Cameron, Tess, Michael, and Ryan were discussing the timing and strategy of the mission. Every few minutes, Cameron's eyes shot to the door. His partners all noticed his distraction, and Tess eventually said, "Mav, we could use your undivided attention here."

"Where the hell is Halliday?" Cameron growled under his breath. "He's been gone too damned long."

"Hopefully, he's busy gathering information we can use for this plan," Michael replied. "It's probably a good sign that he's been gone so long."

"It probably would be, if we were talking about anyone but Halliday," Cameron scoffed. "I can't believe that the success of our plan depends on that lunatic."

"We can handle this even if David comes up empty," Ryan reminded him. "We've successfully broken into tougher places with less information than we already have about Cabalas's house. Anything he comes up with is just icing on the cake."

Cameron stood up and started pacing. "I know, Scout. I just don't like the idea of Halliday going in there on his own. It makes me nervous."

"I'm touched by your concern for my safety, but as you can see, I'm just fine."

Cameron whirled at the sound of David's sarcastic comment to find the man standing in the doorway.

"Don't flatter yourself. I was worried about you blowing our cover. I couldn't care less if Grant tied you to a tree and let his goons use you for target practice."

David dramatically placed his palm against his chest and shook his head. "Mr. Sinclair, I'm crushed. Here I thought we had bonded. All for one and one for all, right?"

Ryan stood up. "Can you two cut the wisecracks, please? David, did you get into the house?"

"As a matter of fact, I did. I have something I think you'll all want to hear." David pulled a tape recorder out of his pocket and pushed the play button.

Jake shot to his feet as David turned off the tape recorder. "Grant! That son-of-a� You all told me, but I didn't quite believe it until now. The monster lives."

David laid the recorder down on the table. "Unfortunately, he hasn't said anything incriminating yet. Not that it would matter since we didn't have a warrant. Still, I think that little bug may give us some useful information eventually."

"You planted it in the study?" Michael asked.

"Yes," David confirmed. I also got some shots of the house with that digital camera you gave me." David removed the PDA from his pocket and handed it to Tess. "That's a cute toy, Ms. Richardson. Now I know what to put on my Christmas list."

Tess opened the enhanced PDA and accessed the digital pictures. While she was uploading them to one of the computers, David continued, "Although Harrison didn't mention anything on the tape so far, I know that he has Cindy and the others in that house."

Cameron looked over at David and said, "How? Did you hear something while you were there?"

"It wasn't what I heard. It was what I saw. Ms. Richardson, kindly open the fifth picture in the file, the one that shows the back of the house."

Tess displayed the picture on the laptop screen. "I don't see what you're talking about."

David walked over and pointed to an area on the screen. "Do you see this room on the top floor of the house? Notice anything different about it?"

"Just that the storm-shutters are closed, but that's not unusual. If the room isn't used, they probably keep the storm-shutters closed all the time in case of a hurricane."

"Take a closer look," David suggested. "Can you zoom in on that portion of the photograph?"

Tess did as David suggested. With the picture magnified, she did see something that wasn't quite right. She pointed to the screen and asked, "What is that? It looks like�?"

"Like a locked brace, which is exactly what it is."

"I think you've got something here." Tess replied with growing excitement.

"I don't get this�" Jake muttered. "Why is this such a big thing?"

"I'm confused too," Matt added. "Don't all storm-shutters have some sort of bracing on them? We have them on the house in Key West."

Cameron stepped forward to look at the photo. He could see what Tess and David were discussing right in front of his eyes. "You're right Matt. But the braces are usually on the inside of the shutters so they can be easily opened and closed. Having the brace on the outside isn't useful for keeping a storm out�"

"But it does come in handy for keeping someone in," Ryan said.

"Exactly," David replied. "These shutters were reversed purposely. The storm shutters on the other windows are installed correctly, with the bracing on the inside where it belongs."

Michael nodded. "Ok, I think we're all convinced that Grant is keeping Vicky, Amanda, and Cindy captive in that house. Now we need to decide how we're going to get in there and when."

"We need to work fast," Ryan added. "Before Grant has a chance to make his next move."

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

Grant strode into the study. He looked at Enrique who was sitting behind the desk.

"Is everything ready?" Grant asked.

"Ready when you are," he replied. "The nanny is bringing Kirkland."

"Good. One last phone call and our problems will be over."

Michael sat to one side of the trailer with a set of headphones on his ears. He sat up straight when he heard Grant's voice. He removed the headphones from his ears and unplugged them.

"Something is happening," Michael told the others in the room. He pulled out a speaker and hooked it up.

Everyone became silent as the noises from the house began playing over the speaker.

"He just said that the nanny is bringing Kirkland."

Jake rubbed his eyes. The stress was building. He could not sit here for very much longer without going up to that house and killing Grant himself. He tried to quell his nervous energy, but it was times like these that nothing could alleviate his fears.

~*~*~

Vicky was startled by the coldness in Phillippe's voice. She would expect nothing less from Grant. It was no surprise that he would surround himself with people who were just as coldhearted as he was.

"Look, I just want out of here so that I can go home and be with my children."

"Then you will cooperate. It's that simple," Phillippe replied.

"Surely you have a heart. Can't you see that this stress cannot be good for my unborn children?"

"What I see is a woman who is not to be trusted."

"Do you not have one ounce of compassion in your body? Don't you have a wife, a sister, a daughter?"

"I remember the last time I had some compassion for you. I found my friend, Andreas, lying face down with a concussion," he replied.

"You're not going to hold that against us, are you? If you were being held against your will, wouldn't you have done the same thing?"

"Silence!" Phillippe demanded as the phone rang. He grabbed the phone and held is hand over the mouthpiece. "I'll be listening to every word," he reminded her, then shoved the phone at Vicky. Vicky slowly raised the phone to her ear as Phillippe cocked the gun.

"Hello," Vicky said tentatively into the receiver.

"Mommy!" Kirkland replied with excitement.

~*~*~

Jake shot out of his chair. "My god, what is Grant pulling now?"

"Just be quiet, Jake. We need to hear all of this," Michael reminded him.

Jake could no longer sit, so he paced.

~*~*~

"Kirkland. Oh Kirkland, it's so good to hear your voice."

"Daddy says that I'm going to stay with him for a while."

Vicky hesitated which prompted a menacing look from Phillippe. "Yes--yes, that's right," she said haltingly. "But I'll be seeing you before you know it."

"It's so cool here, and Daddy bought me all these great toys. But I miss you guys."

"Oh we miss you, too, sweetheart."

"Can I talk to Jake?" Kirkland asked.

"He's not here right now. May--maybe you can talk to him next time."

"Mommy, are you all right?" Kirkland asked.

Vicky took a deep breath and pasted a smile on her face. "Yes, why do you ask?"

"You sound kinda funny."

~*~*~

Jake clenched his fist and closed his eyes in triumph. He silently urged Kirkland on.

"That's right, Kirkland---keep it up," Michael whispered voicing everyone's thoughts aloud.

~*~*~

"I'm fine. It's probably these phone lines. You be good, Kirkland---I---need to go---go finish up in the attic."

"The attic?"

"Yes, we're moving Sean's room up there."

"I thought he was going to move into Nana's old room," Kirkland replied.

Vicky pressed forward. "We changed our minds. I thought the attic would be better for Sean."

"Yeah---I like to play up there. You think he'll let me play up there still?"

Vicky gave a sideways glance to Phillippe. "I bet he will. I bet Daddy's got a really cool attic in his house--"

Phillippe stood up and grabbed the phone away from Vicky. He pointed the gun at her. She understood his silent message. He handed the phone back to her. Vicky slowly brought it back to her ear.

"Mommy?" Kirkland asked.

"I'm here, sweetheart. I really need to go. Talk to you soon. 'Bye."

"Bye, Mommy!" Kirkland replied.

Kirkland laid the phone back on its cradle, then looked up at Grant.

"Mommy sounded funny."

Grant stared at him in response.

~*~*~

"Yesssss!" Jake shouted unable to contain himself.

All eyes turned to him.

"I'm sorry, but I must be missing something here. What are you celebrating?" David asked.

Jake grinned. "She just gave us a clue."

"Okay, I'll bite," Ryan replied. "What clue?"

"The attic."

"The attic?" Cameron asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Sean is going to move into Donna's old room downstairs. Do you think she knew we were listening?"

Michael shook his head. "So you're telling us that Sean is not moving into the attic, and that was the clue."

Jake nodded. "Yeah, she was trying to tell Kirkland about the attic---that she's in Grant's attic."

The others looked at him skeptically.

"What does that give us?" Tess asked.

"Confirmation. Now we can make our move," Jake replied.

~*~*~

Phillippe grabbed the phone from Vicky and placed it back on the table. He stood menacingly over her.

"What you did was very stupid---very stupid. He will not be pleased."

Vicky glared at him with a slight smile.

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

Cameron entered the trailer to find David going through one of the equipment cases. "What are you doing, Halliday?"

"I'm looking for night-vision binoculars. You must have a pair somewhere in this bag of tricks."

Cameron studied David with suspicion and opened a case near the door. He removed a pair of binoculars and held them out toward David. "Here you go."

David turned around, his brows raised in surprise at the unexpected assistance. "Thanks," he said warily as he reached for the piece of equipment. Just as David's hand was about to close around the binoculars, Cameron pulled them back slightly. David's expression registered familiar annoyance. "Oh for the love of� You have the maturity of an eight-year-old. What type of game are we playing this time?"

Cameron smiled, completely ignoring David's insult. "That's what you're going to tell me, Halliday. Tell me why you want these things."

David swallowed the impulse to make a sarcastic remark. He didn't have the time to indulge in Sinclair's little cat and mouse game. "I want to get a closer look at the cliff that leads up to Cabalas's house. I think I can scale it but I'll need a closer look to be sure."

Cameron studied David in silence for a moment. He handed David the binoculars and retrieved a few more pieces of equipment from the case. He put the items in a black bag and said, "Let's go."

David looked at Cameron askance, then rolled his eyes. "I wouldn't think I'd need to spell this out for you, but here goes. I'm far beyond the age of needing a babysitter, and I don't particularly enjoy your company. So, if it's all the same to you-"

"I don't particularly enjoy your company either, David. Whether or not you need a babysitter is debatable. What isn't up for debate is me coming with you. I am. So you may as well stop griping and start walking."

David gave Cameron a mocking salute and replied, "Never let it be said that I'm not flexible."

Cameron and David both exited the trailer. Michael and Jake were having a hushed discussion over by one of the trucks. Tess and Matt were talking as well. Ryan stood at the edge of the clearing alone. Cameron crossed to where Ryan was standing, told him where he and David were going, and asked him to inform the others. Ryan stared after the pair with curiosity as they disappeared into the underbrush.

Cameron and David walked for several minutes in tense silence. The "path" they were using to reach the rear gate in the site fence barely qualified for the name. It was overgrown with brambles and thick foliage.

Ultimately, David broke the stillness. "So, did you insist on coming with me because you know how to climb, or because you don't trust me out here alone?"

"Both," Cameron replied tersely.

"I see," David commented blandly. "What sort of chaos do you think I could cause out here? Do you think I'm going to get myself caught and ruin the operation?"

"Maybe."

David sighed. "Look, I know I'm not an official member of your little 'Mission Impossible' troop, but can't you give me credit for having some common sense?"

"No."

David glared at Cameron, then gave a short laugh. "You know, I'm seeing you in a whole new light, Mr. Sinclair. I never understood what a woman like Amanda Cory could see in you, but now it's perfectly clear. She must have been blown away by your amazing conversational skills."

Cameron stepped in front of David. His jaw was clenched. The minute David had spoken Amanda's name, his irritation had blown into full-scale fury. "Listen up, Halliday, because I'm not going to repeat myself. We aren't partners and we're not friends. I'm not even remotely interested in making nice with you. And if you say my wife's name one more time, I won't be held responsible for what I do to you. Are we clear?"

"Perfectly," David snarled as he stalked around Cameron and went further into the brush. Cameron closed his eyes, took a deep breath as he counted to ten, then turned and followed.

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

Grant burst into the room on the third floor. His face was flushed in anger. He strode across the room and grabbed Vicky by the arm, pulling her up off the couch.

"What did you think you were doing?" Grant demanded.

Vicky did not shrink away from him, but stood her ground. "I was talking to my son."

"Don't be coy with me, Victoria. I was talking about that stunt you just pulled. What? Did you think some secret agent has a tap on our phones? Are you hoping that bumbling idiot that you call a husband is going to come riding in on a white steed to whisk you away? Do you think so little of me?"

"You really don't want to hear what I think of you, Grant. Let go of me," she snarled.

Grant tightened his grip instead. "We keep constant surveillance on these phone lines to ensure that no one is listening in on our conversations. So all you succeeded in doing is putting yourself in more isolation."

"You cannot keep us in there forever."

Grant smiled. "Really? I guess we'll see where this latest scheme of yours gets you. Phillippe!"

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

Phillippe pushed Vicky back into their third-floor prison. Amanda and Cindy both stood behind the couch where they had moved when they heard the key in the door. They both rushed to Vicky's side when she stumbled slightly.

"Are you okay?" Amanda asked with her concerned mirrored both in her voice and her face.

Vicky slowly shook her head. "I'm fine. I just get reminded more and more of what a monster Grant is everyday."

"What happened?" Cindy asked.

Vicky walked to the couch and sat down. Amanda sat on the couch beside her as Cindy took a seat in the chair beside the couch.

"I got to talk to Kirkland on the phone. Grant had it all set up. He put me in a room with his goon, and I talked to Kirkland from there."

"Did he give you a script?" Cindy questioned.

Vicky shook her head. "No, he let me use my own words, but Phillippe had a gun on me the entire time, but I didn't let that stop me."

Amanda's eyes widened. "What did you do?"

Amanda said nothing as her thoughts turned to Cameron. She had no doubt that Cameron had the FBI looking for them. Like Jake, she knew Cameron would force someone to help him, if nothing else. Still she knew that they couldn't wait to find out if someone was actually listening to Vicky and Kirkland's conversation.

"We can't just sit around her and wait for something to happen," Amanda reminded them.

"I'm not suggesting that we do," Vicky said. "I'm just hoping someone heard our conversation."

"Good," Cindy began. "Amanda and I have been discussing a few possible plans for escape---"

"Are you sure you want to do that after the last attempt?" Vicky asked.

"I thought we just established that we can't sit around here and expect Superman to come flying in," Cindy stated in confusion.

Vicky buried her face in her hands for a moment, then she let her hands fall to her side. A look of total despair filled her face.

"Don't let him get to you," Amanda told her as she put a supportive arm around Vicky's shoulders.

Vicky shook her head. "I'm not. I know that I should not dwell on the negative, but when I see Grant like that, sometimes I can't stop myself from wondering if Kirkland will someday be just like his father. It's a mother's nightmare."

"If Kirkland is lucky, he will be just exactly like his father," Cindy said.

Amanda and Vicky both looked at her in total disbelief.

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

Tess walked back into the trailer to continue unpacking equipment. She wanted every piece of equipment in operating order before morning. By fine tuning the equipment, she could focus on her job. Left with idle hands she could allow herself to dwell on the unconventional team which surrounded this operation. They had spent all these years keeping this FBI team a secret. One trip to Bay City and every illusion they had ever created had been shattered. It was disconcerting.

Ryan was the strength in the team. When he had almost died a few years ago, she had never felt so lost. But the strength that he was known for had pulled him through. They had rallied around him, and he was new again. Vicky was his one weakness. She had seen it the first time she had laid eyes on Victoria Hudson. Her impetuous nature had frustrated Ryan, but it also drew him to her. She saw the worry in his eyes. He would deny it, but Ryan's focus was on Vicky.

Then there was Cameron. The last year had been tumultuous for Cameron and Amanda. Ever since he had laid eyes on Amanda Cory, he had become a loose cannon. He lost sight of everything and everyone else. Tess was afraid that they would not be able to keep a tight rein on Cameron, especially with David Halliday around to push his buttons. When Cameron was out of control, there was nothing anyone could do. She saw the fear in his eyes that Amanda would be lost to him forever. It concerned her, but Cameron did not want to hear words of comfort right now. He only wanted Amanda.

Tess was very careful to keep her eyes off Matt. Pushing his presence aside kept her in focus. If she were to dwell on it, she would become angry. Detachment was the best thing---for now.

"You want to test the lap top out and see if I've got the stuff on the roof set up right, Dev?" Ryan asked.

Tess did not react at first to Ryan's question, but then nodded slightly and switched on the small laptop computer. She waited impatiently for the software to load.

"Looks good, Scout. This baby will get recharged, and everything will be running smoothly."

"I want you to see what Interpol has on Enrique Cabalas," Michael stated as he walked over to plug in some of the other equipment.

"What are you thinking, Michael?" Jake asked.

Michael shrugged. "We need to know exactly who we're dealing with in Cabalas. Is he an innocent party in all this?"

"I think we can rule that out," Jake replied.

"Or is he a force to be reckoned with? Why is he harboring Grant? What is their connection? We can't have any more surprises here."

Jake nodded. "How long do we have to wait before we move in on him?"

Michael faced Jake for the first time. His face was somber. "I don't want any vigilante stuff in this operation. Are you listening to me, Jake? We've got three women and a child to rescue. We cannot be too careful with this. People's lives are at stake. I'm talking to all of you. Do you understand the seriousness of what we're doing?"

Jake and Matt nodded.

"Good. Just sit tight and let us do our work."

Tess continued to work on the computer. She clenched her fists in silent celebration when she was able to get into Interpol's database. Tess typed quickly impatiently waiting for the information to appear. Her eyes were riveted on the computer screen when the name "Enrique Cabalas" appeared. She scrolled through lines of information quickly scanning them for something that would be useful.

"You'll all be surprised to know that Mr. Cabalas does have a file with Interpol," Tess said sarcastically.

Michael leaned on the table beside the computer. He folded his arms as he looked at Tess and said, "Read us the list."

"He has been under surveillance several times and not just with Interpol. Each time he has managed to evade all charges. In other words, there wasn't any concrete proof to put him behind bars. Cabalas is a big time crime lord here in Tanquir, but one who somehow manages to stay just a step ahead of the law. Now why do you suppose that is?" Tess asked with a slight smile.

Ryan laughed as he walked over and leaned over Tess's shoulder. "Because he's got the police in his back pocket."

"Exactly. So I don't think we'll be getting any cooperation from them. I would notify Interpol of our investigation, but I'm afraid that they would tip off Kane."

"We can't risk that right now, Devlin," Michael agreed.

"No, we can't."

Matt's arms closed around her waist. Tess's eyes immediately filled with anger. She shoved him hard breaking his hold and causing him to stagger backward a few steps. Then she shot past him and out the door.

"Tess�.." He called after her in exasperation then followed her out the door.

"Is it just me or do those two need to be locked in a room for a few hours?" Jake asked as he watched Matt walk quickly outside after Tess.

Ryan and Michael both nodded. "Definitely," they said in unison.

Soon after the confrontation, David and Cameron reached the back gate. David took out a key and unlocked it. They passed through it and continued making their way amongst the dense tropical plants. They eventually reached a small strip of rock-strewn sand. From where they stood, the cliff was one hundred yards or so to their left.

David looked through the night-vision binoculars, carefully studying the green-tinted, magnified rock-face. After a few moments, he lowered them from his eyes and passed them to Cameron without being asked. "The good news is the surface isn't shale or limestone. We shouldn't have trouble with collapsing hand and footholds."

Cameron lowered the binoculars and added, "The bad news is that the surface is granite that has been worn down and polished by salt water for hundreds of years. If we can find any holds at all, it will be a miracle."

David nodded in agreement. "Care to take a closer look?"

After only a moment's hesitation, Cameron began walking across the sand and David followed. When they reached the base of the cliff, David put his bag on the ground and unzipped it. He pulled out a rock hammer and a few steel pins. Cameron used the night-vision goggles to keep a watch out for guards on the property above them. While Cameron was distracted, David went to the base of the cliff and searched for hand and footholds. There were very few of them and the constant pounding of the salt water made them shallow, but they were there.

David began climbing, drawing Cameron's attention from above and back to him. "Halliday!" he hissed in a furious whisper. "What the hell are you doing?"

"Keep your shirt on!" David whispered with equal annoyance. "I'm just testing it out." David climbed about ten feet up and found a solid hold. He let go of the rock with one hand and pulled a pin out of his pocket. He then retrieved the hammer and tapped on the end of the pin until it sank an inch into the rock. David returned the hammer to his pocket and tested the pin by pulling down on it. It held firm.

A minute later, David was back on the ground. Cameron stalked past him glaring. David rolled his eyes and followed. When they reached the place they had exited the undergrowth, Cameron rounded on David. "There is no room for impulse in this operation. Before you pull another stunt like that, you better tell me first."

Without giving David time to respond, Cameron pushed into the tall weeds. David seethed and followed him. He'd swallowed his anger too many times to keep quiet this time. "What is your problem? I thought it was perfectly clear why we were going to the base of the cliff. If you just wanted to look at the damned thing, we could have stayed where we were."

Cameron didn't stop or even bother looking over his shoulder when he answered. "That's not the point. You should have waited until I gave you the all-clear sign before you started up that rock face. This is a serious operation with a chain of command and you violated it, pure and simple."

David laughed sarcastically. "Right. I'm certain that you've never broken the 'chain of command', have you? You're such an emotionally controlled person after all."

Cameron stopped and slowly turned around. "Don't start something that I'll have to finish, David. I promise you, you won't like it. I won't have you taking chances with the lives of four people, including my wife. You've been acting like this is some sort of game, and I'm tired of it."

Cameron started to turn away, but stopped at the tone of David's voice. "Do you think I'm enjoying this? You think � what? That I was just sitting around one day and thought, 'You know, my life is far too easy and predicable. I need to find a way to get myself involved in a covert operation where I can get shot at. That should liven things up a bit.'"

"When it comes to you, I have no idea what to believe, Halliday. All I know is that I don't trust you. I made that mistake once. It won't happen again."

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

"Tess, come on," Matt said as he walked behind her.

She was walking quickly trying to get away from him. When she turned around unexpectedly, Matt ran into her. Once again his arms closed around her waist bringing their bodies in full contact. She pushed at him trying to get away.

"Let go of me!" She demanded.

Matt shook his head. "No. What is with the hostility? I thought we worked everything out."

"Just because I agreed to allow you to stay here does not mean that I'm happy about it."

Tess pushed away from him and began walking along the beach.

"Well, you've made yourself very clear, Tess," Matt told her as he walked beside her.

She stopped again and faced him, drawing her hands into fists. "Would you go back to the trailer with the others and just leave me alone?"

"No, I won't."

Tess glared at him, then growled in frustration before she continued. She walked off the beach and into a grove of trees with Matt on her heels.

He grabbed her around the waist, then pressed her back against a tree so that she could not escape easily.

"Let go of me!" She demanded through gritted teeth.

"Not until you tell me why you're behaving this way."

"We've already had this discussion. Don't make me hurt you, Matt."

"You wouldn't do that," Matt replied with a slow shake of his head, then he moved his lips closer to her ear. "You want me as much as I want you."

"No, stop," she protested weakly, shaking her head from side to side.

"I hear it in your voice, Tess. You can't hide it---not from me."

Tess's eyes were half closed as she turned her lips toward his. Matt slowly caressed her face with his hands, then reached behind her and pulled the ponytail holder out of her hair as he captured her lips. Tess gasped in protest yet opened her mouth to his deep, hungry kisses. Matt quickly pulled her shirt out of her pants then explored the bare skin of her back with his hands. Tess's fingers worked at the buttons of his shirt pulling them apart so that she could touch him.

In one fluid motion, Tess wrapped her legs around him. Matt slid her blouse from her shoulders exposing her black lacy bra. With a sharp intake of breath, he pressed her back against the tree. Tess cried out in pain.

Matt stopped for a moment confused by the sound. Tess looked at him through hooded eyes.

"My gun," she gasped as she reached around and pulled it out of the waistband of her pants.

"Oh," he responded as she allowed the gun to drop to the ground.

Matt pulled her away from the tree and started to lower her to the ground. Tess placed her hand against his chest to stop him. She pulled away, then slowly slid her pants across her hips allowing them to fall in a heap on the ground. Matt grabbed her again, and they both slowly fell to the ground as the turbulence of their passion swirled around them.

Tess placed her hand on his face as their lips met in a searing kiss. "I want you so much," she whispered as shivers of delight followed his touch.

All their worries had melted away. Their passion was intoxicating making them forget everything else.

"Tess, Tess," Matt whispered against her skin as he rained kisses across her stomach. "I love you so much."

His hands moved to the front clasp of her bra. Matt looked into Tess's sparkling eyes and his breath caught in his throat. She moved her hand to the back of his neck pulling his lips to hers once again. They surrendered to the desire that had been building for months. Tess impatiently tugged at Matt's belt.

She pulled away from his burning kisses and gasped, "Love me, Matthew."

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

Amanda and Vicky both looked at Cindy as if she had lost her mind.

"What?" Cindy asked as she raised her eyebrows at their reaction. "I know the two of you agree with me, too. What parent would not want their child to emulate such a kind, noble man?"

"You're losing it, Cindy," Vicky told her in disbelief.

Amanda whispered. "Are you doing this because you're afraid Grant is listening? I didn't think you were afraid of Grant anymore."

Cindy grabbed Vicky's hand and started pulling her along. "What is it they say----the truth shall set you free?"

"Let go of me," Vicky demanded.

"In a minute. Just keep your mouth shut and humor me for once," Cindy replied as she dragged Vicky into the bathroom.

Amanda followed them. When all three of them were inside the bathroom, Cindy shut the door and turned on the water in the shower and the sink.

"What are you doing?" Vicky demanded.

"Keep your voice down. If he's got this room bugged, he won't be able to hear what we're saying if we whisper," Cindy responded.

Amanda and Vicky both nodded.

"So what is all of this about, Cindy?"

"Kirkland's father. I'm telling you that you have nothing to worry about. If Kirkland is half the man his father was, you're going to have one heck of a kid."

"I can't believe that you still have some misguided affection for Grant after all he's done to you."

Cindy shook her head. "You're not listening to me. I'm not talking about Grant."

Vicky narrowed her eyes. "You just said that if Kirkland is like his father�.."

"That's right. Kirkland's father."

"Grant�"

"We're not talking about Grant. I'm talking about Kirkland's biological father."

Vicky shook her head. "We had blood tests done. Extensive blood tests, Cindy."

"Blood tests can be doctored. I am a nurse."

"Cindy, we've been through this before. The test was conclusive. Grant is Kirkland's father."

"I switched the tests, Vicky."

"I remember."

"No, you don't understand. I have proof, Vicky. Kirkland is Ryan Harrison's son. Help me get us out of this place and I'll prove it to you."

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

Cameron and David stared at each other with blatant hostility for a full minute. Then Cameron turned and headed further into the brush. David stayed where he was for a minute longer. He felt a pounding sensation slowly building behind his eyes. David rubbed at his temples hoping to relieve the tension, but it didn't help ease the pressure. Giving up, he followed Cameron's path back toward the building site.

Cameron was waiting at the gate when David arrived with the key to unlock it. They entered the property and continued along the path that led back the trailers. They had walked several yards in silence when David commented, "We're supposed to be on the same side in this. I don't know why you insist on seeing me as the enemy."

Cameron kept walking. "Like I told you earlier, David. The last time I trusted you, I almost lost Amanda. I won't make the same mistake twice."

Out of habit, David started to say that he didn't remember, but that wasn't entirely true anymore. He had remembered flashes of the things that happened when Stark had controlled him. Instead, David replied, "My only reason for being here is to help Cindy."

"Right, David. We're all aware of your advertised reason for being here. I'm just waiting to find out what you're really after."

David could feel the tension building inside his head again. The pressure became so unbearable he stopped in his tracks.

Cameron heard David stop behind him. He kept walking until he heard David's reply, "Really, Mr. Sinclair? You claim that you already know what I want."

Cameron had been about to duck under a low hanging tree branch to make his escape from the frustrating conversation. He stopped, rolled his eyes, and turned back to face David with a sigh of frustration. "Can you for just one minute cut the double talk and�?"

Cameron turned fully around. His eyes widened as he watched David slowly raising his gun� and pointing it directly at him. "Halliday, what are you-"

"Stay right where you are," David replied in a low monotone. "Don't move, don't talk, don't even breathe."

Cameron was dumfounded. There was no chance he could pull his weapon in time to defend himself. He looked at David's eyes - They were hard and emotionless. Cameron's eyes flew to the gun. He watched as David's finger slowly and deliberately tightened on the trigger�

As Matt leaned forward to kiss Tess, a loud report broke the stillness of the night. They both scrambled apart shocked by the noise.

"What was that?" Matt muttered.

Tess's eyes widened as she looked in the direction of the sound. "It was a gunshot."