by Jemb
Disclaimer: These characters do not belong to me, but the property of JER and NBC.
Just a reminder!! Several of these chapters are Rated R!
Chapter 1
One year later.......
Luis’ ax froze in midair. The snow was blinding, and he figured his eyes were playing tricks on him. There was no way Sheridan was fighting her way through this blizzard toward him. Ace, Luis’ German Shepherd, was barking and running circles around him. That meant that Luis was not hallucinating, because it was obvious Ace saw her too.
He dropped his ax on top of the woodpile and stared into the distance. Her steps were unsteady, and the icy daggers of snow were beating her slender body. If he didn’t resent Sheridan’s intrusion into his life, he might have admired her courage. What the hell was she doing here, now after all this time, and in the middle of the worst snowstorm to hit Harmony in a decade? He waited as she made her way toward him, still too much in shock do anything else. When she got about five feet away from him, she threw herself in his arms. Instinctively he caught her, unprepared for her soft feminine body pressing against him. It was not welcomed, but a wave of desire hit him full force.
“Thank God I made it home,” she whispered.
Home? What was she talking about? She hadn’t lived here since the day she walked out on him demanding a divorce. Luis felt like he was living in the twilight zone, because this whole thing was getting more bizarre by the moment.
“Just the thought of you waiting for me, worrying about me kept me going, even when I thought I couldn’t take another step.”
She snuggled against his down-filled coat, and lay a hand on his chest. How could she possibly miss the thundering of his heart that her touch had caused? The last painful year melted away, and all he could think about was how good it felt to have her in his arms again. Ace’s barking brought Luis back to reality, and he stiffened, and pulled away from her. Sheridan looked up at him with her expressive blue eyes. It was then that he noticed the long, bloody gash on her forehead. He couldn’t help it, but his protective nature took over, and he resented the hell out of it. The jagged cut ran down the edge of her hairline, sticking out against the paleness of her skin.
“What happened to your head?”
Sheridan put her hand up to the cut, looking confused. “I’m not sure….. I think I hit it on the steering wheel when my car went off the road. I must have hit a tree, because the impact knocked me out. When I finally woke up, I just knew that I had to get to you because you would be worried sick about me.”
When Luis had a chance to really study her eyes, he could tell they were glazed over, and it finally hit him. She was in shock. “My God, you were in an accident?”
“I think so…..," and she started to sway.
Luis didn’t wait another second. He picked her up and carried her into the house. If she was in shock, he needed to get her warmed up. She put her icy finger on his face, and traced his jaw, just like she had done a hundred times before when they had made love. He resented the way she caressed him, because she had given up that right a year ago. Luis walked over and put her down on the sofa.
“We have to get you out of those wet clothes.” Luis said pulling off her gloves.
Ace grabbed her leather glove in his mouth, and carried it over to the fireplace, and began to chomp on it like it was a chew toy.
“When did we get a dog? I don’t remember…..,” she said looking at Ace with confusion.
Luis ignored her question, and said rather gruffly, “You need to take your jacket off Sheridan.” He refused to do it for her, because the last thing he needed right now was to undress her. Her hands were white from the cold, and when she reached up to undo the buttons, her hands began to shake uncontrollably. Luis wondered how long she had walked in the storm, and he couldn’t help but feel sympathy for her. He pushed her hands away, and finished the task for her. After he removed her jacket, he leaned over and took her wet shoes and socks off. Her feet were blue, and he began to rub them to bring the circulation back. Luis stood up and draped the throw over her.
“Wait here, I’ll be back in a minute,” Luis said, and walked up the steps. He was only gone a few minutes when he came back carrying one of his flannel shirts. “Put this on, and wrap the throw around you. I’m going to go in the kitchen and call Eve.” This gave him the perfect excuse to escape, because he certainly wasn’t going to stand there and watch her undress.
Luis called the Russell’s, and thankfully Eve answered the phone. Luis told her how Sheridan had shown up out of nowhere, and about the accident. He surprised himself at the worry that came through in is voice. He explained that she was conscious, and seemed fine, as long as you didn’t count the fact that she was freezing cold, and seemed to have no recollection of their divorce.
“That’s entirely possible Luis,” Eve said. “Because of the accident and the injury to her head, Sheridan could be suffering from posttraumatic amnesia”
“Amnesia? She needs to see you immediately.” Luis said.
“I agree Luis, but you could risk further injury by trying to get her to the hospital in this blizzard. They have already closed most of the roads down because of the ice and drifting. It’s probably a lot worst where you are out in the country.”
“So what the hell am I supposed to do with her?”
“Keep her calm, and give her some aspirin for the pain. If she does have a concussion, you will need to check her eyes every so often to make sure they’re not dilated. You can let her sleep, as long as you wake her up every couple of hours. Just make sure she responds coherently to your questions. If her condition worsens, call me immediately.”
“What about her amnesia?”
“There is nothing you can do, but to keep her quiet.”
“But what about her memory? When will she get it back?”
“I’m sorry Luis, but there is no way to tell. It could be within hours, or it could take weeks.”
“Are you saying she may never get her memory back?”
“I don’t know Luis, but right now she has been through a trauma, and it’s important that she stay calm and not get upset. You shouldn’t force amnesia victims to try and remember. They have to get their memories back on their own.”
“So you’re saying that I have to pretend that we’re still married? How in the hell am I going to do that Eve?”
“I know this is difficult for you Luis, but you don’t want to cause her permanent damage do you?
“Of course not, in spite of everything, I would never let anything happen to her.”
“Good, I knew you would feel that way. As soon as the roads open up, you can bring her to town, and I can assess her situation. But, for the time being, just don’t let her become agitated. She needs to feel safe right now.”
Luis hung up the phone, and ran his hand through his hair. What was he going to do now? After a whole year of hating her, missing her like crazy, now she shows up in his life again. He had been convinced he would never see her again, and now that he had, he finally felt alive again. Damn her. He hated the fact that she could still get to him like this. Now he had to go in there and pretend that they were still married, and he had no idea how he was going to pull this off.
Sheridan’s head was pounding, and she rubbed her temples hoping to get some relief. She was finally starting to warm up now that she had changed into Luis’ shirt, and she was snuggly wrapped in the throw. She must have really hit her head hard because things were still so fuzzy. She looked at the dog sleeping by the fire, and she couldn’t remember for the life of her when they had gotten a pet. Was it just her dazed state, or was Luis acting strangely toward her? Maybe he was just angry with her for putting herself in danger. She smiled to herself when she thought about all the ways she knew of to make him forget his anger. Just then the object of her thoughts came walking in the room. He was carrying a glass of water, and a bottle of aspirin.
“Here Sheridan,” Luis said handing her the water. "Eve said you should take these.” Luis opened the bottle of aspirin and handed her two of them.
“What did she say about my memory? Everything just seems so confusing to me.”
“Well she said that you just have to give it some time, and you should also try to stay calm. It’s understandable that with the blow you took to your head, you would be a little confused about some things. And speaking of that blow to the head, I should go get something to clean that cut.” Luis turned to go to get some alcohol when Sheridan stopped him.
“Luis did we have an argument about something?”
Luis looked at her, and now that her hair had dried, he noticed that she was wearing it longer. The soft curls brushed her shoulders, and she had grown thinner, making her cheekbones look more pronounced.
“Luis did you hear me?”
“Yes, I’m sorry, I guess I’m just a little blown away by your accident and everything.”
“I thought maybe that was the case, but I just needed to be sure. I’m really sorry that I worried you. I can’t believe how this blizzard came upon us so fast. It was just the other day when you surprised me with the hot spring.”
Luis tried to hide his shock, and when he spoke, he proceeded with caution. “Sheridan, what is the last clear memory you have?”
“Well….. I guess it was when you took me to the hot spring. I remember that day very clearly because it was such a beautiful time. I don’t think I’ll ever forget the way you made love to me,” she said with a little smile.
Luis couldn’t believe it; she was missing a whole year of her life. She really did think they were still married. That also meant that she didn’t remember that Alistair had died two months ago. Luis knew he should feel guilty, but he was glad that Alistair had been killed when his plane crashed into that mountain. The only thing he did regret was he never got a chance to find out the truth about his father from that bastard. He didn’t have time to think about Alistair right now, because he had more immediate problems. Like, how was he going to handle this thing with Sheridan? She was bound to have questions, and he didn’t think he could evade her forever. She looked so fragile and innocent right now. Not at all like a person that would walk out on their marriage like it was nothing but a temporary diversion. Part of him wanted to scream at her for what she had done to him, but another part of him wanted to take her in his arms and hold her. He really resented the effect she still had on him. She shifted, and the throw slipped away exposing a long, naked leg. Luis couldn’t help but think about another time when she had worn nothing but his shirt. He had to fight for control when he thought about the things she had said, and the way he had ripped the shirt off of her. Damn, he had to change his train of thought right now, and the best way to do that was to get away from her for awhile.
“Look Sheridan, you’ve been through a lot tonight, and I think you should get some rest. Why don’t I carry you up to bed? Eve said that I should wake you up every couple of hours in case you have a concussion, but hopefully you will be able to get some sleep. Let me clean that cut, and I’ll take you upstairs.”
“I’m sorry to be so much trouble Luis. If you have to wake me up all night, that means you won’t be getting any sleep.”
If she only knew, he would be lucky if he was even able to shut his eyes. “Don’t worry about me. You just need to get some rest so you can heal. I’ll be fine.”
Luis cleaned her cut, and carried her to bed. He was tucking the blanket around her when she sat up with a distressed cry.
“Oh no Luis, I think I left my purse in the car.”
Luis sat down on the edge of the bed, “relax Sheridan, I don’t think anyone is going to be stealing your purse in this blizzard. Besides, you can replace everything later if it does come up missing. I don’t want you to get upset about it.”
“You don’t understand, my compact is in there. I don’t care about the money or the credit cards, but I could never replace the compact that you gave to me. It’s one of my most prized possessions”
Did she really still have the compact he gave to her, or was this just another left over memory? If she did, he couldn’t understand why she would have kept it. “Don’t worry about it Sheridan, I’m sure we will recover your purse, but there is nothing we can do about it right now. It’s really important that you not get excited about this.”
“Ok, but promise me that the first chance we get, we can go get my purse.”
“I promise.” Luis said softly. “Now, no more procrastination, it’s time for you to get some sleep.”
He stood up to leave, but Sheridan put her hand on his arm to stop him. “Where are you going? Aren’t you going to sleep here with me?”
Luis closed his eyes, and thought about how he was going to get out of this. “You know how I have a habit of hogging the bed. I think it would be easier for you to get some rest if I sleep in the other room. I’ll be back in a couple of hours to check on you.”
“Well,” Sheridan said smiling, "your hogging the bed has never been a problem before. Usually you pull me on top of you, so we can sleep with our bodies touching each others.”
Luis’ body heated with her words. God, she was killing him bringing up all these memories. He had fought so hard to forget how good it was with her. What had he done to deserve this torture? He wanted to hate her, but she was making it impossible. Her hand resting on his arm and her special scent was only adding fuel to his fire. This had to stop now. “Sheridan, you know that’s not a good idea, you have been through a trauma tonight, and Eve said you should get some rest.”
“Alright, I guess I am pretty exhausted,” she said yawning. “I’ll go to sleep.” She was already starting to drift off, when she mumbled “I love you Luis”.
He didn’t have to respond because she was already asleep. He turned out the light and left the bedroom, and went back downstairs. He went to the kitchen to get a beer, hoping it would mellow him out. He sat down on the sofa, and Ace jumped up and nuzzled him wanting attention. “Hey boy,” Luis said scratching Ace’s head. “Our simple life had just turned upside down. I should curse the day I got involved with Sheridan Crane. But you see boy, she really gets to me.”
Luis took a drink from his beer, and leaned his head on the back of the sofa. He closed his eyes, and all he could see was Sheridan. Why had she said she loved him? If she had really loved him, she would have never left. Well, he wasn’t going to fall for it this time, because he was prepared for her. Now that he was back under control, he had finally started to relax a little when he heard Sheridan scream. He jumped up, and flew up the steps and into the bedroom. He turned the light on, and saw Sheridan sitting up in bed. She was clearly agitated, and he sat down beside her.
“Noooo, let me go, I have to get to Luis.”
“Sheridan, wake up. Come on wake up,” Luis said shaking her gently.
She opened her eyes, and looked at him with confusion. When she finally realized that it was Luis she wrapped her arms around him, and started to cry. “Thank God you’re here. I thought it was real.”
“Sheridan, look at me,” he said pulling back from her. “You were just having a bad dream.”
“Oh Luis, it was terrible. they wouldn’t let me go. I was running from them because I was trying to get to you. I saw you in the fog, and was running toward you, and I was almost there, but they pulled me back. I tried to fight them off, I tried……”
“Who Sheridan, who tried to hold you back from me?”
“Alistair and Julian. I hate them for this,” she sobbed.
“Sheridan, listen to me, I’m here right in front of you. You have to calm down because it was only a dream.”
“Yes,” she said touching his cheek. “You are here, and I should have known you would never let them come between us.”
“Listen, do you remember what happened tonight? Do you remember how you got here?”
“Yes, I remember. I had an accident, and I fought the blizzard to get home to you.”
So, she still didn’t have her memory back. But what had triggered this dream? She seemed so frightened of Alistair and Julian. He smelled a rat, but he didn’t know why he had this feeling. Sheridan had written the letter, and she had made herself clear about wanting to end their marriage. Was it just wishful thinking that the Crane’s had forced her to leave him. No, he had to keep things in perspective, so he could get through this farce he was forced to go along with.
“Are you alright now? You should try to go back to sleep,” Luis said trying to force his voice to sound calming.
“Yes, I feel better now that you’re here. Please Luis, will you stay with me until I fall asleep again? I feel so safe when you are with me.”
“Ok,” he said against his better judgement. “I’ll stay, but only until you fall asleep again.”
He lay down beside her, and when she rolled to her side and wrapped her arms around him, he stiffened. But, eventually her soft body resting against his melted his resistance to her. He put his arms around her and held her close, and prayed Sheridan would fall asleep quickly.
Chapter 2
Luis came awake slowly, when he felt Ace’s cold nose nuzzling him. He must have been having a dream, because Sheridan was laying here wrapped in his arms. No, it wasn’t a dream, he could feel her, smell her. He shook his head, and looked at the clock. It had been two hours since he had promised to stay with Sheridan until she fell asleep. He was falling down on the job, he hadn’t meant to fall asleep, but thanks to Ace; he was just in time to wake Sheridan.
“Good boy,” Luis whispered, rubbing Ace’s head. “You’re smarter then most humans I know.” He disentangled himself from Sheridan, and started to shake her awake. She finally stirred, and opened her eyes. He turned on the light, and they both squinted at the sudden brightness.
“Sheridan I’m sorry to wake you up, but I need to check on you.”
He looked into her blue eyes, and even though they were still heavy from sleep, they were clear, and focused. She smiled, and touched his cheek, and he let her because in spite of everything he still craved her touch.
“So what now? My name, rank and serial number,” she teased.
“Well, I can see the blow to your head didn’t effect your sense of humor.”
“I’m really fine Luis. Other then a dull headache, and a little loss of memory, I’m feeling pretty good. Besides, I’m very determined to get better as quickly as possible.”
“Oh, why is that?”
“Because I’m dying to make love with you. And I know that you, being the mother hen that you are, won’t agree until you think I’m all right. Oh Luis, you have no idea how much I want you.”
His arousal was immediate at her words, and their eyes connected and held for a moment. Her gaze traveled down his body to rest on his erection, and he almost came out of his skin when she put her hand out and touched him there. “Oh God, Sher…….” Ace started barking, and they both sat back startled. Luis jumped up like she had burned him.
“Luis……?”
“Go back to sleep Sheridan,” Luis said rather roughly. He called Ace, and walked out the door.
“What did I do?” Sheridan said out loud. Luis had been acting strangely ever since her accident. In fact, when she thought about it, he had never given her a straight answer when she asked him if they had an argument. She may have bumped her head, but she wasn’t stupid. He was being very solicitous to her, but it was all so clinical. If it hadn’t been for his physical reaction to her a few minutes ago, she would almost believe he was indifferent to her. But wouldn’t he have told her if they had fought? Luis was always honest. Maybe she was just overeating to his behavior toward her because she was still shaken from the accident. Yes, that had to be it, because she knew in her heart that Luis loved her. Now that she had convinced herself that everything was fine, she turned off the light, and lay back down in bed. She thought only happy thoughts, and eventually she was able to fall back into a peaceful sleep.
Luis however, didn’t enjoy the same fate. He lay on the sofa; eyes wide open, his body tense, and cursed his present situation. In the matter of several hours, Sheridan had single handily destroyed any progress he had made in the past year to go on without her. If it wouldn’t have been for Ace’s untimely interruption, he didn’t know how far he would have let things go. One thing was apparent, and that was, he wanted her just as much as he always had. Now, if he could only convince himself that his reaction to her was nothing but sexual attraction, because anything more would be the end of him.
The next morning Sheridan moved tentatively as she got out of bed. Her headache was better, but she was stiff, and her muscles were sore. She checked the clock and saw that it was just after dawn. A hot bath was just what she needed for her aching muscles, but first she was going to put some coffee on. As she approached the bottom of the steps she saw Luis fast asleep on the sofa. She crept up, and observed him sleeping. Why did his rest seem so troubled? He was tossing and turning, and her heart went out to him. Poor baby, he probably hadn’t gotten much sleep last night, thanks to her. She wanted to reach out and touch him, but she was afraid that she would wake him up, so she quietly made her way to the kitchen.
Sheridan was measuring the coffee when she looked up and saw Ace walk into the kitchen. He walked up to her and sat on his hind legs, and watched her. Sheridan squatted down, and stroked his lush coat. “You sure are a pretty boy, and you seemed devoted to Luis. So in my book that makes you ok,” Sheridan said scratching him behind the ears. “Let me see if I can find your food. I’m sorry Ace, but I can’t seem to remember where we keep it.” Sheridan got up and started looking through the cupboards with no luck. She finally found the food in a big plastic container on the floor in the pantry. She filled Ace’s bowl, and got him some fresh water. With the coffee made, and Ace content and eating his breakfast, she started back upstairs, but she couldn’t resist stopping and looking at Luis again. Her heart was so full of love for him, she couldn’t imagine living without him. With a sigh, she headed upstairs to her bath.
Luis woke up to the smell of coffee teasing his nose. He sat up and ran his hand through his hair. Sheridan must have made coffee, because as smart as Ace was, he didn’t think he had mastered that trick yet. He made his way to the kitchen, and was surprised to see that Sheridan wasn’t there. Ace was though; eating his food like it was his last meal. Luis poured himself a cup, and burnt his tongue when he took a sip of the hot brew. He was surprised, but the coffee tasted pretty good. Maybe Sheridan had even learned how to cook eggs in the last year. He couldn’t believe he had finally managed to fall asleep at all. Last night had seemed like the longest night of his life. What he needed was a long shower to clean the cobwebs out of his brain. Yes, he definitely needed a clear head to deal with Sheridan today.
Assuming Sheridan had gone back to bed, and not really ready to face her just yet, Luis tried to be quiet as he walked up the steps. When he opened the bathroom door, he froze when he saw Sheridan rise out of the tub. Her long, lean naked body was frosted with soapsuds that concealed, yet at the same time, revealed her lush curves. The seductive sight of her made Luis’ blood boil. He knew he was standing there looking like a gawking teenager, but the sight of her naked body had rendered him speechless. She noticed his presence, and smiled one of her sweet smiles pulling him deeper under her spell.
“You have perfect timing, I’m afraid I left my towel over by the sink. Would you mind bringing it to me?”
Did she have any idea what she was asking from him? Probably not, because she was standing there totally comfortable in front of him with her nudity. But then why wouldn’t she be, because there wasn’t one inch of her body that he hadn’t feasted on. Like a robot, he picked up the towel and carried it over to her. When she wrapped the towel around her, he felt cheated. She stepped out of the tub and slipped, and Luis instinctively reached out to steady her, bringing her body flush with his own. When he looked at her beautiful face, he noticed that even with the gash on her forehead, she was perfect.
“Are you all right?” Luis said breathlessly.
“I’m fine,” she said just as breathlessly.
He tried to fight her magnetic pull, his head was screaming for him to get the hell away from her and run for his life, but his body refused to move. He reached up, and lightly traced the cut on her head. “You’ve been through a lot, and you should be ……..”
“Luis, shut up, and kiss me,” she said in a whisper.
Luis groaned, and put his lips on hers, and got lost in the taste of her. Their kiss was intense and all consuming. He knew this was so wrong for so many reasons. He should be noble and not take advantage of her in her present condition. But, when she reached up to wrap her arms around his neck, her towel fell to the floor. He could see their reflection in the mirror; his hands touching her naked back, her perfect round bottom, and all his thoughts of nobility flew out the window. He watched as her hands snagged the bottom of his shirt and lifted it over his head. The feel and the site of their naked chest meshed together almost made him lose it right then. He had lived like a monk for a year, and now, the woman of his dreams was here and very willing. He picked her up and carried her into the bedroom, and lowered her to the bed.
Sheridan reached up and ran her finger down his washboard abs, and undid the button of his jeans. She gasped in frustration, when his stubborn zipper refused to cooperate with her. Thank God, Luis pushed her hand away and finished the task, and pulled his jeans and boxers off. The man was an Adonis, and she couldn’t get enough of looking at his amazing body. She studied his obvious arousal, and it excited her even more knowing she had put him in that state. It seemed as if it had been so long since she had made love with him, and she couldn’t wait one more minute. She pulled him toward her, and he came willingly. He settled on top of her, and leaned over and gave her a passionate kiss. When he finally pulled away from her, he began to caress her body with his large brown hands. She watched in fascination as he ran his hands up her ribcage, and cupped her breast. When he leaned over and put his mouth on her nipple, and began to work his magic, she pulled his head closer and ran her hands through his hair. When she released his head to trace his taunt back muscles with her hands, he moved to her other breast, and she cried out at the sensation of it.
“Luis, please I want you so much…….”
“God…I want you too,” Luis said as he kissed her lips again.
Sheridan wrapped her legs around him, and he entered her slowly to savor the feel of her again. As he moved within her, he felt her body stretching to fit his, and her tightness made him struggle for control. As if they had made love yesterday, instead of a year ago, they moved in harmony, her body meeting each of his insistent thrusts. When they both went over the top, the room was filled with their screams of pleasure.
Luis moved off of her, and pulled her to him. He couldn’t help it, but he had to kiss her again, and he pulled her head close to meet his lips. Sheridan responded, and her sweet mouth drove him crazy. He reluctantly pulled away from her, remembering her condition.
“I’m sorry, I should let you rest.”
“I don’t want to rest,” she said grabbing his hand, to place a kiss on the top. “I’ve never felt…… Luis where is your wedding ring?”
Luis didn’t want to lie to her, but he could see the hurt in her beautiful blue eyes. He knew he shouldn’t let it bother him, but it did. She had put him through hell, but he couldn’t stand to see her in pain. “I guess I lost a little weight, because it was loose on me, and I didn’t want to take a chance of losing it”
“Oh, I couldn’t bear if I lost mine,” she said holding her left hand up to look at her ring.
Luis couldn’t believe it. Why hadn’t he noticed before that she still wore her wedding ring? They were divorced, this didn’t make any sense.
“Luis what is it?”
“Nothing,” he said changing the subject. “I was just thinking about how beautiful you are."
“That sounds like a good tactic to use when you want to change the subject. But, thank you, that makes me happy that you think I’m beautiful.”
“Come on Sheridan, any living, breathing man would think you were beautiful.”
“Well I don’t know about that, but right now all I can think about is how hungry I am.”
“I’m sorry, I should have know you would be starving by now. Why don’t I go downstairs and fix you some breakfast. You can relax here in bed, and I’ll bring it up to you.”
“You’re so sweet, but I want to come with you. I’ll miss you too much while you’re away from me.”
Not wanting to be away from her either, Luis gave her his heart stopping grin, and pulled her up. When they were both standing, he put his arms around her and gave her a sweet kiss.
“Do you realize that this is the first time I’ve seen you smile since my accident? The brooding Luis is sexy, but I think I prefer you this way.”
“I’m sorry it’s just that I’ve just been worried about you, that’s all.”
“I know Luis, it must get old always having to bail me out of some mess.”
“Well,” he said smiling. “You do have a way of getting yourself in trouble.”
“Speaking of trouble, I’m freezing here, could you get me something to put on?”
Luis readily agreed, because the last thing he needed right now was for her to go to the closet and discover that her clothes were not there. He went over and found one of his sweatshirts and brought it to her. She slipped it over her head, and when she complained that her feet were cold, he got her a pair of his socks to put on. She couldn’t have looked sexier if she was wearing one of those expensive silk nightgowns. Before he gave in to his desire for her, he slipped on his jeans, and pulled his shirt over his head.
“Come on,” he said grabbing her hand. “Let’s go feed you.”
Luis took a sip of his coffee and watched Sheridan eat her bacon and eggs. She must have been starving, because she was attacking her food with gusto. Even after all this time, the woman was still a mystery to him. Where had she been all this time? And, more importantly, why was she still wearing her wedding ring? He had to admit he probably could have found out about her whereabouts if he really wanted to, but why put himself through more torture. He still couldn’t believe they had made love, but he wouldn’t take it back if his life depended on it. He knew he was the biggest fool on earth, and he felt like the worst cad taking advantage of her situation, but Sheridan always did have a way of making him do things that were not in his character. What the hell was he going to do about her? For just a fraction of a second, he hoped she would never get her memory back. But, he knew that he would never want her under those circumstances.
She looked up at him as she was patting her mouth with the white napkin. “You look pretty deep in thought over there. Is something wrong Luis?”
“No,” he said looking out the window, “I was just wandering if this snow was ever going to let up. I guess I better let Ace in before he gets lost in a snow drift.” Luis got up and opened the door for Ace to come in. The German Shepherd shook, spraying snow all over the kitchen floor. “Good job boy,” Luis said rolling his eyes.” He got a paper towel and cleaned up the wet mess Ace had made.
Sheridan giggled over Ace’s antics, and patted his head when he walked over to sit beside her chair. Luis watched as the dog succumbed to her charms. Maybe I shouldn’t feel so bad, he thought to himself. Even Ace couldn’t seem to be able to resist her.
“Where did Ace come from Luis? I just don’t remember us getting a pet.”
Luis figured it was safe enough to tell her the truth about Ace, since he wasn’t part of the piece of her life she was blocking out. “Actually, Ace is more then just a pet, he’s my partner.”
“You’re kidding, Ace is a police dog?”
“Yes, he is from the K-9 division, but he’s more than just a regular police dog. Ace is a very expensive and highly trained narcotics dog. He was born and trained in Germany, so he actually understands commands in both German and English.
“That’s fascinating, I am always amazed at how intelligent animals are. I’m very happy that Ace is your partner, because he seems devoted to you.”
“I’ll tell you what, why don’t you go in the living room and relax by the fire, while I clean up this mess, and I’ll join you when I’m finished here.”
“No Luis, please let me clean up, after all you cooked. I’m feeling so much better now.”
“I think you have exerted yourself enough for one day,” Luis smiled. “So don’t argue with me and go in the living room and relax.”
“Ok, I’m going, but don’t take too long.”
“Sheridan, wait…..” She turned around at his request. Luis pulled her in his arms and kissed her.
“Ooooo, like I said Luis, don’t take too long.”
When Sheridan went into the living room, she decided that it might be fun to watch a video. She went over to the armoire to find a movie, and when she opened the door a box fell, it’s contents spilling out on the floor. Sheridan squatted down to pick up the items, and her peripheral vision caught site of the gold band. She picked it up, and recognized it as being Luis’ wedding band. This is strange, why would he put his wedding band in here? There was also a jeweler’s box that looked like something a ring would come in. Her curiosity getting the better of her, she opened it, and gasped when she saw the beautiful emerald cut diamond ring. “It’s beautiful,” she said out loud. Could this possibly be for me? Maybe Luis was going to surprise her with it later. Not wanting to ruin his surprise, she closed the lid and placed it back in its original hiding place. It was then that she saw the envelope with Luis’ name written on the front. Strange, that was her handwriting, but……. then something flashed in her head. Her father’s voice saying “I want you to divorce Luis”. “No,” Sheridan said putting her hands over her ears trying to block it out. With shaky hands, she opened the letter and began to read, and it was then that everything came rushing back to her with total clarity. The meeting with her father that day, his demands, his threats against Luis…. “Please tell me this is a bad dream.” But she knew it wasn’t, and she reeled from the implications. Poor Luis, he must think her a lunatic coming back in his life so suddenly after a year. Oh, God he thought they were divorced. No wonder he had acted so strangely toward her. She knew she was going to have to tell him everything, but how could she? How could she tell him that they weren’t divorced like he thought? They were still married because she never made to Mexico to get the divorce; she was too consumed with grief over losing their baby….over losing him.
Chapter 3
Luis put the last of the dishes away, and rubbed his neck muscles. He was completely at a loss as to what to do about Sheridan. He wanted so badly just to throw caution to the wind, and let this play out, and just enjoy being with her again. Unfortunately, he was a realist, and he knew that sooner or later something had to give. After all, they would not be snowbound forever, as much as he wished that were the case. What would happen, if and when she got her memory back? How could he discount the fact that she had walked out on him, divorced him? Hell, what was he thinking, he discounted it every time she looked at him with those big blue eyes of hers. It was then that a really scary thought occurred to him, that he still loved her. All those times in the last year when the rage had consumed him, the love was still there. It was buried, but there. He had no idea how this thing was going to turn out, but right now, she was here with him, and he wasn’t going to waste one more minute contemplating the future.
When Luis walked into the living room, the first thing that caught his attention was Sheridan’s legs. She was sitting on the floor, and when he walked around the sofa smiling, he froze at the complete site of her leaning against the armoire. Her head was bent, and she was holding the letter that had shattered his life. She looked up at him, and the pain in her eyes told him everything. He walked over and sat down beside her, and she bent her head again.
“Sheridan, you remember….”
“Yes. Everything,” she said quietly.
“Sheridan, please look at me.”
“I can’t Luis. I can’t bear to look you in the eyes after everything I’ve done to you. How you must hate me.”
“Believe me, I’ve tried, but I found that feeling is foreign to me where you’re concerned.”
“It won’t be so foreign to you once you hear all the gory details.”
“Why don’t you let me be the judge of that,” he said lifting her chin so that he could see her face. “But I have to know why Sheridan? Why did you divorce me? I thought you loved me.”
“I did love you, I still do, more then anything in the world,” she said with a sob.
“Then why this,” he said taking the letter out of her hands. "Did you really mean the things that you wrote?”
“No…., I mean. I did mean the part about you being a good person, and that I never wanted to hurt you. But the rest was nothing but lies.”
“Help me understand this, you say you love me, and the things you wrote in this letter were lies, then I can only assume that you were forced to do this. I would bet my paycheck that your family was behind this,” Luis said getting angrier by the minute.
“I’ll tell you everything, but you have to promise me that you won’t go off half cocked, and do something that could get you in trouble. Please,” she said with desperation. “Please just promise me.”
“Tell me Sheridan?”
“When you were in Boston, Alistair came to town, and he called and asked to see me. I was nervous about seeing him, but I had no idea that he was getting ready to destroy my life. He told me he wanted me to divorce you, and I refused, and I told him that I would never divorce you. I tried to leave, but he showed me this folder that had the mortgages on Pilar’s and your house. He bought the bank that held your mortgage…”
“Son of a bitch……”
“He said he was going to call in the loans, and that he would make sure Pilar lost her job. I told him we would find some way to pay the loans, and then…….”
“Go on Sheridan.”
“Remember when you told me about the theft of the drugs from the evidence room, and the missing tape?”
“Yes, but what the hell does this have to do with Alistair?”
“He……., he had the missing tape Luis, and the person that appeared to be stealing the drugs looked just like you.”
“What! Sheridan, I would never…..”
“I know that Luis, and that’s exactly what I told Alistair and Julian. I accused them of setting you up, and that nobody would believe it. And then…… he actually had the audacity to admit that he had hired an imposter, he even showed me a mask of your face. That’s whom I saw and heard on the wharf that night. It was the imposter that said he was using me, and I was so convinced it was you. I’m so sorry Luis. When I think of the terrible things I said and did because I thought you were using me. Well…..I don’t blame you if you would never forgive me.”
“Sheridan…..”
“No wait Luis, there’s more. Alistair threatened that he would have this imposter commit other crimes. He wouldn’t have been happy until you were in prison. Don’t you see, if I wouldn’t have given in to him, he would have destroyed you, and your whole family, and I couldn’t let that happen.” Sheridan stopped talking; she had never seen that look in Luis’ eyes before. It was so cold; the usual sparkle was gone. His rage was so intense she could feel it. She would have preferred that he screamed and shouted. Anything but this cold dead silence.
Luis got up and walked over to look out the window. “Is there anymore?” Luis said without turning around.
This was the moment Sheridan dreaded the most. Just thinking about losing the baby filled her with sorrow. Now, she would have to relive that terrible time, but Luis deserved to know the truth. “Yes, there is more. We are still married……., because I never went to Mexico to get the divorce.”
“What did you say?” Luis turned around, shock written on his face.
Sheridan tears were flowing freely now, but she continued. “That same week while you were gone, I suffered from a dizzy spell. It wasn’t the first time this happened, but I didn’t say anything to you, because I didn’t want to worry you. I went to see Eve, and she told me that……., that I was pregnant.”
“My God, you were going to have our baby?”
“Yes, I was ecstatic, and I couldn’t wait to tell you because I knew you would be so happy. But, the day I received the signed divorce papers from you…….. I lost the baby. I was racked with grief. I never felt so alone in my life, because I had lost you and our baby in the same day. I’m so sorry Luis, I failed you, and I failed our baby, and I know I deserve your hate,” Sheridan said between sobs.
Luis walked over and got his down filled jacked out of the closet. He called Ace and told him to stay with Sheridan. “I have to get out of here.”
“Luis, where are you going? You can’t go out there in this whether.”
“I have to think. This is just too much to process.” Luis opened the door, and Sheridan could feel the blast of cold air hit her full force. Without saying another word, he slammed the door, and Sheridan fell to the floor, and sobbed her heart out.
Luis welcomed the cold wind as it whipped through him. He wanted to scream out his rage, and he was furious that Alistair Crane was dead, because he wanted to be the one to kill him. But Julian was still alive, and he would make sure he paid for what he had done to him and Sheridan. God, an imposter, why would they go to such lengths? At least he finally had an explanation about what Sheridan heard on the wharf that night. He should have been suspicious when Alistair said he would not interfere in their marriage. But he was too caught up in his life with Sheridan and his job. He couldn’t even think about the baby, it was too painful. This was all too much to deal with right now.
Luis had made it down the lane leading to the house. It had stopped snowing, but he still had to fight the drifts and blowing wind. The wind was biting cold, but Luis’ anger was keeping him warm. When he reached the end of the lane, he looked down the road to the left, and he thought he saw a part of a car buried in the ditch, resting against a tree. That had to be Sheridan’s car, and his promise to her flashed through his mind. As he made his way to the car, he couldn’t help thinking that he was not the only victim here. He had never considered until now, that Sheridan would be going through the same hell that he was. He realized that she was put in an impossible position, but the one thing that bothered him, was the fact that if their baby had lived, was she ever going to let him know he had a child? He was convinced now that she had done what she did out of love for him, but that one thing still nagged at him.
Sheridan stood at the window, praying that Luis would come back to her. She was afraid for his safety, because he had been gone for so long. If he didn’t come back soon, he would freeze to death. She knew he had gone on foot, because his jeep was still in the driveway buried in a mound of snow. Had she made a mistake telling him everything? No, she knew that they would never have a chance unless she was completely honest with him. What if he couldn’t find it in his heart to forgive her? She didn’t think she could survive losing Luis a second time. She really couldn’t blame him if he choose not to forgive her, because ever since she had crashed into his life, she had done nothing but cause problems for him. She couldn’t stand this waiting any longer; it was driving her crazy. If he were injured, or worst…….. She located her clothes in the laundry room. She was going to take Ace out to look for Luis. She had just slipped into her jeans when she heard the front door open. She ran out to the living room, and there stood Luis, looking like a frozen gift from heaven.
“Thank God you’re back, I was just getting ready to come out and look for you,” Sheridan said relieved.
Luis didn’t say anything, but walked over to the hall closet to hang up his coat. When he started moving toward her, she could see that he held her purse in his hand. “Luis, I can’t believe it, you actually found my purse. Please tell me my compact is in there.”
He opened the purse and pulled her compact out and handed it to her. Sheridan was so touched, that tears formed in her eyes. This man was amazing, after all she had just told him, he still braved the whether to keep his promise to her. “Luis, I can’t believe you walked all that way just to get my compact.”
“It was a no-brainer Sheridan, I love you.”
“I love you too Luis, more then you’ll ever know.”
“Then why are you standing so far away from me? Come here, so I can put my arms around you.”
Sheridan didn’t wait for him to ask again. She flew into his arms, and hugged him tightly, and they both held on for dear life, knowing so well how easy it was to have their lives shatter around them. They could no longer take these moments for granted not when there were forces out there ready to destroy them at every turn.
“Oh Luis, you’re still freezing cold. Why don’t you sit by the fire, and I’ll go make you some hot chocolate. I promise it will just take a minute, because I found some of that instant stuff in the pantry."
“Ok, but after that we have to talk.”
“I know, I promise I won’t be long.”
Luis sat down in the big overstuffed chair in front of the fire. He could feel the heat from the flames slowing bringing the warmth back to his body. True to her word, Sheridan was back within a few minutes carrying two steaming mugs of hot chocolate.
“That was fast.”
“Yeah, thank God for the invention of microwaves,” she said with a little smile.
She handed the cup to Luis, and he had to smile when he noticed the little marshmallows floating around on the top. “Sit down with me, I’m sure I can make room for you.” Luis said patting the space beside him.
Sheridan squeezed in beside him, and loved the way it felt to have their bodies so close together. "So Luis, you said we needed to talk, do you want to start?”
“It’s about the baby Sheridan, I just have to know something. If our baby had lived, where you ever going to tell me about it? Would you really have denied me a right to know my child?”
“No Luis, I would have never kept your child away from you, but you have to understand where my head was at that time. I was so happy, I was married to the man of my dreams, and I was pregnant with our child, and then Alistair destroyed all that in a matter of a few hours. After my father’s threats against you, I was so nervous about our baby. I just knew that it would have been a mistake to let Alistair and Julian know, because I was scared to death that they would do something to harm our child. The only thing I could think of was protecting you and our baby from them. So I figured if I could just go away for awhile, and try to think of a plan that would bring us together again. But, when I lost the baby, I was devastated. I needed you so badly then, but Alistair took that option away from me, because I couldn’t let him destroy you.”
Luis pulled Sheridan in his arms, and they both had a chance to mourn the loss of their baby together. Sheridan was finally able to let go of her guilt over everything, when Luis assured her that none of what happened was her fault. He told her not to worry anymore, because she was not alone any longer. He would get Julian for the pain that him and Alistair had caused them. It felt so good to have the luxury of having Luis to lean on again. Luis wanted to know what she had been doing in the year they had been apart, so she told him what events had brought her back during the worst snowstorm to hit Harmony in a decade.
“When I first lost you and the baby,” she began. “I just wanted to lose myself somewhere, where I didn’t have to talk to anyone, or explain myself. I moved to New York City, because I though it was big enough that I could easily get lost in the crowd. The first six months it really didn’t matter, because I was so depressed that I hardly left my apartment. I did take occasional walks, and one day I past a church, and I don’t know why, but I felt the urge to go in and pray. I met Father Anthony that day, and he was so kind, and I don’t know why, but I poured out my heart to him and told him my whole story. He told me the first thing I had to do was to forgive myself. He encouraged me to work in the day care center he had setup for underprivileged children. I told him I didn’t think I was strong enough emotionally after my loss, to deal with children, but he encouraged me, and I finally gave in. And it was the best thing for me at the time. Working with those children gave me a purpose in life again, and the work that Father Anthony was doing was so rewarding, that I couldn’t help but get caught up in his enthusiasm. I started a foundation called “Father Anthony’s Angels” and we have been able to open up three more locations in New York alone. We plan on expanding to some other big cities, as soon as we are able to get the licensing to open up the centers.”
“That’s wonderful Sheridan, but I can’t help but be curious about your reason for coming back to Harmony,” Luis said brushing his lips against her forehead.
“After Alistair was killed, things were so strange for me. As much as I tried, I couldn’t feel any emotion about his death. It was like I wasn’t happy or sad, I was just….. numb. When I talked to Father Anthony about my feelings, he told me that my father did a lot of unspeakable things to me, and I would have to come to terms with that in my own way. But he also told me, that a good start would be for me to quit being a victim, and take my life back. So Luis, that is why I’m back in Harmony. I’m taking my life back.”
“Am I included in on this new life change of yours.”
“Absolutely, that is….if you’ll have me.”
“Of course I’ll have you, I don’t have any choice in the matter.”
“Luis, how can you be so forgiving after the hell I’ve put you through. I have brought nothing but trouble for you from the beginning. It broke my heart to hurt you the way I did, and I can’t even imagine the hell you’ve been through this last year.”
“I’m not going to lie to you Sheridan, I have been through hell. When I read your letter, it felt like someone had ripped my heart out. I couldn’t believe that you would just toss me aside like yesterday’s news…”
“Luis, I never felt….
“Let me finish.” He said putting his finger on her lips. “What I was going to say is I’m mad as hell at what your father and Julian did, but I don’t hold you responsible. I know that you did it out of love, and how can I possibly not love you back for the sacrifice you made to save me.”
“You are one incredible man, Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald, I love you so much.”
“I love you too Sheridan, and there is no way in hell I’m going ever going to give you up now. The only problem is that our problems are still there. Julian still has the power to destroy me.”
“I know Luis, and I’ve been giving that a lot of thought over the past few months, and I think I’ve come up with the perfect plan to stop Julian.”
“Tell me, I’m all ears.”
“Just promise you will hear me out, and keep an open mind.”
“Ok, I promise.”
“Well, in order to make my plan work, I’ll have to move back into the mansion…..”
“LIKE HELL YOU WILL!”
Chapter 4
Sheridan knew this would be difficult, but she could tell by Luis’ tone of voice that he was not going to be reasonable right now. She had to convince him that this was the only way for them to be together. “Luis, you promised that you would hear me out.”
“I’ve heard all I want to hear, because of your family, we have spent a whole year apart. I don’t think I need to remind you of the hell we’ve both been through. There is no way I’m going to let you go live with that evil bastard brother of yours.”
“And I don’t think I need to remind you that Julian still has the ammunition to destroy you, and believe me Luis, he will not be satisfied until he sees you behind bars.”
“I do know that Sheridan, and I’m going to find a way to get my hands on that ammunition, and then it will be Julian’s sorry butt that will be behind bars.”
“Ok fine Luis, so how do you plan on doing that? Are you just going to walk in the Crane mansion and demand that Julian hand over the evidence to you?”
“Of course not, but I’ll think of something. Give me time Sheridan, after all I was just hit with all this information.”
“But Luis, that’s just it, I’ve been thinking about this for months, and I really think it could work, if you would just let me explain….”
But Luis didn’t let her finish, because he leaned over and gave her a kiss that was so hot, there couldn’t possible be any snow left outside. She wanted to protest, and tell him about her plan, but how could she when Luis was doing all those incredible things to her with his mouth, his lips. She suspected his motive, but right now she didn’t have the strength to fight him. They had so much time to make up for, and now that she had her memory back, it occurred to her just how much she had missed him. “Oh, Luis”, she said breathlessly. Oh the hell with it, she could tell him about her plan afterward.
Later they were lying in front of the fire, naked, wrapped in each other’s arms. Sheridan blushed when she though about how they had ended up down here. They had started out in the chair, Sheridan straddling Luis, when he had risen up with her, still connected, and backed them against the wall. He had possessed her like a tempest, and she thought she was going to die from the pleasure. She was still a little fuzzy on how they had finally made it to the floor, but they hadn’t been there long, before Luis was ready for her again. As he entered her, he slipped his tongue in her mouth kissed her with all the passion in the world. When she was finally able to take a normal breath again, she asked him if it was possible to die from too much pleasure.
“I’m not sure, but if I’m having pleasure with you, I’ll die a happy man,” Luis said kissing the tip of her nose. “Look Sheridan, I’m sorry I came on so strong, I should have been more gentle since you’re still recovering. I didn’t hurt you did I?”
“No way, I could never get enough of you Luis. I feel like I’m dreaming right now, and I’m going to wake up in my lonely apartment in New York.”
“You’re not dreaming, You’re never going to be alone again, because I’m always going to be here for you.”
“How did I get so lucky to find you?” Sheridan said wiping a tear away. “I love you so much,”
Luis kissed her remaining tears away. “I love you too, more than you’ll ever know. Hey, you have goose bumps, why didn’t you tell me you were cold?”
“The air is a little chilly, I think we need another log on the fire.”
Luis got up and put another log on the fire. Sheridan giggled, and told him to look out for flying sparks. She rolled over on her stomach, with chin in hands, and watched him as he walked over to the sofa to retrieve the throw. God, the man had a beautiful body, and she was starting to get excited just watching him move. When he turned around, and walked toward her, she studied him with open lust in her eyes. She groaned out loud, when she noticed his growing erection.
“What do you expect to happen when you look at me that way?” Luis said in a husky voice. He lay down on his side facing her, and traced her backbone with his finger, stopping at the dimple at the base of her spine, and placed the tip of his finger in the little indention. He made tiny little circles that sent sparks through her. When he started to massage her bottom, she raised up, giving him the perfect opportunity to slip his fingers between her legs. “Oh God, sweetie, I think you’re ready for me too.” He flipped her over and straddled her.
“Luis please……”
“Tell me what you want Sheridan.”
“I want you, and if you don’t make love to me right now I’m going to go crazy.”
They were raiding the refrigerator later, when Luis slipped up behind Sheridan, and put his arms around her. “Are you trying to starve me to death?” Sheridan said smiling.
“Come on Sher, I’m not stopping you from eating, he said kissing her neck.
“Yes you are, you’re distracting me.
“Ok,” he said backing up, "I promise I’ll stop touching you long enough for you to eat. After all I need you to keep up your strength," he said sitting down at the table.
Sheridan walked over and put a sandwich down in front of Luis, and leaned over and kissed him. “Eat up, you have to keep up your strength too.” She took a seat across from him.
“Is it safe?” Luis said staring at the sandwich tentatively. She wadded up the napkin and thew it at him. He laughed and took a bite, and was surprised at how good it was. “Not only is she beautiful, but she can cook too.”
“Well I’m no Julia Child, but I’ve learned my way around in the kitchen a little bit.”
They ate in silence for a while, when Sheridan looked up at Luis. “Luis, we never finished our talk about how we’re going to handle Julian.”
“I know, I’m sure you’ve already guessed that I’m avoiding the subject. But, I promise that I’ll shut up long enough so you can tell me about this plan of yours.”
“I’ve come to the conclusion that the only way to deal with Julian is to be as ruthless as he is, because the open honest approach is completely foreign to him. As far as he is concerned we’re divorced, and he sees that as a way to keep you away from the Cranes. The only people that know I’m back in town right now, are you and Eve, and I think we can get Eve to keep quiet. So, my plan is I come back from New York, and convince Julian that I learned my lesson, and that I have no interest in a relationship with you of any kind. My father left me quite a few voting shares in Crane Industries, and I’m going to convince Julian that I would be a perfect asset to work in the family business”
“You’re actually going to work at Crane Industries? I don’t get it, why go that far?”
“Because then I have all my bases covered, I have access to Julian’s office at the mansion, as well as a prefect inroad to what’s going on at Crane Industries. It’s going to be difficult to convince Julian to let me work, but now that Ethan is Alistair’s heir, I think he can help to persuade Julian.”
“Ok I follow you so far, but Sheridan, I’m not trying to be insulting, but have you ever had a job before, what would you do?”
“Well I did go to college, and even through my degree was in Art History, I found out that Crane Industries needs a Director of Public Relations, and I think I could do the job.”
“I understand that you would want to have access to Julian’s office, because I think that is probably where he hides all his dirty little secrets, but do you really think there is anything to gain by working for the family.”
“Of course Luis, first of all like I said before, it will give me more access to a larger range of information, and if I work for the family business, and convince Julian that I can be as devious of him, he will start trusting me.”
“I don’t know Sheridan, when you sell your soul to the devil, it’s hard to walk away.”
“Well, I already sold my soul to the devil that day in Julian’s office, and I’ve been to hell and back, and I promise you I can walk away.”
“What about us, how to we fit in to this plan of yours? I don’t think I can give you up again.”
She got up and walked over to him, and he pulled her down on this lap. “I’m not going to give you up either, and even though we can’t live together right now, we can still be together, if you know what I mean?”
“Are you saying that we sneak around? That could be really risky Sheridan.”
“I know, but we’ll find a way, besides I need to contact you to keep you informed as to what is going on. Just think, if I can get my hands on the tape, and the mask, we won’t have this threat hanging over you. And besides, Luis I’m convinced that you were right all along about my father and Julian having something to do with your father’s disappearance.”
“Why do you believe that now, before the reason you were willing to help me was to disprove it?”
“Because, before I didn’t know just how ruthless my family really was, but now I’m convinced that they had everything to do with it, because why else would they take such strong measures to keep us apart? There is much more to this than their snobbery of thinking you are from the wrong side of town. I think they were truly afraid of you Luis.”
“This is a pretty big step for you Sheridan, it could mean turning against your family, and if they find out what you’re up to they will consider it the ultimate betrayal.”
“I don’t care Luis, the only Crane I care about is Ethan, and I’m sure he is innocent in all of this so what ever happens, it shouldn’t effect him. My only concern is to put a stop to Julian. And as far as being afraid for myself, well what else can they do to me? Nothing could be worst than when they made me leave you, and I lost our baby.”
“Wow, you would do all this just to be with me?”
“I would do anything to be with you Luis,” and she hugged him.
He hugged her back. "There are so many reasons that I don’t want you to do this.”
“But Luis, you know that it’s the only way for us to be together forever, without any interference from my family. I know it’s going to be hard pretending we hate each other, not being together, but as much as I hate it, I hate it worst thinking about you going to prison.”
“I don’t think it’s going to be possible to even pretend that I hate you,” Luis said kissing her softly.
“I know that lying is not in your nature, but isn’t it worth it if we can be together. I know you trust Sam, but we should probably keep this a secret from everyone”
“Speaking of Sam, I can’t believe that I forgot to tell you this, but I guess with everything that has happened in the last twenty four hours, it slipped my mind. I don’t work for the Harmony Police Department anymore.”
“What? But I don’t understand, I mean what about Ace? I though you said he was your partner, and a narcotics dog. What’s going on Luis?”
“Slow down, let me explain. I work for the State Police now. The governor is not happy about all drug activity in Maine right now, so he appointed a special task force to try to rid the state of the problem. I had made some pretty big bust when I was still with the Harmony Police Department, and the governor asked for me specifically. So now I’m Agent Lopez-Fitzgerald.” Luis said proudly.
“Luis,” Sheridan said hugging him. “I’m so proud of you. I’m just sorry……. Well I feel bad that I wasn’t here for such an important event for you. We’ll just have to have a delayed celebration.”
“Well why not tonight? I think there is a bottle of wine around here, and we’ll just improvise on the rest.”
“Sounds like a plan to me,” Sheridan said smiling. “We’ll put all this Julian talk on hold, and celebrate your new job….”
“And us finding each other again….”
“Yeah, and us finding each other again. I’ll tell you what, you go in the living room, and occupy yourself, and I’ll put our little party together.”
Luis was watching the whether report, and it looked like the conditions were improving. The reporter was saying that the snowplows were able to get out now that it had stopped snowing. The thought of the roads clearing up hit him like a ton of bricks. The more the snow melted, the sooner he would loose Sheridan. He didn’t know if he could let her go again, but she was determined to get the evidence that would take Julian’s threat away. He had to admit that her plan was a good one, but he was worried about the chances she would be taking. He didn’t even want to think about what Julian would do to her if he found out what she as up to. If he did agree to her plan, he would definitely have to make some modifications to ensure her safety. He was distracted from his train of thought when Sheridan called to him from upstairs. Luis headed upstairs, all thoughts of the future flew out the window, because right now the present was occupying his mind.
The first place Luis looked for Sheridan was in the bedroom, and when he didn’t find her there, he headed for the bathroom. He found her there, in the claw foot bathtub surrounded by candlelight. He approached her smiling, and she sat up enough so he could get a tantalizing view of her incredible breast. He noticed the wine bottle and glasses sitting on a table beside the bathtub, and a tray with some fruit and whipped cream. “Did you forget your towel again?”
“No, I noticed this morning that you looked like you wanted to join me, so since I didn’t have time to get a gift………”
Luis was already stripping his clothes off, and when he was completely naked, he hesitated, “are those bubbles going to make me smell like a woman?”
“I promise I didn’t use anything flowery,” and she held her hand up for him to smell.
Luis stepped in and sumerged himself in the water, while Sheridan poured them both a glass of wine, and handed one to Luis. “I say we make a toast.”
“What do you want to toast to?”
“How about…”, and she touched her glass to Luis’… "To my wonderful, handsome husband that is so impressive that even the governor noticed him.”
“I can’t believe I’m still your husband. Do you have any idea how good that sounds?”
“Get use to it, because you will always be my husband. You’re a part of me Luis, and I know now that I can’t live without you.”
“I can’t live without you either,” and he took the glasses out of their hands, set them on the table, and pulled her to him. He kissed her slowly, sensuously, making love to her mouth with his tongue, and Sheridan reciprocated with all the passion and love inside of her.
Later, Sheridan was resting with her back against Luis’s chest, with him leaning against the back of the bathtub. They had to add some more hot water, because most of it had spilled over the side of the tub when their lovemaking had gotten so intense. Luis was feeding her, after he had laughed at her choice of fruit. “Apples, Sher? I think the combination is usually strawberries and whipped cream, not apples and whipped cream.”
“In case you didn’t notice, this isn’t exactly the time of year for strawberries, and besides I had to improvise, you don’t have a big choice of fruit down there,” she said laughing. She dipped her finger in the bowl of whipped cream and held it up to Luis’ lips. The way he was sucking her finger gave her chills. She turned around and kissed him full on the mouth.
“I think it’s time to go to bed,” Luis said pulling her up out of the tub. They took turns drying each other off, and Luis picked her up and carried her into the bedroom. They both fell to the mattress, and didn’t come up for air until it was time for Sheridan to leave.
A week later, Sheridan walked into the Crane mansion, and, was greeted by a surprised Julian coming down the steps. One of the servants approached, and offered to take her bag upstairs. Sheridan thanked them, and turned toward Julian with a big smile on her face. “So Julian, no welcome home hug for your prodigal sister?”
Chapter 5
Sheridan wished she had a camera right now, because the look on Julian’s face was priceless. She had a feeling that the last thing he expected was to see was her face back in Harmony. Well he better get used to it, because she was back to stay, forever. Father Anthony was so right when he said it was time to stop being the victim, and now that she had made the decision to fight back, she felt liberated. She still felt sad that things had to go this far, but it was also time that she faced reality, and accepted the fact that her family was evil, just like Luis had said. Well, this was the moment of truth, and she knew that the success of her plan would depend on how she inter-acted with Julian from this point on.
“Sheridan, my dear, I must say that I am shocked to see you here. I was under the impression that you would never want to step foot in Harmony again.”
“But Julian, why would you say that? I mean, my family is here, and to tell you the truth I actually missed all of you. Besides, New York has become boring to me. The social life was fun for a while, but even it has become mundane.”
“But I would have thought you would have gone to the continent since you have so many friends there.”
“I thought about it Julian, but for some strange reason it just didn’t appeal to me. I feel like I need to get a purpose in life, you know something that will make me feel fulfilled. I think it’s time for Sheridan Crane to grow up. Don’t you agree Julian?”
“Well……”
“Oh my God, Aunt Sheridan, I can’t believe you’re here. When did you get in?” Ethan said giving Sheridan a hug. “This is the best surprise.”
“I just arrived a little while ago,” she said hugging Ethan back. “I was just telling Julian how much I missed all of you. I came to realize after father’s funeral that life is so short, and one should take the time to try and get closer with ones family.”
“Well, regardless of the reason you’re here, I’m just happy you’re home again. You are here to stay aren’t you?”
“Actually Ethan, I was hoping I would get a chance to meet with you and Julian to discuss that very thing.”
“A meeting,” Julian said, raising an eyebrow. What could you possible want to meet with Ethan and myself about?”
“Yes, Sheridan, I have to admit that I’m curious too.”
“Why don’t we all go into Julian’s office, and I’ll tell you what I have in mind.”
When they arrived in Julian’s office, the first thing Julian did was pour him a brandy. Once they were all settled in, Sheridan took a deep breath, and began to plead her case. “I’ve had a lot of time to reflect over the past year, and I’ve discovered that the reason I’ve always been so unhappy, is because I have no meaning in my life. My whole life has consisted of jet setting around the world, getting involved with the wrong men, and I just keep getting caught up in the same vicious cycle. I’ve also discovered that it’s time to start embracing the fact that I’m a Crane. I know I’ve always had a close relationship with Ethan, but now that father is gone, I want to get closer to you Julian. You know that we never had a chance to really bond like a brother and sister should, and I want us to become close.”
“Sheridan, I’m touched that you would want to get closer to me, because I would like that too, but I still don’t see where you are going with this.”
“Ok, I may as well tell you what I have in mind. I would like to work in the family business. I happen to know that Crane Industries is looking for a Director of Public Relations and I want the chance to prove myself…..”
“Have you lost you’re mind?” Julian sputtered, choking on his brandy.
“No, Julian, I have not lost my mind, I’m very serious about this.”
“This is insane. Crane women do not work!”
“And why not?” Sheridan said trying not to loose her temper with Julian.
“Because it’s unseemly. The woman folk of our set are supposed to go to the spa, get their nails done, shop till they drop,” Julian chuckled. “Why father is probably rolling over in his grave right now at the very thought of you working.”
Sheridan thought for a moment, because she had to be very careful how she responded to Julian. She couldn’t let him suspect that she wanted this job for any reason other then an opportunity to get closer with him and become a true Crane. “Come on Julian, don’t you think that kind of thinking is a little archaic? There are plenty of wealthy women this day and age that also have successful careers. Look at Jackie Kennedy, she came from old money, had the prestige of being the first lady, and she had a career as a successful book editor. And lets face it, she was married to one of the richest men in the world, and she had no reason to work, other than self-fulfillment.”
“Sheridan has a good point father, and you know the more I think about it, the more I like the idea. This would be a great opportunity for the Cranes to send the message that they are up-to-date free thinkers.”
Sheridan didn’t want Julian to feel like they were gaining up on him, because that would only make him more defensive. She felt the best course of action was to use Julian’s own ego to accomplish her goal. “Ethan, would you mind if I spoke to Julian alone for a few minutes?”
“Of course not, I have a meeting I have to get to, but I’ll have you know father, that I fully support letting Sheridan work for the family business.” The fact that Alistair had left Ethan in charge was left unsaid, but everybody present knew it was a fact, including Julian.
After Ethan left, Sheridan decided to pour herself a brandy, and offered to refill Julian’s drink. Once she was seated in front of Julian’s desk again, she began the manipulation. “You know Julian, when I left a year ago, I hated you and father, because you were forcing me to give up Luis. But, now that I look back on that time, I realize that most of my resistance had nothing to do with loving Luis. I think my protest had more to do with the fact that you and father were trying to control my life. But you know something Julian, I realize that you and father were right all along.”
“You do?” Julian said surprised.
“Yes, Luis and I were from different worlds, and we could have never made it. I’m just sorry I was so awful to you and father when I realize now that you were just looking out for my best interest.”
“Well Sheridan,” Julian said smiling. “You have no idea how happy that make me. You know father and I felt we had to protect you from Luis. He never made it a secret that he wanted to destroy this family, and I’m glad you realize that he really was only interested in you as a way to get back at the Cranes.”
Sure you bastard, Sheridan though to herself, you were really afraid that Luis would find out your dirty secrets. Out loud she said, “I know that now Julian, and that’s one of the reasons I want to work for Crane Industries. Not only will this job fulfill my need to add purpose to my life, but I would be in the perfect position to help you out with Ethan.”
“I don’t quite follow where you are going with this Sheridan.”
“Well Julian, as much as I love Ethan, he does have a tendency to be soft on certain issues, and now that he’s in charge I’m sure that he has not been tough enough when making certain business decisions. Think about it, Ethan has always respected my opinion, and I have always been able to get him to listen to my advice. If you and I become partners, I could use my influence to get Ethan to come over to our way of thinking.”
“I must say Sheridan, I never thought I’d see the day when you would want to team up with me to do anything, and I am beginning to like this idea more every minute. But,… I can’t help having some reservations in all this.”
“Reservations, what do you mean Julian?”
“Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald, for one….”
“Julian, I told you that I am over Luis. Besides, I doubt that I’ll even see Luis very often, since I don’t plan to move in the same social circles as he does. He was just a temporary lapse in judgement.” If you only knew Julian that I’m going to call him the first chance I get, Sheridan thought to herself. “I really want this job so that I can prove myself, and we both know that it’s pretty much mine because Ethan has said as much, but Julian….. I want your blessing.” She could tell by the look on his face that she had him with that last statement. Luis would be proud of her.
“Well sister dear, come here and give me a hug to celebrate our new working relationship. I think us Crane siblings will make a wonderful team.”
Sheridan hugged Julian back, rolling her eyes at the same time. She smiled smugly when Julian said they would issue a press release tomorrow about her new position with Crane Industries. He excused himself, saying that he had a boy’s night out at the country club. After Julian left, Sheridan ran up to her room and closed the door behind her. She pulled out her cell phone, and dialed Luis’ number.
“Lopez-Fitzgerald here.”
“Hey Luis, it’s me.”
“Hi me, how’s it going?”
“Well let’s just say phase one went off without a hitch,” Sheridan said grinning.
“Your kidding, Julian is actually going to let you work for Crane Industries?”
“Actually, Julian didn’t have a say in the matter since Ethan is officially in charge of Crane Industries, but I told Julian that I wanted his blessing. I almost gagged on the words.”
“Are you sure he fell for it? We both agreed that the minute Julian shows any signs of suspecting you, you’re out of there.”
“Believe me, he doesn’t have a clue. All I had to do was feed his ego, and he was hooked.”
“Good, but I want you to promise me you’re not going to play Wonder Women, I’m worried enough about you as it is.”
“I know, and I love you for it, but this time it’s our turn to come out on top. I’m a woman on a mission.”
“Yeah, you sure are a women,” Luis said laughing. “Especially this morning, did I tell you how much I appreciate being awakened like that?”
“Ok,” Sheridan said blushing, “you’re supposed to be a gentlemen, and not bring up my wanton behavior.”
“I’m sorry, but I haven’t been able to get it off my mind all day. I’m going to go crazy without you in my arms tonight.”
“Me too, I already miss you so much, and it’s only been six hours since I saw you last. Luis is there any chance we could see each other tonight?”
“I’m sorry, I wish we could, but I have to work. Ace and I have some business down at the wharf tonight.”
“Luis promise you’ll be careful, I wouldn’t want anything to happen to my two best guys.”
“I’ll be careful, and I‘ll pass on you’re message on to Ace. I’m sorry baby, but I have to go now. Remember, play it smart, and don’t forget how much I love you.”
“I love you too Luis, Goodbye.”
The night was foggy and cold, and Luis was just about ready to give it up for the evening when he heard some activity on the wharf up ahead of him. “Ok boy,” Luis spoke to Ace in a low voice, “let’s take a walk down the wharf, and see what’s going on.” As he and Ace moved closer to the voices, he was able to make out a figure of a small freight ship docked at the wharf. On closer inspection, he noticed the crew was unloading crates of what looked like fish. That’s strange, Luis thought, it’s a little late for a delivery, especially since it was the middle of winter, and not exactly the fishing season.
Luis walked along nonchalantly, like a guy just out walking his dog, and as he moved closer, to the forklift removing the crates from the ship, Ace started going crazy, and almost pulled Luis into the crates.
“Hey you, what the hell’s wrong with your dog?” one of the crew shouted. “Tell him to back off, he’s scaring my men.”
“Sorry about that,” Luis said bringing Ace to heal. “He’s a little skittish when he’s around strangers. I’ll just be on my way.”
“Yeah, you do that, and go walk you’re crazy dog someplace else.”
“I think I need to take him to obedience school,” Luis shouted over Ace’s barking.
“Whatever, just get him the hell away from us.”
Luis dragged Ace away from the scene, and when he was out of earshot from the crew he was able to give Ace the proper command to settle down. He pulled him over behind some crates, so he could observe the crew without their knowledge. He couldn’t believe he had finally gotten a break after all this time. There were drugs in those crates of fish, and he was going to follow these guys to find out where they were delivering this shipment. Luis took the back way, darting in between the warehouses, until he reached his jeep. He loaded Ace in the car, and drove back to the site where the ship was being unloaded. He pulled up slowly turning off his headlights, and waited until the truck they were loading the crates in pulled away.
Luis followed at a safe enough distance so they wouldn’t be able to detect that he was tailing them. “Good boy Ace, you might have just cracked a case that I’ve been working on for over a year now.” Luis thought he had lost them when he got caught by a red light, but the truck didn’t seem to be in any hurry, so he was able to catch up to them in no time. As they headed out of town, Luis couldn’t believe it when the truck pulled into the lane that let to Crane Industries. “Son of a bitch, I should have known the Cranes were behind this!” He pulled over to the side of the road and watched the truck pull up to one of the loading docks. Luis wished he could just pull in there right now and bust their asses, but he didn’t have a search warrant, and he had to have all his ducks in a row, if he was going to make this case stick. Julian Crane had too much power, and if there were any loopholes in this case his expensive attorney’s would find them. He also had to find the drugs in the fish, or he wouldn’t have the actual evidence. The only thing he has right now was Ace’s instinct to go on, but he needed some physical evidence. He started the jeep and headed for home, so he could plan his strategy on his mission to bring down the Cranes. “Damn Ace, this is our lucky day.”
Three days later Luis was on his way to meet a contact. The arranged meeting place was at a little inn on the outskirts of Harmony. He thought about what he had discovered the other night at the wharf, and even though he didn’t want to involve Sheridan in this whole drug thing, he was afraid he was going to need her help. If she could just get him some information from the inside, then that would be the extent of her involvement.
When Luis walked into the lounge of the inn, he saw his contact sitting at the bar. He knew it had to be her, because the place was practically empty, and she did say she had long black hair, and would be wearing a red dress. He approached her from behind, and tapped her on the shoulder. “Are you Natalie?”
“Who wants to know?”
“Jake….Jake Reynolds.”
She turned around and looked him up and down with her piercing blue eyes. “Well, Mr. Jake Reynolds, sit down and join me.”
Luis sat down beside her, and the bartender approached and asked for their order. Luis ordered himself a beer, and asked if she would like a refill on her wine. She nodded yes, and the bartender brought them their drinks.
“So Jake Reynolds, what is the plan?”
“Well we’re going to finish these drinks,” and he leaned in and whispered in her ear, “then I’m going to take you upstairs and plant kisses all over your naked body.”
Chapter 6
Luis fumbled with the key as he tried to unlock the door to the hotel room. After several failed attempts, he finally managed the simple task, grabbed Natalie, pulled her into the room, and slammed the door shut. He backed her up against the door and pressed his hard body against her soft one. She didn’t try to fight him, but wrapped her arms around his neck, and rubbed her body against his hardness. He groaned, ran his hands down her back, cupped her bottom, and lifted her against his sex. He brought his mouth down to hers for a demanding kiss, and she parted her lips allowing him complete access. When he finally backed away, she leaned against the door with a dazed expression on her face.
He walked over to the bed, and lay down leaning against the headboard, with his hands behind his head. She still hadn’t moved, and he could tell she was trying to gain her composure. “Why don’t you come over here, and undress for me,” Luis said in a low husky voice. His words seemed to snap her out of her haze, and she moved toward him, slowly and stood beside the bed. She put her hands up and pulled her dress down her shoulders. Luis’ hot gaze followed her movements as she exposed more and more of her lush body. When the dress reached her waist, she rolled her hips forcing it to fall to the floor, to lie in a puddle at her feet. She stood there in her lace panties and bra, running her hands down the sides of her body. Her breast spilled out from the tiny piece of fabric, and he could see her aroused nipples peeking through the white lace. He was forced to take several deep breaths in an attempt to gain control before he lost it completely. She reached behind her to undo the hooks of her bra, and after she pulled it off, she tossed it at him to land in his lap. When she removed her panties, he scooted across the bed and sat on the edge right in front of her naked body. Luis encircled her waist with his hands, and placed a kiss on her flat stomach. “God Sher…… you’re killing me…. I’m ready to explode.” Luis mumbled against her flesh.
“You broke the rules, you’re supposed to call me Natalie.” Sheridan said between her gasp for air.
“The rules don’t apply when we’re alone,” Luis said, slipping his finger inside of her.
Her knees almost buckled when he put his thumb on her sensitive nub, as his finger worked its magic inside of her. She cried out as she fell forward, and he pulled her down on top of him. She pulled his head toward her, and they shared a hot, wet kiss, inflaming them both. He rolled her over on her back, and left her long enough to strip his clothing away. When he joined her again, he stayed true to his earlier promise, and proceeded to kiss every inch of her naked body.
“You’re beautiful……… I love the way you taste.”
“Luis…… I want to taste you too.”
Luis rolled off of her, and onto his back, offering her his amazing body. “I’m all yours sweetheart, work you’re magic.”
Sheridan didn’t waste anytime and began to trace his rock hard chest with her wet kisses, and tiny love bites. He watched her with his dark, smoldering gaze as she worked her way down his body, teasing his flesh with the strands of her long dark hair. When she took him in her mouth, he groaned loudly, and bucked up off the bed. He couldn’t take it anymore…. watching her, wanting her. He pulled her up his body and kissed her lips as he rolled her over to claim the top again.
Sheridan wrapped her hand around his sex, and guided him toward her center. He thrust inside her, and felt her stretching to accommodate his fullness. As he drove and retreated, she matched his rhythm clinging to him like her life depended on it. She screamed out as she went over the edge, and Luis followed her moments later. They both lay there trembling, and out of breath, trying to come back down to earth. Their lovemaking had always been incredible, but what they had just shared stunned them both.
“God….”
“I know….”
“I’m surprised the manager isn’t knocking on the door right now,” Luis said with a little chuckle.
“What do you mean?”
“Because sweetheart he probably thinks I’m hurting you with the way you screamed.”
“I had a feeling you would mention that, but I couldn’t help myself.”
“Oh believe me, I’m not complaining,” he said giving her a kiss.
“That’s good, because I can’t promise that it won’t happen again.”
“You know something, I prefer you as a blond, but you look pretty hot with that long dark hair. I think you’re alter ego, Natalie is a wild woman.”
“Luis….. you weren’t pretending to be with another woman, were you?”
“God no! I haven’t been able to think about another woman since the day you crashed into my police cruiser.”
“Yeah, I’m sure in the beginning, the only thing you were thinking about was for me to stay away from you.”
“I might have said that, but I think even in the beginning, I was crazy about you. It must have been those big blue eyes…”
“Well since you’re confessing, I will have to admit that I thought you were the most arrogant, stubborn, gorgeous man I’ve ever seen, and do you remember that time I walked in on you in the shower?”
“Oh you mean that time when you pretended you made a mistake, because you wanted to see me naked,” he said teasing her.
“I most certainly did not, but…… when I did walk in on you, I couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to make love with you.”
“I wish you would have said something at the time, I wouldn’t have had to hold that towel in front of me.”
“You mean you wanted me too?”
“If you hadn’t turned away, you would have seen that before I covered myself up.”
“Luis, I just remembered, you said you wanted to talk to me about something. What’s going on?”
Luis was not looking forward to this, because he new Sheridan would have questions that he couldn’t answer, but he didn’t have any other options. He had absolutely nothing to go on to get a search warrant. Sheridan was the only person on the inside of Crane Industries that he trusted, but he hated like hell to get her involved. “Sheridan, you trust me don’t you?”
“With my life, why do you ask Luis?”
“Because I need to ask you to help me with something, and you have to trust me enough to do it without asking questions.”
“Luis I’ll do anything for you, just tell me what you need.”
“I need for you to get your hands on the shipping manifest for Crane Industries. Find out if they ever receive shipping deliveries at night. In other words, I want to know about every delivery to Crane Industries in the past month.”
“Wait a minute, I know you don’t want me to ask any questions, but if there is something illegal going on at Crane Industries, I have a right to know.”
“I know you do, and you will hear everything, but I just can’t tell you right now. This is an ongoing investigation, and you know I can’t discuss facts of a case with you. But the main reason I don’t want you to know right now is because too much knowledge could put you in harms way.”
“But Luis, you’re asking me to get this information for you, and as far as I’m concerned that puts me right in the middle of this. I think I should know why I’m doing this.”
“Sheridan, I understand everything you’re saying, but can’t you please just trust me on this. Look, if you don’t feel comfortable getting this information for me, then I’ll understand if you don’t want to do this.”
“Luis, you know I’m going to do this for you, and even though I still think I have a right to know, I’m going to trust you.”
“But Sheridan, if you don’t feel right…..”
“Listen Luis, you trusted me enough to forgive me after everything I put you through, and you’ll never know how much that means to me. So there’s no question, I’ll get the information for you.”
“Thanks sweetie,” he said hugging her. “But, I want you to promise me that if there is any inkling that Julian is suspicious, don’t do it.”
“I promise Luis, I won’t let you down.”
“Good, I knew I could count on you, but just in case you should find yourself in trouble, I want to have something.” Luis got up and walked over and retrieved something from his coat pocket, and brought it back to the bed. He handed her a tiny remote that looked like the kind you use to unlock your car doors.”
“What is this Luis? Why would you be giving me a car remote?”
“It’s more then just a remote, this is a tracking device. If you ever find yourself in trouble just hit the red button, and it will sound an alarm to the identical one that I carry. I’ll be able to track where you are.”
“Wow, I feel like I’m in a James Bond movie.”
“Well you certainly look like a Bond girl to me.”
“Oh, I think you’re just partial,” she said crawling on top of him.”
“Maybe,” he said kissing her, “but I think even James would agree with me.”
“I don’t want to leave you, can’t we just stay here for about a week.”
“I wish, but you know it would be too risky for you to be missing in action for a whole week.”
“I suppose so, and I do actually like my job, even though I’m still getting acclimated to everything.”
“So do you have your own office, and a secretary?”
“Yes, and it’s a very impressive office, if I may say so myself.”
“I wish I could see you there, looking all prim and proper in your business suit. I could picture it now….. you’re sitting behind you’re desk, dressed in your little black suit, and I’ll walk in and lock the door…..”
“Go on, this is getting interesting.”
“Well I’ll pull you out of your chair, and kiss you like this,” and he planted a hot kiss on her lips. “Then our passion will overwhelm us, and we’ll do that whole scene when we push all the stuff off your desk…..”
“Umm, tell me more.”
“We’ll be too aroused to take the time to take off our clothes and……” Luis proceeded to show her just what he would be doing to her.
The next day Sheridan sighed in frustration. She had already interviewed six people for the computer analyst job, and she still hadn’t found anyone that impressed her yet. The position was only part time, because Crane Industries had instituted a work/study program for young college students to get some experience in the business world. The person she hired would have to have strong computer skills, because she needed someone that could help to gather information and run market studies on the competition. She was further frustration by the fact that she still couldn’t think of a way to get the information that Luis needed. She did find out that all the shipping and receiving data was stored on computer, and that only Julian, Ethan, and the Comptroller had access to. She could hardly ask Julian or Ethan to give her the password, and she knew the Comptroller was too deep in Julian’s pocket. She rubbed her temples, and then buzzed her secretary to show the next applicant in.
Sheridan was shocked to see Reese, Miguel’s friend walk into the office. What was Reese doing here, she could have sworn he was still in high school. “Reese, what are you doing here?”
“I came to apply for the job Ms. Crane.”
“But Reese, I don’t understand, I thought you were still in high school.”
“Well Ms. Crane, if you’ll permit me to have a seat, I think I’ll be able to convince you that I would be the perfect candidate for the job.”
“Ok Reese, sit down and sell yourself to me.”
“I actually have enough credits to graduate right now, so I only have study hall in the afternoons, and my school encourages the work/study program. I carry a 4.0 average, and I have already been accepted to MIT. I’m going to pursue a degree in Computer Science, and I really could use the money.”
“Well Reese, that’s very impressive. You say you are going to pursue a degree in Computer Science, does that mean I can assume that you are proficient in that area?”
“Yes Ms. Crane, I’ve already written several programs that I’ve submitted to Microsoft. I haven’t heard anything back yet, but I feel very encouraged that I’ll be receiving a letter from them any day now.”
Sheridan didn’t know why, but she liked this guy. He had kind of a nerdy charm, and she could understand why Miguel liked him so much. “I’ll tell you what Reese, why don’t you let me think about it, and I’ll let you know my answer by the end of the day.”
“Gee, thanks Ms. Crane, I’ll be waiting for your call.”
“Thanks for coming in,” Sheridan said as she walked Reese to the door. “I promise I’ll let you know my answer soon.”
After Reese left, Sheridan pulled out her cell phone and dialed Luis. When he answered, she laughed and said, “are you Luis, Jake, or James today?”
“I’ll be anything you want me to be. What about you, are you sweet Sheridan, or wild Natalie?”
“Well I’m at the office, so I have to be sweet Sheridan for now, but wait until you get me alone and I’ll become wild Natalie for you again.”
“I’ll take you in any way, shape, or form. So what’s up? Did you call just to make my day?”
“Actually I have a question for you. What do you know about Reese Durkee?”
“You mean Miguel’s friend Reese? Why would you want to know about him?”
“He applied for a position I have for a computer analyst in our work/study program, and I was very impressed by him, but I wanted to know what you thought about him as a person?”
“I’ve known Reese since he was a little kid. He’s hung out at the house with Miguel for years. He’s a pretty bright kid, Miguel said he can hack into anything. Are you thinking about hiring him?”
“Wait a minute, did you said he could hack into anything?”
“Yes….., where are you going with this Sher?”
“I think Reese could kill two birds with one stone. He sounds like he would be perfect for the position I have, and he could also help me with that little matter that you needed information on. I found out that those records are kept on the computer, and I don’t have access to it.”
“I’m sure Reese could help you, but I think you should make sure he is aware that he needs to keep anything he does for you totally confidential, and don’t let him know what we are up to because I don’t want him to get into any trouble.”
“I won’t, I’ll make sure he’s protected.” Sheridan turned, and leaned back against her desk, and stared out the window.
“You know, I’m really having a hard time concentrating today, I keep thinking about you last night. You were unbelievable Natalie.”
“You were pretty unbelievable too James, I definitely liked the way you made love to me. And talk about not being able to concentrate, I can’t stop thinking about your little fantasy. You know the one about you and me on my desk….. ” Sheridan stopped in mid sentence because all of a sudden she could feel the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. She turned around, and her mouth dropped open when she saw Julian standing in her office with a smug look on his face.
Chapter 7
Oh God, Julian. How much had he heard? She told Luis that she had to hang up because someone had just stepped into her office. She didn’t want him to know who it was, because he would just worry about Julian overhearing their conversation. Sheridan forced a smile to her face, and looked at Julian straight on. “Julian, I didn’t know you were standing there.”
“That was obvious,” Julian said still wearing the smirk on his face.
“So, what exactly did you hear from my phone conversation,” Sheridan said not wanting to delay the inevitable.
“Something about liking the way some man made love to you. Really sister dear, I’m shocked, a desk?” Julian chuckled slyly. Just who is this James, anybody I know?”
“I’m sorry you had to hear that Julian, but I don’t feel very comfortable discussing my sex life with by brother,” Sheridan said red faced.
“Oh come on now, we’re all adults, and besides I want to know if this man is worthy of a Crane. I hope this time around you choose someone from the right side of the tracks.”
Sheridan was so relieved when it occurred to her that Julian hadn’t a clue that it was Luis she was talking to. Her newfound comfort caused a bit arrogance in her voice, “Julian, I am not serious about James. After all, a person has their needs, but that doesn’t mean that I want to marry the guy.”
“Oh, just getting a little on the side? Maybe your more like the Crane men then I thought you were. This is good news, because I have a business proposition for you.”
“What kind of a business proposition?”
“Well, you know that Warren has always been smitten with you, and I need for you to use that in our favor. When his father died last year, he left him a sizable piece of land, and I’ve been unsuccessful in convincing him to sell it to me. It’s the perfect location for the golf resort that Crane Enterprises is trying to develop.”
“So Julian, what does this have to do with me?”
“Isn’t that obvious Sheridan, I want you to show romantic interest in Warren. Let him wine and dine you, and before you know it, the man will be hopelessly in love with you. The fool with be so enamored with you he’ll be putty in our hands.”
“Let me get this straight, you want me to date Warren, make him fall in love with me, so he’ll sell you his property?” Sheridan said with disgust.
“Yes, that is exactly what I mean, and don’t turn your nose up, after all you were the one that wanted to learn the family business, to become a true Crane. If you think the business world is nothing but board meetings and power lunches, then you are in for a rude awakening, because sometimes it takes plain old devious manipulation.”
“Yes Julian, and you are the master at that, aren’t you? I guess I should feel honored to be learning from the best,” she said with a sarcastic tone.
“Yes you should, and don’t you forget it. So Sheridan, are you going to agree to my plan?”
“Let me give it some consideration, and I’ll let you know my answer soon. The holiday season is here, and I don’t see why this can’t wait until after Christmas.”
“You better decide soon, because I need the contract on that property by the end of January.” With that Julian turned and walked out of her office.
Sheridan sat down and began to rub her temples again. How did she always seem to get herself in these predicaments? She could just hear the conversation now, when she asked Luis’ permission to date. He was going to go ballistic, and she wasn’t looking forward to that little scene at all. Not to mention, that the last thing she wanted to do was spend time with Warren. She could hardly blame Luis through, because she knew how she would feel if he told her he needed to date somebody because of a case. Maybe she could accomplish securing Julian’s land deal with just a dinner at the country club. Surely Luis wouldn’t object to one harmless date for dinner. “Yeah sure,” Sheridan said out loud, “he’ll probably tie me up in the basement, and feed me bread and water, until he’s satisfied I’ve learned my lesson.”
She would have to figure that out later, because she had more immediate problems right now to work through. She called Reese, and offered him the job, and when she asked him when he could start, he asked if tomorrow was too soon. She told him that was perfect, so he agreed to come out after his last class in the morning. She couldn’t help but think about the holidays coming up. More then anything in the world she wanted to spend Christmas with Luis. Thanks to her father and Julian, they had missed their first Christmas together, and by the looks of things they were going to miss this one too. She just had to hold on to the hope that next year they would be together, and nothing would ever come between them again. She wanted to talk to him so badly right now, but she couldn’t do it at work anymore. If Julian had figured out that she was talking to Luis on the phone earlier, that would have been the end of her plan, and Luis would be destroyed. She had to be more careful in the future, because there was nothing that was going to keep her from being with Luis, nothing.
It was Christmas Eve, and the Lopez-Fitzgerald’s had just gotten home from Mass, and were gathered around the Christmas tree. Reece was there because his parents had gone on a cruise over the holidays, so he was spending the Christmas with them. Charity was also there, and the three of them were in the corner laughing about something. Luis was feeling depressed, he missed Sheridan. Damn it, they should be together at Christmas, instead he was here feeling like an outsider with his own family, and she was off with friends skiing in Aspen. Was she thinking about him right now, or was she sharing brandy with her friends at some expensive ski resort? At least she had been able to get him copies of the shipping manifest, thanks to Reese hacking into the accounting program. Sure enough the delivery he had witnessed that night was not on the manifest, and now he had to figure out where they were putting the drugs once they were delivered. If he could catch them red-handed with the evidence, he had the Cranes dead to rights. Julian would be so busy fighting all the charges against him; he wouldn’t have time to threaten Sheridan and him any longer. Maybe it was time to tell Sheridan everything when she got back from her skiing trip. He hated like hell to get her involved this deeply, but how else was he going to get into Crane Industries.
Pilar observed Luis sitting in the chair deep in thought. Her heart went out to him because she was sure that he was depressed about Sheridan. Now that she was back in town, it must be hard for him knowing she was so close. It didn’t matter that Sheridan had divorced him, he was still in love with her. The few times she had seen Sheridan since she came home, they had not discussed Luis, but for some reason she sensed that Sheridan was not over Luis either. Why couldn’t they just fix whatever went wrong, and admit their feelings for each other. She had a feeling though that she didn’t know the whole story; something was going on, she was sure of it. She approached him, and he smiled and took her hand.
“Luis why don’t you spend the night with your family. I don’t want you to go back to your lonely house on Christmas Eve. You probably don’t even have a Christmas tree.”
“Thanks Mamma, but I’ll be fine, and besides I need to let Ace out. There was no reason to get a tree, because I can just enjoy the one here. Look, I’ll come back tomorrow for Christmas dinner.”
“Luis, I want you to know that you have made me so proud, and I couldn’t ask for a better son. I just want you to be happy again.”
“I will be Momma,” he said hugging her. Luis felt guilty that he couldn’t share everything with her and the rest of the family about him and Sheridan being back together. He just couldn’t take the risk that they would accidentally reveal something to the wrong people. All their looks of pity were really starting to get to him though. He couldn’t wait for the day that they could tell the whole world about their love. “I’m going to get a beer.” He got up and headed toward the kitchen, when he overheard Miguel mention Sheridan’s name. He hoped that Reese wasn’t talking about anything confidential at Crane Industries. Luis approached them and asked why they were talking about Sheridan. They all looked up at him with guilty expressions on their faces, and Luis asked them again why they were talking about Sheridan.
“Sorry Luis, we weren’t saying anything bad, we were just teasing Reese about having a crush on his new boss,” Miguel said awkwardly. “We didn’t mean anything by it.”
Luis tried to hide his smile, relieved that Reese wasn’t discussing Sheridan’s business dealings. “I just hope you are loyal to her Reese, after all she did give you a chance.”
“Sure Luis, I would never talk about anything Ms. Crane asked me to do,” Reese said red faced.
“That’s good Reese, you just keep that practice. Look, I think I’m going to skip the beer, and head home, Ace is probably climbing the walls by now.”
“Sure Luis, Merry Christmas.”
As Luis walked over to get his coat, Charity whispered to Miguel that Luis was still in love with Sheridan, and she was pretty sure that Sheridan loved him too. Luis wished everyone a Merry Christmas and left. Driving home, he thought back to the conversation he had with Sheridan about spending the Christmas Holidays together. When he told her that it was a tradition for his family to go to Mass on Christmas Eve, and then go back to the Lopez-Fitzgerald’s to sing Christmas carols and drink Spanish eggnog called Coquito, he could sense her disappointment. He couldn’t take her with him, and how could he not show up without causing suspicion? Since Ethan was spending Christmas Eve with Gwen’s family that left Julian and Ivy, and Sheridan refused to celebrate with Julian. To avoid any problems, she had decided that joining her friends in Aspen was the best way to take her mind off of not being with him. Now he wished that he would have told her she couldn’t go, but that would have caused an argument, and what alternative did he have to offer her but to get stuck spending Christmas with Julian.
The first thing that made Luis suspicious that something was wrong, was that Ace didn’t greet him at the door, and the second was the Christmas music playing. Maybe he forgot to turn the radio off before he left earlier, but that still didn’t explain where Ace was. This wasn’t good because he didn’t have his gun with him, and he wouldn’t be a match for an armed intruder. He moved quietly into the living room, and was stunned by the scene before him. A large Christmas Tree glowing with hundreds of white lights, and beside it the most beautiful site he ever beheld, Sheridan wearing a green velvet dress, and Ace lying beside her with a red bow around his neck. He was overwhelmed by the sense of love and family he felt, and a feeling of warmth that started in his stomach filled his body. He couldn’t have dreamed anything more perfect then this moment right here before his eyes. He wanted to pinch himself as evidence that he wasn’t dreaming. Her sweet smile and dancing blue eyes pulled him in like a magnet, and he began to move toward her, never breaking their connection.
“Merry Christmas Luis,” she said quietly.
Luis put his hands up and touched her face, tracing her cheekbones, her chin, and settled his forehead against hers, their noses touching. He brushed his lips softly against hers savoring the taste and scent of her. “Please tell me I’m not dreaming, because I’ll go crazy if it turns out you’re not real.”
“I’m very real Luis, did you think I would be anywhere else?”
He pulled her into a tight embrace, resting his cheek against her forehead. “Merry Christmas Sweetheart…….. Merry Christmas.”
“So, can I assume you like my surprise?”
“Like it? I’m the happiest man alive.”
“I must admit I was a little nervous that you would be angry that I showed up here. I know it’s risky, but I couldn’t bare being away from you on Christmas.”
“I’m too filled with love for you to be angry. The only thing I can think about right now is that we’re here together……….. The rest of the world doesn’t exist.”
“I love you too Luis, so much that I don’t know how I existed this past year without you.”
“How did you do all this?” Luis said pointing to the tree. “Everything is perfect, like you had this planned out from the beginning.”
“I have a confession to make, I did plan it from the beginning. I never did have any intention of going skiing. But, I didn’t do all this, Natalie did.”
“Natalie, huh?” Luis said smiling.
“Well I hired the delivery men to bring the tree and put it up, and I kind of convinced them to string the lights for me. But I decorated it, that is all except for one thing, and I was saving that for you.”
“I don’t know what it could be, the tree looks perfect to me.”
Sheridan walked over and brought Luis a box. She opened it and pulled out the Angel for the top of the tree. “Here,” she said handing it to him. “Could you put the Angel on the top of the tree. I was kind of hoping it could become a tradition.”
Luis was really touched by her gesture; he retrieved the stepladder, and placed the Angel on the top of the tree. Sheridan clapped her hands, and Ace barked, as Luis climbed down the ladder. She walked over and hugged Luis, and it was then that he noticed the stockings on the fireplace. One that read ‘Sheridan’, another read ‘Luis’, and the third smaller stocking read ‘Ace’. Seeing those stockings hanging there was the final emotional straw, and Luis turned toward Sheridan with tears in his eyes. He felt like a sappy fool, but he couldn’t help himself, she had made this a perfect Christmas, and he would never forget it. “You put up stockings……..”
“Of course I did, you can’t have Christmas without stockings. I don’t have a lot of memories of my Mother, but I do remember her helping me to embroider my name on my Christmas stocking. It is such a special memory to me, and if we ever have a daughter, I want to do the same thing for her.”
“That’s really sweet,” he said kissing her forehead.
“Yeah, now all I have to do is learn how to embroider,” and they both laughed. “Come on,” she said taking his hand. “Let’s sit by the tree, I want to give you your Christmas present.”
“You got me a present? Maybe I better go get my present for you.”
Sheridan had to hide her smile when she saw Luis’ present for her. It looked like something Pat’s kids had wrapped. “I know the wrap job is pretty bad. The store offered to do it, but I wanted to do it myself,” Luis said looking embarrassed.
“I think you did a beautiful job. It makes it more special that you wanted to do that.”
“Open it.”
“I will, but I want you to open yours first.”
“Ok.” Luis opened the small box and pulled out an antique gold pocket watch. “Oh Sheridan, I don’t believe this, Papa had one that looked just like this, my grandfather gave it to him. This is incredible.”
“Do you really like it? I know it’s not the most practical thing, since you wear a wristwatch, but it just reminded me of you when I saw it.”
Luis opened the watch, and on the inside of the cover was an engraving that read ‘With Love Always, Sheridan’. “I love it, thank you Sheridan, I’ll treasure it always,” he said giving her a kiss. “It’s your turn now.”
Sheridan tore the paper and opened the box, “Oh Luis, it’s beautiful!” Sheridan said pulling out the small, carved box. It was French in design, and had hand painted flowers on the lid. “It’s a music box.” When she opened the lid, she gasped when she heard the music, “It’s our song, how did you ever find a music box that played Imagine?”
“There is an antique shop downtown, and this man that runs it told me if I brought the music to him he could build the mechanism inside to play it.”
“Luis, this is the most special Christmas present I’ve ever received. It’s also the most romantic, you are unbelievable.” She hugged him, and tears came to her eyes.
“Hey,” Luis said lifting her chin. “I didn’t mean to make you cry. What’s the matter Sheridan?”
“Nothing’s the matter, I’m just really happy right now.”
“Me too. I don’t know how to thank you for all of this. I have to admit I was pretty depressed about not getting to spend Christmas with you, not to mention jealous about you being around all those guys at the ski resort.”
“It’s funny, but ever since I met you, all that stuff is so meaningless to me now. As soon as this nightmare is over with Julian, I will be perfectly content to just spend time with my handsome husband.”
“I like the sound of that,” he said drawing her in his arms. I think we should go to bed now, or Santa won’t come.”
“Yeah, I think we should go to bed. But……. you don’t think Santa will mind if we don’t sleep do you?”
“No, I don’t think he’ll mind at all.”
They walked upstairs hand-in-hand, sharing little kisses on the way. When they arrived in their bedroom, they undressed each other slowly, perfectly content to savor each moment of just being with each other. Still standing, they touched, stroked, and tasted each other’s lips. They fell to the bed, and made slow, sensual love while listening to the strands of music coming from Sheridan’s music box.
Chapter 8
The next morning as they lay in bed, Luis watched Sheridan sleeping. She was so beautiful and even in the bright light of morning her skin looked flawless. This is the way he wanted to wake up on every Christmas morning for the rest of his life. With Sheridan by his side, cuddled close to his body, and the only thing that would make this moment more perfect would be to have children. He smiled at the picture in his head of them running into their room at the crack of dawn pulling on their arms to hurry and wake up, so they could see what Santa had brought them. What more could a man want in life, but to have a family with the woman you were crazy in love with. A wave of sadness came over him when he thought about the baby they had lost. He should have been with Sheridan when she miscarried, but thanks to Alistair and Julian Crane, she had been forced to go through that terrible time all by herself. For that alone he wanted to kill Julian, but he refused to spend the rest of his life in prison because of that bastard. He vowed to himself, that he would bring Julian down, because he was damn tired of sneaking around to be with his wife.
She stirred beside him, and opened her blue eyes slowly. When she came fully awake, she smiled at him and reached out and touched his cheek. Luis caught her fingers and kissed them, he inhaled deeply, and breathed in her scent. When her arms came around him he began kissing her, and she opened up allowing his tongue to slip inside. Finally his lips left hers trailing kisses against her throat, and her fingers knotted in his hair pulling him closer. He found her breast, and with his tongue he teased her nipples with his hot mouth sending sensations streaking through her body. She whispered his name, tugged at this hair, but he ignored her kissing her belly, lower and lower. Just when she thought she couldn’t take anymore, he moved up her body, and kissed her passionately on the lips. She could taste herself, and her fingers closed fully around his sex, and she stroked. Luis groaned out loud, and he met her eyes just as he sank into her, very slowly at first, watching her the whole while. They couldn’t close their eyes, couldn’t look away. She gasped slightly as she shuddered with a tiny convulsion. With a swift thrust he went deeper still, and she came alive, writhing to the rhythm that gripped them both, and carried them into an explosive climax.
Afterwards, they lay there trembling and convulsing with little aftershocks still holding each other closely. “Merry Christmas sweetheart, I love you,” Luis said finally able to speak.
“I love you too, and this is by far the best Christmas that I have ever had. Thank you for sharing it with me.”
“I’m the one that should be thanking you, after all it was because of you that we are together right now, and I promise you, it’s going to be this way from now on,” he said kissing her forehead. “I don’t know about you but I’m starving, I should go downstairs and make us breakfast.”
“I must confess, since my handsome husband gives me quite a workout, I am rather hungry” Sheridan said smiling.
“Are you complaining?” Luis said nuzzling her neck.
“Never, it’s just that I have to take nourishment breaks once in a while,” she said with a cheeky grin.
“Then its nourishment you shall get,” Luis said giving her a quick kiss on the lips. He got out of bed and walked over to the closet to retrieve his robe. She couldn’t help feeling disappointed when he covered his body, but he did look hot in the black robe. She hopped out of bed too, not wanting to be away from him. She walked over to her suitcase and pulled out her blue satin robe, and Luis watched her as she slipped into it. When she turned around tying the sash around her, she noticed Luis staring at her. “Is something wrong?”
“No.” he smiled, “everything is very right.”
Sheridan took a sip from her coffee, as she studied Luis while he ate. “Luis, do you mind if I hide out here for a couple of days? I am supposed to be skiing.”
Luis looked up at her, and wiped his mouth with his napkin. “Why would you have to ask? This is your home too, and as far as I’m concerned, you can hide out here until we get this whole mess straightened out.”
“As tempting as that sounds, how am I going to get any information on Julian, if I’m hiding out here?”
“Speaking of Julian, there’s something I have to tell you. It’s about why I asked you to get the shipping manifest for me.”
“I wasn’t going to ask, but you know you can trust me if you want to tell me.”
“It has nothing to do with trust, I trust you with my life. It’s just that I was trying to protect you. I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, what you don’t know……. But as much as I hate to ask this of you, I think I’m going to have to let you in on what I found out, because I may need your help.”
“What is it Luis?”
“I suspect that someone at Crane Industries is smuggling drugs in by ship.
“What! Oh my God! Why would you suspect someone at Crane Industries?”
“One night I was walking on the wharf with Ace, and we spotted this freighter unloading crates of fish. I thought it was a little suspicious because of the time of night, and when we got close to the crates, Ace started barking. I could hardly hold him back. Don’t you see Sheridan; Ace was so well trained to smell out drugs, that even the smell of fish would deter from his scent. I followed the delivery truck, and they unloaded those same crates at Crane Industries, and guess what? That delivery did not appear of the manifest.”
“Luis, I can’t imagine that even Julian would do something that reprehensible….. What am I saying, of course he would. We have to get to the bottom of this, what do you want me to do?”
“I imagine they’ve moved the drugs by now, so I’m going to have to hang out at the dock, until I catch them making another delivery, and……. well this is the tricky part, I have to get Ace into Crane Industries as soon as these guys leave after they deliver the next time.”
“But Luis, how are you going to get Ace in with night security there?”
“I think I have a plan…….” Just then the phone rang. Luis answered it, mumbled a few words, and hung up the receiver. “Damn, I forgot that Momma is expecting me for Christmas dinner. That was Theresa wanting to know where I was.”
“Then you better get ready and go,” she said with a tiny smile.
“I don’t want to leave you,” he said walking over and putting his arms around her. I’ll just call Mamma back and tell her I can’t make it.”
“Luis, you can’t do that. Pilar is expecting you, and I won’t let you disappoint her because of me.”
“Sheridan, you’re my wife, and as much as I love my family, you’re the most important person in my life.”
“That’s really sweet, you don’t know how much that means to me, but I think I can give you up for a few hours, and besides there’s always next year, and then I can go to Pilar’s with you.”
“I hate this, I don’t feel right about leaving you.”
“Sweetie, I’ll be fine. Now go upstairs and shower, and I’ll clean up the breakfast mess here. I hope you didn’t ruin your appetite eating such a late breakfast.”
“I don’t want to leave you…..”
“Go,” she said pushing him from behind. “I’ll hang out with Ace for a couple of hours. I promise I’ll be fine.”
After Luis left to go to Pilar’s Sheridan had time to think about the dilemma of getting Ace into Crane Industries. The problem with the whole thing was the timing had to be just right. They had no way of knowing when the next delivery was going to be, so it was difficult to plan in advance. She knew the security codes to turn the alarms off, so that wasn’t a problem, but she had to figure out how to get rid of the security guards, but maybe Luis would have some ideas. After all he was the super cop, they probably had to do things like this all the time. She couldn’t believe how low Julian had sunk. How long had this been going on? Something struck her just then. Could it be possible that her father had been involved with this too? In fact the more she thought about, she was convinced that he had been. Julian wasn’t smart enough to mastermind an enterprise like this. She was furious that they would involve the family company in this. She had to get to the bottom of this for Ethan’s sake, and also for Luis. She was more determined now to get the information that Julian had on Luis. Even if Luis could arrest Julian for the drug smuggling, that still didn’t ensure that he wouldn’t somehow use his manufactured evidence to get to Luis. Especially if Julian found out that Luis was on to his nefarious drug activities. She had to find a way to get into Julian’s safe at the mansion. She was sure that the evidence against Luis was in there. If only he didn’t have the sophisticated security system in there, but…….. she had an idea; she was going to have a talk with Reese when she got back to the office after the holidays.
The next day Sheridan was busy in the kitchen trying to put a surprise meal together for Luis. What had ever possessed her to make home made rolls? There was flour all over the kitchen and she had no idea what constituted a pinch of salt, so she just poured some into the dough. The receipt said to kneed the dough, so she punched it with her fist a few times, and set it aside to rise. After she checked the roast, she was satisfied that everything was going according to plan. She had put the potatoes in with the roast, so that was taken care of, and all she had to do was cook the green beans, and as soon as the roast came out of the oven, she would bake the rolls.
Later on, when Luis arrived home, he walked in on Sheridan as she was taking the rolls out of the oven. The timer on the oven had gone off, so she didn’t hear him approach, and it startled her when he came up behind her and put his arms around her waist, and she dropped the pan. Luckily she dropped it on the stove, and not the floor.
“Luis, you scared me.”
“I’m sorry,” he said turning her around to face him. “What’s all this?”
“I decided to surprise you with dinner, I hope you like everything.”
He took in her appearance, hair sticking up, flour on her nose and cheek, and he didn’t think he ever saw her look more beautiful. “I’m sure I will, and you are so sweet to do this for me.” She was irresistible, he couldn’t help himself and he pulled her into a kiss. “If everything taste as good as your sweet kisses, I know I’ll like it.”
“Well, since you’re the man of the house, it’s your job to carve the roast. God, did I really just say that?”
“I can’t believe you just made such a macho statement? Bring on the meat, and I’ll tear it apart with my teeth,” Luis said laughing.
“Very funny,” she smiled. “I think a knife will work just as well.”
When Luis tried cutting the roast, the knife stopped at the hard center, and he discovered that the inside was still frozen. “Sher…….. I think it might need to cook a little longer, the middle is still frozen.”
“But how can that be? The cookbook said to cook it an hour and a half to two hours, and I know it’s been in there for at least two hours,” Sheridan said visibly upset.
“Honey, I think those instructions only apply if the roast isn’t frozen.”
“Oh no, now what are we going to do? Everything else is finished.”
“Maybe we can put it in the microwave, and I’ll just eat some rolls to tide me over until the roast is done.” Luis put the roast in the microwave and set the timer. He came back to the table, and picked up one of the flat doughy looking rolls. After he spread butter on it and took a bite, he immediately started to choke, and grabbed his glass of water to wash it down.
“Oh come on Luis, they can’t be that bad,” and she took a bite, and almost gagged on the overly salty taste. “Oh God, they’re terrible, my whole dinner is terrible. I should have known, I’m just a complete failure in the kitchen,” she said, tears streaming down her face. She got up out of her chair and walked over to the window, facing outside. He could see her shoulders shake as he approached her.
“Sheridan, come on it isn’t that bad. Please don’t cry, it breaks my heart to see you cry.” He turned her around and pulled her in his arms.
“You don’t understand Luis, I wanted everything to be perfect. I wanted you to be proud of me,” she said sniffling.
“What are you talking about, I’m already proud of you. You’re strong, and brave, and you have a beautiful heart……”
“But I know you want a wife that can make you a good dinner, someone that’s good with children, don’t you remember what I was like with Pat’s children, I had no control over them. Face it Luis, I had to bribe them to go to bed. Why didn’t you marry someone like Beth?”
He lifted her chin, “because Beth doesn’t take my breath away every time she walks into a room….. she doesn’t make my heart beat faster whenever she’s within ten feet of me, and I’m not head over heals in love with her….”
Sheridan lifted her finger and put in on his lips to silence him. “I can’t believe I ever found you,” she said finally smiling.
“You didn’t find me, you crashed into me, remember?" He said teasing her. “Why don’t you go upstairs, and take a hot shower, and I’ll salvage what’s left of the roast beef and make us some sandwiches.”
“All right, a hot shower does sound wonderful. Thank you Luis”
“For what?”
“I don’t know, just for being so understanding.”
Sheridan looked at herself in the bathroom mirror, and she couldn’t believe how bad she looked. No wonder Luis had suggested she take a shower. Her hair was a mess, and her face was streaked with flour from her tears. She had made a royal mess of dinner, and Luis had been so patient and wonderful. She hadn’t meant to react like such a baby, but she had been so excited about her dinner, so sure she was going to be able to pull it off. I guess she was going to have to face the fact that she was never going to be Martha Stewart, but Luis didn’t seem to care, and that was all that counted.
She undressed and stepped into the hot shower. She was glad that Luis suggested it, because she felt better already, as she stood under the spray, and let the water beat down on her muscles. She didn’t hear Luis step into the shower, but when he put his hands on her shoulders, she leaned back against him. She readily agreed when he offered to wash her back. With soapy hands, he caressed the soft skin of her back, creating sensual swirls at the base of her spine with his fingertips, stroking the curve of her hip, and the rise of her rounded bottom. His hands came up to cup her small waist and then moved over her belly as he kissed the nape of he neck. She shuddered suddenly when he caressed her breast, paying special attention to her aroused nipples, but when his long fingers cupped and stroked her between her legs, she began to shake.
“Oh God Luis,” she said turning around so that their chest was touching. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and rubbed her soapy body against his. She loved the feel of his body against hers, the hardness of his erection, and she became wild and cupped and stroked him making him cry out. He pulled her arms up and pinned her against the tile wall of the shower, lifted her, and entered her filling her completely. By the time they reached their climax, the water was cold, and they jumped out of the shower and toweled each other off.
Later, lying naked in bed, Luis fed Sheridan roast beef sandwich. They were completely relaxed and Sheridan felt this was the perfect time to ask Luis about Julian’s request. “Honey,” she said kissing his chest. There is something I have to ask you, and I want you to keep an open mind before you go crazy on me.”
“Oh no, I have a feeling I’m not going to like this, but I’ll try to keep an open mind.”
“Well…….. I……..”
“Spit it out Sher.”
“Is it alright with you if I go out to dinner with Warren?”
Luis sat up, and gave her a wicked smile; “Over me dead body”.
Chapter 9
Sheridan knew Luis would be difficult about this, but she could sense an all out argument coming. He was staring down at her with that eyebrow raised, and the tension inside him was so apparent it frightened her a little. She reached out to him, and touched his chest, but he grabbed her hand. He lowered himself, moving on top of her and pinned her hands over her head. She knew that he had her at a disadvantage, but she was determined to win this round. Refusing to be intimated by him, she stared back at him with her piercing blue gaze. “Lose the attitude Luis, I’m doing everything humanly possible to get rid of the threat against you, so we can be together. Now, I think one harmless dinner with Warren so that Julian doesn’t suspect my motives, is a small price to pay for the end result. I love you, and I don’t know what else I have to do to prove that to you.”
Luis released her hands, and sat up, surprise written on his face. He traced her chin with his finger. “I’m sorry Sheridan, but I can’t get the picture out of my head of you with Warren at the Fourth of July party, kissing him, dancing our dance with him.”
Now she felt awful, “Luis I’m sorry, I was being a spoiled brat that night, but I was only doing that to make you jealous, I promise that I had no interest in Warren. I’m not proud of it, but that’s all it was,”
“Well it worked, because I was jealous. I had to restrain myself from beating the crap out of that guy. He looked at me like I didn’t have a right to even be in your presence.”
“You were really jealous? Is that why you were all over Phoebe? Where you trying to give me a taste of my own medicine?
“Look, I was not all over Phoebe. It was quite the opposite, that woman has more arms then a spider. Somebody needs to hose her down, but I think we’re getting away from our original discussion. How does going out with Warren help our cause?”
“Because Julian has been trying to get his hands on some property that Warren owns, and so far he’s refused to sell. Julian feels that I can influence him to sell since Warren has always had a thing for me. He pretty much came out and said that if I wanted to prove myself a true Crane, that I would do this for him.”
“Are you saying that you’re going to date this guy, because there is no way I’m ever going to go along with that. Besides, I don’t like the idea of you lowering yourself to Julian’s level. As much as I can’t stand that bastard Warren, is it really fair to lead him on?”
“I don’t like this anymore then you do Luis, but I have to go through with this to gain Julian’s trust. If it makes you feel any better, I have no intention of dating Warren, and I’m going to try to be as honest with him as I can. Don’t you see, if I can get Warren to sell this property to Julian, it would be a big step in gaining Julian’s confidence in me.”
“One dinner?”
“Yes, one dinner.”
“If he touches you…….”
“He won’t,” she said pulling him down to her. “You’re the only man that I ever want to touch me,” and she kissed him passionately.
Sheridan studied a fidgety Reese across the desk from her, contemplating the best way to bring up her question. Luis had told her that Reese had a crush on her, so armed with that knowledge, she felt pretty sure she could trust him. But was it fair to bring this innocent kid in on her plan to get the goods on Julian? She didn’t have a choice in the matter, so she would just have to do her best to protect him. “Reese, I want you to know how pleased I am with you work so far.”
“Thank you Miss Crane.”
“You’re welcome Reese, but I need to ask you if I can trust that anything I ask you to do will never leave this office. I only ask this because it is for your protection as well as mine.”
“Of course Ms. Crane, you gave me a chance, and I’m completely loyal to you, but……. well you don’t want me to do anything illegal, because my father would kill me if he found out.”
“To be honest Reese, I’m not really sure about the legality of it, but I can assure it’s for a good cause. You would be helping to right a wrong that’s been done to a good, honest person that didn’t deserve it. I want you to know though, that if you decide that you don’t want to participate, it will have no effect on your job.”
“Don’t worry Ms. Crane, you just tell me what you want me to do.”
“Is it possible to hack into a security company’s computer, and disarm a security system?”
“Of course it would be possible, like taking candy from a baby, but can I ask why you want the security system disarmed?”
“Yes, I need to get into a safe to get some incriminating evidence on a person that is innocent.”
“Well…… I can certainly take care of the security system, but the only way to get in the safe is to know the combination.”
“Good point Reese, I guess I hadn’t thought that far ahead.”
“If I may suggest something, I happen to know that there are devices that can be planted on the safe that would record the movement of the tumblers, that way you could get the combination. The only problem is, devices like that are impossible to get, unless you know someone in the CIA or the FBI.”
“I don’t know anyone in the CIA or the FBI, well except for Agent Freeman, but I can’t go to him with a request like this. I do happen to know someone though that might be able to get that device.” Sheridan didn’t mention that the person she knew was in law enforcement because she didn’t want him to put two and two together and guess that it was Luis. “So Reese, if I do happen to get my hands on a device like that, what would our plan of action be?”
“If that’s the case, then we’re going to have to disarm the security system twice, the first time so you can plant the device, and of course the second time so you can break into the safe.”
“Reese, remind me to give you a huge bonus,” Sheridan said glowing with excitement.
Luis looked at his watch for about the fifth time in the last hour, and he couldn’t believe so little time had passed. He had been staked out at the warehouse’s top floor with Ace for three hours now and there was still no movement down on the wharf. He had chosen this spot because it allowed a clear view of the wharf for about a five mile radius. He opened his thermos and poured himself some more coffee hoping it would keep him more alert. Stakeouts were one part of his job that he hated, but they were a necessary evil that couldn’t be avoided. He had plenty of time though to think about his plan, and he wasn’t sure that this was the approach he should take. If he were able to get into Crane Industries, and discover the drugs, it would most likely be thrown out of court, because he obtained the evidence without a search warrant. A search warrant would be easy enough to obtain, but he was talking about Julian Crane here, and Julian probably had most of the judges in his back pocket. Maybe it was time to go to his director, who reported directly to the governor, with his suspicions, but first he had to establish a pattern for these deliveries.
As usual, thoughts of Sheridan entered his mind, which seemed to happen about ninety percent of his day. The woman had him wrapped around her little finger, because once again he had conceded to her. He knew he was out of control, but he still hated the fact that she was going to dinner with Warren. He trusted Sheridan, but he didn’t trust that bastard Warren. He hated to admit it but the jealousy was eating away at him every time he thought about the way the guy had touched her at the Fourth of July party at the club. Damn, she was his wife, and he was getting sick of this charade.
Sheridan had told him about her conversation with Reese, and he had to hand it to them, it was a brilliant plan. Luis knew he would wouldn’t have a problem getting what Sheridan needed, but couldn’t help but be concerned for her safety. Sister or not, Julian would take her down in a heartbeat without even batting an eye. His first duty above all else was to protect her, because if anything ever happened to her he would go crazy. It was going to be a long night, so he poured himself some more coffee.
Sheridan studied Warren as the waiter poured them another glass of champagne. The guy was considered a very good catch by the standards of her social set, but she couldn’t help thinking that he really fell short when compared to Luis. Yes, Luis with his hot good looks ran circles around Warren, and she wished more then ever that she could be home with him right now. The waiter put the champagne in the bucket of ice and left them, so to avoid this continuing lag in the conversation, Sheridan proposed a toast.
Warren raised his glass and touched hers; “I would like to toast to my luck of being with the most beautiful woman in the room.”
“Thank you Warren, that’s very generous of you to say that.”
“What do you mean generous? Look around you, every man in the place is staring at you.”
“Well I don’t know about that, but it’s very kind of you to say.”
“I can’t tell you how glad I am that you divorced that cop, because I was quite upset when I heard the news of your marriage last year. Now that you have had that little fling with one of the locals out of the way, I hope I can consider myself in the running again.”
Sheridan did everything possible to hide her rage, because right now all she could think of was how bad she wanted to throw the contents of her glass in his pompous face. But, remembering her cause, she smiled and said, “Yes, well everyone is allowed a moment of madness every once in a while.”
“Well, I want you to know that I forgive you, and I would like nothing better than for us to get better acquainted,” he said with lust filled eyes.
Forgive her? How dare he insult Luis and her that way? He was damn lucky that she had learned patience over the last year, because under different circumstances she would be more that delighted to tell the scum to go to hell, and that Luis was a better man then he would ever hope to be. But she silently counted to ten to gain control over her rising temper. She decided that she needed to change the subject fast, because she was coming close to blowing this whole thing. “Warren, I have a confession to make.”
“Oh, and what would that be?”
“As much as I enjoy spending time with you,” she lied. “I also wanted to bring up a business proposition with you. As you know Julian would really like to purchase your land, and I also think it would be very profitable for both you and Crane Industries if you would sell us the land. Please know, that this won’t effect us personally if you decide not to sell, but I thought I would at least give it a try.”
“The land is yours. I’ll have my attorney draw up the papers in the morning, and by tomorrow afternoon the land will belong to Julian.”
“You’re kidding, just like that? According to Julian you have been unrelenting when it came to selling him the land. Why the sudden change of mind?”
“I always planned on selling Julian the land, but I held out hoping that he would enlist your help. After all, this allowed me the perfect opportunity to spend an evening with you, and I hope there will be many, many more.”
When hell freezes over she thought to herself, as soon as Julian has that land your history pal. Out loud she said, “I would like that very much.” She didn’t feel one bit guilty about misleading him after the things he had said about Luis.
Just then the waiter approached their table and informed Sheridan that there was an important phone call for her. He told her she could take it in the ladies lounge to afford her some privacy, so she excused herself and made her way out of the dining room. Who would be calling her now? It was probably Julian wanting to know if she had made any progress. She walked down the hallway leading to the ladies lounge, and suddenly an arm snaked out and pulled her into a linen closet. She was so surprised that she didn’t even have time to scream, but when she finally collected herself enough to open her mouth, the light was flipped on and there stood Luis, dressed in a tuxedo looking drop dead gorgeous.
“Luis,” she said out loud, and when he put his finger on her lips as a sign to be quiet, she lowered her voice to a whisper. “What are you doing here?”
“I couldn’t help it, I couldn’t stay away.” He said nuzzling her neck.
She was thrilled to see him, but she felt that she needed to show some form of indignation. “Are you spying on me?”
“No…… well maybe a little…… oh hell, if you want to know the truth, I was going nuts thinking about you with him. Are you angry with me?”
“I should be furious with you, but to be perfectly honest, I’ve never been so happy to see you.”
He flashed her his killer grin, and as usual she melted. “Good, I was hoping you would feel that way. How much longer are you going to be with this idiot, because I’m dying for you." He began to suck her ear lobe, and she swayed against him. He picked her up and set her on a table probably used to fold linens, and planted himself directly in front of her.
“Luis you have to stop, you have to leave. Your making this very hard for me, you know.”
“I know the feeling, because you’re making me very hard…….”
“Please stop, you’re not playing fair.”
“Oh, all right, I’ll let you go on one condition.”
“Ok, what’s the condition?”
“That you give me one of your little sweet kisses, then I’ll let you get back to the scum.”
“Promise, just a little kiss?”
“You have my word.”
He leaned down, and true to his word he gave her a soft, sweet kiss, and then insanity took over. She didn’t know when it changed, or who had given in first, but the sweet little kiss suddenly turned into a raging inferno, that left her wet with desire for him. They kissed, and ravished, and plundered each other’s mouths, and before she knew it she was begging him. He snagged the bottom of her dress and pushed it to her hips, lifted her, and quickly disposed of her panties throwing them behind his shoulder. He moaned when she unzipped his pants and freed him, and her face turned red with embarrassment when she looked down and saw the position she was in. It was almost decadent the way her dress was pushed up around her hips, with her legs opened for him. But, her embarrassment soon faded when she saw how much he wanted her. She whimpered when he entered her partially and stopped. “Luis, please I want all of you.”
“Oh believe me sweetheart, you’ll get all of me, but I want you to promise me you’ll think about this, about us, when your sitting at the table across from him.”
It was nothing but pure and simple sexual blackmail, but she couldn’t have resisted if her life depended on it. “Yes, Oh God yes,” and he entered her completely. He knew her so well, because right as she was on the verge of climax, he kissed her stifling her scream. But she knew him too, because just as the groan tore from his lips, she planted hers there to mask the sound of his satisfaction. When they were finally able to gain some semblance of control Luis adjusted himself and zipped his pants up. He moved away from her and she watched him shift through the stacks of linen towels.
“What are you doing?”
“I’m looking for your panties.”
“Why,” she smiled. “Are you going to keep them for a souvenir?”
“Hell no! Do you really think I’m going to let you go back to him like that?” His hot gaze took in the site of her still sitting in the same position as when he had left her.
Embarrassed, she hopped down from the table and pulled her dress down. He finally located her panties, and she slipped them on. She opened her mouth, and was just getting ready to tell him that she had to leave, when they heard voices outside the door. She recognized Warren’s voice and what sounded like the waiter discussing her whereabouts.
“Oh God Luis, now what do we do?” she whispered to him.
“Give me a minute, I’ll think of something,” he whispered back.
Chapter 10
Luis took advantage of the noise and confusion outside the door to make his move. He pulled out his pocketknife, stuck it in the keyhole, and twisted it around so he could damage the inside of the lock. Sheridan looked at him like he had lost his mind. He whispered in her ear and told her that he wanted her to pound on the door, and shout for help. She whispered to him that she thought he had lost his mind, but she did as he asked.
“Sheridan is that you?” Warren yelled outside the door.
“Yes, Warren, the door’s locked, please get me out of here.”
“How did you get in there?”
Sheridan looked at Luis for direction. “Tell him someone pushed you in from behind, and locked you in,” he whispered.
“Someone pushed me in here and locked the door.”
“My God, who did this Sheridan?”
“I don’t know, I never saw his face.”
“Get me the key to this door you idiot,” Warren shouted to the waiter.
“Please hurry Warren, the walls are starting to close in on me.”
“Just hold on Sheridan, the waiter’s getting the key. We’ll have you out of there in a minute.”
The waiter arrived back with the key, but because Luis had bent the inside mechanism his attempts to unlock the door were fruitless. Warren started shouting at the poor waiter, accusing him of bringing the wrong key. A third voice joined the twosome, introducing himself as the manager. He apologized profusely assuring Warren that it was the correct key, and he would get maintenance to remove the hinges on the door if necessary.
Sheridan was having a difficult time trying to contain her laughter as she listened to the keystone cops outside the door. She glanced up at Luis and noticed by the amusement in his eyes that he was enjoying the show too, and he whispered in her ear, “It’s going to take a while for these Bozo’s to get the door open, should we kill some time?”
“You are so bad……” she said kissing him, and the commotion outside the door was soon forgotten, as she became lost in Luis’ hot kiss.
“I want you again.”
“No Luis, there’s no time.…..”
“Sheridan, we have one the hinge’s off. We should have you out of there a few minutes.”
“Thank you Warren.”
“I guess I should get into my hiding place,” Luis said giving her one last kiss.
“Hurry Luis, it sounds like they’re almost through.”
“Ok, I’m going to crawl into the laundry cart, and I want you to put some towels over me. Just get them out of here as quickly as you can.” Luis pulled the dirty towels out and crawled in. Sheridan bent over and began piling the towels on top of Luis, allowing him a generous display of her cleavage. He couldn’t resist; he had to kiss her there.
“Behave……” Just then they set the door aside and Sheridan stood up. “Thank God, I thought I was going to have to spent the night in here.”
“Sheridan are you alright? I promise you someone’s head will roll over this debacle.” Warren pointed at the manager; “I’m going bring up charges against this establishment for endangering its patrons.”
“No, please Warren you are going to do no such thing. This was just the act of some prankster, and I will not have you intimidate these people.”
“But Sheridan………”
“Warren,” she said lightening her tone. “Please I just want to get out of here and go home. Would you please go get my coat, while I go to the powder room and freshen up?”
“Yes, of course.”
As they were leaving the restaurant, Sheridan spotted Luis standing at one of the phones in the lobby, and as they walked by, he turned around and gave her a wink.
Sheridan poured herself a glass of wine hoping it would calm her nerves. Julian and Ivy were going to the country club tonight and this was the perfect opportunity to plant the device on the safe. Reese was on standby, and all she had to do was call him to let him know the coast was clear. Maybe she should have let Luis do this like he wanted to, but she was afraid that someone would spot him at the mansion. Besides, if he was caught, it could hurt his career. The only thing that had made him relent was her promise to keep her little tracking alarm with her.
Julian and Ivy walked into the room dressed in their evening clothes, and as usual Julian poured himself a brandy. Ivy made some snide remark to Julian, but Sheridan was too distracted to really pay attention to their usual bickering.
“Sheridan, why don’t you go upstairs and change and go to the club with us?” Ivy said bringing her out of her musings.
“I appreciate the offer Ivy, but I’m feeling a little under the weather tonight, and I think I’ll just go to bed early.”
“Yes Ivy, let Sheridan get her rest, she did the Crane name proud by securing that property for us. Are you sure you’re all right dear? I could get the doctor here to check you out.”
“That won’t be necessary Julian. I think a good nights sleep will do wonders for me. Now, why don’t you two just run along, and I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Come on Julian, put the drink down, and let’s go. The sooner I get this evening with you started, the sooner it will be over.”
After they left, Sheridan called Reese on her cell phone. He told her he would phone her back when he had the security system disarmed. She reviewed Luis’s instructions in her head. He had told her exactly where to plant the little device so that Julian wouldn't see it when he opened the safe the next time. She paced the floor, read a magazine, and paced the floor again. When she checked the clock she was shocked to note that two hours had passed. What was taking Reese so long? They were running out of precious time. It would be to big of a risk if she waited much longer, because Julian and Ivy could walk in right in the middle of her tampering with the safe. “Come on Reese, please call,” she said out loud. As if on cue her cell phone rang. “Hello.”
“Ms. Crane, it’s Reese.”
“Thank God Reese, I was starting to get worried about you.”
“I’m sorry Ms. Crane, but this is taking me longer then I thought. They have some security built into their firewall that I didn’t anticipate.”
Sheridan tried to hide her disappointment, “It’s all right Reese, but our time line is running out here, we’ll have to do it on a different night.”
“I think if I just have a little more time I can crack through the code.”
“No Reese, I don’t want you to stay up all night working on this. Why don’t you get some sleep, and get a fresh start tomorrow. That way, once you figure it out, we can be prepared for the next time.”
“I’m really sorry Ms. Crane.”
“Don’t worry about it Reese, I’m sure you did your best, Good Night.”
Sheridan was so disappointed and frustrated she felt like crying. She didn’t blame Reese, but she had such hope that this would be the start of bringing her plan to a close. It just wasn’t fair; she was tired of living apart from Luis. It was pretty sad that in this day an age one had to go through this hell just to be with their husband. When she got upstairs to her bedroom, her cell phone rang. It was Luis, and he wanted to know how things had turned out. She didn’t mean to get all weepy on him, but the sound of his voice make her break out in tears.
“Sheridan, sweetie, what’s wrong? Did somebody hurt you?”
“No…….. I just…….. Oh, Luis, nothing is working out, I just…….”
“Sheridan, calm down, slow down, and tell me what’s wrong.”
After several deep breaths, she was able to calm down enough to tell him about the problem with the security system. “I know this was my idea, but I don’t know how much longer I can do this Luis. I haven’t seen you in a week, and God only knows when I can be with you again. Why can’t my family just leave us alone? Is that too much to ask?”
“Sheridan, why don’t you just pack your bags and come home? I’ll come over and pick you up, and the hell with Julian.”
“No Luis, as much as I want that, I will never forget the feeling of desolation I felt that day that my father and brother forced me to leave you. I don’t ever want to feel that way again.”
“Look Sheridan, I know it seems hopeless right now, but I promise you everything will work out. Believe me, it’s our turn, Julian’s going down.”
“I pray you’re right.”
“I promise you, we’ll be together. Now why don’t you bed and get some rest, and everything will look brighter in the morning.”
“Ok Luis, I think I’ll do that. I love you.”
“I love you too.”
She was in deep sleep having the most wonderful dream of Luis holding her, caressing her, kissing her. Something was trying to wake her up, but she was resisting because she didn’t want her dream to end. “Wake up baby, I’m here.”
She opened her eyes slowly, “Luis……., is that really you?”
“Yes, no magic tricks, and no illusions…..”
“Oh my God,” she said coming fully awake. “Luis what are you doing here? Have you taken complete leave of your senses?”
“Probably, but after I spoke with you on the phone, I just got the feeling that you needed me.”
“I always need you, but Luis, how did you get in here? Do you have any idea what kind of a risk you’re taking being here?”
“I scaled the walls, and yes, I do know the risk, but I figured you’re worth it.”
“If Julian catches you……. You scaled the walls? Are you trying to kill yourself?
“Not a chance, do you want me to leave?” He began trailing kisses up her neck, and his hand cupped her breast, causing little shock waves to inhabit her body.
“Yes….. I mean no,” she murmured breathlessly. “ I don’t think I could let you leave now even if Julian was standing outside the door.”
“Good,” he said pulling down the straps of her gown. “I was hoping you’d say that, because I really want to make love with you.”
“We’re really going to have to stop meeting in such dangerous places,” she giggled.
“Why don’t you let me help you get that nightgown off…..”
The next morning Sheridan was sure she dreamed that Luis was there during the night, but when she saw her nightgown thrown over the foot board, and smelled his clean soapy scent on the pillow, she knew it was very real. Sneaking in here like that was totally crazy, but it was also the most romantic thing he had ever done. She needed him and he came to her against the odds. She had to smile; he really was her Knight in Shining Armor.
Sheridan was not the only one frustrated with their current situation; Luis was about at the end of his rope. Not only was he not with his wife, but building his case against Julian was getting nowhere. He had staked out the wharf the last few nights, and still no activity. If only he could get into Crane Industries, and work on the inside, but that was impossible, because he was the last person Julian would let work there. Maybe he would never be able to get a job at Crane Industries, but the more he thought about it, he did know somebody that could.
Sheridan had gotten Luis’ message to dress as Natalie, and meet him at their special place. As she rode up in the elevator she smiled when she thought about her special plans for Luis tonight. They may not come out of that room for a week if she had anything to do with it. When he answered the door, she pushed him in the room, and slammed the door behind her. She unbuttoned her coat slowly and pulled it open, and Luis mouth dropped open when he saw she was naked under the coat. “Good God Sher,” but, before he had a chance to say anything else, there was a knock on the door.
“Who is that?” She pulled her coat together and started buttoning it up again.
“It’s an associate I want you to meet, so make sure you cover yourself up. But I promise after this meeting, I’m going to take you up on that offer.”
When Luis opened the door, it was Sheridan’s mouth that dropped open this time. “Agent Harris,” Luis said shaking his hand.
“Agent Lopez-Fitgerald, and you must be Natalie?”
“Chad, is that really you?
Chapter 11
Sheridan was in shock. Of all people, Chad Harris was the last person she would suspect of being an associate of Luis’. If Chad was an agent, then why did they want her at this meeting?
“Well Luis, I think it would be an understatement to say your Mrs. is surprised to see me.”
“I guess my disguise isn’t working too well,” Sheridan said playing with a lock of her long dark hair.
“Your disguise is fine,” Luis said rubbing her shoulder. “Chad knows we’re married.”
“So Chad how long have you been an agent for the state?”
“I’m not, I’m with the DEA. I have been for a couple of years. When I lived in LA, I was investigating this scum record producer. He was one of the biggest drug dealer’s in LA, and when I got some information that my real folks might be here in Harmony, I asked to be transferred to this area.”
“I would have never guessed, you’re so talented with music arrangement. I mean, you worked so many jobs. You were all over the place.”
“I do love music, but it’s not exactly paying the bills, so I thought I would work on putting the bad guys away for awhile. I figured taking all the jobs was the best way to know what was going down? What better way to be in on everything, but to have my face plastered all over Harmony?”
“Yeah,” Luis said. “Imagine my shock when I ran into Chad one night when we were both buying drugs from the same guy. I was just about ready to bust him, when he whipped out his badge.”
“You shoulda seen the look on my man’s face. I ain’t never seen him so speechless before,” Chad said laughing.
Sheridan laughed too, “Luis speechless? Now that is something I would have loved to witness.”
Sheridan’s face turn bright red, when Luis whispered in her ear, “You did see me speechless a little while ago when you opened your coat.”
Seeing Luis wince when she dug her fingernails in his arm, gave her a bit of vindication for his last remark. “So, is somebody going to tell me why I was asked to join this little meeting?”
“We need somebody on the inside at Crane Industries, and it’s obvious I can’t do it, so we want you to use your influence to get Chad a job as a Security Guard.”
“I don’t know if I can do that without Julian getting suspicious. I’m the Director of Public Relations, Human Resources takes care of hiring for those kinds of positions.”
“But you hired Reese.”
“That’s different because that was a position for my assistant, but I do have an idea. Look Chad, you’re friends with Ethan, why don’t you ask him to get you the job? It wouldn’t draw any suspicion, because it would just look like a friend trying to help out another friend.”
“She’s got a good point Luis.”
“Ok Chad then I guess it’s up to you.”
“Well then, I’m outta here,” Chad said. “I think I’ll go see if Ethan wants to have a beer.” Chad opened the door, and turned around, “Oh Sheridan, I think you might want to take your coat off, you look a little warm.”
After Chad left, Sheridan looked at Luis, “oh my God Luis, you don’t think he knows do you?” She walked over to check her appearance in the mirror.
Luis walked up behind her, “I doubt it, you’re trust up like a Christmas turkey. He probably just thought it was strange that you still had your coat on. But he was right about one thing, you do look a little warm,” he said as he began unbuttoning her coat. “I was having a hard time concentrating on the conversation, thinking about you being naked under this coat.”
Sheridan watched him unfasten the last button, and he pulled her coat open. Her body responded to his nearness, and made her week in the knees. His large brown hands moved up her rib cage to cup her breast. As he stroked her nipples, she noticed the red imprint of her nails on his arm. “I……. didn’t realize I dug in so hard.”
His hands moved up and pulled her coat off, and it fell to the floor. “You’re a little wildcat sometimes,” he said as he moved the long strands of her hair away and kissed her neck. She could feel his hot breath in her ear, and stood mesmerized, as she watched in the mirror as his hands roamed over her naked body. “Your beautiful, I just can’t get enough of you.”
She couldn’t take much more, and she turned around in his arms and began stripping away his clothing until he was as naked as she was. Instead of looking at him directly, she admired his hard chiseled body in the mirror. Their eyes met and held in a gaze filled with lust and wanting. He turned her to the side and drew her into a hungry, wet kiss, as he pulled her body up against his erection. She couldn’t help it, she touched him, her hand encircled him, and she began to stroke, and he reciprocated with his invasive, intimate touch. Her body arched to his, her breast rubbed against his chest. Groaning out loud, he picked her up and carried her over to the bed, and followed her down, kissing her the whole while. He entered her, filling her completely, and they made love wildly, and with complete abandonment. She wanted to memorize the taste of his kiss, the fire in his eyes, the supple length of his back, the feel of him inside her, part of her. They clung together, and they got lost in a rhythm that drove them both to a volcanic explosion.
Afterward, she lay beside him and shivered as the fire that had consumed them earlier ebbed, and she was cold. He wrapped her in his arms, and she cuddled against him and dozed. She slowly became aware of a delicious sensation simmering within her…… and the stroke of his kiss moving down the length of her spine. They made love again, and again……, and she got her wish, at least for a couple of days.
Two weeks later Luis was staked out at his usual spot on the top floor of the warehouse. He had just finished his fourth cup of coffee, and Ace was snoozing beside him. Chad was now working at Crane Industries, and the beautiful thing about it was, he was hired to work the night shift. It had turned out that one of the guys that worked night’s wife had a baby and he wanted to move to days, so Chad had volunteered. He pulled out his binoculars and scanned the wharf, and there, he saw it, the freighter pulled into dock. “Wake up Ace, we’ve got work to do.” He called Chad on his cell phone. “Get ready, we’re in business.”
He needed to get down there and get a closer look. He checked his ankle holster to make sure his gun was secured. Ace followed him down the stairs, and when they got to the front door of the warehouse, Luis put a leash on Ace, and they began their walk, moving toward the freighter. Even from this distance, he could see the men unloading the crates. As he drew closer upon them, the same guy that had spoken to him the last time looked up as him and Ace approached. He nudged the guy next to him, and whispered in his ear.
“Good evening,” Luis said as he walked by. He tried to keep Ace away from the crates, because he was afraid that if Ace started barking he would make them suspicious.
“Hey, you’re that guy with the crazy dog. What are you doing down here?”
“I’m just walking my dog. There’s just something about the smell of the ocean.”
“Yeah, more like the smell of stinking fish. Why don’t you run along, I don’t trust that dog of yours.”
“Sure, no problem,” Luis said as he turned Ace around and headed back the same way he came.
As Luis walked away, the captain spoke in a low voice to the crewman beside him. “Go follow and take care of him. Dump him and his dog in the harbor it you have to.”
“Why captain, do you think he’s up to something?”
“I don’t know, but let’s not take any chances.”
Luis turned off in an alley with the intention of circling around to watch them load the truck. He stopped when he heard footsteps behind him, and ducked into an abandoned warehouse, but the footsteps followed him. Ace stuck to him like a second skin, as he moved along flush with the wall. He decided it was time to go on the offensive, and he pulled his gun out, arms straight ahead, and started moving toward where he had last heard the footsteps. Just then a shot rang out, and when he moved to get cover, he heard another shot, and Ace leaped in the air in front of him and knocked Luis over. He heard the guy running away, and he pushed Ace to get off of him, and that’s when he felt the sticky blood covering his hand. He gently rolled over so that Ace was lying on the concrete floor, and that’s when he saw the gunshot womb in Ace’s mid-section.
“Oh damn…… come on boy, please be alive.” Luis felt for a pause and detected a weak one, but he knew he had to get Ace to a hospital fast. He took off the wool scarf from around his neck, and wrapped it around Ace’s womb to stanch the blood flow. It was then that he heard Ace whimper. “Just hold on Ace, I’m going to get you to the hospital. He picked the dog up and made his way to his jeep, as fast as he could with the heavy burden of Ace’s dead weight. When he placed Ace in the back of the jeep, he covered him in a blanket in case he was going into shock. He broke speed records as he rushed to the Harmony Animal Clinic. Ace had to make it, he was his partner……. he had saved his life.
Chad watched from his hiding place as the crewman unloaded the truck. There was definitely something stinking around here, and it wasn’t just the fish. They were loading the crates on a forklift and moving them through the loading bay to a room in the back. When they finished, and the load was secured in the room, one of the men closed the door and put a pad lock around the knob. You don’t lock something up, unless you want to keep other people from getting to it. Luis was right; there was something in those crates besides fish.
“What are you doing in here?”
“Oh Smith, hey man, I heard a noise and I decided to investigate.”
“It’s just some guys unloading fish. Nothing for you to worry about.”
“I can see that, I just thought it was a little weird to get a delivery this time of night, and I wanted to make sure there was nothing strange going on. Hey, I was just trying to do my job man.”
“Let me give you some advice Chad, if you want to keep your job there are certain things you need to learn to ignore, and these nocturnal deliveries are one of them.”
“What’s the big deal? It’s just a bunch of fish, why lock em up? You would think these fish are dipped in gold.”
“Who knows, maybe they are dipped in gold. Maybe there’re the kinds of fish they serve to rich people. But hey, we’re just the peons, and there’s no sense trying to figure out what these eccentric rich people are up to. Now, why don’t you go scan the front of the building, and forget about what you saw here tonight.”
“Sure man,” Chad said holding his hands up. “Didn’t see a thing. I need this job too much.”
“Good, I was hoping you would see it that way.”
Sheridan sighed with boredom as she looked around the room checking out all the beautiful people, or so they thought. She was standing by the French doors leading out to the terrace away from the main stream of the party. The only reason she had agreed to come tonight was because it was a birthday party for Julian. Julian was his usual disgusting self, leering at all the women, and taking advantage of the fact that it was his birthday to steel a kiss from any woman that would succumb. She was becoming more aware as time went on that having money didn’t necessarily mean a person had class.
Maybe it would help the time pass by if she went to her special place. Thinking about Luis. Even now, when she thought about the seduction in the mirror her body heated. Tina was right, Luis was Sex on a Stick, and he took her to places she had never been before. When he smiled at her with that sensual smile that drove her insane, her body turned to mush. How could she not be attracted to him, he was sweet, considerate, incredibly good looking and just plain sexy……
“Sheridan are you going to join the party?”
“What?……… Oh, Ethan I didn’t see you standing there.”
“That’s obvious. You look like you’re a million miles away, and from that smile on your face, I have a feeling this is the last place you want to be.”
“Well you are right about that Ethan, could this party be anymore boring?”
“Maybe if you would try to make an effort to mix, you might have a better time.”
“I can’t help it Ethan, these people seem so superficial to me. It’s like they don’t want to talk about anything that has any meaning. It’s all about the latest designer, the best restaurants, who’s cheating on whom….. I can’t believe I used to be that way.”
“Sheridan, are you involved with a man?”
“Where did that come from? I thought we were talking about these superficial people,” Sheridan said getting nervous.
“I know you, and I know when you get that dreamy far off look on your face that you’re thinking about some man. I happen to know that there are a few nights you didn’t even come home. So come on Sheridan, fess up, who is he?”
Sheridan didn’t like deceiving Ethan, but she didn’t have a choice if she wanted to be with Luis. “Ok Ethan, there is a man, but I would rather keep his identity a secret for now. I want to make sure that things are going to work out, and besides I would rather not have him exposed to Julian.”
“I want you to be happy Sheridan, but is this guy worthy of you? I know that you had a rough time getting over Luis, and I don’t want to see you jumping into something that will hurt you again.”
“I’ll be fine Ethan, because for once in my life I’m taking control of my own destiny.”
“You know you can trust me Sheridan……”
“I know that Ethan, but I need to handle this in my own way….. Just then her cell phone rang. “Would you excuse me Ethan, I need to get this…..”
“I got it, it’s probably your secret mystery man,” Ethan said smiling as he turned to walk away.
Sheridan stepped out on the terrace for privacy, “Hello.”
“Sheridan, it’s me…….”
“Luis? Something’s wrong, I can hear it in you voice. Are you alright?” Oh God, she was starting to panic,
“I really need you Sher……..”
Chapter 12
Something was terribly wrong, Sheridan had never heard Luis sound so dejected before. But he said he needed her, and she would move heaven and earth to be there for him so matter what. “Luis, where are you? Are you all right?”
“I’m on my way home, can you meet me at our house?”
“Of course, I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
“Sheridan…… just be careful, I don’t want anyone following you there. Just stay alert, and if you see anyone tailing you, turn around and go to the mansion.”
“Luis, you’re scaring me.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to. I just want you to be careful….. promise me?”
“I promise, I’m on my way.”
Sheridan approached Ethan and told him she had to leave, and to please make her excuses for her. When he asked her where she was rushing off to, she explained that she was just going to help a friend in need. Ethan gave given her a skeptical look, but thankfully didn’t ask anymore questions. As she headed out of town, she checked her rear view mirror every five minutes. Thankfully, she hadn’t seen any headlights, except for a couple of cars that had driven by from the opposite direction. “Oh God please let Luis be all right,” she said out loud. Her stomach was in knots and her heart was beating a mile a minute. By the time she came to the lane that led up to their house, she was bundle of nerves.
Luis’ jeep was parked in the driveway, so she pulled her car into the garage, and closed the door. She let herself in with her key, and saw Luis leaning on the mantle looking into the fire. “Luis?” He turned around, and when she saw the blood on his shirt, she couldn’t breath. “Dear God you’re hurt,” she said running to him.
“No, I’m fine. It’s not my blood,” Luis said reaching out for her.
“Thank God, I almost had a heart attack when I saw you standing there,” she said hugging him close.
Luis backed up from her, “Sheridan, you’re going to ruin your gown…..”
“I don’t care, I just want to hold you.”
He pulled her into his embrace again, “Somehow, I knew you’d say that.”
“Please honey, tell me what happened.”
“They shot him Sher….. they shot Ace.”
“No…… please tell me he’s still alive,” Sheridan said tears welling up in her eyes.
“He is for now. The vet performed emergency surgery on him, but he’s still in critical condition. The doctor said that if he can just make it through the night there’s a good chance that he’ll pull out of this and be ok.”
“He’ll be all right Luis, he has to be.” She grabbed his hand, and pulled him toward the sofa, “come sit down, and tell me what happened.”
Luis told her about everything that had happened on the wharf, and then in the warehouse. When he talked about Ace taking the bullet for him, she could see the tears in his eyes. Her heart broke over his pain, but there was also a rage within her that someone would try to kill Luis and Ace. She was sick of this, and she was sick at the thought of all the pain her family had caused Luis. She was surprised he would even look at her, but she planned to rectify it. They had shot at her husband, with every intention of killing him, and that was something she was not willing to forget. Poor Ace, now he was fighting for his life because of these thugs. “I’m so sorry Luis. I know how you feel about Ace, because I’ve come to love him too,”
“He was more that just a dog Sheridan, he was my partner, my friend. I feel responsible for him getting shot…… he did it to save my life. I know it’s your family Sher, but this is personal now, the rules have changed. Just because Julian didn’t fire that shot, he’s still responsible, and that bastard is going down.”
“You’re right Luis this is personal now. Nobody is going to try to kill my husband, and hurt Ace without answering to me. I am going to get to the bottom of this………”
“Oh no you’re not!” I don’t want you anywhere near this,” he said pulling her in his arms. “Those guys shoot first, then ask questions, and I don’t think you being a Crane will even protect you. Don’t you see Sheridan, if anything happened to you……. I don’t think I could handle it. You’re the most precious thing in the world to me.”
Sheridan stroked his cheek; “I feel the same way about you. When I think about almost losing you tonight……..”
He grabbed her hand, and kissed it, “You’re not going to lose me.”
“Why don’t you go upstairs and shower, and I’ll make some coffee, and we’ll wait together for news on Ace.”
“Yeah, I guess I could use a shower.” Luis got up and walked to the foot of the stairs, and turned around, “Sheridan, I love you.”
“I love you too.”
The next morning Sheridan opened her eyes to a ringing phone. Luis and her were cuddled on the sofa, fast asleep when the call awakened them. Luis sat up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, and lunged for the phone. The huge smile that broke out on his face had to mean there was good news about Ace. When Luis hung up the phone, he pulled her into a huge hug.
“Luis, don’t keep me in suspense, was that the doctor with news on Ace?”
“Yes, he said that unless there was some dramatic change that he expects Ace to make a full recovery. He said that he was even grooming himself this morning.”
“Oh Luis, that’s wonderful news, and as soon as Ace gets home from the hospital, I’m going to buy him a case of steaks.”
“Steaks, what for?” Luis was grinning from ear to ear.
“Because he’s a hero, and that’s the only way I can think of to thank him for saving my hero,” she said smiling.
Sheridan was buried in a ton of paper work, and her eyes were starting to get blurry from looking at all the figures. She rubbed her temples, and thought about what would happen to Crane Industries, once the public knew about this whole nasty drug business. It was going to be a public relations nightmare, and she was heartsick about what this would do to Ethan’s legacy. She looked up startled, when Reese came running into her office waving his arms around. He was talking so fast, she had to tell him sit down, and start over again. As he approached her desk, he tripped over the rug, and his glasses went flying across the room. He dropped down on his knees and started crawling around looking for his glasses, and bumped his head on the desk.
“Ouch,” Reese said rubbing his head.
“Reese, let me help you.” Sheridan got up and helped Reese to the chair in front of her desk. “Now, just sit there, and I’ll look for your glasses.” Sheridan finally located them lying up against the credenza. One of the lenses was cracked in several places, making it look like a road map. “Oh Reese, I’m sorry it looks like the one of the lenses is cracked.”
“Oh darn, I’m just so clumsy, now I’m going to have to get these fixed,” he said putting them back on his face.
“Reese, are you sure that’s a good idea? I wouldn’t want you to hurt your eye, if any of that glass comes loose……”
“Oh they’re just stress cracks Ms. Crane, they should hold up just fine until I can get them fixed.”
“Well…… if you’re sure. So what was all the excitement about when you came into my office?” Sheridan’s attention was drawn to Reese’s one eye behind the cracked lense. He kept opening and shutting it like he had a nervous twitch. “Reese, why do you keep doing that thing with your eye? Are you sure you’re not hurt?”
“I’m just having a little trouble focusing trying to look through all these cracks, it’s kind of throwing my equilibrium off a little.”
“Reese please take you’re glasses off because I’m afraid you’re going to hurt yourself.”
“Ok Ms. Crane,” he said removing his glasses.
“Now, what did you have to tell me that has you so excited.”
“Great news, I was able to break through the firewall of the Security Company. I hacked in five times without them detecting a thing.” He said with a proud smile.
“Oh Reese, that is great news,” Sheridan said clapping her hands together. Now finally some progress. She couldn’t wait to get into Julian’s safe and get that incriminating evidence he had on Luis, and then at least part of the nightmare would be over. The one thing that she was thankful for was that Ace was home from the hospital, and would be as good as new in a couple of weeks. She stared at Reese, and couldn’t help but notice how attractive he was without his glasses. “Reese, did you ever consider getting contact lenses?”
“My father’s vision insurance doesn’t pay for contact lenses, because they consider that cosmetic. Why do you ask Ms. Crane?”
Remembering Reese’s crush on her, she didn’t want to come across in the wrong way, so she said, “Well….. I just think that those glasses hide your eyes, and I think you have very kind eyes”.
“Do you really think so Ms. Crane?”
“Yes I do, and you know what Reese? I need a break from this paper work, so come with me, I’m going to drive you over to Vision Mart and get you some contact lenses.”
Luis had agreed to meet Chad at the jazz club so they could compare notes, and talk about the case. Chad wanted to check out a new band that was playing, so he told Luis that they could kill two birds with one stone. Luis was sitting at the bar having a beer when Chad joined him.
“Hey man, sorry to keep you waiting, I kinda got side tracked by a certain tennis player,” Chad said shaking Luis’ hand.
“Oh, and does that certain tennis player happened to have the last name of Russell?
“Yeah, she’s been a real challenge, but I think I’m slowly melting that glacier of ice around her.”
“I can definitely relate Chad, there was a time when Sheridan and me were so far apart you could have fit the state of Maine between us,”
“I remember that time, you two were famous for your knock down drag outs. Maybe there is hope for Whitney and me.”
“Trust me Chad, there was a couple of times when I wanted to take her over my knee, but I can honestly say that I was never bored when I was with her. I promise you when Whitney does come around it will definitely be worth the wait.”
“I just hope Whitney and me don’t have to go through the all the stuff that you and Sheridan have had to go through.”
“I doubt it Chad, Whitney isn’t a Crane.”
“Yeah, I feel for ya man, I’d rather go up against Dr. Russell any day, and I don’t envy you having to put up with that scum Julian Crane.”
“Let me give you some advise Chad, just don’t let your pride get in the way of what you want. I made that mistake with Sheridan, and we wasted so much time that we could have been together.”
“It’s a damn shame that such a nice person as Sheridan has to have a brother like Julian Crane. It’s hard to believe they’re from the same family.”
“Thank God that Sheridan finally realizes just how low her brother is. No telling how many people’s lives he’s ruined with his drug smuggling. So, have you found out anything more about the locked room?”
Chad leaned in closer, “I don’t think they’ve moved the merchandise yet, now I can’t be there twenty-four hours a day to be sure, but if I need to get into that locked room so I can see how their hiding the stuff.”
“What you need is a distraction to pull the other security guards attention away for a while. Then, you can pick the lock and check it out, or better yet, you can let me in and you distract them, and I’ll pick the lock.”
“Well we better do it soon, because I don’t think they’re going to sit on those drugs for very long. Judging from the size of that load, the street value has to be worth millions.”
“Damn, no wonder those bastard Crane’s have so much money, it’s no telling how long Alistair and Julian have been running this little side business,” Luis said with disgust.
“Well, speaking of the Cranes, a very beautiful one just walked in the door,” Chad said looking over Luis’ shoulder.
Luis’ whole body reacted at just the thought of her being in the same room. He turned around and saw Sheridan sitting down at a table with Gwen. She had told him earlier that she was going out for drinks with Gwen, but he hadn’t a clue it would be here. She must have sensed his presence, because she looked up and their eyes connected, and held. She seemed a little surprised at first to see him there, but the twinkle in her eye told him that she was as happy to see him as he was to see her.
Chad voice brought him out of his trance. “Did you have any idea that Sheridan was going to be her tonight?”
“No, she told me she was going out for drinks, but I had no idea she would be here. We try not to hang out in the same public places, because it’s not easy acting like we can’t stand each other.”
“Well the looks you two have been giving each other are putting off enough sparks to start a forest fire,” Chad laughed. You two don’t look like you can’t stand each other to me.”
“Are we that obvious?” Luis couldn’t help it, it was out of his control, and his eyes sought out hers again.”
Sheridan was forced to tear her eyes away from Luis when Gwen’s cell phone rang. She started rattling to someone on the other end about some charity event she was planning. Knowing that Gwen’s phone calls usually lasted for a while, allowed her the time to think about Luis. She hadn’t seen in since Ace came home from the hospital, and she was missing him like crazy. She glanced over at him and again their eyes met in a hot gaze.
“Sheridan, did you hear me?”
“Oh Gwen, I’m sorry, what did you say?”
“I said that it’s a shame that Chad is with Luis, because I really need to talk to him about doing the music for this event I’m planning. I would really hate to put you in an uncomfortable situation if I invited them over here.”
“Look Gwen, just because Luis and I aren’t together any longer, there is no reason why we can’t be civil with one another.”
“Are you sure you don’t mind if I invite them over? I know that it was hard on you when the two of you split up. In fact, sometimes I get the feeling you still have feelings for Luis. I noticed the way you were looking at him earlier.”
“You’re just imagining things Gwen.”
“Well, if you’re sure you will be alright, I’m going to go over there and ask them to join us.”
Sheridan could have kissed Gwen right now, she didn’t know it but she had just done her the biggest favor. At least now, she could be near Luis……. even if she couldn’t touch him. Luis looked surprised when Gwen approached them, but he didn’t waste any time grabbing his beer and making his way over to their table. They all exchanged greetings and everyone sat down. Gwen immediately pulled Chad into a conversation about the music she wanted him to play. Sheridan slipped her shoe off, and ran her foot up Luis’ leg under the table. She almost gave herself away when Luis caressed her foot. Fearing that she was going to groan out loud, she pulled her foot away, and put it back in her shoe. He gave her a devilish little smile, and she had to turn away before she started out laughing.
When Gwen excused herself to go to the powder room, Chad said he also had to make a trip to the little boy’s room. Chad hung back however, and leaned down on the table, both hands resting on the top. “I hope you two can chill out while were gone, because I can only keep Gwen occupied for so long before she insist on hosing the two of you down,” and he turned and walked away.”
“You are so bad…”
“You’re the one that’s bad….”
“I can’t stand not being able to touch you…”
“You need to stop looking at me like that Luis.”
“Oh, and how am I looking at you?”
“Like you want to rip my clothes off.”
“But I do…”
“Believe me, I feel your pain….”
“Meet me later, and I promise you, I’ll rip your clothes off…..”
“Oh my God, did I just hear correctly?
Both looked up to see Gwen standing there with a shocked look on her face.
Chapter 13
“Great, another fine mess you’ve gotten me into” Luis thought, referring to himself. You just had to go and open your big mouth. He was going to have to come up with something fast, because Gwen was going to catch bugs with her mouth gapping open like that. He signaled Sheridan with a look, to be quiet and let him handle the situation. Did she actually look grateful? “Well, to be honest with you Gwen, I was trying to proposition Sheridan, but she doesn’t want to have anything to do with me. I figured that even though we couldn’t make our marriage work, the physical part was always great. I just wanted to see if she would agree to be my bed bunny.”
“Bed bunny! What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Sheridan was shooting daggers at him, and he had a feeling it was not for show.
“Now come on Sheridan, Gwen’s a mature adult, and I’m sure she understands that two people can have a relationship based solely on chemistry,” Luis said with a cocky little smile.
“Oh, and now its chemistry. You make me sound like a science project,” she shouted.
“Sheridan calm down, the whole place is looking at us. You’re embarrassing Gwen.”
“No Luis, it’s more like you’re embarrassing yourself, because now you’ve just proven to everyone present that you’re a first class jerk.”
Poor Gwen was struck speechless, looking back and forth between Luis and Sheridan, like they had both grown two heads. They were so involved in their little confrontation that they hadn’t realized that Chad had come back and witnessed the whole thing as well. Chad decided it was time to step in and play referee. “Hey you two, don’t you think you should calm down and play nice before we get kicked out of this joint?”
“Well you see Chad, you’re asking the impossible, Luis is a Neanderthal, so he doesn’t know how to behave in public.”
Luis knew he was skating on thin ice, he could tell by the blue sparks shooting out of Sheridan’s eyes that this had stopped being a game for her, but he couldn’t help himself, he loved getting her all worked up. “But you use to like it when I was a Neanderthal. Don’t you remember when I would pick you up and throw you over my shoulder, and carry you off to…….”
“I’ve had enough,” Sheridan said standing up, and pushing her chair back. “Come on Gwen, let’s go, if I have to be in his presence one moment longer, I’ll do something I know I’ll live to regret.”
After Sheridan stormed out, pulling Gwen behind her, Luis knew he had made a bad judgement call. He looked up at Chad. “So…… do you think I convinced Gwen that me and Sheridan are not a couple?”
“Hell, you convinced me, and I know better. You two are damn good. It’s hard to believe you two were just acting.”
“Well to be honest with you Chad, I don’t think Sheridan was acting. You’re looking a man who has just acted his way right into the dog house.”
“Then why are sitting here? I would suggest you go after her, and grovel man, just grovel.”
Luis drove around Harmony several times, but didn’t see any signs of Sheridan’s car. Maybe she decided to go back to the mansion and plan his demise. He called her cell phone at least a dozen times, but she wasn’t picking up the call.
Chad was right about one thing, he was going to have to grovel. He hadn’t seen that kind of fire in her eyes since he kidnapped her and brought her back from Paris. It was obvious she was avoiding him, so he probably wasn’t going to find her tonight. It was time to go home and plan his strategy for getting back in her good graces.
When he walked into the house and turned the light on, he saw her sitting on the sofa, Ace’s head in her lap. He could tell by the impatient tapping of her foot that she had been waiting for a while. Here it is, he thought, the time of reckoning. Ace lifted his head, letting out a big yawn, and gave Luis a bored look. It looked like she had even turned his dog against him.
“Well, it’s about time. Have you been out looking for a bed bunny?”
“Actually not just any bed bunny, but my bed bunny,” Luis said with a little puppy dog look on his face.
“Your bed bunny? I think that’s up for debate.”
“Look Sher, I know I pushed it, but I had to think fast. You have to admit, Gwen looked pretty convinced, that I was just a jerk trying to get you in the sack.”
“Oh, she thinks you’re a jerk alright. In fact, she told me I must have been suffering from temporary insanity to marry you in the first place. Now, I’m beginning to wonder if she was right.”
“I’m sorry I embarrassed you, and I’m ready to make amends. Look, I’ll do anything you ask if it means I can get back in your good graces. Please?”
“Anything?”
“I stand before you a humbled man ready to do your bidding,” Luis said, arms outstretched, flashing his gorgeous smile.
“Let me see,” she said putting her finger to her lips. She contemplated his offer for a few minutes, and he became a little nervous when she finally graced him with a smug little smile. When she thought back to the first time she played Natalie, she decided it was time to use a little role reversal. “Undress for me.”
“What?”
“You heard me, undress for me.”
Luis grabbed the bottom of his black sweater, lifted it over his head, and threw it in her lap. “So now what, do you want me to pose for you?” He crossed his arms in front of his chest, causing the muscles in his arms to bulge out.
Even when the man was suppose to be humble he was still arrogant as hell. It excited her, but she would be damned it she would admit it to him. “No posing, I just want you to finish the job.”
Luis removed his jeans, kicking them aside, and stood there in his boxers. “Should I go on?”
Sheridan got up from the sofa, and walked toward him. She put her finger in the elastic of his boxers, pulled it toward her, and looked down assessing his male features. She finally looked up with a stoic look on her face, and said “I guess you’ve gotten my interest, continue,” she said backing away from him.
When he stood before her completely naked she started to circle his body, sizing up the finely cut muscles on his smooth back, and when her eyes fell on his firm little behind, she had to restrain herself from reaching out and touching him there. She counted to ten, and forced herself to continue moving. When she stood in front of him, her clinical gaze raked his body from head to toe. Her reaction was instant when Luis rose to the occasion, and she stepped back as if he had burned her.
“Well, it looks like you approve,” he said with a knowing smile, taking in the blatant desire in her blue eyes. He noticed her flinch when his smoldering gaze rested on the firm outline of her aroused nipples straining against her dress. Convinced that he had finally regained the upper hand, he was shocked when she ran her finger down his erection.
“I guess you’ll do in a pinch.”
When he reached out to pull her toward him, she jumped back and said, “you promised you would do anything I asked, and I haven’t finished defining all the rules to you yet.”
“Alright,” he said impatiently. “What are the damn rules.”
Knowing how much Luis hated giving up control, she thought of the perfect payback. “I want you to go over and sit down on the sofa, and wait while I undress. Now, I want your word that no matter what I do, you will not touch me.”
“Come on Sher, this is crazy……”
“I thought you said you would do anything to get back in my good graces?”
He was frustrated as hell, but he was also curious to see just how far she was going to take this. “Ok, I agree not to touch you, but I won’t agree not to look.”
“I don’t have a problem with that, in fact I want you to watch everything I do to you.”
Just like a dutiful husband, he walked over and sat down, and Sheridan slipped off her dress to reveal that she wore nothing underneath, and she smiled when she saw Luis almost come off the sofa. She walked up slowly and kneeled down in from of him. Unable to contain herself any longer, she began touching him, running her hands all over his hard body. Luis leaned his head back against the sofa, and watched her with his half-closed sultry eyes. She felt empowered, she loved this, she loved him, and she planted wet kisses all over him.
“Am I aloud to move?” His voice was husky, out of control.
“Oh yeah,” she whispered right before she leaned down and began making love to him with her mouth.
That was it, he couldn’t take it any longer. It was time he took control, and he pulled her up. The feeble protest died on her lips when he kissed her with hunger, and enough passion to make her shake with desire. Somehow, they ended up on the floor, and he rolled up on top of her.
“Sorry sweetheart, I held out as long as I could, but the rules have just changed.” She didn’t object at all, in fact she was close to begging him, when he began to touch and kiss her everywhere. He sat up, their eyes met, “are you still angry with me?”
“No,” she whispered as he stroked the silky softness between her legs. “But I will be if you don’t hurry up and make love to me.”
Sometime during the night, they had made their way to the bedroom. Sheridan was lying with her back against Luis’ chest, and his arm was wrapped around her protectively. She cuddled against him, loving the feel of his body against hers. He brushed her blond curls away and kissed her neck. “You know Sheridan, that was a really close call tonight. Gwen could have blown us right out of the water. We’ve been getting way too careless lately.”
“I know Luis, but I can’t seem to stay away from you.”
“But you’re taking a risk coming here all the time. What if somebody follows you?”
“Who’s going to follow me? Besides, I promise I’m very careful to watch for cars tailing me.”
He pulled her around to face him, and traced her cheek with his finger. “I don’t trust your brother any further that I can throw him. We just have to start being more careful.”
“Reese figured out how to break into the security system, and the first time Julian is out of the house for a few hours, I’m going to plant that device. We’ll get him soon Luis, and then nobody is ever going to come between us again.”
“I love you so much,” he said pulling her into a kiss.
Luis decided to surprise Sheridan the next morning with breakfast in bed. He walked in and saw her curled up fast asleep. Since it was Saturday, and she didn’t have to work today, he had let her sleep in. He set the tray down and sat on the edge of the bed. “Hey beautiful, it’s time to get up,” he said shaking her awake. She opened her eyes slowly, and finally sat up. “I made you breakfast.”
She looked over at the tray, and suddenly her face turned white when she smelled the eggs. “Oh God, let me up,” she said hopping out of bed and running for the bathroom.
“Sheridan, what’s wrong.” Luis got up and followed her to the bathroom to find her bending over the commode.
“Luis, please leave, I’m fine. I just have an upset stomach.”
“No, I’m not leaving you this way. Let me help you.” He helped her up, and washed her face for her. He carried her back to bed, and tucked her in.
“Please take that breakfast away.”
Luis picked up the tray and set it down outside the room. He came back and sat down beside her on the bed. “Sheridan, I’m worried about you, let me call Eve.”
“No, don’t do that, I think I just have a touch of that flu that’s been going around lately. Reese had it the other day, and I think I must have caught it from him. You’re sweet to be concerned about me, but I don’t think you should get too close to me.”
“Don’t worry about me, I’m as healthy as an ox, I never get sick.”
“Let me just take a little nap, and I’m sure I’ll feel better soon.”
“Ok, I’ll be downstairs, but if you need me…….”
“Go Luis, and thank you for breakfast, I’m just sorry I can’t eat it.”
Sheridan was in New York for a couple of days because she needed to take care of some business for Father Anthony’s Angels. She was also to be given some humanitarian award for all her work on the day care centers. She didn’t want to accept it, but Father Anthony had insisted. Luis had wanted to join her for her big moment, but she had talked him out of it, because she knew the press would be there, and she couldn’t take the chance that someone would snap a picture of them together. She really missed him, and she couldn’t wait to get home. Maybe they couldn’t live together right now, but at least in Harmony, she was able to share some time with him, and she also knew that he was always close by. Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. She opened it to see Father Anthony standing there.
“Father, please come in.”
“Well Sheridan, are you ready to go and get your award? All the children from the day care centers have promised to be there to cheer you on.”
“That’s so sweet Father, they are all so special, but I need to tell you that I really don’t feel right about accepting this award. You’re the one that should be getting it because you dedicate your whole life to the children.”
“Sheridan, I don’t need awards for doing God’s work, and besides I think this award represents more then just your work for the day care center’s. It’s a testament to the way you’ve turned you’re life around. I’m so glad to see that glow in your eyes after all the sadness I saw there when I first met you. This Luis must be an amazing man.”
“Oh he is Father. I couldn’t have found a better man, but we still have a lot to overcome, but I wouldn’t be with him right now if it weren’t for you. You made me face my fears about my family and take back my life, and I will be forever grateful.”
“I just made you realize your potential, but you did all the work. You know Sheridan; I have a feeling that you are going to have the good life you deserve. I’ll be praying for you and Luis…….. and also for that little baby you carry.”
“Father, how did you know?
Chapter 14
Sheridan was shocked, how could Father Anthony possibly know about the baby, when she had just found out herself that morning? She had finally been forced to admit to herself that her bouts of nausea were not caused by the flu. She hadn’t had morning sickness with her first pregnancy, so it had taken a while for her to catch on. v “I’m not sure Sheridan, maybe it’s the glow in your eyes, or perhaps it’s just Divine Intervention,” he said with a kind smile.
“I didn’t know myself Father, until this morning……. well I took one of those test…..” She was embarrassed to be discussing this delicate subject with a priest.
“Well I have a feeling that everything will turn out fine this time.”
“Oh Father, I pray that you’re right.”
“Come on now Sheridan, let’s go get you that award so you can get on a plane for home, and tell you’re husband the good news.”
On the flight home, Sheridan made a call to Eve to make an appointment. Even though the home pregnancy test had come back positive, she wanted to make sure she hadn’t made a mistake. Ever since she had seen that positive sign, she had been elated, and also scared to death. What if something went wrong, and she lost this baby? She didn’t think she could go through that a second time. There were also other problems to consider, her bother Julian for one. She knew that she couldn’t be very far along, but she would eventually start to show. That meant she was going to have to speed up her crusade to get into Julian’s safe. She smiled thinking about Luis’ reaction, he was going to be so excited, but would he continue to let her live at the mansion? Somehow she had a feeling that he wouldn’t.
As soon as her plane landed she drove directly to Eve’s office. Eve had examined her, and taken some blood, and she was waiting for her to come back with the results. Eve had also promised to submit her lab work with a fictitious name to protect her identity. There was no way this news could get out, until she had that evidence. She was too nervous to sit down, and she paced back and forth, praying that everything would be all right.
Finally, Eve walked in. “Well Sheridan, we have your lab work back, and you are definitely pregnant. I would estimate that you’re about six weeks along,” she said smiling.
“Oh Eve,” Sheridan said hugging her, “I’m so happy, but ……. is everything alright?”
“From what I can tell by your lab work, and the examination that I did, you appear to be in perfect health.”
“It’s just that I can’t help but be concerned that something might happen, like before.”
“Sheridan, I know that was a very difficult time for you. I know how terrible it can be to lose a baby, but I don’t see any reason why you can’t carry this baby full term.”
“I’m sorry Eve, I had no idea that you lost a baby?”
“Oh no, I just meant I’ve seen it happen to my patients before. So,” Eve said changing the subject, “have you told Luis the news yet?”
“How did you know that Luis was the father?”
“Don’t you remember when Luis called me after your accident when you first got back to town? I just kind of figured it out. Look Sheridan, I don’t know why you two aren’t together, but I think I could hazard a guess that Julian has something to do with it.”
“Well you’re right about that Eve, but I just can’t tell you the details right now. I trust you, but it’s better for you if you don’t know.”
“I don’t think I have to warn you to be careful of your brother.”
“No, Eve, I’m well aware of Julian’s dark side.”
Tonight was the night Chad was going to get Luis into Crane Industries. He was going to get the goods on Julian if it killed him. Now, if Chad would just call, he couldn’t stand this waiting any longer. Just then his cell rang, “Hello.”
“Hey man, the deals off tonight,” Chad said in a low voice.
“What the hell, why?”
“Look I can’t explain now. I get off work at eleven thirty, meet me at that little pub on Front Street at midnight.”
“I’ll be there.” Luis slammed his phone shut. “Damn, isn’t anything going to work out?" He was sick and tired of Julian Crane always coming out of top. The bastard thought he was better than anyone else, above the law. It was time somebody put a stop to him and all the poison he spread around. Maybe Chad had something that could put them closer to busting Julian.
There was only one thing that put him in a good mood these days, and that was Sheridan. The times he was with her, it was so easy to forget everything else that was going on in this rotten world. He hadn’t seen her since she got back from New York yesterday, and he had a special evening planned for them tomorrow. He was going to give her the ring, and ask her to marry him again. He had never gotten the chance to do it before, because of her family’s interference. That was the worst night of his life, and he tried not to think about it. He had originally planned to give it to her when this was all over, but things had been going so bad lately, he wanted something special for them to look forward to. Hell, she couldn’t even wear the ring right now, but he was still going through with his proposal. They had made arrangements to meet up at Papa’s fishing cabin. It certainly wasn’t as fancy as the Crane cabin, but it was cozy, and he planned on everything being perfect. They were going to have their romantic night, and nothing was going to spoil it.
When he walked into the pub on Front Street, he saw Chad already sitting at the bar. He approached him and took a seat on the barstool beside him. After he ordered a beer, and the bartender walked away, he asked Chad what was up.
“Well, when I got on my shift at three today, there was about five delivery trucks lined up at the loading dock. They were loading the regular merchandise that’s shipped out to the retail stores.”
“So, what’s so strange about that? Isn’t that the normal time for shipments to leave?”
“I’ll tell you what’s strange about it, I saw them open that locked room, and you know what they brought out? When Luis shook his head no, Chad continued. “Canned fish man.”
“But, the shipment they locked in that room was raw fish used for processing.”
“Exactly. Now I had a chance to check the security tapes for the time I wasn’t there, and not once did I see any activity near that locked door.”
“So, the questions is how do that do you get raw fish, in a locked room that’s never opened, and bring out processed fish in cans ready for retail sales?” After giving it some consideration, Luis smiled, “there’s a door inside that room leading to somewhere else in the plant.”
“That’s what I thought, but I checked it out and that room is self contained. There are no shared walls with any other rooms.”
“There’s only one explanation then, there has to be a basement under that room. It looks like they are bringing the stuff in under the cover of night. There are no records of these deliveries on the shipping manifest. But they are moving it back out with legitimate shipments. So now,” Luis said, “we just have to figure out why they are going to all this trouble to move this stuff in and out of there.”
“Well they couldn’t exactly have the drug dealers line up at the loading dock for their rations of cocaine, so I figure they have to move it out of there under the front of a legitimate shipment.”
“Ok, lets look the facts, we have a freighter coming in under the cover of darkness, that is not accounted for on any shipping manifest. How are they doing that unless they have someone from the Port Authority, or the harbormaster in their back pocket? You can’t just pull a ship up to the dock at any time of the day or night without having to account to someone, because there are really strict maritime laws to prevent smuggling. The FDA would have to be involved too, because they are shipping items for consumption. They could probably get away with fooling the Coast Guard, as long as they didn’t give them a reason to board ship and conduct a search, but we can’t discount them completely either.”
“Man, this thing just keeps getting more ugly by the minute. You can’t operate something this big without having a whole lot of dirty people out there covering your ass. This could be a billion dollar operation, and from the looks of things it’s been going on for a long time, possibly years….”
“Wait a minute, what did you just say Chad?”
“I said it’s probably been going on for years, why?”
“Because Chad, my father worked in the Accounting Department for Crane Industries, do you supposed he discovered what they were up to, and when he confronted them, and threatened to go to the police, they did away with him?”
“I hate to say it Luis, but that could be a very strong possibility.”
“Well Chad, I think it’s time to put Reese to work. We need to get all the information we can on those shipments. Where they go, what time they leave, and what time they arrive, and do they deliver the same amount of cases that they start out with from Crane Industries. I also want Reese to go back as many years as he can, because if I can discover some kind of pattern, that goes back ten years ago, it might answer some questions I have about my father’s disappearance. If I do connect my father’s disappearance with this drug smuggling, believe me there will be no place Julian Crane can hide.
Sheridan followed the directions Luis had given her to get to his father’s cabin. If her estimations were correct, she should be just about to the road she needed to take to get back to the cabin. When she located it, and turned in, she traveled quite a distance, and suddenly started to become nervous. What if she had turned down the wrong road? She didn’t even want to think about getting lost up in these mountains, because all the roads started to look the same after a while. She breathed a sigh of relief when she finally saw Luis’ jeep parked next to a small but quaint cabin. Luis had told her this would be a special night, and that he had something important he wanted to talk to her about. She smiled when she thought about what she had to tell him. She didn’t think anything Luis had to tell her could top her news about the baby.
She knocked at the door, and when Luis opened it she flew into his arms, hugging him tightly. Her knees almost buckled when he leaned down and planted the hottest kiss on her lips. “Wow, you sure make a good first impression,” she teased.
“I just hope it’s a lasting impression,” Luis said flashing her his sexy grin.
“Let me see,” Sheridan said pretending to consider it, “I’d say it will probably last forever.”
“Come in and take your coat off. Dinner is almost ready, and the wine is chilling, and you can pour yourself a glass whenever you’re ready.”
“I don’t really care for any wine right now?”
“That’s a switch, you usually always enjoy a glass of wine with dinner.”
“Well I just don’t have a taste for it lately.” Sheridan took an opportunity to look around the cabin. The place was small but very charming. Luis had placed vases of flowers around the room, and a cozy fire burned in the fireplace. In the corner of the room was an iron bed with a colorful quilt on the top. The place reminded her of the cabin Luis had taken her to when he saved her from drowning in New Mexico.
Luis noticed her looking around, “so what do you think about the place? I know it’s not as nice as the Crane cabin, but it’s warm, and clean.”
“You know what,” Sheridan said putting her arms around him. “I think it’s perfect, and I especially like the bed,” she said giving him a sexy smile.
“If you don’t quit looking at me like that we’re going to skip dinner, and go directly to bed.”
“I wouldn’t mind one bit,” she said pulling him into a kiss. It was hard to contain her excitement about telling him about the baby. “Luis I really need to talk to you about something.”
“And I need to talk to you about something too, but let’s eat dinner first, and we’ll have the rest of the night to talk.”
Luis had prepared Salmon, with new potatoes, and salad, and everything was cooked to perfection, and she ate until she was full. She patted her mouth with her napkin, and teased, “I think you would make someone the perfect wife.”
“I think you are the perfect wife. Did I tell you how beautiful you look tonight? Are you doing something different with your makeup or something?”
“No, why do you ask?”
“Oh, I don’t know, you just have a glow about you.”
Sheridan wondered why people always said that about pregnant women, she hadn’t noticed anything different about herself when she looked in the mirror. “No Luis,” she smiled. “I’m not doing anything different.”
“Come on, let’s go sit by the fire,” Luis said taking her hand and leading her over to some big throw pillows he had put down before the fire. When they got settled, they both spoke each other’s name at once. They giggled for a minute, and they both decided that Luis should go first.
“When we first got married, we didn’t exactly share wedded bliss.”
“That’s an understatement,” she said giving him a little smile.
“We got married by a Justice of the Peace, and we didn’t have a reception, or a honeymoon for that matter, and I just think you deserve so much more that that. You should have the white dress, the veil, and I want you to walk down the isle, and be surrounded by the people you love.”
“Well that sounds lovely Luis, but who am I going to have this wedding with, when I’m already married to you, and I’m very happy with that situation, I might add,” she teased.
“What I’m trying to say is,” and Luis got the ring out of his pocket, “you mean the whole world to me. I love you more than I could ever say, and since I never got a chance to officially propose to you, I was wondering if you would do me the honor of being my wife?” Luis took her hand, and put the ring on her left finger.
Sheridan’s eyes filled with tears, and her face lit up with a happy smile. “I would love nothing more then to be your wife. I love you so much!” She held her hand out to admire her ring, “The ring is so beautiful, I love it Luis.”
“This time we’re going to get married by Father Lonnigan, not some cold Justice of the Peace, and you are going to look so beautiful walking down the isle. As soon as we put all this madness behind us, and your brother is not longer a threat to us, we are going to have the biggest wedding this town has every seen.”
“Well Luis even if we do put the threats to rest, we still may not be able to have that wedding right away.”
“Why not Sheridan? Once we put Julian in prison, there will be nothing standing in our way.”
“Well, it might be just me, but I’ve always thought it was in poor taste to see a bride in a white dress and veil when she’s very obviously pregnant.”
“Did I just hear you correctly,………. did you just say pregnant?”
“Yes Luis, we’re going to have a baby.”
Luis’ face went from confusion, to shock, to complete happiness, and his face lit up like a Christmas tree. “Oh my God, oh my God, are you serious? A baby! When? Are you ok Sher?”
“Slow down Luis,” she said stroking his face. “Give me a chance to answer your questions. Yes, I’m serious that we are having a baby, and he or she should be arriving around September, and I’m just fine.”
“Oh sweetie,” he said pulling her into a big hug, “you have made me the happiest man in the world.”
“Luis, you’re crying.”
“So are you.”
Chapter 15
Luis had thought about what this moment would be like a hundred times before, but right now he was so overwhelmed, he didn’t know if he could even utter his own name. He thought he was going to surprise Sheridan tonight, but instead she had been the one to drop the bomb. He kissed Sheridan on the forehead, and pulled her tighter in his arms. “Sheridan we’re going to have a baby!”
“I know Luis, don’t you remember, I told you,” she said laughing softly.
Luis pulled away from her and stroked her chin, “Are you sure you’re ok, I mean….”
“I know that you’re thinking about what happened to our first child, I was scared too, but Eve said there should be no reason that I can’t carry this baby to term. I promise I’m going to do everything to take care of myself.”
“This time I’m going to be there for you every step of the way. I’m not going to let anything happen to you or our baby.”
“Luis, I love you so much.”
“I love you too,” he said kissing her softly. “I don’t think I’ve ever felt closer to you.”
It was her turn to kiss him but there was nothing gentle about it. She seduced him with her soft mouth, and he reciprocated with an intense hunger as he lowered her to the floor. She welcomed the feel of his hard body resting on top of hers, and began rubbing against him feeling the evidence of his desire for her. She groaned out loud when suddenly he shifted his weight off of her, and pulled his lips away. She pulled him back toward her, but he resisted. “Luis, what are you doing?”
“Sheridan, I’m sorry, but I think we were getting a little too rough. Is it safe for us to make love without hurting the baby?”
“Luis, look at me, do you really want to go nine months without making love?”
“Well no, but……”
“Eve said that as long as I’m not uncomfortable that we can have normal marital relations.”
“And you promise that you’ll tell me if you’re uncomfortable?”
Sheridan smiled and shook her head, “yes Luis, I think we have a long while before that happens. Now will you come back down here and make love to me.”
“You will make one concession though…..” he said picking her up. “I’m going to carry you to bed. The floor is too hard, and I want to make sure you’re confortable.” He lay her down, and began to remove her clothes. He felt her quiver, as his hands brushed over her body, and his long fingers explored all her sensitive female places. Her skin felt like satin beneath his hands, as he slid his palm from the weight of her breast down her rib cage to the small, flat mound of her belly, and he leaned over and kissed her there. “Sweet baby,” he mumbled against her flesh.
“Oh Luis, you’re so sweet, and so incredible sexy,” she said running her fingers through his hair. “Come here.”
His lips moved up her body, and his mouth captured hers, hot and hungry. His tongue forced her lips apart, and she loved the taste of his wet kiss. “Oh Luis,” she growled, “I need you to be naked too.”
He stood up and stripped his clothes off, all the while never taking his eyes off of her naked, lush body. When she raised her hands above her head and stretched, he ripped the buttons off his shirt. He stripped it off, and tossed it across the room, and when he started on the zipper on his pants she smiled seductively. When he was completely naked, he moved to the side of the bed, presenting with a delicious feast for her eyes.
“God, Tina was so right about you,” Sheridan said in a husky voice.
He lay down beside her, on his side, facing her. “Tina”…….., he began touching her body. “What is she right about?”
Damn, she hadn’t meant to say that out loud. “Oh never mind, just forget I said anything,” she said trying to distract him, and rolled to her side so that her body was flush with his. She thought she had succeeded when she heard his quick intake of breath when she wrapped her long leg around him.
“Sorry, but you’ve peaked my curiosity, tell me what Tina said.”
“No, you’ll get a big head.”
“It already is.”
“You’re impossible.”
“Are you going to tell me what Tina said, or to I have to tickle it out of you.”
“Oh all right, she said you were Sex on a Stick. There, are you happy now?”
Luis leaned his head back and laughed. “You women are so bad, talking about me like I’m nothing but a sex object.”
“Well. You’ve yet to prove to me that you can live up to that image,” she said squirming against him.
“Maybe I should convince you then,” he said as he slipped inside her.
“Ooooo yessss, Tina was so right.”
The next morning Luis watched Sheridan sleep. She was so incredible beautiful, that he didn’t think he would ever get tired of looking at her. He didn’t know how he had gotten to lucky to have her in his life, and now they were having a baby. He just wanted to shout it to the world, but thanks to that bastard Julian, he couldn’t say anything yet. As usual he had once again given in to Sheridan. When he had insisted that she move back home now that she was pregnant, she had flatly refused. The only way he relented was when she said that she was not about to let her baby visit his father in prison. It still didn’t stop him from worrying about her though.
He couldn’t believe how innocent she looked lying there sleeping, when her actions though out the night proved anything but. Sheridan had always been passionate, but last night she had been like a little tiger. It brought a smile to his face when he thought about how she had awakened him several times to make love. Just then she opened her big blue eyes, and his heart melted.
“Good morning,” she said blessing him with her radiant smile.
“Good morning beautiful. How do you feel this morning?”
“I feel wonderful for a change. I’m usually running to the bathroom about this time.”
“So,” he said rubbing her belly. “How’s my baby this morning?”
“Your baby’s just fine, but its mommy needs a kiss.”
“Well, I don’t want to disappoint mommy,” he said leaning down to give her a sweet kiss.”
“Luis……., I really, really need you right now.”
He chuckled, “pregnancy sure has made you feisty.”
“Blame it on my raging hormones,” she said pulling him into a passionate kiss.
The board at Crane Industries had called an emergency meeting because two of the European plants were threatening to go on strike. Sheridan tried to fight the wave of nausea, but if she didn’t leave right now, she was going to embarrass herself right here in front of everyone. She excused herself, and ran for the bathroom just in time. After she rinsed her face, and took some deep breaths, she immediately began to feel better. She tried to compose herself so that she could get back to the meeting. She felt awful thinking this way, but this situation in Europe could work to her advantage. God, she had to get away from Julian, because she was afraid he was rubbing off on her. But, she had a baby to think of now, and she had to do everything she could think of to secure it’s future. Walking back to the boardroom a thought occurred to her. This strike would be the perfect opportunity to get rid of Julian for a while. She had to convince him that it that it would show good faith by the Cranes if a member of the family took charge of the negotiations.
Sheridan walked in quietly and took her seat. Julian glanced at her with a skeptical look. “Sheridan are you all right? You look a little green.”
“Yes,” Ethan said with concern. “You do look a bit peaked.”
“I didn’t mean to disrupt the meeting, I just have a bit of food poisoning. Please continue, this is an important matter.”
“So, we need to decide what we are going to do about these malcontents. They are making good wages, and there shouldn’t be any reason for this insurrection,” Julian said snidely.
“But father, there must be a reason that all these people are threatening to strike. I think that we should take their demands into consideration.”
“Ethan, you can not be soft with these people, or they will walk all over you. The biggest mistake Crane Industries has ever made was to let the Labor Unions in.”
“Look Julian,” Sheridan said feeling more like her confident self. “You have to look at this from a Public Relations point of view. I think that negotiations would go much smoother if you were there in person. Before you scoff at the idea, just hear me out. If you were there and involved, it would show the employees that you are taking an interest in their demands. You could go to the Germany plant, and we could send Ethan to the plant in Ireland.”
Just then George Russell, who was the Treasurer on the Board spoke up, “she’s right Julian. We need to settle this thing as soon as possible. We would loose millions in revenue if these people strike.”
“Then we’ll just replace them.”
“That’s not so easy Julian, these people are skilled. I think Sheridan has an excellent idea, you and Ethan should leave as soon as possible.”
“Oh all right, we’ll leave tomorrow morning. I’ll just have to use my charm to win these people over,” Julian said laughing.
“What charm,” Sheridan said to herself rolling her eyes. Now with Julian out of the way, she could plant the device on his safe, and she would be that much closer to having Luis back in her life full time.
Luis and Chad had been studying the manifest of all the deliveries for several hours, and still hadn’t spotted anything out of order. Reese found out that the shipments were being delivered to a wholesale warehouse, where they would then be distributed and sold to the retail stores. That turned out to be good news, because if everything were being delivered to the same place, it would make it easier to find out if there were any discrepancies in the times. When they made a chart to compare when the trucks left to the arrival at the wholesale warehouse, it suddenly stuck out like a sore thumb.
“Look at this Chad,” Luis said pointing to the chart. “Notice that a couple of times a month that one of the trucks arrives later then the other trucks.”
“Yeah, why would one truck show up an hour late? It’s got to be stopping along the way. That could be when the drugs are being dropped off.”
“But, the truck arrives with as many cases as when it left.”
“Unless, the cases that are leaving the truck are being replaced.”
“That’s got to be it Chad. We need to find out were that truck is stopping, and we’ve found our drugs. Do you think it would be possible to plant a tracking device on the truck that is loaded with the drugs?”
“I don’t know man, I’ll try, but they seem to watch that truck that’s unloaded from the mysterious room pretty close. But you know me, where there’s a will there’s a way.”
“That would be great Chad, because I don’t want to have to follow these guys too closely. With the tracking device, we could pin point the location where the truck makes stops without a tail.” Just then Luis’ cell phone rang. “Let me get this Chad, it’s probably Sheridan. Hello”
“I’m all dressed up as Natalie, and I’m waiting for you in our special place,” Sheridan said seductively.
“Sher,” Luis said lowering his voice. “Did I mix something up here, I didn’t know we were supposed to meet tonight?”
“Well, actually we weren’t, but I really need to be with you tonight Luis.”
“What’s wrong, is something wrong with you or the baby?” His voice was relaying his panic.
“We are both fine, I just need you right now. After all you’re my Sex on a Stick aren’t you?”
“But sweetie, I’m working right now.”
“Oh gee, that’s too bad, because I’m waiting for you, and I’m naked right now.”
Luis’ body reacted from that mental picture. “Sheridan, you’re killing me here.”
“Pleeeeeez.”
“Look, give me some time to finish up here, and I’ll be there.”
“Just hurry as fast as you can.”
Chad was sitting there looking at him with a raised eyebrow. “Is everything cool?”
“Yeah, everything’s fine, Sheridan wants me to meet her.”
Chad laughed, “you two need to get a motel room. Oh never mind, I forgot you do get a motel room.”
“Very funny.” Luis was chopping at the bit with his news about the baby. “Can I tell you something that cannot leave this room?”
“Sure man, you can trust me with your life.”
“I know Chad, but this is big. I’m going to go crazy if I don’t tell somebody. Sheridan’s pregnant,” Luis said, smiling like a Cheshire Cat.
“Wow, that is some good news,” Chad said shaking Luis’ hand. “Man, it doesn’t get better that that.”
“Your right about that, I feel like king of the world right now.” Luis’ cell phone again.
“Hello”
“Could you stop on the way, and bring me some ice cream?”
“Yes, Sheridan.”
“Oh Luis……, make sure you get colored sprinkles.”
“Yes, Sheridan.”
Several days later, Reese phoned, and now that the security system was disarmed she could slip into Julian’s office and plant the device. Even though Julian was in Europe, her hands were still shaking. What if Reese hadn’t thought of everything and the alarm went off? She would just have to worry about that if and when it happened. She slipped into Julian’s office, and closed the door. She held her breath as she approached the safe, as she thought about the time she was in here with Luis, and he had blown her face power into the air to detect the beam. She breathed a sigh of relief as she reached the painting, and still there was silence. She opened the hinged painting and planted the device just where Luis had instructed her to put it without being detected. She smiled, and was just ready to close the painting, when she heard the office door open.
“Sheridan, what are you doing in here?”
“Ivy……. I thought you were out for the evening.”
Chapter 16
What was she going to tell Ivy? For some strange reason she wasn’t afraid. Maybe because she was armed with the knowledge that Ivy hated Julian, but she knew that she couldn’t reveal the whole truth to her.
“Why lie, I was trying to get into Julian’s safe.”
“But how did you get past the security system? Julian keeps this place as secure as Fort Knox.”
“I had someone hack into his security system to disarm it.”
“But why Sheridan? Clearly you don’t need money, so why break into Julian’s safe?”
“Ivy, I know we never had a chance to get really close, but I know enough about you to believe that you’re a loving person, because I’ve seen the way you are with Ethan. You and I both know how devious Julian is, and he has something in this safe that could destroy someone’s life, and I can’t let that happen.”
“Are you talking about the Luis mask?”
Sheridan looked at Ivy with complete shock. “Are you saying you know about the mask?”
“Yes,” she said helping herself to some of Julian’s brandy. “I caught Julian with it the day after the imposter used it to deceive you on the wharf.”
“How could you not tell me? My God, I spent months in pain, because I thought that Luis had said those awful things. And to think about all the terrible things I did to Luis as a direct result of that. What did I ever do to you that would make you want to see me go through that?
“Sheridan, I’m really sorry, I didn’t want to see you hurt. Look, just because I’m married to your pig of a brother, doesn’t mean that I don’t believe in true love. I could see that you and Luis were falling in love, and I was happy for you. Believe me, I wanted to tell you, in fact I started to tell you, but Julian threatened Ethan, and you have to understand that I would do anything to protect my son.”
“Oh God,” Sheridan said sitting down. “I can’t believe that monster is my brother. Don’t you see Ivy, somebody has to put a stop to his evil.”
“Believe me Sheridan you are preaching to the choir. If you can assure me that whatever you’re up to will not hurt my son, I will pretend we never had this conversation, or that I saw you near Julian’s safe.”
“You know I would never do anything to hurt Ethan, he’s like a brother to me. I just can’t let Julian get away with destroying people’s lives any longer.”
“When you say people, do you mean Luis? Are you still in love with him?”
“What difference does it make Ivy, because of Alistair and Julian we can’t be together.” She wasn’t quite ready to share everything with Ivy just yet, especially the news about the baby.
“I had a feeling that they had something to do with the two of you getting a divorce. I’m sorry to say this Sheridan, but I’m glad you’re bastard of a father is dead. It’s just too bad Julian wasn’t on the plane with him.”
“They must have made your life a living hell too. I’m sorry Ivy.”
“Well I made my decision a long time ago. I just wish I had the strength to fight them back then, because my life would have been so different now…… Well, I think I’ll go take a long hot bath, but just a word of advice, be careful. Julian doesn’t have a heart, and everyone, family included, is dispensable to him.”
“Oh believe me Ivy, I am no longer under any illusions about what my brother is capable of.”
Chad watched the forklift transport the cases from the locked room to one of the trucks backed up to the loading dock. He had to get close enough to that truck, so he could plant the tracking device. He decided that the best approach was to walk up there like he had every right to be there. There was one thing he learned living on the streets, and that was, if a person acted like they owned the place, they could get away with just about anything. He was in his security guard uniform, so his presence would not be too suspect, but he approached carefully, because he had a feeling that once he got close to that truck, those drivers were going to have their antennas up.
“What do you want,” the driver said as Chad approached the drivers side of the truck.
“Hey man, I just wanted ask you how I would go about getting a job being a driver. This security guard thing is really not my cup of tea.”
“I can tell you right now that there aren’t any openings, so if I were you I’d just be moving on, and get back to doing what you supposed to be doing.”
Fortunately for Chad, one of the other driver’s called to the guy in the truck, and that gave him the perfectly opportunity to plant the tracking device under the wheel well.
“Are you still here? I thought I told you to move on.”
“I’m moving, but are you sure there aren’t any openings?”
“I said no, now get the hell out of here.”
“No problem,” Chad said turning to walk away. He went back inside the building and found a secure place to call Luis. After a couple of rings Luis picked up the phone. “Mission accomplished.”
Luis hung up the phone and opened his laptop computer. He logged in and brought up the software that showed a detailed map of all the streets of Harmony, as well as all the outlining areas. He clicked on OK, and there it was, just like magic, the little red dot traveling through the streets of Harmony. He had already marked the area where the wholesale warehouse was located, and now he could see if the truck was making its way there without any stops. He watched the truck as it traveled down Front Street, which was the most direct route to the warehouse, but the truck suddenly turned off on Old Harmony Road, and started heading for the outskirts of the city. Luis estimated the truck drove about fifteen miles out of Harmony when it pulled off on an unmarked road. It traveled for quite a distance when he saw it come to a stop. He zoomed in for a close up of the area, and printed a copy of the screen. The program he was using also gave him the exact directions to take, but stopped at the point the truck had turned off. This was obviously a remote area that wouldn’t show up on a map, but Luis was sure he could find it with no problem. Luis smiled when he looked at the printed map that he was sure would be his ticket to putting Julian Crane away for a long time. “Wow, isn’t technology wonderful,” he said laughing out loud.
Luis beeped Chad, and waited for him to call back. Chad returned the call in a matter of minutes. “Did you find out anything?”
“Oh yeah. Do you think you could pretend you’re sick and leave work and meet me?”
“It’s amazing, but all of a sudden my head hurts, and I feel like I’m going to throw up. I’ll pick you up in about a half hour?”
“I’ll be here.”
Luis and Chad followed the same route the truck had taken earlier, and when they got to the unmarked road, they pulled over, and stopped. “Pull over Chad, and see if you can hide your truck behind those trees over there,” Luis said pointing to a clump of thick Evergreen trees.
Chad did as Luis instructed, and parked the truck so that it was obstructed from view. It was early evening, just on the fringes of darkness, so they were going to loose visibility soon. “So, you got any ideas on how were going to get back there without being spotted. No telling what we could be walking into.”
“I know, and I have an idea. When Antonio and me were kids we used to ride our bikes out this way. We were always looking for some big adventure,” Luis laughed. “If I’m not mistaken, there’s an old water tower about a hundred yards from here. This area is pretty dense with foliage, but I think from that vantage point we should have a pretty good view of the whole area, including where that truck stopped.”
“Wait a minute….. you want me to climb up some old water tower?”
“What’s a matter Chad, are you afraid of heights?” Luis said jokingly.
“As a matter of fact I am,” Chad said defensively.
“Are you serious? How did you get into the DEA if you’re afraid of heights?”
“Because, they don’t know. Hey, don’t laugh, I’m a city guy, the only time we find ourselves in high places, we’re enclosed by walls.”
“Well, we’re losing daylight, so if you don’t want to climb the tower, then you can wait at the bottom and stand guard. I wouldn’t want you to break a nail,” Luis said laughing.
“Oh great,” Chad said as he followed Luis to the water tower. “I had to get hooked up with a damn comedian.”
It was almost dusk by the time they arrived at the water tower. Luckily Luis had brought binoculars that were equipped to see in the dark. The wooden latter on the water tower looked a little worst for ware, and Chad looked at Luis like he was crazy for climbing up the thing. Chad held his breath as Luis climbed the latter, as he heard it creek and groan.
“Hey, be careful up there. Remember you have a kid on the way,” Chad called up to Luis.
“Don’t worry Chad, I don’t plan on anything happening to me. There is no way I’m going to leave Sheridan and our baby.”
When Luis arrived at the top of the tower without incident, he scanned the area, and saw nothing at first, until his eyes caught a stream of smoke. He lowered his gaze, and spotted a building made of cement block, encircled by a high wire fence. The truck from Crane Industries was pulling out, and two men armed with automatic weapons opened the gate, where it stopped. He noticed one man walk up to the driver’s side of the truck and something about him seemed vaguely familiar. Suddenly, it hit him; the guy looked a lot like Frankie, the drug dealer he was trying to bust last year. Damn, if that was Frankie, then that meant Hank was tied into this whole thing too. Why didn’t he put the two cases together before now? He was definitely losing his touch. Probably because thoughts of Sheridan kept him constantly distracted. This little venture had turned out to quite informative after all.
Luis started down the latter, and when he was about half way down he heard a loud squeaking sound and the rung he was standing on broke and gave way. Luis lost his footing, and went flying. Thank God a clump of bushes broke his fall, but he scraped the side of his face and arm on one of the branches.
“Luis, are you all right?” Chad went running over to Luis.
“Yeah, I’m fine, I just got a couple of scratches,” Luis said getting up, and brushing himself off.
“You almost gave me a heart attack when I saw you start to fall. Damn, don’t make me have to deliver news of your demise to Sheridan.”
“Well you can’t win a war without a few battle scars along the way. Come on let’s get out of here. You are not going to believe what I saw.”
Once they were on the road again, Chad looked over at a thoughtful Luis. “Hey, don’t keep me in suspense, what did you see from up there?”
“I think we found the lab. This must be the place they use to cut the stuff, and get it ready for distribution on the streets.”
“How can you be sure?”
“Because you don’t put up high fences and have guards with semi-automatic weapons to guard cases of canned fish.”
“Oh my, it sounds like we hit paydirt.”
“Yeah, and it gets more interesting.” Luis told Chad about going undercover last year, and how he thought the two investigations were tied together.”
“But that implies that your old buddy Hank was knee deep in this, and probably taking his orders directly from the Cranes.”
“You bet, and I think I need to have a long talk with Hank.”
“But I thought he suffered from some kind of mental breakdown, and was locked up in the loony bin somewhere?”
“True, and Sam told me that half the time he’s not even lucid, but I have to at least try. If we can get Hank to finger the Cranes, then our case would be airtight. I’m not totally convinced that even if we bust these guys, that Julian Crane won’t find a way to weasel his way out of this.”
“Yeah, if you have enough money and power, you can buy your way out of anything.”
“A thought just occurred to me though, it might be because of all that money and power that has caused Julian to get sloppy. If you think about it Chad, this whole operation is slick, but it still has holes. If it didn’t we would have never found this place. Bringing the stuff right into Crane Industries, leaving a paper trail that any rookie cop could figure out. I think all that arrogance has made Julian complacent. They have been getting away with this for too long, and the bastard thinks he’s above the law.”
“Yeah, if we can get Hank coherent enough to testify, and find a Judge with enough balls to go against the Cranes to sign a search warrant, we could bring Julian Crane down.”
When Chad dropped Luis off, he noticed a light on in the house. He knew he didn’t leave it on, so he figured Sheridan must be there. Part of him was elated, just at the thought of seeing her again, but the other part of him was pissed off. He had warned her that coming out here could be dangerous. When he came through the door, he didn’t have time to chastise her, because she came flying into his arms.
“Oh Luis, I’m so glad you’re home.”
She was clinging to him as if her life depended on it. “What’s the matter Sher? Are you all right, is the baby all right?”
“We are both fine, it’s just that I can’t take this anymore. My emotions are all over the place. I just want to be with you…… to wake up in your arms every morning. Maybe I was wrong, maybe I should just move home like you want me too.”
“I’ve changed my mind about that Sheridan, I think you’re safer where you are right now.”
“But Luis,” she stepped back away from him to look in his face. “Oh my God, you’re hurt, why didn’t you tell me? What happened to you?”
“I’m fine, it’s just a few scratches.”
“A few scratches that could become infected if you don’t clean them properly. Come over here and sit down. I’ll go get some alcohol……”
“Honey, that’s not really necessary….”
“SIT,” Sheridan said pointing to the chair.
“Yes mam,” Luis said saluting her.
Sheridan stuck her tongue out at him, and left to get the medical supplies. When she returned, Luis was sitting there right were she left him. She poured some alcohol on the cotton ball, and began to cleanse the scratches.
“Ouch! That burns!”
“Don’t be a baby. What happened to my big tough cop?”
“Tough cops can still feel pain. You know I remember when you did this for me another time, and you were sweet enough to blow on it for me.”
“I’m surprised you recognized it as a sweet gesture, you were being a such a tyrant as usual.”
“I guess I was hard on you, but it was my only defense for the attraction I felt for you, and……… to stop myself from doing what I really wanted to do.”
“Oh, and what was that?”
“This,” he said pulling her down on his lap, and giving her a soft kiss.
“I would have never guessed that you felt that way about me at the time,” she said flashing him that sweet smile that always made him melt.
“I didn’t know it at the time, but I think it was that little blowing thing you did that made me realize that I had found the woman of my dreams. Tell me something, if I did kiss you that night, would you have kissed me back?”
“Oh, I think that after the shock wore off, I would have been all over you. Pilar would have been mortified by the things we would have been doing on her kitchen table,” she teased.
“Oooo, you bad girl. That whole mental picture is driving me crazy. We could always do a reenactment. You could start out by doing that blowing thing.”
“Better yet, why don’t I kiss your boo boo’s and make them feel all better,” she said sticking out a pouty lip. He groaned, and Sheridan began planting soft, soothing kisses on his scratches. She didn’t stop there though, and moved to his eyelids, the tip of his nose, and then his lips. Luis deepened the kiss, making her groan now. “Oh Luis, “is that a gun in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?”
They were both so caught up in each other, that they didn’t notice the pair of hate-filled eyes spying at them through the window.
Chapter 17
The predator watched as Sheridan and Luis shared smiles and kisses, and with an evil grin turned to walk toward the woods. Yes, revenge would be sweet, and they would all pay in the end. Every single last one of them.
Luis couldn’t explain it, but for some reason he had a strange feeling something wasn’t right. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up, sending a chill up his spine. He pulled back from Sheridan, and looked around the room.
“Luis, what’s the matter? You look really unsettled all of a sudden.”
“I don’t know, it’s just a feeling. Let me up, I just want to take a look around.”
“Ok, now you’re scaring me,” Sheridan said getting up from his lap.
“I’m sure it’s nothing,” Luis said taking his weapon from his ankle holster.
“If it’s nothing, then why do you have your gun?”
“Don’t worry, it’s just a precaution.” Luis stepped out on the front porch, went down into the yard to check the parameter around the house.
“Did you see anything?” Sheridan said coming up behind him.
Luis jumped, “don’t ever sneak up on me again when I have a gun in my hand. That’s a good way to get shot. You should be in the house were it’s safe.”
“But I was scared being in there by myself. What’s going on? Did you see something?”
“Come with me into the house, I don’t want you out here.”
They went into the house, and Luis went over to the desk drawer and pulled out a flashlight. He tested it, and made his way to the front door.
“Now what are you doing?” I’m starting to freak out here. Please tell me what’s going on.”
“I just want to check outside some more. Make sure all the doors and windows are locked, and don’t open the door for anybody but me.”
Sheridan did as he asked without saying another word, and sat down on the sofa, and waited for Luis to come back in. She tried to take some deep breaths because her heart was pounding so hard, she knew it couldn’t be good for the baby. Why wouldn’t Luis tell her what was going on? She knew when he got that look of determination in his eye; it was best to just do as he asked. What if something happened to him out there? He could be hurt, or worst dead, and she wouldn’t even know it. Why, all of a sudden did the plots of all those stupid horror movies start racing through her head? She had gotten herself so worked up that she jumped when she heard the knock on the door. She ran to the door, and called out, and when Luis answered, she opened the door and let him in. Without saying a word, Luis once again made an inspection of the inside of the house, making sure all the doors and windows were secure.
“Ok, I can’t take this anymore. Are you going to tell me what is going on?
“Come here and sit down,” Luis said pointing to the spot beside him on the sofa.
He wasn’t purposely trying to frighten her, but she needed to know the importance of the risk she was taking coming out here.
“I don’t get it Luis, what brought this on?”
“I don’t know, I just had a sense that something wasn’t right. I had a feeling that someone was watching us.” When he saw the look of horror on Sheridan’s face, he pulled her in his arms. “Look, I found some footprints by the window. I can’t be sure but they look pretty fresh. Now I did have some guys out here the other day to look at that bad place on the roof, so they could be left over from them.”
“But what does your gut tell you?”
“I don’t know, maybe I’m overreacting, but Sheridan as much as I love you surprising me, you can not come out here anymore.”
“But Luis, I promise I’ve been careful,” she said, tears welling up in her eyes. “Nobody was following me.” Now she was crying openly, and like usual her tears got to him.
“Don’t cry Sher,” Luis said wiping her tears away. “I didn’t mean to sound so harsh, but I’m jut afraid that Julian will find out about us, and I don’t want to have to worry more then I already do about you and the baby.”
“I’m sorry, you weren’t harsh. It’s me……. I’m such a mess lately. One minute all I can think about is ripping your clothes off, and the next minute I’m crying like a baby, and then when I’m done crying, I just want to eat a pint of ice cream. Sometimes I eat the ice cream and cry at the same time.”
Luis smiled over her last statement. “Listen, this is normal behavior for a pregnant woman because your going through a lot of hormonal changes right now. Every women is different but sometimes when your body adapts to the pregnancy, you should start feeling more like yourself again.”
Sheridan leaned back, and looked at him skeptically. “Since when did you become such an expert on pregnant woman?
“I’ve been reading up on it so I could get educated about what to expect.” He got up and went to get a book. “Here I bought this for you.”
Sheridan smiled, “why does this not surprise me?” Sheridan looked at the book, “What to Expect When You’re Expecting. This is the book that Eve suggested I buy. This is so Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald. Is there anything you don’t do perfectly?”
“Well, you of all people should know the answer to that. After all you’re the one that always points out my faults. Let’s see…… not to long ago you were calling me a jerk, a Neanderthal, and all other kinds of descriptive words to describe my disgusting behavior.”
“I have a confession to make about that night. I really wasn’t all that mad at you. I just had so much fun making you grovel.”
“I knew that all along……..”
“No you didn’t………”
Sheridan giggled, and Luis picked her up and started to walk upstairs. “So, tell me what kind of a mood are you in right now?”
“Oh…… I’m kind of in one of those rip your clothes off moods,” she said as she started to unbutton his shirt.
“Good, I was hoping you’d say that.”
“But just in case………, do you have any ice cream?
Sam was taking Luis to see Hank at the State Mental Facility located near Castleton. He was hoping he would be able to get some information from Hank about the Cranes involvement with the drug smuggling operation. Sam wasn’t being very encouraging about Luis being able to get anything out of his brother, but he had to at least try. When Sam pulled into the facility parking lot, and parked the car, he looked over at Luis with a concerned look on his face.
“Look Luis, I don’t mind taking you up there, but I really think this is going to be a wasted trip for you. Hank doesn’t even know what day it is sometimes, and when he is lucid enough to talk, he thinks he’s back in high school.”
“I know Sam, but maybe I can get through to him somehow. Maybe if I start questioning him about Frankie and the Cranes, he’ll remember something.”
“I hope so Luis, because there is nothing more I’d like to see then Julian Crane get what he deserves, but I just wanted to warn you not to get your hopes up.”
Well, Sam had been right, Luis would never forget that glazed look in Hank’s eyes. Even after everything Hank had done, it was still sad to see his former friend like this. When he asked Hank about the drugs, and if he had reported directly to the Cranes, he had replied that he was going to try to get a summer job doing yard work for the Cranes, because that would help him shape up for football practice.
“I’m really sorry Luis,” Sam said as they drove back to Harmony. “I tried to warn you about Hank’s condition.”
“That’s ok Sam, I appreciate you taking me to meet with Hank. I do have enough evidence to bring Julian down, but I thought if I could get Hank to testify we could wrap this case up with a nice tidy bow. I’m a little concerned that Julian might find a way to get out of this.”
“Well it’s been my experience Luis, that if you give a person enough rope, they’ll hang themselves, so he’ll get his eventually.”
“That’s what I’m counting on Sam.”
Sheridan was sitting at the Book Café waiting for Reese to show up. He had called her earlier, and said it was imperative that he meet with her. She finally saw him walk through the door surrounded by several of the local girls. The girls were all over him, and he was eating it up. Sheridan had to smile, as it turned out her idea about the contact lenses was a hit after all, because it looked like Reese was quite the girl magnet now. When Reese looked up and saw her, his face turned beet red, he said something to the girls, and they stepped away from him. He made his way over to Sheridan, and sat down across from her.
“Sorry to keep you waiting Ms. Crane. Some of the girls needed a ride over here.”
“No problem. So Reese, what did you want to see me about?
“Well,” Reese leaned in and whispered. “I have that combination you wanted.”
Sheridan had to contain herself from shouting for joy. “Are you serious Reese, you have actually have it?”
“Yes, now listen. I’m going to hand it to you under the table. I think you should memorize it, and then burn it.”
“Reese,” Sheridan said smiling. “I appreciate your discretion, but this is hardly a Mission Impossible episode. I don’t think anybody is actually going to figure out what you are handing me.”
“Well Ms. Crane, you can never be too careful about these clandestine meetings.”
This was great, Sheridan thought, next he’ll be changing his name to Reese Bond. She glanced over to his little entourage of groupies sitting at the table. They were all giving her that “what are you doing hitting on this younger guy look”. “Reese you don’t know how much this means to me that you were able to get this for me. You have been a very valued employee.”
“Thank you Ms. Crane,” Reese said beaming.
“Well Reese, it looks like your friends are waiting for you, so I’ll let you get back to them. Please let me buy you all coffee and a desert,” Sheridan said giving Reese two twenty-dollar bills.
“But Ms. Crane…. this is way too much money.”
“After what you did for me, it’s hardly enough. You and your friends have a good time.”
It was one of those mild winter nights when the air smelled clean, and the stars were dotting the sky like a million tiny lights. Sheridan had decided that since it was such a beautiful night that she would walk to the Book Café. She had always enjoyed her walks in the past, but lately she hadn’t had much opportunity since her double life kept her so busy. She started off down the street, heading for Lighthouse Park, the streets seemed strangely deserted tonight, but Sheridan was enjoying the peace and quiet. She was bubbling with happiness, because she now had the combination to Julian’s safe, and in was just a matter of time before she had that incriminating evidence in her hands. Life would definitely be perfect when she could be with Luis full-time, as they waited for the birth of their beautiful baby. All of a sudden she felt a chill that had nothing to do with the temperature. She had an eerie feeling that someone was following her, and she could feel the panic start to overtake her. Were those footsteps she heard? She turned around, but saw no one on the deserted street. Starting to panic, she took off running, looking over her shoulder every few minutes to see if anyone was in pursuit when she suddenly hit a wall of human flesh. A scream tore out of her as she was pulled into a pair of strong arms.
“Sheridan, stop it.”
Oh God, was that Luis’ voice she heard over her own screams? She looked up, and there he was, concern etched on his handsome face. “Luis?”
“Yes, it’s me. Sher, what happened? Why were you running like the devil himself was after you?”
“I think somebody was following me. Oh God Luis, I’ve never been so scared in my life. Was it you? Why didn’t you say something?”
“I wasn’t following you. I came from the opposite direction. Ace and I were down on the wharf, and we were leaving when I saw you running this way.”
She finally noticed Ace standing beside Luis, and she started to shake all over again. “You didn’t see anybody behind me?”
“No…. are you sure someone was following you? Sometimes the imagination can play tricks on you.”
“I don’t know for sure. Maybe you’re right, and it was just my imagination.”
“Come on, I’m parked down the street, let’s get you home.”
On the way home, Luis started with his lecture. “Damn it Sheridan, what were you doing walking alone at night? Haven’t you learned anything from the time the drug cartel was after you? You’re still as stubborn…….
“You made your point Luis.”
“I’m sorry Sheridan, but all hell’s getting ready to break loose, and I can’t be worrying about you and the baby, and concentrate on my job.”
“Well, I’m sorry that me and the baby are such a burden to you.”
“Come on, you know that you and the baby are the more important to me then anything in the world, but I’m just trying my best to make sure we can live like a family again.”
“Oh my God, I almost forgot, I have it Luis. I have the combination to Julian’s safe.”
Luis pulled over to the side of the road. “You have it? When?”
“I just met Reese at the Book Café and he gave it to me. Don’t you see Luis now I can get that evidence against you, and we can live together as a family.”
He pulled her in his arms, “Sheridan that’s the best news I’ve heard in a long time. Maybe our struggle to be together is finally coming to an end,” he said kissing her.
A car drove by, so Luis reluctantly ended the kiss. “Come on, I better get you home, before we’re arrested for public indecency. Besides, Ace is back there trying to sleep. You know how loud you get sometimes,” he teased.
Ignoring his joke, she said, “speaking of indecent, when can we be together again?”
“Oh,” Luis laughed. “That hormone thing again?”
“No, it’s not the hormone thing. I happened to be in love with you and, I was sexually attracted to you before I became pregnant. I just want to be with you.”
”Soon baby, I promise.”
When they got to the gate of the Crane estate, Sheridan told Luis to pull over, and she would walk up to the main house. Luis told her there was no damn way he was going to let her walk alone after the scare she had tonight. He didn’t say anything to her, but he was concerned that Sheridan’s imagination had not been playing tricks on her earlier.
“But Luis, someone might see you drop me off.”
“So, just be honest and tell them I was giving you a ride home. We live in a small town, and I don’t think people will find it so strange that our paths happen to cross once in a while.”
“I guess you’re right.”
When they arrived at the front door, Luis took her hand in his. “I wish I could kiss you, but I think we’ve about used up our close calls.”
“It might be worth chancing it again, but I’ll be a good girl, and let you go on your merry way.” She lowered her hand until it was resting right between his legs. When he groaned she said, “I just wanted to give you something to think about tonight when you’re lying in your bed all alone.”
“Just remember, that works both ways.”
Sheridan walked through the front door, and started to climb the steps, when Julian came out of his library carrying a brandy.
“Sheridan………”
“Yes, Julian,” she answered impatiently.
“Please tell me that wasn’t Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald that just dropped you off?”
Chapter 18
Sheridan was hoping to avoid this moment, but she was at the end of her rope, and she wasn’t in the mood for any of Julian’s grief right now. She walked back down the steps, and faced him defiantly. “Yes Julian, that was Luis.”
“Good God, I hope you’re not getting involved with him again.”
“No Julian, Luis was just giving me a ride home. I was out walking, and I had the feeling somebody was following me, and I ran into Luis walking his dog, so he offered to give me a ride home.”
“What are you doing walking around town like common folk? We have limo’s and cars a plenty.”
“Julian, I just wanted some fresh air. Maybe you should consider taking a walk once in a while instead of guzzling brandy’s all day.”
“Considering that you were almost accosted by some scoundrel, a walk is the last thing you should be suggesting. Are you sure it wasn’t Luis himself that was following you? It would just like him to set this all up as another excuse to play hero again.”
“Julian, leave Sheridan alone. As usual you’re drunk and disgusting,” Ivy said walking down the steps. “Not everyone in this world has ulterior motives like you.”
“I don’t remember asking for your opinion Ivy.”
“Well if you two will excuse me, I’m going to bed,” Sheridan said giving Ivy a thankful look.
“Oh Sheridan, I’m being roasted tomorrow night at the Country Club as business man of the year. I expect you to be there to show family support.”
“Of course Julian,” Sheridan said rolling her eyes. “I wouldn’t dream of missing it.” “I’ve got news for you Julian,” Sheridan thought to herself, “I plan on leaving your little roast early so I can come home and cook your goose.”
Luis and Chad had called a meeting with their superiors, and so far things were not going well. It was turning out to be a battle of egos between their respective directors, both wanting to one up the other. Both knowing a bust of this magnitude would be a major coup de tat for their agency, they were giving no quarter. But there was one thing they both agreed on, and that was until they had some hard evidence that there was drugs present, they would not be able to get a search warrant. They felt that because they were dealing with someone as powerful as Julian Crane it was important to have all their ducks were in a roll.
Luis and Chad dejected, drove back from the Capitol, both lost in their own thoughts. Finally Chad’s volatile personality took over. “These damn bureaucrats don’t have a clue what’s its like being in the field. Can’t they see what is staring them right in the face?”
“I feel your pain Chad, but the fact remains that we have to get hard evidence. So, we don’t have any choice but to get aggressive and get them their hard evidence. So I propose that you take Crane Industries, and I take the lab.”
“Are you crazy Luis, there is no way you’re going to get into that drug lab. You saw for yourself that they have fences, and enough fire power to take over a small country. Do you have a death wish man?”
“I’ll admit Chad, that it’s not going to be easy, but I love a challenge. After all, I took on Sheridan Crane didn’t I?”
“Yeah, but taking on Sheridan Crane didn’t put your life in danger……”
Luis laughed, “Chad, have you lost your memory?”
Then Chad laughed too, “Right.”
“The way I figure it, they might have a fence and guards, but the place has to be empty sometime, and I’ve pretty handy with wire cutters. And as far as the guards go, well I have a couple of ideas on how to dispense with them.”
“Just so you let me know when you decide to go on this suicide mission. That way if you don’t come back, I can send in the troops.”
Sheridan watched Julian as he stood at the podium, and gave his elegant speech. She had to admit, he had a gift with words, but it was too bad the elegance was cancelled by his slurred words. As soon as his speech was over the room broke up into groups for further conversation and drinking. Sheridan took this opportunity to escape. As she drove to the mansion, she phoned Reese to perform his magic, and he promised to call her second she was free to pilfer the safe. As soon as she walked through the front door, her cell phone rang. It was Reese giving her the go ahead. She ran up to her room and got her little bag of tricks, and made her way downstairs to Julian’s library. Luckily, the place was almost deserted, because the family was still at the Country Club, and there was only a few staff members kept on duty at night.
After Sheridan slipped into Julian’s library, she locked the door, just in case one the servants decided to investigate any noises. Her nerves were on edge as she approached the safe, but Reese hadn’t let her down in the past, and she believed it was her time to come out on top. She pulled open the painting, and having memorized the combination, she had no difficulty getting it open. She almost squealed with delight when she found a large envelope with Luis’ name written on the front. She opened it, and found the mask, as well as the videotape. She laughed out loud, as she replaced the contents with a Richard Nixon mask, which by the way was one of Julian’s heroes, and videotape of Crime and Punishment. She almost wished she could see the look on Julian’s face when he opened the envelope.
Sheridan ran upstairs, and changed out of her evening gown into a pair of black slacks, and a red turtle neck sweater. She packed a bag with enough clothes to last several days, and as an afterthought she ran over to her lingerie drawer, and emptied it into her suitcase. Her favorite moment though, was when she located the hidden small red velvet bag that contained her wedding band, and the engagement ring that Luis had given her. She opened the drawstring, and slipped the rings on her left finger. Now, she was ready, and she called the upstairs maid.
“Yes Ms. Crane.”
“Maria, would you be so kind as to pack up all my things and have them sent to this address,” she said handing her a piece of paper.
“Ms. Crane, are you moving out?”
“Yes, Maria I am. Oh, by the way, is Pilar here?”
“No Ms. Crane, she already left for the day.”
Oh well, it was probably better that they tell Pilar the news together. Maria helped her take her bags downstairs, and as she was walking out the front door, she turned around and smiled. “Catch you later Jules,” she said closing the door behind her. Luis sat pouring over a detailed map he had drawn up on the drug lab, trying to construct his plan to get inside. He hadn’t wanted to admit it to Chad earlier, but had a feeling that it was going to be next to impossible to get in there to get the evidence he needed. A ringing phone interrupted his thoughts, and he picked it up. “Lopez-Fitzgerald here.”
“Hi, this is Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald.”
“Oh really,” Luis said smiling. “And what is the beautiful Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald doing calling me right now? I thought you had to go to the Country Club to honor the bastard.”
“I was there, but I had to skip out early.”
“Oh, why is that.”
“Well, why don’t I fill you in when I get there.”
“Sheridan, we talked about this, and I thought you understood that it wasn’t safe for you to be here. Julian could have somebody spying on you.”
“Luis, you worry way too much. I promise you everything will be fine, and you know that mommy knows best.”
It was impossible to resist her, and he told her to be careful, and to watch her rear view mirror to check for anyone that might be tailing her. He wasn’t going to breathe easy until she walked through that door. She had told him to make sure there was a fire going in the fireplace, so he decided to go get one started. Before long he heard her car drive up, and went outside to meet her.
“Sheridan, don’t you think you should park your car in the garage? He opened the driver’s side door to help her out, and she wrapped her arms around him and kissed him.
“Now if you help me carry my things in I’ll give you some more of that,” she teased him.
“What’s going on here Sheridan?”
“Just carry my bags in and I’ll tell you.”
When they got inside, Luis put her bags down, watching her pull out two bottles of what looked like champagne. “Ok, spit it out, what are you up to?
She opened her overnight bag, and tossed a large envelope to him. He caught it and opened it to pull out videotape and a mask of his own face. “Oh my God Sher, you did it. I can’t believe how much this looks like me. It’s no wonder you thought that was really me on the wharf that night,” he said in amazement. He walked over and picked her up and swung her around. “Is it really over?”
“It’s really over. I am officially home, and I am never leaving again.”
“Oh Sheridan,” he said holding her close. “You have no idea how good that is to hear.”
“Well, I think this calls for a celebration. I have brought champagne for you, and for me, sparkling grape juice. I thought we would have a glass during our official burning ceremony.”
“Well let’s just make sure this is the correct tape. Besides, I want to see just how good this impostor was,” Luis said, going over to pop the tape in the VCR. He couldn’t believe it, this guy looked just like him, and he could feel the rage at just how far Alistair had gone. He didn’t even bother watching the whole thing, he popped it out. “Shall we burn this garbage?”
They both stood; arms around each other, watching the video and mask go up in flames. Maybe this was symbolic of what was in store for Julian. Luis leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. “I love you Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald.”
“And I love you Mr. Lopez-Fitzgerald.”
“I think we should go upstairs and finish our celebration. What do you think?”
“I think that sounds like the best idea I’ve heard in a long time,” he said picking her up.
“Wait Luis, you have to carry my bag upstairs, I have a surprise for you,”
“A surprise,” he said putting her down. Luis picked up her bag, and carried it upstairs. Sheridan followed him admiring the way his worn jeans molded to his taunt behind. When they arrived upstairs, Sheridan grabbed on to the bottom of his shirt, and lifted it over his head. “Is someone in a hurry tonight?”
“No, I just like looking at you’re sexy chest. Now, why don’t you go over to the bed and relax, because I’m going to put on a fashion show for you.”
“A fashion show? I’m interested, just what are you going to be modeling?”
“This,” she said pulling out her frilly lingerie and tossing it on the bed. “I figure, it won’t be long before I look like a beached whale, so you better get a good look at my body now. That way in the months to come you can remember what it used to look like. Look,” she said lifting up her sweater. “I’m already getting a little pooch.”
“It’s adorable,” Luis said rubbing his hand over her tummy.
“Do you really think so?”
“Yeah, it’s amazing. It’s one thing to just imagine a baby growing inside you, but to actually see the evidence of it, well Sher it’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”
“Did you know, you’re the sweetest, most romantic man I’ve ever known?
“Now you’re making me blush. What happened to that fashion show you were going to put on for me.”
Sheridan grabbed her lingerie; “put some music on, and I’ll be right back.
Luis chose some music, and lay down on the bed, and waited for the show. She came through the door, dressed in a little white teddy that left nothing to the imagination, and strutted and danced around the room for him. Needless to say his reaction was immediate. She moved over to the bed, just out of his reach.
“Do you like this one?”
“Oh yeah, why don’t you come over here, so I can get a better look.”
“Not yet, I have several other things to model for you,” she said, flashing him her sexy little smile. “Sit tight, I’ll be right back.”
Her next little ensemble was a pair of lacy purple panties with a matching bra. Luis couldn’t take his eyes of her beautiful breast spilling out of the top. She turned around to give him a view of the back, and he almost lost it when he saw her rounded bottom, and the thong that left nothing to the imagination. When she turned to the side, and he saw her little rounded belly, he thought it was the sexiest thing he ever seen.
“Sheridan, please come over here. You have no idea how much I need you right now.”
“Patience, patience, I promise just one more,” she said strutting out of room.”
Was she crazy, he was already hard as a rock? He didn’t know how much more he could take of this fashion show. When she came back, she was wearing the white dress shirt that he wore with his tuxedo. It covered the top of her body completely, but he knew she was naked underneath, and for some reason that turned him on more then the other two outfits. She was being so playful and sexy, and he was at the end of his rope.
“I think you better take that shirt off right now, or I’m going to do it for you,” Luis said in a husky voice.
“Ok, I’ll take it off for you.” She started to unbutton it slowly, showing him that she was indeed naked under the shirt. She turned around with her back to him, and let the shirt drop to the floor. And there flowing down her back, was her seduce me pearls tied in a single knot. He flew off the bed, and came up behind her. He ran his hands up her back, to her shoulders, kissing her neck. She groaned, and leaned back into his hard body. His arms came around her, and his hands cupped her breast, moved down her rip cage. He palmed her tummy as his long fingers touched her between her legs. She let out a little scream.
“You’re too damn hot for your own good. I should lock you up,” he groaned.
“You’re going to feed me aren’t you?
Chapter 19
Sheridan felt euphoric standing there in Luis’ arms, but she wanted to kiss him, needed to kiss him, and she turned around and molded her body to his. They came together in a passionate kiss that sent them both reeling. Sheridan unzipped his jeans, and slipped her hands under the elastic of his boxers to touch his flesh, and before long he was as naked as she was.
“Sheridan, I want you so much,”
“You have me Luis, you’ll always have me.”
He backed her up against the edge of the mattress, and together they fell to the bed. She threw her arms around him and kissed him, her lips were sweet fire against his. It was pure seduction the way her breasts crushed against the wall of his chest. He pulled away to stare into her big blue eyes, as he traced her chin, and then her cheekbone.
“You are so beautiful, and sometimes I can’t believe you’re real, that you’re here with me.”
“I’ll always be here, you’re a part of me, and now we have the most special connection of all. Our baby growing inside of me will tie us together forever.”
He shook at her words. The perfect life he had always dreamed of was suddenly a reality, and he didn’t ever want this feeling of completeness to go away. “I love you. I’ll love you forever,” he whispered kissing her softy……. sweetly.
She traced his bottom lip with her finger, “and I’ll love you forever…….. Make love to me Luis.”
He captured her mouth in a passionate kiss, and rolled her over so that she was on the top. Wrapping his hands in her pearls he rolled them all over the silky skin of her lush body. The knot became undone spreading the necklace open to entwine around them like a rope. Then her lips were on his throat, his bare chest, driving him crazy with wanting her. She was a seductress, the things she was doing with her mouth, her body, was causing his body to go up in flames. He groaned out loud when she gently bit his nipple, and soothed it with her tongue. That did it, he was gone, and he had to have her. They rolled again, this time he claimed the top. The pearls were between them, causing a delicious friction, as they rubbed their bodies together. He entered her, filling her completely, and she wrapped her long shapely legs around him, as she arched up to bring him deeper. She moved to meet his thrust, never wanting it to end, praying for it to end. The pressure built, the damn burst, and sent them both over the edge of no return.
They lay entangled in each other arms. Luis kissed her forehead. “I didn’t realize it at the time, but I think I wanted you from the first moment I saw you. I wanted you for the way you walked and moved, then I wanted to be blessed with your sweet smile, and to see your eyes sparkle, and I wanted to be the one to make your face light up that way……….”
“Oh Luis!” Tears spilled from her eyes, and he kissed them away. He kissed her tenderly. Made love to her again until she lay against him utterly spent, and they slept.
The next morning Sheridan woke up famished and Luis was sweet enough to make her pancakes. He smiled as he watched her devour the last bite, licking syrup from her plate with her finger. She laughed, and offered him a taste, holding her finger up to his lips. How could he refuse, and she sighed out loud as he sucked the syrup from her finger. She pulled it out of his mouth, and replaced it with her lips as she leaned over the table and kissed him.
“You know we have things to do today, and if you don’t stop that we’re going to end up spending the day in bed.”
“Would that be so bad, after all I do get really sleepy these days.”
“The book did said you would be tired a lot in the beginning, are you getting enough rest?
“Luis, I was just teasing, I do have my moments when I feel so tired, that I could sleep for days, but for the most part, I’m feel great.”
“Promise, because now that you’re home, I’m going to keep my eye on you.”
“Oh great, first I have super cop, and now I get Dr. Spock,” she teased.
“Yeah, and don’t you forget it. Look, why don’t you relax, and I’ll clean up the breakfast dishes.”
“You most certainly will not. You cooked, so I think I should clean up. I’m pregnant Luis, not some hot house flower that needs to be protected constantly.”
“I know sweetie, but I just like spoiling you right now.”
“That’s pretty funny, I remember a time when you though I was too spoiled,” she said with a laugh.
“Well, I will admit there were a few times I wanted to take you over my knee and give you a spanking……….”
“A spanking? That sounds interesting,” she said pretending to contemplate it.
“Behave,” he said flashing her a grin. “I’m going to go take a shower. I thought that if you don’t mind we would go over to mamma’s and tell her the news about us.”
“Mind? I can’t wait to tell the whole world. I need to tell Ethan too, but………”
“But what”
“It’s just that I’m a little concerned about how this will effect Ethan to find out his father is such a low life. I’m not sure that I should tell him that Julian is involved.”
“Sheridan, he’s going to find out sooner or later…….”
“I know, but if you arrest Julian for drug smuggling, won’t that be bad enough?”
“How are going to explain everything to him.”
“I’m going to blame father, after all he was probably the mastermind of all this. Julian only went along for the ride because of his twisted devotion, and his fear of father. I know that doesn’t absolve him of his crimes, and I think he’s guilty as hell, but it’s only Ethan I’m thinking about. And besides, when Julian confronts me about the theft of the mask and tape, I’ll just threaten to tell Ethan about his duplicity. That should keep him at bay, and he doesn’t know that we burned them.”
“I’ll trust your judgement, but there’s something you need to know. I’m getting very close to bringing this whole drug smuggling thing down, and if I can help it Julian will go down too.”
“And, I’ll support you. Julian needs to pay for all the hell he’s put people through. I will never forgive him for his part in breaking us apart.”
Sheridan was finished cleaning up the kitchen, and was straightening up in the living room when she noticed the papers spread out on the coffee table. She picked up the map and studied it. What was this thing? Just then Luis came down the steps. Sheridan noted how handsome he looked in this gray sweater, and black jeans. “Wow, you look good.”
“That’s because I’m a happy man,” he said coming up behind her and putting his arms around her.
“I’m happy too Luis. Will you promise me it will last?”
“Hey, what’s this all about?”
“I’m just afraid sometimes that something or someone will tear up apart again.”
“Never again Sher………. I promise you.”
On the way to Pilar’s, Sheridan remembered the map. She asked Luis what it was for, and he said he hadn’t meant for her to see it. When she asked why, he said that it had something to do with the case, but for her own safety, it was better that she didn’t know the details.
“Luis, please be careful. These people are dangerous.”
“I have every reason in the world to be careful,” he said putting his hand on her belly. “Two very good reasons.”
Luckily it was Saturday, and Pilar’s day off. Luis had called ahead, and asked Pilar to have the family there. He had reluctantly agreed when Sheridan asked if she could call Ethan to be there as well. When they arrived, and walked in the door together holding hands, to say everyone was shocked would have been an understatement. Luis waited for everyone to pick their mouth back off the floor, and explained that Sheridan and him were married, and that in fact they had never been divorced. Alistair’s blackmailing scheme had caused Sheridan to leave to protect Luis, and they had been working all this time to find the trumped up evidence that could destroy Luis.
Pilar spoke first, “I had a feeling that all was not as it seemed. I’m sorry Ethan, but I can’t help but worry about what Julian will do about this. He was never happy that Sheridan and Luis married.”
“But Pilar, I can’t believe that father would do anything to come between Sheridan and Luis. That had to be grandfather’s idea.”
“I agree with Ethan momma,” Theresa said giving Ethan a look of admiration. “Mr. Crane has always been nice to me, and he’ll just be happy that Sheridan is happy.”
Out of the mouths of babes, Luis thought. Just to be that innocent again. “Well you don’t have to worry about Julian momma, because there is nothing he can do to break Sheridan and me apart.”
“Especially now,” Sheridan said clutching her belly. “Should we tell them the rest of the news Luis?”
“Yes sweetie,” Luis said kissing her cheek. “I’ll let you do the honors.”
Luis couldn’t take his eyes off of her, she was glowing, and with a huge smile, she said, “Luis and I are going to have a baby.”
They managed to render everyone speechless for a second time that day, but after the news sunk in, they converged on the happy couple with hugs and congratulations. Pilar cried and kissed them both, bursting with the news that she was going to be a grandmother.
“I can’t believe this, I’m going to be an aunt. I’m going to sketch some designs for the baby’s Christening gown,” Theresa beamed.
“Hey sis, don’t you think you’re getting a little ahead of yourself?”
“Luis, I think it’s sweet of Theresa to do that for the baby. Thank you Theresa, we would love that.”
Miguel shook Luis’ hand and kissed Sheridan’s cheek. “Congratulations you guys, that’s going to be really cool to be an uncle……. Well, if you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll go to the Bennett’s, and tell Charity the good news.”
“Is Sam charging you rent over there?” Luis said laughing, “ I bet Sam and Grace are going to be able claim you on their taxes this year”
“Very funny,” Miguel said in his dry voice, as he walked out the door.
“I think this calls for a celebration. I’m going to have a party for the two of you at the mansion.”
Luis looked at Ethan like he had grown another head. She could see his mouth opening, and before he could get a word out, she spoke. “That’s really sweet of you Ethan, but Luis and I would rather keep this low keyed for now. We plan to renew our vows, and get married in the church by Father Lonigan, and then we’ll have a big celebration.”
“Thank God,” Pilar said. “I never liked the idea that your marriage was not blessed in the Church.”
“Well momma, we plan to rectify that,” Luis said giving Sheridan a kiss.
Pilar smiled, but she silently worried that Julian would do something terrible to come between them.
Julian walked down the stairs, and noticed the trunks being taken out of the house. “What’s going on here?”
The maid told him that Sheridan was moving out, and wanted her all her things sent to her.
“Moving out? This has to be some kind of mistake,” Julian bellowed. “What did she say?”
“Sir, she told me to have all her things packed up and sent to this address,” the maid said handing Julian the piece of paper.
Julian studied it, and his face turned red from the rage when he recognized the address. “What the hell could she be thinking? This is unacceptable,” Julian said, storming into his library. He walked immediately to the safe, and opened it reaching for the envelope with Luis’ name on the front. His face turned a funny shade of gray, when he pulled the Richard Nixon mask out. He took a sip of brandy to calm him, and choked on the sip when he saw the Crime and Punishment tape.
Sheridan went into the office on Monday morning against Luis’ better judgement. They had words earlier about her continuing to work at Crane Industries. Luis was concerned that Julian would try to get back at Sheridan for deceiving him, but Sheridan felt that as long as Julian thought she still had the mask and tape, he would not retaliate. Besides, she reminded him, he might need her to get information concerning his investigation. Still…….., she was not looking forward to the confrontation that she knew was coming. And as it turned out, she didn’t have long to wait. Julian entered her office and slammed the door shut with such a force that it shook the walls.
“How dare you………”
“Good morning Julian. You sound like you could use some coffee,” she said in a sweet voice.
“How dare you come into my house, play up to me, and then turn around and stab me in the back. This was your intention all along, wasn’t it? I’ll say one thing little sister you were good. You managed to pull one over on me, but I have news for you, you’re not going to get away with it. As long as I have breath in my body, you will not be married to Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald!”
Sheridan stood up, and leaned over her desk, getting right in his face, “and as long as I have breath in my body, you will not come between us!”
“Oh really,” he chuckled. You don’t really know whom your dealing with. I’ll squash you and that trash you’re married to if it’s the last thing I do. You have turned against your family, and betrayed us, and that will never be forgiven.”
“You have a lot of nerve Julian. Just who in the hell do you think you are? You have the mitigated gall to stand there and call Luis trash, when you are the trash here. Money and power is not a prerequisite for class and decency, and you have proven over and over that you have neither. Don’t screw with me Julian, because I’ll show the mask and video tape to Ethan, just so he can find out what a low life you really are.”
“Look at you……. Ms. High and Mighty. You think you’re clever don’t you. I can’t believe how low you have sunk, and now you’re carrying his half-breed brat.”
Sheridan smacked Julian so hard across the face, his head snapped backwards. She was so furious, that she was shaking.
“Don’t…….. you……. EVER…… talk about my baby like that again. If you ever come near my baby, or Luis, I swear I’ll come after you myself, and no court of law in the country will convict me for what I do to you!
Julian appeared rattled, but he composed himself and smiled an evil smile, “I’m shacking in my boots…….”
“Oh you’ll be shaking in you’re boots when they come to take you away………”
“What in the hell is that supposed to mean?”
Chapter 20
If ever Sheridan wished she could eat her words, it was right now. She could have just blown Luis’ whole case out of the water with that one single sentence. She was so furious with Julian for saying that about her baby, she had been like a mother lion doing what ever was necessary to protect her cub. It was time to think fast, because Julian was standing there with the red imprint of her hand on his face, ready to spit nails.
“Well……. I’m waiting. What in the hell did you mean by that last statement?”
“Simply, that you are insane Julian. You have to be, or you wouldn’t do the things you do. I just had this vision of the men in white coming to take you away.”
“You should know all about institutions for the insane shouldn’t you? After all, you spent enough time in them when you were a child. Think back to your childhood my poor deluded sister, and you’ll realize that I still have a few tricks up my sleeve.”
The bastard really knew how to cut to the bone, but she would be damned if she would let him know he had gotten to her. What did he mean think back to her childhood? She had put all those old fears to rest when Eve had hypnotized her that night. “Get out Julian.”
“Oh, I’m leaving, but you better stay out of my way.”
“And you better stay out of mine,” she said with a false bravado, when inside she was shaking.”
Julian opened the door to leave, and half the office was standing on the other side eavesdropping. How much had they heard? Did she really care if these people found out what a bastard her brother was?
“You all get back to work, or your fired,” Julian yelled.
The important thing was to calm down and get focused. She had work to do, and she wasn’t going to let her battle with Julian ruin her day, even though she felt like crying right now. She wished Luis were here, because he always knew how to make her feel better. It was probably a good idea that he wasn’t though, because he would have killed Julian on the spot. How could her brother be so vile? The ringing phone made her jump, she picked it up, and thank God it was Luis.
“How did it go? Have you seen Julian yet?”
“Oh yes, I have definitely seen him, and it wasn’t a pleasant experience.”
“How bad was it?”
“Remember when I had you arrested and we got into a screaming match in the Boston Police Department….?
“Yeah……why?
“It was worst then that.”
“Are you all right? Do I have to come over there and hurt your brother?”
“I’m a little shaken, but I’ll be fine.”
“Did he touch you? Because if he did I’ll kill him…….”
“No Luis, but I touched him. In fact I smacked him so hard he saw stars.”
Luis laughed, “that’s my girl. Maybe you can make us some extra money in the WWF. We could call you The Smashing Socialite.”
“What’s the WWF?
“Never mind, it gets lost if you have to explain it. So,,,,,, I think you should come home right now. I’ll give you a massage, and rub you’re body down”
“That sounds like heaven, but I don’t want Julian to think he scared me away, and besides, I have work to do.”
“Come on Sher, why don’t you just quit. Now that we’re together, you don’t have any reason to be there. I really don’t want you associated with that place when all hell breaks loose.”
“That’s exactly the reason I need to be here. The company will be in a shambles when the truth comes out, and Ethan will need my support to deal with the media.”
“Look sweetie, I love how you care about other people, but you have to think of yourself right now, and our baby.”
“Luis, I’m fine, and the baby’s fine, and I promise if that changes I’ll quit. Look, I’ll be home early tonight, and if you don’t mind, I’d like to take you up on that offer of a massage and body rub.”
“I’m sorry Sher, but I have to work tonight. I need to get together with Chad so we go over some things. But……….. if you’re not asleep when I get home……”
“Oh, don’t worry I’ll be awake, if it kills me.”
“Just make sure that you lock everything up. Check all the doors and windows and I’ll leave Ace home with you. I don’t think we have to worry any longer now that Julian knows about us, but you can never be too careful.”
“Try not to be too late.”
“Are you kidding, with you waiting there for me……..”
Luis and Chad had agreed to meet at Chad’s apartment. Chad had discovered a pattern with the day of the original shipment to Crane Industries, to how long it took to move the drugs to the lab. Since they had witnessed the boat making a delivery tonight, they figured they would be moving the drugs to the lab in two days. Luis decided he was going to stake out the lab so he could determine when the best time would be to make his move.
“I’m going there the day after tomorrow when they move the drugs in.”
“I don’t know,” Chad said, shaking his head. “I don’t like it Luis. I have to go to the capital for some damn monthly meeting. We have to review our cases with the director, and I won’t be back until late afternoon. Why don’t you wait until the next day and I’ll go with you.”
“I can’t wait until then, because the drugs could be heading for the streets. I don’t want to wait for the next time Chad, I’m ready for this to be over. I just want to put this behind me and get on with my life.”
“Look man, I know what you’re saying, being that you got the goods on Julian from the safe, but you’re not going to have a life if you do something foolish.”
“Hey buddy, you forgot that I’ll have my trusty partner, Ace with me, and he’s already proven that he can save my life.”
“Ok, but you better take your cell phone with you, because I’m going to call as soon as I get back to town, and if you don’t answer, I’m calling in the troops. Better yet, take mine, and you can put it on vibrate” Chad said handing Luis his phone.
“Deal,” Luis said shaking Chad’s hand. “Well Chad, I’m going to head out of here. Now that I have Sheridan home, I want to spend as much time with her as I can.”
“Well then, you better get the hell of here, and get home to your woman.”
Sheridan was curled up on the sofa, with Ace watching an old movie. She had been so exited when she checked the TV listings, and saw that “It Happened One Night” was on. She laughed out loud when she thought back to when her and Luis had first gotten married. Even back then they had loved each other, but they were both to proud to admit it. It was hard to even imagine they had lived with that stupid pillow mound for so long. She must have been crazy to let a man like Luis sleep beside her night after night and not take advantage of his finer qualities.
She was engrossed in the film, when suddenly Ace started to get antsy. He hopped down from the sofa, and started to whine, and ran to the window. He jumped up, resting his paws on the window seal, and started to bark. At first Sheridan thought Luis was home, but she hadn’t heard his car drive up. That night Luis had thought someone was outside spying on them flashed through her mind. What if there really was someone out there that night, and the person was back? She was scared, but she felt Ace would protect her with his life. Ace barked again.
“What is it boy, do you see something?” Sheridan got up and walked toward the window. She decided that if someone were outside she would face it straight on. When she got to the window, and looked out, she breathed a sigh of relief when she saw a deer run into the woods. “Come on Ace,” she said rubbing his scruff. “It’s just a deer, and he won’t hurt anyone.”
That had been a close one, the predator thought, lurking in the woods. The bitch had almost caught on. If it weren’t for the dog, she would have never known there was a presence outside her window, watching her, waiting for the day for retribution. But wasn’t patience a virtue? Probably the only one the predator had.
When Luis arrived home, he found Sheridan curled up asleep on the sofa. Ace approached him whining, ran over to the window, and turned around like he expected Luis to come over to him. Luis walked over to the window, and looked out, seeing nothing.
“What is it Ace,” he whispered. “There’s nothing out there, and you’re going to wake Sheridan if you don’t calm down.”
“Sheridan’s already awake,” she said with a sleep-laden voice.
Luis went over to the sofa and sat down on the edge in front of her. “I’m sorry he woke you. Do you have any idea what has him so agitated?”
“He saw a deer out there earlier, and I guess he was offended that the creature was on his turf. Are you ever going to come down here and kiss me?”
Ace’s agitation was immediately forgotten, when she gave him that come hither smile. He smiled back, and leaned down to give her a slow passionate kiss. He could get used to this…. coming home to his kind of welcome every night. How may times had he come home to find only Ace here to keep him company.
“You know,” she said when they finally came up for air. “You promised me a massage and a body rub, but I don’t think I can last through that. I really don’t think I need much foreplay tonight.”
“Then I better get you upstairs, because you know it’s my mission in life to keep you happy,” he said as he picked her up and carried her upstairs.
“And it’s my mission in life to let you,” she chuckled. “You know Luis seriously, I am quite capable of walking up the steps myself. You don’t always have to carry me.”
“What can I say, I’m a romantic kind of guy. You better take advantage of it now, because before you know it I’ll be sitting on the sofa swilling beers, with a pop gut, watching football games all day.”
When they got to their bedroom Luis lay her on the bed, and was undressing her when she said, “speaking of pop guts, I think I getting one. It just kind of popped out over night.”
“Let me check it out,” Luis said. She was naked by then, and he rubbed her tummy in amazement, and leaned down and kissed it.
“Wow, it is bigger then it was just a few nights ago, but it’s still beautiful.”
“You’re not just saying that to make me feel better?
“No Sher, it’s the most beautiful thing I ever saw….. well besides you.”
She gave him one of her radiant smiles, “I have an appointment with my doctor tomorrow, and I was wondering if you wanted to come with me?”
“Really? They don’t mind if I come?”
“Yes silly, you are the father. In fact, my obstetrician encourages the fathers to participate in all the pre-natal care.”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” he said excitedly.
Sheridan watched Luis undress, and admired his hard muscular body, checking him out from head to toe. The man drove her crazy with desire, and she was growing impatient waiting for him to join her.
“Honey, you are aren’t getting undressed fast enough.”
“He slipped out of his boxers and strutted toward her, “is that better now?”
“Oh yeah, much, much better,” she said holding her arms out to him.
The next day in the car, Sheridan gave Luis directions to the clinic where her doctor practiced. He was so touched that Sheridan wanted him with her, and he was going to treasure all these moments forever. Maybe the doctor would even let him listen to the baby’s heartbeat? Would he be able to keep from crying, and looking like the biggest sap in front of the doctor? Hell, he didn’t care, this was a special time for him and Sheridan, and he wasn’t going to be closed with his emotions when it came to their child.
“Sheridan, why didn’t you use Eve as your doctor?”
“You must have not read that part in the book,” Sheridan smiled. “Luis, Eve is not a obstetrician, and you need to go to someone that specializes in this sort of thing.”
“Oh,” he said red faced. “I guess I should stop skipping around, and read the thing from the beginning.”
Sheridan leaned over, and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “You are so cute.”
“You’re pretty cute yourself.”
When they arrived at the clinic, the nurse told them that Dr. Ramsey would be able to see them in a few minutes. Luis asked her if Dr. Ramsey was male or female, and when Sheridan said female, Luis smiled with relief. The nurse finally told them that the doctor could see them now. She led them into the doctor’s office, and Dr. Ramsey greeted them graciously, and asked them to have a seat.
“So Sheridan, how have you been feeling.”
“Just wonderful, and the morning sickness is starting to subside. In fact, doctor I’ve never felt better.”
“And what about you Mr. Lopez-Fitzgerald, how have you been feeling?”
“Excuse me?”
“Pregnancy can be an adjustment for the father’s too. You don’t feel neglected, or lost in the shuffle?
“No doctor……, this is the happiest time of my life,” Luis said, still confused.
“Have you been taking the pre-natal vitamins I prescribed for you?
“Yes doctor,” she said grabbing Luis’ hand. “I have been very good. My husband watches me like a hawk.”
“Well good for him. Why don’t we go to the examining room so I can check you out? My nurse will show you the way, and give you a gown.”
The nurse stepped out so Sheridan could slip into her gown. Luis helped her undress, and Sheridan sat on the edge of the examining table. Within minutes the doctor arrived, and Sheridan lay back on the table.
Luis got up from the chair he had been sitting in. “I think I’ll wait outside, if that’s all right,” he said leaving the room.
“Sometimes these big brave father’s can be a little skittish,” Dr. Ramsey said with a smile.
“Luis always tries to act like such a tuff guy, but he’s really a softie at heart.”
The doctor performed her exam, and when she checked the baby’s heartbeat, she stood up with a pensive look on her face. She told Sheridan that she would like to perform an Ultra Sound.
Sheridan felt a bolt of fear rush through her. “Dr. what’s wrong? Is something wrong with the baby?”
“Just calm down Sheridan, I just want to run some test, you’re baby appears to be fine.”
Dr. Ramsey stepped out of the office and called to Luis. “How would you like to see you’re baby?”
“Oh my God……. yes!”
Luis held Sheridan’s hand as the doctor squirted the gel on her tummy. She explained everything in detail as she performed the procedure. Sheridan and Luis watched in wonder when they saw the form of their baby on the monitor.
“Just as I suspected, see there,” the doctor said pointing to the monitor. “You two are having twins.”
“Twins,” they both said at the same time.
“Oh Luis, can you believe it. This is wonderful news,” Sheridan said, as tears gathered in her eyes.
But Luis didn’t answer, because he was laying past out cold on the floor.
Chapter 21
Dr. Ramsey ran over to Luis to try to revive him. Since Sheridan was still lying on the table, she looked on helplessly. Luis came around finally, and Dr. Ramsey asked the nurse to get him some orange juice. When he was finally up and was acting like normal again, he gave Sheridan a sheepish smile.
“Mr. Lopez-Fitzgerald, are you sure you are all right,” Dr. Ramsey asked.
“Yes, Luis, it’s not like you to pass out,” Sheridan said with concern in her voice.
“Look I’m fine, I promise, I was just struck by the news of us having twins. Doctor is this really true?”
“Yes,” Dr. Ramsey said smiling. “The evidence is right here.”
Luis walked over to the examining table to hold Sheridan’s hand. And the doctor told them that they were having fraternal twins, and explained that there were two separate eggs.
“You mean they won’t look exactly alike?” Luis asked, looking at the doctor with surprise.
“Well they could look alike, just because they have the same parents, but the truth is you could be having twins of the opposite sex, and I don’t think you would want them to look alike in that case,” the doctor said laughing.
“So Dr. Ransey, can you tell the sex of the babies right now?” Sheridan asked, looking at the monitor.
“It’s a little too soon to tell, but I would say in a few weeks and we should be able to determine that. That is, if the two of you are interested in knowing ahead of time.”
“Luis, do you want to know ahead of time, because I do,” Sheridan asked Luis.
“Are you kidding? I definitely want to know.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek.
On the way home Sheridan looked over at Luis, and he was sitting there with a stupid smile on his face. She took his hand in hers, “You’re pretty quiet over there daddy, aren’t you going to say anything about our big news?”
“Wow, Sheridan I’m still trying to process this whole thing. It’s pretty exciting though, to find out all of a sudden we have two babies coming. But….. honey, will you do me a favor, and not tell anybody about me passing out?”
“All right, you’re secret is safe with me, I’ll promise, but what’s with you anyway. What happened to my tough guy?”
“There is not much that gets to me, but when I heard we were going to have twins, I was just so overwhelmed……..” Luis didn’t say what was really overwhelming to him, but now that he had a third person to be concerned about, and if something happened tomorrow at the drug lab, then who would take care of his family? He just had to think positive, and that everything would turn out all right.
Lightening his mood, he laughed, “two eggs, I pack a pretty powerful punch, if I do say so myself.”
Sheridan chuckled, “I was wondering how long it would take you to bring the macho thing into this.”
That night Luis made love to Sheridan slowly, sweetly, and with so much passion there was no question about his love for her. He held her through the night, praying that this would not be the last night he had with her. The next morning Sheridan noticed he seemed distracted, and she asked him if something was wrong.
“No, how could anything be wrong, when I’m married to the love of my life, and now we have two beautiful babies on the way, I couldn’t be happier.”
“I’ve decided not to go to work today. I’m just too happy right now to let Julian ruin my day. Now that we have two babies on the way, there’s twice as much to buy. I thought I would go to that shop downtown, because they have the cutest things for babies. Since we’re having twins, what do you think about a Noah’s Ark theme for the nursery?” Sheridan noticed Luis’ distraction again, “Luis did you just hear a word I said?
“Yeah, you said you wanted to do the nursery with a Noah’s Ark theme. That’s cute……… all the animals in twos.”
“Well, I was hoping that you would come with me. Don’t you think it would be fun to do this together?”
“Sweetie, I would like nothing better then to spend the day with you picking out baby things, but I have to go to work today.”
“I know you’re Mr. Responsible, but just this time can’t you play hooky today?”
If only he could, but Sheridan was right he was responsible, and he had a job to do. What kind of a man would he be, and what kind of an example would he set for his children if he didn’t complete the job he set out to do? “I’m sorry, but I just can’t today Sher. Promise me you understand?”
“I do understand, I know how committed you are, and that’s one of the reason’s I love you so much. But a girl can’t help but try. I’ll tell you what, I’ll bring home some samples of wall paper and fabrics to show you.”
When Luis got ready to leave, he pulled Sheridan into a tight hug. He stepped back and looked at her. “Just remember how much I love you.”
“I love you too……….. but, Luis are you sure everything is all right?”
“Everything is fine. Now, give me a kiss, and I’ll see you later tonight.”
Luis and Ace had managed to make their way through the woods next to the drug lab, so that they were practically on top of it now. It had taken a while to get there because they had come in from the side instead of the front, and had to go through some pretty dense forest to get there. Luis had climbed a tree, trying to get a feel for how many of these thugs were in residence. From what he could tell so far, there were the two guards at the front gate, and about three other guys inside the lab. He tried to keep focused on his purpose, but flashes of Sheridan’s beautiful face that morning kept popping into his mind. His life was so good right now, and with twins on the way he had every reason to succeed with this case so he could concentrate on being with Sheridan, and waiting for the birth of their babies. After what seemed like hours, the three guys walked out the door of the lab, and one of the guys yelled to the guards, that they were going into town to get something to eat, and did they want them to bring something back for them. The guards gave them their orders for food, and the three piled into a van, while the guards let them out of the gate.
Luis decided this was his chance. He was going to circle around the back, and try to cut through the fence, and go through one of the back windows. He was not a killer by nature, but he was armed to the teeth, and he was prepared to shoot if one of the guards discovered his presence. Him and Ace made there way quietly around to the back fence with no difficulty, and Luis cut a hole big enough for him to slip through. He silently gave Ace the order to stand guard at the fence, and to signal for him at any sign of trouble. Picking the lock on the window proved to be no problem, and Luis was just climbing through it when all hell broke loose. All of a sudden Ace was barking, and the last thing he remembered before blackness descended upon him was his shout for Ace to get out of there and run like hell.
Chad broke speed records driving back from the Capital. He had a very bad feeling that something bad was going down at that drug lab. His meeting today with his director had not gone well either, because he was told that until they could get some hard evidence, that him and Luis were basically on there own. It was amazing how much money and power dictated the guidelines for these bureaucrats. As soon as he was within range, Chad tried calling Luis, and after about the fifth time with no answer, he was convinced that his gut feeling was correct, something was very wrong. Since he wasn’t going to get any help from the DEA on this, it was time to take matters into his own hands, and he didn’t give a damn if he broke ever rule in the book. Sometimes a man had to throw caution to the wind and go for broke, especially when it meant saving a friends life.
Chad’s first stop was the Crane mansion, and when maid answered the door, and told him that Mr. Crane was still at the office, he wasted no time making his way to Crane Industries. Since he worked there as a Security Guard, nobody questioned his presence as he walked through the halls of the executive suite toward Julian Crane’s office. If he had to, he would take Julian’s sorry butt hostage in order to get Luis out of there.
Sheridan was having so much fun picking out baby furniture, and choosing wall paper and fabrics for the nursery, that she hadn’t realized how much time had gone by. It was already late afternoon, and she wanted to be home when Luis got there. One of the clerks was getting together some samples for Sheridan to take home, when a strange feeling that something was wrong came over her. Why, all of a sudden did she feel like Luis was in some kind of trouble? Maybe part of it had to do with the way he had been acting that morning. He had been so distracted, almost remote at times. She had convinced herself at the time that he was still overwhelmed with the news that they were having twins, but now she was sure it was something else. Taking the time to reflect on the situation, it was almost as if he knew he was going into a dangerous situation. She was starting to panic now because the feeling was getting stronger by the minute. She told the clerk that she would be back for the samples and ran for her car. She tried dialing Luis’ cell phone, and when the recorded voice came on and said that the party she was trying to call was either out of range, or had turned off the phone. She then tried calling their house, and the recorder picked up. She was now convinced something was terribly wrong, and she knew the only person that would have any idea where Luis might be was Chad. She tried calling his apartment, and when his recorder picked up, she called Crane Industries. The receptionist told her that she had just seen Chad, so Sheridan decided to head over there to get some answers.
When Luis came to, he was standing, tied up against a wooden beam, and his head felt like someone had hit him with a sledgehammer. When his vision finally cleared, and he was able to focus, the first face he saw was Frankie’s.
“Well, well guys, it looks like Ricky, or what ever the hell his name is, has decided to join the living again. Too bad he’s only going to be around long enough to give us some information. He still looks a little out of it, somebody throw some water on him, and maybe it will make him more alert.”
Luis came fully awake when somebody threw a bucket of cold water over his head. The first thing he thought of was the fate of Ace. “Where’s my dog?
“Oh I wouldn’t look for him to save you, he ran away after he managed to take a chunk out of Shorty’s arm.”
Good, Luis thought that’s exactly what Ace was trained to do in an impossible situation. When things looked bad, he would get help, and Chad would know something happened when he wouldn’t be able to reach him on the cell. He had to stall these guys long enough to give Chad a chance to bring in the troops. “So Frankie, you’ve got quite the operation going on here. It’s too bad the whole thing is getting ready to blow up in your face.”
“You’re kind of cocky for a guy that’s not long for this world,” Frankie said laughing.
“Come on Frankie……. drug smuggling, possession with intent to sell…… I really don’t think you want to add the murder of a cop to your list of crimes.”
“Well, the way I see it, it’s your butt or mine, so when it really comes down to it, there’s really no choice at all.”
“You’re not a very smart guy Frankie. Do you think I’m the only one who knows about this operation? The DEA and the State Police both know about this whole dirty business, and they will be on you faster then you can move these kilo’s out of here. There looks like a least a hundred or more over there,” Luis said nodding his head to the table with the plastic bags full of white power stacked on top.
Did Frankie actually look shaken after his last statement? “You guys keep an eye on him, I’m going to call the boss to find out what he wants me to do about this.”
You mean call Julian, Luis thought silently. He knew it didn’t look good for him, but he had every reason to fight to stay alive. He thought about Sheridan, and the twin’s, and he was more determined then ever to make it home to them.
When Chad got to Julian’s suite of offices, he was thankful that the place was deserted. He didn’t need anyone around to get in his way. It was after five, so his secretary must have gone home for the day. He approached Julian’s office silently so he would take him by surprise, and as he stood before the door, he cocked his gun, and kicked the door open. Julian had his back to him at first. He was standing at a wall safe loading stacks of money into a small suitcase. When he heard the commotion behind him he turned to see Chad standing there with a gun pointed directly at him.
“Going somewhere Jules?”
“Chad? What the hell are you doing here?”
“You and I are going to take a little trip together.”
“A trip, have you lost your mind? Why would I take a trip with you?”
“Well you see Jules, I know all about your little operation,” Chad said flashing his badge to Julian.
“So, you’re not the low-life street punk everyone believed you to be. But it doesn’t really matter, because you have a lot of nerve coming in here and threatening me. By the time I’m done with you that badge you carry will be nothing but a fond memory.”
“It’s just you and me now Jules, and none of your power and the influence your so free to throw around will make a damn bit of difference right now. You see this gun I have pointed at you right now will do all the talking.”
“Just spit it out Chad……… what is it that you want from me?
“I want you and me to go out to that drug lab of yours, so I can make a little trade.”
“Drug Lab? You must be delusional, what the hell are you talking about. I don’t know about any drug lab?”
“Cut the crap Jules, the gig is up, and I can tell by the way you’re loading up that bag with all that money that you know it too. Your goons have Luis, and we’re going to take a drive out there so that I can make a little trade.”
“What kind of a trade are you talking about.”
“I’m going to trade your life for Luis’ life. You know an eye for an eye.”
“Sorry Chad, I hate to burst your bubble, but I have a plane to catch, and I wouldn’t walk across the street to save Luis’ life. In fact, who ever is holding him prisoner would be doing me a big favor to finally get him out of my life for good.”
“So you know he’s being held as a prisoner. That’s it, you’re coming with me now, because I will have no problem putting a bullet in you, if you refuse.”
“Oh, that’s where you’re wrong Chad, because you won’t shoot me.”
“What makes you so sure?”
“Because………. you don’t really want to be responsible for shooting your own father.”
Chad started to shake, his head spinning. “You’re a damn liar, you’re not my father,” Chad shouted at him.
“If you don’t believe me, why don’t you ask you’re good friend Dr. Russell.”
“Dr. Russell? What the hell does she have to do with this?”
“Because she……………”
But Chad didn’t hear the rest, because in his shaken state he wasn’t prepared for the hit by Julian’s henchman, before he sank into oblivion.
Chapter 22
As Sheridan approached Crane Industries, she saw the Crane helicopter waiting on the lawn. What was going on? She knew that Julian had no business trips planned, so who was taking the helicopter out? As she pulled her car in front of the building to park, she saw Julian with some other men running toward the helicopter. If she wasn’t convinced before, she knew now that something was very wrong. She had to find Chad, and she prayed that nothing terrible had happened to him. As she ran into the building, she found it strange that the place was so deserted. Even when the plant was closed for the day, there was usually still security around, but strangely none were present. When she had called earlier the receptionist had told her that she had seen Chad heading for the executive suites, so that was the first place she checked. Calling Chad’s name, and getting no response, she started looking in offices. When she opened the door to Julian’s office, she didn’t see Chad lying on the floor at first, but when she looked down and saw his prone body on the floor; she let out a scream when she saw the blood from a head womb. Squatting down beside him, she checked his pulse, and breathed a sign of relief to find him still alive. She ran over to the phone, and called 911, and told them hurry to Crane Industries.
“Ms. Crane………. what happened?
“Reese? What are you doing here?
“I left my backpack here today, and it had my homework in it……. Oh God, what happened to Chad? He’s not dead, is he?”
“No Reese, he’s still breathing, I just pray that his head injury isn’t too serious.”
Just then Chad started to stir…… “Get…….. help……… Julian…….. Luis…….”
Fear shot through Sheridan like a bolt of lightening. “Chad, where is Luis?
“Drug……… lab……”
“Drug lab? Chad, what drug lab?”
“Call……. Sam……. drug lab……. Old……. Harmony Road……. water tower”
She remembered,….. the map. She could see it as plain as day. When she had asked Luis what it was, he had said it had something to do with the case. That had to be where the drug lab was. She ran over to the desk, and sketched out a rough map from what she remembered, and gave it to Reese. Remembering that Julian always kept a gun in his drawer, she checked, and was thankful to find it there. She grabbed it and stuck it in her purse.
“Listen to me Reese. I want you to call Chief Bennett, and give him this map. Tell him that Luis is there, and could be in serious trouble. I want you to stay with Chad until the EMT’s get here.”
“But Ms. Crane…… where are you going?”
“I’m going to get my husband,” Sheridan said with determination.
“Noooo……,” Chad mumbled.
But Sheridan wasn’t listening, because she was already running out the door. She was beyond rational thinking, because fear for Luis was the only thing that was motivating her right now. If anything happened to him, she didn’t think she could handle it. It all made so much sense now, his distraction, the way he looked at her this morning. He knew the whole time that he was walking into a dangerous situation that could get him killed. If he made it out of this alive, he was going to have some explaining to do. But she couldn’t think about that right now, she had to concentrate on finding this place, because she knew that it would start to get dark soon. She was driving down Old Harmony Road when she saw him….. running toward her like manna from heaven.
Luis watched as Frankie and the other goons packed up the kilos, running around like chickens with their heads cut off. It was obvious that Frankie’s call to Julian had warned him that what Luis had predicted earlier was a strong possibility, and their operation was getting ready to come down. Maybe Chad had somehow gotten to Julian, and he just hoped that he was all right, because unless Ace could get help, Chad was his only ticket out of here.
“Hurry up and move this stuff, we don’t have much time,” Frankie yelled to the small group of men packing the kilos up.
Luis tried to work the ropes free, but it was difficult to give it a lot of effort, because he was right out in the open, and anyone could catch him. He was pissed at himself for getting caught. Frankie had come out of nowhere, almost like they were laying in wait for him, instead of the other way around. It was obvious that their intention was to move the cocaine out of here, and close down shop, but the question was, what were their plans for him? There was one thing for sure, he was not one to stand around and guess his fate, and he wanted to know what they had in store for him, so he could plan accordingly.
“Frankie…….. come here,” Luis shouted over the commotion,
Frankie looked up, and walked over to Luis. “What do you want Luis, yeah I found out your real name. As you can see I’m a busy man…….”
“I want to know what you have planned for me?”
“Well, we’re getting the hell out of here, but you’re going to stay right where you are.”
“I thought you were going to kill me. What happened Frankie, did it finally sink in that killing a cop would be a bad idea?”
“I don’t have to kill you, because the fire will,” Frankie said with an evil smile. “Now quit bugging me, I’ve got work to do.”
Damn! If they started this place on fire, and it reached those chemicals they use to process the coke, this place would blow sky-high. He had to get out of here, or he wouldn’t live to see another day. God, where was Chad? Where was Ace? How could he bare never seeing Sheridan again? He would never be able to see his babies……. teach them about life. He struggled with the ropes, trying desperately to loosen them. He could tell things were winding down here, and these thugs would be leaving soon.
Sheridan pulled the car over, and opened the passenger side door to let Ace in. She hoped Ace being here was a good sign that Luis was still alive. As she continued on, she finally spotted the water tower up ahead. As she approached the turn, a dark blue van came flying out of a side road, and turned onto Old Harmony Road. The van flew past them at a high rate of speed, and she prayed that Luis wasn’t in there. Ace whined, urging her on, and she turned into the road, and followed it back, until she spotted the building enclosed by a high fence. She stopped the car in front of the closed gate, and Ace jumped out of the car and followed her. It was nearing dusk, and she needed to hurry before she lost the light.
Sheridan approached the gate, and let out a little scream of frustration when she noticed the lock on the gate. Ace barked to get her attention, and she followed him around the perimeter of the fence to an opening big enough for her to crawl through.
“Good boy Ace. Lead me to Luis.”
They ran around to the front of the building, and fortunately the front door was not locked. Sheridan entered, following Ace down a hallway, and called out Luis’ name.
Luis couldn’t believe it. Was he hearing things? First, he could have sworn that he heard Ace bark, and now Sheridan calling out to him? There, he heard it again, Sheridan’s voice. He was never so happy to hear her voice in his life, but at the same time he was mad as hell. What in God’s name had possessed her to come here, and put her life and the lives of their babies in danger? He could smell the smoke now, and pretty soon this place would be engulfed. The outside was cement block, but the inside was filled with wooden beams and crates.
Luis called out to her. “Sheridan, I’m back here.”
Sheridan came flying into the room. “Thank God, Luis.” She ran toward him throwing her arms around him, kissing his face.
“Sheridan damn it, what the hell are you doing here?”
“Well….. I could ask the same question of you.”
“It’s not the same thing, and you know it.”
“What am I supposed to do, when I find Chad knocked unconscious in Julian’s office, mumbling that you’re in danger.”
“You call Sam, that’s what you do.”
“I did call Sam…….”
“Look Sheridan, let’s not argue. In case you didn’t notice, the buildings on fire, and we have to get you out of here. See if you can find something to cut these ropes.”
Sheridan looked around, until she found a tool used for splitting open cardboard boxes. She cut the robes binding Luis’ hands and feet. As angry as he was he hugged her, and grabbed her hand. “Come on let’s get out of here.” They ran down the hall, with Ace close at their heels. Luis knew time was of the essence, not just because of the fire, but once it hit those chemicals this place was going to blow, and he had to get Sheridan as far away from here as possible before it happened.
They ran, trying to avoid the fire. Luis looked up, and noticed the ceiling above them was ablaze. He saw the beam starting to fall, and pushed Sheridan back out of the way, and a part of the ceiling caved in, falling and trapping his leg under the debris. Sheridan had landed on her behind, but was unscathed.
“Sheridan, are you all right?”
“I’m fine….. Luis where are you?” Sheridan got up, looking around, and then she spotted him lying there under the rubble. “Oh my God.” She ran toward him squatting down beside him.
“Listen to me Sheridan, my leg is trapped, you have to get out of here and get help.”
“No……. I’ll help move the beam.”
“You can’t…….. for God’s sake, you’re pregnant. Go Sheridan…… Sam should be out there now, and you have to get out of here.”
She was crying now, her tears streaking through the soot on her face. “I don’t want to leave you Luis, please don’t ask me to.”
“Listen to me, there are chemicals back there that they use to cut the drugs, and as soon as this fire hits them this whole place could blow up. If you stay here, then we’re all going to die. You have to get Sam’s help.” He put his hands on her face, “Sheridan you have to think of the babies.”
Mention of the babies must have finally gotten through her. “Ok Luis, I’ll go get help…….”
“That’s my girl. Listen to me sweetie, as soon as you get out the door; I want you to run as fast as you can. You have to get far away, because if this building blows up the force of the explosion will send you flying, and I don’t want you or the babies to be injured.”
“Don’t even say it…… this building is not going to blow up. Not with you in here,” she said crying.
“You have to go now Sheridan, and get Sam’s help. Ace can stay here with me, but we can’t waste anymore time.” He pulled her into his arms and kissed her. “I love you.”
“I love you too, and I promise you we’re going to get you out of here.”
Sheridan got up, and made her way toward the front door, she turned to look at him one last time, before she ran out into the darkness. The front gate was still locked, so she ran around to the back, and crawled through the opening in the fence. As soon as she circled around to the front, she began running down the road, and saw the flashing light heading toward her.
When Sam saw her in the headlights running toward him, he stopped the car, and got out. “Sheridan, what are you doing here? Where’s Luis?”
She was out of breath, and it took her a minute to get the words out. “Sam, you have to help Luis, he’s trapped in there. Part of the ceiling fell and his leg is stuck under a beam. Please Sam, you have to go now….. Luis said there were some kind of chemicals in there, and if the fire hits them……. You have to go now.”
“What’s going on here Chief Bennett?”
Sheridan hadn’t noticed the State Police there, but she looked up, and saw flashing lights all over the place. “Please, would somebody listen to me,” Sheridan shouted. “Luis is trapped in there, oh God he going to get burned, and if the fire reaches those chemicals………. damn it, somebody do something……….”
But Sheridan didn’t get a chance to finish what she was saying, because suddenly the earth shook with an explosion that sent them reeling backward. Luckily Sheridan was standing by Sam, and he kept her from falling. She turned around, and saw the building engulfed in flames, and a scream tore out of her, and she turned and started running toward the building. Sam took off after her, and pulled her back.
“Noooooooo, let go. You were supposed to save him……. he was counting on you,” she said sobbing loudly. “Please Sam, we have to do something,” she said beating on his chest.
“Listen to me Sheridan……. Luis knew it was impossible. He had to get you out of there, he knew……….”
“No Sam, No,” she sobbed against his chest. She had never felt such intense pain. Dear God, what would she do, how could she survive after this. She wanted Luis back……. she needed him, her babies needed him………. Did she hear barking? Or was she in shock and just imagining things? No, she did hear barking. She turned around, and froze when she saw him, silhouetted against the backdrop of the flames, limping toward her, with Ace beside him.
“Oh my God,” she screamed, as she ran toward him. He held his arms out as she flew into them. “Luis! Oh my God, Luis,” she said holding onto him for dear life.
“Yes baby, it’s me…….. I promise,” he said holding her close.
“Luis buddy,” Sam said, running up to them. “How and the hell did you manage to get out of there.”
“Well after Sheridan left, I was trying to work my leg out, and God must have been smiling on me, because the beam shifted enough for me to slip out from under it.”
“But what took you so long to get out here?”
“The force of the explosion threw me because I was still close to the building, and it took me a while to scrape myself off the ground.”
Sheridan stepped back from him, and noticed all the abrasions on him. “Come on Luis, we need to get you to the hospital.”
“You need to go to the hospital too. I want the doctor to check you out.”
“You both need to get to a hospital,” Sam said leading them both to his cruiser.
“Luis, what about Ace? Is he all right?”
“Yes sweetheart, Ace is just fine.”
“Sam, how is Chad?”
“He’s going to be fine. In fact you’ll probably see him at the hospital when you get there.”
As they walked to Sam’s cruiser, Luis said, “Well Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald, I say we should have that wedding before you get any bigger.”
“Yeah,” she said patting her belly. “I certainly wouldn’t want to show poor taste.”
Click here to read Part 3!