Trent had decided to stay the night at his mom's house and was up by five thirty the next morning. He couldn't sleep so, he just decided to get up. Anna came down the stairs in running pants with a jacket, her hair pulled up and no make up on. Trent thought she looked adorable. "Oh Trent, I hope I didn't wake you."

"No. I've been up for a while. I hope I didn't wake you up."

"No. I couldn't sleep so, I decided to go for jog. It keeps me in shape and helps me relax." She smiled at him, "Why don't you join me?"

"You mean, go running?"

"Why not? It'll be fun."

Trent thought about it for a minute. "Alright. Sounds good to me."

"Let me call my brother before I forget."

"Sure. The phone is in the kitchen."

"Thanks. I'll only be a minute." Anna walked in and started dialing the phone.

Trent came in to get a bottle of water.

"Hi Ashley, it's Anna. . . .Yeah, I'm doing fine. Listen, is Jarod there? . . .Thanks." While she was waiting, she smiled to Trent, "Hey Jarod! . . .No. . .I'm fine. . .I don't think that's necessary. . . .No I'll be fine. . . .but Jar-. . .Alright. . .I'll make hotel reservations for you. . . .Call me back with your flight number. . .Just call me on my cellular phone the number is 459-4596. Is Ashley coming out too? . . .Yeah sure. I'll make reservations at the Plaza. . .I love you too. . .Bye." She hung up the phone and turned to Trent, "Let me get my phone and we'll be on our way."

Trent nodded.

**********

Trent and Anna seemed to be the only ones up in the neighborhood. They had been running for nearly an hour when they decided to rest at a park bench. Trent broke the silence between the two, "So, how long have you known my family?"

Anna smiled at him, "I was wondering when you were going to get around to asking me." She sighed, "Well, I've lived in Dallas for most of my life. I was born and raised here until I moved to New York three years ago. My father was a workaholic. He was a very good man and very kind but he worked non-stop. My mother, on the other hand, was either shopping or at the spa. She had nannies raise me and I rarely saw her. My favorite nanny, Allison, started taking me to her church, which happened to be your family's church. Allison was very close to them and told them that she thought I had a beautiful singing voice so, I started singing every Sunday. At this time, I was in high school and I started dating Michael. I was a freshman while he was a senior. It didn't bother me, and it obviously didn't bother him. We were homecoming king and queen and won all of the couple contests. From the instant I met him, I knew he was the only one for me. Or so I thought." She took a drink of her water. "My parents fired Allison once I turned 17. I still felt like I needed guidance, so I turned to your mother. She started to take care of me. I stayed here for college. Partially, because of your family, but mostly because this is where Michael was. My parents made me go into business so I could take over their company. So I did. About a week after my parents died during my sophomore year of college, I was sitting at home one day when Michael and his parents came to the door. He asked me to marry him. I knew it was too soon at least for me, with all that was going on, but I was slipping into depression because I had so much to deal with, I just figured it would make my life easier if I simply married him." She sighed, "Boy was that a mistake."

"How did you end up in New York?" Trent asked.

"Well, as expected, my parents left me the business which included six different locations. New York was the one which needed my immediate attention and all of the rest were pretty self-sufficient. Besides, Michael said he wanted to be closer to his family and Jarod had moved out there with Ashley once they were married."

Trent absorbed it all in, "When did he start. . . . ."

"About two years ago. He just started drinking and. . . . .You know what? I'd rather not talk about it."

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to-"

"No. It's not your fault at all. I just don't want to resurface last night's crying episode." Just as she had said this, her phone rang, "Hello?...Did you get a flight?. . . .Okay flight 317 at four this evening. . . . .Did you want me to come pick you up?. . . . Okay, I had some other plans and this way I can keep them. . . . .I'll make the reservations when I get back to the house. . . .Okay you remember how to get to their house?. . . .Yeah it's in the same place. . . .Okay, I'll let them know then. . . bye." She hung up her phone.

"Was that your brother?"

"Yeah. He got a flight out and it arrives here at four thirty. He wanted me to tell you guys that he's taking everyone out for dinner so don't make plans."

"You guys are absolutely wonderful to us."

She smiled, "Well, your family has done so much for both me and Jarod, this is just our way of paying you guys back."

They finished the rest of their run making small talk.

When they got back, Katie had made a huge breakfast and all the kids were up. Tandy came up and gave Anna a hug, "Where did you and Trent go?"

"We just went for a jog."

"Oh. Will you sit next to me?"

"Of course!"

Tommy was finishing setting up the table when they all sat down, and said Grace.

Anna ate about half of her plate saying she just wasn't very hungry.

"So what were your plans for today Anna?" Katie inquired.

"Well, I was hoping to take Tandy here shopping. I mean, if that's alright with you of course."

Tandy's face lit up, "Yeah mom! Can I?"

Katie smiled at her youngest, "How could I possibly say no to that face? Of course you can take her. Let me give you some money."

"Oh no. This is entirely my treat."

"But Anna-"

"But nothing. I really want to do this for her."

Katie gave in.

Tandy turned to Anna, "What time are we going to go?"

"After I take a shower and get dressed. So figure at about ten."

"Alright!" Tandy bolted upstairs to start getting ready while everyone else finished eating.

Anna went upstairs to take a shower. The hot water felt good on her muscles, but her back was another story. When she got out, she took more painkillers. She had one more week until she could have the stitches removed. She put on a pair on designer jeans by Ralph Lauren and a plain black spaghetti strap shirt. She twisted her hair up and put it in a hair claw. She was still getting used to her short hair.

She came downstairs to find Tandy waiting anxiously on the couch with Trent sitting next to her.

He saw her coming down the stairs, "Well, you girls have a good time. Don't spend all your money in one place." He said with a grin.

Anna started laughing. Something she hadn't done in a long time. "Did you want to come with us?"

"I wouldn't want to bother you-"

"Don't be silly! Why don't you come? It'll be a lot of fun."

Trent thought about it. He didn't have any plans for the afternoon and figured what the heck. "Okay. You've convinced me."

Tandy came up to Anna, "Can I still ride in the front seat?"

Anna laughed, "Of course you can. Right Trent?"

"Sure. You can ride in the front, Tandy."

"Okay. Then you can come."

"Hey, can Tommy and I come?" Tyler asked.

"Well, Jarod is coming in tonight and he said he wanted to take you two tomorrow."

His eyes lit up, "Yeah! It'll be fun to hang out with Jarod."

"Good. Now that, that's settled," she said turning to Trent. "Shall we?"

Trent nodded.

They decided to take Anna's rented car which was a brand new Mercedes-Benz. It was silver and had leather interior. Anna smiled at Trent as he opened the door for her.

It was already three by the time Trent suggested they head over to C.D.'s for lunch.. C.D. picked them out right away. "Hey Trent. Hi Tandy." Tandy gave him a big hug. He turned to Anna, "I don't believe we've met."

"C.D. Parker, I would like you to meet Anna James. She's staying with our family for a while." Trent said.

He took her hand, and shook it. "It's a real pleasure."

"Thank you Mr. Parker."

"Are you any relation to Adam James?"

"Why yes, he's my father."

"Well, isn't this a small world! I was a friend of your fathers."

"Oh really?"

"I'm real sorry he passed away."

"Thank you."

"Let me get you a table. Did you guys want to sit with Walker and Alex? They'll be here any minute."

Trent looked at Anna, "Is that alright with you?"

"Of course."

C.D. gave them his best table. They all sat down and ordered. Alex and Walker showed up. "Hey guys!" They said. They sat down and exchanged pleasantries.

"So Anna," Walker began, "How do you like Dallas so far?"

"I love Dallas. I've lived here all my life up until about 3 years ago when I moved to New York."

"Really?"

She nodded her head, "My father was a very important business man out here and I took over his company."

"Which one?"

"World Link Communications."

Everyone's eyes grew bigger.

"I knew I recognized you from somewhere! I just couldn't figure out where." Alex said.

"So, you own World Link Communications?" Trent said. She hadn't mentioned it to him earlier so it came as a shock to him.

"Yes." She simply said. She didn't like being recognized so, she immediately changed the subject, "So, what's good here?"

C.D. overheard and said, "The chili! You must try the chili."

"Sounds delicious, but could I just have a small bowl? I'm really not very hungry."

Trent looked at her with concern. She had hardly eaten since she had come to their house. She didn't touch dinner or breakfast.

"Coming' right up." C.D. left.

Trent turned to her, "Are you sure you don't want anything more? The food here is great."

She smiled at his genuine concern. "I'm just not very hungry."

Trent sensed that she wanted the subject dropped. So, he reminded himself to pick it back up when they were alone. Once their food arrived, the conversation turned to Walker and his latest case.

Once they finished eating, C.D. came over and said it was on the house, but Anna paid him anyway. Finally, it was time for everyone to leave.

**********

They arrived home at five o'clock and Anna noticed a car in the street in front of the house. As they walked in, a young man came up and scooped her up in his arms, "Anna!"

"Jarod! It's good to see you! I've missed you so much."

"I missed you too." He put her down. Then a look of concern took over the smile on his face, "Have you been eating?"

Her face dropped, "Of course."

"You're lying to me."

"No I'm not."

"Yes you are Ann. I can tell when you're lying because you just can't do it."

"Jarod I'm not-"

"Yes you are!" She turned and ran upstairs to her room. Everyone heard the commotion, and came into the living room. Jarod's face was entirely red.

Ashley noticed Trent, "Hi." She put out her hand. "I'm Jarod's wife, Ashley."

"Nice to meet you. Trent Malloy."

"What happened?"

Jarod took a deep breath. "She's still not eating. Damn it!"

Ashley just sighed, "Still?"

Trent became curious. "What do you mean 'still'?"

Jarod looked at Ashley and then back at Trent. "You guys had better sit down for this." They all sat down, and Jarod began, "When the two of them were married, Anna was looking for love. Mike on the other hand, was looking for a trophy. She was always beautiful, but he forced her get plastic surgery. She had her breasts done but later removed due to complications. Then came her nose because he felt it was too ugly to go out in public in and told her so as he beat her." He took a deep breath, "In response to me getting on her case about eating, Michael kept her on a strict diet. Don't think she looks like that on a regular basis. She was restricted to one meal a day made up of skinless chicken, steamed vegetables, yogurt and milk or water. That was all she was allowed to have. And during the day, she could have water. Unless she was sick, then juice. It sent her to the hospital a couple of times." Jarod stood up and started walking around the room, "I can't help but feel completely responsible for this whole thing. I should have done something."

Trent stood up as well. "It wasn't your fault and it's not hers. She just trusted someone she shouldn't have."

As he finished his sentence, Tommy burst through the door. "You guys are not going to believe this." He threw the newspaper he was carrying, onto the coffee table. The headline read, 'DOYLE MARRIAGE IN TROUBLE' it went on to say how Anna had left New York without a trace leaving a devastated husband in New York to wonder. It also said how desperate Michael wanted her back. Just as they had finished reading the article, Walker and Alex pulled up followed by Trivette. They came in with the same paper. Introductions were made and Trent filled them in on what he knew about Anna.

"We found out he's holding a press conference to be aired on CNN in 5 minutes." Walker announced.

Just as he had said this, Anna came down the stairs. "Who's holding a press conference?" She looked ready to go jogging. They all just looked at each other.

Katie turned to Tommy, "Come and help me in the kitchen."

"Sure thing mom."

They were all looking at her. "What?" Trent handed her the paper.

"He's holding a press conference right now on CNN." Walker repeated.

Her face was in shock as she went to turn the television on.

There was Michael wearing a black Christian Dior suit. "I miss her very deeply yes and I have no idea why she would just run off like this. I have no idea to her whereabouts. If you're watching honey, I miss you very much and whatever I did, please tell me so we can work this out. I want our marriage to work."

She quickly shut it off. "Son of a bitch." She said under her breath. She walked out the door and started running.

Trent was about to go after her but thought she needed time to herself.

********

Everyone had gone to bed, but Walker stayed up with Trent waiting for Anna to come back home. It was close to midnight when she showed up. Walker and Trent were waiting at the table when she showed up. She gasped once she saw them. "You guys scared me."

Trent smiled, "Sorry." She went and got herself a glass of water.

Walker sighed, "Anna, we need to talk."

She sighed as well, "Listen, I'm really tired and all I can think about is that nice bed waiting for me upstairs."

"Anna, we are very concerned. And we want to help, but you have to tell us what's going on." Trent said trying to get through to her while being compassionate at the same time.

She sat down at the table next to him and explained pretty much what they already knew.

"So, what do you want us to do?" Trent asked.

"Nothing at all."

"Nothing?" The two said in unison.

"At least not yet."

"I'm not sure I understand." Trent said.

She smiled. "I'll be right back." She went upstairs leaving Trent and Walker. They weren't sure what to think. Anna came back downstairs with a stack of papers in her hand and a big smile on her face. Trent began looking through the papers.

"What is it?" Walker asked.

"It's a prenuptial." Trent answered.

She smiled at them, "While I was burning off steam, I remembered it. Go to page eight." Trent did, and started reading, "If either of the signed petitioners go to the press in the case of a divorce, they will forfeit everything to other spouse." Trent stopped. He looked at her and joined in her smile.

Walker looked a little concerned, "Does he know about this?"

"I don't know. I would imagine by now he would. " She yawned, "Now, if you gentlemen would excuse me, I am extremely tired and need to get to bed. So, goodnight."

"Night Anna." Trent said while still looking through the papers.

"Sleep well." Walker then turned to Trent, "I want you to keep an eye on her. We have no idea what this guy is planning on doing."

"I was already planning on it." Trent walked him out. He came back inside and noticed how late it was. He figured it would just be easier on him if he stayed the night once more.

**********

The next day, Anna was the last one up. Jarod had already left with Tyler and Tommy. Everyone else was downstairs in the living room.

Anna was dressed in jeans and a white blouse. "Morning everyone."

"Morning Anna." They all said.

She walked into the kitchen with Trent on her heel. "Did you want something to eat?"

"No thanks. I'm not very hungry."

He sighed. "Are you sure?"

She looked at him and nodded. "I'm sure."

"Anna you really should eat something."

She pulled out the milk. "Jarod talked to you didn't he?"

"He might have mentioned something, yes."

"Well, I am not hungry and that's all I have to say." She started dialing her cell-phone. "Hi Jaxs. It's me. . . .I'm fine. . .Yeah I saw the press conference. . . .I don't know what to do. . . .What are you talking about? . . . .But I don't want to go to that dinner. . . .I don't care if the governor personally invited me, I am not going with Michael. . . .I suppose I could bring someone else." She looked at Trent who was reading the paper and eating toast. She smiled. "Let them know that I will be coming but with someone else. . . .Thanks. . . I'll check in later. . .bye." She hung up the phone.

Trent looked up. "Everything alright?"

She gave him a mischievous smile. "Everything is fine."

Trent looked at her for a minute and then turned back to the paper.

She finally gathered her courage. "Trent. I was wondering. . ."

"Yes?"

"Would you be my date for the Governor's Ball in New York?"

Trent was taken back for a minute. "What do you mean?"

"Well, the Governor personally invited me and I don't want to go with Michael, but I feel the obligation to go. If getting a tux is the problem, you don't have to worry about that. I mean, I have designers that would jump at the chance."

He smiled at her. "I would be honored to be your date to the Governor's Ball."

She smiled and kissed him gently on the cheek. "There are a couple of problems."

"Which are?"

"Well, Michael will probably be there. I just want you to know that he's not going to like it."

"I think I can handle him."

"Well, the other problem is the press. I don't know how they will blow this up but I just want to make sure you can handle it."

He brushed a small piece of hair out of her face. "Look, I understand what it means to take you. Don’t worry about it."

"Thank you, Trent."

"You're welcome."

She decided to go upstairs to finish up some paperwork.

"What were you going to do if I said no?" Trent yelled after her.

"Carlos would have said yes." She yelled back.

He smiled and returned to his paper and toast.

**********

Trent, Anna, Kim and Carlos met Walker and Trivette for lunch. Alex was going to come, but was tied up at the last minute.

Anna and Trent explained their plans for New York. "Are you sure you want to do this Anna?" Walker asked.

She nodded.

"I'm just a little concerned. Your husband doesn't seem all that stable."

"I'm grateful for your concern Walker, but with all due respect, I'll have Trent with me. Who else is better for the job?" She said with a grin.

"I couldn't agree with you more." He took a sip of his coffee.

Trivette sighed. "Man. New York. I would love to visit that city."

Anna smiled. "Why don't you come?"

"Oh no-"

"Why not? You know you want to."

Walker turned to him. "You should go. You have some vacation time saved up. This is the perfect opportunity."

Trivette turned to Anna.

"I insist." She said with a smile.

Trivette smiled and quickly agreed. "Alright. I'll go."

"Good," Walked added. "You need a vacation."

Everyone laughed except Trivette. "And what is that supposed to mean?"

Walker couldn't stop laughing. "Nothing. Finish your seaweed and sawgrass."

"It's not seaweed and sawgrass! It is a nutritional supplement."

"Yeah whatever. Just keep it away from me."

Trivette stood up. "Alright. You've had your fun. But I'm the one going to New York and not you. So there."

Walker turned to Anna. "Good luck. You'll need it." He then remembered what Alex had mentioned to him earlier. "Alex said that she'll have the divorce papers ready by the time you get back."

"Thank you Walker. And tell Alex thanks as well."

He smiled at her and squeezed her hand. "I will. We have to get back to work, so we'll talk again soon."

Everyone said their good-byes, while Trivette continued to defend his drink. So now, it was just Trent, Anna, Carlos and Kim. "I really wish you were coming with us Kim."

"I wish I was too, but someone has to stay here and look after Thunder Investigations. And I do not trust Carlos."

"Why not?" Carlos said with a hurt expression on his face.

"Because it means the 'R' word."

"The 'R' word?" He said sarcastically.

"Responsibility."

Trent stood up. "This is not going to be pretty Anna, and I suggest that we leave now."

Anna tried not to laugh. "I agree. Have fun you two." Trent and Anna left and Carlos and Kim didn't seem to notice.