonight, thanking god for the lives that he spared and mourning for the lives that were lost. The party had changed the lives of so many.

THE END

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