Unnecessary Roughness

A wonderful story by Dabba Do.

Chapter 1

Luis noticed the group of women giggling at the bar. His curiosity grew as he observed their expressions. The blonde he’d been focusing on turned around for just a brief second, and he was able to see her face. The minute Luis saw her, his jaw dropped to the floor. She was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen. Her smile lit up the room. He had to meet her.

Luis jumped when Marty Quinlan set two amber pints on the table. “What did I tell you, Luis? Isn’t this place unbelievable?” he asked as the two young men sat in the heart of New York City at the Oak Room Bar of the Plaza Hotel. Nice digs for two rookie cops on leave for a weekend training class.

Luis continued staring at the mystery woman who sat with her three friends just thirty feet away. “I told you Pete would come through for us. Peter Quinlan, Marty’s first cousin, had been working at the hotel for two years and had been able to get a good rate for them.

Marty continued talking about the class and the hotel, while Luis tried to read the lips of the women at the bar. He was going to have to get closer if he wanted to uncover their conversation. “Marty, I’m going to the bar. Want anything?” Marty shook his head, wondering why Luis would be placing another order when he’d just brought two tall beers to the table.

Luis got as close to the women as he could without raising suspicion. He listened intently as the redhead in the group led the discussion. “Okay,” she shouted as the women all spoke at the same time. “We’ve heard from everyone except Sheridan.” The pretty blonde blushed. Luis committed her name to memory. He was sure he’d heard this unusual name before but couldn’t think where.

Her loud friend repeated, “Come on, Sheridan. Jamie told us her requirements. Bryn’s already got Phillip, as we all know, and I’ve revealed what it takes to impress me.” They all laughed at her candor. “Tell us your idea of the perfect man.” This was getting good and Luis wasn’t going to miss it.

Sheridan hesitated and then answered, “Well, he would have to be decent and honorable. Handsome, but not necessarily drop dead gorgeous. It would be nice if he had a good sense of humor. Devotion to family is a must.” She paused and thought about her final statement.

Jamie, the petite brunette, suggested her thoughts on what it took, “Loaded?” Sheridan shook her head, “Money’s not important.” Bryn, a tall, willowy blonde, smiled, thinking she had the answer, “Successful?” Again Sheridan said no. “As long as he enjoys what he does and it makes him happy.”

Finally, the redhead spoke, “I’ve got it. Hung like a bear with the sex drive of a nineteen-year old?” Everyone laughed, while Sheridan blushed, “Linda?” Sheridan said in a state of shock. Linda smiled, “Don’t even tell me that sex isn’t an issue.” Sheridan grinned devilishly and replied, “It’s icing on the cake but not a requirement.”

All the girls cackled, while Luis reviewed the list in his mind. It was a tall order, but he was up for the challenge. He was just waiting for Sheridan’s final requirement. “Don’t keep us in suspense, Sheridan,” Bryn demanded.

Sheridan sighed, “I just want someone who’s gentle. A man who doesn’t shout or fight or hit or push.” Jamie and Bryn exchanged concerned looks until Jamie finally broke the silence, “Yeah, gentle’s good. Every women deserves that.”

Luis was intrigued. He wondered why this comment had quieted the group. Before he could think about it, he saw Marty motioning to him. There was a group of very drunk, very rowdy men walking into the bar, and one of the men was staggering over to a table where two young girls sat alone.

“Helloooo, lovely ladies,” he slurred. “May I join you this evening?” the drunkard spat. The two girls, who appeared to be in their teens, seemed frightened by this proposition.

“Listen, Buddy,” Marty interrupted, “I think these girls would like to be left alone. Why don’t you move it along?” Luis walked over to back him up. The lout turned to Marty and got into his face. “Am I moving in on your territory, Sparky? You got a thing for Virgin Pus...” Before he could finish the statement, Luis was towering over him.

“Looks like you’ve had one too many, Mack. Why don’t you make this easy on us all, turn around and walk out of here quietly?” Luis suggested firmly.

“No one tells me what to do, least of all some Loco Lupe who just got off the boat,” the foul man replied. Luis felt the rage rising, but he tried to control the anger that burned within. Marty stepped in, “Listen, I’d get the hell out of here before he loses his temper,” he warned the drunkard.

In the blink of an eye, the intoxicated man drew back his fist and walloped poor Marty. Luis drew back his fist without noticing the group of people standing behind him. He heard the yelp from behind and felt his elbow make contact with a bystander. When he turned around, he saw that he had knocked the pretty blonde to the floor.

“Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry,” he said as he leaned over to help her up. “Look out!” she screamed. Before Luis could heed her warning, the belligerent drunk hit him over the head with a bottle. “Stop it,” another woman from the group shouted. Then everything went blurry as the entire bar began fighting.

Twenty minutes later, Marty was explaining the situation to the local authorities as they hauled off the instigator in cuffs. Luis was sitting at the bar next to the woman he’d hit. She held an ice pack on her left eye, while Luis held a pack on the back of his head.

He turned to her. Her friends were all giving statements to the police. “Are you okay?” he whispered as he touched her face to inspect the eye. She lifted the pack and he observed the swollen blue skin around her eye. “Jeez, did I do that? I’m so, so sorry,” he apologized profusely.

“Please don’t apologize. This wasn’t your fault,” she replied. Luis remembered the list she’d shared with her friends earlier. He suddenly realized he’d failed the final criteria, no fighting. A bar room brawl was never going to impress this woman.

“I should have left well enough alone,” he offered, “but it’s my job to protect and serve. I guess I got a little carried away tonight.” Luis felt like he’d given a decent explanation for his actions.

Sheridan realized he was a cop and smiled, “I’m Sheridan, by the way. What’s your name, Officer?” she grinned as she extended her hand. “Luis,” he replied, “Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald.” Sheridan’s smile grew wider when she heard his surname.

“What brings you to the big city, Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald?” she asked. “How’d you know I was from out of town? Does it show?” he blushed. Sheridan grinned, “Lucky guess.” Luis continued, “I take it you’re a local, then?” Sheridan shook her head, “No, although I do spend a lot of time in New York. I flew in three days ago for my friend’s wedding.”

Luis grew concerned when he noticed the swelling on her eye developing even more. “Please tell me you’re not in the wedding?” Sheridan replied, “I was supposed to be, but now I doubt that I will be.”

Luis felt terrible. “Did you have to come a long way?” he asked. “All the way from Paris, France,” she answered, “but not to worry, I was moving back to the States anyway. I just got out of a very bad relationship,” she admitted, uncertain as to why she was able to tell this man her most guarded secrets.

Luis was thrilled with this news, but he still felt awful about preventing her from being in her friend’s wedding. “I am so sorry that you’re not going to be able to be in the wedding because I gave you a black eye.” Sheridan quickly responded, “No, you misunderstand, Luis. I’m not going to be in the wedding because I doubt there is going to be a wedding. The police just carted off the groom, and the bride is refusing to post bail.”

Luis was shocked by this news, but he couldn’t help laughing. “That guy was a friend of yours?” Sheridan shook her head, “No, I just met him for the first time yesterday. He was supposed to be getting married to my friend, Bryn, but now I’m not so sure about that. Linda always said Phillip was a jerk. Guess it’s better Bryn found out now rather than later,” Sheridan revealed.

“Luis,” Marty shouted from across the room as he motioned for him to come over. Luis was hoping that he wouldn’t have to leave Sheridan. “Listen, I have to give my statement, Sheridan, and you should get that eye looked at tonight.” He hesitated about asking her out but decided to take a chance. “I’m gonna be in town for the rest of the weekend taking a class. Maybe we can get together,” he suggested.

Sheridan nodded, “I’d like that, although I’m not sure that I’ll be around now that the wedding is probably canceled.” Luis was concerned that he might never see this woman again. “Is there some way I can reach you?”

Sheridan smiled, “Are you staying here at the hotel?” Luis nodded. “I’ll call you and let you know my plans. Go do what you have to do, Officer,” Sheridan ordered. Luis stood up and began to walk away.

Sheridan called after him, “Hey Luis, what kind of class are you taking?” He was surprised to hear her voice again. He turned and answered, “It’s a training class on domestic violence. We’re starting a unit at the Harmony PD.” Sheridan nodded, “Good to know.” She stood up, walked over to her friends and they left the bar.

Chapter 2

Luis awoke the next morning feeling pretty rough. The gash on the back of his head was throbbing. He looked at the alarm clock and realized that he only had half an hour to make it to the class. He figured Marty probably overslept too and went to wake him. The two men rushed to class for a full day of training.

Both Marty and Luis were ravenous by that evening. The instructors really tried to cram in all the information they could since it was the last day. Marty suggested that they look for a restaurant nearby, but Luis wanted to check his messages at the hotel just in case she’d called.

They walked into the grand lobby of The Plaza Hotel, and Luis made his way to the front desk. “Any messages for Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald?” he asked. The clerk checked his box and handed him the note.

Dear Luis,

I stopped by on my way to the airport. Sorry I missed you and that I wasn’t able to show you around the city. Maybe another time. I enjoyed meeting you last night and hope to see you again soon. Hope your class went well. What you’re doing is going to make a tremendous difference in the lives of so many people. Remember that. Take care.

Sheridan

P.S. The eye looks much better and doesn’t hurt at all. Call me if you like. My cell phone number is 412-8774.

Luis smiled when he read the last line. Even this woman’s words made him feel all tingly inside. She was definitely special, and he was going to call her right away. He was just about to dial the numbers when he saw that Marty was ready to gnaw off his own hand.

“Come on, let’s get something to eat,” Luis suggested. “I’ll call her when we get back.”

After dinner, Luis returned to the hotel, while Marty met his cousin, Pete, down at the bar. Luis nervously dialed the number and tried to remain calm as he heard the first ring. The second ring came and went and he was getting impatient. By the fourth ring, Luis was ready to hang up, but then he heard her voice.

“Hello?” Sheridan answered.

“Sheridan? It’s Luis, Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald. I hope I’m not calling too late. I don’t even know what time zone you’re in,” he rambled.

“Same as you,” she replied. Luis could tell she had a smile on her face as she spoke.

“You left before we got to go out,” he said with disappointment in his voice.

“I know,” she sighed, “but there’ll be other opportunities.”

Luis was intrigued by her confidence. He really liked her, but a trip to another city seemed serious for a first date. “You sound pretty sure of yourself. How are you certain that we’ll going to meet up, I wonder?”

Sheridan was silent for a moment, “Oh, I’ll track you down, Officer. You can be sure of that.”

Now it was Luis’ turn to be silent. He didn’t know if he should be worried by her comments or flattered. After all, he’d known her for less than twenty-four hours, if that. What if she were a nutcase? Luis shook off these thoughts. Sheridan wasn’t loopy. She seemed pretty normal at the bar last night.

“I take it by your silence that you’re a little worried,” Sheridan giggled.

“Not at all,” Luis replied, “just intrigued.”

“On that note, I’ll let you go, Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald,” she stated.

“Wait,” Luis shouted. “Can I call you again?”

“I’ll be looking forward to it,” Sheridan replied. “What time do you get back home tomorrow?” she asked.

“My flight gets in around three in the afternoon, I think. I should be home at about 3:30 or so,” Luis stated.

“I’ll see you then,” Sheridan said and then caught herself. “I mean, I’ll talk to you then.”

“Goodnight, Sheridan,” Luis said with a huge grin. “Goodnight, Luis,” she replied.

“Until tomorrow,” he said. “Until tomorrow,” Sheridan repeated.

Chapter 3

Luis had that feeling that people get when something exciting is about to happen, and he wasn’t really sure why. He and Marty walked off the plane. They were met at the gate by Sam Bennett.

“Sam,” Luis said surprised. “What are you doing here?” he asked.

“Nice to see you too,” Sam joked. He explained, “I thought I’d pick you guys up and see how your class went.”

“It was really good,” Marty replied, “except for the fight we got into,” he said, pointing to the large bruise on his jaw. “Luis and I ran into a bit of trouble in the Oak Room, Friday night.”

“I heard about it already,” Sam admitted. “The arresting officer called me to give me a heads up.”

Both Luis and Marty looked concerned. Sam smiled, “Getting into a bar room brawl wasn’t your objective, but the officer told me that the guy was really drunk and very aggressive, even after they arrested him.”

Sam saw Luis looking around the airport. “Pilar’s not coming, Luis,” Sam stated. “She’s got company.”

“Company?” Luis repeated. Sam nodded, “Yeah, some old friend who came back to town, I think.”

Sam dropped Marty off at the Quinlan house and then pulled up to the Lopez-Fitzgerald home. Before Luis got out of the car, Sam talked business with him. “This new DV unit is going to be really important, Luis. We’re all counting on you and Marty to head it up. Are you okay with that?”

Luis thought about this question for a moment. He got into this line of work to help people. After this weekend, he was sure that he could make a difference. He nodded and replied, “I’m ready for the challenge, Sam. Anyway, it beats the hell out of working homicides or drug busts.” Luis hated drug busts. The dealers always seemed to be back on the streets within twenty-four hours.

“You got the rundown this weekend?’ Sam asked referring to the staggering statistics surrounding the victims of domestic violence.

Luis nodded, “Yeah, I know the deal. Our instructors told us that more officers are injured of killed responding to domestic calls than any other emergency. They also discussed some of the situations we might face, especially when kids are involved.”

Sam sighed, “It’s not a pleasant assignment, but think of the difference you’ll be making in the community.” Sam’s words reminded him of the note Sheridan left for him at the hotel. He still had the note in his pocket and had looked at it several times on the flight home. He looked at his watch and remembered that he was due to call her soon. He couldn’t wait to hear her voice again.

Luis said goodbye to Sam and walked up the path to the back door. He entered the kitchen and saw a fresh pot of coffee on the counter. Pilar had also put the kettle on the stove for tea. Luis assumed the visitor must be some older relative or friend.

“Mama,” Luis called. He walked into the living room and heard his mother in the hallway. She was with someone and was showing this person the family pictures that hung on the wall.

“This is Theresa. She’s fourteen and such a good girl. She wants to be a fashion designer. And this is Miguel, my baby. He’s almost eleven and is very into sports. And this is...” Pilar was interrupted by her son’s voice calling to her. “Mama,” Luis shouted.

“There’s my son now,” Pilar stated. She walked into the living room, leaving her guest to look at the photos in the hallway. “Luis,” Pilar smiled as she hugged her son. “You’re home,” she grinned. Luis hugged her back and whispered into her ear, “Who’s here?”

Pilar grabbed his hand and led him to the hallway. “Someone very special, Luis. Someone very dear to my heart. Someone I haven’t seen in several years,” she explained.

Luis saw the back of the figure in the hallway and froze. Sheridan turned around and smiled at him. She extended her hand, “Hello, Luis,” she said.

Pilar explained, “Luis, this is Sheridan Crane,” she paused when she heard the whistle of the kettle. “Excuse me for just one moment,” Pilar said as she walked towards the kitchen.

Sheridan observed Luis’ expression. It was a mixture of elation, confusion, and suspicion.

“Before you start the interrogation, Officer, give me a chance to explain,” Sheridan said. Luis raised his brows and shrugged his shoulders, indicating that he was interested to hear her explanation.

“I was planning to return to Harmony today, but when the wedding was canceled, I decided to come home a day early to see my nephew, Ethan. He’s home from college this weekend. We thought we’d miss seeing each other since he was planning to return to school this morning and I wasn’t supposed to arrive until this afternoon.” Sheridan stated.

“I’d already called Pilar to let her know that I would be back in town today, and she asked me to stop by as soon as I got home. I couldn’t very well decline, and I couldn’t resist the opportunity to see your shocked face when you saw me standing in your home,” she smiled.

Luis was smirking as Sheridan justified her visit. In truth, he was happy to see her in the flesh, but the realization that she was a Crane put a damper on his emotions. “Crane?” he asked seeking affirmation.

Sheridan nodded, “Yep, that’s me.” She saw his smile fade and understood that he was not the biggest fan of her family. Before they could discuss the issue, they heard Pilar carrying the tray of drinks and cookies into the living room.

Luis sat and observed Sheridan as she talked to his mother. The way she held her cup, sipped her tea, delicately ate a cookie, and effortlessly smiled at his mother captivated him. Why did she have to be a Crane, he thought?

Pilar asked Luis about his trip. “Did you enjoy New York, Luis?”

Luis looked at Sheridan. Apparently she hadn’t told Pilar about their meeting. He decided to play along. “It was very interesting, Mama,” he answered as he took a sip of coffee.

“Did you like the class?” his mother continued.

Luis nodded, “It was really good. They gave us so a lot of valuable information. Sam’s expecting great things from us,” he replied.

Pilar turned to Sheridan and explained, “My son is going to head up a domestic violence unit at the police force.” She was so proud of him.

Sheridan smiled, “Really, that’s wonderful. I’m sure you’ll do very well, Luis. Do you have any experience breaking up fights?”

Luis was shocked by her gutsy moves. He called her out. “Yeah, I’ve been known to step in a time or two. The trick is diffusing a situation before any innocent bystanders get hurt.”

“I could see how that might be a problem,” Sheridan smiled.

Pilar was oblivious to the hidden undertones in the conversation. She was concerned about Sheridan and knew that she’d been very unhappy for the past year. However, Pilar didn’t want to get too personal in front of Luis and embarrass her guest.

She gently asked, “Sheridan, are you sure your eye doesn’t hurt?”

Sheridan looked at Luis and smiled, “Doesn’t hurt at all, Pilar.” She could tell that her friend wanted more of an explanation than she’d been given when Sheridan first arrived at the house.

“You know what a klutz I can be. It was just a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The person who I bumped into felt terrible about it and was very sweet and kind when they realized the consequences of our collision.”

Luis was in utter amazement by Sheridan’s ability to think on her feet. He shook his head in disbelief that she was covering for him. “It looks like it’s healing just fine,” he said.

“Yes, it is,” she said. “I was lucky. You should have seen the other guy,” she joked.

The three continued talking for a while until Sheridan said she needed to go. She hugged Pilar and Luis offered to walk her out to her car. Luis opened her car door and moved his arm by her shoulder as she stood in the opening.

“I want to see you again,” he stated with a gleam in his eye.

Sheridan smiled and tried to steady herself. She didn’t want Luis to see the way his closeness affected her. “What happened to the fact that I’m a Crane?” she asked.

Without any hesitation, he replied, “We’ll work around that.”

“I’m not the one who has a problem with it, Luis,” Sheridan argued.

Luis liked her moxy but wondered if she were really comfortable with her family’s reputation in the community. “My mistake, Miss Crane. I’ll work around it, or work through it, or do whatever it takes to get past it. All I know is if I don’t get to see you again, and soon, I’m not going to be able to function.”

Sheridan nodded, “I see. Well, we can’t have that. The citizens of Harmony depend on you every day.” She paused and then continued, “I’ll tell you what, Officer. Why don’t you call me later and we’ll see about that date?” With that, Sheridan sank down into her car and started the engine.

Luis slowly closed the car door and watched her drive away. He sensed that things were about to get very interesting.

Chapter 4

“You don’t like coconut?” Luis noticed as Sheridan avoided the Macaroons he’d packed in the picnic basket. Sheridan was hoping he hadn’t noticed her aversion. “I’m assuming it’s the coconut you don’t like because you didn’t have any problems polishing off the salmon or the crackers or the sandwiches or...”

Sheridan frowned at him. “Are you calling me a pig, Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald?”

“If the shoe fits,” Luis replied and then continued with a remark under his breath, “how it fits with the amount of food you can consume is beyond me.”

Sheridan growled, “I heard that. I can’t help it if I have a hearty appetite. Besides, I skipped breakfast in anticipation of this wonderful meal.”

Luis smiled, proud that he’d done well for their first date. Then he remembered the way she snubbed his dessert. “Wonderful, huh? What about the Macaroons?”

Sheridan felt awful. “You caught me, Luis. I hate coconut. I love the smell of it. I even like the flavor. I can knock back shots of Malibu with the best of them. It’s the texture that I find off-putting. I always have.”

Luis pretended to pull out an imaginary pad and pen. “No coconut,” he noted. Sheridan liked that he was attempting to get to know her. She wanted to know all about him.

“How long have you been a cop?” Sheridan asked.

“A few years now,” he answered.

“Do you like it?” she asked.

Luis nodded, “I do. I never really considered it until I was hit with the realization that I had to stay in Harmony and support my family. I’m glad I joined the force. I think it’s something I could be good at, you know?”

Sheridan smiled, “I predict you will go very far, Officer.” She paused and continued, “Harmony is a great town. I’m really glad to be home.”

Luis knew that Sheridan was coming out of a bad relationship. He didn’t want to appear pushy, but he wanted to know more about her. “Do you think you’ll stay this time? Are you finished with Paris?”

Sheridan hesitated before answering. She drifted to the past. “Sheridan?” Luis asked, trying to call her back to the present. “What? Oh, sorry,” she apologized. “Yes, I’m finished with Paris. I’m here to stay,” she smiled.

Luis decided not to press her. He sensed that she had a painful memory in her past. “How about a walk on the pier? I’ll even buy you an ice cream since you didn’t like the dessert I brought,” he frowned. “I’m never going to live this down, am I?” Sheridan asked.

Luis was happy to feel Sheridan’s hand in his own as he helped her up from the quilt. They folded the blanket together and packed up the picnic basket. He grabbed her hand again as they walked through Lighthouse Park on their way to the pier.

Sheridan again thought about Paris. She loved that city and was going to miss it, but she couldn’t go back. “Have you ever been to Paris, Luis?” she asked.

Luis laughed, “I’ve never been anywhere, Sheridan.” It sounded pathetic, but it was the truth. Sheridan corrected him. “You’ve been to New York City,” she reminded him. He smiled thinking about the night he met her.

“Yeah, I suppose that counts for something. I didn’t get to see all the sights, though,” he stated. “We’ll have to remedy that one day, Luis,” Sheridan promised.

Sheridan was enjoying the peach sorbet she’d chosen. Luis loved watching her as she carefully licked around the dome and caught melting droplets before they cascaded down the cone. A ringing sound came from inside her pocket book and paused as she pulled it out and looked at the display.

“I’m sorry, Luis, but I should really take this. It’s Jamie, calling from New York. She may have an update on the Phillip / Bryn situation,” she explained. It had been a few days since the canceled wedding and Sheridan hadn’t heard much about the unhappy couple.

“Hello?” Sheridan answered. “Hey Jamie, I was hoping you would call,” she said. “What?” Sheridan exclaimed. “Slow down, Jay.” Luis was a little concerned but he didn’t want to intrude on her privacy. He stood off to the side.

“What did you tell him?” she asked and waited for a response. “Do you think he bought it?” again she paused.

“You were right to call me. Thanks for the heads up,” Sheridan said with gratefulness in her voice. Before she disconnected, Sheridan asked one more question. “He didn’t get rough with you, did he?”

Luis heard Sheridan let out a sigh of relief. “That’s good, Jamie, that’s really good. Just to be on the safe side, I’m going to get out of town for a few days. Thanks again for letting me know, and don’t worry. I’ll be just fine.”

Luis watched Sheridan put the phone back in her purse. She still held the melting ice cream in her other hand and looked for a trash can to dispose of it.

“Luis, I’m so sorry to cut this short, but I really need to get back to the cottage ASAP,” she explained.

“Is something wrong, Sheridan?” Luis asked, very concerned.

Sheridan shook her head. “I had a great time with you today. I mean really great, Luis. This was so much fun, but I don’t want to get you involved in this mess. Trust me you don’t want to get involved in this mess. I’ve got to leave town for a few days, and I need to talk with a lawyer before I go.”

Luis nodded, “At least let me take you back to the cottage,” he pleaded. Sheridan didn’t have time to argue, much less think about his offer. “Fine, but please hurry,” she begged.

Chapter 5

Luis didn’t press Sheridan on the drive back to the cottage. She kept expecting the policeman in him to start with an interrogation, but, instead, Luis was being really sweet. Sweet and very quiet. She couldn’t bear the silence.

“Okay,” she finally broke down. “I dated this psychopath when I lived in France.” She paused, “Maybe psychopath is too strong a word.” She thought about the description and decided that the title fit perfectly.

“I haven’t had the best luck with men, Luis. When I met Stephen, I thought that I might finally be on the right track. He was intelligent, caring, and my family actually approved of him.” Sheridan saw that Luis was listening and doing his best to keep an open mind. She appreciated this and decided to continue.

“Stephen started getting involved in every aspect of my life. He wanted to know where I was all the time and with whom. He insisted I carry a cell phone wherever I went. He wanted to meet every person with whom I socialized and have final say about whether or not they were suitable friend material.” Sheridan turned away and grew distant.

Luis had an idea as to where this conversation was going. The idea that someone would hurt this woman made his blood boil. As he focused on the road ahead, he reached down and gently stroked her hand to let her know it was okay to stop, if she wanted.

She continued. “The news of Bryn and Phillip’s wedding was the final straw. Stephen had a problem with my going all the way to New York without him. He had a speaking engagement that was booked a year in advance and he couldn’t decline to join me for the event. He forbade me from going.”

Sheridan couldn’t look at Luis as she revealed the next part. “We really got into it. We argued for days about whether or not I could to the wedding. It was months away so I figured he’d change his mind. I refused to contact Bryn and tell her that I wouldn’t be there. I thought he would change his mind. He didn’t.”

“Did he hit you, Sheridan?” Luis asked as he tried to control his anger with this man.

Sheridan shook her head. “One day I walked into my apartment and found Stephen waiting for me. He was listening to my messages on my answering machine and there was one from Jamie about the wedding. He was furious. I only made things worse by shouting back. I never thought he would hurt me.”

“I could feel the tension rising,” Sheridan confessed with her eyes closed as though she were reliving the incident. “He picked me up and threw me into the wall. The plaster cracked. I could feel the room spinning. That was the last thing I remembered until I woke up in the hospital.”

Luis blew out a heavy breath. It was unbelievable that any man would raise a hand to this beautiful girl. “Did you leave him after that?” he asked.

“I tried to,” Sheridan replied. “My father and brother made it very difficult. There I was, just out of the hospital. The doctors almost had to remove my spleen because it was so swollen. I had three bruised vertebrae and a concussion, and yet my family was encouraging me to run back into my attacker’s arms. I thought maybe they were right. Maybe it was all my fault.”

“Shhh,” Luis comforted as he wiped the tear from her cheek. He could tell that she still had her doubts about her role in this incident. “It wasn’t your fault, Sheridan. You know that, right?”

Sheridan nodded, “I know.”

“What was the phone call from Jamie about?” Luis asked. “Is this guy harassing you? Is he stalking you?”

Sheridan sighed, “I’m not sure, Luis. Jamie said that Stephen came looking for me in New York. She told him that the wedding had been canceled and that I was out West for a few weeks, skiing.”

“Do you think he believed her?” Luis asked as they turned into the main drive of the estate.

Sheridan was about to answer when a feeling of pure terror washed over her. “No,” she whispered. Luis stopped the car when he saw her sink into the seat.

“What is it?” he asked not noticing the two men at the front entrance.

“It’s him,” she said with extreme fear. “It’s Stephen. Oh God. I didn’t think he would come here. Julian has probably already told him I’m back in Harmony if my father didn’t beat him to the punch. Get me out of here, Luis. Please.”

Luis kept his composure. “Sheridan, they’ve seen my car. Just stay down and don’t let them see you. I’ll try to get us out of this.” He thought for a minute. “Did you tell your family that you were going out with me today?”

“Are you kidding? They’d flip, Luis,” she answered honestly. As soon as she said this, she felt terrible. She hadn’t meant to hurt his pride, but the truth was her family would never approve. What they didn’t know couldn’t hurt her, she figured.

“Good, Sheridan. They won’t suspect anything then,” he stated like a cop. Luis could sense that Sheridan was terrified as she hid down by the front seat. He threw his police jacket over her to cover her. Luis pulled up to the two gentlemen. He knew one of the men to be Julian Crane and the other he gathered was Sheridan’s ex-boyfriend.

Julian was about to invite Stephen into the mansion as the car pulled up to a stop. “What are you doing here Lopez-Fitzgerald? You know the servants are to be collected in the back entrance.” Julian snipped. Then he recalled that Pilar wasn’t even working that day. “Your mother isn’t here today anyway.”

Luis swallowed his anger and looked at his watch. “Guess I got my days mixed up, Mr. Crane. Sorry for the inconvenience.”

Luis drove the car back down the drive and onto the main road. “Nice cover, Officer,” Sheridan stated as she rose from her hiding place. She let out a deep breath. “I can’t believe that my brother spoke to you that way. I’m so sorry.”

“Believe it, Sheridan. It’s nothing new. I’m used to it by now,” Luis explained.

“I’m guessing you usually don’t reply to his remarks with the Barney Fife impression, do you?” she grinned. Luis shook his head. Sheridan smiled, “That was for my benefit, wasn’t it?” She didn’t need to hear the answer. “Thanks, Luis. Thanks for getting me out of a sticky situation.”

“My pleasure. What now?” Luis asked. Sheridan thought for a moment. “Honestly, I don’t know. I need to get away and fast. I need to go somewhere that my family won’t know about. They’ll only pass the information along to Stephen.”

Luis kept driving with no destination in mind. “You’re really going to go on the run? Do you think that’s the answer, Sheridan?”

Sheridan was angry. “Seems better than another trip to the hospital.”

Luis was silent. Sheridan continued, “Look Luis, you may have taken a class on this subject, but that doesn’t make you an expert. All I know is I need to get in touch with an attorney to get a restraining order in place and get some advice. To do all that, I have to be in a place where my family and Stephen can’t find me.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to insult you. It’s just that you just got home. I hate to see this man forcing you out of town.” Luis apologized. “Our first fight,” he smiled, and I’m already more sorry than I ever thought I could be.

Sheridan sighed, “Luis, you don’t need to apologize. That wasn’t a fight. Believe me, when we have a fight, you’ll know it. This was a disagreement.”

Luis suddenly had a brainstorm. “I know the perfect place. It’s not too far from here but remote enough that you won’t run into Stephen. I can check on you every day,” he smiled.

“Let’s go,” Sheridan replied.

Chapter 6

“What is this place?” Sheridan asked as they drove down the private lane.

“A buddy of mine is developing this land, and I purchased one of the lots last year,” Luis revealed. “See that house over there,” Luis pointed. “That’s mine,” he grinned with pride. “I’ve contracted out most of the work. All the electrical work and the plumbing is complete. I come out here most weekends and do a little bit at a time. It’s not the Ritz, but I think you can hide away here for a little while.”

Sheridan sighed. She could have come up with a better getaway, but she didn’t want to offend Luis by snubbing his offer. It was, after all, close enough to town that Luis could bring in supplies, and no one would question his presence there.

They pulled up to the unfinished home.

“None of the other properties are occupied yet so you shouldn’t have to worry about hiding from the neighbors. I can bring some things from town and get some more furniture in here,” he said as he turned on the lights in the entry way.

The place was empty, no chairs or beds. Sheridan was envisioning herself at a nice spa in the Wine Country.

“Luis, you really don’t have to do this. I can easily afford to disappear for a few days,” she explained.

“How are you going to do that, Sheridan? You can’t travel by air or use credit cards. Stephen could trace you. Why don’t you just lie low here for a few days until you get some legal advice? I promise I won’t tell anyone you’re here,” Luis assured her.

Sheridan smiled, “I’m not worried about that, Luis. I trust you completely. It’s just that…” she paused.

“That you’re used to better accommodations?” Luis stated.

Sheridan lowered her head. “Don’t worry, princess. I’ll make sure your mattress has no hidden peas,” Luis teased. Sheridan couldn’t believe his nerve, but then she realized he was right on the money. She was used to the finer things in life. She was going to make the best out of this situation and prove to Luis that she wasn’t so different from him.

“Mattress?” she balked. “You don’t even have a bed, Luis,” she noted.

“I’ll bring in some sleeping bags and blankets for tonight,” he explained.

“You’re sleeping here?” Sheridan asked with a raised brow.

Luis nodded. “I have to keep an eye on you,” he replied.

It was getting late, and Luis needed to get to town. He sensed that Sheridan was afraid to be alone. He left his cell phone number with her and promised to be back within a few hours. Sheridan put on a brave front and asked if there were anything she could do to help with the house while he was away. Luis just smiled, “Sit still and don’t touch anything,” he teased.

“You think I’m going to ruin your house, Luis?” she asked as he headed for the door. “There’s nothing in it,” she shouted as he got into his car. He was going to pay for that remark. She saw the paint cans and roller by the kitchen door and had an idea.

Luis loaded up the car with sleeping bags and blankets and went back into the Lopez-Fitzgerald home.

“I’m gonna be out at the house all weekend working on some things,” he told his mother

“You haven’t seen Sheridan, have you?” Pilar asked.

Luis hated lying to his mother but he had to keep her from getting involved. “Yes, we were out earlier today. I took her on a picnic. She had plans to go see some friends this weekend, though, so we had to cut things short. I think she’s gone to Vermont. Why?”

“Oh, it’s nothing. Julian called over here wondering if I knew her whereabouts. It’s not like him to be concerned with her plans so naturally I thought something was up. The cottage was empty when I checked on her earlier,” Pilar revealed.

“That reminds me, Mama,” Luis said. “I told Sheridan I would stop by the cottage and pick up a package she forgot to mail. Can I borrow your keys?”

“I can do that, Luis,” Pilar replied.

“Mama,” Luis whined, “I’m trying to impress her. Please,” he asked again. Pilar gave him the keys and he promised to bring them back to her tomorrow.

She hugged her son and loaded him down with some food for his new kitchen. “I can’t wait to see what you’ve done with the place, Luis,” she beamed.

“Not this weekend, though,” he ordered. “I want everything to be perfect when you see it.”

Luis stopped by the cottage and packed a few bags for Sheridan. He didn’t really know her needs and was embarrassed to be rifling through her drawers. He grabbed a few books on the way out to keep her busy this weekend. He knew she would get bored watching him paint and tile.

“Oh my God,” Luis said as he walked into his house loaded down with bags and blankets. He could see Sheridan on a ladder in the kitchen.

“What have you done?” Luis shouted as he saw her atop the ladder.

Sheridan turned around to him with a grin on her face. “Not too bad for my first time?” she smiled. “I had to practice to get the hang of it, but once I did, it went like clockwork.” She glanced at the dark red walls and shook her head. “Although why anyone would choose this horrid color for a kitchen is beyond me.”

Luis tried to control his anger. “Sheridan, that’s not paint. It’s stain and sealer for the back deck.”

Sheridan gasped and climbed down from the ladder. She had a real Lucy meets Ricky vibe and was getting a little worried. “Stain? Are you sure, Luis? The containers didn’t say it was stain.”

Luis shook his head, “The containers are blank, Sheridan. It’s generic stuff I got on sale at the Hardware store.”

“Well you should have labeled them then,” she huffed.

Luis stood there, arms folded, in shock from her arrogance.

“I’m really sorry, Luis. I was just trying to help,” she said. She took off the apron she found in the pantry and started towards the door. “I’ll just grab the first plane out tonight and be out of your hair.”

Luis grabbed her arm to stop her. “Come here. I’m not angry,” he said as he held her to him. She sank into his chest, and it felt so good to be there.

“I ruined your kitchen, Luis. I can’t stay here now. I promise I’ll have someone around in the morning to fix it,” she said.

She pulled away and grabbed her purse. “Can I just borrow your cell phone to call for a cab? My battery is dead,” she explained.

“You’re not going anywhere, Sheridan, and you’re not calling someone to fix this mess either,” Luis stated. Sheridan was a little afraid by his demands.

He gently held her face in his hands and explained. “You can’t run away every time things get a little messy. You’re staying right here with me this weekend. We’re going to have a wonderful dinner tonight, courtesy of Mama, and then we’re going to fix that kitchen together tomorrow.”

Sheridan was never one for being ordered about, but she thought she was lucky that Luis was willing to let her try again. She saw the expression on his face soften and she knew what was coming next.

“I’m gonna kiss you now," Luis whispered as he stared into her eyes, “if that’s all right with you.”

Sheridan stood there silent, in awe of his amber eyes, and she nodded. Luis moved in closer and gently tasted her lips. Sheridan returned the kiss and gave in to the warm feeling of the physical connection with this man.

After this gentle yet passionate first kiss, Luis pulled back and kissed her on the forehead. “Time for dinner, I think,” he suggested. They set a cardboard box for two and sat down on the floor while they enjoyed Pilar’s famous cuisine and a bottle of Merlot.

Chapter 7

“This stuff is amazing,” Sheridan beamed as she rolled the blanket of white onto the deep crimson wall.

“It’s called primer, Sheridan, and you’re right. It’s a good thing,” Luis laughed.

“You’re so Martha Stewart,” Sheridan noted.

“Forget Martha for this exercise. Think more along the lines of Bob Vila. After all we’re painting a kitchen not making a chandelier out of cardboard,” Luis argued.

“You saw that one too?” Sheridan exclaimed with a huge grin on her face. She saw the dower expression on Luis’ face. “What? Martha’s pretty unbelievable, isn’t she?” she stated.

Luis motioned for Sheridan to get back to painting. “Who is Bob Vila, anyway?” Sheridan asked honestly. Her question was met with silence at first followed by a laugh of disbelief.

Who never heard of Bob Vila, Luis thought? Sheridan Crane, that’s who, he reminded himself. Never in a million years did he ever imagine that he and this wealthy heiress would be painting his kitchen, much less waking up side by side in the morning.

Luis thought back to the night before.

Flashback

They had a wonderful dinner, full of laughter, good conversation, and lots of longing, at least on his part. Luis was glad that he’d kissed her earlier that day. It eased the tension. The problem was he wanted to do it all over again, all the time.

After dinner, Sheridan cleared the plates. She washed while Luis dried. The whole time she kept glaring at the cedar walls, apologizing over and over again for being such a dolt. Luis tried to assure her that these things happened to everybody.

Sheridan was so happy that Luis picked up some for her things from the cottage. She’d made a remark about the pajamas he’d chosen. Apparently they were too warm for this time of year. Luis had chosen them because they had the most coverage. He didn’t think he could take much less fabric.

They arranged their sleeping bags side by side and talked for quite a while before drifting to sleep. Several times throughout the night, Luis awoke to find Sheridan’s beautiful face a few inches from his own. He wanted to kiss her. She looked so peaceful and angelic as the light from outside danced across her face.

End Flashback

Sheridan caught Luis slacking on the paint job. She cleared her throat to bring him back into he moment. “We’re never going to get this finished if you keep drifting away,” she stated. Luis began rolling out the primer again and replied, “Sorry, guess I’ve got a lot on my mind.” Sheridan hoped that she wasn’t the one occupying his thoughts. She already felt like a burden. They’d only been on one date and here she was sharing a house with him. She hoped Luis wasn’t regretting his offer to help.

Across town, Marty Quinlan sat at his desk. He saw the pretty, petite brunette walk into the station and thought she looked familiar. He couldn’t place her. “Can I help you?” he asked as he leapt from his desk.

“I hope so,” the woman anxiously replied. “I may be worrying for no reason, but I thought I’d better come anyway,” she explained.

Marty directed her to his desk and waited for her to take a seat. “I’m Officer Quinlan,” he stated as he pulled the chair out for her. “Why don’t you tell me what’s troubling you and we can go from there? Can I get you a coffee?”

The woman shook her head. “No thank you.” She looked around, wondering if she should be here. “My friend has disappeared. I called her yesterday to warn her about a man who was looking for her. She said she was going to get away for a few days just to be on the safe side. The person who is trying to find her called me again this morning and made some disturbing threats. I tried to contact my friend to warn her, but her cell phone isn’t working. I’m a little concerned. It’s not like Sheridan to lose contact.”

The name caught Marty’s attention. “Sheridan? Sheridan Crane?”

The woman lit up and nodded. “You know Sheridan?” she asked. She paused for a moment and looked Officer Quinlan over again. “Wait a minute. I know you. I saw you in the Oak Room last week. You were in that fight with Bryn’s fiancee, or ex-fiancee I should say.”

For a moment, Marty wondered if this beautiful woman noticed him because he was involved in the fight or because she was attracted to him. He decided it must be the first choice. Women didn’t notice men like Marty Quinlan, especially when men like Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald were around.

“You were wearing a burgundy shirt with khaki pants,” she noted. Marty was shocked that she remembered what he was wearing. As though she anticipated his thoughts, she explained, “I’m in the fashion industry. It’s my job to notice these things.” Marty’s face fell. “Plus you looked very handsome,” she added. He was uplifted by her closing remark.

“I’m Jamie Michaels,” she stated as she extended her delicate hand to Marty.

“Nice to meet you, Ms. Michaels,” Marty replied. “Please, call me Jamie,” she smiled.

Marty realized he was grinning from ear to ear like an idiot. He tried to reclaim some small amount of professionalism. “What brings you all the way from New York? Do you really think Ms. Crane might be in danger?” he asked.

Jamie nodded. “This man, Stephen, is a real piece of work. He’s already had one incident with Sheridan before. He’s also threatened me and a few of her other friends on several occasions.”

“Have you contacted Ms. Crane’s family?” Marty asked.

Jamie shook her head. “Sheridan’s family life is a little bizarre. Her father actually approves of Stephen even though he’s aware of his track record.”

Marty nodded, “I understand. Well, I think I might have an idea of how to track her down without causing any suspicion,” he proposed. “Let me just make a couple of phone calls.”

Back at the house, Sheridan and Luis admired their handy work. The primer had dried and they’d been able to get one coat of the soft yellow applied. Sheridan smiled, “It looks great, don’t you think?”

Luis nodded, “Yeah. I’m glad you talked me into this color.”

Sheridan extended her hands as she laid out the theme of the room. “Imagine a French Country pine breakfast table in the corner with a matching hutch for all your ceramic wear. Swap out these lights for some recessed can lights for accent. Replace the hood cover with copper facing and tile the back splash with some terracotta-glazed tiles. More storage space built into the island to house utensils and extras, as well as a temperature-regulated wine fridge over here, I think.”

Luis just watched as Sheridan went to town. He waited until she finished. “Uh, easy there, Sport. I think you may be getting ahead of yourself and you’re definitely ahead of my paycheck.”

Sheridan was completely out of touch with the average man. She decided she could get the house in order when Luis was at work. He’d be so surprised. She couldn’t wait to put her plan into action. Before she had a chance to daydream about her plans, Luis’ cell phone rang.

“Lopez-Fitzgerald,” Luis answered. “Hey Marty, what’s up?” Luis asked. He listened as Marty explained the Jamie situation to him. Luis looked at Sheridan and covered the receiver with his mouth. “You forgot to call Jamie and tell her you were all right,” Luis chided. “She’s with Marty right now and they’re on the way over here.”

Sheridan smiled and raised her brows. “Oops,” she stated. “Guess I’ve got some explaining to do. I’ll put the coffee on for them,” she said as she went into the newly painted kitchen. Luis smiled, glad to hear Sheridan treating his home as though it were her own. If only he knew Sheridan’s plans for the house. Then again, it was a good thing he didn’t know.

Chapter 8

“Are you sure about this?” Sheridan asked for the third time. The echo in the empty house was ominous at this early hour.

Jamie smiled and nodded. She opened the glossy leather organizer and glanced at her watch. “Dottie’s on a kibbutz for the next few months. She left me in charge of her finances while she’s away. It’s perfect, Sheridan.”

Sheridan thought about Jamie’s offer and shrugged. “Wait a minute. I thought Dottie was at the ashram.” Jamie laughed, “That was last year.” Jamie’s stepmother had been on a quest to find a higher truth since Jamie’s father passed away three years ago. She was a free spirited, kind woman who would have supported Jamie’s ploy to shelter Sheridan.

“If you’re certain,” Sheridan said as they discussed using Dottie’s bank accounts to finance her escape. No one would think to trace the spending to Sheridan, and she would be able to reimburse Jamie when everything was settled with Stephen.

“What’s the first order of business, Sheridan?” Jamie asked as she pulled out a platinum credit card. “Sunning in Boca Raton or skiing in Aspen?”

Sheridan shook her head. “I can’t leave now. I haven’t even talked with an attorney. Plus, I can’t just run out on Luis, not after all he’s done for me,” she argued. He’d only left the house this morning because Jamie was there.

Sheridan thought back to the lengthy discussion they’d had the previous night.

Officer Quinlan showed up with Jamie in tow, and Sheridan had to explain the whole ordeal to yet another stranger. Of course there was something kind in Officer Quinlan’s eyes. Sheridan knew she could trust him. The four of them talked over coffee for several hours until Luis convinced Quinlan to take Jamie to Grace Bennett’s B&B. Sheridan wondered why she couldn’t hunker down there as well. It sounded like a nice place with big fluffy beds.

Luis was concerned that Jamie’s arrival might bring attention to Sheridan. He wanted to keep her under wraps for the time being. When Jamie showed up again at the house earlier the next morning, she had not been met with favor by Luis. He was concerned that she and Sheridan would act recklessly without thinking of the consequences. Luis made them promise to lay low until he got home that evening.

“That Lopez-Fitzgerald man is…” Jamie paused and checked Sheridan’s expression. “What’s the word I’m looking for?” Jamie thought aloud. “Overprotective?” Sheridan asked.

Jamie nodded. “That’s a nice way of putting it. I was thinking more along the lines of unbearable.” She held Sheridan’s hand and put on a concerned face. “Sheridan, what are you thinking? Didn’t you get enough of Stephen? Why would you want to be with another man who treats you like a child?” Jamie asked.

“Luis doesn’t treat me like a child, Jay. I hardly know the man. We went on one date, and he bailed me out of a precarious situation. I owe him a great deal,” Sheridan argued.

Jamie sighed. “Men. Why must women always seek to define themselves in a man?” Sheridan smiled. “James, one day you’re going to fall hard and then you’ll see.”

Jamie looked stunned. “Are you telling me that this Luis man is The One? You’ve fallen for him?” Sheridan blushed and tried to change the subject, “He’s a good guy. Let’s leave it at that,” she covered, not wanting to reveal her growing attraction to Luis. “Tell me about the B&B last night. Was it nice? Did your room have a big bed?”

Jamie laughed, “Got a case of bed envy, Sheridan?” Sheridan nodded and rubbed her neck, “In the worst way.” Jamie flipped through her organizer again. She thumbed to the page she needed and dialed the number on her cell phone, “Marcus, sweetie, I have a huge favor to ask,” she began.

Within two hours, a handsome king-sized four poster bed was set up in the larger bedroom and a queen-sized cherry sleigh bed rested in the smaller bedroom. Jamie also purchased some other pieces that were being brought into the house. “Dottie loves this little shop in Boston. I’m surprised they were able to get here so quickly. Marcus said they have a warehouse in Maine. Who knew?”

It was almost lunchtime and Sheridan realized that Luis would either call or stop by soon. She was hoping for the first choice. Jamie’s cell phone rang as Sheridan was finishing up her massage with Vincent, another good idea funded by Dottie. Sheridan could overhear the conversation outside the door. “Wonderful, Marty. You’re a peach,” Jamie praised.

“What was that all about?” Sheridan asked as she wrapped her robe around her and watched Jamie pay Vincent. “Just a little preemptive strike, my dear. That Marty Quinlan is a treasure.” Sheridan was confused now. The only time Jamie ever showed this much glee was when her design company showed their new line.

Jamie explained, “That Neanderthal you seem to fancy was all set to drop by here for lunch today. I bought you a little extra time, but you’re going to have to call him ASAP to seal the deal. Just tell him that we’re having fun, catching up, and doing girl stuff. That should keep him away for awhile.”

Sheridan dialed the number and waited for Luis to answer.

“Hello Sheridan,” Luis answered with a smile on his face.

“How’d you know it was me?” she asked. “Oh, Caller ID,” she answered her own question. Sheridan motioned to Jamie to keep the background noise of the movers down for a minute.

“What are you up to?’ Luis asked.

“Not much. Just catching up with Jamie and doing a little light housework,” Sheridan smiled.

Luis grinned. “Hmmm, the thought of you in one of those French Maid outfits has me thinking wicked thoughts,” he whispered into the phone.

Sheridan took the phone into the bedroom. “Luis,” she gasped. “What’s gotten into you?” she said shocked but intrigued. “I never pegged you as one for phone sex.”

Luis coughed when Marty walked by, “Listen, I can stop by there and bring some lunch if you like.”

Just then Sheridan saw Jamie standing at the door with the cartons of sushi. “No need, Luis, although I appreciate the offer. James ordered something for us, and it just arrived.”

Luis wasn’t sure he liked that idea. “Make sure you two keep a low profile. You don’t want to raise suspicion.”

Sheridan sighed. “We’ll do our best. I’d better go before my lunch gets…” she paused because she couldn’t lie. Lunch was already cold. Cold and raw, just as it was intended.

“I’ll see you around six, okay?” Luis said.

“See you then,” Sheridan said as she placed the first piece of sushi into her mouth.

Chapter 9

Luis pulled up to the house with Marty in the passenger seat beside him. He was a little concerned when he saw the decorative planters bordering the walkway. “Dammit, I knew they were up to something.”

“Easy there, Luis. I’m sure they were just trying to cheer up the place. No need to blow a gasket,” Marty assured him. Attractive sconces lit up as soon as the two men approached the front door. Marty said a silent prayer for Jamie Michaels. She had no idea of what she was in for. He was glad that he’d convinced Luis to let him come along for the ride.

Jamie met them at the front door. Marty smiled when he saw her standing there in the attractive plum dress and high heels. She was holding two opened beers. Marty stood behind Luis and motioned to Jamie that she was in serious trouble.

Luis boiled with anger when he saw the area rug that greeted him in the entry way. Before he could vent, Sheridan cascaded down the stairway in a breathtaking silver knitted sleeveless dress. She walked over to Luis and nuzzled into his chest, while placing a wet kiss on his cheek. Luis couldn’t help but enjoy her touch.

“I’m glad you’re here,” Sheridan whispered. “I missed you today,” she added as she rubbed his back. Marty pulled Jamie into the doorway as he watched Sheridan tame the mighty beast. Sheridan led Luis into the living room.

Luis kissed Sheridan’s cheek and looked around. “You’ve been busy,” he stated.

“Do you like it?” Sheridan asked innocently. “I left the walls untouched so that we could paint them together.” She paused and added, “I hope you liked the pieces we chose. I couldn’t do with another night on the floor.”

Luis grinned, knowing full well the tactics Sheridan was using. “You didn’t like our campfires?” he returned. Sheridan smiled, “I think you know I did. I like being admired by a handsome man at two in the morning.”

Luis raised his brows, “You knew I was looking at you?”

“How could I not feel those amber eyes staring at me?” Sheridan flirted.

The room was heating up by the time Marty and Jamie interrupted. “Don’t mind us. We’re on our way to the kitchen to check the roast,” Jamie stated. “Why don’t you show Luis around his new digs?” she suggested. Marty was in awe of Ms. Michaels as he enjoyed the feel of her hand wrapped around his leading him to the kitchen.

“Did you coach Sheridan or was that her own idea?” Marty asked as she closed the oven door.

“All her own, I’m afraid,” Jamie answered. “I wouldn’t have chosen the same approach, but that’s me. I’m a different breed of cat, I guess.” The image of Jamie Michaels as a lithe feline seemed to suit her. Marty was getting turned on as he through about having her stretched out across his lap.

Marty wanted to pull her into a passionate kiss at that very moment, but he wasn’t sure how she might respond. He took one more glance at her in the form fitting plum dress and made the riskiest decision of his life.

He pulled Jamie close to him. Their lips met in a firm kiss that was full of desire and abandon. Jamie pulled away for a moment, “That’s just what I needed to take the edge off,” she smiled warmly as she swept her thumb across Marty’s bottom lip. Marty was stunned, but recognized the impending desire in her eyes. He gently leaned in for another kiss.

“That’s pretty much the long and short of it, Luis,” Sheridan stated as they entered the kitchen. “Oh my goodness,” Sheridan exclaimed as she saw the two lovebirds. Luis grasped Sheridan’s hand tighter as he laughed at the sight before him.

Jamie looked at Sheridan with an embarrassed expression. Marty buried his face in Jamie’s shoulder. “How’s that roast, Buddy?” Luis teased. Sheridan turned to Luis, “Why don’t you show Marty your new bedroom furniture, Luis?” The very last thing Luis wanted to do was show another guy his bedroom furniture, but he sensed that Sheridan needed a moment with Jamie. “Come on, man,” Luis suggested.

Alone in the kitchen with her friend, Sheridan tapped her foot with her arms folded across her chest. “What?” Jamie asked innocently as she felt Sheridan’s piercing stare. “Don’t what me, Missy. You know what,” Sheridan stated.

“First of all, I didn’t do anything. Marty kissed me and I just sat back and enjoyed it. And Second, it’s not any of your business,” Jamie argued. Sheridan paused, unsure of how to phrase her concerns. “What about George? How do you think he would feel about what just happened in here?”

Jamie thought about her longtime boyfriend, George Schmitt. He was a stand up fellow, always there in a pinch, always willing to help. “George,” Jamie said. “George,” she repeated. In the afterglow of that incredible kiss, Jamie felt the first twinges of guilt. “Look it just happened. I don’t know why. Marty doesn’t know that I have a boyfriend. We just met for the first time the other day. Neither one of us anticipated this, Sheridan.”

“Well, make sure you’re honest with him, James. Marty seems like a sweet guy, and I’d hate to see him get hurt,” Sheridan advised. “This is so unlike you, Jamie. You’re usually so cautious.”

Jamie thought about Sheridan’s analysis. She was prudent, pragmatic, and practical. Maybe that’s why she was with George. He was safe. Jamie blushed when she thought about the kiss with Marty. George never kissed her that way before. “I’ll talk to Marty after dinner, Sheridan,” Jamie offered. “Good,” Sheridan smiled. “Are we copacetic?” Jamie asked as she extended a hand. Sheridan took her hand and shook it. “Copacetic.”

After dinner, Marty and Jamie walked to the front door, followed by Sheridan and Luis. “Are you sure you don’t mind running me home?” Marty asked. “Not at all,” Jamie replied. “I’ve got this amazing rental car out there and I’d love to see what she can do. If I get pulled over for speeding, it would really help to have a cop in the car.” Jamie winked at Sheridan, while Luis frowned at the speeding comment.

“We can stay and help with the cleanup, Sheridan,” Jamie offered again. “Nonsense,” Sheridan replied. “Besides, I want to try out that new Potscrubber 2000.” Luis sighed, “You got kitchen appliances too?” he asked. Jamie shook her head, “I think she was referring to you, Luis.” Sheridan nodded and they all laughed. Jamie hugged Sheridan and whispered into her ear, “I’ll talk to Marty on the way back to the B&B.”

Luis washed while Sheridan dried the dishes. “What was the deal with Marty and your friend earlier?” Sheridan didn’t want to divulge too much. “First of all, her name is Jamie. I don’t understand why the two of you can’t get along. She’s a great person. And second, I think what we witnessed earlier in the kitchen was just a misunderstanding. Just one of those things.”

“Just one of those things,” Luis repeated. “I hope Marty understands that. He’s not the casual type.” Sheridan answered, “Jamie’s talking to him right now, I’m sure.” Luis wondered aloud, “Does she think he’s not good enough for her?” Sheridan turned to Luis, “What would give you that idea?” “It’s just that she’s this big, worldly business woman from this wealthy family, and he’s…well he’s just plain old Marty,” Luis replied.

“Jamie’s not like that Luis,” Sheridan argued. “Isn’t she?” he asked, pointing to the furniture in the living room. “She couldn’t stand to see you living in these conditions so she had to whip out her mommy’s credit card and make things better.”

“You can be such a jerk, Luis. Furnishing the house was my idea. I thought you’d be surprised. I’ll admit I wanted to sleep in a real bed for a night, but the rest of the furniture was my attempt at showing appreciation for all you’ve done. I considered it a housewarming gift.”

“A housewarming gift, Sheridan?” Luis shouted. “A housewarming gift is a food processor, a George Foreman grill, a set of towels. You probably spent more on the furniture for this house than I did on the down payment. The only smart thing you did was using Mrs. Michaels account to purchase it all so that it can’t be traced to you, and I’m not comfortable with that either. It doesn’t sound ethical.”

Sheridan took a moment to compose herself before she replied. She placed the last dish in the cabinet, folded the coral colored dishcloth, and placed it on the counter top.

“If Dottie weren’t in the middle of Israel on a kibbutz, Jamie and I would have called her to get permission. Anyway, Jamie is in charge of her finances. She’s the one who came up with the idea. She knows that I’ll pay her back as soon as I can. She wanted me to use the money to leave Harmony because she doesn’t like the idea that I’m in the same town with Stephen right now. I told her I couldn’t leave with all that you’ve done for me.”

Luis sat there in silence, listening to Sheridan explain. She started walking into the hallway and up the stairs. “Tomorrow, I’ll leave town with Jamie. We can use her rental car and drive out west. Stephen won’t know anything about it. I’ll be out of your hair and you can get back to a normal life.”

Sheridan reached the door to her room and turned around. “I’m going to get a good night’s sleep in the spare bedroom, and I suggest you do the same. Tomorrow, I’ll call the movers and have them take the furniture away.” She slammed the door and let the tears she’d been holding onto fall down her cheeks.

Luis wanted to argue. He wanted to apologize. He wanted to stop Sheridan from leaving, but he couldn’t get the words out. There was no way he was going to let this woman walk out of his life. He went back down the stair and got out a pen and paper.

Chapter 10

Light streamed into the spare bedroom. Sheridan and Jamie hadn’t gotten to the draperies yesterday. Sheridan stretched, glad to be waking up in a bed this morning. She turned around looking for Luis. After their campfires, she’d grown used to seeing his face first thing each morning. He wasn’t there, yet she felt certain that he had been. Maybe she’d dreamed it, but Sheridan was sure that at some point in the middle of the night, Luis had even been holding her.

“That’s crazy,” Sheridan said to herself as she rose from the bed and tied the sash on her robe. “After our argument last night, I’d be surprised if he even slept in the same house, much less the same bed. Besides, he had that big King bed all to himself. I made it clear that he’d better enjoy it before I sent it back today.”

Sheridan got angry all over again when she thought about their fight. She may have overstepped her bounds by furnishing the entire house, but that was no reason to criticize her, was it? Sheridan wished she hadn’t told Luis that she was leaving with Jamie today. She couldn’t go back on her promise. Sheridan looked around the room and felt sad that she was leaving this place, sad that she was leaving Luis.

Luis had already been working away at the station house for an hour when his thoughts drifted to the night before. He’d been so upset about Sheridan that he stayed up until one am trying to write down his thoughts. When he finally made his way up the stairs to go to sleep, he heard Sheridan calling out from her room.

She’d been having a nightmare about Stephen and she was shaking. Luis only intended to calm her down, but when she clung onto his shoulders, he nestled in beside her. She never awoke but instead drifted off to sleep with Luis cuddling her. He loved the feeling of Sheridan in his arms.

“Luis,” Marty said as he walked up to his desk. “You still with us?” he teased.

“Oh, hey Marty. Sorry I was just thinking about…” Luis explained. “Sheridan?” Marty suggested. Luis nodded, “Yeah.” He paused and then tried to change the subject. “How’d things turn out with you and that woman?”

Marty grinned, “Her name is Jamie, Luis, and things went fine.”

Luis raised a brow, “Really, cause Sheridan seemed to think Jamie needed to talk to you about a few things.” Marty sighed, “Yeah, we talked. We talked for hours. Actually we just finished breakfast at The Mill.” “Breakfast?” Luis asked. “Fast mover,” he teased. Marty laughed, “Not quite, Luis. We just talked. I sort of caught her off guard last night with that kiss. Turns out she has a boyfriend in New York.”

“Ouch,” Luis stated. “No it’s okay actually,” Marty replied. “I’m trying not to get my hopes up, but I got the impression that Jamie is considering calling things off with this guy.”

Luis was stunned. “That sounds pretty serious, Marty. What could you possibly expect from a relationship with this woman? She lives in another city, for one thing, and she’s this big business mogul.”

Marty frowned, “I’m not saying that we’re walking down the aisle tomorrow, but I think we both would like to explore the possibilities of a relationship. Anyway, you’re one to talk, Lopez-Fitzgerald. Sheridan’s got you wrapped around her little finger. You two looked pretty comfortable playing house last night.”

Luis let out a sigh. “I’m not sure the little woman will be there to greet me when I get home this afternoon. In fact, I’m not sure that I’ll ever see Sheridan Crane again.”

Sheridan padded down the stairs on her way to the kitchen. She saw the carafe of coffee and the blueberry muffins on the counter, and she knew Luis was gone. Sheridan poured a hot mug of coffee and saw the note with her name on the front. She sat at the table and read it.

Dear Sheridan,

Please let me apologize for the things I said last night. I’ve always been single-minded. It’s one of my many flaws. Your intentions were good, and I’m really sorry that I didn’t see that. I know you think that you’ve been this big burden to me, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. These past few days with you have been wonderful. I don’t know what I’d do if you weren’t around. I’d be miserable. Please don’t leave. Don’t run away because of me. Don’t run away because of Stephen. I promise I won’t let him anywhere near you. You’ll be safe with me. I really hope that you’ll be here when I get home this afternoon. Again, I’m so sorry. Luis

Sheridan smiled and held the note to her chest. She searched for the phone and made two calls. The first was to Jamie to make plans, and the second call was to Luis.

Chapter 11

Luis couldn’t wait to get home that afternoon. Sheridan called him after reading the note, and the conversation brightened his day. She apologized for ordering the furniture and promised to have it all removed by that evening. Luis told her not to move one piece. He loved it, and as it was a housewarming gift, it would stay right where is was. He felt sure that they were back on track and that she would be waiting for him when he got home.

Panic set in when Luis saw Jamie’s rental car in the driveway. The trunk was open and there were two bags sitting beside it. He ran into the house, desperate to talk to Sheridan. She couldn’t leave him. She just couldn’t.

“Sheridan!” Luis called as he threw his keys onto the new side table.

Jamie walked out from the kitchen carrying a cup of tea in both hands. “She’s upstairs, Luis. She had to pack a few more things.”

Luis ran up the stairs, taking two at a time, trying to get to Sheridan before she walked out the door and out of his life. He was out of breath by the time he reached her door. She zipped up another bag and turned around when she heard his panting.

Without a word, Luis walked over to her and pulled her into the most passionate kiss either of them had ever experienced. His hands roamed over her soft body and she felt the heat rise within. She responded by allowing her own hands to travel up his back until they found a resting spot on the nape of his neck. The kiss lasted several minutes. When they finally pulled apart, Luis rested his forehead against hers, his eyes still closed.

“Please don’t leave me, Sheridan. I’ll do anything, just please don’t go,” he begged.

Sheridan stroked his face and smiled. “I’m not leaving you, Luis,” she replied. She couldn’t believe the intensity of his emotions. Within a matter of days, they’d gone from casual acquaintances to devoted lovers who couldn’t bear to be apart. The metamorphosis both pleased and frightened Sheridan.

Luis looked down at the bags and noticed his own clothes were also packed. He looked at her with a confused expression. “What’s going on?” he smiled.

“Jamie found an attorney in New York who can handle the Stephen situation. She worked on a case for our friend, Louisa, and she’s supposed to be the best. We’re meeting with her in the morning. I’d love it if you would come with us,” she explained.

Luis smiled. He had a few days of vacation coming and had planned to use the time to work on the house. With all that he and Sheridan accomplished in the past few days, he didn’t really need to do any more work.

“Why do you have be there in person? Can’t she handle this over the phone?” he wondered aloud.

“Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald, are you telling me that you’re not interested in that tour of the Big Apple I promised to give you?” Sheridan asked.

She continued, “Things will go faster if I meet face to face with the lawyer. Plus, I have this feeling that Stephen is closing in on me.” Sheridan paused, “Before you overreact, it’s probably just my imagination. If Stephen knew where I was, he wouldn’t be watching, he’d be attacking. Still, I think I’d be safer in another city for the time being. Every time the doorbell rings, I think it might be him”

“Do you think he knows you’re here?” Luis asked nervously, trying to conceal his rage at the thought that any person would ever hurt this woman.

Sheridan shook her head, “Probably not. He’s been calling Jamie on her cell phone for the past week making all sorts of threats. He wouldn’t be so agitated if he knew where I was.”

Luis took a cleansing breath and looked at his watch. He smiled, “We’re leaving this afternoon?”

Sheridan grinned, “We should be there after dinner. I can show you some of the sights while Jamie catches up on business. What do you say?”

“I say I’m driving,” Luis replied.

“Great,” Sheridan laughed. “Jamie can get some work done in the back seat while you drive. That should give her extra time to talk to George when we get home.”

“Is she really going to break up with this guy because of Marty?” Luis asked, doubting that a sophisticated woman like Jamie would toss over a long time beau in favor of Marty Quinlan.

“Despite what you think, Luis, Jamie is the salt of the earth. She would never be deceitful. That’s one reason we’ve been friends all these years. If she has even the slightest feelings for Marty, she’ll talk to George. You always know where you stand with Jamie Michaels, whether you like it or not.”

Luis nodded, “Good to know. I like that in a person. I’m glad you have someone you can trust.”

Sheridan gently kissed his cheek, “I trust you too,” she whispered. “With my life.”

Luis stroked her cheek and walked downstairs with the bags, while Sheridan grabbed a few more items for the trip. “And my heart,” Sheridan sighed after Luis was gone.

Outside, Jamie loaded the bags into the trunk and placed her laptop in the back seat. “Listen,” Luis began as he walked over to her. “I’m sorry if you and I got off on the wrong foot. I can see what a good friend you are to Sheridan, and I hope we can start over.”

Jamie looked up at Sheridan who was standing at the bedroom window staring down at them. Jamie smiled and waved, presenting an image that she and Luis were having a friendly chat.

“I just want you to know that this trip was her idea, Luis. She wouldn’t go unless you came along,” Jamie said through a fake smile. “Sheridan is crazy about you. I’ve never seen her so wrapped up in a guy. If you hurt her, even unintentionally, I’ll break both your legs. Capisce?”

Luis nodded. He thought it was funny that this woman, who was almost a foot shorter than him, was making threats to protect Sheridan. He had to like her for that. Maybe Jamie Michaels was just what Marty Quinlan needed.

Chapter 12

It was the end of the day as Officer Marty Quinlan sat at his desk finishing up paperwork. Earlier that afternoon, Jamie phoned that to tell him that she, Sheridan, and Luis were leaving for New York to meet with an attorney who could help Sheridan.

Marty was so glad to hear Jamie’s voice. He hadn’t been able to stop thinking of her since she walked into his life. He sensed that Jamie was anxious about the trip, not only about Sheridan’s predicament but also her own. Breaking things off with her boyfriend wasn’t going to be pleasant.

Julian Crane entered the police station, followed by another man, who Marty assumed was Sheridan’s former boyfriend. “May I help you?” Marty asked, hoping to find out why Mr. Crane was there.

“I seriously doubt that, but you can try. I’m Julian Crane, and this is Stephen Dumain, my sister’s fiancee. We’re both terribly concerned because my sister has been incommunicado for several days.”

“I suppose you’d like to put an APB out on her?” Marty concluded, cleverly disguising any knowledge he had of the situation.

Julian hedged, “Whatever it is that you do in these circumstances. We certainly don’t want to turn this into a media circus. God knows my sister has attracted enough attention from the paparazzi with her foolish antics. We’re simply concerned for her well being. If she’s in trouble, we’d like her brought back to Harmony immediately.”

“I see,” Marty answered sharply, disgusted by the way Julian spoke of his sister. “Well, Mr. Crane, are you certain she’s missing? Did she leave word with anyone that she might be out of town for a few days? Perhaps she said something to you, Mr. Dumain, since you are her fiancée,” Marty replied.

Stephen boiled with rage and clenched his fists. He let out a sigh and responded in a smarmy French accent. “Sheridan and I had a small tiff, you see. She came back to the States to make me angry.”

Marty had to love this guy for calling a trip to the hospital a “small tiff”. Plus, Sheridan never mentioned being engaged to the man, nor did she suggest that her trip home was temporary.

Julian spoke again, “I can see we’re wasting our time here. Perhaps, we’d be better off speaking with your superior.”

“Certainly, Mr. Crane. Chief Bennett is in his office. Please take a seat and I’ll let him know you’re here.” Marty paused and turned around. “You never answered my question, by the way. Did Miss Crane leave word that she might be gone for a few days?”

Julian growled, “Well, yes, she apparently told the housekeeper’s son that she had plans with friends in Vermont.”

Marty nodded, “Well, that’s a start. Maybe she’ll turn up there.” Marty smiled and talked into Sam Bennett’s office to explain the situation to him. If anyone could handle Julian Crane, it was Chief Bennett.

On the drive to New York, Luis and Sheridan jabbered away, while Jamie tried to get work done in the back seat. Jamie rolled her eyes at the obvious flirting that was going on in front of her. She wanted to flirt with Marty, damn it, and she was going break things off with George as soon as possible.

“How’s it going back there?” Sheridan asked, trying to include Jamie in the conversation.

“Pretty good. What do you think?” Jamie asked as she turned her laptop to show Sheridan her latest design.

“Oh, James, that’s gorgeous. Make sure you make one in my size. I’m good for it,” Sheridan promised as she admired the jade pantsuit.

“You two have been friends for a long time, huh?” Luis asked. Sheridan replied, “Over ten years now, right James?” Jamie nodded.

“I like how you call her James all the time,” Luis stated to Sheridan. “It’s cute.”

“That’s her name, Luis,” Sheridan replied. “Her name really is James. People call her Jamie for short because it’s less confusing.”

Luis looked at her in the rearview mirror. “Your name is James?” he said in disbelief. He turned to Sheridan. She smiled and nodded. “Tell him your full name, James,” she dared.

“James Cagney Michaels,” Jamie proudly stated. “My dad was a big fan of gangster movies. We had some Italian blood somewhere along the line. Our last name was actually shortened when my family moved to America. Anyway, Pops just never got it out of his system. That’s probably how he ended up in the garment business. He was a mobster wannabe.”

Luis laughed. “For real? You’re really named for James Cagney?”

Sheridan raised a brow. “Tell him your sister’s name. You’re gonna love this one, Luis. Go ahead, tell him.”

Jamie smiled. “My sister is named Francis Sinatra Michaels, Frankie for short. Our dad left out the ‘Albert’. He thought that would be cruel and unusual punishment.”

“Does she live in the city too?” Luis asked.

“No, she’s a Jersey Girl all the way,” James replied. “We’ve got a warehouse there. Frankie handles all the shipping and transportation for Michaels Designs. You couldn’t pay her to take up residence in New York. She loves the Garden State and prides herself on being able to estimate just how long it takes to get anywhere in the Tri State Area at any time of day. Transportation is her life. That’s how she met her boyfriend. He’s in the Trucking business. He’s the type of guy Pops would have loved, if you know what I mean.”

Luis just smiled and shook his head as Sheridan and Jamie continued talking about old times.

“Speaking of unfortunate names as we were, Bryn offered to let you stay at the Pearson,” Jamie stated. “I thought it would be safer for you there. If Stephen comes to New York looking for you, he’s bound to show up at my place. I’m staying at Dottie’s for a few days, and I suggest you lie low at the McAvity residence.”

Sheridan agreed but asked, “What are they going to do with the place, sell it?”

Jamie nodded, “Yeah. Phillip is away for the next two weeks on their honeymoon with some barmaid he picked up and Bryn’s staying with her parents.”

Luis tried to focus ion the road and the conversation at the same time. He was lost on both. “What am I missing here? Who are the McAvitys?”

Jamie explained, “Remember the guy you thomped at the Oak Room that night? Bryn’s fiancee? After the wedding, they were supposed to move into this spectacular apartment on Park Place. When Bryn called it off, the jerk took some bimbo on the Honeymoon. He’s in Marbella for the next two weeks so the place is empty. Bryn said they’re going to put it on the market when he gets back.”

Luis was silent for a moment as his mind made the necessary leap. “Your friend was going to marry some guy named…”

“Phillip McAvity. His name is Phillip McAvity,” Sheridan said as she blushed. “Go ahead. Make all the jokes you like. Get it over with. We did when we found out.”

“We were perfect ladies about the unfortunate name. It was Linda who wouldn’t let it go,” Jamie argued. “Linda crucified Bryn for marrying a guy with the name Phillip McAvity. The first time she met him, she turned to Bryn and asked, ‘Well does he?’ It was classic Linda.”

“Maybe his parents thought he might be a dentist,” Sheridan suggested.

Jamie and Luis both laughed. “Yeah right.”

Sheridan nodded, “I know I’m reaching for any explanation as to why anyone would name their child that name. Maybe they didn’t realize. Bryn never made the connection when she consented to marry him. It went right over her head. The moment she realized it, I could tell she was looking for a way out. She couldn’t stand the thought of being Mrs. Phillip McAvity, much less having a Phillip McAvity, Junior one day.”

Luis pulled up to the Pearson on Park Place. “Here we are,” Jamie announced. “I’m gonna take the car to Dottie’s place, which is only a few blocks away. If you need me, just call me on my cell phone or call Frankie. She can get you wherever you need to go.”

Sheridan and Luis grabbed their bags from the trunk. Sheridan hugged Jamie, “Thanks so much, James. Good luck with George tonight. Call me if you need to talk later.”

Jamie smiled, “Nonsense. I’ll be fine. It’s George I’m worried about. Anyway, you two go out and have a great time tonight. I’ll see you first thing in the morning to meet with the attorney.”

Jamie was about to get back into the car when she remembered one last little detail. “Uh, Sheridan, remember what Linda was going to do to the place before the wedding?” Sheridan nodded. Jamie confessed, “Well she never took it down. Sorry about that.”

Sheridan turned bright red and braced herself for the awful truth.

Chapter 13

The Pearson on Park was a feast for the eyes. It had an understated quality that was both modern and sophisticated, from the soft coral and gold hues to the clean Scandic lines. Sheridan and Luis stepped off the elevator onto the eleventh floor and walked down the corridor to the front door of the McAvity residence. Sheridan nervously turned the key and shut her eyes as she opened the door. She had a good idea of what lay ahead.

Luis waited for Sheridan to walk into the apartment. When he saw her remain in the hallway, he reached around her side for the light and walked into the entry way. “Sweet Mother Mary,” Luis stated. The place was as elegant as the downstairs lobby, but with a twist, courtesy of Linda. It was decorated with Hustler Pin Ups, Blow up Dolls, Condom Balloons, and lots of edible underwear hanging from the chandelier all there to welcome the Happy Couple after the Honeymoon.

“Luis, I’m so sorry about this,” Sheridan apologized as she tried to conceal her embarrassment. “As Jamie said, Linda loves nothing more than to get a rise out of Bryn.” Sheridan walked into the room, swatting away the floating condom balloons and steering clear from the dangling Fruit Rollupesque Undies as she tried to ignore the explicit photographs. “I’d say Linda really outdid herself this time.”

Luis giggled as Sheridan cocked her head to fully appreciate on of the more imaginative poses. “Sheridan, don’t worry about it. This is the type of thing I see all the time at bachelor parties. It’s kind of refreshing to know women can dish it out when one of their own ties the knot.”

Luis kept laughing as he carried their bags into the lavish apartment. He looked around for a second bedroom but only found a spare room that had been converted into an office. He set his bag on the sofa in the living room.

“Why don’t we get ready, and I’ll take you out for a late dinner?” Sheridan suggested. Luis nodded, knowing full well that he had no intention of letting Sheridan pick up the tab for their night out on the town.

“Luis,” Sheridan paused as she left the room, “be careful where you step. There’s no telling where Linda’s hidden her little surprises.”

Standing outside George Schmitt’s apartment, Jamie hesitated at the door. She dreaded this task more than anything in the world. She’d take an IRS audit or a root canal any day over this.

George had been there for Jamie after the death of her father. They’d met a few months after the funeral when Jamie realized she needed some financial advice to handle the intricacies of her father’s estate. While Jamie had recovered somewhat from the emotional loss, she hadn’t even begun to tackle the overwhelming responsibilities of running the business. At twenty-three years old, she didn’t think she would have to tackle the task.

George helped her sort through the financial mumbo jumbo. While he’d never met Len Michaels, he stuck by Jamie as though he were her father’s oldest confidante. George was safe and dependable. Jamie had to be true to her feelings now. It was the right and fair thing to do for all parties involved whether she liked it or not.

George opened the door, hugged her tightly, and kissed her cheek. “Hi Honey,” he smiled. “I missed you so much. Listen, why don’t we grab a quick bite at Emil’s and then we can swing by Bob and Martha’s for an hour or two?” Whenever he made a suggestion, it never sounded like a question. It always sounded more like an itinerary or a directive. Neither of these options dazzled Jamie

George continued to ramble while Jamie reviewed her speech in her mind for the fifth time. It didn’t help that George practically had them out the door and to the restaurant. His determination to maintain order only reminded Jamie why she was doing what she was about to do. There was no spontaneity, no surprise. There never had been, not in the two and a half years they’d dated.

“George,” Jamie interrupted. “George,” she repeated and lifted a hand to stop him from pressing the elevator button. She’d caught his attention.

“Did you forget something?” he asked as he saw her returning to his front door.

Jamie shook her head. “We need to talk.” Silence ruled for an entire minute as George tried to read her face.

“Did something happen to Sheridan? Is she okay? It’s not Frankie, is it?” he asked. “Damn it, James, you’re scaring me. Tell me what’s wrong,” he said as he steadied her shoulders with his hands. Suddenly, Jamie realized that George never called her by her full name.

In the two and a half years they’d known each other, George never called her “James”. It didn’t jibe with who he thought she was. It reminded him that she came from a long line of quirkiness. Essentially, she was different and odd. George preferred the normal. Now that Jamie thought about it, George ignored many of the details in her life, details that mattered to her, details she would never surrender. Just the fact that he was calling her by her full name and asking about her sister and Sheridan confirmed that he was scared, frightened that the constancy he so adored in Jamie might be in jeopardy. George valued constancy.

With George, Jamie could never be emotional, unpredictable, or even needy. Flightiness in a person made him uneasy. He expected and demanded evenness. Jamie had never let him down. Her trip to Harmony was presented as a rescue mission. “Jamie The Dependable”, was sweeping in to bail out the ever-needy Sheridan Crane, just another inferior person Jamie managed with care and competence. This made her all the more attractive to George.

Jamie chose her words wisely. She didn’t want to hurt George, but to get through to him, she needed to be concise, clear, and to the point. “George, I’m sorry if my behavior is scaring you, but maybe it’s time we were both a little scared.” She led him to the sofa and they sat side by side. “What do you want out of life?” she asked tersely. “Be honest, please,” she begged.

“Ohhh,” George smiled as though he finally made the leap. “This is about getting married, isn’t it? Come on Jamie, you know we discussed waiting until we reached out three year mark to discuss getting engaged.” Damn he was so business like, so flat and cold, and so clearly wrong for her, Jamie thought.

“This is not about getting married, George,” Jamie sighed, “although I think your three year plan only supports why I’m asking the question.”

“I don’t follow,” George confessed. “If it’s not getting married, then what’s got you so upset?”

Jamie detested his analysis of her emotional state. She wasn’t upset, not even close, and that wasn’t a good sign. “When have you ever seen me upset? Have you ever seen me cry or scream? Have I ever given you hell about working late or choosing dinner with a client over spending time with me?”

His silence inspired Jamie to continue. “No, George, the answer is no. Even when I stress about the business or I miss my dad or I have a bad day, you never see me upset. You don’t want to see me that way. I don’t let you see me that way. That is the problem.”

She let out a cleansing breath and felt wonderful inside, so warm and fuzzy and not at all guilty as she thought she would. Trust George Schmitt to make this task easy for her. That’s why she’d chosen him in the first place, because he made her life easy. She needed that at the time. Now she wanted more.

Sheridan and Luis walked through Central Park and talked about all New York. “You realize this is crazy,” Sheridan noted. “People get mugged here and worse all the time.”

Luis rested his hand on his side, “It’s okay. I’m packing heat.” He laughed at his silly comment and so did Sheridan. “Well, all right then. If you’re sure we’re safe,” she smiled.

Luis placed a comforting hand on her back, “Maybe we should move it along. It’s getting late, and you do have that early morning meeting with the lawyer.”

“We,” Sheridan stated as she held his hand tightly. “I was hoping you’d go with me tomorrow.”

Luis smiled, “Just try and stop me.” They continued taking in the sights on the way back to Park Place.

Luis remained in the Living Room while Sheridan fixed the coffee in the kitchen. He could hear her on the telephone and assumed she was calling Jamie to get an update on the George situation. Luis still couldn’t believe that Jamie Michaels had chosen Marty Quinlan.

Luis always thought Marty was a stand up guy, but he never pegged him for the type who would attract a New York socialite. Then again, Luis never thought he would attract someone as sophisticated as Sheridan Crane. He couldn’t, for the life of him, figure out what she saw in him. He just prayed that whatever it was, it wouldn’t fade.

Luis watched Sheridan as she carried the tray into the room. He rose to help her and they shared a warm glance. The pinups had been taken down and the balloons had been deflated and tossed in the garbage. Even the edible undies had magically disappeared. The McAvity dwelling had been restored to its former glory.

“Was that Jamie on the phone? Did everything go okay tonight with her boyfriend?” Luis asked.

“No, that was my nephew, Ethan. I thought that I’d better check in with him to let him know that I was all right. As I suspected, Julian had already called him to ask if he knew where I was. Apparently, my brother left it at that and didn’t suggest I was missing. He knows that Ethan would get to the bottom of things.”

“Does Ethan know about Stephen?” Luis asked.

“Yes and no. Ethan met Stephen when I first started dating him, and he took an instant dislike to him. He knows that we ended on a sour note, but he doesn’t know that Stephen threw me into a wall or that I was in the hospital.”

“Sheridan, he’s not a child. He can handle the truth,” Luis advised.

“I know, and that’s what I’m afraid of. Ethan would try to handle it and would end up getting hurt in the process. He’s very protective, and he shouldn’t have to worry about me. He’s got college and the LSAT to worry about these days.”

Sheridan finished her coffee and got up to peruse the video collection in the armoire. “Casablanca,” she sighed. “How about it, Luis?” Sheridan loaded the cassette and cuddled in by Luis on the sofa. The movie started, much like the original, in black and white, but then it took a bizarre turn.

“OH MY GOSH!” Sheridan said as she saw the pornographic scene between the Ingrid Bergman lookalike and two other men. While they romped, Luis sat there, his jaw on the floor. There was the distant sound of a piano in the background and then a flash at the man playing it.

“Play me again, Sam. Play me again,” the hussy growled as she winked at the man.

“This is not Casablanca, Luis,” Sheridan said in a shocked voice as she searched for the controller. She found it and hit the stop button. She and Luis looked at each other and laughed. They said in unison, “Linda” and rolled their eyes. Sheridan placed the video back in its box and suggested they turn in for the night.

Chapter 14

The large crowd was spilling into The Dueling Dragons as the wait staff rushed to batten down the hatches. It was going to be a wild night, but very profitable too, the manager decided. Anyway, what choice did he have but to accommodate these customers?

When Tony Dimone called in a favor, people bent over backwards to comply. As requested, a private room had been arranged for the party of ten. A long table, broken into four quadrants, was set with all the trimmings. A Japanese Chef prepared the silver griddle that was situated in the middle. Two by two, the guests began arriving.

Sheridan and Jamie were the first to arrive, and were met by Jamie’s sister, Frankie, and her beau, Tony, the organizer of tonight’s event.

“Thank you so much for doing this,” Sheridan smiled as she addressed the formidable looking couple, both tall and solid figures.

“Forget about it,” Tony replied in a thick New Jersey accent.

“James tells us you need a place to celebrate tonight,” Frankie interrupted, “and Tony and I think of this place.” She smiled at her big man and continued, “besides, I’ve been asking Tony to take me for dinner in the city for weeks now, and he never does.”

“Hey now, you of all people know, we been busy,” Tony argued, referring to his thriving trucking business that handled the transportation needs for Michaels Designs.

Linda and Bryn filtered into the restaurant, looking an unlikely couple. Linda searched the crowd while Bryn embraced Sheridan.

“I was so thrilled to hear you were in town again. We really weren’t able to visit after the wedding was canceled,” Bryn stated, lowering her head in shame.

“Thanks for loaning us your apartment, Bryn,” Sheridan smiled, trying to change the subject. “I really am so sorry about Phillip.” Bryn’s expression changed. “I’m not. I’m better off without him,” she smiled.

“Attagirl, Bryn,” Linda interrupted. “Alright, Sheridan, where is he? Where’s this hot cop I’ve been hearing about? Is he really the same guy who busted up that fight in the Oak Room that night?”

Sheridan nodded, wishing that Linda hadn’t reminded Bryn about the night her engagement to Phillip McAvity ended. “His name’s Luis, and he’s picking up Ethan at the train station right now.”

Linda’s eyes brightened, “Ooooh, how is my little dumpling, Ethan?”

Sheridan shook her head and laughed. Linda had always threatened to kidnap her nephew and make him her sex slave someday.

“He’s fine, a college senior and still very much involved with Gwen Hotchkiss.”

These words breezed right past Linda. She was obviously daydreaming about all the wicked things she planned to do to Ethan when he arrived.

Bryn tried to change the subject. “How did things go with the lawyer today?”

“Great,” Sheridan answered. “All that’s left now is the. We’ve got a temporary restraining order in place right now.” She paused when she thought about this. “It may not stop him from trying to see me, but at least it’s a start.”

“Not to mention, you have your own personal law enforcement official to put the smack down on Stephen if he tries anything,” Linda stated.

Jamie and Sheridan shared a grin as they thought about Marty and Luis. Linda and Bryn were both curious to find out what was going on. Linda looked around the restaurant for George but she didn’t see him.

“Where’s the old ball and chain?” she directed at Jamie. Her question was met with silence.

Finally Jamie explained, “George and I decided to go our separate ways.”

Bryn gasped and Linda grinned. “You finally gave George the boot, huh? It’s about time.” Linda paused and examined Jamie’s face. “Wait a minute. You’re holding out on us, aren’t you? There’s somebody else, isn’t there?”

Sheridan and Jamie looked at each other. Just then, Sheridan saw the most wonderful sight. Luis and Ethan, her two favorite men, were entering the restaurant. Ethan raced over to her and gave her a huge hug. “Sheridan, I’m so glad to see you.”

Sheridan hugged him and looked over his shoulder to thank Luis for arranging this visit. “Oh, Ethan. I’m so glad to see you too, but you really didn’t need to come all the way here to check on me. I’m fine.”

Linda interrupted the twosome. She pulled Ethan to the side and pecked him on the cheek. “Hi there, Dumplin’. Give your Auntie Linda a hug.” Ethan was lost in her arms and too polite to attempt an escape. Bryn broke them apart to give Ethan some air. “Hi, Ethan. You’re so grown up, now. Look at you,” she smiled. It had been too long since Ethan had seen these surrogate aunts who doted on him all through his teen years.

Sheridan walked over to Luis as the girls fawned over Ethan. “Thank you so much,” she gushed as she hugged Luis. “It means the world to me to have him here.” Luis nodded. He was so happy to see Sheridan surrounded by her friends and the only family who mattered. Sheridan took his hand and proudly introduced him to the others.

Everyone sat at the table and looked at the beverage menu. Linda took a quick headcount to help her decide how many bottles of wine to order. She counted eight but noticed ten places set at the table. Before she could ask the question, Jamie explained. “We’ve got two more coming. They should be here any minute.”

Just then, Marty Quinlan and his cousin, Peter, entered the room. Jamie’s face lit up as she saw Marty. She rose to meet them and warmed when she felt Marty take her hand and kiss her cheek.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” she whispered into his ear. Marty smiled and replied, “Me too.”

Luis stood up and shook Marty’s hand and then Peter’s hand. Jamie introduced them to everyone at the table and the party began. The chef demonstrated his skill as he sliced and diced the vegetables and meats. Sheridan and Luis talked and laughed. Marty and Jamie held hands under the table and looked adoringly at one another. Tony wasn’t at all bothered that his soon to be sister in law was dating a cop. It wasn’t like he was a Fed so he figured he and his business interests were safe. Anyway, he had enough cops on the payroll to cover his back. Frankie grinned at Tony as she read his mind. Marty was a welcome change from the boring George who seemed to turn his nose up at Frankie and Tony. Ethan and Byrn struck up a conversation about college and careers, while Linda focused her attention on Peter Quinlan, the handsome and charming man to her left.

After they finished their meal, Tony insisted on saké for everyone. As soon as all the guests were served, the toasts began. Tony stood,

“Here’s to friends and family and family friends,
Who’s love and devotion never ends.
And when in need or faced with trouble,
Here’s to whoever gets there on the double”

“Alla Salute!” Tony announced as he concluded. “To your health!” Everyone joined him with their own particular way of saying this sentiment.

“Sláinte!”

“Skal!”

“A votre sante!”

“L'Chayim!”

“Na Zdrowie!”

“Kanpai!” a Japanese waiter added as he refilled the glasses.

Linda stood up and began her toast for the group,

“Here's to you as good as you are
Here's to me as bad as I am
But as good as you are
And as bad as I am
I'm just as good as you are
As bad as I am!”

Everyone grinned, even Bryn, who was so pleased that Linda hadn’t reprised her favorite toast that was much racier. The waiter kept filling the glasses and the guests continued their toasts.

Ethan stood and offered his own toast for the group,

“There are good ships, and there are wood ships,
The ships that sail the sea.
But the best ships, are friendships,
And may they always be.”

Sheridan could tell that her nephew was on his way, but she just smiled and prayed that Linda wouldn’t attack him later. Luis could feel the effects of the saké too and realized he’d better stop at three if he were going to sober up in time to drive Sheridan and Ethan back to the apartment. He felt Sheridan’s hand brush against his thigh and he tingled all over when he felt her lips brush against his ear.

“Ethan’s staying at the Plaza tonight. What do you say you and I get out of here?” Sheridan whispered. Luis wanted to jump her right there, but he restrained himself. She continued, “Let’s grab a cab and head back to the apartment. We can leave Jamie’s car her tonight and get it in the morning.”

Luis was all set to answer when he saw Jamie and Marty having a similar conversation across the table. Marty caught Luis staring at them and they smirked at each other. This was going to be a night neither of them would ever forget.

Chapter 15

There was something in the air in New York City that made a person feel alive. Sheridan was getting frisky in the cab. It started innocently enough with a gentle resting of the hand on Luis’ thigh. To that, she added a few smoldering glances and several licks of the lips. Luis was ready to pounce, but PDA was not his style. Faster, faster, he thought as the cab driver obeyed the speed limit on the way back to the Pearson.

When neither one of them could no longer stand it, Luis turned and engulfed her mouth with his. Hands were roaming, windows were clouding over with steam, and neither Sheridan nor Luis cared that they were in the presence of another person. As for Mickey, the cabdriver, this was par for the course. His nights were often occupied with glimpses of lust. Most of the time, Mickey ignored these interludes, but the stars of tonight’s attraction were much more entertaining than the usual fares.

“God, I want you so much, Luis,” Sheridan whispered as she ran her hand under his shirt.

“I want you too,” he answered. Luis had never felt such uncontrollable desire before. Maybe the fact that it was wrong was what made it feel so right, he wondered. “Sheridan, hold on. We’re almost there,” he assured her between wet kisses. He could feel her hardening nipples through the fabric of her top. She wanted him as much as he wanted her.

Across town, Marty and Jamie stumbled into Dottie’s apartment. Jamie had her back to the room as she kissed and dragged Marty inside. They knocked over the mail that was sitting on the side table and bumped into the wall as they made their way to the light switch.

Marty began unbuttoning Jamie’s top as she fiddled with the light. They were both breathing heavily. “Are you sure about this, Jamie?” Marty, ever the gentleman, asked.

Jamie nodded. “Say it again,” she pleaded.

Marty pulled back in confusion and smiled at the beautiful, petite brunette. Jamie’s smoky eyes called to him. She repeated, “Say my name again.”

“Jamie,” Marty whispered as he kissed her neck. “Jamie, Jamie, Jamie,” he continued until he felt the vibration pulsating from Jamie’s pocket.

Jamie sighed and blew her bangs upwards as the air of frustration escaped her lips. “I better get that. It could be work.” She didn’t recognize the number on the panel but opened the phone anyway.

“Hello,” she stated.

“Where is she?” the angry voice demanded. “I know you know where she is. You better tell me or I’ll come over there right now and get it out of you.”

Jamie tried not to shake as she thought of a response. “Where are you? Are you in town?”

“It’s none of your damn business. Rest assured that I know where to find you. I can make your life hell if you don’t cooperate. Alistair received a phone call from Judge Cooper’s office regarding a restraining order she filed against me. There was absolutely no need for her to take this to the courts.”

By this point, Marty knew something wasn’t right with this phone call. His expression requested information. Jamie placed her hand over the phone and explained. “It’s Sheridan’s ex-fiancee calling me again. He wants to know where she is.”

Marty gently took the phone from her. “Listen, you leave my girlfriend alone or I’ll have you in jail so fast you won’t even know what hit you. Got it?”

Before Marty disconnected, he heard the caller beckoning, “George? George, is that you?”

Marty hit the off button and tossed the phone on the sofa.

“What did he say?” Jamie asked, smiling from Marty’s use of the word “girlfriend”.

“He wanted to know if I were George,” Marty replied, his face still hardened from the fact that someone had threatened Jamie.

Jamie laughed aloud. “Poor Stephen is probably so confused, imagining this angry accountant threatening to put him in jail.”

Marty smiled but then grew more serious. “James, this isn’t funny. Be straight with me. How many times has this guy called you?”

“I don’t know. He’s probably called me twenty times in the last week. The reason I went to Harmony to warn Sheridan is because Stephen showed up on my doorstep one day, demanding to know where she was. When I couldn’t reach her, I got worried. This guy means business.”

Marty didn’t like this at all. “Do you really think he’s in town now? I thought he was in Harmony.”

“All I know is that the guy was already agitated. He got wind of the restraining order that Sheridan’s attorney filed and that might send him over the edge. Someone in the Judge’s Office contacted the Cranes. They’re very well connected. When Alistair found out, he passed the information along to Stephen without hesitation.”

“I don’t like this. What if Stephen shows up here?” Marty asked.

Jamie assured him with a gentle touch of the hand and an explanation. “Relax, he’d never think to look for me here. Anyway, it’s Sheridan he wants to find.”

“Still, I think you should call your place and see if he’s been around there,” Marty suggested.

Jamie complied and found out in a matter of moments that Stephen had indeed been there causing all sorts of trouble. Not only that, but there were countless messages from her secretary regarding the wild antics of this crazy Frenchman.

Jamie’s face showed the strains of worry. “I think we’d better call Sheridan and Luis. Marcy, my assistant, said that she had calls all day long from my apartment manager, my personal banker, and even my health club, explaining that Stephen had been there looking for me and for information about me.”

Without hesitation, Marty dialed Luis’ cell phone.

Luis paid the cab driver and was all but carrying Sheridan through the front door of the apartment when his cell phone rang.

“Don’t you dare answer that,” Sheridan warned him as he lowered her feet to the floor. She was unbuttoning his shirt as Luis glanced at the display.

“Sheridan,” Luis argued, “Baby, I’ve got to answer this call. It’s Marty. It could be important.”

Sheridan continued kissing his chest, “It better be important,” she stated. “Make it fast. I can’t wait much longer.”

Luis flipped open the phone and in an irritated voice asked, “What’s up, Quinlan?”

“Stephen’s in town. Jamie just got a call from him and found out that he’s been all over the place trying to track her down. He wants to find Sheridan. He knows about the restraining order.” Marty continued, “I hate to interrupt you guys but I thought you needed to know.”

Luis looked down at Sheridan, who was so full of longing and desire. How could he ruin her night with this disturbing news? He replied to Marty, “No, you were right to call. You guys hang tight there and we’ll meet you in the morning. There’s no sense in leaving town this late, but first thing in the morning, I’ll get Sheridan out of here. Thanks for the heads up. How’s Jamie doing? Is she okay?”

Marty replied, “Yeah, she’s fine. I’m trying to convince her that she’s in as much danger as Sheridan, but she doesn’t seem to agree.”

Sheridan pulled away and nervously asked, “What’s wrong? Is it Jamie? Is she okay?”

Luis stroked her head and nodded. “She’s fine, Honey. She just had a call from Stephen and thought we should know about it.”

Marty took a moment to talk to Jamie and then continued, “Jamie said to meet us for breakfast at this place called Emil’s. Sheridan knows where it is. We can figure things out then. Night.”

“Night,” Luis replied.

Luis looked down at Sheridan and frowned. The news had changed their plans for the evening. Although Sheridan was putting on a brave face, Luis could tell that thoughts of being hurt again by Stephen consumed her. He led her to the sofa and encircled her with his arms. “Let’s focus on getting a good night’s sleep. I’ll be right here with you. I promise, I won’t let anyone hurt you again.”

Sheridan didn’t want to pull Luis into this. The fact that Jamie was involved troubled her enough. Still, having him with her made her feel safe. She needed him, and he wanted to be there.

Chapter 16

Emil’s was located on 56th and Lexington. It was a small, quaint bistro that was famous for its weekend brunches. Jamie knew the owners, a Lebanese man and his German wife. Frankie’s boyfriend, Tony Dimone, had been the one who turned Jamie onto the place. Now, it had become a weekend tradition.

Sheridan and Luis waltzed in at ten past nine, a few minutes late. Jamie could tell that Sheridan was upset by the news of Stephen. She was pale and showed the signs of a sleepless night. No one could understand how Sheridan ended up with Stephen, but Jamie had some ideas.

During her first meeting with Stephen, Jamie had seen through the charm and smarm of this man. She also saw the attraction for Sheridan. For the first time in Sheridan’s life, she had a man who was completely devoted to her, too devoted.

“James,” Sheridan exclaimed as she hurried over to the table where Jamie and Marty sat. The two girls embraced as Luis and Marty shook hands. Sheridan held Jamie’s face in her hands and stroked her hair. “I am so sorry about all of this. I wish I’d never gotten involved with the man, much less introduced him to my friends. What was I thinking?”

“Shh,” Jamie whispered. “None of this is your fault. Anyway you know I love a crisis. It gets my blood pumping. I’m the original foul-weathered friend. That’s why I carry an umbrella at all times.”

“When it rains, it pours, huh?” Sheridan smiled.

Jamie kissed Sheridan’s hand and they sat at the table. “Anyway I’m gonna need you on my side after the fight I had with Frankie this morning,” Jamie confessed.

“You and Frankie? You two never fight?” Sheridan replied, thinking of the handful of times Jamie and her sister had argued over the years. “What happened?”

Jamie began, “Well, it all started this morning. Marty was in the shower and I had this country music CD of his playing.”

Sheridan lifted a hand, palm out and said, “Stop right there. Go no further. Country music, James? You know that hits nerve in your family.”

“I know,” Jamie smiled as Marty placed his hand over hers. “But I love that song I Wanna Go to Far. It struck a chord with me.”

Luis looked around the table in confusion, “What’s the deal with country music? Is it against your religion or something?”

Sheridan looked at Jamie to ask if it were okay to explain. Jamie nodded to her and Sheridan started. “Well, Luis, it’s like this. Jamie’s mom and dad were high school sweethearts. The summer after graduation Jamie’s dad, Len, decided he needed to go on this On the Road adventure with his cousin, leaving Jamie’s mom, Diane, all alone and none to happy. She got a job in the Adirondacks at one of those family style resorts. So there she is, heartbroken and lonely, when she meets this handsome singer who’s doing a three week stint at the resort.”

Sheridan took a sip of tea and continued as the other three started their breakfast. “Len’s trip falls apart. He’s stuck in Nebraska and isn’t even talking with his cousin anymore. He’s out of cash and the car’s broken down. He realizes that he made this huge mistake and hightails it back to New York to beg Diane for forgiveness. When he reaches the resort, he sees Diane two stepping with this tall, dark, handsome cowboy and then watches all the women in the room moon over this fellow when he returns to the stage.”

Jamie smiled and took over, “Anyway, my dad and this guy got into it and eventually, my dad convinced my mom to ditch the cowboy and come back to him. Years later, whenever they were having a fight, my mom would give him the silent routine and then start whistling the tune of Like a Rhinestone Cowboy. It used to make my dad so angry. Frankie and I never knew what was going on, until one day my dad finally broke down and told us. So we had this unwritten rule - “No Country in the House”.

Luis nodded now that he understood the background and then looked at Marty. “Looks like you’re out of luck on this one Quinlan,” he laughed, referring to Marty’s penchant for all things country. Marty already took a lot of ribbing from the other cops for his taste in music.

“Not so fast, Luis,” Jamie interrupted. “I happen to like country music and I happen to like Marty Quinlan even more. I told my sister that she can take her “No Country” rule and stick it where the sun don’t shine.”

Sheridan gasped and motioned to the waiter for more Mimosas. “Them’s fightin’ words. How did Frankie take that comment?”

“Well, she practically called me a blasphemer and accused me of heresy. I reminded her that I never made a big deal about her boyfriend’s misgivings. Not that your taste in music is a misgiving, Marty,” Jamie was quick to apologize. He smiled and shook it off.

Sheridan had another idea, “Do you think that Tony is pressuring her because Marty’s a cop?”

Jamie shook her head, “No, that’s not it. Half of Tony’s friends are cops. Anyway, she and Tony liked meeting Marty last night. This is all about how she’s dealing with dad’s death. She thinks any changes in the business or in anything else are dishonoring dad’s memory. I can’t fault her for her loyalty.”

Luis asked, “What’s the big deal with Marty being a cop? Tony’s in trucking, right? What’s he afraid of? A speeding ticket?”

Everyone at the table looked at Luis in disbelief. After last night’s dinner at the Japanese steak house, they assumed it was clear to everyone that Tony was well connected. Sheridan looked at her boyfriend in shock. “Luis, please tell me your kidding? Don’t you remember the conversation we had on the trip from Harmony? How Jamie’s dad loved mob stuff and would have loved Tony?”

Luis looked stunned, “Are you telling me that guy who picked up our tab last night is involved in organized crime? Did he pay for our meal with blood money?”

Jamie could hardly believe Luis’ naivete. “Luis, snap out of the world of black and white and step into the land of shades of gray.”

Sheridan was making the cut it out motion with her hand slicing across her throat. She tried to warn Jamie that this just wasn’t who Luis was, but it was already too late. A full-blown argument was ready to ensue. Before it gained momentum, Sheridan interrupted. “James, don’t beat up Luis for being idealistic and noble and Luis don’t judge other people without having all the facts. Tony’s money isn’t blood money. It’s just the way the trucking business is. He’s involved in shady dealings, no doubt, but he’s a good guy who would give you the shirt off your back. Now, let’s get to the reason we’re here. Stephen.”

Jamie realized that Sheridan must really be desperate to avoid a scene since she brought up Stephen, a subject she’d rather forget. “Sorry, Luis,” Jamie apologized as she extended her hand across the table. Marty gave Luis a nod, indicating that he better accept Jamie’s apology and make things right.

Marty winked at Sheridan and realized they were bonding at that very moment. “Onto the Stephen situation,” he began. “I think we should get Sheridan and Jamie the hell out of Dodge, but Jamie says she can’t leave.”

“I’m not in any danger, guys, trust me. Sheridan’s the one with the restraining order. She’s the one who needs protection, not me,” Jamie argued.

Luis was the first to speak, “Well, I at least think you should stay at your stepmother’s place until we can resolve this.”

“Done,” Jamie nodded. “Now when are you going to get Sheridan out of here?”

“As soon as we finish breakfast,” Luis smiled, realizing that both he and Jamie Michaels cared most about protecting Sheridan from any harm.

Chapter 17

Jamie was finishing up a few last minute tasks at the office Monday evening when she decided to call and check on Sheridan.

“Hey James,” Sheridan answered.

“Hey girl, how go things in the world of lying low?” Jamie asked.

Sheridan smiled, “Not too bad. No sign of Stephen. Luis and I have just been hanging out together. He was able to get his boss to assign him to protect me so he’s actually getting paid for this gig.”

Jamie could hear Luis arguing the point as the couple giggled. “A paying job, huh? Jeez, maybe I should talk to Luis’ boss. I could use some extra cash. Do they have good benefits?” Jamie continued as she looked over the stack of invoices and other tedious paperwork that made running your own business a drag.

Sheridan laughed and replied, “Luis says that if you were on the force, Marty would never get any work done. How is my second favorite officer by the way?”

“He’s good. I’m stuck at work so he’s having dinner with Linda and Pete tonight. It was enough to get him to let me come into work on my own. He still thinks Stephen will come after me.” Jamie answered.

“He may be right, James. You should be careful.” Sheridan argued.

“Well, Marty’s leaving tomorrow to go back to Harmony. I miss him already and he hasn’t even left yet. Think I can get the NYPD to hire him and assign him to me?” Jamie proposed.

“Oooh, a transfer? Sounds serious, Jamie,” Sheridan teased.

“On that note, I’m gonna let you go. I’ll talk to you tomorrow, Sheridan,” Jamie stated.

“Avoiding the question? Coward,” Sheridan laughed before they ended their call.

Jamie was still smiling from the discussion when she heard a noise outside her door. Marcy, her assistant, had already left for the evening and Marty wasn’t due for another half an hour. Jamie grabbed the staple gun she used to create her design boards and crept up to the door. “Who’s there?” she demanded.

The door swung open, sending Jamie flying backwards towards the desk. When she landed, she was in the middle of papers and broken glass from a paperweight Marcy had given her for Boss’ Day. Stephen stood before her as she clutched onto the staple gun, still in her hand.

“Get the hell out of here before I call security,” she threatened.

“I don’t think so, Ms. Michaels. I think you’re going to tell me where Sheridan is and I think you’re going to do it now. Don’t tell me you don’t know where she is because I just heard you on the phone with her,” Stephen bellowed.

Jamie summoned her Oscar winning skills as she tried to look frightened and bullied. It wasn’t a stretch. She needed for Stephen to believe that she was caving if he were to accept the false location. “Please, don’t hurt me. I’ll tell you everything you want to know. Just don’t hurt me.”

While Jamie convinced everyone else that she wasn’t in danger, she had a backup plan just in case Stephen did come after her. Now it was time to put that plan into action. She hoped it would work.

“She’s at my sister’s house in New Jersey,” Jamie lied.

Stephen grabbed her by the collar and dragged her to eye level. “You’re taking me there right now!” he ordered.

“Let me get my purse,” Jamie faux whimpered.

Thirty minutes later, Jamie was riding in the car with the lunatic and Marty was arriving at Michaels Designs. As instructed, security let him inside and he made his way back to Jamie’s office. He couldn’t wait to see her and to take her back to the apartment. He was so sad about leaving tomorrow, but he had every intention of staying very close to Miss Michaels.

“James?” he called down the hallway. Her office door was wide open and it looked like a tornado had hit it. “Jamie!” Marty shouted again in a panic.

He dialed Luis immediately. “Luis, it’s Marty. I can’t find Jamie anywhere. Her office has been tossed around and the security guards thought they saw her leaving with a man fitting Stephen’s description. I’m really worried.”

“Calm down, Marty. We just talked to her less than an hour ago. She was fine,” Luis assured him, although he was worried too.

Marty paced the room. “I’m gonna call her sister and see if she’s heard from her and then I’m calling the cops.”

“Call us back when you find out something. Hang in there, Buddy,” Luis assured his friend.

Stephen and Jamie were ten minutes away from their final destination when Jamie tried to add some more validity to the lie that Sheridan was at her sister’s place. “What are you going to do when you see Sheridan? She doesn’t want anything to do with you anymore.”

Stephen flinched. “Sheridan’s never known what she wants. She needs someone to tell her what to do. She never should have left me. I plan to remind her that she made a commitment to me when she agreed to marry me. I take commitments very seriously.”

It was then that Jamie knew she was doing the right thing. Stephen would never relent. They approached the house as Frankie was trying to calm a hysterical Marty Quinlan on the telephone. Frankie was glad that Marty had called as it gave her more time to prepare. It was just as Jamie said it would be. Frankie smiled, knowing that it was time for the Michaels women to shine. If their dad were still alive, he would have been so proud.

Frankie opened the door as the car pulled up the driveway. “James, what are you doing here? Who’s your friend?”

Jamie, still trying to feign fear, which was an easy task, replied, “This is Stephen, Sheridan’s fiancé.” Jamie realized that the exclusion of the prefix “ex” would gain her brownie points with her kidnapper.

“I thought she didn’t want to see him,” Frankie played along.

“Well he wants to see her. That’s why we’re here.”

“I think she’s already asleep. I can wake her up, if you like,” Frankie offered.

Stephen smiled an evil grin. “Let me wake up my sleeping beauty. Just show me to her room.”

At that point, Jamie almost felt sorry for Stephen. He just had no clue what awaited him. Frankie led him to the back bedroom where a blonde figure lay huddled under the covers.

“Sheridan,” Stephen whispered as he sat on the bed. “Wake up. It’s time to go, my darling.”

The only response was a clicking noise. Stephen jumped as the large Italian man, wearing a wig and brandishing a .38 Special, stood before him. Tony Dimone grinned. This was what he lived for, violence in the name of justice. “You don’t have to call me Darlin’, Darlin’,” he said in a voice that was hilarious cross between a rodeo star and the Godfather. He cold cocked the Frenchman on the head with the pistol and watched him fold like a deck of cards. Stephen was sure to be out for hours.

Marty approached the turn off to Frankie’s house as instructed. He was nervous and angry, but he had to hand it to Jamie for formulating a plan. Maybe she didn’t share it with him because he was a cop. Maybe she didn’t want to admit she was concerned that Stephen might target her. Whatever the reason, he hoped she was alright. These feelings only confirmed what Marty already suspected. He was head over heels in love with Jamie Michaels and he couldn’t bear to be apart from her.

Marty was met at the door by an ecstatic Jamie who immediately kissed him and apologized for the confusion. “Honestly, I really didn’t think Stephen would come after me. I only came up with this plan yesterday when I called Frankie to apologize about our earlier argument.”

Marty stroked her hair and made sure she was unharmed. A serious heart-to-heart could come later. Now he needed to be there for her and to find out what happened to Stephen. He also needed to call Luis and let him know the outcome. “It’s okay, Sweetheart. I’m just so glad you’re okay,” Marty whispered to his love.

As Marty leaned in to kiss Jamie again, he was caught off guard by the sight before him. There stood Tony Dimone, in drag, carrying Frankie Michaels into the room with a gun shoved into his pocket. He placed Frankie on the floor and proudly stated, “Guess what? We’re getting married!”

Chapter 18

“There are times in life when it’s best not to ask questions. Some answers you just don’t want to know,” Jamie explained to Luis as they sat at the table.

“That doesn’t work for me, Jamie. I need to know what happened to Stephen,” he argued as they clinked glasses while Marty and Sheridan danced at the elaborate wedding reception.

Jamie turned to face Luis. “To tell you the truth, I don’t know what really happened to Stephen. I didn’t ask. Is he swimming with the fishes? I doubt it. That’s not really Tony’s style,” she stated as she pointed to her new brother-in-law who sat at the head table next to Frankie, who wore one of Jamie’s designs.

“But he’s not coming back?” Luis questioned.

“Whatever they did to Stephen, I can pretty much guarantee he’s not coming back. He’s probably busy washing out his tighty whities as we speak. I imagine they scared him, but good,” Jamie laughed.

For once in his life, Luis decided to leave it alone. His attention was on the beautiful blonde who giggled as Marty twirled her. “What do you say we break things up over there? I’d like to get my fiancée back and I’m sure you want yours too.”

Jamie turned to Luis and nodded. “Sounds like a plan.”

Luis grinned, “It’s always good to have a plan.”

Epilogue

Sheridan and Luis embraced Marty and Jamie as the two couples found their table at the Oak Room Bar of the Plaza Hotel. “I can’t believe it’s been over a year since we last got together,” Sheridan smiled.

“I know,” Jamie replied. “The last time we saw you two was at our wedding,” Jamie remarked thinking about the craziness that she and Sheridan endured as they planned their weddings, which were two weeks apart. “Marty and I were just saying that we can’t ever let this long pass again without seeing you.”

Marty was now working for the NYPD and loving life in the city with his new bride. There were times when Luis longed for the same excitement. With the changes about to occur in his life, he was glad that Harmony’s pace was slower and more predictable that life in the Big Apple.

Jamie again focused on Sheridan’s blossoming stomach. She couldn’t wait to be pregnant and was thrilled that she and Marty were going to start trying soon.

“So you’re having a girl?” Marty asked, hoping to get a rise out of Luis. “Just like Tony and Frankie.”

“Did I show you the latest picture of my niece?” Jamie proudly asked Sheridan as she flashed it. “Doesn’t she look just like a little version of Tony? Diane Dorothy Dimone? Isn’t that the sweetest? They named her after mom and Dottie. A totally girlie name. By the way, Dottie sends her regards from Tibet.”

Everyone laughed. Sheridan stroked her stomach. “I can’t wait to meet this little baby girl. Only ten more weeks.”

Marty again teased Luis. “So they’re sure you’re having a girl?”

Sheridan interrupted, “As sure as they can be, but you never know.”

Luis finally spoke, “It’s a girl, alright. If it were a boy, we would have been able to see his, well, you know what on the ultrasound. When we do have a son, it will be clear. Trust me.” He turned to his wife. “Anyway, I’m glad that we’re having a girl. She’ll be just like her beautiful mother.”

Sheridan caressed his face, “Plus, it gives us incentive to try again so we can have one of each.”

“Two of each,” Luis argued.

Sheridan shook her head, “Let’s just take this one baby at a time.”

The bar was starting to fill up and the noise and smoke were increasing. Luis was about to suggest a move to another location when they all heard the bartender shouting. He was holding the phone to his chest, “I’ve got a call for a McAvity. Phillip McAvity.”

They all laughed and hoped it was a joke. “Let’s get out of here,” Marty suggested.

“Sounds like a plan,” Luis agreed as the two men guided the wives from the bar.

To Be Continued...

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