Tangled Web

By Sarah & Lanie

Chapter 15

August 24, 1999
8:30 PM
David's Townhouse

Cindy looked at her watch again. David had been gone for a long time. She had been waiting on him when he returned around 3:00 P. M. His mood had been dismal when he walked in the door. She had hoped to brighten his mood, but he had not given her time before he had rushed back out the door. He had left without so much as a "see ya later" and the gleam in his eyes had frightened her a little. She was determined to stay right here until he returned, hopefully in one piece. Cindy picked up the remote control wanting to occupy her mind as she waited. She bit her lip as she looked toward the foyer hoping the door would open.

"Come on, Halliday. It's not every man that I waste my time worrying about."

As if on cue, the door opened and closed. Cindy did her best to look startled by David's arrival, then faked a yawn. David paused as he strode across the hall toward the living room when he spotted Cindy looking extremely comfortable on the couch.

"Cindy, I thought you had left hours ago."

Cindy smiled. "I thought we had business to discuss so I stuck around."

David raised one eyebrow. "I'm no longer in the mood to discuss business. It's been a very trying day."

"What exactly are you in the mood for?" Cindy asked as David fell onto the couch beside her.

David took note of the sparkle in her eyes before he answered. "I'm afraid that is a loaded question."

"I have a few suggestions."

David smiled. "I bet you do."

Cindy moved closer and placed her hand on his shoulder. "Ouch! You are tense. Why don't you lean forward and let me massage that tension away?"

David looked at her skeptically for a moment, then leaned forward. "Does this come with a money back guarantee?"

Cindy laughed lowly near his ear. "It comes with so much more than that."

Cindy carefully kneaded his back as David closed his eyes and leaned against her.

"You don't know how good that feels."

Cindy sighed deeply and made a face. "Oh, I think I do. So what has you all knotted up?"

"Business, Cindy. I don't like it when people play games with me. I've been driving around for over an hour just trying to relax, but as you see, it didn't work."

"Just put yourself in my hands, David."

David did not respond but groaned slightly as Cindy's hands moved across his shoulders and down his back. He relaxed completely against her.

"That feels good. You have magic fingers."

Cindy grinned. "You don't know the half of it," she said suggestively.

David grabbed one of Cindy's wrists causing her to jump. He brought her hand across his shoulder then gently kissed her soft palm. Cindy stopped her massage and stared in fascination. David looked over his shoulder to see why she was so still. As their eyes met, Cindy leaned forward. David tugged at her wrist and pulled her into his lap.

"I need you, Cindy," he whispered as he took her mouth with savage intensity.

David guided her mouth across his. Cindy leaned closer eagerly returning his kisses. She gasped as his mouth left hers to explore her soft ivory flesh. David slowly lowered Cindy to the couch as he continued teasing her senses. Cindy wrapped her legs around him becoming lost in something she did not want to find her way out of. David trailed kisses down her throat pausing briefly. Something flickered across his face. Cindy looked at him with concern.

"I can't do this," he said as he moved away from her. "I won't do this to you."

Cindy looked at him in bewilderment. "You're not doing anything to me that I don't want you to do."

David shook his head as he scrambled off the couch and quickly tried to repair his appearance. "But I want to do so much more," he told her with a groan of frustration.

Cindy tried not to smile. She straightened her own clothing and walked to him. "I'm not going anywhere."

David smiled. "I've figured that out, but we don't need to do this. Not now. Not yet."

Cindy shook her head. "Why not when it feels so right? You said that you needed me."

David laid his hand on her shoulder and squeezed gently. "I do need you, Cindy. I need you more than you'll ever know. I want to wait until the time is right…until we're both ready for something far more complicated."

"David?"

"What?"

"Why do you have to be so damned noble?" She asked with a grin.

"I'm not feeling very noble right now. Come on. I'll drive you home."

Cindy laughed. "Good. That will give me just enough time to change your mind."

David shook his head at her in disbelief and held his hand out to her. Cindy hesitated for a moment then laid her hand inside his and they walked to the door together.

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

August 25, 1999
Cory Enterprises
6 PM

Matt yawned as he looked over the marketing reports. It was not the most interesting reading, but necessary. They had to target the most profitable markets right now to get Cory back where it needed to be.

"It's time to go home, Matthew."

Matt looked up at his mother and smiled. "Just a few more minutes, Mom."

Rachel smiled as she walked across the room and took a seat in front of Matt's desk. She crossed her legs and smoothed the skirt of her red business suit. "That sounds like something you used to tell me when you were a little boy and I told you that it was bedtime."

Matt laughed. "Some things never change."

Rachel smiled in return. "No, they don't. Why don't you come home and have dinner with the family? Helen is making pot roast tonight. Your favorite."

"I really want to finish with these reports, Mom."

"Matthew, we need you at home, too, you know."

Matt held her gaze for a moment. "I know, Mom. I'm not purposely avoiding it. We've come a long way, but Cory is still in trouble."

"You work too hard, Matthew. You need to take time for yourself."

"Then you'll be happy to know that I had lunch with Jasmine yesterday. I wish you could have seen her and Tess together," he told her as the lines of strain magically disappeared from his face.

"Tess? I don't see our Tess as the motherly type."

Matt laughed. "I thought that too, but Jasmine really took to her. They made the most beautiful picture together."

Rachel's eyes narrowed with sage understanding. "Is there something I should know about?"

Matt gave her a puzzled look. "About what?"

"Tess."

Matt shook his head. "I don't know what it is about her, Mom. I just know that I really like being around her."

Rachel nodded. "I don't know her very well. What I see around the office is pretty cool."

"She keeps her guard up all the time, but I think I'm wearing her down."

Rachel laughed. "'Wearing her down'? Oh Matthew, you've got it bad, don't you?"

Matt sighed deeply. "Is it so obvious?"

"Only to your mother. Be careful, darling."

"I will. I want to know everything about her, but she won't tell me anything."

Rachel sighed deeply. "I'm going to keep my thoughts about that to myself. It's been my experience that my children often ignore my observations especially when they involve matters of the heart. If it's meant to be, Matthew, it will happen. Now, let's go home."

"You go on. I'll be there in a minute."

"Don't take too long."

"I won't," he promised as Rachel walked out the door.

Matt gathered the papers he had been looking at into a folder, then placed them inside his brief case. He looked around for anything else he might need, then walked to the door. He flipped off the lights and walked down the hall toward the elevator. He was surprised when he saw Tess's office door slightly ajar and a light inside. Matt walked to the door and quietly pushed it open. Tess was poring over papers on her desk.

"I thought you were gone an hour ago."

Tess jumped slightly and turned to face Matt. "I thought I was, too. Some information came over the fax machine from Mr. Price at Polaris. I just wanted to look it over before I left."

Matt walked over to stand beside her. He placed his brief case on the floor and sat on the corner of her desk. "That can wait until tomorrow. Why don't you come have dinner with my family? Helen is fixing pot roast."

Tess smiled slightly. "As tempting as that sounds, I have…. uh….errands to run."

Matt smiled as she stumbled over her words. "What? You don't want to get to know the family better?"

Tess shook her head. "It's not that at all. I really do have errands to run."

Tess fidgeted. If Matt knew that her errands included finding a provocative dress for her date with a major crime boss, he would understand her nervousness. But she was not about to reveal that to him. No one could know. Not Matthew or anyone else.

Matt thought about pushing her further, but decided that now was not the time. He smiled at her and touched her hand.

"All right, but you don't know what you're missing. Helen's pot roast is the best."

Tess's lips upturned slightly. "I'm sure it is a decision that I will regret the rest of my life."

"You will, you know. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Good night, Matt."

"Good night, Tess," he replied and leaned forward as if to kiss her. He caught himself, flashing her a smile, then walked out the door.

Tess leaned forward placing her elbows on her desk and laying her head in her hands. "There's absolutely no doubt about it. I'm about to do something that I'm going to regret for the rest of my life."

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

August 26, 1999
Cory Mansion
7 AM

Amanda snuggled up next to Cameron. Opening her eyes slightly, she looked at the clock. She stared down at Cameron who was still sleeping peacefully. He was usually up and out jogging by now. Amanda leaned down and gently kissed his cheek. She would let him sleep. He needed it.

Amanda turned to get out of bed. With her quick movements, her stomach lurched. She shrugged off the feeling and stood. As she took a step, a wave of nausea splashed through her body. Amanda ran for the bathroom.

Amanda pulled herself upright from the position she had taken on the floor. She leaned over the sink and splashed cool water on her face. She reached for a washcloth and rubbed it across her face. Amanda stared at herself in the mirror. Her skin was very pale and had a green tint to it. She sighed heavily trying to control another sinking feeling in her stomach.

"Are you okay?" Cameron asked as he leaned against the doorframe.

Amanda looked at him and smiled slightly. "Yeah, it must have been something I ate."

Cameron walked to her, placing a steady hand on her back. He looked at her with deep concern. "Maybe you should stay home today."

Amanda was touched. She leaned her head on his shoulder. "I'm going to be fine. The nausea is already passing."

"If you're sure."

Amanda smiled. "I'm sure," she told him as her hand drifted over her stomach.

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

Tess's Apartment
6 PM

Tess slid the dress over her head, pulling it into place. She stared at the shiny wine-colored material, which clung to every curve. She turned sideways in front of a full-length mirror to ensure that the dress created the look she was trying to obtain.

Meeting you with a view to a kill
Face to face in secret places feel the chill
Nightfall covers me
But you know, the plans I'm making

Tess strode to the bed looking over her shoulder watching how the material of the burgundy sheath moved as she walked. The dress dipped to a plunging vee in the front and the draped into a low curve in the back. The hem of the dress was several inches above her knees. She slowly lowered herself to the edge of the bed and reached for her black stockings.

Dance into the fire
That fatal kiss is all we need
Dance into the fire
To fatal sounds of broken dreams

She rolled her stockings, hooking them to the garter belt then stepped into her shoes. Tess walked to the mirror and examined her hair, which was twisted tightly on top her head. She had left a long curl to trail down one side of her face. Taking her lipstick from the nearby kit, she smoothed the dark stain across her lips. She swallowed hard trying to calm her nerves. There was no room for fear in this solo operation.

The first crystal tears
Fall as snowflakes on your body
First time in years
To drench your skin with lover's rosy stain
A chance to find a Phoenix for the flame

With one last look, Tess was satisfied that she was ready to meet Logan. She had a twinge of guilt about going on her own, but this was the only way. Tess was determined to do whatever it took to get what she wanted. Whatever it took…

She pulled her gun out of her purse and checked the clip. Assured that she had everything she needed Tess took a deep breath and walked to the door. With one last look in the mirror, she yanked the door open and closed it tightly behind her.

Dance into the fire
A fatal kiss is all we need
Dance into the fire
To fatal sounds of broken dreams
Dance into the fire

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

Emmanuel Logan's House
6:45 PM

Tess rang the doorbell and waited. She had gotten there earlier than anticipated. She told herself that the earlier she arrived the earlier she could leave. A butler opened the door and directed her through the house. Logan turned as she walked into the living room. He held a brandy in his hand. An appreciative smile spread across his face as his eyes deliberately raked her body from head to toe.

"Tess, so nice of you to come," he greeted as he placed his drink on the table and walked toward her.

Instead of kissing her hand he leaned forward and pressed a kiss on the corner of her mouth. He lingered over her and she pressed her cheek against his hoping that the gesture would move him a safe distance away.

"So glad you invited me," she said.

"Please join me for a drink, won't you? What would you like?" He asked.

"White wine, please."

Logan smiled and walked to the small bar. Tess looked around at the dark paneling and expensive decorations. This was an elegant setting. She could not fault Logan for his taste.

"You have a beautiful home, Emmanuel."

Logan placed the glass of wine in her hand. Tess nodded in thanks.

"Come sit with me, Tess," he bade as he took her hand and led her to the couch.

Tess sat down gingerly knowing that her dress would become more revealing in a sitting position. She crossed her legs and looked at him.

"So what brought you to Bay City?" He asked.

"Business. I was given an offer I couldn't refuse."

"What if I made you an offer?"

Tess laughed lowly. "And what kind of offer would that be, Emmanuel? Work or pleasure?" She asked looking at him through the fringe of her eyelashes.

Logan's eyes smoldered with naked desire. "Working with you would be a pleasure," he told her and leaned closer. "And I want to work closely with you…. very closely."

Tess shivered again. He seemed to have that affect on her. She wished it was a feeling of pleasure, but instead he literally made her skin crawl. At this moment, she wished that she had called for backup. But it was too late now. She had started this operation and she had to finish it.

"Do you? Umm…care to place a wager?" Tess asked as she ran her finger down his cheek.

Logan set his drink on the coffee table and moved closer to her. His hand rested on her upper thigh. "A wager, huh? I'm not a betting man, but I do like games. How about a game of you show me yours and I'll show you mine?"

Tess hid her shock at his open innuendo by turning away. As she turned back, his mouth was close to hers. She knew that he was going to kiss her and she could not get out of it. She braced herself for it as his lips moved toward hers.

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

Cory Mansion

Cameron sat on the terrace with a glass of iced tea in his hand. He looked up at the stars and listened to the sound of frogs croaking in the distance. Amanda walked up behind him in a pale mint green floral sundress. She placed her hands on his shoulders and leaned down to whisper in his ear.

"You look very domesticated, Sinclair."

Cameron eyed her skeptically. "Yeah, right," he responded with a slight snort.

Amanda walked around and grabbed his hand. "Come over her and sit with me."

Cameron stood and walked with her to the chaise lounge. He sat down then Amanda sat in front of him. They both leaned back and looked at the sky.

"I'm so glad that you taught me about the stars," she told him.

Cameron wrapped his arms around her and snuggled closer. "Me, too. Are you feeling better?"

Amanda nodded slightly. "Yeah, it was nothing," she reassured him.

Cameron stared into the distance and his body stiffened. He shivered slightly as a cold chill swept through him. He tightened his grip around Amanda.

"Cameron? What's wrong?" She asked as she leaned away from him and turned to face him.

Cameron clenched his jaw feeling the foreboding sensation just behind his eyes. Tess is in trouble.

"Just a cold chill. Maybe I'm getting whatever you had."

Amanda smiled slightly. "Maybe."

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

Tess was thankful for the sound of a cart rattling in the background. She pulled away from Logan and looked at the butler as he rolled a cart before the fireplace. A look of disappointment crossed Logan's face. Tess watched as the butler placed the food on a table before the windows overlooking the lake.

"Everything looks delicious," she observed.

Logan never removed his eyes from her. "Yes, it does."

Tess smiled at him feeling her heart accelerate knowing that he had only one thing on his mind. She felt nothing but revulsion for him.

"Come, Tess," he said and pulled her to a standing position.

They walked to the food-laden table. He helped seat her, then looked at the butler. "You are dismissed for the evening, Frasier."

The butler nodded in response and left them alone.

Tess ate slowly. Logan did not seem to notice as the conversation flowed easily between them. Tess tried not to appear too interested while expertly avoiding his exploring questions about her. After they finished, Tess excused herself to the powder room. Once there she almost collapsed as her legs turned to jelly.

"Come on, girl. Get it together. You've got a lot of work left to do," she admonished herself.

Tess took her time powdering her nose and getting her nerves under control. She walked back into the living room to find Logan leisurely waiting for her. He had a bottle of champagne in one hand and two glasses in the other.

"Care to join me upstairs for dessert?"

I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord
I've been waiting for this moment all my life, oh Lord
Can you feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord, oh Lord

Tess nodded slightly then followed him up the winding staircase. She was not surprised when he opened the door to reveal what was obviously the master suite. He continued on past the bed and opened the French doors onto the balcony.

"This is my favorite spot in the house. From here, you can see the lighthouse in the distance and hear the waves crashing against the rocks below. It's serene."

Tess nodded as she took a glass of champagne from his hand. As he walked back to take his own, Tess stumbled against him. His arms closed around her and her purse dropped to the ground.

"I am so sorry," she told him as she tried to wipe the champagne off his jacket.

"That's okay. Stay here and I'll be right back."

Tess smiled as he walked away. She picked up her purse and took a seat looking out over the shimmering water below as she sipped her champagne. When he walked back out onto the terrace, she nearly choked. He had changed into a robe and from what she could tell, he had nothing on underneath it.

Well, if you told me you were drowning
I would not lend a hand
I've seen your face before my friend
But I don't know if you know who I am

Recovering quickly, Tess held a glass of champagne out to him. Logan grabbed the glass and quickly downed the liquid before moving toward her. He pulled her roughly against him as his hands explored the hollows of her back. His lips crushed hers in a bruising kiss. Tess clung to him allowing his tongue to trace the soft fullness of her lips. He pulled at her dress, easily sliding it downward revealing her glowing shoulders.

Well, I was there and I saw what you did
I saw it with my own two eyes
So you can wipe off that grin, I know where you've been
It's all been a pack of lies

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

Cameron sneaked out of the darkened bedroom and out onto the balcony. He pushed redial on his cellular phone again. There was no answer. He dialed again trying another number, but the response was the same. He closed his eyes and tried one more time. No answer.

He took a deep breath trying to calm his nerves. "Where are you, Tess?" He whispered.

Pacing for a moment, he dialed again. Slamming his fist against the railing in frustration, Cameron clenched his jaw and stared into the darkness.

I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord
I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord
Can you feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord, oh Lord

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

Logan roughly lifted Tess up onto the table, pushing the hem of her dress higher. He moved closer, pawing her. Tess tried to keep her revulsion hidden as he took liberties that she knew she had to give in order to get what she wanted. Staying in character, Tess leaned back offering her neck to him as he made full contact with her body.

Tess pushed the fabric of his robe aside, placing searing kisses across his chest. Logan pulled her lips back up to his as he looked down at her glowing skin. With a leer he said, "Tonight you're mine."

Tess shuddered in response, moving against him suggestively. He growled lowly in her ear. Logan could take no more and swung her up into his arms. He strode toward the bed with a singular purpose. He lay Tess on the bed, then moved over her. He placed opened mouth kisses along her neck as Tess writhed beneath him. Digging her fingers into his back, Tess looked at the ceiling then closed her eyes tightly as a tear slid silently and unheeded down her cheek.

But I know the reason why you keep your silence up
No, you don't fool me
The hurt doesn't show, but the pain still grows….

And I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord
I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord
I can feel it in the air tonight, oh Lord, oh Lord…

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

August 27, 1999
Logan's House
7:00 AM

Tess looked at Logan as he continued to sleep beside her. The sun was streaming in the windows. When she saw signs that he was about to awaken, she pulled his robe around her, loosely belting it around her waist. She moved to the chair beside the balcony. She had a vacant look in her eyes as she waited for Logan to wake up.

Logan stirred slowly. His hands immediately cradled his head. He groaned in pain. Tess walked to the side of the bed.

"Is there something I can get for you?" She asked as she gently laid her hand on his cheek.

Logan glared at her as if he had never seen her before, then his face softened. Even with blurred vision, his libido noticed the half-naked woman sitting beside him on the bed.

"What happened to me?"

Tess held up the empty bottle of champagne and pointed to his glass on the nightstand. "I think this happened to you."

Logan sighed heavily. He remembered everything up to the point when he carried her to the bed, then everything else was blank. He looked at the rumpled state of the bed and smelled the faint scent of her perfume on his skin. He looked at Tess again, wondering how he could forget spending a night with her.

Tess disappeared into the bathroom. When she returned, she was fully clothed. She brought a glass of water and aspirin to Logan as he continued trying to remove the cobwebs from his head.

"Here you go, Tiger. I hope it will make you feel better."

"Thanks," he said.

"I really need to be going. I have lots of work to get done at the office."

Tess moved to leave only to find herself in Logan's lap. She smiled at him though her instincts were screaming at her to run. Logan ran his hand up her leg, then rested it just below her waist. He pressed his lips against hers as if he were searing her with a brand. As his tongue moved inside her mouth, Tess instinctively pushed against him. Logan broke the kiss and looked deeply into her eyes. His lust was open and unapologetic.

Tess slowly moved away from him and smiled.

"Thanks for dinner. It was…..nice," she told him as she quickly gathered her things.

Logan smiled. "Any time. I hope we can get together again soon."

Tess shivered and backed out the door pasting a smile on her face. She quickly ran down the stairs sans shoes, anxious to get out of this house and as far away from Emmanuel Logan as she could possibly get.

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

Tess took out her cell phone and dialed quickly as she waited on the stoplight to change.

"Yeah, it's me. Can you meet me at the corner of Vine and 24^th Streets…Good, I'll see you there."

Tess ended the call and sped toward her destination. As she pulled up to the corner of Vine and 24^th, she expertly parked her small car. Standing a few feet away was a man. He quickly walked to the car. Tess rolled down the window and shoved a package at him.

"That's everything. Remember this is just between us. Let me know as soon as you are finished with them. I'll be at Cory. I want them brought to me immediately."

"Got it," he told her and disappeared down the alley.

Tess watched him for a minute, then put the car in motion once again speeding toward her apartment. She turned the radio up as loud as it would go hoping to remove the memories of the night before, but it did not. Despite the vile manner in which she had had to carry out the operation, it had not been a complete waste of time.

Tess stared off into the distance as Logan continued to paw at her. She steeled herself for what would come next. Then she noticed with each kiss, Logan's eyes began to droop. He struggled to keep them open, then fell heavily beside Tess on the bed. His arms and head remained on top of her. She pushed at him.

"Emmanuel. Emmanuel?" She asked as he poked at him. She wiggled from underneath him and sighed in relief. "Thank God!"

Tess pulled her dress back into place. She barely noticed the run in her stockings. Her hair had remained in place throughout the entire thing. She poked at Logan to make sure that he was truly unconscious before she walked to the door. "I've got to move quickly."

Tess ran down the stairs and toward the study. She had studied the floor plans of this house enough that she knew where everything was. She hurriedly opened the door and went to work. She looked through filing cabinets and drawers taking pictures, as she went yet not finding exactly what she needed. Tess rifled through his desk. She tugged at the center drawer finding it locked.

"Well, what do we have here?" She asked as she pulled a pin from her hair and began working on the lock.

After a few seconds, the lock gave way and Tess smiled triumphantly as she lifted the contents inside. "Tess Richardson, you've hit the mother lode."

Tess moved quickly. She took pictures of everything that looked important. She looked at her watch knowing that she only had a little time before he would wake up. Satisfied that there would be something significant among the pictures Tess looked around the room making sure everything was in place. She stuffed the film and camera back in her purse and walked upstairs.

Tess took a deep breath before she opened the bedroom door. Now the second phase of her operation began. This phase involved making Emmanuel Logan believe that the two of them had spent the night together.

She was relieved to see him still asleep on the bed. Tess retrieved the champagne glasses from the terrace and washed the champagne out of them. She took the bottle to the bathroom and poured most of the champagne down the sink. She filled her glass partially full, then placed her glass on the table and his beside the bed. Tess quickly stepped out of her dress and wrapped herself up in a sheet from the bed in case he woke up in the middle of the night. She crawled onto the mattress and walked around on her knees crumpling the sheets. She punched the pillow several times then walked around to his side of the bed and removed the rest of his clothes. Tess pressed her lips gently to his pillow, leaving traces of her lipstick. She pulled a bottle of perfume out of her purse and sprayed some on her pillow then put some on her hands and rubbed it on him.

With one last glance around the room, Tess crawled in bed beside him carefully taking her spot on the very edge of the bed.

Tess pulled her car into the parking garage and slowly walked toward her apartment. She fumbled with the lock on her apartment door, then shoved the door open when the lock released. She closed the door and locked it securing it with both the deadbolt and the chain. Tess did not notice the red light blinking on her answering machine as she caught a glimpse of her appearance in the mirror beside the door and gasped in horror. Tess began to hyperventilate as she ran toward her bedroom. She tore at her dress, throwing it in the trashcan. Her stockings and undergarments followed. Her stomach churned as she recalled the night before.

Tess stumbled to the bathroom and turned on the shower. She made sure the water was as hot as she could stand it. The steamed rolled out, but she did not notice as the burning hot water touched her skin. Tess reached for the soap and scrubbed her body. The temperature of the water mixed with her vigorous scrubbing left her skin reddened. With a strangled cry, Tess slid down the wall of the shower until she was in a sitting position. She sobbed uncontrollably hating her job and loathing herself. Even though she knew that nothing had happened, she also knew that she had been lucky this time. Things could have turned out much differently. The thought of what might have happened and what Logan still wanted to happen sickened her. Tess buried her face in her knees and rocked back and forth as the water continued to assault her skin.

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

Bay City Cemetery
9 AM

Carl clutched the bouquet tightly as he walked through the gates of the cemetery. Walking along the path passing the stone monuments and mausoleums filled him with melancholy. He paused as he came upon his son's grave, taking a deep, shuddering breath. Carl strode forward and placed his hand on the top of the tombstone as he leaned down and placed the bouquet of white roses tied with a simple green ribbon at the base of the stone. He stepped away, brought his fingers to his lips, kissed his fingers, and then touched them to the tombstone. His eyes filled with tears as he sat on the marble bench at the foot of the grave.

"My dear, dear, Ryan, our time together was far too short. I thought the passage of time would ease my ache, my longing for you. Lately, you have haunted me everywhere I go. I see you in my dreams…. with my eyes open. Are you trying to give me a message, dear boy? When I was told that Grant had been murdered, I thought the restlessness would disappear….the hatred. Yet the mere mention of his name still fills me with such an intensity that I still want to avenge you."

The tears slipped down Carl's cheeks unheeded as he stared at the tombstone hoping for some sign of consolation. He looked upward.

"My heart still breaks when I think of you. I despise Grant for taking you away from me. I would kill him with my bare hands if he were in front of me right now," Carl vowed with anger. "Yet I know it would not bring you back to me. Maybe if I had been a better man….a better father, I would not be tortured like this. Both of my boys taken from me in the prime of youth….that is my punishment, isn't it? Perry and Ryan. My lads….you never even knew one another. And Cory and Elizabeth won't know you, either."

Carl's shoulders slumped and he looked toward the ground. His grief for his children overwhelmed him.

Ryan watched Carl grieve from a short distance away. His hiding spot behind the oak tree was thinly veiled at best. He had no intention of following this closely, but something had tugged at him. Watching his father still so full of sadness filled him with heavy guilt. Carl's head suddenly jerked up and Ryan quickly hid behind the tree. A white dove flew out of a nearby bush.

"You're here! I knew it!" Carl cried out.

"Mr. Hutchins. How are you?" Nick Hudson asked as he walked toward Carl.

Carl started at the sound of Nick's voice and tore his eyes away from the spot from which the dove had emerged. He pinned his eyes on Nick but said nothing for a moment. He looked down at the bouquet of yellow lilacs and trumpeter lilies that Nick held. He finally managed to smile.

"Hello, Nick. No need to be so formal. Call me 'Carl'."

Nick smiled and held out his hand to Carl. As they shook hands, Nick turned to Ryan's tombstone. "I never really knew him, but I've heard that he was a great man."

Carl stared into the distance. "He was the kind of man that fairytales are written about. A white knight. That boy was the finest apple that ever came from two rotten cores. I am still in awe that he was mine."

Carl looked down at the bouquet in Nick's hand. "You've come to visit your father's grave?"

Nick nodded. "Yeah, sometimes just coming here to leave flowers clears my head. It helps me see what is important in my life."

"Your father was a good man. Our time with our loved ones is far too short. Cherish each moment, Nick. Spend the time with them."

"I regret the times I spent arguing with Mi….my father."

Carl put his arm around Nick's shoulder. "Remember the best times, Nicholas. Your father's death was a great tragedy. Live your life in a way that would please him. That is what you do to honor your father."

Nick nodded. "I will. Thank you, Carl."

"Anytime, laddie."

Nick turned to continue on to Michael's grave. He only took a few steps before he stopped and stared in disbelief.

"What the…."

Carl swung around to see what had caught Nick's attention. His eyes widened, then he looked back at Nick. After exchanging a glance, they both looked back at the scene before them.

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

Cindy smiled as she walked down the path. Yesterday she had gotten her hair colored and a manicure. After that, she had gone shopping. She was wearing one of her new purchases, a conservative yellow business suit. She did not pause when she stepped off the sidewalk onto the soft grass. She stopped short before the tombstone of her ex-husband. The smile died on her face as she looked at the simple tombstone. A small bouquet of daisies lay at the base.

"Long time no see, Grant. I bet you thought that you were rid of me. You are. You see this is the last time I will come here. You made it your life's work to belittle me….reject me….make me feel like a sub-human. You made me believe that no one would ever care about me. You took away all my self-confidence and crushed me with your biting remarks. But you lose, Grant. You lose! You see, I found someone who believes in me….who sees the real me. Someone who I want to be a better person for. So all of your attempts to strike me down were a waste of energy, because I win, Grant. I win and you lose. Because my heart still beats and yours…well…you are exactly where you belong…in hell! Never again, Grant. Never. You can never hurt me again. I bet you're wondering why I'm here. I'll tell you why, you insufferable wretch. I came here to celebrate. That's right, Grant. I'm here to dance on your grave."

Cindy threw her head back and laughed as she danced around Grant's grave.

"Cynthia, have you gone mad?"

Cindy stopped her merriment startled by the sound of a familiar voice. She swung around. The smile fell as her eyes widened in shock.

"I didn't know…I mean…Carl…."

"In the flesh… At a loss for words are we, Cindy?"

Cindy worked her jaw a couple of times before smiling widely. She glanced at Nick who was looking on with some wonder. "Not at all, Carl. I'm just doing something that I'm surprised you haven't done already."

"I'm dying to know what that would be."

Cindy laughed. "I'm dancing on Grant's grave. Care to join me?"

Carl's lips quirked in amusement. "Ah, Cindy, you always did teeter on the edge. I'll pass this time, though the thought of dancing with you does bring me some amusement."

Carl glanced at Nick who was still taking in the whole scene before him. As he turned back to Cindy something caught his eye. He knelt down beside Grant's grave.

"What is it, Carl?" Nick asked as he walked to stand beside him.

Carl looked up at Cindy. "Did you do this?"

Cindy narrowed her eyes in confusion. "Do what?"

"This," he said pointing at the places on the grave where newly turned dirt was scattered.

Cindy looked at the bottom of her shoes and showed Carl that no dirt was there. Carl touched the moist dirt in speculation.

"What are you thinking, Carl?" Nick asked as he knelt down beside him.

"Someone has been digging around Grant's grave. But the question is not only why, but who?"

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

Tess's Apartment
9:45 AM

Cameron hurried down the hall toward Tess's apartment. He pounded on the door. When he received no answer, he threw his fist against the door again. Cameron stood back a few feet before he put his shoulder to the door. If she would not answer, then he would force himself in and worry about the consequences later.

As he took a few steps toward the door, it swung open. Tess stood there with a towel wrapped around her head and purple satin robe pulled tightly around her. She folded her arms and glared at him. Cameron did not wait for an invitation but bolted past her into the apartment. Tess closed the door behind him and simply stared at him saying nothing.

Cameron turned on her after looking at the answering machine. "Why don't you answer your phone every hundred years?"

Tess blinked at him in frustration. "Can't a girl go on a date without you playing house mother?"

Cameron started to reply with a biting remark when he noticed her eyes. He stepped closer and lifted his hand to her face. Laying his hand on her cheek, his voice softened as he said, "My God, Tess, what have you done?"

Author's Note: The first song is "A View to a Kill", which was recorded by Duran Duran and can be found on the soundtrack of the James Bond movie by the same name. The second song, "In the Air Tonight", was recorded by Phil Collins and can be found on the soundtrack of the television show, "Miami Vice".

(click here to continue on to chapter sixteen)